Patent Description:
As a part of the rapid development of electronic technologies, various display devices such as, for example, televisions (TVs) are in use.

Recently, efforts have been made to develop large screen TVs having LCDs (liquid crystal displays) or LEDs (light emitting diodes) display screen. While many large screen TVs are used in residential or private environments, large screen TVs also have a range of business-related applications (office lobby or waiting areas, meeting spaces, hospitality areas, restaurants, bars, or retail companies). Most current display devices are of a rigid fixed structure.

The size of the display screens for such display devices is thus not adjustable so that they may not be suitable for certain applications and programs.

In parallel, there are increasingly progressing and intensive researches on the technologies of flexible display screens (soft screens). Such flexible display screens may be bent, folded, or rolled up without damaging the flexible display.

Document <CIT> relates to an electronic device comprising a flexible display. Document <CIT> relates to a display, and more particularly, to a flexible display. Document <CIT> relates to large scale electronic displays, and in particular to a portable large screen display.

The present invention provides a retractable display device according to appended claim <NUM>.

The invention thus provides a large screen display device that can be rolled, so as to reduce the size of the display device, such as a television. A user is able to adjust the size of a viewing screen by adjusting the length of the flexible display screen that is unrolled.

Further aspects of the invention are set out in the appended dependent claims.

The object and advantages of the present principles of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the principles, as claimed.

While not explicitly described, the present embodiments may be employed in any combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present principles will become apparent from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings given by way of example and not limiting the scope of protection, and in which:.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the present principles.

References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.

<FIG> are schematic views of a retractable display device <NUM> according to the present principles.

Retractable display device <NUM> is preferably a compact, lightweight, self-powered apparatus configured to display still and video images on a retractable display screen <NUM> for one or more viewers.

The retractable display device <NUM> may include a self-contained power source (e.g. a battery) and a controller (not shown) configured to control display of the images.

Retractable display device <NUM> can preferably operate for extended periods without an external power source.

In some embodiments, retractable display device <NUM> includes speakers, and in other embodiments, external speakers are used to provide sound.

The retractable display device <NUM> that preferably is portable and lightweight and has a large display area.

The retractable display device <NUM> - for instance, a TV system - includes a box or housing <NUM> having an internal space <NUM> defined therein (shown in <FIG> for instance) arranged to receive the display screen <NUM> rolled inside.

A rolling member or axle <NUM> is positioned in the internal space <NUM> (in <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> and is configured to have the display screen <NUM> rolled therearound.

The housing <NUM> may be a sound bar with the display screen <NUM> rolled inside.

The display screen <NUM> is configured to display images and to be rolled and unrolled directly around the axle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the retractable display device <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is rolled inside the housing <NUM> around the rolling axle <NUM>.

<FIG> show the retractable display device <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is partially deployed and fully deployed respectively in viewing configurations.

A driving device, such as a motor, a gear, a power source, etc. for electrically rotating the axle <NUM> may be included within the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The display screen <NUM> comes out of the housing <NUM> upward and goes back into the housing <NUM> downward depending on the direction of rotation of the axle <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the axle <NUM> rotates in the anti-clockwise direction, the display screen <NUM> rolls out and comes out of the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. By contrast, when the axle <NUM> rotates in the clockwise direction, the display screen <NUM> goes back into the housing <NUM>.

The rollable display screen <NUM> includes a display surface that displays an image and a support structure <NUM> (in <FIG>). As will be described in detail below, the display surface may be defined by a flexible display panel (first embodiment) or by a set of light modules supported by a plurality of support elements of the support structure <NUM> (second embodiment).

The support structure <NUM> acting as a spine makes the rollable display screen <NUM> stiff and flat when deployed vertically from bottom to top.

In other words, the support structure <NUM> acts as a strengthening device, supporting the vertical integrity of the display screen <NUM>, and ensuring that it remains rigid and upright without the tendency to fall. This support structure <NUM> also makes it easy to roll the display screen <NUM> up and down.

It is to be noted that the display screen may also be hung up and deployed vertically from top to bottom in that case.

In a first embodiment (<FIG> and <FIG>), the display screen <NUM> includes a flexible electronic display panel <NUM> having a front display surface for displaying visual information, the support structure <NUM> capable of supporting the flexible display panel <NUM> including a plurality of support or spinal elements <NUM> being juxtaposed on the rear surface, opposite to the front surface of the flexible panel <NUM>.

The flexible electronic display panel <NUM> and the support elements <NUM> forming the display screen <NUM> are capable of being wound or rolled around the axle <NUM> for storage and transport. The support structure <NUM> is thus located on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> and extends between the upper and lower edges of the display panel <NUM> so as to give rigidity to the foldable flexible display panel <NUM> when the latter is deployed or partially deployed. The support structure <NUM> can be hidden from view when the display screen <NUM> is deployed.

The support structure <NUM> may in that case include two or more parallel spaced bars located on the rear side of the display panel <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> showing the back of the display screen <NUM> when fully deployed. Each vertical bar includes a plurality of juxtaposed support elements <NUM>.

The shape of such support elements <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

Alternatively, the support structure <NUM> may include a web, as illustrated in <FIG> showing the back of the display screen <NUM> when fully deployed, having a width inferior to the width of the display panel <NUM> and including a plurality of elongated juxtaposed support elements <NUM>.

An example of shape of such support elements <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The support structure <NUM> is capable of supporting the flexible display panel <NUM> and is configured to deploy the latter vertically from bottom to top as a substantially planar viewing surface, in a way that does not unduly stress, fatigue, or crease the display panel <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment depicted in <FIG> showing the back of the display screen <NUM> when fully deployed, the support structure <NUM> includes a plurality of elongated support elements <NUM> with built-in light elements, such as LEDs, the shape of such support elements <NUM> being shown in <FIG>.

There may be one or more light elements, e.g. a row or a grid (<NUM> by <NUM> matrix for instance) of LED modules <NUM>, on the front surface of each support element <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The display screen <NUM> thus includes a set of support elements <NUM> on which are mounted one or more LED modules <NUM> forming pixel elements, all of the LED modules <NUM> of the support elements <NUM> defining the display surface.

In the embodiments described above, the LED is used as the display screen device. However, light elements other than LEDs, such as LCDs or OLEDs, and the like may be used as the image source.

LED modules can be tri-color RGB modules or single-color modules.

This approach requires the implementation of a LED control electric cable <NUM> capable of providing electric current to each of the light element(s) of the support structure <NUM>.

<FIG> are schematic section views of the screen housing <NUM> illustrating the means for rolling and unrolling the display screen <NUM> including the support structure and the display panel (first embodiment) or the light elements (second embodiment).

The rollable display screen <NUM> is mechanically coupled to a roller mechanism located inside the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The roller mechanism is configured as a stowing mechanism for the rollable display screen <NUM> and to deploy the rollable display screen <NUM> outside of the housing <NUM> body whenever required as a substantially planar viewing surface. Hence, in the working state, the display screen <NUM> is unrolled (in the deployed in-use state of <FIG>) and the display surface expands outward.

It is to be noted that the display screen <NUM> may be partially unrolled and deployed. The size of the display screen <NUM> is thus adjustable according to the intended applications and programs. In that partially unrolled state, only the light elements that are located outside the housing <NUM> may be selected and activated.

The display screen <NUM> can be collapsed and stored in the housing <NUM> body by rolling around the axle <NUM> whenever required. In that position, the display device <NUM> may be used to play music.

A plurality of movable guides such as rollers <NUM> are located inside the internal space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. These rollers <NUM> are configured to retract and compactly stow display screen <NUM> when not in use. Rollers <NUM> prevent any folding or creasing of display screen <NUM> and ensures that display screen <NUM> is correctly rolled inside the housing <NUM>.

When the display screen <NUM> is deployed outside the housing <NUM>, the rollers <NUM> are configured to guide the display screen <NUM> smoothly out of the housing <NUM>.

A motorized rotating screen guide <NUM> is also located inside the housing <NUM> near the opening (not shown) of the housing <NUM> through which the display screen <NUM> comes out.

When the display screen <NUM> is unrolled out of the housing <NUM>, this guide <NUM> is inclined so that the display screen comes out inclined by an angle of α° (<FIG>) to let the gravity rigidify the display screen <NUM> structure. The display screen <NUM> and its support structure <NUM> are flexible in only one direction.

When the display screen <NUM> is fully out, the rotating screen guide <NUM> is positioned vertically so the support structure <NUM> gets back to vertical. Before or after this step, another mechanism (i.e. tension cable <NUM>) may lock the display screen <NUM> straight as will be explained below.

The cross-section of the support elements <NUM> according to an embodiment is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

Each support element <NUM> includes on its upper edge a semi-circular lip <NUM> and a groove <NUM> of triangular cross-section extending longitudinally. The angle between the inclined surfaces of the groove <NUM> is equal to <NUM>° for instance. The lip <NUM> is on the side of the display panel <NUM> or the light modules <NUM>.

Each support element <NUM> includes on its lower edge a semi-circular notch <NUM> and a tip <NUM> of triangular cross-section extending longitudinally. The angle between the inclined surfaces of the tip <NUM> is equal to <NUM>° for instance. The notch <NUM> is on the side of the display panel <NUM> or the light modules <NUM>.

The construction of the support elements <NUM> is not complex (this decreases the cost associated with the display device).

The support elements <NUM> are made up of hard plastic for instance.

The upper edge of each support element <NUM> is configured to fit into the lower surface of the support element <NUM> located above when the display screen is erected. The lower edge of each support element <NUM> is also configured to fit into the upper surface of the support element <NUM> located below when the display screen <NUM> is erected fully or partially.

More precisely, the tip <NUM> of a support element <NUM> is configured to fit into the groove <NUM> of an adjacent support element <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is erected fully or partially. The lip <NUM> of a support element <NUM> is also configured to fit into the notch <NUM> of an adjacent support element <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is erected fully or partially.

There is no contact between the tip <NUM> and groove <NUM>, or between the lip <NUM> and notch <NUM>, of adjacent support elements <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is rolled inside the housing <NUM>.

In the first embodiment shown in <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> is made up of a flexible, rollable material. The support elements <NUM> are attached to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> by gluing, adhesive tape or clips for instance. The shape of the support elements <NUM> ensures that they fit into each other when the display screen <NUM> is erected. The display panel <NUM> may ensure by itself the link between the support elements <NUM>. In addition, additional links may be provided between the support elements <NUM>.

In the second embodiment shown in <FIG>, the support elements <NUM> are linked and articulated by lateral chains or lateral clips (not shown).

In the deployed and locked position of the display screen <NUM>, the support elements <NUM> are aligned along a vertical axis.

In the storage position of the display screen <NUM>, the support elements <NUM> are rolled around the axle <NUM>.

The right angle between the inclined surfaces of the tip <NUM> and between the inclined surfaces of the groove <NUM> maximizes blocking contacts between adjacent support elements <NUM> and allows to free the support elements <NUM> when the structure is bent during stowing inside the stowing <NUM>.

In both embodiments, two attractive magnets <NUM> are located on opposite upper and lower edges of each support element <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>.

These magnets <NUM> are designed to improve the deployment stability of the display screen <NUM>. When two adjacent support elements <NUM> are aligned vertically, they are stuck to each other by the cooperation of the magnets <NUM> facing each other.

When the display screen <NUM> is rolled inside the housing <NUM>, the bending force applied on the support elements <NUM> releases the cooperation of the magnets.

The magnets <NUM> are optional and should be magnetically isolated to not pollute the surrounding electrical components. The magnets <NUM> may be electromagnets that are enabled when the display screen <NUM> is fully deployed.

One or more tension cable tunnels <NUM> may be defined in each of the support elements <NUM> of the support structure <NUM>. The tunnel <NUM> extends between the bottom of the groove <NUM> and the top of the tip <NUM> of each support element <NUM>. This tunnel <NUM> is made for a tension cable <NUM> that locks the deployed display screen <NUM> straight in the vertical or fully deployed position. There can be a plurality of cables (and tunnels) depending on the support structure dimensions.

The number of tension cables <NUM> (and thus of tunnels <NUM>) depends on the width of the display screen <NUM>.

The magnets <NUM> may be disabled when the display screen <NUM> is fully deployed and the tension cable(s) locked.

<FIG> illustrate how the tension cable <NUM> and magnets work <NUM>. When the tension cable <NUM> is tight, the support elements <NUM> are forced against each other and thus the support structure <NUM> is locked in the straight vertical position. To get the display screen <NUM> back into the housing <NUM>, the support structure <NUM> must be unlocked. The pulling and release of the tension cable(s) <NUM> is implemented by a cable pulling releasing device <NUM> (<FIG>) which is mechanically coupled to an edge of the display screen <NUM> and to the axle <NUM>. A tension cable stop <NUM> is provided at one end of the cable <NUM> and comes into contact with the upper edge of the upper support element <NUM> when the display screen <NUM> is erected.

The roller guides <NUM>, magnets <NUM> and tension cable(s) <NUM> are configured to maintain a desired tension in the supporting structure <NUM>, so that the display screen <NUM> provides a substantially planar viewing surface and therefore a higher quality image for viewers.

The tension of the cable <NUM> may be adjustable so that the rigidity of the display screen <NUM> may be adjusted when unrolled out of the housing <NUM>.

The main steps for deploying the display screen <NUM> are as follows:.

To put the display screen <NUM> back into the housing <NUM>, the steps above are implemented in the reverse order.

The present principles can thus provide a large screen display device that can be rolled, so as to reduce the size of the display device when the screen is not deployed, such as a television.

The display screen can be stored in a compact shape that facilitates shipping and transport of the display device, and may be readily erected at a location (e.g., an office lobby or waiting area, a meeting space, a hospitality area, a restaurant, a bar, a store, etc.) to effect a desired display function.

The self-erecting display device may be used to communicate text and/or stationary or animated images to large audiences for instance (it may be used as a projector for instance).

Many other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In the illustrated embodiments, the support elements have an upper edge including a semi-circular lip and a triangular groove and a lower edge including a semi-circular notch and a triangular tip.

In another embodiment, the support elements may have an upper edge including a semi-circular notch and a triangular tip and a lower edge including a semi-circular lip and a triangular groove.

The shape of the lip, groove, notch and tip of each support element is not limited to the ones illustrated.

The shape of the support elements is chosen so as to reduce friction between adjacent support elements and optimize the blocking of the support elements with one another.

Claim 1:
A retractable display device (<NUM>) comprising a housing (<NUM>) having an internal space (<NUM>) defined therein, a rolling axle (<NUM>) positioned in the housing (<NUM>), an electronic display (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a front display surface and a rear surface, opposite to the front display surface, and a support structure (<NUM>) attached to the rear surface of the electronic display and capable of supporting the electronic display (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein said support structure (<NUM>) is located on the rear surface of the electronic display, and comprises a plurality of juxtaposed support elements (<NUM>) being capable of being rolled around said axle (<NUM>) with said electronic display in a storage position and of being unrolled upward, at least partially out of the housing (<NUM>), to provide a substantially planar display surface on which visual information may be displayed, and wherein the support structure (<NUM>) is hidden from view of the front display surface at least partially out of the housing (<NUM>).