Connector and display device having the same

By designing a connector with a housing, cover, elastic component, and locking device, the problem of stable electrical connection between printed circuit boards and cables was solved, an automatic shut-off function was achieved, and the ease of use and productivity of display devices were improved.

CN117043672BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-05-02
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing display devices, the electrical connection between printed circuit boards and cables is unstable and lacks an automatic shutdown function, which affects the ease of use and productivity of the devices.

Method used

A connector is designed, including a housing, a cover, an elastic member, a locking device, and an unlocking device. By rotating the cover to connect with the housing, a stable electrical connection of the cable is achieved, and an automatic shut-off function is provided.

Benefits of technology

It improves the stability of electrical connections between printed circuit boards and cables, prevents cables from detaching, and enhances ease of use and productivity through an automatic shut-off function.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A display device can include a display panel, a chassis assembly supporting the display panel, a printed circuit board accommodated in the chassis assembly and disposed to control driving of the display panel, and a connector mounted to the printed circuit board and including a seating portion and connector terminals positioned at one side of the seating portion, wherein the connector is connected to a cable by seating a main body of the cable on the seating portion in a vertical direction when one surface of the main body of the cable is opposite the seating portion and by contact-coupling cable terminals formed at one end of the main body of the cable with the connector terminals.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to connectors and display devices having the connectors, and more specifically, to connectors having improved cable connection structures and display devices including the connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices are output devices that convert electrical information into visual information to display that visual information to a user. Display devices include portable devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, as well as televisions and monitors.

[0003] Display devices include self-emitting display panels such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or non-emitting display panels such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

[0004] Display devices employing non-emissive display panels may include a backlight unit for supplying light to the display panel. The backlight unit includes edge-lit and direct-lit types; in the edge-lit type, the light source is positioned at least one side of the display panel, and in the direct-lit type, the light source is positioned behind the display panel.

[0005] Display devices may include various printed circuit boards (PCBs) for enabling the display device to operate. PCBs can be interconnected to send and receive data, signals, or power. PCBs can be interconnected via wires, flexible flat cables (FFCs), or flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector with an improved cable connection method and a display device including the connector.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of ensuring a stable electrical connection between a printed circuit board and a cable, and a display device including the connector.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a connector capable of performing an automatic shut-off function, and a display device including the connector.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] A display device according to the present disclosure includes: a display panel; a rack assembly for supporting the display panel; and a printed circuit board assembly housed in the rack assembly, the printed circuit board assembly including: a printed circuit board configured to drive and control the display panel; and a connector mountable on the printed circuit board, the connector being configured to electrically connect the display panel to the printed circuit board via a cable, and the connector including: a mounting portion and connector terminals positioned on one side of the mounting portion, wherein the connector is connected to the cable while a cable terminal formed at one end of the cable, facing the mounting portion along the vertical direction of the connector, contacts and engages with the connector terminals.

[0012] The connector may include: a housing including a recess forming the placement portion, wherein the upper side of the recess is open, such that the cable is placed on the placement portion along the vertical direction of the connector; a cover rotatably coupled to the housing to open or close the placement portion; an elastic member providing a predetermined elastic force to the cover to rotate the cover in a direction that closes the placement portion; a locking device disposed in at least one of the cover or the housing, wherein the locking device engages the cover with the housing when the cover is open of the placement portion; and an unlocking device releasing the engagement of the cover with the housing by the locking device.

[0013] The unlocking device may include a switch and a linkage, the linkage being formed to extend from the switch and, when the switch is pressed down, the linkage presses the cover by moving upward.

[0014] The locking device may include: a first hole disposed in the housing; and a first elastic protrusion disposed in the cover and capable of engaging with the first hole.

[0015] With the first elastic protrusion connected to the first hole, the unlocking device can push the first elastic protrusion out of the first hole.

[0016] The locking device may be a first locking device, and the connector may also include a second locking device. The second locking device is disposed in at least one of the cover or the housing. The second locking device is used to connect the cover to the housing when the cover closes the placement portion. The second locking device may include: a second hole disposed in the housing; and a second elastic protrusion disposed in the cover and connected to the second hole.

[0017] The cover may include an anti-separation portion formed to protrude toward the mounting portion and be able to connect with the cable. The anti-separation portion is used to prevent the cable from detaching from the mounting portion when the cable is mounted on the mounting portion and the cover closes the mounting portion. The cable may include a cutting groove corresponding to the anti-separation portion.

[0018] The side of the mounting portion on which the connector terminal is positioned may be a first side. The housing may also include a protrusion that is formed to protrude inward along the width direction of the connector, such that a second side of the mounting portion opposite to the first side of the mounting portion has a smaller width than the first side, and the cable engaging portion is adapted to be engaged by the protrusion to prevent the cable mounted on the mounting portion from detaching from the mounting portion along the horizontal direction of the connector.

[0019] The unlocking device may further include an auxiliary guide member that guides the movement of the linkage part, enabling the linkage part to move in the up-down direction through linkage with the switch.

[0020] The elastic member may include at least one torsion spring.

[0021] The cable may include at least one of flexible flat cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0022] The connector may also include a handle that can be gripped.

[0023] The switch can be positioned inside the mounting portion, and the switch is configured to be pressed downward when the cable is mounted on the mounting portion along the vertical direction of the connector.

[0024] The switch can be positioned outside the mounting section without interfering with the cable.

[0025] One end of the cable can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and the other end of the cable can be electrically connected to the display panel.

[0026] A connector according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing that accommodates a cable; a cover that is rotatably coupled to the housing, the cover closing the housing by rotation in a first direction and opening the housing by rotation in a second direction; an elastic member that provides a predetermined elastic force to the cover to rotate the cover in the first direction; a locking device disposed in at least one of the cover or the housing to engage the cover with the housing in the open state; and an unlocking device that releases the engagement of the cover with the housing by the locking device, wherein the unlocking device includes a switch and an actuating part extending from the switch, and the actuating part guiding the movement of the unlocking device according to the movement of the switch by actuation with the switch.

[0027] The locking device may include a first hole disposed in the housing and a first elastic protrusion disposed in the cover to engage with the first hole, and the linkage of the unlocking device may protrude toward the first hole, and the linkage may push the first elastic protrusion out of the first hole to release the engagement between the first elastic protrusion and the first hole.

[0028] The housing may include a second hole, and the cover may include a second resilient protrusion that engages with the second hole of the housing when the housing is closed.

[0029] The cover may include an anti-separation portion connected to the cable to prevent the cable from detaching from the housing, and the cable may include a cutting groove corresponding to the anti-separation portion.

[0030] The cable may include at least one of flexible flat cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the connector and the display device including the connector can improve the cable connection method.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the connector and the display device including the connector can prevent the cable from detaching from the connector.

[0034] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the connector and the display device including the connector can improve usability and increase productivity by performing an automatic shutdown function. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the display device shown.

[0038] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The rear surface of the rear frame is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 The connector shown is in the closed state.

[0040] Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 The connector is shown in its open state.

[0041] Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 5 The connector unlocking device shown.

[0042] Figure 7 The diagram shows the placement of the cable in Figure 4 The process on the connector shown.

[0043] Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 The closing process of the connector is shown.

[0044] Figure 9 This was shown by partially dissecting the connector. Figure 4 The connector shown is in the closed state.

[0045] Figure 10 schematically shown Figure 4 The connection between the connector cover and the cable is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure, and it will therefore be understood that various modifications to the embodiments and drawings described in this specification may be made when this application is filed.

[0047] In addition, the same reference numerals or symbols used in the accompanying drawings of this specification indicate components or parts that perform substantially the same function.

[0048] Furthermore, the terminology used in this specification is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit or constrain this disclosure. It will be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” include plural references. It will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “with,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0049] It should be understood that although ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0050] Throughout the specification, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as "on another element" or "above another element," the element may be directly on another element, or there may be an intervening element.

[0051] In the following description, the terms "front-rear direction," "front surface," "rear surface," "vertical direction," "horizontal direction," etc., are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of the corresponding parts are not limited by these terms. For example, refer to... Figure 2 The direction along which the components of the display device 1 (e.g., display panel 10, rack assembly, etc.) are arranged can be defined as the front-to-back direction X. Furthermore, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The height direction of connector 120 can be defined as the vertical direction V, and the width direction of connector 120 can be defined as the width direction W. (Reference) Figure 7 The direction in which the cable body 131 of cable 130 extends can be defined as horizontal H. However, these definitions are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0052] Additional aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will become apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0053] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Figure 1A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the display device shown.

[0055] Display device 1 can be a device capable of processing image signals received from the outside and visually displaying the processed image. In the following description, the case of a television set (TV) is provided as an example, but it is not limited thereto. For example, display device 1 can be implemented in various different forms, such as a monitor, a portable multimedia device, a portable communication device, a portable computing device, etc., and can be implemented in any form capable of visually displaying images.

[0056] Display device 1 can be a flat panel display device with a flat screen, or a curved display device with a curved screen. Furthermore, display device 1 can be a flexible display device capable of changing the screen between a flat state and a curved state, or adjusting the curvature of the curved screen.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 for displaying images (videos).

[0058] Display panel 10 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The LCD panel can display images using liquid crystal that exhibits optical properties according to changes in voltage and temperature. The LCD panel may be configured to have a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate, a color filter substrate connected to the TFT substrate in a manner facing the TFT substrate, and liquid crystal injected between the TFT substrate and the color filter substrate. The TFT substrate may be a transparent substrate on which TFTs serving as switching devices are arranged in a matrix, and the color filter substrate may be a transparent substrate on which RGB color pixels expressing a preset color are formed by a thin-film process, but is not limited thereto. Display panel 10 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) panel or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel.

[0059] The display device 1 may include a backlight unit 20 for supplying light to the display panel 10. The backlight unit 20 may illuminate the display panel 10.

[0060] In the accompanying drawings, display device 1 is shown as a non-emitting display device including a backlight unit 20. However, this is an example, and display device 1 can be an emitting display device. In the case where display device 1 is an emitting display device, the backlight unit 20 can be omitted.

[0061] The backlight unit 20 may be edge-lit, wherein the light source 22 is positioned on one side of the display panel 10. The light source 22 may be positioned on at least one of the four sides of the display panel 10. Although not shown in the figures, the display device 1 may include a direct-lit backlight unit, wherein the light source is positioned directly behind the display panel.

[0062] The backlight unit 20 may include a light source 22, a substrate 21 on which the light source 22 is mounted, and various optical components positioned in the path of the light emitted from the light source 22.

[0063] The light source 22 may include an LED. The LED may be provided in a packaged form, wherein an LED chip is mounted on a substrate and filled with resin. Alternatively, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL) may be used as the light source 22.

[0064] Multiple light sources 22 can be aligned on the substrate 21. Circuit patterns for transmitting drive power and signals to the light sources 22 can be printed on the substrate 21. Figure 2 The diagram shows a single substrate 21, but multiple substrates 21 can be provided.

[0065] Optical components can be positioned along the path of light emitted from light source 22. These optical components can guide the direction of light travel or improve optical properties.

[0066] The optical components may include a light guide plate 23 for uniformly distributing light emitted from the light source 22 toward the display panel 10, and a reflector 24 for reflecting light to prevent light loss.

[0067] The light guide plate 23 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Patterns for altering the light path can be formed on the light guide plate 23. In a side-lit backlight unit, the light source 22 can be positioned on one side of the light guide plate 23. For example, the light source 22 can be positioned corresponding to at least one side 23c of the four sides of the light guide plate 23. Light entering one side of the light guide plate 23 can be scattered by a pattern formed on the rear surface 23b of the light guide plate 23 and then exit through the front surface 23a of the light guide plate 23. Taking thermal expansion into account, the side surface of the light guide plate 23 can be spaced apart from the light source 22 by a predetermined distance.

[0068] The reflector 24 reflects light emitted from the light source 22 to prevent light loss from the rear surface 23b of the light guide plate 23. The reflector 24 can be formed in various forms, such as sheets, films, or plates. For example, the reflector 24 can be formed by coating a substrate material with a high-reflectivity coating material. The substrate material can be stainless steel (SUS), brass, aluminum, PET, etc., and the high-reflectivity coating material can be silver, TiO2, etc.

[0069] The optical components may also include quantum dot units (not shown) or quantum dot sheets. Quantum dot units or sheets can improve color reproduction by altering the wavelength of light. Color reproduction is an index of similarity to natural colors and is related to the region expressed on a color coordinate system. The quantum dot units or sheets may be positioned along the light path between the light source 22 and the display panel 10.

[0070] Display device 1 may include various types of optical sheets 70 for improving optical properties. The optical sheets 70 may be positioned in front of light guide plate 23 to improve the optical properties of light emitted from light guide plate 23. The optical sheets 70 may be positioned between light guide plate 23 and display panel 10.

[0071] The optical sheet 70 may include a diffuser sheet 71 and a prism sheet 72.

[0072] Since the light guided through the light guide plate 23 enters the eye directly, the pattern of the light guide plate 23 may be presented to the eye as is. Therefore, the diffuser 71 can eliminate or reduce the pattern of the light guide plate 23.

[0073] The prism sheet 72 can concentrate light whose brightness has been degraded due to passing through the diffuser sheet 71, thereby improving light brightness. The prism sheet 72 can be a dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF) sheet, which is a high-brightness prism sheet.

[0074] The optical sheet 70 may also include a protective sheet (not shown) for protecting the optical sheet 70 from external impacts or foreign objects.

[0075] The display device 1 may include a rack assembly for housing the display panel 10 and / or the backlight unit 20. The rack assembly may support the display panel 10 and / or the backlight unit 20.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the rack assembly may include a front rack 30, a middle module 40, and a rear rack 50.

[0077] The front rack 30 may include an opening 31 for exposing the display panel 10.

[0078] The intermediate module 40 may include an intermediate module side portion 41 and an intermediate support portion 42, the intermediate support portion 42 protruding inward from the intermediate module side portion 41 to support the display panel 10 and the optical components and maintain the spacing between the display panel 10 and the optical components.

[0079] The rear frame 50 can support the backlight unit 20. Multiple components of the display device 1 (e.g., the front frame 20 and the intermediate module 40) can be fixed to and supported on the rear frame 50.

[0080] On the front surface 51 of the rear frame 50, the substrate 21 of the backlight unit 20 can be mounted. For example, the rear frame 50 can be used to dissipate heat generated from the light source 22 to the outside. Heat generated from the light source 22 can be transferred to the rear frame 50 via the substrate 21 and dissipated from the rear frame 50.

[0081] The rear frame 50 can be formed from various metallic materials with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or stainless steel, or from plastic materials such as ABS resin. The substrate 21 can also be a metal PCB formed from aluminum material with excellent thermal conductivity.

[0082] At least one of the front rack 30, the intermediate module 40, or the rear rack 50 can be omitted or integrated into one unit.

[0083] The display device 1 may also include a rear cover 60 that surrounds the rack assembly to protect and house the rack assembly.

[0084] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the display device 1 may also include a support leg (not shown) for supporting the display device 1 on a mounting surface.

[0085] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The rear surface of the rear frame is shown. Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 3 The connector shown is in the closed state. Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 4 The connector is shown in its open state. Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 5 The connector unlocking device shown.

[0086] refer to Figure 3 The display device 1 may include at least one printed circuit board assembly 100. The printed circuit board assembly 100 may be housed in a rack assembly. More specifically, the printed circuit board assembly 100 may be positioned on the rear surface 52 of the rear rack 50. For example, the printed circuit board assembly 100 may include an integrated circuit (IC) (not shown) for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data, signals, or power. Meanwhile, in Figure 3 The diagram shows a single printed circuit board assembly 100, however, multiple printed circuit board assemblies 100 can be configured.

[0087] The printed circuit board assembly 100 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 110, a connector 120, and a cable 130.

[0088] The printed circuit board 110 can drive and control at least one of the display panel 10 or the backlight unit 20. The printed circuit board 110 can supply power for driving the display device 1 or control the operation of the display device 1. For example, the printed circuit board 110 may include at least one of a motherboard, a switch-mode power supply (SMPS), or a source board. Various electronic components can be mounted on the printed circuit board 110 depending on the purpose.

[0089] A printed circuit board 110 can be formed by using a thin film made of an insulator such as epoxy resin or phenolic resin as a substrate, forming copper foil wiring on the substrate, and then printing lead resist. The printed circuit board 110 may include multiple circuit patterns, but these are not shown in the figures. The printed circuit board 110 can be configured as a single layer or multiple layers.

[0090] Connector 120 can electrically connect printed circuit board 110 to cable 130. Connector 120 can be mounted on printed circuit board 110.

[0091] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connector 120 may include a housing 1210 and a cover 1220. The housing 1210 and the cover 1220 may form the appearance of the connector 120.

[0092] The housing 1210 may be generally box-shaped. The housing 1210 may include a shape in which its upper side 1210t is partially open or has an opening. The lower side 1210b of the housing 1210 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 110.

[0093] The housing 1210 can accommodate the cable 130. The housing 1210 may include a mounting portion 1213 on which the cable 130 is mounted in a vertical direction V. The mounting portion 1213 may have a shape recessed from its upper side 1210t. That is, the housing 1210 may include a recess forming the mounting portion 1213, and the upper side of the recess may be open or exposed to allow the cable 130 to be mounted on the mounting portion 1213. The mounting portion 1213 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cable 130.

[0094] The side of the mounting portion 1213 adjacent to the hinge axis 1230 can be defined as a first side 1213a, and the other side of the mounting portion 1213 (the opposite side of the first side 1213a and away from the hinge axis 1230) can be defined as a second side 1213b. In this case, the width W2 of the second side 1213b can be smaller than the width W1 of the first side 1213a. Hereinafter, for ease of description, width W1 will be referred to as the first width W1, and width W2 will be referred to as the second width W2. More specifically, the housing 1210 may also include a protrusion 1218 projecting inwardly from the second side 1213b along the width direction H of the connector 120. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a pair of protrusions 1218 can be provided. Therefore, the mounting portion 1213 can have a generally T-shaped form. The cable 130 can be engaged by the protrusions 1218.

[0095] The mounting portion 1213 may include a first region 1211 and a second region 1212. The first region 1211 may extend from a first side 1213a of the mounting portion 1213 toward a second side 1213b by a predetermined distance, and the first region 1211 may be a region having a first width W1. The second region 1212 may extend from the second side 1213b of the mounting portion 1213 toward the first side 1213a by a predetermined distance, and the second region 1212 may be a region having a second width W2.

[0096] The housing 1210 may include an inner wall 1210w that connects the recess forming the placement portion 1213 to the upper side surface 1210t. For example, the inner wall 1210w may include a first inner wall 1211w and a second inner wall 1212w, the first inner wall 1211w connecting the recess forming the first region 1211 to the upper side surface 1210t, and the second inner wall 1212w connecting the recess forming the second region 1212 to the upper side surface 1210t.

[0097] The housing 1210 may include connector terminals 1214 positioned on one side of the housing 1213. For example, connector terminals 1214 may be positioned on a first side 1213a of the housing 1213, adjacent to the hinge shaft 1230. Connector terminals 1214 may be electrically connected to cable terminals 132 of the cable 130, which will be described below. Connector terminals 1214 may contact cable terminals 132. Connector terminals 1214 may be made of a conductive material to transmit electrical signals or current.

[0098] The cover 1220 can open or close the housing 1210. The cover 1220 can open or close the housing 1210's mounting portion 1213. The cover 1220 is rotatably connected to the housing 1210. The cover 1220 can rotate on the hinge shaft 1230, which will be described below. More specifically, the cover 1220 can close the mounting portion 1213 by rotating in a first direction C, and open the mounting portion 1213 by rotating in a second direction O (see...). Figure 8 In other words, the cover 1220 can open or close the mounting section 1213 by rotating it along the first direction C or the second direction O.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the state in which the cover 1220 closes the housing 1210's mounting portion 1213 can be referred to as the closed state of the connector 120. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the state in which the cover 1220 opens the housing 1210's mounting portion 1213 can be referred to as the open state of the connector 120.

[0100] The cover 1220 may include a cover body 1221. The cover body 1221 may be generally plate-shaped. The cover body 1221 may include an upper side 1220t, a lower side 1220b, and a side surface 1220c connecting the upper side 1220t and the lower side 1220b. The lower side 1220b may face the mounting portion 1213, and the upper side 1220t may be the opposite side of the lower side 1220b.

[0101] The cover 1220 may include a handle 1223 that can be gripped. A user can open the cover 1220 by gripping the handle 1223. The handle 1223 may extend from the cover body 1221.

[0102] Connector 120 may include a hinge shaft 1230 positioned between housing 1210 and cover 1220. The hinge shaft 1230 connects cover 1220 to housing 1210. Cover 1220 can open or close housing 1210 by rotating on hinge shaft 1230. More specifically, cover 1220 can open or close a mounting portion 1213 of housing 1210 by rotating on hinge shaft 1230. Hinge shaft 1230 may be generally rod-shaped.

[0103] The connector 120 may include an elastic member 1240 for providing a preset elastic force to the cover 1220, so that the cover 1220 can rotate in the direction of closing the housing 1210. That is, the cover 1220 can rotate in a first direction C by receiving the preset elastic force from the elastic member 1240.

[0104] For example, the elastic member 1240 may include at least one torsion spring 1241. The torsion spring 1241 may surround the hinge axis 1230. One end 1241a of the torsion spring 1241 may be connected to the cover 1220, and the other end 1241b of the torsion spring 1241 may be connected to the housing 1210.

[0105] Connector 120 may include a locking device for engaging cover 1220 with housing 1210. More specifically, the locking device may secure cover 120 to housing 1210. The locking device may be disposed in at least one of cover 1220 or housing 1210.

[0106] The locking device may include a first locking device 200 for connecting the cover 1220 to the housing 1210 when the cover 1220 is in the open position of the housing 1213. That is, the first locking device 200 can provide a connecting force between the cover 1220 and the housing 1210 to maintain the open position of the connector 120.

[0107] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 (a) The first locking device 200 may include a first hole 210 provided in the housing 1210 and a first resilient protrusion 220 provided in the cover 1220 to engage with the first hole 210. With the cover 1220 in the open position 1213 state, the first resilient protrusion 220 may be positioned corresponding to the first hole 210. More specifically, the first hole 210 may be formed in the upper side surface 1210t of the housing 1210, adjacent to the hinge shaft 1230, and the first resilient protrusion 220 may be formed in the upper side surface 1220t of the cover 1220, adjacent to the hinge shaft 1230. When the cover 1220 is rotated in the second direction O to open the position 1213, the first resilient protrusion 220 may be inserted into the first hole 210, but is not limited thereto. However, the first resilient protrusion 220 may be provided in the housing 1210, and the first hole 210 may be provided in the cover 1220.

[0108] The locking device may include a second locking device 300 for connecting the cover 1220 to the housing 1210 when the cover 1220 is in the closed position of the housing 1213. That is, the second locking device 300 can provide a connecting force between the cover 1220 and the housing 1210 to maintain the connector 120 in the closed state. According to this disclosure, even if an external impact is applied to the connector 120 in the closed state, the second locking device 300 can prevent the connection between the cover 1220 and the housing 1210 from being easily released. Therefore, the connector terminal 1214 can be more stably connected to the cable terminal 132, and poor contact between the terminals can be prevented.

[0109] refer to Figure 9 The second locking device 300 may include a second hole 310 disposed in the housing 1210 and a second resilient protrusion 320 disposed in the cover 1220 to engage with the second hole 310. With the cover 1220 closed at the mounting portion 1213, the second resilient protrusion 320 may be positioned corresponding to the second hole 310. More specifically, the second hole 310 may be formed in the inner wall 1210w of the housing 1210, and the second resilient protrusion 320 may be formed in the side surface 1220c of the cover 1220. In the drawings, the second hole 310 is shown as being formed in the first inner wall 1211w of the housing 1210, but is not limited thereto. However, the second hole 310 may be formed in the second inner wall 1212w. When the cover 1220 is rotated along the first direction C to close the mounting portion 1213, the second resilient protrusion 320 may be inserted into the second hole 310, but is not limited thereto. However, the second elastic protrusion 320 may be provided in the housing 1210, and the second hole 310 may be provided in the cover 1220.

[0110] refer to Figure 6 The connector 120 may also include an unlocking device 400 for enabling the cover 1220 to close the housing 1213 when the housing 1210 is in an open state. More specifically, the unlocking device 400 can release the connection between the cover 1220 and the housing 1210 established by the first locking device 200. That is, the unlocking device 400 can release the connection between the cover 1220 and the housing 1210, and correspondingly, the cover 1220 can be rotated in a first direction C by means of an elastic force received from the elastic member 1240 to close the housing 1210's housing portion 1213. The connector 120 can perform an automatic closing function by including the unlocking device 400. Therefore, the task of manually closing the cover 1220 can be eliminated, resulting in improved ease of use and productivity.

[0111] The unlocking device 400 may include a switch 410 and a linkage part 430 that is linked to the switch 410. The unlocking device 400 may also include a connection part 420 that connects the switch 410 to the linkage part 430.

[0112] Switch 410 may be movable in the vertical direction V. Switch 410 may be movable in the up-down direction. Switch 410 may be pressed downwards. Multiple switches 410 may be provided. For example, switch 410 may include at least one of a first switch 411 or a second switch 412, wherein the first switch 411 is pressed when the cable 130 is placed on the mounting portion 1213, and the second switch 412 does not interfere with the cable 130. The first switch 411 may be positioned inside the mounting portion 1213, and the second switch 412 may be positioned outside the mounting portion 1213. The user may directly press the second switch 412.

[0113] The connecting portion 420 extends from the switch 410 toward the linkage portion 430. The connecting portion 420 can extend in one direction. The connecting portion 420 can extend in a horizontal direction H. The connecting portion 420 can extend toward the first locking device 200. One end of the connecting portion 420 can be connected to the switch 410, and the other end of the connecting portion 420 can be connected to the linkage portion 430. The connecting portion 420 can be made of an elastic material.

[0114] The linkage part 430 can be connected to the connecting part 420 for linkage with the switch 410. The linkage part 430 can be movable in the vertical direction V. More specifically, when the switch 410 is pressed down, the linkage part 430 can move upward. Conversely, when the linkage part 430 is pressed down, the switch 410 can move upward. The switch 410 and the linkage part 430, respectively located at both ends of the connecting part 420, can rise and fall relative to the center part 421 of the connecting part 420.

[0115] The unlocking device 400 may further include an auxiliary guide member 440. The auxiliary guide member 440 can guide the movement of the switch 410 and the linkage 430. More specifically, the auxiliary guide member 440 can guide the movement of the linkage 430 so that the linkage 430 can easily move in the vertical direction V through linkage with the switch 410. The auxiliary guide member 440 can be positioned adjacent to the linkage 430. The auxiliary guide member 440 can be positioned below the connecting portion 420 in a manner adjacent to the linkage 430. For example, the auxiliary guide member 440 can guide the movement of the linkage 430 in the vertical direction V by providing a preset force to the linkage 430. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown in (a), when the linkage 430 is pressed down, the auxiliary guide member 440 can be compressed, and the switch 410 can move upward relative to the center portion 421 of the connecting portion 420. Conversely, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), when the switch 420 is pressed down, the auxiliary guide member 440 can be unfolded, and the linkage 430 can be easily moved upward relative to the center portion 421 of the connecting portion 420.

[0116] The auxiliary guide member 440 may be made of an elastic material. For example, the auxiliary guide member 440 may be configured as an elastic spring for providing a preset elastic force to the linkage 430.

[0117] Meanwhile, the unlocking device 400 can be housed within the receiving space inside the housing 1210 of the connector 120. Other components of the unlocking device 400, besides the switch 410, may not be exposed outside the housing 1210, but are not limited to this. However, the unlocking device 400 can be located outside the housing 1210 of the connector 120.

[0118] The accommodating space 1217 may include: a first accommodating region 1217a, in which the entire unlocking device 400 can be accommodated; a second accommodating region 1217b, in which the switch 410 is movable vertically; a third accommodating region 1217c, in which the linkage 430 is movable vertically; and a fourth accommodating region 1217d, in which at least a portion of the auxiliary guide member 440 can be accommodated. The third accommodating region 1217c may communicate with the first hole 210.

[0119] Cable 130 can electrically connect the display panel 10 to the printed circuit board 110, or the backlight unit 20 to the printed circuit board 110. One end of cable 130 can be electrically connected to connector 120 mounted on the printed circuit board 110, and the other end of cable 120 can be electrically connected to the display panel 10 or the backlight unit 20. Cable 130 can transmit various signals between the display panel 10 or the backlight unit and the printed circuit board 110.

[0120] The cable 130 may include a cable body 131 and a cable terminal 132.

[0121] The cable body 131 can extend in one direction. The cable body 131 can contain a deformable material. The cable body 131 can be flexible.

[0122] The cable 130 may have a shape corresponding to the mounting portion 1213. The cable 130 may have different widths. For example, the cable 130 may include a first portion 135 corresponding to a first region 1211 of the mounting portion 1213, and a second portion 136 corresponding to a second region 1211 of the mounting portion 1213. The width W3 of the first portion 135 may be greater than the width W4 of the second portion 136, and a locking portion 133 may be formed based on the difference between the width W3 of the first portion 135 and the width W4 of the second portion 136. The cable 130 may have a generally T-shaped form. The locking portion 133 of the cable 130 may be engaged by a protrusion 1218 of the housing 1210. Therefore, when the cable 130 is mounted on the mounting portion 1213, the cable 130 can be prevented from detaching from the mounting portion 1213 in the horizontal direction H. That is, the cable 130 can be more stably connected to the connector 120.

[0123] Cable terminals 132 may be located at both ends of the cable body 131. Cable terminals 132 may contact connector terminals 1214. Cable terminals 132 may be configured with multiple conductors 132a. The multiple conductors 132a may extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the cable body 131. The multiple conductors 132a may be arranged such that they are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cable body 131. The multiple conductors 132a may be formed of a conductive material to transmit electrical signals or current. The multiple conductors 132a may be selected from silver, copper, nickel, cobalt, or combinations thereof, but these are examples. However, the multiple conductors 132a may be formed of any conductive material.

[0124] For example, cable 130 may include at least one of flexible flat cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In the accompanying drawings, the case where cable 130 is an FFC is shown as an example.

[0125] Figure 7 The diagram shows the placement of the cable in Figure 4 The process on the connector shown. Figure 8 It shows Figure 4 The closing process of the connector shown.

[0126] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The process of placing cable 130 onto connector 120 and the process of closing connector 120 are described.

[0127] With connector 120 open, that is, with cover 1220 opening the housing 1210's mounting portion 1213, cable 130 can be placed on the mounting portion 1213. At this time, cable 130 can be placed on the mounting portion 1213 in the vertical direction V, such that the flat surface 131a of cable 131 faces the mounting portion 1213. When cable 130 is placed on the mounting portion 1213, cable terminals 132 can contact connector terminals 1214. When cable 130 is placed on the mounting portion 1213, the engaging portion 133 of cable 130 can be engaged by the protrusion 1218 of housing 1210. Therefore, movement of cable 130 in the horizontal direction H can be prevented. Furthermore, since the shape of cable 130 corresponds to the shape of the mounting portion 1213, movement of cable 130 in the width direction W and movement of cable 130 in the horizontal direction H can also be prevented. In other words, easy separation of cable 130 from connector 120 can be prevented. Simultaneously, when cable 130 is placed on the mounting portion 1213, cable 130 can press switch 410 (i.e., first switch 411). When switch 410 is pressed downwards, the linkage portion 430 linked to switch 410 can move upwards, but is not limited thereto. However, the user can press switch 410 (i.e., second switch 412) manually. The linkage portion 430 can move upwards to release the connection between housing 1210 and cover 1220. More specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown in (b), the linkage 430 can release the connection between the first elastic protrusion 220 and the first hole 210 by pushing the first elastic protrusion 220 out of the first hole 210. When the connection between the first elastic protrusion 220 and the first hole 210 is released, the cover 220 can rotate in the first direction C by the elastic force provided by the elastic member 1240, and the mounting portion 1213 can be closed by the cover 1220.

[0128] Generally, flexible cables such as FFC can be connected to a connector by horizontal insertion. In this horizontal connection method, sufficient space is required for horizontal cable connection. Furthermore, inserting the cable into the connector can be difficult when the connector is located at the innermost part of the product, and additional tasks may be needed to check that the cable is correctly connected. Also, due to the cable's flexibility, it may be bent or damaged during horizontal insertion.

[0129] Conversely, according to this disclosure, cable 130 can be connected to connector 120 in a vertical direction V. More specifically, cable 130 can be positioned in a vertical direction V on mounting portion 1213 such that one surface 131a of cable body 131 faces mounting portion 1213. That is, cable 130 can be electrically connected to connector 120 via a vertical connection method. Therefore, cable 130 can be connected to connector 120 without any spatial constraints. In addition, since cable 130 is positioned in a vertical direction V on mounting portion 1213, cable terminal 132 can make more stable contact with connector terminal 1214. Furthermore, the risk of cable bending or damage can be reduced.

[0130] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates the connection between the connector cover and the cable.

[0131] refer to Figure 10 The cover 1220 may include an anti-separation portion 1222 for preventing the cable 130 from detaching from the mounting portion 1213 when the cable 130 is placed on the mounting portion 1213 of the housing 1210 and the cover 1220 subsequently closes the mounting portion 1213. The anti-separation portion 1222 may protrude from the lower side 1220b of the cover 1220 toward the mounting portion 1213. Furthermore, the cable 130 may include a cutting groove 134 corresponding to the anti-separation portion 1222. That is, when the cover 1220 closes the mounting portion 1213, the anti-separation portion 1222 can engage with the cutting groove 134. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cable 120 from detaching from the mounting portion 1213 or from being twisted or bent within the mounting portion 1213 and engaging with the connector 120. Furthermore, by restricting the movement of the cable 130, the contact force between the connector terminal 1214 and the cable terminal 132 can be improved. As a result, the electrical connection between connector 120 and cable 130 can be made more stable.

[0132] Specific embodiments have been shown and described to date. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Display panel; A rack assembly for supporting the display panel; and Printed circuit board assembly, the printed circuit board assembly being housed within the rack assembly, the printed circuit board assembly comprising: Printed circuit boards configured to drive and control the display panel; and A connector capable of being mounted on the printed circuit board, and configured to electrically connect the display panel to the printed circuit board via a cable, the connector comprising: Resettlement Department; Connector terminals, wherein the connector terminals are positioned on one side of the mounting portion; A cover, rotatable to open or close the housing, the cover being configured to be locked in a position to open the housing; and A switch configured to release the cover when it is locked in the position to open the housing, causing the cover to rotate in a direction to close the housing. The connector is connected to the cable when the surface of the cable faces the mounting portion along the vertical direction of the connector so that the cable is mounted on the mounting portion along the vertical direction and the cable terminal formed at one end of the cable contacts and connects with the connector terminal.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The connector includes: A housing, the housing including a recess forming the mounting portion, wherein the upper side of the recess is open such that the cable is mounted on the mounting portion along the vertical direction of the connector, and the cover is coupled to the housing; An elastic member provides a preset elastic force to the cover to cause the cover to rotate in the direction of closing the mounting portion; A locking device, wherein the locking device is disposed in at least one of the cover or the housing, for engaging the cover to the housing in the position to open the receiving portion; and An unlocking device configured to release the connection between the cover and the housing made by the locking device.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The unlocking device also includes: A linkage is formed to extend from the switch and is configured to press the cover by moving upward when the switch is pressed downward.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The locking device includes: A first hole, the first hole being disposed in the housing; and A first elastic protrusion is disposed in the cover and is capable of engaging with the first hole.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The unlocking device is configured to push the first elastic protrusion out of the first hole while the first elastic protrusion is connected to the first hole.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The locking device is a first locking device. The connector further includes a second locking device disposed in at least one of the cover or the housing, the second locking device being used to engage the cover with the housing when the cover closes the mounting portion, and The second locking device includes: A second hole, the second hole being disposed in the housing; and A second elastic protrusion is disposed in the cover and connected to the second hole.

7. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The cover includes an anti-separation portion formed to protrude toward the mounting portion and be able to engage with the cable. The anti-separation portion prevents the cable from detaching from the mounting portion when the cable is mounted on the mounting portion and the cover closes the mounting portion. The cable includes a cutting groove corresponding to the anti-separation part.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The side of the mounting portion on which the connector terminal is positioned is the first side. The housing also includes a protrusion formed to project inward along the width direction of the connector, such that a second side of the mounting portion opposite to the first side of the mounting portion has a smaller width than the first side. The cable engagement portion is adapted to be engaged by the protrusion to prevent the cable, which is placed on the mounting portion, from detaching from the mounting portion along the horizontal direction of the connector.

9. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The unlocking device also includes: An auxiliary guide member guides the movement of the linkage part, enabling the linkage part to move vertically by means of linkage with the switch.

10. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic member includes at least one torsion spring.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The cable includes at least one of flexible flat cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The connector also includes a grippable handle.

13. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The switch is positioned inside the mounting portion, and the switch is configured to be pressed downward when the cable is mounted on the mounting portion along the vertical direction of the connector.

14. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The switch is positioned outside the mounting section so as not to interfere with the cable.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the cable is electrically connected to the printed circuit board, and the other end of the cable is electrically connected to the display panel.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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