Screen alignment aid

Abstract

Screen alignment aid - with at least one first connecting element (33, 35, 40) of the first form, - with at least one second connecting means (33, 35, 41) of a second type, wherein the first connecting means of a first screen (11) and the second connecting means of a second screen (12) cooperate with each other to align the screens (11, 12) to each other, the screens (11, 12) can subsequently be fitted with the alignment aid, the outer edges of the screens (11, 12) are securely in contact with each other through the interaction of the first (33, 35, 40) and second connecting means.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an alignment aid for screens.

[0002] Two or more monitors are commonly used in the workplace today. This allows multiple programs or documents to be edited simultaneously. This is particularly helpful in programming, technical drawing, and database management.

[0003] The alignment of the individual screens in terms of height, tilt and distance to the user is essentially achieved via the screen base or the articulated arm attached to the screen.

[0004] However, aligning the screens with each other often proves problematic. Achieving precise parallel alignment of the screen edges is difficult using current technology. Furthermore, the alignment is often not permanent, as it can shift during cleaning or if the screen is bumped against the desk or the desk. Beyond the purely aesthetic disadvantage for the user, the insufficient stability of the alignment can also be ergonomically detrimental. It leads to gaps between the screen edges, through which distracting light penetrates and dazzles the user. Light reflections on the screens subsequently lead to faulty data processing and / or health problems.

[0005] While it is already known from the prior art to attach multiple monitors to a so-called monitor arm, these require a permanent and therefore fixed connection to the wall or desk, they must be firmly attached to the monitors (e.g., via screws), and they also take up valuable space. Aligning different monitors mounted on a single monitor arm with each other is also not easy.

[0006] DE 10 2015 116 490 A1 relates to a magnetic connecting device for connecting two units, wherein at least one first connecting element is assigned to a first unit and at least one second connecting element to a second unit. A first connecting element and a second connecting element form a connecting pair. The connecting elements of a connecting pair each have a plurality of contacts. The connecting elements of a connecting pair contact each other magnetically, wherein the connecting elements of a connecting pair are rotatable relative to each other in the contacted state.

[0007] DE 10 2017 100 492 A1 describes a multi-vision device which may have a display field which in turn has a display screen having a first area and an adjacent second area. The first area may have first pixels (MPA), and the second area may have second pixels (SPA). The first pixels (MPA) and the second pixels (SPA) have different structures. The display field may show a single image across the first area and the second area of ​​the display screen. The multi-vision device may have an arrangement of interconnected display fields which are configured to jointly display an image, based on each given display field displaying a separate sub-image in the first and second areas of the given display field.

[0008] DE 20 2014 003 117 U1 discloses an arrangement for a modular, variably configurable mobile presentation system, comprising individually configurable display elements with a stand device for attaching the display elements, wherein the display element and the stand device each form a demountable modular stele arrangement, wherein a plurality of stele arrangements can be joined together to form a presentation wall.

[0009] In order to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, the object of the invention is therefore to create an aid which enables the alignment of two or more screens to each other in a simple manner at the workplace, so that touching or accidental vibration does not change the alignment of the screens.

[0010] The problem is solved by the alignment aid for screens set out in claim 1, having the features of claim 1, in particular having at least one first connecting means of a first form, having at least two connecting means of a second form, wherein the first connecting means of a first screen and the second connecting means of a second screen cooperate with each other to align the screens to each other.

[0011] The alignment aid according to the invention is particularly advantageous for stationary screens at the workplace or any other stationary monitors, such as television monitors. Screens with borderless display surfaces, in particular, can be easily arranged side-by-side or one above the other without gaps. Through the interaction of the first and second connecting elements, the outer edges of the screens rest securely against each other, even if the screens or their support surface are shaken. Additional screens can be easily arranged next to those already present using the alignment aid according to the invention.

[0012] The virtually seamless arrangement of the screens significantly improves not only the aesthetics of the workspace but also, and perhaps more importantly, the ergonomics. The alignment aid according to the invention allows the vertical or horizontal outer edges of the screens to be positioned so precisely relative to one another that comparing data rows, table fields, or drawings is simplified. The eye does not have to overcome any "obstacle" in the form of a gap between the screens; furthermore, it is not affected by changing lighting conditions.

[0013] Preferably, the alignment aid according to the invention is designed such that the connecting elements cooperate with each other without contact. This means that the connecting elements can also be housed inside the screen housing and do not protrude externally. The screens can thus lie seamlessly against each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element is a first magnet and the second connecting element is a magnetic material interacting with the magnet, such as a magnetic metal. A magnetic connection of the outer edges of two screens via the alignment aid according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it is sufficiently stable and thus robust enough to counteract shock or accidental displacement of the screens, yet it can be easily released without tools.

[0015] According to the invention, it is also possible for the first connecting element to be a magnet and for the second connecting element to also be a magnet, and for the magnets on the respective screens to be arranged such that the magnets with opposite polarities face each other. In this way, the screens can only be arranged relative to each other in a predetermined orientation and sequence. Incorrect arrangement or rotation of the screens is thus avoided. The alignment aid is therefore particularly easy and error-free to use.

[0016] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the connecting means are designed as mechanical connecting means.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first connecting element is a projection, and the second connecting element is a recess into which the projection engages to align and couple the screens. In this embodiment as well, it is ensured that the screens can only be connected to each other in a specific orientation. The projection and recess are arranged such that, when correctly engaged, they align the screens precisely vertically or horizontally.

[0018] The extension and recess are designed to be complementary in such a way that they interlock, but do not come loose in the event of slight vibrations or impacts to the screens.

[0019] According to the invention, the first and second connecting elements can have locking devices that fix the connecting elements to one another. These can, for example, be plastic clip elements arranged so that they lock into position with gentle pressure when the screens are correctly oriented relative to each other. According to the invention, these locking devices are also designed so that a certain degree of pivoting of the screens around the longitudinal axis of the alignment aid is possible.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting means can be arranged as supplementary components on the respective screen. According to the invention, it is conceivable that the alignment aid is designed in the form of a pair of rails or strips. The screens can be retrofitted with the alignment aid according to the invention. This also enables a quick and easy rearrangement of the screens. According to the invention, several possibilities arise for equipping the alignment aid, designed as a separate component, with connecting means.

[0021] It is conceivable that the connecting elements can be arranged on the respective screen using friction and / or form-fitting mechanisms. The connecting element, designed, for example, as a rail or strip, can thus be slid onto the outer edge of the screen to be joined, clipped on, or, if necessary, screwed or glued on.

[0022] According to the invention, a screen with an alignment aid according to the invention carries at least one first and at least one second connecting means, which are intended for interaction with connecting means of a second screen of the same type.

[0023] The connecting elements can be integrated into the screen, particularly into the screen's frame. Especially with non-contact connecting elements, such as the magnets mentioned above, it can be advantageous to integrate them directly into the screen or its frame.

[0024] For example, a screen with the alignment aid according to the invention comprises a first connecting element of the first type, which is integrated into the left edge of the screen, and a second connecting element of the second type, which is integrated into the right edge of the screen. A screen equipped in this way can be connected to another screen with the same equipment.

[0025] Both screens can be aligned using the existing alignment aid. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for aesthetic reasons, but also from a technical point of view, since the display surfaces of the screens, especially in borderless designs, lie seamlessly against each other without the need for any further application of the alignment aid.

[0026] If necessary, the magnets are shielded towards the display area of ​​the screen and only act in the direction of the outer edge of the screen.

[0027] According to the invention, in the magnetic embodiment of the alignment aid, it is conceivable that the first connecting element and the second connecting element are each rod-shaped and integrated into the screen edge parallel to a screen edge. Likewise, it is provided according to the invention to integrate several rod-shaped magnets aligned along a line in the screen edge. However, the shape of the magnets is by no means limited to rod-shaped magnets according to the invention. According to the invention, it may also be advantageous to use a different type of magnet.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second connecting means are arranged such that, in a vertical or horizontal arrangement of several screens, complementary connecting means of different screens face each other. According to the invention, an incorrect arrangement of the screens can therefore be avoided if, for example, the first connecting means of the first type is always arranged at the right edge of a screen, and the configuration is such that the north pole of the magnet points towards the outer edge of the screen, and the second connecting means of the second type is always arranged at the left edge of a screen, and the configuration is such that the south pole of the magnet points towards the outer edge of the screen.

[0029] A better understanding of the invention and further advantages will result from the following description of some exemplary embodiments.

[0030] In simplified form, they show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the alignment aid according to the invention; Fig. 2 a screen arrangement with the in Fig. 1 alignment aid shown, wherein the alignment aid is arranged on the screens in the form of separate clamping components; Fig. 3 a screen arrangement with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the alignment aids are integrated into the screen housing; Fig. 4 a screen arrangement with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the alignment aids are integrated into the screen housing; Fig. 5 a view of a screen arrangement as described in the Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 is shown; Fig. 6 a partial representation of an arrangement of several screens which are aligned both vertically and horizontally to each other via the alignment aid according to the invention; and Fig. 7 a screen arrangement of two screens with a further embodiment of the invention, wherein these are designed as mechanical connecting means.

[0031] In the figures, an arrangement of several screens is collectively designated by the reference numeral 10. The respective arrangements 10 are held in a defined position relative to each other by means of various embodiments of the alignment aid according to the invention.

[0032] A first embodiment of the invention is described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown. Fig. Figure 2 shows a screen arrangement 10 with a first screen 11 and a second screen 12. Each screen initially consists of a screen housing 13, which is held by a screen stand 14. In Fig. 2. These may be computer workstation screens or television screens.

[0033] Each screen housing 13 forms a screen frame 15, which surrounds a display area 16 for presenting information. This screen frame 15 is exaggerated for clarity of the invention. This is particularly important to clarify with regard to so-called frameless screens. In these, the screen frame 15 is reduced to an almost imperceptible size. Furthermore, there are now technologies in which the frame surrounding the display area is concealed from view by the display unit. Nevertheless, even in screens 11, 12 of the latter type, a frame in the broadest sense is present, which holds the display unit providing the display area within the housing.

[0034] Each screen frame 15 has a total of four frame legs, namely two vertical frame legs 17 and two horizontal frame legs 18.

[0035] How Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, in the screen arrangement 10 shown there, each of the respective vertical frame legs 17 carries a clamping component designated collectively by the reference numeral 30. These clamping components 30 are part of the alignment aid according to the invention. Two cooperating clamping components 30 are in Fig. 1 represents.

[0036] Each clamping component 30 initially comprises a clamping housing 31. Each clamping housing has approximately horizontally oriented clamping legs 32 at its ends, with which the clamping component 30 – as in Fig. 2 shown - can be set on the screen frame.

[0037] Furthermore, the clamping housing 31 accommodates connecting elements, here in the form of rod-shaped magnets 33. These magnets 33 are used to align the screens 16. Fig. 2. If two things cooperate with each other, meaning they attract each other, they are complementary in terms of their polarity. This is represented by the symbols “+” and “-” respectively. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 symbolizes. One magnet 33, one of the clamping components 30, thus represents the first connecting element of the first form. The other magnet 33 of the corresponding clamping component 30 thus represents the second connecting element of the second form. Two connecting elements that are fundamentally suitable for interaction with each other form the alignment aid according to the invention.

[0038] How Fig. Figure 2 shows that in the screen arrangement shown there, each screen carries two clamping components, each with a magnet. The polarity of the magnets is complementary, meaning each screen carries one magnet marked "+" and one marked "-". Thus, each screen 11 / 12 carries one first connecting element of the alignment aid and one second connecting element of the alignment aid.

[0039] If the first screen is 11 and the second screen is 12, as in Fig. As shown in section 10, these cooperating alignment aids are placed side by side to form an arrangement. The [items] shown in [section] Fig. Two attractive forces generated by the magnets ensure that the respective clamping components and the frame sections connected to them are in contact with each other. This creates a connection between the two screens. If a force is applied to one of the screens that disrupts their alignment, for example, during screen cleaning or due to vibrations in the workspace, the screens lose the alignment provided by the alignment aid. Fig. 2. The arrangement imposed by the corresponding clamping components 30 is therefore only temporary at best. As a rule, the screens will align themselves to each other automatically, provided they have sufficient mobility around a joint not shown.

[0040] Even if automatic alignment does not occur, only minimal adjustment effort is required by the user, as the alignment aid, in particular the interacting connecting elements, is integrated into the system. Fig. 2 Specifically, the magnets automatically perform the screen alignment as soon as they are brought sufficiently close to each other.

[0041] The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 and explained in the accompanying description has the advantage that it can be retrofitted using the clamping components 30 of the alignment aid according to the invention, which can be handled separately from the screen, and—with a suitable design—clamping components 30 that are variably adjustable in length could also be attached to screens of different dimensions. The attachment can be achieved by clamping, but according to the invention, this is not the only possible method. Similarly, gluing or, for example, fastening via Velcro elements is conceivable for the alignment aid to be retrofitted.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a screen arrangement 10, which is the same as that in Fig. 2 is similar in all essential features. Only the alignment aid according to the invention is shown here in a different embodiment. The connecting means of the first form (the rod-shaped magnet 33 marked with a "+" symbol) and the connecting means of the second form (the rod-shaped magnet 33 marked with a "-" symbol) are integrated here into the screens 11 and 12 respectively, more precisely into the screen housing 13, specifically into the vertical frame legs 17. These are therefore only shown with dashed lines.

[0043] The main advantage of this invention lies in its superior overall aesthetic appearance. Its function is identical to that of the first embodiment. Here, too, the adjacent screens 11 and 12 align themselves with each other through magnetic forces as soon as they are brought close enough together.

[0044] Overall, the connecting elements in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The 3 illustrated embodiments each have rod-shaped or other elongated magnet forms.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention. Again, a screen arrangement consisting of a first screen 11 and a second screen 12, collectively designated by reference numeral 10, is shown. The different design of the first and second connecting means deserves attention here. Magnets are again integrated into the respective vertical frame legs 17. However, these are individual magnets arranged vertically spaced apart from one another.

[0046] The magnets designated here as 35 are again marked with “+” and “-” respectively with respect to their complementary polarity. This embodiment of the invention offers an additional benefit compared to the two aforementioned embodiments. Here, the attractive forces not only provide support in the horizontal direction to ensure the alignment of the screens relative to each other. By using several magnets 35 arranged at vertical intervals, an alignment function also takes place in the vertical direction. In this respect, not only do the adjacent vertical arms 17 of two screens 11, 12 lie precisely against each other, but the horizontal frame arms 18 of the two screens 11 and 12 are also aligned with each other due to the vertical alignment support.

[0047] Fig. Figure 5 shows a top view of a screen arrangement 10, such as that found in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. Figure 4 shows that the screens are arranged at an angle to each other around a mutual alignment line between the vertical frame legs 17, so that a gap exists between the vertical legs 17 of the screen frame 15. Even such an angled screen arrangement does not preclude the advantages of the alignment aid according to the invention, particularly if the magnets 33 / 35, shown here only schematically, are integrated as far forward as possible in the frame, pointing towards the viewer.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 shows a partial representation of a screen arrangement 10, such as those used at large events. Here, several screens are connected horizontally side by side and vertically one above the other to form a single, correspondingly large display area. The illustration shows that the alignment aid is arranged not only in the area of ​​the vertical legs 17 but also in the area of ​​the horizontal legs 18, with the first and second connecting elements in the screen frames. These elements work together to permanently and stably align the four partially shown screens 11, 12, 51, 52 with each other.

[0049] Finally, it was on Fig. 7 referred, which in turn shows an arrangement 10 of only two screens 11 and 12.

[0050] Here too, the vertical arms 17 of the screens 11 and 12 carry first and second connecting elements, which together form an alignment aid. The first connecting elements are designed as first hooks 40, and the second connecting elements as second hooks 41. The hooks of adjacent vertical arms 17 of two screens 11 and 12 interlock to align the screens horizontally and vertically. Hooks 40 and 41 are shown schematically here. There is a gap between screens 11 and 12 in which the engagement of hooks 40 and 41 can be seen. It should be noted that this is an exaggeration. Of course, a seamless alignment of the screens is also possible, ensuring a concealed arrangement of the hooks.In order to also enable an angled arrangement of the screens 11 and 12 relative to each other in this embodiment of the invention, as already seen in . Fig. As shown and described in Figure 5, it is conceivable to design the hooks to be spring-loaded and extendable.

[0051] Fig. Figure 7 serves to illustrate that the alignment aid can be formed by interlocking, mechanical first and second connecting elements.

[0052] As an alternative embodiment not shown in the illustration, it is conceivable, for example, that a textile fabric or other sheet-like structure could be arranged on the opposing frame legs 17, 18 of adjacent screens in order to connect them. It is quite conceivable that the sheet-like structure or textile fabric itself contains magnets or magnetic materials and can be reversibly attached to the screen frame 15.

[0053] The key advantage of the invention, as described in the aforementioned embodiments, is that the alignment aid can stabilize an arrangement of at least two or more monitors relative to each other, or even achieve this stabilization to a certain extent independently. This results in a particularly advantageous, aesthetically pleasing overall impression, for example in workplaces, and furthermore, workplace ergonomics are permanently ensured. Reference symbol list 10. Screen Arrangement 11 first screen 12 second screen 13 screen housings 14 screen feet 15 screen frames 16 Display area 17 vertical frame legs 18 horizontal frame legs 30 clamping components 31 terminal blocks 32 clamping legs 33 rod-shaped magnets 35 magnets 36 gap 40 first hook 41 second hook 51 third screen 52 fourth screen

Claims

[1] Screen alignment aid - with at least one first connecting element (33, 35, 40) of the first form, - with at least one second connecting means (33, 35, 41) of a second type, wherein the first connecting means of a first screen (11) and the second connecting means of a second screen (12) cooperate with each other to align the screens (11, 12) to each other, the screens (11, 12) can subsequently be fitted with the alignment aid, the outer edges of the screens (11, 12) are securely in contact with each other through the interaction of the first (33, 35, 40) and second connecting means. [2] Alignment aid for screens according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting means (33, 35) cooperate with each other without contact. [3] Alignment aid for screens according to claim 2, characterized by, that the first connecting element (33, 35) is a first magnet and the second connecting element is a magnetic material interacting with the magnet. [4] Alignment aid for screens according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the first connecting means is a first magnet (33, 35) and the second connecting means is also a magnet (33, 35) and that the magnets (33, 35) are arranged on the respective screen (11, 12) such that magnets with opposite polarities face each other. [5] Alignment aid according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting means are designed as mechanical connecting means (40, 41). [6] Alignment aid according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first connecting element has a projection and the second connecting element has a recess into which the projection engages for the aligning coupling of the screens. [7] Alignment aid according to claim 6, characterized by, that the first and second connecting means have locking means (40, 41) which fix the connecting means to each other. [8] Alignment aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting elements can be arranged as supplementary components on the respective screen. [9] Alignment aid according to claim 8, characterized by that the connecting elements can be arranged on the respective screen in a friction-fit and / or form-fit manner. [10] Screen with an alignment aid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the screen (11) carries at least one first (33, 35, 40) and at least one second connecting means (33, 35, 41) which are provided for interaction with connecting means of a second screen (12) of the same type, wherein the screens (11, 12) can subsequently be provided with the alignment aid, wherein the outer edges of the screens (11, 12) lie securely against each other through the interaction of the first (33, 35, 40) and second connecting means. [11] Screen according to claim 10, characterized by , that the connecting means are integrated into the screen (11). [12] Screen according to claim 11 with an alignment aid according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the first connecting element (35) and the second connecting element (35) are each rod-shaped and are integrated into the screen frame (15) parallel to each screen edge. [13] Screen according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that the first and second connecting means (33, 35, 40, 41) are arranged in the screen frame (15) such that when several screens (11, 12, 51, 52) are connected in series, complementary connecting means of different screens are facing each other.

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