Patent Publication Number: US-2010118479-A1

Title: Display apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus. 
     The appearance of display apparatuses such as liquid crystal displays (LCD) and plasma display panels (PDP) with high-definition and large-sized screens is a relatively recent phenomenon. 
     These display apparatuses have front covers covering the front perimeters thereof. 
     Specifically, a front panel made of a transparent material for transmitting images while protecting the display module is installed on the front surface of a display module. A front cover is fixed and coupled to the perimeter of the front panel. The front cover thus functions to support the front panel. 
     Because the periphery of the front panel must be supported by the front cover, a portion of the front panel is necessarily covered by the front cover. 
     Because a portion of the perimeter of the front panel is blocked by the front cover, a limitation arises in which the display screen appears smaller from the outside. 
     Additionally, because a separate front cover is needed to support the front panel, the overall manufacturing cost of the display apparatus increases, and assembly becomes more complicated. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments provide a display apparatus with a front exterior that is neatly finished, while the display screen appears larger from the outside than it actually is. 
     Embodiments also provide a display apparatus having front panel at the front thereof that is securely supported by the frame, so that even when product dimensions are increased, the front panel will not warp or slip downward. 
     Embodiments further provide a display apparatus with a configuration that does not require a separate covering member to enclose the frontal perimeter of the display apparatus, so that the assembling process of the product is simplified, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. 
     In one embodiment, a display apparatus includes: a front panel defining a front of the display apparatus; a plurality of frames fixed to a rear surface of the front panel, to support the front panel; a display module fixed to the frames, to output an image; and a rear housing receiving the display module, and disposed at a rear of the front panel, wherein each of the frames includes a body in close contact the front panel, and a protrusion protruded rearward from the body. 
     The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line I-I′. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a frontal perspective view of a frame for a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a frame for a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of region A in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of region A in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of  FIG. 7  taken along line II-II′. 
         FIG. 9  is a frontal view showing the coupling structure of a front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of region B in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of  FIG. 10  taken along line III-III′. 
         FIG. 12  is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of a rear housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of a rear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view showing a front panel supporting structure of a display apparatus depicted in a frontal view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial rear perspective view of region C in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view of  FIG. 15  taken along line IV-IV′. 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view showing an electromagnetic interference (EMI) grounding structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 2  is a sectional view of  FIG. 2  taken along line I-I′, and  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , a display apparatus  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display module  13  outputting an image, a front panel  11  protecting the front surface of the display module  13 , a frame  12  coupled tightly to the front panel  11  and having the display module  13  fixed to the rear thereof, a bracket  15  connecting the frame  12  and the display module  13 , and a rear housing  14  coupled at the rear of the front panel  11  and enclosing and protecting the display module  13 . 
     In detail, an adhering member  17  is interposed between the front panel  11  and frame  12  to fix the frame  12  to the front panel  11 . Also, a gasket  16  for blocking electromagnetic interference (EMI) is interposed between the front panel  11  and the frame  12 . The adhering member  17  and the gasket  16  are respectively disposed at a predetermined distance. 
     An opaque film layer  111  is formed along the rear perimeter of the front panel  11 . Specifically, the film layer ill may be provided in a variety of ways, and may be coated on the front panel in one embodiment. The frame  12  is mounted along the film layer  111 , so that the frame  12  is not visible from the front of the display apparatus  10 . 
     The front panel  11  may be formed of a transparent material enabling an image provided through the display module  13  to be viewed. In order to satisfy strength requirements for larger sizes, the front panel may be made of tempered glass. However, the material for the front panel  11  is not restricted to any embodiment, and may one of various materials including transparent plastic. That is, any material that is transparent and satisfies predetermined strength specifications may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     A sealing member  18  is applied to a frontal upper portion of the frame  12  to prevent impurities from entering through a gap between the frame  12  and front panel  11 . The frame surrounds the rear perimeter of the front panel  11 . Specifically, a plurality of frames  12  is mounted at positions separated a predetermined distance from the edges of the front panel  11 . When the end portions of adjacent frames  12  are pressed together and connected, the bracket  15  is mounted on the connected portions. 
     A front perimeter portion is pressed against the frame at the rear housing  14  that covers and protects the display module  13 , and includes an inner housing  141  formed of a conductive material, and an outer housing  142  covering the inner housing  141 . However, the rear housing  14  does not have to include the two components, and may include only one conductive cover. 
     Here, electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted from the display module  13  flows through an EMI grounding gasket,  16  attached to the front of the frame  12 , and the frame  12 . The EMI flowing along the frame  12  is transferred to the rear housing  14 . Therefore, it is preferable that the frame  12  is made of a conductive material, and may be made of an aluminum material according to one embodiment. However the material for the frame  12  does not have to be limited to an aluminum material, and may be made of any material through which electric current can flow. 
     Here, the frame  12  may be manufactured of a non-conductive material, such as a plastic injection molded material. In this case, a separate EMI grounding structure for grounding EMI is required, which will be described below with reference to the diagrams. 
       FIG. 4  is a frontal perspective view of a frame for a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a frame for a display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a plurality of frames  12  of a display apparatus  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are tightly fixed against a front panel  11 . 
     That is, the frames  12  are pressed against other frames  12  at the ends thereof, and portions pressed against each other are connected through brackets  15 . 
     A portion of the frames  12  have a hole  12   a  of a predetermined size defined therein, and a control panel for controlling the display apparatus is mounted in the hole  12   a.    
     In more detail, a front panel  11  made of tempered glass is mounted to the front of the frame  12 , and a touch-screen type control panel is coupled behind the frame  12 . Thus, a user may turn power on/off or switch channels and control volume by touching the surface of the front panel  11  where the control panel is inserted. 
     The frame  12  is formed of straightly formed metal or plastic material with a predetermined degree of strength. This is to prevent warping of the front panel  11  when the dimensions of the display apparatus  10  are increased. 
     Below, a detailed description of the connecting parts of the frame  12  will be given with reference to the diagrams. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of region A in  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of region A in  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the frames  12  mounted at the rear surface of the front panel  11  are connected together in plurality through a bracket  15 . 
     That is, the bracket  15  is bent in an “L” shape to be seated at the joining portions at the ends of the frames  12 . Also, a protruding portion, namely, a bracket mounting portion  123  (in  FIG. 8 ) is formed on the frame  12  in order to mount the bracket  15 . A plurality of fastening members are passed through the bracket  15  and inserted into the frame  12 . 
     A boss  151  of a predetermined height is protrudingly formed at the center of the bracket  15 . An edge portion of the display module  13  (that is, a module lug  131  in  FIG. 10 ) is mounted on the boss  151 . Accordingly, the display module  13  and the frame  12  are connected with a gap equal to the length of the boss  151 . 
     An anti-movement rib  152  protrudes at the corner of the bracket  15  to ensure that the display module  13  remains coupled in a proper position. In other words, when the display module  13  is mounted at the rear of the frame  12 , it is guided to remain in its proper position. Therefore, the fastening hole defined in the module lug  132  is precisely positioned. Also, a screw or other fastening member is passed through the fastening hole and inserted into the boss, to fix the display module  13  to the frame  12 . 
     The ends of the frames  12  are connected to each other at right angles. Thus, each end of the frames  12  are tapered at 45° with respect to the lengths of the frames. 
     If the ends of the frames  12  are not formed with a 45° taper, when two frames  12  are coupled, the surfaces pressed together may slip and be displaced. To prevent the latter from occurring, the ends of the frames  12  may be formed in a shape that is not straight. In other words, the ends of the frames  12  form a straight portion S and a stepped portion H that is stepped at a certain point of the straight portion S. Further, the stepped portion H may be provided singularly or in plurality. Here, the stepped portion H is bent from an extending direction of the straight portion S in another direction (or deviating direction). 
     As shown, by forming the stepped portion H at a point of the straight portion S, even when force is applied to one of two joined frames  12  in its lengthwise direction, the stepped portion H prevents the joined ends of the frames  12  from being displaced. 
     The reference number  122   a  is a fastening hole and  122   b  is a fixing projection. The fastening hole and the fixing projection are provided in plurality and are alternately provided on the frame  12 . They will be explained below more clearly. 
       FIG. 8  is a sectional view of  FIG. 7  taken along line II-II′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the frames  12  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are formed of a conductive material, and are pressed against the rear of the front panel  11 , to support the front panel  11  and also prevent curving of the front panel  11 . 
     Specifically, the frame  12  includes a body  121  at the rear of the front panel  11 , and a head  122  protruding rearward from an upper end of the body  121 . 
     More specifically, an adhering surface  125  on which the adhering member  17  is mounted, and a gasket mounting surface  126  on which a gasket  16  is mounted are formed on the front surface of the frame  12 . A dividing rib  127  separating the adhering surface  125  and the gasket mounting surface  126  is further formed. The dividing rib  127  prevents the adhering member  17  and the gasket  16  from sticking to one another. 
     Here, the adhering surface  125  and the gasket mounting surface  126  may be formed by being recessed a predetermined from the front surface of the body  121 . If the adhering surface  125  and the gasket mounting surface  126  share the same surface with the body  121 , and are divided by the dividing rib  127 , they would be separated by a gap between the front panel  11  and the frame  12  equal to the height of the dividing rib  127 . Thus, the dividing rib  127  may be formed on the same surface as the front surface of the body  121 , and the adhering surface  125  and the gasket mounting surface  126  may be recessed to form a mutually protruding structure. 
     The adhering member  17  may be a double-sided tape with a predetermined adhering strength, or may be a liquid adhesive. The gasket  16  may be formed of a conductive material to block EMI. 
     To hold the sealing member  18  in the front upper end of the head  122 , a sealing surface  128  is formed with a slant of a predetermined angle. Thus, when the frame  12  is pressed against and coupled to the rear of the front panel  11 , a recessed portion is formed between the sealing surface  128  and the rear surface of the front panel  11 , and the sealing member  18  is interposed in the recessed portion. The interposition of the sealing member  18  blocks the formation of gaps between the coupled surfaces of the front panel and the frame  12  and therefore entry of impurities therein. 
     A cavity  129  is formed within the head  122 . That is, the formation of the cavity  129  prevents deformation of the head  122  during the forming of the frame  12  and reduces manufacturing cost. 
     A bracket mounting portion  123  protrudes at a rear of the body  121  and extends in the lengthwise direction of the frame  12 . The bracket  15  is mounted on the bracket mounting portion  123 , and the bracket  15  mounted on the bracket mounting portion  123  is bent in a   shape. Therefore, the bracket  15  and the bracket mounting portion  123  contact one another on three sides. Due to the shape of the bracket mounting portion  123 , the bracket  15  does not move and is securely mounted to the frame  12 . Also, the frame  12  is firmly fixed by the bracket  15 . 
     A reinforcing rib  124  protrudes from a predetermined position below the bracket mounting portion  123 , and extends in the lengthwise direction of the frame  12 . Specifically, the reinforcing rib  124  is formed to reinforce the frame  12 . Also, the reinforcing rib  124  allows the frame  12  to retain a straight disposition without bending even when its length is extended. 
     A leakage preventing rib  125   a  is protruded from a perimeter of the adhering surface  125 , in detail, an upper perimeter of the front portion of the body  121 . The leakage preventing rib  125   a  prevents the adhering member  17  anointed on the adhering surface  125  from leaking or spreading to an outside of the frame  12 . 
     More in detail, if the leakage preventing rib  125   a  is not provided, the adhering member  17  spreads towards the perimeter of the front panel  11  and is exposed to an outside, and then the exterior of the display doesn&#39;t look neat. In order to resolve this kind of problem, the leakage preventing rib  125   a  is protruded on the frontal perimeter which is located on the edge of the front panel  11 . 
     The rear housing  14  is coupled to the head  122 . 
     In detail, a plurality of fastening holes  122   a  are arranged at predetermined intervals in the edges of the head  122  and rear housing  14 , and fastening members are inserted in the fastening holes  122   a  to fix the rear housing  14  to the head  122 . Also, a plurality of fixing projections  122   b  may protrude from the head  122 , and a plurality of fixing holes may be formed in the edge of the rear housing  14  to insert the fixing projections  122   b  in. In one exemplary embodiment, a fixing projection  122   b  may protrude at a point between a fixing hole  122   a  and another fixing hole  122   a.  The fixing projection  122   b  may be inserted into a fixing hole formed in the rear housing  14 , so that the fixing hole formed in the rear housing  14  is aligned with the fixing hole  122   a  formed in the head  123 . 
       FIG. 9  is a frontal view showing the coupling structure of a front panel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of region B in  FIG. 9 , and  FIG. 11  is a sectional view of  FIG. 10  taken along line III-III′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 to 11 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the front panel  11  and the display module  13  form a directly coupled structure. 
     That is, when the front panel  11  and the frame  12  are coupled through the adhering member  17 , there is the possibility of the front panel  11  detaching from the frame  12 . In other words, when the display apparatus  10  is enlarged, the dimensions of the front panel  11  increase and its weight also increases. When the display apparatus  10  is mounted on a wall, if the weight of the front panel  11  exceeds the adhering strength of the adhering member  17 , the front panel  11  can disengage from the frame  12  and fall to the floor. 
     To obviate this possibility, the present embodiment provides the front panel  11  integrally coupled to the display module  13 . 
     In further detail, a nut  30  is inserted into the front edge of the front panel  11 , and a fastening member is passed through the bracket  15  and the module lug  131  and inserted into the nut  30 . To prevent damage to the front panel  11  by the nut  30 , a rubber bushing  31  may be inserted over the outer circumference of the nut  30 . The boss  151  formed at the center of the bracket  15  extends further to the opposite side, and the extended portion is inserted into a portion of the nut  30 . The fastening member passes through the module lug  131  and the boss  151  in sequence, and inserts into the nut  30 . Through this coupling structure, disengaging of the front panel  11  from the frame  12  due to weight can be avoided. 
     The rear housing  14  is coupled to the frame  12 , and the way of coupling the rear housing  14  and the frame  12  may be the same as the way described in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 8 , using the fixing projections  122   b  and fastening holes  122   a.    
       FIG. 12  is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of a rear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the present embodiment is characterized by the rear housing  14  being coupled directly to the front panel  11 . 
     In detail, the front edge of the rear housing  14  may be formed in a size that is the same as or smaller than the front panel  11 , so that the front edges of the rear housing  14  cannot be seen from the front of the display apparatus  10 . 
     The front edge of the rear housing  14  is bent in parallel directions with the front panel  11  to form the coupling surfaces. A screw  40  or other fastening member is inserted from the front of the front panel  11  through the rear housing  14 . A nut  42  is inserted over the outer circumference of the screw  40  that passes and protrudes through the rear housing. Of course, an anti-wear bushing  41  is inserted between the screw  40  and the front panel  11 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , a structure in which the screw is inserted in the front of the front panel  11  may be employed. 
       FIG. 13  is a side sectional view showing the coupling structure of a rear housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the rear housing  14  is fixed to the display module  13 . 
     That is, the screw  50  may be sequentially passed through the rear housing  14  and the module lug  131 , and inserted into the boss  151  of the bracket  15 . 
     Here, to prevent the screw  50  from loosening, a screw thread is formed on the inner circumference of the boss  151 . 
     In another method, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the fastening member passing through the rear housing  14  is passed through the module lug  131  and the boss  151 , inserted in the front surface of the front panel  11 , and ultimately inserted into the nut  30 . 
     In this configuration, the front panel  11 , frame  12 , display module  13 , and rear housing  14  may be integrally coupled through a single screw  32  and nut  30 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged perspective view showing a front panel supporting structure of a display apparatus depicted in a frontal view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,  FIG. 15  is a partial rear perspective view of region C in  FIG. 14 , and  FIG. 16  is a sectional view of  FIG. 15  taken along line IV-IV′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 to 16 , to prevent the front panel  11  of a display apparatus  10  according to the present disclosure from separating from the frame  12  due to excessive weight, a separate supporting structure may be provided. 
     That is, a supporter  60  (as shown in  FIGS. 14 to 16 ) may be coupled at the upper surface and lower surface of the front panel  11 . 
     In further detail, the supporter  60  may be formed in a length that entirely or partially covers the top and bottom edges of the front panel  11 . The supporter  60  is bent a plurality of times in order to securely support the front panel  11 , to cover portions of the rear, bottom, and front surfaces of the front panel  11 . Of course, the supporter  60  mounted at the top end of the front panel  11  provides a structure that covers portions of the rear, top, and front surfaces of the front panel  11 . 
     The supporter  60  is coupled to the head  122  of the frame. That is, a fastening hole is defined in the head  122 , and a fastening hole is also formed at an end of the supporter  60 . A screw or other fastening member is passed through the supporter  60  and inserted into the head  122 . 
     In the above configuration, the upper edge of the front panel  11  is securely supported, preventing the front panel  11  from disengaging from the frame  12  and leaning forward. 
     The bottom edge of the front panel  11  is also securely supported, so that the front panel  11  is prevented from falling due to excessive weight. 
     Here, the supporter  60  may be provided only at the lower end of the front panel  11 . 
       FIG. 17  is a sectional view showing an EMI grounding structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the present embodiment provides a grounding structure for blocking EMI when a frame  12  made of a non-conductive material is used. 
     Specifically, when the frame  12  is made of a plastic injection molded material or the like, a structure is needed to absorb EMI. Thus, in order to ground EMI that is emitted at the rear housing  14 , a separate grounding member  80  is attached to the frame  12 . 
     In further detail, one end of the grounding member  80  is inserted in the gasket mounting surface  126  of the frame  12 . The grounding member  80  is extended along the surface of the frame  12  and connected at the other end to the rear housing  14 . Thus, the rear housing  14  made of a conductive material acts as a ground to block EMI. 
     Here, the grounding member  80  may cover the entire rear surface of the frame  12  or a portion thereof. However, it is sufficient to electrically connect the front panel  11  and the rear housing  14  through the grounding member  80 . For example, even if the grounding member  80  is only disposed between the perimeter and the center of the frame  12 , EMI is sufficiently blocked. 
     Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.