Abstract:
An LCD monitor stand includes a base part, a stand part to stand on the base part and having a cable accommodating part to accommodate cables therein, a hinge shaft positioned across a standing direction of the stand part, a first rotation member to rotate up and down on the hinge shaft, and a second rotation member rotatably coupled to the first rotation member, to rotate the LCD monitor in a planar direction. With this configuration, it is possible to apply tilting and pivoting structures to the internal cable type LCD monitor.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates in general to an LCD monitor stand, and more particularly, to an LCD monitor stand having an internal cable. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   An LCD monitor stand supporting an LCD monitor is classified into an external cable type and an internal cable type. As shown in  FIG. 8 , an external cable type LCD monitor stand  101  has a tilt member  115  and a pivot member  117 , which are disposed between a main body  105  and an LCD monitor (such as the LCD monitor  3  shown in FIG.  1 ). The tilt member  115  is installed at the upper part of the main body  105  and rotates up and down about a first horizontal axis. The pivot member  117  is combined to the LCD monitor  3  and rotates against the tilt member  115  about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. As the tilt member  115  and the pivot member  117  rotate, the angle of the LCD monitor  3  can be vertically and horizontally adjusted. 
   However, in this configuration, because a cable that allows communication between the LCD monitor  3  and a computer (not shown), a power cable, and other similar components are exposed to the outside, there are problems that the cables disturb the angle adjustment of the LCD monitor  3  and deteriorate the external simplicity of the LCD monitor  3 . 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above-described and other shortcomings and the needs of the users, and an object of the present invention is to provide an internal cable type LCD monitor stand having a simple pivoting and tilting structure which can adjust an angle of an LCD monitor easily. 
   Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
   This and other objects of the present invention may be accomplished by an embodiment of the present invention in which an LCD monitor stand includes a base part, a stand part to stand on the base part and to have a cable accommodating part to accommodate cables therein, a hinge shaft positioned across a standing direction of the stand part, a first rotation member rotating up and down on the hinge shaft, and a second rotation member rotatably coupled to the first rotation member, and rotating the LCD monitor in a planar direction. 
   According to an aspect of the invention, the first rotation member includes a cable through-hole through which the cables are passed, thereby effectively hiding the cables. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, the second rotation member includes a first rotation pipe rotatably inserted into the cable through-hole of the first rotation member, and a second rotation pipe rotatably combined to the first rotation pipe, and supporting the LCD monitor, the first rotation pipe including an outside flange outwardly protruding from one end thereof, and the second rotation pipe including an inside flange engaged with the outside flange of the first rotation pipe, and further comprising a stop washer positioned on a part of the first rotation pipe and jutting beyond the rear of the first rotation member. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, the LCD monitor stand further includes a rotation angle restricting unit disposed between the first rotation member and the second rotation pipe, to restrict the rotation of the second rotation pipe within a predetermined angle, wherein the rotation angle restricting unit includes a ring shaped rotation-restricting member having a pair of holding parts at the outer circumference thereof, and engaged with the second rotation pipe to rotate with the second rotation pipe, and a stopper provided at the first rotation member, and interposed between the pair of holding parts of the rotation-restricting member. 
   According to still another aspect of the invention, the stand part includes a lower casing and an upper casing accommodated in the lower casing and moving up and down therein to adjust the height of the LCD monitor. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be better understood and its various objects and advantages will be more fully appreciated from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an LCD monitor stand according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the LCD monitor stand is coupled to an LCD monitor; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial exploded perspective view of the LCD monitor stand of  FIG. 1 , wherein the LCD monitor stand is separated from the LCD monitor; 
       FIG. 3  is a view illustrating the rear of the LCD monitor stand of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial exploded perspective view of the LCD monitor stand of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed partial exploded perspective view of the LCD monitor stand of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are enlarged sectional views taken along line VI—VI in  FIG. 4 , wherein the configuration of the second rotation member is illustrated in more detail; 
       FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line VII—VII in  FIG. 4 , wherein the rotating movement of the second rotation member is illustrated; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the conventional LCD monitor stand; and 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a movement control device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
   Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an LCD monitor stand  1  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base part  11  and a stand part  21  that supports the LCD monitor  3 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the LCD monitor stand  1  additionally comprises a first rotation member  31  to allow vertical rotation about a first horizontal axis, and a second rotation member  41  to allow planar rotation about an axis of rotation. The first and second rotation members  31  and  41  are installed at an upper end part of the stand part  11 . 
   The base part  11  has a generally rectangular shape, and has an opening  13  at the center area thereof. At the rear of the opening  13  is mounted the stand part  21 . Further, on the bottom of the base part  11  is provided a swivel device (not shown) to allow the base part  11  to swivel. However, it is understood that other shapes could be used, such as an oval or a multi-sided shape. 
   The stand part  21  is generally prismatic with a rectangular cross section. The stand part  21  is separated into an upper casing  23  and a lower casing  25 . The upper casing  23  has a size proper to be accommodated in the lower casing  25 . The upper casing  23  moves up and down while being accommodated in the lower casing  25  in a telescoping fashion. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the upper casing  23  and the lower casing  25  have main casings  23   a  and  25   a , and front casings  23   b  and  25   b  combined to the main casings  23   a  and  25   a , respectively. Inside the casings  23  and  25  are accommodated cables  5  needed for the LCD monitor  3 . It is understood that the stand part  21  can have other shapes, such as a tubular shape, and that the stand part  21  need not have the same shape as the base part  11 . Further, the lower casing  25  could instead fit within the upper casing  23  in a similar telescoping fashion Further, it is understood that the upper and lower casings  23  and  25  could also be a single unit such that the stand part  21  does not extend vertically in a telescoping fashion. 
   The lower casing  25  is combined at the lower part thereof with the rear part of the opening  13  provided at the center area of the base part  11 . Herein, the base part  11  and the lower casing  25  may be manufactured as one body according to an embodiment of the invention, but can also be manufactured separately. 
   At the upper part of the lower casing  25  is provided an entrance  24  that allows the upper casing  23  to move up and down there through. Further, as shown in  FIG. 3 , at the rear lower part of the lower casing  25  are a pair of through holes  26 A and  26 B through which the cables  5  are passed. Here, through the through hole  26 A may be passed the pair of communication cables  5 , and through the other through hole  26 B may be passed a power cable (not shown). It is understood other cables may be used, such as cables leading to speakers or other accessories that can be attached to the LCD monitor  3 . 
   At the upper and lower parts of the upper casing  23 , which is hollow, are provided an upper opening  28  and a lower opening (not shown), respectively. At the upper opening  28  is provided a hinge shaft  29  in a lengthwise direction of the upper opening  28 . The hinge shaft  29  is rotatably combined at a hinge hole  38   a  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the first rotation member  31  so as to rotate about a horizontal axis (i.e., vertically). The lower opening (not shown) is communicated with the inside of the lower casing  25 , and allows the cables  5  to pass there through. 
   The up and down movement of the upper casing  23  may be controlled using a known movement control device. According to the embodiment of the movement control device shown in  FIG. 9 , guides  100  are provided on both sides of an inside wall of the lower casing  25 , respectively. Rollers  110  are installed on both sides of an outside wall of the upper casing  23 , and move along the guides  100  of the lower casing  25 . A spring  120  is interposed between the upper casing  23  and the lower casing  25 , and elastically biases the upper casing  23 . Thus, the height of the LCD monitor  3  can be adjusted. Herein, the guides  100  and the rollers  110  may be provided on the upper casing  23  and the lower casing  25 , respectively according to other embodiments of the invention. 
   While not shown, it is understood that other movement control devices could be used, such as those that utilize gears or hydraulics. However, where the height of the LCD monitor  3  is not adjustable, it is understood that the movement control device would not be used. In this embodiment, the casings  23 ,  25  can be formed as a single body. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  7 , the configuration of the first rotation member  31  and the second rotation member  41 , installed at the upper part of the stand part  21 , will be described herein below. The first rotation member  31  includes a main body  32  approximately of a rectangular shape, and hinge parts  38  protruding from opposite lower edges thereof. Each hinge part  38  includes a hinge hole  38   a . The hinge hole  38   a  is coupled to the hinge shaft  29  provided at the upper casing  23 . Thus, the first rotation member  31  rotates about the hinge shaft  29 . The free rotation of the first rotation member  31  is restricted by a spring  37  combined to the hinge shaft  29  of the upper casing  23 . 
   At a center of the first rotation member  31  is provided a cable through hole  33 . The cable through hole  33  allows the cables  5  from the LCD monitor  3  to pass through the stand part  21  and through the through hole  33  of the first rotation member  31  as shown in FIG.  5 . The through hole  33  rotatably accommodates a first rotation pipe  51  of the second rotation member  41  therein. A stopper  35  protrudes from the front surface of the first rotation member  31  above the cable through hole  33 . The stopper  35  restricts a rotation of a second rotation pipe  43  of the second rotation member  41  to stay within a predetermined angle. 
   The second rotation member  41  includes the second rotation pipe  43  positioned in front of the cable through hole  33 . The first rotation pipe  51 , which is accommodated in the cable through hole  33 , rotates together with the second rotation pipe  43  so as to provide planar rotation. A stop washer  65  attaches the first rotation pipe  51  to the first rotation member  31  while allowing the planar rotation. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  7 , the second rotation pipe  43  has a pipe shape. A minimum inner diameter of the second rotation pipe  43  is greater than or equal to a diameter of the cable through hole  33 . At a rear end of the second rotation pipe  43  is provided an inside flange  46  that protrudes inwardly. Herein, it is desirable that the inner diameter of the inside flange  46  is equal to that of the cable through hole  33 , however other diameters are possible. Further, at the rear end of the second rotation pipe  43  is provided a pair of flat parts  47  formed in parallel at opposite sides of the outer circumference of the second rotation pipe  43 . 
   A rotation-restricting member  61  is combined with the flat parts  47  of the second rotation pipe  43 . The rotation-restricting member  61  restricts a rotation of the second rotation pipe  43  within a predetermined angle, in cooperation with the stopper  35 . The rotation-restricting member  61  is approximately of a circular ring shape, and has an inner circumference that corresponds to an outer circumference of the second rotation pipe  43 . Thus, the second rotation pipe  43  can be rotated by gearing with the rotation-restricting member  61 . 
   The outer circumference of the rotation-restricting member  61  is formed with a cutoff part  63  of a predetermined length. Due to the cutoff part  63 , at the outer circumference of the rotation restriction member  61  are provided a pair of holding parts  62   a  and  62   b . Thus, the rotation of the second rotation pipe  43  and the rotation-restricting member  61  can be restricted within a predetermined angle by restricting the movement of the stopper  35  of the first rotation member  31  between the holding parts  62   a  and  62   b.    
   At a front end of the second rotation pipe  43  is provided an outside flange  45 . On a front surface of the front flange  45  are provided a pair of projections  48 , at opposite positions thereof. The projections  48  are accommodated in grooves (not shown) provided at a rear of the LCD monitor  3 . Further, on the front flange  45  are provided a plurality of holes  49  at regular intervals. Into the holes  49  are inserted fixing members (not shown), passing through the rear of the LCD monitor  3 . 
   The first rotation pipe  51  is also of a pipe shape of a predetermined length and is inserted into the second rotation pipe  43 . It is desirable that the outer diameter of the first rotation pipe  51  is smaller than the inner diameter of the inside flange  46  of the second rotation pipe  43 , however other diameters are possible. At a front end of the first rotation pipe  51  is provided an outside flange  53 . The outside flange  53  is slideably engaged with the inside flange  46  of the second rotation pipe  43  when the first rotation pipe  51  is inserted into the second rotation pipe  43 . 
   The stop washers  65  are of a circular ring shape, and are engaged with a rear end part of the first rotation pipe  51  at the rear part of the first rotation member  31 , thereby preventing the first rotation pipe  51  from detaching from the first rotation member  31 . While multiple stop washers  65  are shown, it is understood that a single stop washer  65  or other similar restraining device could be used to keep the first rotation part  51  from detaching from the first rotation member  31 . 
   With this configuration, the process of combining the second rotation member  41  to the first rotation member  31  will be described. First, the first rotation pipe  51  is accommodated in the second rotation pipe  43 . A rear end part of the first rotation pipe  51  juts beyond the rear of the second rotation pipe  43 . Then, the second rotation pipe  43  is inserted into the rotation-restricting member  61 . Thereafter, the jutting rear part of the first rotation pipe  51  is accommodated in the cable through hole  33  of the first rotation member  31 . A part of the rear of the first rotation pipe  51  juts beyond the rear of the first rotation member  31 . At this time, the stopper  35  of the first rotation member  31  is positioned between the holding parts  62   a  and  62   b  formed by the cutoff part  63  of the rotation-restricting member  61 . 
   Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the stop washers  65  are arranged on the rear end of the first rotation pipe  51 , which juts beyond the rear of the first rotation member  31 . Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the rear end of the first rotation pipe  51  is bent outwardly. Thus, the first rotation pipe  51  is rotatably inserted in the cable through hole  33  of the first rotation member  31  without breaking away, so that the second rotation member  41  is combined to the first rotation member  31 . At this time, the second rotation pipe  43  can rotate relatively to the first rotation pipe  51  while allowing a cable  5  to pass through the axis of rotation. 
   On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the assembled second rotation member  41  is covered with hinge cases  71  and  75 . The hinge cases  71  and  75  have a rear cover  75  and a front cover  71 . On the front cover  71  is provided a second rotation pipe hole  74  through which the second rotation pipe  43  is passed. At the brim of the second rotation pipe hole  74  is provided a skirt part  73  that protrudes forward. Herein, the rear cover  75  and the front cover  71  can be combined together using a hook structure. 
   The LCD monitor  3  is combined with the front of the second rotation member  41 , which is covered with the hinge cases  71  and  75 . Specifically, the LCD monitor  3  is attached to the front of the second rotation pipe  43 . The combination of the LCD monitor  3  and the second rotation pipe  43  is accomplished by inserting the projections  48  of the second rotation pipe  43  into grooves provided at the rear of the LCD monitor  3 , and then by fastening the plurality of fixing members into the holes  49  of the second rotation pipe  43 , through the rear of the LCD monitor  3 . 
   With this configuration, the height and the angle of the LCD monitor  3  can be adjusted by using the LCD monitor stand  1  according to the present invention, in the following manner. First, the height of the LCD monitor  3  can be adjusted by moving the upper casing  23  up and down within the lower casing  25 . The upper casing  23  is positioned in place by the weight of the LCD monitor  3 . The vertical and planar rotation angles of the LCD monitor  3  can be adjusted using the first rotation member  31 . The vertical rotation angle is adjusted by turning the first rotation member  31  on the hinge shaft  29  about a horizontal axis, and the planar rotation angle is adjusted by rotating the second rotation member  41  relative to the first rotation member  31  about an axis of rotation. Further, the cable  5  passes internally through the stand  21  and, through the first and second rotation members  31 ,  41  near the axis of rotation so as to attach to the LCD monitor  3 . 
   As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an internal cable type LCD monitor which is capable of easily adjusting vertical and lateral angles of an LCD monitor. Further, the height of the LCD monitor can be adjusted by moving up and down an upper casing against a lower casing of a stand part. While the present invention has described for use with an LCD monitor, it is understood that the stand could be used with other types of display apparatuses, such as a flat panel display such as plasma display panels, LEDs and OLEDs, or any input/output device using cables and that is positioned on a stand. 
   Although the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purpose, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof.