FR2626398A1 - Structure for presenting variable visual information, by selection of relatively movable elementary supports - Google Patents

Abstract

Presentation of information. The structure is characterised in that it comprises: . elementary supports all possessing three faces 5a, 5b, 5c having the same width I which is an integer sub-multiple of the length L, . elementary supports, a number n of which are provided such that the ratio n x I corresponds to an integer multiple of the length L, . guide means provided to keep the elementary supports in a fixed angular position along the track, . and at least one means 9 for successive partial automatic pivoting of each elementary support is interposed on their track. Application to animated presentation.

Description

VARIABLE VISUAL INFORMATION PRESENTATION STRUCTURE, BY
SELECTION OF RELATIVE ELEMENTARY SUPPORTS
The present invention relates to the field of presentation or display of information or visual messages in denominative or figurative form and it relates, more particularly to your structures designed to allow the presentation of visual information of variable nature.

 Structures have been proposed to offer a presentation of variable and animated information, in order to arouse increased interest compared to the static presentation provided by the plan supports.

 It is worth mentioning, in this regard, the teaching disclosed by patent FR 78-01 829 (2,378,327), according to which it is planned to have display elements in the form of shutters threaded by an oblong light on horizontal axes and having, at both ends, two magnetic inserts. The structure, supporting such shutters, also carries a mobile turning system, constituted by electromagnets capable of being moved in front of the shutters to cause them to rotate by the influence of the magnetic masses included.

 Such a structure can be considered as responding to the problem posed, given that the flaps, the shape of which in cross-section can be variaole, can be pivoted on their axis by partial angular rotation and thus offer a different face on which one visual message is reported.

However, such a structure appears to be a particularly complex construction, delicate and difficult to maintain, owing to the relatively high number of constituent parts and
the need to move in front of each of them, a mobile system including electromagnets. In this regard, the orite Laite does not appear likely to respond favorably to a presentation or display of variable visual information in public places or, even, outside such places.

It should also be mentioned, patent FR 84-00 953
(2,540,269) relating to a display panel consisting
trilateral display elements. According to this teaching, the
trilateral elements are mounted with possibility of rotation
partial angular on a longitudinal axis carried by a structure
in the form of a frame.

A presentation structure, thus constituted, covers,
undoubtedly, a character of robustness and reliability, but only partially meets the objective. Indeed, the number of variable visual information that can be presented is
limited to the number of faces of each relatively movable element and
is generally reduced to three.

It should also be mentioned, patent FR 79-21 375
(2 463 600) which relates to a display or presentation device made up of rotating triangular elements. This French patent aims to offer a solution to improve
ability to present patent-like structures
previous French. In this regard, it is recommended to carry out
each trilateral element, so as to give it a possibility of rotation on its longitudinal axis, while allowing,
also, a possibility of rotation of each wall the
component.

By such a means, it becomes possible to use Both
faces of each wall of the trilateral to compose information
visual and, in this sense, such a proposition certainly meets
to the problem posed.

However, in practice, such the structure of
presentation is excessively complex, due to the need to provide rotational bearings and complementary axes, both for each trilateral element and for each of the walls
of an element.

In addition, it is necessary to provide means for
Individual motorization, which can be selectively controlled
to offer any possibility of combination. Such structures
complex and delicate cannot be envisaged in public premises or outside such premises, because of their unreliability and the risks of degradation which are attached to it.

 The present invention aims to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing a new structure for presenting variable visual information by selecting relatively movable elementary supports, the design of which is chosen to allow a particularly robust and reliable embodiment, of relatively small size and can be installed in any public place, indoors or outdoors.

 Another object of the invention is to provide a structure for the presentation or display of variable visual information offering, by simple means, the possibility of presenting variable and changing animated information, renewed by automatic selection of the elementary supports. relatively mobile.

 Another object of the invention is to offer a structure for presenting variable visual information, capable of allowing choice or selection, from a relatively large stock of different information, without involving any means of selection. with specific programmed control, particularly delicate operation and maintenance.

To achieve the above objectives, the structure of presentation of variable visual information, by selection of relatively mobile elementary supports, is characterized in that
- your lenentary supports are, on the one hand,
carried by a carrier imposing a
endless path with one segment oriented
in a direction parallel to the length L
on a reference side of the window and are,
on the other hand, mounted on said transoortor, is
so that the width I of the sace
exposure be parallel to the length L,
- the elementary sucports all have lines
faces having the same Width I which is a
integer sub-multiple of Length L,
- the elementary supports are provided in a
number n such that the ratio nxl corresponds to
an integer multiple of the length L,
- guide means are provided to maintain
elementary supports in one position
fixed angular along the path,
- and at least one automatic pivoting means
successively partial of each support
elementary is interposed on the path in
upstream or downstream of the window relative to the
direction of progression of elementary supports.

 Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the presentation structure according to
The invention.

 Fig. 2 is a cross section taken substantially along the plane II-II of FIG. 1.

 Fig. 3 is an elevation, partly broken away, of another embodiment of the structure according to the invention.

 Fig. 4 is a cross section taken substantially along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

 Fig. 5 is a partial sectional elevation, partially cut away, showing, on a larger scale, a detail of embodiment of the example according to FIGS. 3 and 4.

 Fig. 6 is a partial cross section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5.

 Figs. 7 to 10 are schematic views illustrating, schematically, the operation of one of the constituent elements of the object of the invention.

 Fig. 11 is a partial section showing another constructive detail of the invention.

 The structure presents variable visual information, as illustrated in a first example of embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a box 7 capable of being adapted on supports 2 which can be feet or any other means of fixing, or even suspension. The box 1 is made of any suitable material to have a relative sealing character, in particular to dust and runoff, and houses all of the constituent elements of the structure, as they are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2.

 These constituent elements comprise, first of all, a conveyor 3 on which are fixed elementary supports 4, relatively mobile, which are constituted in the form of trilateral bodies each having three faces 5a, 5b and 5c.

The conveyor 3 is made so as to impose on the elementary supports 4 an endless path, a straight segment S of which is oriented in a direction, preferably vertical, shown diagrammatically by the arrow f1 and parallel to the length.
L on a reference side of a window 6 formed in one of the walls of the box 1. The endless conveyor 3 is organized to support each elementary support 4 by means of a rotation axis 7 which extends perpendicular to the length L.

The conveyor 3 is also provided so that the axes 7 are equidistant according to a pitch P such that the elementary supports 4 can be placed in a given angular position, so as to compose, each by one face, a sort of clan panel capable of be arranged parallel to the plane of window 6.

The pitch P is, for example, substantially equal with excess to the diameter of the circumscribed circle centered on the axis 7 and passing through
the tops of the faces 5 of each support 4.

The conveyor 3 is, therefore, organized so that the width L of each face 5 can be, along the segment
S, placed parallel to the plane of the window 6. The elementary successors 4 all have three faces of the same width or is an integer sub-multiple of the length L of the window 6. The conveyor 3 is, moreover, organized so as to support a number n of elementary supports 4, chosen so that the ratio nx I corresponds to an integer multiple of the length L of the window 6. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, measure l equals 1 / 8th of measure L and elementary supports 4 are provided for twenty-four in number.

 Thus, eight elementary supports, arranged along the segment S, define, by their aligned faces, such as 5a, a plane representative of visual information that each face contributes to compose by the partial pattern which it carries. This global advertising information is visible through the window 6, in a state of stability favorable to visual perception, as long as the transporter 3 is not driven by any movement.

 By the number n of elementary supports 4, it thus becomes possible to reveal, successively, through window 6, three different visual pieces of information, successively.

 This successive presentation is made possible by associating the transporter 3 with a motorization means 8, such as an electric motor, by means of a transmission 8a, for example a reduction gear.

 The mounting of each elementary support 4 on the conveyor 3, via a rotation axis 7, makes it possible to selectively orient each of them, for example by means 9 of automatic pivoting, arranged on the path of the conveyor 3, upstream or downstream of the window 6 relative to the direction of movement according to arrow f1.

 The means 9 is interposed to act on the angular position of each elementary support parading successively in front of it and to impose a partial angular rotation on its axis 7, for example on 1200. In this way, it becomes possible to multiply the number of visual information appearing through window 6 and, in this case, by a factor of 3. Nine different presentations can therefore be offered, using simple technical means, not involving any remote control of reversal or selective pivoting.

 Figs. 3 to 6 show another exemplary embodiment in which the box 7 comprises, internally, for example uprights 10 reserved for the support of the conveyor 3. The uprights 10 provide the support for horizontal members 11 on which are adapted bearings 12 reserved for the support two horizontal connecting shafts 13 constituting the conveyor 3. The shafts 13 extend parallel to each other, in the vicinity of the upper and lower walls of the box 1 and support, set back from their ends, wheels or chain sprockets 14 which are engaged with two flexible endless elongated elements 15, which may be belts, cables or, preferably, as in the example illustrated, chains. The elements 15 support, from place to place, according to the pitch P of the bearings 16 adapted removably or fixedly. The bearings 16 are arranged in pairs in coincidence along the endless elongated elements 15, so that two corresponding bearings can support, in rotation, the longitudinal pivot axis 17 of an elementary support 4.

 In the example illustrated, the transporter 3 is organized to support thirty-six elementary supports 4 and the path that it imposes on them ensures the alignment of twelve supports along the segment S, facing the presentation window 6 of the box 1. Such a constitution therefore makes it possible, as in the previous example, to involve a successive presentation of three sets of this twelve elementary Succorts, composing, by series of twelve, a visual. This constitution also makes it possible, by the possible rotation of each elementary support, to multiply this number of three basic pieces of information by a factor of three, by making use of compositions from each of the faces of these elementary supports.

The presentation structure described above also includes guide means 20 (fig. 5), intended to maintain the elementary supports in a fixed angular position, along the path imposed by the conveyor 3. These guide means 20 comprise at least one and, preferably, two rails 21 supported by your uprights 10, so as to be arranged on either side of the ends of the conveyor 3 The two raits ai have a homothetic conformation to the path imposed by the conveyor 3 and , for example, an oblong conformation in consideration of a transverse cut taken perpendicular to the trees 13
The means 20 also comprise, for each elementary support 4, members 22 for angular guidance and sliding, intended to cooperate with the rails 21. In the present case, these members 22 are two in number provided at the two ends of each elementary support 4, being adapted on the ends of the axis 17 to be fixed angularly there.

Each member 22 comprises a flange a3 supporting three rollers 24 able to cooperate with the longitudinal edges of a line 21. As shown in FIG. 6, The rollers 24 are implanted equidistantly, to be placed at equal distance from the pivot axis 7, so that each of them is arranged, being seen in a cross-section, opposite you 'one side 5 of the support 4 relative to the pivot axis 7 *
The rollers 24 are intended to cooperate with the longitudinal edges 212 and 212 of the rail 21 by following the latter To give each elementary support 4, a determined angular orientation, in which a face is always disposed at the outer periphery of the imposed path
As shown in fig. 6, two rollers 24 always cooperate with the outer peripheral edge 211 of a rail, while the third roller 24 follows the inner peripheral edge 212 of the same rail
The above technical means make it possible to scroll the elementary supports along the path which is imposed on them and, more particularly, along the segment S, by giving them a fixed angular orientation determined, to obtain, by the succession of Their aligned exterior faces, a presentation panel offering, parallel to the plane of window 6, the visual message that they compose together by group
To obtain an automatic selection of the elementary supports 4, so as to involve a change in the presentation of the information or the message, the structure according to
The invention also comprises, as has been specified with reference to FIG. 2, a means 9 for automatic pivoting of each elementary support. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 7, the means 9 involves a break in continuity of one of the rails 21 or, preferably, of both, with, in such a case, a horizontal alignment between the two interruptions.

 As is more particularly apparent from your fig. 7, each interruption is defined by two ends of raiLs 30 and 3t delimit between and Les a pivoting interval whose measurement M is at least equal, by excess, to the overall dimension C of the two rollers along the outer peripheral edge 211 of the rail 21.

 The means 9 also involve, the presence of a cam 32 arranged to present an abutment ramp 33 converging towards the inner peripheral edge 212 of the line 21. The cam 32 is arranged so that the ramp 33 is placed on the geometrical place of movement of the gate 24 cooperating with the peripheral edge 212 inside the rail 21.

The end 30 of the rail 21 has, facing the ramp 33 a clearance undercut 34 leading to its end
The end 31 of the rail 21 forms a fixed switch spout 35 which is connected to the outer peripheral edge 211 and inner edge 212, respectively, by a pivoting ramp 36 and by a flushing ramp 37.

 The means 9, of a static nature, make it possible to ensure, automatically, the angular pivoting of each elementary support 4 presented by the movement of the conveyor 3 in the direction of arrow f1.

 The fig-. 7 to 10 illustrate the operation of the means 9 which act in the following manner.

The fjg. 7 shows an elementary support 4 urges to move in the direction of the arrow f1, with orientation of its face Sa paratliament in the plane of the window 6. The faces 5b and 5c are, in such a case, oriented towards the rear and, respectively, downward and upward In a presentation, the roller 24a, corresponding to the face 5a, cooperates with the inner edge 212, while the rollers 24c and 24d cooperate, simultaneously, with the outer peripheral edge 211 of the rait 21
By the displacement imposed in the direction of the arrow f1, the roller 24a meets the ramp 33 of the cam 32 The roller 24a is braked in its progression and tends to subject the elementary support 4 in rotation on its axis 77 in the direction of the fiéche f2 This rotation is allowed by the exhaust of the roller 24c relative to the end 30.

The elementary support 4 thus rotates, gradually, on its axis 17, as the roller 24a follows the stop ramp 33. At the turns of this angular rotation, the roller 24c moves inside the pivoting interval M and comes to tangent the switch spout 35, as illustrated by FIG. 8. In this position, the gatet 24c necessarily follows the flushing ramp 37 which imposes a continuous, positive angular pivoting in the direction of arrow 2, made possible by the angular displacement of the roller 24a leaving the ramp 33 and evolve within the pivoting interval M
The roller 24c follows the hunting ramp 37 so as to be brought to cooperate, as shown in FIG. 9, with the inner periphery edge 212 of the rail 21. Simultaneously, the gaLet 24a meets the switching spout 35 which forces it to follow the pivoting ramp 34 imposing the positive continuation of the angular rotation of the elementary support 4, in the direction of arrow f2.

This rotation causes the roller 24a to cooperate with the outer peripheral edge 211 simultaneously with the contacting of the roller 24 hours with the same edge, as shown in FIG. 10
The four sequences above show that the means 9, incorporated in the guide means 21, make it possible to request, automatically, without means of remote control, the pivoting of each elementary Support 4, over an angular range of 1200, each once a support presents itself in relation to the means 9.

A change of visual information can thus intervene automatically, since each elementary support having passed along the window 6 is pivotally biased, so as to place one other of its faces at the outer periphery to ensure the composition of another message or other information, after going through the full path. imposed by the transporter 3 to be brought back, in the order it is appropriate and with the group of elementary supports 4 concerned, opposite window 6
The means 9 are shown in FIG. 4 as being arranged downstream of your window 6 with respect to the direction of travel according to the arrow f1. It goes without saying that a different arrangement could also be adopted and that it would be possible to place the means 9 upstream of window 6 relative to the same direction
The means 9 could also be constituted so as to assume the same function, whatever the direction of travel imposed on the elementary supports 4 In such a case,
The ramps, presented by your mound 32 and your ends 30 and 31, could then be designed so as to allow reversible routing and operation.

Fig. It shows that means 40 are provided in correspondence of the zones M of the interruptions to take over the axes 17 to guide them along the segment 5 during the pivoting phase during cleat. The rollers 24 leave the edges 211 and 212 of the rails 21. These means 40 are, for example,
constituted by opposite guides 41.

 The invention is not limited to the exemptions described and shown, ca various modifications can be made without departing from its scope. In particular, it must be considered that the direction f1 could be horizontal.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS:  1 - Structure for the presentation of variable visual information, by selection of relatively mobile elementary supports (4), of the type comprising a box (1) delimiting a presentation window (6) facing Lao-uetle are arranged elementary sorting supports Lateral, likely to be subjected to a partial rotation on their LongitudinaL axis (17) to present, successively, Their three faces (5) opposite The window,  characterized in that  - the elementary supports <4) are, on the one hand,  carried by a transporter (39 imposing a  endless path with one segment (S)  oriented in a direction (f1) parallel to the  Length L of a reference side of the window  and are, on the other hand, mounted on said  carrier, so that the width t of  each side of the exhibition is parallel to the  length L.  is an integer submultiple of Length L.  faces (5a. 5b. Sc) having the same width t which  - the elementary supports all have three  2 - presentation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor (3) consists of two shafts (13), one of which is motor, joined by elongated elements (15), flexible, endless, on which are arranged, at constant pitch (P), bearings (16) supporting the axes of rotation (17) of the elementary supports (4).  elementary supports  (6) in relation to the direction of progression of  path upstream. or downstream from the window  elementary support is interposed on the  automatic starting and successively of each  - And at least one means (9) for pivoting  fixed angular position along the path,  keep your elementary supports in a  - guide means 200 are provided for  an integer multiple of the length L,  number n such that the ratio n x L corresponds to  - the elementary supports are provided in one  3 - Presentation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means (2O) consists of at least one side rail (21) of homothetic conformation to the path imposed on the elementary supports (4) by the transporter (3) .  4 - Presentation structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the lateral rail (21) cooperates with rollers (24) carried by a lateral flange (23) fixed angularly on The pivot axis (17) of each elementary support.  5 - presentation structure according to claim 4, characterized in that the rollers (24) are three in number equidista.nts and placed at equal distance from the pivot axis (17), so that each of them is arranged, in cross section, opposite a face (5) relative to the pivot axis.  6 - presentation structure according to claim 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the pivot means (9) is incorporated in the rail.  7 - presentation structure according to claim 6, characterized in that the pivoting means is constituted by a pivoting interval (n) formed by an interruption of the rails whose ends facing each other at a distance (30, 35) are completed by a lateral pivot initiation cam (32) arranged to be placed on the path of the roller of each support cooperating with the inner edge (212) of the rail.  8 - presentation structure according to claim 7, characterized in that  - the cam (32) forms a stop ramp (33)  converging on the inner edge (212) of the rail  (21) and extending beyond the end (30) of  the latter first approached by Les galets en  Consideration of the direction of travel, Said  end forming, opposite La rampe, a  clearance clearance (34),  - the second end (35) of the rail forms a beak  fixed sharpening defined by a hunting ramp  (37) and by a pivoting ramp (36) to  divergent character joining the two edges  (211 and 212) of the rail.  9 - Presentation structure according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the ends facing each other are spaced by a measurement greater than the dimension (C) overall between two rollers (24).