Patent Description:
An electronic device that displays an image to a user, such as a smart phone, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a navigation system and a smart television ("TV"), may include a display device for displaying the image. The display device typically includes a display panel for generating and displaying an image, and a bracket disposed below the display panel. The bracket may accommodate elements of the display panel and the like, and may protect the elements of the display panel from heat, external impact and the like.

In such an electronic device, a separate speaker may be provided therein to provide sound in addition the display device. Reference is made to <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a display panel to which vibro-acoustic elements are coupled.

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a display device including a display panel, vibro-acoustic elements are coupled the display panel, and a bracket as described in claim <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the display device has a sound output function by including a bracket and vibro-acoustic elements.

The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects and other effects which are not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a back side of a bracket <NUM> of the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a back side of a display panel <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment where the display device <NUM> is a portable terminal. The portable terminal may include a tablet personal computer ("PC"), a smart phone, a personal digital assistant ("PDA"), a portable multimedia player ("PMP"), a game console, a wristwatch-type electronic device and the like. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display device <NUM> may be a small and medium-sized electronic device, such as a personal computer, a notebook computer, a car navigation device and a camera, for example, as well as a large electronic apparatus such as a television ("TV") or an external billboard, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of the display device <NUM> may have a rectangular-like shape (e.g., a rectangle with rounded corners) in a plan view, e.g., when viewed from a top plan view. The display device <NUM> may include two opposing short sides extending in a first direction x, and two opposing long sides extending in a second direction y. In an embodiment, a corner, where the long side and the short side of the display device <NUM> meet each other, may have a right angle, or may be curved as shown in <FIG>. In embodiments of the disclosure, the planar shape of the display device <NUM> is not limited to those shown in the accompanying drawings. Alternatively, the planar shape of the display device <NUM> may be circular or other shapes.

In an embodiment, the display device <NUM> includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA. In some embodiments, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA.

The display device <NUM> includes a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b to be described later. The vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be an element having a speaker function or a microphone function by being vibrated.

According to the main embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is disposed in the display area DA, but not being limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, a part of the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed in the display area DA and another part thereof may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. In another example not part of the protection sought, all of the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. In another alternative embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed over the display area DA and the non-display area NDA. The plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b will be described later in greater detail.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of the display device <NUM> includes the display panel <NUM> and the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b disposed on a lower surface of the display panel <NUM>. The display device <NUM> further includes a bracket <NUM> disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The display device <NUM> may further include a window <NUM> disposed on the display panel <NUM>. Although not shown in the figures, the display device <NUM> may further include an input sensing member (e.g., a touch panel) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the window <NUM>.

Unless defined otherwise, the terms "above", "top" and "upper" as used herein refer to a display surface side with respect to the display panel <NUM> (i.e., a third direction z), and the terms "below", "bottom" and "lower" as used herein refer to an opposite side of the display surface with respect to the display panel <NUM> (i.e., an opposite direction to the third direction z).

The window <NUM> may include a light transmitting portion <NUM>-DA for transmitting an image displayed by the display panel <NUM>, and a light shielding portion <NUM>-NDA adjacent to the light transmitting portion <NUM>-DA. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the light shielding portion <NUM>-NDA of the window <NUM> may have an opaque masking layer.

The window <NUM> may be disposed above the display panel <NUM> to protect the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> may overlap the display panel <NUM> and cover the entire top surface of the display panel <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be larger than the display panel <NUM>. In one embodiment, for example, the window <NUM> may have short sides extending further from the display panel <NUM> at both short sides of the display device <NUM>, and long sides extending further from the display panel <NUM> at both long sides of the display device <NUM>. However, a distance between corresponding short sides of the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> may be larger than that between corresponding long sides thereof.

The window <NUM> may include or be made of glass, sapphire, plastic or the like. The window <NUM> may be rigid, but not being limited thereto. Alternatively, the window <NUM> may be flexible.

The display panel <NUM> includes a display portion <NUM>-DA and a non-display portion <NUM>-NDA. The display portion <NUM>-DA is an area for displaying an image, and corresponds to or overlaps the light transmitting portion <NUM>-DA of the window <NUM>. The non-display portion <NUM>-NDA, which is an area where no image is displayed, is adjacent to the display portion <NUM>-DA, and corresponds to or overlaps the light shielding portion <NUM>-NDA of the window <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include a structure in which a driving element, such as a thin film transistor, and a display element are disposed on a base substrate including a glass, a polymer or the like.

In some embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may be a display panel including a self-luminous element as a display element. In one embodiment, for example, the display panel <NUM> includes a display panel including an organic light emitting diode in which an organic light emitting layer is included as a light emitting layer, or a display panel including a quantum dot light emitting diode in which a quantum dot light emitting layer is included as a light emitting layer. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, the display panel <NUM> may be implemented as a liquid crystal display panel or the like. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, embodiments where the display panel <NUM> is a display panel including an organic light emitting diode will be described.

In some embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a touch electrode portion therein. In such embodiments, a separate input sensing member, typically disposed between the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>, may be omitted.

The display panel <NUM> may further include a lower panel member (not shown) disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The lower panel member may be is a member provided for a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a light shielding or light absorbing function, a buffering function, a digitizing function and the like, and the lower panel member may include a functional layer having at least one of the functions described above. The functional layer may be provided in various forms such as a layer, a film, a sheet, a plate, a panel and the like.

In an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are elements that vibrate in response to a signal including audio data, which is an electrical signal corresponding to the audio data. The vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may include, for example, a magnet and a coil surrounding the magnet to allow a current corresponding to the acoustic signal to flow therethrough. The vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may vibrate by an electromagnetic force corresponding to a current flowing in the coil. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be piezoelectric elements including a vibration material layer. In such an embodiment, the vibration material layer may be mechanically deformed in response to the acoustic signal, and the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may vibrate by the mechanical deformation. The vibration material layer may include at least one of a piezoelectric material, polyvinylidene fluoride ("PVDF") and an electroactive polymer, for example. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, embodiments where the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are piezoelectric elements including a vibration material layer will be described.

In such embodiments where the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are piezoelectric elements, as shown in <FIG>, the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may include electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> opposite to each other, and vibration material layers 212a and 212b located therebetween. In an embodiment, each of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b include a first electrode 211a or 211b disposed below the display panel <NUM>, a vibration material layer 212a or 212b disposed below the first electrode 211a or 211b, and a second electrode 213a or 213b disposed below the vibration material layer 212a or 212b. The first electrodes 211a and 211b may be in contact with the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>.

The first electrode 211a or 211b and the second electrode 213a or 213b provide an electric field to the vibration material layer 212a or 212b. The first electrodes 211a and 211b and the second electrodes 213a and 213b may include or be formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, for example, the conductive material may be a transparent conductor, such as indium tin oxide ("ITO") and indium zinc oxide ("IZO"), an opaque metal, a conducting polymer, carbon nanotubes ("CNT"s) or the like.

The vibration material layers 212a and 212b include a piezo material that vibrates when an electric field provided by the first electrodes 211a and 211b and the second electrodes 213a and 213b is applied thereto. In an embodiment, the piezoelectric material includes at least one of a piezoelectric material such as a PVDF film and a lead zirconate titanate ("PZT") ceramic, and an electroactive polymer.

In an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is coupled to the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed directly on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are attached to the lower surface of the display panel <NUM> through a separate adhesive member or the like provided therebetween.

In an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be coupled to a base substrate of the display panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, where the lower panel member is provided, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be coupled to the lower panel member. In such an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed in direct contact with the lowermost layer or surface of the display panel <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be directly or indirectly coupled to the display panel <NUM>.

The vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b vibrate in response to a voltage applied thereto, and a vibration of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is transmitted to the display panel <NUM> coupled thereto such that the display panel <NUM> vibrates. According to the main embodiment, at least a part of the display panel <NUM> functions as a diaphragm that outputs sound in response to the vibration of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b.

The plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may include, or be divided into, a first vibro-acoustic element 210a and a second vibro-acoustic element 210b. The first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the second vibro-acoustic element 210b are spaced apart from each other on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>. The first and second vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be disposed side by side along a predetermined direction, e.g., the second direction y, but not being limited thereto.

The first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the second vibro-acoustic element 210b vibrates with different frequencies or produces audio frequencies in different frequency bands. In an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may produce an audio frequency in a range of about <NUM> hertz (Hz) to about <NUM> kilohertz (kHz). In an embodiment, the first vibro-acoustic element 210a may produce an audio frequency in a relatively high frequency band while the second vibro-acoustic element 210b may produce an audio frequency in a relatively low frequency band.

In some embodiments, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 210a may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 210b may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiment, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 210b may be slightly deviated from the above ranges, and in such embodiments, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 210b may be considered as being substantially within the above range. In an embodiment, the audio frequencies produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the audio frequencies produced by the second vibratory acoustic element 210b may partially overlap each other.

The first and second vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may have different sizes from each other to produce audio frequencies in different frequency bands, respectively. The size of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may mean an area thereof when viewed from a plan view in a direction opposite to the third direction z, or an overlapping area of each of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b with the display panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the size of the first vibro-acoustic element 210a is smaller than that of the second vibro-acoustic element 210b, and the first vibro-acoustic element 210a may produce an audio frequency in a higher frequency band than that of an audio frequency produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 210b.

As described above, since the vibro-acoustic element produces sound in a specific audio frequency band depending on the size thereof, sounds of various frequency bands may not be effectively produced by using a single vibro-acoustic element. In an embodiment, a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements is included in the display device for producing audio frequencies in different frequency bands, respectively, or audio frequencies in a wide frequency band, such that sounds having various or wide frequency bands may be realized by using a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> is disposed below the display panel <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> accommodates the window <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> includes a bottom plate and sidewalls connected to edges of the bottom plate. The top surface of the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM> faces the bottom surface of the display panel <NUM> and the sidewalls of the bracket <NUM> may face the side surfaces of the display panel <NUM> and the window <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the bracket <NUM> may include or be made of a synthetic resin material, a metal material, or a combination of different materials.

In some embodiments, a portion of the bracket <NUM> may be exposed outside through a side of the display device <NUM> to define an outer side surface of the display device <NUM>. In some embodiments, an outer housing (not shown) may be coupled to the bottom of the bracket <NUM>.

A plurality of receiving holes 310a and 310b are defined in the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM>. The plurality of receiving holes 310a and 310b are formed through the bottom plate, and may be spaced apart from each other.

The plurality of receiving holes 310a and 310b are holes in which the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is disposed. In an embodiment, the plurality of receiving holes 310a and 310b are defined at positions corresponding to the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b, respectively. Each of the receiving holes 310a and 310b have a size capable of accommodating the corresponding one of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when the display panel <NUM> is accommodated in the bracket <NUM>, the first and second vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are received in the first and second receiving holes 310a and 310b, respectively. Accordingly, the display panel <NUM> may be accommodated in the bracket <NUM> to minimize or substantially decrease a height difference due to the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b.

Each of the receiving holes 310a and 310b may have a different through area, which is a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the third direction z, depending on the size of the corresponding one of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the bracket <NUM> and the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance without being in contact with each other, such that a space is secured for vibration of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b, that is, the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is effectively prevented from contacting the bracket <NUM> when vibrating. In such an embodiment, each of the plurality of receiving holes 310a and 310b may have a larger size than that of the corresponding one of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b.

In an embodiment, the thickness of the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be greater than the thickness of the bracket <NUM>. In such an embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may protrude further downward (in the opposite direction to the third direction z) than the lower surface of the bracket <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

In an embodiment, vibration spaces 311a and 311b are defined by recessed portions of the bottom plate, which are around the receiving holes 310a and 310b and recessed in a thickness direction (opposite direction to the third direction z), i.e., from the top surface toward the bottom surface of the bottom plate. The vibration spaces 311a and 311b are defined by portions of the bottom plate having a groove shape in which peripheral portions of the bottom plate defining the receiving holes 310a and 310b are recessed to have a thickness less than a thickness of other portions of the bottom plate. The vibration spaces 311a and 311b may be formed in the periphery of one or more of the receiving holes 310a and 310b. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a first vibration space 311a is defined in the periphery of the first receiving hole 310a, and a second vibration space 311b is defined in the periphery of the second receiving hole 310b. In an embodiment, the vibration space of a vibro-acoustic element is defined by a space between the recessed portion of the bottom plate defining a receiving hole that receives the vibro-acoustic element, a portion of the display panel <NUM> overlapping the recessed portion in the thickness direction, and the vibro-acoustic element.

The vibration spaces 311a and 311b serve as a sound box for amplifying vibrations or sound waves generated from the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b located in the receiving holes 310a and 310b. The first vibration space 311a serves as a sound box for the first vibro-acoustic element 210a, and the second vibration space 311b serves as a sound box for the second vibro-acoustic element 210b. In such an embodiment, the greater the vibration spaces 311a and 311b, the greater the effect of amplifying sound waves or vibrations in the low frequency band. Thus, the vibration spaces 311a and 311b may serve to enhance the characteristics of the low frequency band.

The size of the vibration spaces 311a and 311b may mean the volume of the vibration spaces 311a and 311b. The volume of the vibration spaces 311a and 311b may vary depending on the planar area and depth of the recessed portion of the bottom plate defining the vibration spaces 311a and 311b. In some embodiments, the first vibration space 311a and the second vibration space 311b may have a same volume as each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the vibration spaces 311a and 311b may have different volumes from each other to produce audio frequencies in various frequency bands.

In an embodiment, as shown in the figures, the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b, the receiving holes 310a and 310b and the vibration spaces 311a and 311b therearound have a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape and a curved shape in a plan view. The receiving holes 310a and 310b and the vibration spaces 311a and 311b may have various shapes corresponding to the shapes of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the display panel <NUM> and vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c of a display device according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> is illustrated. The display device of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c include first, second and third vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c may include a first vibro-acoustic element 220a which produces an audio frequency of a high frequency band, a second vibro-acoustic element 220b which produces an audio frequency of a middle frequency band, and a third vibro-acoustic element 220c which produces an audio frequency of a low frequency band.

In an embodiment, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 220a may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, the audio frequency of the middle frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 220b is in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the third vibro-acoustic element 220c may be in a range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiment, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 220a, the audio frequency of the middle frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 220b and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the third vibro-acoustic element 220c may be slightly deviated from the above ranges, and in such embodiments, the audio frequency of the high frequency band produced by the first vibro-acoustic element 220a, the audio frequency of the middle frequency band produced by the second vibro-acoustic element 220b and the audio frequency of the low frequency band produced by the third vibro-acoustic element 220c may be considered as being substantially within the above range. In an embodiment, the frequencies produced by each of the vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c and the frequencies produced by another one of the vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c may partially overlap each other.

In an alternative embodiment, the frequencies produced by the first, second and third vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b, and 220c may have relative values to each other without being limited to specific values. In such an embodiment, the first vibro-acoustic element 220a produces an audio frequency of a relatively high or higher frequency band than the second vibro-acoustic element 220b, and the second vibro-acoustic element 220b produces an audio frequency of a relatively high or higher frequency band than the third vibro-acoustic element 220c, the frequency values may not be limited to a frequency within a specific range.

The first, second and third vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b and 220c may be sequentially arranged. Specifically, the first, second and third vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b, and 220c may be sequentially arranged on the display panel <NUM> along a predetermined direction, e.g., the second direction y, as shown in <FIG>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto and the arrangement thereof may be variously changed.

The first, second and third vibro-acoustic elements 220a, 220b, and 220c have different sizes from each other as described above, thereby producing frequencies in different frequency bands. In an embodiment, the vibro-acoustic element that produced the frequency of a higher frequency band may have a smaller size. Accordingly, the first vibro-acoustic element 220a that produces an audio frequency in the highest frequency band may have the smallest size, and the third vibro-acoustic element 220c that produces an audio frequency in the lowest frequency band may have the largest size.

In an embodiment, as described above, the vibro-acoustic elements for outputting high, middle and low frequencies, respectively, are provided, thereby effectively producing audio frequencies that cover all of high, middle and low frequency bands.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel <NUM> and vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b of a display device according to another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII' of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> is illustrated. The display device of <FIG> and <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that portions of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are recessed. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of the display panel <NUM> may to have a shape in which portions of the display panel <NUM> corresponding to (or overlapping) the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b are recessed in the thickness direction (opposite direction to the z direction), i.e., from the lower surface toward the upper surface of the display panel <NUM>. Thus, in such an embodiment of the display panel <NUM>, the portions corresponding to the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be thinner than the other portions. In an embodiment, the recessed portions of the display panel <NUM> may be formed by partially etching the base substrate located in the lower layer of the display panel <NUM>.

In such an embodiment, where the thickness of the portions corresponding to the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b is thinner than the other portions, the display panel <NUM> may vibrate with a greater amplitude due to the vibration provided from the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b, thereby improving the sound output performance of the display device.

In such an embodiment, since the frequency band to be amplified may vary depending on the thickness of the display panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the recessed depth of a portion corresponding to the first vibro-acoustic element 210a may be different from the recessed depth of a portion corresponding to the second vibro-acoustic element 210b. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the recessed depths of the portions corresponding to the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b may be equal to each other.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel <NUM> and vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b of a display device according to another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> is illustrated. The display device of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except a vibration reinforcing member disposed between the second vibro-acoustic element 210b and the display panel <NUM>. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the display device further includes a vibration reinforcing member S disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the second vibro-acoustic element 210b which produces an audio frequency of a low frequency band. The vibration reinforcing member S may reinforce the strength of the vibration of the display panel provided from the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b and allow the display panel <NUM> to more accurately respond to the vibration of the vibro-acoustic elements 210a and 210b. In such an embodiment, the vibration reinforcing member S may improve the vibration of the low frequency band provided from the second vibro-acoustic element 210b.

The vibration reinforcing member S may include or be formed of a metal plate, a foam layer, a supporting material or reinforcing structure, or a combination thereof.

The vibration reinforcing member S may be coupled to both the display panel <NUM> disposed thereon and the second vibro-acoustic element 210b disposed therebelow, thereby maintaining a state where the second vibro-acoustic element 210b is coupled to the display panel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the vibration reinforcing member S may be disposed only in the second vibro-acoustic element 210b, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the vibration reinforcing member S may be disposed between the first vibro-acoustic element 210a and the display panel <NUM> to reinforce the output of the first vibro-acoustic element 210a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel <NUM> and vibro-acoustic elements 230a and 210b of a display device according to still another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> is illustrated. The display device of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that the first vibro-acoustic element 230a includes both a coil C and a piezoelectric element P. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the first vibro-acoustic element 230a which produces an audio frequency of a high frequency band may include both the coil C and the piezoelectric element P. As the first vibro-acoustic element 230a includes both the coil C and the piezoelectric element P, the output of the high frequency band may be improved.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the piezoelectric element P may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>, and the coil C may be disposed on the piezoelectric element P. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the coil C may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>, and the piezoelectric element P may be disposed on the coil C.

In an embodiment, as described above, the first vibro-acoustic element 230a includes both the coil C and the piezoelectric element P, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the second vibro-acoustic element 210b may also include both a coil and a piezoelectric element.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel <NUM>, vibro-acoustic elements 240a and 240b and a bracket <NUM> of a display device according to still another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> and the front side of the bracket <NUM> are illustrated respectively. The display device of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 240a and 240b have the same size as each other, and the plurality of vibration spaces 321a and 321b defined in the bracket <NUM> have different sizes from each other. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, the first vibro-acoustic element 240a and the second vibro-acoustic element 240b have the same size as each other, while the first vibration space 321a and the second vibration space 321b defined in the bracket <NUM> may have different sizes from each other. In an embodiment, the size of the first vibration space 321a corresponding to the first vibro-acoustic element 240a may be smaller than the size of the second vibration space 321b corresponding to the second vibro-acoustic element 240b.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, only the sizes of the first and second vibration spaces 321a and 321b defined in the bracket <NUM> are different from each other, and the frequency bands of the audio frequencies produced from regions where the first and second vibro-acoustic elements 240a and 240b are disposed may become different from each other. In such an embodiment, the sizes of a plurality of receiving holes 320a and 320b defined in the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM> may be the same as each other. In an embodiment, as the size of the vibration spaces 321a and 321b is smaller, an audio frequency of a higher frequency band may be produced.

As described above, the size of the vibro-acoustic elements 240a and 240b are defined as an area where the vibro-acoustic elements 240a and 240b overlap the display panel <NUM>, and the size of the vibration spaces 321a and 321b may be defined as the volume of the vibration spaces 321a and 321b.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a display panel <NUM>, vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b and a bracket <NUM> of a display device according to still another embodiment of the disclosure. In <FIG>, the back side of the display panel <NUM> and the front side of the bracket <NUM> are illustrated respectively. The display device of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that all of a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b and a plurality of vibration spaces 331a and 331b have different sizes from each other. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the first vibro-acoustic element 250a and the second vibro-acoustic element 250b may have different sizes from each other, and the first vibration space 331a and the second vibration space 331b defined in the bracket <NUM> may also have different sizes from each other. In such an embodiment, the sizes of a plurality of receiving holes 330a and 330b defined in the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM> may be different from each other.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the sizes of the first and second vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b and the sizes of the first and second vibration spaces 331a and 331b are different from each other, the frequency bands of the audio frequencies produced from regions where the first and second vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b are disposed may become different from each other. As the size of the vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b and the vibration spaces 331a and 331b is smaller, an audio frequency of a higher frequency band are produced.

In an embodiment, as described above, the size of the vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b may mean an area where the vibro-acoustic elements 250a and 250b overlap the display panel <NUM>, and the size of the vibration spaces 331a and 331b may mean the volume of the vibration spaces 331a and 331b.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a back side of a bracket <NUM> of a display device <NUM> according to still another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV' of <FIG>.

The display device <NUM> of <FIG> is substantially the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that a battery receiving hole B <NUM>, in which a battery may be accommodated is defined in the bracket <NUM>. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the battery receiving hole B1 for accommodating a battery may be further defined in the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM> in addition to a plurality of receiving holes 340a and 340b, in which a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 260a and 260b are accommodated. The battery receiving hole B1 may be defined through the bottom plate of the bracket <NUM>.

The battery refers to a member that supplies power to the display device <NUM>, and is not limited in terms of its shape, size, material or the like. The shape and size of the battery receiving hole B1 may correspond to the shape and size of the battery so that the battery may be effectively received therein.

The battery receiving hole B1 may be spaced apart from the plurality of receiving holes 340a and 340b. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when viewed from a plan view, the battery receiving hole B1 may be disposed at one lower end of the bracket <NUM>, a first receiving hole 340a may be disposed at the other lower end of the bracket <NUM>, and a second receiving hole 340b may be disposed at an upper side of the battery receiving hole B1 and the first receiving hole 340a. In an embodiment, the first vibro-acoustic element 260a having a relatively small size and which produces an audio frequency of a high frequency band and the first receiving hole 340a corresponding to the first vibro-acoustic element 260a may be arranged side by side with the battery receiving hole B1, and the second vibro-acoustic element 260b having a relatively large size and which produces an audio frequency of a low frequency band and the second receiving hole 340b corresponding to the second vibro-acoustic element 260b may be disposed in the remaining region where the battery receiving hole B1 and the first receiving hole 340a are not defined. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The position, size and the like of the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements 260a and 260b and the receiving holes 340a and 340b may be variously modified based on the shape and size of the battery receiving hole B1.

In an embodiment, the vibration spaces 341a and 341b defined in the periphery of the plurality of receiving holes 340a and 340b may be spaced apart from the battery receiving hole B1. In such an embodiment, a vibration space may not be formed in the battery receiving hole B1. The first vibration space 341a and the second vibration space 341b may have a same size as each other, but are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the size relationship between the first vibration space 341a and the second vibration space 341b may be variously modified as described above.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a back side of a bracket <NUM> of a display device <NUM> according to still another alternative embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the display device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a back side of a display panel <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX' of <FIG>.

The display device <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as the display device described with reference to <FIG> except that it further includes a third vibro-acoustic element 260c having an opening B2 defined therein. For convenience of description, any repetitive detailed description of a same element will be omitted and differences will be mainly described.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may be further disposed on the lower surface of the display panel <NUM>, and a third receiving hole 340c may be further defined at a position corresponding to the bracket <NUM>.

The third vibro-acoustic element 260c may have a rectangular frame shape with an opening B2 defined therein. The opening B2 may have a predetermined size and shape to accommodate the battery therein. In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when the display panel <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> are coupled to each other, the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may be positioned inside a rim of the third receiving hole 340c and the opening B2 of the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may serve as a battery receiving hole.

A third vibration space 341c for amplifying the vibration of the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may be disposed in the periphery of the third receiving hole 340c of the bracket <NUM>. In an embodiment, as described above, the third vibro-acoustic element 260c has a rectangular frame shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may have a polygonal or closed curve frame shape. In another alternative embodiment, the third vibro-acoustic element 260c may have a shape corresponding to a part of the above-mentioned frame shape (e.g., a shape having two parallel line segments or '<IMG>' shape). In such an embodiment, the shape of the third vibro-acoustic element 260c is not limited as long as the battery is effectively accommodated in the opening B2. and a third receiving hole 340c may be further defined at a position corresponding to the bracket <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A display device (<NUM>) comprising:
a display panel (<NUM>);
a plurality of vibro-acoustic elements (210a, 210b) coupled to the display panel (<NUM>) and spaced apart from each other on the display panel (<NUM>),
a bracket (<NUM>) disposed below the display panel (<NUM>) and including a bottom plate,
wherein the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements (210a, 210b) produces audio frequencies in different frequency bands, respectively,
wherein
a plurality of receiving holes (310a, 310b) is defined through the bottom plate,
the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements (210a, 210b) is disposed in the plurality of receiving holes (320a, 320b), respectively,
a portion of the bottom plate defining a receiving hole (310a, 310b) of the plurality of receiving holes is recessed from an upper surface toward a lower surface of the bottom plate,
a vibration space (311a, 311b) is defined by the portion of the bottom plate recessed from the upper surface toward the lower surface of the bottom plate, and
audio frequencies in different frequency bands, respectively, are produced from regions in which the plurality of vibro-acoustic elements (210a, 210b) is disposed.