Connector and display apparatus having same

The connector design with a rotatable locking member and visual confirmation gap addresses the challenge of increasing connection failures in large display devices by enabling efficient identification and rectification of cable and connector issues.

WO2026063598A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-03-26SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-28
Publication Date
2026-03-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

As display devices become larger and higher in resolution, the increasing number of display modules leads to a higher frequency of connection failures between cables and connectors, making it difficult to quickly and accurately identify and rectify these failures during the manufacturing process.

Method used

A connector design featuring a housing with a rotatable locking member and a specific gap between the locking member's edge and a wall portion, allowing for visual confirmation of proper cable connection through a guide line or marking portion, facilitating easy identification of faulty connections.

Benefits of technology

Enables quick and accurate determination of cable and connector connections without additional devices, enhancing manufacturing efficiency by allowing workers or automated vision sensors to verify proper connection status.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A display device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may comprise: a display module; a printed circuit board disposed to be electrically connected to the display module; a connector disposed on the printed circuit board; and a cable extending from the display module and connected to the connector, the cable including a plurality of first terminals and a guideline portion displayed at an end of the connector. The connector may comprise: a housing including a bottom part in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall part extending upward from the bottom part and formed adjacent to the guideline portion; and a locking member coupled to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. An edge including the rotation axis of the locking member may be disposed a first distance apart from the wall part.
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Description

Connector and display device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a connector and a display device including the same, and to a connector having a structure capable of screening a connection failure of a flat cable and a display device including the same.

[0002] A display device is a type of output device that visually converts electrical information and displays it to a user, and can be included in televisions and monitor devices as well as various portable terminal devices, such as smartphones and tablet PCs.

[0003] As display devices become larger or higher in resolution, the number of display modules constituting the display device increases. As the number of display modules increases, the number of cables (e.g., flexible flat cables) extending from the display modules also increases accordingly.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module, a printed circuit board disposed to be electrically connected to the display module, a connector disposed on the printed circuit board, and a cable extending from the display module and connected to the connector, the cable comprising a plurality of first terminals and a guide line portion marked on the end of the connector. The connector may include a housing comprising a bottom portion in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion extending upward from the bottom portion and formed adjacent to the guide line portion, and a locking member coupled to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The edge of the locking member including the rotation axis may be disposed at a first distance from the wall portion.

[0006] A display device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module, a printed circuit board disposed to be electrically connected to the display module, a connector disposed on the printed circuit board, and a cable extending from the display module and connected to the connector. The connector may include a housing comprising a bottom portion in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion extending upward from the bottom portion and formed adjacent to the guide line portion, and a locking member coupled to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The edge of the locking member including the rotation axis may be disposed to form a first gap spaced apart from the wall portion by a first distance. The housing may further include a display portion marked on the upper surface of the bottom portion such that at least a portion overlaps vertically with the first gap.

[0007] A connector to which a cable including a plurality of first terminals is connected according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing including a bottom portion having a plurality of second terminals arranged thereon and a wall portion formed to extend upward from the edge of the bottom portion where the plurality of second terminals are arranged thereon, and a locking member coupled to the housing so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The edge of the locking member including the rotation axis may be arranged at a first distance from the wall portion.

[0008] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the description below. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the rear side of a display module among a display device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connector and a cable according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are plan views of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are side views of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 are plan views of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0016] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0017] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure in FIGS. 1 through 10 disclosed below and in this patent document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any system or device appropriately arranged.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device (1) may be a device that displays information, data, or information as characters, shapes, graphs, images, or pictures. The display device (1) may include a television, a PC monitor, a mobile device, or digital signage. The display device (1) may be installed to be supported on the ground by a stand or installed to be supported on a wall.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a main body (100) and a plurality of display modules (400) installed on the main body (100). Each of the plurality of display modules (400) may be disposed within a support frame (500) disposed on the main body (100). The support frame (500) may be coupled and disposed at the front of the main body (100).

[0022] According to one embodiment, a plurality of display modules (400) may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) module, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display module, a microLED display module, an LED display module, an E-Ink display module, or a quantum dot display module. Here, the display module (400) may be referred to as a modular display.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the main body (100) may form part of the exterior of the display device (1). According to one embodiment, part of the support frame (500) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside. However, it is not limited thereto, and the support frame (500) may be positioned within the main body (100) so as not to be visually exposed to the outside. The main body (100) and the support frame (500) may be formed integrally.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a plurality of display modules (400) disposed within a support frame (500) can implement a screen of a display device (1).

[0025] According to one embodiment, a plurality of display modules (400) may be arranged in an M*N matrix form in the up-down and left-right directions so as to be adjacent to each other. For example, as illustrated, 36 of the plurality of display modules (400) may be arranged in a 6*6 matrix form within a support frame (500). For example, the first to 36th display modules (401 to 436) may be arranged within the support frame. However, this is not limited thereto, and the number or arrangement method of the plurality of display modules (400) may be varied.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of display modules (400) may be in a flat shape or a curved shape. For example, the curved display module (400) may be formed so that its curvature is variable.

[0027] According to one embodiment, a plurality of display modules (400) can be coupled so as to be detachable from the main body (100).

[0028] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the rear side of a display module among a display device according to one embodiment.

[0029] The configuration shown in FIG. 2 may constitute part of the display device (1) of FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, the configuration of electronic components such as a timing controller (TCON) or a main processor provided to control a plurality of display modules (400) is omitted in FIG. 2.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a cable (700) extending from a display module (400). The cable (700) may be electrically connected to a circuit within the display device (1). The cable (700) may be arranged to be electrically connected to each of the plurality of display modules (400). A plurality of cables are arranged within the display device (1), and the number of cables (700) may increase as the number of display modules (400) provided in the display device (1) increases. A connection failure may occur during the process of connecting the cable (700) to a connector (e.g., the connector (900) of FIG. 3 or the connector (1000) of FIG. 8), and the frequency of connection failures may increase as the number of cables (700) arranged within the display device (1) increases. In particular, since the number of cables (700) in a display device (1) composed of a display module (400) is greater than in other display devices, it is necessary to quickly and accurately identify connection failures or connection failures between the cables (700) and the connector (900 or 1000) during the manufacturing process. In the case of the present disclosure, the connection failure between the cables (700) and the connector (900 or 1000) can be accurately and quickly determined even by the visual inspection of a worker by means of a connector (900 or 1000) of the structure described below.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) may be connected to or coupled to a connector (900 or 1000). The cable (700) may be connected to the connector (900 or 1000) and electrically connected to other electronic components. Here, the cable (700) may include a flexible flat cable, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). A plurality of printed circuit boards may be provided inside the display device (1) to mount electronic components such as a processor, a timing controller (TCON), and memory. For example, the printed circuit boards may consist of various types of boards, such as a main board, a graphics card or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a controller board, or an interface board.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a bridge board (600). The bridge board (600) may be a printed circuit board. The bridge board (600) may be electrically connected to a plurality of display modules (400). The bridge board (600) may be a medium that connects a plurality of display modules (400) within the display device (1) to a control component such as a processor or a timing controller.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the number of bridge boards (600) placed in the display device (1) may increase in proportion to the number of display modules (400). For example, in the case of a display device (1) equipped with 36 display modules (400) as illustrated, first to sixth bridge boards (601 to 606) may be placed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, six display modules (400) may be electrically connected to a single bridge board (600). For example, a first bridge board (601) may be electrically connected to first to sixth display modules (401 to 406). For example, a second bridge board (602) may be electrically connected to seventh to twelfth display modules (407 to 412). For example, a third bridge board (603) may be electrically connected to thirteenth to eighth display modules (413 to 418). For example, a fourth bridge board (604) may be electrically connected to ninth to twenty-fourth display modules (419 to 424). For example, a fifth bridge board (605) may be electrically connected to twenty-fifth to thirty-sixth display modules (425 to 430). For example, the 6th bridge board (606) may be electrically connected to the 31st to 36th display modules (431 to 436). However, this is exemplary, and the number of display modules (400) connected to one bridge board (600) may vary.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) and the bridge board (600) may be electrically connected by a connector (e.g., the connector (900) of FIG. 3 or the connector (1000) of FIG. 8) to be described later.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the bridge board (600) may be omitted when the display module (400) is a single configuration or has a small number.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a bridge cable (800) extending from a bridge board (600). A bridge cable (800) may be placed on each of a plurality of bridge boards (600). For example, the first to sixth bridge cables (801 to 806) may be electrically connected to each of the first to sixth bridge boards (601 to 606).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the bridge cable (800) may be connected to or connected to a connector (900 or 1000) placed on various types of boards, such as a main board, a graphics card or GPU, a controller board, or an interface board. For example, the bridge cable (800) may be electrically connected to a timing controller. For example, the bridge cable (800) may be electrically connected to a main processor including a processing circuit. For example, by electrically connecting the bridge cable (800) to a control device such as a timing controller or a main processor, the display module (400) may be electrically connected to the timing controller and / or the main processor.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connector and a cable according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are top views of a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are side views of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0041] The connector (900) of FIGS. 3 to 7 may be included in the display device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is not limited thereto, and the connector (900) of FIGS. 3 to 7 may be placed within an electronic device to connect a cable (e.g., a flexible flat cable) in various types of electronic devices.

[0042] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and FIG. 7. The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 7 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0043] In FIGS. 3 to 7, a cable (700) extending from a display module (e.g., the display module (400) of FIG. 2) is described as an example, but is not limited thereto and can be similarly applied to a bridge cable (e.g., the bridge cable (800) of FIG. 2) extending from a bridge board (e.g., the bridge board (600) of FIG. 2). The structure of the connector (900) described in FIGS. 3 to 7 can be placed on various types of substrates. As a cable coupled to the connector (900) placed on various types of substrates, the cable (700) described in FIGS. 3 to 7 can be applied.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, an electronic device such as a display device (e.g., the display device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a cable (700) and a connector (900). The structure of the illustrated cable (700) and connector (900) may be included in various types of electronic devices, not just the display device. For example, an electronic device having a flexible flat cable may include the connector (900) illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 7.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may be placed on a printed circuit board. The connector (900) may be placed to be fixed on the printed circuit board. The connector (900) may be placed to be electrically connected to other electronic components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) may include cable terminals (720). There may be a plurality of cable terminals (720). The cable terminals (720) may be disposed, for example, on the lower surface of the cable (700). When the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the cable terminals (720) may come into contact with the first terminal (930) of the connector (900). By the cable terminals (720) and the first terminal (930) coming into contact, the cable (700) and the connector (900) may be electrically connected. A plurality of cable terminals (720) may be electrically connected to a plurality of first terminals (930). Each of the plurality of cable terminals (720) may be arranged to come into contact with each of the plurality of first terminals (930) in a one-to-one relationship.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) may include a guideline portion (710). The guideline portion (710) may be formed or coated along the end edge of the cable (700). The guideline portion (710) may be formed or coated on the cable terminal (720) side edge of the cable (700). The guideline portion (710) may extend along one side of the corner of the cable (700). The guideline portion (710) may be positioned to be in contact with the corner of the longitudinal end of the cable (700). The guideline portion (710) may be located at the connector (900) connection side end of the cable (700).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the guideline section (710) may be marked or coated with a specific color. For example, the guideline section (710) may be marked with a high-contrast color compared to the surrounding configuration so that an operator or vision sensor can easily check whether the cable (700) and the connector (900) are properly connected or properly fastened. For example, the guideline section (710) may be marked or coated with yellow, red, orange, fluorescent, white, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and the guideline section (710) may be marked with a high-contrast color depending on the color of the connector (900).

[0049] Generally, there were various types of marking lines for a worker to check whether the cable and connector were properly connected, but these marking lines were marked at a certain distance from the longitudinal end of the cable or were colored with a thick width from the corner of the longitudinal end of the cable. In such cases, due to tolerances that occur when coating or applying the marking lines on the cable, the markings for the guideline may be coated or applied abnormally, or the positions of the markings displayed on each cable may not be consistent. If the positions of the marking lines are misaligned, the worker cannot check whether the connection is properly connected based on the marking lines. In the present disclosure, a guideline section (710) is provided at a position that contacts the end corner of the cable (700), and by changing the structure of the connector (900) accordingly, even if the guideline section (710) is partially tilted or deformed due to tolerances when the machine forms it, a worker or an electronic device using a vision sensor can more easily and accurately determine whether the cable (700) and the connector (900) are properly connected.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may include a housing (910) and a locking member (920). The housing (910) may be a part that is coupled to a printed circuit board. The locking member (920) may be rotatably coupled to the housing (910). The locking member (920) may be configured to secure a cable (700) fed into the housing (910).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the locking member (920) may be coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable between a first position (or first rotational position) and a second position (or second rotational position). The first position may be referred to, for example, as an open position. The second position may be referred to, for example, as a closed position. For example, the first position may refer to the position of the locking member (920) illustrated in FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 6. The second position may refer to the position of the locking member (920) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 7.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the locking member (920) can rotate between a first position and a second position around a rotation axis (R). The locking member (920) can be coupled to a housing (910) so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis (R).

[0053] According to one embodiment, after the cable (700) is fed into the housing (910), the cable (700) can be secured by rotating the locking member (920) from a first position to a second position. The locking member (920) can prevent the cable (700) from coming off the connector (900).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the housing (910) may include a bottom portion (911), a wall portion (912), and a pair of side portions (913). The bottom portion (911), the wall portion (912), and the pair of side portions (913) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the bottom portion (911) may be a portion that contacts a printed circuit board. The bottom portion (911) may be positioned below the cable (700) to support the end of the cable (700). When the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the lower surface of the cable (700) may come into contact with the bottom portion (911). The cable (700) may be inserted into the housing (910) along the upper surface (911a) of the bottom portion (911).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the wall portion (912) may extend upward from the bottom portion (911). The wall portion (912) may extend upward from the edge of the bottom portion (911). The wall portion (912) may be located adjacent to the guide line portion (710) of the cable (700) to be described later. For example, when the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the guide line portion (710) may be positioned in a portion adjacent to the wall portion (912).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a pair of side portions (913) may be formed by extending from both ends of the wall portion (912). A pair of side portions (913) may be formed to face each other. A pair of side portions (913) may be formed to extend vertically upward from the bottom portion (911).

[0058] According to one embodiment, a pair of side portions (913) may each include a fastening groove (913b). The fastening groove (913b) may be formed on the inner surface (913a) of the side portion (913). The fastening grooves (913b) provided in each side portion (913) may be positioned to face each other. A pair of fastening grooves (913b) may be formed at a predetermined distance from the wall portion (912).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the locking member (920) may include a pair of fastening protrusions (921). The locking member (920) may be coupled to the housing (910) by the pair of fastening protrusions (921) being fastened to the fastening groove (913b).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912). The rotation axis (R) may be positioned to overlap with a virtual line connecting a pair of fastening protrusions (921) facing opposite sides. The rotation axis (R) may be positioned to penetrate the pair of fastening protrusions (921).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be positioned to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912). The rotation axis (R) may be positioned at a distance of at least a first interval (D2) from the wall portion (912).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the locking member (920) may be positioned at a first gap (D2) from the wall portion (912) of the housing (910). For example, a first edge (922) adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be positioned at a first gap (D2) from the wall portion (912). A gap (G) may be formed between the first edge (922) and the wall portion (912). The width of the gap (G) may be substantially the same as the first gap (D2).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the guideline section (710) may be equal to or greater than the first interval (D2). Here, the width (D1) may refer to the length of the guideline section (710) measured along the longitudinal direction of the cable (700).

[0064] According to one embodiment, when the cable (700) is properly connected or properly connected to the connector (900), the guide line portion (710) may be positioned adjacent to the wall portion (912) of the housing (910).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the housing (910) may further include a support member (9121). The support member (9121) may extend from the wall portion (912). The support member (9121) may extend from the inner surface (912a) of the wall portion (912). The support member (9121) may extend toward the locking member (920). The support member (9121) and the wall portion (912) may be formed integrally. The support member (9121) may be formed to support a first edge (922) adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920). When the locking member (920) rotates between a first position and a second position around the rotation axis (R), the locking member (920) may be bent toward the wall portion (912) due to stress or the like. The support member (9121) can support the first edge (922) of the locking member (920) to prevent such bending.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the support member (9121) may be positioned above the guide line section (710) when the cable (700) and the connector (900) are normally connected. The support member (9121) may be positioned to overlap the guide line section (710) vertically when the cable (700) and the connector (900) are normally connected. The guide line section (710) and the support member (9121) may be positioned spaced apart from each other.

[0067] According to one embodiment, there may be a plurality of support members (9121). The plurality of support members (9121) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. The plurality of support members (9121) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the end of the support member (9121) may be formed to come into contact with or not come into contact with the locking member (920). Even if the support member (9121) does not come into contact with the locking member (920), it may come into contact with the support member (9121) when the locking member (920) rotates and bends between a first position and a second position, thereby preventing the support member (9121) from bending the locking member (920).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may include a plurality of first terminals (930). The plurality of first terminals (930) may be arranged to penetrate the housing (910). For example, the plurality of first terminals (930) may be arranged to penetrate the wall portion (912) of the housing (910). A portion of the plurality of first terminals (930) may be arranged to be exposed toward the upper side of the bottom portion (911).

[0070] According to one embodiment, a portion of a plurality of first terminals (930) may be positioned to extend vertically from a wall portion (912) along a floor portion (911) by a first length (D3). The portion corresponding to the first length (D3) of the plurality of first terminals (930) may be electrically connected by contacting a cable terminal (720) of a cable (700).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may include a plurality of second terminals (940). Some of the plurality of second terminals (940) may be located on the upper surface of the housing (910). The plurality of second terminals (940) may be arranged to extend in the direction toward the locking member (920) from the upper surface of the wall portion (912). The plurality of second terminals (940) may be extended parallel to the plurality of first terminals (930).

[0072] According to one embodiment, a plurality of second terminals (940) may be arranged to press the locking member (920) in a downward direction. The ends of the plurality of second terminals (940) may be arranged to contact the upper surface of the locking member (920). The ends of the plurality of second terminals (940) can prevent the locking member (920) from bending upward when the locking member (920) rotates between a first position and a second position.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the guideline portion (710) may be smaller than the first length (D3). In one embodiment, the width (D1) of the guideline portion (710) may be smaller than the length of the cable terminal (720). However, it is not limited thereto.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the guideline portion (710) may be positioned so as to overlap vertically with the space (e.g., gap (G)) formed between the first edge (922) adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) and the wall portion (912) when the cable (700) is normally connected to the connector (900). The operator can visually check the position of the guideline portion (710) through the gap (G).

[0075] In the present disclosure, the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is spaced apart from the wall portion (912) of the housing (910) by a first distance (D2) to form a gap (G), so that the position of the guide line portion (710) can be confirmed through the gap (G) even with the naked eye of the operator.

[0076] If a hole is formed by penetrating the upper part of the housing, an additional process is required to drill the hole, and the size of the hole is small, making it difficult for the worker to determine the connection status of the cable inside the housing through the hole. The present disclosure modifies the structure of the connector (900) to form a gap (G) with a large area, so that the worker can easily check the position of the guide line portion (710) with the naked eye, thereby easily finding the connector in a faulty connection state.

[0077] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 6 illustrate the state before the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900). Before the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the locking member (920) may be positioned in a first position. The cable (700) can be electrically connected to the connector (900) by the end of the cable (700) having a guide line portion (710) formed therein being drawn into the housing (910).

[0078] FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate a state in which the cable (700) is properly connected to the connector (900). When the cable (700) is fully inserted into the housing (910), the cable (700) can be secured by rotating the locking member (920) from a first position to a second position. At this time, the operator can determine whether the cable (700) is properly connected or fastened to the connector (900) based on whether the guide line portion (710) is visually visible through the gap (G).

[0079] When the guide line portion (710) is not visible through the gap (G) when the locking member (920) is rotated to a second position after inserting the cable (700), the operator may determine that the cable (700) and the connector (900) are not properly connected and may disconnect the cable (700) and reconnect it. Even if the guide line portion (710) is visible through the gap (G), if only a part of it is visible or the guide line portion (710) appears tilted, the operator may determine that the cable (700) and the connector (900) are not properly connected and may disconnect the cable (700) and reconnect it. By using the structure of the connector (900) and cable (700) of the present disclosure, the operator can intuitively determine whether the connector (900) and the cable (700) are properly connected without a separate device. Not limited thereto, by using the connector (900) and cable (700) structure of the present disclosure, verification of proper connection can be automated using a vision sensor rather than a worker.

[0080] FIGS. 8 and 9 are plan views of a connector according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view of a connector according to one embodiment.

[0081] The connector (1000) of FIGS. 8 to 10 may be included in the display device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is not limited thereto, and the connector (1000) of FIGS. 8 to 10 may be placed within an electronic device to connect a cable (e.g., a flexible flat cable) in various types of electronic devices.

[0082] The embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 10 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0083] For configurations in FIGS. 8 to 10 that are substantially identical to configurations in FIGS. 3 to 7, the same reference numbers are used.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 10, the connector (1000) may include a marking portion (1010). The marking portion (1010) may be placed or coated on the housing (910). The marking portion (1010) may be placed or coated on the bottom portion (911) of the housing (910).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated along the edge of the wall portion (912) of the bottom portion (911). The marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated along the portion adjacent to the wall portion (912) on the upper surface of the bottom portion (911).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated with a specific color. For example, the marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated with a high-contrast color compared to the surrounding configuration so that an operator or vision sensor can easily check whether the cable (700) and the connector (1000) are properly connected or properly fastened. For example, the marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated with yellow, red, orange, fluorescent, white, etc. However, it is not limited thereto, and the marking portion (1010) may be marked or coated with a high-contrast color according to the color of the housing (910) or the locking member (920).

[0087] In the case where the display portion is directly displayed on the housing (910) as in the present disclosure, a confirmation line or area for checking whether the cable (700) is separately connected may not be displayed.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the marking portion (1010) may be positioned to overlap the gap (G) vertically. The operator can visually check the marking portion (1010) through the gap (G). When the cable (700) is not connected to the connector (1000), the operator can visually check the marking portion (1010) through the gap (G).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the marking portion (1010) may be equal to or greater than the first gap (D2). Here, the width (D1) may refer to the length of the marking portion (1010) measured along the direction in which the cable (700) is inserted.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the marking portion (1010) may be smaller than the first length (D3) of the first terminal (930).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the support member (9121) may be located on the upper side of the marking portion (1010).

[0092] Unlike the cables of FIGS. 3 to 7, the guideline section (e.g., the guideline section (710) of FIG. 3) of the cable (700) of FIGS. 8 to 10 may be omitted. However, this is not limited thereto, and the guideline section (710) of FIGS. 3 to 7 may also be provided in the cable (700) of FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0093] FIG. 8 illustrates the state before the cable (700) is connected to the connector (1000). Before the cable (700) is connected to the connector (1000), the locking member (920) may be positioned in a first position. The cable (700) can be electrically connected to the connector (1000) by being inserted into the housing (910).

[0094] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a state in which the cable (700) is properly connected to the connector (1000). When the cable (700) is fully inserted into the housing (910), the cable (700) can be secured by rotating the locking member (920) from a first position to a second position. At this time, the operator can determine whether the cable (700) is properly connected or fastened to the connector (1000) based on whether the marking portion (1010) is visually visible through the gap (G).

[0095] When the operator rotates the locking member (920) to a second position after inserting the cable (700) and the marking portion (1010) is visible to the naked eye through the gap (G), the operator may determine that the cable (700) and the connector (1000) are not properly connected and may disconnect and reconnect the cable (700). Even if only a part of the marking portion (1010) is visible through the gap (G), the operator may determine that the cable (700) and the connector (1000) are not properly connected and may disconnect and reconnect the cable (700). By using the connector (1000) structure of the present disclosure, the operator can intuitively determine whether the connector (1000) and the cable (700) are properly connected without a separate device. Not limited thereto, by using the connector (1000) structure of the present disclosure, the verification of whether the connection is properly connected may be automated using a vision sensor instead of the operator.

[0096] A display device (1) according to one embodiment may include a display module (400), a printed circuit board disposed to be electrically connected to the display module (400), a connector (900) disposed on the printed circuit board, and a cable (700) extending from the display module (400) and connected to the connector (900), wherein the cable (700) may include a plurality of cable terminals (720) and a guide line portion (710) marked on the end of the connector (900). The connector (900) may include a housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion (912) extending upward from the bottom portion (911) and formed to be adjacent to the guide line portion (710), and a locking member (920) coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R). The edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the guideline portion (710) may be equal to or greater than the first interval (D2).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be positioned to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the housing (910) may further include a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support an edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the support member (9121) may be located on the upper side of the guide line portion (710).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may include a plurality of first terminals, a portion of which extends vertically from the wall portion (912) along the bottom portion (911) by a first length (D3) so as to be electrically connected to the cable (700). The width (D1) of the guide line portion (710) may be smaller than the first length (D3).

[0102] According to one embodiment, the connector (900) may have a gap formed between the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) and the wall portion (912).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the guideline section (710) may be displayed in a specific color.

[0105] According to one embodiment, when the cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the guide line portion (710) may be positioned to overlap vertically with the space formed between the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) and the wall portion (912).

[0106] A display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display module (400), a printed circuit board disposed to be electrically connected to the display module (400), a connector (1000) disposed on the printed circuit board, and a cable (700) extending from the display module (400) and connected to the connector (1000). The connector (1000) may include a housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion (912) extending upward from the bottom portion (911) and formed to be adjacent to the guide line portion (710), and a locking member coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R). The edge of the locking member (920) adjacent to the rotation axis (R) may be disposed to form a first gap by being spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2). The above housing (910) may further include a marking portion (1010) marked on the upper surface of the bottom portion (911) so that at least a portion overlaps the first gap vertically.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the marking portion (1010) may be marked along the edge of the wall portion (912) of the bottom portion (911).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the housing (910) may further include a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support an edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the support member (9121) may be located on the upper side of the marking portion (1010).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the cable (700) may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

[0111] A connector (900) to which a cable (700) including a plurality of cable terminals (720) according to one embodiment is connected may include a housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) on which a plurality of first terminals are arranged and a wall portion (912) formed to extend upward from the edge of the bottom portion (911) on which the plurality of first terminals are arranged, and a locking member coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (R). The edge of the locking member (920) adjacent to the rotation axis (R) may be spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the width (D1) of the guideline portion (710) may be equal to or greater than the first interval (D2).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) may be arranged to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the housing (910) may further include a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support an edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920). The support member (9121) may be located above the guide line portion (710).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a plurality of second terminals may be included, with a portion extending vertically from the wall portion (912) along the bottom portion (911) by a first length (D3) so as to be electrically connected to the cable (700). The width (D1) of the guide line portion (710) may be smaller than the first length (D3).

[0116] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, a component expressed in the singular should be understood as a concept including a plural component unless the context clearly implies only the singular. Each of the phrases used in this disclosure, such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or any possible combination thereof. It should be understood that the term “and / or” used in this disclosure encompasses any possible combination of one or more of the listed items. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” used in this disclosure are intended merely to specify the existence of the features, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and the use of such terms is not intended to exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Expressions such as “first,” “second,” used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components.

[0117] The expression “configured to” as used in this disclosure may be appropriately substituted depending on the context, for example, with “suitable for,” “capable of,” “designed to,” “modified to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only that which is “specially designed” in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression “device configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” together with other devices or components. For example, the phrase “device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C” may mean a device dedicated to performing the said operation, or a general-purpose device capable of performing various operations including said operation.

[0118] Meanwhile, terms such as “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0119] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments and should be understood to encompass all various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of various embodiments.

Claims

1. In a display device, Display module (400); A printed circuit board positioned to be electrically connected to the above-mentioned display module (400); A connector (900) disposed on the printed circuit board above; and A cable (700) extending from the display module (400) and connected to the connector (900), comprising a plurality of cable terminals (720) and a guide line portion (710) marked on the end of the connector (900). The above connector (900) is, A housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion (912) extending upward from the bottom portion (911) and formed to be adjacent to the guide line portion (710); and It includes a locking member (920) coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (R), and A display device in which the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2).

2. In Paragraph 1, The width (D1) of the guide line section (710) is equal to or greater than the first interval (D2). Display device.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is positioned to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912). Display device.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above housing (910) is, It further includes a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920), and The above support member (9121) is, Located on the upper side of the above guide line section (710), Display device.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above connector (900) is, It includes a plurality of first terminals, each having a portion that extends vertically from the wall portion (912) along the bottom portion (911) by a first length (D3) so as to be electrically connected to the above cable (700), The width (D1) of the guide line section (710) is smaller than the first length (D3). Display device.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above connector (900) is, A gap is formed between the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) and the wall portion (912). Display device.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 6, When the above cable (700) is connected to the connector (900), the guide line portion (710) is positioned to overlap vertically with the space formed between the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) and the wall portion (912). Display device.

8. In a display device, Display module (400); A printed circuit board positioned to be electrically connected to the above-mentioned display module (400); A connector (1000) disposed on the printed circuit board above; and A cable (700) extending from the display module (400) and connected to the connector (1000), comprising a plurality of cable terminals (720) and a guide line portion (710) marked on the end of the connector (1000). The above connector (1000) is, A housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) in contact with the printed circuit board and a wall portion (912) extending upward from the bottom portion (911) and formed to be adjacent to the guide line portion (710); and It includes a locking member coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (R), The edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is positioned to form a first gap by being spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2), and The above housing (910) is, Further including a marking portion (1010) marked on the upper surface of the bottom portion (911) such that at least a portion overlaps vertically with the first gap, Display device.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above marking part (1010) is, Marked along the edge of the wall portion (912) of the floor portion (911), Display device.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above housing (910) is, It further includes a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920), and The above support member (9121) is, Located on the upper side of the above marking part (1010), Display device.

11. A connector to which a cable (700) including a plurality of cable terminals (720) is connected, A housing (910) comprising a bottom portion (911) having a plurality of first terminals arranged thereon and a wall portion (912) formed to extend upward from the edge of the bottom portion (911) where the plurality of first terminals are arranged thereon; and It includes a locking member coupled to the housing (910) so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis (R), A connector in which the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is spaced apart from the wall portion (912) by a first distance (D2).

12. In Paragraph 11, The width (D1) of the guide line section (710) is equal to or greater than the first interval (D2). Connector.

13. In Paragraph 11 or 12, The rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920) is arranged to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wall portion (912). Connector.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 through 13, The above housing (910) is, It further includes a support member (9121) extending from the wall portion (912) toward the locking member (920) to support the edge adjacent to the rotation axis (R) of the locking member (920), and The above support member (9121) is, Located on the upper side of the above guide line section (710), Connector.

15. In any one of paragraphs 11 through 14, It includes a plurality of second terminals, each having a portion that extends vertically from the wall portion (912) along the bottom portion (911) by a first length (D3) so as to be electrically connected to the above cable (700), The width (D1) of the guide line section (710) is smaller than the first length (D3). Connector.

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