VIBRATION APPARATUS AND DISPLAY APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME

A vibration apparatus includes a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer are alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0190418 filed in the Republic of Korea on Dec. 30, 2022, the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

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

Discussion of the Related Art

Display apparatuses include a display panel which displays an image and a sound apparatus for outputting sounds associated with an image displayed by the display panel. In display apparatuses, a screen is being progressively enlarged but the demand for a screen that is light and thin is increasing.

In this regard, because the display apparatuses need to have a sufficient space for embedding a sound apparatus such as a speaker for outputting sounds, it can be challenging to lighten and miniaturize the thickness of the display apparatuses. Further, a sound generated by the sound apparatus embedded in the display apparatus is generally output in a rearward direction or a sideward direction of the display apparatus instead of a forward direction of a display panel. Thus, the sound may not travel well toward a viewer or a user who is watching an image at a front position with respect to the display panel, which can cause a limitation of the immersion experience of a viewer watching an image being reduced.

Moreover, a speaker applied to such display apparatuses can be, for example, an actuator including a magnet and a coil. However, when the actuator is applied to the display apparatus, the thickness of the display apparatus can increase, which is not desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can vibrate a display panel to output a sound in a forward direction of the display panel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can output a sound in a forward direction of a display panel, enhance the quality of a sound, and enhance a sound pressure level characteristic.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can output a sound in a forward direction of a display panel and can be slimmed.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to providing a vibration apparatus integrated into a display panel and a display apparatus including the same.

Additional features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the present disclosure and will also be apparent from the present disclosure or can be learned by practice of the inventive concepts provided herein. Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present disclosure can be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the present disclosure, or derivable therefrom, and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and aspects of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, in one or more aspects, a vibration apparatus can include a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer can be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

In one or more aspects, a vibration apparatus can include a display panel and one or more vibration generating apparatuses configured to vibrate the display panel. Each of the one or more vibration generating apparatuses can include a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer can be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can vibrate a display panel to output a sound in a forward direction of the display panel, can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can output a sound in a forward direction of a display panel, enhance the quality of a sound, and enhance a sound pressure level characteristic, can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same, which can output a sound in a forward direction of a display panel and can be slimmed, can be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same can be configured with a multi-layered piezoelectric device while excluding an isolation process of isolating a sacrificial layer from a piezoelectric layer, and thus, the manufacturing cost for process optimization for simplifying a process can be reduced and productivity can be enhanced.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same can realize a uni-materialization effect of simplifying a configuration of a part through integration of a display panel and the vibration apparatus.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing description and the following description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosure as claimed.

Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals should be understood to refer to the same or the like elements, features, and structures. The sizes, lengths, and thicknesses of layers, regions and elements, and depiction of thereof can be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and/or convenience.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which can be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when a detailed description of well-known functions, structures or configurations can unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof may have been omitted for brevity. Further, repetitive descriptions can be omitted for brevity. The progression of processing steps and/or operations described is a non-limiting example.

The sequence of steps and/or operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed to occur in an order that is different from an order described herein, with the exception of steps and/or operations necessarily occurring in a particular order. In one or more examples, two operations in succession may be performed substantially concurrently, or the two operations may be performed in a reverse order or in a different order depending on a function or operation involved.

Unless stated otherwise, like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout even when they are shown in different drawings. In one or more aspects, identical elements (or elements with identical names) in different drawings may have the same or substantially the same functions and properties unless stated otherwise. Names of the respective elements used in the following explanations are selected only for convenience and may be thus different from those used in actual products.

Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and implementation methods thereof, are clarified through the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are examples and are provided so that this disclosure can be thorough and complete, to assist those skilled in the art to understand the inventive concepts without limiting the protected scope of the present disclosure.

Shapes (e.g., sizes, lengths, widths, heights, thicknesses, locations, radii, diameters, and areas), ratios, angles, numbers, and the like disclosed herein, including those illustrated in the drawings for describing embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated details. Any implementation described herein as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. It is, however, noted that the relative dimensions of the components illustrated in the drawings are part of the present disclosure.

When the term “comprise,” “have,” “include,” “contain,” “constitute,” “made of,” “formed of,” or the like with respect to one or more elements is used, one or more other elements can be added unless a term such as “only” or the like is used. The terms used in the present disclosure are merely used in order to describe example embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The terms of a singular form can include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. Aspects are example aspects. “Embodiments,” “examples,” “aspects,” and the like should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. An embodiment, an example, an example embodiment, an aspect, or the like may refer to one or more embodiments, one or more examples, one or more example embodiments, one or more aspects, or the like, unless stated otherwise. Further, the term “may” encompasses all the meanings of the term “can.”

In one or more aspects, unless explicitly stated otherwise, an element, feature, or corresponding information (e.g., a level, range, dimension, size, or the like) is construed to include an error or tolerance range even where no explicit description of such an error or tolerance range is provided. An error or tolerance range can be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external impact, noise, or the like). In interpreting a numerical value, the value is interpreted as including an error range unless explicitly stated otherwise.

In describing a positional relationship, when the positional relationship between two parts (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, sections, or the like) is described, for example, using “on,” “upon,” “on top of,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” “near,” “close to,” “adjacent to,” “beside,” “next to,” “at or on a side of,” or the like, one or more parts can be located between two other parts unless a more limiting term, such as “immediate(ly),” “direct(ly),” or “close(ly),” is used. For example, when a structure is described as being positioned “on,” “on a top of,” “upon,” “over,” “under,” “above,” “below,” “beneath,” “near,” “close to,” “adjacent to,” “beside,” “next to,” “at or on a side of,” or the like another structure, this description should be construed as including a case in which the structures contact each other as well as a case in which one or more additional structures are disposed or interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the terms “front,” “rear,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “downward,” “upward,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” “column,” “row,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “on,” “above,” “upper” and the like, can be used to describe a correlation between various elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, sections, or the like) as shown in the drawings. The spatially relative terms are to be understood as terms including different orientations of the elements in use or in operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the elements shown in the drawings are turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would be oriented “above” other elements. Thus, the term “below,” which is an example term, can include all directions of “above” and “below.” Likewise, an exemplary term “above” or “on” can include both directions of “above” and “below.”

In describing a temporal relationship, when the temporal order is described as “after,” “subsequent,” “next,” “before,” “preceding,” “prior to,” or the like a case which is not consecutive or not sequential can be included and thus one or more other events may occur therebetween, unless a more limiting term, such as “just,” “immediate(ly),” or “direct(ly)” is used.

The terms, such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein to describe a relationship between element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. It will be understood that the terms are spatially relative and based on the orientation depicted in the drawings.

It is understood that, although the term “first”, “second,” or the like can be used herein to describe various elements (e.g., layers, films, regions, components, sections, or the like), these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to partition one element from another. For example, a first element could be a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the first element, the second element, and the like can be arbitrarily named according to the convenience of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For clarity, the functions or structures of these elements (e.g., the first element, the second element and the like) are not limited by ordinal numbers or the names in front of the elements. Further, a first element may include one or more first elements. Similarly, a second element or the like may include one or more second elements or the like.

In describing elements of the present disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” or the like can be used. These terms are intended to identify the corresponding element(s) from the other element(s), and these are not used to define the essence, basis, order, sequence or number of the elements.

For the expression that an element (e.g., layer, film, region, component, section, or the like is “connected,” “coupled,” “attached,” “adhered,” or the like to another element, the element can be not only directly connected, coupled, attached, adhered, or the like to another element, but also be indirectly connected, coupled, attached, adhered, or the like to another element with one or more intervening elements disposed or interposed between the elements, unless otherwise specified.

For the expression that an element (e.g., layer, film, region, component, section, or the like “contacts,” “overlaps,” or the like with another element, the element can be not only directly contact, overlap, or the like with another element, but also indirectly contact, overlap, or the like with another element with one or more intervening elements disposed or interposed between the elements, unless otherwise specified.

The phase that an element (e.g., layer, film, region, component, section, or the like) is “provided in,” “disposed in,” or the like in another element may be understood as that at least a portion of the element is provided in, disposed in, or the like in another element, or that the entirety of the element is provided in, disposed in, or the like in another element. The phase that an element (e.g., layer, film, region, component, section, or the like) “contacts,” “overlaps,” or the like with another element may be understood as that at least a portion of the element contacts, overlaps, or the like with a least a portion of another element, that the entirety of the element contacts, overlaps, or the like with a least a portion of another element, or that at least a portion of the element contacts, overlaps, or the like with the entirety of another element.

The terms such as a “line” or “direction” should not be interpreted only based on a geometrical relationship in which the respective lines or directions are parallel or perpendicular to each other, and can be meant as lines or directions having wider directivities within the range within which the components of the present disclosure can operate functionally. For example, the terms “first direction,” “second direction,” and the like, such as a direction parallel or perpendicular to “x-axis,” “y-axis,” or “z-axis,” should not be interpreted only based on a geometrical relationship in which the respective directions are parallel or perpendicular to each other, and may be meant as directions having wider directivities within the range within which the components of the present disclosure can operate functionally.

The term “at least one” should be understood as including any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, each of the phrases of “at least one of a first item, a second item, or a third item” and “at least one of a first item, a second item, and a third item” may represent (i) a combination of items provided by two or more of the first item, the second item, and the third item or (ii) only one of the first item, the second item, or the third item.

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

In one or more aspects, the terms “between” and “among” can be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise. For example, an expression “between a plurality of elements” can be understood as among a plurality of elements. In another example, an expression “among a plurality of elements” can be understood as between a plurality of elements. In one or more examples, the number of elements can be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements can be more than two.

In one or more aspects, the phrases “each other” and “one another” can be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise. For example, an expression “different from each other” can be understood as being different from one another. In another example, an expression “different from one another” can be understood as being different from each other. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression can be two. In one or more examples, the number of elements involved in the foregoing expression can be more than two.

In one or more aspects, the phrases “one or more among” and “one or more of” can be used interchangeably simply for convenience unless stated otherwise.

The term “or” means “inclusive or” rather than “exclusive or.” That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, the expression that “x uses a or b” means any one of natural inclusive permutations. For example, “a or b” may mean “a,” “b,” or “a and b.” For example, “a, b or c” may mean “a,” “b,” “c,” “a and b,” “b and c,” “a and c,” or “a, b and c.”

Features of various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or entirety coupled to or combined with each other, can be technically associated with each other and can be variously inter-operated, linked or driven together. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented or carried out independently of each other, or can be implemented or carried out together in a co-dependent or related relationship. In one or more aspects, the components of each apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are operatively coupled and configured.

Unless otherwise defined, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is, for example, consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined otherwise herein.

The terms used herein have been selected as being general in the related technical field; however, there may be other terms depending on the development and/or change of technology, convention, preference of technicians, and so on. Therefore, the terms used herein should not be understood as limiting technical ideas, but should be understood as examples of the terms for describing example embodiments.

Further, in a specific case, a term may be arbitrarily selected by an applicant, and in this case, the detailed meaning thereof is described herein. Therefore, the terms used herein should be understood based on not only the name of the terms, but also the meaning of the terms and the content hereof.

In the following description, various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. With respect to reference numerals to elements of each of the drawings, the same elements can be illustrated in other drawings, and like reference numerals can refer to like elements unless stated otherwise. The same or similar elements may be denoted by the same reference numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings. In addition, for convenience of description, a scale, dimension, size, and thickness of each of the elements illustrated in the accompanying drawings can be different from an actual scale, dimension, size, and thickness, and thus, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a scale, dimension, size, and thickness illustrated in the drawings.

FIG.1illustrates a vibration apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ in FIG.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ inFIG.1.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III′ inFIG.1.FIG.5illustrates a connection structure of a signal cable connected with a vibration apparatus according to the embodiment inFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1to4, a vibration apparatus1according to an embodiment can be configured to vibrate based on a driving signal (or a sound signal or a voice signal). For example, the vibration apparatus1can be a vibration generating apparatus, a vibration device, a vibration generating device, a vibration film, a vibration generating film, a vibrator, a vibration generator, an active vibrator, an active vibration generator, or an active vibration member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration apparatus1can include a conductive substrate15(or a plate member), a plurality of vibration layers21, and a plurality of electrode layers23.

The vibration apparatus1can be implemented or provided as one body with or a portion of a display apparatus including a plurality of pixels. For example, the display apparatus can include a display panel, including a plurality of pixels implementing a black and white, or color image, and a driver for driving the display panel. Each of the plurality of pixels can be a subpixel configuring one of a plurality of colors implementing a color image. An apparatus according to embodiments can include a notebook computer, a television (TV), a computer monitor, an equipment apparatus including a specific form of a vehicle or a vehicular or automotive apparatus, and a set device (or a set apparatus) or a set electronic apparatus such as a smartphone or an electronic pad, which are complete products (or final products) including a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light emitting display panel.

The conductive substrate15(or a plate member) can include a conductive material or a metal material. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can include one or more materials of an alloy of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) (Fe—Ni alloy), stainless steel, aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), a Mg alloy, an alloy of Mg and lithium (Li) (Mg—Li alloy), and an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can include an opaque metal material which are low in resistance and good in heat dissipation characteristic and can be implemented as a driving electrode of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can be a first driving electrode, a first electrode, a conductive plate, a metal electrode, an electrode member, an electrode plate, a lower electrode, a lower electrode plate, a common electrode member, or a common electrode, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can be implemented or provided as one body with or a portion of a display apparatus. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can be implemented or provided as one body with or a portion of a display apparatus or a display panel. The conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can dissipate heat which occurs in the display apparatus or the display panel. The conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can protect the display apparatus or the display panel from an external impact and can prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into a light emitting device layer in the light emitting display apparatus. The conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can compensate for the stiffness of the display panel. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can be a first driving electrode, a first electrode, a plate, a conductive plate, a conductive plate member, a heat dissipation member, a heat dissipation plate, a conductive plate, a heat dissipation substrate, an encapsulation substrate, an encapsulation plate, a stiff plate, a second substrate, a rear substrate, a rear member, a rear plate, an internal substrate, or an internal plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can include a plurality of vibration layers21and a plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be alternately stacked or formed. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided or disposed at one surface of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided at a first surface or a second surface, which is opposite to or different from the first surface, of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided or disposed at a second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member).

The plurality of vibration layers21can include a first vibration layer21-1, a second vibration layer21-2, and a third vibration layer21-3. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21can include two or more layers, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Further, the plurality of electrode layers23can include a first electrode layer23-1, a second electrode layer23-2, and a third electrode layer23-3. The plurality of vibration layers21can be provided to be equal to the number of electrode layers23, and the number of the vibration layers21and the number of the electrode layers23can each be provided as two or more, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Here, instance, the number of the vibration layers21can be equal to the number of the electrode layers23. For instance, inFIG.2, there can be three vibration layers21(21-1,21-2,21-3) and three electrode layers23(23-1,23-2,23-3).

The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be alternately stacked or formed. For example, the first vibration layer21-1of the plurality of vibration layers21can be disposed at the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member), and the first electrode layer23-1of the plurality of electrode layers23can be disposed at a second surface21aof the first vibration layer21-1. For example, the first vibration layer21-1and the first electrode layer23-1can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the first vibration layer21-1can be disposed between the first electrode layer23-1and the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). Further, the second vibration layer21-2of the plurality of vibration layers21can be disposed at a second surface23aof the first electrode layer23-1, and the second electrode layer23-2of the plurality of electrode layers23can be disposed at a second surface21aof the second vibration layer21-2. For example, the second vibration layer21-2and the second electrode layer23-2can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the first electrode layer23-1can be disposed between the first vibration layer21-1and the second vibration layer21-2. Further, the second vibration layer21-2can be disposed between the first electrode layer23-1and the second electrode layer23-2. Further, the third vibration layer21-3of the plurality of vibration layers21can be disposed at a second surface23aof the second electrode layer23-2, and the third electrode layer23-3of the plurality of electrode layers23can be disposed at a second surface21aof the third vibration layer21-3. For example, the third vibration layer21-3and the third electrode layer23-3can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the second electrode layer23-2can be disposed between the second vibration layer21-2and the third vibration layer21-3. Further, the third vibration layer21-3can be disposed between the second electrode layer23-2and the third electrode layer23-3. Accordingly, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be alternately stacked or formed.

The plurality of vibration layers21can be configured to vibrate based on the driving signal (or the sound signal or the voice signal) applied to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the plurality of electrode layers23.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers21can include a piezoelectric material or an electroactive material having a piezoelectric effect. For example, the piezoelectric material can have a characteristic where pressure or twisting is applied to a crystalline structure by an external force, a potential difference occurs due to dielectric polarization caused by a relative position change of a positive (+) ion and a negative (−) ion, and a vibration is generated by an electric field based on a voltage applied thereto. Conversely, a piezoelectric material may change shape or size when a potential difference is applied to it. With repeated applications of alternating potential differences, the piezoelectric material can be made to vibrate at the same frequency at the applied alternating potential difference. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be a piezoelectric layer, a piezoelectric material layer, an electroactive layer, a piezoelectric material portion, an electroactive portion, a piezoelectric structure, piezoelectric ceramic, a vibration portion, a vibration generating portion, a displacement portion, a displacement generating portion, a sound generating portion, or an active vibration portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers21can include a ceramic-based material capable of implementing a relatively high vibration, or can include piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-based crystalline structure.

The piezoelectric ceramic can include single crystalline ceramic having a single crystalline structure, or can include polycrystalline ceramic or a ceramic material having a polycrystalline structure. A piezoelectric material of the single crystalline ceramic can include α-AlPO4, α-SiO2, LiNbO3, Tb2(MoO4)3, LizB4O7, or ZnO, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The piezoelectric material of the single crystalline ceramic can include a lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based material including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti) or can include a lead zirconate nickel niobate (PZNN)-based material including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can include one or more of CaTiO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3without Pb, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers23can include a transparent conductive material, a semitransparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material or the semitransparent conductive material of each of the plurality of electrode layers23can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The opaque conductive material of each of the plurality of electrode layers23can include gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), molybdenum (Mo), magnesium (Mg), carbon, or glass frit-containing Ag, or can include an alloy thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of electrode layers23can include Ag having low resistivity, so as to enhance an electrical characteristic and/or a vibration characteristic of the plurality of vibration layers21. For example, the carbon can be carbon black, ketjen black, carbon nano tube, or a carbon material including graphite, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In the plurality of electrode layers23including Ag including the glass frit, a content of glass frit can be 1 wt % to 12 wt %, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The glass frit can include a PbO or Bi2O3-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Accordingly, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between the plurality of electrode layers23and the plurality of vibration layers21can increase based on the glass frit. For example, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between a first surface of each of the plurality of electrode layers23and a second surface21aof a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer21of the plurality of vibration layers21can increase based on the glass frit.

The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided or disposed at the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). The first vibration layer21-1of the plurality of vibration layers21can be coupled or adhered to the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). Also, the plurality of electrode layers23and the plurality of vibration layers21can be alternately stacked or formed on the first vibration layer21-1coupled or connected to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). The plurality of vibration layers21can include the first vibration layer21-1, the second vibration layer21-2, and the third vibration layer21-3. Further, the plurality of electrode layers23can include the first electrode layer23-1, the second electrode layer23-2, and the third electrode layer23-3. The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. For example, the first surface of the first vibration layer21-1can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member).

Further, the second surface21aof the first vibration layer21-1can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the first surface of the first electrode layer23-1. Also, the first surface of the second vibration layer21-2can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the second surface23aof the first electrode layer23-1. Further, the second surface21aof the second vibration layer21-2can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the first surface of the second electrode layer23-2. Also, the first surface of the third vibration layer21-3can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the second surface23aof the second electrode layer23-2. Further, the second surface21aof the third vibration layer21-3can be electrically connected with or electrically contact the first surface of the third electrode layer23-3. For example, when the number of vibration layers21is four or more or the number of electrode layers23is four or more, four or more vibration layers21and electrode layers23can be alternately stacked or formed by repeating the above-described process.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape the shapes being the planform or plan view shapes of the electrode layers, viewed normal to the plane of the substrate), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the non-tetragonal shape can include one or more of one or more lines and one or more curves having a curvature, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be configured or implemented to be alternately stacked or formed on the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) by a tape casting scheme. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be alternately stacked or formed on the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) by a tape casting process (or scheme) using a piezoelectric material and a conductive material on the conductive substrate15(or the plate member).

According to embodiments, each of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be formed (or manufactured) through a step of preparing a metal paste and a slurry including a piezoelectric powder (or a ceramic powder) and additives, a step of coating (or tape casting or forming) the slurry on the second surface of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member), a step of drying (or curing) the coated (or formed) slurry, a step of coating (or tape casting or forming) the metal paste on a second surface of the cured slurry, a step of drying (or curing) the coated (or formed) metal paste, a step of alternately and repeatedly coating (or forming) and drying (or curing) the slurry and the metal paste, and a step of molding (or sintering) the alternately stacked (or formed) slurry and metal paste at least once. For example, the additives added to the slurry can include a material or substance of the piezoelectric material composition field, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Also, the additives of the slurry can include one or more of a dispersant, a solvent, a binder, and a plasticizer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Further, the additives added to the metal paste can include a material or substance of the electrode material composition field, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the metal paste can be Ag, Au, Cu, and Ag/Cu, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the additives of the metal paste can be sintered simultaneously with piezoelectric ceramic and can include a binder for reinforcing an adhesive force with ceramic, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the binder can include a high temperature binder. For example, the binder can include a glass frit. The binder can remain in a particle state on the second surface of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and/or the second surface of the cured metal paste in drying the slurry. The binder can be changed to a liquid state when a piezoelectric particle (or a ceramic particle) grows at a molding (or sintering) temperature of the slurry, can move to an interface between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and/or the cured metal paste and a piezoelectric, and can be coagulated as a molding temperature is reduced, thereby increasing a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and/or the cured metal paste and the piezoelectric. For example, a content of glass frit can be 1 wt % to 12 wt %, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The glass frit can include a PbO or Bi2O3-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the metal paste can be a middle electrode or an upper electrode of the piezoelectric, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slurry can further include a sintering agent. For example, the sintering agent can include MnO2, Fe2O3, CuO, and ZnO, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. As another example of the present disclosure, the sintering temperature can be reduced through a sol-gel scheme, and thus, ceramic and an electrode layer can be sintered simultaneously. The sol-gel scheme can be a scheme which densely forms a microstructure of a sintered body (for example, ceramic).

The plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23according to embodiments can be configured by the tape casting scheme, and thus, may not be limited to a specific shape and can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be polarized (or poling) by a certain voltage applied from the outside to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers23in a certain temperature atmosphere or a temperature atmosphere which is changed from a high temperature to a room temperature, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can alternately and repeatedly contract and/or expand based on an inverse piezoelectric effect based on a first vibration driving signal and a second vibration driving signal applied from the outside to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers23, and thus, can vibrate. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21can vibrate based on a vertical-direction vibration and/or a horizontal-direction (or a direction parallel to the plane of the vibration layers) vibration according to the first vibration driving signal and the second vibration driving signal applied to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers23. Accordingly, a displacement of the vibration apparatus1can be increased or enhanced based on the contraction and/or expansion of the plurality of vibration layers21in a horizontal direction (or a direction parallel to the plane of vibration layers).

The vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can further include an insulation layer22.

The insulation layer22can be provided on the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). For example, the insulation layer22can be provided on the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). The insulation layer22can be disposed on the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the insulation layer22can include an opening region22hwhich exposes a portion of the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided to overlap the opening region22hof the insulation layer22.

The insulation layer22can be disposed at the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) to surround a periphery of the first vibration layer21-1corresponding (or adjacent) to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) among the plurality of vibration layers21. For example, the insulation layer22can be disposed at a portion or all of the other portion, except a disposition region of the first vibration layer21-1, of the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member).

The insulation layer22can be formed to have a thickness which is the same as or different from that of the first vibration layer21-1. For example, the insulation layer22can be formed to have the same thickness as that of the first vibration layer21-1. The insulation layer22can cover the second surface15aof the conductive substrate15(or the plate member), and thus, can prevent the occurrence of an electrical connection (or short circuit) with the plurality of electrode layers23on the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). The insulation layer22can include an organic material or an inorganic material.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of vibration layers21. For example, the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided to be equal to the number of vibration layers21. Each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided at or coupled (or connected) to the second surface21aof a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer21. For example, the plurality of electrode layers23can be provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of vibration layers21in a one-to-one relationship. At least one of the plurality of electrode layers23can be between adjacent vibration layers21. For example, the other electrode layers23-1and23-2, except an electrode layer of an uppermost layer (i.e. farthest from the conductive substrate15), of the plurality of electrode layers23can be disposed between adjacent vibration layers21. Therefore, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can vibrate based on a vibration driving signal (or a voltage or a signal) applied to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the plurality of electrode layers23.

For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can vibrate based on a first vibration driving signal (or a first voltage or a first signal) applied to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and some of the plurality of electrode layers23and a second vibration driving signal (or a second voltage or a second signal) applied to the other some of the plurality of electrode layers23. The plurality of electrode layers23can have the same size (e.g. area) as that of the plurality of vibration layers21, or can have a size (e.g. area) which is less than that of the plurality of vibration layers21. Each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be disposed at a center portion of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer21. For example, the plurality of electrode layers23can have the same shape (in a plan view normal to the plane of the substrate) as that of the plurality of vibration layers21, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be an electrode layer, an upper electrode, an upper electrode layer, a middle electrode, a middle electrode layer, a first driving electrode, a second driving electrode, an individual electrode, an individual electrode layer, a patterned electrode, or a patterned electrode layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, to prevent an electrical connection (or short circuit) between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the plurality of electrode layers23or the plurality of electrode layers23, each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be formed at the other portion, except a periphery portion of the second surface21a, of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer21of the plurality of vibration layers21. For example, each of the plurality of electrode layers23can be formed at entire of the other second surface, except a periphery portion, of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer21of the plurality of vibration layers21. For example, a distance between a lateral surface (or an outer wall) of each of the plurality of electrode layers23and a lateral surface (or an outer wall) of each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be at least 0.5 mm or more. For example, the distance between the lateral surface of each of the plurality of electrode layers23and the lateral surface of each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be at least 1 mm or more, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the plurality of electrode layers23can be configured to receive a signal having a polarity which differs from that of a corresponding (or adjacent) electrode layer. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the first electrode layer23-1can be supplied with signals having different polarities. Alternatively, or in addition, two adjacent electrode layers of the plurality of electrode layers23can be supplied with signals having different polarities. For example, the first electrode layer23-1and the second electrode layer23-2can be supplied with signals having different polarities. Alternatively, or in addition, the second electrode layer23-2and the third electrode layer23-3can be supplied with signals having different polarities.

It will be understood that a difference in voltage polarity between the conductive substrate and an adjacent electrode layer (or between adjacent electrode layers) is not essential to achieving vibration. As long as a voltage difference is applied between the conductive substrate and an adjacent electrode layer (or between adjacent electrode layers), the vibration layer can be made to change size or shape. Repeated application of a voltage difference or a varying voltage will achieve vibration of the vibration layer. The voltage may be varied so that the potential difference varies, for example between a positive and negative value. Therefore, it will be understood that the conductive substrate may be configured to be supplied with a different voltage (or voltage signal) to an electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the one or more electrode layers such that a potential difference is applied across a vibration layer of the one or more vibration layers sandwiched between the conductive substrate and the electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate. Alternatively, or in addition, two adjacent electrode layers of the plurality of electrode layers may be configured to be supplied with a different voltage (or voltage signal) to each other such that a potential difference is applied across a vibration layer sandwiched between the two adjacent electrode layers.

Embodiments include the vibration apparatuses described herein connected to a driver or other signal generating apparatus which is configured to supply the voltages or voltage signals (e.g. having the differing values or polarities) to the conductive substrate and electrode layers as described herein. Therefore, adjacent electrodes may be connected to different signal lines to allow the application of the different signals/different polarities described. For example, the conductive substrate may be connected to a first signal line and an electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the plurality of electrode layers may be connected to a second signal line different from the first signal line. Alternatively, or in addition, a first electrode layer of the plurality of electrode layers is connected to the first signal line and a second electrode layer of the plurality of electrode layers is connected to the second signal line, wherein the first electrode layer is adjacent to the second electrode layer.

The signals lines may be supplied with different voltages or voltage signals (for example by the driver or other signal generating component) such that the conductive substrate and electrode layers are supplied with those voltages or voltage signals. For example, the first signal line and second signal line may be connected to a driver arranged to apply a first voltage signal to the first signal line and a second voltage signal to the second signal line, wherein the second voltage is different from the first voltage. A difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal may alternate between a positive and a negative voltage. Alternatively, or in addition, a magnitude of a difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal may vary with time.

In embodiments, there is provided a vibration generating apparatus with at least one vibration layer comprising: a first piezoelectric material layer, a second piezoelectric material layer and a third piezoelectric material layer. The vibration generating apparatus includes at least one electrode layer comprising a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a third electrode layer. The vibration layers and the electrode layers are alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate and the second electrode layer are configured to be connected to a first voltage supply line, and the first electrode layer and the third electrode layer are configured to be connected to a second voltage supply line different from the first voltage supply line such that the first, second and third piezoelectric material layers vibrate in a thickness direction of the conductive substrate in response to application of a first and second voltage signal, respectively, to the first and second voltage supply lines.

The conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the plurality of electrode layers23can be configured so that electrode layers supplied with the same polarity (or voltage) configure one group and electrode layers of the same group are electrically connected with one another. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2can be configured as electrode layers of a first group and can be electrically connected with each other. The electrode layer of the first group can be a first driving electrode. Further, the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3can be configured as electrode layers of a second group and can be electrically connected with each other. The electrode layer of the second group can be a second driving electrode.

Referring toFIGS.1,3, and4, the vibration apparatus1according to the embodiment can further include at least one contact patterns27aand27b. For example, the at least one contact pattern27aand27bcan include a first contact pattern27aand a second contact pattern27b.

The first contact pattern27acan be connected with or coupled to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and one or more of the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the first contact pattern27acan be connected or coupled to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2of the plurality of electrode layers23. The first contact pattern27acan be configured so that the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2are electrically connected with (or contact) each other. Also, the first contact pattern27acan be supplied with the first driving signal from the outside and can apply or transfer the first driving signal to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2. The first contact pattern27acan extend from the plate member15and the plurality of electrode layers23and can be exposed at an outside (e.g. outer part of the vibration apparatus2, such as the outer edge of the stack). For example, the first contact pattern27aconnected with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can extend or protrude from a portion of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). For example, the first contact pattern27aconnected with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) can be exposed at the outside through a removed portion of a portion of the insulation layer22. Further, the first contact pattern27aconnected with the second electrode layer23-2of the plurality of electrode layers23can extend or protrude from a portion of the second electrode layer23-2. For example, the first contact pattern27aconnected with the second electrode layer23-2of the plurality of electrode layers23can extend from a portion of the second electrode layer23-2to the second vibration layer21-2and can be exposed at the outside. One end (or one side or one portion) of the first contact pattern27acan be connected with each of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2, and the other end (or the other side or the other portion) of the first contact pattern27acan extend to the insulation layer22along a lateral surface of each of the plurality of vibration layers23.

The second contact pattern27bcan be connected with or coupled to the other some of the plurality of electrode layers23of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the second contact pattern27bcan be connected or coupled to the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3of the plurality of electrode layers23. The second contact pattern27bcan be configured so that the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3are electrically connected with (or contact) each other. Further, the second contact pattern27bcan be supplied with the second driving signal from the outside and can apply or transfer the second driving signal to the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3. The second contact pattern27bcan extend from the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3and can be exposed at the outside. For example, the second contact pattern27bconnected with the first electrode layer23-1can extend or protrude from a portion of the first electrode layer23-1. For example, the second contact pattern27bconnected with the first electrode layer23-1can extend from a portion of the first electrode layer23-1to the first vibration layer21-1and can be exposed at the outside. Further, the second contact pattern27bconnected with the third electrode layer23-3can extend or protrude from a portion of the third electrode layer23-3. For example, the second contact pattern27bconnected with the third electrode layer23-3can extend from a portion of the third electrode layer23-3to the third vibration layer21-3and can be exposed at the outside. One end (or one side or one portion) of the second contact pattern27bcan be connected with each of the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3, and the other end (or the other side or the other portion) of the second contact pattern27bcan extend to the insulation layer22along the lateral surface of each of the plurality of vibration layers23.

The vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can further include a protection layer24.

The protection layer24can be configured to protect the vibration apparatus1. The protection layer24can be configured to protect the insulation layer22, the plurality of vibration layers21, and the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the protection layer24can be configured to protect the third electrode layer23-3of an uppermost layer of the plurality of electrode layers23. The protection layer24can be configured to protect the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer23-3. For example, the protection layer24can be configured to surround or cover the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the protection layer24can include an inorganic material or an organic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the protection layer24can include a cover member26and an adhesive layer25.

The cover member26can be provided to protect the vibration apparatus1. The cover member26can be provided to protect the insulation layer22, the plurality of vibration layers21, and the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the cover member26can be configured to surround or cover the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23. The cover member26may also surround or cover the first and second contact patterns27aand27b, thereby protecting them. For example, the cover member26can be a cover film, a cover layer, a protection member, or a protection layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the cover member26can be a polyimide (PI) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, or a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The cover member26can be connected with or coupled to a second surface23aof the third electrode layer23-3of an uppermost layer of the plurality of electrode layers23by an adhesive layer25. For example, the cover member26can be connected with or coupled to the third electrode layer23-3by a film laminating process by the adhesive layer25. For example, the cover member26can be connected with or coupled to the insulation layer22, the third electrode layer23-3, and the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer23-3.

The adhesive layer25can be disposed between the third electrode layer23-3and the cover member26. For example, the adhesive layer25can be provided or disposed between the insulation layer22and the cover member26to cover or surround the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23. For example, the adhesive layer25can be provided or filled between the insulation layer22and the cover member26to fully surround the second surface23aof the third electrode layer23-3and the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer23-3. For example, the plurality of vibration layers21and the plurality of electrode layers23can be buried or embedded between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member), and the insulation layer22and the adhesive layer25.

The adhesive layer25can include an electrical insulating material which has adhesive properties and is capable of compression and decompression. For example, the adhesive layer25can include epoxy-based resin, acrylic-based resin, silicone-based resin, or urethane-based resin, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can replace a sacrificial layer, used for molding of the plurality of vibration layers21, with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and can use the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) as a driving electrode of the molded first vibration layer21-1, and thus, an isolation process of a vibration layer can be excluded, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost for process optimization for simplifying a process and enhancing productivity. Further, the vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can be implemented or provided as one body with or a portion of a display apparatus, and in this case, the conductive substrate15can be used as the plate member of the display panel and can be used as a driving electrode of the vibration apparatus1, and thus, one electrode can be omitted and a thickness can be slimmed by a thickness of one omitted electrode, thereby decreasing a thickness of a display apparatus.

Referring toFIG.5, the vibration apparatus1according to embodiments can further include a signal cable500(which can be more generally described as a signal line, e.g. any conductor capable of carrying a signal).

The signal cable500can be electrically connected with the vibration apparatus1. For example, the signal cable500can be electrically connected with the plurality of electrode layers23and the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the signal cable500can be electrically connected with the first contact pattern27aand/or the second contact pattern27bof the vibration apparatus1.

The signal cable500can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. For example, a portion of the signal cable500can be inserted (or accommodated) into the adhesive layer25between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the cover member26, and thus, can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. Accordingly, the vibration apparatus1can vibrate based on signals applied from the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the signal cable500.

The signal cable500can include a line part510, a first contact line511(or a first contact part), a second contact line513(or a second contact part), and a terminal part530.

A portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be inserted (or accommodated)1between the conductive substrate15and the protection layer24, or can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. For example, the portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be covered by the cover member26of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be inserted (or accommodated) into the adhesive layer25of the vibration apparatus1, and thus, can be fixed to the vibration apparatus1or can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration apparatus1and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500which is caused by a manufacturing process attaching the line part510to the first and second contact patterns27aand27bcan be minimized.

The line part510can include a base film, a line layer including first and second signal lines formed in the base film, and an insulation layer covering the line layer.

The first contact line511(or the first contact part) can be provided to be electrically connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern27a(or the first driving electrode) of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the first contact line511can be a portion of the first signal line exposed at one periphery portion of the line part510, or can be a first finger line (or a first protrusion signal line or the first signal line) which extends (or protrudes) to have a certain length from the first signal line of the line part510. The first contact line511can be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern27aof the vibration apparatus1. Alternatively, the first contact line511can be electrically connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern27aby a conductive double-sided tape or an anisotropic conductive film. The first contact line511can be covered by the cover member26of the vibration apparatus1, and thus, can be fixed to the vibration apparatus1or can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration apparatus1and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500can be minimized.

The second contact line513(or the second contact part) can be provided to be electrically connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern27b(or the second driving electrode) of the vibration apparatus1. For example, the second contact line513can be a portion of the second signal line exposed at one periphery portion of the line part510, or can be a second finger line (or a second protrusion signal line or the second signal line) which extends (or protrudes) to have a certain length from the second signal line of the line part510. The second contact line513can be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern27bof the vibration apparatus1. Alternatively, the second contact line513can be electrically connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern27bby a conductive double-sided tape or an anisotropic conductive film. The second contact line513can be covered by the cover member26of the vibration apparatus1, and thus, can be fixed to the vibration apparatus1or can be provided as one body with the vibration apparatus1. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration apparatus1and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500can be minimized.

The terminal part530can be provided at the other periphery portion of the line part510. The terminal part530can be provided to expose a portion of each of the first and second signal lines disposed at the other periphery portion of the line part510. For example, the terminal part530can be electrically connected with a vibration driving signal (or a sound processing circuit), or can include a connector which is electrically connected with the vibration driving signal (or the sound processing circuit).

The signal cable500can be electrically coupled (or connected) to the first contact pattern27aand the second contact pattern27b, and thus, can apply or transfer the first and second vibration driving signals, supplied from the vibration driving signal (or the sound processing circuit), to the first contact pattern27aand the second contact pattern27bof the vibration apparatus1through the terminal part530. For example, the first vibration driving signal can be applied or transferred to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2of the plurality of electrode layers23through or by the first contact pattern27a. Further, the second vibration driving signal can be applied or transferred to the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3of the plurality of electrode layers23through or by the second contact pattern27b.

The vibration apparatus1can vibrate based on the first and second vibration driving signals (or sound signals) applied to, through the signal cable500, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2connected with the first contact pattern27aand the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3connected with the second contact pattern27b.

FIG.6illustrates a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV′ inFIG.6.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V′ inFIG.6.FIG.9illustrates a connection structure of a signal cable connected with a vibration apparatus inFIG.6.FIGS.6to9illustrate an embodiment where a through hole is added to the vibration apparatus1described above with reference toFIGS.1to5. In the following description, therefore, a through hole and relevant elements will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.1to5, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given. Further, the cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ inFIG.6can be substantially the same asFIG.2, and the illustration is omitted.

Referring toFIGS.6to8, a vibration apparatus2according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can further include at least one through holes GH1and GH2which are in a plurality of vibration layers21and a plurality of electrode layers23.

The at least one through holes GH1and GH2can be provided to electrically connect electrode layers, supplied with signals having a same polarity, with each other. For example, the at least one through holes GH1and GH2can include a through hole GH1of a first group configured to electrically connect a conductive substrate15(or a plate member) with a second electrode layer23-2and a through hole GH2of a second group configured to electrically connect a first electrode layer23-1with a third electrode layer23-3. For example, the through hole GH1of the first group and the through hole GH2of the second group can be configured not to overlap each other. For example, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2connected with each other through the through hole GH1of the first group can be a first driving electrode to which a first vibration driving signal is applied. Further, the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3connected with each other through the through hole GH2of the second group can be a second driving electrode to which a second vibration driving signal is applied.

The through hole GH1of the first group can include a first hole21hpassing through a first vibration layer21-1and a second vibration layer21-2between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2and a second hole23hpassing through the first electrode layer23-1between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2. For example, the first hole21hcan have a size which is less than that of the second hole23h. For example, a connection pattern23′ between the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2can be electrically connected with each of the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2through the first hole21h. Further, the connection pattern23′ can be spaced apart from the second hole23hand can be electrically disconnected or separated from the first electrode layer23-1. Because the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2are electrically connected with each other through or by the through hole GH1of the first group, a first contact pattern27acan be configured to be connected with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member).

The through hole GH2of the second group can include a first hole21hpassing through the second vibration layer21-2and a third vibration layer21-3between the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3and a second hole23hpassing through the second electrode layer23-2between the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3. For example, the first hole21hcan have a size which is less than that of the second hole23h. For example, a connection pattern23′ between the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3can be electrically connected with each of the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3through the first hole21h. Further, the connection pattern23′ can be spaced apart from the second hole23hand can be electrically disconnected or separated from the second electrode layer23-2. Because the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3are electrically connected with each other through or by the through hole GH2of the second group, a first contact pattern27acan be configured to be connected with the third electrode layer23-3of an uppermost layer of the plurality of electrode layers23.

Referring toFIG.9, the vibration apparatus2according to another embodiment can further include a signal cable500. The signal cable500can include a first signal cable500aand a second signal cable500b. The first signal cable500acan be configured to be electrically connected with the first contact pattern27a. Further, the second signal cable500bcan be configured to be electrically connected with the second contact pattern27b.

In the vibration apparatus2according to another embodiment, the first contact pattern27aand the second contact pattern27bcan be omitted, and the first signal cable500acan be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). Further, the second signal cable500bcan be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the third electrode layer23-3. For example, a first contact line511(or a first contact part) of the first signal cable500acan be provided to be directly connected with or coupled to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) of the vibration apparatus1. Further, a second contact line513(or a second contact part) of the second signal cable500bcan be provided to be directly connected with or coupled to the third electrode layer23-3of the vibration apparatus1.

The vibration apparatus2according to another embodiment can vibrate based on a first vibration driving signal directly applied to the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) through or by the first signal cable500aand a second vibration driving signal directly applied to the third electrode layer23-3through or by the second signal cable500b.

FIG.10illustrates a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.11is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI′ inFIG.10.FIG.12is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII′ inFIG.10.FIG.13is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII′ inFIG.10.FIG.14is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX′ inFIG.10a.FIG.15illustrates a connection structure of a signal cable connected with a vibration apparatus inFIG.10.FIGS.10to15illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying a contact pattern in the vibration apparatus1described above with reference toFIGS.1to5. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.1to5, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given. Further, the cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ inFIG.10can be substantially the same asFIG.2, and the illustration is omitted.

Referring toFIGS.10to15, a vibration apparatus3according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can include a plurality of first contact patterns27aand a plurality of second contact patterns27b. Each of the plurality of first contact patterns27aand the plurality of second contact patterns27bcan be provided to individually connect with each of a plurality of electrode layers23and a conductive substrate15(or a plate member).

The first contact pattern27acan be individually connected with an electrode layer to which a signal having the same polarity is applied. For example, the first contact pattern27acan include a 1-1stcontact pattern27aland a 1-2ndcontact pattern27a2. The 1-1stcontact pattern27alcan be individually and electrically connected with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). Further, the 1-2ndcontact pattern27a2can be individually and electrically connected with a second electrode layer23-2.

The second contact pattern27bcan be individually connected with an electrode layer to which a signal having the same polarity is applied. For example, the second contact pattern27bcan include a 2-1stcontact pattern27b1and a 2-2ndcontact pattern27b2. The 2-1stcontact pattern27b1can be individually and electrically connected with a first electrode layer23-1. Further, the 2-2ndcontact pattern27b2can be individually and electrically connected with a third electrode layer23-3.

The vibration apparatus3can control or adjust a polarization direction (or a poling direction) of a plurality of vibration layers21through the plurality of first contact patterns27aand the plurality of second contact patterns27bindividually connected with each of the plurality of electrode layers23and the conductive substrate15(or the plate member). For example, a signal polarity applied to an electrode layer through the plurality of first contact patterns27aand the plurality of second contact patterns27bcan be controlled in a process of forming a vibration layer. Accordingly, the vibration apparatus3can be configured so that the plurality of vibration layers21are bimorph-driven.

Referring toFIG.15, the vibration apparatus3can further include a signal cable500.

The signal cable500can be configured to be electrically connected with the vibration apparatus3. For example, the signal cable500can be electrically connected with the plurality of first contact patterns27aand the plurality of second contact patterns27bindividually connected with the conductive substrate15(or the plate member), a first electrode layer23-1, a second electrode layer23-2, and a third electrode layer23-3of the vibration apparatus3.

A first contact line511(or a first contact part) of the signal cable500can be individually connected with the plurality of first contact patterns27aof the vibration apparatus3in common. For example, the first contact line511can be electrically connected with a 1-1stcontact pattern27aland a 1-2ndcontact pattern27a2in common. A second contact line513(or a second contact part) of the signal cable500can be individually connected with the plurality of second contact patterns27bof the vibration apparatus3in common. For example, the second contact line513can be electrically connected with a 2-1stcontact pattern27b1and a 2-2ndcontact pattern27b2in common.

The vibration apparatus3can vibrate based on first and second vibration driving signals (or sound signals) applied to, through the signal cable500, the conductive substrate15(or the plate member) and the second electrode layer23-2connected with the plurality of first contact patterns27aand the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3connected with the plurality of second contact patterns27b.

FIGS.16and17illustrate unimorph driving of a vibration apparatus according to embodiments. This kind of driving can be applied to any of the first to third embodiments described with reference toFIGS.1-15.

Referring toFIG.16, a plurality of vibration layers21can be polarized (or poling) by a certain voltage applied to a conductive substrate15and a plurality of electrode layers23. For example, a first polarization voltage PS1can be connected with and applied to the conductive substrate15and a second electrode layer23-2in common. Further, a second polarization voltage PS2can be connected with and applied to a first electrode layer23-1and a third electrode layer23-3in common. For example, the first polarization voltage PS1can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the second polarization voltage PS2can be a positive (+) voltage signal. An arrow in each ofFIGS.16and17represents a polarization direction (or a poling direction).

Therefore, a first vibration layer21-1can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is downward (i.e., towards the conductive substrate15), based on that the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the conductive substrate15disposed at a first surface of the first vibration layer21-1and the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the first electrode layer23-1disposed at a second surface of the first vibration layer21-1. Further, a second vibration layer21-2can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is upward (i.e., away from the conductive substrate15), based on that the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the first electrode layer23-1disposed at a first surface of the second vibration layer21-2and the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the second electrode layer23-2disposed at a second surface of the second vibration layer21-2. Further, a third vibration layer21-3can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is downward, based on that the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the second electrode layer23-2disposed at a first surface of the third vibration layer21-3and the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the third electrode layer23-3disposed at a second surface of the third vibration layer21-3.

Referring toFIG.17, the plurality of vibration layers21can be vibration-driven based on a first driving signal DS1and a second driving signal DS2. For example, the first driving signal DS1can be connected with and applied to the conductive substrate15and the second electrode layer23-2in common. Further, the second driving signal DS2can be connected with and applied to the first electrode layer23-1and the third electrode layer23-3in common. For example, the first driving signal DS1can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the second driving signal DS2can be a positive (+) voltage signal. For example, the first driving signal DS1and the second driving signal DS2may be alternating current (AC) voltage signals.

Alternatively, the first driving signal DS1and the second driving signal DS2may be direct current (DC) voltage signals. The first driving signal may be ground or 0V and the second driving signal may be a negative (−) signal, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first driving signal may be ground or 0V and the second driving signal may be a positive (+) signal, or vice versa.

The voltage or driving signals described herein may be provided by a signal driver (or other signal generating apparatus) connected to or included as part of the vibration apparatus. The signal driver may supply the signals to the conductive substrate and electrode layers via the signal lines described herein. For example, the first driving signal DS1and second driving signal DS2may be supplied to the conductive substrate and the first electrode layer via the first and second signal lines, respectively.

Therefore, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be vibration-driven in the same direction. For example, the first vibration layer21-1can contract or expand in a direction toward a center portion thereof. Further, the second vibration layer21-2can contract or expand in a direction toward a center portion thereof. Further, the third vibration layer21-3can contract or expand in a direction toward a center portion thereof. Accordingly, the first vibration layer21-1, the second vibration layer21-2, and the third vibration layer21-3can perform unimorph driving where contraction and/or expansion are alternately repeated in the same direction.

FIGS.18to21illustrate for describing bimorph driving of a vibration apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This kind of driving can be applied to any of the first to third embodiments described with reference toFIGS.1-15.

Referring toFIGS.18to21, a plurality of vibration layers21according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be individually polarized. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be polarized in the same direction. For example, a first polarization voltage PS1can be connected with and applied to a conductive substrate15. Further, a second polarization voltage PS2can be connected with and applied to a first electrode layer23-1. For example, the first polarization voltage PS1can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the second polarization voltage PS2can be a positive (+) voltage signal. An arrow in each ofFIGS.18to21represents a polarization direction (or a poling direction).

Therefore, a first vibration layer21-1can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is downward, based on that the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the conductive substrate15disposed at a first surface of the first vibration layer21-1and the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the first electrode layer23-1disposed at a second surface of the first vibration layer21-1.

Referring toFIG.19, each of a plurality of vibration layers21according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be individually polarized. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be polarized in the same direction. For example, a third polarization voltage PS3can be connected with and applied to a first electrode layer23-1. Further, a fourth polarization voltage PS4can be connected with and applied to a second electrode layer23-2. For example, the third polarization voltage PS3can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the fourth polarization voltage PS4can be a positive (+) voltage signal.

Therefore, a second vibration layer21-2can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is downward, based on that the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the first electrode layer23-1disposed at a first surface of the second vibration layer21-2and the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the second electrode layer23-2disposed at a second surface of the second vibration layer21-2.

Referring toFIG.20, each of a plurality of vibration layers21according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be individually polarized. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be polarized in the same direction. For example, a fifth polarization voltage PS5can be connected with and applied to a second electrode layer23-2. Further, a sixth polarization voltage PS6can be connected with and applied to a third electrode layer23-3. For example, the fifth polarization voltage PS5can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the sixth polarization voltage PS6can be a positive (+) voltage signal.

Therefore, a third vibration layer21-3can be configured so that a polarization direction thereof is downward, based on that the negative (−) voltage signal is applied to the second electrode layer23-2disposed at a first surface of the third vibration layer21-3and the positive (+) voltage signal is applied to the third electrode layer23-3disposed at a second surface of the third vibration layer21-3.

Referring toFIG.21, the plurality of vibration layers21according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be vibration-driven based on a first driving signal DS1and a second driving signal DS2. For example, the first driving signal DS1can be connected with and applied to a conductive substrate15and a second electrode layer23-2in common. Further, the second driving signal DS2can be connected with and applied to a first electrode layer23-1and a third electrode layer23-3in common. For example, the first driving signal DS1can be a negative (−) voltage signal, and the second driving signal DS2can be a positive (+) voltage signal.

Therefore, each of the plurality of vibration layers21can be vibration-driven in the same direction. For example, the first vibration layer21-1can contract or expand in a direction toward a center portion thereof. Further, the second vibration layer21-2can contract or expand in a direction toward a left side and a right side thereof. Further, the third vibration layer21-3can contract or expand in a direction toward a center portion thereof. Accordingly, the first vibration layer21-1, the second vibration layer21-2, and the third vibration layer21-3can perform unimorph driving where contraction and/or expansion are alternately repeated in different directions.

FIG.22illustrates a display apparatus according to embodiments.FIG.23is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ inFIG.22.FIG.24illustrates one subpixel provided in a display part ofFIG.23.FIG.25is another cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ inFIG.23. It may be understood that any of the layer and/or connection structures of the first to third embodiments described with reference toFIGS.1-15having any of the driving methods described with reference toFIGS.16-21may be applied to any of the embodiments described with reference toFIGS.22-47and vice versa.

The display panel100can be configured to display an image and can be configured to output a sound, based on vibrations of one or more vibration generating apparatuses200. For example, the display panel100can provide a user with a sound and/or a haptic feedback, based on a vibration.

The display panel100according to embodiments can include a base member110, a display part130, and a plate member150(or a conductive substrate).

The base member110can include one or more of a glass material and a plastic material. For example, the base member110can include a polyimide material. For example, the base member110can include a stack structure of a glass layer and a plastic layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the base member110can be a base substrate, a first substrate, a display substrate, a front substrate, a front member, or an external substrate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In a case where the plastic material is used as a material of the base member110, polyimide which is good in thermal resistance and is capable of enduring a high temperature can be used based on that a high temperature deposition process is performed on elements of a display panel on the base member110, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. All of a first surface (or an internal surface) of the base member110can be covered by one or more buffer layers111.

The buffer layer111can prevent a material included in the base member110from being diffused to a transistor layer in a high temperature process of a manufacturing process of a thin film transistor (TFT). Further, the buffer layer111can prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into a light emitting device layer. The buffer layer111can include an inorganic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display part130can be provided on the base member110or the buffer layer111. The display part130can be provided on the base member110or the buffer layer111to display an image.

The display part130can include a plurality of pixels P which display an image, based on signals supplied to signal lines provided on the base member110or the buffer layer111. For example, the display part130can include a pixel array part disposed in a pixel area PA provided by a plurality of gate lines and/or a plurality of data lines. The pixel array part can include the plurality of pixels P which display an image, based on the signals supplied to the signal lines. The signal lines can include a gate line, a data line, and a pixel driving power line, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of pixels P (or the pixel area PA) can include an emission region EA and a non-emission region NEA surrounding the emission region EA. The emission region EA can be an opening region, an emission portion, or an opening portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The non-emission region NEA can be a non-emission portion or a circuit region. Each of the plurality of pixels P can be a minimum-unit region which actually emits light and can be defined as a subpixel. At least three adjacent pixels P can be one unit pixel for displaying a color. For example, one unit pixel can include a red pixel, a green pixel, and a blue pixel adjacent to one another and can further include a white pixel for luminance enhancement.

Each of the plurality of pixels P can be configured to display an image in a bottom emission type. Based on the bottom emission type, light emitted from a pixel P can pass through the base member110and can be emitted in a rearward direction of the base member110. Alternatively, each of the plurality of pixels P may be configured to display an image in a top emission type. Based on the top emission type, light emitted from a pixel P may be emitted in a forward direction of the base member110, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, when each of the plurality of pixels P is configured to display an image in the top emission type, the vibration generating apparatus200is connected to a rear surface of the base member110.

Each of the plurality of pixels P can include a pixel circuit131, an overcoat layer133, and a light emitting device layer (or a light emitting device)134.

The pixel circuit131can be provided in the non-emission region NEA of the pixel P along with signal lines and can be connected with a gate line, a data line, and a pixel driving power line which are adjacent thereto. The pixel circuit131can control or adjust a current flowing in the light emitting device layer134according to a data signal from the data line in response to a scan pulse from the gate line, based on a pixel driving power supplied through the pixel driving power line. The pixel circuit134can include a switching TFT, a driving TFT, and a capacitor, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the TFTs can include a gate electrode, a gate insulation layer, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. Here, the TFT can be an amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT, a polysilicon (poly-Si) TFT, an oxide TFT, or an organic TFT, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The switching TFT can be turned on based on the scan pulse supplied through the gate line and can transfer a data signal, supplied through the data line, to the driving TFT. The capacitor can be provided in an overlap region between a gate electrode and a source electrode of the driving TFT and can store a voltage corresponding to the data signal supplied to the gate electrode of the driving TFT. The driving TFT can be turned on by a voltage transferred from the switching TFT and/or a voltage of the capacitor, and thus, can control the amount of current flowing from the pixel driving power line to the light emitting device layer134. For example, the driving TFT can control or adjust a data current flowing from the pixel driving power line to the light emitting device layer134, based on the data signal transferred from the switching TFT, and thus, the light emitting device layer134can emit light having brightness corresponding to the data signal.

The display apparatus can further include a scan driving circuit (or gate driving circuit) which is provided in a non-display part at a periphery of the display part130of the base member110. The scan driving circuit can generate the scan pulse, based on a gate control signal, and can supply the scan pulse to the gate line. The scan driving circuit can be configured with a shift register including a transistor which is formed in the non-display part of the base member110formed by the same process as a TFT along with a TFT of the pixel P.

The pixel circuit131can be covered by a passivation layer132. For example, the passivation layer132can be provided on the base member110to cover the pixel circuit131. The passivation layer132can include an inorganic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the passivation layer132can be omitted. For example, the passivation layer132can be a protection layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The overcoat layer133can be provided on the base member110to cover the pixel circuit131. The overcoat layer133can be configured to provide a flat surface on the pixel circuit131. For example, the overcoat layer133can include an organic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the overcoat layer133can be a protection layer or a planarization layer, but the terms are not limited thereto.

The light emitting device layer134can be provided on the overcoat layer133. The light emitting device layer134can be a pixel electrode134a, a light emitting device134b, and a common electrode134c.

The pixel electrode134a(or an anode electrode) can be provided on the overcoat layer133overlapping all of the emission region EA of each pixel area PA and a portion of the non-emission region NEA. For example, the pixel electrode134acan be provided in a pattern form. The pixel electrode134acan be electrically connected with the driving TFT of the pixel circuit131through a contact hole provided in the overcoat layer133. The pixel electrode134acan include a transparent conductive material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

A periphery portion of the pixel electrode134adisposed at a portion of the non-emission region NEA of each pixel area PA can be covered by a bank layer135. The bank layer135can be provided on the overcoat layer133to cover the periphery portion of the pixel electrode134aand the pixel circuit131, and thus, can define (or divide) the emission region EA (or an opening region or a light extraction region) of each of the plurality of pixels P.

The light emitting device134bcan be formed or provided on the pixel electrode134a. The light emitting device134bcan be provided to directly contact the pixel electrode134a. For example, the light emitting device134bcan include an organic light emitting device or an inorganic light emitting device. For example, the light emitting device134bcan include one of an organic emission layer, an inorganic emission layer, and a quantum dot emission layer, or can include a stack or combination structure of an organic emission layer (or an inorganic emission layer) and a quantum dot emission layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The common electrode134c(or a cathode electrode) can be connected with the light emitting device134bprovided in each of the plurality of pixels P in common. The common electrode134ccan include a metal material having a high reflectance so as to reflect light, which is emitted from the light emitting device134band is incident thereon, toward the base member110.

The light emitting device134bcan be implemented to emit light of the same color (for example, white light) for each pixel, or can be implemented to emit light of a different color (for example, red, green, or blue light) for each pixel. The light emitting device134bcan have a stack structure including two or more structures or a single structure including the same color for each pixel. Alternatively, the light emitting device134bcan have a stack structure including two or more structures including one or more different colors for each pixel. Two or more structures including one or more different colors can be configured with one or more of blue, red, yellow-green, and green, or a combination thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Examples of a combination can include a combination of blue and red, a combination of red and yellow-green, a combination of red and green, and a combination of red, yellow-green, and green, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In a stack structure including two or more structures having the same color or one or more different colors, a charge generating layer can be further provided between two or more structures. The charge generating layer can have a PN junction structure and can include an N-type charge generating layer and a P-type charge generating layer.

The light emitting device134bcan include a micro light emitting diode device electrically connected with the pixel electrode134aand the common electrode134c. The micro light emitting diode device can be a light emitting diode implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) or chip type. The micro light emitting diode device can include a first terminal electrically connected with the pixel electrode134aand a second terminal electrically connected with the common electrode134c.

The display apparatus or the display part130can further include a color filter layer137.

The color filter layer137can be provided between the base member110and the overcoat layer33to overlap the emission region EA of the pixel P. The color filter layer137can be provided between the passivation layer132and the overcoat layer33to overlap the emission region EA. Alternatively, the color filter layer137can be disposed between the base member110and the buffer layer111, or can be provided between the buffer layer111and the passivation layer132to overlap the emission region EA.

The color filter layer137can include a color filter which transmits only wavelength of a color set in each of the plurality of pixels P. For example, the color filter layer137can include a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display panel100or the display part130can further include an encapsulation layer136.

The encapsulation layer136can be provided to surround or cover the display part130. The encapsulation layer136can be configured to prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting device layer134. The encapsulation layer136can be formed of an inorganic material layer or an organic material layer, or can be formed in a multi-layer structure where an inorganic material layer and an organic material layer are alternately stacked or formed, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation layer136can be omitted.

The display apparatus or the display panel100acan further include a functional film160.

The functional film160can be disposed on a second surface (or an outer surface or a light extraction surface), which is opposite to a first surface, of the base member110. For example, the functional film160can be coupled or adhered to the second surface of the base member110by a transparent adhesive member. The functional film160can include one or more of an antireflection layer (or an antireflection film), a barrier layer (or a barrier film), a touch sensing layer, and a light path control layer (or a light path control film), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The antireflection layer can be a polarization layer (or a polarizing film) which blocks reflected light which is reflected by the TFTs and/or the signal lines disposed on the base member110and travels to the outside again. For example, the antireflection layer can include a circular polarization layer (or a circular polarizing film). The barrier layer can include a material (for example, a polymer material) having a low water penetration rate, and thus, can prevent the penetration of water or oxygen from the outside. The touch sensing layer can include a touch electrode layer based on a mutual capacitance type or a self-capacitance type, and thus, can output touch data corresponding a user touch through the touch electrode layer. The light path control layer can include a structure where a high refraction layer and a low refraction layer are alternately stacked or formed, and thus, can change a path of light incident from each pixel P to minimize a color shift phenomenon based on a viewing angle.

The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be provided to cover the display part130. The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be attached on the display part130by an adhesive member140. The adhesive member140can be provided on the base member110to surround the display part130. A first surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be coupled to (or attached on) the adhesive member140, or can be directly coupled to (or attached on) the adhesive member140. Accordingly, the display part130can be surrounded by the base member110and the adhesive member140, and thus, can be buried or embedded between the base member110and the adhesive member140. For example, a second surface150a, which is opposite to or different from the first surface, of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be a rear surface of the display apparatus or a rear surface (or a backside) of the display panel100.

The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can dissipate heat which occurs in the display panel100. The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can protect the display part130or the display panel100from an external impact and can prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into the light emitting device layer134. The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can compensate for the stiffness of the display panel100. For example, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be a first driving electrode, a first electrode, a plate, a conductive plate, a conductive plate member, a heat dissipation member, a heat dissipation plate, a conductive substrate, a heat dissipation substrate, an encapsulation substrate, an encapsulation plate, a stiff plate, a second substrate, a rear substrate, a rear member, a rear plate, an internal substrate, or an internal plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can include a conductive material or a metal material. For example, the plate member150can include one or more materials of an alloy of Fe and Ni, stainless steel, aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), a Mg alloy, a Mg—Li alloy, and an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The adhesive member140can be disposed between the display part130and the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and can bond or attach the plate member150to the display part130. For example, the adhesive member140can be a filler. For example, the adhesive member140can include a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or an optically clear resin (OCR), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive member140can further include a vibration transfer medium. For example, the vibration transfer medium can reduce the loss of a vibration transferred to the base member110. For example, the vibration transfer medium can include a piezoelectric material which is included in or added to the adhesive member140, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display apparatus or the vibration generating apparatus200according to embodiments can further include an insulation layer220.

The insulation layer220can be provided on the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, the insulation layer220can be provided on the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). The insulation layer220can be provided in at least a portion of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). The insulation layer220can be disposed at the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230of the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the insulation layer220can be provided to surround the periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230at the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230of the vibration generating apparatus200can be provided not to overlap the insulation layer220.

The insulation layer220can be disposed at the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) to surround a periphery of the first vibration layer210-1corresponding (or adjacent) to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) among the plurality of vibration layers210. For example, the insulation layer220can be disposed at a portion or all of the other portion, except a disposition region of the first vibration layer210-1, of the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate).

The insulation layer220can be formed to have a thickness which is the same as or different from that of the first vibration layer210-1. For example, the insulation layer220can be formed to have the same thickness as that of the first vibration layer210-1. The insulation layer220can cover the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate), and thus, can prevent the occurrence of an electrical connection (or short circuit) with the plurality of electrode layers230on the plate member150. The insulation layer220can include an organic material or an inorganic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration generating apparatus200can be configured to vibrate the display panel100. The vibration generating apparatus200can be directly provided in the display panel100, or can be directly connected with a rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can be integrated into the display panel100. For example, the display panel100can be a display panel provided as one body with a vibration apparatus.

The vibration generating apparatus200can include the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100. The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100can be used as an electrode of the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can be a vibration device, a vibration apparatus, a vibrator, a vibration generator, an active vibration member, a displacement device, a displacement apparatus, a sound generating device, a sound generator, a sound generating apparatus, a speaker, or a piezoelectric speaker, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The vibration generating apparatus200can alternately repeat contraction and/or expansion based on a piezoelectric effect to vibrate in a thickness direction Z, and thus, can vibrate the display panel100. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can alternately and repeatedly contract and/or expand based on an inverse piezoelectric effect to vibrate in a thickness direction Z, and thus, can directly vibrate the display panel100.

The vibration generating apparatus can include a plate member150(or a conductive substrate), a plurality of vibration layers210, and a plurality of electrode layers230.

The plurality of vibration layers210can include a first vibration layer210-1, a second vibration layer210-2, and a third vibration layer210-3. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can include two or more layers, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Further, the plurality of electrode layers230can include a first electrode layer230-1, a second electrode layer230-2, and a third electrode layer230-3. The plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to be equal to the number of electrode layers230and the number of vibration layers21and the number of electrode layers23can each be provided as two or more, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plate member150(or the conductive substrate), the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed. For example, the first vibration layer210-1of the plurality of vibration layers210can be disposed at the second surface150aof the plate member150, and the first electrode layer230-1of the plurality of electrode layers230can be disposed at a second surface210aof the first vibration layer210-1. For example, the first vibration layer210-1and the first electrode layer230-1can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the first vibration layer210-1can be disposed between the first electrode layer230-1and the plate member150. Further, the second vibration layer210-2of the plurality of vibration layers210can be disposed at a second surface230aof the first electrode layer230-1, and the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230can be disposed at a second surface210aof the second vibration layer210-2. For example, the second vibration layer210-2and the second electrode layer230-2can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the first electrode layer230-1can be disposed between the first vibration layer210-1and the second vibration layer210-2. Further, the second vibration layer210-2can be disposed between the first electrode layer230-1and the second electrode layer230-2. Further, the third vibration layer210-3of the plurality of vibration layers210can be disposed at a second surface230aof the second electrode layer230-2, and the third electrode layer230-3of the plurality of electrode layers230can be disposed at a second surface210aof the third vibration layer210-3. For example, the third vibration layer210-3and the third electrode layer230-3can be configured to correspond (adjacent) to each other. Further, the second electrode layer230-2can be disposed between the second vibration layer210-2and the third vibration layer210-3. Further, the third vibration layer210-3can be disposed between the second electrode layer230-2and the third electrode layer230-3. Accordingly, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed.

The plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100can be configured as a driving electrode which drives (or vibrates) the plurality of vibration layers210along with the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be a first driving electrode to which a first vibration driving signal is applied. For example, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be a first driving electrode, a first electrode, a conductive plate, a metal electrode, an electrode member, an electrode plate, a lower electrode, a lower electrode plate, a common electrode member, or a common electrode.

The plurality of vibration layers210can be provided at a first surface or a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface, of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided at the second surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, a vibration layer210adjacent to the plate member150among the plurality of vibration layers210can be directly formed at or directly coupled to (or connected to) the second surface of the plate member150. The other vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210can be stacked or formed on the second surface of the plate member150.

At least some of the plurality of electrode layers230can be a first driving electrode to which a first vibration driving signal is applied along with the plate member150. Further, the other some of the plurality of electrode layers230can be a second driving electrode to which a second vibration driving signal is applied. For example, the first driving signal and the second driving signal can be signals having different polarities, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of vibration layers210. For example, the plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to be equal to the number of vibration layers210. Each of the plurality of electrode layers230can be provided at or coupled to (or connected to) the second surface21aof a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer210. For example, the plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of vibration layers210in a one-to-one relationship. At least one of the plurality of electrode layers230can be between adjacent vibration layers210. For example, the other electrode layers230, except an electrode layer of an uppermost layer, of the plurality of electrode layers230can be disposed between adjacent vibration layers210. Therefore, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can vibrate based on a vibration driving signal (or a voltage or a signal) applied to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can vibrate based on a first vibration driving signal (or a first voltage or a first signal) applied to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100and some of the plurality of electrode layers230and a second vibration driving signal (or a second voltage or a second signal) applied to the other some of the plurality of electrode layers230. The plurality of electrode layers230can have the same size as that of the plurality of vibration layers210, or can have a size which is less than that of the plurality of vibration layers210. Each of the plurality of electrode layers230can be disposed at a center portion of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer210. For example, the plurality of electrode layers230can have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of electrode layers230can each be an electrode layer, an upper electrode, an upper electrode layer, a middle electrode, a middle electrode layer, a first driving electrode, a second driving electrode, an individual electrode, an individual electrode layer, a patterned electrode, or a patterned electrode layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

To prevent an electrical connection (or short circuit) between the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the plurality of electrode layers230, each of the plurality of electrode layers230can be formed at the other portion, except a periphery portion of the second surface210a, of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210. For example, each of the plurality of electrode layers230can be formed at all of the other second surface, except a periphery portion, of a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210. For example, a distance between a lateral surface (or an outer wall) of each of the plurality of electrode layers230and a lateral surface (or an outer wall) of each of the plurality of vibration layers210can be at least 0.5 mm or more. For example, the distance between the lateral surface of each of the plurality of electrode layers230and the lateral surface of each of the plurality of vibration layers210can be at least 1 mm or more, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210can include a piezoelectric material or an electroactive material having a piezoelectric effect. For example, the piezoelectric material can have a characteristic where pressure or twisting is applied to a crystalline structure by an external force, a potential difference occurs due to dielectric polarization caused by a relative position change of a positive (+) ion and a negative (−) ion, and a vibration is generated by an electric field based on a voltage applied thereto. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can be a piezoelectric layer, a piezoelectric material layer, an electro active layer, a piezoelectric material portion, an electro active portion, a piezoelectric structure, piezoelectric ceramic, a vibration portion, a vibration generating portion, a displacement portion, a displacement generating portion, a sound generating portion, or an active vibration portion, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210can include a ceramic-based material capable of implementing a relatively high vibration, or can include piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-based crystalline structure.

The piezoelectric ceramic can include single crystalline ceramic having a single crystalline structure, or can include polycrystalline ceramic or a ceramic material having a polycrystalline structure. A piezoelectric material of the single crystalline ceramic can include α-AlPO4, α-SiO2, LiNbO3, Tb2(MoO4)3, LizB4O7, or ZnO, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The piezoelectric material of the single crystalline ceramic can include a lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-based material including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti) or can include a lead zirconate nickel niobate (PZNN)-based material including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can include one or more of CaTiO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3without Pb, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers230can include a transparent conductive material, a semitransparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material or the semitransparent conductive material of each of the plurality of electrode layers230can include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The opaque conductive material of each of the plurality of electrode layers230can include gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), molybdenum (Mo), magnesium (Mg), carbon, or glass frit-containing Ag, or can include an alloy thereof, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of electrode layers230can include Ag having low resistivity, so as to enhance an electrical characteristic and/or a vibration characteristic of the plurality of vibration layers210. For example, the carbon can be carbon black, ketjen black, carbon nano tube, or a carbon material including graphite, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In the plurality of electrode layers230including Ag including the glass frit, a content of glass frit can be 1 wt % to 12 wt %, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The glass frit can include a PbO or Bi2O3-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Accordingly, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between the plurality of electrode layers230and the plurality of vibration layers210can increase based on the glass frit. For example, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between a first surface of each of the plurality of electrode layers230and a second surface210aof a corresponding (or adjacent) vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210can increase based on the glass frit.

The plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be provided on the second surface150aof the plate member150through a process before a coupling process between the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the display part130. A first surface of a vibration layer210adjacent to the plate member150among the plurality of vibration layers210can be coupled to or contact the second surface150aof the plate member150. Further, the plurality of electrode layers230and the plurality of vibration layers210can be alternately provided on the vibration layer210coupled to the plate member150. For example, a first surface of the first vibration layer210-1of the plurality of vibration layers210can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact the second surface150aof the plate member150. Further, a second surface210aof the first vibration layer210-1can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact a first surface of the first electrode layer230-1of the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a first surface of the second vibration layer210-2of the plurality of vibration layers210can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact the second surface230aof the first electrode layer230-1. Further, a second surface210aof the second vibration layer210-2can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact a first surface of the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a first surface of the third vibration layer210-3of the plurality of vibration layers210can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact the second surface230aof the second electrode layer230-2. Further, a second surface210aof the third vibration layer210-3can be electrically coupled to or electrically contact a first surface of the third electrode layer230-3of the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, when the number of vibration layers210is four or more or the number of electrode layers230is four or more, four or more vibration layers210and electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed by repeating the above-described process.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the non-tetragonal shape can include one or more of one or more lines and one or more curves having a curvature, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be configured or implemented to be alternately stacked or formed on the second surface150aof the plate member150by a tape casting scheme. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed on the second surface150aof the plate member150by a tape casting process (or scheme) by a piezoelectric material and a conductive material on the plate member150.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be formed (or manufactured) through a step of preparing a metal paste and a slurry including a piezoelectric powder (or a ceramic powder) and additives, a step of coating (or tape casting or forming) the slurry on the second surface of the plate member150, a step of drying (or curing) the coated (or formed) slurry, a step of coating (or tape casting or forming) the metal paste on a second surface of the cured slurry, a step of drying (or curing) the coated (or formed) metal paste, a step of alternately and repeatedly coating (or forming) and drying (or curing) the slurry and the metal paste, and a step of molding (or sintering) the alternately stacked (or formed) slurry and metal paste at least once. For example, the additives added to the slurry can include a material or substance of the piezoelectric material composition field, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Further, the additives of the slurry can include one or more of a dispersant, a solvent, a binder, and a plasticizer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Further, the additives added to the metal paste can include a material or substance of the electrode material composition field, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the metal paste can be Ag, Au, Cu, and Ag/Cu, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the additives of the metal paste can be sintered simultaneously with piezoelectric ceramic and can include a binder for reinforcing an adhesive force with ceramic, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to embodiments, the binder can include a high temperature binder. For example, the binder can include a glass frit. The binder can remain in a particle state on the second surface of the plate member150and/or the second surface of the cured metal paste in drying the slurry. The binder can be changed to a liquid state when a piezoelectric particle (or a ceramic particle) grows at a molding (or sintering) temperature of the slurry, can move to an interface between the plate member150and/or the cured metal paste and a piezoelectric, and can be coagulated as a molding temperature is reduced, thereby increasing a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between the plate member150and/or the cured metal paste and the piezoelectric. For example, a content of glass frit can be 1 wt % to 12 wt %, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The glass frit can include a PbO or Bi2O3-based material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the metal paste can be a middle electrode or an upper electrode of the piezoelectric, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be configured by the tape casting scheme, and thus, may not be limited to a specific shape and can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of vibration layers210can overlap the display part130of the display panel100. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can have a size corresponding to the display part130of the display panel100. For example, a size of the plurality of vibration layers210can be less than or equal to that of the display part130. For example, a size of the plurality of vibration layers210can be 0.9 to 1.1 times a size of the display part130, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a size of the plurality of vibration layers210can be equal to or almost equal to that of the display part130of the display panel100, and thus, can cover a large region of the display panel100and a vibration generated by the plurality of vibration layers210can vibrate an entire region of the display panel100, thereby enhancing satisfaction of a user and increasing a sense of localization of a sound. Further, a contact area (or a panel coverage) between the display panel100and the vibration generating apparatus200can increase, and thus, a vibration region of the display panel100can increase, thereby enhancing a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the display panel100.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210can be polarized (or poling) by a certain voltage applied from the outside to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers230in a certain temperature atmosphere or a temperature atmosphere which is changed from a high temperature to a room temperature, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can alternately and repeatedly contract and/or expand based on an inverse piezoelectric effect based on a first vibration driving signal and a second vibration driving signal applied from the outside to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers230, and thus, can vibrate. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can vibrate based on a vertical-direction vibration and/or a horizontal-direction (or a direction parallel to a plane) vibration according to the first vibration driving signal and the second vibration driving signal applied to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode of the plurality of electrode layers230. Accordingly, a displacement of the vibration generating apparatus200or the display panel100can be increased or enhanced based on the contraction and/or expansion of the plurality of vibration layers210in a horizontal direction (or a direction parallel to a plane).

The display panel or the vibration generating apparatus200can further include a protection layer240.

The protection layer240can be configured to protect the vibration generating apparatus200. The protection layer240can be configured to protect the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the protection layer240can be configured to protect the third electrode layer230-3of an uppermost layer of the plurality of electrode layers230. The protection layer240can be configured to protect the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer230-3. For example, the protection layer240can be configured to surround or cover the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the protection layer240can include an inorganic material or an organic material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The protection layer240can include a cover member260and an adhesive layer250.

The cover member260can be provided to protect the vibration generating apparatus200. The cover member260can be provided to protect the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the cover member260can be configured to surround or cover the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the cover member260can be a cover film, a cover layer, a protection member, or a protection layer, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the cover member260can be a polyimide (PI) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, or a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The cover member260can be connected with or coupled to a second surface230aof the third electrode layer230-3of an uppermost layer of the plurality of electrode layers230by an adhesive layer250. For example, the cover member260can be connected with or coupled to the third electrode layer230-3by a film laminating process by the adhesive layer250. For example, the cover member260can be connected with or coupled to the insulation layer220, the third electrode layer230-3, and the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer230-3.

The adhesive layer250can be disposed between the third electrode layer230-3and the cover member260. For example, the adhesive layer250can be provided or disposed between the insulation layer220and the cover member260to cover or surround the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the adhesive layer250can be provided or filled between the insulation layer220and the cover member260to fully surround the second surface230aof the third electrode layer230-3and the lateral surfaces of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230, which are stacked or formed under the third electrode layer230-3. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be buried or embedded between the plate member150(or the conductive substrate), and the insulation layer220and the adhesive layer250.

The adhesive layer250can include an electrical insulating material which has adhesive properties and is capable of compression and decompression. For example, the adhesive layer250can include epoxy-based resin, acrylic-based resin, silicone-based resin, or urethane-based resin, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In the vibration generating apparatus200, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100can be used as a first driving electrode, and thus, one electrode can be omitted and a thickness can be slimmed by a thickness of one omitted electrode, thereby decreasing a thickness of a display apparatus.

The display apparatus can further include a supporting member300which is disposed at a rear surface of the display member100(or the plate member150).

The supporting member300can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the supporting member300can cover the rear surface of the display panel100and the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the supporting member300can be provided to surround a lateral surface and the rear surface of the display panel100.

The supporting member300can cover the entire rear surface of the display panel100with a gap space GS therebetween. The supporting member300can be spaced apart from a rearmost surface of the display panel100with the gap space GS therebetween, or can be spaced apart from the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the gap space GS can be referred to as an air gap, a vibration space, and a sound sounding box, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms.

The supporting member300can include one or more of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material. Fox example, the supporting member300can be a rear structure, a set structure, a supporting structure, a supporting cover, a back cover, a cover bottom, a rear member, a case, or a housing, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms. For example, the supporting member300can be implemented as an arbitrary type frame or a plate structure disposed on the rear surface of the display member100.

The supporting member300can include a first supporting member310and a second supporting member330.

The first supporting member310can be disposed between the display panel100and the second supporting member330. For example, the first supporting member310can be disposed between a rear edge (or a rear periphery) of the display panel100and a front edge portion (or a front periphery portion) of the second supporting member330. The first supporting member310can support one or more of an edge portion (or a periphery portion) of the display panel100and an edge portion (or a periphery portion) of the second supporting member330. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first supporting member310can cover the rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the first supporting member310can cover the entire rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the first supporting member310can be a member which covers the entire rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the first supporting member310can include one or more materials of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material. For example, the first supporting member310can be an inner plate, a first rear structure, a first supporting structure, a first supporting cover, a first back cover, a first rear member, an internal plate, or an internal cover, but the terms are not limited thereto. For example, the first supporting member310can be omitted.

The first supporting member310can be spaced apart from the rearmost surface of the display member100with the gap space GS therebetween, or can be spaced apart from the vibration generating apparatus200.

The second supporting member330can be disposed on a rear surface of the first supporting member310. The second supporting member330can be a member which covers the entire rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the first supporting member310can be disposed between the rear surface of the display panel100and a front surface of the second supporting member330. For example, the second supporting member330can include one or more of a glass material, a metal material, and a plastic material. For example, the second supporting member330can be an outer plate, a rear plate, a back plate, a back cover, a rear cover, a second rear structure, a second supporting structure, a second supporting cover, a second back cover, a second rear member, an external plate, or an external cover, but the terms are not limited thereto.

The supporting member300can further include a connection member350(or a coupling member).

The connection member350can be disposed between the first supporting member310and the second supporting member330. For example, the first supporting member310and the second supporting member330can be coupled to or connected with each other by the connection member350. For example, the connection member350can be an adhesive, an adhesive resin, a double-sided tape, a double-sided foam tape, a double-sided foam pad, or a double-sided adhesive foam pad, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the connection member350can have elasticity for absorbing an impact, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the connection member350can be disposed in an entire region between the first supporting member310and the second supporting member350. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection member350can be formed in a mesh structure having an air gap between the first supporting member310and the second supporting member330.

The display apparatus can further include a middle frame400.

The middle frame400can be disposed between a rear periphery of the display panel100and a front periphery portion of the supporting member300. The middle frame400can support one or more of a rear periphery portion of the display panel100and a front periphery portion of the supporting member300. The middle frame400can surround one or more of lateral surfaces of each of the display panel100and the supporting member300. The middle frame400can provide the air space GS between the display panel100and the supporting member300. The middle frame400can be referred to as a middle cabinet, a middle cover, a middle chassis, a connection member, a frame, a frame member, or a lateral cover member, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms.

The middle frame400can include a first supporting part410and a second supporting part430. For example, the second supporting part430can be a sidewall part, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms.

The first supporting part410can be disposed between the rear edge (or the rear periphery) of the display panel100and the front edge (or the front periphery) of the supporting member300, and thus, can provide a gap space GS between the display panel100and the supporting member300. A front surface of the first supporting part410can be coupled to or connected with the rear edge portion (or the rear periphery portion) of the display panel100by a first connection member401. A rear surface of the first supporting part410can be coupled to the front edge (or the front periphery) of the supporting member300by a second connection member403. For example, the first supporting part410can have a single tetragonal picture frame structure, or can include a picture frame structure having a plurality of division bar shapes, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second supporting part430can be arranged in parallel with the thickness direction Z of the display apparatus or the display panel100. For example, the second supporting part430can be vertically coupled to (or connected to) an outer surface of the first supporting part410in parallel with the thickness direction Z of the display panel100. The second supporting part430can surround one or more of an outer surface of the display panel100and an outer surface of the supporting member300, thereby protecting the outer surface of each of the display panel100and the supporting member300. The first supporting part410can protrude from an inner surface of the second supporting part430to the gap space GS between the display panel100and the supporting member300.

The display apparatus, as illustrated inFIG.25, can include a panel connection member (or a connection member)450instead of the middle frame400.

Referring toFIG.25, the panel connection member450can be disposed between the rear periphery portion of the display member100and the front periphery portion of the supporting member300, and thus, can provide a gap space GS between the display member100and the supporting member300. The panel connection member450can be disposed between the rear periphery portion of the display member100and the front periphery portion of the supporting member300, and thus, can be attached on (or coupled to) the display member100on the supporting member300. For example, the panel connection member450can be implemented with a double-sided tape, a single-sided tape, or a double-sided foam tape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, an adhesive layer of the panel connection member450can include epoxy-based adhesive material, acryl-based adhesive material, silicone-based adhesive material, or urethane-based adhesive material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, to minimize the transfer of a vibration of the display member100to the supporting member300, the adhesive layer of the panel connection member450can include a urethane-based material, having a relatively ductile characteristic, compared to acryl-based material. Accordingly, a vibration loss of the display panel100caused by a vibration transferred to the supporting member300from the display panel100can be minimized.

In the display apparatus, in a case where the panel connection member450is provided instead of the middle frame400, the supporting member300can include a bending sidewall which is bent from one side (or an end or one portion) of the second supporting member330to surround one or more of outer surfaces (or outer sidewalls) of the display panel100. The bending sidewall can have a single sidewall structure or a hemming structure. The hemming structure can be a structure where an end portion of an arbitrary member is bent in a curved shape and overlaps or is spaced apart from another portion in parallel. For example, to enhance a sense of beauty of a lateral surface in design, the bending sidewall can include a first bending sidewall which is bent from one side (or an end or one portion) of the second supporting member330and a second bending sidewall which is bent from the first bending sidewall to a region between the first bending sidewall and an outer surface of the display member100. The second bending sidewall can contact an inner surface of the first bending sidewall, or can be spaced apart from an inner surface of the first bending sidewall. Accordingly, the second bending sidewall can prevent that the outer surface of the display member100contacts the inner surface of the first bending sidewall. And/or, the second bending sidewall may reduce or prevent that an external impact in a lateral direction is transferred to the outer surface of the display member100.

The display apparatus can generate a vibration sound and/or a sound from a vibration of the display panel100based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus200provided on the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100, and thus, can output a sound in a forward direction FD of the display panel100. Further, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100can protect the display part130from an external impact and can be used as an electrode of the vibration generating apparatus200, and thus, the display apparatus can be reduced in thickness or slimmed based on a reduction in thickness of the vibration generating apparatus200. Accordingly, the display apparatus can output a sound in the forward direction FD of the display panel100and can be slimmed.

FIG.26illustrates a rear surface of a display panel and a vibration generating apparatus, in a display apparatus according to embodiments.FIG.27is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ inFIG.26.

Referring toFIGS.26and27, the display apparatus can further include a panel driving circuit170and a signal cable500.

The panel driving circuit170can be electrically connected with a display panel100. The panel driving circuit170can be disposed at a rear surface of the display panel100and can be electrically connected with a pad part138provided in the display panel100.

The pad part138can be disposed at one side (or one portion) of the display panel100. For example, the pad part138can be disposed at one periphery portion of the display panel100. For example, the pad part138can include a plurality of pads138pwhich are electrically connected with signal lines provided in the display panel100.

The panel driving circuit170can include a plurality of flexible films171, a plurality of data driving ICs173, and one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs)175.

Each of the plurality of flexible films171can be attached on the pad part138of the display panel100by a film attachment process. Each of the plurality of flexible films171can be attached on a rear surface of the display panel100.

Each of the plurality of data driving ICs173can be individually mounted on a corresponding flexible film171of each of the plurality of flexible films171. Each of the plurality of data driving ICs173can receive pixel data and a timing control signal supplied from a display control circuit, convert the pixel data into an analog pixel-based data signal according to the timing control signal, and output the data signal. The pixel-based data signal can be supplied to a data line of the display part130through the flexible film171and the pad part138.

The one or more PCBs175can be connected with the plurality of flexible films171and can be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel100. For example, the one or more PCBs175can be disposed to overlap one rear periphery portion of the display panel100, or can be disposed to overlap a plate member150(or a conductive substrate). The one or more PCBs175can be configured to transfer a signal and power between the elements of the panel driving circuit170. For example, the one or more PCBs175can be connected with (or attached on) a second surface (or a rear surface)150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) by a buffer member180. The buffer member180can include a material which prevents or minimizes the transfer of a vibration of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) to the PCB175, and thus, a noise caused by a vibration of the PCB175transferred from the plate member150. For example, the buffer member180can be a double-sided tape or a double-sided cushion tape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The display apparatus or the vibration generating apparatus200according to embodiments can further include at least one contact patterns270aand270b. For example, the at least one contact patterns270aand270bcan include a first contact pattern270aand a second contact pattern270b.

The first contact pattern270acan be connected with or coupled to the plate member150of the vibration generating apparatus200and some of the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the first contact pattern270acan be connected or coupled to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230. The first contact pattern270acan be configured so that the plate member150and the second electrode layer230-2are electrically connected with (or contact) each other. Further, the first contact pattern270acan be supplied with the first driving signal from the outside and can apply or transfer the first driving signal to the plate member150and the second electrode layer230-2. The first contact pattern270acan extend from the plate member150and the plurality of electrode layers230and can be exposed at the outside. For example, the first contact pattern270aconnected with the plate member150can extend or protrude from a portion of the plate member150. For example, the first contact pattern270aconnected with the plate member150can be exposed at the outside through a removed portion of a portion of the insulation layer220. Further, the first contact pattern270aconnected with the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230can extend or protrude from a portion of the second electrode layer230-2. For example, the first contact pattern270aconnected with the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230can extend from a portion of the second electrode layer230-2to the second vibration layer210-2and can be exposed at the outside. One end (or one side or one portion) of the first contact pattern270acan be connected with each of the plate member150and the second electrode layer230-2, and the other end (or the other side or the other portion) of the first contact pattern270acan extend to or be disposed on the insulation layer220from a lateral surface of the plurality of vibration layers230.

The second contact pattern270bcan be connected with or coupled to the other some of the plurality of electrode layers230of the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the second contact pattern270bcan be connected or coupled to the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3of the plurality of electrode layers230. The second contact pattern270bcan be configured so that the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3are electrically connected with (or contact) each other.

Also, the second contact pattern270bmay be supplied with the second driving signal from the outside and can apply or transfer the second driving signal to the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3. The second contact pattern270bcan extend from the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3and can be exposed at the outside. For example, the second contact pattern270bconnected with the first electrode layer230-1can extend or protrude from a portion of the first electrode layer230-1. For example, the second contact pattern270bconnected with the first electrode layer230-1can extend from a portion of the first electrode layer230-1to the first vibration layer210-1and can be exposed at the outside. Further, the second contact pattern270bconnected with the third electrode layer230-3can extend or protrude from a portion of the third electrode layer230-3. For example, the second contact pattern270bconnected with the third electrode layer230-3can extend from a portion of the third electrode layer230-3to the third vibration layer210-3and can be exposed at the outside. One end (or one side or one portion) of the second contact pattern270bcan be connected with each of the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3, and the other end (or the other side or the other portion) of the second contact pattern270bcan extend to or be disposed on the insulation layer220from the lateral surface of the plurality of vibration layers230.

The signal cable500can be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel100so as to be electrically connected with the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the signal cable500can be configured to be electrically connected with the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100and the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the signal cable500can be configured to be electrically connected with the plate member150of the vibration generating apparatus200and the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the signal cable500can be configured to be electrically connected with the first contact pattern270a(or a first driving electrode) connected with the plate member150and some of the plurality of electrode layers230and the second contact pattern270b(or a second driving electrode) connected with the other some of the plurality of electrode layers230. Also, the second contact pattern270bcan be connected with or coupled to the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3of the plurality of electrode layers230. For example, the first contact pattern27aand the second contact pattern27bmay not overlap each other. Further, the first contact pattern27aand the second contact pattern27bmay not be connected with each other.

The signal cable500can be provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, a portion of the signal cable500can be inserted (or accommodated) into the adhesive layer250between the plate member150and the cover member260, and thus, can be provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. Accordingly, the vibration generating apparatus200can vibrate based on signals applied from the plate member150and the signal cable500.

The signal cable500according to embodiments can include a line part510, a first contact line511, a second contact line513, and a terminal part530.

The line part510can be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel100. A portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be inserted (or accommodated) into the vibration generating apparatus200, or can be provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be covered by the cover member260of the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the portion or one periphery portion of the line part510can be inserted (or accommodated) into the adhesive layer250of the vibration generating apparatus200, and thus, can be fixed to the vibration generating apparatus200or can be provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration generating apparatus200and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500can be minimized.

The line part510can include a base film, a line layer including first and second signal lines formed at the base film, and an insulation layer covering the line layer.

A first contact line511can be configured to be electrically connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern270a(or the first driving electrode) connected with some of the plurality of electrode layers230and the plate member150of the vibration generating apparatus200. For example, the first contact line511can be a portion of the first signal line exposed at one periphery portion of the line part510, or can be a first finger line (or a first protrusion signal line) which extends (or protrudes) to have a certain length from the first signal line of the line part510. The first contact line511can be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern270aof the vibration generating apparatus200. Alternatively, the first contact line511can be electrically connected with (or contact) the first contact pattern270aof the vibration generating apparatus200by a conductive double-sided tape or an anisotropic conductive film. The first contact line511can be covered by the cover member260of the vibration generating apparatus200, and thus, can be fixed to or provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration generating apparatus200and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500which is caused by a manufacturing process attaching the line part510to the first and second contact patterns270aand270bcan be minimized.

The vibration generating apparatus200can use the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100as an electrode, and thus, a contact portion (or a contact region) between the first contact line511and the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) is not limited to a specific position of the second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, the contact portion (or the contact region) between the first contact line511and the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) can be adjacent to the plurality of vibration layers210or the second contact pattern270bof the vibration generating apparatus200, and thus, a length of the signal cable500can be reduced or minimized.

A second contact line513can be configured to be electrically connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern270b(or the second driving electrode) connected with the other some of the plurality of electrode layers230of the vibration generating apparatus200. The second contact line513can be a portion of the second signal line exposed at one periphery portion of the line part510, or can be a second finger line (or a second protrusion signal line) which extends (or protrudes) to have a certain length from the second signal line of the line part510. The second contact line513can be electrically connected with (or contact) or electrically and directly connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern270bof the vibration generating apparatus200. Alternatively, the second contact line513can be electrically connected with (or contact) the second contact pattern270bof the vibration generating apparatus200by a conductive double-sided tape or an anisotropic conductive film. The second contact line513can be covered by the cover member260of the vibration generating apparatus200, and thus, can be fixed to or provided as one body with the vibration generating apparatus200. Accordingly, a connection defect between the vibration generating apparatus200and the signal cable500caused by the movement or bending of the signal cable500which is caused by a manufacturing process attaching the line part510to the first and second contact patterns270aand270bcan be minimized.

The terminal part530can be provided at the other periphery portion of the line part510. The terminal part530can be provided to expose a portion of each of the first and second signal lines disposed at the other periphery portion of the line part510. For example, the terminal part530can be electrically connected with a vibration driving signal (or a sound processing circuit), or can include a connector which is electrically connected with the vibration driving signal (or the sound processing circuit).

The signal cable500can be electrically coupled to the first contact pattern270aand the second contact pattern270b, and thus, can apply or transfer the first and second vibration driving signals, supplied from the vibration driving signal (or the sound processing circuit), to the first contact pattern270aand the second contact pattern270bof the vibration generating apparatus200through the terminal part530. For example, the first vibration driving signal can be applied or transferred to the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the second electrode layer230-2of the plurality of electrode layers230through the first contact pattern270a. Further, the second vibration driving signal can be applied or transferred to the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3of the plurality of electrode layers230through the second contact pattern270b.

The vibration generating apparatus200according to embodiments can vibrate based on first and second vibration driving signals (or sound signals) applied to, through the signal cable500, the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and the second electrode layer230-2connected with the plurality of first contact patterns270aand the first electrode layer230-1and the third electrode layer230-3connected with the plurality of second contact patterns270b, and thus, can vibrate the plate member150or the display panel100.

FIG.28illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.29is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ inFIG.28.FIGS.28and29illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.22to27. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.22to27, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIGS.28and29, a vibration generating apparatus200can include a plurality of vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided in a first region A1of a display panel100. For example, the first region A1of the display panel100can be a first rear region, a left region, a left region of a rear surface of the display panel100, or a rear left region. The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided to have a square shape in the first region A1of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Except for that the first vibration generating apparatus200-1is provided in the first region A1of the display panel100, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be configured to be equal to the vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.22to27. For example, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can use a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) of the display panel100as an electrode (or a first driving electrode) and can include a plurality of vibration layers210coupled to (or provided at) a portion of a first region A1of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate), a plurality of electrode layers230respectively coupled to the plurality of vibration layers210, and a cover member260covering the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can vibrate based on a signal applied through the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and a signal cable (or a first signal cable)500, and thus, can vibrate the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can vibrate based on first and second vibration driving signals (or sound signals) applied to a first contact pattern270aand a second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the plate member150or the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, the plate member150or the first region A1of the display panel100can vibrate based on a vibration of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1to generate a first sound (or a first haptic feedback) or a left or right sound (or a left or right haptic feedback), and thus, the first sound (or the left sound) can be output in a forward direction of the display panel100.

The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided in a second region A2of a display panel100. For example, the second region A2of the display panel100can be a second rear region, a right region, a right region of a rear surface of the display panel100, or a rear right region. The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to have a square shape in the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Except for that the second vibration generating apparatus200-2is provided in the second region A2of the display panel100, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be configured to be equivalent to the vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.22to27. For example, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can use a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) of the display panel100as an electrode (or a first driving electrode) and can include a plurality of vibration layers210coupled to (or provided at) a portion of a second region A2of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate), a plurality of electrode layers230respectively coupled to (or connected to) the plurality of vibration layers210, and a cover member260covering the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can vibrate based on a signal applied through the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) and a signal cable (or a second signal cable)500, and thus, can vibrate the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can vibrate based on first and second vibration driving signals (or sound signals) applied to a first contact pattern270aand a second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the plate member150or the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the plate member150or the second region A2of the display panel100can vibrate based on a vibration of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2to generate a second sound (or a second haptic feedback) or a left or right sound (or a left or right haptic feedback), and thus, the second sound (or the right sound) can be output in a forward direction of the display panel100.

The plate member150of the display panel100can be used as a driving electrode of each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2and can be supplied with the first vibration driving signal through a first signal line of the signal cable500connected with each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. For example, the first vibration driving signal can be a first sound signal, a common sound signal, a lower electrode signal, a common electrode signal, or a negative vibration signal.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and a second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

The display apparatus can further include a partition600which divides the first region A1and a second region A2of the display panel100.

The partition600can be an air gap or a space where a sound is generated when the display panel100is vibrated by the first and second vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2. For example, the partition600can separate a sound or can separate a channel, and moreover, can prevent or decrease a reduction in characteristic of a sound caused by interference of the sound. The partition600can be disposed between the display panel100and a supporting member300. For example, the partition600can be disposed between a rear surface of the display panel100and a front surface of the supporting member300. To decrease an adverse effect of the partition600on the image quality of the display panel100, the partition600can be disposed in the supporting member300. The partition600can be referred to as a sound blocking member, a sound separation member, a space separation member, an enclosure, or a baffle, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms.

The partition600can include a partition member (or a first partition member)610disposed between the first and second vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2.

The partition member610can be disposed between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. The partition member610can be disposed between the first region A1and the second region A2of a rear surface of the display panel100. The partition member610can be disposed between the supporting member300and the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the partition member610can be disposed between the supporting member300and a rear surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. The partition member610can separate a first sound generated by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and a second sound generated by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. For example, the partition member610can prevent a vibration, generated in the first region A1of the display panel100by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, from being transferred to the second region A2of the display panel100, or can prevent a vibration, generated in the second region A2of the display panel100by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, from being transferred to the first region A1of the display panel100. Therefore, the partition member610can attenuate or absorb a vibration of the display panel100at a center of the display panel100, and thus, can prevent a sound of the first region A1from being transferred to the second region A2or can prevent a sound of the second region A2from being transferred to the first region A1. Accordingly, the partition member610can separate a left sound and a right sound to further enhance a sound output characteristic of the display apparatus, and thus, the display apparatus according to embodiments can output a 2-channel sound and/or a stereo sound, including a 2-channel, in a forward direction of the display panel100based on the separation of the left and right sounds by the partition member610.

The partition600can include a second partition member620surrounding the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and a third partition member630surrounding the second vibration generating apparatus200-2.

The second partition member620can be disposed between the first region A1of the display panel100and the supporting member300to surround the first vibration generating apparatus200-1. The second partition member620can be disposed between the first region A1of the display panel100and the supporting member300so as to be spaced apart from the first vibration generating apparatus200-1by a certain distance. The second partition member620can provide a first air gap AG1surrounding the first vibration generating apparatus200-1between the display panel100and the supporting member300. For example, the second partition member620can be disposed between the supporting member300and the first region A1of the plate member150corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, the second partition member620can define or limit a vibration region (or a vibration area) of the first region A1of the display panel100by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1.

The third partition member630can be disposed between the second region A2of the display panel100and the supporting member300to surround the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. The third partition member630can be disposed between the second region A2of the display panel100and the supporting member300so as to be spaced apart from the second vibration generating apparatus200-2by a certain distance. The third partition member630can provide a second air gap AG2surrounding the second vibration generating apparatus200-2between the display panel100and the supporting member300. For example, the third partition member630can be disposed between the supporting member300and the second region A2of the plate member150corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the third partition member630can define or limit a vibration region (or a vibration area) of the second region A2of the display panel100by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2.

The first air gap AG1and a second air gap AG2can each be a sound separation space, a sound blocking space, or a sound interference prevention space, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second and third partition members620and630can separate the first sound generated by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second sound generated by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. For example, the second and third partition members620and630can prevent a vibration, generated in the first region A1of the display panel100by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, from being transferred to the second region A2of the display panel100, or can prevent a vibration, generated in the second region A2of the display panel100by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, from being transferred to the first region A1of the display panel100. Therefore, the second and third partition members620and630can attenuate or absorb a vibration of the display panel100at a center of the display panel100, and thus, can prevent a sound of the first region A1from being transferred to the second region A2or can prevent a sound of the second region A2from being transferred to the first region A1. Accordingly, the second and third partition members620and630can separate a left sound and a right sound to further enhance a sound output characteristic of the display apparatus, and thus, the display apparatus can output a 2-channel sound and/or a stereo sound, including a 2-channel, in the forward direction of the display panel100based on the separation of the left and right sounds by the second and third partition members620and630.

The partition600, the partition member610, and the second and third partition members620and630can include a material having elasticity, which is capable of being compressed to certain degree, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Each of the partition600, the partition member610, and the second and third partition members620and630can include polyurethane or polyolefin, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Each of the partition600, the partition member610, and the second and third partition members620and630can include an adhesive, a single-sided adhesive, a double-sided adhesive, a single-sided tape, a single-sided foam tape, a double-sided tape, or a double-sided foam tape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, only one or two of the partition member610and the second and third partition members620and630can be provided. In this case, one or two of the partition member610and the second and third partition members620and630can be disposed between the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, and thus, can separate a left sound and a right sound.

Therefore, because a left sound and a right sound are separated from each other by one or more of the partition member610and the second and third partition members620and630, a sound output characteristic of the display apparatus can be further enhanced, and based on the separation of the left sound and the right sound, a stereo sound including a 2-channel and/or a 2-channel sound can be output in the forward direction of the display panel100.

The display apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.22to27can output a sound in a forward direction FD of the display panel100, and a thickness of the display apparatus can be reduced or slimmed. Further, the display apparatus can output a stereo sound including a 2-channel and/or a 2-channel sound in the forward direction of the display panel100, based on left and right separation vibrations of the display panel100based on vibrations of the first and second vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2.

FIGS.30to32illustrate a display apparatus according to another embodiment.FIGS.30to32illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28and29. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28and29, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.30avibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first region A1of the display panel100and is greater than half of the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, in the first region A1of the display panel100, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Therefore, a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a square shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second region A2of the display panel100and is greater than half of the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, in the second region A2of the display panel100, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Therefore, a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a square shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but are not limited thereto and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

Referring toFIG.31avibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a rectangular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the first region A1of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a rectangular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1. Therefore, a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a rectangular shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a rectangular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a rectangular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2. Therefore, a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a rectangular shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The plurality of vibration layers210of each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can have a rectangular shape which includes a long side parallel to a first direction X (for example, a horizontal length direction of the display panel100) and a short side parallel to a second direction Y (for example, a vertical length direction of the display panel100) intersecting with the first direction X.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but are not limited thereto and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

Referring toFIG.32, in the display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the first region A1of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1. Therefore, the plurality of vibration layers210can configure a vibration source (or a vibrator) having a circular shape, and thus, a vibration characteristic or a sound output characteristic can be enhanced and a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a circular shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2. Therefore, the plurality of vibration layers210can configure a vibration source (or a vibrator) having a circular shape, and thus, a vibration characteristic or a sound output characteristic can be enhanced and a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a circular shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but are not limited thereto and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.33illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.33illustrated an embodiment implemented by modifying the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.33a vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can include a plurality of vibrator blocks configured with a plurality of vibration layers210and a plurality of electrode layers230. Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can further include a cover member260. Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can use a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) of the display panel100as a driving electrode.

In each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, the plurality of vibrator blocks configured with the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be arranged at a second surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) of the display panel100to have a certain interval in a first direction X and a second direction Y. For example, the plurality of vibrator blocks can be provided in a lattice form having a certain interval in the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the plurality of vibrator blocks can be provided in an N*M form (where N and M can be the same or different natural numbers of 2 or more) having a certain interval in the first direction X and the second direction Y.

Each of the plurality of vibration layers210included in the plurality of vibrator blocks can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto (the shapes being of the vibration layers in planform or plan view). For example, one or more of the plurality of vibration layers210can have different shapes. In embodiments, each of the plurality of vibration layers210can have a square shape. In other embodiments, some of the plurality of vibration layers210can have a square shape, and the other vibration layers210can have a circular shape. In other embodiments, the plurality of vibrator blocks can be divided into first to third groups. A plurality of vibration layers210included in a vibrator block of the first group can have a square shape, a plurality of vibration layers210included in a vibrator block of the second group can have a rectangular shape, and a plurality of vibration layers210included in a vibrator block of the third group can have a circular shape. For example, when each of the first and second regions A1and A2of the display panel100includes a center region, a middle region, and a periphery region, the vibrator block of the first group can be provided in the center region, the vibrator block of the second group can be provided in the middle region, and the vibrator block of the third group can be provided in the periphery region, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, a shape of a plurality of vibration layers210included in a vibrator block provided in each of the center region, the middle region, and the periphery region can be changed based on a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a display apparatus.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers230included in the plurality of vibrator blocks can be configured to have the same shape as that of a corresponding vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of the plurality of vibrator blocks. Further, the cover member260can be provided to cover the insulation layer220, and the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230included in each of the plurality of vibrator blocks in common.

The signal cable500can include one or more first contact lines511and a plurality of second contact lines513.

The one or more first contact lines511can be configured to be electrically connected with the plate member150(or the conductive substrate). For example, the one or more first contact lines511can be electrically coupled to (or connected to) a second surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) exposed at the first region A1of the display panel100.

The signal cable500can include a plurality of first contact lines511. For example, the signal cable500can include two first contact lines511. The two first contact lines511can extend (or protrude) long from a line part510in the second direction Y and can be electrically coupled to (or connected to) the second surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) in a region between two vibrator blocks adjacent to each other in the first direction X, and thus, a uniform first vibration driving signal can be applied to each of the plurality of vibrator blocks. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more first contact lines511can include a plurality of first contact lines511. For example, the plurality of first contact lines511can be provided to be equal to the number of vibrator blocks and can be electrically coupled to (or connected to) each of the plurality of vibrator blocks. Each of the plurality of first contact lines511can extend (or protrude) long from the line part510in the second direction Y and can be electrically coupled to (or connected to) a corresponding vibrator block of the plurality of vibrator blocks.

The plurality of second contact lines513can be configured to be electrically connected with each of the plurality of vibrator blocks. Each of the plurality of second contact lines513can extend (or protrude) long from the line part510in the second direction Y and can be electrically coupled to (or connected to) a corresponding vibrator block of the plurality of vibrator blocks.

In each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, each of the plurality of vibrator blocks can identically vibrate or can independently (or individually) vibrate based on the same or different second vibration driving signals. For example, one or more of second vibration driving signals applied to the plurality of vibrator blocks can differ. Therefore, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can output a 2 or more-channel sound. For example, when all of the second vibration driving signals applied to the plurality of vibrator blocks differ, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can generate a sound of N*M (or N row*M column or N row M column) channels.

In a plurality of vibrator blocks arranged in a 3*3 form, 1*1stto 1*3rdvibrator blocks can configure a height channel, 2*1stto 2*3rdvibrator blocks can configure a center channel, and 3*1stto 3*3rdvibrator blocks can configure a bottom channel. Accordingly, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can generate a sound of 3 channels or horizontal 3 channels.

In a plurality of vibrator blocks arranged in a 3*3 form, 1*1st, 2*1st, and 3*1stvibrator blocks can configure a left channel, 1*2nd, 2*2nd, and 3*2ndvibrator blocks can configure a center channel, and 1*3rd, 2*3rd, and 3*3rdvibrator blocks can configure a right channel. Accordingly, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can generate a sound of 3 channels or a sound of vertical 3 channels.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.34illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.35is an enlarged view of a region B1inFIG.34.FIGS.34and35illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the plurality of vibration layers of the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30and33. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30and33, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIGS.34and35, a vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can include a plurality of vibrator blocks configured with a plurality of vibration layers210and a plurality of electrode layers230. Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can further include a cover member260. Each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can use a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) of the display panel100as a driving electrode.

In each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, except for a size (or an area), the plurality of vibrator blocks configured with the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be substantially the same as the plurality of vibrator blocks described above with reference toFIG.33, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given. The plurality of vibrator blocks can be provided in an N*M form (where N and M can be the same or different natural numbers of 2 or more) having a certain interval in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The descriptions of the plurality of vibration layers210included in the plurality of vibrator blocks described above with reference toFIG.33can be included in descriptions of the plurality of vibration layers210illustrated inFIGS.34and35.

The plurality of vibration layers210included in the plurality of vibrator blocks can be provided to have a size (or an area) which enables the display panel100to be bent to have a certain curvature radius, or allows the display panel100not to be damaged or broken down when being bent. For example, each of the plurality of vibration layers210included in the plurality of vibrator blocks can be a micro vibration layer.

Each of the plurality of electrode layers230included in the plurality of vibrator blocks can be configured to have the same shape (in a plan view) as that of a corresponding vibration layer210of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of the plurality of vibrator blocks. Further, the cover member260can be provided to cover the insulation layer220and the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230included in each of the plurality of vibrator blocks in common.

The signal cable500can include one or more first contact lines511electrically coupled to (or connected to) the plate member150and a plurality of second contact lines513electrically coupled to (or connected to) the plurality of electrode layers230and can be substantially the same as the signal cable500described above with reference toFIG.33, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

In each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, each of the plurality of vibrator blocks can identically vibrate or can independently (or individually) vibrate based on the same or different second vibration driving signals. For example, one or more of second vibration driving signals applied to the plurality of vibrator blocks can differ. Therefore, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can output a 2 or more-channel sound. For example, when all of the second vibration driving signals applied to the plurality of vibrator blocks differ, each of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can generate a sound of N*M channels.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.36illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.36illustrates an embodiment implemented by modifying the plurality of vibration layers of the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.36avibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first region A1of the display panel100and is greater than half of the first region A1of the display panel100. For example, in the first region A1of the display panel100, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1. The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can include a first pattern281where some of a plurality of corner portions included in the square shape are removed and/or a second pattern282where a portion of an inner portion of the square shape is removed. Accordingly, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be adjusted, and the flatness of a sound characteristic can be improved. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a square shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second region A2of the display panel100and is greater than half of the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, in the second region A2of the display panel100, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2. The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can include a first pattern281where some of a plurality of corner portions included in the square shape are removed and/or a second pattern282where a portion of an inner portion of the square shape is removed. Accordingly, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be adjusted, and the flatness of a sound characteristic can be improved. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a square shape on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.37illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.37illustrates an embodiment implemented by modifying the plurality of vibration layers of the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30and32. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30and32, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.37avibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the first region A1of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1. The plurality of vibration layers210can include a third pattern283where a portion of an inner portion of the circular shape is removed. For example, the third pattern283can have a circular shape and a concentric circle and can be disposed between the plurality of vibration layers210having the circular shape. Therefore, the plurality of vibration layers210can configure a vibration source (or a vibrator) having a circular shape, and thus, a vibration characteristic or a sound output characteristic can be enhanced, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be enhanced, and the flatness of a sound characteristic can be improved. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a circular shape including the third pattern283on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, a plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than or equal to half of the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and the plurality of vibration layers210can be provided to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2and can include a third pattern283where a portion of an inner portion of the circular shape is removed. For example, the third pattern283can have a circular shape and a concentric circle and can be disposed between the plurality of vibration layers210having the circular shape. Therefore, the plurality of vibration layers210can configure a vibration source (or a vibrator) having a circular shape, and thus, a vibration characteristic or a sound output characteristic can be enhanced, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound of a middle-low pitched sound band generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be enhanced, and the flatness of a sound characteristic can be improved. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a circular shape including the third pattern283on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. A plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as that of the plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.38illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.39is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D′ inFIG.38.FIGS.38and39illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the plurality of vibration layers of the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.38, a vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, the plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can include a first vibration layer210-1, a second vibration layer210-2, a third vibration layer210-3, a fourth vibration layer210-4, and a fifth vibration layer210-5. For example, the first vibration layer210-1, the second vibration layer210-2, the third vibration layer210-3, the fourth vibration layer210-4, and the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the first vibration layer210-1can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first region A1of the display panel100and is greater than half of the first region A1of the display panel100. Also, the second vibration layer210-2can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first vibration layer210-1. Further, the third vibration layer210-3can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second vibration layer210-2. Also, the fourth vibration layer210-4can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the third vibration layer210-3. Further, the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the fourth vibration layer210-4. For example, in the first region A1of the display panel100, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided to have a pyramid shape having a size (or an area), which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1, and having a step height in a thickness direction Z.

Therefore, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be adjusted. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a pyramid shape, where a size (or an area) is sequentially reduced, on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. Each of a plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as a corresponding (or adjacent) plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, the plurality of electrode layers230can include a first electrode layer230-1, a second electrode layer230-2, a third electrode layer230-3, a fourth electrode layer230-4, and a fifth electrode layer230-5. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, the plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can include a first vibration layer210-1, a second vibration layer210-2, a third vibration layer210-3, a fourth vibration layer210-4, and a fifth vibration layer210-5. For example, the first vibration layer210-1, the second vibration layer210-2, the third vibration layer210-3, the fourth vibration layer210-4, and the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the first vibration layer210-1can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second region A2of the display panel100and is greater than half of the second region A2of the display panel100. Also, the second vibration layer210-2can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first vibration layer210-1. Further, the third vibration layer210-3can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second vibration layer210-2. Also, the fourth vibration layer210-4can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the third vibration layer210-3. Further, the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the fourth vibration layer210-4. For example, in the second region A2of the display panel100, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to have a pyramid shape having a size (or an area), which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2, and having a step height in a thickness direction Z.

Therefore, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be adjusted. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a pyramid shape, where a size (or an area) is sequentially reduced, on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, the plurality of electrode layers230can include a first electrode layer230-1, a second electrode layer230-2, a third electrode layer230-3, a fourth electrode layer230-4, and a fifth electrode layer230-5. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230can be alternately stacked or formed. Each of a plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as a corresponding (or adjacent) plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.40illustrates a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.41is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E′ inFIG.40.FIGS.40and41illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the plurality of vibration layers of the vibration generating apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28to30. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28to30, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIG.40, a vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided in a first region A1of a display panel100and a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided in a second region A2of the display panel100.

In the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, the plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can include a first vibration layer210-1, a second vibration layer210-2, a third vibration layer210-3, a fourth vibration layer210-4, and a fifth vibration layer210-5. For example, the first vibration layer210-1, the second vibration layer210-2, the third vibration layer210-3, the fourth vibration layer210-4, and the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the first vibration layer210-1can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the first region A1of the display panel100and is less than that of the first region A1of the display panel100. The first vibration layer210-1can include a first pattern281where some of a plurality of corner portions included in the square shape are removed and/or a second pattern282where a portion of an inner portion of the square shape is removed. Also, the second vibration layer210-2can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first vibration layer210-1. Further, the third vibration layer210-3can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second vibration layer210-2. Also, the fourth vibration layer210-4can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the third vibration layer210-3. Further, the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the fourth vibration layer210-4. For example, in the first region A1of the display panel100, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be provided to have a pyramid shape having a size (or an area), which is greater than half of the first region A1and is less than a total size of the first region A1, and having a step height in a thickness direction Z. Therefore, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the first region A1of the display panel100can be adjusted. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated in a different shape, where a size (or an area) is sequentially reduced, on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100. Each of a plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as a corresponding (or adjacent) plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

In the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, the plurality of vibration layers210can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the plurality of vibration layers210can include a first vibration layer210-1, a second vibration layer210-2, a third vibration layer210-3, a fourth vibration layer210-4, and a fifth vibration layer210-5. For example, the first vibration layer210-1, the second vibration layer210-2, the third vibration layer210-3, the fourth vibration layer210-4, and the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have different sizes (or areas) or different shapes. For example, the first vibration layer210-1can be provided to have a square shape having a size (or an area) which is greater than half of the second region A2of the display panel100and is less than that of the second region A2of the display panel100. The first vibration layer210-1can include a first pattern281where some of a plurality of corner portions included in the square shape are removed and/or a second pattern282where a portion of an inner portion of the square shape is removed. Further, the second vibration layer210-2can be configured to have a size (or an area) which is less than that of the first vibration layer210-1. Also, the third vibration layer210-3can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the second vibration layer210-2. Further, the fourth vibration layer210-4can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the third vibration layer210-3. Furthermore, the fifth vibration layer210-5can be configured to have a circular shape having a size (or an area) which is less than that of the fourth vibration layer210-4. For example, in the second region A2of the display panel100, the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to have a pyramid shape having a size (or an area), which is greater than half of the second region A2and is less than a total size of the second region A2, and having a step height in a thickness direction Z.

Therefore, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic of a sound generated based on a vibration of the second region A2of the display panel100can be adjusted. For example, a plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated in a different shape, where a size (or an area) is sequentially reduced, on a second surface of a plate member150(or a conductive substrate) corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100. Each of a plurality of electrode layers230can be provided to have the same shape as a corresponding (or adjacent) plurality of vibration layers210. An insulation layer220can be provided to cover the plate member150(or the conductive substrate) at a periphery of each of the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. Further, a cover member260can be configured to cover the insulation layer220, the plurality of vibration layers210, and the plurality of electrode layers230.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center (or a partition member610) between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.42illustrates a rear surface of a display panel and a vibration generating apparatus, in a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.43is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F′ inFIG.42.FIGS.42and43illustrate an embodiment implemented by modifying the plate member described above with reference toFIGS.28and29. In the following description, therefore, a modified element will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28and29, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIGS.42and43, a plate member150of a display panel100can include an internal plate151and a plurality of external plates152. For example, the internal plate151can be a first plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of external plates152can be a second plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The internal plate151can be substantially the same as the plate member150described above with reference toFIGS.22to24, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

The internal plate151can be provided to cover a display part130. The internal plate151can be attached on the display part130by an adhesive member. The adhesive member can be provided on a base member110to surround the display part130. A first surface151aof the internal plate151can be coupled to (or attached on) the adhesive member, or can be directly coupled to (or attached on) the adhesive member. The internal plate151can additionally or effectively dissipate heat which occurs in the display panel100, and thus, can minimize a reduction in image quality caused by an afterimage which partially occurs due to heat occurring in the display panel100. The internal plate151can protect the display part130or the display panel100from an external impact and can prevent external water or moisture from penetrating into a light emitting device layer134. The internal plate151can compensate for the stiffness of the display panel100. For example, the internal plate151can be an internal conductive plate, an internal heat dissipation member, an internal heat dissipation plate, an internal heat dissipation substrate, an encapsulation substrate, an encapsulation plate, a stiff plate, a second substrate, a rear substrate, a rear member, a rear plate, an internal substrate, or an internal plate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plurality of external plates152can be connected with or coupled to the internal plate151. The plurality of external plates152can be spaced apart from or electrically disconnected from one another at a rear surface (or a second surface)151bof the internal plate151. The plurality of external plates152can be configured to additionally dissipate heat of the internal plate151. For example, the plurality of external plates152can be provided to have a thickness which is relatively thinner than that of the internal plate151.

According to embodiments, the plurality of external plates152can include one or more materials of a Fe—Ni alloy, stainless steel, Al, Mg, a Mg alloy, a Mg—Li alloy, and an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of external plates152can include one or more materials, which differ from the material of the internal plate151, of a Fe—Ni alloy, stainless steel, Al, Mg, a Mg alloy, a Mg—Li alloy, and an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of external plates152can include Al or an Al alloy, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The plate member150or the plurality of external plates152according to embodiments can include a first external plate152aand a second external plate152b.

The first external plate152acan be connected with or coupled to a first region of the internal plate151corresponding to a first region A1of the display panel100. The second external plate152bcan be connected with or coupled to a second region of the internal plate151corresponding to a second region A2of the display panel100.

Each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152bcan be coupled to (or connected to) a rear surface (or a second surface)151bof the internal plate151by a coupling member153.

The coupling member153can be disposed between the internal plate151and each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152b.

The coupling member153according to embodiments can include an adhesive material which is good in adhesive force or attaching force between the internal plate151and each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152b. For example, the coupling member153can include an acryl-based adhesive material or urethane-based adhesive material, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the coupling member153can include an acryl-based adhesive material, having a characteristic where an adhesive force is relatively good and hardness is high, compared to urethane-based adhesive material so that a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus200is well transferred to the internal plate151. For example, the coupling member153can include an acryl-based adhesive resin curing layer or a double-sided foam adhesive pad including an acryl-based adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the coupling member153can further include additives such as a tackifier, a wax component, or an anti-oxidation agent, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The coupling member153according to embodiments can include a PSA, an OCA, or an OCR, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the coupling member153can further include a vibration transfer medium. For example, the vibration transfer medium can reduce the loss of a vibration transferred to the internal plate151. For example, the vibration transfer medium can include a piezoelectric material which is included in or added to the coupling member153, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The coupling member153can further include a hollow portion provided between the internal plate151and each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152b. The hollow portion of the coupling member153can provide a gap between the internal plate151and each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152b. The air gap can allow a sound wave (or a sound pressure level) based on a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus200to concentrate on the internal plate151without being dispersed by the coupling member153, and thus, can minimize the loss of a vibration by the coupling member153.

The first external plate152aand the second external plate152bcan be spaced apart from each other in a center region between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. A separation distance DI between the first external plate152aand the second external plate152bcan be 3 cm or more. For example, the separation distance DI between the first external plate152aand the second external plate152bcan be 3 cm or more so that each of the first external plate152aand the second external plate152bvibrates individually (or independently). For example, when the separation distance DI between the first external plate152aand the second external plate152bis less than 3 cm, a sound characteristic and/or a sound pressure level characteristic can be reduced due to interference between a vibration of the first external plate152aand a vibration of the second external plate152b, which occurs due to a vibration of the vibration generating apparatus200.

The vibration generating apparatus200can be configured to vibrate each of the plurality of external plates152aand152b. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can be configured to use each of the plurality of external plates152aand152bas an electrode. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can be configured to individually (or independently) vibrate each of the first and second external plates152aand152b. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can be configured to use each of the first and second external plates152aand152bas an electrode. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200can include a first vibration generating apparatus200-1provided at a rear surface of the first external plate152aand a second vibration generating apparatus200-2provided at a rear surface of the second external plate152b.

Except for that the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2are respectively provided at the rear surface of the first external plate152aand the rear surface of the second external plate152b, the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be substantially the same as the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2described above with reference toFIG.28, and thus repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can include a plurality of vibration layers210and a plurality of electrode layers230. The plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be molded after being formed or coated on the rear surface of the first external plate152a. The plurality of electrode layers230of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can be configured to have the same shape as the plurality of vibration layers210. The first vibration generating apparatus200-1can further include a cover member260provided to cover the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. In embodiments, the plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can vibrate based on a first vibration driving signal applied to the first external plate152aor a first contact pattern270athrough a signal cable500and a second vibration driving signal applied to a second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the first external plate152aand the first region A1of the display panel100to output a first sound. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration layers210of the first vibration generating apparatus200-1can vibrate based on the second vibration driving signal applied to the first external plate152aor the first contact pattern270athrough the signal cable500and the first vibration driving signal applied to the second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the first external plate152aand the first region A1of the display panel100to output the first sound.

The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can include a plurality of vibration layers210and a plurality of electrode layers230. The plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be molded after being formed or coated on the rear surface of the second external plate152b. The plurality of electrode layers230of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be configured to have the same shape as the plurality of vibration layers210. The second vibration generating apparatus200-2can further include a cover member260provided to cover the plurality of vibration layers210and the plurality of electrode layers230. In embodiments, the plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can vibrate based on a first vibration driving signal applied to the second external plate152bor a first contact pattern270athrough a signal cable500and a second vibration driving signal applied to a second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the second external plate152band the second region A2of the display panel100to output a second sound. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration layers210of the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can vibrate based on the second vibration driving signal applied to the second external plate152bor the first contact pattern270athrough the signal cable500and the first vibration driving signal applied to the second contact pattern270bthrough the signal cable500, and thus, can vibrate the second external plate152band the second region A2of the display panel100to output the second sound.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

FIG.44illustrates a rear surface of a display panel and a vibration generating apparatus, in a display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.45is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G′ inFIG.44.FIGS.44and45illustrate an embodiment where a partition is added to the display apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.28and29. In the following description, therefore, a partition and relevant elements will be described in detail, the other elements are referred to by the same reference numerals asFIGS.28and29, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted or will be briefly given.

Referring toFIGS.44and45, the display apparatus can further include a partition600which divides a first region A1and a second region A2of the display panel100.

The display panel100can include regions A1and A2which are divided to respectively correspond to a plurality of external plates152. For example, the display panel100can include the regions A1and A2which are divided along a region between the plurality of external plates152. For example, the display panel100can include a first region A1overlapping a first external plate152aof a plate member150and a second region A2overlapping a second external plate152aof the plate member150.

The partition600can be an air gap or a space where a sound is generated when the display panel100is vibrated by the first and second vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2. For example, the partition600can separate a sound or can separate a channel, and moreover, can prevent or decrease a reduction in characteristic of a sound caused by interference of the sound. The partition600can be disposed between the display panel100and a supporting member300. For example, the partition600can be disposed between a rear surface of the display panel100and a front surface of the supporting member300. To decrease an adverse effect of the partition600on the image quality of the display panel100, the partition600can be disposed in the supporting member300. The partition600can be referred to as a sound blocking member, a sound separation member, a space separation member, an enclosure, or a baffle, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the terms.

The partition600according to embodiments can include a partition member (or a first partition member)610disposed between the first and second vibration generating apparatuses200-1and200-2.

The partition member610can be disposed between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. The partition member610can be disposed between a supporting member300and an internal plate151of the plate member150between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. For example, the partition member610can be disposed between the supporting member300and a second surface151bof the internal plate151corresponding to a center region between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100. The partition member610can separate a first sound generated by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and a second sound generated by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. For example, the partition member610can prevent a vibration, generated in the first region A1of the display panel100by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1, from being transferred to the second region A2of the display panel100, or can prevent a vibration, generated in the second region A2of the display panel100by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2, from being transferred to the first region A1of the display panel100. Therefore, the partition member610can attenuate or absorb a vibration of the display panel100at a center of the display panel100, and thus, can prevent a sound of the first region A1from being transferred to the second region A2or can prevent a sound of the second region A2from being transferred to the first region A1. Accordingly, the partition member610can separate a left sound and a right sound to further enhance a sound output characteristic of the display apparatus, and thus, the display apparatus according to embodiments can output a 2-channel sound and/or a stereo sound, including a 2-channel, in a forward direction of the display panel100based on the separation of the left and right sounds by the partition member610.

The partition600according to embodiments can include a second partition member620surrounding the first vibration generating apparatus200-1and a third partition member630surrounding the second vibration generating apparatus200-2.

The second partition member620can be disposed between the first region A1of the display panel100and the supporting member300to surround the first vibration generating apparatus200-1. The second partition member620can be disposed between the supporting member300and the first external plate152aof the plate member150corresponding to the first region A1of the display panel100and so as to be spaced apart from the first vibration generating apparatus200-1by a certain distance. The second partition member620can provide a first air gap AG1surrounding the first vibration generating apparatus200-1between the first external plate152aand the supporting member300. For example, the second partition member620can define or limit a vibration region (or a vibration area) of the first region A1of the display panel100by the first vibration generating apparatus200-1.

The third partition member630can be disposed between the second region A2of the display panel100and the supporting member300to surround the second vibration generating apparatus200-2. The third partition member630can be disposed between the supporting member300and the second external plate152bof the plate member150corresponding to the second region A2of the display panel100and so as to be spaced apart from the second vibration generating apparatus200-2by a certain distance. The third partition member630can provide a second air gap AG2surrounding the second vibration generating apparatus200-2between the second external plate152band the supporting member300. For example, the third partition member630can define or limit a vibration region (or a vibration area) of the second region A2of the display panel100by the second vibration generating apparatus200-2.

The first air gap AG1and a second air gap AG2can be a sound separation space, a sound blocking space, or a sound interference prevention space, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

Except for that each of the second and third partition members620and630is disposed between the supporting member300and the external plate152of the plate member150, the second and third partition members620and630can be substantially the same as the second and third partition members620and630described above with reference toFIGS.28and29, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The first vibration generating apparatus200-1and the second vibration generating apparatus200-2can be provided to be horizontally symmetric with each other with respect to a center between the first region A1and the second region A2of the display panel100, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be provided to be horizontally asymmetric with each other.

The vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.30to41can be identically applied to the vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.44and45. For example, the vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.44and45can be configured to be equal to the vibration generating apparatus200described above with reference toFIGS.30to41, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The display apparatus described above with reference toFIGS.41and42can output a sound in a forward direction FD of the display panel100and can be slimmed or reduced in thickness, and moreover, can more effectively dissipate heat which occurs in the display panel100, thereby minimizing a reduction in image quality caused by an afterimage which partially occurs due to heat occurring in the display panel100. Further, the display apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can output a 2-channel sound and/or a stereo sound, including a 2-channel, in a forward direction of the display panel100based on the separation of left and right sounds by one or more of the partition member610and the second and third partition members620and630.

FIG.46illustrates a plate member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.47illustrates a vibration generating apparatus to which the plate member ofFIG.46is applied.

Referring toFIGS.46and47, a plate member150(or a conductive substrate15) of a display panel100can further include a concave-convex pattern part155.FIG.47is another cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ inFIG.1, wherein the vibration generating apparatus employs the plate member according toFIG.46.

The concave-convex pattern part155can be formed on at least a portion of a second surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15). The concave-convex pattern part155can have surface illumination (or surface roughness) which differs from that of another portion of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15). For example, the concave-convex pattern part155can include a protrusion portion (or convex portion)155aprotruding a surface of the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15) and a recessed portion (or concave portion)155bwhich is more recessed than the protrusion portion155a.

The concave-convex pattern part155can be provided to overlap a plurality of vibration layers210and a plurality of electrode layers230. The concave-convex pattern part155can increase a specific surface area by the protrusion portion155aprotruding from the surface and the recessed portion155brecessed from the surface. Accordingly, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15) and a corresponding (or adjacent) first vibration layer210-1can be increased by the concave-convex pattern part155. For example, a coupling force (or an adhesive force) between a first surface of the first vibration layer210-1and a second surface150aof the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15) can be increased by the concave-convex pattern part155. Therefore, the concave-convex pattern part155can increase a coupling force between the first vibration layer210-1and the plate member150(or the conductive substrate15), thereby further enhancing a sound output characteristic of the display apparatus.

A vibration apparatus and a display apparatus including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

A vibration apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode layer at one surface of the vibration layer. The vibration layer and the electrode layer may be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration layers can be configured to vibrate in response to signals applied to the conductive substrate and the at least one electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive substrate can be connected to a first signal line. An electrode layer among the one or more electrode layers adjacent to the conductive substrate can be connected to a second signal line different from the first signal line.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one vibration layer can be a plurality of the vibration layers, and the at least one electrode layer can be a plurality of electrode layer. Or, the at least one electrode layer can be provided to be equal to the number of the at least one vibration layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a first electrode layer of the plurality of electrode layers can be connected to a first signal line and a second electrode layer of the plurality of electrode layers can be connected to a second signal line. The first electrode layer can be adjacent to the second electrode layer and the second signal line can be different from the first signal line.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first signal line and second signal line can be connected to a driver arranged to apply a first voltage signal to the first signal line and a second voltage signal to the second signal line, the second voltage can be different from the first voltage. Or, a difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal can alternate between a positive and a negative voltage, and/or a magnitude of a difference between the first voltage signal and the second voltage signal can vary with time.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive substrate can be configured to be supplied with a different voltage to an electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the one or more electrode layers such that a potential difference is applied across a vibration layer of the one or more vibration layers sandwiched between the conductive substrate and the electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive substrate can be configured to be supplied with a signal having a polarity different from a polarity of a signal supplied to an electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the one or more electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, two adjacent electrode layers of the plurality of electrode layers can be configured to be supplied with a different voltage to each other such that a potential difference is applied across a vibration layer of the one or more vibration layers sandwiched between the two adjacent electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, two adjacent electrode layers of the plurality of electrode layers can be configured to be supplied with signals having different polarities.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include a protection layer disposed at the one surface of the conductive substrate and covering the plurality of vibration layers and the plurality of electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include one or more signal lines electrically coupled to (or connected to) the conductive substrate and the at least one electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include a protection layer covering a portion of the one or more signal lines, the vibration layer, and the electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, two adjacent electrode layers of the plurality of electrode layers can be electrically insulated from each other by a corresponding vibration layer of the plurality of vibration layers disposed between the two adjacent electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include an insulation layer at the one surface of the conductive substrate, the insulation layer including an opening region exposing a portion of the one surface of the conductive substrate, the plurality of vibration layers can overlap the opening region of the insulation layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the insulation layer can surround a vibration layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the plurality of vibration layers. The conductive substrate and an electrode layer adjacent to the conductive substrate among the plurality of electrode layers can be electrically insulated from each other by the vibration layer adjacent to the conductive substrate and the insulation layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each electrode layer can have a size different from a size of at least one adjacent vibration layer of the plurality of vibration layers, or can have a size less than or equal to a size of the at least one adjacent vibration layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each electrode layer can have a size less than a size of a corresponding vibration layer of the plurality of vibration layers and can be disposed centrally on the corresponding vibration layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of electrode layers can further include a contact pattern extending to the corresponding vibration layer and being exposed at an outside of the stack.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the contact pattern of each electrode layer may not overlap a contact pattern of an adjacent electrode layer among the electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include at least one signal line electrically coupled to (or connected to) the conductive substrate and at least one contact pattern of the plurality of electrode layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive substrate and an uppermost electrode layer of the plurality of electrode layers can be supplied with signals having different polarities.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one vibration layer between the conductive substrate and the uppermost electrode layer can further include at least one first through hole. At least one electrode layer between the conductive substrate and the uppermost electrode layer can further include at least one second through hole overlapping the at least one first through hole.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a size of the at least one first through hole can be less than a size of the at least one second through hole.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one first through hole can include a first through hole of a first group provided to be electrically connected with an electrode layer of the first group supplied with a signal having a same polarity as the conductive substrate, in the conductive substrate, and a first through hole of a second group provided to be electrically connected with an electrode layer of the second group supplied with a signal having a same polarity as the uppermost electrode layer. The first through hole of the first group may not overlap the first through hole of the second group.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the electrode layers can be electrically connected with the conductive substrate or the uppermost electrode layer by the at least one first through hole and the at least one second through hole. First and second through holes corresponding to the conductive substrate cannot overlap first and second through holes corresponding to the uppermost electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one second through hole can include a second through hole of the first group provided to be electrically connected with the electrode layer of the first group, in the conductive substrate, and a second through hole of the second group provided to be electrically connected with the electrode layer of the second group. The second through hole of the first group may not overlap the second through hole of the second group.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the one of the electrode layers can be supplied with a signal having a same polarity as the conductive substrate or the uppermost electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the vibration apparatus can further include at least one signal line electrically coupled to (or connected to) the conductive substrate and the uppermost electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of vibration layers can be unimorph-driven or bimorph-driven.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the one surface of the conductive substrate can further include a patterned surface including a plurality of convex and/or concave features.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the patterned surface can overlap the plurality of vibration layers.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the vibration layers can include a three or more-angled polygonal shape, a non-tetragonal shape, a circular shape, or an oval shape

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the vibration layers can include a piezoelectric material.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the conductive substrate can include one or more of an alloy of iron and nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, a magnesium alloy.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnesium alloy can be an alloy of magnesium and lithium.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one vibration layer can comprise a first piezoelectric material layer, a second piezoelectric material layer, and a third piezoelectric material layer. The at least one electrode layer can comprise a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a third electrode layer. The conductive substrate and the second electrode layer can be configured to be connected to a first voltage supply line. The first electrode layer and the third electrode layer can be configured to be connected to a second voltage supply line different from the first voltage supply line such that the first, second and third piezoelectric material layers vibrate in a thickness direction of the conductive substrate in response to supplication of first and second voltage signal, respectively, to the first and second voltage supply lines.

A display apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a display panel, and one or more vibration generating apparatuses configured to vibrate the display panel. Each of the one or more vibration generating apparatuses can include a conductive substrate, at least one vibration layer at one surface of the conductive substrate, and at least one electrode at one surface of the vibration layer. The at least one electrode layer can correspond to one of the vibration layers. The vibration layers and the electrode layers can be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate. The vibration layers and the electrode layers can be alternately arranged in a stack on the surface of the conductive substrate.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel can include a display part between a base member and a plate member. The plate member can be provided as the conductive substrate of the vibration apparatus.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display part can include a plurality of pixels outputting light, emitted from a light emitting device layer, toward the base member.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display panel can include a first region and a second region. The one or more vibration generating apparatuses can include a first vibration generating apparatus in the first region, and a second vibration generating apparatus in the second region.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus can further include a partition dividing the first region and the second region of the display panel.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus can further include a supporting member at one surface of the plate member, the partition can include one or more of first to third partition members. The first partition member can be disposed between the plate member and the supporting member, in a region between the first region and the second region. The second partition member can be disposed between the plate member and the supporting member to surround the first vibration generating apparatus. The third partition member can be disposed between the plate member and the supporting member to surround the second vibration generating apparatus.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the plate member can include an internal plate coupled to (or connected to) the display part, a first external plate coupled to (or connected to) a first region of the internal plate corresponding to the first region of the display panel, and a second external plate coupled to (or connected to) a second region of the internal plate corresponding to the second region of the display panel, the second external plate being spaced apart from the first external plate.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the first external plate and the second external plate can be provided as the conductive substrate of the vibration apparatus. The first vibration generating apparatus can be configured to vibrate based on a signal applied through a first signal line electrically coupled to (or connected to) the first external plate and the electrode layer. The second vibration generating apparatus can be configured to vibrate based on a signal applied through a second signal line electrically coupled to (or connected to) the second external plate and the electrode layer.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus can further include a partition dividing the first region and the second region of the display panel.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display apparatus can further include a supporting member at one surface of the plate member. The partition can include one or more of first to third partition members. The first partition member can be disposed between the plate member and the supporting member, in a region between the first region and the second region. The second partition member can be disposed between the first external plate and the supporting member to surround the first vibration generating apparatus. The third partition member can be disposed between the second external plate and the supporting member to surround the second vibration generating apparatus.

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