U.S. patent application number 14/074542 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for liquid crystal module unit and portable computer having the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Hyun Ki KIM, Nam Do SON.
Application Number | 20140063409 14/074542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37434966 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140063409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SON; Nam Do ; et
al. |
March 6, 2014 |
LIQUID CRYSTAL MODULE UNIT AND PORTABLE COMPUTER HAVING THE
SAME
Abstract
A liquid crystal display device including a first liquid crystal
display panel disposed between a first cover and a second cover, a
second liquid crystal display panel disposed between the first
cover and the second cover, wherein a rear face of the second
liquid crystal display panel faces a rear face of the first liquid
crystal display panel, a main frame disposed between the first and
second liquid crystal display panels, and a plate to connect the
second liquid crystal display panel to the main frame.
Inventors: |
SON; Nam Do;
(Gyeongsangbuk-do, KR) ; KIM; Hyun Ki;
(Gyeongsangbuk-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
37434966 |
Appl. No.: |
14/074542 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11637816 |
Dec 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
14074542 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
349/58 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02F 1/133308 20130101;
G06F 1/1677 20130101; G06F 1/1637 20130101; G06F 1/1647 20130101;
G06F 1/1671 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
349/58 |
International
Class: |
G02F 1/1333 20060101
G02F001/1333 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0060205 |
Claims
1-36. (canceled)
37. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: a first liquid
crystal display panel disposed between a first cover and a second
cover; a second liquid crystal display panel disposed between the
first cover and the second cover, a rear face of the second liquid
crystal display panel facing a rear face of the first liquid
crystal display panel; a main frame disposed between the first and
second liquid crystal display panels; and a plate configured to
connect the second liquid crystal display panel to the main frame,
the plate comprising: a body comprising a plurality of cut-out
holes; a first supporting portion formed along an edge portion of
the body and bent toward the main frame to engage the main frame;
and a second supporting portion formed on the body and bent toward
the second cover to accommodate the second liquid crystal display
panel, the bend of the second supporting portion being directly
adjacent a bend hole, wherein the cut-out holes comprise: a first
cut-out hole opposite to the second liquid crystal display panel, a
plurality of second cut-out, and wherein the first cut-out hole and
the second cut-out holes are on a same plane, and wherein the
second cover is fixed on the first cover.
38. The liquid crystal display device of claim 37, wherein the
plate is attached to the main frame by a two-sided tape.
39. The liquid crystal display device of claim 37, wherein the
first and second supporting portions are integrally formed with the
body.
40. The liquid crystal display device of claim 37, wherein the
plate is formed from at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless
steel, or plastic.
41. The liquid crystal display device of claim 37, wherein the
second supporting portion includes a plurality of supporting ribs
defining a space corresponding to a shape of the second liquid
crystal display panel.
42. The liquid crystal display device of claim 37, wherein a
resilient member is provided on a surface of the body.
43. A portable computer, comprising: a liquid crystal display
device comprising: a first liquid crystal display panel disposed
between a first cover and a second cover and configured to display
a first image through the first cover; a second liquid crystal
display panel disposed between the first cover and the second cover
and configured to display a second image through the second cover,
a rear face of the second liquid crystal display panel facing a
rear face of the first liquid crystal display; a main frame
disposed between the first and second liquid crystal display
panels; and a plate configured to connect the second liquid crystal
display panel to the main frame; and a main body connected to the
liquid crystal display device, wherein the plate comprises: a body
comprising a plurality of cut-out holes, a first supporting portion
formed along an edge portion of the body and bent toward the main
frame to engage the main frame, and a second supporting portion
formed on the body and bent toward the second cover to accommodate
the second liquid crystal display panel, the bend of the second
supporting portion being directly adjacent a bend hole, wherein the
cut-out holes comprise: a first cut-out hole opposite to the second
liquid crystal display panel, and a plurality of second cut-out
holes, and wherein the first cut-out hole and the second cut-out
holes are on a same plane, and wherein the second cover is fixed on
the first cover.
44. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the liquid crystal
display device is connected to the main body by at least one
hinge.
45. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the main body
includes: a first input unit; and a power supply unit to supply
electric power to the main body and the liquid crystal display
device.
46. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the main body
includes: a memory; a central processing unit to control the memory
and to send data to the first and/or second liquid crystal display
panels; and a controller to select between the first and second
liquid crystal display panels.
47. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the second cover is
provided with a second input unit.
48. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the second liquid
crystal display panel is a touch-screen.
49. The portable computer of claim 43, further comprising a
two-sided tape formed on the first supporting portion to attach the
plate to the main frame.
50. The portable computer of claim 49, wherein the first and second
supporting portions are integrally formed with the body.
51. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the plate is formed
from at least one of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or
plastic.
52. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein the second
supporting portion includes a plurality of supporting ribs defining
a space corresponding to a shape of the second liquid crystal
display panel.
53. The portable computer of claim 43, wherein a resilient member
is provided on a rear surface of the body.
54. The portable computer of claim 53, wherein the resilient member
includes a sponge.
Description
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2006-0060205 filed in Korea on Jun. 30, 2006,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display
device and a portable computer having the liquid crystal display
device, and more particularly, to a portable computer with a
plurality of liquid crystal display panels.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] In general, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device has better
visibility and lower power consumption than a cathode ray tube
(CRT) of a similar size. In addition, the LCD device is lightweight
and slim. Accordingly, the LCD device is spotlighted as a next
generation display for mobile phones, computers, televisions, and
the like.
[0006] In particular, when the LCD device is applied to a portable
computer, the LCD device having an LCD panel is connected to a main
body of the portable computer by a hinge so that the LCD panel can
be folded on the main body to enhance the portability of the
portable computer. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a
related art portable computer. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a
portable computer 501 includes a LCD device 505 having a LCD panel
520 and a main body 701 connected to the LCD device 505 by a hinge
730.
[0007] The LCD device 505 includes a variety of parts for
displaying an image. That is, the LCD device 505 includes a driver
for driving the LCD panel 520, and a backlight assembly (not shown)
for emitting light toward the rear surface of the LCD panel 520.
The LCD device 505 further includes rear and front cases 560 and
510, respectively, for protecting the above-described parts. The
front case 510 is designed to cover an edge of the LCD panel 520
except for a display area for displaying an image. The rear case
560 is an outermost cover disposed on a rear surface of the
backlight assembly to protect the LCD panel 520 and the backlight
assembly from outer impact and foreign objects.
[0008] The main body 701 is connected to the LCD device 505 by the
hinge 730. The main body 701 typically includes a central process
unit (CPU), a memory device, a disk drive, and the like. A power
supply unit 720 is typically provided on a bottom of the main body
701 and an input unit 710 is provided on a top of the main body
701. A pointing device may be further provided on the main body
701.
[0009] As described above, the LCD device 505 having a display unit
525 is connected to the main body 701 having the input unit 710 by
the hinge 730. Accordingly, when the portable computer 501 is not
being used, the LCD device 505 having the display unit 525 is
typically folded on the main body 701, thereby protecting the input
device 710 and the display unit 525 of the LCD device 505.
[0010] In order to obtain the display information of the LCD panel
520, the LCD device 505 is unfolded from the main body 701. This is
troublesome for a user, especially when the user intends to obtain
simple information from the LCD device 505. The user has to open
the LCD device 505 to obtain information displayed on the LCD panel
520, thereby creating an inconvenience to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a liquid
crystal display device and a portable computer having the liquid
crystal display device that substantially obviates one or more of
the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related
art.
[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid
crystal display device that includes first and second liquid
crystal display panels.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
liquid crystal display device that can easily be mass-produced.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
liquid crystal display device that conveniently displays
information to a user on the exterior of a portable computer.
[0015] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention
will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed
out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the
appended drawings.
[0016] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described, the a liquid crystal display device and a portable
computer having the liquid crystal display device includes a first
liquid crystal display panel disposed between a first cover and a
second cover, a second liquid crystal display panel disposed
between the first cover and the second cover, wherein a rear face
of the second liquid crystal display panel faces a rear face of the
first liquid crystal display panel, a main frame disposed between
the first and second liquid crystal display panels, and a plate to
connect the second liquid crystal display panel to the main
frame.
[0017] In another aspect, a portable computer, includes a liquid
crystal display device having a first liquid crystal display panel
disposed between a first cover and a second cover to display a
first image through the first cover, a second liquid crystal
display panel disposed between the first cover and the second cover
to display a second image through the second cover, wherein a rear
face of the second liquid crystal display panel faces a rear face
of the first liquid crystal display panel, a main frame disposed
between the first and second liquid crystal display panels, and a
plate to connect the second liquid crystal display panel to the
main frame, and a main body connected to the liquid crystal display
device.
[0018] In another aspect, a method for forming a liquid crystal
display device includes the steps of forming a first liquid crystal
display panel disposed between a first cover and a second cover,
forming a second liquid crystal display panel disposed between the
first cover and the second cover, wherein a rear face of the second
liquid crystal display panel faces a rear face of the first liquid
crystal display panel, forming a main frame disposed between the
first and second liquid crystal display panels, and forming a plate
to connect the second liquid crystal display panel to the main
frame.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0021] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a related art
portable computer;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a liquid crystal display
device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 2B-D are alternative exemplary views of an enlarged
portion A of FIG. 2A;
[0024] FIG. 3A is a top view of the liquid crystal display device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line III-III' of
FIG. 3A;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of another exemplary embodiment
of the plate of FIG. 3A;
[0027] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a portable computer
according an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a view of a portable computer having a second
display unit according to the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment for controlling the liquid crystal display device
according to the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative
exemplary embodiment for controlling the liquid crystal display
device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0032] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a LCD device 5 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and FIGS. 2B-D are
alternative exemplary views of an enlarged portion A of FIG. 2A. As
shown in FIG. 2A, a LCD device 5 includes first and second covers
10 and 60, and first and second LCD panels 20 and 70 disposed
between and protected by the first and second covers 10 and 60.
While not shown, each of the first and second LCD panels 20 and 70
has a variety of devices for realizing the display functions
thereof, That is, each of the first and second. LCD panels 20 and
70 includes a LCD panel, a driver for driving the LCD panel, and a
driving circuit unit having a variety of circuit devices.
[0033] Disposed between the first and second covers 10 and 60 is a
main frame 50 for supporting and protecting the first and second
LCD panels 20 and 70. The first and second covers 10 and 60 are
shaped to receive the first and second LCD panels 20 and 70. In
addition, the first and second covers 10 and 60 are coupled to each
other to support and protect the first and second LCD panels 20 and
70 from outer shock and foreign objects. In particular, the main
frame 50 is disposed between the first and second LCD panels 20 and
70 such that it supports the first and second LCD panels 20 and
70.
[0034] A plate 100 is disposed between the second LCD panel 70 and
a rear surface of the main frame 50. The main frame 50 supports the
plate 100. As shown in FIG. 2B, the plate 100 has a body 105, a
first supporting portion 110, and a second supporting portion 120.
The first supporting portion 110 is formed at an edge of the body
105 that is bent toward the first LCD panel 20 to prevent the plate
100 from moving. The second supporting portion 120 is formed to
support the second LCD panel 70. In other words, the plate 100 is
provided with a first supporting portion 110 by which the plate is
fixed on the main frame 50 and a second supporting portion to
support the second LCD panel 70. The second supporting portion 120
may be formed by bending a portion of the body 105 to correspond to
a shape of the second LCD panel 70 to prevent the second LCD panel
70 from moving. The body 105 supports the load of the second LCD
panel 70. Also, the second cover 60 is provided with an opening for
the second LCD panel 70 to an external side.
[0035] Moreover, the shape or size of the second supporting portion
120 formed on the body 105 may be varied to accommodate a variety
of shapes and sizes of the second LCD panel 70. The shape and size
of the body 105 and the second supporting portion 120 can be
adjusted according to the shape and size of the second LCD panel
70. Similarly, the second cover 60 is designed to correspond to the
shape and size of the second LCD panel 70 such that the dual LCD
device 5 having display panels formed on opposite surfaces is
realized. Therefore, it is possible to standardize the LCD device 5
using the plate 100 corresponding to the second LCD panel 70.
[0036] As described above, it is possible to effectively fix and
support the second LCD panel 70 without any additional structures
or other members assembled with the plate 100 by forming the second
supporting portion 120 on the body 105 of the plate 100. Further,
the plate 100 which supports the second LCD panel 70 may be
supported by the main frame 50 to prevent shaking. In other words,
the plate 100 is fixedly supported on the main frame 50 that
supports the first LCD panel 20.
[0037] The first supporting portion 110 that supports the plate 100
on the main frame 50 is formed on the body 105 of the plate 100.
The first supporting portion 110 is formed to correspond to at
least one side of the main frame 50. That is, in order to stably
support the plate 100 on the main frame 50, the first supporting
portion 110 is formed on the plate 100 to be supported on at least
one side of the main frame 50. Furthermore, the first supporting
portion 110 may be formed on additional sides of the main frame
50.
[0038] As described above, since the plate 100 is fixedly supported
on the main frame 50, the second LCD panel 70 can be effectively
supported and fixed in the LCD device 5 without using any
additional members for fixing the second LCD panel 70 to the first
LCD panel 20. Therefore, by applying the plate 100 to the LCD
device 5, the manufacturing time of the LCD device 5 can be
reduced, making it possible to more efficiently mass-produce the
LCD device 5.
[0039] Each of FIGS. 2B-D is an alternative exemplary view of an
enlarged portion A of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative
arrangement of the second supporting portion 120. In particular,
the second supporting portion 120 is formed along three sides of
the second LCD panel 70. FIG. 2D illustrates another arrangement of
the first supporting portion 110. In particular, the first
supporting portion 110 is formed along two sides of the plate
100.
[0040] The plate 100 may be formed of aluminum alloy, stainless
steel, or reinforced plastic. However, other materials may be used
without departing from the scope of the invention. The plate 100 is
formed to be durable against outer impact and vibration and is also
lightweight. Further, cut-out holes 130 may be formed on the body
105 of the plate 100 to reduce the weight of the plate 100. That
is, portions (i.e., portions that correspond to the cut-out holes
130) of the body 105 except for portions supporting the main frame
50 and the second LCD panel 70 are cut away from the body 105,
thereby minimizing the weight of the body 105. For example, a
cut-out hole 130 is formed on a region surrounded by the second
supporting portion 120 to minimize the weight as shown in FIG. 2B.
As the rigidity of the body 105 may he weakened due to the cut-out
hole 130, a portion of the body 105 around the cut-out hole 130 is
designed to enhance the rigidity of the body 105, i.e., the plate
100 is designed to enhance the rigidity of the body 105. Since the
thickness and weight of the plate 100 can be reduced by using a
proper material and/or an efficient design, the thickness and
weight limitation problems of the LCD device 5 can be solved.
[0041] In addition, since the second LCD panel 70 can be detachably
mounted on the plate 100, assembly line compatibility for
manufacture is possible. That is, when covers using the plates 100
and covers not using the plates 100 are separately manufactured, it
is possible to manufacture the dual-display LCD device 5 and
single-display LCD device of the related art in the same assembling
line.
[0042] FIG. 3A is a top view of a LCD device 5 according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a
sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 3A. The support
structure of the main frame 50 and the plate 100 will be described
with reference to FIG. 3A. The first cover 10 is omitted to better
illustrate a rear surface of the LCD device 5. The support
structure of the plate 100 and the second LCD panel 70 will be
described with reference to FIG. 3B.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 3A, the LCD device 5 includes the first and
second LCD panels 20 and 70. The main frame 50 supports the first
LCD panel 20. The second LCD panel 70 is provided on a rear surface
of the main frame 50. The plate 100 is provided on the rear surface
of the main frame 50 to support and fix the second LCD panel
70.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3B, the LCD device 5 includes the first and
second LCD panels 20 and 70. The first LCD panel 20 is supported on
the main frame 50 and protected by the first cover 10. The second
LCD panel 70 is provided on the rear surface of the first LCD panel
20. In particular, the second LCD panel 70 is provided on the rear
surface of the main frame 50.
[0045] In order to allow the body 105 of the plate 100 to be
supported on the main frame 50, a hook, a chevron 155, or a
two-sided tape 150, for example, may be formed on the first
supporting portion 110. FIG. 3B shows an example where the
two-sided tape 150 is provided to the first supporting portion 110.
FIG. 4 shows an example where the chevron 155 is formed on the
first supporting portion 110.
[0046] As described above, by forming the supporting force
enhancing unit such as the hook, chevron 155, or two-sided tape 150
on the first supporting portion 110, the plate 100 can be supported
on the main frame 50 and the first cover 10 by fixing the first
supporting portion 110 on the rear portion of the main frame 50.
Therefore, the plate 100 can be freely adjusted at the second cover
60 such that the position of the second LCD panel 70 can be easily
adjusted.
[0047] As described above, the plate 100 is supported and fixed on
the main frame 50 and the first cover 10 by the first supporting
portion 110 that prevents the shaking of the plate 100. In
addition, a shock absorbing member 140, such as sponge, may be
provided under the body 105 of the plate 100. The first LCD panel
20 has a backlight assembly (not shown) having a plurality of
optical members. When an outer shock or vibration is applied to the
LCD device 5, the optical members of the backlight assembly may
collide with the plate 100. As a result, the optical members of the
first LCD panel 20 may be damaged, thereby deteriorating the
display quality. Hence, the shock absorbing member 140 absorbs the
shock and vibration to minimize the problems caused by the
collision between the first LCD panel 20 and the plate 100.
[0048] Moreover, the plate 100 supports and fixes the second LCD
panel 70. The second supporting portion 120 is formed on the body
105 of the plate 100 to support and fix the second LCD panel 70.
The second supporting portion 120 may be formed by bending a
portion of the body 105 of the plate 100. The second supporting
portion 120 may be bent toward the second cover 60 to support the
sides of the second LCD panel 70.
[0049] As described above, the plate 100 is formed between the
second cover 60 and the main frame 50. As no additional structure
for supporting/fixing the second LCD panel 70 is required in the
LCD device 5, the cost of manufacturing the LCD device 5 can be
reduced. Furthermore, the assembling time of the second LCD panel
70 is also reduced, thereby increasing productivity of the LCD
device 5.
[0050] As the second supporting portion 120 is bent toward the
second cover 60, the second LCD panel 70 can be easily attached to
and detached from the second supporting portion 120. Therefore, the
plate 100 can be compatibly applied to any production lines or
manufacturing processes for manufacturing the LCD device 5. That
is, the dual LCD device 5 can be compatibly manufactured using the
plate 100 on any production lines.
[0051] FIG. 4 is a view of another exemplary embodiment of the
plate of FIG. 3A. Referring to FIG. 4, a LCD device 5 includes
first and second liquid crystal display panels 20 and 70. The first
supporting portion 110 is supported and fixed or attached to the
first cover 10 or the main frame 50. The second supporting portion
120 contacts the second cover 60 of the second LCD panel 70. The
first and second supporting portions 110 and 120 are bent having
chevrons 155 and the second cover 60 of the second LCD panel 120
and the main frame 50 are provided with grooves corresponding to
the chevrons 155. As described above, the plate 100 is provided to
fix the second LCD panel 70 on the main frame 50. As a result, an
image can be displayed in two directions.
[0052] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a portable computer
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 5A, a portable computer 1 includes a main
body 201 having a power supply unit 220 and a LCD device 5 for
displaying an image provided from the main body 201. The LCD device
5 is connected to the main body 201 by hinges 230. The LCD device 5
has a first LCD panel 20 having a first display unit 25 facing an
input unit 210 provided on the main body 201.
[0054] The first LCD panel 20 displays the image toward the first
cover 10. The LCD display panel 20 includes a first display unit 25
to function as a main display unit. The first display unit 25 is
oriented toward the input unit 210. The first LCD panel 20 having
the first display unit 25 may receive electric power from the power
supply unit 220.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 5B, the second LCD panel 70 of the portable
computer 1 is disposed with a rear surface facing the first display
unit 25. That is, the second LCD panel 70 is provided in the second
cover 60 to provide a second display unit 75 with the rear surface
facing the first display unit 25.
[0056] The second cover 60 is provided to protect the LCD device 5.
In the related art, the display unit is protected by folding the
LCD device 505 on the main body 701. In use, the LCD device 505
needs to be unfolded and the main body 701 is turned on. However,
in the present invention, the second display unit 75 is provided in
the second cover 60. Hence, an image can be displayed on the second
display unit 75 of the second LCD panel 70 even when the LCD device
5 is folded on the main body 201.
[0057] A menu window may be provided on the second display unit 75
by the user. Therefore, even when the LCD device 5 is folded on the
main body 201, the portable computer 1 can be quickly operated
through the menu window of the second display unit 75. In addition,
a menu input key unit 240 for controlling the second LCD panel 70
is provided on the second cover 60 to control the menu window
disposed on the second display unit 75. The second LCD panel 70 may
have a touch-screen function.
[0058] As described above, in a state when the backlight assembly
of the first LCD panel 20 is turned off or the LCD device 5 is
folded, the user can quickly identify the information of the main
body 201 without opening the LCD panel 5.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a view of a portable computer having a second
display unit 75 according to the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the LCD device 5 of the
portable computer 1 is connected to the main body 201 by the hinge
230. The hinge 230 allows the LCD device 5 to be folded on the main
body 201.
[0060] The LCD device 5 includes first and second display units 25
and 75 for displaying an image. The first display unit 25 faces the
input unit 210 of the main body 201. Therefore, the user cannot see
the image displayed on the first display unit 25 when the LCD
device 5 is folded on the main body 201. The second display unit 75
has a second LCD panel 70 exposed through the second cover 60.
Therefore, even when the LCD device 5 is folded on the main body
201, the user can identify the information of the portable computer
1 through the second display unit 75.
[0061] The second display unit 75 may display an initial menu input
to the user. The initial menu can display a music player, e-mail,
schedule, digital media broadcasting (DMB) player, and the like.
That is, the user can control relatively simple functions such as
an email checking function, a schedule identification function, and
an MP3 play function through the second LCD panel 70. Therefore,
the portable function of the portable computer 1 can be
enhanced.
[0062] In addition, the menu input key unit 240 is provided on the
second cover 60 for the menu selection on the second LCD panel 70.
Moreover, an initial menu can be selected using a touch-screen
function of the second LCD panel 70. Therefore, the second LCD
panel 70 provides the information to the user even when the LCD
device 5 of the portable computer 1 is folded on the main body 201.
That is, even when the backlight assembly of the portable computer
I is turned off or the LCD panel 5 is folded on the main body 201,
the user can identify the information of the main body 201.
[0063] As described above, since the second display unit 75 having
the second LCD panel 70 is exposed through the second cover 60, a
variety of functions such as a personal digital assistant (PDA)
function, a global positioning system (GPS) function, a motion
picture play function, a music play function, and an email function
can be displayed on the second display unit 75 having the second
LCD panel 70. Therefore, a quick view can be realized without
opening the LCD device 5 of the portable computer 1. This
arrangement provides improved convenience to the user of the
portable computer.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment for controlling the LCD device according to the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 7, a central processing unit (CPU) 250
connected to a memory 260 provides the information to be displayed
on the first and second LCD panels 20 and 70. In particular, the
CPU 250 sends image signals to the first and second display units
25 and 75, respectively. The image displayed on the first and
second display units 25 and 75 are visible by a user due to the
operation of first and second backlight units 25a and 75a,
respectively. A controller 270 connected to the power supply unit
220 determines which of the first and second backlight units 25a
and 75a to turn on or off based on whether the LCD device 5 is in
an unfolded state or a folded state, In this manner, the controller
270 determines whether information is displayed on a first LCD
panel 20 or a second LCD panel 70. For example, the controller 270
may include a switch that activates the first LCD panel 20 when the
LCD device 5 is unfolded or activates the second LCD panel 70 when
the LCD device 5 is folded unto the main body 201.
[0065] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative
exemplary embodiment for controlling the liquid crystal display
device according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a
CPU 250 connected to a memory 260 provides the information to be
displayed on the first and second LCD panels 20 and 70. A
controller 270 connected to a power supply unit 220 determines
which of the first and second backlight units 25a and 75a,
respectively, are in an on or off state based on whether the LCD
device 5 is in an unfolded state or a folded state. In addition,
the controller 270 determines which of the first and second display
units 25 and 75, respectively, are to be applied with image data
from the CPU 250. In this manner, the controller determines whether
information is displayed on a first LCD panel 20 or a second LCD
panel 70. For example, the controller 270 may include a first
switch that activates the first LCD panel 20 when the LCD device 5
is unfolded or activates the second LCD panel 70 when the LCD
device 5 is folded onto the main body 201. In addition, the
controller 270 may include a second switch that applies the image
signals from the CPU 250 to the first display unit 25 when the LCD
device 5 is unfolded or applies the image signals to the second
display unit 75 when the LCD device 5 is folded.
[0066] According to the present invention, since the plate 100
supporting and fixing the second LCD panel 70 is disposed between
the main frame 50 and the second LCD panel 70, the LCD device 5 can
be easily assembled. In addition, there is no need to provide an
additional structure for supporting and fixing the second LCD panel
70 on the first LCD panel 20. As a result, the manufacturing cost
and assembling time can be reduced. Therefore, the LCD devices can
be easily mass-produced.
[0067] In addition, since the plate may be formed of a lightweight
material such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, enhanced plastic,
or the like, the overall weight of the LCD device 5 can be reduced,
thereby solving the weight limitation problem. As described above,
the thickness and weight of the plate 100 can be varied according
to the material or shape thereof, thereby solving the weight or
thickness limitation problem.
[0068] Furthermore, since the plate 100 can be easily attached on
the first cover 10 and the main frame 50, the LCD device 5 can be
easily assembled in the LCD panel assembling company. In addition,
since the second LCD panel 70 can be detachably attached to the
plate, the assembly of the present invention can be adapted to any
production line. Therefore, a standardized LCD device can be
produced using the plate.
[0069] As PDA, GPS, motion picture play, music play, email
identification functions, and the like can be displayed on the
second LCD panel 70 provided on the second cover 60, the quick view
can be realized without opening the LCD device 5. Accordingly, the
user of portable computer 1 can more easily access common functions
without unfolding the LCD device 5.
[0070] In addition, the LCD device 5 may employ the CPU connected
to the main body 201, or may employ a second CPU connected to the
LCD device 5. In the case that the LCD device 5 employs the CPU
connected to the main body 201, the first LCD panel 20 is turned
off when the cover is folded, and the second LCD panel 70 may be
turned on. In the case that the LCD device 5 employs the second CPU
connected to the LCD device 5, the processor connected to the main
body 201 can be turned off while the second processor supports the
functionality of the second LCD panel 70.
[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the liquid crystal
display device and a portable computer having the liquid crystal
display panel of the present invention without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover the modifications and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
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