EP2255700B1 - Flap mechanism for fold-up tables - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a folding mechanism provided with a guide rail (4), a rotation element (6) i.e. rotation brake, and a folding element (7). A carrier element (2) is moved from a stowed position into an operating position using the folding mechanism. The rotation element is moved to the folding element using the guide rail during moving the carrier element from the stowed position to the operating position. The carrier element is flapped against reset force of the rotation element by co-operation of the rotation element and the folding element in the operating position. An independent claim is also included for a method for moving a carrier element from a stowed position into an operating position.

Description

The invention relates to a folding mechanism for folding tables. The folding mechanism serves to damp the folding of the table top, in particular when it is folded from a substantially vertical stowed position into a substantially horizontal use position.

Folding tables with a variety of folding mechanisms are used wherever the space is limited or a permanent table is not suitable. Folding tables are found especially in vehicles, boats and aircraft as well as in lecture and conference halls. However, increased demand for tables can also be observed in waiting areas, such as at airports, as more and more mobile personal computers (e.g., laptops) are used which require a solid base. A folding table which allows a comfortable operation, as well as a simple subsequent attachment to / in existing furniture, would thus be advantageous. In particular, in such a table would be advantageous if the folding mechanism for folding the table top would be simple but still allow comfortable use. Comfortable in this context refers to a non-abrupt but subdued folding the table top when it is moved from a vertical stowage position in a horizontal use position.

The previously used folding mechanisms of folding tables are either undamped in their movement or very complex. So shows, for example

US 5,927,799 a retractable in a storage compartment folding table, which can be folded from a substantially vertical stowed position, in a substantially horizontal use position. However, the folding table described has no folding mechanism, which would dampen the folding of the table top. An undamped folding of the table top is usually associated with a disturbing noise, which is precisely with regard to the location of such folding tables, such as in lecture or conference halls to prevent. A complex damping mechanism intended to prevent abrupt collapse is, for example, in EP1 980 178 A1 shown; In this case, a plurality of damping elements fixedly connected to the axis of rotation counteract the abrupt folding-down movement in a complex mechanism.

DE-A-32 23 528 discloses a device with a carrier element and a folding mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is therefore the object to develop a folding mechanism for a folding table, which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages and in particular has a low complexity and is both robust and insensitive. This object is achieved by the device and the method according to the independent claims.

The device according to the invention has a carrier element and a folding mechanism. For example, the table top of the folding table can be arranged on the carrier element or the carrier element is formed by the table top. With the help of the folding mechanism, the carrier element can be moved from a storage position by moving and then folding the carrier element into a use position. An example of a use position is a substantially horizontally arranged in front of a seat table top, which is fixed to the support element. Whereas the table top in the storage position, for example, can be arranged substantially vertically next to the seat. Depending on the use but also other uses or stowage are conceivable.

The folding mechanism according to the invention has at least three components, a guide rail, a rotation element and a folding element. These components act together when moving the table top from the stowed position such that one of the folding element and the rotation element is pushed along the guide rail. In this case, the one of the folding element and the rotation element is pushed to the other of the folding element and the rotating member. Thus, either the folding element is pushed to the rotating element or the rotating element to the folding element. The guide rail has the task of supporting the pushing of one element to the other element. In a preferred embodiment, the guide rail for a sliding groove. For example, one of the folding member and the rotating member may move on the sliding groove or in the sliding groove. In principle, however, both elements can move along the guide rail.

After moving the folding element and the rotation element are arranged in such a way that they can work together. In this case, for example, a projection of one element can be pushed into an opening of the other element. But there are also many other ways in which two elements can work together. For example, the two elements can be slid on, on or into each other to cooperate with each other.

Due to the interaction of the folding element and the rotation element at the end of the sliding operation, the support element can then be folded into the use position. According to this folding process takes place against a restoring force, which is provided by the rotation element. For this purpose, a rotation brake is used as a rotation element.

By the device according to the invention a folding mechanism is provided for the first time, in which a damped folding of the table is realized in the simplest way, robust and insensitive. This is achieved by the claimed use of the guide rail, the folding element and the rotation element. In addition, in the simple, robust and insensitive damping has the advantage that, for example, arranged on the support element tabletop can be folded down low noise and gently. Also, the damping minimizes a potential risk of injury. Furthermore, in the device according to the invention due to the use of fewer components, the production costs are significantly lower than in the prior art known folding tables with a comparable damping function. In addition, the device according to the invention by the few necessary components allows much easier maintenance. Also, the device of the invention can easily be subsequently added to / in existing seating or insert what allows to extend this seating beyond its original function. The use of the folding mechanism is not limited to the embodiments of a folding table shown here. The tabletop shown in the embodiments may also be implemented, for example, by any type of information / communication system, such as a tabletop. Replace flat screens, tablet PCs or similar systems where a muted folding would be beneficial. In particular, the damping can be advantageous if the electronic component is shock sensitive. By damping the folding down any shocks that could lead to impairment of the electronic component are inhibited or completely prevented. In this case, the carrier element can either be firmly connected to the component or have a holder for receiving the electronic component.

In a preferred embodiment, the support member can be moved by means of the folding mechanism by folding back and then moving from the use position back into the stowed position. For this purpose, preferably during or after the folding back of the support element the use position, the interaction of the folding element and the rotation element canceled. As a result, one of the folding element and the rotary element can then be displaced again along the guide rail until the carrier element and the optionally arranged thereon tabletop are again in the stowed position.

In a further preferred embodiment, the folding element is fastened to the carrier element. In this case, when moving the carrier element from the stowage position, the folding element can move along the guide rail to the rotating element. Alternatively, however, the rotation element can also be fastened to the carrier element. In a further alternative embodiment, the carrier element itself is designed as a guide rail.

In a preferred embodiment, either the folding element and the guide rail or the rotation element and the guide rail are integrally formed. This may be expedient, for example, if the guide rail is arranged on the table top or the carrier element itself is designed as a guide rail. In this case, moving not only one of the two elements but also the guide rail moves. Alternatively, when using such a one-piece guide rail, one of the members may also move and the other member integrally formed with the guide rail may rest or at least move less.

In a further preferred embodiment, the pushing back of the carrier element takes place against the restoring force of a rotary element. Preferably, this rotation element is a rotation brake, which moves relative to a brake rail during the displacement of the carrier element. By an interaction of the rotary member with the brake rail, a restoring force is exerted against the displacement. In addition, for example, the brake rail toothings, in which the Teeth of a pinion on the axis of rotation of the rotary element can grip, so as to ensure an interaction of the rotary member and the brake rail. When pushing back the support element, the rotation element and the brake rail move relative to each other, so that the faster the pushing back happens, a greater distance is covered by the rotation element per unit time. This in turn means that the restoring force of the rotary member increases and the pushing back is slowed down. This in turn has the advantage that a possible risk of injury is avoided by an abrupt fall of the support element. Furthermore, an electronic component possibly arranged on the carrier element is thereby protected from impact.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the folding mechanism and the carrier element and optionally arranged thereon tabletop are arranged in a housing with cover.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the folding mechanism and the support element and optionally arranged thereon tabletop are mounted in a housing with adapter ring. By means of the adapter ring, the entire device, later or during manufacture, can be inserted in a side part of a piece of furniture (for example upholstered furniture). In this case, the adapter ring of the housing can be fastened, for example, with a plurality of screws to supporting parts of the piece of furniture. The lid of the housing can then form, for example, the armrest of the piece of furniture.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support element with the table top also has means for depth adjustment of the table top. With such means, the table top or other components attached to the support member can be displaced in a substantially horizontal plane. With the help of this depth adjustment, the table top or the other components in the use position, for example to be adapted to the different needs of users. These means for depth adjustment can be configured in various ways. In a preferred embodiment plain bearings or alternatively parallelogram joints can be used to ensure the depth adjustment. The substantially horizontal plane and the substantially horizontal use position need not be completely horizontal, as this is advantageous for a table example. In particular arranged on the support element information and communication systems can advantageously be arranged at a certain angle, so that the user has the best possible viewing angle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device also has a holding arm. With the help of this support arm, the device according to the invention can be easily attached, for example, to a bench. The holding arm can also be designed, for example, in two parts. The two-part design serves the purpose that the first part of the support arm can be made consistent for all device embodiments, the second part of the support arm can serve as an adapter for a variety of mounting options. The adapter can thereby take into account the most varied variants of the attachment, for example the most varied forms of banking beams, angles of attack, etc. Furthermore, this bipartite also allows easier disassembly of the device for the purpose of maintenance or cleaning. If the carrier element has an electronic component, the power supply and / or data transmissions can be realized by cable connections in the holding arm. In one embodiment, the two-part support arm also includes a plug-in system. By means of this plug-in system, the power supply and data transmissions can be guaranteed. The plug-in system also allows easy assembly and disassembly of the device as a whole.

However, the object of the damped flap is also by the inventive method for moving a carrier element by means of a Folding mechanism solved with a guide rail, a rotating element and a folding element. In this case, when moving the carrier element from the stowage one of the folding element and the rotary member with the help of the guide rail pushed to the other of the folding element and the rotation element, that by cooperation of the folding element and the rotation element, the support member and optionally arranged thereon tabletop can be folded against the restoring force of the rotary element in the use position.

When folding the carrier element and optionally arranged thereon tabletop, the described method takes place in reverse order. During or after the folding back of the support element from the use position, the interaction of the folding element and the rotation element is released. As a result, one of the folding element and the rotating element can then be displaced again with the aid of the guide rail until the table top arranged on the carrier element is again in the stowed position.

The invention thus enables a comfortable use of a folding table or tablarartiger information / communication systems. Moreover, in the preferred embodiments shown, it serves to expand furniture beyond its basic function.

Fig. 1

einen Vertikalschnitt durch eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Klappmechanismus mit Tischplatte, jeweils in der Verstaustellung, der Ausziehstellung und der Nutzstellung zeigt;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Zeichnung einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsge- mäßen Zusammenwirkens der Elemente des Klappmechanismus zeigt;

Fig.3 einen

Längsschnitt durch den erfindungsgemäßen Klappmechanismus zeigt; und

Fig.

4 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemä- ßen Klappmechanismus in einem Gehäuse mit Deckel zeigt; und

Fig.

5 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemä- ßen Klappmechanismus in einem Gehäuse mit Adapterring zeigt.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, in which:

Fig. 1

shows a vertical section through an embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the invention with tabletop, respectively in the stowed position, the extended position and the use position;

Fig. 2

a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the inventive cooperation of the elements of the folding mechanism shows;

3 a

Longitudinal section through the folding mechanism according to the invention shows; and

FIG.

4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the invention in a housing with cover; and

FIG.

5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the invention in a housing with adapter ring.

FIG. 1 shows a vertical section through an embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the invention in which a table top 3 is located on a support element 2, once in the stowed position ( Fig. 1a ), once in the extraction position ( Fig. 1b ) and once in the use position ( Fig. 1c ). In the preferred embodiment shown here, the folding mechanism and the table top 3 are arranged in a housing 10 with lid 11. The lid 11 closes in this embodiment, the housing 10 in the stowed and use position and can serve as an armrest, for example. Furthermore, it prevents dirt from entering the housing 10. On the housing 10 itself, a two-part support arm 13a, 13b is mounted, which makes it possible to attach the device 1 to a piece of furniture (eg a seat).

The in FIG. 1 The folding mechanism shown has a guide rail 4 with a sliding groove 5. In the sliding groove 5, a folding element 7 can move, which is arranged in the present embodiment on the support element 2 of the table top 3. Furthermore, the folding mechanism has a rotary element 6, which in the illustration in FIG. 1 in the upper region of the housing 10 at one end of the guide rail 4 is located. The rotation element 6 shown has a rotation brake and has in this example an axis of rotation projecting from the remaining rotating element 6, which points in the direction of the displacement groove 5 of the guide rail 4. This rotation axis of the rotation brake forms in this embodiment, the pivot point of the support element 2 and the table top 3. If the table top 3 from the stowed position ( Fig. 1a ) into the use position ( Fig. 1c Moves), the folding element 7 is guided in the sliding groove 5 of the guide rail 4 together with the arranged on the folding element 7 support member 2 upwards until the folding element 7 and the rotary member 6 can act together. By this interaction is then a folding of the table top 3 in the use position ( Fig. 1c ) possible. The interaction of the rotary member 6 and the folding element 7 is closer in FIG. 2 shown.

FIG. 2 schematically shows the interaction of the rotary member 6 and the folding element 7 in three successive time steps. As in FIG. 1a shown, the folding element 7 is in the stowed position in the lower region of the sliding groove 5 of the guide rail 4 and has in this position the greatest distance from the rotary element 6. Will the table top 3 with the support member 2, where the flap element 7 is vertical Pulled upwards (shifted), the folding element 7 moves within the displacement groove 5 of the guide rail 4 towards the rotation element 6 ( Fig. 2a ). The folding element 7 also serves as a guide of the support element 2 and the table top 3 in the vertical displacement, since the folding element 7 can move only within the sliding groove 5 of the guide rail 4. Thus, in this embodiment, the support member 2 and the table top 3 during displacement of the folding element 7 in the sliding groove 5 also experience only a displacement parallel to the sliding groove 5. The upper end of the sliding groove 5 represents the end point of the vertical displacement of the folding element 7 ( Fig. 2b ). In the preferred embodiment shown, the folding element 7 is configured at least partially U-shaped, wherein the opening of the U-shape in the direction of the rotation element 6 shows. In the in FIG. 2 In the embodiment shown, this opening is designed such that it forms at least a part of the can receive from the rotary member 6 protruding axis of rotation. By moving the table top 3 and thus of the support element 2, the folding element 7 arranged in this embodiment is displaced in the sliding groove 5 until the U-shaped part of the hinged element 7 can receive the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary element 6. This recording of the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary member 6 through the U-shaped part of the folding element 7 is in FIG. 2b shown.

In the in FIG. 2 In the embodiment shown, the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary element 6 has a rectangular cross-section and the area surrounding the U-shaped part of the flap element 7 has a corresponding rectangular cross-section. This is a possible realization, which makes it possible that when the folding element 7 is pushed to the rotating element 6 or the rotating element 6 to the folding element 7, the folding element 7 and the rotating element 6 can act together. As explained above, however, there are also many other ways of achieving interaction between these two elements.

When the U-shaped part of the folding member 7 is pushed on the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary member 6, as in FIG. 2b shown, this compound forms the fulcrum around which the table top 3 and the support member 2 is folded by means of the folding mechanism. The folding of the table top 3 and the support element 2 of the substantially vertical in a substantially horizontal position is possible by the connection of the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary member 6 with the U-shaped part of the folding element 7 only against the restoring force of the rotary member 6. Through this connection, the restoring force of the rotary element 6 is transmitted to the carrier element 2 and thus to the table top 3. This restoring force acts, for example against the Abklapprichtung a table top 3 when folding in the use position ( Figure 2c ) and thus prevents an abrupt folding of the table top 3. With the help of this restoring force thus, for example, a damping of the folding of the table top 3 is effected.

In addition, the device 1 may also have a stop against which an element of the device 1 rests when the table top 3 or the carrier element 2 is in the use position. This stop can, for example, have the rotation element 6. Alternatively, the configuration of the upper region of the displacement groove 5 together with the folding element 7 form a stop. The attack can also be realized with the help of other means.

When folding the table top 3 and the support element 2, the interaction takes place in reverse order and the protruding axis of rotation of the rotary member 6 and the U-shaped part of the folding element 7 are separated again. This separation can take place while the table top 3 or the carrier element 2 is folded back from the substantially horizontal use position into a substantially vertical position or as soon as the table top 3 or the carrier element 2 has reached the substantially vertical position. In the present embodiment, however, the rotational element 6 when folding provides a lower to no restoring force to ensure a quick folding of the table top 3 and the support element 2 (eg in an emergency). After folding, the table top 3 or the carrier element 2 can again in the stowed position ( Fig. 1a ) are pushed, so that the rotating member 6 and the folding element 7 again move away from each other.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the invention in three successive time steps when folding the table top 3 and the support member 2 in the stowed position. In the preferred embodiment, two guide rails 4 and two rotary members 6 are mounted on a support plate 12. The table top 3 points a carrier element 2 with two folding elements 7, which can move in the sliding grooves 5 of the guide rails 4 and with the protruding axes of rotation of the rotary elements 6, as in FIG. 2 shown, can cooperate, thus ensuring a damped flaps of the table top 3.

In order to brake the vertical displacement of the arranged on the support element 2 table top 3 when folding, the support plate 12 in the embodiment shown here, in addition to two brake rails 9, which extend parallel to the guide rails 4. The brake rails 9 may have serrations which may cooperate with a corresponding toothing on further rotation elements 8. In the in FIG. 3 In the embodiment shown, the further rotation elements 8 are arranged on the support element 2 of the table top 3. When moving the folding elements 7 in the sliding groove 5, the further rotation elements 8 move along the brake rails 9. The further rotation elements 8 are designed in this embodiment such that they in a movement of the table top 3 and the support member 2 in the stowed position by the interaction the brake rails 9 cause a braking effect. In this exemplary embodiment, the restoring force provided by the further rotation elements 8 preferably increases as a function of the revolutions of the further rotation elements 8, these in turn depending on the distance covered when the table top 3 or the support element 2 is pushed back. This causes in the embodiment shown that the table top 3 and the support member 2 slides slowly into the housing 10 in the stowed position. This is particularly advantageous when the user when folding the table top 3 and the support member 2 should be slipped out of hand and thus not only reduces a disturbing noise but also reduces the risk of injury to the user. Furthermore, it is ensured that any electronic components arranged on the carrier element 2 can be collapsed with little impact or shock-free.

Claims (11)

1. An apparatus (1) with a carrier element (2) for carrying a table top or a tablet-type information-/communication system and a folding mechanism for folding away the carrier element (2), the carrier element (2) is moved from a stowed position into an operating position by ease of the folding mechanism by moving and subsequently folding the carrier element (2),
   the folding mechanism comprises
   a guide rail (4)
   a rotation element (6); and
   a folding element (7);
   the guide rail (4), the rotation element (6) and the folding element (7) are adapted in such a way that during the motion of the carrier element (2) from the stowed position to the operating position, one of the folding element (7) and the rotation element (6) is moved along the guide rail (4) to the other of the folding element (7) and the rotation element (6), whereby the carrier element (2) is either arranged at the rotation element (6) or at the folding element (7),
   characterized in that
   the rotation element (6) is a rotation brake, which can only be rotated against a reset force; and
   the folding element (7) is adapted in such a way that it is detachable connectable to the rotation axis of the rotation brake, such that when the folding element (7) and the rotation brake are moved to one another, the folding element (7) and the rotation brake are connected, such that the carrier element (2) can only be folded into the operating position against the reset force of the rotation brake.
2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier element (2) by ease of the folding mechanism is brought back into the stowed position by folding back the carrier element (2) and subsequently moving it characterized in that during the folding back of the carrier element (2) from the operating position, the folding element (7) is detached from the rotation axis of the rotation brake and one of the folding element (7) and the rotation brake is again moved along the guide rail (4) until the carrier element (2) is again in the stowed position.
3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the guide rail (4) comprises a sliding recess (5).
4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the folding element (7) and the guide rail (4) are formed as one piece or the rotation brake and the guide rail (4) are formed as one piece.
5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the motion of the carrier element (2) is slowed down by a further rotation element (8).
6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that the further rotation element (8) is a rotation brake, which moves relatively to the motion of the carrier element (2) on a brake rail (9) and the further rotation element (8) can work together with the brake rail (9).
7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the apparatus (1) is arranged in a cover (10).
8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the cover (10) comprises a lid (11).
9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7 characterized in that the cover (10) comprises an adapter ring (14) for installation of the apparatus (1) into an armrest.
10. A method for moving a carrier element (2) for a table top or a tablet-type information-/communication system from a stowed position to an operating position by folding the carrier element (2) by ease of an apparatus according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    during the motion of the carrier element (2) from the stowed position to the operating position, one of the folding element (7) and the rotation brake are moved along the guide rail (4) to the other of the folding element (7) and the rotation brake, such that the folding element (7) and the rotation axis of the rotation brake can be connected, such that the carrier element (2) subsequently can be folded into the operating position against the reset force of the rotation brake.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the carrier element (2) by ease of the folding mechanism is brought back into the stowed position by folding back of the carrier element (2) and subsequently moving it characterized in that during the folding back of the carrier element (2) from the operating position, the folding element (7) is detached from the rotation axis of the rotation brake and one of the folding element (7) and the rotation brake is again moved along the guide rail (4) until the carrier element (2) is again in the stowed position.

Images