WO2014001000A1

WO2014001000A1 - An articulated support for a display device

Info

Publication number: WO2014001000A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/060683
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick O'donnell; David Shaft; Steve BELCHER; Graham RENNIE; Andrew SHERRIFF
Original assignee: Lincor Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2012-06-29
Filing date: 2013-05-23
Publication date: 2014-01-03

Abstract

A support device (1, 100) has a wall-mounted housing (2, 101), and arm segments (10-13, 115-117) articulated to each other by pivot joints (4-6, 103-105). The innermost joint (3, 120) is mounted on the housing and an outer segment or joint (7, 106) is connected to a user display device support (8, 108). The joints are arranged to allow the segments to collapse to a retracted position at which they are folded to lie alongside each other within the housing, and so are hidden. Full degrees of freedom of movement are allowed, and desired positions are retained because of resistance provided by the joints. The device allows optimum patient flexibility for viewing and use of a user device such as a tablet, and also medical access by clinicians.

Description

^L'An articulated support for a display device^''

INTRODUCTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a support arm for a user display device such as a touch-screen terminal or tablet computer for use in a hospital at a patient bed side Prior Art Discussion

An example of such an arm is shown in GB2407891 , (Wandsworth), US2007/023599 (Fedewa), US8382052 (Mathieson), US7866621 (Peerles Ind.), and US2008/054147 (Omnimount). There is a need for articulation so that the terminal may be used from a wide variety of positions, and also by medical personnel for clinical data viewing. Furthermore due to space constraints it is desirable that the arm be as un-obtrusive as possible when not in use and folded back into its home position and hidden behind the user device. The invention addresses this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a support device comprising:

a wall-mounted housing, and

a plurality of arm segments articulated to each other by pivot joints, in which an innermost joint is mounted on the housing and an outer segment or joint is connected to a user display device support,

wherein the joints are arranged to allow the segments to collapse to a retracted position at which they are folded to lie alongside each other within the housing.

In one embodiment, the housing is of rectangular box shape. In one embodiment, the innermost joint is on a side wall of the housing. In one embodiment, an outermost arm segment is connected to the user display device support by a universal joint allowing tilt, pan, and rotate freedom of movement. In one embodiment, the arm segments and joints have a channel for user device wiring. In one embodiment, the channel runs through the joints.

In one embodiment, at least one of the joints has a pulley mechanism for assisted articulation. In one embodiment, the pulley mechanism comprises at each joint an axle, bearing system and pulley, cable, or chain drive. In one embodiment, said drive acts against a torsion spring restraining force.

In one embodiment, the pivot joints allow assisted parking of a user device. In one embodiment, the pulleys and belts are hidden within the joints and arms.

In one embodiment, at least one joint is adapted to yield if an excessive downward and/or upward force is applied. In one embodiment, said joint is the innermost joint. In one embodiment, the innermost joint comprises a horizontal pivot joint and an vertical pivot joint forming a spring-loaded positional hinge to retain a desired position. In one embodiment, the innermost joint is mounted on a support ledge of the housing and defines part of a wall of a space to receive the arm segments when retracted.

In one embodiment, the innermost joint is connected to a slider which slides relative to a housing fixed part for translational extension of the arm segments. In one embodiment, the slider comprises a channel engaging a lower end of the housing fixed part. In one embodiment, the slider comprises a linear bearing. In one embodiment, the linear bearing comprises two or more slider bars. In one embodiment, the slider is mounted to a lower end of the housing. In one embodiment, the slider forms a lower wall of a compartment in the housing for receiving the arm segments when retracted.

In one embodiment, at least one joint comprises a pivot shaft which is fast on one arm segment and is connected to a next arm segment by a frictional bushing.

In one embodiment, the frictional bushing is also mounted to the joint by thrust bearings. In one embodiment, the user display device support comprises a handle configured to protrude from the housing when the arm segments are retracted. In another aspect, the invention provides an entertainment or information system comprising a support device as defined above in any embodiment and a user display device mounted on the user display device support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the main articulation joints of a terminal support device of the invention in one embodiment; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an articulation joint, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the joint; and

Fig. 4 is a view of a user terminal-holding bracket: Fig. 5 is a front view of the support device when extended;

Fig. 6 is a front view of the housing, showing a clutch arrangement connecting to the first segment or link in the arm; Fig. 7 is a front view of a support device of an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 8 is an underneath plan view of this device;

Fig. 9 is a partly cut away front view of this device; and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a joint of this device. Description of the Embodiments

Referring to the drawings a support device 1 comprises a housing 2 which has a rectangular configuration in front, side, and plan views. The depth and width (horizontal dimensions) are in this embodiment only 95 mm and 300 mm respectively. An articulated arm 10-13 extends from the housing 2 when in use and retracts into the housing when not in use. Hence, the device takes up very little space when it is retracted in its housing 2. Indeed, because of its shallow depth the housing 2 may be concealed in a recess of a wall or wall-mounted furniture. Its appearance is merely that of the tablet computer which the arm supports, effectively providing a front face. In this, fully retracted, position the device 1 is effectively hidden. The arm comprises a first joint 3 which allows rotation in the horizontal and vertical planes. There is then a series of second, third and fourth joints 4, 5, and 6 respectively of a type only allowing horizontal movement. A universal joint 7 connects to a support 8 for a tablet computer. The joints 3 - 6 link the series of arm segments 10, 1 1 , 12 and 13 to the universal joint 7. Each of the joints 3 - 6 allows 160° turning, so that the arm segments 10 - 13 can fold accordion - like into the housing 2. When retracted, the support 8 lies facing out at the front of the housing.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 the joint 4 comprises a pulley 20, bearings 21 and 22, and pulley belts 23 and 24. The belt 23 causes the pulley 20 to rotate thereby moving the belt 24. Torsion springs on the joint 3 act on the belt 23. They cause it to act on the pulley 20 and hence on the belt 24 to assist parking (retraction) of the arm segments 10- 13.

The arm segments 10- 12 are thus floating on a double set of bearing races and are controlled by the pulley system that ties each segment to the previous segment. By manipulating one segment the other two joined segments will move in equal proportions.

The articulated arm is therefore controllable by one-handed operation with parking assist. It has two main positions: fully extended and fully retracted/parked. The parking is assisted by a retracting force applied to the first three arm segments 10- 12 through the pulleys and belts. Fig. 4 shows the tablet support 8, having a moulding 8(a) on which there is a visa support 8(b).

Referring particularly to Figs. 5 and 6, the arm 10-13 will move down when too much pressure is applied via a gas strut or spring located inside the housing 2. Fig. 6 shows a pivot joint 30 for a rotating knuckle 3 1. The rotating knuckle 3 1 will slip like a clutch if sufficient pressure is applied. Also, the arm 10- 12 will move up when too much pressure is applied via the gas strut or spring located inside the housing 2. Also, the arm 10-13 will allow temporary over-extension but will spring back to the fully extended position when released by use of a torsional spring located in the housing 2 or in each joint.

The device 1 brings a touch screen device to a location that is accessible for touch and viewing in the majority of patient positions. This expected range is fully prone to 30° from vertical. The first three of the segments 10 - 12 move in equal angular motion to each other. This allows for a one-handed operation for parking. The fourth segment 13 allows the touch screen device to be freely manipulated between a semi-prone position and a fully prone position within the comfortable viewing envelope. This segment is also intended for viewing by clinical staff at the bed side as well as the patient, so the tilt has a range of +/- 45° from horizontal.

By virtue of the arm segments 10- 13 and the joints 4-6 the touch screen device has four freedoms of movement. The first three are: tilt, pan and rotate. The fourth freedom is at the rotation at the pivot point 7 and allows for 350° of rotation. The arm segments 10-1 3 also carry cables for the provision of power and data to the touch screen device. These run within the arm segments 10- 13 and through the joints, running through a central bore within each pulley. Further, the joints have top and bottom covers concealing the mutually rotating parts, and hiding the cable. In use, for supporting a tablet at a hospital bed, in the sitting-up position (30° from vertical) the terminal is in front of the patient and to the right or left edge of the bed. The patient can either park one-handed or move the terminal out of the way when not in use. The terminal is flush at back when parked, and no arm or mounting is visible when parked. The top edges of the mounting and the tablet line up when parked and the front edge of the mounting and the tablet line up when parked.

The following summarises the major functions and capabilities of the device 1 for a hospital bed use:

- A clinician can access the terminal from the side of the bed.

- One can raise and lower the terminal when fully extended.

- One-handed park (retraction) and general manipulation is possible, force required for moving the terminal being minimal.

- The terminal freedoms of movement are tilt +/-25°, rotate +/- 40°, and swivel 340°.

- The arm segments click into the full extended position.

- The outer arm segment 13 provides sufficient terminal movement resistance to allow touch-screen use and provides a swivel capability of 340°.

- There is a USB connection on mount housing 8 for linking to the tablet.

- No cables are visible or accessible

- First stage deploy initiated when arm un-park is initiated.

Safety is enhanced because the clinician is able to move the arm out of the way with one hand during emergencies. Also, the arm 1 moves down if a patient attempts to use it as for leverage. The arm 1 moves up if the bed pushes up on the arm while raising bed level. The joints are spring-loaded if hyper extension of the arm occurs.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 10 an alternative support device 100 comprises a housing 101 , and joints 102 - 105 and a terminal swivel joint 106 connected to a tablet support 108 having a handle 109. The joints link three arm segments 1 15, 1 16, and 1 17, in this case without pulleys.

The housing 100 comprises an inverted channel-shaped slider 120 having a lower horizontal web 121 and downwardly-depending vertical flanges 122. The slider 120 supports at its outer extremity the innermost joint 102. Its movement is allowed by a linear bearing having fixed bars 125 extending through corresponding bores in a body within the channel 120.

The joint 102 is a spring-loaded positional hinge with two axes. It is of the type marketed by Southco™ as a positional hinge. A pivot joint 102(a) provides a vertical pivot axis while a pivot joint 102(b) provides a horizontal pivot axis. The hinge 102 has internal springs which allow it to retain the position to which it is pulled on the basis of balance of forces. This provides robustness and versatility in use.

Referring to Fig. 10, the joint 103 links the arm segments 1 15 and 1 16. It has a pivot shaft 150 which is fast on the arm 1 15. A bushing 155 on the arm 1 16 engages the pivot shaft 150, and this also has upper and lower thrust bearings 160 and 165. The bushing is retained by a nut 170 and a locknut 175 on the shaft 150. There is a cap 180. Electrical and possible also signal cables (not shown) run through the arm segments 1 15 and 1 16 and through the pivot shaft 150.

Friction between the bushing 155 and the shaft 150 provide sufficient resistance to rotation so that the desired position is retained.

As for the support device 1 , the device 100 retracts fully into its housing and it provides a full range of articulation. Also, it retains its position without need for the user to do anything other than push it to the desired position.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

A support device (1 , 100) comprising:

a wall-mounted housing (2, 101 ), and

a plurality of arm segments ( 10-12, 1 15-1 17) articulated to each other by pivot joints (4- 6, 102-104), in which an innermost joint (3, 102) is mounted on the housing and an outer segment or joint is connected to a user display device support (8, 108),

A support device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the housing (2, 101 ) is of rectangular box shape.

A support device as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the innermost joint (3, 102) is on a side wall of the housing.

A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an outermost arm segment is connected to the user display device support by a universal joint (7, 106) allowing tilt, pan, and rotate freedom of movement.

5. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm segments and joints have a channel for user device wiring.

A support device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the channel runs through the joints.

A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the joints 1 a pulley mechanism (20-24) for assisted articulation.

8. A support device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pulley mechanism comprises at each joint an axle, bearing system and pulley, cable, or chain drive.

9. A support device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said drive acts against a torsion spring restraining force.

10. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pivot joints (3-6, 1 15- 1 17) allow assisted parking of a user device.

1 1 . A support device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the pulleys and belts are hidden within the joints and arms.

12. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one joint (3, 102) is adapted to yield if an excessive downward and/or upward force is applied.

13. A support device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said joint is the innermost joint.

14. A support device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the innermost joint comprises a horizontal pivot joint (102)a)) and an vertical pivot joint (102(b)) forming a spring-loaded positional hinge to retain a desired position.

1 5. A support device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the innermost joint is mounted on a support ledge (120) of the housing and defines part of a wall of a space to receive the arm segments when retracted.

16. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the innermost joint is connected to a slider (120) which slides relative to a housing fixed part for translational extension of the ami segments.

17. A support device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the slider comprises a channel ( 121 ) engaging a lower end of the housing fixed part.

18. A support device as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the slider comprises a linear bearing (125).

19. A support device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the linear bearing comprises two or more slider bars (125).

20. A support device as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the slider is mounted to a lower end of the housing.

A support device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the slider forms a lower wall of a compartment in the housing for receiving the ami segments when retracted.

A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one joint ( 103) comprises a pivot shaft (150) which is fast on one arm segment ( 1 15) and is connected to a next arm segment ( 1 16) by a frictional bushing (155).

23. A support device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the frictional bushing is also mounted to the joint by thrust bearings (160, 165).

24. A support device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the user display device support comprises a handle ( 109) configured to protrude from the housing when the arm segments are retracted.

25. An entertainment or information system comprising a support device of any preceding claim and a user display device mounted on the user display device support.