Support frame

Abstract

There is provided a support frame, the support frame according to an embodiment including: a main body portion including a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion disposed at a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of an opening, respectively; and a support bar coupled to the first frame portion. The supporting rod is in a shape protruding towards the outer side of the supporting frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a support frame and a mask assembly including the support frame. Background Technology

[0002] To fabricate an organic light-emitting display device, electrodes and an organic emitting layer with specific patterns can be formed. A deposition process using a mask assembly can be applied as a method to form the electrodes and the organic emitting layer, and consequently, the organic light-emitting display device. The mask assembly may include multiple unit masks with patterned openings (e.g., a metal layer or organic emitting layer to be deposited), a frame supporting the multiple unit masks, and rods. The unit masks and rods can be fixed to the frame under tension along their length.

[0003] During deposition processes using mask assemblies, the frame may be exposed to heat. In some aspects, deposition processes using mask assemblies can be performed with the frame placed horizontally or vertically. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments are intended to provide a support frame in which deformation caused by the self-weight of the support frame and the tensile force applied to the rod is offset, and a mask assembly including the support frame.

[0005] The support frame according to an embodiment includes: a main body, including a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion respectively disposed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of the opening; and a support rod, coupled to the first frame portion, wherein the support rod has a shape that protrudes outward toward the outside of the support frame.

[0006] With the support frame standing upright, the first frame section can be positioned above the opening.

[0007] The support rod can be formed such that the support rod has a first curvature, and the support rod can be deformable and engageable with the first frame portion based on an external force, wherein, in response to the external force, the support rod can have a second curvature less than the first curvature and engage with the first frame portion.

[0008] The main body may include a first material, the support rod may include a second material, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material may be greater than that of the first material.

[0009] The density of the second material can be less than that of the first material.

[0010] The outer surface of the first frame portion may include a groove recessed toward the inner surface of the first frame portion, the bottom surface of the groove may protrude toward the outside of the support frame, and the support rod may be inserted into the groove.

[0011] The outer surface of the first frame portion and the inner surface of the support rod may each include alternating protrusions and recesses, and the protrusions on the outer surface of the first frame portion may be configured to interlock with the recesses on the inner surface of the support rod, and the recesses on the outer surface of the first frame portion may be configured to interlock with the protrusions on the inner surface of the support rod.

[0012] The main body may include a front surface and a rear surface facing the direction in which the opening penetrates the support frame. The rear surface of the first frame portion may include a groove recessed toward the front surface of the first frame portion. The groove may have a shape that protrudes toward the outside of the support frame, and the support rod may be inserted into the groove.

[0013] The main body may include a first main body and a second main body that are joined in the thickness direction of the support frame. The first main body and the second main body may each include a corresponding first frame, a corresponding second frame, a corresponding third frame and a corresponding fourth frame. The first surface of the first frame of the first main body that is joined to the first frame of the second main body may include a groove recessed on the opposite side of the first surface, and the groove has a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame. A support rod can be inserted into the groove, and the entrance to the groove can be blocked by the second surface of the first frame of the second main body that is joined to the first frame of the first main body.

[0014] The first surface of the first frame portion of the first main body may include a first groove recessed on the opposite side of the first surface, and the second surface of the first frame portion of the second main body may include a second groove recessed on the opposite side of the second surface. The first groove and the second groove may both have a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame. A portion of the support rod may be inserted into the first groove, and the remaining portion of the support rod may be inserted into the second groove.

[0015] The mask assembly according to an embodiment includes: a support frame including a main body portion surrounding a first opening and a support rod coupled to the main body portion; a first rod disposed on the support frame and extending in a first direction; a second rod disposed on the support frame and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a unit mask disposed on the support frame, the first rod, and the second rod and including one or more second openings, wherein the main body portion includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion respectively disposed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of the first opening, the support rod is coupled to the first frame portion, and the support rod has a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame.

[0016] With the support frame standing upright, the first frame section can be positioned above the first opening.

[0017] The support rod can be formed such that the support rod has a first curvature, and the support rod can be deformable and engageable with the first frame portion based on an external force, wherein, in response to the external force, the support rod can have a second curvature less than the first curvature and engage with the first frame portion.

[0018] The main body may include a first material, the support rod may include a second material, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material may be greater than that of the first material.

[0019] The density of the second material can be less than that of the first material.

[0020] The outer surface of the first frame portion may include a groove recessed toward the inner surface of the first frame portion, the bottom surface of the groove may protrude toward the outside of the support frame, and the support rod may be inserted into the groove.

[0021] The outer surface of the first frame portion and the inner surface of the support rod may each include alternating protrusions and recesses, and the protrusions on the outer surface of the first frame portion may be configured to interlock with the recesses on the inner surface of the support rod, and the recesses on the outer surface of the first frame portion may be configured to interlock with the protrusions on the inner surface of the support rod.

[0022] The main body may include a front surface to which the unit mask is fixed and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. The rear surface of the first frame portion may include a groove recessed toward the front surface of the first frame portion. The groove may have a shape that protrudes toward the outside of the support frame, and a support rod may be inserted into the groove.

[0023] The main body may include a first main body and a second main body joined in the thickness direction of the support frame. The first main body and the second main body may each include a corresponding first frame, a corresponding second frame, a corresponding third frame and a corresponding fourth frame. The first surface of the first frame of the first main body that joins the first frame of the second main body may include a groove recessed on the opposite side of the first surface. The groove may have a shape that protrudes outward toward the outside of the support frame. The support rod may be inserted into the groove. The entrance to the groove may be blocked by the second surface of the first frame of the second main body that joins the first frame of the first main body.

[0024] The first surface of the first frame portion of the first main body may include a first groove recessed on the opposite side of the first surface, and the second surface of the first frame portion of the second main body may include a second groove recessed on the opposite side of the second surface. The first groove and the second groove may both have a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame. A portion of the support rod may be inserted into the first groove, and the remaining portion of the support rod may be inserted into the second groove.

[0025] According to the embodiment, the deformation caused by the self-weight of the support frame and the tension applied to the rod can be offset. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the mask assembly according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the support frame according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the support rod according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view that compares the support frame according to various embodiments with the support frame according to a comparative example.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a view comparing the support frame according to the embodiment with the support frame according to the comparative example.

[0031] Figures 6 to 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the support frame according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] For clarity, parts (components) not related to the description of the example embodiments are not shown, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0034] For ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of the structures are optionally shown in the accompanying drawings, and this disclosure is not limited to the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, other elements, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0035] It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or an intervening element may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intervening element is present. Furthermore, in the specification, the terms "on" or "above" mean positioned on or below the object portion, and do not necessarily mean positioned on the upper side of the object portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0036] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the word “including” and its variations shall be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated element but not the exclusion of any other element.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, the phrase "on a plane" means viewing the target section from the top, and the phrase "on a section" means viewing the section formed by vertically cutting the target section from the side.

[0038] As used herein, the term "substantially" means approximately (roughly) or actually. The term "substantially equal" means approximately (roughly) or actually equal. The term "substantially identical" means approximately (roughly) or actually identical. The term "substantially perpendicular" means approximately (roughly) or actually perpendicular. The term "substantially parallel" means approximately (roughly) or actually parallel.

[0039] In the following text, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A support frame and a mask assembly including the support frame are described according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the mask assembly according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the support frame according to an embodiment.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 According to the embodiment, the mask assembly MA may include a support frame SF, a first rod S1 and a second rod S2 disposed on the support frame SF, and a unit mask MC disposed on the support frame SF, the first rod S1 and the second rod S2.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the support frame SF may include a main body portion FB and a support rod SB attached to the main body portion FB. The main body portion FB may include a first frame portion F1, a second frame portion F2, a third frame portion F3, and a fourth frame portion F4 respectively disposed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of the first opening OP1.

[0043] The first frame portion F1 and the second frame portion F2 can extend in a first direction X and separate in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The third frame portion F3 and the fourth frame portion F4 can extend in the second direction Y and can be spaced apart in the first direction X. The third frame portion F3 can connect one end of the first frame portion F1 and one end of the second frame portion F2, and the fourth frame portion F4 can connect the other end of the first frame portion F1 and the other end of the second frame portion F2. The first frame portion F1 can connect one end of the third frame portion F3 and one end of the fourth frame portion F4, and the second frame portion F2 can connect the other end of the third frame portion F3 and the other end of the fourth frame portion F4.

[0044] The first opening OP1 can penetrate the support frame SF in a third direction Z, which is perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y. The first opening OP1 can be surrounded by a first frame part F1, a second frame part F2, a third frame part F3, and a fourth frame part F4.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be combined with the first frame portion F1. In the following, reference will be made to... Figure 2 Describe the support rod SB and the first frame part F1.

[0046] The first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be positioned across the first opening OP1. The first rod S1 can extend in a first direction X. The second rod S2 can extend in a second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X. One or more first rods S1 and second rods S2 can be provided. Multiple first rods S1 can be spaced apart in the second direction Y, which is perpendicular to the first direction X.

[0047] Multiple second rods S2 can be set separately from each other in a first direction X that is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0048] Both ends of each of the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be coupled to the support frame SF. For example, the main body FB of the support frame SF may include grooves for receiving both ends of each of the first rod S1 and the second rod S2. The first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be coupled to the support frame SF by inserting both ends of each of the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 into the grooves of the main body FB. The first rod S1 can be inserted into the groove facing the first direction X in the groove of the main body FB, and the second rod S2 can be inserted into the groove facing the second direction Y in the groove of the main body FB. However, the method of coupling the first rod S1, the second rod S2 and the support frame SF is not limited to the example described herein and can be varied in various ways. For example, the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be coupled to the support frame SF by a fixing member.

[0049] The first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can both be stretched along their length and attached to the support frame SF. The first rod S1 can be stretched in a first direction X and attached to the support frame SF. The second rod S2 can be stretched in a second direction Y and attached to the support frame SF. Therefore, compressive force can be applied to the support frame SF in each of the stretching directions of the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 (e.g., taking the first direction X and the second direction Y as examples). The support frame SF can be formed of a material that has low deformation due to such compressive force (i.e., a metallic material with high rigidity).

[0050] The unit mask MC can be disposed on the support frame SF, the first rod S1, and the second rod S2. The unit mask MC can be in the form of a rod or strip extending in the first direction X. The unit mask MC can be stretched and fixed to the support frame SF in the first direction X. For example, the two ends of the unit mask MC can be fixed to the third frame portion F3 and the fourth frame portion F4, which are spaced apart in the first direction X, respectively.

[0051] The cell mask MC may include one or more second openings OP2. The one or more second openings OP2 may be spaced apart in a first direction X within the cell mask MC. The second openings OP2 may include an opening pattern corresponding to an organic light-emitting display device. The opening pattern may have the form of an opening pattern penetrating the cell mask MC. For example, the opening pattern may include a plurality of strip-shaped slits, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. In a deposition process using a mask assembly MA, deposition material passes through the second openings OP2 and is deposited on a substrate to form a thin film (e.g., an organic emitting layer) having a pattern corresponding to the opening pattern of the second openings OP2.

[0052] A unitary mask (MC) can be a fine metal mask (FMM) formed from a thin metal film. The unitary mask (MC) can be formed from any material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Invar alloy, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys.

[0053] According to an embodiment, multiple unit masks MC can exist. The multiple unit masks MC can be arranged side-by-side in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. The multiple unit masks MC can be supported by a support frame SF, a first rod S1, and a second rod S2. The support frame SF can support both ends of each of the multiple unit masks MC. The first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can support the middle portion between the two ends of each of the multiple unit masks MC.

[0054] The first bar S1 can support two adjacent element masks MC. The first bar S1 is positioned across two adjacent element masks MC. The first bar S1 can be positioned between the second opening OP2 arranged in the second direction Y of the two adjacent element masks MC.

[0055] The second bar S2 can support multiple element masks MC. The second bar S2 can be set across multiple element masks MC. The second bar S2 can be set between the second openings OP2 arranged in the first direction X of each of the multiple element masks MC.

[0056] The first bar S1 and the second bar S2 do not obstruct the second opening OP2 of the multiple element masks MC, but can be arranged such that the second opening OP2 exposes the first opening OP1. The first bar S1 and the second bar S2 can divide the first opening OP1 into multiple regions. The multiple regions of the first opening OP1 separated by the first bar S1 and the second bar S2 can be superimposed on the second opening OP2 of the multiple element masks MC in the third direction Z.

[0057] Example embodiments may include the use of a mask assembly MA in an organic material deposition process during the fabrication of an organic light-emitting display device, but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Each of the second openings OP2 of the unit mask MC may correspond to one organic light-emitting display device. In an organic material deposition process using the mask assembly MA, organic emission layers for each of a plurality of organic light-emitting display devices may be formed simultaneously.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the support frame SF constitutes a mask assembly MA, and the mask assembly MA is interpreted as being used in an organic material deposition process; however, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Hereinafter, reference will be made to… Figure 2 The interpretation of the supporting frame SF can be applied in the same or similar way to frame structures for various purposes. Here, a frame structure that includes an opening at the center as a closed loop structure can refer to a structure that includes a portion positioned above the opening when the frame structure is erected vertically on a supporting surface.

[0059] Figure 2 This shows the support frame SF in Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of a third party pointing vertically to Z. (Refer to...) Figure 2 When the support frame SF is vertically erected on the support surface (i.e., in the state where the support frame SF is vertically erected on the support surface), the first frame portion F1 can be positioned above the first opening OP1, and the second frame portion F2 can be positioned below the first opening OP1. For example, the second frame portion F2 can be in contact with the support surface. In the following text, in the state where the support frame SF is vertically erected on the support surface, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can correspond to the first direction X and the third direction Z as described above, respectively.

[0060] The first frame portion F1 and the second frame portion F2 can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2, which is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The third frame portion F3 and the fourth frame portion F4 can extend in the second direction DR2 and can be spaced apart in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 In this configuration, the first direction DR1 can be parallel to the supporting surface, and the second direction DR2 can be perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second direction DR2 can also be perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0061] In the following text, the direction toward the inside of the support frame SF may mean the direction toward the first opening OP1, and the direction toward the outside of the support frame SF may mean the opposite direction to the direction toward the first opening OP1.

[0062] The support rod SB may have a shape extending in the first direction DR1. The support rod SB may be attached to the outer surface of the first frame portion F1. The support rod SB may have a protruding shape toward the outside of the support frame SF.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 may include a groove GR, which is recessed towards the inner surface of the first frame portion F1. A support rod SB can be inserted into the groove GR. The bottom surface of the groove GR may protrude outwards towards the support frame SF. Both ends of the support rod SB can be inserted into the sides of the groove GR.

[0064] The length of the groove GR along the first direction DR1 can be substantially the same as the length of the support rod SB along the first direction DR1, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0065] Referring to an enlarged view of the mating surface of the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 and the inner surface of the support rod SB, the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 and the inner surface of the support rod SB may include alternating protrusions (also referred to herein as protrusions, projections, etc.) and recesses (also referred to herein as recesses, indentations, etc.). The protrusions and recesses may be alternately arranged on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 and the inner surface of the support rod SB, respectively. For example, both the protrusions and recesses may have a circular shape, but there are no restrictions on the shape of the protrusions and recesses; their shapes can be changed in various ways. The protrusions and recesses on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 and the protrusions and recesses on the inner surface of the support rod SB can interlock. That is, the protrusions on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 can be inserted into the recesses on the inner surface of the support rod SB, and the protrusions on the inner surface of the support rod SB can be inserted into the recesses on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1.

[0066] Therefore, for example, the protrusion (protrusion) on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 is configured to interlock with the recess (recess) on the inner surface of the support rod SB, and the recess (recess) on the outer surface of the first frame portion F1 is configured to interlock with the protrusion (protrusion) on the inner surface of the support rod SB.

[0067] As temperature increases, the support frame SF can expand based on the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials constituting the support frame SF, and this expansion can be referred to as thermal deformation. To minimize thermal deformation of the support frame SF, embodiments of this disclosure may include using a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion as the material of the support frame SF. Materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion may include, for example, Invar alloy 36. Invar alloy 36 is an alloy of nickel and iron (containing 36% nickel).

[0068] According to an embodiment, the support frame SF may be a structure in which the support rod SB is combined with the main body FB. The main body FB may include a first material, and the support rod SB may include a second material. According to an embodiment, the first material and the second material may be different materials, but are not limited thereto, and the first material and the second material may be the same material.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material can be greater than that of the first material. For example, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material can be approximately 20 times that of the first material. For example, the first material can be Invar 36, and the second material can be aluminum. Compared to the body portion FB which includes the first material, the support rod SB which includes the second material can be more easily thermally deformed with increasing temperature. Because the support rod SB has a convex shape toward the outside of the support frame SF as described herein, the thermal deformation of the support rod SB can occur toward the outside of the support frame SF.

[0070] When the support frame SF is vertically erected (i.e., in the state where the support frame SF is vertically erected), the first frame part F1 of the main body part FB is located above the first opening OP1. In some cases, the first frame part F1 may droop towards the inside of the support frame SF due to its own weight.

[0071] According to an embodiment, in the support frame SF, rods (e.g., Figure 1 The first rod (S1) and the second rod (S2) can be attached to the support frame SF across the first opening OP1. For example, the rod can be attached to the first frame portion F1 and the second frame portion F2, or to the third frame portion F3 and the fourth frame portion F4. The rod can be stretched along its length and attached to the support frame SF, and compressive force can be applied to the support frame SF along the stretching direction of the rod. Due to the compressive force caused by the rod, the first frame portion F1 may sag toward the interior of the support frame SF.

[0072] According to the example described herein, based on the shape of the support rod SB, the direction of thermal deformation of the support rod SB can be towards the outside of the support frame SF. In other words, the thermal deformation of the support rod SB can occur in a direction that causes the thermal deformation to counteract the bending of the first frame portion F1 to which the support rod SB is joined.

[0073] According to an embodiment, as the temperature increases, the support rod SB can expand and more tightly engage with the first frame portion F1. For example, as the support rod SB expands, both ends of the support rod SB can expand and make closer contact with the sides of the groove GR. As the support rod SB expands, the protruding and recessed protrusions of the support rod SB can make closer contact with the protruding and recessed recesses of the first frame portion F1.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the density of the second material can be less than that of the first material. For example, the first material can be Invar alloy 36, and the second material can be aluminum. In some cases, when the support frame SF is vertically erected (i.e., in the state where the support frame SF is vertically erected), the portion of the support frame SF located above the first opening OP1 may sag inwards due to its own weight. In an example where the support frame SF is vertically erected, the first frame portion F1 and the support rod SB attached to the first frame portion F1 can correspond to the portion of the support frame SF located above the first opening OP1. By replacing the material of the support rod SB with a material lighter than that of the first frame portion F1, the sag of the portion of the support frame SF located above the first opening OP1 can be reduced when the support frame SF is vertically erected (i.e., in the case where the support frame SF is vertically erected).

[0075] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 Describes the support rod of the support frame according to an embodiment.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the support rod according to an embodiment. Figure 3 The first support rod SB1 and the second support rod SB2 can be represented separately. Figure 2 The support rod SB is based on the cross-section of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0077] Refer to together Figure 2 and Figure 3The first support rod SB1, when engaged with the first frame portion F1, may have a first curvature protruding outward toward the support frame SF. The second support rod SB2 illustrates an example modification (i.e., deformation) of the first support rod SB1 in response to the application of an external force to it. The second support rod SB2 may have a second curvature different from the first curvature. When the second support rod SB2 is engaged with the first frame portion F1 and protrudes outward toward the support frame SF (i.e., in the state where the second support rod SB2 is engaged with the first frame portion F1 and protrudes outward toward the support frame SF), the second curvature may be a smaller curvature than the first curvature. Here, an external force is applied before the second support rod SB2 is engaged with the first frame portion F1, and this external force may be referred to as prestress. That is, the first support rod SB1 may correspond to the initial shape of the support rod SB, and the second support rod SB2 may correspond to the shape after the prestress is applied to the support rod SB.

[0078] According to an embodiment, a second support rod SB2, whose curvature becomes less than the curvature of its initial shape due to the application of prestress, can be coupled to the first frame portion F1. The second support rod SB2, to which prestress is applied, can have a restoring force that supports the second support rod SB2 back to its initial shape (e.g., the initial shape without prestress). In other words, the restoring force can act on the second support rod SB2 to return it from a second curvature to a first curvature. With the second support rod SB2 coupled to the first frame portion F1, the restoring force can be in a direction toward the outside of the support frame SF. The direction of the restoring force can be opposite to the direction along which the first frame portion F1 droops when the support frame SF is vertically erected.

[0079] With the second support rod SB2 connected to the first frame portion F1, the restoring force of the second support rod SB2 can be transmitted to the first frame portion F1. Due to the restoring force of the second support rod SB2, the sagging of the first frame portion F1 when the support frame SF is vertically erect can be further counteracted. That is, for example, the restoring force can prevent or reduce the sagging of the first frame portion F1.

[0080] Reference Figure 4 The effects of the support frame SF according to various embodiments will be described in comparison with the support frame SF' according to the comparative example.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a diagram comparing a support frame according to various embodiments with a support frame according to a comparative example. Figure 4 It can be shown that the support frame SF according to the embodiment and the support frame SF' according to the comparative example stand vertically on the support surface. Figure 4In this configuration, the first direction DR1 can be parallel to the supporting surface, and the second direction DR2 can be perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second direction DR2 can also be perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Figure 4 The first support rod SB1 and the second support rod SB2 may correspond to or include Figure 3 Similar aspects to the first support rod SB1 and the second support rod SB2. For the sake of brevity, repeated descriptions of the same elements are omitted.

[0082] According to the comparative example, the support frame SF' may include a main body portion FB and is a structure in which the main body portion FB is integrally formed. The main body portion FB may include a first frame portion F1 and a second frame portion F2 extending in a first direction DR1, and a third frame portion F3 and a fourth frame portion F4 extending in a second direction DR2. In an example in which the support frame SF stands vertically on a support surface, the second frame portion F2 may contact the support surface, and the first frame portion F1 may be disposed above a first opening OP1. The first frame portion F1 may be spaced apart from the support surface through the first opening OP1. According to the comparative example, the middle portion of the first frame portion F1 may sag due to its own weight (e.g., the weight of the middle portion, the weight of the first frame portion F1). Figure 4 In the middle, the direction along which the first frame part F1 droops can be the direction of descent on the second direction DR2.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the support frame SF may include a main body portion FB and a first support rod SB1, and may have a structure in which the first support rod SB1 is engaged with the first frame portion F1. The first support rod SB1 may be inserted into and engaged with a groove formed in the first frame portion F1. The first support rod SB1 may have a protruding shape toward the outside of the support frame SF.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the first support rod SB1 may include a material having a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the main body FB. The first support rod SB1, comprising a material with a relatively large coefficient of thermal expansion, can be thermally deformed along its shape, and the first support rod SB1 can be thermally deformed towards the outside of the support frame SF. Figure 4 In the middle, the thermal deformation direction of the first support rod SB1 can be the direction of rising along the second direction DR2.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the bending of the first support rod SB1 to which the first frame portion F1 is attached can be counteracted by the thermal deformation of the first support rod SB1.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the first support rod SB1 may include a material lighter than that of the main body portion FB. According to an embodiment, a portion of the first frame portion F1 in the comparative example can be replaced with a first support rod SB1 comprising a material lighter than that of the first frame portion F1. According to an embodiment, compared to the comparative example, when the support frame SF stands vertically on the support surface, the self-weight of the portion disposed above the first opening OP1 can be reduced. The sag caused by the self-weight of the first support rod SB1 and the first frame portion F1 according to the embodiment can be less than the sag caused by the self-weight of the first frame portion F1 according to the comparative example.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the support frame SF may include a main body portion FB and a second support rod SB2, and may have a structure in which the second support rod SB2 is engaged with the first frame portion F1. The second support rod SB2 may be inserted into a groove formed in the first frame portion F1 and may engage with the first frame portion F1. The second support rod SB2 may have a protruding shape toward the outside of the support frame SF, and the curvature of the second support rod SB2 may be less than the curvature of the first support rod SB1. According to embodiments, after applying prestress to the first support rod SB1 in a direction of decreasing curvature, the second support rod SB2 may engage with the first frame portion F1.

[0088] The description of an element that can be inserted into another element may be referred to as an element that can be inserted into another element. The description of an element that can be joined to another element may be referred to as an element that can be joined or joined to another element.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the second support rod SB2 may have a restoring force, which supports the second support rod SB2 in restoring itself according to the curvature of the first support rod SB1. In other words, the direction of the restoring force may be along the direction of the increase in curvature of the second support rod SB2. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the direction along which the curvature of the second support rod SB2 increases can be the direction of upward movement along the second direction DR2. According to the embodiment, the sagging phenomenon of the first frame portion F1 to which the second support rod SB2 is attached can be counteracted by the restoring force of the prestressed second support rod SB2.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 The effects of the support frame SF according to the embodiment will be described compared with the support frame SF' according to the comparative example.

[0091] Figure 5 This is a view comparing the support frame according to the embodiment with the support frame according to the comparative example. Figure 5 This can represent the state in which the support frame SF according to the embodiment and the support frame SF' according to the comparative example are vertically erected on the support surface. Figure 5In this configuration, the first direction DR1 can be parallel to the supporting surface, and the second direction DR2 can be perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second direction DR2 can also be perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0092] Figure 5 The supporting frame SF' in the comparative example can be compared with Figure 4 The example corresponds to the support frame SF' in the comparative example. According to the comparative example, the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be attached to the main body FB of the support frame SF'. The first rod S1 can extend in a first direction DR1, and its two ends can be attached to a third frame portion F3 and a fourth frame portion F4 spaced apart in the first direction DR1, respectively. The second rod S2 can extend in a second direction DR2, and its two ends can be attached to a first frame portion F1 and a second frame portion F2 spaced apart in the second direction DR2, respectively. The first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be stretched in the length direction and attached to the support frame SF'. Compressive force can act on the support frame SF' in each stretching direction of the first rod S1 and the second rod S2. The compressive force caused by the second rod S2 can be applied to the first frame portion F1 and the second frame portion F2. The compressive force caused by the first rod S1 can act on the third frame portion F3 and the fourth frame portion F4. The direction of the compressive force can be towards the interior of the support frame SF'.

[0093] According to the comparative example, in the first frame section F1, the compressive force and gravity caused by the second rod S2 can act in the same direction. Figure 5 In this configuration, the compressive force and gravity of the second rod S2 can be directed in the downward direction of the second direction DR2. The first frame part F1 can droop downward in the downward direction of the second direction DR2.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the first rod S1 and the second rod S2 can be attached to the main body portion FB of the support frame SF. According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be attached to the first frame portion F1 of the support frame SF. Figure 5 The support rod SB can correspond to or include Figure 4 Similar aspects to the first support rod SB1 or the second support rod SB2. For simplicity, repeated descriptions of the same elements are omitted. The support rod SB may have a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame SF. As the temperature increases, based on the shape of the support rod SB, thermal deformation toward the outside of the support frame SF can occur in the support rod SB. The direction of thermal deformation of the support rod SB may be the upward direction of the second direction DR2.

[0095] As described herein, the compressive force and gravity caused by the second rod S2 are in the downward direction of the second direction DR2, therefore the first frame portion F1 may sag downward in the downward direction of the second direction DR2. According to the embodiment, in the first frame portion F1 of the support frame SF, the compressive force and gravity (gravity) caused by the second rod S2 may act in the opposite direction to the thermal deformation direction of the support rod SB. Due to the thermal deformation of the support rod SB, the bending of the first frame portion F1 to which the support rod SB is attached can be counteracted.

[0096] In the following text, refer to Figures 6 to 8 Various support frameworks according to embodiments are described.

[0097] Figures 6 to 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the support frame according to an embodiment. In the following explanation, the focus will be on... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The differences in the support frame SF according to the embodiment will be explained, and any repetitive content will be omitted or simplified.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 According to an embodiment, the support frame SF may include a main body FB and a support rod SB attached to the main body FB.

[0099] The main body FB may include a first frame portion F1 and a second frame portion F2 extending in a first direction DR1, and a third frame portion F3 and a fourth frame portion F4 extending in a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The first frame portion F1, the second frame portion F2, the third frame portion F3, and the fourth frame portion F4 may surround the first opening OP1.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the main body FB may have a square ring shape, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. The main body FB may include a front surface and a rear surface facing the direction along which the first opening OP1 penetrates the support frame SF. The direction in which the first opening OP1 penetrates the support frame SF may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, Figure 6 The rear surface of the main body FB can be shown, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. (Bar) Figure 1 The grooves into which the first bar S1 and the second bar S2 engage can be formed on the front surface (not shown) of the main body FB, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the rear surface of the first frame portion F1 may include a groove GR recessed toward the front surface of the first frame portion F1. The groove GR may have a shape extending in a first direction DR1. The groove GR may have a depth in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The depth of the groove GR may be less than the thickness of the first frame portion F1 (based on the length in the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction), but embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the groove GR may penetrate the first frame portion F1 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this case, for example, the depth of the groove GR may be equal to the thickness of the first frame portion F1 (based on the length in the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2).

[0102] According to an embodiment, the bottom surface of the groove GR can be parallel and flush with the front and rear surfaces of the first frame portion F1. The inner surface of the groove GR can be formed by four side surfaces. The inner surface of the groove GR may include a first side surface and a second side surface facing in the first direction DR1, and a third side surface and a fourth side surface facing in the second direction DR2.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the groove GR may have a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame SF. The cross-sectional shape of the groove GR according to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may protrude outward toward the support frame SF. Within the inner surface of the groove GR, the third and fourth side surfaces facing the second direction DR2 may protrude outward toward the support frame SF. Figure 6 In the middle, the third and fourth sides can protrude in the upward direction of the second direction DR2.

[0104] When the support frame SF is erected vertically, the support rod SB can be attached to the first frame portion F1 located on the upper side of the first opening OP1. According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be inserted into a groove GR formed on the rear surface of the first frame portion F1 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The support rod SB can have a shape corresponding to the groove GR of the first frame portion F1. According to an embodiment, the support rod SB extends in the first direction DR1 and can protrude outwards from the support frame SF according to the cross-sectional shape of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the material of the support rod SB can have a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the main body FB. In a support rod SB comprising a material having a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the main body FB, thermal deformation can occur along the shape of the support rod SB as the temperature increases. The direction of thermal deformation of the support rod SB can be the direction of the gravity (gravity) acting on the first frame portion F1 when the support frame SF is vertically erected and / or determined by the rod (e.g., Figure 1 The compressive force acting on the first frame part F1 caused by the second rod S2 is in the opposite direction. Therefore, due to the thermal deformation of the support rod SB, the bending amount of the first frame part F1 can be reduced.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the density of the material of the support rod SB can be less than (i.e., lighter than) the density of the material of the main body FB. Since the support rod SB inserted into the first frame part F1 comprises a material lighter than the main body FB, the amount of gravity acting on the first frame part F1 (due to gravity) can be reduced, and the amount of bending of the first frame part F1 can be reduced.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be prestressed before being attached to the first frame portion F1. Due to the prestress, the support rod SB can be attached to the first frame portion F1 with a smaller curvature compared to its initial shape. With the support rod SB attached to the first frame portion F1, the restoring force of the support rod SB can attempt to restore (or partially restore) the support rod SB to its initial shape. The restoring force in the direction of increasing curvature can be applied to the support rod SB. The direction of the restoring force of the support rod SB can be opposite to the direction along which the first frame portion F1 droops. Since the support rod SB is attached to the first frame portion F1, the restoring force acting on the support rod SB can also act on the first frame portion F1. The amount of bending of the first frame portion F1 can be further reduced by the restoring force of the support rod SB.

[0108] In the following text, for Figure 7 The explanation of the support framework SF according to the embodiment will focus on its relationship with Figure 6 The differences in the support framework SF according to the embodiment will be explained, and repeated content will be omitted or simplified.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the main body portion FB of the support frame SF may include a first main body portion FB_a and a second main body portion FB_b. The first main body portion FB_a may include a first frame portion F1_a, a second frame portion F2_a, a third frame portion F3_a, and a fourth frame portion F4_a. The second main body portion FB_b may include the first frame portion F1_b, the second frame portion F2_b, the third frame portion F3_b, and the fourth frame portion F4_b.

[0110] The first frame portion F1_a of the first main body part FB_a and the first frame portion F1_b of the second main body part FB_b can be joined together. The second frame portion F2_a of the first main body part FB_a and the second frame portion F2_b of the second main body part FB_b can be joined together. The third frame portion F3_a of the first main body part FB_a and the third frame portion F3_b of the second main body part FB_b can be joined together. The fourth frame portion F4_a of the first main body part FB_a and the fourth frame portion F4_b of the second main body part FB_b can be joined together. The first surface of the first main body part FB_a and the second surface of the second main body part FB_b can be joined together.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the first surface of the first frame portion F1_a of the first main body portion FB_a may include a groove GR recessed on the opposite side facing the first surface. The shape and structure of the groove GR can be applied similarly. Figure 6 Description of the groove GR in the text.

[0112] The support rod SB can be attached to the first frame portion F1_a of the first main body portion FB_a. According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be inserted into a groove GR formed on the first surface of the first frame portion F1_a in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The support rod SB can have a shape corresponding to the groove GR of the first frame portion F1_a.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the entrance to the groove GR can be blocked by the second surface of the first frame portion F1_b of the second main body portion FB_b. The support rod SB can be completely surrounded by the first main body portion FB_a and the second main body portion FB_b.

[0114] Figure 7 The support frame SF according to the embodiment may have the same characteristics as... Figure 6 The support frame SF according to the embodiment has the same effect.

[0115] In the following text, regarding Figure 8 The explanation of the support framework SF according to the embodiment will focus on its relationship with Figure 7 The differences in the support framework SF according to the embodiment will be explained, and repeated content will be omitted or simplified.

[0116] Reference Figure 8 According to an embodiment, the main body portion FB of the support frame SF may include a first main body portion FB_a and a second main body portion FB_b. The first surface of the first main body portion FB_a and the second surface of the second main body portion FB_b may be joined together.

[0117] According to an embodiment, the first surface of the first frame portion F1_a of the first main body portion FB_a may include a first groove GR1 recessed on the opposite side facing the first surface. The second surface of the first frame portion F1_b of the second main body portion FB_b may include a second groove GR2 recessed on the opposite side facing the second surface. The shape and structure of the first groove GR1 and the second groove GR2 can be applied in the same way. Figure 6 Description of the groove GR in the text.

[0118] The support rod SB can be coupled to the first frame portion F1_a of the first main body portion FB_a and the first frame portion F1_b of the second main body portion FB_b. According to an embodiment, the support rod SB can be inserted into a first groove GR1 formed on the first surface of the first frame portion F1_a and a second groove GR2 formed on the second surface of the first frame portion F1_b in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. A portion of the support rod SB can be inserted into the first groove GR1, and the remaining portion can be inserted into the second groove GR2. The support rod SB can have a shape corresponding to the grooves that engage with the first groove GR1 and the second groove GR2.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the entrance to the first groove GR1 can be blocked by the second surface of the first frame portion F1_b of the second main body portion FB_b. The entrance to the second groove GR2 can be blocked by the first surface of the first frame portion F1_a of the first main body portion FB_a. The support rod SB can be completely surrounded by the first main body portion FB_a and the second main body portion FB_b.

[0120] according to Figure 8 The support frame SF of the embodiment can have the same as Figure 7 The support frame SF according to the embodiment has the same effect.

[0121] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with what are now considered to be practical exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A support frame, the support frame comprising: The main body includes a first frame portion, a second frame portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion respectively disposed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of the opening; and The support rod is attached to the first frame section. The support rod has a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame.

2. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, With the support frame standing upright, the first frame portion is positioned above the opening.

3. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, The support rod is formed such that it has a first curvature, and The support rod is deformable based on external force and can be engaged with the first frame portion, wherein, in response to the external force, the support rod has a second curvature less than the first curvature and is engaged with the first frame portion.

4. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes a first material. The support rod comprises a second material, and The coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material is greater than that of the first material.

5. The support frame according to claim 4, wherein, The density of the second material is less than that of the first material.

6. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the first frame portion includes a groove recessed toward the inner surface of the first frame portion. The bottom surface of the groove protrudes outward toward the support frame, and The support rod is inserted into the groove.

7. The support frame according to claim 6, wherein, The outer surface of the first frame portion and the inner surface of the support rod both include alternating protrusions and recesses, and The protrusion on the outer surface of the first frame portion is configured to interlock with the recess on the inner surface of the support rod, and the recess on the outer surface of the first frame portion is configured to interlock with the protrusion on the inner surface of the support rod.

8. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes a front surface and a rear surface facing the direction in which the opening penetrates the support frame. The rear surface of the first frame portion includes a groove recessed toward the front surface of the first frame portion, wherein the groove has a shape protruding toward the outside of the support frame, and The support rod is inserted into the groove.

9. The support frame according to claim 1, wherein, The main body includes a first main body and a second main body that are joined in the thickness direction of the support frame. Both the first main body and the second main body include a corresponding first frame part, a corresponding second frame part, a corresponding third frame part, and a corresponding fourth frame part. The first surface of the first frame portion of the first main body, which engages with the first frame portion of the second main body, includes a groove recessed on the opposite side of the first surface, and the groove has a shape protruding outwards from the support frame. The support rod is inserted into the groove, and the entrance to the groove is blocked by the second surface of the first frame portion of the second body portion, which is joined to the first frame portion of the first body portion.

10. The support frame according to claim 9, wherein, The first surface of the first frame portion of the first main body includes a first groove recessed toward the opposite side of the first surface. The second surface of the first frame portion of the second main body includes a second groove recessed on the opposite side facing the second surface. Both the first groove and the second groove have a shape that protrudes outward toward the support frame. A portion of the support rod is inserted into the first groove, and The remaining portion of the support rod is inserted into the second groove.

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