IMPROVED DISPLAY MODULE FOR A VIDEO WALL

Abstract

 The present invention concerns a display module comprising a display frame, one or more display elements such as one or more LEDs and/or LCDs, and display driver electronics configured for driving the display elements, whereby the display frame comprises a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side defining lateral edges of the display frame, the display frame comprising a front side and a back side, whereby the display frame comprises at least one sleeve component attached at or near a lateral edge of the first, second, third and/or fourth lateral side and extending backwards from the lateral edge, said sleeve component configured to be inserted into a SEG groove of a frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention concerns an improved display module for a video wall or an exhibition stand. Hereto, the display module comprises a means for easily positioning and partially securing the display module against a frame module of a modular framework. Relevant CPC classifications could be G09F9/3026 and F16B5/0012.

Background

[0002] In present day systems, an exhibition stand can be built up from a set of frame modules. A modular exhibition stand is a stand that is usually used for a limited period of time and can therefore be built up quickly and dismantled quickly. Such a stand consists of different frame modules, each frame module consisting of, for example, four profiles that form a frame, usually made of aluminum. The frame modules are preferably pre-assembled in a factory, so that only frame modules need to be attached to each other during the construction of the stand. Stand construction profiles that are assembled into frame modules are described, for example, in WO2016 / 027175.

[0003] The frame modules used for stand building usually include four profile sides that are attached to each other and form a rectangular frame. In the profiles, as discussed in WO2016 / 027175, grommets are made such that frame modules can be easily connected to each other by using connecting means placed through the grommets. A connector generally includes a bolt portion and a nut portion. For example, the lead-through openings in the profiles of the frame modules have an opening with a diameter between 20 and 35 mm so that the connecting means can easily pass through the openings and can be brought to fasten two side-by-side frame modules. An example of a connector that can be used with the profiles discussed in WO2016 / 027175 is shown in USD808254. Such a connector consists of two parts. An internally threaded first rod-shaped member, also called a bush nut, is fitted through the through holes of two juxtaposed profiles. A second part consists of a short bolt that can be screwed into the sleeve nut.

[0004] Frame modules may, for example, be placed side by side to form a larger wall, or frame modules may, for example, also be placed at an angle of 90 ° to form a lateral support wall or side wall in this way. A cover can be applied to the frame modules at the front and / or rear so that walls for the exhibition stand are thus formed. The covering can for instance consist of panels or of a fabric.

[0005] The cover can be attached to the frame modules by inserting edges of the cover into one or more grooves or slots provided near the rim of frame module. Such slots can be used to form silicone edge graphics (SEG). Silicone edge graphics (SEG) are a class of signage consisting of a frame assembly, typically made of aluminum, which contains slots for receiving a sign face which is printed on textile media. The textile media is attached to the frame by means of silicone edges formed at the margins of the textile media and tucked into the frame slots, providing both attachment and tensioning.

[0006] As described in, for example, BE1025102B1, a modular exhibition stand can also be provided with display modules. A display module contains a screen such as an LCD or LED screen that allows to display video images. The display module also includes a display frame to which the display is attached. Multiple display modules can also be placed side by side to form one large display, which is also called a video wall. To build such a large display, frame modules are attached to the display modules for support and/or to build a larger wall displaying video images combined with ad panels. A side wall consisting of frame modules may, for example, be placed perpendicular to the display modules for support. In another example, one large display, formed by multiple display modules, may be further surrounded by multiple frame modules, which are provided with advertising panels, for example. Depending on the design of the exhibition stand or video wall there are endless possibilities to combine the frame modules and the display modules.

[0007] The display frame of the display module and/or a frame module usually includes a number of installation holes with internal threads, for example of metric M6 or M8. These installation holes are, for example, provided on the side or rear of the frame module. In this way, using a suitable bolt, a frame module can be attached to a display frame of the display module. To fit the bolt, a through hole must therefore also be made in the profile of the frame module in order to be able to insert the bolt and then screw it into the installation hole of the display frame of the display module.

[0008] In the prior art, display modules and frame modules may be typically attached in a rectangular arrangement to form a modular wall, whereby the display modules and frame modules are attached side by side to form the wall. This may not be the optimal way of building a modular wall because when an error is made, i.c. when a frame module is provided at a position where actually a diaply module is to be provided, or when a change is desired, e.g. a frame module that needs to be replaced with a display module, it is not always easy to make such a change. The present invention aims to overcome this problem. Hereto, the present invention provides a manner whereby display modules can be easily placed onto a frame module, rather than side-by-side with a frame module.

Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention concerns a display module and a kit according to the claims and to the specification provided further in this document.

[0010] The present invention concerns a display module comprising a display frame, one or more display elements such as one or more LEDs and/or LCDs, and display driver electronics configured for driving the display elements, whereby the display frame comprises a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side defining lateral edges of the display frame, the display frame comprising a front side and a back side,
whereby the display frame comprises at least one sleeve component attached at or near a lateral edge of the first, second, third and/or fourth lateral side and extending backwards from the lateral edge, said sleeve component configured to be inserted into a SEG groove of a frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

[0011] As such, the present invention can use an existing feature in frame modules, i.c. the SEG groove, in a novel and inventive manner by using it as a way to position and secure a display module onto a frame module.

[0012] The present invention also concerns a kit comprising at least one display module as described here above and further below in this document, and a frame module for building a modular stand, said frame module comprising a first lateral face, a second lateral face, a third lateral face and a fourth lateral face defining lateral edges of the frame module, the frame module comprising a front face and a back face, whereby the frame module comprises a groove at or near a lateral edge of the frame module, the groove comprising an opening towards the front face of the frame module, whereby the sleeve component of the display frame is configured to be inserted in said groove of the frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

Overview of the figures

[0013] 

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a display module in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 3, 4 and 5 show examples of frame modules in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve installation holes are used to secure a display module to a frame module. Figure 7 shows an embodiment wherein the sleeve component does not have a holes.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention wherein sleeve components are provided on corner components of the display frame.

Detailed description of the invention

[0014] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a display module (1) in accordance with the present invention. The display module (1) comprises a display frame (2) . One or more display elements such as one or more LEDs and/or LCDs can preferably be provided on the front side (3), and display driver electronics configured for driving the display elements can be positioned at a back side (4). In the illustrative figures, the driver electronics are covered by a cover plate. The display frame comprises a first lateral side (5) and a second lateral side (6), which are shown, and a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side which are not directly shown, the lateral sides defining lateral edges of the display frame which in the illustrated figure form a square-like circumference. The display frame comprises a front side (3) and a back side (4). The display frame comprises a sleeve component (7A) attached near a lateral edge (8) of the first lateral side (5) and a second sleeve component (7B) near a lateral edge (9) of the second lateral side (6), both sleeves extending backwards from the lateral edges respectively.

[0015] The sleeve components (7A, 7B) are configured to be inserted into a SEG groove of a frame module for positioning the display module onto such frame module.

[0016] Figs. 3, 4 and 5 show examples of frame modules in accordance with the present invention. Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a frame module (100) in perspective view (fig. 3) and in cross sectional view (fig. 4), comprising four lateral faces (120): a first lateral face, a second lateral face, a third lateral face and a fourth lateral face defining lateral edges of the frame module, the frame module comprising a front face (121) and a back face (122), whereby the frame module comprises a groove (154) at or near a lateral edge of the frame module, preferably the groove essentially following a circumference of the frame module, the groove comprising an opening towards the front face (121) of the frame module.

[0017] The sleeve components of the display frame can be configured to be inserted in said groove of the frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the groove is essentially applied along a full circumference of the frame module allowing the sleeve components to be positioned along any position on the corresponding circumference of the display frame.

[0018] Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a frame module according to the present invention. The frame module comprises a first lateral face (31), a second lateral face (32), a third lateral face (33) and a fourth lateral face (34) defining lateral edges (35A-D) of the frame module, the frame module further comprising a front face (121) and a back face (122), whereby the frame module comprises a groove (17) at or near a lateral edge of the frame module, preferably the groove essentially following a circumference of the frame module, the groove comprising an opening towards the front face (121) of the frame module. The sleeve components of the display frame can be configured to be inserted in said groove of the frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, a first set installation holes (14) can be provided in the lateral sides of the display frame and/or in the lateral faces of the frame module (12), wherein the type of the installation holes (14) in the display frame is preferably the same as the type of the installation holes of the frame modules, which makes the connection between a display module and a frame module, as well as a connection between multiple display modules and/or multiple frame modules possible in an easy way. Connection can preferably be achieved through bolts (22) and nuts. In the shown embodiment, multiple installation holes of the first set of installation holes (14) are provided. A handle (18) can also preferably be provided in the lateral sides of the display frame and/or in the lateral faces of the frame module (12). Fixing surfaces (19) may be provided in the four corners of the frame module (12) or the display frame. A second set installation holes (91) can be preferably be provided in the fixing surfaces (19). The second set of installation holes may be used for additional securement of the display frame onto a frame module.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more sleeve components comprise one or more sleeve installation holes (40, 41). Said sleeve installation holes can be used to secure a display module (1) to a frame module, as illustrated in fig. 6. Herein, the sleeve component (7B) of a display frame is inserted into a groove (17) of a frame module (12) and can be secured using a bolt (50). The sleeve installation hole (41) can be reached using one of the set holes (51) provided in a lateral face of the display frame (12). Such holes are described in e.g. Belgian patent BE1026534B1, where they are described as through holes with reference numbers 131a and 131b.

[0021] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment wherein the sleeve component does not have a hole. In such embodiments, the display frame can be secured to the frame module e.g. with a bolt and using an installation hole in a fixing surface of the display frame.

[0022] In an embodiment, the sleeve component forms an integral part of the display frame. Alternatively, the display module comprises a detachable component which comprises said sleeve components, as shown in figs. 1, 2, 6 and 7.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the display frame comprises a set of sleeve components, comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more sleeve components. Preferably said sleeve components are located near or at the corners formed by the lateral sides of the display frame. Preferably two sleeve components are provided at or near a corner, and preferably at or near each corner, of the display frame, as illustrated in e.g. fig. 9. Preferably the display frame comprises a set of corner components, preferably 1, 2, 3 or 4 corner components, which corner components comprise the sleeve components. Preferably these corner components are detachable components. Alternatively, these corner components form an integral part of the display frame.

[0024] In order to allow a display module to be connected perpendicularly to a frame module, such that the frame module can support the display module and prevent the display module from tipping over, the display module (600) preferably comprises at least one, and preferably four, corner component (603a, 603b, 603c, 603d) at a corner (602a, 602b, 602c, 602d), preferably at each corner, of a back side (601) of the display module, as illustrated in figs. 8 and 9. Said corner component (603a) preferably comprises a rotatable wheel (604) which is configured to rotate (605) around a wheel center (606) within a plane parallel to the plane of the display module, the corner component comprising at least two off-center screw holes (607, 608) which are positioned at different radial distances from the wheel center (606) and such that at a first position of the rotatable wheel, a first screw hole is positioned at a first predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module and at a second position of the rotatable wheel, a second screw hole is positioned at a second predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module, the second predefined distance being different from the first predefined distance. The rotatable wheel allows to change the distance between the edge of the display module and the screw hole used for attaching the display module perpendicularly to a frame module, thereby allowing the display module to be attached to frame modules having different frame thicknesses. Since there are typically two standard thicknesses, 55mm and 62 mm, the first and second predefined distance may preferable correspond to these standard thicknesses respectively. Basically, the first screw hole can be rotated such that its center reaches a position at about 27.5 mm from at least one of the edges which form the corner of the frame, while the second screw hole can be rotated such that its center reaches a position at about 31 mm from at least one of the edges forming the corner of the frame. Note that in an embodiment, the first screw hole can be rotated such that its center reaches a position at about 27.5 mm from each of the edges which form the corner of the frame, while the second screw hole can be rotated such that its center reaches a position at about 31 mm from each of the edges of the corner of the frame. In an embodiment, the first screw hole and/or the second screw hole can be rotated such that its center reaches a position at about 27.5 mm from one of the edges which form the corner of the frame and at about 31 mm from the other edge which forms the corner of the frame. As such, the edges of the display can be lined up with the frame of the frame module when attached perpendicularly thereto, and this for frame modules having either frame thickness. Preferably, the rotatable wheel comprises an edge which comprises engagement means (609), and the corner component comprises one or more engaging elements (610, 611) positioned configured to engage the engaging means of the wheel in order to restrict the wheel from freely rotating, e.g. through friction. Each corner component is illustrated to comprise two sleeve components (7A, 7B).

[0025] The present invention also relates to a corner component with sleeve components as specified above and further in this document.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method for installing a display module according to the present invention onto a frame module by inserting the sleeve components of the display frame of the display module into the groove of the frame module, thereby positioning the display module onto the frame module, and optionally additionally securing the display frame onto the module frame.

Claims

1. A display module comprising a display frame, one or more display elements such as one or more LEDs and/or LCDs, and display driver electronics configured for driving the display elements, whereby the display frame comprises a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a third lateral side and a fourth lateral side defining lateral edges of the display frame, the display frame comprising a front side and a back side,
whereby the display frame comprises at least one sleeve component attached at or near a lateral edge of the first, second, third and/or fourth lateral side and extending backwards from the lateral edge, said sleeve component configured to be inserted into a SEG groove of a frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

2. A display module according to claim 1, wherein the one or more sleeve components comprise one or more sleeve installation holes (40, 41).

3. A display module according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve component does not have a hole.

4. A display module according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the display module comprises a detachable component which comprises said sleeve components.

5. A display module according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the sleeve components are located near or at the corners formed by the lateral sides of the display frame.

6. A display module according to claim 5, whereby the display frame comprises a set of corner components, preferably 1, 2, 3 or 4 corner components, which corner components comprise the sleeve components.

7. A display module according to claim 6, wherein a corner component (603a) comprises a rotatable wheel (604) which is configured to rotate (605) around a wheel center (606) within a plane parallel to the plane of the display module, the corner component comprising at least two off-center screw holes (607, 608) which are positioned at different radial distances from the wheel center (606) and such that at a first position of the rotatable wheel, a first screw hole is positioned at a first predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module and at a second position of the rotatable wheel, a second screw hole is positioned at a second predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module, the second predefined distance being different from the first predefined distance.

8. A corner component for a display module according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a set of corner components, preferably 1, 2, 3 or 4 corner components, which corner components comprise sleeve components.

9. A corner component according to claim 8, comprising a rotatable wheel (604) which is configured to rotate (605) around a wheel center (606) within a plane parallel to the plane of the display module, the corner component comprising at least two off-center screw holes (607, 608) which are positioned at different radial distances from the wheel center (606) and such that at a first position of the rotatable wheel, a first screw hole is positioned at a first predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module and at a second position of the rotatable wheel, a second screw hole is positioned at a second predefined distance from the edges of the corner of the display module, the second predefined distance being different from the first predefined distance.

10. A kit comprising at least one display module according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, and at least one frame module for building a modular stand, said frame module comprising a first lateral face, a second lateral face, a third lateral face and a fourth lateral face defining lateral edges of the frame module, the frame module comprising a front face and a back face, whereby the frame module comprises a groove at or near a lateral edge of the frame module, the groove comprising an opening towards the front face of the frame module, whereby the sleeve component of the display frame is configured to be inserted in said groove of the frame module for positioning the display module onto a frame module.

11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein the groove is a silicone edge graphics groove.

12. A kit according to any of the claims 10 or 11, wherein the groove is essentially applied along a full circumference of the frame module.

13. A kit according to any of the claims 10 to 12, whereby a first set installation holes (14) is provided in the lateral sides of the display frame and/or in the lateral faces of the frame module (12), wherein the type of the installation holes (14) in the display frame is preferably the same as the type of the installation holes of the frame modules.

14. A method for installing a display module according to any of the claims 1 to 7 onto a frame module by inserting the sleeve components of the display frame of the display module into a groove of the frame module, thereby positioning the display module onto the frame module, and optionally additionally securing the display frame onto the module frame.

Drawing