WO2014114698A1

WO2014114698A1 - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening

Info

Publication number: WO2014114698A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/051296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduard Emiliano Griell; Jaume Hurtos Descamps
Original assignee: Soltec D'enginyeria I Projectes, S.L.
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2014-01-23
Publication date: 2014-07-31
Also published as: ES2400900A1; ES2400900B1

Abstract

Retractable screen device (1) with autonomous controlled speed lid opening, comprising an opening and closing mechanism (10), configured to open and close, by means of a lid (2), an opening (3), a screen (5) which enables a resting position (A) and a working position (B) to be adopted and a translation mechanism (20) configured to move the screen (5). Said opening and closing mechanism (10) comprises a mechanical energy accumulator (11), which acts on the lid (2) and a speed retention and control element (12) linked to said accumulator (11) and assisted by the movement of the screen (5). Said element (12) keeps the lid (2) closed in resting position (A) and facilitates the autonomous and controlled opening of said lid (2) upon moving the screen (5) from the resting position (A) to the working position (B).

Description

RETRACTABLE SCREEN DEVICE WITH AUTONOMOUS, CONTROLLED

SPEED LID OPENING

DESCRIPTION

Invention field

The present invention refers to a retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled lid opening, especially designed for all kinds of visible surfaces which, owing to space or design, require a screen to be hidden in order to later use the same, for example tables, panels or other supports.

Background of the invention

Currently, a large variety of devices with a retractable screen are known about, it being possible for these screens to adopt a resting position, in which they remain hidden under a visible surface and a working position, in which they emerge above said visible surface via an opening in the same.

In general, these devices comprise a translation mechanism, configured to move the screen from the resting position into the working position and vice versa. In order to enable the user to use the same, said mechanism is usually motorised and usually driven by means of a push button arranged on the visible surface. In some more complicated cases, these devices usually also comprise a motorised tilting mechanism, which makes the same more functional, resulting in improved screen visibility and making the screen better adapted to a large variety of multi-media accessories.

An example of the more complex devices can be found in document US5401089. This document reveals a retractable screen with both translation and tilting mechanisms, although it does not have an opening and closing mechanism configured to open and close the opening through which the screen protrudes and enters. More specifically, said opening is constantly open, in both the resting and working position. This means that it causes much inconvenience in terms of objects accidentally falling at any time and the continuous accumulation of dust and dirt. These limitations finally deteriorate or spoil the device, thereby reducing its useful life.

Document WO2009/141744 partially resolves said limitations by means of a retractable screen device comprising an opening and closure mechanism configured to open and close the opening through which the screen protrudes and enters by means of a lid. One of the limitations of this device is that the lid opens inwards brusquely, remaining below the visible surface in the working position. This encourages objects, which may be on the lid or near to it, to fall over inside the device, which may damage it greatly.

Document WO2009/141744 also presents other limitations, however, which reduce the functional purposes thereof considerably, since it lacks a motorised tilting mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the angle of the tilt. The fact that it has a simple translation mechanism that moves the screen directly towards a working position with an inclination that has been pre-determined in factory also constitutes a defect, since the user is not able to adjust the comfort settings as they so wish.

The present invention resolves the problems set out above by means of a retractable screen device with an autonomous, controlled speed lid opening, the optimised configuration of which facilitates the employment thereof, prevents Sharp blows, removes the risk of objects accidentally falling inside it and reduces the amount of dirt accumulated. In turn, said configuration improves functional services, improving screen visibility and adaptability to all kinds of multimedia accessories, such as webcams, speakers, microphones, etc.

Description of the invention

The retractable screen device with an automatic, controlled speed lid opening, object of the present invention, comprises:

• an opening and closing mechanism configured to open and close, by means of a lid, an opening arranged on a visible surface,

· a screen that makes it possible to adopt:

- a resting position in which it is hidden below the visible surface, the lid being closed and

- a working position in which it protrudes above said visible surface via the opening, the lid being open

and

• a translation mechanism, configured to move the screen from the resting position to the working position and viceversa.

The device object of the present invention is characterised in that the opening and closing mechanism comprises a mechanical energy accumulator, which acts on the lid and a speed retention and control element, linked to said accumulator and assisted by the movement of the screen, wherein said speed retention and control element:

• keeps the lid closed in the resting position, overcoming the resistance exerted by the energy accumulator and

• facilitates the autonomous and controlled opening of said lid owing to the action exercised by the energy accumulator, until it protrudes above the visible surface, to move the screen from the resting position to the working position.

The energy accumulator is arranged on a rotation shaft of a lever joined to the lid, where said energy accumulator is configured to free its energy on said lever and give rise to a rotational movement of the same, which pushes the lid. The energy accumulator is preferably formed by one or more helicoidal springs and is arranged between a shaft support.

The speed retention and control element is configured to receive a protruding shaft joined to the screen, where said protruding shaft is configured to retain the speed retention and control element in the resting position, overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator and allow a linear movement of controlled speed of the same to go from the resting position to the working position owing to the action exercised by the energy accumulator.

The speed retention and control element is preferably linked to the energy accumulator by means of a bar, upon which the speed retention and control element is joined and a rod with a first end joined to the bar and a second end joined to the lever.

The protruding shaft is configured to drag the speed retention and control element when passing from the working position to the resting position, overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator and causing the lid to close.

The translation mechanism is responsible for raising and lowering the screen in a motorised way, being comfortably driven from the command push button or by means of remote control. The translation mechanism comprises:

• a translation motor, which drives a translation pinion,

• a transmission belt, which engages with the translation pinion and with a driven pulley, said belt being arranged according to a translation direction of the screen, · a pair of guides parallel to the translation direction and

• a translation platform upon which the screen is arranged, configured to slide along the guides and which is joined to the transmission belt by means of a connection flange.

The guides are preferably mounted to a support joined to a Shell arranged below the visible surface and joined to the same, this serving to hide the screen in resting position.

In order to guarantee that the screen can be viewed correctly and adapted to all kinds of multimedia accessories, such as webcams, speakers and/or microphones, the device object of the present invention additionally comprises a tilting regulation mechanism, configured to vary a tilt angle between the screen and the visible surface in working position.

The tilt regulation mechanism preferably comprises:

• a tilt motor which drives a tilt pinion and

• a rack that engages with the tilt pinion in order to give rise to a tilt movement relative to a rotation shaft of the screen.

The tilt motor is arranged at a lower end of the screen, whilst the rack is arranged on a side plate of the translation platform. In turn, the side plate comprises a curved groove between which a restriction shaft slides, which limits the tilt angle. The protruding shaft is preferably an extension of the restriction shaft.

Brief description of the drawings

Below is a brief description of a series of drawings, which facilitate a better understanding of the invention and expressly relate to a preferred embodiment thereof, presented as a non-limiting example of the same.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device in resting position.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the device in resting position.

Figure 3 is an elevation view of the device in resting position.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device in working position.

Figure 5 is an elevation view of the screen.

Figure 6A is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line A-A shown in Figure 3, with the lid closed.

Figure 6B is a view of detail "V" shown in Figure 6A.

Figure 6C is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line B-B shown in Figure 3, with the lid closed.

Figure 6D is a view of detail "W" shown in Figure 6C.

Figure 7A is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line A-A shown in Figure 3, with the lid half open.

Figure 7B is a view of detail "X" shown in Figure 7A.

Figure 7C is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line B-B shown in Figure 3, with the lid half open.

Figure 7D is a view of detail "Y" shown in Figure 7C.

Figure 8 A is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line A-A shown in Figure 3, with the lid open.

Figure 8B is a view of detail "Z" shown in Figure 8A.

Figure 9A is a profile view of the device in resting position.

Figure 9B is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cut line C-C shown in Figure 9A.

Figure 10A is a profile view of the device in an intermediate position between the resting position and working position.

Figure 10B is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cutline D-D shown in Figure 10 A.

Figure 11 A is a profile view of the device in working position.

Figure 1 IB is a sectioned view of the device, according to the cutline E-E shown in Figure 11 A.

Figure 12 is a detailed view of the tilt regulation mechanism, with the screen in vertical position.

Figure 13 is a detailed view of the tile regulation mechanism, with the screen in tilted position.

Detained description of the invention

Figures 1, 2 and 3 are respective perspective, elevation and plan views of the device (1), object of the present invention, in resting position (A), whilst Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device (1) in working position (B). As can be seen, the device (1) comprises:

• an opening and closing mechanism (10) configured to open and close, by means of a lid (2) an opening (3) arranged on a visible surface (4),

· a screen (5) that makes it possible to adopt:

- a resting position (A), wherein it is hidden below the visible surface (4), the lid (2) being closed and

- a working position (B), wherein it protrudes above said visible surface (4) via the opening (3), the lid (2) being open,

and

• a translation mechanism (20), Figures 9B, 10B and 11B, configured to move the screen (5) from the resting position (A) to the working position (B) and vice versa, driving a control push button (9).

The device (1) is housed within a shell (7), arranged below the visible surface (4) and fixed to the same.

Figure 5 is an elevation view of the screen (5) isolated from the device (1).

In Figures 6A-6B and 7A-7B, it is possible to appreciate the opening and closing mechanism (10) in more detail. For clarity purposes, the screen (5) has not been represented in these figures, nor has the translation mechanism (20). As can be seen, the opening and closing mechanism (10) comprises a mechanical energy accumulator (11) that acts on the lid (2) and a speed retention and control element (12) linked to said accumulator (11) and assisted by the movement of the screen (5), wherein said speed retention and control element (12):

• keeps the lid (2) closed in resting position (A), overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11), figures 6A-6B and

• enables the autonomous and controlled opening of said lid (2), owing to the action exercised by the energy accumulator (11 1) until it protrudes above the visible surface (4), upon moving the screen (5) from the resting position (A) to the working position (B), see Figures 7A.7B.

The energy accumulator (11) is arranged on a rotation shaft (13) of a lever (14) joined to the lid (2), where said energy accumulator (1 1) is configured to free its energy on the lever (14) and give rise to a rotational movement (41) of the same, which pushes the lid (2). The energy accumulator is formed by a number of helicoidal springs, arranged between a number of shaft supports (19).

In Figures 6C-6D and 7C-7D it is possible to observe the opening and closing mechanism (10) in more detail, as it is linked to the accumulator (11) and assisted by the movement of the screen (5). The screen (5) has been represented therein, as well as the translation mechanism (20).

As can be seen in Figures 6C and 6D, the speed retention and control element (12) is configured to receive a protruding shaft (6) joined to the screen (5), where said protruding shaft (6) is configured to retain the speed retention and control element (12) in the resting position (A), overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11).

As can be seen in Figures 7C and 7D, the speed retention and control element (12) is in turn configured to enable a linear movement (42) of controlled speed of the same, upon moving from resting position (A) to working position (B), owing to the action exercised by the energy accumulator (11). In this way, the lid (2) is opened autonomously when he screen (5) beings to move upwards, preventing the upper part of the screen (5) and lower face of the lid (2) from being hit. The retention element (12) is moved at the same speed as the screen (5) in said first moments. When the lid (2) is completely open, wherein the accumulator (11) cannot free more energy, the retention element (12) stops moving forwards.

The speed retention and control element (12) is linked to the energy accumulator (11) by means of a bar (15) upon which the speed retention and control element (12) is joined, alongside a rod (16) with a first end (17) joined to the bar (15), with a second end (18) joined to the lever (14).

The extent to which the lid (2) is opened may be regulated by means of a breaking Groove (51), which works alongside a pin (52) configured to slide along the same. The breaking groove (51) comprises a lower limit (53), that limits the maximum aperture of the lid (2) in working position (B) and an upper limit (54), that ensures that the lid (2) is perfectly closed in resting position (A). The breaking grooves (51) and the corresponding pins (52) are distributed along the length of the bar (15) in order to offer better stability upon the same being moved.

In Figures 8A and 8B, the location, in which the lid (2) is completely open, whilst the screen (5) goes up or down is shown. For clarity purposes, the screen (5) has not been represented, however the protruding shaft (6) linked to the same is shown. As can be seen, as it is travelling downwards, the protruding shaft (6) is configured to drag the speed retention and control element (12) upon moving from the working position (B) to the resting position (A), thus overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11) and giving rise to the lid (2) being closed.

Figures 9A, 10A and 11A show a profile sequence of the device (1) moving from the resting position (A) to the working position (B). In Figures 9B, 10B and 1 IB, the same sequence is shown by means of the corresponding sectioned views. As can be seen, the translation mechanism (20) is responsible for raising and lowering the screen in a motorised way, being comfortably driven from the control push button (9). The translation mechanism (20) comprises:

• a translation motor (21), that drives a translation pinion (22),

• a transmission belt (23) that engages with the translation pinion (22) and with a driven pulley (24), said belt (23) being arranged according to a translation direction (43) of the screen (5),

• a pair of guides (25) parallel to the translation direction (43) and

• a translation platform (26) upon which the screen (5) is arranged, configured to slide along the length of the guides (25) and which is joined to the transmission belt (23) by means of a connection flange (27).

The guides (25) are mounted to a support (28), Figures 6D and 7D, joined to a

Shell (7) arranged below the visible surface (4) and joined to the same, which hides the screen (5) in the resting position (A).

For clarity purposes, in Figures 9B, 10B and 11B, the majority of the components of the opening and closing mechanism (10) have not been represented, only illustrating the energy accumulators (11) and the shaft supports (19) in order to demonstrate the positioning thereof. The speed retention and control element (12) and the bar (15) upon which it is joined are located vertically, according to the present example, at the height of the protruding shaft (6) arranged to the left on the image, coinciding with the position of the tilt regulation mechanism (30). Even so, it may be mounted in other embodiments at the height of the protruding shaft (6), arranged on the right of the image.

Figures 12 and 13 are more detailed representations of the tile regulation mechanism (30), with the screen in vertical position and with the screen in tilted position, respectively. As can be seen, the tilt regulation mechanism (30) is configured to vary a tilt angle (44) between the screen (5) and the visible surface (4) in working position (B).

The tilt regulation mechanism (30) comprises:

• a tilt motor (31) that drives a tilt pinion (32) and

• a rack (33) that engages with the tilt pinion (32) in order to cause a tilt movement (45) relative to a rotation shaft (34) of the screen (5).

The tilt motor (31) is arranged at a lower end (8) of the screen (5), whilst the rack (33) is arranged on a side lever (35) of the translation platform (26). In turn, the side plate (35) comprises a curved groove (36) between which a restriction shaft (37) slides, which limits the tilt angle (44). As can be seen, according to the present example, the protruding shaft (6) is an extension of the restriction shaft (37).

Claims

1.- Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening, comprising:

· an opening and closing mechanism (10) configured to open and close, by means of a lid (2), an opening (3) arranged on a visible surface (4),

• a screen (5) that makes it possible to adopt:

- a resting position (A) in which it is hidden below the visible surface (4), the lid (2) being closed and

- a working position (B) in which it protrudes above said visible surface (4) via the opening (3), the lid (2) being open

and

• a translation mechanism (20) configured to move the screen (5) from the resting position (A) to the working position (B) and vice versa,

said device (1) being characterised in that the opening and closing mechanism (10) comprises a mechanical energy accumulator (11), which acts on the lid (2) and a speed retention and control element (12) linked to said accumulator (11) and assisted by the movement of the screen (5), where said speed retention and control element (12):

• keeps the lid (2) closed in the resting position (A), thus overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11) and

• facilitates the autonomous and controlled opening of said lid (2) thanks to the action exercised by the energy accumulator (11), until it protrudes above the visible surface (4) upon moving the screen (5) from the resting position (A) to the working position (B).

2. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claim 1, characterised in that the energy accumulator (11) is arranged on a rotation shaft (13) of a lever (14) joined to the lid (2), where said energy accumulator (11) is configured to free its energy on said lever (14) and give rise to a rotational movement (41) of the same, which pushes the lid (2).

3. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to any of the previous claims 1 to 2, characterised in that the speed retention and control element (12) is configured to receive a protruding shaft (6) joined to the screen (5), where said protruding shaft (6) is configured to retain the speed retention and control element (12) in the resting position (A), overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11) and to enable a linear movement (42) of controlled speed of the same upon moving from the resting position (A) to the working position (B), owing to the action exercised by the energy accumulator (11).

4. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the speed retention and control element (12) is linked to the energy accumulator (11) by means of a bar (15) upon which the speed retention and control element (12) is joined and a rod (16) with a first end (17) joined to the bar (15) and a second end (18) joined to the lever (14).

5. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claim 4, characterised in that the protruding shaft (6) is configured to drag the speed retention and control element (12) upon moving from the working position (B) to the resting position (A), thus overcoming the resistance exercised by the energy accumulator (11) and resulting in the lid (2) being closed.

6. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to any of the previous claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the mechanical energy accumulator (11) is arranged between a shaft support (19).

7. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to any of the previous claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the mechanical energy accumulator (11) is formed by one or more helicoidal springs.

8. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to any of the previous claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the translation mechanism (20) comprises:

• a translation motor (21) which drives a translation pinion (22),

· a transmission belt (23) that engages with the translation pinion (22) and with a driven pulley (24), said belt (23) being arranged according to a translation direction (43) of the screen (5),

• a pair of guides (25) parallel to the translation direction (43) and

• a translation platform (26) upon which the screen (5) is arranged, configured to slide along the length of the guides (25), also being joined to the transmission belt (23) by means of a connection flange (27).

9. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claim 8, characterised in that the guides (25) are mounted to a support (28) joined to a shell (7) arranged below the visible surface (4) and joined to the same, which hides the screen (5) in resting position (A).

10. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to any of the previous claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it additionally comprises a tilt regulation mechanism (30) configured to vary a tilt angle (44) between the screen (5) and the visible surface (4) in working position (B).

11. - Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claim 10, characterised in that the tilt regulation mechanism (30) comprises:

• a tilt motor (31) that drives a tilt pinion (32) and

• a rack (33) that engages with the tilt pinion (32) to give rise to a tilt movement (45) relative to a rotation shaft (34) of the screen (5).

12.- Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claims 8 and 11, characterised in that the tilt motor (31) is arranged on a lower end (8) of the screen (5) and in that the rack (33) is arranged on a side plate (35) of the translation platform (26).

13.- Retractable screen device with autonomous, controlled speed lid opening according to claim 12, characterised in that the side plate (35) comprises a curved groove (36) between which a restriction shaft (37) slides, which limits the tilt angle (44).

14.- Retractable screen device with autonomous controlled speed lid opening according to claims 4 and 13, characterised in that the protruding shaft (6) is an extension of the restriction shaft (37).