Patent Description:
With the development of the information society, there have been growing demands for various types of display devices, and in order to meet these demands, research has been conducted thereon and various display devices have been used recently, including a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), and the like.

Among them, a display device using an organic light emitting diode (OLED) has excellent luminance and viewing angle characteristics in comparison with a liquid crystal display device, and requires no backlight unit, such that the OLED display device can be implemented as an ultrathin display device.

In addition, a lot of research has been done to effectively remove heat generated when a large-screen and ultra-thin display device displays high-definition images.

For example, a vapor chamber, which serves as a heat dissipation structure applied to the display device, is an element embedded in the display device and cools a heating element that generates high-temperature heat. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent thermal damage to electronic elements located adjacent to the heating element due to spatial constraints. <CIT> is directed to an electronic device having a heat dissipating apparatus. In one aspect, the electronic device is a TV and the heat dissipating apparatus includes a vapor chamber. The electronic device further includes a body with a display unit, an internal circuit board having at least one heat generating element as well as an interference element, and a rear case. A predetermined portion on a surface of the vapor chamber is engaged with the heat generating element so that the edges are located at a position near the periphery of the inside of the body, in order to widely diffuse the heat generated by the heat generating element, so that the high temperature heat generated by the heat generating element is diffused to an outermost end of the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate, a refrigerant provided therebetween, and embedded members for absorbing and transferring the refrigerant according to the phase change of the refrigerant. The vapor chamber has a cut surface (e.g., indentations or cutouts) formed by cutting a part of the vapor chamber according to a position of the interference element. <CIT> is directed to cooling of semiconductor devices. A titanium thermal ground plane comprises a titanium substrate with a wicking structure, a backplane, and a vapor chamber. The thermal ground plane is charged with a working fluid, such as water in a thermodynamically saturated state, where the liquid phase resides predominantly in the wicking structure, and the vapor phase resides predominantly in the vapor chamber. A portable device based on the titanium thermal ground plane includes a middle frame member and a thermal ground plane with a wicking structure and a backplane formed by the middle frame member. The device includes an integrated circuit affixed to and in thermal communication with the wicking structure. A vapor cavity of the thermal ground plane is formed between the titanium backplane and sealed by welding to the wicking structure, forming the thermal ground plane. <CIT> describes a mobile communication terminal including a housing, a circuit substrate with a heating element, and a bracket to support a vapor chamber. The vapor chamber includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a refrigerant portion. The refrigerant portion can fill the inside of the refrigerant member and transfer heat from a high temperature portion to a low temperature portion through phase change of the refrigerant member. The vapor chamber is formed in a shape that at least partially extends in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the terminal and at least a portion of the area of the vapor chamber is engaged with the heating element. <CIT> describes a heat plate with a heat radiation area and having a pinch that can deflate the inside to form a vacuum. A refrigerant is injected inside the heat radiation area after it deflates, and a cock shielding the pinch is installed by welding the outer circumference of the pinch to the cock so as to maintain a vacuum.

It is an object of the present disclosure to solve the above and other problems.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a display device capable of effectively cooling a heating element while occupying a relatively small volume.

It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a display device capable of avoiding contact or interference between a vapor chamber and elements, except for a heating element to be cooled, among elements mounted on a PCB.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display device as defined by independent claim <NUM>. Specific embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

The display device according to the present disclosure has the following effects.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of effectively cooling a heating element while occupying a relatively small volume.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a display device capable of avoiding contact or interference between a vapor chamber and elements, except for a heating element to be cooled, among elements mounted on a PCB.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating examples of a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or similar components, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The terms "module" and "unit" for elements used in the following description are given simply in view of the ease of the description, and do not have a distinguishing meaning or role.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the following description, even if an embodiment is described with reference to a specific figure, if necessary, reference numeral not shown in the specific figure may be referred to, and reference numeral not shown in the specific figure is used when the reference numeral is shown in the other figures.

Referring to <FIG>, a display device <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may display images.

The display device <NUM> may include a first long side LS1, a second long side LS2 opposite to the first long side LS1, a first short side SS1 adjacent to the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2, and a second short side SS2 opposite to the first short side SS1. Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, it is illustrated and described that the first and second long sides LS1 and LS2 are longer than the first and second short sides SS1 and SS2, but there may also be a case in which lengths of the first and second long sides LS1 and LS2 may be approximately equal to lengths of the first and second short sides SS1 and SS2.

A direction parallel to the first and second long sides LS1 and LS2 of the display device <NUM> may be referred to as a first direction DR1 or a left-right direction LR. A direction parallel to the first and second short sides SS1 and SS2 of the display device <NUM> may be referred to as a second direction DR2 or an up-down direction UD. A direction perpendicular to the long sides LS1 and LS2 and the short sides SS1 and SS2 of the display device <NUM> may be referred to as a third direction DR3 or a front-rear direction FR. Here, a side on which the display panel <NUM> displays an image may be referred to as a front side, and a side opposite thereto may be referred to as a rear side.

In the following description of the display panel <NUM>, a display panel using an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) will be described as an example, but the display panel <NUM> which may be applied to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may include the display panel <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, a module cover <NUM>, and a back cover <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may form a front surface of the display device <NUM> and may display an image on the front side. The display panel <NUM> may divide the image into a plurality of pixels and may output the image while controlling color, brightness, and chroma of the respective pixels. The display panel <NUM> may be divided into an active area, in which the image is displayed, and a de-active area in which the image is not displayed. The display panel <NUM> may generate light corresponding to red, green, or blue color in response to a control signal.

The frame <NUM> may form side surfaces of the display device <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be disposed at the rear of the display panel <NUM> and may be coupled to the display panel <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may have a generally square ring shape. For example, the frame <NUM> may include a metal material. For example, the frame <NUM> may include an aluminum (Al) material.

The module cover <NUM> may be disposed at the rear of the display panel <NUM>. The module cover <NUM> may be coupled to the frame <NUM>. In this case, the module cover <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the display panel <NUM> with the frame <NUM> being disposed therebetween.

The back cover <NUM> may form a rear surface of the display device <NUM>. The back cover <NUM> may be coupled to the module cover <NUM> to cover a rear side of the module cover <NUM>. Meanwhile, it is also possible that the back cover <NUM> is omitted from the display device <NUM>, and the aforementioned module cover <NUM> serves as an exterior material.

Referring to <FIG>, various electronic components, which are electrically connected to the display panel <NUM>, may be installed in the module cover <NUM>. A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) P, on which a plurality of elements are mounted, may be coupled to the module cover <NUM>. For example, the PCB P may be a main board. In this case, it is required to prevent the plurality of elements mounted on the PCB P from being exposed to high-temperature heat to prevent thermal damage, and to this end, the display device <NUM> may include a vapor chamber <NUM>.

The vapor chamber <NUM> is coupled to the PCB P and comes into contact with a contact element <NUM> which is at least any one of the plurality of elements mounted on the PCB P. Here, the contact element <NUM> may be a heating element that generates heat when a current flows. For example, the contact element <NUM> may be an IC chip. In this case, the vapor chamber <NUM> may cool the contact element <NUM> by radiating heat, transferred from the contact element <NUM>, to the outside. Accordingly, the vapor chamber <NUM> may prevent overheating of the contact element <NUM>, thereby preventing thermal damage to the contact element <NUM> and elements adjacent thereto.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the vapor chamber <NUM> includes a first plate <NUM>, a second plate <NUM>, and a fluid FL (not shown). Heat Hin transferred from the contact element <NUM> to the vapor chamber <NUM> may evaporate the fluid FL received in the vapor chamber <NUM>. Further, the fluid FL, which has increased in temperature, may move upward and may be condensed by radiating heat Hout to the outside at an upper end of the vapor chamber <NUM>. In addition, the condensed fluid FL may move downward and may be evaporated and condensed repeatedly, to cool the contact element <NUM>.

In this case, considering the characteristics that a relatively high-temperature fluid FL moves further upward than a relatively low-temperature fluid FL, it is desirable that a portion of the vapor chamber <NUM> that radiates heat be disposed above a portion that absorbs heat. For example, an upper end of the vapor chamber <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to an upper end of the module cover <NUM>. Here, the upper end of the module cover <NUM> may be understood as a portion adjacent to an upper end of the display device <NUM> and a portion adjacent to an outside thereof. Accordingly, heat may be smoothly dissipated from the fluid FL through the upper end of the vapor chamber <NUM>.

The first plate <NUM> may form a rear surface of the vapor chamber <NUM>. The first plate <NUM> may include a heat absorbing part <NUM> that comes into contact with the contact element <NUM> to absorb heat generated in the contact element <NUM>. That is, heat generated in the contact element <NUM> may be transferred to the fluid FL through the heat absorbing part <NUM> to evaporate the fluid FL.

The second plate <NUM> may form a front surface of the vapor chamber <NUM>. The second plate <NUM> may be coupled to the first plate <NUM>. For example, the second plate <NUM> may be coupled to the first plate <NUM> by a method, such as welding and the like. For example, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may include a metal material. For example, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may include stainless steel which is excellent in corrosion resistance.

The fluid FL may flow in a space S between the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. That is, by the above process of evaporation and condensation of the fluid FL, the fluid FL may move upward and downward in the space S. To this end, a portion of an inner surface of the first plate <NUM> and a portion of an inner surface of the second plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other to form the space S. For example, the fluid FL may be water.

Meanwhile, the vapor chamber <NUM> may further include an adhesive AM. The adhesive AM may be disposed between the heat absorbing part <NUM> and the contact element <NUM>, and may be coupled to each of the heat absorbing part <NUM> and the contact element <NUM>. The adhesive AM has excellent thermal conductivity, such that heat generated in the contact element <NUM> may be easily transferred to the heat absorbing part <NUM>. For example, the adhesive AM may be a double-sided tape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second plate <NUM> may include a second body <NUM> having an inlet hole <NUM> formed therein for providing the fluid FL to the space S. For example, after the fluid FL is provided to the space S through the inlet hole <NUM>, the space S may be made into a vacuum state by a vacuum device (not shown). For example, a pipe <NUM>, through which the fluid FL flows, may be inserted into the inlet hole <NUM>. For example, the pipe <NUM> may be a copper pipe.

A plurality of recesses <NUM> may be recessed inwardly from the second body <NUM>. For example, the plurality of recesses <NUM> may have an embossing shape. The plurality of recesses <NUM> may prevent the second plate <NUM> and the first plate <NUM> from coming into close contact with each other when the space S is made into a vacuum state. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses <NUM> may be useful for providing the space S in a fixed size and in a vacuum state.

Referring to <FIG>, a cap <NUM> may cover the pipe <NUM> coupled to the second plate <NUM> and inserted into the inlet hole <NUM>. For example, the cap <NUM> may be formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the cap <NUM> may include a rubber material.

For example, the cap <NUM> may be elongated in the front-rear direction (see <FIG>). In this case, the cap <NUM> may prevent any components, disposed at the front of the vapor chamber <NUM>, from coming into contact with the second plate <NUM>.

A bracket <NUM> may have one side coupled to the vapor chamber <NUM> and the other side coupled to the PCB P. That is, the vapor chamber <NUM> may be coupled to the PCB P by a plurality of brackets <NUM>. For example, the bracket <NUM> may include a plurality of brackets <NUM>: <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> which are spaced apart from each other.

The other side of the bracket <NUM> may have a hole <NUM> formed therein, through which a fastening member SC fastened to the PCB P passes. Further, the other side of the bracket <NUM> may be spaced apart from the PCB P. In this case, by adjusting a degree of fastening of the fastening member SC fastened to the PCB P, a coupling force between the bracket <NUM> and the PCB P may be adjusted. For example, the fastening member SC corresponding to a screw may be screw-fastened to the PCB P through the hole <NUM> (see <FIG>). In this case, as the fastening member SC is rotated in a fastening direction of the screw, the coupling force between the bracket <NUM> and the PCB P may increase.

Accordingly, the heat absorbing part <NUM> may come into closer contact with the contact element <NUM>, such that the heat generated in the contact element <NUM> may be easily transferred to the heat absorbing part <NUM>. Alternatively, it is also possible that the vapor chamber <NUM> may be coupled to the PCB P by another method, such as welding and the like.

For example, the bracket <NUM> may include a metal material. For example, the bracket <NUM> may include chrome (Cr).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first plate <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> having the heat absorbing part <NUM> formed therein. For example, the first body <NUM> may be a plate which is generally flat.

The first plate <NUM> may extend upwardly from the heat absorbing part <NUM> while bypassing a protruding element <NUM> so as not to overlap with the protruding element <NUM> in the front-rear direction FR, the protruding element <NUM> overlapping with the first plate <NUM> in the up-down direction UD among the plurality of elements mounted on the PCB P (see <FIG>). Further, the second plate <NUM> may also bypass the protruding element <NUM> in the same direction as the first plate <NUM>. For example, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> may have generally the same shape, such that a shape of the vapor chamber <NUM> in relation to the protruding element <NUM> will be described based on the first plate <NUM> for brief explanation.

Accordingly, even when the protruding element <NUM>, which protrudes further forward than the contact element <NUM>, is disposed over the heat absorbing part <NUM>, the first plate <NUM> is formed by bypassing the protruding element <NUM>, thereby not interfering with the protruding element <NUM>. In addition, the protruding element <NUM> may be prevented from coming into contact with the vapor chamber <NUM>, thereby facilitating the above process of evaporation and condensation of the fluid FL.

The protruding element <NUM> may include a plurality of protruding elements <NUM>: 52a and 52b which are spaced apart from each other. In this case, the first plate <NUM> may bypass each of the plurality of protruding elements <NUM> in the same direction. That is, after bypassing any one of the plurality of protruding elements <NUM> in a first direction, the first plate <NUM> may also bypass the rest of the protruding elements in the first direction.

Accordingly, flow resistance of the fluid FL flowing in the space S may be minimized compared to the case where the first plate <NUM> is formed by bypassing the respective protruding elements <NUM> in different directions. As a result, the contact element <NUM> may be cooled effectively by using the vapor chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat absorbing part <NUM> may protrude outwardly or rearwardly from the first body <NUM>. That is, the heat absorbing part <NUM> may be disposed closer to the PCB P than the first body <NUM>, except for the heating absorbing part <NUM>.

Accordingly, except for the contact of the contact element <NUM> with the heat absorbing part <NUM>, any heating element, disposed on the PCB P, is prevented from coming into contact with the first body <NUM> except for the heat absorbing part, thereby facilitating the above process of evaporation and condensation of the fluid FL.

Meanwhile, a lower end of the first plate <NUM> may be spaced apart from the heat absorbing part <NUM>. For example, the lower end of the first plate <NUM> and the heat absorbing part <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other according to a position of the contact element <NUM>, a size and shape of the vapor chamber <NUM>, a position, size, and shape of elements mounted on the PCB P, and the like.

In this case, the vapor chamber <NUM> may include a sheet <NUM> (see <FIG>). The sheet <NUM> may move the fluid FL in a liquid state, which is adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM>, to the heat absorbing part <NUM>. To this end, one end of the sheet <NUM> may be adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM>, and the other end of the sheet <NUM> may be adjacent to an upper end of the heat absorbing part <NUM>. Accordingly, the fluid FL in a liquid state which is adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM> may be moved by the sheet <NUM> to the heat absorbing part <NUM> to be evaporated in the heat absorbing part <NUM>.

For example, the sheet <NUM> may move the fluid FL in a liquid state, which is adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM>, to the heat absorbing part <NUM> by capillary action. For example, the sheet <NUM> may include a porous material. For example, the sheet <NUM> may include a fiber material. For example, the sheet <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM>. Meanwhile, the sheet <NUM> may be referred to as a microfilter.

Referring to <FIG>, a first flange <NUM> formed around a circumference of the first body <NUM> and a second flange <NUM> formed at an outer portion of the second body <NUM> may be coupled to each other while facing each other. For example, the first flange <NUM> and the second flange <NUM> may be coupled to each other by a method, such as welding and the like. In this case, an inner surface of the first body <NUM>, except for the first flange <NUM>, may be spaced apart from an inner surface of the second body <NUM>, except for the second flange <NUM>, to form the space S.

The heat absorbing part <NUM> may include a seating portion <NUM> and an inclined portion <NUM>. A portion of the sheet <NUM> may be seated on the seating portion <NUM>. The contact element <NUM> may come into contact with the seating portion <NUM>. For example, the seating portion <NUM> may be generally flat. The inclined portion <NUM> may connect the seating portion <NUM> and the first body <NUM>. The inclined portion <NUM> may be inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the seating portion <NUM>. In this case, the sheet <NUM> adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM> may extend upward and may pass through the inclined portion <NUM> to be seated on the seating portion <NUM>.

The sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second plate <NUM> or the inner surface of the second body <NUM>. A gap between the sheet <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> or the inner surface of the second body <NUM> may be largest at a portion where the sheet <NUM> is seated on the seating portion <NUM>. For example, a recess <NUM> disposed opposite to the seating portion <NUM> with the sheet <NUM> disposed therebetween may be recessed inward by about <NUM> from the second body <NUM>, so as to be spaced apart from the seating portion <NUM> by a gap (g) of about <NUM>.

Accordingly, as the fluid FL absorbed into the sheet <NUM> and moved to the seating portion <NUM> is evaporated by the heat transferred from the contact element <NUM>, a fluid FL in a gaseous state may be generated and may smoothly flow through the space S.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the seating portion <NUM> may be generally rectangular. In this case, the inclined portion <NUM> may include first to fourth inclined portions 1122a, 1122b, 1122c, and 1122d which extend from each side of the seating portion <NUM>. Here, the first inclined portion 1122a may be disposed between one end and the other end of the sheet <NUM>. That is, the sheet <NUM> having one end adjacent to the lower end of the first plate <NUM> may extend upward and may pass through the first inclined portion 1122a to be seated on the seating portion <NUM>.

The sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second to fourth inclined portions 1122b, 1122c, and 1122d of the inclined portion <NUM>, except for the first inclined portion 1122a disposed between the one end and the other end of the sheet <NUM>. For example, a left side of the sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second inclined portion 1122b, disposed on the left of the seating portion <NUM>, by a predetermined gap g2. For example, an upper side of the sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the third inclined portion 1122c, disposed over the seating portion <NUM>, by a predetermined gap g3. For example, the right side of the sheet <NUM> may be spaced apart from the fourth inclined portion 1122d, disposed on the right of the seating portion <NUM>, by a predetermined gap g4.

That is, the sheet <NUM> is placed on the seating portion <NUM> without overlapping with the second to fourth inclined portions 1122b, 1122c, and 1122d, thereby preventing the sheet <NUM>, which increases in volume by absorbing the fluid FL, from narrowing the space S formed between the second to fourth inclined portions 1122b, 1122c, and 1122d and the second body <NUM>.

In addition, it should be understood that in order to secure the space S between the seating portion <NUM> and the second body <NUM> for the fluid FL to smoothly flow even when the sheet <NUM> increases in volume, a gap between the second body <NUM> and the seating portion <NUM> is relatively greater than a gap between the second body <NUM> and the inclined portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, even when the sheet <NUM> increases in volume by absorbing the fluid FL, the fluid FL evaporated from the sheet <NUM> may flow smoothly through the space S. Further, it is possible to prevent boiling noise which occurs when the evaporated fluid FL remains stagnant in the heat absorbing part <NUM>.

A mesh <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the seating portion <NUM> with the sheet disposed therebetween <NUM>. The mesh <NUM> may have a plurality of pores formed therein. The mesh <NUM> may be coupled to the sheet <NUM>. The mesh <NUM> may reduce noise occurring when bubbles of the fluid FL jetting through the sheet <NUM> burst. That is, the bubbles, generated when the fluid FL is evaporated from the sheet <NUM>, may be reduced in size by the plurality of pores of the mesh <NUM>, such that the bubbles may burst without causing loud noise.

For example, the mesh <NUM> is generally rectangular. For example, the mesh <NUM> may include a metal material. For example, the mesh <NUM> may include stainless steel which is excellent in corrosion resistance.

Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the invention described above may be combined or combined with each other in configuration or function.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a module cover (<NUM>) disposed at a rear of the display panel (<NUM>);
a PCB (P) on which a plurality of elements are positioned, the PCB coupled to the module cover (<NUM>);
a contact element (<NUM>); and
a vapor chamber (<NUM>) that contacts the contact element which is at least any one of the plurality of elements, the vapor chamber coupled to the PCB (P),
wherein the vapor chamber (<NUM>) comprises:
a first plate (<NUM>) including a heat absorbing part (<NUM>) that contacts the contact element (<NUM>);
a second plate (<NUM>) coupled to the first plate (<NUM>); and
a fluid flowing through a space provided between the first plate (<NUM>) and the second plate (<NUM>),
characterized in that the first plate (<NUM>) extends vertically upward from the heat absorbing part (<NUM>) while bypassing horizontally a protruding element (<NUM>) mounted on the PCB (P) so as not to overlap with the protruding element (<NUM>) in a front-rear direction, the protruding element (<NUM>) overlapping vertically with the first plate (<NUM>) in an up-down direction among the plurality of elements,
wherein the fluid is evaporated by the heat in the heat absorbing part (<NUM>) to flow vertically upwardly, and is condensed in an upper portion of the space to flow vertically downwardly.