EP0664043B1 - Display element with teeth located on vertical surface edges, and use of same in a display panel and display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR93/00804 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 6, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 6, 1994 PCT Filed Aug. 11, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO94/08327 PCT Pub. Date Apr. 14, 1994.The invention relates to a display element and to its use in a display panel, and to a display system. This display element is generally in the form of a cube (32) and thus comprises four display faces of different color. This cube (32) is mounted so as to rotate on fixed shafts (34), in column Cn and in row Rm. These cubes include rotation means such as teeth and erasing means such as a recess. By virtue of the these rotation means such as teeth and these erasing means such as a recess, the rotating of a display element is simplified, and more foolproof and reliable, which improves the operation of the display panel made up of such display elements.

Description

The present invention essentially relates to a display element with teeth on the edges of the vertical faces; display panel and display system comprising them.

Document FR-A-2 610 438 from the same inventor already knows a display element formed by a cube with a display toothing and an erasing toothing, as well as display panels comprising such elements display and a display system. In this prior solution, the cubes comprise teeth associated with horizontal axial faces, the teeth being arranged substantially perpendicular to the associated vertical lateral face and eccentrically.

This previous solution was satisfactory but distinctly required upper writing teeth and lower erasing teeth, which in turn led to a not inconsiderable size of the display cubes.

The present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem of providing a solution to significantly reduce the size of the display elements thereby allowing to increase the accuracy of the image.

The present invention also aims to solve the new technical problem consisting in the supply of a solution making it possible to simplify the implementation of the writing system, as well as to improve the distribution of friction during the rotation of the display elements.

Another object of the present invention is to solve the new technical problem consisting in providing a solution making it possible to greatly improve the display and / or erasure speed, in particular so that the scanning speed is at least equal or greater than 0.3 m / s while having great positioning security for the display elements with a minimum risk of error.

The present invention makes it possible to solve these new technical problems for the first time in a simultaneous, particularly simple, less costly manner, usable on an industrial scale. The invention thus makes it possible to construct large surfaces of display panels while retaining a simplified management of display and erasure while even improving reliability.

Thus, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a display element comprising a block-shaped member comprising at least a first axial face and a second axial face arranged horizontally, or vertically, substantially parallel to one another, joined together by a plurality of vertical, or horizontal lateral faces, constituting display surfaces of different colors, and arranged substantially perpendicular to said first and second axial faces by defining junction edges therewith, said block member comprising an axial through hole whose axis is substantially perpendicular to said axial faces, and intended to receive a rotation support element, said block member comprising means for rotating around said rotation support element so that it can successively present each lateral face in display position. said rotation means being intended to be controlled by rotation control means for displaying or erasing a given color to define or erase information in combination with other identical display elements, characterized in that the means for rotating comprise first mechanical means known as display allowing the display of a given color, arranged on each of the lateral faces, so as to project outwards relative to the general surface of said lateral face, and integral with the latter in rotation, and controlled by said control means: and second so-called mechanical erasing means allowing repositioning on an initial color, arranged on only one of said lateral faces, controlled by said control means; preferably, the control means comprise first control means controlling the first mechanical display means and second control means distinct from the first control means and controlling the second mechanical erasure means.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first mechanical display means comprise a tooth disposed eccentrically towards an edge of the face which supports it, intended to cooperate with the abovementioned control means, said tooth projecting outwards relative to the general surface of said face which supports it. Advantageously, the tooth occupies a substantial part of the dimension of the edge.

According to a particular embodiment, the tooth is in one piece with the face which supports it and preferably in continuity with this face, for example by presenting a curved surface for connection with the face.

According to a particular variant embodiment, the curved surface is of a dimension less than or at most substantially equal to half the dimension of the face which supports it in the direction of rotation.

According to yet another particularly advantageous embodiment, the height of the tooth relative to the general surface of the face which supports it is between 8 and 20% of the dimension of said face in the direction of rotation.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the abovementioned erasing means comprise a recess produced at the level of a single edge on a lateral face intended to be opposite to the lateral face comprising the erasing color. Preferably, the aforementioned tooth occupies the entire dimension of the edge on at least three aforementioned lateral faces and on a fourth face, said tooth occupies only part of the dimension of the edge in order to define the aforementioned recess constituting the erasure means.

According to a particular embodiment, the recess has a surface substantially in the plane of the face which supports it.

According to another particular variant embodiment, at the edge comprising the recess, the surface of the recess is slightly recessed with respect to the general surface of the face comprising the recess so as to facilitate the passage of the means of erasure.

According to a currently preferred embodiment, the aforementioned block-shaped member is of substantially cubic shape and thus comprises four lateral faces.

According to an equally advantageous embodiment, the block-shaped member is made of an injectable material, by an injection technique, and preferably of an injectable plastic material such as polybutyleneterephthalate.

According to another particularly advantageous embodiment, the colors of the lateral faces are obtained by a hot stamping technique, for example by depositing a film of given color on the lateral face, optionally followed by depositing a varnish providing a mechanical resistance avoiding damaging the color and protecting the color in particular against ultraviolet radiation.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned display element is characterized in that it comprises a braking element in rotation of the block-shaped member, preferably disposed in the mass of an axial face. Advantageously, the aforementioned braking element comprises a ratchet toothing allowing only one direction of rotation, comprising as many teeth as there are surfaces display, preferably having four teeth when the display element has only four side faces.

According to a second aspect, the present invention also provides a display panel comprising a structure with a display surface formed by a multitude of display elements arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced apart by a distance predetermined in the horizontal direction so as to form horizontal rows of display elements (R _m ) and vertical columns of display elements (C _n ), characterized in that each display element is as above defined.

According to a particular embodiment, the display elements are mounted in rotation about a vertical axis of rotation (YY), the display elements being mounted in rotation by columns (C _n ) or rows (R _m ) on trees fixed rotation arranged in columns or rows, all of these fixed shafts being mounted on a frame serving as a frame defining the aforementioned display surface; the display elements rest on spacing and holding blades spaced at predetermined intervals so as to define either columns. or rows of display elements.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the interval between the aforementioned spacing blades is identical to the distance between the aforementioned fixed shafts.

According to a particular variant embodiment, the spacing blades comprise a plurality of orifices traversed by the above-mentioned fixed shafts, said orifices being arranged at the distance provided for defining the aforementioned columns or rows.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned spacer blade comprises means for supporting and guiding the aforementioned rotation control means.

According to a particular variant embodiment, the spacer blade comprises a plate disposed substantially horizontally, comprising the aforementioned orifices, and provided at a lateral edge with a cornice defining the aforementioned support and guide means.

According to a particular embodiment, the aforementioned control means comprise a longitudinal structure provided with a plurality of movable indexes, by aforementioned row or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface formed by the elements display.

According to a particular embodiment, the aforementioned display panel is characterized in that it comprises first means for controlling rotation comprising a first longitudinal display structure provided with a plurality of movable display indexes, preferably individually and independently, by line or column, moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface formed by the elements display and in the plane of the first mechanical display means mentioned above.

According to a preferred embodiment, this display panel is also characterized in that it comprises second rotation control means, comprising a second longitudinal erasure structure provided with one or more erasure indexes, in particular one or up to four indexes for a block member constituted by a cube with four lateral faces forming four display faces of different color.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the aforementioned mobile display indexes are mounted pivoting independently, individually, around a pivot axis brought into action by electromechanical or pneumatic control means; advantageously the erasing index (es) is / are mounted (s) mobile (s) and preferably pivoting (s) around an associated pivot axis brought into action by electromechanical or pneumatic control means.

According to a currently preferred embodiment, the second longitudinal erasure structure is mounted on the first longitudinal display structure, and in front of this first longitudinal structure.

According to a particular variant embodiment, the indexes are arranged at an identical predetermined spacing preferably equal to or greater than twice the distance separating the axis of rotation of two adjacent display elements.

According to another particularly advantageous embodiment, each aforementioned display index comprises an active surface which in the working position abuts in its movement against the aforementioned tooth to ensure the rotation of the aforementioned display element while the 'the aforementioned movable erasure index has an active part which in the working position is arranged at the aforementioned recess.

According to a particular embodiment, the display indexes have the shape of a blade comprising a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge constituting a stop for rotating the display element, forming the active surface. .

According to a particular embodiment, the aforementioned blade has an excess thickness at its front edge defining a stop, the difference in thickness preferably being substantially identical to the height of the aforementioned tooth so that the rear edge comes to bear against the tooth on a given face and the front edge bears on the surface of said face with a display element preceding the 'display element whose tooth must be tilted by the rotation of said element.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the erasing index comprises a blade comprising a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge comprising an excess thickness defining a stop, on only part of its dimension, corresponding to the dimension of the 'Above-mentioned recess, said stop forming the active surface being intended to come to be positioned opposite said recess.

According to a third aspect, the present invention also covers a display system, characterized in that it comprises at least one display panel as previously defined, which preferably forms part of a peripheral display unit, advantageously equipped with an internal IT system.

According to an advantageous embodiment, this display system is also characterized in that it comprises a server center for managing a set of images sent on at least one peripheral display unit comprising at least one display panel. aforementioned display.

It is thus understood from the above that the present invention makes it possible to solve the technical problems previously stated in a simultaneous, particularly simple, reliable manner, usable on an industrial scale. The invention makes it possible, as previously stated, to significantly reduce the size of the display elements, in particular display cubes, which makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the image and to simplify the implementation of the display system. 'write / erase. On the other hand, in particular by the fact that the teeth are produced according to the present invention on all or exceptionally a part of the height of the edges or lateral faces of the display elements, a better distribution of the frictions is obtained during the setting. in rotation. In addition, the display / erase speeds are improved and can be equal to or greater than 0.3 m / s, and this with great precision and reliability, in particular, by preventing any rebound or reverse rotation.

Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention appear clearly in the light of the explanatory description which will follow made with reference to the appended figures representing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention given simply by way of illustration and which therefore cannot in any way limit the scope of the invention.

• la figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue arrière de la surface d'affichage d'un panneau d'affichage avec ses organes essentiels ;
• la figure 2 une vue avant en perspective, avec arrachement partiel, d'une partie de la surface d'affichage du panneau d'affichage de la figure 1, avec certains éléments d'affichage enlevés, pour une meilleure compréhension de la structure de la surface d'affichage ; les éléments d'affichage étant positionnés pour visualiser les moyens d'effacement ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe axiale verticale au niveau d'un élément d'affichage de la surface d'affichage représentée aux figures 1 et 2, en position montée ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de dessous de l'élément d'affichage représenté aux figures 1 à 3 et 5 ;
• la figure 5 représente schématiquement en perspective la structure d'un élément d'affichage individuel servant à constituer les surfaces d'affichage représentées aux figures 1 à 3 ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue latérale en élévation d'un élément support de rotation d'un élément d'affichage, qui est représenté en coupe à la figure 3 ;
• la figure 7 représente une vue de dessus de l'élément de support de rotation représenté à la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 représente une vue de dessus de l'intérieur du panneau d'affichage permettant de voir la structure du système ou index d'écriture/affichage et du système ou index d'effacement ;
• les figures 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d et 9e représentent successivement les diverses phases de mise en rotation des éléments d'affichage pour réaliser l'affichage d'une face latérale donnée par le système ou index d'écriture/affichage;
• la figure 10 représente en perspective l'index d'écriture/affichage permettant d'observer que la surface active présente une dimension sensiblement égale à la hauteur de l'arête de l'élément d'affichage ; et
• la figure 11 représente en perspective l'index d'effacement permettant d'observer que la partie active présente une demi-hauteur de l'arête de l'élément d'affichage.

In the drawings:

• FIG. 1 schematically represents a rear view of the display surface of a display panel with its essential members;
• Figure 2 a perspective front view, partially broken away, of a portion of the display surface of the display panel of Figure 1, with some display elements removed, for a better understanding of the structure of the display area; the display elements being positioned to display the erasing means;
• 3 shows a vertical axial sectional view at a display element of the display surface shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the mounted position;
• Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the display element shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 5;
• Figure 5 schematically shows in perspective the structure of an individual display element used to form the display surfaces shown in Figures 1 to 3;
• FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of a support element for rotation of a display element, which is shown in section in FIG. 3;
• Figure 7 shows a top view of the rotation support member shown in Figure 6;
• FIG. 8 represents a top view of the interior of the display panel making it possible to see the structure of the writing / display system or index and of the erasure system or index;
• FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and 9e successively represent the various phases of rotation of the display elements in order to display a side face given by the writing or display system or index;
• FIG. 10 shows in perspective the writing / display index making it possible to observe that the active surface has a dimension substantially equal to the height of the edge of the display element; and
• FIG. 11 shows in perspective the erasure index making it possible to observe that the active part has a half-height of the edge of the display element.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a display panel with the general reference 10 forming part of a display system or network as shown in Figure 1 of the previous document of the inventor FR-A-2 610 438 to which those skilled in the art can refer. It is recalled that the display system may include a server center for managing a set of images, which can be preconceived or else designed using incorporated or auxiliary computer means, and which are then sent by the server center. on at least one peripheral display unit, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The network can thus include a multitude of peripheral display units such as those represented in FIG. 1. It is conceivable that the same image is sent to all peripheral display units or else different images are sent to peripheral display units.

Each peripheral display unit has a conventional external structure. These peripheral display structures are most generally placed outside and their exposure to the weather will therefore require the production of a sealed box (12) for protecting the systems and mechanisms composing the display board. Figure 1 showing a rear view of the peripheral display unit, the rear panel of the display board has been removed to view the essential systems and mechanisms. Thus, the box (12) is usually raised by a base (14) firmly anchored in the ground. The air conditioning and ventilation device inside the display panel have been symbolized (in 15 and 16), as well as (in 18) the electrical supply used for the operation of each peripheral display unit and for its lighting. outside. Also shown schematically (at 20) the computer control unit with the associated electronic unit (22). The writing (70) and erasing (80) system and the display surface (30) defined by display elements (32) are also shown diagrammatically, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. The writing and erasing system (50) is controlled in translational movement by a device comprising for example a transmission belt (24) controlled by an associated motor device (such as 26) as is well conceived. for those skilled in the art.

With reference to FIG. 2, the structure of the display surface (30) can be seen in detail with the display face itself in the foreground and the opposite hidden face in the background.

The display surface (30) is formed by a multitude of display elements (32), all of identical structure, arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction so as to form horizontal rows, for example referenced R _m , R _{m + 1} , R _{m + 2} , R _{m + 3} , R _{m + 4} , R _{m + 5} , R _{m + 6} , R _{m +7} , R _{m + 8} , and vertical columns of display elements of which only the columns of index C _n , C _{n + 1} , C _{n + 2} , C _{n + 3,} C have been represented here _{n + 4,} C _{n + 5,} C _{n + 6} , C _{n + 7} .

It will be observed that according to the invention, the display elements (32) are mounted in rotation along a vertical axis of rotation Y-Y, which defines the relative arrangement in rows and columns.

The display elements (32) comprise block-shaped members which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

The display elements (32) are preferably mounted in rotation by columns or rows on fixed shafts (such as 34), themselves arranged in columns or rows, as shown, all of these fixed shafts being mounted on a frame, not shown here, serving as a frame delimiting the display surface (30) and which can be inserted into the box (12) or be an integral part thereof. Advantageously, the display elements (32) of the same column C _n or C _{n + 1} , etc. are rotatably mounted on a single shaft (34) fixed for rotation.

According to the currently preferred embodiment, as shown, the display elements (32) are rotatably mounted on the fixed shafts (34) indirectly via a rotation support element (36) constituting here preferably simultaneously a rotating braking element which can be seen in row R _{m + 8} in columns C _{n + 2} , C _{n + 3} and C _{n + 4} where the display elements (32) have been removed.

These rotation support elements (36) constituting braking elements (36) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

It will be observed that the rotation support elements (36) rest on spacing and holding blades (38, 39) spaced at predetermined intervals so as to define either columns or rows of display elements (32) , here rows because of their horizontal arrangement. Preferably, the interval between the aforementioned spacing blades is identical to the distance between the aforementioned fixed shafts (34).

The spacing blades (38, 39) advantageously comprise a plurality of orifices (40) traversed by the above-mentioned fixed shafts (34), said orifices (40) being arranged at the distance provided for defining the columns, as shown, or the rows.

According to the currently preferred embodiment, as shown, at least some spacing blades, here 38, include support and guide means (42), means for controlling the rotation of the display elements (32), and which will be described later. The blades (38) therefore have a larger dimension than the blades (39).

According to an alternative embodiment as shown, the support and guide means (42) comprise for example a cornice disposed on a rear lateral edge (38a) of the blades (38).

Referring to Figures 3 to 7, there is shown in section and in perspective respectively the display elements (32) and the rotation support elements (36).

Referring to Figure 3, we observe in vertical axial section the mounting of the display elements (32) on the fixed shafts (34) by means of the rotation support elements (36) which are in some way snapped in the holes (40) of the spacer blades (38/39). It is observed that the rotation support element (36) comprises towards its base an annular shoulder (37) comprising a lug (37a) projecting in the direction of the spacer blade (38/39) to be inserted in a small lateral orifice (41) provided in the spacing blades and which can also be seen clearly in FIG. 2. The presence of this lug constitutes an anti-rotation means of the elements (36) support for rotation of the display elements (32 ). It will be observed that the element (36) for supporting the rotation generally has the shape of a hollow cylinder defining a passage (44) for the fixed shafts (34); and the annular shoulder (37) is arranged at a short distance from the base of the element (36) which can correspond, as shown, to substantially the thickness of the spacing blades (38/39).

It will be observed with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, which individually show the element (36) for rotating support, that the upper face of the shoulder (37), opposite the lower face comprising the lug (41), has cutouts (46) defining prominences (48) constituting a ratchet toothing allowing only one direction of rotation. The cutouts (46) have different slopes to allow only one direction of rotation, for example the slope (46a) has a slope of 45 ° relative to the vertical and the slope (46b) has a slope of 23 ° relative to the vertical, these cutouts are naturally intended to cooperate with a corresponding ratchet toothing provided in the display element and which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 individually representing the display element ( 32). Obviously, the number of cuts (46) and therefore of prominences (48) is a function of the number of faces of the display element (32).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the currently preferred embodiment is a display element comprising a block-shaped member of substantially cubic shape and thus comprising four side faces referenced L1, L2, L3 and L4. For example, the L1 side has a cyan color, the L2 side has a red color, the L3 side has a white color and the L4 side has a yellow color.

According to the present invention, the display element (32) comprises at least a first axial face (52), here top face, and a second axial face (54), here bottom, arranged vertically or here horizontally substantially parallel between them, joined together by a plurality of lateral faces L1, L2, L3 and L4 here four in number since the display element (32) has the shape of a cube, which constitute display surfaces of different color, and arranged substantially perpendicular to said first and second axial faces (52, 54) by defining junction edges therewith. The block member (32) comprises an axial through hole (56) whose axis is substantially perpendicular to the axial faces (52, 54), and intended to receive the rotation support element (36) previously described which is mounted itself on the fixed shafts (34). The block member (32) comprises means (58, 60, 62, 64) for rotating around the rotation support elements (36), so that the display element (32) can successively present each side face L1, L2, L3 and L4 in display position. The rotation means (58 to 64) are intended to be controlled by rotation control means (50) shown schematically in Figure 1 and which will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 8 to 10 respectively for the displaying or erasing a given color to define or erase information in combination with other identical display elements (32).

The rotation means (58, 60, 62, 64) comprise according to the present invention first mechanical means known as display respectively referenced 59, 61, 63, 65 allowing the display of a given color, arranged on each lateral faces L1, L2, L3, L4, integral with the latter in rotation and controlled by the control means (50); and second mechanical means known as erasing (66) allowing the reinitialization of an initial color, arranged on only one (here the L1 face) of said lateral faces, controlled by the control means (50) which themselves comprise preferably first control means (70) controlling the first mechanical display means (59, 61, 63, 65) and second control means (80) distinct from the first control means (70) and controlling the second mechanical means of erasure (66), as will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the first mechanical display means (59, 61, 63, 65) comprise a tooth disposed eccentrically towards an edge of the face which supports it, as clearly visible in FIG. 4, intended to cooperate with the aforementioned control means (50), the tooth projecting outwards relative to the general surface of the surface which supports it. Preferably, the tooth (59, 61, 63, 65) occupies a substantial part of the dimension of the edge.

According to a currently preferred embodiment, the tooth (59, 61, 63, 65) is in one piece with the face which supports it and preferably in continuity with this face, for example by presenting a curved surface (59a, 61a, 63a, 65a) of connection with the face.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, the curved surface (59a, 61a, 63a, 65a) is of a dimension less than or at most substantially equal to half the dimension of the face which supports it in the direction of rotation.

According to another currently preferred characteristic, the height h of the tooth (59, 61, 63, 65) relative to the general surface of the face which supports it is between 8 and 20% of the dimension D of said face in the sense of rotation.

According to the currently preferred embodiment, as shown, the erasing means (66) preferably comprise a recess (68) produced at the level of a single edge, here the edge between the face L1 and the face L2, on a side face, here the side face L1, intended to be opposite to the side face, here L3, comprising the erasing color, that is to say here the color white.

According to an advantageous embodiment, as shown, the tooth (61, 63, 65) occupies the entire dimension of the edge on at least three lateral faces L2, L3, L4, and on a fourth face L1, the tooth ( 59) occupies only part of the dimension of the edge in order to define the recess (68) constituting the erasing means (66). Preferably, the recess (68) has a surface (69) substantially in the plane of the face L1 which supports it. Preferably, at the edge comprising the recess (68), the surface (69) of the recess is slightly recessed relative to the general surface of the face L1 comprising the recess (68) so as to facilitate the passage of the erasing means which is visible in Figure 4 where we see that the depth hl of the recess (68) is greater than the height h of the tooth (59).

According to a currently preferred embodiment, the block-shaped member constituting the display element (32) is made of an injectable material, by an injection technique, preferably of an injectable plastic material such as polybutylene terephthalate.

On the other hand, it is advantageous that the colors of the lateral faces are obtained by a hot stamping technique, for example by depositing a film of given color on the lateral face, optionally followed by depositing a varnish providing a mechanical resistance avoiding damaging the color and protecting the color in particular against ultraviolet radiation. These means are also claimed as such.

According to a currently preferred embodiment, the display element (32) comprises an element (90) for braking the rotation of the block-shaped member, preferably disposed in the mass of an axial face, here the face (54). This rotary braking element (90) similarly comprises the rotational support element (36) a ratchet toothing allowing only one direction of rotation by the formation in the mass of the axial face (54) recesses (92, 94, 96, 98) intended to cooperate with the prominences (48) of the ratchet teeth of the element (36). Here also, the recesses (92 to 98) comprise a section (such as 92b) with a slope of 45 ° relative to the vertical and a section (such as 92a) with a slope of 23 ° relative to the vertical to allow only 'one direction of rotation. Because of the recesses (92 to 98), the spaces between these recesses thus constitute, as it were, teeth respectively (referenced 93, 95, 97, 99). There are four recesses such as the teeth, given that the display element here is cubic in shape and has four side faces L1 to LA for display. Figure 5 allows to observe from below the display element (32) in the shape of a cube and also allows a good observation of the teeth (59 to 65) and the ratchet toothing (90) defined in the mass of the axial face (54).

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, control means (50) will be described more precisely comprising the writing or display means (70) and the erasing means (80). First of all, it can be seen from FIG. 8 that the writing / display means (70) and the erasing means (80) are mounted on a common longitudinal support structure constituting a carriage (52) driven in displacement in translation behind the display surface defined by the assembly display elements (32) being guided by support and guide means (42) of the spacer blades (38), by cooperation with guide rollers (54) as is understandable from skilled in the art. This longitudinal carriage-forming structure (52) comprises a plurality of identical display / write indices (72) and identical erasure indexes (82), moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface formed by the display elements (32), and this by rows R of display elements (32).

This longitudinal structure forming a carriage (52) is thus subdivided into a first longitudinal display structure (70) provided with a plurality of display indexes (72) moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface. constituted by the display elements (32) and in the plane of the first mechanical display means mentioned above, that is to say in practice at the level of the tooth (59), and a second longitudinal erasing structure ( 80) provided with one or more erasure indexes (82), in particular one as shown or up to four indexes, for a block member constituted by a block with four lateral faces forming four display faces of different color , this second longitudinal structure (80) also moving parallel behind the plane formed by the display surface formed by the display elements (32) but in the plane of the second mechanical erasing means mentioned above s (66), that is to say at the level of the recess (68) or in the lower part of the teeth (61, 63, 65), which makes it possible to carry out the erasure as is understandable at skilled in the art and as will be explained later in the context of operation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second longitudinal erasing structure and the first longitudinal display structure (70) are mounted in common on the same chassis constituted by the carriage (52) so as to be moved simultaneously. It will be noted that the carriage (52) is controlled to move by means of the transmission belt (24) also visible in FIG. 1 and of a drive motor (26) which can be a stepped motor. or direct current equipped with encoder, tachometer and variator in order to know precisely the position of the carriage (52) by counting electronically the number of revolutions made by the motor. Knowing the precise position of the carriage is indeed important for actuating the display and / or erasure indexes, as will be explained below.

The structure of the display indexes (72) is as follows, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11: each display index (72) comprises an active surface (74) which in the working position abuts in its movement against the aforementioned tooth (59, 61, 63 or 65) to ensure the rotation of the display element (32) while the erasing index (82) also has an active part (84) which in the working position is disposed at the aforementioned recess (68).

Advantageously, the display indexes (72) have the shape of a blade (75) comprising a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge constituting a stop for rotating the display element and thus defining the active surface (74). Similarly, the erasure indexes (82) comprise a blade (85) comprising a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge constituting a stop for rotating the display element (32) and thus defining the active surface (84).

According to the embodiment shown, the aforementioned blades (75, 85) have an additional thickness at their front edge defining the stop forming the active surface (74, 84), the difference in thickness preferably being substantially identical to the height h of the tooth (59, 61, 63, 65) so that the rear edge comes to bear against the tooth of a given face and the front edge bears on the surface of the face of a display element preceding the display element whose tooth must be tilted by the rotation of the element, as shown in the working position in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

It should be observed however that the extra thickness forming the active surface (74) of the display indexes has a dimension which corresponds substantially to the total dimension A of the edge of the display elements (32) here in the shape of a cube, while that the total dimension of the active surface (84) of the erasing blades (85) corresponds substantially to the height of the recess (68), which according to a preferred embodiment, as shown, extends over a half -height of edge A (that is to say A / 2). Therefore, the extra thickness defining the active surface (84) of the blades (85) extends over a half-height of these blades, these blades having a dimension identical to the blades (75) extending over the complete dimension of the edge (A) of the elements (32).

On the other hand, each of the display (72) and erasure (82) indexes is mounted movable in a retracted, nonoperative position, and an advanced, operative position, the retracted positions being shown in solid lines and the position in phantom line in FIG. 8. To do this, each blade (75, 85) is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis respectively (76, 86) by means of an arm (78, 88) connected to a end at said blade (75 or 85) and at the other opposite end, cooperates with pivoting means (79, 89). The means for pivoting (79, 89) the display / write and erase indexes preferably comprises an electromagnet device (100, 102) which, when activated, brings the blades (75, 85) with its surface active (74, 84) in the operating position shown in phantom in Figure 8 to rotate a display element (32) as shown in Figures 9a to 9e, while in the non-activated position of the electromagnets (100, 102 ), a return means such as a spring (104, 106) returns the blades (75, 85) in the retracted nonoperative position.

Thus, the structure of the erasing means is essentially identical to that of the writing / display means, which constitutes an advantage of the invention, with the sole exception of the active part (84) of the erasing indexes (72). and of an A / 2 dimension with respect to the A dimension of the active part (74) of the writing indexes (72).

The display or writing procedure appears clearly from the consideration of FIGS. 9a to 9e. At position 9a, the retracted position is shown in phantom line and the active position in solid line. In the active position, the blade (75) comes to bear, for example on the display element (32) of the column C _{n in} order to cause the element (32) of the column C _{n +} to rotate. ₁ . FIG. 9a represents just the position where the active surface (74) of the blade (75) abuts against a tooth of the display element (32) of the column C _{n + 1} , that is to say just before the rotation of this element. FIG. 9b represents the start of the rotation of the display element (32) of the column C _{n + 1} , FIG. 9c represents an intermediate position of rotation, as well as FIG. 9d. Figure 9e shows the end of rotation position. It is thus observed that each index makes it possible here to ensure a rotation of a quarter turn to display the next face of the display element (32). It is understood that to display all the faces, it suffices to use three indexes to display the other three faces. With regard to erasure, it is understood that it is possible to use a single erasure index, by making one or more passages, so as to be sure of having all the display elements in the position where the erasure index becomes inactive vis-à-vis the rotation of the display elements (32), systematically passing through the recess (68). In general, this operation of completely erasing the display surface only takes place from time to time between various displays of images.

Note that in Figure 2, for better understanding, the display elements are shown with the recesses opposite the cornices (42). However, when the display surface is in the fully erased position, the position of the display elements (32) is reversed and all of the recesses are facing the cornices (42) so as to display the opposite face, that is to say the white face (see FIG. 4) as an erased surface.

The action of the erasure indices appears clearly from the consideration of FIGS. 9a to 9e, the rotational movement of the display elements (32) being the same as that shown in FIGS. 9a to 9e.

It is thus understood that it is possible with the invention to display any image in a safe and reliable manner, with a simplified structure. The general operation of the peripheral display unit constituted by the display panel shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 is, moreover, known to those skilled in the art, in particular taking into account the previous request from the same inventor FR -A-2 610 438 to which a person skilled in the art can refer.

Naturally, the invention includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described as well as their various combinations. The invention covers, moreover, any characteristic which appears to be new with respect to any prior art from the preceding description incorporating Figures 1 to 11 which constitute an integral part of the present invention and therefore an integral part of this description.

Claims (33)

1. Display element including a member in the form of a block including at least one first axial face (52) and one second axial face (54) arranged vertically or horizontally substantially mutually parallel and joined together by a plurality of lateral faces (L1, L2, L3, L4) constituting display surfaces of different colours, and arranged substantially perpendicularly to the said first and second axial faces, defining junction arrises with the latter, the said member forming a block including an axial through orifice (56) the axis of which is substantially perpendicular to the said axial faces and intended to receive a rotation support element, the said member forming a block comprising means for rotating about the said rotation support element, so that it can present each lateral face in the display position in succession, the said rotation means being intended to be controlled by rotation control means (50) for displaying or erasing a given colour in order to define or erase an item of information in conjunction with other identical display elements, characterized in that the rotation means (58. 60. 62, 64) comprise first mechanical means termed display means (59, 61, 63, 65) allowing a given colour to be displayed, and arranged on each of the lateral faces so as to project outwards with respect to the overall surface of the said lateral face, and rotationally secured to the latter, and controlled by the said control means (50), and second mechanical means termed erasing means (66) making it possible to reinitialise an initial colour, arranged on just one of the said lateral faces, controlled by the said control means (50); preferably, the control means (50) comprise first control means (70) controlling the first mechanical display means (59, 61, 63, 65) and second control means (80) separate from the first control means (70) and controlling the second mechanical erasing means (66).
2. Display element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first mechanical display means comprise a tooth arranged off centre towards one arris of the face which supports it, intended to interact with the aforementioned control means (50), the said tooth projecting outwards with respect to the overall surface of the said face which supports it.
3. Display element according to Claim 2, characterized in that the tooth occupies a substantial part of the dimension of the arris.
4. Display element according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the tooth is integral with the face which supports it and preferably in continuity with this face, for example having a curved surface for joining to the face.
5. Display element according to Claim 4, characterized in that the curved surface has a dimension which is less than or at most substantially equal to half the dimension of the face which supports it in the rotation direction.
6. Display element according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the height (h) of the tooth with respect to the overall surface of the face which supports it lies between 8 and 20% of the dimension (D) of the said face in the rotation direction.
7. Display element according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the aforementioned erasing means (66) comprise a recess (68) produced level with just one arris on a lateral face which is intended to be opposite the lateral face including the erasing colour.
8. Display element according to Claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned tooth (61, 63, 65) occupies the whole dimension of the arris on at least three aforementioned lateral faces (L2, L3, L4) and on a fourth face (L1), the said tooth (59) occupies only part of the dimension of the arris in order to define the aforementioned recess (68) constituting the erasing means (66).
9. Display element according to Claim 8, characterized in that the recess (68) has a surface which is substantially in the plane of the face which supports it.
10. Display element according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that level with the arris including the recess (68), the surface of the recess is slightly set back with respect to the overall surface of the face (L1) including the recess (68) so as to facilitate the passage of the erasing means (80).
11. Display element according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the aforementioned member in the form of a block is of substantially cubic shape and thus comprises four lateral faces.
12. Display element according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the member in the form of a block is produced from an injectable material, using an injection technique, preferably made from an injectable plastic such as polybutyleneterephthalate.
13. Display element according to Claim 12, characterized in that the colours of the lateral faces are obtained by a hot marking technique, for example by depositing a film of given colour on the lateral face, possibly followed by depositing a lacquer giving a mechanical strength preventing the colour from being damaged and protecting the colour particularly against ultraviolet radiation.
14. Display element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an element (90) for braking the rotation of the block-shaped member, the element preferably being arranged in the mass of an axial face.
15. Display element according to Claim 14, characterized in that the aforementioned braking element comprises a ratchet-type toothing allowing just one direction of rotation, including as many teeth as there are display surfaces, preferably including four teeth when the display element includes only four lateral faces.
16. Display panel comprising a structure with a display surface formed by a multiplicity of display elements arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction in order to form horizontal rows of display elements (R_m) and vertical columns of display elements (C_n), characterized in that each display element is such as defined according to any one of Claims 1 to 15.
17. Display panel according to Claim 16, characterized in that the display elements are mounted so to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation (Y-Y), the display elements being mounted so as to rotate per column (C_n) or row (R_m) on fixed rotation shafts arranged in columns or rows, all of these fixed shafts being mounted on a chassis acting as a frame defining the aforementioned display surface; the display elements rest on spacing and holding strips which are spaced apart at predetermined intervals so as to define either columns, or rows of display elements.
18. Display panel according to Claim 17, characterized in that the interval between the aforementioned spacing strips is identical to the distance between the aforementioned fixed shafts.
19. Display panel according to Claim 18, characterized in that the spacing strips comprise a plurality of orifices traversed by the aforementioned fixed shafts, the said orifices being arranged at the anticipated distance in order to define the aforementioned columns or rows.
20. Display panel according to one of Claims 17 to 19, characterized in that at least some of the aforementioned spacing strips (38) comprise means for supporting and guiding the aforementioned rotation control means (50).
21. Display panel according to Claim 20, characterized in that the aforementioned support and guidance means comprise a moulding (42) on a rear lateral edge of some strips (38).
22. Display panel according to Claim 21, characterized in that the aforementioned rotation control means comprise a longitudinal structure provided with a plurality of display/write indexes (72) and erasing indexes (80) per aforementioned line or column, moving parallel to the rear of the plane formed by the display surface which consists of the display elements.
23. Display panel according to Claim 22, characterized in that it comprises first rotation control means (70) comprising a first longitudinal display structure provided with a plurality of display indexes (72) which can preferably move individually and independently, per line or column, moving in parallel to the rear of the plane formed by the display surface which consists of the display elements (32) and in the plane of the first aforementioned mechanical display means (58).
24. Display panel according to Claim 22 or 23, characterized in that it comprises second rotation control means (80), comprising a second longitudinal erasing structure provided with one or more erasing indexes (82), in particular one (82) or up to four indexes for a member forming a block consisting of a cube with four lateral faces forming four display faces of different colour.
25. Display panel according to one of Claims 23 or 24, characterized in that the display indexes (72) are mounted so that they pivot independently, individually, about a pivot spindle actuated by electromechanical or pneumatic control means; advantageously the erasing index(es) (82) is/are mounted so that it (they) can move, and preferably so that it (they) pivot(s) about an associated pivot spindle (86) actuated by electromechanical or pneumatic control means.
26. Display panel according to one of Claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the second longitudinal erasing structure (80) is mounted on the first longitudinal display structure (70), and in front of this first longitudinal structure.
27. Display panel according to one of Claims 22 to 26, characterized in that the indexes (72, 82) are arranged with a predetermined identical spacing which is preferably equal to or greater than twice the distance separating the rotation spindle of two adjacent display elements.
28. Display panel according to one of Claims 23 to 27, characterized in that each aforementioned display index (72) comprises an active surface (74) which, in the working position abuts in its displacement against the aforementioned tooth in order to rotate the aforementioned display element whilst the aforementioned movable erasing index (82) has an active part which, in the working position, is arranged level with the aforementioned recess.
29. Display panel according to Claim 28, characterized in that the display indexes (72) have the form of a strip (76) including a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge constituting a stop forming the active surface (74) for rotating the display element (32).
30. Display panel according to Claim 29, characterized in that the aforementioned strip (75, 85) has an excess thickness at its front edge defining a stop, the difference in thickness preferably being substantially identical to the height of the aforementioned tooth so that the rear edge comes to bear against the tooth of a given face and the front edge bears on the surface of the said face of a display element preceding the display element the tooth of which is to be tilted by rotating the said element.
31. Display panel according to Claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the erasing index (82) comprises a strip (85) including a front edge and a rear edge, the front edge including an excess thickness defining a stop, on only one part of its dimension, corresponding to the dimension of the aforementioned recess (68), the said stop forming the active surface (74) being intended to be positioned facing the said recess (68).
32. Display system, characterized in that it comprises at least one display panel such as defined according to any one of Claims 16 to 31, which preferably forms part of a peripheral display unit, advantageously equipped with an internal computer system.
33. Display system according to Claim 32, characterized in that it comprises a service centre for managing a set of images sent to at least one peripheral display unit comprising at least one aforementioned display panel (10).

Images