Display connection structure of electronic appliance

The present invention relates to a display connection structure of an electronic appliance having a display, and more particularly, to a display connection structure of an electronic appliance having a display which is adapted to be detachable from a main body.

In general, in a portable electronic appliance having a display, such as a notebook computer, a web video-phone, and a digital video camera, the main body of the electronic appliance and a display are integrally assembled.

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a notebook computer as an example of an electronic appliance having a conventional display. The shown notebook computer comprises a main body 1 equipped with a computer system, and a display 3 for displaying an image according to an image signal transferred from the main body 1.

Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse capable of inputting operational instructions, peripheral devices such as a hard disc drive, CD-ROM, modem, and LAN card, and an audio device capable of providing audio information are assembled in the main body 1. The display 3 which outputs information supplied from the main body 1 in an image form, is hinged to a side of the main body to be foldable. In addition, the display 3 is connected to the main body 1 by a ribbon-type cable 5.

In an electronic appliance having a display with the above described structure, since the display 3 is directly hinged to the main body 1, and the main body 1 and the display 3 are electrically connected by the ribbon-type cable 5, the display 3 can not be separated from the main body 1. That is, when the main body 1 or the display 3 malfunctions, or reaches the end of its service life, or the display 3 is replaced with a different size display, a user cannot replace the display with another directly. In addition, since the ribbon-type cable is exposed to the outside, the appearance of the electronic appliance is undesirable.

With a view to solve or reduce the above problems, it is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a display connection structure of an electronic appliance, capable of allowing a display to be detachable from the main body of the electronic appliance.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a display connection structure of an electronic appliance including a main body, and a display for receiving an image signal from the main body and displaying an image, and being capable of attaching the display to the main body or detaching the display from the main body, characterized in that the display connection structure includes: a connection means including hinge pins rotatably installed at the main body, and housings provided at the display so as to be connected to the hinge pins and to pivot together with the hinge pins for detachably connecting the display to the main body; and an optical connector having respective portions provided at the main body and the display to correspond to each other for transmitting an image signal by means of light.

Here, it is preferable that the housing comprises: a housing body having a front frame and a rear frame, and being fixed to the display; and a hinge bracket installed in the housing body, provided with engagement slots fitted to the hinge pins during connection of the display to the main body.

It is preferable that the connection means further comprises supporting brackets fixed to the main body for supporting the hinge pins so that the hinge pins can be exposed to the outside of the main body.

In addition, it is preferable that the connection means further comprises locking/unlocking means each for locking the housing and the hinge pins together, or unlocking the housing and the hinge pins from each other, and preferably that the locking/unlocking means comprises: a locking member movably installed within the housing to engage with or disengage from the locking groove formed at the head of the hinge pin; an elastic member for elastically biasing the locking member toward the locking groove so that the locking member can be locked into the locking groove; and an unlocking lever installed to be projected and exposed to the outside of the housing through an elongated guide hole formed at the housing, and to be movable within the elongated guide hole.

It is preferable that a sloped guide groove is formed at the head of the hinge pin for guiding the locking rod so that the locking rod can be engaged with the locking groove.

It is preferable that the optical connector comprises: a light emitting module having a laser diode array in which each diode emits light independently according to a driving signal, the light emitting module being connected to a hinge pin so that it can pivot together with the hinge pin; and a light receiving module having a photodetector array in which each photodetector converts an incident light signal into an electrical signal independently, the light receiving module being installed at the display to be coupled with the light emitting module so as to be able to pivot together with the light emitting module.

It is preferable that the light emitting module comprises a first holder supported on the hinge pin, a recessed portion formed at the engagement surface of the first holder, into which recessed portion the photodetector array is correspondingly inserted, and the laser diode array is installed in the recessed portion to be exposed toward the light receiving module.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the light receiving module comprises: a second holder for supporting the photodetector array installed at a projected leading edge thereof; a base installed at the display and provided with an opening for supporting the second holder to be movable inward and outward; and an elastic member installed in the base for elastically biasing the second holder outward so that the second holder can be projected to the outside of the base.

In addition, it is preferable that the optical connector further comprises a positioning means for guiding the light receiving module so that the light receiving module can be joined to the light emitting module, and for preventing unstable movement of the light receiving module when the light receiving module is joined to the light emitting module, and the positioning means preferably includes: a plurality of reference holes formed at the engagement surface of the light emitting module in a first case, and the light receiving module in a second case; guide pins installed at the light receiving module if the reference holes are installed in the light emitting module, and at the light emitting module if the reference holes are installed at the light receiving module, to face the reference holes; and a pressing member for elastically pressing against one side of the light emitting module in the direction of the axis of the hinge pin.

In addition, it is preferable that the positioning means further comprises a pair of first main electrodes installed to be elastically movable within two respective reference holes, and elastic members for elastically pressing the respective first main electrodes outward; and the guide pins include a pair of second main electrodes made of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the respective first main electrodes and to electrically connect the display to a main power source of the main body when the display is connected to the main body.

In addition, it is preferable that the display connection structure further comprises a switching means for electrically connecting or disconnecting the first main electrodes and the second main electrodes one by one during assembly or disassembly of the main body and the display, and the switching means preferably comprises a pair of elastic switches provided in the light emitting module to correspond to the respective first main electrodes, the elastic switches being positioned at different distances from the first main electrodes so that the first main electrodes are connected to or disconnected from the switches one by one when the first main electrodes approach or are separated from the elastic switches; and when the modules are separated from each other, the first main electrodes and the second main electrodes are separated from each other after the first main electrodes are separated from the respective elastic switches one by one.

In addition, it is preferable that the light emitting module comprises: a first holder, at a leading end surface of which a recessed portion, into which the photodetector array is inserted when the modules are connected to each other, is formed, the first holder supporting the laser diode array in the recessed portion so that the laser diode array can be exposed toward the outside; a first case pivotably installed at the main body for supporting the first holder so that the first holder can be moved inward and outward and the recessed portion can face the light receiving module; and an elastic member installed in the first case for pressing the first holder toward the outside of the first case.

In addition, it is preferable that the optical connector further comprises a connection unit for connecting the light emitting module and the light receiving module to each other so that optical signal transmission can be performed between the modules positioned a remote distance from each other, and the connection unit preferably comprises: an optical fiber bundle installed to correspondingly face the light emitting module and the light receiving module for transmitting light beams emitted from the laser diode array to the light receiving module; a first coupler for coupling one end of the optical fiber bundle to the light emitting module; and a second coupler for coupling the other end of the optical fiber bundle to the light receiving module.

It is preferable that the first coupler comprises: a light receiving array for receiving light beams emitted from the light emitting module; a first holder for supporting the light receiving array at a leading end thereof so that the light receiving array can be connected to one end of the optical fiber bundle; a first body provided with through-holes for supporting the first holder so that the first holder can move inward and outward; an elastic member installed in the first body for elastically pressing the first holder outward; elastically deformable hook members installed in the first body so as to be hooked in locking slots formed at the light emitting module when the first coupler is coupled to the light emitting module; and release buttons installed to be moved inward and outward through the respective through-holes for releasing the hook members from the locking slots.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the second coupler the second coupler comprises: a light emitting array for emitting light beams to be transmitted through the optical fiber bundle; a second holder for supporting the light emitting array at a leading end thereof so that the light emitting array can be connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle; a second body provided with through-holes for supporting the second holder so that the second holder can move inward and outward; an elastic member installed in the second body for elastically pressing the second holder outward; elastically deformable hook members installed in the second body so as to be hooked in locking slots formed at the light receiving module when the second coupler is coupled to the light receiving module; and release buttons installed to be moved inward and outward through the respective through-holes for releasing the hook members from the locking slots.

It is preferable that a power connection/disconnection means is further provided for stopping the operation of the laser diodes during disassembly, by selectively connecting or disconnecting the power connections between the light emitting module and the light receiving module when the display and the main body are assembled or disassembled, and the power connection/disconnection means preferably comprises: an auxiliary power source for powering the laser diode array; a driving portion provided at the main body for driving the laser diodes; a pair of first auxiliary electrodes installed at the light emitting module and electrically connected to the auxiliary power source and the driving portion, respectively; and a pair of second auxiliary electrodes installed at the light receiving module to be connected to the respective first auxiliary electrodes when the modules are assembled, and electrically connected to each other so that the power of the auxiliary power source can be transferred to the driving portion via the first auxiliary electrodes.

In addition, it is preferable that the power connection/disconnection means further comprises a pair of connection switches, installed within the light emitting module so as to correspond to the respective first auxiliary electrodes, positioned at different distances from the first auxiliary electrodes so as to be connected to or disconnected from the first auxiliary electrodes through elastic deformation one by one when the display and the main body are assembled or disassembled, and electrically connected to the driving portion and the auxiliary power source, respectively.

It is preferable that the display connection structure further comprises at least one pair of assembly/disassembly angle adjusting means which restrict assembly/disassembly of the display so that the display can be connected to or disconnected from the main body only at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body, and can be connected to the main body with ease, and the assembly/disassembly angle adjusting means preferably comprises: a first adjustment portion for restricting the assembly/disassembly angle between the hinge pin and the housing; and a second adjustment portion for automatically returning the optical connector to a predetermined position so that the position of the optical connector can be aligned with the assembly/disassembly angle adjusted by the first adjustment portion.

It is preferable that the first adjustment includes: an engagement pin formed to be projected from a side of the housing; and a cover member installed at the main body so as to cover a portion of the hinge pin, and having a guide groove provided at a side of the cover member to correspond to the engagement pin for guiding the engagement pin at the assembly/disassembly angle, and having an engagement groove formed to be continued from the guide groove so as to prevent the engagement pin from being separated from the engagement groove at other angles than the assembly/disassembly angle.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the second adjustment portion includes: a support member installed at the main body, and having a first housing portion formed to be projected from a side of the support member to have a cylindrical shape and a predetermined radius, and a second housing portion formed to have a larger radius than the first housing portion by a predetermined distance so that stop jaws can be formed at boundaries with the first housing portion; a pivotable member one end of which is connected to the optical connector and the other end of which is rotatably housed in the first housing portion, and which is provided with a support portion formed in a circumferential direction so as to be projected from an end surface thereof and to correspond to the first housing portion; a pivot spring installed between the pivotable member and the support member so that both ends thereof can be selectively supported by both end portions of the support portion and the stop jaws for providing the pivotable member with a restoring force, and wherein the pivotable member is positioned by the elastic force of the pivot spring so as to be maintained at the assembly/disassembly angle.

In addition, it is preferable that the second adjustment portion further includes a compression spring installed between the pivotable member and the optical connector for pressing the pivotable member toward the support member.

In addition, it is preferable that an engagement hole is formed at one side of the optical connection so that the one end of the pivotable member can be inserted into the engagement hole, and locking projections are formed to be projected from the inner side of the engagement hole so as to prevent the optical connector from rotating with respect to the pivotable member; and locking slots are formed at the one end of the pivotable member inserted into the engagement hole to correspond to the locking projections.

In addition, it is preferable that the laser diode array is installed at a side surface of the recessed portion formed at the engagement surface of the light emitting module to be exposed to the cavity of the recessed portion, and the photodetector array is installed at a side of the projected portion of the light receiving module corresponding to the recessed portion to be exposed to the outside; and therefore light beams emitted from the laser diode array are prevented from traveling toward the outside of the recessed portion.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li>Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a usual notebook computer as an example of an electronic appliance having a conventional display;</li><li>Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an essential portion of Figure 2;</li><li>Figure 4 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of the appliance of Figure 2;</li><li>Figure 5 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a housing portion of the appliance of Figure 2;</li><li>Figures 6 and 7 are sectional views illustrating an optical connector portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an optical connector portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a third embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views schematically illustrating the optical connector portion of Figure 8 in a connected state;</li><li>Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an optical connector portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;</li><li>Figure 13 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of the appliance of Figure 12;</li><li>Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating an essential portion of the appliance of Figure 12;</li><li>Figure 15A is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which a display is positioned at an assembly/disassembly angle with respect to a main body;</li><li>Figure 15B is a sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the display assembled to the main body is positioned out of an assembly/disassembly angle;</li><li>Figure 16A is a sectional view illustrating the state of a pivot spring when the display is positioned at an assembly/disassembly angle; and</li><li>Figure 16B is a view diagram illustrating the state of a pivot spring when the display is positioned out of an assembly/disassembly angle.</li></ul>

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating portion of the embodiment of Figure 2, and Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views schematically illustrating further portions of the embodiment of Figure 2. The electronic appliance shown in Figure 2 is a notebook computer having a display.

Referring to Figures 2 through 5, a display connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a main body 10, a display 20 for receiving an image signal from the main body and displaying an image, a connection means 30 provided at the main body 10 and correspondingly at the display 20 so that the display can be connected to the main body 10, and an optical connector 40 installed at the main body 10 and correspondingly at the display 20 so that an image signal using light can be transferred.

The connection means 30 is comprised of a plurality of supporting brackets 110 installed at the main body 10 and spaced a predetermined distance from each other, hinge pins 120 and 130 rotatably installed at respective brackets 110, housings 160 installed at the display 20 to be connected to the hinge pins 120 and 130 and rotated together with the hinge pins 120 and 130, and locking/unlocking means for locking the corresponding hinge pins 120 and 130 and housing 160 into each other or unlocking the hinge pins 120 and 130 and housing 160 from each other.

A friction member 112 is installed at each supporting bracket 110 for providing a frictional force for the hinge pin 120 or 130. Therefore, the hinge pins 120 and 130 are restrained from rotating freely and are rotated only by an external force. In addition, the hinge pins 120 and 130 have heads 121 and 131 and insertion portions 123 and 133 which have a predetermined sectional shape so that a hinge bracket 150 which will be described below can be fitted to the insertion portions 123 and 133. In addition, one end of the hinge pin 130 has, for example, a rectangular sectional shape so that the optical connector 40 can be connected to be rotatable together with the hinge pin 130. Here, the supporting brackets 110 and the hinge pins 120 and 130 are covered by a cover 12 (Figure 4) detachable from the main body 10.

The housing 160 is comprised of a housing body 140 having a front frame 141, and a rear frame 143 for being assembled to the front frame 141, and a hinge bracket 150 installed in the housing body 140. The housing body 140 is fixed to the display 20, and preferably formed to be integrated with the display 20. In addition, through-holes H are formed at the lower portion of the housing body 140 so that heads 121 and 131 of the hinge pins 120 and 130 can pass through the through-holes H. The hinge bracket 150 is joined between the front frame 141 and the rear frame 143 by a screw S. Engagement slots 151 into which the respective insertion portions 123 and 133 are inserted are formed at the ends of the hinge bracket 150. Therefore, since the engagement slot 151 is engaged with the insertion portion 123 during assembly, the hinge bracket 150 can be pivoted together with the hinge pins 120 and 130. Consequently, the display 20 can be opened or closed with respect to the main body 10.

The locking/unlocking means is comprised of a locking groove 125 formed at the head 121 of the hinge pin 120, a locking member 170 movably installed within the housing body 140 so as to be engaged with or disengaged from the locking groove 125, an elastic member 180 for elastically biasing the locking member 170 toward the locking groove 125 so that the locking member can be locked into the locking groove 125, and an unlocking lever 190 for unlocking the locking member 170 from the locking groove 125.

The locking member 170 has a body 173 provided with a through-hole 171, and a locking rod 175 provided at the body 173 for being locked into the locking groove 125. The elastic member 180 has one end connected to the body 173 and the other end connected to the front frame 141, and the elastic member 180 elastically biases the locking member 170 toward the locking groove 125 so that the locking rod 175 can be locked into the locking groove 125. The unlocking lever 190 is inserted through an elongated hole 145 formed at the front frame 141 of the housing body 140, and is connected to the body 173, and is movable within the elongated hole 145. Also, the unlocking lever 190 has a pair of elastic hooks 191, elastically deformable so as to be locked into the through-hole 171 of the body 173.

In addition, a guide groove 127, as a guide means for guiding the locking rod 175 so that it can be engaged with the locking groove 125, is formed with a slope at the head 121 of the hinge pin 120.

The optical connector 40 is comprised of a light emitting module 210 pivotably installed at the main body 10, a light receiving module 220 installed at the display 20 to correspond to the light emitting module 210, and a positioning means for guiding the light receiving module 220 so that it can be joined to the light emitting module 210, and for preventing unstable movement of the light receiving module 220 when it is joined to the light emitting module 210.

The light emitting module 210 is comprised of a laser diode array 211 in which each diode emits light independently according to a driving signal, and a first holder 213 pivotably supported on the hinge pin 130. The laser diode array 211 is installed to be exposed toward the light receiving module 220 at a recessed portion 214 formed to be recessed at the engagement surface of the first holder 213. Such a laser diode array 211 is comprised of a plurality of laser diodes. A first shaft hole 210a of a predetermined shape is provided at one side of the first holder 213 to correspond to one end of the hinge pin 130. In addition, at the other end of the first holder 213, a second shaft hole 210b is recessed to correspond to a shaft portion 11 formed at the main body 10. A cable C is installed to be connected to the laser diode array 211 via the second shaft hole 210b and the shaft portion 11.

The light receiving module 220 is comprised of a photodetector array 221 wherein each component photodetector converts an incident light signal into an electrical signal, a second holder 223 for supporting the photodetector array 221 installed at a leading edge thereof, a base 225 installed at the display 20 for supporting the second holder 223 and allowing it to move inward and outward, and an elastic member 227 installed in the base for elastically biasing the second holder 223 outward. The photodetector array 221 is comprised of a plurality of photodetectors. The second holder 223 is projected outward via an opening formed at the base 225 so that the leading edge of the second holder 223 can be inserted into the recessed portion 214 of the first holder 211 during assembly.

The positioning means is comprised of reference holes 210c formed around the recessed portion 214 of the first holder 213, guide pins 228 installed at the base 225 to correspond to the reference holes 210c, and a pressing member 219 installed in the second shaft hole 210b for elastically pressing against one side of the light emitting module 210. Since the guide pins 228 are inserted into the reference holes 210c when the light emitting module 210 and the light receiving module 220 are assembled, inadequate assembly can be prevented. In addition, since the first holder 213 is elastically biased toward the hinge pin 130 by the pressing member 219, the first holder 213 is prevented from moving right or left.

In addition, as members of the connection means 30, a pair of first main electrodes 216 are installed, one in each of the reference holes 210c, for electrical connection between the main body 10 and the display 20. The first main electrodes 216 are elastically biased outward by elastic members 212 installed in the corresponding reference holes 210c. In addition, the guide pins 228 include a pair of second main electrodes 228a for being electrically connected to the first main electrodes 216 during assembly. Since the second main electrodes 228a are made of a conductive material, the second main electrodes 228a serve both to guide the module 220 to the module 210 for assembly and to electrically connect the main body 10 and the display 20.

Moreover, a switching means is further included for electrically connecting or disconnecting the first main electrodes 216 and the second main electrodes 228a, one by one during assembly or disassembly of the main body 10 and the display 20.

The switching means includes a pair of elastic switches 218a and 218b installed in the first holder 213 to each correspond to one of the first main electrodes 216. The elastic switches 218a and 218b are installed at different distances from the first main electrodes 216 so as to be connected to or disconnected from the first main electrodes 216 one by one when the first electrodes 216 are inserted or withdrawn. It is preferable that the elastic switch 218a positioned farther from the first main electrodes 216 is connected to a main power source 231 of the main body 10 and the other elastic switch 218b is connected to a ground portion (not shown) of the main body 10. Therefore, when the display 20 is separated from the main body 10, the connection between the first main electrode 216 and the elastic switch 218a is separated first. Then, after the power supply from the main power source 231 is disconnected, the other elastic switch 218 is disconnected. Since the power connections between the main body 10 and the display 20 are disconnected one by one, the possibility of fatal errors occurring during disassembly in an IC for driving the display 20, or in circuits of the main body 10 can be lowered.

In addition, a power connection/disconnection means is further provided for stopping the operation of the laser diodes during disassembly by selectively connecting or disconnecting the power connections between the light emitting module 210 and the light receiving module 220, when the display 20 and the main body 10 are assembled or disassembled.

The power connection/disconnection means is comprised of an auxiliary power source 232 provided at the main body 10, a driving portion 233 provided at the main body 10 for driving the laser diodes, a pair of first auxiliary electrodes 217 installed at the light emitting module 210, one of which is electrically connected to the auxiliary power source 232 and the other to the driving portion 233, a pair of second auxiliary electrodes 228b installed to be projected from the engagement surface of the base 225 to correspond to the first auxiliary electrodes 217, and a pair of connection switches 238a and 238b.

The pair of first auxiliary electrodes 217 are installed to be movable within the reference holes 210c. In addition, the first auxiliary electrodes 217 are elastically biased outward by the elastic members 212 installed within the reference holes 210c. Such first auxiliary electrodes 217 are elastically connected to the respective connection switches 238a and 238b when depressed by the second auxiliary electrodes 228b.

The second auxiliary electrodes 228b have a function of guiding the connection of the display 20 to the main body 10 as they are formed to be included in the guide pins 228, and another function of electrically connecting to the first auxiliary electrodes 217 during assembly. Such second auxiliary electrodes 228b are electrically connected to each other.

The connection switches 238a and 238b are provided so that the power connections between the light emitting module 210 and the light receiving module 220 can be disconnected one by one when the display 20 and the main body 10 are disassembled. Such connection switches 238a and 238b are installed within the first holder 213 to be elastically deformable and to correspond to the first auxiliary electrodes 217, respectively. Also, the connection switches 238a and 238b are positioned at different distances from the first auxiliary electrodes 217. Preferably, the connection switch 238a to be connected the auxiliary power source 232 is installed farther from the first auxiliary electrodes 217 than the connection switch 238b to be connected the driving portion 233. Therefore, when the display 20 is connected to the main body 10, the first auxiliary electrodes 217 pressed by the second auxiliary electrodes 228b are electrically connected to the connection switches 238a and 238b, respectively. Then, the electric power of the auxiliary power source 232 is transferred to the driving portion 233 to drive the laser diode array 211. To the contrary, when the display 20 is removed from the main body 10, the electrodes 217 and 228b and the connection switches 238a and 238b are respectively disconnected, and the laser diode array 211 shuts down. At this time, the power supply from the auxiliary power source 232 is disconnected first. Therefore, the driving portion 233 and the laser diode array 211 are prevented from malfunctioning due to a sudden interruption of electric power. Also, since the laser diode array 211 does not emit light at the moment when the display 20 is separated from the main body 10, a user is protected from exposure to laser light.

The operation of the display connection structure of an electronic appliance having the above structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, in order to connect the display 20 to the main body 10, the display 20 is moved toward the main body 10 as shown in Figure 4. Then, the locking rod 175 is pressed to move toward one side along the guide groove 127. Thereafter, when the display 20 is moved closer to the main body 10, the locking rod 175 reaches the level of the locking groove 125, and is elastically returned to its original position to engage with the locking groove 125. At the same time, the engagement slots 151 of the hinge bracket 150 are inserted into the insertion portions 123 and 133 of the hinge pins 120 and 130 to be fixed therein. In addition, the second main electrodes 228a are inserted into the reference holes 210c, and press the respective first main electrodes 216 toward the elastic switches 218a and 218b. Then, one first main electrode 216 is connected to the elastic switch 218b first, and the other first main electrode 216 is connected to the elastic switch 218a later. At the same time, the second auxiliary electrodes 228b are also inserted into the reference holes 210c, and press the respective first auxiliary electrodes 217 toward the connection switches 238a and 238b. Then, one first auxiliary electrode 217 is connected to the connection switch 238b first, and the other first auxiliary electrode 217 is connected to the connection switch 238a later.    Consequently, the photodetector array 221 faces the laser diode array 211 while being spaced a predetermined distance from the laser diode array 211 so that optical transmission can be performed. In addition, electric power is supplied from the main power source 231 to the display 20. Also, electric power from the auxiliary power source 232 is supplied to the driving portion 233 so that the laser diode array 211 is ready to be driven. The display 20 can be opened or closed when being pivoted together with the hinge pins 120 and 130 with respect to the main body 10.

On the other hand, when the display 20 is to be separated from the main body 10, the unlocking lever 190 is moved to the position marked by hatched lines in Figure 5. Then, the locking rod 175 is freed from the locking groove 125. Thereafter, the display 20 may be moved slowly withdrawn from the main body 10. At this time, as described above, the first main electrodes 216, the second main electrodes 228a, and the elastic switches 218a and 218b are sequentially disconnected from respective ones. Also, the first auxiliary electrodes 217, the second auxiliary electrodes 228b, and the connection switches 238a and 238b are sequentially disconnected. Accordingly, power supply from the main body 10 to the display 20 is stopped. In addition, since power supply from the auxiliary power source 232 to the driving portion 233 is also stopped, the laser diode array 211 shuts down. Thus, because all power supply is stopped when the display 20 and the main body 10 are disassembled, for example, when the display 20 is disconnected from the main body 10 by mistake while the power source 231 of the main body 10 is connected, the laser diode array 211 does not emit light. Therefore, the user is protected safely from laser exposure.

Figures 6 and 7 are sectional views illustrating an optical connector portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, an optical connector 50 is comprised of a light emitting module 310 pivotably installed at a main body 10, and a light receiving module 320 fixed to a display 20.

The light emitting module 310 is comprised of a laser diode array 311, a first holder 313, a first case 315, and an elastic member 317. The laser diode array 311 is the same as the member having reference numeral 211 described with reference to Figure 4. The first holder 313 supports the laser diode array 311. In addition, at a leading end of the first holder 313, a recessed portion 314 is formed to have a predetermined depth. The laser diode array 311 is installed to be exposed at the bottom portion of the recessed portion 314. Such a first holder 313 is housed in the first case 315 to be movable into or out of the first case 315 so that the recessed portion 314 can be exposed to the outside. One side of the first case 315 is connected to a hinge pin 130, and the other is connected to a hollow shaft member 316 rotatably installed at the main body 10. Therefore, the first case 315 is pivotable around the hinge pin 130 and the hollow shaft member 316. In addition, a cable C connected to a driving portion 233 (please refer to Figure 4) of the main body 10 passes through the hollow shaft member 316, and is connected to the laser diode array 311. The elastic member 317 is installed in the first case 315, and presses the first holder 313 toward the outside of the first case 315.

The light receiving module 320 is comprised of a photodetector array 321, a second holder 323 for supporting the photodetector array 321 which is installed at a lead end of the second holder 323 corresponding to the recessed portion 314, a second case 325, and an elastic member 327. The photodetector array 321 is the same as the member having reference numeral 221 in Figure 4. The second holder 323 is housed in the second case 325 to be movable, and is elastically biased by the elastic member 327 so as to be exposed to the outside of the second case 325. Therefore, when the display 20 is assembled to the main body 10, the leading end of the second holder 323 is inserted into the recessed portion 314, the photodetector array 321 faces the laser diode array 311 while spaced a predetermined distance from the laser diode array 311.

In addition, a plurality of reference holes 318 are formed at the first case 315, and guide pins 328 corresponding to the reference holes 318 are installed at the second case 325. The guide pins 328 have the same functions as the second main electrodes 228a and the second auxiliary electrodes 228b previously described with reference to Figure 4. Therefore, electrodes 312 elastically pressed outward by the elastic members 319 are installed in the respective reference holes 318. The electrodes 312 have the same functions as the first main electrodes 216 and the first auxiliary electrodes 217 previously described with reference to Figure 4.    Since in the optical connector 50 having the above-described structure, the holders 313 and 323 are elastically supported, there is an advantage in that when the light emitting module 310 and the light receiving module 320 are assembled, impact between the first holder 313 and the second holder 323 can be reduced.

Figures 8 through 10 are views illustrating an essential portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a connection unit 330 is provided for connecting a light emitting module 310 and a light receiving module 320. Here, the same reference numerals used previously to denote members of the first and second embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, are used here to denote similar members having similar functions.

The connection unit 330 is intended to make optical transmission and electrical connection between a display 20 and a main body 10 possible when the display 20 is not directly connected to the main body 10, but is connected from a distant position. Such a connection unit 330 is comprised of an optical fiber bundle 340, a first coupler 350, and a second coupler 360.

One end of the optical fiber bundle 340 is installed to face the light emitting module 310 and the other end is installed to face the light receiving module 320, for transmitting light beams emitted from a laser diode array 311 to a photodetector array 321. The first coupler 350 for connecting to the light emitting module 310 is connected to one end of the optical fiber bundle 340. Also, the second coupler 360 for connecting to the light receiving module 320 is connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle 340.

The first coupler 350 is comprised of a light receiving array 351, a first holder 353, a first body 355, an elastic member 357, hook members 358, and release buttons 359. The light receiving array 351 has the same function and structure as the photodetector array 321 installed at the light receiving module 320. The first holder 353 has nearly the same structure as that of the second holder 323, and supports the optical fiber bundle 340 and the light receiving array 351 so that they can be connected. Therefore, the light receiving array 351 is supported by a leading end of the first holder 353 exposed to the outside of the first body 355. The first holder 353 which is movable inward and outward, the elastic member 357, and the hook members 358 are all housed in the first body 355. The elastic member 357 elastically presses the first holder 353 toward the outside of the first body 355. In addition, through-holes 354a and 354b are formed at the sides and the front of the first body 355. One end of the hook member 358 is fixed to the inside of the first body 355 so that the hook member 358 can be elastically deformed, and the other end passes through the through-hole 354b, and is exposed to the outside of the first body 355. In addition, a release button 359 corresponding to the through-hole 345a is provided for each hook member 358. The release button 359 is movable inward and outward through the through-hole 354a. Therefore, when the first coupler 350 is connected to the light emitting module 310, the hook member 358 is elastically deformed by a locking slot 315a, formed at a first case 315, to pass the locking slot 315a and then return to its initial form to hook in the locking slot 315a, and connection between the first coupler 350 and the light emitting module 310 is completed. To the contrary, the first coupler 350 and the light emitting module 310 can be separated from each other when the release button 359 is pressed so that the hook member 358 can be released from the locking slot 315a.

In addition, the second coupler 360 is comprised of a light emitting array 361 for emitting light, a second holder 363 provided with a recessed portion 364 formed to be recessed from an end portion of the second holder 363 facing the light receiving module 320, a second body 365 for housing the second holder 363 so that the recessed portion 364 can be exposed to the outside, an elastic member 367 for elastically pressing the second holder outward, hook members 368 installed in the second body 365 so as to be locked in respective locking holes 325a formed at the leading end of the second case 325, and release buttons 369.

The light emitting array 361 is intended for illuminating the photodetector array 321 with light transmitted through the optical fiber bundle 340. Therefore, The light emitting array 361 has the same function and structure as the laser diode array 311 of the light emitting module 310. In addition, the light emitting array 361 is supported by the second holder 363 so as to be exposed at the bottom part of the recessed portion 364. The second holder 363 has the same function and structure as the first holder 313, and supports the light emitting array 361 so as to be connected to the optical fiber bundle 340. The second body 365 has the same structure as the first body 355, and houses the second holder 363 so that the second holder 363 can move. In addition, an elastic member 367 is installed in the second body 365. Through-holes 364a into which release buttons are inserted to be movable inward and outward, are formed at the sides of the second holder 363. Also, through-holes 364b through which the hook members 368 pass, are formed at a leading end of the second holder 363. Therefore, one end of the hook member 368 is fixed to the inside of the second body 365 so that the hook member 368 can be elastically deformed, and the other end passes through the through-hole 364b, and is exposed to the outside of the second body 365. In addition, the release button 369 is provided at each hook member 368 to be movable inward and outward through the through-hole 364a. Therefore, when the hook member 358 is elastically deformed to be locked in the locking hole 325a, the second coupler 360 and the light receiving module 320 are coupled to each other. In addition, in a coupled state of the second coupler 360 and the light receiving module 320, the second coupler 360 and the light receiving module 320 can be separated from each other when the release button 369 is pressed so that the hook member 368 can be released from the locking hole 325a.

On the other hand, a plurality of guide pins 352 corresponding to reference holes 318 of the light emitting module 310 are installed at the first coupler 350. The guide pins 352 are made of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the electrodes 312 (Figure 10) installed in the reference holes 318, when assembled. Such guide pins 352 have the same functions as the guide pins 328 installed at the light receiving module 320. In addition, reference holes 362 which the respective guide pins 328 are guided and inserted into, are formed at the second coupler 360. Electrodes 366 to be connected to the guide pins 328 are movably installed in the respective reference holes 328. Each electrode 366 is elastically biased outward by an elastic member. Here, the electrodes 366 and the guide pins 352 are electrically connected to each other via the optical fiber bundle 340.

When the optical connector 50 having the above structure is employed, the display 20 can be used while spaced a desired distance from the main body 10.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an essential portion of a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 11, portions of an optical connector 60 are installed at a main body 10 and a display 20. The optical connector 60 is comprised of a light emitting module 410 pivotably installed at the main body 10, and a light receiving module 420 installed at the display 20 so as to be capable of engaging with the light emitting module 410.

A recessed portion 414 is formed at a leading side of the light emitting module 410 facing the light receiving module 420. In addition, in the light emitting module 410, a laser diode array 411 is installed at a side surface of the recessed portion 414 to be exposed to the cavity of the recessed portion 414. That is, the laser diode array 411 is installed at the side surface of the recessed portion 414 to be embedded therein. Therefore, the laser diode array 411 faces the opposite side of the recessed portion 414.

A projected portion 423 is formed at the leading end of the light receiving module 420 so as to correspond to the recessed portion 414. A photodetector array 421 is installed at a side of the projected portion 423 so as to face the laser diode array 411, and to be spaced a predetermined distance from the laser diode array 411 when inserted into the recessed portion 414. Since the diode arrays 411 and 421 are installed to face each other in the recessed portion 414, even though the laser diode array 411 can emit light when the modules 410 and 420 are separated from each other, the emitted light does not travel toward the outside of the recessed portion 414. Therefore, even if the display 20 is erroneously separated from the main body 10 while the laser diode array 411 is operating, the emitted light is prevented from traveling toward a user.

Figures 12 through 14 are views illustrating a display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view, Figure 13 is a sectional view illustrating an essential portion of Figure 12, and Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating an essential portion of Figure 12. Here, reference numerals reappearing from Figures 2 through 4 denote similar members having similar functions, therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The display connection structure shown in Figures 12 through 14 is comprised of a main body 10, a display 20, a connection means 30 for connection/disconnection of the main body 10 and the display 20, an optical connector 40 having a light emitting module 210 and a light receiving module 220, and at least one pair of assembly/disassembly angle adjusting means.

The assembly/disassembly angle adjusting means is intended to keep an assembly/disassembly angle constant so that the display 20 can be connected to and disconnected from the main body only at a predetermined angle. The assembly/disassembly angle adjusting means is comprised of a first adjustment portion 510 for restricting the assembly/disassembly angle between a hinge pin 120 and a housing 160, and a second adjustment portion 520 for returning the light emitting module 210 to a predetermined position in alignment with the assembly/disassembly angle adjusted by the first adjustment portion 510.

The first adjustment portion 510 is comprised of an engagement pin 511 formed to be projected from a side of a body 140 of the housing 160, and a cover member 513 installed at the main body 10 so as to cover a portion of the hinge pin 120.

A guide groove 514 for guiding the engagement pin 511 to the assembly/disassembly angle during the insertion or removal of the engagement pin 511, and an engagement groove 515 formed to be continued from the guide groove 514 are formed at a side of the cover member 513. The guide groove 514 guides the engagement pin 511 when it is inserted into the engagement groove 515, and pivots around the hinge pin 120, preventing the engagement pin 511 from separating from the engagement groove 515 at angles other than the assembly/disassembly angle.

That is, as shown in Figure 15A, the engagement pin 511 can move along the guide groove 514 only when the display 20 is positioned to align with the guide groove 514 at the assembly/disassembly angle (α). Otherwise, as shown in Figure 15B, when the display 20 is out of the assembly/disassembly angle (α), the engagement pin 511 is confined in the engagement groove 515 since the engagement pin 511 is not aligned with the guide groove 514. Therefore, the display 20 cannot be separated from the main body 10 when the display 20 is out of α. In addition, after the display 20 is separated from the main body 10, as long as an external force is not applied to the hinge pin 120, the hinge pin 120 remains at the assembly/disassembly angle (α) since it is restrained from rotating by the friction member 112. Therefore, there is no inconvenience of having to adjust the angle of the hinge pin 120 in the subsequent assembly.

On the other hand, since the display 20 is connected to the main body 10 only at the assembly/disassembly angle (α), the modules 210 and 220 are assembled at the assembly/disassembly angle (α). Therefore, when the display 20 is in a separated state, the light emitting module 210 must be maintained at the assembly/disassembly angle (α) for the next assembly. To this end, the second adjustment portion 520 is comprised of a support member 521 installed at the main body 10, a pivotable member 523 connected to the light emitting module 210 to rotate with respect to the support member 521, and a pivot spring 525 installed between the support member 521 and the pivotable member 523.

The support member 521 is installed at the place of the hinge pin 130 of Figure 3 instead of the hinge pin 130 to be enclosed by a cover 12. The support member 521 has a first housing portion 521a having a cylindrical shape and a predetermined radius, and formed to be projected from a side of the support member 521, and a second housing portion 521b. The second housing portion 521b is formed to have a larger radius than the first housing portion 521a by a predetermined distance, and to be continuous from the first housing portion 521a so that stop jaws 521c can be formed at boundaries with the first housing portion 521a.

A support portion 523a is formed at one end of the pivotable member 523 to be projected therefrom. The support portion 523a has a shape corresponding to that of the first housing portion 521a so that the support portion 523a can be inserted into the first housing portion 521a. That is, the support portion 523a is formed in the shape of a portion of a doughnut around the pivot point . In addition, support jaws 523b are formed at both ends of the support portion 523a to be recessed from the end surfaces. The ends of the pivot spring 525 are housed and supported by the respective support jaws 523b. Therefore, the generally circular pivot spring 525 is installed inside the support portion 523a so that the ends of the pivot spring 525 are confined by the respective support jaws 523b. Also, the ends of the pivot spring 525 are supported by the stop jaws 521c when the support member 521 and the pivotable member 523 are attached to each other by a screw S.

On the other hand, the other end of the pivotable member 523 is connected to one side of the light emitting module 210 so as to rotate together with the light emitting module 210. To this end, an engagement hole 210a is formed at one side of the light emitting module 210 so that the other end of the pivotable member 523 can be inserted into the engagement hole 210a. In addition, locking projections 210b are formed at the wall of the engagement hole 210a. The locking projections 210b are intended to prevent the pivotable member 523 from freely rotating with respect to the light emitting module 210. Therefore, locking slots 523 are formed at the other end of the pivotable member 523 to correspond to the locking projections 210b. In addition, a compression spring 527 is installed between the pivotable member 523 and the light emitting module 210. The compression spring 527 presses the pivotable member 523 toward the support member 521. In order to provide an installation space for the compression spring 527, the other end of the pivotable member 523 has an open cylindrical shape.

In the above structure, as shown in Figure 16A, before a rotational force is applied to the pivotable member 523, the pivotable member 523 is positioned inside the first housing portion 521a to correspond to the first housing portion 521a. This is because the pivotable member 523 is restrained from rotating since the ends of the pivot spring 525 are supported by the stop jaws 521c while confined by the support jaws 523b. In this state, the light emitting module 210 connected to the pivotable member 523 is maintained at the assembly/disassembly angle (α) with respect to the main body 10. Therefore, when the display 20 is connected to the main body 10 in this state, the engagement pin 511 is inserted into the engagement groove 515 along the guide groove 514, and the light receiving module 220 is connected to the light emitting module 210, simultaneously.

In a state in which the display 20 is connected to the main body 10, when the display 20 is forcedly pivoted, the pivotable member 523 is positioned such that it is acted on by the pivoting force of the pivot spring 525, as shown in Figure 16B. That is, the pivotable member 523 is pivoted while compressing the pivot spring 525. In addition, since the ends of the pivot spring 525 can be moved within the second housing portion 521, one end of the pivot spring 525 is moved according to the pivot motion of the pivotable member 523.

On the other hand, in a state in which the display 20 is disconnected from the main body 10, when the display 20 is forcedly pivoted, the pivotable member 523 can be positioned by the pivoting force, as shown in Figure 16B. In this state, when the external force applied to the pivotable member 523 is removed, the pivotable member 523 is returned back to the state shown in Figure 16A by the elastic force of the pivot spring 525. That is, even though the pivotable member 523 is not aligned with the assembly/disassembly angle (α) when pivoted by an external force, when freed from the external force, the pivotable member 523 is returned back to its initial position so that the light emitting module 210 can be maintained at the assembly/disassembly angle (α). Therefore, when the display 20 is connected to the main body 10, the positions of the hinge pin 120 and the light emitting module 210 need not be adjusted.

As described above, with the display connection structure of an electronic appliance according to the present invention, the display is connected to or disconnected from the main body with ease. Therefore, the display can be replaced with another display exhibiting a higher resolution, or having a larger screen, and the electronic appliance employing the display connection structure is portable.

In addition, when either the display or the main body malfunctions or reaches the end of its use life, it can be replaced with ease.

Since an image signal is transferred by means of light, the generation of extraneous electromagnetic waves, and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference can be reduced.

In addition, the display can be positioned a desired distance from the main body by using the connection unit, and still can be connected to the main body, there is an advantage in that the display can be placed according to user's convenience.

Further, since the power supply is disconnected simultaneously with the disconnection of the display, the embodiments of the present invention are safe to use, and power smart.

Furthermore, since the assembly/disassembly angle of the display can be preset, and related parts such as the hinge pin and the light emitting module are automatically aligned with the preset angle, assembly/disassembly of the display can be performed with ease.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.