SE526383C2 - Folding device for computer terminal intended for school bench - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding device for a computer terminal integrated with a school desk comprises a computer display frame (2), a carriage (2) for supporting data entry devices (12, 13) and an enclosure (3) mounted around a hole, provided in the school desk and corresponding to the size of the display frame (1) which has a flush (resting) position and a viewing position. When the display frame (1) is in flush position, the backside of the display frame (1) is flush with the upper surface of the school desk, thereby concealing the display and data entry devices (12, 13). When the display frame (1) is in viewing position, the user can view the display and access the data entry devices (12, 13). The different positions are obtained by folding the display frame (1) around a horizontal axle (4), whereupon a lever arm (5') lifts or lowers the carriage (2) into the viewing or flush positions, respectively.

Description

45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 526 383 ._2__ folding devices for this purpose (more on that in the chapter "State of the art" below).

Other limitations In addition to the requirement for compactness and robustness (as mentioned earlier), the computer terminal folding device must comply with the conditions (A) - (G) below. By "computer terminal" we mean the components monitor, keyboard, computer mouse, and thin computer client, combined.

"School desk" refers to the integrated computer terminal and school desk. (A) When the computer terminal is not in use, it shall not take up space on the work surface of the school desk. (B) It should be quick (only a few seconds) to switch between a teaching method with computer use and a teaching form without computer use. (C) When the computer terminal is used, it shall not interfere with the communication between teacher and student; for example its computer screen should not obscure the view between teacher and student and it should not give elevated sound level. (D) The computer terminal must (in addition to radiation freedom within the harmful wavelength range) be energy efficient and emit some heat. (E) The computer terminal must be able to be installed, configured, maintained, and upgraded at low cost. (F) The school database shall withstand harsh treatment and resist milder forms of vandalism. (G) The components of the school database must be difficult to steal even if the school database is left unattended for a few hours in an unlocked school hall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION - PRIOR ART Solution 1: school desk Patent US 5452950 describes a school desk with a built-in computer terminal. It consists of a fold-up disc with a built-in flat screen, which rests on a shallow drawer with a built-in keyboard and a thin computer client. Both the flat screen and the keyboard are firmly built into the disc and in the underlying drawer, respectively.

Since the monitor and keyboard are placed on top of each other (when the disc is folded down), the total thickness of the disc and the underlying drawer will be large, unless the keyboard and monitor are thin enough.

The total thickness should not exceed 6-8 cm, both to provide enough space for legs and knees and so that the keyboard is not too low. For this reason, this solution (according to US 5452950) is not 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 526 383 ._3_ satisfactory for low cost, standard, flat panel displays which, according to the above chapter "problems solved by the invention", are part of Another disadvantage is that the entire disc folds up and takes up space on each side of the monitor, which unnecessarily obscures the view (between teachers and students in the classroom).

Solution 2 Patent US 4562482 discloses a table that can function both as an ordinary desk and as a computer desk. When the table is used as a desk, the monitor is folded down into a recess in the table, the upper part of the monitor serving as the table surface. The keyboard can be covered with a cover and in this way the table surface becomes completely flat. However, the transition between desk and computer desk is slow. A loose cover over the keyboard is also susceptible to vandalism. This solution is therefore not suitable for the school environment. A similar solution is patent US 4345803 which describes a table that can be converted from a computer desk to a desk.

The office machine (computer and monitor) has the shape of a rectangular drawer, and the front edge of the table has a recess in which the rectangular drawer fits exactly.

When the drawer is in the recess of the table, the top of the drawer forms a flat surface with the rest of the table. However, this patent does not describe the mechanism for folding the office machine, nor the location of the mutual parts (monitor, keyboard, etc.).

Solution 3 Another type of solution is characterized in that the table (which can function both as a desk or school desk) has an opening covered with a transparent plate (eg glass plate), and below this is the monitor (a CRT or a flat screen) placed. An example of this type of solution is school desks with built-in computer systems sold under the name 88 Series by the company Nova Solutions, and are protected in patents US 6092883 and US 5410972. Patent US 6170926 also describes a solution with a transparent disc that covers the screen. A few more examples are PARAGON Furniture (the product Paravision 2100); the company SMART desks (product SS Series Workstations); and finally the company Educational Workstations System (products Glass Top Computer Table). A disadvantage of all these products is that reflectors in the transparent disc are difficult to control in a school hall.

Solution 4 Another type of combined desk and computer desk is characterized by the fact that the table top forms the ceiling of 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 180 185 190 a drawer that can be raised and lowered from the table frame in a manner similar to an elevator. An example of this type is The Learning Station from the company Summerland Group. Computer part, monitor, etc., are built into a drawer under the table top, and by loosening a lever, the drawer (with computer screen and keyboard) automatically moves up, making the monitor and keyboard accessible. In this way, a desk can be quickly converted into a computer desk. However, this is not suitable for the school as the visibility between students and teachers is significantly obscured.

Solution Patent US 4766422 demonstrates another combined desk and computer desk. When the table is to be used as a computer table, a flat screen is pushed up from a recess in the back edge of the table. The keyboard is hidden under a tablet (which in this mode acts as a desktop wallpaper) which can be lifted up and placed (in the function of a manuscript tablet) between the keyboard and the monitor. A variant of this solution is the previously mentioned patent US 4562482. This solution may be suitable for offices and homes but is not sufficiently robust for the school.

Solution 6 There is also a type of combined desk and computer desk with built-in computer systems in the table top (see patents US 6059385 and US 6076473). However, these do not solve the problem of compactly integrating a relatively thick LCD screen in a school desk or in a similar small table.

Summary The above patents and products are thus not suitable for the seamless and compact integration of a computer terminal with a school desk, in accordance with the mentioned conditions (A) - (G). OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The main objects of the invention are as follows. First, to enable the assembly and folding of a computer terminal (the components of which consist of at least an approximately 6 cm thick monitor and an approximately 3 cm thick keyboard) in and out of a conventional school desk.

Included in this purpose is that the conversion (from a regular school desk to a computer-equipped school desk) should take seconds; that the computer terminal is compactly stowed (mainly in height) and out of the way when folded; and that the terminal is correctly positioned (with respect to the user's working comfort) when it is raised. Second, to provide a flexible chassis for computer components (including low-cost and standard flat panel monitors, keyboards, computer mice, and thin computer clients) in terms of their shape and external dimensions.

Another purpose is to protect the computer terminal from sensitive treatment or damage. A fourth purpose is to make theft of its constituent components more difficult.

The problem solving is stated in the characterizing part of the claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This chapter describes in detail the present invention.

To begin with, a general description of the invention is given, and then specific embodiments are presented.

Ingredients The invention consists, as shown e.g. in Figure 2a, of a frame (1) intended to be a holder for a flat screen and possibly a network-adapted client computer (thin client); a platform (2) for carrying a keyboard and a computer mouse; and a frame (3) whose primary function is to be a bracket for the shaft (4) in which (1) rotates, and whose other functions are both to be a protective housing for the computer terminal and to be a holder for parts of the components of the computer terminal.

The frame (1) comprises a lever (5) which engages via a contact surface (6) in the platform (2) which, in turn, engages via a support surface (8) in a guide (7) on the frame (3). These frames (1) and (3) are hereinafter referred to as "display frame" and "chassis frame", respectively.

Function The lever (5) grasps the contact surface (6) on the platform and, typically, lifts and moves it forward according to figure 2a and figure 2b. Then, in figure 2c, the support surface (8) meets the guide (7) and follows it, the platform straightening up (see figure 2d) to a flat position.

Extra ingredients The necessary ingredients have been listed above. However, the invention may also consist of a further lever (5 ') rotating about an axis (4'). The lever (5) then operates on (5 ') which in turn operates on (6) (this 245 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 290 526 383 will be described in detail in connection with Figures 13, 14, 15). Furthermore, several guides (7 ') with corresponding support surfaces (8') can be included (more on this in connection with Figures 5, 6, 7, 8).

Lever with variable length We also note here that in addition to the angle of rotation of the lever (5), which of course varies, its length can also be variable. To clarify the meaning of the length and the angle, we symbolize the lever with the vector (r), with the components (x) and (y), in the figures. The shape (straight or curved, etc.) of the lever is not critical (as will be seen in future embodiments).

Note 1: designations Another note on designations. The contact surface (6) is provided by a pin, a joint, or by other means. Similarly, the support surfaces, (8, 8 '), etc., take the form of pins, moldings, or the like. The terms "contact surface" and "support surface" are chosen to describe the function of the part (pin, joint, strip, etc.). Correspondingly, the objects (7) are referred to as "guides" to indicate that it is irrelevant to the function of the invention whether a rail, a track, or in some cases a strip, is used as a guide.

Note 2: symmetry Also a note regarding symmetry. Like for example. shown in figure 4, there is a lever (5) on each side of (l). Similarly, there is a pin (6) on each side of (2). Seen from the side, as in figure 2, can be seen due to symmetry, however, only one of the pair. Since the function of the invention is explained by means of the side view (according to Figure 2, Figure 7, Figure 11, and Figure 14), in describing the function, it is spoken in terms of the singular (eg "lever" instead of "levers"). Whether it is a single, or a pair of the same, however, is clear when compared with the 3-dimensional views (in Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 9, and Figure 13).

The above general description is concretized by a number of different embodiments.

Embodiment 1: dimensions Figures 1-4 show an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the display frame (1) has the dimensions D = 6, W = 48, and H = 40 [cm], which provides space for a 17-inch flat screen (II) and possibly for a thin client computer. The platform (2) has approximately the same width as the 295 300 305 310 315 320 325 330 335 340 display frame (1), i.e. W = 48 cm, but is slightly shorter (length L = 24 cm and L '= 6 cm in the present embodiment).

The platform has space for a standard-sized keyboard (12) and a computer mouse (13). In Figure 1, Figure 2a, and Figure 3a, the position when the monitor is folded in the table is shown, and Figure 2d and Figure 3b show the monitor in the fully raised position. The axis (4) is placed in a position given by a = 3.0 and h = 34 [cm] (see figure 4). This placement results in the monitor having a height above the table top of approximately 30 cm when the monitor is tilted at a 10 ° angle.

In order to obtain the correct position of the platform (both in the folded and folded-up position), the lever (5) has, in the initial position, a position given by x = 3.0 and y = 9.7 [cm].

The positions of (7) and (8) are given by d = 5.0, e = l9, and f = l5 [cm] (other measurements can be obtained from figure 2 which is scaled).

Embodiment 1: function The movement of the platform works as follows (see the four sub-processes in figure 2). The display frame (1) and the platform (2) can rotate relative to each other in the joint formed by the pin (6) and the hole (24). Furthermore (1) can be rotated relative to the chassis frame (3) via a shaft (4). Note in Figure 2b that the platform follows the display frame, all the way until it abuts the upper edge of the rail (7). This is because the joint, (6, 24), has a certain friction (caused by a spring or other device). When the pin (8) abuts the upper part of the rail (7), the platform (2) is forced into a flat position as shown in figure 2c and figure 2d.

Embodiment 1: result Note that the display frame (1) has space for relatively thick flat screens (D = 6 cm in this embodiment). Also note that the platform (2) is not in the way of the knees and legs as the platform is pulled to the rear of the table in the folded position (in this context it can be mentioned that g = 13 cm). Also note that the screen is relatively low in the raised position (only 30 cm high) and does not in any way obscure eye contact between student and teacher. The small width of the screen frame (48 cm) also helps to ensure that the screen does not interfere between teacher and student.

Embodiment 1: Note It should be noted that the friction function of the joint, mentioned in the above embodiment, is not necessary (movement of the platform from the starting position in Figure 2a to the end position in 345 350 355 360 365 370 375 380 385 390 Figure 2d, can be obtained without friction joint) . The only thing that needs to be changed is the guide's (7) start position and its path to the end position.

Embodiment 2, Part 1 Another embodiment is shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, 8. Note in Figure 6, Figure 7a, and Figure 8a, that the keyboard and mouse are stored completely behind the monitor (not below it, as in the previous embodiment). . This is achieved by the length of the lever (5), given by (r), varying with the angle of rotation, which is done by means of guides (26). The chassis frame (3) has a guide (7) and at least one guide (7 '), for guiding the platform. The pair (7 ') and (8') are a means of restricting the freedom of movement of the platform: by (8 ') running in (7') and along the strip (29) on (2), the platform (2) is forced to take horizontal inclination. The position of the shaft (4) is a = 2.6 and h = 41 [cm], and the length and angle of the lever, at the starting point, are given by x = l2, and y = 0 [cm] (where the designations (x) and (y) refers to Figure 5).

Incidentally, the locations of the other components in Figure 7 and Figure 8 are drawn to scale.

Embodiment 2, Part 2 Some optional (not necessary) details of this embodiment should be noted. The platform has a bulge with the length (B ') to be able to place the computer mouse next to the keyboard. Note that this bulge does not significantly impair visibility between teacher and student when the cover (102) is raised. Another selectable detail is that the platform can be divided into two parts (2) and (2 ') in figure 7, where (2') serves as protection (against damage) for the front edge of the screen (in the folded position). The platform has rails which are pushed into (2 '), according to figure 7b and figure 7c, after which both (2) and (2') are lifted as a unit according to figure 7d.

Embodiment 3, Part 1 The folding device according to the present invention can also be used for ordinary desks. Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 show an example of this. Note that the arm (5) in figure 9 is for the function the same as (5) in figure 4, but is significantly longer (y = 19 cm) and has been extended a distance (eg distance v = 20-50 cm) against the end of the table (101). The guide (7) also has a similar function to the guide (7) in Figure 4. Another comparison is that the joint, formed by (24) and (6), does not need to have friction (unlike the case in Figure 4). We note as a reference the dimensions h = 39 and 395 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 526 583 _9 .._ u = l0.5 [cm], and that other approximate measurements can be obtained from figure ll which is drawn to scale.

Embodiment 3, part 2 Note that the platform folds out to a position below the original table top and in a slightly inclined position, to provide a comfortable working position for long-term work with keyboard input. This differs from the previous embodiments, where the keyboard was raised approximately to the height of the original table top, which provides a working mode suitable for sporadic work with both computer mouse and keyboard (but not for long-term keyboard work). It can also be pointed out that the width (B) of the platform, in Figure 9, can be varied within wide margins without changing the function of the folding device (the length (v) can be adapted to the width of the desk).

Embodiment 4 Finally, the claims are exemplified by a fourth embodiment in Figures 13, 14, 15. This embodiment is best suited for shallow tables intended for standing (as opposed to sitting) work. Compared with the previous embodiment, the platform (2) is located further forward (compare figure 14a with figure 2a), and the movement of (2) is essentially only in height (compare figure 15 with figure 3). The movement of (2) is effected by the lever (5) rotating another lever (5 ') which lifts (2). The control of (2) is achieved in the same way as in the first embodiment (see figure 4), with support surfaces (8) in the form of strips (or pins) on (2) which abut a guide (7) in the form of a strip at the height of the table top (101). As a side note, it is also noted that the control of the slope of the platform, in this embodiment, can also be done with a strip in the lower front edge of the display frame (1).

The primary parts and function of the invention have now been presented. We move on to describe in more detail some possible designs of the components.

The inclination of the monitor First a comment is given regarding the freedom to choose the inclination of the monitor (ll).

Regardless of the embodiment, this can be achieved by attaching the monitor to the monitor frame (1) via a mechanism that enables inclination, and possibly also displacements and rotation of the monitor. Slope and displacements can e.g. provided with a telescopic device of 445 450 455 460 465 470 475 480 485 490 526 383 scissor construction mounted between (1) and the screen. Other methods, specific to each embodiment, may also be used. An example is the shape shown in Figure 14.

Note that the pin (22) moves in a circle around the shaft (4). Also note that when (22) reaches its lowest position, the platform is at its highest. Note that in, and between, the positions shown in Fig. 14c and 144d, the inclination of the monitor changes greatly without significantly raising or lowering the pin. It therefore turns out to be possible to design the device so that the platform reaches a flat position in Figure 14c and maintains this position, without being significantly lowered, until the screen reaches the position in Figure 14d - the inclination of the screen can therefore be varied (within a limited range) , independent of (2).

Wrist support We also give a short comment about wrist support. When folding up the monitor (according to all but one embodiment shown), (5) or (5 ') lifts the underside of the keyboard to a position at, or slightly lowered below, the original table surface (as shown in Figure 3b, Figure 8b, and Figure 15b). ). We note that a slightly lowered position has the advantage that the front edge of the table acts as a support that reduces the strain on the wrists when working on the keyboard.

Reading A locking mechanism should be fitted between the display frame (1) and the chassis frame (3). The lock can e.g. controlled from the teacher's terminal or via a smartcard reader. The lock makes it difficult to steal and vandalize the components of the computer terminal. The chassis frame, whose primary function is to be a bracket for the shaft (4), should (for a school desk) be designed as a protective box that prevents intrusion when the computer terminal is locked. Opening and closing In order for closing and opening of the cover (102) to be easy and smooth, a spring device, or similar, should be mounted between (1) and (3). Another method is to balance the weight of (1) and (2): note in Figure 7 and Figure 11 that the weight from the monitor provides a moment of force (which wants to rotate the monitor frame) in a clockwise direction, while the weight from the platform and keyboard gives a moment of force ( who want to rotate the display bezel) in a counterclockwise direction. These power moments can be balanced, which facilitates an even folding and folding of the computer terminal. 495 500 505 510 515 520 525 530 526 383 Thin client The thin client can alternatively be placed together with the monitor in the display frame (1), or in a compartment in the chassis frame (3).

Wiring In the case where the thin computer client is built into the chassis frame (3), the cables are routed from the keyboard and computer mouse to the computer client, most easily through holes (20) and (20 ') (see eg Figure 13). In case the thin client is instead built in (1), the cables can be pulled down through (20), around the back of (2) and above the keyboard, in through (20 '). For certain embodiments, such as the example in Figure 7a, it may then be appropriate to mount a cable drum on (1) which should run above the keyboard (when the cover (102) is lowered).

Communication with server Communication between the computer terminal and server can be done with cable or with wireless IR or radio communication.

Power supply The computer terminal's power supply can be made by cable to a central electrical outlet, or by means of rechargeable battery packs (which are stored, for example, on a charging stand in the classroom).

Other components (smart card) Components such as smart card readers, battery packs, wireless communication devices, etc., can be mounted either in the display frame (1) or in component compartments in the chassis frame (3).

Chassis frame Also note that the chassis frame does not necessarily have to be manufactured as a unit, but can consist of several separate parts (eg angle iron for shaft, separated from a protective box) which are individually mounted under the table top (101).

The above description shows how the invention fulfills the object described above in the chapter "object of the invention". We hereby conclude the detailed presentation of the invention. 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 526 383 DRAWINGS AND DESIGNATIONS figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure figure 2 F-JO-ÅP- * I-JIJ? L fi ~ b®I \) I-'O \ OCD \ IOÄLJ'IrI> LA) I \) If- '12 13 20 OI First First embodiment mounted in school desk embodiment, function First embodiment, use First embodiment, exploded view Second embodiment, exploded view Second embodiment mounted in school desk Second embodiment, function Second embodiment, use Third embodiment, exploded view Third embodiment mounted in school desk Third embodiment, function Third embodiment, use Fourth embodiment, exploded view Fourth embodiment, function Fourth embodiment, for display Frame or use Display frame flat screen and possibly a thin computer client Platform that supports keyboard and computer mouse (or similar components) Chassis frame: frame or box with shaft (4), intended to be attached under the disc (101) Axle Axle Lever Lever Contact surface: pin, joint, or similar Guide : rail, groove, or similar Guide: rail, groove, or similar Support surface: pin, strip, or similar Support surface: pin, strip, or similar Flat monitor (possibly with thin computer client) Keyboard Computer mouse Opening in platform Opening in monitor frame and 45 21 22 23 24 25 50 26 27 28 29 101 55 102 103 526 383 Pin on platform Pin on lever (5) Rail on lever (5 ' ) Holes (or similar) for joint on lever (5) Support for platform Guide on lever (5) Holes on 3 for mounting in table top (101) Tracks on 3 for platform List Table top Lid attached to 1 Table leg Book, notebook, or other conventional study material User: person working at the table

Claims (1)

1. 0 15 20 25 30 35 526 383 CLAIMS Claiming device intended for the installation of a computer terminal in a school desk, comprising, firstly, a display frame (1) for mounting a flat screen, and secondly, a platform (2) for keyboard and computer mouse, and thirdly, a chassis frame (3) which, in a first axis (4) out from both ends of the display frame, is hinged to the display frame; and that the folding device has a folded position, at which the display frame is folded with the chassis frame, and a folded-up position, at which the display frame is angled relative to the chassis frame; and that switching between the folded and the raised positions is effected by manually rotating the monitor about the first axis, and that the force is thereby transmitted, via a power transmission device, to the platform being moved, controlled in position and orientation of a guide device, relative to the chassis frame and monitor frame ; and that said power transmission device, as the first power transmission part, consists of each end of the display frame acting as a first two-armed lever with the first shaft as a support point, characterized in that the power transmission device, as the second power transmission part, consists of a second two-armed lever with a second axle (4 '), anchored in the chassis frame and parallel to the first axle, as a support point; and that when one lever of the first two-armed lever is actuated by said hand force, its second lever (5) transmits the force to a pin (22) movable along a rail (23) fixed to, and oriented along, one lever (5 '). ) of the other two-armed lever; and that the second lever of the second two-armed lever transmits the force to the platform, the platform being moved, controlled by said guide device.