Patent ID: 12234077

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may be present therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. The same reference numbers indicate the same components throughout the specification.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For instance, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the invention. Similarly, the second element could also be termed the first element.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The term “lower,” can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

“About” or “approximately” as used herein is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10% or 5% of the stated value.

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

Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to limit the scope of the present claims.

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

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a panel tray according to an embodiment.FIG.2is an exploded perspective view illustrating a plurality of slots separated from the panel tray ofFIG.1.FIG.3is a plan view of the panel tray ofFIG.1.

The terms “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” as used herein refer to directions when the drawings are viewed in a plan view. For example, “upper” refers to a first direction DR1, “lower” refers to an opposite direction to the first direction DR1, “right” refers to a second direction DR2, and “left” refers to an opposite direction to the second direction DR2. In addition, “above”, “top”, and “upper surface” refer to a third direction DR3, and “below”, “bottom”, and “lower surface” refer to an opposite direction to the third direction DR3.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, an embodiment of a panel tray10includes a main body part100and a plurality of slots200. In such an embodiment of the panel tray10, panels1000(seeFIG.10) may be disposed in the main body part100, and the slots200may be positioned to face sides of the panels1000disposed in the main body part100. The slots200may guide the panels1000so that the panels1000are stably packaged or mounted in the panel tray10or may prevent portions of the panels1000from being damaged by an external impact.

The main body part100may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In an embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG.1, a lower surface of the main body part100may have a rectangular shape, in a plan view, having short sides in the first direction DR1and long sides in the second direction DR2. A corner where the short side in the first direction DR1and the long side in the second direction DR2meet may be right-angled or may have a predetermined curvature. The shape of the main body part100in a plan view is not limited to the rectangular shape, and may be other polygonal shapes, a circular shape, or an elliptical shape. In such an embodiment, the main body part100may have one of various shapes corresponding to a shape of the panel1000mounted therein.

The main body part100includes outer walls disposed on sides of a bottom surface thereof. The outer walls of the main body part100may surround a space in which the panels1000are mounted. The outer walls of the main body part100have a predetermined height and thickness. The height and thickness of the outer walls of the main body part100may vary based on the number of panels1000stored in the panel tray10. The outer walls of the main body part100may have a height enough to prevent the panel1000from being separated from the panel tray10when the panel1000is mounted and transported or stored in the panel tray10. In an embodiment, the outer walls of the main body part100may have a height greater than at least a thickness of the panel1000.

FIGS.1to3illustrate an embodiment in which corners where the outer walls meet have an angular shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and alternatively, the corners may have a rounded shape. In an embodiment, each outer wall may have a curved shape in which a region extending in one direction is partially recessed. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the main body part100of the panel tray10may include a plurality of protrusion parts PA1and PA2formed or defined on the outer walls. The outer walls of the main body part100may have outer surfaces that are flat or partially curved, and some of the outer walls of the main body part100may include the protrusion parts PA1and PA2partially protruded from inner surfaces thereof defining a space in which the panel1000is mounted. In an embodiment, for example, the main body part100may include first and second protrusion parts PA1and PA2formed or defined, respectively, on upper and lower outer walls, which are outer walls extending in the second direction DR2, among the outer walls. The first protrusion part PA1may be formed on an inner surface of the lower outer wall among the outer walls of the main body part100, and the second protrusion part PA2may be formed on an inner surface of the upper outer wall among the outer walls of the main body part100. In such an embodiment, left and right outer walls among the outer walls of the main body part100may have inner surfaces that are relatively flat. The outer walls of the main body part100include the protrusion parts PA1and PA2that are partially formed, and thus, have a thickness varying depending on a position. Portions of the outer walls where the protrusion parts PA1and PA2are formed may have a width greater than that of other portions.

The protrusion parts PA1and PA2of the main body part100may form or define a space in which an external device connected to the panel1000is positioned when the panel1000is mounted in the panel tray10. The panel1000has a shape substantially similar to the shape of the panel tray10in a plan view, and may include external devices disposed on one side thereof. The protrusion parts PA1and PA2of the main body part100may be formed to correspond to structures and layouts of the external devices of the panel1000, and may prevent the external devices from being in contact with and damaged by the main body part100.FIGS.1to3illustrate an embodiment where the first protrusion part PA1and the second protrusion part PA2are positioned, respectively, at central portions of the upper and lower outer walls among the outer walls of the main body part100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and alternatively, positions of the first protrusion part PA1and the second protrusion part PA2may vary based on a structure of the panel1000mounted in the panel tray10.

In an embodiment, the main body part100may include a plurality of support parts SP and a plurality of groove parts HP (HP1and HP2inFIG.4) disposed, respectively, at corners where the respective outer walls extending in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2meet. When the panels1000are mounted in the panel tray10, corner portions of the panels1000may be disposed on the support parts SP of the main body part100. The support part SP may have a height lower than the outer wall of the main body part100, and may be disposed inside the outer wall. In an embodiment, for example, the main body part100of the panel tray10may have the rectangular shape in a plan view, and include four support parts SP disposed adjacent to respective corners thereof. The corner portions of the panel1000may be disposed on the support parts SP, respectively, and in an embodiment, upper surfaces of the support parts SP may be coated with protective members. The upper surfaces of the support parts SP may be coated with the protective members or protective layers may be disposed on the upper surfaces of the support parts SP, so that the panel1000is not damaged even though the panel1000is in direct contact with the support parts SP.

The support parts SP may have a shape extending in one direction, and may be disposed on the bottom surface of the main body part100on which the panels1000are mounted. The support parts SP may have a shape of which a length in the first direction DR1is greater than a length in the second direction DR2, and may be disposed inside outer walls extending in the first direction DR1among the outer walls of the main body part100. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and a layout and a shape of the support part SP may be variously modified.

The groove parts HP (HP1and HP2inFIG.4) of the main body part100may be disposed at portions of the outer walls adjacent to the corners. First groove parts HP1having a shape extending in the second direction DR2may be formed or defined in the outer walls extending in the first direction DR1among the outer walls of the main body part100, and second groove parts HP2having a shape extending in the first direction DR1may be formed or defined in the outer walls extending in the second direction DR2among the outer walls of the main body part100. The first groove part HP1and the second groove part HP2may be formed in each corner portion of the main body part100while forming a pair. In an embodiment in which the main body part100has the rectangular shape in a plan view, a pair of groove parts HP1and HP2are formed at each corner of the main body part100, such that four first groove parts HP1and four second groove parts HP2may be formed. One outer wall may be connected to the other outer walls at both corners, and the groove parts HP1and HP2may be formed in each of portions adjacent to both corners of each outer wall. In an embodiment, for example, two groove parts HP1and HP2may be formed in the outer wall extending in one direction.

Each of the first and second groove parts HP1and HP2may have a predetermined depth and have a shape recessed from a sidewall of the outer wall. The first groove part HP1and the second groove part HP2may extend in the second direction DR2and the first direction DR1, respectively, and may meet at a point where the first groove part HP1and the second groove part HP2intersect each other. Portions where the first and second groove part HP1and HP2are formed may be substantially the same as positions where the support parts SP are disposed. In an embodiment, for example, the first and second groove parts HP1and HP2may be formed at portions of the outer walls where the support parts SP are disposed.

The plurality of slots200may be disposed at the corners of the main body part100, respectively. The slots200include portions that may be inserted into the groove parts HP1and HP2formed at the corners of the main body part100, such that portions of the slots200may be disposed in the groove parts HP1and HP2and the other portions of the slots200may be disposed on the supporting parts SP on which the panel1000is disposed.

FIG.4is an enlarged view of part A ofFIG.3.FIG.5is a plan view illustrating a slot of the panel tray according to an embodiment.FIG.4is an enlarged view of the slot200disposed at one of a plurality of corners of the main body part100.

Referring toFIGS.4and5in conjunction withFIGS.1to3, the panel tray10may include a plurality of slots200disposed at corners, respectively. As described above, in an embodiment in which the main body part100of the panel tray10has the rectangular shape in a plan view, the panel tray10may include four slots200disposed respectively at four corners. Each slot200may be inserted into the groove parts HP1and HP2formed at the corner of the main body part100and be disposed on the support part SP. The slot200may prevent the panel1000from being damaged by an external impact when the panel1000is seated in the main body part100.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, the slot200may include a plurality of guide parts210and220, a plurality of fastening parts230and240, and a plurality of cushion parts250and260. The slot200may be disposed at the corner where the outer walls of the main body part100extending in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2intersect each other, and may thus have a structure corresponding to a shape of the corner. The slot200may include a pair of guide parts210and220, fastening parts230and240, and cushion parts250and260extending in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2.

In an embodiment, for example, the slot200may include a first guide part210extending in the first direction DR1and a second guide part220having a predetermined width from one side of the first guide part210toward the second direction DR2. A first fastening part230extending in the first direction DR1and a second fastening part240extending in the second direction DR2may be disposed at a portion where the first guide part210and the second guide part220intersect each other. In such an embodiment, the slot200may include a first cushion part250and a second cushion part260positioned on an opposite side to the portion where the first guide part210and the second guide part220intersect each other. Hereinafter, the portion where the first guide part210and the second guide part220intersect each other and a portion where the first fastening part230and the second fastening part240intersect each other will be referred to as a ‘central portion of the slot200’

The first guide part210may have a shape extending from the central portion of the slot200substantially in the first direction DR1. The first guide part210may have different widths at a portion thereof adjacent to the central portion of the slot200and a portion thereof where the first cushion part250is disposed. The first guide part210may be disposed to be in contact with an inner sidewall of the outer wall extending in the first direction DR1among the outer walls of the main body part100, and may face a side extending in the first direction DR1among sides of the panel1000.

The second guide part220may have a shape extending from the central portion of the slot200substantially in the second direction DR2. The second guide part220may have a shape in which a length thereof in the second direction DR2may be smaller than that of the first guide part210, but a maximum width thereof measured in the first direction DR1is greater than a maximum width of the first guide part210measured in the second direction DR2. The second guide part220may also have different widths at a portion thereof adjacent to the central portion of the slot200and a portion thereof where the second cushion part260is disposed. The second guide part220may have a shape in which one side opposite to the central portion of the slot200partially protrudes. A protruding end portion of the second guide part220may guide a region in which the panel1000is mounted, and as described later, the second cushion part260may be disposed at the protruding end portion of the second guide part220. The second guide part220may be disposed to be in contact with an inner sidewall of the outer wall extending in the second direction DR2among the outer walls of the main body part100, and may face a side extending in the second direction DR2among the sides of the panel1000.

The first guide part210and the second guide part220may limit or minimize movement of the panel1000when the panel1000is mounted in the panel tray10. Each of the slots200disposed at the corners of the main body part100may be disposed so that the guide parts210and220face the panel1000inside the outer walls of the main body part100. The panel tray10may be configured in a way such that a space thereof in which the panel1000is mounted is greater than that of the panel1000. In the panel tray10, an area, in a plan view, of a space surrounded by the main body part100may be greater than an area of the panel1000in a plan view. Even though the panel1000mounted in the main body part100moves during transport, the movement of the panel1000may be minimized by the guide parts210and220.

In an embodiment, the slot200may include the cushion parts250and260disposed on lower surfaces of the guide parts210and220to decrease an external impact applied to the panel1000. The first cushion part250may be disposed on the lower surface of the first guide part210, and the second cushion part260may be disposed on the lower surface of the second guide part220. The first cushion part250and the second cushion part260may be disposed, respectively, below one sides of the first guide part210and the second guide part220facing a space surrounded by the outer walls of the main body part100. In a plan view, the first cushion part250and the second cushion part260may be disposed to protrude from the one sides of the first guide part210and the second guide part220, respectively. When the panel1000moves in the panel tray10, the sides of the panel1000may be in contact with the cushion parts250and260of the slot200, and an external impact applied to the panel1000may be decreased by the cushion parts250and260. In an embodiment, the cushion parts250and260may include or be made of a polymer material having a low hardness. In an embodiment, the slot200may include or be made of a material having a relatively low hardness. In an embodiment, each of the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240of the slot200may include or be made of a polymer material such as polyurethane.

The first fastening part230may have a shape extending from the central portion of the slot200in the first direction DR1. The first fastening part230may extend in an opposite direction to the first guide part210with respect to the central portion of the slot200. The first fastening part230may have a width smaller than that of the first guide part210, and may have a shape corresponding to the second groove part HP2of the main body part100. The second fastening part240may have a shape extending from the central portion of the slot200in the second direction DR2. The second fastening part240may extend in an opposite direction to the second guide part220with respect to the central portion of the slot200. The second fastening part240may have a width smaller than that of the second guide part220, and may have a shape corresponding to the first groove part HP1of the main body part100. The slot200may be disposed so that the first fastening part230and the second fastening part240are inserted into the groove part HP1and HP2of the main body part100, respectively, and be thus fixed to the main body part100. In an embodiment, for example, a width of each of the fastening parts230and240may be the same as or smaller than that of each of the groove parts HP1and HP2of the main body part100.

When the panel1000is mounted in the panel tray10, the panel1000may be mounted in the panel tray10to be positioned in a space formed or defined by the guide parts210and220of the slot200. In such an embodiment, as described above, the main body part100of the panel tray10may have the area greater than that of the panel1000in a plan view, and the slots200forming the space in which the panel1000is mounted are disposed at the corners of the main body part100, respectively, to decrease a difference between the area of the main body part100and the area of the panel1000. The panel1000may be mounted in a space substantially formed by imaginary lines extending from the first guide parts210and the second guide parts220of the slots200in the first and second directions DR1and DR2, respectively.

In a process of mounting or packaging the panel1000, it is desired to position the panel1000in an imaginary space formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200. When the panel1000is placed on the panel tray10in a state in which the panel1000is not positioned in the imaginary space, there is a possibility that the panel1000will be damaged while directly colliding with the main body part100or the slots200. That is, it may be desired that the panel1000is accurately aligned in the space formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200while the main body part100and the panel1000are aligned with each other side by side in the process of mounting or packaging the panel1000.

According to an embodiment, the slot200of the panel tray10may include an alignment mark AM formed (or defined) on the guide part210or220as a display part or pattern for alignment of the panel1000in the process of packaging the panel1000. In a process of mounting the panel1000in the main body part100, the panel1000may be aligned with the panel tray10based on the alignment marks AM defined or formed in the slots200. Since the panel tray10aligns the panel1000using the alignment marks AM formed in the slots200rather than portions where the slots200are disposed in the process of packaging the panel1000, misalignment between the panel1000and the panel tray10may be decreased, and damage to the panel1000may be effectively prevented.

The alignment mark AM of the slot200may be formed on an upper surface of either the first guide part210or the second guide part220. In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the alignment mark AM of each slot200may be formed on the upper surface of the first guide part210and may not be formed on the upper surface of the second guide part220. Different slots200disposed in the main body part100may include alignment marks AM formed at a same position, respectively. In an embodiment in which any one slot200includes the alignment mark AM formed on the upper surface of the first guide part210, for example, the other slots200of the panel tray10may also include the alignment marks AM formed on the upper surfaces of the first guide parts210, respectively. In an embodiment, when any one slot200includes the alignment mark AM formed on the upper surface of the second guide part220, the other slots200may also include the alignment marks AM formed on the second guide parts220, respectively. In the panel tray10, the respective slots200disposed at the corners may have a same shape and structure as each other.

According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of slots200of the panel tray10may include only as single alignment mark AM. In a case where different alignment marks AM are formed in one slot200, when the panel tray10and the panel1000are aligned with each other based on the alignment marks AM formed at different positions in the slots200positioned at each corner, the panel1000and the panel tray10may not be normally aligned with each other. In an embodiment, only a single alignment mark AM may be formed in each slot200, and a position of the alignment mark AM may be the same for each slot200to prevent such misalignment.

In an embodiment, the alignment mark AM may be formed on the upper surface of any one of the guide parts210and220, and may not be formed at the portion where the guide parts210and220intersect each other or the portion where the fastening parts230and240intersect each other. The alignment mark AM formed at the portion where the guide parts210and220intersect each other or the portion where the fastening parts230and240intersect each other, which is the central portion of the slot200, is highly likely to be misrecognized by distal end portions of the surrounding guide parts210and220and fastening parts230and240. In an embodiment of the panel tray10, the alignment mark AM may be formed on the upper surface of the guide part210or220of the slot200to prevent misalignment when the panel1000and the panel tray10are aligned with each other.

The alignment mark AM may have a shape that may be easily recognized by a camera device to be used when the panel1000and the panel tray10are aligned with each other. A maximum width SA1of the alignment mark AM measured in the first direction DR1or the second direction DR2may be about 10 mm or less or about 5 mm or less. In an embodiment, for example, the alignment mark AM may have a size in a range of about 1 mm to about 6 mm, for example, a size of about 3 mm. In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the alignment mark AM may have a ‘+’ shape, but is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the alignment mark AM may have a polygonal shape, a circular shape, or other shapes distinguishable from other parts of the slot200.

FIG.6is a plan view illustrating a slot of a panel tray according to an alternative embodiment.

Referring toFIG.6, in an embodiment of a panel tray10, an alignment mark AM formed in a slot200may have a circular shape in a plan view. The slot200may have a shape in which a first guide part210and a second guide part220, and a first fastening part230and a second fastening part240extend in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2and intersect each other. The shape of the alignment mark AM that may be easily recognized by the camera device may be a shape distinguished from other parts of the slot200. According to an embodiment, the alignment mark AM may be effectively recognized by the camera device and may further decrease the misalignment between the panel1000and the panel tray10by having a shape different from other parts of the slot200, for example, the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, a structure of the alignment mark AM of the slot200may be changed or an upper surface of the slot200may be surface-treated so that the alignment mark AM may be easily recognized by the camera device.

FIG.7is a plan view illustrating a slot of a panel tray according to another alternative embodiment.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1′ ofFIG.7.FIG.8illustrates a cross-section crossing a portion in which an alignment mark AM is formed in the slot200ofFIG.7.

Referring to7and8, in an embodiment, the slot200may include an alignment mark AM having a structure in which a portion of an upper surface of the guide part210or220is recessed. The alignment mark AM may have a shape of an engraved pattern, and the recessed portion of the upper surface may be filled with ink INK so that the alignment mark AM is clearly visually recognized differently from the surrounding. The alignment mark AM of the slot200formed in or defined by the engraved pattern may be filled with ink INK having a color different from a surface color of the guide parts210and220of the slot200, and the camera device may easily recognize the alignment mark AM in a process of aligning the panel1000and the panel tray10.

Alternatively, the slot200may have a rough surface in a region other than the alignment mark AM so that the alignment mark AM may be easily recognized.

FIG.9is a plan view illustrating a slot of a panel tray according to another alternative embodiment.

Referring toFIG.9, in an embodiment of a panel tray10, a region of an upper surface of a slot200except for a region in which an alignment mark AM is formed or defined may have a surface roughness greater than that of the alignment mark AM. In the slot200, an upper surface of each of guide parts210and220, and fastening parts230and240may be relatively rough, and the alignment mark AM may have a relatively smooth shape. In an embodiment, the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240of the slot200may include or be made of a material such as polyurethane, and may include or be made of polyurethane containing fiber. In an embodiment, for example, the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240of the slot200may include about 20 parts by weight to about 50 parts by weight or about 30 parts by weight to about 45 parts by weight of fiber, based on 100 parts by weight of polyurethane. Accordingly, the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240may have a rough surface due to the fiber as compared with an embodiment in which the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240include or are made of only polyurethane.

The alignment mark AM may be formed on an upper surface of any one of the guide parts210and220to have a smooth surface or may have a shape of an engraved pattern or a structure in which the engraved pattern is filled with ink INK as in an embodiment ofFIG.7. Unlike the guide parts210and220and the fastening parts230and240, the alignment mark AM has a smooth surface rather than a rough surface, and may thus be relatively easily recognized as compared with a region other than the alignment mark AM.

FIG.10is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a panel is packaged in the panel tray according to an embodiment.FIG.11is a plan view illustrating the state in which the panel is packaged in the panel tray according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, a panel1000may be mounted in the main body part100of the panel tray10according to an embodiment. The panel1000may include a display panel1100having a shape including sides extending in the first direction DR1and the second direction DR2, and external devices1200and1300disposed on one side of the display panel1100.

In an embodiment, the panel1000may include the display panel1100including a display screen. In an embodiment, the display panel1100may include an inorganic light emitting diode display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, or the like. Hereinafter, an embodiment where the display panel is an inorganic light emitting diode display panel will be described, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

A shape of the display panel1100may be variously modified. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel1100may have a shape such as a rectangular shape with a width greater than a length, a rectangular shape with a length greater than a width, a square shape, a quadrangular shape with rounded corners (vertices), other polygonal shapes, or a circular shape. nFIGS.10and11illustrate an embodiment where the display panel1100has a rectangular shape with a greater length in the second direction DR2.

The external devices1200and1300in which components capable of providing the display screen on the display panel1100are disposed may be disposed on one side of the display panel1100. The external devices1200and1300may be disposed on a lower side of sides of the display panel1100extending in the second direction DR2.FIGS.10and11illustrate an embodiment including a first external device1200and a second external device1300spaced apart from each other are disposed, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The panel1000mounted in the panel tray10may be seated in a region surrounded by the outer walls of the main body part100. Each of sides of the display panel1100in the panel1000may be disposed to face the outer walls of the main body part100and the guide parts210and220of the slots200. In an embodiment, corner portions where extending sides of the display panel1100meet may face the slots200, respectively. The first guide part210of the slot200may face a side of the display panel1100extending in the first direction DR1, and the second guide part220of the slot200may face a side of the display panel1100extending in the second direction DR2. In an embodiment, as described above, the corners of the display panel1100may be seated on the support parts SP disposed at the corners of the main body part100.

The display panel1100may include elements for providing the display screen which may be vulnerable to an external impact. In an embodiment of the panel tray10, the slots200disposed at the corners of the main body part100may be disposed to face the sides of the display panel1100, respectively, to fix the panel1000so that the panel1000hardly moves in the panel tray10. Even though the panel1000moves by an external impact, the cushion parts250and260of the slots200may be in contact with the sides of the display panel1100, and the external impact may be almost absorbed. Accordingly, the panel tray10may prevent the panel1000from being damaged.

In an embodiment, the main body part100of the panel tray10may have a structure corresponding to a shape of the panel1000by including the protrusion parts PA1and PA2formed on some of the outer walls. Since the panel1000includes the external devices1200and1300disposed on one side of the display panel1100extending in the second direction DR2, a space in which the external devices1200and1300may be disposed is desired to be secured. The external devices1200and1300may be disposed on a lower side of the display panel1100as illustrated inFIGS.10and11or may be disposed in spaces formed by the first protrusion part PAL When portions of the display panel1100on which the external devices1200and1300are disposed are disposed to face an upper side of the panel tray10, the external devices1200and1300of the panel1000may be disposed in spaces formed by the second protrusion PA2. In an embodiment, the panel tray10may include the plurality of slots200disposed at each corner to safely store the panels1000so that the panels1000are not damaged. In an embodiment, in a process of packaging or mounting the panels1000in the panel tray10, the panel1000and the panel tray10are aligned with each other based on the alignment marks AM formed or defined in the slot200, and thus, damage to the panel1000due to misalignment between the panel1000and the panel tray10may be effectively prevented.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method of packaging a panel using the panel tray10will be described in detail.

FIG.12is a flowchart illustrating a method of packaging a panel according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.12, an embodiment of the method of packaging a panel may include preparing a panel tray10including a plurality of slots200disposed at corners (S100), aligning the panel tray10and a panel1000with each other (S200), and seating the panel1000in the panel tray10(S300). The panel tray10may be the panel tray10described above with reference toFIGS.1to11. The panel tray10may include the plurality of slots200disposed at each corner, and each of the slots200may include an alignment mark AM formed on an upper surface of any one of guide parts210and220. In the aligning of the panel tray10and the panel1000with each other, positions of the alignment marks AM formed on the slots200of the panel tray10are recognized and the panel1000and the panel tray10are then aligned with each other, and thus, misalignment between the panel tray10and the panel1000may be effectively prevented.

FIGS.13to17are views sequentially illustrating the method of packaging a panel according to an embodiment.

First, referring toFIG.13, the panel tray10including the plurality of slots200disposed at each corner is prepared (S100inFIG.12). The panel tray10includes a main body part100having outer walls surrounding an accommodation part in which the panel1000is mounted, and the plurality of slots200disposed respectively at corners of the main body part100. In such an embodiment, the main body part and the slots are the same as those described above. In each of the plurality of slots200of the panel tray10, guide parts on which alignment marks AM are formed, of the first guide parts210and the second guide parts220, may be the same as each other.

According to an embodiment, the panel tray10may further include a protective film TPL disposed on an inner bottom surface of the main body part100. The protective film TPL may prevent damage to the panel1000that may occur due direct contact between the panel1000mounted in the panel tray10and the main body part100. Alternatively, the protective film TPL may be omitted.

Next, referring toFIGS.14and15, the panel1000is disposed on the panel tray10, and the panel1000and the panel tray10are aligned with each other (S200inFIG.12). An area of the panel1000in a plan view may be smaller than that of a space surrounded by the main body part100of the panel tray10or a space in which the panel1000is mounted. If the panel1000and the panel tray10are not aligned with each other, the panel1000may be damaged by an external impact in a process of seating the panel1000in the panel tray10. In such an embodiment, precise alignment between the panel1000and the panel tray10may be desired to seat the panel1000in a region formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200.

According to an embodiment, the aligning of the panel tray10and the panel1000with each other may include recognizing positions of the alignment marks AM of the panel tray10using a camera device VC, and recognizing alignment patterns (not illustrated) defined or formed on the panel1000and aligning the panel1000and the panel tray10with each other on the basis of the positions of the alignment marks AM. As described above, the panel1000may be seated in the region formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200of the panel tray10. Accordingly, the panel1000may be aligned to be positioned within the region formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200. In an embodiment, for example, the panel1000may be aligned so that both sides and corners of the display panel1100are positioned inside the guide parts210and220of the slots200.

According to an embodiment, the aligning of the panel tray10and the panel1000with each other may include recognizing positions of the alignment marks AM of the panel tray10and recognizing the alignment patterns included in the panel1000by the camera device VC and aligning the panel1000so that the panel1000is positioned inside the guide parts210and220of the slots200based on the positions of the alignment marks AM. Substantially, the panel1000is desired to be aligned to be positioned inside a region formed by the slots200, more specifically, the region formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200. Before a position of the panel1000is determined, positions of the slots200may be recognized. According to an embodiment, the positions of the slots200may be recognized through a process of recognizing the positions of the alignment marks AM of the slots200.

Referring toFIG.16, the camera device VC may recognize a position of a specific member through a recognition point VP. The camera device VC may set the recognition point VP in a region in which the alignment mark AM is disposed in the slot200of the panel tray10to recognize the position of the alignment mark AM, and recognize the position of the slot200from the position of the alignment mark AM. Since the camera device VC sets the recognition point VP at the alignment mark AM of the slot200, a misrecognition rate may be lower than that a case where the recognition point VP is set at other parts of the slot200, for example, the guide parts210and220, and the fastening parts230and240, or a central portion of the slot200. In an embodiment, as described above, the alignment mark AM formed in the slot200is clearly distinguished from the surrounding region based on the shape, color, surface roughness, or the like, and thus, a misrecognition rate by the camera device VC may be low.

The camera device VC may recognize the position of the panel1000through the alignment pattern (not illustrated) formed on the panel1000, similar to recognizing the position of the panel tray10or the slot200through the alignment mark AM. When the positions of the alignment marks AM and the positions of the alignment patterns are recognized by the camera device VC, the positions of the alignment marks AM and the positions of the alignment patterns may be compared with each other, and the panel1000may be aligned to be positioned inside the guide parts210and220of the slots200.

In such a process, a direction in which the external devices1200and1300of the panel1000are positioned may be set. The panel tray10may include protrusion parts PA1and PA2formed in the main body part100, and a direction that the external devices1200and1300of the panel1000face may be determined according to positions of the protrusion parts PA1and PA2. In the recognizing of the positions of the alignment marks AM and the positions of the alignment patterns of the panel1000by the camera device VC and the aligning of the panel, the panel1000may be aligned so that the external devices1200and1300face a direction in which the protrusion parts PA1and PA2of the main body part100are positioned.

Next, referring toFIG.17, the panel1000may be seated and packaged in the panel tray10(S300inFIG.12). When the panel tray10and the panel1000are completely aligned with each other, for example, when the panel1000is positioned inside the guide parts210and220of the slots200, the panel1000is seated in the panel tray10. Since the panel1000is positioned in the region formed by the guide parts210and220of the slots200, the panel1000may not be in contact with the slots200and may be seated on the support parts SP of the main body part100. The alignment between the panel1000and the panel tray10is accurate and a misalignment rate between the panel1000and the panel tray10is decreased, such that damage to the panel1000, particularly the display panel1100, may be prevented in a process of seating the panel1000.

FIG.18is a plan view illustrating a portion of the panel packaged in the panel tray according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.18, when the panel1000is seated in the panel tray10, sides of the display panel1100of the panel1000may be disposed to face the guide parts210and220of the slots200. Sides of the display panel1100extending in the first direction DR1may face the first guide parts210of the slots200, and sides of the display panel1100extending in the second direction DR2may face the second guide parts220of the slots200. In an embodiment, the sides of the panel1000may be spaced apart from the guide parts210and220. In an embodiment, for example, an interval between the panel1000and the guide parts210and220of the slot200spaced apart from each other may be in a range of 4 mm to 8 mm. In an embodiment, in a process of seating the panel1000in the panel tray10, an interval MD between an outer side of the panel1000and the alignment mark AM may be in a range of about 4 millimeters (mm) to about 8 mm. When the panel1000and the slot200are spaced apart from each other within the above range, damage to the panel1000may be minimized even though the panel1000moves in the panel tray10and comes into contact with the slot200.

However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the panel1000may be disposed to be in contact with the guide parts210and220or to be in contact with the cushion parts250and260of the slot200as illustrated inFIG.18. Even though the panel1000is mounted to be in contact with the cushion parts250and260, the cushion parts250and260may absorb an external impact to prevent damage to the panel1000.

According to an embodiment, the panel tray10includes the plurality of slots200disposed at each corner, and each of the slots200includes the alignment mark AM. An embodiment of a method of packaging a panel1000in the panel tray10may decrease the misalignment rate between the panel1000and the panel tray10and prevent the panel1000from being damaged in a process of packaging the panel because the panel tray10and the panel1000are aligned with each other based on the alignment marks AM of the slots200.

The invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.