FRAME FOR A DISPLAY APPARATUS AND DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME

Abstract

A frame for a display apparatus includes a plurality of frame members, each of which includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion, and a coupling portion, and a plurality of coupling members. The side wall portion covers a side of a display apparatus. The supporting portion is extended from the side wall to form an angle and covers a side portion of an upper surface of the display apparatus. The coupling portion is formed at one of the side wall portion and the supporting portion. The coupling members are disposed at corner portions of the display apparatus. Each of the coupling members is insertable into each coupling portion of the two frame members, respectively, to combine the two frame members with each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relies for priority upon Korean Patent Application No. 2006-86253 filed on Sep. 7, 2006, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus and, more particularly, to a display apparatus having a plurality of frame members manufactured through extrusion molding.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a flat panel display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), includes a slim display panel, a backlight part providing the display part with light and a container having some metal parts for receiving the display part and the backlight part. The receiving container is generally manufactured as a single piece. However, for large sized displays, such as a television set, several chassis may be required to form the receiving container.

The receiving container may be made of a pressed or stamped sheet metal plate that is suitably processed to form a container having a bottom plate and sidewalls.

As the size of displays has increased, the time required for manufacturing each of the chassis has also increased. In addition, it takes about a month to make the stamping dies which are also expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention obviates the above problems by providing a display apparatus with a plurality of frame members manufactured by extrusion molding which simplifies processing and assembly of the frame.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a plurality of frame members and a plurality of coupling members are provided each of which includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion, and a coupling portion. The side wall portion covers a side of the display apparatus. The supporting portion is extended from the side wall to form an angle and covers a side portion of an upper surface of the display apparatus. The coupling portion is formed at one of the side wall portion and the supporting portion. The coupling members are disposed at corner portions of the display apparatus. Each of the coupling members is inserted into each coupling portion of the two frame members, respectively, to combine the two frame members with each other.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the thickness of each of the frame members may be constant along the longitudinal direction of the frame member. The coupling portion may be extended in the longitudinal direction of the frame member and have a tube shape having an open end. The coupling portion may protrude from the supporting portion toward the upper surface of the display apparatus. The supporting portion may cover a side portion of an upper surface of the display panel. Also, the supporting portion may cover a side portion of a rear surface of the backlight assembly.

Each of the coupling members includes a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion. The first insertion portion is inserted into a coupling portion of a first frame member. The second insertion portion is extended at an angle from the first insertion portion and inserted into a coupling portion of a second frame member. The first and second insertion portions respectively may include a plurality of protrusions for contacting the inner surfaces of the coupling portions into which the first and second insertion portions are inserted. Each of the protrusions may be extended in a horizontal-direction of the frame member and slanted to a direction opposite to the direction in which the coupling member is inserted into the coupling portion. The protrusions may include first protrusions having a first height and second protrusions having a second height larger than the first height, wherein the first and second protrusions are alternately disposed on each of the first and second insertion portion.

A display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel, a backlight assembly, a lower receiving container, and an upper receiving container. The lower receiving container receives the backlight assembly and supports the display panel. The upper receiving container includes a plurality of top frame members and a plurality of top coupling members. The top frame members are disposed at the sides of the backlight assembly and cover side portions of the frontal surface of the display panel. The top coupling members are disposed at the corner portions of the display panel. Each of the coupling members can be fitted together with two other frame members. For example, each of the coupling members is combined with two of the frame members by inserting the coupling member into each of the frame members.

Each of the top frame members includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion, and a coupling portion. The side wall portion covers a side of the display apparatus. The supporting portion is extended from the side wall portion and covers a side portion of a frontal surface of the display panel. The coupling portion is extended from the supporting portion in the longitudinal direction of the top frame member. Each of the coupling portions may have a tubular shape. Also, each of the top coupling members may have an “L” shape such that each of the top coupling members is inserted into the coupling portions of two of the top frame members.

The lower receiving container includes a plurality of bottom frame members and a plurality of bottom coupling members. The bottom frame members are disposed at the sides of the backlight assembly to cover the sides of the backlight assembly. The bottom coupling members are disposed at corner portions of the backlight assembly. Each of the bottom coupling members may be fitted together with two bottom frame members. For example, each of the bottom coupling members is combined with two bottom frame members by inserting a bottom coupling member into each of the bottom frame members.

According to the above, time for manufacturing the division frame for a display apparatus may be reduced. In addition, assembling processes of the display apparatus may be simplified to improve productivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantage points of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detailed exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a frame member shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combination of two frame members through the coupling member;

FIG. 8 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the combination of two frame members through the coupling member shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating frame members combined by the coupling member;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view illustrating the frame members combined by the coupling member shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a frame for a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′ shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a display apparatus according to further another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a ling VI-VI′ shown in FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

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

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a division frame for a display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the division frame shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a division frame 100 for a display apparatus covers a frontal surface of a display panel for a display apparatus. In another exemplary embodiment, the division frame 100 may cover a rear surface of a backlight assembly for a display apparatus.

The division frame 100 includes a plurality of frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 and a plurality of coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80.

Each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is disposed at a side of the display apparatus and covers a side portion of the frontal surface of the display panel. The number of the frame members may be changed according to a shape of the display panel. When the display panel has, for example, a substantially quadrangular shape, the division frame 100 includes a first frame member 10 disposed at a first side of the display panel, a second frame member 30 disposed at a second side of the display panel which is opposite to the first side, a third frame member 50 disposed at a third side of the display panel which connects the first side to the second side, and a fourth frame member 70 disposed at a fourth side of the display panel which is opposite to the third side. Two of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may be combined with each other using one of the coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 at each of the corners of the display panel.

Each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is manufactured by an extrusion molding method. For example, a flexible material for the frame members is compressed to be extruded through an extrusion orifice. Then, the flexible material is thermally treated to form the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. The extrusion orifice has a shape corresponding to the cross-section of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. Since the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 are manufactured by the extrusion molding method, the thickness of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is constant along the longitudinal direction and an external surface of each of the four frame members is smooth. In the present exemplary embodiment, each of the frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 includes a metal material. Alternatively, each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may include a plastic material.

When a metal plate is pressed to manufacture the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70, end portions or edge portions of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 may be rough and include burrs that may scratch the surface of the display panel generating defects in the display. However, when the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 are manufactured by the extrusion mold method of the exemplary embodiment, the end or edge portions of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 is smooth. Therefore, defects of the display apparatus are not generated four. In addition, the surface of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 manufactured by the extrusion mold method is smoother than that manufactured by the press method. Further, the four frame members manufactured by the extrusion mold method are less likely to be detached from the display panel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a frame member shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line I-I′ in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70 respectively have a substantially same or substantially similar shape except for a length of each of the four frame members 10, 30, 50 and 70. Thus, the third frame member 50 shown in FIG. 3 will be described as an example, and any further explanation will be omitted.

The third frame member 50 includes a side wall portion 51, a supporting portion 55, and a coupling portion 57. The side wall portion 51 covers a side of the display apparatus. The side wall portion 51 is extended in a first direction along the side of the display apparatus and has a plate shape. The supporting portion 55 is extended in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction from an edge of the side wall portion 51. The supporting portion 55 covers a side portion of a frontal surface of the display panel. End portions of the supporting portion 55 are partially cut off such that an angle between an edge of one of the end portions and the side wall portion is about 45 degrees. Therefore, two frame members meeting at a corner portion of the display apparatus do not overlap each other. An end portion of the supporting portion 55 has a stepped portion with respect to a horizontal-direction of the supporting portion 55.

The coupling portion 57 is formed at the supporting portion 55. Alternatively, the coupling portion 57 may be formed at the side wall portion 51. The coupling member may be inserted into the coupling portion 57. A shape of the coupling portion 57 may be variously changed according to exemplary embodiments.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling portion 57 is extended in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 55, and has a tubular shape. For example, the coupling portion 57 may include first to third walls. The first and second walls protrude from the supporting portion 55 and are opposite to each other. The first and second walls are extended in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 55. The third wall connects an upper portion of the first wall with an upper portion of the second wall. End portions of the coupling portion 57 with respect to a longitudinal direction of the coupling portion 57 are open.

The coupling portion 57 may make contact with the side portion of the display panel, so that the third wall contacts a surface of the display panel. Also, the coupling portion 57 may be spaced apart from the surface of the display panel.

As mentioned above, each of the four frame member 10, 30, 50, and 70 also includes a side wall portion, a supporting portion, and a coupling portion. The four frame members 10, 30, 50, and 70 cover respective side portions of the frontal surface of the display panel.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling member shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the four coupling members are respectively disposed at a first corner portion where the first frame member 10 meets the third frame member 50, a second corner portion where the first frame member 10 meets the fourth frame member 70, a third corner portion where the second frame member 30 meets the third frame member 50, and a fourth corner portion where the second frame member 30 meets the fourth frame member 70. Two frame members are combined with each other through the coupling member. In the present exemplary embodiment, the division frame includes four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80. Hereinafter, the four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 will be respectively referred to a first coupling member 20, a second coupling member 40, a third coupling member 60, and a fourth coupling member 80.

The four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 respectively have substantially the same shape as each other. Thus, the first coupling member 20 combining the first frame member 10 with the third frame member 50 will be described as an example and any further explanation will be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first coupling member 20 includes a first insertion portion 21 and a second insertion portion 25. Each of the first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 is inserted into the coupling portions, and has a predetermined length. The second insertion portion 25 is extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first insertion portion 21 from an end of the first insertion portion 21.

The first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 may respectively include first and second protrusions 23 and 27 formed thereon. Each of the first and second protrusions 23 and 27 has a predetermined height and shape so that the coupling member is fixed to the coupling portion. The shape of each of the second protrusions 27 is substantially the same as that of the first protrusions 23. Hereinafter, the first protrusions 23 will be described as examples, and any further explanation about the second protrusions 27 will be omitted. When the first insertion portion 21 is inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10, the first protrusions 23 strongly contacts with an inner surface of the coupling portion 17.

The first protrusions 23 are respectively extended in the horizontal-direction of the first insertion portion 21 and the second protrusions 27 are respectively extended in the horizontal-direction of the second insertion portion 25. The first protrusions 23 slant to a direction opposite to direction A-A′ along the first insertion portion 21 which is inserted into the coupling portion 17. In addition, the first protrusions 23 include a plurality of protrusions having a different height from each other. Protrusions having a first height and protrusions having a second height larger than the first height are alternately disposed. Namely, one of the protrusions having the second height is disposed between adjacent two protrusions having the first height. When the first insertion portion 21 is inserted into the coupling portion 17, a protrusion having the first height of the first protrusions 23 is firstly inserted into the coupling portion 17.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a combination of two frame members through the coupling member. FIG. 8 is another exploded perspective view illustrating the combination of two frame members through the coupling member shown in FIG. 7.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first frame member 10 meets the third frame member 50 at a first corner of the display apparatus. The first frame member 10 meets the fourth frame member 70 at a second corner of the display apparatus. The second frame member 30 meets the third frame member 50 at a third corner of the display apparatus. The second frame member 30 meets the fourth frame member 70 at a fourth corner of the display apparatus. The method of combining the four frame member 10, 30, 50 and 70 with each other through one of the four coupling members 20, 40, 60 and 80 are substantially the same as each other. Thus, the method of combining the first frame member 10 with the third frame member 50 through the first coupling member 20 will be described as an example and any further repetitive explanation will be omitted.

The second insertion portion 25 of the first coupling member 10 is inserted into the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50. Then, the first insertion portion 21 of the first coupling member 10 is inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10. Also, the second insertion portion 25 of the first coupling member 10 may be inserted into the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50 after the first insertion portion 21 of the first coupling member 10 is inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating frame members combined by the coupling member. FIG. 10 is another perspective view illustrating the frame members combined by the coupling member shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when the first coupling member 20 is completely inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50, the first frame member 10 and the third frame member 50 are firmly combined with each other. An end of the supporting portion 15 of the first frame member 10 may make contact with an end of the supporting portion 55 of the third frame member 50 in a same plane. End portions of the side wall portion 11 of the first frame member 10 and the side wall portion 51 of the third frame member 50 are partially cut off, so that the end portion of the side wall portion 11 of the first frame member 10 does not overlap the end portion of the side wall portion 51 of the third frame member 50.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, as the first coupling member 20 is deeply inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10, a compression of the first coupling member 20 to an inner surface of the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10 becomes larger. In addition, it is relatively easy to insert the first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50. However, since the first and second protrusions 23 and 27 slant to a direction opposite to the direction along which the first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 are respectively inserted into the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50, the first and second protrusions 23 and 27 prevent the first and second insertion portions 21 and 25 from being detached from the coupling portion 17 of the first frame member 10 and the coupling portion 57 of the third frame member 50.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a frame for a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV′ shown in FIG. 12.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a division frame 200 includes a plurality of frame members and a plurality of coupling members 220. The frame members are substantially the same as the frame member shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 except for a shape of the coupling portion of each of the frame members. Also, the coupling members are substantially the same as the coupling member shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 except for a shape of each of the coupling member. Thus, any further explanation will be omitted.

In FIG. 12, the frame member 250 includes a side wall portion 251, a supporting portion 255, and a coupling portion 257.

The coupling portion 257 includes a guide boss 258 and a hang boss 259. The guide boss 258 protrudes from the supporting portion 255. The guide boss 258 has a first width and is extended in a longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 255. The hang boss 259 is formed on an upper portion of the guide boss 258. The hang boss 259 is integrally formed with the guide boss 258. The hang boss 259 has a second width that is larger than the first width, and is extended in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion 255. Therefore, the coupling portion 257 has a cross section of a substantially “T” shape.

The coupling member 220 includes a first coupling section 221 and a second coupling section 225. The second coupling portion 225 is extended from an end of the first coupling portion 221 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first coupling portion is extended. Each of the first and second coupling portions 225 and 227 includes a guide groove 223. The guide groove 223 includes an outer portion having a first width and an inner portion having a second width, which is larger than the first width and is formed under the outer portion.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a frame for a display apparatus according to further example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a exploded perspective view illustrating the frame for the display apparatus shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the frame 300 may make contact with a lateral surface and an edge portion of a upper surface of a display panel. In another example embodiment of the present invention, the frame 300 may make contact with a lateral surface and a edge portion of a upper surface of a backlight assembly.

The frame 300 includes a first frame member 301, a second frame member 305, a first coupling member 340, and a second coupling member 380. The first frame member 301 and the second frame member 305 are combined with each other by the first coupling member 340 and the second coupling member 380. In example embodiment of the present invention, the frame 300 may have a rectangular shape.

A shape and a structure of the second frame member 305 are substantially symmetrical to a shape and a structure of the first frame member 301. Thus, the shape and the structure of the first frame member 301 will be explained and any repetitive explanation concerning the shape and structure of the second frame member 305 will be omitted.

The first frame member 301 includes a first sidewall portion 310, a first supporting portion 330 and a first coupling portion 320. The first sidewall portion 310 covers a lateral surface of a display panel. The first supporting portion 330 is extended from an upper edge of the first sidewall portion 310 and supports an edge portion of a upper surface or a lower surface of the display panel. The first coupling portion 320 may protrude from an inner surface of the first supporting portion 330 or first sidewall portion 310.

The first sidewall portion 310 includes a first side plate 311, a second side plate 313 and a third side plate 315. The second side plate 313 is extended from a first end of the first side plate 311. The third side plate 315 is extended from a second end of the first side plate 311 opposite to the first end in a same direction as an extending direction of the second side plate 313. For example, the second side plate 313 and the third side plate 315 may be perpendicularly extended from the first and second ends of the first side plate 311. In an example embodiment of the present invention, the second side plate 313 may have a length different from that of the third side plate 315. In another example embodiment of the present invention, the second side plate 313 may have a length the same as the third side plate 315.

The first supporting portion 330 includes a first supporting plate 331, a second supporting plate 333 and a third supporting plate 335. The first supporting plate 331 is extended from an edge portion of the first side plate 311. The second supporting plate 333 is extended from an edge portion of the second side plate 313. The third supporting plate 335 is extended from an edge portion of the third side plate 335.

In example embodiments of the present invention, the first coupling portion 320 is formed on an inner surface of the second supporting plate 333 and an inner surface of the third supporting plate 335. In another example embodiment of the present invention, the first coupling portion 320 may be formed on an inner surface of the second side plate 313 and an inner surface of the third side plate 335. The first coupling portion formed on the inner surface of the second supporting plate 333 is extended along a longitudinal direction of the second supporting plate 333. The first coupling portion formed on the inner surface of the third supporting plate 335 is extended along a longitudinal direction of the third supporting plate 335. The first coupling portion 320 may have a tube-shape.

The second frame member 305 includes a second sidewall portion 350 corresponding to the first sidewall portion 310, a second supporting portion 370 corresponding to the first supporting portion 320 and a second coupling portion 360 corresponding to the first coupling portion 320. The second sidewall portion 350 includes a fourth side plate 351 corresponding to the first side plate 311, a fifth side plate 353 corresponding to the second side plate 313 and a sixth side plate 355 corresponding to the third side plate 315. The second supporting portion 360 may be formed on an inner surface of the fifth supporting plate 373 and an inner surface of the sixth supporting plate 375.

The first coupling member 340 is inserted into the first coupling portion 320 formed on the second supporting plate 333 and the second coupling portion 360 formed on the fifth supporting plate 373. The second coupling member 380 is inserted into the first coupling portion 320 formed on the third supporting plate 335 and the second coupling portion 360 formed on the sixth supporting plate 375.

Each of the first and second coupling members 340 and 380 includes a first insertion portion 341 and a second insertion portion 345 extended from the first insertion portion 341. The first insertion portion 341 is inserted into the first coupling portion 320 and the second insertion portion 345 is inserted into the second coupling portion 360. Each of the first and second insertion portions may include protrusions 343 and 347 to press on inner surfaces of the first and second coupling portions 320 and 360. The protrusions 343 and 347 slant to a direction opposite to a direction in which the first and second insertion portions are inserted into the first and second coupling portions 320 and 360.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line V-V′ shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI′ shown in FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 17, a display apparatus 400 includes a display panel 401, a backlight assembly 407, a lower receiving container 501, and an upper receiving container 601.

The display panel 401 includes a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area. The display panel 401 includes a first substrate 403, a second substrate 405 opposite to the first substrate 403, and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) disposed between the first and second substrates 403 and 405. Each of the first and second substrates 403 and 405 includes electrodes to control the liquid crystal layer. An electric field formed between the electrodes of the first and second substrates 403 and 405 changes the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to alter the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal layer of the display panel 401.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the backlight assembly 407 is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel 401 and provides the display panel with light to display images. The backlight assembly 407 includes an optical member 430, a light source 410, and a side mold 450.

The optical member 430 includes a diffusion plate 431, a diffusion sheet 433, and light concentrating sheets 435 and 437. The light source 410 includes lamps 411 and a lamp holder 413. The lamps 411 are inserted into the lamp holder 413. The side mold 450 covers the lamp holder 413. The optical member 430 is supported by the side mold 450 and improves front-view brightness and brightness uniformity of light generated by the lamps to emit the light to the display panel 401.

The lower receiving container 501 receives the backlight assembly 407 and supports the display panel 401. The lower receiving container 501 may include the division frame 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11.

When the lower receiving container 501 includes the division frame 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the lower receiving container 501 may include one or more of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570. The lower receiving container 501 may further include a bottom plate 590 combined with an inner surface or an outer surface of the supporting portion of each of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570.

The bottom plate 590 has a substantially quadrangular plate shape. The supporting portions of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570 are respectively disposed in four side portions of the bottom plate 590.

The side mold 450 is disposed on the side wall portions of the first bottom frame member 510 and the second bottom frame member 530 opposite to the first bottom frame member 510.

The display apparatus 400 may further include a middle frame mold 409. The middle frame mold 409 is a substantially quadrangular shaped frame. The middle frame mold 409 is disposed on the side wall portions of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570 and covers the side wall portions of the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570. An upper portion of the middle frame mold 409 may have layers.

The upper receiving container 601 receives the display panel 401. The upper receiving container 601 is combined with the middle frame mold 409 or the lower receiving container 501. The upper receiving container 601 includes a division frame substantially the same as the division frame 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. The upper receiving container 601 includes four top frame members 610, 630, 650 and 670 corresponding to the four bottom frame members 510, 530, 550 and 570, respectively. Two of the four top frame members 610, 630, 650 and 670 are combined with each other by one of the four top coupling members 620, 640, 660 and 680 to form a quadrangular frame.

The supporting portions of the four top frame members 610, 630, 650 and 670 cover the peripheral area of the display panel 401. The side wall portions of the four top frame members 610, 630, 650 and 670 respectively cover side portions of the middle frame mold 409.

According to the present invention as mentioned above, the division frame for a display apparatus includes frame members combined with each other. The frame members are manufactured by the extrusion mold method. When the frame members are manufactured by the extrusion mold method, the time for manufacturing the frame members may be reduced. Therefore, productivity for manufacturing the division frame for a display apparatus and the display apparatus having the division frame may be improved.

In addition, each of the coupling members is inserted into the coupling portion of each of the frame members to combine two frame members with each other. The frame members do not require a screw to be combined with each other. Therefore, numbers of elements of the division frame for a display apparatus and the display apparatus may be reduced and assembling processes may be simplified.

Having described the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and its advantage, it is noted that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by appended claims.

Claims

1. A frame for a display apparatus comprising:

a plurality of frame members, each of the frame members including:

a side wall portion covering a side of a display apparatus;

a supporting portion extended from the side wall to form an angle, the supporting portion covering a side portion of an upper surface of the display apparatus; and

a coupling portion formed at the side wall portion or the supporting portion; and

a coupling member inserted into each coupling portions of two frame members to combine the two frame members.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the frame members is constant along the longitudinal direction of the frame member.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the coupling portion is extended in the longitudinal direction of the frame member and has a tubular shape having an open end.

4. The frame of claim 3, wherein the coupling portion protrudes from an inner surface of the supporting portion.

5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the supporting portion covers a side portion of an upper surface of a display panel used in the display apparatus.

6. The frame of claim 4, wherein the supporting portion covers a side portion of a rear surface of a backlight assembly used in the display apparatus.

7. The frame of claim 3, wherein the coupling portion is protruded from the side wall portion toward the side of the display apparatus.

8. The frame of claim 3, wherein each of the coupling members comprises:

a first insertion portion for insertion into a coupling portion of a first frame member; and

a second insertion portion extended from the first insertion portion to form an angle for insertion into a coupling portion of a second frame member.

9. The frame of claim 8, wherein the first and second insertion portions respectively comprise a plurality of protrusions compressing inner surfaces of the coupling portions into which the first and second insertion portions are inserted.

10. The frame of claim 9, wherein each of the protrusions is extended in a horizontal-direction of each of the first and second frame members and slants in a direction opposite to the direction along which the coupling member is inserted into the coupling portion.

11. The frame of claim 9, wherein the protrusions comprise first protrusions having a first height and second protrusions having a second height greater than the first height, wherein the first and second protrusions are alternately disposed on each of the first and second insertion portions.

12. The frame of claim 2, wherein the coupling portion comprises:

a guide boss having a first width, the guide boss protruding from the supporting portion and extended in a longitudinal direction of the supporting portion; and

a hang boss having a second width greater than the first width, the hang boss being integrally formed with the guide boss and extended in the longitudinal direction of the supporting portion.

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein each of the coupling members comprises:

a first coupling section including a guide groove into which a coupling portion of a first frame member is inserted; and

a second coupling section extended from an end of the first coupling section to form an angle, the second coupling section including a guide groove into which a coupling portion of a second frame member is inserted.

14. A display apparatus comprising:

a display panel displaying images;

a backlight assembly disposed under the display panel;

a lower receiving container receiving the backlight assembly and supporting the display panel; and

an upper receiving container including:

a plurality of top frame members disposed at sides of the backlight assembly, the top frame members covering side portions of a frontal surface of the display panel; and

a top coupling member disposed at a corner portion of the display panel, the coupling member being fittable with two of the frame members.

15. The display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the top frame member comprises: a supporting portion extended from the side wall portion, the supporting portion covering a side portion of a frontal surface of the display panel; and a coupling portion extended from the supporting portion in a longitudinal direction of the top frame member, the coupling portion having a tube shape.

a side wall portion covering a side of the display apparatus;

16. The display apparatus of claim 15, wherein the top coupling member has an “L” shape such that the top coupling member is inserted into the coupling portions of the two top frame members.

17. The display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the lower receiving container comprises:

a plurality of bottom frame members disposed at the sides of the backlight assembly, the bottom frame members covering the sides of the backlight assembly; and

a plurality of bottom coupling members disposed at corner portions of the backlight assembly, each of the bottom coupling members being combinable with two bottom frame members.

18. The display apparatus of claim 17, wherein the lower receiving container further comprises a bottom plate combined with the bottom frame members, and the bottom plate covers a rear surface of the backlight assembly.