WO2012066388A1

WO2012066388A1 - An apparatus for supporting a display panel and an associated method

Info

Publication number: WO2012066388A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/055312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vicente Calvo Alonso
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2010-11-19
Filing date: 2010-11-19
Publication date: 2012-05-24

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are provided. The apparatus comprises: a base; a wall extending from the base; a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; and a light guide configured to guide light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, wherein a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge.

Description

TITLE

An apparatus for supporting a display panel and an associated method TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for supporting a display panel. In particular, they relate to an apparatus for supporting a liquid crystal display panel. BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices comprise liquid crystal display devices. A liquid crystal display device provides an array of controllable pixels that produce a viewable image. The area around the edge of the liquid crystal display device that does not comprise any pixels is known as the "dead band".

A reduction in the size of the dead band may enable the size of an electronic device to be reduced. BRIEF SUMMARY

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: a base; a wall extending from the base; a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; and a light guide configured to guide light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, wherein a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method, comprising: providing a base, a wall extending from the base and a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; providing a light guide for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge; and positioning a portion of the light guide between the base and the ledge.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: a base; a wall extending from the base; and a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; wherein the apparatus is configured to receive a light guide for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, such that a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: a base; a wall extending from the base; a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; and means for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, wherein a portion of the means for guiding light is positioned between the base and the ledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus for supporting a display panel;

Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3A illustrates a first implementation of a display apparatus;

Fig. 3B illustrates a second implementation of a display apparatus;

Fig. 3C illustrates a third implementation of a display apparatus;

Fig. 4 illustrates the first implementation of the display apparatus housed in a housing of an electronic device;

Fig. 5 illustrates examples of electronic devices;

Fig. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus;

Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a method of manufacturing a display apparatus comprising a support apparatus made from a single sheet; and

Figs 8A and 8B illustrate a method of manufacturing a display apparatus comprising a support apparatus made from a plurality of sheets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for supporting a display panel having a relatively narrow dead band. The Figures illustrate an apparatus 1 , comprising: a base 2; a wall 4 extending from the base 2; and a ledge 6, extending from the wall 4, for supporting a display panel 40; wherein the apparatus 1 is configured to receive a light guide 20 for guiding light towards a display panel 40 supported by the ledge 6, such that a portion of the light guide 20 is positioned between the base 2 and the ledge 6.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 1 for supporting a display panel. Fig. 2 illustrates a cross section of the apparatus 1 . The apparatus 1 comprises a base 2, a plurality of walls 4, 14 and a plurality of ledges 6, 16.

In the illustrated example, the base 2 is substantially planar and is rectangular in shape. A co-ordinate system 70 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 that has orthogonal x, y and z axes. The length L_b of the base 2 is aligned with the y dimension. The width W_b of the base 2 is aligned with the x dimension.

The base 2 has four edges defining its perimeter. A first wall 4 extends upwardly from one edge of the base 2. In the illustrated example, the first wall 4 extends from one of the longest two edges of the base 2. In this implementation of the invention, the first wall 4 is substantially perpendicular to the base 2 and length of the first wall 4 is substantially the same as the length L_b of the base 2.

A first ledge 6 extends inwardly from the first wall 4. The first ledge 6 is spaced from the base 2 and provides a surface for supporting a display panel. The first ledge 6 is substantially perpendicular to the first wall 4 and substantially parallel with the base 2.

In this example, the first ledge 6 does not extend outwardly from first wall 4. That is, the first ledge 6 does not extend outside the perimeter of the base 2 in the plane defined by the length L_b and width W_b of the base 2.

A second wall 14 extends upwardly along another edge of the base 2. In the illustrated example, the second wall 14 extends from the other one of the longest two edges of the base 2. In this implementation of the invention, the second wall 14 is substantially perpendicular to the base 2 and the length of the second wall 14 is substantially the same as the length of the base L_b. A second ledge 16 extends inwardly from the second wall 14. The second ledge 16 is spaced from the base 2 and provides a surface for supporting a display panel. The second led ge 1 6 is su bstantial ly perpend icu lar to the secon d wal l 1 4 and substantially parallel with the base 2.

In this example, the second ledge 16 does not extend outwardly from second wall 4. That is, the second ledge 16 does not extend outside the perimeter of the base 2 in the plane defined by the length L_b and width W_b of the base 2.

The heights of the first and second walls 4, 14 are the same as one another in this example and are designated by h_w in Figs. 1 and 2. The width of each of the first and second ledges 6, 16 is the same in this example and is designated by η in Figs. 1 and 2. The length of the ledges 6, 16 is substantially the same as the length of the base 2 in this example.

The first and second ledges 6, 16 overhang the base 2. The base 2, walls 4/14 and ledges 6/16 define a volume 17 for receiving a light guide. The light guide may be positioned in the volume 17 such that a first edge of the light guide is positioned between the base 2 and the first ledge 6, and a second edge of the light guide is positioned between the base 2 and the second ledge 16. This will be described in further detail below.

The apparatus 1 illustrated in Figs 1 and 2 is made from a single sheet 9 of material (for example, metal). A wall 4/14 and a ledge 6/16 may be created by forming a two (substantially) 90 degree bends in the sheet 9 of material near to an edge of the sheet 9.

In other embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 1 may be formed from multiple sheets of material (for example, metal). This will be described in further detail below.

Fig. 3A illustrates a cross section of a display apparatus 10 comprising the apparatus 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. In this example, the display apparatus 10 is a transflective display apparatus. In Fig. 3A, only a portion of the display apparatus 10 (and a portion of the apparatus 1 ) is illustrated for clarity. In addition to the apparatus 1 , the display apparatus 10 further comprises a display panel 40, a polarizer 34 and light distribution apparatus 60.

In this example, the display panel 40 is a liquid crystal display panel. The display panel 40 comprises an array of pixels 44 (in this example, formed by a layer of liquid crystal) sandwiched by a first (upper/outer) transparent layer 42 and a second (lower/inner) transparent layer 46. The first and second transparent layers 42, 46 may, for example, be made from glass and may include electrodes for controlling the layer of liquid crystal.

The line 80 in Fig. 3A indicates the perimeter of the array of pixels 44 of the display panel 40. The line 84 indicates the perimeter of the display apparatus 10. The area between the lines 80 and 84 in Fig. 3 (indicated by the arrow 82) designates the dead band of the display apparatus 10. The dead band may, for example, be in the region of 1 .5 millimetres.

It can be seen from Fig. 3A that none of the pixels 44 of the display panel 40 are located directly above the first ledge 6. Similarly, in the Fig. 3A example, none of the pixels 44 of the display panel 40 are located directly above the second ledge 16.

Adhesive 36 may be used to attach the display panel 40 to the ledges 6, 16 in the dead band. The adhesive 36 may, for example, be adhesive tape or glue. The display panel 40 may be adhered to the ledges 6, 16 in a manner that prevents dust from entering the display apparatus 10 and in a manner that accounts for potential increases in humidity.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 3A, the lower transparent layer 46 of the display panel 40 is adhered directly to the first and second ledges 6, 16.

Advantageously, in embodiments of the invention the first and second ledges 6, 16 provide a large surface area for the display panel 40 to be attached to, given the relatively small size of the dead band of the display apparatus 10. This means that a strong construction is provided with a relatively small dead band. I n the example illustrated in Fig. 3A, the polarizer 34 is attached to the lower transparent layer 46. The polarizer 34 extends into the dead band, but does not extend across the whole of the display panel 40. A gap is present in the x dimension between each ledge 6, 16 and the polarizer 34. The gap between the first ledge 6 and the polarizer 34 is illustrated in Fig. 3A. This gap enables easy placement of the d i splay pa nel 40 onto the l ed ges 6 , 1 6 when the display apparatus 10 is manufactured. The light distribution apparatus 60 comprises a reflector 32, a light guide 20 and one or more optical layers 30. The reflector 32 is configured to reflect light through the display panel 40, to enable a user to view the array of pixels 44 in the display panel 40. The light guide 20 is configured to receive light from a light source (not shown in Fig. 3A) and to guide the light in the x and y dimensions, underneath the array of pixels 44, before directing the light towards the display panel 40.

The one or more optical layers 30 are configured to homogenize the light emanating from the light guide 20, to avoid "bright spots" been seen by the user when viewing the display panel 40.

After light has left the light distribution apparatus 60 it travels between the first and second ledges 6, 16 and through the array of the pixels 44 of the display panel 40, to enable the pixels 44 to be viewed by a user.

In some embodiments of the invention, portions of the light distribution apparatus 60 fit snugly between the first ledge 6 and the base 2, and between the second ledge 16 and the base 2, such that a press/friction fit is achieved. The first and second ledges 6, 16, may be considered to provide a bezel that holds the light distribution apparatus 60 in place.

I n other embodiments of the invention , there may be a gap between the light distribution apparatus 60 and the ledges 6, 16. In these embodiments, the light distribution apparatus may, for example, be fixed to the base 2. Fig 3A illustrates a portion 62 of the light distribution apparatus 60 positioned between the first ledge 6 and the base 2. In the illustrated example, an edge 64 of each component 20, 30, 32 of the light distribution apparatus 60 is positioned between the first ledge 6 and the base 2. The opposite side of the light distribution apparatus 60 is similarly positioned between the second ledge 16 and the base 2.

Advantageously, the positioning of the ledges 6, 16 relative to the light distribution apparatus 60 is such that they shield the user from light that "leaks" from the light distribution apparatus 60 within the dead band.

Also, since the edge 64 of the light distribution apparatus 60 is positioned underneath the first ledge 6, the user is prevented (at least from some viewing angles) from seeing a "light line" corresponding with the edge 64 of the light distribution apparatus 60 when viewing the pixel array 44.

The Fig. 3B embodiment of the invention differs from the Fig. 3A embodiment of the invention in that the apparatus 1 for supporting the display panel 40 is made from multiple sheets of material (for example, three sheets), rather than a single sheet 9. Fig. 3B illustrates two of the sheets 1 1 , 13, which are used to form the first wall 4.

In order to form the first wall 4, the first sheet 1 1 is bent to provide a downwardly extending portion 4a. The second sheet 13 is bent close to one of its edges to provide an upwardly extending portion 4b. The downwardly extending portion 4a of the first sheet 1 1 and the upwardly extending portion 4b of the second sheet 13 are then connected to one another (for example, by welding or other means) to form a first wall 4. The first ledge 6 is provided by the first sheet 1 1 . The base 2 is provided by the second sheet 13. The second wall 14 may be formed by bending the second sheet 13 close to another one of its edges to provide a further upwardly extending portion. A third sheet (not shown) may be bent to provide a further downwardly extending portion. The further downwardly extending portion provided by the third sheet and the further upwardly extending portion of the second sheet 13 may then be connected to one another (for example, by welding or other means) to form a second wall 14. The second ledge 6 is provided by the third sheet.

Fig. 3C illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the lower transparent layer 46 is attached to the ledges 6 , 1 6 via the polarizer 34. That is, the lower transparent layer 46 is directly attached to the polarizer 34, and the polarizer is directly attached to the ledges 6, 16.

In the Fig. 3C embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary to have a gap in the x dimension between a ledge 6/16 and the polarizer 34. This means that the dead band of the display apparatus 10 can be reduced even further relative to the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B embodiments. For example, the dead band in the Fig. 3C embodiments may be in the region of 1 .3 millimetres. The overall thickness of the display apparatus 10 (in the z dimension) may, however, be greater in the Fig. 3C embodiment than in the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B embodiments.

Fig. 4 illustrates a display apparatus 1 0 positioned in a housing of an electronic device. The display apparatus 10 may be wholly contained within the housing of the electronic device.

A window 50 of the housing is illustrated in Fig. 4. The window 50 is separated from the outer/upper surface of the upper transparent layer 42 by a gasket 37. An upper polarizer 38 is attached to the lower/inner surface of the window 50 in this example. The display apparatus 10 may be inserted into the housing of the electronic device such that there is a press/friction fit between gasket 37 and the display panel 40. This may help to ensure that the display panel 40 does not become disconnected from the ledges 6, 16. Fig. 5 illustrates examples of electronic devices 90, 92 that may include the display apparatus 10 illustrated in Figs. 3A to 4. The reference numeral 90 designates an electronic device such as a television or computer monitor. The reference numeral 92 designates a hand portable electronic device such as a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, a music player or a games console. The hand portable electronic device may, for example, comprise a display panel 40 having a pixel array that is 12" or below (measured diagonally from corner to corner).

Fig. 6 illustrates a method of manufacture according to embodiments of the present invention. In block 100 of Fig. 6, an apparatus 1 for supporting a display panel 40 is provided which includes a base 2, a wall 4 and a ledge 6, as illustrated in Figs 1 to 4.

In block 200 of Fig. 6, a light guide 20 is provided for guiding light towards a display panel 40 supported by the ledge 6. In block 300 of Fig. 6, a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base 2 and the ledge 6.

Fig. 7A illustrates an example of how a portion of the light distribution apparatus 60, including the light guide 20, may be positioned between the base 2 and the ledge 6. In this example, the light distribution apparatus 60 is slotted into the volume 17 defined by the base 2, the first and second walls 4, 14 and the first and second ledges 6, 16 of the support apparatus 1 . The light distribution apparatus 60 is moved in the y direction as it is slotted into the volume 17 defined by the apparatus 1 , as indicated by the arrow 1 10. Once the light distribution apparatus 60 has been inserted into the volume 17, the display panel 40 is attached to the ledges 6, 16 by placing the adhesive 36 onto the ledges 6, 16, as indicated by the arrow 1 14, and by placing the display panel 40 onto the adhesive 36, as indicated by the arrow 1 12. The display apparatus 10 may be provided with an end cap 90 that includes a light source. The light source provides the light that is distributed towards the display panel 40 by the light distribution apparatus 60.

The end cap 90 may be placed onto an end portion of the light distribution apparatus 60 that protrudes from the support apparatus 1 . Fig. 7B illustrates the end cap 90 being placed in position by moving it in the direction indicated by arrow 86. The end cap 90 may be placed in position before or after the display panel 40 is attached to the ledges 6, 16 of the support apparatus 1 . If another end portion of the light distribution apparatus 60 protrudes from the other side of the support apparatus 1 when the light distribution apparatus 60 is in place, a further end cap (not shown) may be used to cover it. Fig. 8A illustrates an expanded perspective view of a portion of the display apparatus 10 illustrated in Fig. 3B. In Fig. 8A, only two 1 1 , 13 of the three sheets that form the support apparatus 1 are illustrated.

Fig. 8B illustrates the display apparatus 10 of Figs. 3B and 8A being formed. In the Fig. 8A example, the light distribution apparatus 60 may be placed in position on the base 2 before the walls 4, 14 and the ledges 6, 16 of the support apparatus 1 have been formed. Once the walls 4, 14 and the ledges 6, 16 of the support apparatus 1 have been formed, the display panel 40 is attached to the ledges 6, 16 of the support apparatus 1 using adhesive 36.

The illustration of a particular order to the blocks in Fig. 6 does not necessarily imply that there is a requ ired or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some blocks to be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the display apparatus 10 may not necessarily include the optical layer(s) 30.

The upper polarizer 38 need not be positioned on the inner/lower surface of the window 50 and could instead be positioned on the outer/upper surface of the upper transparent layer 42 of the display panel 40.

The support apparatus 1 may be part of a larger structure within the housing of an electronic device (for example, which also supports a printed circuit board within the electronic device). The larger structure may be integrally formed or, alternatively, may be made up of several parts connected together (for example, by welding or other means). Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

l/we claim:

Claims

1 . An apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a wall extending from the base;

a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; and a light guide configured to guide light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, wherein a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an edge of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge. 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall extends from an edge of the base.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the wall is substantially perpendicular to the base.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the ledge is substantially perpendicular to the wall.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base is substantially planar.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the ledge is substantially parallel with the base. 8. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the base, the wall and the ledge provide a structure having a substantially c-shaped cross-section. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a further wall extending from the base; and a further ledge extending from the further wall for supporting the display panel.

An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the further wall extends outwardly from an edge of the base.

An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising the display panel.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the ledge is arranged to shield at least a portion of the display panel from light emanating from the light guide.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the display panel provides an array of pixels located above the light guide.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein none of the pixels provided by the display panel are located above the ledge.

An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the display panel is attached to the ledge.

An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the display panel is attached to the ledge via a polarizing layer.

A hand portable electronic device comprising the apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 1 to 16.

A method, comprising:

providing a base, a wall extending from the base and a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel;

providing a light guide for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge; and

positioning a portion of the light guide between the base and the ledge.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein an edge of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge. 20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the wall extends from an edge of the base.

21 . A method as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the wall is substantially perpendicular to the base.

22. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the ledge is

substantially perpendicular to the wall.

23. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, wherein at least a portion of the base, the wall and the ledge provide a structure having a substantially c- shaped cross-section.

24. A method as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23, further comprising: providing the display panel.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the display panel and the light guide are positioned such that the ledge shields at least a portion of the display panel from light emanating from the light guide. 26. A method as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the display panel provides an array of pixels located above the light guide.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein none of the pixels provided by the display panel are located above the ledge.

28. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the display panel is attached to the ledge.

29. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the display panel is attached to the ledge via a polarizing layer. An apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a wall extending from the base; and

a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel;

wherein the apparatus is configured to receive a light guide for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, such that a portion of the light guide is positioned between the base and the ledge.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 30, further comprising the display panel supported by the ledge.

An apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a wall extending from the base;

a ledge, extending from the wall, for supporting a display panel; and means for guiding light towards a display panel supported by the ledge, wherein a portion of the means for guiding light is positioned between the base and the ledge.

An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the display panel supported by the ledge.