Alignment mechanism and method for mounting of tiled displays

Abstract

An intermediate support structure (500-T7) includes a linear or rotary actuator that moves a single display tile from a first position in a first plane to a second position in the first plane along a predetermined path. The first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position where the single display tile is located when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position. When the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position, and the linear or rotary actuator is configured such that the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile is moved along a predetermined path to the second position. Linear or rotary actuators are accessible and remain accessible until adjacent display tiles cover access to the actuators.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for positioning and / or aligning display tiles in a tiled display, and an alignment mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of adjacent display tiles when the display tiles are assembled to form a tiled display, and a method of manufacturing or operating such a display tile and tiled display. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 924,575 filed on July 9, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] Solutions for aligning display tiles of a tiled display are known in the art.

[0003] US10056014 "Positioning and alignment device for tiled displays" describes an alignment mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of adjacent display tiles when the display tiles are assembled to form a tiled display. Figures 1a and 1b show a top view and a cross-section (along line AB in Figure 1a) of an example of an alignment mechanism according to US10,056,014. The alignment mechanism 1 is fastened to a support structure 12 by a compliant fastener 2, which is press-fit into an opening 4 present in the support structure 12 and an opening 3 present in the alignment device. Two adjacent tile blocks can be aligned by a combination of pins (on the tile blocks) and holes (e.g. 9 and 10 on the alignment device). The compliance of the fastener 2 allows compensation for tolerances affecting the position of the openings (e.g. 4) in the support structure 12, while the distance between two adjacent tile blocks is determined by the geometry of the alignment device, in particular the position of the holes (e.g. 9 and 10) where the positioning pins on the display tile blocks will be mounted.

[0004] The alignment mechanism requires a lot of manipulation of the tiles, which can become a problem for very small seams (when the distance between adjacent tiles is less than 1 mm). In fact, as the size of light-emitting elements decreases, they become more fragile and the impact between adjacent tiles during assembly is enough to damage them and produce visual artifacts (dead pixels, discoloration, etc.) during display operation.

[0005] US20180359426 "A fixture for aligning tiled displays" describes a fixture for adjusting the position of a display tile relative to adjacent display tiles. The fixture includes a frame supporting a visual system. The visual system is configured to image at a predetermined display angular position defined by a given display size. Figure 2As shown, the fixture 200 also includes an attachment mechanism that is configured to attach the frame of the fixture to the display surface 202 of the display tile 201 so that the visual system images the position of the tile and the adjacent display angle position. The fixture can be operated by a technician who will move the tile until its position is nominal (as determined by the visual system). Alternatively, the fixture can be supported by a support structure that supports the display tile, and one or more alignment mechanisms adjust the alignment of the display tile. US20180359426 does not describe where the one or more alignment mechanisms can be positioned when the fixture is attached to the front of the display tile, nor does it describe how to avoid damaging the LEDs mounted on the display tile (e.g., by scratching the coating of the LED) when the fixture contacts the display tile.

[0006] WO2019 / 034786A1 "Adjustable support structure for display tiles" describes a support structure with a built-in tile alignment system, in which collisions between adjacent display tiles are prevented. The support structure includes several intermediate components between a load-bearing structure (not shown) and the display tile 300. Four elements (only 301, 302 and 303 are shown in Figure 3a) correct irregularities of, for example, a wall to which the display structure will be fastened. The first intermediate component 304 has a fixed position relative to, for example, a load-bearing wall. The second intermediate mechanism 305 allows displacement of the display tile 300 in the display plane XY, etc., to form a gap around the display tile 300 and allow access to the fastening device 306 that fastens the display tile 300 to the rest of the structure. The fastening device allows the display tile to move in the z direction. This facilitates, for example, access to one or more handles and / or release mechanisms located on the lateral sides or back of the display tile 300 without having to interact with the front or display side 307 of the display tile. Impacts between adjacent display tiles are mitigated by mechanism 305 (e.g., using gas springs not shown in FIG. 3a ) and corner elements such as 308, 309, 310, which can act as shock absorbers and avoid contact with fragile elements on the display side 307 of the display tile 300 (e.g., a glass substrate of a liquid crystal panel or a coating of an LED).

[0007] As shown in Figure 3b, the display tile 300 is hung on the fastening device 306 (i.e., no contact with the front surface 307 is required to position the display tile). The operator who assembles the tiled display does not have to bear the weight of the display tile when changing its position in the XY plane. Not having to bear the weight of the tile during assembly means that the operator can focus on the accuracy of positioning and avoid impacts on the display surface. The support structure described in WO2019 / 034786A1 limits the risk of damage to the display side of the display tile and facilitates the assembly of the display tile into a tiled display, but it requires mechanical precision of various structures such as 301, 304, 305, and 306.

[0008] If the back of the tiled display is not accessible, tightening and loosening the display tile blocks requires a dedicated mechanism such as that described in WO 2019 / 034786 A1.

[0009] There is no solution in the art that uses a simple and reliable fastening device (e.g., a bolt) that is accessible from the front of the tiled display and at the same time allows for a smaller joint than the fastening device. For example, if the diameter of the bolt is larger than the joint between the tile already fastened to the support structure and the adjacent tile being fastened to the support structure, it is impossible to fasten the display tile to the support structure using a bolt without accessing the back of the support structure.

[0010] What is needed in the art are methods and apparatus that can achieve high-quality tiled displays with controlled seams while minimizing the precision required, for example, to machine support structures and reducing the risk of damaging display components (e.g., light-emitting diodes, surfaces of liquid crystal display panels, etc.).

[0011] Display tiles are usually placed in a structure for tiled displays in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tiled display. Due to the small distance between these modules and the fragile edges of the display tiles, damage to the display tiles often occurs during installation of the display tiles in the tiled display.

[0012] The art lacks a solution for simply and reliably mounting display tiles in a tiled display with much less risk of damaging the display tiles.

[0013] What is needed in the art is a simple apparatus and method that enables easy, reliable, and high-quality installation of display tiles in a tiled display with greatly reduced risk of damage to the display tile during the installation process. Summary of the invention

[0014] One aspect of the invention relates to an intermediate support structure having fastening means for fastening to the back of a display tile, further comprising a fastener or fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to a support structure supporting a plurality of display tiles forming a tiled display. The support structure may be, for example, a wall or a frame attached to a wall. The intermediate support structure allows the display tiles to be displaced in a display plane XY, the plane in which the display tiles of the tiled display lie.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention provides an intermediate support structure for supporting a single display tile of a tiled display and includes a linear or rotary actuator, which is configured to move the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane, the first plane being parallel to the XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position; wherein when the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; the linear or rotary actuator is configured so that the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path to the second position, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the circumference or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at each position along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers the access to the linear or rotary actuator.

[0016] The intermediate support structure is a simple device and can be mounted in a simple way to enable simple, reliable and high-quality mounting of display tiles in a tiled display with reduced risk of damage to the display tiles during the mounting process. This is achieved by the way the intermediate support structure moves from a loading position to an operating position.

[0017] The predetermined path may be a path at an angle to the X-axis of the XY plane. Thus, the path may be a diagonal path. The distance may be a distance between a single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, wherein the distance is a distance between adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles that are opposite to each other, respectively. These features safely guide the intermediate support structure into its operating position.

[0018] The movement along the predetermined path can be produced by linear or rotary actuators, optionally controlled by linear guides. These devices can be simply included in the intermediate support structure and can work easily and safely.

[0019] The loading position is preferably the position that the single display tile has during the initial placement of the single display tile in the tiled display. The loading position provides a safe distance from other display tiles because the first position is a position where the distance is greater than the nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0020] The intermediate support structure can be configured so that when a single display tile has reached the second position, the distance becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles. Reducing the distance between the display tiles to the size of the seam places the intermediate support structure in an optimal aesthetic position.

[0021] The individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure may be modules configured to behave as a single body, wherein the individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure are secured to any position on a predetermined path relative to each other. By holding the intermediate support structure and the individual display tiles together in the module, safety is increased and the likelihood of the display tiles or the intermediate support structure accidentally falling is reduced.

[0022] The linear or rotary actuator may be configured to cause movement from the first position to the second position. The linear or rotary actuator may be a manually driven actuator. This results in low forces being applied to the tiled display, where the linear or rotary actuator may be a motor driven actuator, in which case this is advantageous.

[0023] The linear or rotary actuator is preferably selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-center cam, an articulated lever, an over-center articulated lever, a wedge cam. These are simple mechanical elements.

[0024] The intermediate support structure may be configured to be located between the individual display tiles and the support structure. This provides a compact arrangement.

[0025] The intermediate support structure may also have coupling means or fastening means configured for coupling or fastening the intermediate support structure to the individual display tiles. This is a secure way of creating modules.

[0026] The coupling or fastening means may comprise holes configured to mate with protrusions such as pins on a single display tile, or vice versa. These are simple and reliable mechanical elements.

[0027] The intermediate support structure can be constructed so that the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support structure match the corresponding holes and pins on the back of the individual display tile blocks, and the individual display tile blocks and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body. This reduces the risk of the intermediate support structure detaching from the tiled display.

[0028] The intermediate support structure may be configured to be at least partially or temporarily supported by the support structure. This reduces the risk of the intermediate support structure detaching from the tiled display.

[0029] The linear or rotary actuator can be self-guided. This makes the arrangement compact.

[0030] The single display tile can be in the second position, the linear or rotary actuator automatically locking to keep the single display tile in its second position. This increases the safety of working with the intermediate support structure, for example to reduce the risk of the intermediate support structure moving involuntarily.

[0031] The fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure may be distributed along one side of a single display tile or along two adjacent sides of a single display tile.Multiple fastening points increase reliability.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention include a tiled display configured to be fastened to a support structure and including a plurality of intermediate support structures, wherein a plurality of display tiled pieces of the tiled display are fastened to the support structure via the intermediate support structures and a plurality of fastening devices, wherein a single display tiled piece is fastened to an associated intermediate support structure of the plurality of intermediate support structures. These mechanical elements provide a secure mounting.

[0033] The tiled display may have a plurality of fastening means for fastening a single display tile to a support structure, either on a single side or edge of a single display tile or distributed along two adjacent sides or edges of a single display tile. These mechanical elements also provide a secure mount.

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for installing a display splicing block in a spliced ​​display, comprising the following steps:

[0035] - supporting a single display tile of the tiled display with an intermediate support structure; - moving the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane by a linear or rotary actuator, the first plane being parallel to the XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position; wherein when the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; wherein the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path to the second position, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the perimeter or footprint of the single display tile and remains accessible at various positions along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers the access to the linear or rotary actuator. The advantage of this method is that the display tile can be reliably moved and installed in the tiled display by using simple mechanical elements that are reliable in operation.

[0036] The method reduces the risk of the display tile being damaged during the installation process. This is achieved by how the intermediate support structure is moved from the loading position to the operating position. The predetermined path may have a path at an angle to the X-axis of the XY plane.

[0037] The path may thus be a diagonal path. The distance is the distance between a single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, wherein the distance is the distance between mutually opposite adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, respectively. These method steps guide the intermediate support structure into its operational into its final position.

[0038] The method step of moving along a predetermined path generated by a linear or rotary actuator is controlled by a linear guide. This step can be very simple and can be worked easily and safely.

[0039] The loading position is the position that a single display tile has during initial placement of the single display tile in the tiled display. The loading position provides a safe distance from other display tiles because the first position is a position where the distance is greater than the nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0040] The moving step is such that when the single display tile has reached the second position the distance becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles. Reducing the distance between the display tiles to the size of the seam places the intermediate support structure in an optimal aesthetic position.

[0041] The individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure may be modules configured to behave as a single body, wherein the individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure are secured to any position on a predetermined path relative to each other. By holding the intermediate support structure and the individual display tiles together in the module, safety is increased and the possibility of accidental falling of the display tiles or the intermediate support structure is reduced.

[0042] A linear or rotary actuator may cause movement from the first position to the second position.

[0043] The linear or rotary actuator may be a manually driven actuator. This results in low forces being applied to the tiled display. If a higher force is required, the linear or rotary actuator may be a motor driven actuator.

[0044] The linear or rotary actuator can be selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-center cam, an articulated lever, an over-center articulated lever, a wedge cam. These are simply different mechanical drive mechanisms.

[0045] The intermediate support structure is supported between the individual display tiles and the support structure. This arrangement can be made compact.

[0046] The method may include coupling or fastening the intermediate support structure to the individual display tiles. This is a secure way of creating modules.

[0047] The step of coupling or fastening comprises matching holes with protrusions such as pins on a single display tile, or vice versa. This is a simple and reliable mechanical fixing method.

[0048] The pins and / or holes of the intermediate support structure match corresponding holes and pins of the back of the individual display tiles, after which the individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body. This reduces the risk of the intermediate support structure moving involuntarily.

[0049] The method comprises the step of at least partially or temporarily supporting the intermediate support structure with the support structure. This reduces the risk of the intermediate support structure detaching from the tiled display.

[0050] The linear or rotary actuator may be self-guided. Such an arrangement may be made compact.

[0051] To keep the individual display tiles in their second position, the individual display tiles are in the second position and the linear or rotary actuators are automatically locked. This reduces the risk of involuntary movement of the intermediate support structure, thereby increasing safety when working with the intermediate support structure.

[0052] The method includes fastening the intermediate support structure to support structures distributed along one side of a single display tile or two adjacent sides of a single display tile. Applying multiple fastening points increases reliability.

[0053] The following are aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, starting from Aspect 1 to Aspect 42:

[0054] Aspect 1. An intermediate support structure for supporting a single display tile of a tiled display, and comprising: a linear or rotary actuator, which is configured to move the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane, the first plane being parallel to the XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position; wherein when the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; the linear or rotary actuator is configured so that the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path to the second position, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the circumference or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at each position along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers the access to the linear or rotary actuator.

[0055] 2. The intermediate support structure according to aspect 1, wherein the predetermined path is a path that is angled with respect to the X-axis of the XY plane.

[0056] 3. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the distance is the distance between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tile, wherein the distance is the distance between adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tile relative to each other.

[0057] 4. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the movement along the predetermined path produced by the linear or rotary actuator is controlled by a linear guide.

[0058] 5. The intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the stowed position is the position that the single display tile has during its initial placement in the tiled display.

[0059] 6. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first position is a position where the distance is greater than a nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0060] 7. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, configured such that when the single display tile has reached the second position, the distance becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0061] 8. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the single display splicing block and the intermediate support structure are modules constructed to appear as a single body, wherein the relative positions of the single display splicing block and the intermediate support structure relative to each other are fixed at any position on the predetermined path.

[0062] 9. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is configured to be able to cause movement from the first position to the second position.

[0063] 10. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a manually driven actuator.

[0064] 11. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a motor driven actuator.

[0065] 12. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-center cam, an articulated lever, an over-center articulated lever, a wedge cam.

[0066] 13. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, configured to be located between the single display tile and the support structure.

[0067] 14. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, further comprising coupling means or fastening means configured for coupling or fastening the intermediate support structure to a single display tile.

[0068] 15. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 14, wherein the coupling means or fastening means comprises holes configured to mate with protrusions, such as pins, on the single display tile, or vice versa.

[0069] 16. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 15, which is constructed so that the pins and / or the holes of the intermediate support structure match the corresponding holes and pins on the back side of the single display tile, and the single display tile and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body.

[0070] 17. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, configured to be at least partially or temporarily supported by the support structure.

[0071] 18. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 17, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is self-guided.

[0072] 19. The intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the single display tile is in the second position and the linear or rotary actuator automatically locks to retain the single display tile in its second position.

[0073] 20. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure are distributed along one side of the single display tile or along two adjacent sides of the single display tile.

[0074] 21. A tiled display configured to be fastened to a support structure and comprising a plurality of intermediate support structures according to any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein a plurality of display tiled blocks of the tiled display are fastened to the support structure via the intermediate support structures by a plurality of fastening devices, wherein a single display tiled block is fastened to an associated intermediate support structure of the plurality of intermediate support structures.

[0075] 22. A tiled display according to aspect 21, wherein a plurality of fastening means for fastening the single display tile to the support structure are on a single side or edge of the single display tile, or are distributed along two adjacent sides or edges of the single display tile.

[0076] 23. A method for installing a display splicing block in a spliced ​​display, comprising the following steps:

[0077] - supporting a single display tile of the tiled display with an intermediate support structure; - moving the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane by a linear or rotary actuator, the first plane being parallel to an XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in its operating position in the tiled display; wherein when the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; wherein the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path to the second position, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the circumference or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at each position along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers the access to the linear or rotary actuator.

[0078] 24. The method according to aspect 23, wherein the predetermined path is a path that is angled with respect to the X-axis of the XY plane.

[0079] 25. A method according to aspect 23 or 24, wherein the distance is the distance between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, wherein the distance is the distance between adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles that are respectively opposite to each other.

[0080] 26. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 25, wherein the movement along the predetermined path produced by the linear or rotary actuator is controlled by a linear guide.

[0081] 27. A method according to any of clauses 23 to 26, wherein the loading position is the position that the single display tile has during its initial placement in the tiled display.

[0082] 28. A method according to any of clauses 23 to 27, wherein the first position is a position where the distance is greater than a nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0083] 29. The method according to any of clauses 23 to 28, the moving step being such that when the single display tile has reached the second position, the distance becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0084] 30. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 29, wherein the single display tile and the intermediate support structure are modules constructed to appear as a single body, wherein the relative positions of the single display tile and the intermediate support structure with respect to each other are fixed at any position on the predetermined path.

[0085] 31. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 30, wherein the linear or rotary actuator causes movement from the first position to the second position.

[0086] 32. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 31, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a manually driven actuator.

[0087] 33. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 32, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a motor driven actuator.

[0088] 34. The method according to any one of aspects 23 to 33, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-center cam, an articulated lever, an over-center articulated lever, a wedge cam.

[0089] 35. A method according to any one of clauses 23 to 34, wherein the intermediate support structure is supported to be located between the single display tile and the support structure.

[0090] 36. The method of any one of aspects 23 to 35, further comprising coupling or securing the intermediate support structure to a single display tile.

[0091] 37. The method of aspect 36, wherein the coupling or securing step comprises matching holes with protrusions, such as pins, on the single display tile, or vice versa.

[0092] 38. A method according to aspect 37, wherein the pins and / or the holes of the intermediate support structure match the corresponding holes and pins on the back side of the single display tile, and the single display tile and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body.

[0093] 39. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 38, comprising at least partially or temporarily supporting the intermediate support structure with the support structure.

[0094] 40. A method according to any one of aspects 23 to 39, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is self-guided.

[0095] 41. A method according to any of aspects 23 to 40, wherein the single display tile is in the second position and the linear or rotary actuator automatically locks to retain the single display tile in its second position.

[0096] 42. The method according to any of clauses 23 to 41, wherein the fastening of the intermediate support structure to the support structure is distributed along one side of the single display tile or along two adjacent sides of the single display tile.

[0097] The following are aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, starting from aspect 43 to aspect 124:

[0098] 43. An intermediate support structure having fastening means for fastening to a back side of a display tile having a plurality of edges and a perimeter or footprint, and further comprising a first fastener or first fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to a support structure supporting a plurality of display tile segments, the intermediate support structure being characterized by:

[0099] - the first fastening means for fastening to a supporting structure are distributed along one edge of the display tile or along two adjacent edges of the display tile; and

[0100] - said first fastening means for fastening to a supporting structure are located outside said perimeter or footprint of said display tile;

[0101] the fastening means extends beyond the perimeter or footprint of the display tile by a distance D that is greater than a nominal seam between two adjacent display tiles of the tiled display, and

[0102] - the fastening means are configured to be accessible from the display side of the display tile. An advantage is that it simplifies the joining of display tiles when the distance between adjacent tiles, referred to as the seam between adjacent tiles, is too small to allow access to the fastening means. The intermediate support structure may have additional attachment means to attach the display tile to a tool for aligning the display tile with one or more display tiles already fastened to the support structure.

[0103] 44. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 43, wherein the joints between adjacent panel blocks are too small to allow access to the fastening means.

[0104] 45. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 43 or 44, further comprising attachment means to attach the display tile to a tool for aligning the tile with one or more tiles already secured to the support structure.

[0105] 46. ​​An intermediate supporting structure according to aspect 45, wherein said attachment means are located on the same side or sides as said first fastening means for fastening to said supporting structure.

[0106] 47. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 45 or 46, wherein the attachment means for attaching to the tool are adjacent to the first fastening means for fastening to the support structure.

[0107] 48. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 43 to 47, wherein the intermediate support element supports a single panel.

[0108] 49. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 48, configured to be located between the display tile and a support structure such as a frame or a wall in operation.

[0109] 50. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 43 to 49, wherein the support structure is configured to support a plurality of display tiles to form a tiled display.

[0110] 51. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 43 to 50, wherein the support structure is a metal plate.

[0111] 52. The intermediate support structure according to aspect 51, wherein the metal plate has first openings (401, 402, 403) optionally positioned at fixed intervals.

[0112] 53. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 52, wherein the first opening is used to receive a first fastener or a first fastening device, such as a bolt and optionally a nut, which are loosened or fixed to the first opening to fasten the display splicing block to the support structure or the intermediate structure.

[0113] 54. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 53, wherein the intermediate structure is configured to carry a single display tile.

[0114] 55. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 51 to 54, wherein said metal sheet has reinforcement means.

[0115] 56. Intermediate support structure according to aspect 55, wherein said reinforcement means comprises corrugations or tubes fastened to said metal sheet.

[0116] 57. The intermediate support structure according to aspect 55 or 56, further comprising a second fastening means.

[0117] 58. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 57, wherein said second fastening means is used to fasten said metal plate to a wall or for supporting a truss.

[0118] 59. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 58, wherein the width of the seam, ie said distance between adjacent display tiles, does not allow access to the first fastening means through said seam.

[0119] 60. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 59, wherein the intermediate support element has third means for fastening to the support structure.

[0120] 61. The intermediate support structure according to aspect 60, wherein the third fastening means comprises a second opening (504A, 504B and 504C).

[0121] 62. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 61, wherein the second openings are each located at one of the three ends of the Y-shaped or T-shaped arrangement.

[0122] 63. The intermediate support structure of aspect 62, wherein the elongated fastener is configured to pass through each second opening and a corresponding opening in the support structure.

[0123] 64. An intermediate support element according to any of aspects 43 to 63, further comprising coupling means or fastening means adapted to couple or fasten said intermediate support element to a display tile.

[0124] 65. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 64, wherein the coupling or fastening means comprises holes configured to mate with protrusions, such as pins, on the display tile.

[0125] 66. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 64 or 65, wherein the coupling or fastening means comprises protrusions such as pins adapted to mate with holes in the display tile.

[0126] 67. The intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 43 to 66, further comprising second coupling means (505A, 505B and 505C) configured for manipulating the display tile without risk of damaging the display surface of the display tile.

[0127] 68. An intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 67, wherein the display tile has a first surface (601) which is a front surface or display surface and a second surface (602) which is a back surface.

[0128] 69. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 68, wherein said rear face (602) has fasteners, optionally fastening means, to be fastened to said intermediate support element.

[0129] 70. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 69, wherein the fasteners or fastening means comprise pins and / or holes matching corresponding holes and / or pins on the intermediate support element.

[0130] 71. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 69 or 70, wherein the intermediate support element is screwed and / or glued to the back side of the display tile.

[0131] 72. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 71, wherein, once the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support element are matched with the corresponding holes and pins on the back side, the display tile and the intermediate support element appear as a solid body.

[0132] 73. An intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 67 to 72, wherein the second coupling means (505A, 505B and 505C) are each located at one end of the Y-shaped or T-shaped means, respectively.

[0133] 74. The intermediate support structure according to aspect 73, wherein the second coupling means (505A, 505B and 505C) comprises a third opening positioned adjacent to the second openings (504A, 504B, 504C), respectively.

[0134] 75. The intermediate support structure according to any of aspects 43 to 74, wherein the second opening has a diameter D1 which is larger than the diameter of the opening 401 in the support structure.

[0135] 76. An intermediate support structure according to aspect 75, configured to compensate for tolerances affecting said support structure, in particular the positions of said openings (401, 402, 403, ...) and to allow nominal alignment of said display tiles.

[0136] 77. A tiled display comprising an associated intermediate support structure according to any one of aspects 43 to 76, wherein a first tile 801 is fastened to the support structure 400 via its associated intermediate support structure by a plurality of fastening means 8014A, 8014B and 8014C.

[0137] 78. The tiled display according to aspect 77, wherein the second tiled piece 802 is located beside the first tiled piece.

[0138] 79. The tiled display according to aspect 78, wherein the second tiled block 802 is located on the right side of the first tiled block 801.

[0139] 80. A spliced ​​display according to aspect 79, wherein, when the second splicing block 802 is in its nominal position, the fastening means 8014C associated with the first splicing block 801 is located below the second splicing block 802, but the fastening means 8024A, 8024B and 8024C associated with the second splicing block 802 are still accessible to introduce fastening means, such as bolts, to fasten the second splicing block 802 to the support structure.

[0140] 81. A tiled display according to any of aspects 78 to 80, wherein a third tiled tile 803 is located beside said second tiled tile.

[0141] 82. The tiled display according to aspect 81, wherein the third tiled block 803 is located on the right side of the second tiled block 802.

[0142] 83. A spliced ​​display according to aspect 82, wherein, when the third splicing block 803 is in its nominal position, the fastening device 8024C associated with the second splicing block 802 is located below the third splicing block 803, but the fastening devices 8034A, 8034B and 8034C associated with the third splicing block 803 are still accessible to introduce bolts and fasten the third splicing block 803 to the support structure.

[0143] 84. The tiled display according to any of aspects 81 to 83, wherein the fourth tiled block 804 is located above the first tiled block 801.

[0144] 85. A spliced ​​display according to aspect 84, wherein, when the fourth splicing block 804 is in its nominal position, the fastening devices 8014A and 8014B are located below the fourth splicing block 804, but the fastening devices 8044A, 8044B and 8044C associated with the fourth splicing block 804 are still accessible to introduce bolts and fasten the splicing block 804 to the support structure.

[0145] 86. The tiled display according to any one of aspects 84 to 85, wherein the fifth tiled block 805 is located to the right of the fourth tiled block 804 and above the second tiled block 802.

[0146] 87. A tiled display according to aspect 86, wherein, when the fifth tiled block 805 is in its nominal position, the fastening means 8044C associated with the fourth tiled block and the fastening means 8024A and 8024B associated with the second tiled block 802 are located below the fifth tiled block 805, but the fastening means 8054A, 8054B and 8054C associated with the fifth tiled block 805 are still accessible and the fifth tiled block 805 can be fastened to the support structure.

[0147] 88. A tiled display according to any of aspects 77 to 87, wherein access to a plurality of fastening means is provided during assembly of the tiled display from a front surface of the tiled display means, even if the fastening means are larger than a distance between two adjacent display tiles.

[0148] 89. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 77 to 88, wherein the plurality of fastening means are distributed along a single side or edge of the display tile.

[0149] 90. A tiled display according to any of aspects 77 to 89, wherein the plurality of fastening means for fastening the display tile to the support structure are located on a single side or edge of the display tile or are distributed along two adjacent sides or edges.

[0150] 91. A tiled display according to aspects 77 to 90, wherein alignment of adjacent display tile pieces is performed with the aid of spacers.

[0151] 92. A tiled display according to aspect 91, wherein the spacer is made of a resilient material such as hard rubber and has a thickness equal to said nominal seam between adjacent display tiles.

[0152] 93. A tiled display according to aspect 91 or 92, wherein the spacers 114a and 114b are attached to each other and form a right angle.

[0153] 94. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 77 to 93, comprising means for manipulating the display tile without contacting its display surface, the means comprising: Fig.11 1105A, 1105B, 1105C; Figure 5 505A, 505B, 505C) are fastened to the tool of the intermediate support structure.

[0154] 95. A spliced ​​display according to aspect 94, wherein the fastening means 1105A, 1105B, 1105C and / or the fastening means 505A, 505B, 505C are part of a Y-shaped or T-shaped structure, and the Y-shaped or T-shaped structure includes means for fastening to a supporting structure, namely openings 504A, 504B and 504C.

[0155] 96. A tiled display according to aspect 94 or 95, wherein the fastening means for fastening to the tool are distributed along the same side or edge as the fastening means for fastening to the support structure.

[0156] 97. A tiled display according to aspect 96, wherein the number and arrangement of fastening means for fastening to the tool is the same as the number and arrangement of fastening means for fastening to the support structure.

[0157] 98. A tiled display according to any of aspects 97 to 97, wherein the tool comprises a handle allowing a human performer to manipulate the display tile without contacting the display surface.

[0158] 99. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 94 to 98, wherein the tool is fastened to the intermediate support element and the display tile in the same position as the fastening means for fastening to the support structure, so that the display tile is positioned and fastened to the support structure in its nominal position without being hindered by the tool, even if the size of the fastening means for fastening to the tool is larger than the size of the seam.

[0159] 100. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 77 to 98, wherein positioning of the display tile can be automated.

[0160] 101. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 94 to 100, wherein the display tile is secured to the tool and is translated and / or rotated by one or more motors, and the relative position of the display tile relative to one or two adjacent display tiles is monitored by one or more sensors.

[0161] 102. The tiled display according to aspect 101, wherein the sensor is an optical camera or an image sensor, or alternatively, the sensor is any sensor capable of assessing the distance between adjacent display tiles.

[0162] 103. The tiled display of aspect 102, wherein the distance between adjacent display tiles is estimated based on the positions of adjacent corners of adjacent display tiles.

[0163] 104. A tiled display according to aspects 77 to 103, wherein the alignment of display tile 121 relative to display tile 120 can be assessed by:

[0164] - a distance db between the lower left corner 121b of the display tile 121 and the lower right corner 120b of the display tile 120; and

[0165] The distance da between the upper left corner 121 a of the display tile 121 and the upper right corner 120 a of the display tile 120 .

[0166] 105. A spliced ​​display according to aspect 104, wherein if the distances da and db are different, the right side 120R of the display splicing block 120 is not parallel to the left side 121L of the display splicing block 121, and if the right side 120R and the left side 120L are not parallel, the motor can rotate the display splicing block by, for example, applying a torque to the display splicing block with the aid of a tool, and the tool is fastened to the display splicing block 121 through the fastening devices 1215A, 1215B, 1215C.

[0167] 106. A tiled display according to aspect 104 or 105, wherein if the two distances da and db are equal but different from the nominal distance d0, the display tile 121 can be translated by means of a tool.

[0168] 107. A tiled display according to any of aspects 77 to 106, wherein one display tile 121 is fastened to the support structure by said fastening means 1214A, 1214B and 1214C if said two tile s are aligned.

[0169] 108. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 77 to 87, wherein the alignment of the display tile 132 is performed by monitoring the relative positions of three of its corners (132a, 132b, 132c) relative to the corners of the display tile 130 (corners 130a and 130b on the right side of the display tile 130) and the corners of the display tile 131 (corners 131a and 131b on the upper side of the display tile 131).

[0170] 109. A tiled display according to aspect 108, wherein the distances between corners of tile 130 and corresponding corners of tile 132 and the distances between corners of tile 132 and corresponding corners of tile 131 are evaluated:

[0171] - a distance db1 between the lower left corner 132b of the display tile 132 and the lower right corner 130b of the display tile 130; and

[0172] - a distance da1 between the upper left corner 132a of the display tile 132 and the upper right corner 130a of the display tile 130,

[0173] - a distance da2 between the upper left corner 131a of the display tile 131 and the lower left corner 132b of the display tile 132; and

[0174] The distance db2 between the upper right corner 131 b of the display tile 131 and the lower right corner 132 c of the display tile 132 .

[0175] 110. The tiled display according to aspect 109, wherein if the right side 130R of the display tile 130 is parallel to the left side 132L of the display tile 132, then the distances da1 and db1 are equal.

[0176] 111. The tiled display according to aspect 109, wherein if the top side 131Top of the display tile 131 is parallel to the bottom side 132Bot of the display tile, then the distances da2 and db2 are equal.

[0177] 112. A tiled display according to aspect 110 or 111, wherein if the distances da1, da2, db1 and db2 differ from their nominal values, wherein the nominal values ​​are values ​​when the seams are as expected, it is necessary to translate the display tile 132.

[0178] 113. A tiled display according to any one of aspects 77 to 112, wherein the display tile blocks and the intermediate support structure are attached to each other by pins and holes, and if one of the tile blocks is damaged, it can be removed while leaving the intermediate support structure fastened to the support structure.

[0179] 114. A tiled display according to any of aspects 77 to 113, further comprising a truss arched above the display surface, the truss interacting with the fastening means, for example arranged around one or two adjacent sides of the display tile.

[0180] 105. A tiled display according to any of clauses 77 to 114, wherein two or three sensors are secured to the tool so as to have corners of the display tile in their respective fields of view.

[0181] 116. The tiled display of clause 115, wherein the sensor is an image sensor.

[0182] 117. A tiled display according to any of aspects 108 to 116, wherein the corner to be monitored is the corner of the display tile that is closest to the support structure (eg 400) that is secured to the support structure with which the display tile is aligned.

[0183] 118. A tiled display according to aspect 117, wherein if the means for fastening to the support structure is along the upper and right sides of the display tile, the field of view of the camera has the upper left corner, the lower left corner and the lower right corner respectively.

[0184] 119. A tiled display according to aspect 117, wherein the corners used for evaluating or displaying the seams or the distances between tiled pieces are those corners where there is no fastening means for fastening to the support structure and no part of the side for fastening means for fastening to the tool.

[0185] 120. The tiled display according to aspect 119, wherein the tool is fastened to an XY motorized gantry mechanism.

[0186] 121. A tiled display according to aspect 120, wherein the motors of the gantry mechanism are controlled by a control device, such as a microcontroller, which uses the readings of the sensors to determine how the motors must be driven in order to bring the readings to their desired values.

[0187] 122. A tiled display according to any of aspects 109 to 121, wherein the distances da1, da2 are derived in any manner known in the art, wherein when the sensor is a camera, temporal image processing is used to determine the distances.

[0188] 123. A tiled display according to aspect 122, wherein the distance is derived from an image captured by the image sensor by, for example, counting the number of pixels that separate specific points represented on the surface of each display tile near a corner on the display tile.

[0189] 124. A tiled display according to aspect 123, wherein a pixel at the vertex of each corner is caused to flicker to facilitate its identification, optionally by subtracting two consecutive images and thresholding to leave only the flickering pixel.

[0190] Any one of Aspect 1 to Aspect 42 may be combined with any one of Aspect 43 to Aspect 124. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0191] FIG. 1 a shows a top view of a splicing block positioning device according to the prior art.

[0192] FIG. 1 b shows a cross-sectional view of a splicing block positioning device according to the prior art.

[0193] Figure 2 A problem with the prior art (contact with the surface of the display tile) is shown.

[0194] 3a and 3b illustrate how a complex structure can be used to position a display tile with high precision while limiting contact with the display side of the tile.

[0195] Figure 4 Examples of support structures that may be used with the present invention are shown.

[0196] Figure 5 An example of an intermediate support structure according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0197] Figure 6 An example of a display tile assembled according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0198] Figures 7a and 7b show examples of fastening means and how they compensate for tolerances affecting the support structure.

[0199] 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8f show examples of steps of assembling a tiled display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0200] Fig. 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d illustrate how the fastening means may be distributed along a single side of a display tile.

[0201] Fig.10 The relative positions of the sides labeled "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are shown.

[0202] Fig.11 It is shown how shims may be used to aid alignment in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0203] Fig.12 Examples of parameters that may be used to evaluate the alignment of a display tile with a single adjacent display tile when used with embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0204] Fig.13 Examples of parameters that may be used to assess the alignment of a display tile with two adjacent display tiles when used with the present invention are shown.

[0205] Fig.14 An example of a tiled display in another embodiment is shown, wherein a number of display tiles are already in their operational positions in the tiled display, and wherein a number of intermediate support structures are fully visible (500-T6, 500-T7) or partially visible.

[0206] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 An example of a tiled display and a representation of the movement that the intermediate support structure 500-T6 will undergo from the second position to the first position due to operation of an actuator (e.g., a rack and pinion system).

[0207] Fig.16 Shows Fig.14 and Fig.15 An example of a spliced ​​display in which the intermediate support structure 500-T6 is in the second position.

[0208] Fig.17 Shows Figures 14 to 16 An example of a spliced ​​display, wherein a display splicing block T6 is loaded on its corresponding intermediate support structure 500 - T6 at a first position, wherein a distance D is between the display splicing block T6 and adjacent splicing blocks T1 and T5.

[0209] Fig.18 Shows Figures 14 to 17 An example of a tiled display in which the display tile T6 and its corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T6 are in a first position and indicate that they will be moved from the first position by operation of an actuator (e.g., a rack and pinion system).

[0210] Fig.19 Shows Figures 14 to 18 An example of a spliced ​​display, wherein the display splicing block T6 and its corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T6 are connected by Fig.18 The movement shown is in the second position.

[0211] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 An example in which the intermediate support structure 500-T6 is fastened to the support structure.

[0212] Figures 21a and 21b show another example of an intermediate support structure. In these figures, it is Figures 14 to 20 A possible alternative to the intermediate support structure shown. It is generally rectangular. In addition, another example of an actuator is shown, namely a rotating cam (side center).

[0213] Figures 22a and 22b show another example of an intermediate support structure. In these figures, it is Figures 14 to 20 A possible alternative to the intermediate support structure is shown. It is substantially rectangular. In addition, another example of an actuator is shown, namely an articulated lever on a plane.

[0214] Figures 23a and 23b show another example of an intermediate support structure. In these figures, it is Figures 14 to 20A possible alternative to the intermediate support structure shown. It is generally rectangular. In addition, another example of a drive is shown, namely a wedge-shaped cam.

[0215] Fig.24 Another example of an intermediate support structure is shown. Figures 14 to 20 A possible alternative of an intermediate support structure is shown. It is substantially rectangular. The intermediate support structures are fully visible and to which no display tiles are fastened yet, in a first position.

[0216] Fig.25 Shows Fig.24 For example, Fig.25 In the embodiment, the intermediate support structure on which the display splicing block T7 has been loaded is in the first position.

[0217] Fig.26 Shows Figure 24 to Figure 25 . Fig.26 It shows that the display splicing block T7 ( Fig.26 Not shown so that the intermediate support structure can be fully seen for clarity in the following detailed description) the intermediate support structure is in the second position.

[0218] Fig. 27 Shows Fig.26 Example. Fig. 27 In the above, due to Figure 14 to Figure 2 3a-23b, the display tile T7 and its intermediate support structure are in the second position due to the movement caused by the (linear or rotary) actuator described in. 3a-23b.

[0219] Fig.28 Shows Figure 24 to Figure 27 An alternative to the intermediate support structure shown in .

[0220] Fig.29A , Fig.29B , Fig.29C Shown with Figures 14 to 28 The guide element shown is compared to an alternative guide element in the intermediate support structure.

[0221] Definitions and abbreviations

[0222] Display elements. Elements of a display may be luminescent, i.e., light is emitted from a front surface. The emission may be the result of activation of a light source located in the display, or the display may be transparent and light from the light source may be transmitted through the display before being emitted from the front surface of the display. Examples of luminescent display elements are LEDs, OLEDs, plasma displays, backlit liquid crystal displays or light valves, or reflective liquid crystal displays or light valves, etc.

[0223] An example of a reflective display element is a front-lit liquid crystal light valve.

[0224] A pixel is an addressable unit of picture element, and multiple pixels provide a display tile or display with the ability to display arbitrary images.

[0225] The display tile has a front side or surface and a back side or surface. The front side and back side are the first and second major surfaces because they are the largest. The front side is the side with the light-emitting pixels. The display tile has lateral sides or edges.

[0226] If the display tile is rectangular in shape, there are four sides or edges. Pairs of lateral sides are opposite and parallel to each other. The lateral sides or edges are perpendicular to adjacent sides or edges.

[0227] LED. Light Emitting Diode.

[0228] OLED. Organic light-emitting diode.

[0229] Nominal. As planned, as expected. Relating to a specified or theoretical size. In particular, the nominal display plane (or nominal plane of a tiled display) is the ideal plane on which images are to be displayed. The nominal display plane is intended to include the display surface of each display tile of the tiled display. For example, in Figures 24 to 28 In the example of FIG. 1 , the nominal display plane is the XY plane. The nominal display surface is the surface formed by the sum of the display surfaces of the tiles T1 to T12 (the tiles are represented by 12 rectangles in the figure).

[0230] Permanent joints can only be separated if damage is done to the materials used in the joint. Permanent joints are usually designed to be joints that are unlikely to be disassembled under any repair situation.

[0231] Semi-permanent joints can be disassembled, at least in limited circumstances, but this may result in loss or damage to the fastening system and / or the materials contained within the joint. Separation may require additional processes, such as plastic deformation. Semi-permanent joints can be used when disassembly is not part of a regular repair, but for a specific reason.

[0232] Non-permanent joints can be separated without taking special measures or damaging the fastening system and / or the materials contained in the joint. Non-permanent joints are suitable for situations where regular disassembly is required, such as scheduled maintenance.

[0233] Temporary joints can be easily assembled and disassembled. Examples are magnets and ferromagnetic materials (such as steel plates), hooks and loops (such as Velcro TM), hook and eye fasteners, and pins and holes for the pins or the like. Hook and loop fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, or touch fasteners consist of two components: typically two fabric strips, which have a first component with a small hook and a second component with a small loop. The hook and loop can be made of plastic material. When the two are pressed together, the hook hooks into the loop and the two components are temporarily fastened or bonded together.

[0234] A countersunk hole is a cylindrical, flat-bottomed hole that allows a matching bolt head to enter.

[0235] A countersunk hole is a tapered hole that allows a matching bolt head to enter.

[0236] Intermediate support element / intermediate support structure: In this document, both terms are used and have the same meaning.

[0237] Diagonal path: A diagonal path is a path that is at an angle to the horizontal Y axis or the vertical X axis of the XY plane. This diagonal path is straight and its length is limited by the display tiles that reach the first position or the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0238] In a first embodiment, an intermediate support structure or element is used to secure the display tile to the support structure.

[0239] Each intermediate support element supports a single tile. The intermediate support element and its associated tile (usually a single tile) form a "module". The support element is an intermediary because it is between the display tile and the support structure (such as a frame or wall). The support structure supports multiple display tiles to form a tiled display. An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that adjacent display tiles can be aligned with high precision and also allow the support structure to be affected by tolerances that are worse than the precision required for the alignment. For example, in one embodiment, the support structure can be such as Figure 4 The metal plate shown. The metal plate 400 has openings 401, 402, 403, for example with fixed intervals. The openings 401, 402, 403 are used to receive fasteners or fastening means, such as permanent or semi-permanent joints, such as bolts, to fasten the display tiles (footprint 404 indicates the position of the display tiles that are still to be fastened) to the support structure, or more precisely, as will be described later, to fasten the intermediate structure, which is capable of carrying the display tiles. The tiles and their associated intermediate structures form a module, wherein preferably only one tile is present in the module. The positions of the openings, such as 401, 402, 403, are subject to (determined by) tolerances, which may be worse than the tolerances or precision required for the relative positions of adjacent display tiles.

[0240] In any embodiment, the metal plate 400 may have reinforcement means (such as corrugations, tubes fastened to the metal plate, etc.) not shown, and Figure 4 Additional fastening means not shown (e.g. for fastening the metal sheet to a wall or a supporting truss). The material from which the metal sheet is made may be a galvanized sheet, for example zinc ore. Zinc ore sheet is an electrolytically galvanized steel sheet. The thickness of the zinc coating can be up to 2.5 microns. In most cases, a DC01 steel type is used as the substrate.

[0241] As will be described below, the intermediate support element solves several problems that affect high resolution tiled displays where the seams (the distance between adjacent display tiles) are typically less than 1.2 mm and the gaps are too small to allow access to fastening devices through the seams.

[0242] Figure 5 An example of an intermediate support element 500 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0243] The intermediate support element 500 has means for fastening to the support structure 400. The fastening means may include, for example, openings 504A, 504B and 504C. Each of these openings 504A, 504B and 504C may be located at the end of a Y-shaped arrangement (e.g., with 500A, 500B and 500C legs) or a T-shaped arrangement or arrangement or other shapes of openings, one of which is a rectangular arrangement (e.g., as shown in Figures 21 to 3). Fig.28 ). A Y-shaped or T-shaped intermediate support structure can be lighter while performing the same function as a generally rectangular intermediate support structure. An elongated fastener, such as a bolt with a nut or thread (not shown), can / will pass through each opening (e.g., each of 504A, 504B, 504C) and a corresponding opening, such as 401, 402, 403, in the support structure 400. Figure 4 and Figure 5In an example of: a first elongated fastener to form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt, may pass through opening 504A and opening 401, a second elongated fastener to form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt, may pass through opening 504B and opening 402, and a third elongated fastener to form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt, may pass through opening 504C and opening 403. Any of the bolts may have a nut or a thread into which it is screwed. The intermediate support element 500 has a coupling or fastening device for coupling or fastening to a display tile, such as with a non-permanent joint, such as coupling or fastening to a display tile. The coupling or fastening device may be, for example, holes 501, 502, 503 that may match with protrusions, such as pins, on the display tile. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling or fastening device may be a protrusion, such as a pin that may match with or enter a hole on the display tile. The footprint 404 of the display tile to be coupled to the intermediate support structure 500 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0244] The intermediate support element may be made of, for example, sheet metal aluminum (eg, EN_AW-5052_ALMG2_5_H32). Other material examples are injection molded aluminum (eg, EN_AC-42000_ALSI7MG_F) or injection molded glass reinforced plastic (eg, PPS).

[0245] In another embodiment, another coupling arrangement 505A, 505B and 505C may be used to manipulate the display tile without risk of damaging the display surface of the display tile coupled to the intermediate support structure 500. Figure 5 As shown, the coupling devices 505A, 505B and 505C may include respective locations as shown in FIG. Figure 5 A hole at one of the three ends of a T-shaped or Y-shaped device as shown in FIG.

[0246] Alternatively, only two coupling methods are used: for example 505A and 505C.

[0247] exist Figures 14 to 28 In the embodiment shown, such coupling means 505A, 505B and 505C may be present in the intermediate support structure, but may also be omitted since they are not necessary for proper operation.

[0248] Figure 6 A perspective view is shown of how an intermediate support element 500, for example in the form of a T- or Y-shaped arrangement, a rectangular or other shaped arrangement, may be coupled to a display tile in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0249] The display tile 600 has a first surface 601, which is the front surface or display surface. The first surface 601 is the surface on which the display elements are visible. The display elements may be protected by a coating, for example, an anti-reflective coating. Such coatings are usually easily scratched.

[0250] The display elements may be light sources, such as light emitting diodes or organic light emitting diodes. The display tile comprises an array of N×M light emitting devices, such as LEDs or OLEDs. In the following, only LEDs will be mentioned, but each such mention includes the same disclosure with OLEDs, and each such embodiment is included herein in the present invention. The array may be a sub-array with n×m LEDs, where n<N and m is less than M. The sub-array of n×m LEDs may be mounted on a printed circuit board to form a so-called stamp. Two or more stamps are assembled on the substrate of the display tile 500 to form an array of N×M LEDs.

[0251] The display tile has a second surface 602, which is the back surface. The back surface 602 may have fasteners, such as fastening means to be fastened to the intermediate support element 500. The fastening means form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint. The fasteners or fastening means may be pins and / or holes that will mate with corresponding holes and / or pins on the intermediate support element 500. Figure 5 In FIG. 5 , holes 501, 502 and 503 are drawn as illustrative examples. When the intermediate support element 500 is installed (eg Figure 6 Such holes 501, 502 and 503 do not or need not extend beyond the perimeter or footprint of the display tile. Holes 504A, 504B, 504C and holes 505A, 505B, 505C do extend beyond the perimeter or footprint of the display tile (as shown). Figure 6 The positions of the holes 504A, 504B, 504C and the corresponding holes 505A, 505B, 505C can be as shown. Figure 5 or alternatively as shown in the example Figure 6 Another example is shown in . Figures 14 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, such coupling means or holes 505A, 505B, 505C may be present in the intermediate support structure, but may also be omitted.

[0252] Alternatively, the intermediate support element 500 may be screwed and / or glued to the back side 602 of the display tile 600. In another alternative embodiment, the intermediate support element 500 may be integrated into and with the display tile 600.

[0253] Embodiments of the invention in which the intermediate support element 500 is not an integral part of the display tile 600 have advantages. Once the tiled display has been assembled, the display tile can be removed and replaced with another display tile, for example for repair purposes, in particular while leaving the corresponding intermediate support element fastened to the support structure.

[0254] Removing the display tile while leaving the intermediate support element can be done in different ways. In a first example, if the seam is large enough, a hook-like structure can be inserted to apply force to the display tile in a direction perpendicular to the display surface (along the Z direction) and "tear" the display tile off the intermediate support element.

[0255] If the seam is not large enough and / or the risk of damaging adjacent display tiles is considered too high, the display tiles can be separated from their corresponding intermediate support elements in the reverse order relative to the way they were originally joined until the display tile that must be replaced is reached. Once the tiles have been replaced, the removed tiles will be fastened to their corresponding intermediate support elements again. Since the intermediate support elements are still fastened to the support structure and since these intermediate support elements compensate for the tolerances that affect the support structure, no new alignment is required. Once the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support element 500 match the corresponding holes and / or pins on the back side 602, the display tiles and the intermediate support element 500 appear as a solid body, i.e., they constitute a module.

[0256] The intermediate support element 500 and its display tiles may be fastened to the support structure. Fastening to the support structure may be performed, for example, by suitable fasteners or fastening means, for example, by semi-permanent or non-permanent joints, such as having bolts inserted through openings 504A, 504B and 504C of the element 500, one bolt inserted through one opening and corresponding openings 401, 402 and 403 of the support structure 400.

[0257] 7 a shows a top view and a side view of an opening such as 504A, 504B or 504C. For example, the diameter D1 of the opening 504A is larger than the diameter of the opening 401 in the support structure 400 .

[0258] The modules including the display tiles are preferably made as separate parts. This is to be able to disassemble a module or display tile in a repair or maintenance mode without having to remove the modules or display tiles next to it. To achieve this, the module or display tile can be released from its intermediate structure 500 while leaving the intermediate structure 500 in an installed state.

[0259] This difference is used to compensate for tolerances affecting the support structure (particularly the positions of openings 401, 402, 403, etc.) and to allow nominal alignment of the display tiles. This tolerance compensation is shown in Figures 7a and 7b. Even if opening 401 is not perfectly aligned with opening 504A (504B, 504C), bolt 700 can still be inserted through opening 504A (504B, 504C) in component 504 and opening 401 in support structure 400, component 504 is a fixed component in intermediate structure 500 and is a countersunk or countersunk hole. The diameter of the head 701 of bolt 700 is greater than the diameter D1 of opening 504A (504B, 504C). Alternatively, a washer 702 with an outer diameter greater than D1 can be used. The diameter of the head 701 and / or the diameter of the washer 702 is less than the diameter D2 of the outer diameter of the fixed component 504.

[0260] In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate support element 500 may be partially supported by the support structure 400 during assembly by a temporary joint that may be provided by magnets, before being bolted into place. The magnets may be glued or screwed to the intermediate support element 500. Advantageously, the intermediate support element 500 and the display tiles attached thereto may be slid into position even when the weight of the display tiles is supported by the support structure 400. Advantageously, the intermediate support element and the display tiles attached thereto may be slid into position even when the weight of the display tiles is supported by the support structure.

[0261] The magnets are preferably firmly mounted on the module and are magnetically attracted to a support structure comprising a ferromagnetic material. An intermediate support structure of Y or T shape, rectangle or other shape is located between the two. In order to form a joint, the magnets should be attracted to a ferromagnetic material such as steel. The module is magnetically attracted in the Z direction, for example attracted to a zinc ore plate with a force of about 10 kg and can slide on the zinc ore plate with a force of about 4 kg. If it is necessary to reduce the friction, a suitable coating such as PTFE can be used for this. In fact, it should slide easily during alignment and be strong enough to remain in place in the Z direction. In the XY plane, the module is held in place by fixing the intermediate support element 500.

[0262] An example of a magnet that can be used is a neodymium (NdFeB) pot magnet sold by Webcraft GmbH (Industrial Park 206, 78244 Gottmadingen, Germany) with the following properties:

[0263] Product number: CSN-10

[0264] EAN:7640155431576

[0265] Material: NdFeB

[0266] Tank diameter D: 10mm

[0267] Total height H: 4.5mm

[0268] Drilling diameter d1: 3mm

[0269] Countersink d2: 4.8mm

[0270] Countersink t: 0.9mm

[0271] Tolerance: ±0.1mm

[0272] Nickel plating coating: (Ni-Cu-Ni)

[0273] Steel: Q235(China)

[0274] Magnetization intensity: N38

[0275] Strength: about 1.3kg (about 12.7N)

[0276] Maximum operating temperature: 80°C

[0277] Weight: 2,0000g

[0278] A graphic representation of the force (in kilograms) between a magnet and a steel or iron plate according to the distance between the steel plate and the magnet is given in https: / / www.supermagnete.be / eng / pot-magnets-with-countersunk-borehole / countersunk-pot-magnet-10mm_CSN-10. This is representative of the force exerted between such a magnet and a support structure 400. This steel pot magnet has a countersunk borehole and can be fastened with a countersunk screw. It is suitable for mounting solutions in the shop fitting and lighting industries as well as for domestic use.

[0279] By using several magnets fastened to the intermediate support element 500 supporting the display tile, an attractive force of ±100 N presses the intermediate support element against the zinc ore support structure 400 (the intermediate support element 500 is "sandwiched" between the magnets and the support structure 400). With typical materials used for the intermediate support element 500, the friction force that opposes or restricts the movement of the intermediate support element 500 in the plane of the support structure 400 is in the range of 20 to 50 N, which is well within the range of forces that an operator (whether human or robot) can apply without problem. Once the intermediate support element 500 and the associated display tile are in their nominal position, bolts, such as bolts 700, are used to fasten the intermediate support element 500 and the associated display tile to the support structure.

[0280] Alternatively or in combination with the magnets on element 500, magnets (e.g., 603) may be distributed on the back side 602 of display tile 600. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 6 , the magnets (e.g., 603) are distributed along the edge of the back surface 602. Referring to FIG. 8 a, the first tile 801 is fastened to the support structure 400 via its associated intermediate support structure and fastening means 8014A, 8014B, and 8014C. The fastening means 8014A, 8014B, and 8014C may be part of a suitably shaped device, such as a rectangular device (e.g., Figure 24 to Figure 2 9), T-shaped device or as shown Figure 5 Each of the fastening devices 8014A, 8014B, 8014C can be located at one of the three ends of the T-shaped or Y-shaped device or as shown. Figure 24 to Figure 2 9 on either side of the rectangular device shown.

[0281] The second mosaic block 802 is then placed next to the first mosaic block. For example, mosaic block 802 is placed to the right of mosaic block 801. When the second mosaic block 802 is in its nominal position, the fastening means 8014C associated with mosaic block 801 is below mosaic block 802, but the fastening means 8024A, 8024B, 8024C associated with mosaic block 802 are still accessible to introduce bolts and fasten mosaic block 802 to support structure 400. Figure 8b shows this. The openings in support structure 400 for receiving the bolts are not shown.

[0282] The third tile 803 is then placed next to the second tile 802. In the example of Fig. 8c, the tile 803 is placed to the right of the tile 802. When the third tile 803 is in its nominal position, the fastening means 8024C associated with the tile 802 is below the tile 803, but the fastening means 8034A, 8034B and 8034C associated with the tile 803 are still accessible for introducing bolts and fastening the tile 803 to the support structure 400.

[0283] 8d, the fourth tile block 804 may be placed above the first tile block 801. When the fourth tile block 804 is in its nominal position, the fastening devices 8014A and 8014B are below the fourth tile block 804, but the fastening devices 8044A, 8044B, and 8044C associated with the fourth tile block 804 are still accessible for introducing bolts and fastening the tile block 804 to the support structure.

[0284] As shown in Fig. 8e, the fifth tile 805 can be placed to the right of the fourth tile 804 and above the second tile 802. When the fifth tile 805 is in its nominal position, the fastening means 8044C associated with the fourth tile 804 and the fastening means 8024A, 8024B associated with the second tile 802 are below the fifth tile 805, but the fastening means 8054A, 8054B, 8054C associated with the fifth tile 805 are still accessible and the fifth tile 805 can be fastened to the support structure 400. Fig. 8e shows this.

[0285] The assembly of the tiled display can be performed by adding tiles. In this example, the fastening means associated with the display tiles are distributed on the upper and right sides thereof, so the assembly is performed by assembling tiles from above and or to the right of the display tiles already fastened to the support structure.

[0286] In the example just given, disassembly of the tiled display can be performed from the upper right corner and will proceed toward the left and bottom of the assembly one row at a time.

[0287] An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that no complex mechanism is required to access the fastening means during assembly of the tiled display from the front surface of the tiled display device, even if the fastening means is larger than the distance between two adjacent display tiles. FIG8f shows a cross section of the tiled display along a direction parallel to the Y axis of the tiled display, which shows the position and size of the fastening means, such as 8024A, relative to the footprint F of the display tile 802 and the seam S between the display tiles 802 and 805. FIG8f emphasizes the fact that the fastening means 8024A:

[0288] - outside the footprint F of the display tile 802; and

[0289] - Not accessible through the seam S present between adjacent display tiles 802 and 805.

[0290] Access to the fastening means 8024A from the front side of the display is performed prior to fastening an adjacent display tile 805 to the support structure 400 or after a display tile has been removed.

[0291] Alternatively, the defective display tile 600 can be removed from its associated intermediate support element 500 by one or more actuators in the display tile and / or in the intermediate support structure 500. One or more actuators can be controlled by the same interface for transmitting data and control signals to the display tile or by a separate means: using, for example, a wireless communication system, such as an NFC connection, a Bluetooth connection, a WiFi connection, or a simple FM signal or a magnetic signal, so as to position the magnet at a specific position. For example, if the display tile 600 is attached to the intermediate support structure 500 using a pin and hole combination, a linear actuator at the back of the display tile can trigger the release of the pin and hole combination when activated. In this case, all other display tiles and corresponding intermediate support elements remain in place. The position of the new display tile that replaces the defective display tile has been determined by the pin and hole combination used to fasten the new display tile to the intermediate support structure.

[0292] If the fastening means are distributed along a single side of the display tile as shown in Figures 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, the same advantages as described above are obtained. This is the case with a Y-shaped, T-shaped or rectangular intermediate support structure.

[0293] The display tile may be rectangular, such as a rectangle or a square. The fastening means for fastening the display tile to the support structure are located on a single side of the display tile or distributed along two adjacent sides. If two adjacent sides are used, they are, for example: (left, top), (top, right), as shown in the examples of Figures 8a to 8e, (right, bottom) and (bottom, left). Fig.10 The relative positions of the upper side, the right side, the lower side, and the left side are shown.

[0294] According to another aspect of the invention, the alignment of adjacent display tiles can be achieved, for example, by means of Fig.11 with the shims shown.

[0295] In its simplest form, spacers such as 114a and 114b may be made of, for example, hard rubber, with a thickness equal to the nominal seam between adjacent display tiles 112 and 113 and between adjacent display tiles 111 and 113. Spacers 114a and 114b may be attached to each other and form a right angle. The thickness Th of the spacers is equal to the nominal distance between adjacent display tiles.

[0296] In order to manipulate the display tile without having to touch its display surface, it is possible to do so by, for example Fig.11 The fastening devices 1105A, 1105B, 1105C and for example Figure 5 The fastening means 505A, 505B, 505C in the embodiment fasten the tool to the intermediate support structure. Fig.11The fastening devices 1105A, 1105B, 1105C and Figure 5 or Figure 6 The fastening means 505A, 505B, 505C shown may be part of a Y-shaped or T-shaped or rectangular intermediate support structure which may include means for fastening to the support structure, i.e. for example openings 504A, 504B, 504C and fastening means 1104A, 1104B, 1104C. Figures 14 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, such coupling means or holes 505A, 505B, 505C, 1505A, 1505B and 1505C may be present in the intermediate support structure for use with a tool, or may be omitted.

[0297] The fastening means for fastening to the tool may be distributed along the same side or sides as the fastening means for fastening to the support structure. The number and arrangement of the fastening means for fastening to the tool may be similar to that of the fastening means for fastening to the support structure. Figure 5 and Fig.11 The number and arrangement of the fastening means shown for fastening to the support structure are the same.

[0298] The tool may be simply a handle allowing a human operator to manipulate the display tile without contact with the display surface. The fact that the tool is fastened to the intermediate support element and the display tile at the same position as the fastening means for fastening to the support structure means that the display tile can be positioned and fastened to the support structure in its nominal position without being hindered by the tool, even if the fastening means for fastening to the tool are larger in size than the size of the seam.

[0299] Alternatively, the positioning of the display tile may be automated. A display tile secured to the tool is translated and / or rotated by one or more motors, and the relative position of the display tile with respect to one or two adjacent tiles is monitored by one or more sensors.

[0300] The sensor may be an optical camera or an image sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be any sensor that can assess the distance between adjacent display tiles.

[0301] The distance between adjacent display tiles may be estimated based on the positions of adjacent corners of adjacent display tiles.

[0302] exist Fig.12 In the example of , the alignment of display tile 121 relative to display tile 120 may be evaluated as follows:

[0303] - a distance db between the lower left corner 121b of the display tile 121 and the lower right corner 120b of the display tile 120; and

[0304] The distance da between the upper left corner 121 a of the display tile 121 and the upper right corner 120 a of the display tile 120 .

[0305] If the distances da and db are different, the right side 120R of the display tile 120 cannot be parallel to the left side 121L of the display tile 121. If the sides 120R and 120L are not parallel, a person or a motor can rotate the display tile, for example, by applying torque to the display tile through the intermediary of a tool that is fastened to the display tile 121 through the fastening devices 1215A, 1215B and 1215C.

[0306] If the two distances da and db are equal but different from the nominal distance d0, the display tile 121 can be translated through the intermediary mechanism of the tool. Figures 14 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, coupling means or holes 1215A, 1215B and 1215C may be present in the intermediate support structure for use with a tool, but may be omitted.

[0307] Once the two tile pieces are aligned, the display tile 121 may be secured to the support structure using fastening devices 1214A, 1214B and 1214C as previously described.

[0308] like Fig.13 As shown, the alignment of display tile 132 can be performed by monitoring the relative positions of three of its corners (132a, 132b, 133c) relative to the corners of display tile 130 (corners 130a and 130b on the right side of display tile 130) and / or the corners of display tile 131 (corners 131a and 131b on the upper side of display tile 131). Figures 14 to 28 In the illustrated embodiment, coupling means or apertures 1325A, 1325B and 1325C may be present in the intermediate support structure for use with a tool, but may be omitted.

[0309] Similarly, with the help of Fig.12 As described, the distance between the corner of tile 130 and the corresponding corner of tile 132, and the distance between the corner of tile 132 and the corresponding corner of tile 131 can be evaluated:

[0310] - a distance db1 between the lower left corner 132b of the display tile 132 and the lower right corner 130b of the display tile 130; and

[0311] The distance da1 between the upper left corner 132 a of the display tile 132 and the upper right corner 130 a of the display tile 130 .

[0312] - a distance da2 between the upper left corner 131a of the display tile 131 and the lower left corner 132b of the display tile 132; and

[0313] The distance db2 between the upper right corner 131 b of the display tile 131 and the lower right corner 132 c of the display tile 132 .

[0314] If the right side 130R of the display tile 130 is parallel to the left side 132L of the display tile 132 , the distance da1 and the distance db1 are equal.

[0315] If the top side 131Top of the display tile 131 is parallel to the bottom side 132Bot of the display tile 132, the distance da2 and the distance db2 are equal.

[0316] If these conditions are not met, the display tile 132 must be rotated.

[0317] Furthermore, if the distances da1 , da2 , db1 , and db2 are all equal, but different from their nominal values ​​(the nominal values ​​are the values ​​when the seams are as expected), then it may be necessary to translate the display tile 132 .

[0318] For embodiments of the invention in which the display tile blocks and the intermediate support structure are attached to each other by pins and holes, if one of the tile blocks is damaged, it can be removed while leaving the intermediate support structure fastened to the support structure. The tile blocks and the intermediate support element are manufactured with higher precision than the support structure, and a new tile block can be attached to the intermediate support element without adjusting the alignment of the tile blocks.

[0319] A tool may be used to manipulate a display tile while aligning the display tile with one or more adjacent display tiles without contacting the display surface of the display tile. Figures 14 to 28 In the embodiment shown, such a tool may be used, but this is not required.

[0320] The trusses arched above the display surface can interact with fastening means, for example, arranged around one or two adjacent sides of the display tile. Two and preferably three sensors (particularly, the sensors are image sensors) are fastened to the tool so that the corners of the display tile are within their respective fields of view. The corners to be monitored are the corners of the display tile that are closest to the support structure (e.g., 400) that has been fastened to the display tile to be aligned with it. For example, if the means for fastening to the support structure are along the upper and right sides of the display tile, the field of view of the camera has the upper left corner, the lower left corner, and the lower right corner, respectively. Typically, the corners used to evaluate the seam (or the distance between the display tiles) are those corners where there are no fastening means for fastening to the support structure and no part of the side of the fastening means of the tool.

[0321] The tool may be fastened to, for example, an XY+rotation motorized gantry mechanism. The motors of the gantry mechanism are controlled by a control device (eg, a microcontroller) which uses the readings of the sensors to determine how the motors must be driven to bring the readings to the desired values.

[0322] The distances da1, da2 may be derived in any manner known in the art. In particular, when the sensor is a camera, temporal image processing is used to determine the distances.

[0323] The distance can be derived from the images captured by the image sensor, for example, by for example counting the number of pixels that separate a particular point represented on the surface of the display tile near a corner on each display tile. For example, one pixel at the vertex of each corner can be made to blink to facilitate its identification (by subtracting two consecutive images and thresholding to leave only the blinking pixels).

[0324] Display tiles are usually loaded (placed) into a structure for a tiled display in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tiled display (Z direction). Due to the small distance between these modules and the fragile edges of the display tiles, display tile damage often occurs during installation of the display tiles in the tiled display.

[0325] After this, other embodiments of the intermediate support structure will now be described. Embodiments provide for simple and reliable installation of display tiles while ensuring that the risk of damaging the display tiles during installation is greatly reduced. This is due, among other things, to the fact that it enables a more controlled installation of the display tiles along a specific path, for example compared to display tiles that are not guided and can move freely during their installation. The simplicity of these embodiments allows less trained people to install the display tiles in the tiled display. It also increases the speed at which the display tiles can be installed, but does not reduce the accuracy of positioning the display tiles in their final operating position.

[0326] Will be attached Figures 14 to 27 to describe these embodiments.

[0327] Fig.14 An example of a tiled display is shown in which some of the display tiles (T1-T5, T9) have been installed in the tiled display in their operating position, i.e., the operating position, in which some of the intermediate support structures may be fully visible (500-T6, 500-T7) or partially visible (500-T2, 500-T3, 500-T4, 500-T5, 500-T9). The display tiles T1-T5 and T9 are neatly aligned with each other in their operating position, with a nominal seam between two adjacent display tiles. Fig.14 The tiled display shown as an example in FIG. 1 is composed of or includes 12 display tiles T1-T12. There may be fewer tiles or more tiles, for example 200, distributed in columns and rows. Display tiles T1-T5 and T9 have been installed in their final positions, i.e. their respective operating positions. The next display tile to be installed in this example tiled display is tile T6. Its matching intermediate support structure 500-T6 is only by way of example, a Y-shaped (e.g. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Alternatively, it may be T-shaped or rectangular, for example, as shown in FIG. Fig.28 The intermediate support structure 500-T6 has a fastening device, which includes openings 3504A, 3504B and 3504C, which have Figure 5 and Figure 6 The openings 504A, 504B, 504C shown in the figure have the same purpose, namely, to fasten the intermediate support structure to the support structure 400, such as a wall. There may be one such opening or two or three such openings (such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig.14 21 to 28 ) or more. Such openings may be located at one, two, or three ends of the Y-shaped or T-shaped arrangement (e.g., at each end of the horizontal head of the T or in the middle of the head). One or more such openings may be located along the perimeter of the rectangular intermediate support structure, within its perimeter, or outside its perimeter (e.g., one opening is outside the perimeter of the intermediate support structure in FIGS. 21 to 28 ), as long as the opening or openings remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure and before the adjacent display tile covers it. An elongated fastener, such as a bolt ( Fig.14 3504A1 and 3504B1 in openings 3504A and 3504B of tile T2; and Fig. 20 The splicing block T6 in the middle can / will pass through at least one of the openings (e.g., each of 3504A, 3504B, 3504C) and the corresponding openings, e.g., 401, 402, 403, in the support structure 400. For example, a first elongated fastener that will form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt, can pass through opening 3504A and opening 401, a second elongated fastener that will form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt 3504B1, can pass through opening 3504B and opening 402, and a third elongated fastener that will form a semi-permanent joint or a non-permanent joint, such as with a bolt, can pass through opening 3504C and opening 403. This is similar to the above description of Figures 4 to 10 Describe the intermediate support structure.

[0328] The intermediate support element 500-T6 has coupling means or fastening means for attaching or fastening to the display tile, for example, with a non-permanent joint, for example, to one or a single display tile. The coupling or fastening means may be, for example, holes 3501, 3502, 3503, which may match with protrusions such as pins on the display tile. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling or fastening means may be protrusions such as pins that match with or enter holes on the back of the display tile. Figure 4 A footprint 404 of a display tile is shown that will be coupled to an intermediate support structure such as 500-T6. Fig.14 In the example, two holes 3501 and 3503 are used. It can also be one hole / pin.

[0329] In from Fig.14 In the embodiment shown in the figures above, the intermediate support element can be at least partially or temporarily supported by the support structure during assembly by temporary fastening or securing means, such as magnets, before being secured in place with a more permanent joint or semi-permanent joint, such as nuts and bolts. The temporary fastening or securing means, such as magnets, can be glued or screwed to the intermediate support element. Advantageously, the intermediate support element and the display tiles attached thereto can be slid into place even if the weight of the display tiles is supported by the support structure.

[0330] Alternatively or in combination with magnets on an intermediate support structure, magnets (e.g. Figure 6 603) can be distributed on the back side 602 of the display tile 600. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 601 , the magnets (eg, 603) are distributed along the edge of the back surface 602. Referring to FIG. 8a , the first splicing block is connected to the back surface 602 by the intermediate support structure and the fastening means 8014A, 8014B, 8014C (in FIG. Fig.14 and 3504A, 3504B, 3504C in the other figures, respectively) are fastened to the support structure 400. The fastening means may be part of a suitably shaped device, such as a rectangular device (e.g. Figures 24 to 28 as shown), a T-shaped device, or Figure 5 Each of the fastening means may be located at one of the three ends of a "T" or "Y" shaped device, or at a position such as Figures 24 to 28 either side of the rectangular device shown.

[0331] Fig.15 Shows Fig.14An example of a tiled display, and a representation of the movement (arrow in one of the legs of the Y-shaped intermediate support structure) that the intermediate support structure 500-T6 will undergo from a first position to a second position due to operation of an actuator (e.g., a linear or rotary actuator, a rack and pinion system being one example). The first position is a position where the distance is greater than the nominal seam between a single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles. The linear or rotary actuator is configured to cause movement from the first position to the second position. In this example, the pinion of the rack and pinion system moves clockwise, causing movement of the intermediate support structure 500-T6 along the rack. If the display tile is in its normal position in the XY plane and the Z direction is horizontal, the movement will be downward. This results in the intermediate support structure being positioned in the first position, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Alternatively, the starting position of the intermediate support structure 500-T6 may be the first position, so that it does not have to be moved from the second position to the first position. Any of these possibilities is feasible and does not affect the present invention or its Figures 14 to 28 Embodiment shown. The diagonal movement can be generated by a gear rack system, wherein the rack is angled with respect to the horizontal direction followed by the intermediate support structure (and the display tiles when the display tiles are fastened to the intermediate support structure). Therefore, when the pinion rotates, it drives the display tiles diagonally. The teeth of the rack can be formed at the edge of the intermediate support structure, and the pinion can be mounted to the support structure by a shaft journal, or vice versa. The gear rack system can be self-guided, or can have a separate guiding mechanism.

[0332] Fig.17 Shows Figures 14 to 16 An example of a tiled display, wherein a display tile T6 is loaded / placed on its corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T6 in a first position, wherein there is a distance D between the display tile T6 and the adjacent display tiles T1 and T5. The distance is the distance between the first position and the second position, i.e. the distance between the loading position of the display tile (e.g. T6) and the operating position of the display tile. Once at least one display tile has been installed, the distance is the distance between a single display tile and one or more adjacently installed display tiles, wherein the distance is the distance between adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles that are opposite to each other, respectively.

[0333] Typically, a display tile is loaded / placed on its corresponding intermediate support structure by movement in the Z direction, i.e., orthogonal to the XY plane of the display tile (or the tiled display to which it is to be mounted). The loading position is the position that a single display tile has during its initial placement in the tiled display. Once the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support structure 500-T6 match the corresponding holes and / or pins on the back side 602 of the display tile T6, the display tile and the intermediate support structure 500-T6 appear as a solid (single) body, i.e., they form a module in which the relative positions of the display tile T6 and the intermediate support structure 500-T6 with respect to each other are fixed when moving from a first position to a second position.

[0334] Fig.18 Shows Figures 14 to 17 An example of a tiled display in which a display tile T6 and its corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T6 are in a first position and have an indication that they will be moved away from the first position by operation of an actuator (e.g., a linear drive, such as a gear rack system) (arrow shown in the lower right portion of T6). In this example, the pinion of the gear rack system will move counterclockwise, causing the intermediate support structure 500-T6 to move upward along the rack. This causes the tile T6 and its intermediate support structure 500-T6 to move to and be positioned in a second position, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 The distance between the loading position of the display tile and the operating position of the display tile becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles when the single display tile has reached the second position.

[0335] The operation of the rack and pinion system can be guided by a guide element 4001. The guide element can be linear. The guide element 4001 may include a slot 40011 and a pin 40012, wherein the pin extends and is constrained so that the intermediate support structure follows a predetermined path. The predetermined path may be a diagonal path, i.e. a path that is angled with the Y axis in a plane parallel to the XY plane of the corresponding display tile. The angle may be, for example, 45°, or may be between 40° and 50° or between 30° and 60° to reduce the risk of damaging the display tile. The pin in the slot may also move along a predetermined path, for example along a diagonal path. The slot 40011 may be in the intermediate support structure and the pin 40012 may be attached to the support structure, or vice versa. In order to increase the stability of the intermediate support structure, two guide elements 4001 and 4002 may be used. In Fig.14In the diagram, these guide elements are shown as slots 40011 and 40021 and pins 40012 and 40022 provided at each end of the diagonal of the intermediate support node, here for example at each end of one of the legs of the Y-shaped intermediate support structure. The movement along the predetermined path produced by the linear or rotary actuator is controlled by the linear guide.

[0336] The individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure may be modules configured to appear as a single body, wherein the relative positions of the individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure with respect to each other are secured at any position on a predetermined path.

[0337] Once the display tile is mounted in the second position, i.e. its operating position, such as Fig.19 As shown, the intermediate support structure 500-T6 can be fastened to the support structure, such as Fig. 20 As shown. This can be done, for example, by elongated fasteners or fastening means, such as bolts 3504A1, 3504B1 and 3504C1, respectively, in the openings 3504A, 3504B and 3504C of the intermediate support structure 500-T6. The fasteners each pass through at least one of the openings 3504A, 3504B, 3504C and the corresponding openings 401, 402, 403 in the support structure 400, respectively. The bolts can have an external thread that can be fixed to the thread of a hole in a nut or in the support structure. Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , it can be seen that linear or rotary actuators can be accessible outside the perimeter or footprint of a single display tile and at various locations along a predetermined path ( Figures 14 to 20 ) remains accessible and remains accessible until the adjacent display tile covers the access to the actuator. Figures 21a and 21b show another example of an intermediate support structure. These two figures show Figures 14 to 20 An alternative to the intermediate support structure shown is shown. It is generally rectangular in shape. This is in contrast to other embodiments (e.g. Figures 24 to 28 The opening or openings 3504A, 3504B, and 3504C in the intermediate support structure may be positioned along, within, or outside the perimeter of the intermediate support structure (see, for example, Figures 24 to 28 ), as long as the opening or openings remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure and before the adjacent display tile covers it (e.g. Fig. 27 ), display tile T7 covers the fastening means of tile T3 (elongated member or bolt 3504B1 in opening 3504B).

[0338] In addition, another example of an actuator is shown in Figures 21a and 21b, i.e., a rotating cam 5200. This actuator can also be used when the intermediate support structure has another shape, such as a Y-shape or a T-shape. The movement along the path extending from the first position to the second position can be generated by a rotating cam 5200, wherein the intermediate support structure is configured as a cam follower, and the rotating cam 5200 drives the intermediate support structure along a diagonal path when the rotating cam 5200 rotates, because the intermediate support structure follows the guide element 4003. The guide element can include a slot 40031 and a pin 40032, wherein the pin extends and is constrained to make the intermediate support structure along a diagonal path. The slot can be in the intermediate support structure, and the pin can be attached to the support structure, or vice versa. In order to increase the stability of the intermediate support structure, two guide elements 4003 and 4004 can be used. In Figures 21a and 21b these guide elements are shown as slots 40031 and 40041 and pins 40032 and 40042 provided at each end of the intermediate support structure diagonal. Figure 21a shows the intermediate support structure in a first position and Figure 21b shows the intermediate support structure in a second position.

[0339] Figures 22a and 22b show another example of an intermediate support structure. Figures 14 to 20 An alternative to the intermediate support structure shown in FIG. It is generally rectangular. This is in contrast to other embodiments (e.g. Figures 24 to 28 The openings 3504A, 3504B and 3504C in the intermediate support structure can be positioned along the perimeter of the intermediate support structure, within its perimeter, or outside its perimeter (see Figures 24 to 28 ) as long as the opening or openings remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure and before the adjacent display tile covers it (as can be seen, for example, that display tile T7 covers the fastening means (elongated member or bolt 3504B1 in opening 3504B) of tile T3).

[0340] The opening or openings 3504A, 3504B and 3504C may also be located particularly such as Figures 24 to 28 In the portion shown, this portion will also remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure.

[0341] In addition, another example of actuator 5300 is shown, such as an articulated lever located in a plane. The movement along the diagonal path extending from the first position to the second position can be produced by an articulated lever located in the XY plane, preferably in combination with a guide element 4003. The guide element 4003 may include a slot 40031 and a pin 40032, wherein the pin 40032 extends and is constrained to make the intermediate support structure along the diagonal path. The slot 40031 may be in the intermediate support structure, and the pin 40032 may be attached to the support structure, or vice versa. In order to increase the stability of the intermediate support structure, two guide elements 4003 and 4004 may be used. In Figures 22a and 22b, these guide elements are shown as slots 40031 and 40041 and pins 40032 and 40042 arranged at each end of the diagonal of the intermediate support structure.

[0342] Returning to the articulated lever, the first link 53001 of the lever 5300 is mounted to the support structure via a journal. The second link 53002 of the lever 5300 is mounted to the other end of the first link 53001 via a journal. The third link 53003 of the lever 5300 is a contact element and is mounted to the second link 53002 via a journal. The rotation of the first link 53001 around an axis (Z axis) perpendicular to the XY plane drives the intermediate support structure along a diagonal path through the contact element (i.e., the third link 53003). This actuator can also be used when the intermediate support structure has another shape, such as a Y-shape or a T-shape. The articulated lever can be configured to provide over-center control. This means that in the second position of the intermediate support structure, the articulated lever is in a position where the third link 53003 has fallen slightly beyond the top dead center of the articulated lever. Therefore, to return to the first position, the intermediary must move slightly to allow the articulated lever to exceed and move away from the top dead center position.

[0343] Figures 23a and 23b show another example of an intermediate support structure. Figures 14 to 20 An alternative to the intermediate support structure shown in FIG. It is generally rectangular. This is different from other embodiments (such as Figures 24 to 28 The openings 3504A, 3504B and 3504C in the intermediate support structure can be positioned along the perimeter of the intermediate support structure, within its perimeter, or outside its perimeter (see Figures 24 to 28 ) as long as the opening or openings remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure and before the adjacent display tile covers it (as can be seen, for example, that display tile T7 covers the fastening means (elongated member or bolt 3504B1 in opening 3504B) of tile T3).

[0344] In addition, another example of an actuator, such as a linear actuator, is shown, namely a wedge cam 5400. The diagonal movement along the path extending from the first position to the second position can be generated by a linear wedge cam in contact with the intermediate support structure, wherein the intermediate support is configured as a cam follower, wherein the cam drives the display tile along the diagonal when the cam moves in a linear manner. The horizontal movement of the cam drives the intermediate support structure along the diagonal. This actuator can also be used when the intermediate support structure has another shape, such as a Y-shape or a T-shape. The cam can work with a guide element 4003. The guide element can include a slot 40031 and a pin 40032, wherein the pin 40032 extends and is constrained to make the intermediate support structure along the diagonal path. The slot 40031 can be in the intermediate support structure and the pin 40032 can be attached to the support structure, or vice versa. In order to increase the stability of the intermediate support structure, two guide elements 4003 and 4004 can be used. In Figures 23a and 23b, these guide elements are shown as slots 40031 and 40041 and pins 40032 and 40042 provided at each end of the diagonal of the intermediate support structure.

[0345] Examples of linear and rotary actuators may be manually driven, e.g., a manually operated knob, a manually operated screwdriver that fits into a corresponding slot or other type of head in the actuator, a manually operated drill in a corresponding slot in the actuator, a hexagonal head in a matching hexagonal form in the actuator. The actuator may be over-centered. This list is not exhaustive.

[0346] Fig.24 An example of a tiled display is shown in which some of the display tiles have been installed and are therefore in their final position (second position), i.e. their operating position. The intermediate support structure shown is generally rectangular in shape. There is an opening 3504A in the portion 4000 of the intermediate support structure 500-T7, through which an elongated fastening device, such as a bolt 3504A1, can be placed to fasten the intermediate support structure 500-T7 to the support structure 400. There may be more such openings that can be placed at such portions, and these portions may be located at any other corner or anywhere else along the perimeter of the intermediate support structure (e.g. in the middle of the lower side or in the middle of the right-hand side), as long as these openings remain accessible when the corresponding display tile is fastened to the intermediate support structure and before the adjacent display tile covers it (it can be seen, for example, that display tile T6 covers the fastening device of display tile T2 (the elongated member or bolt 3504A1 in the opening 3504B), and display tile T10 covers the fastening device of display tile T6). The intermediate support structure, which is fully visible and to which no display tiles are yet fastened, is in the first position.

[0347] Fig.25 Shows Fig.24 An example of a display tile T7 is shown in which a display tile T7 has been placed on its corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T7 and both are in a first position. The intermediate support element 500-T7 has a connection or fastening means for connecting or fastening to the display tile T7, for example with a non-permanent joint. The connection or fastening means can be, for example, a hole 3504, which can match with a protrusion such as a pin on the display tile T7. Alternatively or additionally, the connection or fastening means can be a protrusion such as a pin that can match with or enter a hole on the back of the display tile T7.

[0348] Fig.26 It shows that Figure 24 to Figure 25 A further example of an intermediate support structure is shown. Fig.26 The intermediate support structure 500-T7 is shown in the second position, which is due to the above Figure 14 to Figure 2 3a-23b (linear or rotary) actuators. In practice, the display tile T7 is already placed / fastened to its intermediate support structure 500-T7, and the two appear as one body, but Fig. 27 T7 is not shown in order to clearly show the position of the intermediate support structure 500-T7 and the guide elements 4003 and 4004 and their corresponding slots 40031 and pins 40032 and slots 40041 and pins 40042 for ease of explanation. The intermediate support structure has been moved to the second position by any of the above-mentioned actuators, which can act on the intermediate support structure, such as on the intermediate support structure 500-T7, such as on its portion 4000. An elongated fastener, such as a bolt 3504A1, which will form a semi-permanent connection or a non-permanent connection, is introduced into the opening 3504A of the splicing block T7 and the corresponding opening of the support structure 400.

[0349] Fig. 27 Shows Fig.26 Further examples of Fig. 27 As shown, the display tile T7 is shown and, due to its fastening to the corresponding intermediate support structure 500-T7, the display tile T7 is in the second position. The 4000 portion of the intermediate support structure 500-T7 is visible because it is located outside the perimeter of the display tile T7 and is therefore accessible until the display tile T11 covers the 4000 portion of the tile T7 when it is in its final operating position. When a single display tile has reached the second position, the distance between the loading position of the display tile and the operating position of the display tile becomes equal to the seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

[0350] In from Fig.14 In any of the embodiments shown, once the individual display tile is in its second position, the manually-actuated linear actuator will preferably automatically lock, thereby maintaining the individual display tile in its second position, or the intermediate support structure may be maintained in place by fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure with one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, wedges, or any other suitable fasteners).

[0351] The fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure may be distributed along one side of a single display tile or along two adjacent sides of a single display tile.

[0352] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in Figure 9, the linear or rotary actuator can be a single mechanism.

[0353] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in FIG9 , the linear or rotary actuator can be configured to cause movement from the second position to the first position.

[0354] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in 9, the linear or rotary actuator may be a manually driven actuator or may be a motor driven actuator. The linear or rotary actuator may be self-guided.

[0355] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in Figure 9, the intermediate support structure is configured to be located between the individual display tiles and the support structure.

[0356] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in FIG9 , the coupling or fastening means in the intermediate support structure may include holes configured to mate with protrusions such as pins on the individual display tiles, or vice versa.

[0357] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in FIG9 , the intermediate support structure can be configured such that the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support structure match the corresponding holes and pins on the back of the individual display tiles, and the individual display tiles and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body.

[0358] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in FIG9 , the intermediate support structure can be configured to be at least partially or temporarily supported by the support structure.

[0359] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in Figure 9, the linear or rotary actuator can be automatically locked so that when the individual display tile is in the second position, the actuator can keep the individual display tile in its second position.

[0360] exist Figure 14 to Figure 2 In any of the embodiments shown in FIG9 , the fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure may be distributed along one side of a single display tile or along two adjacent sides of a single display tile.

[0361] Fig.28 Shows Figure 24 to Figure 27 An alternative to the intermediate support structure shown. The fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure, such as 500-T7, to the support structure may be distributed along one side of a single display tile or along two adjacent sides of a single display tile. Examples of the latter are shown in FIG. Fig.28 400. As shown, i.e., along the lower and right side of the intermediate support structure. The fastening means with openings 3504A or 3504B or 3504C can all receive elongated fasteners such as bolts. Once the display tile is installed in the second position, i.e., its operating position, the bolts can be tightened so that the intermediate support structure is fastened to the support structure 400, as shown for T3, T4, T9 and T10. Fig.28 The example of the intermediate structure shown can be moved from a first position to a second position by a linear or rotary actuator 7000 acting on the intermediate support structure via a portion 4000 of the intermediate support structure, wherein the actuator is located outside the perimeter or footprint of the matching display tile. Also in this example, the actuator remains accessible at any position along a predetermined (e.g., diagonal) path and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers access to the linear or rotary actuator (typically from the front of the display tile or tiled display).

[0362] Fig.29A , Fig.29B , Fig.29C Shown with Figures 14 to 28 The guide elements shown are compared to alternative guide elements in the intermediate support structure. Only a simplified version of the intermediate support structure is shown because Fig.29A , Fig.29B , Fig.29C For illustration only, an alternative guide element is provided. The alternative guide element has a V-shaped slot in which the pin can move. Fig.29A When the intermediate support structure is in the position shown, it will be in the first position, which corresponds to the loading position of the display splicing block. Fig.29A Starting from the position shown, the pin can be moved downward along the right leg of the inverted V-shaped guide element until it reaches Fig.29B In this case, the intermediate support structure (usually together with the display tile) will be in the second position, i.e. the operating position of the corresponding display tile. The display tile may be, for example, Figures 24 to 28 Alternatively, the pins from Fig.29AMove down along the left leg of the inverted V-shaped guide element until it reaches the position shown. Fig.29C An embodiment of the guide element (slot and pin) wherein the pin extends from its Fig.29A Move to the position in Fig.29B The intermediate support structure (or display splicing block) is moved from the first position to the second position, allowing the spliced ​​display to be assembled starting from its upper left corner, such as Fig.14 Embodiments of the guide element (slot and pin) wherein the pin is located from its Fig.29A Move the position in Fig.29C The guide elements can be positioned at the upper right and lower left of the intermediate support structure instead of at the upper left and lower right. Alternatively, the guide elements can also be positioned slightly further away from the corresponding corners.

[0363] Another alternative guide element is a cross-shaped guide element with an angle exceeding 45°, i.e., an X-shaped guide element, wherein a pin can extend from the upper left leg to the end of the lower right leg and into the end of the lower right leg, thereby moving the intermediate support structure / display tile from the first position to the second position. Alternatively, the pin can move from the upper right leg to the end of the lower left leg and into the end of the lower left leg. The first version allows the tiled display to be assembled starting from the upper left display tile, while the second version allows the tiled display to be assembled starting from the upper right display tile.

[0364] When assembling the tiled display starting from the upper right display tile, fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure and distributed along one side of a single display tile or two adjacent sides of a single display tile will be located along the lower and left side of the intermediate support structure.

[0365] The above description also discloses a tiled display configured to be fastened to a support structure and comprising a plurality of intermediate support structures described by various embodiments, wherein a plurality of display tiled blocks of the tiled display can be fastened to the support structure via the intermediate support structure via a plurality of fastening devices, wherein a single display tiled block can be fastened to an associated intermediate support structure of the plurality of intermediate support structures. In the tiled display, a plurality of fastening devices for fastening a single display tiled block to the support structure are located on a single side or edge of a single display tiled block, or are distributed along two adjacent sides or edges of a single display tiled block.

[0366] The above description, especially about Fig.14The embodiments described above also describe a method for installing a display tile in a tiled display, comprising the following steps: - supporting a single display tile of the tiled display with an intermediate support structure; - moving the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane by a linear or rotary actuator, the first plane being parallel to the XY plane of the single display tile. The first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when it is installed in its operating position in the tiled display. When the single display tile is in the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; wherein the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path to the second position. The linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the perimeter or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at each position along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers the access to the linear or rotary actuator.

[0367] Use from above Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment shown in the figure, the intermediate support structure (or the module consisting of the display splicing block and its corresponding intermediate support structure) cannot move freely, but can only move along a clearly defined lateral path. It moves from a first position to a second position along a diagonal line by a predefined mechanical guide. The display splicing block (or the module consisting of the display splicing block and its corresponding intermediate support structure) is loaded at the first position, and the second position is the end position of the display splicing block (or the module consisting of the display splicing block and its corresponding intermediate support structure). This end or final position is the operating position where the display splicing block is located. The display splicing block is then separated by the nominal seam relative to the adjacent display splicing block that has been installed in its operating position. As mentioned above, in order to perform this movement, there is a mechanical tool, namely an actuator, which can be mounted on the support structure to move the intermediate support structure or move the module consisting of the display splicing block and its corresponding intermediate support structure, that is, it is manifested as a body. The actuator is located outside the perimeter of the display splicing block, and this is for any position of the display on the movement path, that is, at the first position, the second position or any intermediate position.

Claims

1. An intermediate support structure for supporting a single display tile of a tiled display, comprising: a linear or rotary actuator configured to move the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane, wherein the first plane is parallel to an XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position; Wherein, when the single display splicing block is located at the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; The linear or rotary actuator is configured such that the distance becomes smaller as the single display tile moves along the predetermined path toward the second position, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the perimeter or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at each position along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers access to the linear or rotary actuator. 2 . The intermediate support structure according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined path is a path that is angled with respect to an X-axis of the XY plane.

3. An intermediate support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance is the distance between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tile, and wherein the distance is the distance between adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tile relative to each other.

4. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement along the predetermined path produced by the linear or rotary actuator is controlled by a linear guide.

5. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stowed position is the position which the single display tile has during its initial placement in the tiled display.

6. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first position is a position where the distance is greater than a nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

7. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that when the single display tile has reached the second position, the distance becomes equal to a seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

8. An intermediate support structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the single display tile and the intermediate support structure are modules constructed to appear as a single body, wherein the relative positions of the single display tile and the intermediate support structure with respect to each other are fixed at any position on the predetermined path.

9. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is configured to cause movement from the first position to the second position.

10. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a manually driven actuator.

11. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a motor driven actuator.

12. An intermediate support structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-centre cam, an articulated lever, an over-centre articulated lever, a wedge cam.

13. An intermediate support structure according to any preceding claim, configured to be located between the single display tile and a support structure.

14. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising coupling or fastening means configured for coupling or fastening the intermediate support structure to a single display tile.

15. An intermediate support structure according to claim 14, wherein the coupling means or fastening means comprises holes configured to mate with protrusions, such as pins, on the single display tile, or vice versa.

16. The intermediate support structure according to claim 15 is configured so that the pins and / or holes of the intermediate support structure match the corresponding holes and pins on the back of the single display tile, and the single display tile and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body.

17. An intermediate support structure according to any preceding claim, configured to be at least partially or temporarily supported by the support structure.

18. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is self-guiding.

19. An intermediate support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the single display tile is in the second position and the linear or rotary actuator automatically locks to retain the single display tile in its second position.

20. An intermediate support structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein fastening means for fastening the intermediate support structure to the support structure are distributed along one side of the single display tile or along two adjacent sides of the single display tile.

21. A tiled display configured to be fastened to a support structure and comprising a plurality of intermediate support structures according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a plurality of display tiled blocks of the tiled display are fastened to the support structure via the intermediate support structures by a plurality of fastening devices, wherein a single display tiled block is fastened to an associated intermediate support structure of the plurality of intermediate support structures.

22. A tiled display according to claim 21, wherein a plurality of fastening means for fastening the single display tile to the support structure are on a single side or edge of the single display tile, or are distributed along two adjacent sides or edges of the single display tile.

23. A method for installing a display splicing block in a spliced ​​display, comprising the following steps: Supporting a single display tile of the tiled display with an intermediate support structure; moving the single display tile from a first position in a first plane along a predetermined path to a second position in the first plane by a linear or rotary actuator, wherein the first plane is parallel to an XY plane of the single display tile, wherein the first position is a loading position of the single display tile in the tiled display, and the second position is a position of the single display tile when the single display tile is installed in the tiled display in its operating position; Wherein, when the single display splicing block is located at the first position, there is a distance between the loading position and the operating position; wherein the distance becomes smaller when the single display tile moves along the predetermined path toward the second position, Wherein the linear or rotary actuator is accessible outside the perimeter or footprint of the single display tile, remains accessible at various locations along the predetermined path, and remains accessible until an adjacent display tile covers access to the linear or rotary actuator.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the predetermined path is a path that is angled with respect to an X-axis of the XY plane.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the distance is the distance between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, wherein the distance is the distance between mutually opposing adjacent lateral edges of the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles, respectively.

26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the movement along the predetermined path produced by the linear or rotary actuator is controlled by a linear guide.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the loading position is the position that the single display tile has during its initial placement in the tiled display.

28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the first position is a position where the distance is greater than a nominal seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

29. The method of any one of claims 23 to 28, the moving step being such that when the single display tile has reached the second position, the distance becomes equal to a seam between the single display tile and one or more adjacent display tiles.

30. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the single display tile and the intermediate support structure are modules constructed to appear as a single body, wherein the relative positions of the single display tile and the intermediate support structure with respect to each other are fixed at any position on the predetermined path.

31. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, wherein the linear or rotary actuator causes movement from the first position to the second position.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31 , wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a manually driven actuator.

33. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is a motor driven actuator.

34. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is selected from a rack and pinion system, an over-center cam, an articulated lever, an over-center articulated lever, a wedge cam.

35. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the intermediate support structure is supported to be located between the single display tile and a support structure.

36. The method of any one of claims 23 to 35, further comprising coupling or securing the intermediate support structure to a single display tile.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the coupling or securing step comprises matching holes with protrusions, such as pins, on the single display tile, or vice versa.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the pins and / or the holes of the intermediate support structure match corresponding holes and pins on the back of the single display tile, and the single display tile and the intermediate support structure appear as a solid body.

39. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 38, comprising at least partially or temporarily supporting the intermediate support structure with the support structure.

40. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 39, wherein the linear or rotary actuator is self-guiding.

41. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 40, wherein the single display tile is in the second position and the linear or rotary actuator automatically locks to retain the single display tile in its second position.

42. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 41, wherein fastening of the intermediate support structure to the support structure is distributed along one side of the single display tile or along two adjacent sides of the single display tile.

Images