JP2007535227A - Support device for video / audio system comprising thin screen video display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
An apparatus for supporting an audio / video system, wherein the system is a thin screen video display unit and a video device that is connected to the display unit so as to be operable and generates a video signal that can be displayed by the unit. And an audio device for generating an audio signal, and an elevating mechanism for the display unit and an external housing. The outer housing has a top opening dimensioned to allow the display unit to be taken in and out. The video / audio device is fixedly mounted on the housing. The elevating mechanism extends upward in the housing, the lower position where the display unit conveyed to the platform is stored in the mechanism, and the display unit conveyed to the platform is deployed on the elevating mechanism and the external housing A lifting platform configured to transport the display unit to and from the upper position is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a swivel mount that supports the display unit and is pivotable relative to the platform when the platform is in the upper position.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

This application is related to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 538,216, filed January 23, 2004, inventor Basil Norman Freeman's “Video / Audio System with Thin Screen Video Display Unit”. Related to "supporting device". The content of this provisional application is hereby incorporated in its entirety, and claims the benefit of the filing date of this provisional application in order to legally enjoy such claim of the benefit of this filing date.

  The present invention relates generally to audio / video system support devices comprising a thin screen video display unit, and to video / audio equipment such as tuners and other user controls, speakers, electrical / electronic circuits and subsystems.

  With the advent of new technology, a new type of television set with a thin screen image display unit has become widespread. These televisions are usually arranged on table tops, wall surfaces, special television cabinets, and the like. When arranged in this way, they can no longer be carried around, otherwise they cannot be easily taken out of a room in the house or apartment for viewing in other rooms of the house or apartment. In addition, in various living environments, such televisions can be undesirably large if the room is to be used for other purposes.

  In view of the above limitations, the present invention supports a display of an audio / video system including a thin screen video display unit so that it can be unfolded or stored from a housing forming part of the apparatus, and at the same time, the video / audio as described above. An apparatus incorporating the device is provided.

  More specifically, in a broad aspect of the present invention, an audio / video system support apparatus is provided, which system is a thin screen video display unit and an image that is operably incorporated in the display unit and displayed on the unit. A video device for generating a signal and an audio device for generating an audio signal are provided. This device comprises a lifting mechanism for a display unit and an external housing.

  The outer housing includes a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels on both sides that extend from the base of the housing to the top of the housing between the front panel and the rear panel. It has a long and narrow opening that can be lifted and lowered. The video / audio device is fixedly mounted on the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the rear panel, side panel, and top are formed as a single unit that is removably attached to the base. This configuration facilitates access to the inside of the housing when inspection or repair becomes necessary.

  The elevating mechanism extends upward in the outer housing and is configured to convey the display unit, and a lower position in which the display unit conveyed to the platform is stored in the mechanism. And a display unit transported to the platform comprises means for moving the platform between the elevating mechanism and an upper position deployed on the outer housing. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a swivel mount that supports and can rotate the display unit when the platform is in the upper position.

  While the device according to the present invention is pre-configured to be slim and compact for watching TV, it has an attractive appearance and portability that can be easily moved from one place to another. ing. Knowing that sensitive electronic components in a device are housed in a protected location can be safely moved at home or in the office.

  Further, this apparatus can be easily set up without an external peripheral device such as a DVD player, an amplifier or a speaker. This configuration is convenient for humans who do not want to be bothered by the cumbersome task of purchasing and setting up external peripheral devices. Typically, the user need only connect the electrical output of a DVD or desired external media source (eg, cable connection) to the main unit.

  In addition to the above, the present invention has various advantages and advantages as seen from known retractable thin screens and CRT televisions. In particular, the present invention can be mass-produced at low cost because only a thin screen video display unit needs to be stored and deployed. In other known thin screen storage television configurations, all of the major equipment needs to be stored. In this case, it is necessary to use a relatively heavy lift mechanism such as a chain drive or a rack and pinion mechanism. To reduce weight, the present invention uses a simple drive belt mechanism that is fast, quiet and more economical to produce.

  Applications that are made flexible by the present invention are configured to fit the daily schedules of multiple users. Depending on the configuration, in a typical example, an optical disc player or AM / FM device can be used for audio purposes during the day. At this time, the thin screen image display unit is held in a state of being stored in the housing. For this reason, the device is inconspicuous and fits into the interior of the room. At night, you can raise the thin screen video display unit and watch TV. Conveniently, a wheel can be provided at the base of the device to move the device to another location indoors or in the office.

  Further applications that are made flexible by the present invention are available in limited space locations. As mentioned above, this device is inconspicuous when the thin screen video display unit is in the retracted state and enhances the interior of a small room. This is particularly advantageous for small-sized rooms found in hotels and hospitals. Because it is easy to carry and move, it can be moved immediately for repair and / or replaced as needed.

  Further applications that are made flexible by the present invention can be used in educational facilities where the important features are portability and ease of setup. When the screen is in the retracted state, the screen and sensitive audio / video equipment are preferably protected from physical shock even when not under supervision.

  A support device for an audio / video system manufactured in accordance with the present invention is shown assembled in FIGS. 1-6. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, generally indicated at 10, which includes a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, and side panels 16, 18 on opposite sides extending between the front panel and the rear panel. All of these panels extend upwardly from the base 20 of the housing to the top 22 of the housing.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the front panel 12 is attached to the base 20 by fixing the panel 12 and the base 20 with an L-shaped bracket 50 (for example, with screws). The rear panel 14, the side panels 16, 18, and the top 22 are configured as a single unit and are removably attached to the front panel 12 (eg, with screws). These panels, base 20 and top 22 are all constructed of a tough material, preferably a laminate or a suitable polymeric material.

  Each of the side panels 16 and 18 has a handle recess 24 so that the apparatus can be lifted and moved. Further, a wheel caster 26 attached to the lower side of the base 20 facilitates movement (see FIG. 6).

  The top portion 22 has an elongated opening 30 provided in the center, and this opening is configured to have a size that allows the thin screen image display unit 90 (including the display screen 92) to move up and down. 1-3, the display unit 90 is shown in a state of being developed on the housing 10. FIG. In FIG. 4, the display unit 90 is stored in the housing 10 and is therefore not visible. Preferably, the display unit 90 is supported by the swivel mount described above, and can be rotated so that the unit can be easily seen on the vertical axis of the screen 92.

  The present invention is applicable to various types of thin screen displays of various sizes (eg, liquid crystal diode, plasma, organic light emitting diode screen, etc.). The display unit 90 will be described here only to the extent relevant to the operation of the present invention.

  More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 6-11, the display unit 90 is attached to the top of the lower cylindrical portion 160 of the swivel mount. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom of the element 160 is received at the top of the lifting platform 150 and held in place as indicated by a retaining ring 162 secured to the platform by bolts or other suitable means (not shown). Has been. The ring 162 allows the cylindrical portion 160 to rotate with respect to the platform 150, but prevents it from moving upward. The swivel mount also includes a support arm that extends upward from the male portion 160 along the back surface of the display unit 90. The elevating platform 150 constitutes a part of an elevating mechanism generally indicated by reference numeral 100. A central hole 163 extends through the platform 150 and the male part 160 so that a cable for a power source and a video signal can be wired from the cable connector 164 provided immediately behind the hole 163 to the display unit 90. It has become.

  The lifting mechanism 100 includes a support framework 102 having a lower flange 104 that is secured (eg, with screws) to the base 20 of the housing 10. The framework is composed of injection-molded glass fiber polymer, sheet metal or other suitable material. At the same time, the lifting mechanism 100 includes a pair of drive belts 120 and a corresponding pair of drive motors 130 on both sides of the framework 102. Each belt 120 extends around a corresponding upper and lower shaft 122, 124 that is rotatably disposed. Each shaft 124 is connected to one of the corresponding motors 130 as a drive shaft, and includes a spindle portion 126 that directly meshes with the corresponding belt 120. Each distal end of the shaft 124 is supported by a housing 129 secured to the framework 102 so that the shaft can be rotated, preferably by a bearing (not shown) provided on a portion of the housing. Preferably, the spindle portions of the belt 120 and the shaft 124 are engaged with each other, so that the belt and the shaft are not slipped. As best shown in FIG. 10, both ends of the shaft 122 also extend into a housing 129 secured to the framework 102. The shafts 122 and 124 are constructed of steel alloy or other suitable material.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, both ends of the platform 150 are fixed to the belt 120 with screws 133. In FIG. 9, the platform is in the upper position, and the display unit 90 is deployed on the lifting mechanism 100 and the housing 10. When the motor 130 is driven in synchronism so that the belt 120 on the left side of FIG. 9 rotates clockwise and the belt 120 on the right side of FIG. 9 simultaneously rotates at the same rate counterclockwise, the platform 150 displays from the position shown in the figure. The unit 90 moves to a lower position where it is completely stored in the lifting mechanism 100 (and necessarily the housing 10). Preferably, motor 130 is controlled by a microprocessor (not shown) programmed to ensure the desired vertical motion tuning.

  In order to raise and lower the platform 150 smoothly, as shown in FIG. 10, this platform is pivotally attached to a recess of the platform, protrudes outward from the platform 150, and extends vertically to the inner wall surface of the framework 102. Wheels 170 extending into existing guide rails 172, 173 are provided. The platform 150 is further provided with a pin recess 180 dimensioned to engage the lock pin 182. Each lock pin 182 is supported by a pin housing 184 and biased by a spring. The associated position of the lock pin housing in the vertical direction is best shown in FIGS. 6-8.

  When control is lost (ie, when power to the device is completely lost), the pins 182 jump out of their respective housings to the positions shown in FIG. When controllable, these pins preferably engage the platform 150 as shown until there is a command to lower the platform when the platform is in the upper position. If there is a command to lower the platform, these pins will electromagnetically retract against the spring bias from the platform, and there is a command to raise the platform to the position where the display unit 90 is fully deployed. It remains contracted until it reaches. All of these functions can be easily designed by a person skilled in the art and realized by microprocessor control. For this reason, further detailed explanation is omitted here.

  At this time, it should be noted that the only substantial load element carried by the platform 150 is the display unit 90. Given that the wires, cables, and associated connectors are relatively lightweight and are not considered, the embodiment described above does not carry other major (ie, heavy) video equipment other than the display unit 90 on the platform 150, and does not There is no need to carry any audio equipment. Therefore, the elevating mechanism 100 preferably does not need to be very strong, and can be less expensive than a mechanism that needs to transport a considerable weight of audio / video equipment other than the display unit.

  In the drawings, the audio / video equipment is shown in a representative manner only. It will be understood that in a variety of given audio / video system receivers, equipment including amplifiers, speakers, power supplies, controllers, signal processing circuits, connectors, wires, cables, etc. are all routine design choices. .

Therefore, in addition to the display unit 90, as an example, the video / audio equipment supported by the apparatus shown in the figure is
(A) A control panel 400 that receives input commands such as a tuner or channel switching command, a volume control command, a command for switching the platform 150 up and down, and a power switch for switching on / off the AC power received by the power cord 402 (such a command Is supplied manually and / or with remote commands such as infrared control or RF control). The control panel 400 is housed in a box 411 provided on the front panel 12.
(B) A player 410 for an optical disc such as a CD and / or DVD, which is also housed in the box 411;
(C) The left and right speaker assemblies 420 and 422 provided behind the grills 424 and 426 of the front panel 12, the center speaker 428 provided behind the grill 430 of the front panel 12, and the grill 434 of the front panel 12 Subwoofer speaker 432 provided behind (these grilles can be made by forming a polyester fabric or polymeric material suitable for sound propagation);
(D) A panel 440 attached to the rear panel 14, which inputs and outputs digital and analog data, for example: left and right output connectors 442, 444 for external speakers, DVI set top box or computer of the same specification A plurality of connectors such as a DVI-HDTV input 446 for receiving fully uncompressed high-density signals from;
(E) Main electronic devices 450, 451, and 452 provided on the base 20 and used for system operation (these devices are cooled by a fan 454 provided on the base 20).

  Note that none of the above listed devices are transported on platform 150. The most sensitive and heavy part of these devices is preferably located on the lower third of the device. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the device from overturning, guarantee the stability of the device, and protect sensitive electronic devices.

  Devices 450, 451, and 452 necessary for the operation of the display unit 90 need to be connected to a connector 166 attached to the cross member 121 of the framework 102 by a wire or a cable (not shown). A soft coated ribbon cable 168 made of copper or other suitable material extends upward from connector 166 to connector 164 and provides power and video signals to the display unit. When the display unit is in the retracted position, the cable 168 is bent over itself.

  Various modifications, changes and variations of the present invention may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims, and no doubt will occur to those skilled in the art. The present invention should not be construed as limited by the particular embodiments illustrated and described with the accompanying drawings. In the claims, the means plus function section includes various configurations described to perform the functions described herein, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention, showing a state in which a thin screen image display unit is pulled out from the apparatus. 2 is a perspective view of the rear side of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front side of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the thin screen video display unit is stored and cannot be seen. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view seen from the rear side, and shows a base, a front panel, and an elevating mechanism that constitute a part of the apparatus of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear side of the base, the front panel, and the lifting mechanism shown in FIG. 7 and shows an assembled state. At the same time, FIG. 8 shows a state in which the side panel, rear panel, and top of the outer housing shown in FIG. 1 are removed from the base and front panel of the housing. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken in the vertical plane, showing the relevant positions of the various internal components of the device. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view in which the upper part of FIG. 9 is taken in a horizontal plane, and shows the positions of the rollers and electromagnetic lock pins incorporated in the lifting mechanism. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a motor, a shaft, and a drive belt forming part of the lifting mechanism.

Claims (16)

An apparatus for supporting an audio / video system, comprising: a thin screen video display unit; a video device that generates a video signal that can be displayed by the unit; and an audio device that generates an audio signal. The device is:
(A) an external housing comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels on both sides extending from the base of the housing to the top of the housing between the front panel and the rear panel, wherein the top is the display An external housing having an elongated opening sized to move the unit up and down, wherein the video equipment and the audio equipment are fixedly attached to the housing;
(B) an elevating mechanism for the display unit, the mechanism extending upward in the outer housing, wherein the mechanism is:
(I) a lifting platform configured to transport the display unit;
(Ii) Between a lower position where the display unit transported to the platform is stored in the mechanism, and an upper position where the display unit transported to the platform is deployed on the lifting mechanism and the external housing. Means for moving the platform.   2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform has opposite ends, each end is moved by a corresponding drive belt driven by a corresponding motor, and the platform is moved to upper and lower positions. A device characterized by.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a swivel mount that supports the display unit and is pivotable relative to the platform when the platform is in the upper position.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a swivel mount that supports the display unit and is rotatable with respect to the platform when the platform is in the upper position.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, the side panel, and the top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment.   3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, the side panel, and the top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment.   4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, the side panel, and the top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment.   5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, the side panel, and the top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment. An audio / video system that includes:
(A) a thin screen video display unit, a video device for generating a displayable video signal, and an audio device for generating an audio signal;
(B) comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and side panels on both sides extending from the base of the housing to the top of the housing between the front panel and the rear panel, and the top moves the display unit up and down. An external housing having an elongated opening of a size that is capable of being fixedly attached to the housing.
(C) comprising a lifting mechanism for the display unit;
The mechanism extends upward in the outer housing and the mechanism includes:
(I) a lifting platform configured to transport the display unit;
(Ii) Between a lower position where the display unit transported to the platform is stored in the mechanism, and an upper position where the display unit transported to the platform is deployed on the lifting mechanism and the external housing. And a means for moving the platform.   10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the platform has opposite ends, each end is moved by a corresponding drive belt driven by a corresponding motor, and the platform is moved to upper and lower positions. A device characterized by.   10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a swivel mount that supports the display unit and is pivotable relative to the platform when the platform is in the upper position.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a swivel mount that supports the display unit and is pivotable relative to the platform when the platform is in the upper position.   10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, side panel, and top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment.   11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, side panel, and top are formed as a single unit removably attached to the base. Equipment.   12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, side panel, and top are formed as a single unit that is detachably attached to the base. Equipment. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the front panel is attached to the base, and the rear panel, side panel, and top are formed as a single unit removably attached to the base. Equipment.

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