EP3788910A1

EP3788910A1 - Coupling module for an office desk

Info

Publication number: EP3788910A1
Application number: EP19382752.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Antonio Rebolé Olleta; Aitor Gonzalez Iribas; Jonathan Damien DELOY; Philippe Pierre BRETECHER
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Espana SA
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Espana SA
Priority date: 2019-09-03
Filing date: 2019-09-03
Publication date: 2021-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-03
Also published as: RU2020128992A; EP3788910B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling module for an office desk comprising: at least one coupling module (100), and at least a first connection module (200); wherein the connection module (200) comprises one or more connections selected from: a current tap, a data connection, and a telephony connection; and wherein the connection module (200) is configured for being coupled to the coupling module (100); wherein the coupling module (100) comprises an upper support (102), a lower support (101), and tightening means (104); wherein the coupling module (100) is configured for being coupled to a tabletop (3) or desk by means of clamping said tabletop (3) or desk between the upper support (102) and the lower support (101); wherein the tightening means (104) are configured for clamping and tightening the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) against the tabletop (3) or desk.

Description

Field of the Art

The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to devices which are used for providing data and/or electric supply.

State of the Art

Today, when setting up a working space in an office, all electrical lines are usually first installed below wooden flooring or raised flooring.
The specific furniture is then placed in the required location on said flooring, and finally the corresponding electrical connections are led to the corresponding workstations in each desk.
This thereby gives rise to a process consisting of several steps that tends to prolong the time excessively as there is a need to deal, on one hand, with the equipment for assembling the furniture, and on the other hand, the equipment for assembling the electrical connections in said furniture.

Object of the Invention

In order to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention relates to a coupling module for an office desk, having the feature of allowing coupling to a plurality of elements, of the types typically found in working spaces, such as power strips or electrical connectors, telephone connection ports, and/or data ports, as well as a work surfaces in the form of tabletops or slats, to which the device of the invention can be readily coupled by means of simple assembly and tightening.
The coupling module for an office desk object of the present invention is particularly applicable in the field of the industry dedicated to the design, manufacture, and sale of work and office furniture, as well as to the industry dedicated to the design, manufacture, and sale of the material for electrical connections.
The coupling module for an office desk incorporates at least one coupling module, and at least a first connection module.
The connection module comprises one or more connections selected from: a current tap, a data connection, and a telephony connection.
The coupling module is configured for being coupled to the connection module.
In turn, the coupling module comprises an upper support, a lower support, and tightening means.
The coupling module is configured for being coupled to a tabletop or desk by means of clamping said tabletop or desk between the upper support and the lower support.
The tightening means are therefore configured for clamping and tightening the upper support and the lower support against the tabletop or desk.
Therefore, if the device is coupled to a desk (with its corresponding supports or legs), the device, once clamped to the desk, is fixed and supported on or in said desk.
The device can be anchored to a coupling surface.
The coupling surface can be a surface of an accessory panel, a wall, or a surface of an independent support structure.
The upper support (and/or the lower support) may comprise anchoring means for anchoring to the coupling surface.
By means of a device like the one described above, the process of assembling work surfaces in offices or study rooms can be made easier, combining the steps of assembling the work surface and of providing electrical and communications connections to said work surfaces. Said provision of electrical and communications connections to the tabletop or work desk is performed in a simple manner by means of a simple clamping (or clipping) of the tabletop by the upper support and the lower support of the coupling module.
The tightening means may comprise a screw which allows both supports to move closer or away from one another, and/or a support to be fixed in a fixed position with respect to another support. Alternatively, the tightening means may comprise a spring which, as a result of its elastic constant, forces one of the supports against the other support such that, when a tabletop or desk is placed between both supports, said tabletop or desk is clamped between both supports. There can be an additional pin or screw for fixing the clamping position.
According to a preferred embodiment of the coupling module, the upper support of the coupling module comprises an L-shaped geometry, with a rail in one projection of the L and a platform in the other projection of the L. Moreover, the lower support comprises a geometry in the form of a flat plate.
The rail of the upper support is configured for receiving the lower support and guiding a movement where the plate moves closer to/away from the platform to clamp and tighten the upper support and the lower support against the tabletop or desk.
The coupling module therefore has a simple but at the same time robust geometry, allowing simple and firm coupling of the tabletop or work desk.
Preferably, the platform of the upper support comprises, on the side opposite the side with which it contacts the tabletop or desk, coupling means which allow the coupling of the connection module to the coupling module. Elements are thereby simplified by combining in the platform a contact/clamping surface of the tabletop and the coupling means of the connection module.
Also according to a preferred embodiment, the upper support comprises a first hole which allows the access of the tightening means (a screw or rod) to the rail.
The lower support may comprise a second hole configured for allowing the introduction of the tightening means (rod or screw) in said second hole.
As already mentioned, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tightening means comprise a screw and the first hole and/or the second hole are threaded.
According to a more preferred embodiment of the coupling module, the tightening means comprise a screw and the first hole of the upper support is located in the proximity of the platform, such that when the lower support is located in the rail, the introduction of the screw in the first hole allows the screw to be able to run longitudinally along the rail, until going though the second hole of the lower support located in said rail, and wherein the second hole is a threaded hole. Movement of the lower support along the guide is thereby achieved when turning the screw.
According to a possible embodiment of the coupling module, the coupling module comprises a base body. Said base body comprises a housing configured for receiving the upper support, the lower support, and the tightening means. This base body may comprise the anchoring means for anchoring to the previously indicated coupling surface.
Preferably, the base body incorporates an extension, located adjacent to the housing, wherein said extension comprises fixing means configured for receiving a second connection module.
The anchoring means (of the upper support, and/or of the lower support, and/or of the base body) comprise a magnet. Alternatively, the anchoring means may comprise a screw, nail, adhesive, etc. This allows anchoring the device to the coupling surface.
According to a possible embodiment of the coupling module, the connection module incorporates a central body, a terminal casing at each end of the central body, and a coupling base, also at each end of the central body. The coupling bases are configured for allowing the coupling of the connection module to respective coupling modules.
Preferably, the coupling module is configured to allow connecting two or more connection modules in series. This allows personalizing and customizing the workstations in an office or study room, providing the tabletop or desk with a larger or smaller number of connections as appropriate in each case.
By means of the features described above, a device which allows combining the steps of assembling work furniture and assembling the electrical and/or data connections is offered, simplifying and speeding up the creation of functional and comfortable working spaces.

Description of the Drawings

The following drawings have been included as part of the explanation of at least one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the coupling module.
Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the coupling module of Figure 1A, with its different elements assembled.
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a connection module coupled to two coupling modules like those shown in Figures 1A and 1B.
Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 2, in which a tabletop or desk is shown clamped between the lower support and the upper support of respective coupling modules.
Figure 4 shows a front perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 2, in which the coupling means are anchored to a coupling surface.
Figure 5A shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the coupling module, whereby said coupling module incorporates a base body.
Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the coupling module of Figure 5A, with its different elements assembled.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a first connection module coupled to the platforms of the upper supports of two coupling modules like those shown in Figures 5A and 5B.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 6, in which a second connection module is coupled to the fixing means of the extensions of the base bodies of the coupling modules.
Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 7, in which the different elements making up the connection modules and the coupling modules are observed.
Figure 9 shows a rear perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 7, in which a tabletop or desk is shown clamped between the lower support and the upper support of respective coupling modules.
Figure 10 shows a front perspective view corresponding to the view shown in Figure 7, in which the coupling means are anchored to a coupling surface.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As mentioned above, the present invention relates to a coupling module for an office desk, which allows coupling elements such as work surfaces or tabletops (3) and electrical connectors and/or data connectors.
The device comprises a first module or coupling module (100) and at least a second module or connection module (200). Preferably, the device incorporates two or more connection modules (200).
Figures 1A, 1B, 5A, and 5B show a schematic depiction of the first module or coupling module (100).
The coupling module (100) comprises a lower support (101), an upper support (102), and optionally, a base body (103).
The coupling module (100) also incorporates tightening means (104) so that the lower support (101) and the upper support (102) can move closer to one another and firmly hold onto a work tabletop (3).
Figure 1A shows an exploded view of the coupling module (100), in which the lower support (101), the upper support (102), and the tightening means (104) are observed. Figure 1B shows the lower support (101) attached to the upper support (102) by means of the tightening means (104).
In turn, Figures 5A and 5B show depictions similar to those of Figures 1A and 1B, in which the coupling module (100) also incorporates the base body (103).
The tightening means (104) may comprise a screw.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper support (102) has an L-shaped geometry, comprising a platform (105) on one side or projection of the L and a rail (106) on the other side or projection of the L, arranged at 90° with respect to the platform (105). The rail (106) is configured for receiving the lower support (101) and guiding its movement where it moves closer to the upper support (102), specifically, guiding the movement where the lower support (101) moves closer to the platform (105) of the upper support (102).
Preferably, the lower support (101) comprises a geometry in the form of a flat plate (107).
According to a preferred embodiment, the upper support (102) comprises a first through hole (108) configured for receiving the tightening means (104). When they go through said first hole (108), the tightening means (104) access the rail (106) of the upper support (102).
Likewise, the lower support (101) preferably comprises a second through hole (109) configured for the tightening means (104) to go through same.
According to a preferred embodiment (shown in the drawings), the tightening means (104) consist of a screw and the first hole (108) of the upper support (102) is located in the proximity of the platform (105), such that when the screw is introduced in the hole (108), the screw runs longitudinally along the rail (106), until going though the second hole (109) of the lower support (101), when the lower support (101) is located in said rail (106). The second hole (109), located in the lower support (109), is a threaded hole.
According to the embodiment mentioned in the preceding paragraph, by turning the screw (by hand, or by means of a screwdriver, by means of an Allen wrench, etc.), the longitudinal movement of the lower support (101) along the rail (106) of the upper support (102) occurs, such that both supports (101, 102) can move closer or away from one another, according to the turning direction of the screw.
Both the rail (106) of the upper support (102) and the screw itself perform the function of guiding the lower support (101) in the movement where the lower support (101) moves closer to or away from the platform (105) of the upper support (102).
If a tabletop (3) is positioned halfway between the platform (105) of the upper support (102) and the plate (107) of the lower support (101), the turning of the screw can cause the lower support (101) to move closer to the upper support (102), until said tabletop (3) is retained and the coupling module (100) is firmly held onto the work tabletop (3) by means of a subsequent turning of the screw.
If the work tabletop (3) is a desk supported on the floor, the coupling module (100) would be coupled to and supported on said desk after tightening.
In contrast, if the tabletop (3) lacks legs or supports on the floor, the coupling module (100) can be anchored, for example, to a wall, and the tabletop (3) would in turn be coupled to and supported on the coupling module (100) after tightening.
According to an alternative embodiment (not shown in the drawings), the longitudinal fitting of the lower support (101) along the rail (106) of the upper support (102) is performed manually (it is not moved by means of turning a screw like in the preceding case) until both the platform (105) of the upper support (102) and the plate (107) of the lower support (101) contact the tabletop (3) located between both supports (101, 102). The introduction of a screw in the first hole (108) of the upper support (102) can then retain and fix the lower support (101) in the specific position of the rail (106) in which said lower support (101) has been fitted.
In this case, it is not necessary for the lower support (101) to have a second threaded hole (109), although in this case it would indeed be necessary for the first hole (108) located in the upper support (102) to be a threaded hole in order to thereby allow tightening the screw. Alternatively, the tightening means can consist of a non-threaded rod which goes through the first hole (108) (non-threaded) located in the upper support (102) and is introduced in the second hole (109) (also non-threaded) located in the lower support (101), thereby fixing a relative position of the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) in which clamping and tightening of the tabletop (3) occurs.
As mentioned above, Figures 5A and 5B also show (in an exploded view and an assembled view, respectively) the coupling module (100).
According to the embodiment observed in Figures 5A and 5B, the coupling module (100) comprises a base body (103). The base body (103) comprises a housing (110) which is configured for housing the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) (together with the tightening means (104)).
The base body (103) comprises anchoring means for anchoring to a coupling surface (112) which may be part of a wall or an independent support structure. Figure 4 shows a connection module (200) of the device coupled to two coupling modules (100), and the coupling modules (100) anchored to the coupling surface (112).
The anchoring means for attachment of the coupling module (100) and the coupling surface (112) to one another may comprise magnets (if the coupling surface (112) comprises a magnetic material) or other alternative means (screws, nails, adhesives, etc.) .
The platform (105) of the upper support (102) of the coupling module (100) is configured for receiving a connection module (200) of the coupling module. According to this, the platform comprises coupling means for coupling of said connection module (200). The coupling means are protrusions and/or notches for fitting accordingly in parts arranged in the connection modules (200).
Said connection module (200) may comprise a power strip equipped with current taps, USB ports, telephone connection plugs, or RJ45 ports, etc.
Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the connection module (200) is configured for being coupled to at least two coupling modules (100), respectively, in respective platforms (105) of two coupling modules (100) located one at each end of the connection module (200). Likewise, as shown in Figure 3, by means of two coupling modules (100) the tabletop (3) can be held at two points along the length of the tabletop (3), thereby obtaining a firmer and more stable holding of/to the tabletop (3) compared to if there were only one coupling module (100).
Preferably, the base body (103) incorporates a lower extension (111), located adjacent to the housing (110) which houses the upper support (102) and the lower support (101).
Said extension (111) comprises fixing means configured for fixing a second connection module (200).
Figure 6 shows a first connection module (200) coupled to two coupling modules (100) formed by the lower support (101), the upper support (102), the tightening means (104), and the base body (103) with its extension (111).
Figure 7 shows how a second connection module (200) has been coupled to the extensions (111) of the base bodies (103) of each coupling module (100) of Figure 6.
Figure 10 shows respective connection modules (200) coupled to the coupling modules (100) of Figures 6 and 7, where the coupling modules (100) are anchored to one of the aforementioned coupling surfaces (112).
The anchoring means for anchoring the coupling module (100) to the coupling surface (112) may comprise magnets (if the coupling surface (112) comprises a magnetic material) or other alternative means (screws, nails, adhesives, etc.).
Figure 9 is similar to Figure 3, but with two connection modules (200), and where each coupling module (100) incorporates the base body (103).
As shown in Figure 9, a first connection module (200) is coupled to at least two coupling modules (100), respectively, in respective platforms (105) of the two coupling modules (100) located one at each end of said first connection module (200). Similarly, a second connection module (200) is coupled to at least two coupling modules (100), respectively, in respective extensions (111) of the base bodies (103) of the coupling modules (100) located one at each end of said second connection module (200).
Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, by means of two coupling modules (100) the tabletop (3) can be held at two points along the length of the tabletop (3), thereby obtaining a firmer and more stable of/to the tabletop (3) compared to if there were only one coupling module (100).
Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective of the connection modules (200) and the coupling modules (100) shown in Figures 7, 9, and 10.
As shown in Figure 8, each connection module (200) incorporates a central body (201), two terminal casings (202) (one terminal casing (202) at each end of the central body (201)), and two coupling bases (203) (one coupling base (203) at each end of the central body (201)).
By means of the coupling bases (203), the first connection module (200) can be coupled to the platforms (105) of each upper support (102) of respective coupling modules (100), and the second connection module (200) can be coupled to the fixing means of the extensions (111) of each base body (103) of respective coupling modules (100).
According to a possible embodiment, a terminal casing (202) can be omitted, such that one or more adjacent connection modules (200) can be connected adjacent to the first connection module (200) and/or the second connection module (200).
According to a possible embodiment, a power cord, and/or a data cable, and/or a telephony connection cable is arranged between both connection modules (200). In this manner, it is only necessary to connect one of the two (or more) connection modules (200) to the mains, and/or to a data connection, or an external telephony connection, and this connection would be transmitted from one connection module (200) to another.

Claims

A coupling module for an office desk, characterized in that it comprises:
- at least one coupling module (100), and;

- at least a first connection module (200);
wherein the connection module (200) comprises one or more connections selected from: a current tap, a data connection, and a telephony connection; and where the coupling module (100) is configured for being coupled to the connection module (200); wherein the coupling module (100) comprises an upper support (102), a lower support (101), and tightening means (104); wherein the coupling module (100) is configured for being coupled to a tabletop (3) or desk by means of clamping said tabletop (3) or desk between the upper support (102) and the lower support (101); wherein the tightening means (104) are configured for clamping and tightening the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) against the tabletop (3) or desk.
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 1, characterized in that:
- the upper support (102) comprises an L-shaped geometry, with a rail (106) in one projection of the L and a platform (105) in the other projection of the L;

- the lower support (101) comprises a geometry in the form of a flat plate (107);
wherein the rail (106) of the upper support (102) is configured for receiving the lower support (101) and guiding a movement where the plate (107) moves closer to/away from the platform (105) to clamp and tighten the upper support (102) and the lower support (101) against the tabletop (3) or desk.
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 2, characterized in that the platform (105) comprises, on the side opposite the side with which it contacts the tabletop (3) or desk, coupling means which allow the coupling of the connection module (200) to the coupling module (100).
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the upper support (102) comprises a first hole (108) which allows the tightening means (104) to access the rail (106).
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 4, characterized in that the lower support (101) comprises a second hole (109) configured for allowing the introduction of the tightening means (104) in said second hole (109).
The coupling module for an office desk according to claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the tightening means (104) comprise a screw and the first hole (108) and/or the second hole (109) are threaded.
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 5, characterized in that the tightening means (104) comprise a screw and the first hole (108) of the upper support (102) is located in the proximity of the platform (105), such that if the lower support (101) is located in the rail (106), the introduction of the screw in the first hole (108) allows the screw to be able to run longitudinally along the rail (106), until going though the second hole (109) of the lower support (101) located in said rail (106), and wherein the second hole (109) is a threaded hole.
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling module (100) comprises a base body (103), wherein the base body (103) comprises a housing (110) configured for receiving the upper support (102), the lower support (101), and the tightening means (104).
The coupling module for an office desk according to claim 8, characterized in that the base body (103) comprises an extension (111) located adjacent to the housing (110), wherein said extension (111) comprises fixing means configured for receiving a second connection module (200).
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper support (102) comprises anchoring means for anchoring to a coupling surface (112).
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the base body (103) comprises anchoring means for anchoring to a coupling surface (112) .
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the anchoring means comprise a magnet, a screw, a nail, or an adhesive.
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection module (200) incorporates a central body (201), a terminal casing (202) at each end of the central body (201), and a coupling base (203) also at each end of the central body (201), and wherein the coupling bases (203) are configured for allowing the coupling of the connection module (200) to respective coupling modules (100).
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to allow connecting two or more connection modules (200) in series.
The coupling module for an office desk according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the coupling surface (112) is an accessory panel or a wall.