Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel configured to display an image, and a film actuator configured to vibrate the display panel, wherein the film actuator includes a plurality of vibration generation devices configured with a composite film, wherein the plurality of vibration generation devices are configured to have different expansion coefficients, and wherein the composite film includes a plurality of vibration portions configured to have piezoelectric properties, and a plurality of expansion portions configured to have flexibility and to overlap the plurality of vibration portions.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with the application number 202011393134.6 (application date: December 2, 2020, and the invention name: display device) for an invention patent. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a display device, a display panel displays an image, and a separate speaker should be generally installed to provide sound. When the speaker is provided in the display device, the speaker occupies space, and as a result, the design and space arrangement of the display device are limited.

[0004] A speaker applied to a display device can be, for example, an actuator including a magnet and a coil. However, when the actuator is applied to the display device, its thickness is thick. A piezoelectric element capable of implementing thinness has drawn wide attention.

[0005] Because the piezoelectric element has a fragile characteristic, the piezoelectric element is easily damaged by external impact, and as a result, the reliability of sound reproduction is low. In addition, when the piezoelectric element is configured to be one layer for implementing different frequencies without increasing the thickness of the piezoelectric element, there can be a problem in that it is difficult to output desired sound. SUMMARY

[0006] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a display device substantially obviating one or more problems of the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0007] Accordingly, the inventors have recognized the above-described problems and have conducted various experiments to improve the quality of sound and output desired sound despite being implemented as one layer. Through various experiments, the inventors have invented a display device having a new structure for improving the quality of sound and outputting desired sound on the basis of being implemented as one layer.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device including a vibration generating device provided on a rear surface of a display panel and vibrating the display panel to generate sound, and as a result, sound pressure characteristics and localization of sound are excellent.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display device including a vibration generating device for reducing heat generation.

[0010] Additional features and aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept provided herein. Other features and aspects of the inventive concept may be realized and obtained by means of structures particularly pointed out in or derived from the written description, as well as the claims and drawings.

[0011] To achieve these and other inventive concepts, as implemented and broadly described herein, a display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a plurality of vibration generating devices configured to vibrate the display panel, wherein each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes a plurality of first portions having piezoelectric properties and a plurality of second portions disposed in proximity to the plurality of first portions to have a coefficient of thermal expansion, and the plurality of vibration generating devices have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0012] In another aspect, a display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a plurality of vibration generating devices configured to vibrate the display panel, wherein each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes a plurality of piezoelectric portions having piezoelectric properties and a plurality of expansion portions disposed near the plurality of piezoelectric portions, and the plurality of vibration generating devices are configured to have different frequency characteristics.

[0013] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of this disclosure are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed disclosure.

[0014] Appendix 1. A display device comprising:

[0015] A display panel configured to display an image; and

[0016] Multiple vibration generating devices are configured to cause the display panel to vibrate.

[0017] Each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes:

[0018] A plurality of first portions, said plurality of first portions having piezoelectric properties; and

[0019] A plurality of second portions, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed near the plurality of first portions to have a negative or zero coefficient of thermal expansion, and

[0020] The plurality of vibration generating devices have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0021] Note 2. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed between the plurality of first portions.

[0022] Note 3. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the plurality of first portions are disposed on the same plane as the plurality of second portions.

[0023] Note 4. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the plurality of second portions are disposed on the upper or lower surface of the plurality of first portions.

[0024] Appendix 5. The display device according to Appendix 1, wherein,

[0025] The plurality of vibration generating devices includes a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and

[0026] The expansion coefficient of the first vibration generating device is less than that of the second vibration generating device, and the expansion coefficient of the second vibration generating device is less than that of the third vibration generating device.

[0027] Note 6. The display device according to Note 5, wherein the first vibration generating device is implemented as one or more of a receiver and a tweeter, the second vibration generating device is implemented as a loudspeaker, and the third vibration generating device is implemented as a tactile device.

[0028] Note 7. The display device according to Note 1, wherein,

[0029] The plurality of vibration generating devices includes a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and

[0030] The width of each of the plurality of second parts of the first vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second parts of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of second parts of the second vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second parts of the third vibration generating device.

[0031] Appendix 8. The display device according to Appendix 1, wherein,

[0032] The plurality of vibration generating devices includes a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and

[0033] The width of each of the plurality of first parts of the first vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of first parts of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of first parts of the second vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of first parts of the third vibration generating device.

[0034] Note 9. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of first portions are the same as the expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of second portions.

[0035] Note 10. The display device according to Note 1 further includes:

[0036] An adhesive member is located between the rear surface of the display panel and the plurality of vibration generating devices;

[0037] A first electrode, located below the adhesive member on the upper surface of the plurality of vibration generating devices; and

[0038] The second electrode is located on the lower surface of the plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0039] Note 11. The display device according to Note 10 further includes:

[0040] A first protective layer, located beneath the adhesive member on the upper surface of the first electrode; and

[0041] A second protective layer is located on the lower surface of the plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0042] Note 12. The display device according to Note 1, wherein each of the plurality of second parts is formed of a tensile layer or cork material.

[0043] Note 13. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the coefficient of thermal expansion of each of the plurality of second parts is in the range of -0.3 to 0.

[0044] Note 14. The display device according to Note 1, wherein the plurality of second portions are flexible.

[0045] Appendix 15. A display device comprising:

[0046] A display panel that displays an image; and

[0047] Multiple vibration generating devices cause the display panel to vibrate.

[0048] in,

[0049] Each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes:

[0050] Multiple piezoelectric portions, wherein the multiple piezoelectric portions have piezoelectric properties; and

[0051] Multiple expansion portions are disposed near the multiple piezoelectric portions, and

[0052] The plurality of vibration generating devices are implemented to have different frequency characteristics.

[0053] Note 16. The display device according to Note 15, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric portions are disposed on the same plane as the plurality of expansion portions.

[0054] Note 17. The display device according to Note 15, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric portions are disposed on the upper or lower surface of the plurality of expanded portions.

[0055] Note 18. The display device according to Note 15, wherein the plurality of vibration generating devices includes a first vibration generating device having a frequency of high-pitched vocal bands, a second vibration generating device having a frequency of mid-pitched vocal bands, and a third vibration generating device having a frequency of low-pitched vocal bands.

[0056] Note 19. The display device according to Note 18, wherein the frequency of the high-pitched vocal band is 10 kHz to 20 kHz, the frequency of the mid-pitched vocal band is 200 Hz to 10 kHz, and the frequency of the low-pitched vocal band is 200 Hz or lower.

[0057] Note 20. The display device according to Note 18, wherein the first vibration generating device is implemented as one or more of a receiver and a tweeter, the second vibration generating device is implemented as a loudspeaker, and the third vibration generating device is implemented as a tactile device.

[0058] Appendix 21. The display device according to Appendix 18, wherein the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the first vibration generating device is less than the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device, and the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device is less than the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0059] Appendix 22. The display device according to Appendix 18, wherein the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the first vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0060] Appendix 23. The display device according to Appendix 18, wherein the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the first vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the second vibration generating device is smaller than the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0061] Note 24. The display device according to Note 18, wherein the first vibration generating device is disposed on the upper part of the display panel, the second vibration generating device is disposed on the central part of the display panel, and the third vibration generating device is disposed on the lower part of the display panel.

[0062] Note 25. The display device according to Note 18, wherein the third vibration generating device is disposed on the upper part of the display panel, the first vibration generating device is disposed on the central part of the display panel, and the second vibration generating device is disposed on the lower part of the display panel.

[0063] Note 26. The display device according to Note 15 further includes:

[0064] A support member located on the rear surface of the display panel; and

[0065] A separator located between the display panel and the support member.

[0066] Note 27. The display device according to Note 15 further includes a spacer surrounding the plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0067] Note 28. The display device according to Note 15 further includes:

[0068] A support member located on the rear surface of the display panel;

[0069] A first separator, located between the display panel and the supporting member; and

[0070] A second partition surrounds the plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0071] Note 29. The display device according to Note 28, wherein the first separator is disposed along the area between the rear periphery of the display panel and the front periphery of the support member.

[0072] Note 30. The display device according to Note 28, wherein the size of the expanded portion is configured to be adjusted based on the characteristics of the vocal cords to be reproduced by the vibration of the display panel.

[0073] Note 31. The display device according to Note 15, wherein the plurality of expanded portions are flexible.

[0074] Note 32. The display device according to Note 15, wherein each of the plurality of expanded portions has a negative coefficient of expansion or a zero coefficient of expansion.

[0075] Note 33. The display device according to Note 32, wherein each of the plurality of expanded portions is formed of a tensile layer or cork material.

[0076] Note 34. The display device according to Note 32, wherein the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expanded portions is in the range of -0.3 to 0. Attached Figure Description

[0077] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0079] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' is shown.

[0080] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0081] Figures 4A-4C , Figures 5A-5C ,as well as Figures 6A-6C The displacement change of the vibration generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Figure 7 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0083] Figure 8 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0084] Figure 9 A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0085] Figure 10 A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0086] Figures 11A-11B as well as Figures 12A-12BA display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0087] Figures 13A-13C A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0088] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0089] The advantages and features of this disclosure and its implementation methods will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various 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 this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0090] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals should be understood to denote the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustrative purposes, the relative dimensions and descriptions of these elements may be exaggerated. The described sequence of processing steps and / or operations is exemplary; however, the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to the order set forth herein, except that they must occur in a specific order, and can be varied as is known in the art. Similar reference numerals always denote similar elements. The names of the various elements used in the following description are chosen solely for convenience of writing the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products.

[0091] The shapes, dimensions, scales, angles, and quantities disclosed in the accompanying drawings used to describe embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the details shown. Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements. In the following description, detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations will be omitted where they are determined to unnecessarily obscure the essential points of this disclosure.

[0092] When using the terms "comprising," "having," and "including" as described in this specification, another component may be added unless "only" is used. Unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms.

[0093] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including a range of errors or tolerances, even though there is no explicit description of such a range of errors or tolerances.

[0094] When describing positional relationships, for example, when the positional relationship between two components is described as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “next to,” one or more other components may be positioned between the two components unless more restrictive terms such as “exactly” or “directly” are used.

[0095] When describing temporal relationships, such as when time sequence is described as "after", "following", "next" and "before", discontinuous situations may be included unless more restrictive terms such as "exactly", "immediately" or "directly" are used.

[0096] It should 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 used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] In describing the elements of this disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” “A,” “B,” “(a),” “(b),” etc., may be used. These terms are intended to identify the corresponding element from other elements, and the nature, order, or number of the corresponding elements shall not be limited by these terms. Unless otherwise stated, the expression “connected,” “joined,” or “adhered” to another element or layer indicates that the element or layer may be directly connected or adhered to another element or layer, or indirectly connected or adhered to another element or layer, with one or more intermediate elements or layers “disposed” between the elements or layers.

[0098] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed elements. For example, "at least one of the first element, the second element, and the third element" means a combination of all elements derived from two or more of the first element, the second element, or the third element, as well as the first element, the second element, or the third element.

[0099] In the description of the embodiments, when a structure is described as being "above" or "below" another structure, the description should be interpreted to include cases where the structures are in contact with each other and cases where a third structure is disposed therebetween. The dimensions and thicknesses of each element shown in the accompanying drawings are given merely for ease of description, and unless otherwise stated, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0100] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be connected or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may interact and be technically driven differently from each other, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. Embodiments of this disclosure may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0101] In this disclosure, examples of display devices may include narrowly defined display devices such as organic light-emitting display (OLED) modules or liquid crystal modules (LCMs), which include a display panel and a driver for driving the display panel. Additionally, display devices may include complete sets of equipment or electronic devices, such as notebook computers, televisions, computer monitors, equipment including automotive equipment or other types of equipment for vehicles, or mobile electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets, which are complete products (or end products) including LCMs or OLED modules.

[0102] Therefore, in this disclosure, examples of display devices may include the display device itself in the narrow sense, such as an LCM or OLED module, as well as a complete set of devices as an end consumer device or application product including an LCM or OLED module.

[0103] In some implementations, an LCM or OLED module including a display panel and a driver may be referred to as a display device in the narrow sense, and an electronic device that is a final product including an LCM or OLED module may be referred to as an assembly. For example, a display device in the narrow sense may include a display panel such as an LCD or OLED, and a source printed circuit board (PCB) as a controller for driving the display panel. An assembly may also include an assembly PCB as an assembly controller electrically connected to the source PCB to control the assembly as a whole.

[0104] The display panel used in the embodiments of this disclosure can be any type of display panel, such as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, and an electroluminescent display panel; however, the embodiments are not limited to a specific display panel that is vibrated by the sound generating device according to the embodiments of this disclosure to output sound. Furthermore, the shape or size of the display panel used in the display device according to the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited.

[0105] For example, if the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, the display panel may include multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, and multiple pixels respectively disposed in multiple pixel regions defined by the intersection of the gate lines and the data lines. Furthermore, the display panel may include an array substrate including thin-film transistors (TFTs) as switching elements for adjusting the light transmittance of each of the multiple pixels; an upper substrate including a color filter and / or a black matrix; and a liquid crystal layer between the array substrate and the upper substrate.

[0106] Furthermore, if the display panel is an organic light-emitting display panel, it may include multiple gate lines, multiple data lines, and multiple pixels respectively disposed in multiple pixel regions defined by the intersections of the gate lines and data lines. Additionally, the display panel may include an array substrate comprising a TFT as an element for selectively applying voltage to each of the pixels, an organic light-emitting device layer on the array substrate, and an encapsulation substrate disposed on the array substrate to cover the organic light-emitting device layer. The encapsulation substrate can protect the TFT and the organic light-emitting device layer from external impacts and can prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating into the organic light-emitting device layer. Furthermore, the layer disposed on the array substrate may include an inorganic light-emitting layer (e.g., a nanoscale material layer, quantum dots, etc.). As another example, the layer disposed on the array substrate may include a micro-light-emitting diode.

[0107] The display panel may also include a backing, such as a metal plate attached to the display panel. However, the implementation is not limited to a metal plate, and the display panel may include another structure.

[0108] In embodiments of this disclosure, the display panel can be used in a vehicle as a user interface module, such as a central control panel for an automobile. For example, the display panel can be positioned between passengers seated in the two front seats to facilitate the transmission of vibrations from the display panel into the vehicle interior. Therefore, the audio experience in the vehicle is improved compared to having speakers located inside the vehicle.

[0109] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to elements in each drawing, similar reference numerals may refer to similar elements even if the same elements are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, for ease of description, the scale of each element shown in the drawings differs from the actual scale, and therefore the description is not limited to the scale shown in the drawings.

[0110] To provide sound to a display device, the speaker can be implemented as a diaphragm, thereby reducing the thickness of the display device. Diaphragm vibration generating devices can be manufactured with a large area and applied to large-area display devices; however, due to the low piezoelectric properties of the diaphragm vibration module, its application to large areas is difficult due to low vibration. The vibration generating device can be formed from a piezoelectric composite in which a polymer is disposed between ceramics, making the device flexible. When forming a piezoelectric composite by adding a polymer, an imbalance in phase difference may occur due to the hardness difference between the ceramic and the polymer. This phase difference imbalance may reduce the bending-deformation characteristics of the flexible display device, thus making it difficult to apply the vibration generating device to flexible display devices. Furthermore, when multiple vibration generating devices with different frequencies are each disposed in the display device, the thickness of the display device may increase. Therefore, the inventors conducted various experiments to achieve a vibration generating device with a small stiffness difference with ceramics, enhanced bending characteristics, and no increase in the thickness of the display device. Through various experiments, the inventors invented a vibration generating device that can be applied to flexible display devices, does not increase the thickness of the display device, can have different frequency characteristics, and can be implemented as a single-layer diaphragm. This will be described in detail below.

[0111] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' is shown.

[0112] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a front member 10, a display panel 30 and a support member 70.

[0113] The front member 10 can cover the front and side surfaces of the display panel 30. Therefore, the front member 10 can protect the display panel 30 from external impacts.

[0114] The front component 10 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a transparent plastic material, a glass material, or a tempered glass material, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the front component 10 may include one of sapphire glass and Gorilla glass, or a laminate thereof. As another example, the front component 10 may include a transparent plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The front component 10 may include tempered glass with consideration for scratches and transparency, and in this case, the front component 10 may be referred to as a cover glass.

[0115] Display panel 30 can be coupled to or connected to the rear surface (or back side surface) of front member 10, and can display images or sense user touch. Display panel 30 can display images (e.g., electronic or digital images) and can be implemented as a curved display panel or one of all types of display panels such as liquid crystal display panels, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panels, electroluminescent display panels, etc. Display panel 30 is not limited to a particular display panel if display panel 30 vibrates based on the vibration of vibration generating device 50 to generate sound (or sound waves) or to generate tactile feedback in response to touch.

[0116] For example, based on the structure of the pixel array layer including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic compound layer, the display panel 30 can display images of types such as top-emitting, bottom-emitting, or double-sided-emitting. In the top-emitting type, visible light emitted from the pixel array layer can illuminate the area in front of the substrate to allow image display, and in the bottom-emitting type, visible light emitted from the pixel array layer can illuminate the rear area behind the substrate to allow image display.

[0117] The vibration generating device 50 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 30. For example, by using the display panel 30 as a vibrating plate, the vibration generating device 50 can generate sound or output tactile feedback in response to a user's touch. For example, the vibration generating device 50 can be a sound device or a tactile device that outputs sound or vibration based on electrical signals.

[0118] The display panel 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) array substrate, the TFT array substrate including a plurality of pixels defined by the intersection of a plurality of gate lines and / or a plurality of data lines, and a TFT disposed at each of the plurality of pixels to drive the corresponding pixel. The display panel 30 may include a light-emitting device layer disposed on the TFT array substrate and an encapsulation substrate covering the light-emitting device layer. For example, the encapsulation substrate may protect the TFT and the light-emitting device layer from external impacts and may prevent moisture or humidity from penetrating into the light-emitting device layer.

[0119] The display panel 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a curved portion that is bent or flexed to have a curved shape or a specific radius of curvature.

[0120] The curved portion of the display panel 30 can be disposed at at least one of one edge or periphery and another edge or periphery of the display panel 30 that are parallel to each other. One edge or periphery and / or the other edge or periphery of the display panel 30 where the curved portion is disposed may only include the non-display area, or may include the edge or periphery of the display area and the non-display area. Here, the display panel 30 including the curved portion provided by bending the non-display area can have a single-sided bezel curved structure or a double-sided bezel curved structure. Additionally, the display panel 30 including the curved portion provided by bending the edges or peripheries of both the non-display area and the display area can have a single-sided active curved structure or a double-sided active curved structure.

[0121] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a support member 70 configured to support a display panel 30, and a connecting member 20 disposed between the display panel 30 and the support member 70.

[0122] The support member 70 can be referred to by other terms such as cover base, plate base, back cover, base frame, metal frame, metal chassis, chassis base, or m-chassis. Therefore, the support member 70 can be a support for the display panel 30 and can be implemented as any type of frame or plate structure respectively disposed on the rear surface of the display device 100.

[0123] The support member 70 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can cover the entire rear surface of the display panel 30. For example, the support member 70 may include at least one of glass material, metal material, and plastic material, each having a plate-like shape. Here, the edges or sharp corners of the support member 70 may have an inclined or curved shape by a chamfering process or a corner rounding process. For example, the glass material of the support member 70 may be sapphire glass. As another example, the support member 70 including a metal material may include one of aluminum (Al), Al alloy, magnesium (Mg) alloy, and iron (Fe)-nickel (Ni) alloy.

[0124] The support member 70 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may additionally cover the side surface of the display panel 30. For example, the support member 70 may include a rear surface portion covering the rear surface of the display panel 30 and a side surface portion connected to the rear surface portion or its end and covering the side surface of the display panel 30. For example, the rear surface portion may cover the entire rear surface or a portion of the display panel 30. For example, the side surface portion may cover the entire side surface or a portion of the display panel 30. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the support member 70 may be implemented such that the rear surface portion and the side surface portion are integrally formed.

[0125] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the support member 70 can be connected to the rear periphery of the display panel 30 via the connecting member 20. The connecting member 20 can be disposed between the rear periphery of the display panel 30 and the periphery of the support member 70, and can attach the display panel 30 to the support member 70. The connecting member 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented using double-sided tape, single-sided tape, double-sided adhesive foam pad, or single-sided adhesive foam pad, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0126] The vibration generating device 50 can be disposed on the rear surface (or back side surface) of the display panel 30. The vibration generating device 50 can be attached to the rear surface of the display panel 30 by means of an adhesive member 150.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive member 150 can be disposed between the rear surface of the display panel 30 and the vibration generating device 50. For example, the adhesive member 150 can attach the vibration generating device 50 to the rear surface of the display panel 30, and can be an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape comprising an adhesive layer with good adhesion or bonding strength. For example, the adhesive layer of the adhesive member 150 can include epoxy resin, acrylic resin, silicone, polyurethane, or paraffin wax, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The adhesive layer of the adhesive member 150 can also include additives such as tackifiers, wax components, or antioxidants. Additives can prevent the adhesive member 150 from separating (peeling off) from the display panel 30 due to the vibration of the vibration module 200. For example, the tackifier can be rosin derivatives, etc., and the wax component can be paraffin wax, etc., but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the antioxidant can be a phenolic antioxidant, and can be, for example, a thioester, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the adhesive member 150 may further include a hollow portion disposed between the display panel 30 and the vibration generating device 50. The hollow portion of the adhesive member 150 can provide an air gap between the display panel 30 and the vibration generating device 50. Due to the air gap, the sound waves (or sound pressure) based on the vibration of the vibration generating device 50 can be concentrated on the display panel 30 without being dispersed by the adhesive member 150, and therefore the loss of vibration caused by the adhesive member 150 can be minimized, thereby increasing the sound pressure characteristics of the sound generated based on the vibration of the display panel 30.

[0129] The vibration generating device 50 can be implemented as a diaphragm. The thickness of the vibration generating device 50 can be thinner than the thickness of the display panel 30, so that the thickness of the display panel 30 will not increase despite the presence of the vibration generating device 50. The vibration generating device 50 can be referred to as an actuator, exciter, transducer, sound generating module, sound generating device, diaphragm actuator, diaphragm piezoelectric composite actuator, diaphragm loudspeaker, diaphragm piezoelectric loudspeaker, or diaphragm piezoelectric composite loudspeaker, but these terms are not limited thereto.

[0130] The vibration generating device 50 may include a first vibration generating device 51, a second vibration generating device 53, and a third vibration generating device 55. The first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53, and the third vibration generating device 55 may be implemented with different frequency characteristics. (Refer to the following...) Figures 3A-6C This will be described.

[0131] The first electrode 62 can be disposed on the upper surface of the vibration generating device 50, and the second electrode 64 can be disposed on the lower surface of the vibration generating device 50.

[0132] The first electrode 62 may be disposed on the first surface (or front surface) of the vibration generating device 50. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 62 may comprise a transparent conductive material, a semi-transparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, examples of transparent or semi-transparent conductive materials may include indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but embodiments are not limited thereto. Examples of opaque conductive materials may include aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), and Mg, or alloys thereof, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0133] The second electrode 64 may be disposed on the second surface (or rear surface) of the vibration generating device 50 opposite to the first surface. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrode 64 may comprise a transparent conductive material, a semi-transparent conductive material, or an opaque conductive material. For example, the second electrode 64 may comprise the same material as the first electrode 62, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0134] The vibration generating device 50 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a first protective layer 72 and a second protective layer 74.

[0135] The first protective layer 72 may be disposed on the first electrode 62 and may protect the first electrode 62 or the first surface of the vibration generating device 50. For example, the first protective layer 72 may support the vibration generating device 50 or protect the vibration generating device 50 from external impacts. For example, the first protective layer 72 may be a polyimide (PI) film or a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, but the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0136] The second protective layer 74 can be disposed on the second electrode 64 and can protect the second electrode 64 or the second surface of the vibration generating device 50. For example, the second protective layer 74 can support the vibration generating device 50 or protect the vibration generating device 50 from external impacts. For example, the second protective layer 74 can be a PI film or a PET film, but the implementation is not limited to this.

[0137] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A vibration generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0138] Reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a plurality of first portions 210 and a plurality of second portions 220. For example, the plurality of first portions 210 may have piezoelectric properties, and the plurality of second portions 220 may be disposed near the first portions 210. For example, the plurality of second portions 220 may be flexible. Each of the plurality of first portions 210 may be referred to as a piezoelectric portion, a piezoelectric material portion, or a vibrating portion, but these terms are not limited thereto.

[0139] The plurality of first portions 210 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include piezoelectric ceramics. For example, the piezoelectric ceramic may be a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based material, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first portions 210 may include a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based material comprising lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti), or may include a nickel lead zirconate nickel (PZNN) based material comprising lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and niobium (Nb), but are not limited thereto. As another example, the plurality of first portions 210 may include at least one of CaTiO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3 that does not have Pb, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0140] Each of the plurality of first portions 210 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be formed of a ceramic matrix material for generating relatively high vibrations, or may be formed of a piezoelectric ceramic having a perovskite-based crystal structure. The perovskite crystal structure may have both piezoelectric and inverse piezoelectric effects, and may be an oriented plate-like structure. The perovskite crystal structure may be represented by the chemical formula "ABO3". Here, A may include a divalent metal element, and B may include a tetravalent metal element. For example, in the chemical formula "ABO3", A and B may be cations, and O may be an anion. For example, the chemical formula "ABO3" may include one of PbTiO3, PbZrO3, BaTiO3, and SrTiO3, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0141] When a perovskite crystal structure includes a central ion (e.g., PbTiO3), the position of the Ti ion can be altered by external stress or a magnetic field, thus changing the polarization and generating a piezoelectric effect. For example, in a perovskite crystal structure, the cubic shape corresponding to a symmetrical structure can be changed to a tetragonal, orthorhombic, or rhombic structure corresponding to an asymmetrical structure, thereby producing a piezoelectric effect. In the tetragonal, orthorhombic, or rhombic structures corresponding to asymmetrical structures, the polarization at the isomorphic phase boundaries can be high, and the reorientation of the polarization can be easy, thus the perovskite crystal structure can possess high piezoelectric properties.

[0142] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A magnified view of region A.

[0143] Reference Figure 3B Each of the plurality of second portions 220 can be disposed between two adjacent first portions of the plurality of first portions 210. For example, the plurality of second portions 220 may comprise a material having an expansion coefficient. The expansion coefficient may be the ratio of the horizontal compressive deformation rate to the vertical tensile deformation rate. In order to enable the vibration generating device 50 to include a plurality of vibration generating devices with different frequency characteristics in one layer, the expansion coefficients of the plurality of second portions 220 may be adjusted differently, or the spacing between the first portions 210 and the second portions 220 may be adjusted differently. For example, the second portions 220 may be formed of an auxetic layer. The inventors have recognized that an auxetic layer enables the matching of phase differences or displacements relative to the ceramic that serves as the first portion 210, or reduces the imbalance of phase differences. Therefore, the durability against bending deformation can be enhanced, and thus the inventors recognize that a vibration generating device for use in flexible display devices is provided. For example, the auxetic layer may have a grid structure, but the implementation is not limited thereto. Reference will be made below. Figures 4A-6C The displacement change of the vibration generating device 50 is described based on the expansion coefficient of the second part 220.

[0144] Figures 4A-6C The displacement change of the vibration generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0145] Reference Figures 4A-6C The second portion 22 is disposed between adjacent first portions 21. The first portion 21 may comprise ceramic, and the second portion 22 may comprise a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion. Figures 4A-6C In the diagram, solid arrows represent expansion, and dashed arrows represent contraction.

[0146] Reference Figure 4A A voltage can be applied to the region between the two electrodes of the first part 21. (Refer to...) Figure 4BWhen an electric field with a polarization direction (e.g., the same direction as the displacement direction) is applied to the first portion 21, the first portion 21 can expand in the horizontal direction. The second portion 22 can have a positive coefficient of expansion; therefore, deformations of contraction in the horizontal direction and expansion in the vertical direction can occur in the second portion 22, which has a stiffness less than that of the first portion 21. (Refer to...) Figure 4C When an electric field opposite in direction to the polarization direction is applied to the first part 21, the first part 21 can contract in the horizontal direction. The second part 22 can have a positive coefficient of expansion; therefore, deformation of expansion in the horizontal direction and contraction in the vertical direction can occur in the second part 22, which has a stiffness less than that of the first part 21. Therefore, when the second part 22 with a positive coefficient of expansion is provided, the displacement of the second part 22 can have a direction opposite to the displacement of the first part 21. For example, when the second part 22 with a positive coefficient of expansion is provided, the expansion and contraction directions of the second part 22 can be opposite to those of the first part 21. In addition, the displacement direction of the first part 21 can be opposite to the displacement direction of the second part 22, and therefore, when a vibration generating device is provided, the waveform of the generated sound or vibration may be weak and non-uniform.

[0147] Reference Figure 5A A voltage can be applied to the region between the two electrodes of the first part 21. (Refer to...) Figure 5B When an electric field with the same direction as the polarization direction is applied to the first part 21, the first part 21 can expand in the horizontal direction. The second part 22 can have a negative expansion coefficient; therefore, deformations that expand in both the horizontal and vertical directions can occur in the second part 22, which has a stiffness similar to that of the first part 21. (Refer to...) Figure 5CWhen an electric field opposite in direction to the polarization direction is applied to the first portion 21, the first portion 21 can contract in the horizontal direction. The second portion 22 can have a negative coefficient of expansion, therefore, deformations of contraction in both the horizontal and vertical directions can occur in the second portion 22, which has a stiffness less than that of the first portion 21. Therefore, when the second portion 22 with a negative coefficient of expansion is provided, the displacement of the second portion 22 can have the same direction as the displacement of the first portion 21. For example, when the second portion 22 with a negative coefficient of expansion is provided, the expansion and contraction directions of the second portion 22 can be the same as those of the first portion 21. Therefore, the second portion 22 can be configured to have a stiffness similar to that of the first portion 21, so the displacement direction of the first portion 21 can be the same as the displacement direction of the second portion 22, and therefore, when a vibration generating device is provided, the waveform of the sound or vibration can be strong. For example, the second portion 22 with a negative coefficient of expansion can be a tensile layer. For example, the second part 22 may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene (PP), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or polyurethane (PU), but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the second part 22 can expand horizontally during stretching and contract horizontally during compression; therefore, when the second part 22 is applied to a bent or folded display device, the tension corresponding to the bending deformation can be strongly applied to it. Thus, a flexible display device with enhanced durability can be achieved. For example, the second part 22 may include PTFE, PP, UHMWPE, or PU, and the second part 22 can expand vertically based on tension, thereby ensuring durability.

[0148] Reference Figure 6A A voltage can be applied to the region between the two electrodes of the first part 21. (Refer to...) Figure 6B When an electric field with the same direction as the polarization direction is applied to the first part 21, the first part 21 can expand in the horizontal direction. The second part 22 can have a zero coefficient of expansion; therefore, deformations that expand in both the horizontal and vertical directions can occur in the second part 22, which has a stiffness similar to that of the first part 21. (Refer to...) Figure 6CWhen an electric field opposite in direction to the polarization direction is applied to the first portion 21, the first portion 21 can contract in the horizontal direction. The second portion 22 can have a zero coefficient of expansion, so deformations that contract in both the horizontal and vertical directions can occur in the second portion 22, which has a stiffness similar to that of the first portion 21. Therefore, when the second portion 22 with a zero coefficient of expansion is provided, the displacement of the second portion 22 can have the same direction as the displacement of the first portion 21. For example, when the second portion 22 with a zero coefficient of expansion is provided, the direction and magnitude of displacement that hardly performs vertical contraction (e.g., hardly any displacement) can be almost constant even when the second portion 22 is horizontally stretched or expanded. For example, when the second portion 22 with a zero coefficient of expansion is provided, the magnitude of the expansion and contraction displacement of the second portion 22 can be almost equal to the magnitude of the expansion and contraction displacement of the first portion 21. Therefore, a second part 22 with a stiffness similar to that of the first part 21 can be provided. Thus, the displacement direction of the first part 21 can be the same as the displacement direction of the second part 22, and therefore, when a vibration generating device is provided, the waveform of the generated sound or vibration can be strong. The second part 22, having a zero coefficient of thermal expansion, can include cork material, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, when the second part 22 is applied to a bent or folded display device, the tension corresponding to the bending deformation can be strongly applied to it, thus enabling a flexible display device with enhanced durability.

[0149] Therefore, the second part 22 of the vibration generating device 50 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented with a negative or zero coefficient of expansion, thus enabling strong vibration or sound. For example, the second part 22 can have a coefficient of expansion from -0.3 to 0, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. A second part 22 with a coefficient of expansion less than -0.3 can be provided, so the expansion and contraction directions of the second part 22 can be the same as those of the first part 21, thereby realizing a vibration generating device with enhanced vibration or sound characteristics. Furthermore, the second part 220 can be configured to have a stiffness similar to that of the ceramic that forms the first part 210, thus resolving the imbalance of displacement or phase difference caused by the stiffness difference between the first part 210 and the ceramic, thereby realizing a vibration generating device with enhanced vibration or sound characteristics.

[0150] Figure 7 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0151] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7The embodiments in which the first to third vibration generating devices 51, 53, and 55 are arranged differently will be referred to, therefore, refer to Figure 7 Describe it. The following description can be applied equivalently to... Figure 8 .

[0152] Reference Figure 7 The display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vibration generating device 50. The vibration generating device 50 may include a plurality of first portions 210 and a plurality of second portions 220. For example, the plurality of second portions 220 may be disposed between two adjacent first portions of the plurality of first portions 210. The plurality of first portions 210 may include ceramic having a rod-shaped form. For example, the rod-shaped form of each of the plurality of first portions 210 may be a shape corresponding to a cylinder or a polygonal column such as a cuboid, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of second portions 220 may have a grid structure including tensile properties, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first portions 210 and the plurality of second portions 220 may be arranged side-by-side (or arranged) on the same plane (or the same layer). Therefore, by using the plurality of second portions 220, the vibration generating device 50 can make it possible to match displacements relative to the plurality of first portions 210, or can reduce deformation of displacements, and thus vibration can be increased, thereby ensuring piezoelectric properties and flexibility. Furthermore, multiple second portions 220 and multiple first portions 210 can be alternately arranged on the same plane along the length direction X relative to one side of the vibration generating device 50, thus the vibration generating device 50 can be configured with a composite film having a single-layer structure. Moreover, the composite film can have a thin thickness, therefore, the thickness of the display device 100 can be maintained without increasing it.

[0153] According to embodiments of this disclosure, multiple second portions 220 can be configured to fill the area between adjacent corresponding first portions 210. Multiple second portions 220 can be disposed between two adjacent first portions 210, thus absorbing impacts applied to the first portions 210, releasing stress concentrated on the first portions 210, thereby enhancing the overall durability of the vibration generating device 50 and providing flexibility to the vibration generating device 50. Second portions 220 having a negative or zero coefficient of thermal expansion can have a force that expands in the vertical direction based on tension generated in the display device, thereby achieving a durable flexible display device. Therefore, the vibration generating device 50 can be flexible and thus can be bent into a shape that matches the shape of the display panel 30. For example, the flexible display device can be a bendable display device or a foldable display device, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0154] The plurality of vibration generating devices 50 may include a first vibration generating device 51, a second vibration generating device 53, and a third vibration generating device 55. The first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53, and the third vibration generating device 55 may be implemented with different frequency characteristics. For example, as referenced above... Figures 4A-6C The second part 220 can be configured to have different coefficients of expansion, so the first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53 and the third vibration generating device 55 can be implemented to have different frequency characteristics.

[0155] For example, the first vibration generating device 51 may have a high-pitched vocal band frequency, the second vibration generating device 53 may have a mid-pitched vocal band frequency, and the third vibration generating device 55 may have a low-pitched vocal band frequency. The second portion 220 included in each of the first to third vibration generating devices 51, 53, and 55 may have a negative or zero expansion coefficient. The expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the first vibration generating device 51 may be smaller than that in the second vibration generating device 53, the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the second vibration generating device 53 may be smaller than that in the third vibration generating device 55, and the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the first vibration generating device 51 may be smaller than that in the third vibration generating device 55. When the expansion coefficient increases, the high-pitched vocal band frequency can be output. For example, the high-pitched vocal band frequency may be 10kHz to 20kHz, the mid-pitched vocal band frequency may be 200Hz to 10kHz, and the low-pitched vocal band frequency may be 200Hz or lower. However, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the first vibration generating device 51 may be a tweeter or a receiver, the second vibration generating device 53 may be a loudspeaker or a sound generating device, and the third vibration generating device 55 may be a tactile element or a tactile device. For example, in Figure 1 In the display device 100, a first vibration generating device 51, a second vibration generating device 53, and a third vibration generating device 55 may be provided in the direction from the upper part of the display device 100 to the lower part of the display device 100, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, in Figure 1 In the display device 100, a third vibration generating device 55, a first vibration generating device 51, and a second vibration generating device 53 may be provided in the direction from the upper part of the display device 100 to the lower part of the display device 100.

[0156] As another example, the widths of the first portion 210 and the second portion 220 can be set to be different from each other, so that the first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53, and the third vibration generating device 55 have different frequency characteristics. For example, the width d1 of the first portion 210 of the first vibration generating device 51 can be smaller than the width d3 of the first portion 210 of the second vibration generating device 53, the width d3 of the first portion 210 of the second vibration generating device 53 can be smaller than the width d5 ​​of the first portion 210 of the third vibration generating device 55, and the width d1 of the first portion 210 of the first vibration generating device 51 can be smaller than the width d5 ​​of the first portion 210 of the third vibration generating device 55. Therefore, it is possible to realize first vibration generating devices to third vibration generating devices 51, 53, and 55 with different frequencies. For example, the width d2 of the second portion 220 of the first vibration generating device 51 can be smaller than the width d4 of the second portion 220 of the second vibration generating device 53, the width d4 of the second portion 220 of the second vibration generating device 53 can be smaller than the width d6 of the second portion 220 of the third vibration generating device 55, and the width d2 of the second portion 220 of the first vibration generating device 51 can be smaller than the width d6 of the second portion 220 of the third vibration generating device 55. Therefore, it is possible to realize first vibration generating devices to third vibration generating devices 51, 53 and 55 with different frequencies.

[0157] Therefore, the first to third vibration generating devices 51, 53 and 55 with different frequencies can be formed from a single layer, thus enhancing the sound or vibration characteristics without increasing the thickness of the display device 100.

[0158] Figure 9 A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0159] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The embodiments in which the first to third vibration generating devices 51, 53, and 55 are arranged differently will be referred to, therefore, refer to Figure 9 Describe it. The following description can be applied equivalently to... Figure 10 .

[0160] Reference Figure 9The display device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vibration generating device 50. The vibration generating device 50 may include a plurality of first portions 210 and a plurality of second portions 220. For example, the plurality of second portions 220 may be disposed below or above the lower surfaces of the plurality of first portions 210. As another example, the plurality of second portions 220 may be disposed below or above the lower surfaces of the plurality of first portions 210. The plurality of first portions 210 may include ceramic having a rod-shaped form, and the plurality of second portions 220 may have a grid structure. For example, the plurality of first portions 210 may be disposed on the entire surface of the display panel 300, thus increasing the vibrating surface of the display panel 300 and thereby increasing the vibration characteristics. Additionally, the vibration generating device 50 may be configured with a composite film having a single-layer structure, and the composite film may have a thin thickness, thereby not increasing the thickness of the display device 100.

[0161] According to embodiments of this disclosure, multiple second portions 220 can be disposed on the upper or lower surface of the first portion 210, and thus can absorb impacts applied to the first portion 210, releasing stress concentrated on the first portion 210 to enhance the overall durability of the vibration generating device 50. It also provides flexibility to the vibration generating device 50. The vibration generating device 50 can be flexible, and therefore can be bent into a shape that matches the shape of the display panel 30. The vibration generating device 50 can vibrate the display panel 30 based on electrical signal vibration.

[0162] The plurality of vibration generating devices 50 may include a first vibration generating device 51, a second vibration generating device 53, and a third vibration generating device 55. The first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53, and the third vibration generating device 55 may be implemented with different frequency characteristics. For example, as referenced above... Figures 4A-6C The second part 220 can be configured to have different coefficients of expansion, so the first vibration generating device 51, the second vibration generating device 53 and the third vibration generating device 55 can be implemented to have different frequency characteristics.

[0163] For example, the first vibration generating device 51 may have a high-pitched vocal band frequency, the second vibration generating device 53 may have a mid-pitched vocal band frequency, and the third vibration generating device 55 may have a low-pitched vocal band frequency. In this case, the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the first vibration generating device 51 may be smaller than the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the second vibration generating device 53, the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the second vibration generating device 53 may be smaller than the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the third vibration generating device 55, and the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the first vibration generating device 51 may be smaller than the expansion coefficient of the second portion 220 in the third vibration generating device 55. When the expansion coefficient increases, the high-pitched vocal band frequency can be output. For example, the high-pitched vocal band frequency may be 10kHz to 20kHz, the mid-pitched vocal band frequency may be 200Hz to 10kHz, and the low-pitched vocal band frequency may be 200Hz or lower. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the first vibration generating device 51 can be a tweeter or a receiver, the second vibration generating device 53 can be a loudspeaker or a sound generating device, and the third vibration generating device 55 can be a tactile element or a tactile device. For example, in Figure 1 In the display device 100, a first vibration generating device 51, a second vibration generating device 53, and a third vibration generating device 55 may be provided in the direction from the upper part of the display device 100 to the lower part of the display device 100, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, in Figure 1 In the display device 100, a third vibration generating device 55, a first vibration generating device 51, and a second vibration generating device 53 may be provided in the direction from the upper part of the display device 100 to the lower part of the display device 100.

[0164] Therefore, the vibration generating device 50 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as a single film, and thus can be thinned to reduce or prevent the increase of the driving voltage. Since the vibration generating device can be implemented as a single film with different frequency characteristics, the thickness of the display device can be increased, thereby providing a display device with vibration characteristics and flexibility.

[0165] Figures 11A-12B A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0166] Reference Figures 11A-12B According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device may further include a separator near the display panel 30. The separator may be an air gap or space that generates sound when the display panel 30 vibrates due to the vibration generating device 50. An air gap or space that generates or transmits sound may be referred to as a separator. The separator may be referred to as a housing or a baffle, but the terminology is not limited thereto.

[0167] For example, the separator 600 may include a first separator 610. The first separator 610 may be disposed between the display panel 30 and the support member 70.

[0168] The first separator 610 may be configured to surround the vibration generating device 50. For example, the first separator 610 may be configured along the region between the rear periphery of the display panel 30 and the front periphery of the support member 70. For example, the first separator 610 may be configured to surround the entire vibration generating device 50. For example, the first separator 610 may be configured along the region between the rear periphery of the display panel 30 and the front periphery of the support member 70. The first separator 610 may be referred to as an edge separator, periphery separator, sound insulation member, edge housing, periphery housing, or baffle, but these terms are not limited thereto. For example, the first separator 610 may be configured to contact or be adjacent to. Figure 2 The connecting member 20 is shown. As another example, the first separator 610 can be integrated with the connecting member 20.

[0169] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include Figure 7 and Figure 9 The vibration generating device 50 is shown. For example, a first vibration generating device 51 may be disposed on the upper part of the display panel 30, a second vibration generating device 53 may be disposed on the center of the display panel 30, and a third vibration generating device 55 may be disposed on the lower part of the display panel 30. For example, the first vibration generating device 51 may be a receiver and / or a tweeter, the second vibration generating device 53 may be a speaker or a sound generating device, and the third vibration generating device 55 may be a tactile element or a tactile device. For example, the first vibration generating device 51 may output a frequency of 10kHz to 20kHz, the second vibration generating device 53 may output a frequency of 200Hz to 10kHz, and the third vibration generating device 55 may output a frequency of 200Hz or lower.

[0170] Reference Figure 11B and Figure 12B The separator 600 may include a second separator 620. The second separator 620 may surround the vibration generating device 50. The second separator 620 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may have a shape surrounding the vibration generating device 50, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the second separator 620 may have a shape that is the same as or different from the overall shape of the vibration generating device 50. For example, when the vibration generating device 50 has a rectangular shape, the second separator 620 may have a rectangular shape with dimensions larger than those of the vibration generating device 50. As another example, the second separator 620 may have a circular shape surrounding the vibration generating device 50.

[0171] The second separator 620 can limit (or define) the vibration area (or vibration zone) of the display panel 30 operated by the vibration generating device 50. For example, in the display panel 30, as the size of the second separator 620 increases, the vibration area of ​​the display panel 30 can increase, thus enhancing the characteristics of the low-pitched vocal cords. On the other hand, in the display panel 30, as the size of the second separator 620 decreases, the vibration area of ​​the display panel 30 can decrease, thus enhancing the characteristics of the high-pitched vocal cords. Therefore, the size of the second separator 620 can be set based on the characteristics of the vocal cords vibrating the display panel 30.

[0172] For example, the separator 600 may include polyurethane, polyolefin, and / or the like, but the implementation is not limited thereto. As another example, the separator 600 may include single-sided tape, double-sided tape, single-sided foam pad, double-sided foam pad, single-sided foam tape, and / or double-sided foam tape, and may include, for example, a material having an elastic force that allows for compression to a certain extent.

[0173] The first spacer 610, together with the second spacer 620, can provide an air gap AG between the display panel 30 and the support member 70. For example, the air gap AG can be referred to as a vibration space, sound pressure space, speaker enclosure, sound component, resonant enclosure, or resonant component, but the terminology is not limited thereto.

[0174] The air gap AG can be set in the area of ​​the display panel 30 surrounded by the second partition 620 and the first partition 610 in the display panel 30.

[0175] Therefore, a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a separator 600, and thus, the reproduction of the vocal cords may be optimized. For example, a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a first separator 610 and a second separator 620.

[0176] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include Figure 7 and Figure 9The vibration generating device 50 is shown in the diagram. For example, a third vibration generating device 55 may be disposed on the upper part of the display panel 30, a first vibration generating device 51 may be disposed on the center of the display panel 30, and a second vibration generating device 53 may be disposed on the lower part of the display panel 30. For example, the third vibration generating device 55 may be a tactile element or tactile device, the first vibration generating device 51 may be a receiver and / or a tweeter, and the second vibration generating device 53 may be a speaker or a sound generating device. For example, the third vibration generating device 55 may output a frequency of 200Hz or lower, the first vibration generating device 51 may output a frequency of 10kHz to 20kHz, and the second vibration generating device 53 may output a frequency of 200Hz to 10kHz.

[0177] Figures 13A-13C A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0178] Reference Figures 13A-13C A display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vibration generating device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be configured with Figures 7-10 One of the vibration generating devices.

[0179] Reference Figure 13A The vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to commercial display devices or flexible display devices including a display panel 30 comprising a plurality of recessed or protruding curved portions CSP1 to CSP5. For example, the vibration generating device 50 can be implemented as having a shape that matches the curvature value (or radius of curvature) of each of the protruding or recessed portions of the curved portions CSP1 to CSP5 of the display panel 30 and can be disposed in the protruding or recessed portions of each of the curved portions CSP1 to CSP5 of the display panel 30. As another example, the vibration generating device 50 can be implemented as having a shape corresponding to the curvature value (or radius of curvature) of each of the curved portions CSP1 to CSP5 of the display panel 30 and can be disposed on the entire rear surface of the display panel 30.

[0180] Reference Figure 13BThe vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to rollable display devices including a display panel 30 wound or unfolded in a spiral shape. For example, the vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented with a shape having a curvature value (or radius of curvature) of the display panel 30 wound or unfolded in a spiral shape, and a plurality of vibration generating devices 50 can be arranged at specific intervals on the rear surface of the display panel 30. As another example, the vibration generating device 50 can be implemented with a shape corresponding to the curvature value (or radius of curvature) of the display panel 30, and can be disposed on the entire rear surface of the display panel 30.

[0181] Reference Figure 13C The vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to wearable display devices including a display panel 30 that is wrapped around a user's wrist and bent into a C-shape. For example, the vibration generating device 50 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented with a shape having a curvature value (or radius of curvature) of the C-shaped display panel 30, and a plurality of vibration generating devices 50 can be arranged at specific intervals on the rear surface of the display panel 30. As another example, the vibration generating device 50 can be implemented with a shape corresponding to the curvature value (or radius of curvature) of the C-shaped display panel 30, and can be disposed on the entire rear surface of the display panel 30.

[0182] The vibration generating device according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied as a vibration generating device installed in a display device. The display device according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to mobile devices, video phones, smartwatches, watch phones, wearable devices, foldable devices, rollable devices, bendable devices, flexible devices, bending devices, portable multimedia players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), electronic organizers, desktop personal computers (PCs), laptop PCs, netbooks, workstations, navigation devices, car navigation devices, automotive display devices, TVs, wallpaper display devices, signage devices, game consoles, laptops, monitors, cameras, portable video cameras, home appliances, etc. Furthermore, the vibration generating device according to embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to organic light-emitting lighting devices or inorganic light-emitting lighting devices. When the vibration generating device is applied to a lighting device, it functions as both a illuminator and a speaker.

[0183] The display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0184] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel configured to display an image; and a plurality of vibration generating devices configured to vibrate the display panel, wherein each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes a plurality of first portions having piezoelectric properties and a plurality of second portions disposed near the plurality of first portions to have a coefficient of thermal expansion, and the plurality of vibration generating devices have different coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0185] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of second parts may be disposed between a plurality of first parts.

[0186] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of first portions may be disposed on the same plane as a plurality of second portions.

[0187] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of second portions may be disposed on the upper or lower surface of a plurality of first portions.

[0188] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of vibration generating devices may include a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and the expansion coefficient of the first vibration generating device may be less than the expansion coefficient of the second vibration generating device, and the expansion coefficient of the second vibration generating device may be less than the expansion coefficient of the third vibration generating device.

[0189] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first vibration generating device may be implemented as one or more of a receiver and a tweeter, the second vibration generating device may be implemented as a loudspeaker, and the third vibration generating device may be implemented as a tactile device.

[0190] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of vibration generating devices may include a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of second portions of the first vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of second portions of the second vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of second portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0191] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of vibration generating devices may include a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of first portions of the first vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of first portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of first portions of the second vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of first portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0192] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of first portions may be the same as the expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of second portions.

[0193] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display device may further include: an adhesive member located between the rear surface of the display panel and a plurality of vibration generating devices, a first electrode located below the adhesive member on the upper surface of the plurality of vibration generating devices, and a second electrode located on the lower surface of the plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0194] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display device may further include: a first protective layer located on the upper surface of the first electrode below the adhesive member, and a second protective layer located on the lower surface of a plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0195] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the plurality of second portions may be formed of a tensile layer or a cork material.

[0196] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of second parts may be in the range of -0.3 to 0.

[0197] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the plurality of second parts may be flexible.

[0198] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a display panel configured to display an image and a plurality of vibration generating devices configured to vibrate the display panel, wherein each of the plurality of vibration generating devices includes a plurality of piezoelectric portions having piezoelectric properties and a plurality of expansion portions disposed near the plurality of piezoelectric portions, and the plurality of vibration generating devices are implemented to have different frequency characteristics.

[0199] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple piezoelectric portions may be disposed on the same plane as multiple expansion portions.

[0200] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple piezoelectric portions may be disposed on the upper or lower surfaces of multiple expansion portions.

[0201] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a plurality of vibration generating devices may include a first vibration generating device having a high-pitched vocal cord frequency, a second vibration generating device having a mid-pitched vocal cord frequency, and a third vibration generating device having a low-pitched vocal cord frequency.

[0202] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the frequency of the high-pitched vocal cords is 10 kHz to 20 kHz, the frequency of the mid-pitched vocal cords is 200 Hz to 10 kHz, and the frequency of the low-pitched vocal cords is 200 Hz or lower.

[0203] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first vibration generating device can be implemented as one or more of a receiver and a tweeter, the second vibration generating device can be implemented as a loudspeaker, and the third vibration generating device can be implemented as a tactile device.

[0204] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the first vibration generating device may be less than the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device, and the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device may be less than the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0205] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the first vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0206] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the first vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the second vibration generating device, and the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the second vibration generating device may be smaller than the width of each of the plurality of piezoelectric portions of the third vibration generating device.

[0207] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first vibration generating device may be disposed at the upper part of the display panel, the second vibration generating device may be disposed at the center of the display panel, and the third vibration generating device may be disposed at the lower part of the display panel.

[0208] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the third vibration generating device may be disposed at the upper part of the display panel, the first vibration generating device may be disposed at the center of the display panel, and the second vibration generating device may be disposed at the lower part of the display panel.

[0209] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device may further include: a support member located on the rear surface of the display panel; and a separator located between the display panel and the support member.

[0210] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the display device may also include a spacer surrounding a plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0211] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the display device may further include: a support member located on the rear surface of the display panel; a first spacer located between the display panel and the support member; and a second spacer surrounding a plurality of vibration generating devices.

[0212] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first separator may be disposed along the area between the rear periphery of the display panel and the front periphery of the support member.

[0213] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the size of the expanded portion can be configured to be adjusted based on the characteristics of the vocal cords to be reproduced by the vibration of the display panel.

[0214] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple expansion portions may be flexible.

[0215] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the plurality of expansion portions may have a negative expansion coefficient or a zero expansion coefficient.

[0216] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the plurality of expanded portions may be formed of a tensile layer or a cork material.

[0217] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions can be in the range of -0.3 to 0.

[0218] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a vibration generating device that causes the display panel to vibrate, and thus a sound generating device that generates sound can be used to make the direction of sound travel of the display device toward the front surface of the display panel; a tactile device that outputs feedback based on the user's actions; and a receiver or tweeter.

[0219] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device can be provided that implements a vibration generating device for implementing a speaker, a tactile device, and a receiver or a jitter.

[0220] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the display device of this disclosure without departing from the technical spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure may be intended to cover modifications and variations thereof, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0221] Cross-references to related applications

[0222] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0168074, filed on December 16, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: Display panel, the display panel being configured to display images; as well as A membrane actuator, configured to vibrate the display panel. The membrane actuator includes multiple vibration generating devices configured with a composite membrane. The plurality of vibration generating devices are configured to have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and The composite membrane includes: Multiple vibrating parts, wherein the multiple vibrating parts are configured to have piezoelectric properties, and Multiple expansion portions, which are configured to be flexible and overlap with the multiple vibration portions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of expanded portions has a negative expansion coefficient or a zero expansion coefficient.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions is in the range of -0.3 to 0.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of expansion portions are disposed on the upper or lower surfaces of the plurality of vibration portions.

5. A display device, the display device comprising: Display panel, the display panel being configured to display images; as well as A membrane actuator, configured to vibrate the display panel. The membrane actuator includes multiple vibration generating devices configured with a composite membrane. The plurality of vibration generating devices are configured to have different frequency characteristics, and The composite membrane includes: Multiple vibrating parts, wherein the multiple vibrating parts are configured to have piezoelectric properties, and Multiple expansion portions, which are configured to be flexible and overlap with the multiple vibration portions.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of expansion portions are disposed on the upper or lower surfaces of the plurality of vibration portions.

7. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The membrane actuator further includes: A first electrode is located on the upper surface of the composite film; and The second electrode is located on the lower surface of the composite membrane.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of expansion portions are located between the plurality of vibration portions and the second electrode.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The membrane actuator further includes: A first protective layer is located on the upper surface of the first electrode; and The second protective layer is located on the lower surface of the second electrode.

10. The display device of claim 7, further comprising an adhesive member located between the rear surface of the display panel and the film actuator.

11. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The adhesive component is located between the rear surface of the display panel and the first electrode.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of expanded portions is formed of a tensile layer or cork material.

13. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of vibrating parts are the same as the expansion and contraction directions of each of the plurality of expanding parts.

14. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, Each of the plurality of vibration generating devices is configured to include one or more of the plurality of vibration portions and one or more of the plurality of expansion portions.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein, The membrane actuator includes a first vibration generating device, a second vibration generating device, and a third vibration generating device.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein, The coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the first vibration generating device is smaller than the coefficient of expansion of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device, and The expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the second vibration generating device is smaller than the expansion coefficient of each of the plurality of expansion portions of the third vibration generating device.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The second vibration generating device is located between the first vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device, or the first vibration generating device is located between the second vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device.

18. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The membrane actuator includes: A first vibration generating device having a high-pitched vocal cord frequency. A second vibration generating device having a mid-tone vocal band frequency, and A third vibration generating device with a low-pitched vocal cord frequency.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein, The second vibration generating device is located between the first vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device, or The first vibration generating device is located between the second vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein, The frequency of the high-pitched vocal cords is greater than 10kHz and less than or equal to 20kHz. The frequency of the mid-tone vocal cords is greater than 200Hz and less than or equal to 10kHz, and The frequency of the bass-tone vocal cords is less than or equal to 200Hz.

21. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The membrane actuator includes: A first vibration generating device, which is implemented as one or more receivers and tweeters. A second vibration generating device, which is implemented as a loudspeaker, and The third vibration generating device is implemented as a tactile device.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein, The second vibration generating device is located between the first vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device, or The first vibration generating device is located between the second vibration generating device and the third vibration generating device.

Images