The invention relates to a tilt mechanism as specified in claim 1, a display device comprising a display panel, for example a television screen, a computer screen or an information screen as specified in claim 26, and use of the tilt mechanism as specified in claim 28.
Support arrangements for display devices are designed in numerous variations and some of these provide the possibility of adjusting the position of the display, e.g. for tilting, swiveling etc. of the screen. However, these prior art arrangements are often very complicated and suffer from a number of drawbacks.
An example of such an arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,138 A. This document relates to an apparatus providing a display with tilting and rotating movements. This apparatus comprises a first housing placed behind the display panel and a second housing placed beneath the panel and the first housing. The first housing contains a number of mechanical elements, e.g. axles, gears, pinions etc. arranged for providing tilting movements of the display supported by means of a pair of brackets carried by a rod. These brackets may be rotated by means of a number of gears, a pinion rack and a pinion knob, i.e. when the pinion knob is turned by hand, the tilt angle of the display panel may be adjusted. Thus, it should be understood that in order to adjust the tilt angle from e.g. a relatively large downwards tilt to e.g. a relatively large upwards tilt, the user will have to turn the pinion knob a large number of revolutions, which makes such adjustments time-consuming. Further, this prior art mechanism suffers from the drawback that the display panel is not suspended in a balanced arrangement as the display panel is rotated in relation to the rod placed behind the panel. Thus, the mass and the center of gravity of the panel are displaced when adjusting the tilt angle, whereby force is required to perform a displacement upwards, especially if the panel in question is of a relatively large size. Further, it should be understood that special measures may be required to prevent the panel from dropping downwards if the mass of the display panel is relatively large.
A self-balancing mounting system for a flat panel display is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,109 B1. This prior art system is relatively large and complicated as it comprises a first bracket for mounting to a wall, a second bracket for mounting the display panel, a pair of minor arms, a pair of major arms and connecting arms. These elements are connected pivotally and/or in a sliding connection. A display panel mounted on the second bracket may be placed in a range of positions, among which one is a state of equilibrium. The panel will remain in the other positions since any biasing force will be offset by friction inherent in the system in these positions.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,427,243 A describes a display station tilt mechanism for a cathode-ray tube (CRT) viewing screen. The screen is secured by a hinge to a base for tilting from a vertical position, in which it is substantially balanced, through positions of progressively increased tilt, in which the weight of the tube and associated parts becomes progressively displaced and the screen becomes more unbalanced. In order to compensate for this unbalance, an arrangement comprising a camming bracket and a spring is arranged, whereby the viewing screen is counterbalanced in all possible positions.
Further, display panel support arrangements featuring support arms and tilt mechanisms are known for mounting to a wall or for support in relation to a base stand. Examples of such prior art systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,332 A and WO 01/35796 A1. However, such systems all rely on friction mechanisms and/or spring mechanisms, e.g. mechanical springs, gas springs etc., in order to keep the display device in a balanced state. Therefore, these systems are sensitive to variations in load, e.g. the weight of a display panel, and they may thus only be used in connection with a display having a specific weight or they may require adjustment when being used in connection with a display panel having a weight outside a predetermined weight range.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,620 A describes a tiltable cathode-ray tube display device structure for adjusting the tilt angle of a display unit placed immediately on a tray support, e.g. a table stand. The tray support and the display unit feature curved guiding means, and the tray support and the display unit may be displaced in relation to each other by means of a gear mechanism. The radius of curvature of the curved guiding means corresponds to the distance from the curved guiding means to the center of gravity, and the center of gravity is located above the curved guiding means. Thus, the movement of the center of gravity is minimized and the display unit will remain substantially in balance with the tilt range. However, this device is dedicated to a cathode-ray display arrangement and requires a support tray located immediately under the display unit.
It is an objective of the invention to provide an improved tilt mechanism or arrangement.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a tilt mechanism or arrangement which does not suffer from the drawbacks related to the prior art techniques.
It is also an objective of the invention to provide a tilt system suitable for a multitude of devices.
In particular, it is an objective of the invention to provide a tilt system suitable for display devices such as viewing screens, information systems, computer screens, monitoring and/or television screens etc., and particularly flat panel screens such as liquid crystal displays (LCD), thin film transistor (TFT) displays, plasma display panels (PDP) or the like.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide such a system or mechanism with a balanced arrangement without the use of special means, e.g. counterbalancing means such as springs etc.
It is also an objective of the invention to provide a versatile system or mechanism which may be utilized in connection with a wide range of applications and in connection with a wall mount, a floor stand, a table stand etc.
It is a further objective of the invention to provide a system or mechanism which may be designed in a compact manner and which may readily be integrated in the device, e.g. the display panel and/or its support.
These and other objectives are achieved by the invention as explained in the following.
The invention relates to a tilt mechanism for a device, said mechanism comprising
Hereby, an arrangement is achieved which provides an adjustable tilt angle of a device, e.g. in particular a display panel, a flat display panel or the like. Since a movable support member is included in the arrangement, and situated directly or indirectly between the support structure and the supporting member, a relative displacement of the device fixed to the support member, and its center of gravity will be performed by this mechanism, when an adjustment of the tilt angle of the device is performed. If the device is tilted in a downwards direction, whereby the center of gravity is relatively displaced downwards, an upwards movement of the movable support member will occur, whereby the resulting displacement of the device and its center of gravity, at least in a vertical direction, is minimized and preferably eliminated. It should thus be understood that the device will remain in a balanced state, i.e. a state of equilibrium, and that the device will remain in the new position without the assistance of any friction means, springs etc. Further, it should be understood that when the device is tilted downwards, no loss in potential energy will take place. Correspondingly, when the device is tilted in an upwards direction, no gain in potential energy will take place. Therefore, when turning the device upwards, no energy will be required apart from energy for surmounting friction such as friction in bearings etc. Also, the device will not tend to tilt downwards under the influence of gravity when left in a tilted position.
In an advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 2, said support structure may comprise a part extending in an essentially vertical direction.
Hereby, the device, e.g. a display device, may be supported near or adjacent to said support structure, which results in a compact arrangement. Further, said support structure may be designed in a versatile manner e.g. as a wall mount, a table stand or a floor stand.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 3, said support member may be arranged for transferring rotational movement and in an essentially transverse direction in relation to said support structure.
Hereby, a device, e.g. a display panel may be connected directly to said device, e.g. at the rear of this device.
In a further advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 4, said support member and said movable support member may be linked in such a manner that a forward tilt of said support member corresponds to an upwards displacement of said movable support member and vice versa.
By this embodiment the center of gravity of a supported device, e.g. a display panel, may remain in same position or in essentially the same position.
Preferably, as specified in claim 5, said support structure may comprise means for guiding said movable support member. Hereby, the position of a supported device and in particular the position of the center of gravity of such a device may be controlled, e.g. in order to achieve a state of equilibrium.
In an advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 6, said means for guiding said movable support member may be designed for rectilinear guidance. Hereby, the control of the position of a supported device and in particular the position of the center of gravity of such a device is achieved in a particularly uncomplicated manner, whereby the means included in the guiding system may be manufactured in a cost-effective way.
In a further advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 7, said means for guiding said movable support member may be designed for non-rectilinear guidance, e.g. curved guidance, part-circular guidance etc. Hereby, control of the position of a supported device, and in particular the position of the center of gravity of such a device, is achieved in a manner which allows for accurate control of the position of the center of gravity, e.g. a state of equilibrium. Thus, this embodiment allows for a particularly stable arrangement which may be operated with very little effort, e.g. when adjusting the tilt angle.
Preferably, as specified in claim 8, said movable support member may comprise corresponding guiding means for cooperation with said guiding means comprised by the support structure.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 9, said guiding means and/or said corresponding guiding means may comprise an aperture, a recess, a slot, a roller, a rail and/or a tap. Hereby, said guiding means may be provided in a form readily available and/or easily manufactured while simultaneously providing an efficient guidance. Further, such guidance may be provided in a form presenting only minor friction in this manner, thereby further enhancing the user-friendliness of a mechanism according to the invention.
In an advantageous form, as specified in claim 10, said support member may be connected to said movable support member in a fixed relationship. Hereby, a particularly uncomplicated system is achieved, requiring only few components. Movable components such as wheels etc. may be restricted to the movable support member in this embodiment.
In a further advantageous form, as specified in claim 11,
an intermediate member for transferring rotational movement may be comprised,
said support member may be arranged for transferring rotational movement,
said movable support member may provide support to said support member and said intermediate member,
said support structure may comprise force-transferring means,
said support member and said intermediate member may be linked, and
said intermediate member may comprise means for transferring rotational movement to displacement in relation to said support structure.
By this embodiment, control of the position of a supported device, and in particular the center of gravity of this, may be performed by using a particularly uncomplicated support structure, since this embodiment does not require curved guidance of the movable support member. The support structure may thus be relatively slim in design and with guiding means that may be designed rectilinearly.
Preferably, as specified in claim 12, said support member may be pivotally supported by said movable support member.
In a preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 13, said intermediate member may be pivotally supported by said movable support member.
In a further preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 14, said movable support member may be translatorily supported by said support structure.
In yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 15, said support member and said intermediate member may be linked by means of force-transferring means.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 16, said force-transferring means may feature a toothed surface, e.g. in the form of a gear wheel or a section of a gear wheel.
In an advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 17, said support structure may comprise an element for direct or indirect interaction with said intermediate member. By means of this element, controlled displacement of the movable member in relation to the support structure may be performed in a relatively simple manner.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 18, said element for interaction with said intermediate member may feature a toothed surface, for example in the form of a pinion rack, whereby said controlled displacement of the movable member in relation to the support structure may be provided by using readily available and/or easily manufactured elements.
Preferably, as specified in claim 19, said intermediate member may feature a toothed surface, for example in the form of a gear wheel or a section of a gear wheel, for interaction with the support structure. Said intermediate member may conveniently establish the connection to the support structure, e.g. a corresponding part such as a pinion rack on the support structure.
In a further preferred form, as specified in claim 20, the mechanism may comprise at least one further element for establishing said indirect interaction between said intermediate member and said support structure. Hereby, a number of advantages may be achieved, one being that a compact construction may be designed since such a further element may serve to change the direction of rotation, introduce a gearing etc.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 21, said at least one further element may be in the form of a gear wheel or at least a section of a gear wheel.
In an advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 22, said mechanism may comprise a casing for enclosing at least part of said mechanism. Hereby, a compact and robust construction may be achieved which is also aesthetically appealing in appearance.
In a further advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 23, said casing may be structurally connected to said support structure.
Preferably, as specified in claim 24, said movable support member may comprise a frame having guiding means, e.g. guiding rollers, for cooperation with corresponding means located in said support structure or in a part of this. Hereby, a compact and robust construction may be achieved.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 25, said mechanism may further comprise a swivel mechanism which may form part of the support structure. Hereby, the mechanism provides the advantage of being capable of performing adjustments of the angular position of e.g. a display panel as well, whereby user-friendliness is further enhanced. Furthermore, this option may be provided in a manner only requiring few additional components.
The invention also relates to a display device comprising a display panel, for example a television screen, a computer screen or an information screen, providing support to said display panel on a wall, on a floor or on an analogous structure. According to the invention, said display device comprises a tilt mechanism according to one or more of claims 1 to 25.
Hereby, a display panel may be situated in any position within a range of positions, e.g. in order to facilitate convenient and unobstructed view for the user. Thus, a user may adjust the angle of the screen or display panel in order to avoid glare, in order to attain a better view etc. Further, this is achieved in an effortless manner, as previously explained, since the user may change the tilt angle by using very little effort, since the display device is supported in such a manner that the center of gravity will remain essentially in the same location, at least in the vertical direction, when the tilt angle is changed.
It should be understood that the tilt angle will be limited to a range of angles in practice, which are determined by factors such as position of support structure, size of the display panel etc. Thus, an upper limit may be determined by the angle at which an upper part of a display screen touches an upper part of a support structure, a wall or a similar part. Correspondingly, a lower limit may be determined by the the angle at which a lower part of a display screen touches a lower part of support structure, a wall or a similar part.
Preferably, a mechanism according to the invention may be adjustable within a range of +20°/−30°, determined in relation to a vertical axis (+ indicating an upwards tilted angle, − indicating a downwards tilted angle). However, it should be understood that numerous ranges may be considered in practice, both symmetrical and asymmetrical ranges. It should also be understood that other upper and/or lower limits than those indicated in the example above may be practicable and handled by an apparatus according to the invention.
Advantageously, as specified in claim 27 said display panel may be a flat screen display. In many cases, a correct viewing angle will be especially important when flat screen displays are used, since the viewing quality in connection with these screens generally depends on the angle, i.e. the recommended viewing angle is generally within a small range. Therefore, a combination of a mechanism in accordance with the invention with a flat screen display will be particularly effective and valuable. The ease of adjustment and/or the adjustment range will be particularly advantageous to the user or users.
Finally, the invention relates to use of a tilt mechanism according to one or more of claims 1 to 25 for a display device comprising a display panel, for example a television screen, a computer screen or an information screen.
The invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to the figures of which
A mechanism according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
This embodiment of the invention should be described in further detail with reference to
As indicated by the curved arrow on
Similarly, when the display screen 2 is tilted back, e.g. by pushing the upper part of the display screen to the left in
Hereby, the display panel 2 will be balanced, e.g. supported in a state of equilibrium, in the positions which may be assumed by the panel. This will be further explained with reference to
For the purpose of the following, it is assumed that the item 30 is balanced and that a state of equilibrium is present. The mass of the item 30 (including the support member 18) is designated m and the mass of the movable support member 10, the intermediate support member 15, axle pins etc. is designated m2.
As indicated in
the distance from the point of contact between the support structure 5 and the intermediate support member 15 to the axis 16 is designated L1,
the distance between the axis 16 and the point of contact between the intermediate support member 15 and the support member 18 is designated L2,
the distance between the point of contact between the intermediate support member 15 and the support member 18 and the axis 19 is designated L3, and
the distance between the axis 19 and the center of gravity 32 is designated L4.
The item 30 will be affected by a force Fd, i.e. a force of gravity:
Fd=m*g, where g is the gravitational constant (I)
Further, the support member 18 will be affected by a force Fi at its left end. This will correspond to a force −Fi affecting the right end of the intermediate support member 15 (the negative sign indicating that −Fi is directed in the opposite direction of Fi). The left end of the intermediate support member will be affected by a force directed upwards, −Fa. This force corresponds to a force, Fa, directed downwards, whereby the intermediate support member affects the support structure. This force, Fa, stems from the mass of the elements supported by the support structure, e.g. the item 30, the movable support member 10, the intermediate support member 15, etc. affected by gravity.
Thus,
Fa=(m+m2)*g (II)
Since the mechanism is in resting position, e.g. balanced or in a state of equilibrium, no resulting torque is exerted on the pivotally fixed elements, i.e. the intermediate support member 15 is pivotally fixed by the axis 16 and the combination of the item 30 and the support member 18. This may be expressed by the following equations:
Fa*L1=Fi*L2 (III)
Fi*L3=Fd*L4 (IV)
Substituting Fa in equation (III) by expression (II) and substituting Fd in equation (II) by expression (I) results in
(m+m2)*g*L1=Fi*L2 (V)
Fi*L3=m*g*L4 (VI)
Isolating Fi in both these equations shows the following:
Fi=(m+m2)*g*L1/L2 (VII)
Fi=m*g*L4/L3 (VIII)
By combining (VII) and (VIII)
m*g*L4/L3=(m+m2)*g*L1/L2 (IX)
and isolating L4, the following expression is presented:
L4=L1*L3/L2*(m+m2)/m (X)
Thus, by designing a mechanism in accordance with the invention and in such a manner that the above equation is fulfilled, a balanced mechanism is achieved. However, it can also be seen that if m2 is insignificant in relation to m or m2<<m, a simplified expression is presented:
L4=L1*L3/L2 (XI)
Thus, by suitable dimensioning of the distances L4−L1, a balanced mechanism is achieved, basically irrespective of the mass of the item or apparatus supported by the mechanism. It should be understood, however, that the length L4, i.e. the horizontal distance from the axle 19 to the center of gravity 32, will vary depending on the tilt angle. However, for minor angle magnitudes, this will be insignificant and will only have limited effect on the perfect state of balance which will be comparable to or less than the influence caused by static friction, etc.
The principle of the balanced mechanism is further illustrated by the following examples:
For all examples
For example 1
For example 2
For example 3
If the simplified expression (XI) is utilized, the calculated distance L4=101.4 mm:
For example 1, the calculated distance L4=111.54 mm
For example 2, the calculated distance L4=106.47 mm
For example 3, the calculated distance L4=106.78 mm
In the following, a second embodiment according to the invention will be described with reference to
This embodiment essentially corresponds to the first embodiment described above. The mechanism has, however, been encased in a support casing and a number of modifications has been introduced.
It is illustrated in
The tilt mechanism 1 according to this second embodiment is illustrated in further detail in
The support case 42, the pinion rack and the movable support member 50, now in exploded form 70, are illustrated in
In
A number of elements are located between the frame parts 72 and 73, and they are carried by axle pins 86, 87 and 88. It should be understood that the arrangement illustrated in
As shown, the middle axle pin 87 carries two support member wheels 74 and an intermediate gear wheel 82. The upper 86 and the lower 88 axle pin each carries two intermediate sector wheels 78. The support member wheels 74 comprise means 76, e.g. threaded tap holes, for establishing a connection to the support arms 54 (
The above-described arrangement according to the second embodiment of the invention will operate in a fashion similar to the one described in relation to the first embodiment. Thus, an important feature is that the center of gravity of the display panel or a similar device will essentially remain in the same position irrespective of the tilt angle of the panel.
The function of this arrangement will be explained with reference to
A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17 and shows a tilt mechanism generally designated 100 in connection with a table stand, although it should be understood that this embodiment relate to any form of stand or support for a display panel or another device, e.g. a floor stand, a wall support etc.
As shown in
The mechanism according to this embodiment is illustrated schematically in
A detailed example of this third embodiment is shown in
The two support structure parts 106a and 106b are designed for assembly by means of e.g. a fixing bracket 114 having a number of projections 115 for cooperation with fixing holes 112 in the parts 106a and 106b. Further, a lower 125 and an upper 124 end stop may be featured in the support structure 106 and located by means of holes or similar means in the two structure parts. It should be understood that these end stops may be located in a number of different positions, corresponding to different location holes in the structure parts, whereby end stop positions for the display panel may be adjusted to actual requirements of use, e.g. use for a wall support, a table stand, a floor stand etc.
Further, it should be understood that the two parts 106a and 106b accommodated in the support structure casing 102 are guided or located by guiding structures indicated by 107. Finally, a top lid 116 may close the upper part of the support structure casing 102.
The movable support member 110 will now be described in further detail with reference to
The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be used in connection with a wide variety of applications. Further, it should be understood that the mechanism according to the invention may be designed in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/DK03/00066 | 2/3/2003 | WO | 8/3/2005 |