U.S. patent application number 11/656130 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for controller for monitor.
Invention is credited to Sam-Hyeon Lee.
Application Number | 20070114342 11/656130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35785472 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070114342 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Sam-Hyeon |
May 24, 2007 |
Controller for monitor
Abstract
An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor is
disclosed. The apparatus is capable of supporting a monitor and
adjusting an inclination angle of the same and includes a monitor
ward support member for supporting one surface of a monitor, a base
ward support member for supporting a base surface, an upper
connection member for connecting an upper side of the monitor ward
support member and an upper side of the base ward support member,
and a lower connection member for connecting a lower side of the
monitor ward support member and a lower side of the base ward
support member.
Inventors: |
Lee; Sam-Hyeon; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John W. Renner
19th Flr.
1621 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland
OH
44115
US
|
Family ID: |
35785472 |
Appl. No.: |
11/656130 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/133 ;
248/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/133 ;
248/127 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/12 20060101
A47F005/12; A45D 19/04 20060101 A45D019/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2004 |
KR |
20-2004-0021137 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor,
comprising: a monitor ward support member for supporting one side
of a monitor; a base ward support member which is engaged and
supported by a base surface; an upper connection member which
connects an upper side of the monitor connection member and an
upper side of the base ward support member, with the upper
connection member being rotatable; and a lower connection member
which connects a lower side of the monitor ward support member and
a lower side of the base ward support member, with the lower
connection member being rotatable.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a monitor ward line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point B and a
point C, with the point B corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection
member are engaged, and with the point C corresponding to a side
surface center at which the monitor ward support member and the
lower connection member are engaged, is shorter than a base ward
line length corresponding to a straight line length between a point
E and a point D, with the point E corresponding to a side surface
center at which the base ward support member and the upper
connection member are engaged, and with the point D corresponding
to a side surface center at which the base ward support member and
the lower connection member are engaged.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper side line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point B and a
point E, with the point B corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection
member are engaged, and with the point E corresponding to a side
surface center at which the base ward support member and the upper
connection member are engaged, is the same as a lower side line
length corresponding to a straight line between a point C and a
point D, with the point C corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the lower connection
member are engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side
surface center at which the base ward support member and the lower
connection member are engaged.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper side line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point B and a
point E, with the point B corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection
member are engaged, is longer than a lower side line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point C and a
point D, with the point C corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the lower connection
member are engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side
surface center at which the base ward support member and the lower
connection member are engaged.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper side line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point B and a
point E, with the point B corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the upper connection
member are engaged, is shorter than a lower side line length
corresponding to a straight line length between a point C and a
point D, with the point C corresponding to a side surface center at
which the monitor ward support member and the lower connection
member are engaged, and with the point D corresponding to a side
surface center at which the base ward support member and the lower
connection member are engaged.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base surface, which
supports the base ward support member, is a wall surface or one
surface of a stand member.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base surface, which
supports the base ward support member, is a floor.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said base ward support member
has an elongated column shape.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base ward support member
and lower connection member include support parts, which are
extended downwards, respectively.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said monitor ward support
member or said base ward support member includes two elongated
support parts, with the upper connection member or the lower
connection member being engaged between the elongated support parts
of the monitor ward support member or the base ward support
member.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper connection member
or said lower connection member includes two elongated support
parts, with the monitor ward support member or the base ward
support member being engaged between the elongated support parts of
the upper connection member or the lower connection member.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monitor ward end of the
upper connection member or the lower connection member contacts
with one surface of the monitor and is pressurized for thereby
generating a certain friction force.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a back surface groove
corresponding to the shape of an end of the upper connection member
or the lower connection member is formed at a portion at which the
monitor contacts with the upper connection member or the lower
connection member.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a monitor ward end of the
upper connection member or the lower connection member contacts
with the plate attached to one surface of the monitor and is
pressurized for thereby generating a certain friction force.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a back surface groove
corresponding to the shape of an end of the upper connection member
or the lower connection member is formed at a portion at which the
plate contacts with the upper connection member or the lower
connection member.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a protrusion
engaging part protruded backwards from one surface of the monitor;
an elastic member which passes through the protrusion engaging
part; and an engaging member which is engaged with the protrusion
engaging part and pressurizes the elastic member toward the
monitor, whereby the monitor is engaged by passing through the
protrusion engaging part into the monitor ward support member.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plate which
includes a protrusion engaging part protruded backwards from one
surface of the monitor; an elastic member which passes through the
protrusion engaging part; and an engaging member which is engaged
with the protrusion engaging part and pressurizes the elastic
member toward the plate, whereby the plate is engaged by passing
through the protrusion engaging part into the monitor ward support
member.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a rotation plate,
which is provided in front of the elastic member and passes through
the protrusion engaging part.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein a back surface groove
corresponding to the shape of an end of the upper connection member
or the lower connection member is formed at a portion at which the
rotation plate contacts with the upper connection member or the
lower connection member.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a rim of the monitor ward
support member is formed in a circular or arc shape, with a ring
being inserted onto the rim of the monitor ward support member and
being engaged at one surface of the monitor.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a plate which is
provided between the ring and one surface of the monitor, with the
plate being engaged at one surface of the monitor, and with the
plate being engaged with the ring.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a guide pad is provided at
an end contacting with the upper connection member or the lower
connection member.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said guide pad is
pressurized by an elastic member supported by the monitor, with the
guide pad being pressurized toward the end of the upper connection
member or the lower connection member.
24. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a rotation plate,
which is provided in front of the elastic member and passes through
the protrusion engaging part.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting
an inclination angle of a monitor, and in particular to a monitor
fixing apparatus which is capable of stably supporting and
adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As the use of a thin flat type display monitor such as a PDP
(Plasma Display Panel), a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor,
etc. rises, a thin flat panel type monitor has been fixed using a
vertical stand of which upper end is fixed at the back surface of
the monitor, as compared to a conventional method in which a CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube) monitor is supported using a leg type stand
fixed at a lower surface of the monitor.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a conventional monitor support
apparatus. As shown therein, a back surface of a monitor 110 is
engaged with a stand 120 and is positioned at a certain height from
a floor. Here, the stand 120 includes a support 122 contacting with
the floor, and a base 124 vertically integral with the support 122.
The monitor 110 is hinge-engaged (132) with the base 124 of the
stand 120 using an engaging device 130. With the above
construction, the monitor 110 is inclined at a certain angle
.theta. with respect to a vertical surface.
[0004] A certain friction force is applied to the hinge 132 in
order to stably maintain an inclination angle .theta.. This method
is capable of preventing the monitor 110 from being tilted
downwards due to gravity force, but when it is needed to change an
inclination angle, a certain force exceeding a stop friction force
should be applied, so that tilting the monitor using hands is
difficult.
[0005] In order to overcome the above problems, a reverse direction
torque is generated using a spring, so that the generated torque is
balanced with gravity force. Here, the spring is additionally used,
the construction gets complicated. In the case that the size of
torque changes, a balancing operation may be difficult. When it is
needed to use the monitor tilted in a horizontal state, since the
spring continuously operates, the monitor automatically rises and
returns to a vertical state.
[0006] In the case of monitor support devices, they should be
designed to support many monitors having different weights, so that
the elastic forces of the springs adapted thereto should be
differently determined depending on the weights of the monitors. A
certain spring having a high elastic force should be used in order
to support a heavy display apparatus such as PDP. In this case, it
is impossible to change the angles with hands.
[0007] According to a conventional monitor support method, the
weight center G of the monitor 110 is sharply moved up based on the
change of an inclination angle .theta.. In particular, in the case
of the monitor 110 which is used for a long time in an office,
school, etc, the center height of the monitor 110 may largely
change even when the inclination angle of the monitor 110 is
slightly changed. When the center height of the monitor 110 largely
changes, the user of the monitor may feel pain at neck or eyes.
[0008] There may be a certain method of overcoming the above
problems by additionally providing a height adjusting apparatus at
the stand 120 and further adjusting the height after the
inclination angle is adjusted. However, this method may give the
user harder work. Since the weight center G of the monitor 110 is
distanced from the hinge 132, with the hinge 132 being adapted to
adjust the inclination angle of the monitor, the inclination angle
may easily change due to the torque generated by the weight of the
monitor 110. In order to prevent the above problems, a friction
force should be disadvantageously provided or a spring should be
additionally provided.
[0009] Therefore, a method and apparatus, which are capable of
preventing the inclination and inclination angles of a monitor from
being changed and capable of changing the height of the center of
the monitor at a minimum degree even when the inclination angle of
the monitor is changed, are urgently needed.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome the problems encountered in the conventional art.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor, which is
capable of stably supporting a monitor and easily changing an
inclination angle of the monitor.
[0012] It is further another object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a
monitor in which a change of an inclination angle of a monitor due
to a weight of the monitor is minimized.
[0013] To achieve the above objects, there is provided an apparatus
for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor, comprising a
monitor ward support member for supporting one side of a monitor; a
base ward support member which is engaged and supported by a base
surface; an upper connection member which connects an upper side of
the monitor connection member and an upper side of the base ward
support member, with the upper connection member being rotatable;
and a lower connection member which connects a lower side of the
monitor ward support member and a lower side of the base ward
support member, with the lower connection member being
rotatable.
[0014] A monitor ward line length corresponding to a straight line
length between a point B and a point C, with the point B
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the upper connection member are engaged, and
with the point C corresponding to a side surface center at which
the monitor ward support member and the lower connection member are
engaged, is shorter than a base ward line length corresponding to a
straight line length between a point E and a point D, with the
point E corresponding to a side surface center at which the base
ward support member and the upper connection member are engaged,
and with the point D corresponding to a side surface center at
which the base ward support member and the lower connection member
are engaged.
[0015] An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line
length between a point B and a point E, with the point B
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the upper connection member are engaged, and
with the point E corresponding to a side surface center at which
the base ward support member and the upper connection member are
engaged, is the same as a lower side line length corresponding to a
straight line between a point C and a point D, with the point C
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the lower connection member are engaged, and
with the point D corresponding to a side surface center at which
the base ward support member and the lower connection member are
engaged.
[0016] An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line
length between a point B and a point E, with the point B
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the upper connection member are engaged, is
longer than a lower side line length corresponding to a straight
line length between a point C and a point D, with the point C
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the lower connection member are engaged, and
with the point D corresponding to a side surface center at which
the base ward support member and the lower connection member are
engaged.
[0017] An upper side line length corresponding to a straight line
length between a point B and a point E, with the point B
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the upper connection member are engaged, is
shorter than a lower side line length corresponding to a straight
line length between a point C and a point D, with the point C
corresponding to a side surface center at which the monitor ward
support member and the lower connection member are engaged, and
with the point D corresponding to a side surface center at which
the base ward support member and the lower connection member are
engaged.
[0018] The base surface, which supports the base ward support
member, is a wall surface or one surface of a stand member.
[0019] The base surface, which supports the base ward support
member, is a floor.
[0020] The base ward support member has an elongated column
shape.
[0021] The base ward support member and lower connection member
include support parts, which are extended downwards,
respectively.
[0022] The monitor ward support member or the base ward support
member includes two elongated support parts, with the upper
connection member or the lower connection member being engaged
between the elongated support parts of the monitor ward support
member or the base ward support member.
[0023] The upper connection member or the lower connection member
includes two elongated support parts, with the monitor ward support
member or the base ward support member being engaged between the
elongated support parts of the upper connection member or the lower
connection member.
[0024] The monitor ward end of the upper connection member or the
lower connection member contacts with one surface of the monitor
and is pressurized for thereby generating a certain friction
force.
[0025] A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end
of the upper connection member or the lower connection member is
formed at a portion at which the monitor contacts with the upper
connection member or the lower connection member.
[0026] A monitor ward end of the upper connection member or the
lower connection member contacts with the plate attached to one
surface of the monitor and is pressurized for thereby generating a
certain friction force.
[0027] A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end
of the upper connection member or the lower connection member is
formed at a portion at which the plate contacts with the upper
connection member or the lower connection member.
[0028] There are further provided a protrusion engaging part
protruded backwards from one surface of the monitor; an elastic
member which passes through the protrusion engaging part; and an
engaging member which is engaged with the protrusion engaging part
and pressurizes the elastic member toward the monitor, whereby the
monitor is engaged by passing through the protrusion engaging part
into the monitor ward support member.
[0029] There are further provided a plate which includes a
protrusion engaging part protruded backwards from one surface of
the monitor; an elastic member which passes through the protrusion
engaging part; and an engaging member which is engaged with the
protrusion engaging part and pressurizes the elastic member toward
the plate, whereby the plate is engaged by passing through the
protrusion engaging part into the monitor ward support member.
[0030] There is further provided a rotation plate, which is
provided in front of the elastic member and passes through the
protrusion engaging part.
[0031] A back surface groove corresponding to the shape of an end
of the upper connection member or the lower connection member is
formed at a portion at which the rotation plate contacts with the
upper connection member or the lower connection member.
[0032] A rim of the monitor ward support member is formed in a
circular or arc shape, with a ring being inserted onto the rim of
the monitor ward support member and being engaged at one surface of
the monitor.
[0033] There is further provided a plate, which is provided between
the ring and one surface of the monitor, with the plate being
engaged at one surface of the monitor, and with the plate being
engaged with the ring.
[0034] A guide pad is provided at an end contacting with the upper
connection member or the lower connection member.
[0035] The guide pad is pressurized by an elastic member supported
by the monitor, with the guide pad being pressurized toward the end
of the upper connection member or the lower connection member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0036] The present invention will become better understood with
reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only by way
of illustration and thus are not limitative of the present
invention, wherein;
[0037] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a conventional apparatus
for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for
adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor according to the
present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for
adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor according to the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a length ratio in
the apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a graph of a weight center G expressed as an
inclination angle .theta. of a monitor ward line BC and a
horizontal distance V of FIG. 4 are changed according to the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a graph expressed as a height of a weight center G
is changed with a variable of an inclination angle .theta. of FIG.
5;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a graph expressed a height of a weight center G is
changed with a variable of an inclination angle .theta. in the case
that an included angle .alpha. of a base ward line ED of FIG. 4 is
30.degree.;
[0044] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are graphs illustrating the
movements of a weight center G when the size of a triangle AED is
changed in a state that a triangle ABC is fixed in a similar
isosceles triangle of FIG. 4;
[0045] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are graphs illustrating the
movements of a weight center G when a vertical angle of an apex A
is changed in a state that a length ratio of lines AB and BE is
fixed at 1:0.5 in a similar isosceles triangle of FIG. 4;
[0046] FIGS. 1OA and 10B are graphs illustrating a movement state
of a weight center G in a rectangular hinge structure of another
structure;
[0047] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating a trajectory of a weight
center G in the case that a vertical distance u of a weight center
G is not 0 in FIG. 4;
[0048] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an
inclination angle of a monitor according to another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an
inclination angle of a monitor according to further another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are views illustrating various
examples of an apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a
monitor;
[0051] FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a
constriction that an apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle
of a monitor is engaged according to the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 16 is a side cross sectional view illustrating a state
that each element is engaged in an apparatus for adjusting an
inclination angle of a monitor according to the present invention;
and
[0053] FIGS. 17A and 17B are disassembled perspective views
illustrating another state that each element is engaged in an
apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor and a
side cross sectional view illustrating an engaged state of the
apparatus.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0054] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for
adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor according to the
present invention. As shown therein, a monitor 10 is attached at a
base 24 at an upper side of a support 22 of a stand 20 using a
monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30. With the above
construction, an inclination angle .theta. of the monitor 10 can be
adjusted.
[0056] A monitor ward support member 32 is a plate shaped member,
with a back surface of the monitor 10 being engaged at the monitor
ward support member 32. A base ward support member 34 is a plate
shaped member attached to the base 24. An upper connection member
36 and a lower connection member 38 are engaged at the upper and
lower sides of the monitor ward support member 32 and the base ward
support member 34. A certain engaging plate member (not shown) may
be adapted between the monitor ward support member 32 and the
monitor 10 for an easier attachment.
[0057] The both ends of each of the upper connection member 36 and
the lower connection member 38 are hinged at the upper and lower
ends of the monitor ward support member 32 and the base ward
support member 34. The center axis points of the hinged portions
are indicated by B, C, D and E. Namely, the center point of the
lateral side, in which the monitor ward support member 32 and the
upper connection member 36 are hinged, is indicated by the point B,
and the center point of the lateral side, in which the monitor ward
support member 32 and the lower connection member 38 are hinged, is
indicated by the point C, and the center point of the lateral side,
in which the lower side engaging member 38 and the base ward
support member 34 are hinged, is indicated by the point D, and the
center point of the lateral side, in which the base ward support
member 34 and the upper connection member 38 are engaged, is
indicated by the point E.
[0058] In the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30, the
monitor ward support member 32, the base ward support member 34,
and the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member
are linked in a rectangular shape. With the above construction, it
is called a rectangular hinge structure.
[0059] According to the structure in which four members are linked
with each other for supporting the monitor and adjusting the
inclination, various movement characteristics can be obtained by
adjusting the length and length ratio of each member. Namely, a
certain support function well adapted to each user can be
implemented by properly amending the length of each member.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating an apparatus for
adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor according to the
present invention. Namely, FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a monitor
inclination adjusting apparatus 30 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3,
the line connecting the points B and C is called a monitor ward
line, and the line connecting the points C and D is called a lower
side line. The line connecting the points D and E is called a base
ward line. The line connecting the points E and B is called an
upper side line.
[0061] In the drawings, the point G represents the weight center of
the monitor, and a relative horizontal distance from the center
point "a" of the monitor ward line BC is "v", and a vertical
distance from the same is "u". Here, the reference character
.alpha. is an included angle between the base ward line and the
vertical line. A relative height value of the weight center G is
"z".
[0062] Variables, which meet different conditions, can be searched
by setting each variable in the drawings. For example, even when
the inclination angle .theta. of the monitor is changed, when it is
needed to make the height "z" of the weight center of the monitor
lower, a certain condition can be searched by changing part of the
monitor ward line, lower side line, base ward line or upper side
line. The above condition searching procedure is called a
characteristic condition determination of a rectangular hinge
structure.
[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a length ratio of
FIG. 3. As shown therein, a certain method is disclosed in order to
minimize the movement of the height of the weight center among the
characteristics of the rectangular hinge structure. This method is
called an isosceles triangle chart method.
[0064] The isosceles triangle ABC consists of the points B and C
with respect to the apex A. A similar shape isosceles triangle AED
is formed by extending the lines AB and AC. As shown in FIG. 3,
".alpha." is set "0", and the upper line BE and the lower line CD
are made same. With the above condition, the position of the weight
center G of the monitor is changed by increasing the inclination
angle .theta. by 10.degree., 20.degree., 30.degree., etc. or
decreasing the same by -10.degree., -20.degree., -30.degree., etc.
The above movements are shown in the graphs.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the changes of the weight
center G in which the inclination angle of the monitor ward line BC
of FIG. 4 is changed with the horizontal distance "v" as a
variable. As shown therein, the position of the weight center G of
the monitor is changed by increasing the inclination angle .theta.
by 10.degree., 20.degree., 30.degree., etc. or decreasing the same
by -10.degree., -20.degree., -30.degree., etc.
[0066] The vertical distance "u" is set 0, and the length of the
line BC is set 4, the length of the line ED is set 8, the height of
the triangle ABC is set 5, and the height of the triangle AED is
set 10. Since the movement characteristic is determined only based
on the length ratio of each line, the units are omitted.
[0067] In the case that the horizontal distance "v" is 4 (numbers
indicated at the sides of each trajectory represent horizontal
distance), the position of the weight center G is changed along the
trajectory formed in a shape of ".alpha." as the inclination angle
.theta. is changed. In the case that the horizontal distance "v" is
6, the loop drawn by the trajectory of the weight center G gets
small with a shape that a front side of the loop is thin, with the
entire shape being longitudinal. When the inclination angle .theta.
is 0, the dots are formed at the horizontal position with respect
to the apex A. When the inclination angle .theta. is increased by
10.degree., the dots are formed at the upper sides, and when the
inclination angle .theta. is decreased by 10.degree., the dots are
formed at the lower side.
[0068] In the case that the horizontal distance "v" is 8, a cusp is
drawn with respect to the apex A of the triangle. A curve shaped
trajectory, which is similar with an inclined straight line I-I, is
drawn at the upper and lower sides. When the horizontal distance
"v" increases, exceeding 8, the inclination angle .theta. gets
smoother at an angle of 0.degree.. As it is distanced from the
angle 0.degree., a trajectory similar with a straight line is
drawn.
[0069] Namely, the portion, which has a certain movement similar
with the straight line among the trajectories of the weight center
G when the horizontal distance "v" is above 8, may be used for
achieving a constant position of the weight center G of the present
invention. FIG. 6 is a graph when the movement of the weight center
G is expressed with the inclination angle .theta. adapted as a
variable.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a graph in which the changes of the height of the
weight center of FIG. 5 are expressed with an inclination angle
.theta. which is adapted as a variable. As shown therein, "z"
represents the vertical height of the weight center G, which is
expressed with a reference point 0 determined when the inclination
angle .theta. is 0. In the graph, the number indicated beside "z"
represents the horizontal distance "v".
[0071] The curves of the functions z, .sub.v, (.theta.) will be
described. The inclination is smooth in a section in which the
inclination angle is -20.degree. through +20.degree.. When the
horizontal distance "v" is 6, 7 or 8, the inclinations are small,
and a changed range is less.
[0072] In the ranges of the inclination angle, and horizontal
distance, since the height of the weight center does not change,
the monitor is not tilted down only when there is less friction
force, so that the monitor can be stably fixed in place. More
efficient effects can be obtained by adjusting the included angle
.alpha. of the base ward line ED.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a graph in which the changes of the height of the
weight center G are expressed with an inclination angle .theta. ,
which is adapted as a variable, in the case that the included angle
.alpha. of the base ward line ED is 30.degree.. As shown in FIG. 7,
when the angle .alpha. is 30.degree., the movements of the function
z', .sub.v, (.theta.) are not changed between 30.degree. and
100.degree..
[0074] Namely, the trajectories formed near the straight line I-I
of FIG. 5 can be horizontally inclined by adjusting the included
angle .alpha., so that there are no changes in the height of the
weight center G. In the case that the horizontal distance "v" is 6,
the inclination angle .theta. is between 0.degree. and 70.degree..
In the case that the horizontal distance "v" is 8, the height "z"
of the weight center G is constant between 25.degree. and
105.degree..
[0075] Therefore, in the case that the base ward line is inclined
at a certain angle, it is possible to more easily maintain the
fixed weight center height of the monitor, so that the monitor can
be prevented from being tilted forwards, moving down and having a
sharply changing height by changing the angle of the base ward
line. The operations that the above advantages are obtained even
when the rectangular hinge structure is changed in various
structures will be described.
[0076] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D are graphs of the movements of the
weight center G when the size of the triangle AED is changed in a
state that the triangle ABC is not changed in the similar isosceles
triangle of FIG. 4. In a state that the angle .alpha. is set 0,
FIG. 8A is a graph when the length ratio of the lines AB and BE is
1:0.25, and FIG. 8B is a graph when the length ratio of the same is
1:0.5, and FIG. 8C is a graph when the length ratio of the same is
1:1, and FIG. 8D is a graph when the length ratio of the same is
1:2.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, the trajectory of the
weight center G forms the apex A (v is 8). When the horizontal
distance "v" is less than 8, a .alpha.-shaped curve is formed. When
the horizontal distance "v" is larger than 8, a convex curve having
an apex is formed. As the length ratio of the line BE gets
increased, the size of the loop increases, and the apex gets
sharp.
[0078] In the hinge structure, as the inclination angle .theta.
increases, the angle CBE increases. When the angle CBE becomes
180.degree., the monitor or object installed at the monitor ward
line BC contacts with the point E. In this case, since it does not
change the inclination angle .theta. anymore, the range of the
angle .theta. is determined. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D,
the inclination angle .theta. is limited within a range of
17.degree., 27.degree., 39.degree.and 50.degree., which angles are
indicated as a small circle in the trajectory of the drawing. As
the length ratios of the lines AB and BE increase, the limiting
range of the inclination angle .theta. increases.
[0079] In the case that the length ratio of the lines AB and BE
increase, the range of the inclination angle is advantageously
widened. Here, the lengths of the upper line and the lower line
should be extended. The conditions of the range of the inclination
angle and the installation position of the monitor may be properly
selected based on a user's demand.
[0080] For example, in the apparatus for attaching a flat panel
monitor, it is enough when the inclination angle is adjusted within
a range of -10.degree. to +10.degree.. In the case that the monitor
is installed near a wall, as shown in FIG. 8A, it is needed to
decrease the length ratio of the lines AB and BE, and the
horizontal distance "v" is set 6. In the case that it is needed to
adjust the monitor within a wider range of -50.degree. to
+50.degree. (for example, when the monitor is mounted on a
ceiling), as shown in FIG. 8D, it is needed to increase the length
ratio of the lines AB and BE, and the horizontal distance "v" is
set 8.
[0081] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are graphs illustrating the
movements of the weight center G when the apex angle of the apex A
is changed in a state that the length ratio of the lines AB and BE
is set 1:0.5 in the similar isosceles triangle of FIG. 4. In FIG.
9A, the apex angle is 8.96.degree., and in FIG. 9B, the apex angle
is 17.98.degree., and in FIG. 9C, the apex angle is 6.42.degree.,
and in FIG. 9D, the apex angle is 77.36.degree..
[0082] As a result, the trajectories of the weight center G as
shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are same. Namely, the movements
are performed in the same ways even though there are significant
differences in the rectangular structures each having four hinges.
If the length ratio of the lines AB and BE changes, the above same
phenomenon may occur.
[0083] The movements of the rectangular hinge structures change
based on the values of the length ratio of the lines AB and BE, but
do not change based on the apex angle of the apex A. In the case
that the rectangular hinge structure having the above
characteristics is used, the user can save time needed for designs
and has many conveniences. As described above, the inclination
angle .theta. is limited within a range of 42.degree., 33.degree.,
27.degree. and 18.degree. as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D.
[0084] FIGS. 10A and 10B are graphs illustrating the movements of
the weight center G in a different rectangular hinge structure. As
shown in FIG. 10A, there is shown a graph illustrating the
movements of the weight center G in a state that the lengths of the
lines BE and CD are same, and the line ED is vertical. As shown in
FIG. 10B, there is shown a graph illustrating the movements of the
weight center G in a state that the lengths of the lines BE and CD
are different, and the line ED is inclined at an inclination angle
.alpha. with respect to the line ED.
[0085] As shown therein, in a range of the inclination angle from
-30.degree. to +30.degree., the orbit curves of FIG. 10B are very
similar with the orbit curves when the rectangular hinge using the
rectangular structure of FIG. 10A are inclined at an angle
.alpha..
[0086] In the case that the inclination angle .theta. is out of the
range, as the absolute value is increased, the orbit curves of FIG.
10B get similar with the trajectories of the movements of the orbit
curves. Since almost needs are met in a range of -30.degree. to
+30.degree. in an actual adaptation, it is preferred to tile the
line CD at a certain angle as shown in FIG. 10B.
[0087] For example, in the case that the horizontal distance "v" is
8 at the curve of FIG. 10B, the inclination angle has a horizontal
orbit in a range of -10.degree. to +30.degree., and the inclination
angle of the range corresponds to the inclination angle which is
most common when using the flat panel monitor. As shown in FIG. 6,
the changes of "z" may be expressed like z', .sub.8, (.theta.) in
accordance with the conditions of the rectangular hinge structure.
The height is constant in a state that the inclination angle
.theta. is in a range of -10.degree. to +30.degree..
[0088] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the trajectories of the
weight center G when the vertical distance "u" of the weight center
G of FIG. 4 is not 0. As shown therein, the position of the line BC
decreases by 10.degree. with respect to the position 5 (in which
the inclination angle .theta. is 0.degree.). In addition, the
position of the same is inclined towards the positions 4, 3, 2, and
1 or increases by 10.degree.. When the position of the same is
inclined toward the positions 6, 7, 8 and 9, the trajectories drawn
along the horizontal distance "v" are expressed by numbers
corresponding to each position.
[0089] For example, in the case that the vertical distance "u" is
4, the weight center G point moves as shown in FIG. 10B. As shown
in FIG. 11, the curve having the horizontal distance "v" of 8
advantageously has a wider range for maintaining more horizontal
states as compared to the trajectories. The apparatus of FIG. 10B
is installed, with the line DE being inclined at a certain angle.
As shown in FIG. 11, it is advantageously possible to make the line
DE vertical. As described above, the rectangular hinge apparatus is
constituted using an isosceles triangle. With the above
construction, an inclination angle adjusting apparatus, which
operates with many different movements, may be constituted by
adjusting length ratio, inclination angle, included angle,
horizontal length, vertical length, etc.
[0090] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an apparatus for adjusting an
inclination for a monitor according to another embodiment of the
present invention. As shown therein, the upper connection member 36
and the lower connection member 38 engaged at the monitor ward
support member 32 are longitudinally extended, and the base ward
support member 34 is contacted with the base surface of the
floor.
[0091] The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38 are preferably bent at intermediate portions so that they
don't contact with the monitor 10. A thin panel shaped support 34a
is preferably attached to a lower surface of the base ward support
member 34.
[0092] The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38 are extended, and the base ward support member 34 is
contacted with the floor base surface, so that the monitor 10 can
move in a big angle range. When pulling the monitor 10, the upper
connection member 36 and the upper connection member 38 move down
along an arc line, so that the inclination angle of the monitor can
increase.
[0093] When pulling the monitor 10 forwards, the monitor 10 lies
down. In this case, the monitor 10 can be used in a digital note
mode. When the monitor 10 has a touch screen, it can be more
efficiently used in the digital note mode.
[0094] The flat panel monitor, which has recently been developed,
has a digital note function using the touch screen. It is needed to
develop the monitor having both a viewing function and a digital
note function. In the viewing mode, the monitor preferably has an
inclination angle in a range of -5.degree. to +45.degree. and is
installed away from a user at a certain higher height "z". In the
digital note mode, the monitor preferably has an inclination angle
in a range of +45.degree. to +90.degree. and is installed not away
from a user at a certain lower height "z".
[0095] Since the conventional monitor fixing apparatus is
independently adjusted because the inclination angle and the
position of the weight center do not cooperatively operate, it is
needed to disadvantageously adjust various conditions whenever the
user selects the digital note mode or the viewing mode. The
conventional monitor fixing apparatus with a ball mount cannot
support a large weight, so that the position may be easily moved
when a certain weight is applied to the monitor in the digital note
mode.
[0096] However, in the case that the monitor is changed into the
digital node mode or the viewing mode using the rectangular hinge
structure according to the present invention, various conditions
may be adjusted at one time, so that easier and quicker mode
conversions are achieved. In addition, even when a certain weight
generated during the use of the digital note is applied, each
support member can fully support the weight, so that the positions
cannot easily change.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, the monitor inclination adjusting
apparatus 30 includes an extended support 34a, so that the monitor
inclination adjusting apparatus 30 does not fall down in the
digital note mode. The support 34a does not have an important role
in the viewing mode of the monitor. As shown in FIG. 13, even when
the support 34a may be removed, the same functions are
performed.
[0098] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating the monitor inclination
adjusting apparatus according to further another embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower connection member
38 and the base ward support member 34 are crossed downwards, and
the support parts 38a and 34b of the lower side support the floor
base surface.
[0099] The principles of the rectangular hinge structure are
adapted in the same manner. Namely, the support parts 38a and 34b
of the lower connection member 38 and the base ward support member
34 are crossed downwards, so that the monitor inclination adjusting
apparatus 30 can be stably supported.
[0100] Here, a friction force between the support part 38a of the
lower connection member 38 and the floor surface is adjusted larger
than the friction force between the support part 34b of the base
ward support member 34 and the floor surface, so that only the
support part 34b of the base ward support member 34 of the front
side is moved in a state that the support part 38a of the lower
connection member 38 of the back surface is fixed. A rubber member
may be covered on the support part 38a of the lower connection
member 38 of the bask surface or wheels may be installed at the
support part 34b of the base ward support member 34.
[0101] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are views illustrating various
constructions of the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus
according to the present invention. As shown therein, various
constructions may be adapted in order to constitute the rectangular
hinge apparatus.
[0102] FIG. 14A is a view illustrating a monitor inclination
adjusting apparatus 30 in which the monitor ward support member 32
includes two parallel elongated support parts 32a, and the base
ward support member 34 includes two parallel elongated support
parts 34c. The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38 are inserted between the elongated support parts 32a and
34c of the monitor ward support member 32 and the base ward support
member 34.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 14B, the upper connection member 36 and the
lower connection member 38 include two parallel elongated support
parts 36a and 38a, respectively. The monitor ward support member 32
and the base ward support member 34 are inserted into the same.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 14C, the monitor ward support member 32 and
the base ward support member 34 are arranged in a Y-shape, and the
upper connection member 36 is inserted into the upper side, and two
elongated support parts 38a are inserted into the lower side.
[0105] FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view illustrating the
constructions of the monitor inclination adjusting apparatus
according to the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a lateral cross
sectional view illustrating an engaged state of each element
according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16,
the plate 40, which engages the monitor (not shown), includes a
protrusion engaging part 42 at the center of the back surface, and
the protrusion engaging part 42 is engaged, passing through the
monitor ward support member 32 of the monitor inclination adjusting
apparatus 30.
[0106] The protrusion engaging part 42, which passes through the
monitor ward support member 32, is engaged using a bolt 62 through
an elastic member 60. Here, the elastic member 60 is preferably
formed of a plate spring, with the elastic member 60 being adapted
to pull the protrusion engaging part 42, so that the plate 40 and
the monitor ward support member 32 get closer from each other.
[0107] The upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38 are engaged at the lateral side of the monitor ward
support member 32. The ends of the upper connection member 36 and
the lower connection member 38 are extended a little and are
protruded toward the plate 40. The plate 40 and the monitor ward
support member 32 get closer from each other using the elastic
member 60, so that the back surface of the plate 40 contacts with
the ends of the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38.
[0108] The ends, which contact with the back surface of the plate
40, of the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection
member 38 do not easily move due to friction force. When the
elastic member 60 pulls the plate 40 as the bolt 62 is tightened,
with the bolt 62 being adapted to tighten the elastic member 60,
the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member 36
do not rotate, so that the plate 40 is prevented from being
naturally tilted forwards or being fallen downwards,
[0109] The rotation plate 50 is further provided between the plate
40 and the monitor ward support member 32, so that the plate 40 can
be more smoothly rotated. A back surface groove 52 may be formed at
a back surface of the rotation plate 50, with the back surface
groove 52 corresponding with the shapes of the ends of the upper
connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38. Here, it
is preferred that the back surface groove 52 of the rotation plate
60 contacts with the ends of the upper connection member 36 and the
lower connection member 38 at wider surfaces. Here, the back
surface groove 52 may be formed at the back surface of the plate 40
in a state that the rotation plate 50 is not provided.
[0110] FIG. 17A is a disassembled perspective view illustrating a
monitor inclination adjusting apparatus according to still further
another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17B is a side
cross sectional view illustrating an engaged state of the present
invention. As shown therein, the plate 40 is engaged at the monitor
ward support member 32 having a circular or arc shaped rim, and a
ring 80 is inserted thereinto. Here, the plate 40 is engaged at the
monitor inclination adjusting apparatus 30 and is rotatable. The
ring 80 rotates along the rim of the monitor ward support member
32.
[0111] The ring 80 and the plate 40 are engaged using a bolt, etc.
A pad 70 is provided at an inner side of the ring 80 and contacts
with the upper connection member 36 and the lower connection member
38, respectively. An elastic member 60 is inserted between the
outer end of the guide pad 70 and the plate 40.
[0112] Here, the elastic member 60 is a plate spring capable of
transferring an elastic force in a direction that the plate 40
pushes the guide pad 30 in an opposite direction, so that the guide
pad 70 is pushed in a direction of the monitor inclination
adjusting apparatus 30, and the ends of the upper connection member
36 and the lower connection member 38 are pressurized. A friction
force inhibits the pressurized upper connection member 36 and lower
connection member 38 from rotating, with the upper connection
member 36 and the lower connection member 38 being fixed in
place.
[0113] Here, the ring 80 and the monitor ward support member 32
closely contact at a certain inclination angle. Adjusting the
direction of the inclination allows the ring 80 and the plate 40 to
become closer with the monitor ward support member 32, so that with
one element of the elastic member 60, it is possible to tighten
each element.
[0114] The plate spring may be installed at the base ward support
member 34 or at both sides. Here, the upper connection member 36 is
moved along a downward curve, and the lower connection member 38 is
moved along an upward curve, so that it does not contact with the
tapered inner surface of the ring 80. In the case that the upper
connection member 36 and the lower connection member 38 are moved
along straight lines, the upper connection member 36 and the lower
connection member 38 contact with the inner side of the ring 80, so
that there is a certain limit in the movements of the upper and
lower connection members 36 and 38.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0115] As described above, the monitor inclination angle adjusting
apparatus according to the present invention is able to stably
support the monitor, with the inclination angle of the monitor
being easily adjusted.
[0116] Changing the inclination angle of the monitor due to the
weight of the monitor is minimized in the present invention.
[0117] The present invention is directed to minimizing the changes
of the height of the weight center of the monitor even when the
inclination angle changes.
[0118] In the present invention, the monitor is designed to be
rotatable. The monitor is stably supported without movements.
[0119] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described
examples are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing
description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be
construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the
appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that
fall within the meets and bounds of the claims, or equivalences of
such meets and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the
appended claims.
* * * * *