Stand and stand system

A stand for supporting a display device includes multiple posts and a mounting plate module configured to connect the posts to each other. The stand is configured such that a rotary unit is attachable to and detachable from the mounting plate module, the display device is attachable to the mounting plate module via the rotary unit and is also attachable to the mounting plate module without the rotary unit, and a position of the display device relative to the stand in a depth direction in a state where the display device is attached to the mounting plate module via the rotary unit is the same as the position of the display device relative to the stand in the depth direction in a state where the display device is attached to the mounting plate module without the rotary unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-020096, filed on Feb. 7, 2020 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-203378, filed on Dec. 8, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

An aspect of this disclosure relates to a stand and a stand system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent No. 6539952, for example, discloses a self-standing support stand for supporting a large display device (e.g., a display with a diagonal size greater than or equal to 30 inches, an interactive whiteboard, or an electronic blackboard).

In the support stand according to Japanese Patent No. 6539952, a heavy part is disposed in a lower rear position to place the center of mass (centroid) of the entire support stand in a lower rear position as far as possible so that the amount of protrusion of front legs with respect to the screen of a display device is reduced and the installation space for the support stand is thereby reduced.

Here, in recent years, the usage of large display devices by users has increased, and there is an increasing demand for a stand that enables manually changing the orientation of a display device to a landscape orientation (horizontal orientation) or a portrait orientation (vertical orientation).

Therefore, a rotary unit that enables the rotation of a display device is provided as an optional product to meet the demand of users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of this disclosure, there is provided a stand for supporting a display device. The stand includes multiple posts and a mounting plate module configured to connect the posts to each other. The stand is configured such that a rotary unit is attachable to and detachable from the mounting plate module, the rotary unit being configured to enable manually changing an orientation of the display device between a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation without detaching and reattaching the display device from the stand, the display device is attachable to the mounting plate module via the rotary unit and is also attachable to the mounting plate module without the rotary unit, and a position of the display device relative to the stand in a depth direction in a state where the display device is attached to the mounting plate module via the rotary unit is the same as the position of the display device relative to the stand in the depth direction in a state where the display device is attached to the mounting plate module without the rotary unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An aspect of this disclosure provides a stand that supports a display device and is configured such that the stand remains stable even when a rotary unit is attached and the front legs of posts do not obstruct user operations even when the rotary unit is not attached.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and the accompanying drawings, the same reference number is assigned to components having substantially the same function and configuration, and repeated descriptions of those components may be omitted.

An aspect of this disclosure relates to a stand for supporting a display and a stand system including the stand.

Examples of displays that can be supported by the stand of this disclosure may include analog boards such as a whiteboard, a blackboard, and a canvas; display devices capable of receiving inputs, i.e., electronic panels, such as an interactive whiteboard (IWB), an interactive flat panel display, and a touch panel; and passive display devices such as a monitor and a television.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES

First Comparative Example

FIGS.1A and1Bare side views of stand systems according to a first comparative example.FIG.1Aillustrates a stand system800of the first comparative example in which a display1X is supported by a stand80without a rotary unit, andFIG.1Billustrates a stand system900in which the display1X is supported by a stand90via a rotary unit5X.

In Japan, stands for supporting large displays are legally required to comply with the product safety standard IEC60950. Specifically, the standard requires that a stand “shall not fall even when pushed in the horizontal direction at the highest position not exceeding 2 m with a force that is 20% of the total load”.

To comply with this requirement, a distance L from a centroid position CP inFIG.1Ato a front end FE of a caster stopper309abelow a front leg303, which is the outermost ground contact point in the load direction, needs to be greater than or equal to 20% of the maximum height H. That is, “distance L>0.2×maximum height H” needs to be satisfied.

However, in terms of usability by the user, the distance L inFIG.1Ais preferably as short as possible. As the distance L decreases, a distance X from a display screen DS of the display1X to the front end FE of the front leg decreases, and the front leg303becomes less likely to obstruct the operation (such as a handwriting operation) of the user on the screen. Therefore, in the dedicated display stand80illustrated inFIG.1A, the distance L is made as short as possible within a range that satisfies the IEC60950 standard.

However, when an optional rotary unit5X is attached to the dedicated stand80(which is then referred to as the stand90), the display1X is shifted forward by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the rotary unit5X as illustrated inFIG.1Band a centroid position CP′ is also shifted forward. As a result, a distance L′ from the centroid position CP′ to the front end FE becomes shorter than the distance L. Accordingly, when the rotary unit5X is attached to the dedicated stand80in which the distance L is set at the smallest possible value, the centroid position CP′ moves forward and the shortened distance L′ becomes less than or equal to 0.2H (L′≤0.2H). As a result, the stability is reduced.

In contrast, if the distance L′ from the centroid position CP′ to the front end FE is set to satisfy the relationship L′>0.2H taking into account the attachment of the rotary unit5X, the distance L becomes unnecessarily long when the rotary unit5X is not attached. In this case, the distance L becomes significantly greater than 0.2H when the rotary unit5X is not attached, and the front leg303becomes an obstacle to an operation (such as a handwriting operation) of the user on the display1X.

To avoid the above problems, the rotary unit5X may be attached in place of a mounting bracket2X, that is, the rotary unit5X may be attached to a position from which the bracket2X is removed, so that the forward movement of the display1X resulting from the attachment of the rotary unit5X is minimized.

Second Comparative Example

FIGS.2A and2Bare side views of stand systems according to a second comparative example.FIG.2Aillustrates a stand system810of the second comparative example in which a display1Y is supported by a stand81using mounting brackets2Y and without attaching a rotary unit, andFIG.2Billustrates a stand system910where the display1Y is supported by a stand91via a rotary unit5Y and the mounting brackets2Y are detached.

When the mounting brackets2Y are detached and replaced with the rotary unit5Y as illustrated inFIG.2B, the thickness of the rotary unit5Y is added, but the thickness of the mounting bracket2Y is deducted. Accordingly, the centroid position CP″ is substantially the same as the centroid position CP inFIG.2A. Therefore, a distance L″ from the centroid position CP″ to the front end FE is almost the same as the distance L in the case where the display1Y is supported by the mounting brackets2Y (L≈L″).

As a result, a distance X″ from the display screen DS to the front end FE of the front leg inFIG.2Bbecomes substantially the same as the distance X from the display screen DS to the front end FE of the front leg inFIG.2A(X≈X″), and the IEC standard is satisfied regardless of whether the rotary unit5Y is attached. Accordingly, with both of the configurations illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, the front leg303does not much obstruct user operations (such as a handwriting operation) on the display1Y.

However, when the stand system is assembled as illustrated inFIG.2B, the mounting brackets2Y originally provided in the stand become unnecessary and need to be discarded. Also, when it is expected that the rotary unit5Y is detached after the stand system is assembled as illustrated inFIG.2B, the mounting brackets2Y will be needed again and it is bothersome to store the mounting brackets2Y so as not to lose them.

One aspect of this disclosure makes it possible to solve the above problems.

EMBODIMENTS

FIG.3is an elevational view of a stand system according to an embodiment.FIGS.4A and4Bare cross-sectional views taken along line A-A ofFIG.3.

FIG.4Aillustrates a stand system100according to an embodiment where a display1is supported by a stand10without a rotary unit, andFIG.4Billustrates a stand system200of the embodiment where the display1is supported by a stand20via a rotary unit5.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.4AandFIG.4B, each of the stands10and20of the present embodiment includes a stand mechanism3and brackets2(brackets21and22).

In the present embodiment, the rotary unit5is an optional component that is attachable to the display1and/or the stand10/20(mounting plate module30) and allows the orientation of the supported display1to be manually changed between a landscape orientation in which the longer side of the supported display1extends horizontally and a portrait orientation in which the longer side of the supported display1extends vertically, without detaching and reattaching the display1.

Thus, the stand10/20of the present embodiment is configured such that the display1may be attached to the stand mechanism3without the rotary unit5as illustrated inFIG.4Aand may also be attached to the stand mechanism3via the rotary unit5as illustrated inFIG.4B.

In the descriptions below, a state where the display1(display device) is attached to the stand10(display stand) without the rotary unit5is referred to as the stand system100(display stand system), and a state where the display1is attached to the stand20(display stand) via the rotary unit5is referred to as the stand system200(display stand system). In other words, the stand systems100and200designate different states of a stand system.

In the stand mechanism3, a caster stopper39aprovided below a front leg331is the frontmost end of the stand. Details of the stand mechanism3are described later with reference toFIGS.5A and5B.

As illustrated inFIG.4A, when the display1is attached without the optional rotary unit5, the brackets2are attached directly to the display1, and the display1is attached to a mounting position P1of the stand mechanism3via the brackets2.

As illustrated inFIG.4B, when the display1is attached via the optional rotary unit5, the brackets2(mounting brackets) also used inFIG.4Aare attached to the rotary unit5, and the brackets2are then fitted to the stand mechanism3such that the display1is attached to a mounting position P2.

Although the configuration of the stand mechanism3is described later with reference toFIG.5, the front end face of the caster stopper39aprovided below the front leg331becomes the front end FE that is the frontmost end of the stand mechanism3.

ComparingFIG.4AandFIG.4B, the mounting position P2illustrated inFIG.4Bin the case where the rotary unit5is attached is located closer to the rear end than the mounting position P1illustrated inFIG.4Ain the case where the rotary unit5is not attached.

With this configuration, although the distance from the mounting position on the stand mechanism3to the display1is increased by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the rotary unit5when the rotary unit5is attached as illustrated inFIG.4B, because the mounting position P2is closer to the rear end than the mounting position P1, a centroid position CP2inFIG.4Bis substantially the same as a centroid position CP1inFIG.4A. Therefore, a distance L2from the centroid position CP2to the front end FE of the base of the stand mechanism3is substantially the same as a distance L1from the centroid position CP1to the front end FE in the case where the brackets2are attached directly to the display1(L1≈L2).

With the above configuration, the position of the screen of the display relative to the stand is substantially the same regardless of whether the optional rotary unit is used. The expression “the position of the screen of the display relative to the stand is substantially the same” not only indicates that the mounting position of the display relative to the stand is exactly the same regardless of whether the rotary unit is used, but also indicates a case where there is a slight positional difference (within a few cm).

That is, with the above configuration, a distance X1from the display screen DS of the display1to the front end FE of the caster stopper39abelow the front leg331inFIG.4Acan be made substantially the same as a distance X2from the display screen DS of the display1to the front end FE of the caster stopper39abelow the front leg331inFIG.4B(X1≈X2).

Also, in both of the cases ofFIG.4AandFIG.4B, the brackets2are used to attach the display1. With this configuration, even when the rotary unit5is attached, the brackets2can be used effectively, and there is no need to store the brackets2.

Methods of attaching the display to the stand according to the present embodiment are described below with reference toFIGS.5A through6C.

FIGS.5A and5Bare drawings for explaining the assembly of the stand system100according to the present embodiment where the rotary unit5is not attached, andFIGS.6A through6Care drawings for explaining the assembly of the stand system200according to the present embodiment where the rotary unit5is attached.

As illustrated inFIGS.5A and5B, when the display1is attached without the rotary unit5, the brackets21and22are attached to the back side of the display1, and then the brackets21and22are fitted to the mounting plate module30of the stand mechanism3.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.5A, the display1includes a display surface11(seeFIG.3) and a back side12, and an operation unit13is provided on the lateral side of the display1. Handles14a,14b,14c, and14dare provided at the four corners of the back side12. Four screw holes15a,15b,15c, and15dare formed in the central area of the back side12.

The back sides of the brackets2can be fitted to the mounting plate module30of the stand mechanism3, and the front sides of the brackets2can be attached to either the display1or the rotary unit5. The brackets2include a pair of right and left brackets21and22.

Each bracket21(22) includes a device-side mounting post211(221), engaging hooks212and213(222and223), and a stand-side mounting plate214(224).

In the device-side mounting post211(221), four holes215a,215b,215c, and215d(225a,225b,225c, and225d) for attachment are formed at intervals in the vertical direction (see alsoFIG.6A). As illustrated inFIG.5A, the device-side mounting post211(221) is brought into contact with the back side12of the display1when the brackets21and22are attached to the display1. When the bracket21(22) is attached to the display1, screws are inserted into attachment holes215aand215d(225aand225d) formed in the upper and lower ends of the device-side mounting post211(221).

The mounting plate module30includes a first mounting plate31on the back side for connecting the posts33and34, and a second mounting plate32that is shorter than the first mounting plate31and attached to the front side of the first mounting plate31.

An upper part of the post33(34) is an upper post330(340) that is a rod-shaped part extending substantially vertically, and a lower part of the post33(34) branches diagonally forward and backward into a front leg331(341) and a rear leg332(342). “Substantially vertically” may indicate a slightly oblique direction as well as a vertical direction.

Also, the reinforcing part351that is a reinforcing plate, the reinforcing part352that is a reinforcing rack, and the reinforcing part353that is a lower reinforcing plate are provided to connect the posts33and34and thereby reinforce the posts33and34. Further, as illustrated inFIG.8A, the reinforcing parts354and355, which are reinforcing beams, are provided on the back side of the reinforcing part351.

The lower bridge36(37) is provided to connect the lower ends of the front leg331(341) and the rear leg332(342).

Further, because the stand mechanism3includes the casters38athrough38don the lower end faces of the front legs331and341and the rear legs332and342, the stand system100in the assembled state can be moved (or carried). To adjust the angle of the display1in the right and left directions, the orientation of the entire stand system100is adjusted using the casters38athrough38d.

The caster stoppers39athrough39dfor restricting the movement of the casters38athrough38dare provided at the lower ends of the front legs331and341and the rear legs332and342. The front end faces of the caster stoppers39aand39bprovided at the lower ends of the front legs331and341correspond to the front end FE that is the frontmost end of the stand mechanism3(seeFIG.4A).

The front legs331and341, the rear legs332and342, the lower bridges36and37, the reinforcing part352that is a reinforcing rack, and the reinforcing part353that is a lower reinforcing plate in the lower part of the stand mechanism3function as a base for keeping the stand mechanism3in a standing position. Although not shown, a rear cover may be attached to the back side of the stand mechanism3.

Next, the assembly of the stand system100illustrated inFIGS.5A and5Bis described.

First, as illustrated inFIG.5A, the attachment holes215aand215dformed in the device-side mounting post211of the bracket21are aligned with the screw holes15aand15cformed in the back side12of the display1, and the bracket21is screwed to the display1. Similarly, the attachment holes225aand225dformed in the device-side mounting post221of the bracket22are aligned with the screw holes15band15dof the display1, and the bracket22is screwed to the display1. The configuration in which the right and left brackets21and22and the display1are joined together as described above is referred to as a bracket-equipped display4.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.5B, the engaging hooks212and213of the bracket21and the engaging hooks222and223of the bracket22are hung on (or engaged with) the upper ends of right and left first engaging parts311and312of the mounting plate module30and are thereby positioned. Then, the bracket-equipped display4is attached to the mounting plate module30of the stand mechanism3by screwing the stand-side mounting plates214and224of the brackets21and22to the mounting plate module30. The details of this attachment are described later with reference toFIGS.8A through8CandFIG.9.

(Case where Rotary Unit is Attached)

As illustrated inFIGS.6A through6C, when the display1is attached using the rotary unit5, the brackets21and22are attached to the back side of the rotary unit5, and then the brackets21and22are fitted to the mounting plate module30.

When the brackets21and22are attached to the rotary unit5, the device-side mounting posts211and221are brought into contact with the rotary unit5. Screws are inserted into joint holes215b,215c,225b, and225cformed in the middle of the corresponding device-side mounting posts211and221to attach the brackets21and22to the rotary unit5.

Joint holes216aand216b(226aand226b) for attachment are formed in the stand-side mounting plate214(224). When the brackets21and22are attached to the stand mechanism3, the stand-side mounting plates214and224are brought into contact with parts of the front side of the mounting plate module30. Screws are inserted into the joint holes216a,216b,226a, and226bto attach the brackets21and22to the mounting plate module30.

The rotary unit5includes a rotary unit movable part51and a rotary unit stationary part52.

The rotary unit movable part51is fastened to the display1and rotates together with the display1. The rotary unit stationary part52is fixed to the stand mechanism3and is not rotatable.

The rotary unit movable part51includes a mounting plate (movable plate)510shaped like a horizontal plate and device-side mounting posts511and512that are joined to the right and left ends of the mounting plate510. Attachment holes513aand513b(514aand514b) are formed in the device-side mounting post511(512). When the rotary unit movable part51is attached to the display1, the device-side mounting posts511and512are brought into contact with the back side12of the display1, and screws are inserted into the attachment holes513a,513b,514a, and514b.

The rotary unit stationary part52includes a rotary mechanism520and mounting thin parts521and522provided at the right and left ends of the rotary mechanism520. Joint holes523aand523bfor connection with the bracket21are formed in the mounting thin part521. Joint holes524aand524bfor connection with the bracket22are formed in the mounting thin part522. The mounting thin parts521and522are screwed to the brackets21and22.

The width of the rotary unit stationary part52is shorter than the width of the mounting plate510of the rotary unit movable part51, and the rotary unit stationary part52is joined to the substantially central portion of the mounting plate510of the rotary unit movable part51.

FIGS.6A through6Cillustrate a configuration in which the rotary mechanism520enables the movable part of the rotary unit5to be manually rotated relative to the stationary part. Alternatively, the rotary unit5may be rotated automatically by power from a power source.

The assembly of the stand system200illustrated inFIGS.6A through6Cis described.

First, as illustrated inFIG.6A, the joint holes215band215cformed in the middle of the device-side mounting post211of the bracket21are screwed from the back side to the joint holes523aand523bformed in the mounting thin part521of the rotary unit stationary part52of the rotary unit5. Similarly, the joint holes225band225cformed in the middle of the device-side mounting post221of the bracket22are screwed from the back side to the joint holes524aand524bof the mounting thin part522of the rotary unit stationary part52. The structure formed by combining the right and left brackets21and22with the rotary unit5is referred to as a bracket-equipped rotary unit6.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.6B, the attachment holes513aand513bformed in the device-side mounting post511of the rotary unit movable part51are aligned with the screw holes15aand15cformed in the back side12of the display1, the attachment holes514aand514bof the device-side mounting post512are aligned with the screw holes15band15d, and the rotary unit movable part51is screwed to the display1. The structure formed by combining the bracket-equipped rotary unit6with the display1is referred to as a rotary-unit-equipped display7.

Then, as illustrated inFIG.6C, the engaging hooks212,213,222, and223of the brackets21and22of the rotary-unit-equipped display7are hung on (or engaged with) a second engaging part321, which is the upper end of the second mounting plate32of the stand mechanism3, to position the rotary-unit-equipped display7, and then the brackets21and22are screwed to the mounting plate module30. The details of this attachment are described later with reference toFIGS.10A through10CandFIG.11.

With this configuration, after the components are initially assembled, the stand system200can be moved and the display1can be manually rotated without disassembling the components.

FIGS.7A through7Care drawings illustrating the mounting plate module30of the stand mechanism3of the present embodiment.FIG.7Ais an exploded perspective view,FIG.7Bis an overall perspective view, andFIG.7Cis a side cross-sectional view of the mounting plate module30.FIG.7Cis a cross-sectional view taken along a plane A inFIG.7B.

The mounting plate module30includes the first mounting plate31and the second mounting plate32.

When the rotary unit5is not attached, the engaging hooks212,213,222, and223of the brackets21and22are fitted to the first mounting plate31as illustrated inFIG.5B.

When the rotary unit5is attached, the engaging hooks212,213,222, and223of the brackets21and22are fitted to the second mounting plate32as illustrated inFIG.6C.

The second mounting plate32is shorter than the first mounting plate31in the width direction. The mounting plate module30has an integral structure formed by welding the back side of the second mounting plate32to the central area of the front side of the first mounting plate31such that the first mounting plate31is in contact with the second mounting plate32.

Specifically, the first mounting plate31includes a base plate310, the first engaging parts311and312, an upper-end long part313, a lower-end long part314, a left-end part315, and a right-end part316.

The upper-end long part313is a narrow plate-shaped part that is bent at the upper end of the base plate310at a substantially right angle and protrudes forward from the upper end of the base plate310. The lower-end long part314is a narrow plate-shaped part that is bent at the lower end of the base plate310at a substantially right angle and protrudes forward from the lower end of the base plate310.

As illustrated inFIG.7A, the left part, the center part, and the right part of the base plate310are referred to as a left base plate310L, a center base plate310C, and a right base plate310R, respectively. Holes317a,317b,317c, and317dfor attachment are formed in the center base plate310C.

Here, in the width direction of the mounting plate module30, a region where the first mounting plate31and the second mounting plate32overlap each other is referred to as a central region, and regions other than the central region are referred to as end regions. In the first mounting plate31, the center base plate310C corresponds to the central region.

The left part, the center part, and the right part of the upper-end long part313are referred to as a left upper-end part313L, a central upper-end part313C, and a right upper-end part313R, respectively. The left upper-end part313L and the right upper-end part313R function as two first upper-end parts. As illustrated inFIG.7A, because the length in the depth direction of the central upper-end part313C is shorter than the length in the depth direction of the right and left upper-end parts313L and313R, when seen from the front side, the front end of the central upper-end part313C is recessed from the front ends of the right and left upper-end parts313L and313R.

The first engaging part311is a narrow plate-shaped part (plate-shaped protrusion) that is bent at the front end of the left upper-end part313L at a substantially right angle and protrudes upward. The first engaging part312is a narrow plate-shaped part (plate-shaped protrusion) that is bent at the front end of the right upper-end part313R at a substantially right angle and protrudes upward. The first engaging parts311and312and the right and left upper-end parts313L and313R form L-shaped angular parts that extend forward from the upper ends of the end regions of the first mounting plate31and then extend upward. In other words, the upper and lower ends of the first mounting plate31are protruding ends that are shaped like steps and protrude forward from the front side of the base plate310.

With this configuration, a gap corresponding to the width of the central upper-end part313C is formed between the two first engaging parts311and312in the width direction. Also, in the depth direction, the front ends of the right and left first engaging parts311and312are located further forward than the front end of the central upper-end part313C.

The left-end part315and the right-end part316are narrow plate-shaped parts that are bent at the lateral ends of the base plate310at a substantially right angle and protrude backward from the lateral ends of the base plate310. The left-end part315and the right-end part316are connected to the upper posts330and340of the stand mechanism3.

In the first mounting plate31, the central parts of the base plate310, the central upper-end part313C, and the lower-end long part314are components of the central region, and the other parts are components of the end regions.

The second mounting plate32includes a base plate320, the second engaging part321, a second upper-end part322, a left strip-like plate (first screwed plate)323, a left-end part324, a right strip-like plate (first screwed plate)325, and a right-end part326. In the second mounting plate32, the base plate320, the second engaging part321, and the second upper-end part322are components of the central region, and the left strip-like plate323, the left-end part324, the right strip-like plate325, and the right-end part326are components of the end regions.

The upper end and the right and left ends of the second mounting plate32are protruding ends that are shaped like steps and protrude forward from the front side of the base plate320. Specifically, the second upper-end part322, the left-end part324, and the right-end part326are narrow plate-shaped parts that are bent at the ends of the base plate320at a substantially right angle and protrude forward from the ends of the base plate320.

The second engaging part321is a narrow plate-shaped part (plate-shaped protrusion) that is bent at the front end of the second upper-end part322at a substantially right angle and protrudes upward.

Here, the amount of forward protrusion of the second upper-end part322of the second mounting plate32is less than the amount of forward protrusion of each of the upper-end parts (first upper-end parts)313R and313L in the end regions of the first mounting plate31. Also, the amount of forward protrusion of the second upper-end part322is substantially the same as the length in the depth direction of the central upper-end part313C in the central region of the first mounting plate31.

As illustrated inFIG.7BandFIG.7C, the second engaging part321a plate-shaped protrusion that is bent at the front end of the second upper-end part322, and the first engaging parts311and312are plate-shaped protrusions that are bent at the upper ends of the two first upper-end parts313R and313L. Accordingly, the first engaging parts311and312are located further forward than the second engaging part321.

That is, the second engaging part321, which corresponds to an attachment position at which the display1is attached to the mounting plate module30via the rotary unit5, is located further backward than the first engaging parts311and312corresponding to an attachment position at which the display1is attached to the mounting plate module30without the rotary unit5.

The left strip-like plate323is a narrow plate-shaped part that is bent at the front end of the left-end part324at a substantially right angle and protrudes outward to the left. The right strip-like plate325is a narrow plate-shaped part that is bent at the front end of the right-end part326at a substantially right angle and protrudes outward to the right.

Here, the base plate320is a second screwed plate to which the brackets21and22are screwed when the rotary unit5is used, and the left strip-like plate323and the right strip-like plate325are first screwed plates to which the brackets21and22are screwed when the rotary unit5is not used.

Specifically, four holes327a,327b,327c, and327dare formed in the base plate320. When the second mounting plate32is welded to the first mounting plate31, the holes317a,317b,317c, and317dformed in the base plate310are aligned with the holes327a,327b,327c, and327dformed in the base plate320, and four through holes passing through the mounting plate module30in the front and back direction are formed.

These holes317a,317b,317c,317d,327a,327b,327c, and327dare used to fasten the brackets21and22when the display1is attached via the rotary unit5.

Holes328aand328bare formed in the left strip-like plate323, and holes329aand329bare formed in the right strip-like plate325.

The left strip-like plate323and the right strip-like plate325, in which the holes328a,328b,329a, and329bare formed, are used to fasten the brackets21and22when the display1is attached without the rotary unit5.

FIGS.8A through8Care rear perspective views of the stand system100of the present embodiment in the case where the rotary unit5is not attached.FIG.9is a drawing illustrating the display1, the mounting plate module30, and the brackets21and22of the present embodiment in the case where the rotary unit5is not attached.

FIG.8Ais a rear perspective view of the entire stand system100,FIG.8Bis a rear perspective view of the mounting plate module30to which the brackets21and22are attached, andFIG.8Cis a rear perspective view of the second mounting plate32to which the brackets21and22are screwed.

InFIG.9, (a) is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view, (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view, (c) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and (e) is a rear view of the display1where components are attached to the back side12.FIG.9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.9(e), andFIG.9(d)is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.9(e).

When assembling the bracket-equipped display4that is to be attached without the rotary unit5, a pair of brackets21are22are attached to the back side12of the display1at positions that are slightly away from the center of the back side12and are apart from each other in the right and left directions (seeFIG.5A,FIG.8A,FIG.9(b), andFIG.9(e)).

In this case, the upper and lower attachment holes215aand215dformed in the device-side mounting post211of the bracket21are aligned with the screw holes15aand15cformed in the back side12of the display1, and the bracket21is screwed to the display1. Similarly, the attachment holes225aand225dformed in the device-side mounting post221of the bracket22are aligned with the screw holes15band15d, and the bracket22is screwed to the display1(seeFIG.5AandFIG.9(a)).

When attaching the bracket-equipped display4to the mounting plate module30, the engaging hooks212,213,222, and223of the brackets21and22are hung on (or engaged with) the upper ends of the first engaging parts311and312located in the end regions of the first mounting plate31that are outside of the central region where the base plate320of the second mounting plate32is present (seeFIGS.8B and8C).

Then, as illustrated inFIG.8CandFIG.9(a), the joint holes216aand216bof the stand-side mounting plate214of the bracket21are aligned with the mounting holes328aand328b, the joint holes226aand226bof the stand-side mounting plate224of the bracket22are aligned with the mounting holes329aand329b, and the brackets21and22are screwed to the second mounting plate32.

FIGS.10A through10Care perspective views of the stand system200of the present embodiment in the case where the rotary unit5is attached.FIG.11is a drawing illustrating the display1, the mounting plate module30, the brackets21and22, and the rotary unit5of the present embodiment in the case where the rotary unit5is attached.

FIG.10Ais a rear perspective view of the entire stand system200,FIG.10Bis a rear perspective view of the mounting plate module30to which the brackets21and22are attached, andFIG.10Cis a front perspective view of the mounting plate module30to which the brackets21and22are attached.

InFIG.11, (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view, (b) is a horizontal cross-sectional view, (c) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, (d) is a vertical cross-sectional view, and (e) is a rear view of the display1where components are attached to the back side12.FIG.11(b)is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG.11(e), andFIG.11(d)is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG.11(e).

First, when assembling the bracket-equipped rotary unit6for attaching the display1via the rotary unit5, the center joint holes215band215cformed in the device-side mounting post211of the bracket21are aligned with the joint holes523aand523bformed in the rotary unit stationary part52, and the bracket21is screwed to the rotary unit stationary part52. Similarly, the center joint holes225band225cformed in the device-side mounting post221of the bracket22are aligned with the joint holes524aand524bof the rotary unit stationary part52, and the bracket22is screwed to the rotary unit stationary part52(seeFIG.6AandFIG.11(a)).

Then, when attaching the bracket-equipped rotary unit6to the display1to assemble the rotary-unit-equipped display7, the device-side mounting posts511and512of the rotary unit movable part51are attached to the back side12of the display1at positions that are located slightly away from the center of the back side12(seeFIG.6B,FIG.10A,FIG.11(b), andFIG.11(e)).

Here, as illustrated inFIG.11(e), on the back side12, the device-side mounting post511of the rotary unit5, the brackets21and22, and the device-side mounting post512of the rotary unit5are arranged in this order from the right side.

When the rotary unit5is not attached, the brackets21and22are attached to the screw holes15athrough15dthat are formed in the back side12of the display1in regions away from the center of the back side12. On the other hand, when the display1is attached via the rotary unit5, the device-side mounting posts511and512of the rotary unit5are attached to the screw holes15athrough15d, and the brackets21and22are attached to the rotary unit5in regions closer to the center of the back side12.

ComparingFIG.9(e),FIG.11(b), and FIG.11(e), in the case ofFIG.9(e), a pair of brackets21and22are attached to the back side12of the display1at positions that are apart from each other in the lateral direction and are located outside of a central portion of the display1where the rotary unit stationary part52is placed in the case ofFIG.11(e).

Thus, the brackets21and22in the case ofFIG.9(e)are located further from the center of the back side12of the display1than in the case ofFIG.11(e).

Accordingly, the brackets21and22located closer to the ends of the display1as illustrated inFIG.9are fastened to the end regions of the mounting plate module30as illustrated inFIGS.8A through8C. On the other hand, the brackets21and22located closer to the center of the display1as illustrated inFIG.11are fastened to the central region of mounting plate module30as illustrated inFIGS.10A through10C.

When attaching the rotary-unit-equipped display7to the mounting plate module30as in this example, the engaging hooks212,213,222, and223of the brackets21and22are hung on and engaged with the upper end of the second engaging part321located above the base plate320of the second mounting plate32in the central region (seeFIGS.10B and10C).

Then, as illustrated inFIG.10CandFIG.11(a), the joint holes216aand216bof the stand-side mounting plate214of the bracket21are aligned with the holes317aand317c(327aand327c) of the base plate310(320) in the central region, and the stand-side mounting plate214is screwed to the mounting plate module30. Similarly, the joint holes226aand226bof the stand-side mounting plate224of the bracket22are aligned with the holes317band317d(327band327d) in the central region, and the stand-side mounting plate224is screwed to the mounting plate module30.

Here, as illustrated inFIG.9(c)andFIG.11(c), in the second mounting plate32, the left strip-like plate323and the right strip-like plate325are disposed further forward than the base plate320by an amount corresponding to the left-end part324and the right-end part326.

To attach the brackets21and22to the mounting plate module30horizontally, the width of each of the left-end part324and the right-end part326in the depth direction is substantially the same as the distance between the front end face of each of the first engaging parts311and312and the front end face of the second engaging part321.

With this configuration, the distance between the first engaging parts311and312and the left-end part324and the right-end part326in the depth direction is substantially the same as the distance between the second engaging part321and the base plate320. Because the brackets21and22of the same size are used regardless of whether the rotary unit5is attached, the brackets21and22can be attached to the mounting plate module30with the same stability regardless of whether the rotary unit5is attached.

In the present embodiment, four screw holes15athrough15d(two rows and two columns of screw holes) are formed in the back side12of the display1. However, the number of screw holes may be any even number greater than or equal to four. For example, a total of six screw holes may be formed by symmetrically arranging right and left columns of three screw holes, or a total of eight screw holes may be formed by arranging 2×2=4 screw holes on the right and left sides. The number of holes formed in each of the brackets, the mounting plates, and the rotary unit is preferably adjusted according to the number of screw holes in the display1.

In the above embodiment, a pair of right and left brackets21and22are provided. However, the number of brackets may also be any even number greater than or equal to four as long as the number of brackets provided on the right side is the same as the number of brackets provided on the left side. In such a case, the number of holes formed in each of the brackets, the mounting plates, and the rotary unit and the number of screw holes in the display1are preferably adjusted as necessary.

FIG.12is a drawing illustrating bracket attaching positions in cases where the rotary unit5is attached and not attached.

FIG.12(a)andFIG.12(b)illustrate a case where the rotary unit is not attached.FIG.12(a) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display, the bracket, and the mounting plate module; andFIG.12(b)is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bracket and the mounting plate module.FIG.12(c)andFIG.12(d)illustrate a case where the rotary unit is attached.FIG.12(c)is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display, the rotary unit, the bracket, and the mounting plate module; andFIG.12(d) is a vertical cross-sectional view of the bracket and the mounting plate module.

As illustrated inFIG.12(a)andFIG.12(c), in the present embodiment, a thickness T of the rotary unit5is substantially the same as a distance da between the front end face of each of the first engaging parts311and312and the front end face of the second engaging part321. With this configuration, the thickness T of the rotary unit5also becomes substantially the same as the width of each of the left-end part324and the right-end part326in the depth direction.

With the dimensions of components set as described above, although the distance from the mounting position P2to the display1increases by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the rotary unit5when the rotary unit5is attached, because the mounting position P2is located further backward than the mounting position P1, the distance between the rearmost end of the mounting plate module30and the front end of display1in the depth direction is the same regardless of whether the rotary unit5is attached (D1=D2inFIG.12).

With this configuration, as illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, the position of the display screen relative to the stand in the case where the rotary unit5is attached is the same as that in the case where the rotary unit5is not attached (X1=X2).

Thus, because the position of the display1in the depth direction is not shifted regardless of presence or absence of the rotary unit5, the centroid positions CP1and CP2are the same as illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, and the distances L1and L2between the front end FE and the centroid positions CP1and CP2are also the same.

Because the centroid position does not change when the rotary unit5is attached as illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, even when the distance L1is set at the smallest possible value to suit the case where the rotary unit5is not attached, the relationships L1>0.2H and L2>0.2H can be satisfied. Accordingly, the stability of the display stand can be maintained even when the rotary unit5is attached.

In the above embodiment, the mounting plate module30of the stand mechanism3has a two-stage structure. That is, the mounting plate module30includes the first engaging parts311and312and the second engaging part321that are located in two different positions in the depth direction, and the first screwed plates323and325and the second screwed plate (base plate)320that are located in two different positions in the depth direction, so that the position of the display screen relative to the stand in the case where the rotary unit is attached becomes the same as that in the case where the rotary unit is not attached (X2≈X1). Alternatively, the brackets may be configured to have a two-stage structure.

Specifically, each bracket may be configured to include hooks at two different positions in the depth direction and mounting plates at two different positions in the depth direction, and the mounting plate module may be configured to include a common engaging part, so that the position of the display screen relative to the stand in the case where the rotary unit is attached becomes the same as that in the case where the rotary unit is not attached (X2≈X1).

A stand and a stand system according to the embodiment of the present invention are described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiment, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.