FURNITURE WITH SAFETY MECHANISM The invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a first furniture element, a second furniture element and a securing mechanism for securing the first furniture element on the second furniture element.
A piece of furniture of this kind is known from the state of the art and comprises two furniture elements.
The known piece of furniture is, for example, a table having a table frame and a tabletop displaceable relative to the table frame.
In order to prevent an unintentional movement of the tabletop, the table comprises a securing mechanism securing the tabletop on the table frame.
From document US 4 530 136 A, a piece of furniture having a first furniture element, a second furniture element and a securing mechanism is known.
The first furniture element is movable relative to the second furniture element and is securable on the second furniture element by means of the securing mechanism.
However, known securing mechanisms can typically be actuated only in a complicated manner, in particular not in a one-handed manner.
This entails a low ease of use.
The object of the invention at hand is therefore to design a piece of furniture having a movable furniture element which overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art.
In particular, a piece of furniture is to be provided which comprises a securing mechanism
— which can be easily actuated with one hand.
This object is attained according to the invention by the piece of furniture having the features of claim 1. Thus, according to the invention, a piece of furniture is proposed, comprising a first furniture element, a second furniture element and a securing mechanism for securing the
— first furniture element on the second furniture element.
The securing mechanism comprises an actuating element, at least one securing element and a base body having a seat in which the actuating element is mounted so as to be displaceable, and is movable between a securing state and a release state.
In the securing state, the first furniture element is secured on the second furniture element.
If the securing element is in the release state, the first furniture element is movable relative to the second furniture element.
The actuating element is displaceable in two directions into one actuating position per direction from a rest position, the securing element being in a securing element release position in the actuating position.
If the securing element is in the securing element release position, the securing mechanism is movable from the securing state into the release state.
Thus, if the securing mechanism is in the securing state, the first furniture element is secured on the second furniture element.
This is in particular achieved by means of the securing element.
In the securing state of the securing mechanism, the securing element is in a securing element normal position in which it secures the first furniture element on the second furniture element.
However, in the release state of the securing mechanism, the securing element is in the securing element release position, wherein, in this position, the securing element does not secure the first furniture element on the
— second furniture element.
On the contrary, the first furniture element is movable relative to the second furniture element.
Thus, the securing mechanism is movable between a securing state and a release state by means of the actuating element, wherein, in this case, the actuating element is actuated into a first actuating position or a second actuating position by displacement.
Such a displacement can be carried out with one hand.
Thus, the actuating element can be easily actuated with only one hand, wherein, at the same time, the first furniture element is displaceable relative to the second furniture element.
The actuating positions are, for example, end positions of the actuating element in which the securing element is in the securing element release position such that the securing mechanism is in its release state.
The first displacement direction of the actuating element can be opposite to the second displacement direction.
Furthermore, the two displacement directions can correspond to directions into which the first furniture element is displaceable relative to the second furniture element.
Thus, if the actuating element is actuated, i.e., an external force
— acting in one of the two displacement directions is applied thereto, the actuating element is displaced into a corresponding actuating position, the actuating positions each representing an end position of the actuating element.
If the actuating element is in one of the two actuating positions and is continued to be actuated, the force acting on the actuating element is therefore transmitted to the first furniture element.
Thereby, the first furniture element is moved relative to the second furniture element, the movement direction of the first furniture element corresponding to the displacement direction of the actuating element into the respective actuating position.
Thus, the actuation of the actuating element and the movement of the first furniture element are intuitive, which further increases the ease of use of the piece of furniture.
In an advantageous embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the securing element comprises a projection at an end facing the second furniture element such that it is realized in the manner of a hook.
If the securing mechanism is in the securing state, the projection engages behind the second furniture element.
In this way, the first furniture element is secured on the second furniture element, thus preventing an unintentional movement.
The securing element can comprise a bevel at an end facing the second furniture element or at an end face.
When the securing mechanism is moved from the release state into the securing state, the bevel interacts with the second furniture element in such a manner that the securing element is moved into the securing element release position.
Consequently, in this case, the actuating element does not have to be actuated in order to move the securing element into the securing element release position.
In an advantageous embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the securing element comprises a guiding element.
The guiding element interacts with a pin of the actuating element in such a manner that the securing element is moved into the securing element release position when the actuating element is actuated.
Thus, the securing element can be easily moved into the securing element release position by displacement of the actuating element.
Thereby, the securing mechanism is in the release state in which the first furniture element is displaceable relative to the second furniture element.
The securing element and the actuating element together with the guiding element and/or the pin can be realized as an integral injection-molded part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part. Thus, the securing element and the actuating element can be produced in a simple manner. In a preferred embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the guiding element of the securing element has a curved path and the pin of the actuating element is disposed on the concave side of the guiding element. Due to the concave form of the guiding element, the securing element can be actuated both by displacing the actuating element in the first direction and by displacing the actuating element in the — second direction opposite to the first direction. In an alternative embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the actuating element comprises the guiding element and the securing element comprises the pin which interacts with the guiding element. In a preferred embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the securing element is elastically deformable. Thus, the securing element automatically returns from a deflected and/or deformed state to a rest position in the case of release,
i.e., when an external force is removed. The rest position corresponds, for example, to the securing element normal position in which the securing elements are disposed in such a manner that they secure the first furniture element on the second furniture element in a securing state of the securing mechanism. As soon as the actuation of the actuating element ends, the securing element automatically returns from the securing element release position to the securing element normal position. Due to the interaction of the guiding element of the securing element and the pin of the actuating element, in this process, furthermore, also the actuating element is displaced into and/or returned to its rest position. Advantageously, the piece of furniture comprises at least one stop element which is movable from a stop element normal position into a stop element release position by displacing the actuating element. When the stop element is in the stop element normal position, a moving of the securing mechanism into the securing state is blocked. However, when the stop element is in the stop element release position, the securing mechanism is movable into the securing state.
Thus, an unintentional movement of the securing mechanism into the securing state is prevented.
In an exemplary embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the stop element comprises a ramp at an end facing the second furniture element.
When the 5 securing mechanism is moved from the securing state into the release state, the ramp interacts with the second furniture element in such a manner that the stop element is moved into the stop element release position.
When the actuating element is actuated, the securing mechanism can thus be moved from the securing state into the release state regardless of whether the stop element is also moved from the stop element normal — position into the stop element release position by an actuation of the actuating element.
Rather, this is achieved by the ramp interacting with the second furniture element.
In an advantageous embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the actuating element comprises a guiding element and the stop element has a thickening, a projection or a bevel.
When the actuating element is displaced in a first of the actuating — positions, the guiding element interacts with the thickening, the projection and/or the side wall of the stop element in such a manner that the stop element is moved into the stop element release position.
Thus, the stop element can easily be moved into the stop element release position by actuating the actuating element in a one-handed manner.
The first displacement direction of the actuating element into the first actuating position — can correspond to a movement direction in which the first furniture element is displaced in order to be secured on the second furniture element.
In this way, the first furniture element is intuitively securable on the second furniture element, thus further increasing the ease of use of the piece of furniture according to the invention.
The actuating element and the guiding element are, for example, realized as an integral injection-molded part, in particular a plastic injection-molded part, such that they can be produced at low cost.
In an advantageous embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the stop element is elastically deformable such that it automatically returns from the stop element release position, which corresponds to a deflected state of the stop element, to a rest position, in particular the stop element normal position, when an external force is removed.
In the case at hand, the stop element release position corresponds to a deflected state of the stop element.
Furthermore, due to the interaction of the thickening of the stop element with the guiding element of the actuating element, the actuating element is also returned to its rest position.
The base body can be an integral plastic injection-molded part.
Thus, it can be produced at low cost and can have a complex geometry.
Moreover, the base body can comprise reinforcing ribs.
Thereby, the stability of the bas body is increased.
The base body can comprise the securing element and the stop element, wherein these — realize an integral plastic injection-molded part.
In a preferred embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the securing mechanism comprises two securing elements and in particular also two stop elements.
The securing elements and the stop elements can each be mirror-symmetrical to each other.
Thus, the securing effect of the securing mechanism is increased.
Furthermore, the force per securing element and per stop element is reduced in such a manner that they each have to meet lower stability requirements.
Furthermore, the securing mechanism of the piece of furniture according to the invention can comprise a return element which returns the actuating element to the rest position.
Due to the interaction of the guiding element of the securing element with the pin of the actuating element and of the thickening of the stop element with the guiding element of the actuating element, furthermore, the securing element and the stop element also return to the securing element normal position and the stop element normal position, respectively, when the actuating element is returned to the rest position.
Thus, it is ensured that, in a non-actuated state of the actuating element, the securing element and the stop element are in the securing element normal position and the stop element normal position, respectively.
In another advantageous embodiment of the piece of furniture according to the invention, the piece of furniture is a table, in particular a table having a displaceable tabletop.
The displaceable tabletop realizing a first table element can be secured on a second table element, such as a table frame, by means of the securing mechanism.
Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be obtained from the description, the drawing and the claims.
An exemplary embodiment of a table according to the invention is illustrated in a schematically simplified manner in the drawing and is explained in more detail in the description below.
In the figures: Figure 1 shows a front view of a table according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of the table according to Figure 1 in a securing state of a securing mechanism; Figure 3 shows a view corresponding to Figure 2, but in a release state of the securing mechanism; Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the securing mechanism; Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of the securing mechanism; Figure 6 shows a lateral view of the securing mechanism of the table according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an actuating element of the securing mechanism; Figure 8a shows a front view of a partial area of the table according to the invention; Figure 8b shows a bottom view of the partial area of the table according to the invention shown in Figure 8a, a tabletop of the table being in a first end position, securing elements of the securing mechanism being in a securing element normal position and stop elements of the securing mechanism being in a stop element normal position;
Figure 8c shows a sectional view of the partial area of the table according to the invention shown in Figure 8b along the line IIX-IIX in Figure 8a; Figure 9 shows a view corresponding to Figure 8c, the securing elements of the securing mechanism being in a securing element release position; Figure 10 shows a view corresponding to Figure 9, the tabletop being in an intermediate position; Figure 11 shows a view corresponding to Figure 10, the securing elements being in the securing element normal position; Figure 12a — shows a view corresponding to Figure 11, the tabletop being in another intermediate position; Figure 12b — shows a perspective view of the partial area of the table according to the invention illustrated in Figure 12a; Figure 12c — shows a perspective detailed view of the area XII in Figure 12b; Figure 13a shows a view corresponding to Figure 11, the tabletop being in another intermediate position, the securing elements being in the securing element release position and the stop elements being in a stop element release position; Figure 13b — shows a perspective view of the partial area of the table according to the invention illustrated in Figure 13a; and Figure 13c — shows a perspective detailed view of the area XIII in Figure 13b.
In the drawing, a table 10 having a tabletop 12, a table frame 14 and a securing mechanism 16 are shown.
Tabletop 12 is mounted on table frame 14 so as to be displaceable between a first end position and a second end position.
Figure 2 shows table 10 in the first end position.
In said first end position, tabletop 12 is secured on the — table frame, in particular a cross strut 18 of table frame 16, by means of securing mechanism 16. In the second end position of tabletop 16 shown in Figure 3, the securing mechanism is in a release state and a cable duct 20 which runs at the rear edge of table 10 in the transverse direction of the table and is realized as a metal tray or plastic tray is opened upward.
In the first end position, tabletop 12 covers cable duct 20. Tabletop 12 comprises recesses 22 in a rear area in the depth direction of the table.
When tabletop 12 is in the first end position, recesses 22 are disposed in the upward direction of the table over cable duct 20. Thus, cables can be guided out of cable duct 20 onto the top of tabletop 12. In Figures 4 to 6, securing mechanism 16 is shown.
Securing mechanism 16 is realized mirror-symmetrically relative to plane E and comprises a base body 24 and an actuating element 26. In Figure 4, plane E is illustrated as a dashed line and runs perpendicularly to the image plane.
Base body 24 is realized as an integral plastic injection-molded part and comprises ribs 42 for reinforcement.
Furthermore, base body 24 comprises two comprises two securing elements 30, two stop elements 38, a seat 44 and four recesses 46 for connecting and/or mounting securing mechanism 16 on tabletop 12. Actuating element 26 is mounted in seat 44. Actuating element 26 is displaceable from a rest position illustrated in Figure 4 in two directions into a first or a second actuating position.
The two displacement directions of actuating element 26 correspond to the displacement directions of tabletop 12, i.e., the directions in which tabletop 12 is displaceable relative to table frame 14. Actuating element 26 comprises a gripping element 28 and a base plate 50 having two guiding elements 54 and two pins 56. A detailed view of actuating element 26 can be seen in Figure 7. At an end, which, in a mounted state of securing mechanism 16, faces cross strut 18, the two securing elements 30 of base body 24 each have a securing hook 32 and a frontal bevel 34. A guiding element 48 is realized on each securing element 30 at an area which is, in the upward direction of the table, opposite actuating element 26. Guiding element 48 is curved and/or follows a curved path and interacts with a corresponding pin 56 of actuating element 26. Pin 56 is disposed on the concave side of guiding element 48.
When actuating element 26 is in the rest position, pins 56 of actuating element 26 are each disposed at the apex of respective guiding element 48. When actuating element 26 is actuated, that is, is displaced from the rest position in one of the two actuating directions into the first or the second actuating position, securing elements 30 are each moved from a securing element normal position into a securing element release position due to the interaction of pin 56 and guiding element 48. In this case, securing elements 30 are elastically deformed.
In the securing element release position, both securing elements 30 are tilted in the direction of actuating element 26. When actuating element 26 is released and/or no force acts on actuating element 26 anymore, securing elements
30 return to the securing element normal position, resulting in actuating element 26 being returned to the rest position.
To support the return force of securing elements 30, a return element, in particular a spring, can be provided, said spring returning actuating element 26 from the respective actuating position to the rest position after an actuation and/or in the case of release.
In the securing state of securing mechanism 16, tabletop 12 is in the first end position and securing elements 30 are in the securing element normal position.
In this case, securing elements 30 are each guided through a corresponding recess 62 of cross strut 18 and their securing hooks 32 engage behind cross strut 18. Thereby, tabletop 12 is secured on table frame 14 and/or cross strut 18 and a displacement of tabletop 12 relative to table frame 14 is prevented.
In the securing state, stop elements 38 penetrate together a first recess 58 and a second recess 60 of cross strut 18.
By actuating actuating element 26, securing elements 30 are movable from the securing element normal position into the securing element release position in which securing hooks 32 do no longer engage behind cross strut 18 and securing elements 30 can be removed from recesses 62.
Stop elements 38 each have a wedge-shaped thickening 64. Thickenings 64 are realized in the upward direction of the table in an area opposite actuating element 26. Thickenings 64 interact with guiding elements 54 of actuating element 26 in such a manner that stop elements 38 are moved from the stop element normal position into the
— stop element release position when displacing actuating element 26 into the first actuating position, i.e., in the direction of the first end position of tabletop 12. In the stop element normal position, stop elements 38 move onto cross strut 18 when tabletop 12 is displaced in the direction of the first end position.
Thereby, a further movement of tabletop 12 in the direction of the first end position is prevented.
However, when stop elements 38 are in the stop element release position, tabletop 12 can be continued to be moved in the direction of the first end position and securing mechanism 16 can be moved in the securing state.
At an end facing cross strut 18 in the mounted state of securing mechanism 16, each stop element 38 comprises a ramp 40. When tabletop 12 is moved from its first end
— position in the direction of its second end position, due to the interaction of ramps 40 and cross strut 18, stop elements 38 are moved from the stop element normal position into the stop element release position and can be pulled out of first recess 58 and second recess 60 of cross strut 18. The functionality of table 10 is described below in more detail with reference to Figures
8ato 13c.
In the figures, a partial area of table 1 is illustrated, tabletop 12 being illustrated in the first end position and different intermediate positions.
Figures 8a to 8c show a tabletop 12 in the first end position, securing mechanism 16 being in the securing state and securing tabletop 12 on cross strut 18. Securing elements 30 are each guided through their corresponding recess 58 of cross strut 18 and securing hooks 32 of the securing elements each engage behind cross strut 18. Both stop elements 38 are together guided through first recess 58 and second recess 60. When actuating element 26 is, as illustrated in Fig. 9, displaced into the second actuating position, i.e., in the direction of the second end position of tabletop 12, securing elements 30 are moved from the securing element normal position into the securing element release position and securing mechanism 16 is in the release position.
In this state, tabletop 12 can be displaced relative to table frame 14 from the first end position in the direction of the second end position (see Figure 10). In the case of such a displacement, stop elements 38 are brought into a stop element release position and are guided out of first recess 58 and second recess 60. This is achieved due to the interaction of bevels 48 of stop elements 38 with cross strut 18.
Due to the curved-path-like design of guiding element 38, securing elements 30 can be moved into the securing element release position, both by displacement in the direction of the first end position of tabletop 12 and by displacement in the direction of the second end position of tabletop 12.
If then, the actuation of actuating element 26 is terminated, securing elements 30 return to the securing element normal position.
Due to the interaction of guiding elements 48 of securing elements 30 and pins 56 of actuating element 26, the return of securing elements 30 simultaneously causes a displacement and/or return of actuating element 26 into/to the rest position (see Figure 11).
— When moving tabletop 12 from the first end position in the direction of the second end position, ramps 40 of stop elements 38 interact with cross strut 18 of table frame 14. Thereby, stop elements 38 are elastically moved from the stop element normal position into the stop element release position.
If no contact exists anymore between ramps 40 of actuating elements 38 and cross strut 18, stop elements 38 return to the stop element normal position.
When tabletop 12 is moved from the second end position in the direction of the first end position, stop element 38 moves onto cross strut 18 when it is in the stop element normal position (see Figures 12a to 12b). Thus, a further displacement of tabletop 12 in the direction of the first end position is prevented and an anti-trap protection is provided.
That is, if a user is at the front of table 10 and bends forward to, for example, to stow cables in cable duct 20 which is opened upward, it is ensured that tabletop 12 does not move further in the direction of the first end position, even if the user bumps against tabletop 12 in this process and, thus, applies a force acting in the direction of the first end position to tabletop 12.
In order to further displace tabletop 12 in the direction of the first end position, actuating element 26 is, as illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b, pressed manually in the direction of cross strut 18 into the first actuating position and, thus, is displaced relative to base body 24. Thereby, on the one hand, both stop elements 38 are moved into the stop element release position due to the interaction of their thickenings 64 with respective guiding element 54 of actuating element 26. Subsequently, stop elements 38 are guided through first recess 58 and second recess 60 of cross strut 18. On the other hand, due to the interaction of their guiding elements 48 with respective pins 56 of actuating element 26, securing elements 30 are moved into the securing element release position and, then, each securing element 30 is guided through corresponding recess 62. When actuating element 26 is then released, i.e., the manual pressure is released, securing elements 30 return to their securing element normal position such that the tabletop is secured in the first end position on table frame 14.
Reference numerals 10 table 12 tabletop 14 table frame
16 mechanism 18 cross strut 20 cable duct 22 recess
24 base body 26 actuating element 28 gripping element 30 securing element 32 securing hook
34 frontal bevel 38 stop element 40 ramp 42 ribs 44 seat
46 recess 48 guiding element 50 base plate 54 guiding element 56 pins
58 first recess 60 second recess 62 recess 64 thickening