Abstract:
An LCD fastening method and equipment for using common portions necessary for fastening a color LCD display, that is, common portions suitable for various kinds of color LCD display are disclosed, thereby omitting the process of attaching the LCD by using screws inserted from the outside of an external frame and improving the appearance. The method comprises the steps of attaching brackets to a color LCD using first fastening screws inserted through holes provided in the brackets; attaching the brackets to an LCD base by inserting second fastening screws through holes provided in the brackets into bosses provided in the LCD base; and attaching an LCD cover to the LCD base by engaging a predetermined number of latches provided in the LCD cover with corresponding first ribs provided in the LCD base.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an LCD (liquid crystal display) fastening method and equipment using common fastening portions suitable for various kinds of color LCDs, and improving the appearance of the display. 
     This application is based on Patent Application No. Hei 11-111639 filed in Japan, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     FIG. 4 is an assembly drawing for explaining a conventional method of fastening the LCD. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG.  4 . 
     In FIG. 4, reference numeral  1  indicates an LCD cover, reference numeral  2  indicates a color LCD, reference numerals  19  indicate brackets, reference numeral  7  indicates an LCD base, reference numerals  13  indicate bosses, reference numerals  20 ,  21 , and  200  indicate holes for fastening screws, reference numerals  11  and  15  indicate fastening screws, and reference numerals  16  indicate latches. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, in the conventional LCD fastening method, holes  21  through which fastening screws  11  are inserted are provided in the LCD base  7 . In the above structure, first, fastening screws  15  are inserted into bosses  13  (provided in the LCD base  7 ) via holes  200  (provided in the brackets  19 ) so as to combine the base and brackets. Next, the LCD cover  1  is attached to the base  7  by inserting fastening screws  11  into holes  21  and holes provided in four latches, as shown in FIG.  5 . The screws  11  are further inserted into holes  20  provided in the brackets  19 . That is, brackets  19  are fastened to LCD  2  by using fastening screws  11  passing through holes  20  provided in the brackets. Examples of the related conventional technique are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Applications, First Publications, Nos. Hei 5-100212, Hei 7-170083, Hei 10-168424, Hei 10-207630, and Hei 11-6998. 
     The conventional technique has the following problems. The first problem is a difficulty in using common portions suitable for various kinds of color LCD displays  2  of a portable laptop (or notebook) personal computer. The second problem is to have a process of attaching the LCD display  2  using fastening screws inserted from the outside of an external frame, which is not preferable in view of the appearance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In consideration of the above circumstances, an objective of the present invention is to provide an LCD fastening method and equipment for using common portions necessary for fastening a color LCD display, that is, common portions suitable for various kinds of color LCD display, thereby omitting the process of attaching the LCD by using screws inserted from the outside of an external frame and improving the appearance. 
     Therefore, the present invention provides an LCD fastening method comprising the steps of: 
     attaching brackets to a color LCD using first fastening screws inserted through holes provided in the brackets; 
     attaching the brackets to an LCD base by inserting second fastening screws through holes provided in the brackets into bosses provided in the LCD base; and 
     attaching an LCD cover to the LCD base by engaging a predetermined number of latches provided in the LCD cover with corresponding first ribs provided in the LCD base. 
     The present invention further provides an LCD fastening method comprising the steps of: 
     attaching brackets to a color LCD by inserting fastening protrusions provided in the brackets into corresponding holes provided in the color LCD; 
     attaching the brackets to an LCD base by inserting second fastening screws through holes provided in the brackets into bosses provided in the LCD base; and 
     attaching an LCD cover to the LCD base by engaging a predetermined number of latches provided in the LCD cover with corresponding first ribs provided in the LCD base. 
     In either method, the step of attaching the brackets to the LCD base may further include engaging insert portions provided in the brackets with second ribs provided in an upper face of the LCD base. 
     The present invention also provides LCD fastening equipment comprising: 
     brackets attached to a color LCD by using first fastening screws inserted through holes provided in the brackets; 
     an LCD base to which the brackets are attached by inserting second fastening screws through holes provided in the brackets into bosses provided in the LCD base; and 
     an LCD cover attached to the LCD base by engaging a predetermined number of latches provided in the LCD cover with corresponding first ribs provided in the LCD base. 
     The present invention also provides LCD fastening equipment comprising: 
     brackets attached to a color LCD by inserting fastening protrusions provided in the brackets into corresponding holes provided in the color LCD; 
     an LCD base to which the brackets are attached by inserting second fastening screws through holes provided in the brackets into bosses provided in the LCD base; and 
     an LCD cover attached to the LCD base by engaging a predetermined number of latches provided in the LCD cover with corresponding first ribs provided in the LCD base. 
     In either equipment, the brackets may further include insert portions engaged with second ribs provided in an upper face of the LCD base. 
     According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. 
     The first effect is that a common LCD base can be used for various kinds of color LCDs without providing holes for fastening screws in the base, thereby reducing manufacturing man-hours. 
     The second effect is that a common LCD cover can be used for various kinds of color LCDs without providing holes for fastening screws in the cover, thereby reducing manufacturing man-hours. 
     The third effect is that the fastening method can be selected by selecting brackets suitable for the relevant color LCD. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide holes for fitting screws in the LCD base and LCD cover, and a preferable appearance will appeal to users. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing for explaining the LCD fastening method and equipment of the first and second embodiments. 
     FIG. 2 is an assembly drawing for explaining the LCD fastening method and equipment of the second and fourth embodiments. 
     FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C are assembly drawings showing a series of steps for engaging the insert portion of the bracket and the rib provided in the upper face of the LCD base. 
     FIG. 4 is an assembly drawing for explaining a conventional method of fastening the LCD. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG.  4 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
     FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing for explaining the LCD fastening method and equipment of the first embodiment. In this figure, brackets  3  and  4  are shown as being used in the same equipment; however, these brackets are alternative parts or members, and are not used at the same time. Brackets  3  are used in the first embodiment, and brackets  4  are used in the second embodiment, 
     In FIG. 1, reference numeral  1  indicates an LCD cover, reference numeral  2  indicates a color LCD, reference numerals  3  indicate brackets, reference numeral  7  indicates an LCD base, reference numerals  13  indicate bosses, reference numerals  9  and  14  indicate holes for fastening screws, reference numerals  11  and  15  indicate fastening screws, reference numerals  16  indicate latches, and reference numerals  17  indicate ribs. 
     With reference to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, holes  14  are provided in brackets  3 , and in the first step, the brackets  3  are attached to LCD  2  by using fastening screws  11 . In the next step, the brackets  3  are attached to LCD base  7 , by inserting the fastening screws  15  via holes  9  (provided in brackets  3 ) into corresponding bosses  13  provided in the base  7 . In the following step, four latches  16 ,  16  . . . provided in the LCD cover  1  are engaged with corresponding ribs  17  provided in the LCD base  7 , so that the LCD cover  1  is fastened to the LCD base  7 . 
     That is, the brackets are first attached to the color LCD  2 , and the ends of each bracket are attached to the base by using fastening screws  15 . Accordingly, the color LCD  2  can be attached without providing holes in the LCD base  7 . 
     Second Embodiment 
     The second embodiment will be explained also using the assembly drawing FIG.  1 . FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3  are assembly drawings showing a series of steps for engaging insert portion  10  of bracket  4  and rib  18  provided in the upper (or top) face of LCD base  7 . 
     The parts related to the present embodiment in FIG. 1 will be explained below. Reference numeral  1  indicates an LCD cover, reference numeral  2  indicates a color LCD, reference numerals  4  indicate brackets, reference numeral  7  indicates an LCD base, reference numerals  10  indicate insert portions, reference numerals  13  indicate bosses, reference numerals  9  and  14  indicate holes for fastening screws, reference numerals  11  indicate fastening screws, reference numerals  16  indicate latches, and reference numerals  17  and  18  indicate ribs. 
     With reference to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, holes  14  are provided in brackets  3 , and in the first step, the brackets  4  are attached to LCD  2  by using fastening screws  11 . In the following step, the brackets  4  are attached to the LCD base  7  by (i) engaging the insert portions  10  (provided in the brackets) with corresponding ribs  18  (provided in the upper face of the base) (see FIGS. 3A to  3 C), and (ii) inserting the fastening screws  15  via holes  9  (provided in brackets  4 ) into corresponding bosses  13  provided in the base  7 . In the following step, four latches  16 ,  16  . . . provided in the LCD cover  1  are engaged with corresponding ribs  17  provided in the LCD base  7 , so that the LCD cover  1  is fastened to the LCD base  7 . 
     That is, the brackets are first attached to the color LCD  2 , and one end of each bracket is engaged with rib  18  provided in the LCD base  7 , and the other end is attached to the base by using fastening screw  15 . Accordingly, the color LCD  2  can be attached without providing holes in the LCD base  7 . 
     Third Embodiment 
     FIG. 2 is an assembly drawing for explaining the LCD fastening method and equipment of the third embodiment. In this figure, brackets  5  and  6  are shown as being used in the same equipment; however, these brackets are alternative parts or members, and are not used at the same time. Brackets  5  are used in the third embodiment, and brackets  6  are used in the fourth embodiment. 
     In FIG. 2, reference numeral  1  indicates an LCD cover, reference numeral  2  indicates a color LCD, reference numerals  5  indicate brackets, reference numeral  7  indicates an LCD base, reference numerals  12  indicate fastening protrusions, reference numerals  13  indicate bosses, reference numerals  9  indicate holes for fastening screws, reference numerals  15  indicate fastening screws, reference numerals  16  indicate latches, and reference numerals  17  indicate ribs. 
     With reference to FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, fastening protrusions  12  are provided in brackets  5 , and in the first step, the brackets  5  are attached to LCD  2  by inserting fastening protrusions  12  into corresponding holes provided in the LCD  2 . In the next step, the brackets  5  are attached to LCD base  7 , by inserting the fastening screws  15  via holes  9  (provided in brackets  5 ) into corresponding bosses  13  provided in the base  7 . In the following step, four latches  16 ,  16  . . . provided in the LCD cover  1  are engaged with corresponding ribs  17  provided in the LCD base  7 . 
     That is, the brackets are first attached to the color LCD  2 , and the ends of each bracket are attached to the base by using fastening screws  15 . Accordingly, the color LCD  2  can be attached without providing holes in the LCD base  7 . 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     The fourth embodiment will be explained also using the assembly drawings FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 C. FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C also show a series of steps for engaging insert portion  8  of bracket  6  and rib  18  provided in the upper face of LCD base  7 . 
     The parts related to the present embodiment in FIG. 2 will be explained below. Reference numeral  1  indicates an LCD cover, reference numeral  2  indicates a color LCD, reference numerals  6  indicate brackets, reference numeral  7  indicates an LCD base, reference numerals  8  indicate insert portions, reference numerals  12  indicate fastening protrusions, reference numerals  13  indicate bosses, reference numerals  9  indicate holes for fastening screws, reference numerals  15  indicate fastening screws, reference numerals  16  indicate latches, and reference numerals  17  and  18  indicate ribs. 
     With reference to FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 C, in the present embodiment, fastening protrusions  12  are provided in brackets  6 , and in the first step, the brackets  6  are attached to LCD  2  by inserting fastening protrusions  12  into corresponding holes provided in the LCD. In the next step, the brackets  6  are attached to the LCD base  7  by (i) engaging the insert portions  8  (provided in the brackets) with corresponding ribs  18  (provided in the upper face of the base) (see FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C), and (ii) inserting the fastening screws  15  via holes  9  (provided in brackets  6 ) into corresponding bosses  13  provided in the base  7 . In the following step, four latches  16 ,  16  . . . provided in the LCD cover  1  are engaged with corresponding ribs  17  provided in the LCD base  7 . 
     That is, the brackets are first attached to the color LCD  2 , and one end of each bracket is engaged with a rib provided in the base, and the other end is attached to the base by using fastening screws  15 . Accordingly, the color LCD  2  can be attached without providing holes in the LCD base  7 . 
     As explained above, the following effects can be obtained according to the present embodiment. 
     The first effect is that a common LCD base ( 7 ) can be used for various kinds of color LCDs ( 2 ) without providing holes for fastening screws in the base, thereby reducing manufacturing man-hours. 
     The second effect is that a common LCD cover ( 1 ) can be used for various kinds of color LCDs ( 2 ) without providing holes for fastening screws in the cover, thereby reducing manufacturing man-hours. 
     The third effect is that the fastening method can be selected by selecting brackets ( 3 ,  4 ,  5 , or  6 ) suitable for the relevant color LCD. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide holes for fitting screws in the LCD base ( 7 ) and LCD cover ( 1 ), and preferable appearance will appeal to users.