Liquid crystal display module

Details Liquid crystal display module Liquid crystal display module

1999-01-22

2001-01-16

Parker, Kenneth (Department: 2871)

Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems

Particular structure

Holder, support, frame, or housing

C349S061000, C349S065000, C361S689000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06175396

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) module and, more particularly to an LCD module in which a series of overlying sheets are fixed using movable fixing members such as a positioner, an earth clip and the like that prevent wrinkling of the sheets and thereby prevent degradation of the displaying performance which may otherwise occur when the sheets are fixed using conventional fixing devices, such as tape.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
LCD devices are a well known form of flat panel display. Because they are typically smaller, lighter and because they typically use less power than cathode ray tubes (CRTs), LCD devices are often considered a preferred type of display device. LCD devices having various structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,922 entitled
“Apparatus for driving an LCD module with one driving circuit”,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,915 entitled
“Out active matrix LCD”,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,555 entitled
“Liquid crystal display panel”,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,316 entitled
“Liquid crystal display module”,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,611 entitled
“Apparatus for controlling power sequence of an LCD module”.
In conventional LCD devices, a series of overlying sheets are typically disposed between a light guide plate and an LCD panel. The overlying sheets typically include a diffusing sheet and a prism sheet that are configured to receive and modify the character of the light. A protecting sheet is also typically included for protecting the diffusing and prism sheets from being damaged. Collectively, these sheets will be referred to hereinafter as “the series of overlying sheets”, the “overlying sheets”, or “the sheets”.
The light guide plate and the series of overlying sheets are typically adhered to each other via tape, such as a double-sided adhesive tape, so as to resist movement caused by external impacts. The above components are also typically secured via double-sided adhesive tape to the bottom of a mold frame, to thereby achieve a stable structure for the LCD device. The use of tape to secure various members together is well known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,779 entitled
“Printing drum and method for attaching heat shrinkable screen”,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,607 entitled
“Method for producing thin film solar cell”,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,129 entitled
“Device and method for forming and attaching an array of conductive balls”,
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,422 entitled
“Illuminated LCD apparatus”.
In conventional LCD devices, image data is typically displayed via light provided from a lamp. Unfortunately, lamps typically produce heat with the light. The heat discharged from a lamp can cause a series of overlying sheets secured to a mold frame of an LCD device to expand as a result of thermal expansion. However, if the sheets are secured to a mold frame thermal expansion of the sheets may be hindered. As a result, undesirable stresses may result. Such thermally-induced stresses may cause the sheets to wrinkle because the sheets may be extremely thin and may have weak resistance to external impacts. Wrinkling may degrade a the displaying performance of an LCD device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a LCD module capable of preventing sheets thereof from being moved without using a fixing member such as tape.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an LCD module wherein sheets are fixed to a mold frame using a fixing member instead of fixing tape so as to reduce thermally-induced stress.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an LCD module wherein deformation of sheets, via thermally-induced stress, can be reduced.
It is another object of the present invention to enhance the displaying performance of LCD devices.
To achieve the above objects, there is provided, in accordance with the present invention, an LCD module including: a mold frame accommodating a light guide plate, a series of sheets, and an LCD panel; a lamp disposed at an end portion of the mold frame and which emits light to the LCD panel via the light guide plate and sheets; a top chassis enclosing the mold frame; a printed circuit board having an earth terminal and which is electrically connected to the LCD panel and controls a driving state of the LCD panel; and a positioner being erected and inserted between the mold frame and the LCD panel and which fixes the sheets onto the mold frame by perforating the overlying sheets and mold frame.
Preferably, the positioner includes: a first head which is located on an uppermost sheet of the overlying sheets and fixed to an edge portion of the sheets; a first pin which is formed by extending a portion of the first head orthogonally and inserted into the mold frame passing through the overlying sheets; and a second pin which is formed by extending another portion of the first head orthogonally and inserted into the mold frame without perforating the sheets.
Preferably, the overlying sheets include: a first through hole for insertion of the first pin, which is formed by perforating the overlying sheets at a common portion thereof corresponding to the bottom of the first pin at a time; and a first groove for passage of the second pin which is formed at an end portion of the first through hole by cutting away the overlying sheets at a common portion thereof corresponding to the bottom of the second pin at a time.
Preferably, the first through hole does not contact the first pin and is formed as a slit.
Preferably, the first through hole is disposed in a fashion that its lengthwise direction is parallel with a sheet expansion direction.
Preferably, the first through hole is disposed in a fashion that its lengthwise direction is parallel with a direction of the sheets.
Preferably, a first fixing hole for fixation of the first pin is formed by perforating the mold frame at a portion thereof corresponding to the first through hole, and a second fixing hole for fixation of the second pin is formed by perforating the mold frame at a portion thereof corresponding to the first groove.
Preferably, the first and second fixing holes contact the first and second pins.
Preferably, the mold frame further includes a stopper projecting member for preventing the sheets from being overly pressed by the first head, the stopper projecting member being formed around the first fixing hole upwardly to a height equal to the total thickness of the overlying sheets, inserted through the sheets and contacting the first head.
Preferably, the positioner includes: a second head which is located on an uppermost sheet of the overlying sheets and fixed to an edge portion of the sheets; a third pin which is formed by extending a portion of the second head orthogonally and inserted into the mold frame passing through the sheets; and a locking member which is formed at the bottom of the third pin as a single body.
Preferably, the overlying sheets include a second through hole for insertion of the third pin, which are formed by perforating the overlying sheets at a common portion thereof corresponding to the bottom of the third pin at a time.
Preferably, the second through hole does not contact the third pin and is formed as a slit.
Preferably, the second through hole is disposed in a fashion that its lengthwise direction is parallel with a sheet expansion direction.
Preferably, the second through hole is disposed in a fashion that its lengthwise direction is parallel with those of the sheets.
Preferably, a third fixing hole for fixation of the third pin is formed by perforating the mold frame at a portion thereof corresponding to the second through hole.
Preferably, the third fixing hole contacts the third pin.
Preferably, the mold frame in contact with the locking member further includes at the bottom thereof a deviation preventive groove which is communicated with the sheets and prevents any deviation of the locking member.
Preferably, the locking member has an inverse triangular cross-section.
Preferably, the positioner includes: a third head located o

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