EP0901332A1

EP0901332A1 - Modular interior furnishing system

Info

Publication number: EP0901332A1
Application number: EP97921580A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Schärer; Florin Baeriswyl
Original assignee: USM Holding AG
Current assignee: USM Holding AG
Priority date: 1996-05-29
Filing date: 1997-05-29
Publication date: 1999-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2017-05-29
Also published as: DE19621547A1; PT901332E; EP0901332B1; JP4242689B2; EP1224888B1; CZ297378B6; DK1224888T3; EP1224888A2; PL183587B1; US6220186B1; HUP9904321A3; BR9709484A; NO311486B1; US6460470B1; NO985587L; HK1018882A1; DE59707736D1; ATE220517T1; ATE274317T1; ES2225676T3

Abstract

The invention concerns a modular interior furnishing system comprising a plurality of different functional units, such as carcasses, work-surfaces, partition panels, lighting members, display shelves, etc., and at least one integral statically portative construction element. The construction element takes the form of a free-standing vertical closed rectangular frame. A stand extending perpendicular to the frame plane on the underside of the frame and/or a corner connection to a second adjacent frame is used for stabilizing the construction element in the vertical position. The functional units are installed such that they engage through the plane formed by the frame. The frame comprises vertical longitudinal struts with grooves or ribs for securing the functional units at the selected height. Ducts and grooves are provided in the frame for stowing cables. Preferably, the corner connections have an angular grid such that adjacent frames can be interconnected at angular positions which can be selected but whose dimensions are predetermined. Preferably, for stabilizing purposes, a carcass is fitted in the lowermost region of the frame.

Description

Modular interior system

Technical field

The invention relates to a modular interior furnishing system with several different functional units and one or more uniformly constructed, statically load-bearing construction elements. State of the art

The development and change in jobs is constantly progressing. It should be taken into account here that not only are new work environments created (for example, due to the development of data processing and telecommunications), but also that existing workplace equipment should be adapted to the changing tasks of a work team. Against this background, it is desirable for the manufacturer and provider of furniture or entire facilities to have a system at hand that enables the most varied of needs to be satisfied and that can also be converted without problems after installation (i.e. at a later date).

The need for flexible interior decoration systems has existed for a long time. Accordingly, there are also a large number of proposals. It turns out, however, that most of the known system solutions are strongly geared towards one application (eg subdivision of open-plan offices, creation of exhibition furniture, shelving systems, etc.).

From the documents GM-74 23 372 and GM-75 09 392 z. B. shelving systems are known in which vertical beams between floor and ceiling or on the wall of a room are fixed as structural structural elements in order to then be able to install rack panels, box elements or containers. The German utility model GM-75 20 557, for example, deals with a panel wall that has plinth furniture so that it can be placed in the room in a free-standing manner. The vertical beams are designed as perforated profiles so that box elements can be hung at a selectable height.

Shelf systems for trade fairs are known from the two publications GM-90 01 437.5 and GM-94 08 676.1. They can be set up free-standing in the room and offer the option of arranging shelves, tables or hooks as required. According to GM-90 01 437.5, several vertical supports with feet are connected to each other by cross members. The shelves are attached from the front like a wall shelf system. The GM-94 08 676.1 has a large rectangular frame construction see which vertical support tubes can be used for attaching trays etc. Similar to the GM-90 01 437.5, all functional elements protrude forward. Finally, wall elements for dividing and furnishing rooms in large numbers are known (e.g. DE-40 04 200 A1, DE-24 42 479 A1, EP-0 345 754, US-4,727,994, DE-26 15 235 A1, US -4,657,149).

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a modular interior furnishing system of the type mentioned at the outset, which is distinguished by a functional diversity and which enables the creation of furnishing arrangements of high static stability with at the same time maximum modularity.

The solution according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1.

Because the construction element is designed as a closed rectangular frame, high stability and torsional rigidity are ensured. The frame is e.g. B. 2 m high and 75 cm wide and is placed vertically. The functional units (in particular the table tops or work surfaces, the shelf or storage surfaces and the containers or carcasses etc.) are installed in the frame in such a way that they reach through the plane spanned by the frame. Among other things, this avoids excessive one-sided loading. To stabilize a frame element in the vertical position, for. B a chassis extending perpendicular to the frame plane is attached to the underside of the frame. It can be equipped with feet (or glides) or castors. Several frames can be connected at an angle to one another via corner connections, so that the chassis on the underside can be dispensed with for certain applications (acoustic dividing walls or the like). According to a preferred embodiment, the frame has vertical longitudinal spars with grooves or ribs for fastening the functional units at any desired height. Longitudinal rails with a hole or slot grid are also conceivable, so that the fastening can be carried out by means of suitable suspension system elements.

If the longitudinal spars are designed in such a way that the functional elements can be mounted at any height, the attachment of table tops in an exactly horizontal orientation can be tedious because a scale or spirit level has to be used. To facilitate assembly, e.g. B. in the fastening groove a profile insert (z. B. a plastic strip) can be integrated, which has small notches or knobs at regular intervals. A fastening element engaging in the groove can snap slightly into the notch, so that the user has an orientation option for the adjusted assembly. It should be emphasized that the grid of the profile insert in no way limits the freedom to fasten the fastening element at any desired height. It is therefore easily possible to fix an element between two grid positions. The grid therefore represents only one type of integrated scale, which can be used as required.

For aesthetic as well as practical reasons, it is advantageous if the frame is equipped with channels for cables and / or lines. In this way, the frame and the entire interior system can be elegantly electrified or equipped for data communication. It is not essential that all four sides of the frame have cable channels. It may be sufficient if one or both longitudinal spars and possibly a narrow side are equipped with such channels.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a busbar is integrated in a longitudinal channel of the frame, in which at least two conductors intended for carrying the current are arranged. The busbar is accessible via a longitudinal slot in the profile support (frame). The conductors can be contacted at any point with a suitably designed plug. For safety reasons, the conductors are arranged in the channel in such a way that they cannot be touched easily (for example, it should not be possible to touch a live conductor with a screwdriver. The frame (especially the longitudinal spar) has z. B an S or Z shaped profile. This is axisymmetric and forms both the fastening groove and the cable duct. The diagonal support or connecting part of the S-shaped profile can be double-walled to increase stability. The Z- or S-shaped profile can have a round or square outer shape (in cross section). In principle, however, any cross-sectional shapes are possible (regular polygons such as triangles, hexagons, heptagons, but also asymmetrical shapes such as L-shape or the like).

The frame can consist of screwed or welded side parts. The longitudinal struts are preferably designed as vertical hollow profiles (for example of the type mentioned above). As the narrow sides of the frame z. B Cross bracket that is rigidly connected to the hollow profiles. Good stability can be achieved in that the cross brackets are fastened with the aid of screws or clamping or expanding wedge elements which engage in the longitudinal spars at the ends.

The chassis can be designed in different ways. For example, in the plane perpendicular to the frame plane, an H-shaped construction can be formed, at the ends of which feet, sliders or rollers can be provided. Another option is then to attach a base plate to the underside of the frame. Since such a plate has no protruding legs, the risk of someone tripping over the chassis is also minimized. (This is important, for example, for publicly accessible rooms.)

A body is advantageously built onto the chassis. Its weight increases the stability of the vertical frame. The height of the body can be set as required. About z. B. table tops, partition panels, presentation items, screen brackets and / or device brackets can be provided. Another frame can be attached to the side of such a stabilized construction element (aligned or at an angle other than 180 °). The corner connection used for this is e.g. B. used at the junction between the longitudinal spar and bracket. The connecting elements can be prefabricated one-piece molded parts which define a certain connecting angle. That is, the furniture system comprises a plurality of different various connecting elements, which are used by the user as required. However, it is also possible to provide a single molding which can be attached to the corners of the frame in different angular positions. In this context, to ensure good stability, it is advantageous if the corner connection has an angular grid (for example a 15 ° grid).

On the basis of the construction element according to the invention, the most varied of interior fittings (workplaces in the office, workshop and service area) can be constructed. Individual furniture (carcasses, boxes, partitions) can also be selected and used for special applications without further ado.

Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention result from the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiments show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a frame according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a piece of furniture with a work surface;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a mobile container furniture;

4a, b show a schematic illustration of a mobile chassis in a side view and in a top view;

5a, b show a schematic illustration of a corner connection in side view and in top view; 6 shows a schematic illustration of a frame profile and a fastening clip;

7 shows an exemplary illustration of an interior device with a plurality of workstations based on the device system according to the invention;

8a-c show a schematic representation of a V-shaped cover of a cable duct;

9a-b connecting pieces with predetermined angles;

10 shows a schematic illustration of a corner connection at an upper corner of the frame;

1 a - b show two schematic sectional representations of a corner connection at a lower corner of the frame;

12 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a device for fastening a table top to the vertical longitudinal spar of the frame;

13a-c a support element in cross section, in the front view and in the view from above;

14a, b show a representation of the support element fastened to the chassis;

15 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a modular container;

16 shows a schematic illustration of a folding table integrated in the frame;

Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of a base plate. In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the drawings.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

1 shows, by way of example, a frame 1 which, as a structurally stable structural element, forms the basis of the interior system according to the invention. It consists z. B. from two vertical longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 and two horizontally connecting brackets 3.1, 3.2. At the lower corners (quasi in the extension of the longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2) z. B. two sliders 4.1, 4.2 attached.

The longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 are z. B. formed as straight hollow profiles. The brackets 3.1, 3.2 are preferably designed as solid, flat (and also straight) rods, which have at both ends a step offset laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the rod. For rigid connection of the bracket 3.1, 3.2 with the longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 are z. B. clamping screws 5.1 to 5.4 are provided which engage in the open ends of the longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2. The clamping screws 5.1 to 5.4 are e.g. B. screwed into axially running threaded holes of the longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2.

The longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 and the brackets 3.1, 3.2 thus span a rectangular surface or plane. With respect to this plane, the profiles of the frame are aligned in such a way that the direction of the larger cross-sectional dimension is perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

In the present example, the brackets 3.1, 3.2 have different (i.e. flatter) profiles than the longitudinal bars 2.1, 2.2. Advantageously - but not necessarily - the brackets 3.1, 3.2 are hollow for the reception of cables and wires. In this sense, the longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 should also have open (and possibly lockable or coverable) longitudinal grooves or channels.

An interior system according to the invention is advantageously based on one or two frame elements of the same or different dimensions. For example, a large frame element (height 1.8 to 2.2 m, width 0.7 to 1.0 m) is conceivable for Provide shelves, partitions, standing workstations etc. and a small frame element (height e.g. 1.2 to 1.6 m, width 0.4 to 0.6 m) for mobile functional units such as personal roll bodies, presentation units etc. The restriction to one or two frame elements of a given size and the same design not only brings about a visual standardization of the functionally different units, but also simplifies the overall planning and construction of interior fittings.

The vertical longitudinal spars 2.1, 2.2 are preferably provided with function-specifically designed means (for example longitudinal grooves or ribs, openings, rows of holes) which are used to fasten various functional elements at a selectable height. Of course, the longitudinal spars can also be formed by (in cross-section) closed square tubes or by T or double T profiles. For aesthetic reasons in particular, it is desirable if the fastening elements only engage on one or two sides of the profile (and do not have to encompass it on three sides).

2 shows an example of a simple work station on the basis of a large vertical frame 7. This is stabilized with a chassis 8 (which extends perpendicular to the plane spanned by the frame 7). The chassis 8 has z. B. Boom with feet 9.1, 9.2. Instead of the feet 9.1, 9.2, lockable castors can also be provided, so that the entire workplace is mobile.

A work surface 1 1 (small table top) is installed in frame 7 at a suitable height (e.g. 70 to 80 cm above the floor - depending on the type of work station). It protrudes through the vertical plane spanned by the frame 7. A diagonal or triangular strut element 12 can be provided to stabilize the work surface 11. (A preferred way of attaching a table top is explained below in connection with FIG. 12.)

On the crossbar 13 of the frame 7 z. B. attached a lamp 14. The electrification can be hidden in frame 7. In principle, an element standardized for the present furniture system can be used to fasten the lamp 14, as will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 12. That is, there will be a clamping element Coupling piece provided, which is suitable for a wide variety of applications (attaching a table top, a shelf, a lamp, etc.).

Fig. 3 shows a mobile functional unit (same scale as in Fig. 2). The frame 15 is, for. B. only 150 cm high and has a chassis 16 with rollers 17.1, 17.2. The body 18 is, for. B. modularly composed of several boxes and fills almost the entire height of the frame 15. It is placed in such a way that it projects through the plane spanned by the frame 15. He can U. may also be connected to the vertical longitudinal spars of the frame 15. The crossbar 19 can serve as a handle when moving or moving the rolling furniture.

The units shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 have a uniform appearance due to the similar design of the two frames 7 and 15 (differing in size only).

The unit shown in Fig. 3 can be expanded as a personal filing cabinet or as a computer trolley. In the second case, z. B. computing and printing unit arranged and a screen at the top. The screen can e.g. B. be placed on a tiltable plate or bracket of the trolley.

A possible embodiment of the chassis will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4a, b. This consists e.g. B. essentially of two side beams (in Fig. 4a, b only one is shown and provided with the reference numeral 21) and a cross member 22. The chassis {side beam 21 and cross member 22) is substantially H-shaped, the cross member 22nd in the present example not in the middle, but rather against one end of the side support 21.

At the ends of the side supports 21 rollers 24.1, 24.2 are articulated (as is known in the case of mobile furniture or office chairs). If desired, the rollers 24.1, 24.2 can be provided with brakes or detents. The longitudinal spars z. B. 20 are appropriately trained robust connectors z. B. 23 rigidly connected to the side supports 21. The closed frame is built as a whole on a chassis of the type described.

17 shows a base plate 105 which can be used as a stand instead of the H-shaped chassis. It is essentially formed by two side carriers 106.1, 106.2 and a cover 107. The side carriers 106.1, 106.2 are attached to the frame 104 (at its lower corners). The cover fills the space between the side supports 106.1, 106.2. If several frames with base plates are placed side by side on a line, the impression of a continuous plate is created.

It is not necessary (and partly not possible at all for reasons of space) that all of the frames set up have a chassis of the type described for stabilization. Therefore, the interior system also contains a corner connection, which makes it possible to frame adjacent frames, e.g. B. to connect to each other at the corners or on the longitudinal spars. A frame without a chassis can therefore be attached to a frame with a chassis (two vertical longitudinal spars come directly next to each other). It is also possible to set up several frames at right angles to one another via corner connections, so that mutual stabilization takes place without a chassis being necessary at all. If the frames are only connected at the corners, then the longitudinal bars are free for fastening the desired functional elements.

5a, b, a simple embodiment for a corner connection 25 is shown. In principle, this is a (T-shaped) plate that can be clamped with the screw 5.1 in a selectable angular position. The corner connection 25 has z. B. in its anchoring part three holes for the non-rotatable anchoring at the upper corner of a second adjacent frame. A tongue 25.2 formed by the corner connection 25 with a bore (for the screw 5.1) establishes the connection to the first frame.

The corner connection can additionally be equipped with a grid 27, which connects the two frames, e.g. B. in a 30 ° grid. The grid 27 can thereby be realized that a fixing plate 26 is screwed onto the bracket 3.1, which has ribs or grooves which cooperate with corresponding grooves or ribs of the corner connection 25.

9a and 9b show - as an alternative to the angularly variable connection just described - two connecting pieces 57, 58 with fixed predetermined angles. The connection piece 57 can therefore only be used to make straight (i.e. 180 °) corner connections and with the connection piece 58 only 150 °. A recess 59, 60 with a narrowed entrance is arranged on each of the opposite end sides. The furniture system, for example, has a whole set of fixed connecting pieces with different angles (e.g. 180 °, 165 °, 150 °, 135 °, 120 °).

Fig. 10 and Fig. 1 1 a, b illustrate how the plate-shaped connector 57 is attached to a corner of the frame. The connecting screw 5.1 (see also FIG. 1) passes through the recess 60. The fastening capsule 65 placed on the connecting screw 5.1 has a section 65.1 with a reduced cross section at its lower end. This section 65.1 fits exactly into the recess 60. The narrowing at the entrance of the recess 60 thus prevents the connecting piece 57 from being pulled away perpendicular to the axis of the connecting screw 5.1. However, the narrowing is somewhat wider than the diameter of the threaded part of the connecting screw 5.1. As a result, the fastening capsule does not have to be completely unscrewed to insert the connecting piece; it is sufficient if it is loosened or screwed back according to the thickness of the connecting piece 57 until the constriction can be pushed past under the section 65.1 and then the reduced section can be lowered into the recess 60. Due to the narrowing, the corner connection cannot loosen even if the connecting screw 5.1 or 5.2 should loosen.

On the long sides of the connecting piece 57, further recesses 61 to 64 are provided, which can also or alternatively be used to secure the corner connection. A particularly preferred type of securing is that movable before spring-loaded locking elements penetrate into one of the side recesses 61 to 64 when the connecting piece 57 is pushed into place.

This will be briefly explained with reference to FIGS. 1 1a, b. The corner connection at the lower end of the frame is shown. The connecting piece 66 (which is designed, for example, as in FIG. 9a) is at the lower corner of the frame, specifically between the bracket 3.2 (cf. also FIG. 1) and the side support 21 of the chassis (cf. also FIG 4a, b) are used. To facilitate assembly, a flat recess 67 is provided in the side support 21. This is just large enough that the flat connecting piece 66 can be accommodated with little play. The width of the connecting piece 66 and thus the width of the recess 67 is smaller than the width of the bracket 3.2. It follows that the bracket 3.2 and thus the entire frame does not rest on the connecting piece 66, but on the non-recessed upper side of the side support 21. This has the advantage that a corner connection can be created with little effort even if the frame is already mounted on the chassis. The connecting piece 66 can simply be inserted into the slot, which is rather formed by the recess 67 between the side support 21 and the bracket 3.2. To fix the connecting piece 66 in the slot, an integrated, spring-loaded latching element 75 is provided in the side support 21, which can snap into a lateral recess (cf. FIGS. 9a: 64 and 65) of the connecting piece 66.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 11b, there is an opening in the recess 67 through which a latching element 75 projects upwards. It sits on a displaceable capsule 78, which is pressed upwards by a spring 76. The latching element 75 is shaped in such a way that it can be pressed down by the connecting piece 66 when inserted into the slot and snaps up as soon as the lateral recess (cf. reference number 63 in FIG. 9a) is there. The connecting piece 66 is thus locked in the recess 67.

In order to be able to release the lock again when required, a further opening for an unlocking button 77 is provided in addition to the recess 67. This can e.g. B. with a Screwdriver are pressed down, the capsule 78 is simultaneously lowered with the locking element 75. The connector 66 is thus released.

Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment for the profile of the longitudinal spar. In the outer dimension (outer walls 29.3 to 29.6), the profile 28 is essentially rectangular. The structure is S or Z-shaped. Two parallel walls 29.3, 29.4 are connected by diagonally running walls 29.1, 29.2. In the present example, a cavity 30 (in cross section) which is closed is formed between the walls 29.1, 29.2.

Between the walls 29.1 and 29.3 respectively. 29.2 and 29.4, V-shaped, open channels 31, 32 are formed. The respective opening of a channel takes up about half of the narrow side of the profile 28. If necessary, cables 35 or lines can be inserted into the channels 31, 32 (for example for electrification or for data communication).

The lines can be permanently integrated in the corresponding channel. So z. B. a plastic support with sunk conductors on one inside of the channel. That is, that all conductors responsible for the current routing are recessed in the same side wall of the channel. This ensures that both conductors cannot be touched accidentally.

The strip-shaped openings (walls 29.5, 29.6) of the channels 31, 32 can, for. B. with covers 33, 34 (made of plastic, sheet metal, etc.) in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

A particularly preferred type of cover 53 is shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c. It is V-shaped in cross section. The two thickened longitudinal edges 54, 55 can be pressed against each other to insert the cover 53. One of the two V-shaped flanks of the cover 53 is provided with openings 56 at regular intervals. Through this, the cables 35 can be led out of the longitudinal channel 31 of the profile 28. In the following, reference is again made to FIG. 6. Clamping elements 36 can be provided for fastening functional elements (small tables, presentation shelves, brackets, etc.), which engage in the opening of the channel 32 and can be screwed tight at any desired height. Such a clamping element 36 can, for. B. consist of two parts 36.1, 36.2.

The part 36.1 engages with a jaw 41 in the channel 32 and there in a groove 40. The part 36.2 is angular or L-shaped, so that it lies against the walls 29.4, 29.6 from the outside. Part 36.1 is clamped with a countersunk screw 42 in part 36.2.

That leg of part 36.2 which abuts the wall 29.4 has a recess 37 for a nut 38. In the nut 38, which is held in the recess 37 in a rotationally fixed manner, z. B. a threaded bolt 39 are screwed. (The element to be fastened can then be screwed onto this threaded bolt 39).

The profile shown in Fig. 6 is very stable and resilient. It combines mechanical / static and aesthetic advantages. The edges of the channel openings can possibly be provided with fine teeth in order to enable the fastened clamping elements 36 to be subjected to greater loads.

Instead of the recess 37, the nut 38 and the threaded bolt 39, two outwardly projecting bolts can also be provided on the clamping element 36, onto which a coupling piece can be placed and screwed tight. Such a construction is particularly suitable for attaching a work lamp. Of course, many other useful tools and aids can also be attached to the frame in this simple manner. This is in line with the goal of providing a modular yet versatile interior system.

The wall 29.4 is located on the inside of the frame, the wall 29.3 is on the outside of the frame, and the two walls 29.5, 29.6 are located on the front (ie front and rear) of the frame. FIG. 12 shows a possible construction for fastening a table top to a profile according to FIG. 6. The fastening device comprises an anchor plate 68, a clamping element 69 and a support bracket 70 Profiles (see wall 29.3 or 29.4 in Fig. 6). The clamping element 69 is provided with a rib 71 which can engage in the channel 31 (see FIG. 6) of the profile. The clamping element 69 is fastened to the anchor plate 68 with screws 72.1, 72.2. The anchor plate 68 and the clamping element 69 lie over a large area on the profile and in this way ensure a very stable attachment.

A plate-shaped connecting part 73 is formed on the outside 68.2 of the anchor plate 68. It is arranged in the plane spanned by the frame. The support bracket 70 is attached to the connection part 73 with screws 74.1, 74.2. The support bracket 70 forms a right angle with the connection part 73. That is, it protrudes vertically from the vertical plane spanned by the frame.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 12, the support bracket 70 is rigidly connected to the frame. Its top runs horizontally if the table top to be mounted on it is to be horizontal. Of course, according to the same principle, a table top can also be inclined. H. be installed at an incline. It is sufficient to use an appropriately shaped support bracket.

An advantage of the construction described in FIG. 12 is that it can also be mounted with mirror symmetry using the first-mentioned elements. There is therefore no need to provide "left" and "right" table supports.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of supporting a container on the chassis will be explained.

13a-c shows a support element 79 in cross section, in the front view and in the view from above. It is Z. B. bent from a piece of sheet steel and has a rear wall

81, a tab 80 and two flanks 82, 83. The rear wall 81 is provided with an opening 86 so that the support element 79 is screwed tight on the side of the side support 21 can be. The tab 80 is located at the upper end of the rear wall 81 and protrudes horizontally backwards at right angles to the rear wall 81. When mounting the support element 79 on the side support 21, the tab 80 rests on the top of the side support 21 (cf. FIGS. 14a, b). The flanks 82, 83 together with the rear wall 81 form a C-shaped profile when viewed from above. They are bent forward at a 90 ° angle and form vertical surfaces. Both have an opening 84 and 85, respectively.

14 shows how the support element 79 is mounted. A connecting pin 87 can be inserted into the free space enclosed by the C-shaped profile. It has a nose 88 which hangs in one of the two openings 84, 85. A frame tube 89 of the container is placed on the connecting pin 87. The frame tube 89 is fastened to the connecting pin 87 with a bolt 90. It is now clear that the nose 88 engaging in the openings 84 and 85 prevents the container from being lifted off the chassis.

The support element must therefore ensure a simple but statically stable connection between the container and the chassis (pedestal). It can also be cast from metal or plastic. It is also clear that such a connection can also be achieved in other ways. The container can e.g. B. directly screwed to the stand.

15 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a modular container. Several identical containers can be placed on top of each other. The bottom one is attached to the chassis in the manner just described.

Each container consists of two frame tubes 89, 91 and a cover 92. The frame tubes 89, 91 each have two vertical sections and a horizontal one at their upper ends. The frame tube 89 or 91 is thus designed like a C-shaped bracket. The cover 92 is composed of two symmetrical side walls 93, 94, an upper side 95 and a rear wall 96. The parts of the cover mentioned are preferably to be connected to one another by plugging them together. Openings 97.1 to 97.4 are provided in the cover 92 or in the angled upper edges of the side walls 93, 94. Openings are also provided at the corresponding locations of the frame tubes 89, 91 below. Connection pins can be inserted into these openings in the same way as in the support element 79. In other words, just as the frame tubes are connected to the support elements, the frame tubes of the different container modules can also be connected.

On the inside of the frame tubes 89, 91 z. B. rails, in which a drawer 98 can run. It is also advisable to provide a mechanism which prevents all the drawers of a multi-storey container from being opened at the same time. (Such mechanisms are known per se.) It is advantageous if this mechanism, like the container, has a modular structure. In other words: each module contains a part of the mechanism mentioned, the different parts of the mechanism coupling to one another when the container modules are placed on top of one another (for example in the manner of a plug-in system).

As can be seen from FIG. 16, the frame according to the invention is also suitable for folding table constructions. A hinge device 103 can be mounted in the vertical frame 99. It is preferably located in the frame level. The hinge device 103 supports a table top 100 at one end. Legs 101 which can be folded in and out are attached to the other end of the table top 100. If the table top 100 is brought from the horizontal position shown in FIG. 16 into a vertical position (as it is also hinted at), it can be fixed with a locking device 102.

The rotating bearing of the table top does not have to be at the end. It is also entirely possible to attach a joint in a central area of the long sides of the table top. In the vertical position, part of the table top will then protrude downward beyond the joint. This brings a counterweight, which facilitates the handling of the folding table. In a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, two tables can also be provided mirror-symmetrically to the frame 99. If the frame is attached to the frame, it is of course no longer possible to fold up the tables. In the case of attachment outside the frame level, on the other hand, it is possible to provide two non-interfering joint devices.

It is advantageous if the table top can be completely detached from the joint device in a few simple steps. The tables can then be stacked in a space-saving manner at a separate location.

7 illustrates some possibilities for realizing functional units with the interior furnishing system according to the invention.

Two vertical frames with inserted acoustic walls (for sound insulation) can form a partition wall 43. The required stability can be guaranteed by the fact that the frames are at an angle to each other (use of a corner connection).

A mobile unit 44 can e.g. B. from a body in the lower part of the frame and a work surface (at the height of a standing desk).

Personal corpuses 45, 47, 49 can be available in large numbers within an office facility (e.g. one for each employee of a team).

Several frames can also be arranged next to one another on a line in order to form a larger room divider 46. Depending on requirements, some of the frames can be equipped with carcasses (stabilization, storage space).

Computer workstations 48, 51 can e.g. B. can be created from two or three construction elements. The computer work station 48 consists of a work surface, a body arranged underneath it (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2) and a partition wall mounted on the side. In principle, the computer workstation 51 offers two people each their own Table. The frames equipped with the work surfaces are connected by a partition for stability and at the same time optically separated.

At the computer workstation 51 anti-glare surfaces are shown, which, for. B. are installed below the upper crossbar in the frame. Such anti-glare can, for. B. prevent a disturbing incidence of light on a computer screen. Similarly, it is possible to provide a reflector for individual lighting of the workplace. The reflector is z. B. illuminated by a light source attached to the frame and ensures diffuse lighting of the computer workstation.

It makes sense if the glare protection or reflector can be mounted anywhere on the frame (eg on the side rails). A preferred way of integrating a lighting fixture is to arrange it above the upper bracket. The lighting fixture is preferably of the same length as the bracket and is screwed onto the upper corners of the frame. He shines his light z. B. only upwards (indirect lighting). In order to ensure the quality of such lighting irrespective of the height of the room, a reflector (for example a plastic screen) can be attached above the luminous element. This is also supported on the upper corners of the frame by a fine wire construction.

The various carcasses can be brought into a specially provided parking space 52 ("docking station") when they are not required.

Finally, a coffee bar 50 with a small round table and a newspaper stand (presentation rack) is also shown.

7 makes it clear that a wide variety of furnishing elements can be constructed. The entire device is very flexible, since it does not require any fixed installations and is modular. It is possible to place the different elements in a different arrangement and in different combinations at a later point in time. The constructive and optical unit is formed by the rectangular frame. In the present Example, the system is limited to a large frame for partitions, room dividers, computer workstations etc. and small frames for mobile body elements.

In principle, any functional elements (screen holders, lights, etc.) can be attached to the vertical longitudinal spars.

The possible uses of the interior furnishing system according to the invention are of course not limited to the office area. Many possible uses arise in particular in the automated or person-assisted service area, in the semi-public or public area or in the production area. To mention are z. B. communication terminals (from simple telephone boxes to computer terminals for international network access) or discussion, meeting and waiting zones, which can be created with the help of partitions, presentation areas, storage areas, video display devices etc.

Conceptually, the vertical frame as a construction element forms the basis of the furniture system. By using surfaces and volumes, different function-specific needs can be met (desk, bar table, inclinable surface, wall element, screen, acoustic element, projection surface, pin board, container volume for office utensils, books and files, technology volume for devices). Depending on requirements, lighting elements for direct or indirect lighting of the workplace, as well as cables for the electrical supply of the working devices and lights can be mounted in or on the frame. The stability of a particular frame is guaranteed by appropriate corner connectors or brackets. Additional stabilization can be achieved by means of cantilevers, a suitable arrangement of the box elements (in the lower part of the frame) or by angled connection of several frames. Horizontal surfaces suspended in the frame serve as storage and work surfaces. Your positioning is done e.g. B. via a predetermined grid in the profile rail or, if desired, via a stepless electrical or manual height adjustment guided in the profile. Under certain circumstances, the surfaces can also be inclined. Vertical surfaces such as privacy and sound insulation elements are clamped into the frame. The interior furnishing system according to the invention can easily be used as a supplement to existing furniture. It should also be mentioned that, for example, computer furniture that is not based on the frame according to the invention can be combined.

It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures are primarily intended to explain the concept. The frame elements, the chassis or brackets, the profile shape of the longitudinal bars and the corner connections can also be designed in a different way. In particular, the frame need not be composed of straight longitudinal bars and crossbars. The stability, the modularity and the visual and functional uniformity of the construction elements are important.

The characteristic element of the invention is the vertical frame. It combines the various functional units in both mechanical and aesthetic terms. In principle, every frame can be used on its own. As FIG. 7 shows, the use of a plurality of the same frames results in an interior arrangement in which the different functional units are related to each other both constructively and visually.

The interior furnishing system always has two or more different functional units (work surfaces, carcasses, shelves, etc.). These can be assembled into furniture in different ways, but despite the differences in the functional units, the viewer is always given the same overall impression. In addition - more or less in blocks - additional units can be added without significantly changing the overall impression.

An important feature of the invention is that the functional units are always mounted in the closed frame in such a way that they protrude through the plane defined by the flat vertical frame. An advantage of this arrangement is that the load on the frame is more or less central. That is, the focus of each unit is near or even within the frame. It shouldn't go unmentioned remain that the assembly of the functional units according to the invention also brings with it an exceptional aesthetic effect.

The central and characteristic structural element of the furniture system is - as already mentioned - formed by the statically stable, closed vertical frame. It essentially consists of two vertical longitudinal spars and two brackets rigidly connecting the longitudinal spars at the upper and lower ends. The advantage of this elementary construction is e.g. B. the small footprint. This construction also results in a type of symmetry which enables an advantageous connection of several identical frames.

With the construction elements according to the invention, the most varied of layout forms can be realized. In principle, there are no fixed angles between adjacent frames (although a more or less fine screening can be advantageous in individual cases).

Claims

claims

1. Modular interior furnishing system with several different functional units and one or more uniformly constructed, structurally stable construction elements, whereby

a) the at least one construction element is designed as an independent, vertical, closed, rectangular frame (1) spanning a frame plane, which essentially consists of two vertical longitudinal spars (2.1, 2.2) and two brackets horizontally connecting them at their ends ( 3.1, 3.2), where

b) to stabilize a specific frame (7) in the vertical position, a chassis (8) extending perpendicular to the frame plane on the underside of the

Frame (7) and / or a corner connection (25/57) to an adjacent second frame is provided, and

c) the functional units are installed across the frame level spanned by the assigned frame.

2. Interior arrangement system according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame (1) has longitudinal spars (2.1, 2.2) with grooves or ribs for fastening the functional units (for example 1 1) in any desired height.

3. Interior system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (1) with channels (30, 31) for cables and / or lines (35) is equipped.

4. Interior system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (1) has an S- or Z-shaped profile (28).

5. Interior system according to claim 4, characterized in that a screw connection is provided for connecting the crossbar (3.1, 3.2) to one of the hollow profiles (2.1 or 2.2).

6. Interior system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chassis (8) forms a H-shaped construction in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the frame.

7. Interior system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that several different elements with different fixed angles are provided for the corner connection in order to enable connection of adjacent frames in selectable angular positions.

8. Interior system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one - preferably modular - body (18) is provided as a functional unit, which can be installed in the lowest region of the frame (7; 15).

9. Interior system according to claim 8, characterized in that the body is supported on the chassis.

10. Interior system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that as functional units work surfaces (1 1), partition panels (43), lighting body (14), reflector elements, anti-glare elements, display racks, screen brackets and / or device brackets are provided.