Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to a portable computer comprising a main body having a processing unit; a display comprising a display housing including a display surface on which information is displayed according to the processing unit; a link connecting the main body and the display, the display surface being able to be rotated to be substantially parallel with and facing the main body in a first position, to be substantially parallel with and facing away from the main body in a second position, and be substantially non-parallel with the main body in a third position.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Korean Patent Application No. 2003-72309, filed on Oct. 16, 2003 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a portable computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable computer that is convenient to open and close a display with respect to a computer main body. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Typically, a portable computer includes a main body, a display rotatably connected to the main body having a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel at the front thereof, a locking member preventing the display from being unintentionally unfolded and a button for operating the locking member. As an example of the locking member, Korean utility model Publication No. 2000-0642 discloses a locking member comprising a metal plate mounted on an upper surface of a housing, a magnet slidably mounted on a display panel for attachment to the metal plate via the magnetic force and a button engaging the magnet. Thus, to unfold the display folded onto the housing, a user should hold the button and slide the magnet and hold the display. Only thereafter, the user can unfold the display. 
     As described above, to open the conventional portable computer, the magnet should be slid by the button and then the metal plate and the magnetic button should be separated to hold the display. Thus, it may be inconvenient for the user to open and close the portable computer. 
     Thus, for the user&#39;s convenience, a locking member which can easily prevent the display from unintentionally being rotated about the computer main body and with which the display is conveniently unfolded without any additional operating means such as the button is required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a portable computer with a display that is convenient to open and close with respect to the computer main body. 
     Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows. 
     The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a portable computer comprising a main body having a processing unit; a display comprising a display housing including a display surface on which information is displayed according to the processing unit; a link connecting the main body and the display, the display surface being able to be rotated to be substantially parallel with and facing the main body in a first position, to be substantially parallel with and facing away from the main body in a second position, and be substantially non-parallel with the main body in a third position; and a locking member for preventing the display from unintentionally being rotated in the first position or in the second position, the locking member comprising a first metal member mounted on a front surface of the display, a second metal member mounted on a rear surface of the display and a magnet provided on the main body to be attached to the first metal member by the magnetic force in the first position and to be attached to the second metal member by the magnetic force in the second position. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the link comprises a first element connected to the main body in the first position, and a pair of second elements rotatably connected to the first element and rotatably connected to the display housing in the second position. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises an accommodating part grooved from an upper surface of the main body to accommodate the magnet; a pair of side supporters for supporting opposite sides of the magnet and having a height higher than the side height of the magnet; a front supporter for supporting the front of the magnet; and a rear supporter for supporting the rear of the magnet. 
     The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a portable computer comprising a main body having a processing unit; a display comprising a display housing including a display surface on which information is displayed according to the processing unit; a link for connecting the main body and the display, the display surface being able to be rotated to be substantially parallel with and facing the main body in a first position, to be substantially parallel with and facing away from the main body in a second position, and be substantially non-parallel with the main body in a third position; a locking member for preventing the display from unintentionally being rotated in the first position or in the second position, the locking member comprising a first magnet mounted on a front surface of the display, a second magnet mounted on a rear surface of the display and a metal member provided on the main body to be attached to the first magnet by the magnetic force of the magnet in the first position and to be attached to the second magnet by the magnetic force of the magnet in the second position. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises a first accommodating part grooved from an upper surface of the main body to accommodate the first magnet; a pair of first side supporters for supporting opposite sides of the first magnet and having a height higher than the side height of the first magnet; a first front supporter for supporting the front of the first magnet; a first rear supporter for supporting the rear of the first magnet; a second accommodating part grooved from a rear surface of the main body to accommodate the second magnet; a pair of second side supporters supporting opposite sides of the second magnet and having the height higher than the side height of the second magnet; a second front supporter supporting the front of the second magnet; and a second rear supporter for supporting the rear of the second magnet. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises a connector for connecting the pair of side supporters to the main body to allow the pair of side supporters to move relative to the accommodating part. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, the pair of side supporters comprises a first side supporter comprising a first side supporting part provided at a first side of the magnet and contacting the magnet; and a first side connecting part having a width shorter than that of the first side supporting part and extending downwardly from the first side supporting part; and a second side supporter comprising a second side supporting part provided at a second side of the magnet and contacting the magnet; and a second side connecting part having the width shorter than that of the second side supporting part and extending downwardly from the second side supporting part. 
     According to yet another aspect of the invention, the accommodating part is formed with a first inserting groove in which the first side connecting part is inserted to be in communication with the main body and a second inserting groove in which the second side connecting part is inserted to be in communication with the main body. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the portable computer further comprises first, second, and third anchoring parts aligned with one another in the accommodating and placed in a lower part of the main body with a predetermined space therebetween, the first connecting part inserted in the second inserting groove being interposed between the second and third anchoring parts and the second connecting part inserted in the first inserting groove being interposed between the second and third anchoring parts. 
     According to still another aspect of the invention, the connector further comprises first, second and third anchoring part holes passing through the first, second, and third anchoring parts, respectively; first and second side connecting part holes passing through the first and second connecting parts, respectively; and pins inserted in the first, second and third anchoring part holes and first and second side connecting part holes. 
     The foregoing and or other aspects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a portable computer comprising a main body; a display rotatably connected with the main body; and a locking member for preventing the display from unintentionally being rotated in a folded position in which a front surface of the display is substantially parallel with and in contact with the main body, the locking member comprising a metal member provided at one end of the display and the main body and a magnet provided at the other end of the display and the main body for attachment to the metal member due to the magnetic force. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of several embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of a portable computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are perspective views illustrating an unfolded state of the portable computer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic sectional view taken along line IV—IV of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  are exploded perspective views of the display of the portable computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged perspective view of some components of the display in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate operations of the portable computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of a portable computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an unfolded state of the portable computer in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of a portable computer according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  are enlarged perspective views of a locking member in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  show how side supporters shown in  FIG. 14  are moved in a vertical direction; 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  show how side supporters shown in  FIG. 14  are moved in a transverse direction; 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  are perspective views of a portable computer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a portable computer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  are enlarged perspective views of a locking member shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       In the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 9 , a portable computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body  101  provided with a plurality of components, a display  110  for displaying a picture thereon by receiving a video signal from the main body  101 , and a pair of arm links  120  having a first end rotatably connected to the main body  101  and a second end rotatably connected to the display  120 . 
     The main body  101  is internally provided with a main board (not shown) including a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic chip (not shown) and the like and is externally provided with an input unit such as a keyboard  103 , a mouse or the like. Therefore, when a user inputs data through the input unit, the data is transmitted from the main body  101  to the display  110  through a cable  105  (see  FIG. 6 ) electrically connecting the main body  101  with the display  110 , and is then displayed as a picture on a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel  111  of the display  110 . While described in terms of the LCD, it should be understood that other types of displays can be used, including but not limited to, plasma display panels (PDPs), cathode ray tubes (CRTs), flat panel displays, and other such devices. 
     The display  110  has a touch-screen function, which allows a user to do tablet operations with an input device such as a stylus pen (not shown). The display  110  enables the LCD panel  111  to display a picture thereon by receiving the video signal from the main body  101 , and front and rear covers  112  and  113  that are combined to each other to supply the LCD panel  111 . A connecting link  180  (see  FIG. 5 ) is provided in the back of the display  110  to connect the pair of arm links to each other. 
     One of the pair of arm links  120  connects a first side of the display  110  with the main body  101  and the other of the pair of arm links  120  connects a second side of the display  110  with the main body  101 . A display hinge is provided between a first end of each of the arm links  120  and the display  110 . A main body hinge is provided between a second end of each of the arm links  120  and the connecting link  180 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the arm link  120  allows the display  110  to be adjusted to a completely folded position (refer to  FIG. 1 ) in which the front cover  112  of the display  110  is in contact with the keyboard  103  of the main body  101 , an unfolded position (refer to  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) in which the display  110  is approximately perpendicular relative to the main body  101 , and a tablet operation position (refer to  FIG. 9 ) in which the rear cover  113  of the display  110  is completely turned upside on the main body  101  such that the LCD panel  111  faces away from the main body  101 . 
     The arm link  120  comprises an outer cover  130  forming an outer enclosure and an inner cover  140  combined to the outer cover  130  to form a cable passage for the cable  105  therein. 
     The outer cover  130  has a first end  131  protruding outward and a second end  132  curved inward. Inside the outer cover  130  is formed a plurality of bosses  133  at predetermined intervals along a lengthwise direction of the outer cover  130 . Each boss  133  has a screw thread for combining with a corresponding first screw  134  that passes through a corresponding through hole  146  of the inner cover  140 . 
     The inner cover  140  has a first end  141  and a second end  142 . The first end  141  is bent outward to correspond with the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 . The second end  142  is curved inward to correspond with the second end  132  of the outer cover  130 . 
     The first end  141  of the inner cover  140  is formed with a first hinge hole  144  into which a first hinge shaft  151  of a first shaft member  150  is rotatably inserted. The second end  142  of the inner cover  140  is formed with an extended part  143  having a second hinge hole  145  into which a second hinge shaft  171  of a second shaft member  170  is rotatably inserted. The inner cover  140  is formed with the plurality of through holes  146  at positions corresponding to the bosses  133  of the outer cover  130  to pass a threaded part of the first screw  134  there-through. 
     The display hinge comprises the first hinge hole  144  of the inner cover  140 , the first shaft member  150  including a first hinge shaft  151  rotatably inserted in the first hinge hole  144  and a first shaft supporting bracket  160  that is combined with the rear cover  113  and supports the first shaft member  150  when the first hinge shaft  151  passes through the first hinge hole  144 . 
     The first shaft member  150  is accommodated in a space formed between the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  and the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 . The first shaft member  150  comprises the first hinge shaft  151  protruding toward the rear cover  113  to be rotatably inserted in the first hinge hole  144  of the inner cover  140 , a first cable through hole  152  formed along a protruding direction of the first hinge shaft  151  for passing the cable  105  through the first shaft member  150 . The first shaft member  150  further includes a pair of flanges  153  extending in opposite directions of the first hinge shaft  151  for fastening between the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  and the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 . 
     Each flange  153  is formed with a through hole  154  to be aligned with the through hole  146  formed on the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  and the boss  133  formed on the first end of the outer cover  130 . Thus, the threaded part of the pair of first screws  134  among the plurality of first screws  134  for combining the inner cover  140  with the outer cover  130  is sequentially inserted in the through hole  146  formed on the first end  141  of the inner cover  140 , the through hole  154  formed on the flange  153  of the first shaft member  150 , and the boss part  133  formed on the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 . Thus, the first end  141  of the inner cover  140 , the first shaft member  150  and the first end  131  of the outer cover  130  are combined with one another. 
     The first shaft supporting bracket  160  comprises a first hinge shaft hole  161  aligned with the first hinge hole  144  to accommodate and support the first hinge shaft  151  of the first shaft member  150  when the first hinge shaft  151  passes though the first hinge hole  144 . The first shaft supporting bracket  160  further includes a pair of wings  162  extending in opposite directions of the first shaft supporting bracket  160 . On each wing  162  is formed a projection groove  163  in which a projection  114  of the rear cover  113  is inserted and a through hole  164  through which a second screw  165  passes and combines with a screw hole  115  formed on the rear cover  113 . 
     The main body hinge includes the second hinge hole  145  formed on the extended part  143  of the second end  142  of the inner cover  140  and the pair of second shaft members  170  provided between the second end  132  of the arm links  120  and the connecting link  180 . 
     The second shaft member  170  comprises the second hinge shaft  171  to be rotatably inserted in the second hinge hole  145  formed on the extended part  143  of the inner cover  140  and an insertion part  174  extending in an opposite direction of the second hinge shaft  171  and fitted into a groove of the connecting link  180 . 
     The second hinge shaft  171  is rotatably inserted in the second hinge hole  145  formed on the extended part  143  of the inner cover  140  and formed with a second cable through hole  172  formed along an insertion direction along which the second hinge shaft  171  is inserted into the second hinge hole  145 . The second hinge hole  145  is in communication with the cable passage formed between the inner cover  140  and the outer cover  130  of the arm link  120 . Thus, the cable  105  sequentially passes through the first cable through hole  152  of the first hinge shaft  151 , the cable passage in the arm link  120 , and the second cable through hole  172  of the second hinge shaft  171 . 
     The insertion part  174  protrudes from the second shaft member  170  in a direction opposite to the second hinge shaft  171 . The respective insertion parts  174  are combined to opposite ends of the connecting link  180  having the groove. That is, the insertion part  174  of the second shaft member  170  is inserted in the groove of the connecting link  180  at a corresponding end of the connecting link  180 , with the screw holes  175  being aligned with the through holes  185  of the connecting link  180 . Then, the insertion parts  174  are fastened to the connecting link  180  by third screws  176 . 
     Between the insertion part  174  and the second hinge shaft  171  is formed an opening  173  at an upper side thereof and which is in communication with the second cable through hole  172 . Therefore, the cable  105 , which sequentially passes through the first cable through hole  152  of the first hinge shaft  151 , the cable passage inside the arm link  120  and the second cable through hole  172  of the second hinge shaft  171  in sequence, and is drawn out through the opening  173  communicating with the second cable through hole  172 , and then connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) provided on the rear cover  113 . 
     The portable computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention further comprises a locking member. The locking member prevents the display  110  from unintentionally rotating and being unfolded as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when the display  110  is in the completely folded position (refer to  FIG. 1 ) in which the front cover  112  of the display  110  is substantially parallel with and in contact with the upper surface of the main body  101  including the keyboard  103 . Further, the locking member prevents the display  110  from unintentionally rotating, when the display  110  is in the tablet operation position (refer to  FIG. 9 ) in which the rear cover  113  of the display  110  is substantially parallel with and in contact with the upper surface of the main body  101  having the keyboard  103  and the LCD panel  111  of the display  110  is exposed to the outside. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the locking member comprises a first metal member  10  mounted on the front cover  112  of the display  110 , a second metal member  11  mounted on the rear cover  113  of the display  110  and a magnet  31  accommodated in an accommodating part  20  for attachment to the first metal member  10  with a magnetic force in the folded position (refer to  FIG. 1 ) and for attachment to the second metal member  11  with the magnetic force in the tablet operation position (refer to  FIG. 9 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the accommodating part  20  is grooved from an upper surface of the computer main body  101  to form an upper opening, which forms an accommodating space for the magnet  31 . 
     A pair of side supporters  30  is mounted on opposite sides of the accommodating part  20  with a predetermined space therebetween. A front supporter  21  and a rear supporter  22  are mounted on the front and rear of the accommodating part  20  with a predetermined space therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the pair of side supporters  30  is of a shape of a plate having the height H1 higher than the side height H 2  of the magnet  31 . Thus, the pair of side supporters  30  can completely cover side surfaces of the magnet  31 , which prevents a floppy disc or a card from being demagnetized when the magnet  31  is in contact with the floppy disc or the card. 
     Between the pair of side supporters  30  is the magnet  31  arranged so that the pair of side supporters  30  supports the opposite sides of the magnet  31 . 
     The front and rear supporters  21  and  22  protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the computer main body  101 . Between the front and rear supporters  21  and  22  is the magnet  31  which supports the front and rear of the magnet  31 . The locking member as described above may provide the greatest magnetic force. 
     With this configuration, with reference to  FIGS. 5 through 7 , the above-described components of the portable computer according to the first embodiment are assembled as follows. 
     The inner covet  140  and the outer cover  130  are combined in the state that the first hinge shaft  151  of the first shaft member  150  is inserted in the first hinge hole  144  formed on the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  of the arm link  120 , so that the first shaft member  150  is accommodated in the space formed between the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  and the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 . 
     Here, when the first shaft member  150  is accommodated in the space between the first end  141  of the inner cover  140  and the first end  131  of the outer cover  130 , the inner cover  140  and the outer cover  130  are fastened by inserting the threaded part of the first screw  134  through the through hole  146  of the inner cover  140  into the boss part  133  of the outer cover  130 . 
     After the respective arm links  120  are assembled, the pair of arm links  120  each having the first hinge shaft  151  exposed to the outside through the first hinge hole  144  of the inner cover  140  is combined to the opposites sides of the rear cover  113 , respectively. 
     Here, the first hinge shaft  151  exposed to the outside through the first hinge hole  144  of the arm link  120  is inserted in the first hinge shaft hole  161  of the first shaft supporting bracket  160 . The projection  114  of the rear cover  113  is inserted in the projection groove  163  formed on the wing  162  of the first shaft supporting bracket  160 , and the second screw  165  passes through the through hole  164  of the wing  162  and is inserted in the screw hole  115  of the rear cover  113 . Specifically, when the pair of arm links  120  is combined to the opposite sides of the rear cover  113 , the first hinge shaft  151  is inserted in the first hinge shaft hole  161  of the first shaft supporting bracket  160 , being hung on a first supporting groove  116  of the rear cover  113 . Here, the first supporting groove  116  has a semicircular shape, and contacts a semicircular second supporting groove  117  of the front cover  112 , thereby forming a circular hole to rotatably accommodate the first hinge shaft  151  therein together with the first hinge shaft hole  161 . 
     After the arm link  120  and the display hinge are combined, the second hinge shaft  171  of the second shaft member  170  is inserted in the second hinge hole  145  formed on the extended part  143  of the inner cover  140 , and the insertion part  174  of the second shaft member  170  is fitted into the groove of the connecting link  180  at the end of the connecting link  180 . The insertion part  174  of the second shaft member  170  and the end of the connecting link  180  are fastened by inserting the third screws  176  into the screw holes  175  through the through holes  185  being aligned with the screw holes  175 . It should be understood that an assemblage of the above-described components is not limited to the foregoing assembling order and other arrangements and orders can be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention. 
     The portable computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention is operated relative to the display  110  as follows. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , initially, the front cover  112  of the display  110  is substantially parallel with and in contact with the upper surface of the main body  101  including the keyboard  103 . That is, the display  110  is completely folded onto the main body  101 , with the first metal member  10  of the front cover  112  being attached to the magnet  31  of the computer main body  101  with the magnetic force of the magnet  31 . In this state, if a user holds the display  110  and rotates the display  110  upwardly to make the display  110  away from the upper surface of the computer main body  101 , the display  110  rotates with respect to the main body hinge, so that the display  110  is positioned approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the computer main body  101  to be unfolded, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Then, the user can use the portable computer by inputting data with the keyboard  103 . 
     Here, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the cable  105  to electrically connect the main body  101  with the display part  110  is disposed, passing through the first cable through hole  152  of the first hinge shaft  151 , the cable passage inside the arm link  120 , and the second cable through hole  172  of the second hinge shaft  171  in sequence, and being drawn out through the opening  173  communicating with the second cable through hole  172  so as to be connected to the PCB mounted to the rear cover  113 . 
     In the portable computer as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the user wants to perform a tablet operation while moving, the user can turn the display  110  to the tablet operation position in which the rear cover  13  of the display  110  is in contact with the keyboard  103  on the upper surface of the computer main body  101  and the LCD panel  111  of the display  110  is exposed to the user (refer to  FIG. 9 ). 
     If the user holds the display  110  and pulls up a lower part of the display  110  toward the user, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the display  110  rotates about both the display hinge and the main body hinge and the lower part of the display  110  is mounted on the computer main body  101 , forming an inclined angle between the display  110  and the upper surface of main body  101 . Here, if the user further pulls the lower part of the display  110  toward the user, the display  110  rotates about both the display hinge and the main body hinge, and the display  110  is adjusted to the tablet operation position shown in  FIG. 9  at which the rear cover  13  of the display  110  is substantially parallel with and in contact with the upper surface of the computer main body  101  having the key board and LCD panel  111  is exposed to the user. Here, the magnet  31  is attached to the second metal member  11  of the rear cover  113  of the display  110  due to the magnetic force. 
     Thus, while moving, the user can use the portable computer in the table operation position (refer to  FIG. 9 ) by gripping the portable computer with one hand and gripping a stylus pen with another hand, wherein the display  110  of the portable computer is completely folded onto the main body  101 , exposing the LCD panel  111  to the outside. However, when the display  110  is in the tablet operation shown in  FIG. 9 , the portable computer may also be used on a table. 
     Further, because of torque generated when the first shaft member  150  rotates inside the first hinge hole  144  or when the second shaft member  171  rotates inside the second hinge hole  145 , the display  110  can be kept at a predetermined angle relative to the main body  101  as shown in  FIG. 8  as long as a user does not apply a force to the display  110 . Therefore, a user can adjust the display  110  to a variety of angles as desired. 
     The present invention provides a second embodiment. That is, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a first magnet  39  is provided on the front cover  112  of the display  110 , a second magnet  40  is provided on the rear cover  113  of the display  110  and a metal member  41  is provided on the computer main body  101 . 
     Thus, the first magnet  39  is accommodated in a first accommodating part  42  provided on the front cover  112  of the display  110  and the second magnet  40  is accommodated in a second accommodating part  46  provided on the rear cover  113  of the display  110 . 
     A pair of first side supporters  43  is mounted on opposite sides of the first accommodating part  42  on the front cover  112  of the display  110  and a pair of second side supporters  47  is mounted on opposite sides of the first accommodating part  46  on the front cover  112  of the display  110 . 
     A first front supporter  44  and a first rear supporter  45  are mounted at the front and the rear of the first accommodating part  42  on the front cover  112  of the display  110 , respectively, and a second front supporter  48  and a second rear supporter  49  are mounted at the front and the rear of the second accommodating part  46  on the front cover  112  of the display  110 , respectively. 
     Further, the present invention provides a third embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12 through 16B  in which side supporters are movable. As shown in  FIG. 13 , according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a left side supporter  50  and a right side supporter  50   a  are mounted on opposite sides of an accommodating part  55 . 
     The right side supporter  50  comprises a right side supporting part  51  that is in contact with a side of the magnet  31  to support the magnet  31  and a right side connecting part  52  having the width shorter than that of the right side supporting part  50  and extending downwardly from the right side supporting part  51 . 
     The left side supporter  50   a  comprises a left side supporting part  51   a  having the same shape of the right side supporting part  51  and being in contact with the other side of the magnet  31  to support the magnet  31  and a left side connecting part  52   a  having the width shorter than that of the left side supporting part  51   a  and extending downwardly from the left side supporting part  51   a.    
     The right side connecting part  52  is formed with a pair of right side connecting part holes  53  on a surface thereof. The left side connecting part  52   a  is formed with a pair of left side connecting part holes  53   a  aligned with the right side connecting part holes  53  on a surface thereof. A pair of pins  54  is inserted in the right and left side connecting part holes  53  and  53   a.    
     The right side connecting part  52  of the right side supporter  50  is inserted into a first inserting groove  56  (to be described later) and then interposed between first and second anchoring parts  61  and  63  (to be described later). The left side connecting part  52   a  of the left side connecting part  50   a  is inserted into a second inserting groove  57  (to be described later) and then interposed between second and third anchoring parts  63  and  65  (to be described later). 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the accommodating part  55  is formed with the first and second inserting grooves  56  and  57  that are apart from each other and pass through the computer main body  101  to be in communication with an interior of the accommodating part  55 . At a lower part of the computer main body  101  are formed the first, second and third anchoring parts  61 ,  63  and  65  aligned with one another in the accommodating part  55  to be connected with the right side connecting part  52  and the left side connecting part  52   a , respectively, when the right side connecting part  52  is inserted in the first inserting groove  56  and the left side connecting part  52   a  is inserted in the second inserting groove  57 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , each of the first, second and third anchoring parts  61 ,  63  and  65  is placed apart from one another with a predetermined space in a lower part of the computer main body  101 . The right side connecting part  52  of the right side supporter  50  is inserted in the first inserting groove  56  and interposed between the first and second anchoring parts  61  and  63 . The left side connecting part  52   a  of the left side supporter  50   a  is inserted in the second inserting groove  57  and interposed between the second and third anchoring parts  63  and  65 . 
     The first, second and third anchoring parts  61 ,  63  and  65  are formed with a first, second and third anchoring part hole  62 ,  64  and  66 , respectively, aligned with the right side connecting part hole  53  and the left side connecting part hole  53   a , which allows the pins  54  to be inserted into surfaces of the first, second and third anchoring parts  61 ,  63  and  65  in a traverse direction thereof. Thus, the pins  54  are sequentially inserted in the first anchoring part hole  62 , the right side connecting part hole  53 , the second anchoring part hole  54 , the left side connecting part hole  53   a  and the third anchoring part hole  66 . 
     According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side supporters  30  is securely accommodated in the accommodating part  20 , so that the pair of side supporters  30  cannot be moved. However, as shown in  FIGS. 15A through 16B , the right and left side supporters  50  and  50   a  according to the third embodiment of the present invention are movably accommodated in the accommodating part  55 , which provides a convenience to insert the magnet  31  between the right and left side supporters  50  and  50   a.    
     The right and left side supporters  50  and  50   a  are connected with the first, second and third anchoring parts  61 ,  63  and  65  by the pins  54 . Thus, the right and left side supporters  50  and  50   a  are movable about the pins  54  in a vertical direction as shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , also in a traverse direction as shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . Further, the structure in which the right and left side supporters  50  and  50   a  are movable may be applied to the portable computer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
     A locking member according to a fourth embodiment in which the locking member is applied to a portable computer different from that in the above-described embodiments is described. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the portable computer according to the fourth embodiment comprises a computer main body  75 , a display  70  having an LCD panel  72  on a front surface to be rotatably connected to the computer main body  75  and a hinge  73  supporting the display  70  to be rotated relative to the computer main body  75 . While described in terms of the LCD, it should understood that other types of displays can be used, including but not limited to, plasma display panels (PDPs), cathode ray tubes (CRTs), flat panel displays, and other such devices. 
     The portable computer according to the fourth embodiment further comprises the locking member preventing the display  70  from being unintentionally rotated, when the display is adjusted to a folded position in which a front surface of the display  70  is substantially parallel with and in contact with the computer main body  75 . 
     The locking member comprises a metal member  71  provided on a front surface of the display  70 , a magnet  77  provided on an upper surface of the computer main body  75  including a keyboard  74  and an accommodating part  80  to accommodate the magnet  77 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the accommodating part  80  is grooved from the upper surface of the computer main body  101  to form an upper opening, which forms an accommodating space for the magnet  77 . 
     A pair of side supporters  76  is mounted on opposite sides of the accommodating part  80  with a predetermined space therebetween. A front supporter  78  and a rear supporter  79  are mounted on the front and rear of the accommodating part  80  with a predetermined space therebetween. 
     The pair of side supporters  76  is shaped of a plate having a height higher than the side height of the magnet  77 . Thus, the pair of side supporter  30  can completely cover side surfaces of the magnet  31 , so that the sides of the magnet  77  cannot be seen from the outside. 
     Between the pair of side supporters  76  is the magnet  77  introduced, which supports the opposite sides of the magnet  77 . 
     The front and rear supporters  78  and  79  protrude upwardly from an upper surface of the computer main body  75 . Between the front and rear supporters  78  and  79  is the magnet  77  introduced, which supports the front and rear of the magnet  77 . 
     In the fourth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the metal member  71  is provided on the front surface of the display  70  and the magnet  77  is provided on the upper surface of the computer main body  75  including the keyboard  74 . It is understood that the metal member  71  may be provided on the upper surface of the computer main body including the keyboard and the magnet  77  may be provided on the front surface of the display. 
     Further, the present invention provides a fifth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19 through 21  in which a pair of side supporters do not have a rectangular shape. As shown in  FIG. 20 , a left side supporter  81  and a right side supporter  81   a  are mounted in opposite sides of an accommodating part  86 . 
     The right side supporter  81  comprises a right side supporting part  82  that is in contact with a side of the magnet  77  to support the magnet  77  and a right side connecting part  83  having the width shorter than that of the right side supporting part  82  and extending downwardly from the right side supporting part  82 . 
     The left side supporter  81   a  comprises a left side supporting part  82   a  having the same shape of the right side supporting part  82  and being in contact with the other side of the magnet  77  to support the magnet  77  and a left side connecting part  83   a  having the width shorter than that of the left side supporting part  82   a  and extending downwardly from the left side supporting part  82   a.    
     The right side connecting part  83  is formed with a pair of right side connecting part holes  84  on a surface thereof. The left side connecting part  83   a  is formed with a pair of left side connecting part holes  84   a  aligned with the right side connecting part holes  84  on a surface thereof. A pair of pins  85  is inserted in the right and left side connecting part holes  84  and  84   a.    
     The right side connecting part  83  of the right side supporter  81  is inserted into a first inserting groove  87  (to be described later) and then interposed between first and second anchoring parts  90  and  92  (to be described later). The left side connecting part  83   a  of the left side connecting part  81   a  is inserted into a second inserting groove  88  (to be described later) and then interposed between second and third anchoring parts  92  and  94  (to be described later). 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , the accommodating part  86  formed with the first and second inserting grooves  87  and  88  that are apart from each other and pass through the computer main body  75  to be in communication with an interior of the accommodating part  86 . At a lower part of the computer main body  75  are formed the first, second and third anchoring parts  90 ,  92  and  94  aligned with one another in the accommodating part  86  and to be connected with the right side connecting part  83  and the left side connecting part  83   a , respectively, when the right side connecting part  83  is inserted in the first inserting groove  87  and the left side connecting part  83   a  is inserted in the second inserting groove  88 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , each of the first, second and third anchoring parts  90 , 92  and  94  is placed apart from one another using a predetermined space in a lower part of the computer main body  75 . The right side connecting part  83  of the right side supporter  81  is inserted in the first inserting groove  87  and interposed between the first and second anchoring parts  90  and  92 . The left side connecting part  83   a  of the left side supporter  81   a  is inserted in the second inserting groove  88  and interposed between the second and third anchoring parts  92  and  94 . 
     The first, second and third anchoring parts  90 ,  92  and  94  are formed with a first, second and third anchoring part hole  91 ,  93  and  95 , respectively, aligned with the right side connecting part hole  84  and the left side connecting part hole  84   a , which allows the pins  85  to be inserted into surfaces of the first, second and third anchoring parts  90 ,  92  and  94  in a traverse direction thereof. Thus, the pins  85  are sequentially inserted in the first anchoring part hole  91 , the right side connecting part hole  84 , the second anchoring part hole  93 , the left side connecting part hole  84   a  and the third anchoring part hole  95 . 
     In the fourth embodiment described above (refer to  FIGS. 17 and 18 ), the pair of side supporters  76  is securely inserted in the accommodating part  80 , so that the pair of side supporters  76  is unmovable. In contrast thereto, in the fifth embodiment, the right and left side supporters  81  and  81   a  are movably mounted, which provides a convenience to interpose the magnet  77  between the right and left side supporters  81  and  81   a.    
     In the fifth embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19 through 21 , the metal member  71  is provided on the front surface of the display  70  and the magnet  77  is mounted on the upper surface of the computer main body  75  having the keyboard  74 . However, the metal member may be provided on the upper surface of the computer main body having the keyboard and the magnet is provided on the front surface of the display. 
     As described above, the present invention provides the portable computer in which the locking member can be operated without an additional operating means, thereby being convenient to open and close the display about the computer main body. 
     Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6