CA2324050A1 - Control console - Google Patents

Description

CONTROL CONSOLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a framework for supporting pieces of work station equipment, and more particularly to a console structure for supporting electronic equipment in the nature of computers, video monitors, control panels and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Control consoles of the type described herein generally include a framework for receiving and supporting the necessary pieces of electronic and support equipment including terminals, monitors, keyboards, switch panels, telephone turrets, lighting and so forth, and a planar work surface extending outwardly from the framework at a convenient height. Some of the equipment including video monitors and output displays is supported to be visible above the work surface for convenient viewing and user access. Finishing panels can also be supported by the basic framework.
To date, many work station consoles have been custom manufactured which in terms of design and construction is both expensive and time consuming. This approach has been necessitated by customer requirements that are often unique in terms of work station size, equipment placement, human engineering and cost considerations. In the result, the completed console structures are not only extremely expensive, but are also difficult if not impossible to subsequently modify for the reconfiguration of existing equipment or to retrofit new equipment. An alternative approach has been to assemble the consoles from fixed size modular sections. This approach can reduce costs, and although there may be some loss of flexibility with respect to subsequent modifications and reconfigurations of equipment within the console, there are simply many instances in which the cost savings outweigh the advantages of a system critically engineered to permit unlimited post-installation reconfiguration. Some flexibility must however remain.

A need therefore exists for a console structure which overcomes the problems inherent in either the custom design and manufacture or modular assembly of console structures. One such approach has been developed by the Applicant and is described in Canadian Patent 1,291,518 issued October 29, 1991 (equivalent to U.S. Patent 4,836,625).
The backbone of the console structure shown in the aforementioned patents are the horizontally spaced, vertically upright gable members 1 commonly referred to as G-frames. The gables are interconnected by stringers 2 to provide a rigid framework for the console structure. The spacing between gables is infinitely variable so that the framework as a whole is easily adapted to custom requirements both before and after initial on-site assembly. Because most of the equipment in the console is supported by or suspended from the interconnecting stringers, changing the distance between gables is not in and of itself all that disruptive of the system as a whole and particularly the equipment mounting hardware, and this lends the overall structure enormous flexibility. This flexibility comes however at a cost. The gables themselves are metal fabricated usually from tubular steel and are therefore relatively expensive to manufacture and store. The stringers are typically aluminum extrusions and are therefore relatively inexpensive linear stock easily stored, but a lot of different stringers of different shapes and configurations depending upon function are required and an idea of the number and types of stringers needed can be seen from Figures 3 to 9 of the patent. This therefore also adds to cost and the need for significant inventory control. The need for this number of stringers is made necessary in part because the gables, as aforesaid, are almost entirely structural in function and integrate no channels, interlocks or other mechanical means that increase their versatility or allow them to perform multiple tasks.
The Applicant has found that although there will continue to be a strong demand for the flexibility and retrofit capabilities of its G-frame consoles, and for more modular "discreet logic" systems that cost less, many customers now require accommodation for increasingly large pieces of equipment such as, for example, inch monitors, and computer towers that are increasing particularly in height.
To accommodate such items, and to maximize the remaining available space for other pieces of equipment usually mounted below the monitors, it is increasingly desirable

-2-to further reduce the number of components making up the console framework.
The more vertical and horizontal structural members eliminated, the greater the unimpeded space available for oversized monitors and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The Applicant has therefore developed a console system which is flexible enough to meet the demands of a custom environment, but wherein the number of components in the system is significantly reduced for cost savings. Many of the remaining components "multi-task", assembly is made easier and less costly, and structural integrity is maintained.
It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide a console structure comprising a relatively few basic components which can be easily assembled into a supporting framework for a wide variety of equipment pieces and shapes without major modifications to the basic components themselves.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a console framework providing as much unimpeded space therein as possible to maximize the adaptability of the framework for the mounting of different pieces of equipment at different locations, and the ability to meet custom requirements using the same basic components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, and will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematical view of the console structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the console of Figure 1 in a partially opened condition;
Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the console of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view of a single module console;
Figure 6 is a view of turret modules of predetermined width;

-3-Figure 7 is a view of turret modules of a second predetermined width;
Figure 8 is a view of turret modules of a third predetermined width;
Figure 9 is a view of turret modules of a fourth predetermined width;
Figure 10 is a plan view of corner modules;
Figure 11 is a side elevational sectional view of the present console in desktop configuration;
Figure 12 is a side elevational, sectional view of the present console in a monitor supporting configuration;
Figure 13 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present console in a turret configuration;
Figure 14 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present console in an alternative turreted configuration;
Figure 15 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of the present console in a further alternative turreted configuration;
Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the present console with a turret;
Figure 17 is a cross sectional view of the rail extrusion forming part of the present console;
Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of the pivot hanger and pivot extrusion forming part of the present console;
Figure 19 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of an alternative desktop configuration of the present console; and Figure 20 is a side elevational, partially sectional view of a further alternative configuration of the present console with a turret.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
This is the development of a product particularly well suited for the Air Traffic Control industry, as it applies to the accommodation of technology in equipment consoles.
The product is based on a formed sheet metal structure with horizontal extruded aluminum stringers and mounting rails. The product comprises four basis elements:
1. A defined base module of specific height, width and depth.

-4-2. An equipment turret structure of defined depth, flexible height and face angle, and parametric width.
3. An equipment front with a fixed angle and dimension to match the turret face, and parametric definition in lateral dimension to suit the project requirements.
4. A work surface module of defined depth and thickness and width relationship to the base module criteria.
The above four "modules" or elements meet at the upper right corner of the equipment console section as viewed with the operator positioned on the right hand side of the console. The four elements are related to each other in their commonality, but are able to be manipulated in their parametric dimension to suit the application. Each element has a limited benefit unto itself, but when put in combination with each other, form the unique equipment console product.
The defined base modules allow for the use of pre-engineered standard add-on features and accessories to complete the compliment. The equipment turret with its lateral flexible dimension allows for the configuration of a variety of equipment front dimensions and add-on controller kits to complete the equipment turret compliment. The extruded aluminum mounting rails provide a unique system for the installation of equipment turrets that can straddle two base modules without penalty to the equipment mounting volume. This rail system also allows for the interchangeability of equipment turrets and drop-in work surface elements along the length of the console.
The work surface element is designed to discrete dimensions to suit the base module dimension and the type of controller position the equipment console is intended for. These work surface elements can suit a keyboard operation, a pencil drawer storage situation or a simple writing operation.
With the parametric equipment turret logic, the turrets can be built to suit the project requirements and be reconfigurable at a future date with minimal impact on the equipment mounting technology. A unique element to the turret system is the upper hinge extrusion that will allow for the placement of an equipment front or other controller operation feature to be mounted anywhere along the lateral dimension of the turret housing. The equipment fronts can be independent of each other or one large equipment front the same dimensions as the equipment turret.

-5-The base module consists of formed sheet metal end gables interconnected by upper and lower aluminum extrusions. The upper extrusions double as turret/work surface mounting rails and preferably present a flat upper surface which allows the turrets to be installed at any designated location along their length while straddling the end gables of the base module. Sheet metal screws or other fasteners may be used to connect the turrets/work surfaces to the mounting rails, but a sliding interlock or quick snap connection may also be contemplated.
The turrets themselves are fabricated to the required width, depth, height and face angle and include an upper hinge extrusion that allows for flexibility in the lateral placement of the equipment front. The turrets themselves are a sheet metal structure including end and intermediate gables of generally triangular shape to present the required face angle. A work surface extends forwardly from the base module and can be mounted onto structural supports that are connected to the forward edges of the base module end gables.
The resulting console is based on a relatively few number of basis components but results in a structure of considerable flexibility both in initial configuration and adaptability to retrofit. It also permits almost unlimited flexibility in the relative placement of the various components with a minimum of engineering input.
The following is a further description of the console system:
This is a modular console system where the lateral position of the upper turrets is independent of the lower frame area. I.e. the upper frames can be positioned anywhere with respect to the lower frames.
There is a continuous horizontal rail system that provides the linear interface for the upper turret. (Dwg. No. 2, and upper left hand portion of dwg. No. 4.) There is a continuous horizontal rail system that provides the linear interface forthe lower turret. This consists of two rail extrusions whereby the upper turrets can slide laterally, lock and pivot in the desired location. (Dwg. No. 1, 3 and 4.) The upper turret does not use fasteners to secure to the frame. It is just a quick snap connection.
The equipment fronts in the upper turret are independent from the frames of the upper turret. I.e. they can straddle the frames.

-6-Two upper turrets can be combined into effectively a one turret, by substituting end frames with intermediate frames. The advantage of this is that the equipment front can straddle the intermediate frames.
The linear console components (extrusions) can be cut to any length.
The upper turrets and work surfaces are interchangeable. This is easily accomplished without any modifications to the lower structure.
Turrets of different angles can be placed adjacent to each other.
The base modules are fully cladded at this time.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the following claims appended hereto.

-7-

Claims