Patent Publication Number: US-2004040248-A1

Title: Framework for plane construction elements

Description:
[0001] The present invention relates to a frame construction for fixing a plurality of substantially flat panel structures in a matrix relation. The frame construction consists of a plurality of horizontal frame members and a plurality of vertical frame members, which horizontal and vertical frame members form a matrix of openings in the frame construction in which the panel structures can be removably inserted in that the openings can be adjusted in size to facilitate the insertion or removal of the removable panel structures. The frame construction will be especially useful when constructing a matrix arrangement of, for example, display faces which together form a “giant screen” or, for example, solar cell panels which are usually made having a limited area and which also can be assembled by using the present frame construction to form a much larger total area.  
       [0002] It is previously known to use display elements or display faces which are assembled in a desired number in a matrix to form a so-called giant screen. However, the display elements or faces in such a structure must be placed in a precise matrix relation where, for instance, the space between adjacent elements in the horizontal and vertical direction must be within certain tolerances for the sake of the appearance of the giant screen from a distance. If the space between the elements is too great, the giant screen will be seen as a checker work, whilst it is necessary to use a frame construction to hold the elements in a matrix form which is sufficiently strong and sufficiently rigid to give the complete giant screen, including all the display elements, the necessary decree of structural strength and safety, and also to ensure that the screen will be perceived as straight in the horizontal direction and indeed also in the vertical direction.  
       [0003] Today, in connection with existing giant screen solutions, there are also a number of factors that affect existing frame constructions and existing complete giant screen structures. For instance, existing display elements often have their own power supply in addition to each element often having a separate climate control including cooling/heating to maintain the back of the element containing electronic circuits etc at a constant acceptable working temperature. Furthermore, air humidity and particle content are also controlled. These solutions contribute substantially to increased weight for each element, which in turn means that the frame construction must be stronger and more rigid if a giant screen is to be constructed. One of the results of this is that there are clear limits to the size of existing giant screen solutions, and in addition the frame construction balances between a design to obtain sufficient strength and rigidity, and on the other hand the necessity of meeting the requirement of a correct space between each screen element.  
       [0004] Furthermore, such existing giant screen solutions are largely used outdoors, and in such cases it is necessary to establish a climate-tight chamber for each module in the matrix-shaped frame construction in order to prevent, for instance, penetration of water from the front of the giant screen. In this way, coolant can also be circulated on the back of the structure without “leaking” through the structure.  
       [0005] As an example of previously known frame constructions used in connection with a giant screen, mention can be made of the solution disclosed in the applicant&#39;s own patent NO 174990 where a framework is built up of horizontally and vertically intersecting bars and an external frame construction extending along the periphery of the framework. The outer frame construction is further divided so that it is possible to obtain coordinated orthogonal movement of the various intersecting bars in that the outer frame construction is divided essentially into four corner elements that can be drawn apart. The openings formed between the horizontal bars thus are opened, and it will be possible to insert or remove one or more display elements between the bars. However, the solution is based on the horizontal and vertical bars extending orthogonally within a surrounding frame where the horizontal and vertical bars also move through the outer frame in suitable openings, which openings are of varying size in order to provide a steady displacement of the horizontal and vertical elements in the respective orthogonal directions. Furthermore, the structure is heavy, in part because the surrounding frame and the pattern of movement are relatively complex where the horizontal and vertical bars pass through the outer frame, which also renders the structure vulnerable in relation to reliability in use.  
       [0006] Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,626 describes a method for manufacturing a large screen consisting of a plurality of flat display panels, where individual panels are fixed on a holder which is then fitted in a frame, which is not described further by a disclosure of its structural details.  
       [0007] Moreover, the international document WO 95/31876 describes a modular display system for fixing (flat modular display panels such as liquid crystal panels within a frame which surrounds the panels. In addition, a covering sheet of lass can be placed in front of the display modules to protect them from the elements. The basis for this document is a frame construction that is heavy and impractical in relation to the vertical and horizontal movement required to create openings in the frame construction for the removal and insertion of the individual display modules. In addition, an all-over covering surface is used in front of the modules to protect them from the elements, which is expedient in relation to climate control also on the front of the modules, whereas in the present invention seals are used in the frame construction and at the horizontal and vertical members to provide an impenetrable front that protects against the penetration of water etc. This may optionally be combined with overpressure in climate-controlling, air on the back of the modules.  
       [0008] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a considerably lighter and simpler structure that obtains the same advantages with regard to weather resistance as the solution described in WO 95/31876.  
       [0009] In the said document, reference to the figures includes a reference to FIG. 22 which further indicates how openings are formed in the frame and in the structure to give vertical and horizontal movements and also to slide the various modules together in a horizontal and vertical direction. Horizontal and vertical movement in this document are coordinated, whereas in the solution according to the present invention horizontal and vertical movement are separate.  
       [0010] On the basis of the solutions that are previously known from earlier documents including those mentioned above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a frame construction for fixing substantially flat display panels or elements in a matrix form that is much simpler in its structural design than previously known frame constructions. Furthermore, the structure is made in such a way that it can readily be assembled on site from the various members in order to then insert the respective display faces in the frame construction. This will yield considerable savings in relation to the transport and assembly of the frame construction, whilst it will be possible to construct on site a giant screen having the desired size by using relatively standardised elements that are extended to the desired dimension. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention that the individual display elements should be capable of being replaced individually if a fault develops in the individual elements.  
       [0011] It is also an object of the frame construction according to the invention that the frame construction should bear the weight and the load of the individual elements placed in the matrix, unlike the previously known solutions where the individual elements bear the load of the superjacent elements. This considerably reduces the requirement of structural strength of the individual panel elements and in turn reduces the weight of these elements, which again reduces the bearing capacity requirement of the frame construction.  
       [0012] Previously known solutions involving individual modules having climate control require diffusion-proof solutions, whilst the present solution only requires waterproof connections. It will be possible to provide an airflow on the back of the display elements which follows the giant screen and the display elements from the bottom to the top, and an overpressure will, among other things, help to keep unwanted substances out of the display modules. However, this requires that the frame construction according to the present invention should be provided with flow-limiting lateral edges and optionally a back wall, This will help to maintain a constant temperature on the back of the display face without there being any need for a separate cooling system, as is the case with today&#39;s known technology which in turn will reduce the weight considerably. Today, the weight of a giant screen is often about 300-400 kg/m 2 , whilst with the present invention it will be possible to reduce this to about 40-50 kg/m 2  if the potential of cooling across the whole of the back is also used.  
       [0013] It is a further object of the frame construction according to the present invention that it can be suspended from the top simply by attachment along the upper longitudinal edge of the frame construction, and in addition the frame construction may be supported along the lower longitudinal edge, if so desired. In these cases, the lower and upper longitudinal edges respectively are moved when the matrix form of the frame construction is to be opened to insert or remove individual display elements.  
       [0014] In addition, it is an object that the frame construction can be opened in the horizontal direction by moving just one of the outer vertical frame members.  
       [0015] To overcome the aforementioned problems and disadvantages associated with previously known solutions, and to meet the aforementioned objects, there is in accordance with the present invention provided a frame construction for fixing a plurality of panel structures in a matrix relation, which frame construction consists of a plurality of horizontal frame members and a plurality of vertical frame members. The horizontal and vertical frame members form a matrix having openings in the frame construction, in which openings the panel structures may be removably inserted. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel structures are essentially flat bodies comprising one or more display faces. In an alternative embodiment, the panel structures are essentially flat bodies comprising one or more solar cell panels. In accordance with the present invention, the vertical and/or horizontal frame members are extendable in their longitudinal direction at essentially each of the openings in the frame construction in that the extendable frame members are composed of a plurality of sub-members which can be mutually displaced in their longitudinal direction in relation to each other by one or more displacing mechanisms, and that the frame construction, at least at one of its outer edges, is connected to an elongate structural element which extends across at least parts of the respective outer edges of the frame construction, and that there is provided one or more motion-imparting mechanisms for the displacing means.  
       [0016] In accordance with one embodiment, the vertical sub-members are made in the form of elongate bodies having a through opening at each end in the longitudinal direction of the sub-members. The vertical sub-members in this connection are essentially flat. Furthermore, the sub-members in one embodiment are formed having a (guide for the displacing, means which, at least in one of the vertical frame members, extends through essentially the whole length of the frame member.  
       [0017] In another embodiment, the vertical sub-members are so positioned as to overlap one another at the through openings, so that the lower through opening in one sub-member overlaps the upper through opening in the subjacent member. Furthermore, the horizontal sub-members in this embodiment pass through the resulting overlapping openings in the vertical sub-members. In another embodiment, the horizontal members are complementarily designed at their opposite ends and overlap in an area at least corresponding to the largest desirable extension of the respective horizontal frame members at an opening in the frame construction.  
       [0018] In a preferred embodiment, the extent in the longitudinal direction of the whole opening formed by the overlapping openings at each end of the vertical sub-members is also essentially equivalent to the maximum extension in the longitudinal direction of one vertical frame member at each opening in the frame construction.  
       [0019] The complementary design of the horizontal sub-members includes a longitudinal opening in the longitudinal direction, preferably at the end of one member and a projection or a hook on the complementarily designed member which engages with the longitudinal opening, where the free travel of the projection or hook in the opening essentially corresponds to the extension of the horizontal frame member at the opening in the frame construction.  
       [0020] In another embodiment, the frame construction is at one of, or both of, its lateral edges, across the whole of or parts of the extent of the lateral edges, fitted with one or more covering structural elements extending in the opposite direction of the front of the panel structures in the frame construction. This is preferable in those cases where the frame construction is fitted with display faces without separate cooling, where it will be necessary, for example, to provide an airflow that moves along the back of the frame construction to cool the various display elements.  
       [0021] Similarly, in another embodiment, the frame construction, along the whole of or parts of the longitudinal extent of its upper side, is provided with one or more covering structural elements extending in the direction away from the front of the panel structures in the frame construction.  
       [0022] To be able move the horizontal and vertical frame members, the displacing means of the frame construction is formed by an elongate body or several successive elongate bodies such a wire, rope, cables or the like and the motion-imparting mechanism of the frame construction is a winch with a winch drum for coiling up the displacing means. In another embodiment, the displacing means of the frame construction is one or more racks and the motion-imparting mechanism of the frame construction is an associated rack gear. In various alternative embodiments, it is also possible to combine these in, for example, the horizontal and/or vertical direction. In other embodiments, the frame construction is also provided at its lower end with motion-imparting mechanisms for the displacing means.  
       [0023] To further facilitate the horizontal and/or vertical movement, the frame construction in an additional embodiment is at its lower horizontal frame member provided with rolling means that move along a guide located on an external structural element. This can be done is different ways, but a preferred embodiment is to use a so-called travelling runner that moves along a rail, a hollow section or the like. In a similar way, one of or both of the outer vertical frame members of the frame construction can be provided with rolling means that move along a guide located on an external structural element. Furthermore, one or more of the frame members can be pretensioned in relation to one or more externally located structural elements, preferably by attaching a spring or the like. Elements considered as external structural elements in this case include surrounding wall structures or other forms of structural elements in relation to which the frame construction is located such as wall, ceilings, columns, masts or the like, It will also be possible to provide separate external structural elements specifically for each frame construction if so desired, e.g., latticework structures.  
       [0024] In the above, in different embodiments, possible solutions for the vertical and horizontal frame members are disclosed, and in additional alternative embodiments it will be possible to change these around, so that the solutions given for horizontal frame members can also be used for vertical frame members and vice versa. However, in this connection it is desirable to obtain the desired degree of rigidity and structural strength in both vertical and horizontal frame members, and the constructions described above are in this connection preferred embodiments as regards both rigidity and structural strength.  
       [0025] The frame construction in accordance with the present invention is also suitable for use with a plurality of solar cell panels that are arranged in a matrix form. The individual solar cell elements can be assembled in small groups, and these groups can in turn be placed in the openings in the matrix-shaped frame construction. In this connection, the frame construction in accordance with the present invention has very rood properties as it is light and rigid, and it will therefore be possible to place a frame construction fitted with a plurality of solar cell panels on a pivotal base so that the frame construction and the solar cell panels can follow the movement of the sun across the sky throughout the day. 
     
    
    
     [0026] An example of a frame construction in accordance with the present invention, for fixing display modules to form a giant screen is further illustrated in the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:  
     [0027]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the frame construction in accordance with the present invention;  
     [0028]FIGS. 2 a - c  show an alternative embodiment of the flame construction when “open”;  
     [0029]FIGS. 3 a - c  show the embodiment in FIGS. 2 a - c  when “closed”,  
     [0030]FIG. 4 shows in detail two successive horizontal frame members and a vertical frame member in a preferred embodiment, when “open”;  
     [0031]FIG. 5 shows the detail in FIG. 4, when “closed”;  
     [0032]FIG. 6 a  shows a detail of a vertical frame member; and  
     [0033]FIG. 6 b  shows a detail of a horizontal frame member as it intersects a vertical frame member. 
    
    
     [0034]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a frame construction in accordance with the present invention for fixing a plurality of panel structures in a matrix relation where the matrix is formed of vertical frame members  3  and horizontal frame members  2 , which together form openings  4  for the insertion of the panel elements. To be able to open the matrix-shaped frame construction for insertion and removal of the panel elements, each of the frame members is made of interconnected sub-members, as illustrated in the vertical direction by the sub-members  3   a - 3   e  and in the horizontal direction by sub-members  2   a - f . These sub-members can be mutually moved in relation to one another, and it will thus be possible to expose the frame construction members to orthogonal movement in the horizontal and vertical direction respectively which will open or extend the openings  4  in both the horizontal and vertical direction. In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in, for instance, FIGS. 2 b  and  2   c ,  3   b  and  3   c  and  4  and  5 , the sub-members are so designed in relation to one another and so interconnected that the orthogonal movement in the longitudinal direction of the frame members is limited for each opening.  
     [0035] According to the present invention, the matrix of horizontal and vertical frame members is also along at least one of the outer edges connected to an elongate structural element that extends along the whole of or parts of the extent of the frame construction. As shown in FIG. 1, this structural element is made of a latticework  1  along the upper horizontal side of the frame construction. The vertical frame members are also internally or externally provided with displacing means that are used to move the various sub-members  3   a  to  3   b  in relation to one another. A displacing means of this kind may, for example, be an elongate body or several successive elongate bodies such as wire, rope, cables or the like that are connected to a motion-imparting mechanism which in the present case will be a winch with a winch drum for coiling up the displacing means. In alternative embodiments, the displacing means may be various forms of racks where the motion-imparting mechanism is an associated rack gear.  
     [0036] The various motion-imparting, mechanisms are illustrated in FIG. 1 by means of a longitudinal drum shaft  8  which at the points  5  on the underside of the elongate structural element  1  is connected to the displacing means in connection with each of the vertical frame members  3 .  
     [0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 c  and  3   x , and also FIGS. 4 and 5, the displacing means can be a wire  25  located internally in guides or sleeves along the vertical sub-members  3   a - 3   e.    
     [0038] Similarly, the horizontal frame members consist of sub-members  2   a - 2   f  which can be mutually displaced relative to one another, the distance between them thus being variable. Consequently, it will be possible to “open” the horizontal extent of each of the openings  4  in the frame construction according to the present invention for insertion or removal of each of the panel structures. In this connection, motion-imparting mechanisms are also provided at one of the vertical longitudinal ends of the frame construction, at least, and as shown in FIG. 1, motion-imparting mechanisms  6 ,  7  are provided respectively along each of the outer vertical longitudinal ends of the frame construction. These are in turn operated as shown by the arrows  10 ,  11  in a rotational motion which draws the sub-members  2   a - 2   f  apart or pushes them towards each other. In that connection, the total rotational motion of  10  and  11  respectively will correspond to the maximum displacement in the horizontal direction when the openings  4  in the frame construction are opened in the horizontal direction.  
     [0039] As shown in FIG. 1, provided at the lower longitudinal outer edge of the frame construction is a longitudinal motion-imparting shaft  9  driven by a motor  12  which together with the motion-imparting mechanism  8  controls a mutual displacement of the sub-members  3   a - 3   e  in the vertical direction. However, in alternative embodiments it will be satisfactory to use only a horizontal and a vertical motion-imparting mechanism.  
     [0040] Thus, it will be possible to suspend the frame construction as a flat structure below a structural element  1 , which in connection with a giant screen may be an appropriate embodiment.  
     [0041]FIGS. 2 a, b  and  c  show an alternative embodiment of the frame construction in the present invention. FIG. 2 a  is a schematic illustration of a display face in plan view from in front, and FIGS. 2 b  and  2   c  show a side view and a top view of the frame construction according to the present invention, As shown in FIG. 2 b , the vertical frame members consist of sub-members  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  and  3   d  with guides  3   a ′,  3   b ′,  3   c ′ and  3   d ′ for a through-going displacing means  25 , which in the present case in a wire or the like. In addition, the displacing means  25  plays a very important structural role in that this means braces the vertical frame members and prevents them from collapsing under the load of the panel structures that are inserted in the openings in the matrix-shaped frame construction. Thus, the horizontal frame members each bear the panel structures that are placed above in accordance with the object of the invention, unlike in the previously known structures where the subjacent panel structure bears the weight and the load of the superjacent panel structure.  
     [0042] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 a, b  and  c  is provided at its upper horizontal end with travelling runners which run in guides  21  and  22 . These are shown in FIG. 2 a , where the travelling runners with the guides are also covered by a longitudinal structural element  19   a . Similarly, the horizontal underside of the frame construction is provided with travelling runners running in longitudinal guide  20 . In addition, the displacing means  25  is provided with a spring means  26  at the attachment to the travelling runner at the guide  20 , which spring  26  holds the displacing means  25  under constant tension. In this embodiment, the guide  22  for the travelling runner is movable in the vertical direction and is used to “open” and “close” the openings  4  in the matrix-shaped frame construction.  
     [0043] In a similar way, the horizontal frame members  2  are made up of sub-members  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d  secured in travelling runners which move in guides  23  and  24  on each side of the frame construction. In addition, the attachment is provided with a spring member  27  that ensures pretensioning of the horizontal frame members. As shown in FIG. 2 c , the horizontal and vertical frame members are joined together and the vertical frame members  3   a  with the guides  3   a ′ for the displacing means  25  are shown in the peripheral area between each of the successive sub-members  2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c  and  2   d.    
     [0044] As shown in FIGS. 2 a  and  2   c , the right-hand and the left hand vertical lateral edge of the frame construction is covered by the structural elements  19   c  and  19   d.    
     [0045]FIGS. 3 a - c  also show an embodiment of the frame construction according to the present invention, like that shown in FIGS. 2 a, b  and  c  where the sub-members in the horizontal and vertical direction,  2   a - 2   d  and  3   a - 3   d  respectively, are drawn together in the “closed” position. In FIG. 3 b  it is also indicated that the travelling runner  22  (which is movable) has been displaced in the vertical direction.  
     [0046] Furthermore, it can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, in perspective view, how the vertical and horizontal sub-members are configured in their intersecting areas in the preferred embodiment, as disclosed above. FIG. 4 shows the junction between each of the sub-members in the horizontal and vertical direction in the “open” position, whilst FIG. 5 shows the junctions in the “closed” position.  
     [0047] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the horizontal and vertical sub-members overlap at their respective ends. This can also be seen from FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  which in plan view from the side and from above respectively help to illustrate the preferred construction of the sub-members in the horizontal and vertical direction.  
     [0048] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vertical sub-members  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  overlap each other at their respective end areas. The upper end of the sub-member  3   b  overlaps with the lower end of the sub-member  3   c , and similarly the lower end of the sub-member  3   b  overlaps with the upper end of the sub-member  3   a . The sub-members at their lower end are formed so as to have a relatively rectangular hole  32  (shown in FIG. 6 a ) and at their upper end they are formed so as to have an elongate opening  31  (also shown in FIG. 6 a ) which together on overlapping form a resultant opening through which the horizontal sub-members can be passed, which is particularly evident from FIG. 4. Thus, the extent of the elongate opening  31  sets a limit for the maximum movement in the vertical direction for each of the horizontal members. As shown in Fig., the vertical sub-members  3   a ,  3   b ,  3   c  are also formed having guides  3   a ′,  3   b ′  3   c ′ for the displacing means  25 .  
     [0049] In the horizontal direction, each sub-member at its opposing ends is complementarily designed so that the sub-members pass into each other and can be displaced in their longitudinal direction. In addition, the sub-members are provided with an elongate slot  30  that interacts with a projection  29  on the adjacent sub-member. The length of the slot  30  thus limits the displacement in the horizontal direction for each member.  
     [0050] The complementary design of the ends of the horizontal sub-members are shown in FIG. 4 with an inner part  28  that passes into the adjacent member.  
     [0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each sub-member in the vertical direction, in one embodiment, is also provided with a notch  33  or the like for removably inserting a panel structure comprising one or more display faces, or one or more solar cell panels.  
     [0052] In another alternative embodiment, the horizontal and vertical sub-members that are indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be replaced so that the horizontal sub-members  2   a ,  2   b  are used in the vertical direction and the vertical sub-members  3   a ,  3   b  and  3   c  are used in the horizontal direction. However, it is important that in particular the vertical sub-members which together form the vertical frame members attain a satisfactory structural rigidity so that the total frame construction does not collapse in the vertical direction. Furthermore, it is important that the horizontal sub-members have a structural design which ensures that these can support each individual panel structure that is placed above the individual horizontal sub-members.  
     [0053] Further variations and modifications of the design of the horizontal and vertical sub-members and the horizontal and vertical frame members will be fully possible, and in view of the scope of the protection set forth in the following independent patent claims, these will be considered to be obvious variations that also come within the scope of the protection.