Device for adjusting mounting angle of LCD for refrigerator

• US 6,692,093 B1
• Filed: 11/13/2000
• Issued: 02/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Original Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc. (LG Corporation)
• Inventors: Seo, Sang Ho, Park, Jin Koo, Roh, Young Hoon
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRAN, HANH VAN
• Application Number:
  US09/709,548
• Time in Patent Office: 1,191 Days
• Field of Search: 312/401, 312/405, 312/406, 312/405.1, 312/319.5, 312/319.6, 312/319.7, 621/25, 621/26, 621/23, 621/28, 621/29, 621/30, 621/31, 236/94, 74/891.4, 74/892.3, 744/249.5, 741/05
• US Class Current: 312/405.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/18 Aesthetic features
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/36 Visual displays
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 29/005 Mounting of control devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133308 Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18576 including screw and nut
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18792 including worm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18944 Link connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19809 Independent nut segments

Abstract

Device for adjusting a mounting angle of an LCD for a refrigerator including an LCD rotatably mounted on a front surface of a door of a refrigerator by a hinge, and mounting angle adjusting means in rear of the LCD for rotating the LCD to an angle centered on the hinge shaft, thereby permitting the user to watch the most clear image, and improving a freedom of design.

Claims

1. A device for adjusting a mounting angle of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a refrigerator comprising:

an LCD rotatably mounted in a cavity formed in a front surface of a door of a refrigerator by a hinge;

a motor provided behind the front surface of the door; and

,

a linkage connecting an output of the motor to the LCD, such that the LCD can be moved from an initial position;

to an angled position wherein the LCD is angled relative to the front surface of the door, wherein the motor is provided in the cavity.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the linkage includes:

a conversion gear which moves linearly in a vertical direction relative to the door;

and a link having a first end connected to the conversion gear and a second end connected to the LCD.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first end of the link is rotatably connected to the conversion gear and the second end of the link is rotatably connected to a lower portion of the LCD.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the linkage further includes:

a driving gear transmitting a rotation from a shaft of the motor to the conversion gear to cause the conversion gear to move linearly in the vertical direction.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge extends in a horizontal direction relative to the door.

6. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a switch provided on the front surface of the door for controlling operation of the motor.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a stopping part provided above the cavity for preventing interference by the door when the LCD is rotated and for limiting rotation of the LCD to a specific range of rotational positions.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the linkage is provided in the cavity and behind the LCD.

9. A device for adjusting a mounting angle of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a refrigerator comprising:

an LCD rotatably mounted in a cavity formed in a front surface of a door of a refrigerator by a hinge; and

mounting angle adjusting means rearward of the LCD for rotating the LCD about the hinge, such that the LCD is angled relative to the front surface of the door of the refrigerator, wherein the mounting angle adjusting means are provided in the cavity.

10. A device for adjusting a mounting angle of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for a refrigerator comprising:

an LCD rotatable mounted in a cavity formed in a front surface of a door of a refrigerator by a hinge; and

mounting angle adjusting means rearward of the LCD for rotating the LCD about the hinge, such that the LCD is angled relative to the front surface of the door of the refrigerator, wherein the mounting angle adjusting means includes;

a motor mounted on the door,

movement conversion means for converting a rotating movement of a shaft of the motor into a linear movement, and

supplementary movement conversion means provided between the movement conversion means and the LCD for converting the linear movement into a rotating movement.