Display with evaporator

Abstract

A display is provided. The display (1) includes a display module (11), a support plate (12c), and an evaporator (15). The display module (11) has a front surface (111) and a back surface (112) opposite the front surface (111) of the display module (11). The support plate (12c) is attached to the back surface (112) of the display module (11). The evaporator (15) is attached to the support plate (12c) and thermally connected to the back surface (112) of the display module (11) via the support plate (12c).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a display having an evaporator. BACKGROUND

[0002] Cooling systems can be used in display devices to prevent overheating of the interior of the display device. Conventionally, a cooling system can include an evaporator for cooling air and a fan for circulating the cooled air. Such cooling systems can be bulky and heat dissipation efficiency can be improved. SUMMARY

[0003] In one or more embodiments, a display is provided. The display includes a display module, a support plate, and an evaporator. The display module has a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module. The support plate is attached to the back surface of the display module. The evaporator is attached to the support plate and thermally connected to the back surface of the display module via the support plate.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, a display is provided. The display includes a display module and a one-piece support structure. The display module has a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module. The one-piece support structure includes a first fluid directing portion and a plate portion, and is disposed on the back surface of the display module. The display further includes a first evaporator disposed on the plate portion and adjacent to the first fluid directing portion. The first fluid directing portion is in fluid communication with the first evaporator.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a display is provided. The display includes a display module, a fluid directing portion, and an evaporator. The display module has a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module. The fluid directing portion is disposed on and thermally connected to the back surface of the display module. The fluid directing portion defines a portion of a first fluid path extending across the back surface of the display module. The evaporator is disposed on the back surface of the display module and adjacent to the fluid directing portion. The evaporator defines a second fluid path for conducting a phase change material. The second fluid path is isolated from the first fluid path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which various features are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be noted that the size of various features can be exaggerated in order to more particularly illustrate and describe the features.

[0007] Figure 1A Perspective view of an exemplary display according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1B exploded view of an exemplary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1A

[0009] Figure 1C exploded view of an exemplary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1A

[0010] Figure 2A exploded view of an exemplary support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 2B exploded view of an exemplary support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 3A perspective view of an exemplary evaporator in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 3B perspective view of an exemplary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3A

[0014] Figure 4A perspective view of an exemplary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 4B perspective view of an exemplary display in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4A

[0016] Common reference numbers have been used throughout the drawings and specific embodiments to indicate the same or like parts. The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to provide a thorough description of embodiments. These are, of course, merely examples and are in no way limiting of the scope of the application. References can be made to a number of applications throughout this disclosure. Each of the applications can be implemented or otherwise used in a variety of different contexts and architectures and additionally, each of the applications can be used alone or in combination with others.

[0018] Embodiments of the present application are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present application provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0019] Figure 1A perspective view of an exemplary display 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B perspective view of an exemplary display 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.​​​​Figure 1A FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary display 1 in accordance with some embodiments. In some arrangements, the display 1 includes a housing 10, a display module 11, a support structure 12, a frame 13, a fan module 14, evaporators 15a and 15b (collectively, evaporators 15), tubes 16, 17, and a top cover 18.

[0020] The housing 10 can have a front plate (e.g., a transparent front plate) and side walls. The display module 11 can be housed in a space or chamber defined by the housing 10. The display module 11 can have a front surface 111 and a back surface 112 opposite the front surface 111. In some embodiments, the display module 11 can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), or an organic light emitting device (OLED), but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display module 11 can include a backlight layer, a transparent layer (e.g., a glass panel, a liquid crystal panel, or a plastic panel), a diffuser, a polarizer, a filter, a light directing component, a lens, or other optical components. In some embodiments, the backlight layer can include a plurality of light emitting pixels (e.g., pixels 11a shown in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the light emitting pixels can emit light toward the front surface 111 and the front plate of the housing 10. Figure 1C

[0021] The support structure 12 can be disposed on the back surface 112 of the display module 11, housed in the space defined by the housing 10, and covered by the frame 13. The support structure 12 has a support plate 12c and a plurality of fluid guiding portions (including fluid guiding portions 12a and 12b) supported by the support plate 12c.

[0022] The support plate 12c can be attached to the back surface 112 of the display module 11. The support plate 12c can be in contact with the back surface 112 of the display module 11. When integrated, the evaporators 15 and the fluid guiding portions can be supported by the support plate 12c. For example, the evaporators 15 and the fluid guiding portions can be attached to the back surface 112 of the display module 11 via the support plate 12c.

[0023] The fluid guiding portions can be spaced apart from each other. For example, the fluid guiding portions 12a and 12b can be spaced apart by a distance to accommodate the evaporator 15a.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid guiding portions can include aluminum extrusions (e.g., aluminum T-slot extrusions). In some embodiments, the fluid guiding portions can include a plurality of channels or cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of the fluid guiding portions can include a plurality of combined openings. Figure 1B

[0025] ​​In some embodiments, the fluid guide portions can provide mechanical strength for supporting the display modules 11. In some embodiments, the fluid guide portions can act as a duct or passageway for air or wind from the fan modules 14 to pass through. In some embodiments, the channels of the fluid guide portion 12a and the channels of the fluid guide portion 12b can have the same dimensions (e.g., width, height, and / or length). In some embodiments, the channels of the fluid guide portion 12a and the channels of the fluid guide portion 12b can have different dimensions. In some embodiments, the channels of the fluid guide portion 12a and the channels of the fluid guide portion 12b can have other structures or arrangements, and are not limited to Figure 1B

[0026] The frame 13 can be disposed on the support structure 12. The fluid guide portions can be covered by the frame 13. The support plate 12c can be fully or partially exposed from the frame 13.

[0027] The fan modules 14 can be housed in the enclosure 10 and disposed adjacent to the support structure 12 so as to be in fluid communication with the fluid guide portions and the evaporators 15.

[0028] In some embodiments, the evaporators 15 can be disposed on the support plate 12c (which is exposed via the frame 13), housed in the space defined by the enclosure 10, and covered by the top cover 18.

[0029] The evaporators 15 can be disposed on the support plate 12c. The evaporators 15 can be in contact with the support plate 12c. The evaporators 15 can be in thermal conduction with the support plate 12c. Portions of the support plate 12c can be located between the evaporators 15 and the back surface 112 of the display modules 11. For example, the evaporators 15 can be in thermal conduction with the back surface 112 of the display modules 11. For example, the evaporators 15 can be thermally connected with the back surface 112 of the display modules 11.

[0030] Each of the evaporators 15 and each of the fluid guide portions can be alternately disposed. For example, the evaporator 15a can be disposed between the fluid guide portion 12a and the fluid guide portion 12b. The evaporator 15a can be in fluid communication with the fluid guide portion 12a and the fluid guide portion 12b. Air from the fluid guide portion 12a to the fluid guide portion 12b can pass through the evaporator 15a.

[0031] The tubes 16 and 17 can be in fluid communication with each of the evaporators 15. In some embodiments, the tubes 16 and 17 can be configured to conduct phase change material to each of the evaporators 15. For example, air from the fluid guide portion 12a can be cooled by the evaporator 15a. In some embodiments, the tubes 16 and 17 can be in fluid communication with a source (not shown in the figures) of phase change material, refrigerated air, coolant, or a frozen mixture.

[0032] ​In some embodiments, the phase change material can include a saturation temperature between about 30°C and about 50°C. In some embodiments, the phase change material can include, for example, R-134a, R290, R1234yf, or R1234ze, but is not limited thereto.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing 10, the frame 13, the fan module 14, and the top cover 18 can form a sealed space. For example, air generated by the fan module 14 can be isolated from the environment. In some embodiments, the tubes 16 and 17 can be fully or partially exposed from the sealed space after integration.

[0034] Figure 1C A cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary display 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a direction Dl can be substantially parallel to a back surface 112 of the display module 11, a direction D2 can be substantially perpendicular to the back surface 112 of the display module 11, and a direction D3 can be substantially perpendicular to the direction Dl and the direction D2. Figure 1C

[0036] The fluid guiding portion 12a, the fluid guiding portion 12b, the evaporator 15a, and the evaporator 15b are sequentially arranged along the direction Dl. The fluid guiding portion 12a, the fluid guiding portion 12b, the evaporator 15a, and the evaporator 15b collectively define a fluid path Pl. Air generated by the fan module 14 can be conducted across the back surface 112 of the display module 11 in the direction Dl via the fluid path Pl. For example, air is generated from the fan module 14 on one side of the back surface 112 of the display module 11 toward an opposite side of the back surface 112 of the display module 11.

[0037] At the opposite side, the air becomes to flow through the display module 11 and across a front surface 111 of the display module 11. For example, the air can circulate across the back surface 112 and the front surface 111 of the display module 11.

[0038] For example, the air can pass through a space between the diffuser and the glass panel. For example, the air can pass through a space between the glass panel and the housing 10. In some embodiments, heat Hl and heat H2 generated from the pixel 11a can be dissipated or cooled by the air conducted in the fluid path Pl. The arrows of the heat Hl and the heat H2 represent opposite heat dissipation routes. For example, the heat Hl can be dissipated or cooled by the air across the back surface 112. The heat H2 can be dissipated or cooled by the air across the front surface 111.

[0039] ​​In comparative embodiments, no evaporators are present on the back surface 112, and the air temperature can rise as it passes through the back surface 112. Thus, the air temperature away from the fan module 14 can be higher than the air temperature near the fan module 14, and the air temperature across the front surface 111 can be much higher than the air temperature across the back surface 112. In some cases, as heat builds up in the housing 10, the display module 11 can overheat and its performance can degrade. In some other cases, the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the housing 10 can cause dew condensation and affect the visibility of the displayed image.

[0040] In some embodiments, it is an object of the present disclosure to improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the display. For example, the evaporators 15a and 15b are attached to the back surface 112 of the display module 11 via the support plate 12c. The phase change material conducted via the evaporators 15a and 15b can absorb heat without increasing the temperature. Thus, heat can be conducted from the back surface 112 of the display module 11 to the evaporators 15a and 15b via heat conduction without increasing the temperature.

[0041] In addition, the air passing through the back surface 112 of the display module 11 can be dissipated or cooled as it passes through the evaporators 15a and 15b. Thus, the temperature difference between the back surface 112 and the front surface 111 of the display module 11 can be reduced or neutralized. The heat dissipation of the display 1 of the present disclosure can be more efficient than comparative embodiments, and overheating and dew condensation can be avoided. Furthermore, the display 1 of the present disclosure can be lighter and more compact than comparative embodiments.

[0042] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is an exploded view of an exemplary support structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the support structures in Figure 2A and Figure 2B is similar to the support structure 12 in Figure 1B with the following differences described below.

[0043] In Figure 2A , the fluid guiding portions 12a' and 12b' are attached to opposite sides of the support plate 12c'. For example, the fluid guiding portions 12a' and 12b' and the support plate 12c' are separate components. The fluid guiding portions 12a' and 12b' can be fixed to opposite sides of the support plate 12c'. The support plate 12c' can be located between the fluid guiding portions 12a' and 12b'. The evaporators can be disposed on the support plate 12c' and located between the fluid guiding portions 12a' and 12b'.

[0044] In Figure 2BIn this configuration, fluid guiding portions 12a” and 12b” are located on the same side of support plate 12c”. Support plate 12c” may have the same size as the rear surface 112 of display module 11. However, the size or shape of support plate 12c” may be adjusted based on design requirements and is not limited thereto.

[0045] In some embodiments, Figure 1B The supporting structure 12 in the middle can be made of Figure 2A and Figure 2B The support structure is replaced. In some embodiments, the fluid guiding portion and the support plate can be combined using connectors or adhesives. In some embodiments, Figure 1B The support structure 12 can be formed as a single unit. For example, the support structure 12 may include multiple components welded together.

[0046] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of an exemplary evaporator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3A A cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary evaporator 2. In some embodiments, Figure 3A The evaporator 2 in the figure can be the same as the evaporator 15 in Figure 1.

[0047] Evaporator 2 may include a U-shaped flat tube 21 and channel groups 22a and 22b. Tubes 23 and 24 may be in fluid communication with evaporator 2. In some embodiments, each of tubes 23 and 24 may be connected to... Figure 1B Tubes 16 and 17 are the same.

[0048] The U-shaped flat tube 21 may have a lower portion and an upper portion connected to the lower portion. The lower portion may have an inlet (e.g., Figure 3B The lower portion is oriented (21a) and extends in the direction D3. It is steerable and connects to the upper portion. The upper portion may have an outlet (e.g., ...). Figure 3B The outlet 21b) extends in the opposite direction (relative to the lower part) so that the inlet and outlet can be located on the same side of the U-shaped flat tube 21.

[0049] Channel group 22a may be partially surrounded by U-shaped flat tube 21. For example, channel group 22a may be positioned between the lower and upper portions of U-shaped flat tube 21. Channel group 22b may be located on the upper portion of U-shaped flat tube 21. Each of channel groups 22a and 22b may extend in direction D1. Each of channel groups 22a and 22b may open toward direction D1.

[0050] The size Wl (height or width as measured in direction D2) of the channel group 22a can be different than the size W2 (height or width as measured in direction D2) of the channel group 22b. For example, the size Wl can be greater than the size W2. For example, the size Wl can be less than the size W2. In some embodiments, the size Wl can be the same as the size W2.

[0051] In some embodiments, the channels of the channel group 22a, the channel group 22b, and the fluid directing portion of the display 1 as shown in Figure 1B may have the same size (e.g., width, height, and / or length). In some embodiments, the channels of the channel group 22a, the channel group 22b, and the fluid directing portion of the display 1 as shown in Figure 1B may have different sizes.

[0052] The phase change material can be conducted into the U-shaped flat tube 21 via the tube 23 and out of the U-shaped flat tube 21 via the tube 24. As shown in Figure 3B , the phase change material can flow into the U-shaped flat tube 21 via the inlet 21a in the fluid path P2 and out of the U-shaped flat tube 21 via the outlet 21b. In some embodiments, the fluid path P2 can be isolated from the fluid path PI.

[0053] Since each of the channel group 22a and the channel group 22b can be in fluid communication with a fluid directing portion of a support structure (e.g., the support structure 12 in Figure 1B , air passing through the fluid directing portion of the support structure can be dissipated or cooled by the phase change material as it passes through the channel group 22a and the channel group 22b.

[0054] Figure 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary display 3 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4B is a perspective view of an exemplary evaporator of the exemplary display 3 in Figure 4A . The display 3 is similar to the display 1 in Figure 1A , except for the differences described below.

[0055] In the display 3, the outlet of the evaporator 31 is in fluid communication with the inlet of the evaporator 32 via the tube 34, and the outlet of the evaporator 32 is in fluid communication with the inlet of the evaporator 33 via the tube 35. The outlet of the evaporator 33 is in fluid communication with a source (not shown in the figure) of phase change material, refrigerated air, coolant, or a frozen mixture.

[0056] In the display 1, the tube 16 is in fluid communication with the inlet of the evaporator 15 and the tube 17 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the evaporator 15.

[0057] In some embodiments, display 3 can further reduce the temperature difference compared to display 1, and the flow resistance of display 1 can be less than display 3.

[0058] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "left", "right", and the like, can be used herein for describing an element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. It will be understood that, when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it can be directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, or one or more intervening components can be present.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "about", "substantially", "nearly", and "approximately" are used to describe and account for small variations. When used in connection with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer to instances in which the event or circumstance occurs exactly, as well as instances in which the event or circumstance occurs approximately. As used herein, the term "approximately" with respect to a given value or range generally means within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. Ranges can be expressed herein as from one endpoint to another endpoint or between two endpoints. Unless otherwise specified, all ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints. When a value or property is said to be "substantially" a certain value, the term can refer to the value being within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the average of the value.

[0060] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments and details of the application. Embodiments described in the application can be readily used as bases upon which one of ordinary skill in the art can design or modify other processes and structures for carrying out the same or similar purposes and / or achieving the same or similar advantages. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the application, and various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the application.

Claims

1. A display comprising: a display module having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module; a support plate attached to the back surface of the display module; and an evaporator attached to the support plate and thermally connected to the back surface of the display module via the support plate; and a first fluid directing portion and a second fluid directing portion spaced apart from the first fluid directing portion, wherein the evaporator is disposed between the first fluid directing portion and the second fluid directing portion, and wherein the first fluid directing portion, the second fluid directing portion, and the evaporator collectively define a portion of a fluid path that extends across the back surface of the display module.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein the back surface of the display module includes a back surface of an LED backlight.

3. The display of claim 1, wherein the support plate, the first fluid directing portion, and the second fluid directing portion are formed as one piece.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the first fluid directing portion is attached to a first side of the support plate and the second fluid directing portion is attached to a second side of the support plate opposite the first side.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein the support plate is sized according to the display module and the first fluid directing portion and the second fluid directing portion are disposed on the support plate.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein the fluid path further extends to across the front surface of the display module.

7. The display of claim 1, wherein the fluid path further extends through the display module.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein the first fluid directing portion, the evaporator, and the second fluid directing portion are arranged sequentially along a first direction and the fluid path extends along the first direction.

9. The display of claim 1, wherein the evaporator includes a U-shaped fin tube having an inlet and an outlet arranged on a same side of the evaporator.

10. The display of claim 9, wherein the evaporator includes a first group of channels and a second group of channels, each of the first group of channels and the second group of channels extending in a same direction.

11. The display of claim 10, wherein the first group of channels is partially enclosed by and thermally connected to the U-shaped fin tube.

12. The display of claim 10, wherein the second group of channels is attached to and thermally connected to a portion of the U-shaped fin tube.

13. The display of claim 10, wherein a dimension of the first group of channels measured in a second direction is different than a dimension of the second group of channels measured in the second direction.

14. The display of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first group of channels and the second group of channels is in fluid communication with the first fluid directing portion and the second fluid directing portion. ​ 15. The display of claim 10, wherein the U-shaped flat tube is configured to conduct a phase change material to dissipate heat from fluid in the first and second channel groups.

16. A display comprising: a display module having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module; a single-piece support structure including a first fluid directing portion and a plate portion, the single-piece support structure disposed on the back surface of the display module; and a first evaporator disposed on the plate portion and adjacent to the first fluid directing portion, wherein the first fluid directing portion is in fluid communication with the first evaporator.

17. The display of claim 16, further comprising a second evaporator disposed on the plate portion between the first fluid directing portion and a second fluid directing portion on the back surface of the display module.

18. The display of claim 17, wherein a first channel defined by the first fluid directing portion and a second channel defined by the second fluid directing portion are in fluid communication via a third channel defined by the second evaporator.

19. The display of claim 17, further comprising: a tube in fluid communication with an inlet of the first evaporator and an inlet of the second evaporator.

20. The display of claim 17, further comprising: a tube in fluid communication with an inlet of the first evaporator and an outlet of the second evaporator.

21. A display comprising: a display module having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface of the display module; a fluid directing portion disposed on and thermally connected to the back surface of the display module, wherein the fluid directing portion defines a portion of a first fluid path extending across the back surface of the display module; and an evaporator disposed on the back surface of the display module and adjacent to the fluid directing portion, wherein the evaporator defines a second fluid path isolated from the first fluid path for conducting a phase change material.

22. The display of claim 21, wherein the first fluid path is configured to dissipate heat by circulating airflow within the display.

23. The display of claim 21, wherein the first fluid path extends in a first direction and the second fluid path extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

24. The display of claim 21, wherein the phase change material includes a saturation temperature between about 30°C and about 50°C.

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