WO2011061348A1

WO2011061348A1 - Display fastening system

Info

Publication number: WO2011061348A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/068036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques Delacoux
Original assignee: Transvideo
Priority date: 2009-11-23
Filing date: 2010-11-23
Publication date: 2011-05-26
Also published as: FR2952996B1; FR2952996A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for holding a video display, comprising a center holding bar (20), two lateral fastening bars (22, 24), each being substantially perpendicular to said center bar, and at least one positioning element (23, 23', 23", 230, 230', 230"), to be fastened respectively to the display or the center bar, protruding in relation to an upper part (18_s) of the display or in relation to the bar, and intended to be inserted into an orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210"), respectively of the center bar or the display, each orifice further being provided with a resilient positioning-assisting and damping element (25) having a substantially toroidal shape.

Description

DISPLAY FASTENING SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART This invention relates to the field of display fastening systems, in particular for video-type displays .

Such displays are used for displaying information, e.g. in public transport units or vehicles, such as busses, wagons, planes, ... etc.

In general, such transport means are not immobilized for a long time, and it must be possible for repair or cleaning of the equipment thereof to be performed rapidly.

Furthermore, whatever the site of installation, display mounting, in particular of video- type displays, suspended at a certain height, greater than the average height of a human being, poses certain problems .

First of all, such displays can be rather heavy, in general, the bigger the heavier. However, in public transport means, the size of such displays has to be rather large so that they can be seen by all passengers. Displays of the "20inch" kind may be used, the weight of which may amount to several kilograms, or even 15 or 20 kg.

In general, as represented in Fig. 1A, fastening of such a display 2 is ensured by one or several arms 4, 6. One of the arms is vertical, in this case fastened to a ceiling 3. The end of one of the arms 6 carries a plate 10, which is substantially vertical in the final position, screwed by means of numerous screws 8 to the back of the display (Fig. IB) . This assembly may be articulated.

Also, head mounting of the screen is known

(Fig. 2) . Again, there is the vertical arm 4, fastened to the ceiling 3 by one end thereof, and fastened to a plate 12 by the other end thereof, said plate being also screwed by means of numerous screws 8 ' in the top part of the display (Fig. IB) . This assembly may also be articulated.

In any case, mounting of the display poses a problem, either during the initial installation thereof, or after removal thereof in view of repair or cleaning. Indeed, an operator or technician simultaneously has to:

carry the display,

position it so that the fastening means, in general screws 8, 8', can be inserted into the corresponding sockets made in the display,

perform the fastening operation as such, i.e. screwing of the screws, while holding the display in position, so that it is not moved away from the initial position thereof, in one direction X or the other direction Y (see e.g. Fig. 2) .

The display 2 as such is rather flat (Fig. 3A) , having connectors 12, in general on the back panel (Fig. 3B) , to be connected to cables 14. Threads are made inside the holes 16 made in the back part of the case 18, which encloses the screen 19 as such, i.e. the surface on which information may be displayed. Finally, in case of mounting inside a land, water, or air vehicle, another problem is the one related to the vibrations which the vehicle will transmit to the display via the mounting system (arms 4, 6 of Figs . 1A to 2) .

Therefore, one problem is to find a new fastening and holding system allowing for the above- mentioned problems to be solved.

In particular, it is attempted to simplify the mounting operation so that it can be done in an easier and faster way.

Another problem is that of the vibrations the vehicle will transmit to the display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION First of all, the invention relates to a device for holding a video display, comprising a center holding bar, two lateral fastening bars, each being substantially perpendicular to said center bar, and at least one positioning element, intended to be fastened respectively to the display or the center bar, protruding in relation to an upper part of the display or in relation to the bar, and intended to be inserted into an orifice respectively of the center bar or the display .

Each orifice may furthermore be provided with a resilient, positioning-assisting and damping element, for example having a substantially toroidal shape .

The positioning element may have a conical or truncated or hemispherical shape. The center bar may be solid or provided with a profile.

The positioning element is preferably intended :

- to be fastened to the display, protruding in relation to an upper part of the display, and to be inserted into an orifice of the center bar, or to be fastened to the bar, protruding in relation to a lower part of the bar, and to be inserted into an orifice of the display,

or to be fastened in any position of the bar or the display in a system allowing for the two parts to fit together.

The display may further comprise lateral orifices intended to coincide with the lateral orifices of the lateral fastening bars.

The invention also relates to a display system, comprising a device according to the invention, and a display, the upper part of the display being arranged substantially in parallel to the center holding bar, and each lateral side of the display being in turn arranged substantially in parallel to each of the lateral bars, with the positioning element respectively of the display or the center bar, being at least partially inside the corresponding orifice, respectively of the center bar or the display.

The invention also relates to a method for mounting a display, e.g. a video-type display, comprising : inserting the display between the lateral holding bars of a device according to the invention,

moving the display in one direction so that the upper part of the display is moved closer to the center holding bar, and over a distance such that said positioning element, respectively of the display or the center bar, will enter into the corresponding orifice, respectively of the center bar or the display,

- fastening the display with fastening means, while said positioning element, respectively of the display or the center bar, is held inside the corresponding orifice, respectively of the center bar or the display, by the display being pushed in the direction of the center holding bar.

Thereby, during the mounting operation of a display, a display may be held in the final position thereof with much less effort than with the systems of the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

- Figs. 1A, IB, and 2 represent display mountings according to prior art.

- Figs. 3A and 3B represent an external structure of a video display, in front and back view.

- Fig. 4 represents a first example of a fastening device and a display according to the invention .

- Figs. 5A to 5C illustrate an example of a display ready to be mounted on a fastening device according to the invention. - Figs. 6A to 6C are examples of centering elements for a fastening device according to the invention .

- Figs. 7A to 7B represent one part of the center holding bar, together with the centering element thereof .

- Figs. 8A to 9B are examples of other embodiments of a center bar for a holding device according to the invention.

- Figs. 10A to 10B illustrate another embodiment of a holding device according to the invention .

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

A first sample embodiment of a holding device according to the invention is given in Fig. 4.

It is intended for a display, such as the one represented in Figs. 5A, 5B, and which will be described below, but which is also partially represented in Fig. 4.

It comprises a bar 20, having a length L close to or slightly greater than that of a display 2, such as a video display, e.g. between 30 cm and 50 cm.

The width 1 of this bar is on the order of the thickness of this kind of display, e.g. between 5 cm and 15 cm.

Lateral jaws 22, 24, in the form of flat bars, having a width, which is substantially equal to the width 1 of the holding bar, are arranged perpendicularly to the bar, over a length L2 smaller than the lateral height h of the display, e.g. smaller than 20 cm or 30 cm. Each jaw is fastened at one end 20', 20" of the bar 20 and comprises at least one hole 22', 24', but preferably at least two holes 22', 22", 24', 24", in view of fastened thereto, by means of screws 26', 26", 28', 28", one lateral part 18', 18" of the display. Preferably, in the assembled position of the display and the holding device thereof, each jaw is applied against one lateral portion 18', 18" of the display case.

The bar is provided with at least one hole

21, intended to receive a positioning element 23 mounted on the upper part of the display 2. In this case, the hole is positioned in the middle of the bar, mid-way between the two lateral bars. As will be explained below, several holes can be made in the bar 20, in positions allowing for the function of positioning the display to be ensured.

The periphery of each of these orifices 21 for positioning the bar 20 is preferably provided with an element 25 (Figs. 7A, 7B) , having for example a substantially toroidal shape, at least in the parts facing the hole, with properties of resilience (i.e. the capability to regain the initial shape thereof after a shock or deformation) or elasticity; this element can be made from a material of organic, synthetic, or even composite origin. This element allows for contribution to guiding the positioning element located on the display when the latter is moved closer to the holding bar. After lateral screwing and fastening of the display in the ordinary usage position thereof, it also allows for damping the vibrations transmitted through the fastening structure and coming for instance from the vehicle, inside which the assembly is mounted.

The hole(s) 21 may pass through the bar 20. Otherwise, the thickness of the latter will be sufficient (see Fig. 9A) to allow for a positioning element 23 fastened to the upper part of the display, to be inserted into the hole(s) 21, as described in Figs. 6A to 6C.

The display 30 substantially has the shape represented in Figs. 5A, 5B, and 5C. It comprises the screen 19 as such (or the viewing window) surrounded by a case 18. This display can furthermore be provided on the front panel thereof, next to the screen 19, with control knobs 17, which allow for controlling namely the quality of the image viewed. Connecting cables may be fastened at the rear panel of the device, as illustrated in Fig. 3B. The upper part 18_s of the case of the display is provided with one or more tapped holes 29 for receiving one or more centering means 23, which will allow, while the display is being inserted between the two lateral bars 22, 24 (see Fig. 4), for the same to be brought readily into a position very close to the final position thereof and holding to be ensured by pushing in the Z direction, substantially vertical, in this position while the lateral screws 26', 26' ' , 28', 28'' are being inserted into the lateral orifices of the lateral bars and screwed into orifices 46', 46'', 48', 48'' of the corresponding lateral walls 42, 44 of the shell of the display (see Fig. 5C, which represents an enlarged lateral part 18' of the display) . This tapped hole 29 will receive the threaded part 232 of each of the centering means 23, in the form of a screw, described below.

Thus, final fastening of the display is performed preferably with the lateral bars, and not with the center transverse bar. This bar supports the two lateral bars and has another function of ensuring centering of the display, in a plane XY, substantially perpendicular to the direction of the lateral bars 22, 24, and the direction Z for inserting the display (Fig. 4) when it is brought in position against the main holding bar, between the two lateral bars. An operator may then perform fastening of the display, by means of lateral screws, without the screen moving in the plane XY, as each display positioning element is held by simply pushing into the corresponding orifice 21, 21', 21" .

Advantageously, the positioning element 23 has the shape represented in Fig. 6A: it comprises a conical part 230, the base of which is mounted on a part 232 having the shape of a screw, e.g. a hexagon or square head bolt. The latter allows for the upper part of the display shell to be inserted and screwed into the hole 29. The conical part 230 allows to ensure guiding of the positioning element inside the orifice 21 when a user inserts the display between the lateral bars, and directs the upper part of the display toward the center bar 20 without exactly seeing the relative position of either of them. It is to be recalled that this mounting takes place under possibly hazardous conditions, without any visibility, since the top of the display is close to the bar 20 and is then located at a certain height, e.g. at least at 1.70 m or 1.80 m above the ground. Other shapes of the means 23 may be made, e.g. a substantially truncated shape 233 (Fig. 6B) or a substantially hemispherical shape 235 (Fig. 6C) , but the conical shape is preferred. The "screw" part together with the threading thereof is always substantially the same.

Alternatively (represented by dashed lines in Figs. 4, 5A, and 5B) , the upper part 18_s of the display is provided with several tapped holes, 3 holes 29, 29', 29" in the represented example. Each of these holes is intended to receive a positioning element, such as one of those in Figs. 6A to 6C. The center bar has the corresponding holes 21, 21', 21" (Fig. 5A) for inserting each positioning element as already described above for the single positioning element of Fig. 4.

Each of these holes is provided with the element 25 thereof (Figs. 7A and 7B) for positioning- assistance and damping. This element has for example a substantially toroidal shape. Figs. 7A and 7B represent an alternative, with a resilient element surrounding the orifice 21, but which may have a substantially square or rectangular shape, thus having a larger surface than the toroidal element 25.

In the preceding figures, the bar was represented as being substantially flat, or at least as having a relatively small thickness e (Fig. 7B) , approximately from a few millimeters to 1 cm, e.g. between 0.5 cm and 1 cm. The hole 21 is then a simple through-hole, which may receive means 23. However, they will protrude on the other side of the bar, in relation to the display, when the display will be in the final position .

Figs. 8A to 8B represent another shape of the holding bar 20, having a hollow shape. This bar 20 may have a relatively flat shape and similar to the bar already described above, and may further be provided with a profile 200, substantially over the whole length thereof. This profile has a U-shape, the opening of which is turned toward the bar 20. It is this profile which is provided with holes 21, 21', 21" (in the "flat" or lower part of the "U") for inserting the means 23 for centering the display. This profile may be provided with lateral grooves 201, which allow for water or humidity to escape. This may be important if the assembly is to be used in an environment more or less in the open air, e.g. in a sightseeing carriage of a theme park or at the entrance of a building.

Figs. 9A to 9B represent another shape of the holding bar 20, having a thicker shape than the bar already described above in relation to Figs. 4 to 7B. It is solid and thus has a thickness e' which may be on the order of a few centimeters, e.g. between 1 cm and 5 cm. This bar is provided with holes 21, 21', 21" for inserting means 23 for centering the display.

A second sample embodiment of a holding device according to the invention is given in Fig. 10A.

It is intended for a display like the one represented in Fig. 10B.

In relation to the preceding structure, one or several centering means 230, 230', 230" are arranged on the bar, and intended to be inserted into corresponding openings 210, 210', 210" of the shell 18 of the display, in the upper part thereof.

The general structure of the holding bar and the lateral bars is thus substantially the same as that of Fig. 4A, but here it is the center holding bar 20 which supports the centering element (s) . The latter may have the shape represented in Figs. 6A to 6C, i.e. for instance a centering cone mounted on a screw-shaped part 232 to be screwed into a hole of the threaded bar. This is the case in particular if the bar is relatively thick, as represented in dashed lines in Fig. 10A. Alternatively, they are molded or made integrally with the bar during shaping thereof or with the profile 200 (case of the structure of Figs. 8A to 8B) . The corresponding orifice 210, 210', 210" of the display is for instance a simple conical orifice, the input periphery of which may be provided with a resilient element 25 ensuring the function described above. The other elements of Fig. 10B are identical with those already described above with reference to Fig. 5A.

In any case, the lateral screws used are preferably self-locking screws, which allow to prevent the screws from loosening in an environment subject to vibrations. The screw may be a captive one. Or else, depending on the application, it is possible to use latches, which allow for rapid release of the display, if required. Corresponding screw-taps are mounted in the display, possibly in a floating or anti-vibratory system. In any case, the display is readily mounted against the bar 20, between the lateral bars 22, 24. The bar 20 can be connected to a holding support 15 (as illustrated for instance in Figs. 8A and 9A) , in turn fastened to a ceiling 3 (as in Fig. 2) of a vehicle or a building. When fastened, the means 25 allow for vibrations transmitted through the structure, to which the assembly is fastened, to be dampened.

Claims

1. A device for holding a video display, comprising a center holding bar (20), two lateral fastening bars (22, 24), each being substantially perpendicular to said center bar, and at least one positioning element (23, 23', 23", 230, 230', 230"), to be fastened respectively to an upper part of the display or the center bar, protruding in relation to said upper part (18_s) of the display or in relation to the bar, and intended to be inserted into an orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210") respectively of the center bar or of said upper part of the display, each orifice further being provided with a resilient positioning-assisting and damping element (25) .

2. The device according to claim 1, the positioning element having a conical or truncated or hemispherical shape (230, 235, 235).

3. The device according to any of claims 1 or 2, the center bar being solid or hollow, e.g. provided with a profile (200) .

4. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, the positioning element (23, 23', 23") to be fastened to said upper part of the display, protruding in relation to said upper part (18_s) of the display, and intended to be inserted into an orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210") of the center bar.

5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, the positioning element (23, 23', 23") to be fastened to the bar, protruding in relation to the lower part of the bar, and intended to be inserted into an orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210") of said upper part of the display.

6. The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, the display further comprising lateral orifices (46', 46", 48', 48") intended to coincide with lateral orifices (22, 24) of the lateral fastening bars (22, 24) .

7. A video display system, comprising a device according to any of claims 1 to 6, and a display, the upper part (18_s) of the display being arranged substantially in parallel to the center holding bar (20), and the lateral sides (18', 18") of the display being in turn arranged substantially in parallel to each of the lateral bars (22, 24), with the positioning element (23, 23', 23", 230, 230', 230"), respectively of said upper part of the display or the center bar, entering at least partially into the corresponding orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210"), respectively of the center bar or of said upper part of the display.

8. A method for mounting a video-type display, comprising:

inserting the display between the lateral holding bars (22, 24) of a device according to any of claims 1 to 6, moving the display in one direction so that the upper part of this display is moved closer to the center holding bar (20), and over a distance such that said positioning element (23, 23', 23", 230, 230', 230"), respectively of said upper part of the display or the center bar, will enter into the corresponding orifice (21, 21', 21", 210, 210', 210"), respectively of the center bar or of the upper part of the display, fastening the display with fastening means (26, 28) .