AU2012382756B2

AU2012382756B2 - Roller shutter cabinet

Info

Publication number: AU2012382756B2
Application number: AU2012382756A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Nichole Chooi Ching Lam; Kenjiro SEKI
Original assignee: Steelcase Inc
Current assignee: Steelcase Inc
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2012-06-11
Publication date: 2016-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-06-11
Also published as: CN104350229A; EP2859170A1; AU2012382756A1; WO2013186581A1; CN104350229B

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved piece of furniture having at least one roller shutter, which is characterized among other things by the following features: the storage space (27) comprises at least one guiding track (125a) and one second guiding track (125b), a reduced storage space (27') thus being formed, and the reduced storage space (27') is formed in such a way that a rear region (39) of the inner face (17'a) of the piece of furniture is accessible when the roller shutter (11) is at least partially opened.

Description

WO 2013/186581 Roller shutter cabinet

The invention relates to a roller shutter cabinet according to the preamble of claim 1.

Roller shutter cabinets are often used in offices. They are distinguished in particular in that they do not have doors like conventional cabinets, which doors have to be swivelled into the space in front of the cabinet particularly in an open position and then they are often in the way, but that the cabinet opening can be closed by a movable roller shutter. The roller shutter itself consists of a plurality of adjacently arranged roller shutter profiles which are movably interconnected at their longitudinal sides.

Roller shutters are known, the roller shutter of which can be moved, for example, in the vertical direction for opening and closing the cabinet opening. Horizontally movable roller shutters are also known.

Particularly in the case of cabinets with horizontally movable roller shutters, the cabinets comprise, next to a side wall of the cabinet, a storage space into which the roller shutter is progressively moved during the opening motion of the cabinet.

For this purpose, the storage space has different guiding track portions which are usually arranged parallel to a side wall portion at a varying distance therefrom and are interconnected by curved portions.

In this respect, a generic roller shutter cabinet is known, for example, from EP 1 875 025 B1.

Shown in the spatial view according to Fig. 7 within the context of this application is the roller shutter cabinet known from the above-mentioned generic prior art and of which only a part is shown from the front thereof, the roller shutter being open, to allow a clearer view into the inside of the roller shutter cabinet. A cover plate 7 which upwardly delimits the roller shutter cabinet is not shown either.

When looking at the front of the roller shutter 11, it is also possible to see a side wall 17a which is located on the left. The side wall 17b, located on the right in a front view is also only shown in a fragmented manner, most of it being omitted.

The roller shutter 11 itself, comprising a plurality of roller shutter slats 13 which are positioned parallel next to one another and are interconnected at least in a partly articulated manner, can be moved transversely to the longitudinal extent of the roller shutter slats 13 in two guide means 25 between an open position and a closed position, the guide means 25 usually consisting of a cross-sectionally U-shaped track or the like which is provided, for example, on the upwardly directed side, i.e. on the upper side 23a of the base plate 23, and in a plan view in an identical, i.e. congruent orientation and in a congruent path on the underside of the cover plate, which is not shown in more detail.

In Fig. 7, an internal dashed line 17’c is shown on the bottom plate or base plate 23 parallel to the left side wall or outer wall 17a, offset laterally thereto, to indicate that an internal wall, parallel to the side wall or outer wall 17a can optionally also be provided here, between which internal wall and the right side wall or outer wall 17b one or more shelves can usually be arranged horizontally one above another.

Formed thus on the right of the left side wall or outer wall 17a and for example between an internal wall, which rises from the dashed line 17’c and is not shown in more detail, and the mentioned side wall or outer wall 17a is a storage space 27 in which the roller shutter 11 is progressively moved by its leading end during the opening movement. For the sake of clarity, only part of the roller shutter 11 is shown in the storage space 27 to make it possible to see the guide means and guide portions located in the storage space. For this purpose, the guide means 25 in the storage space 27 has a helical or spiral shape in the widest sense so that the straight guide rail portion 25a extending over the width of the roller shutter cabinet at the front edge runs via a first 90° curved portion into a first straight track portion (running parallel to the outer wall 19b) and then runs progressively into the storage space via three 180° curves in the illustrated embodiment with interlying straight guide portions. The entire portion of the guide means 25 running in the storage space 27 is usually dimensioned such that the entire roller shutter can be moved into said storage space so that the roller shutter cabinet is freely accessible over its entire width at the front and thereby the interior of the roller shutter is freely accessible.

However, problems arise if, for example, cabinets of this type shown in Fig. 7 are to be positioned next to one another and, for example, are to be firmly interconnected at their side walls 17a, 17b by fastening elements. The side wall on the right in Fig. 7 for example is indeed freely accessible when the roller shutter is open, in order to fit a connection element to this side wall. However, should it be desired to also assemble or fit, from inside, the corresponding connection element in the next adjoining cabinet wall of a next roller shutter cabinet to be interlinked, then the roller shutter would have to be opened to reach the side wall. However, in this case the problem arises that the optionally provided internal wall 17c, jointly supporting the shelf boards 120, and also the roller shutter, which has moved fully into its associated storage space 27, prevent the outer side wall 17b in question from being adequately freely accessible from the inside of the roller shutter cabinet, thus an assembly on the inside of the outer wall 17b cannot be performed.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved roller shutter cabinet which also allows an interlinking with further cabinets and particularly with roller shutter cabinets due to the unhindered installation of linking elements.

The object is achieved according to the invention in accordance with the features stated in claim 1. Advantageous configurations of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

The invention is distinguished in that an adjustable track switching arrangement is provided for the roller shutter in the storage space.

This track switching device is positioned in its one adjusting position such that the usual storage space is unrestrictedly available in its required length and size. Thus, in this position, the roller shutter can be moved fully into its storage position while releasing the cabinet opening.

However, for example to interlink two mentioned roller shutter cabinets at their side walls by having to fit, in an accessible manner, appropriate connectors on the adjacent side walls from both sides of the inside of the cabinets, the track switching arrangement provided in the storage space can be moved into a second position such that an alternative guiding track for receiving the roller shutter is then made available in the storage space.

In this respect, the position of the track switching device ensures that as the roller shutter moves, the leading edge thereof during the roller shutter opening movement is not moved over more or less the entire depth of the roller shutter cabinet in the storage space, but only over a partial depth and is then deflected to ensure that at least an adequate rear side wall portion remains accessible, not covered by the roller shutter itself. In this situation, it is unnecessary for the entire roller shutter to be moved such that it completely frees the cabinet opening. By adjusting the track switching arrangement, for example only half the storage space can be made available to the roller shutter, with the result that in this position of the track switching arrangement, the roller shutter can be moved with the release of only half the opening width of the cabinet. However, this is quite adequate for the fitting and assembly of connection and coupling elements to interlink the cabinet with the next cabinet wall.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the track switching arrangement can be adjusted by an actuating means which terminates in a corresponding opening in a cover plate portion of the cabinet wall which is freely accessible. This is usually the upper cover wall, below which the one guiding track runs in the storage space region.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a further parallel internal wall is provided, as is usual, next to the cabinet side wall approximately at a distance of the width of the storage space. This internal wall serves to anchor, suspend etc. for example horizontally running shelves at different heights between this internal wall and the opposite side wall.

This additional internal wall has a central opening of an adequate size or has a rear opening region. When the mentioned track switching arrangement is moved into its second position, only a shorter storage space is available next to the front opening of the roller shutter cabinet, so that the rear region of the inside of the outer wall next to the storage space is also freely accessible via the opening in the inner wall in order to fit a connection or interlinking element to an adjacently erected further cabinet.

The mentioned track switching arrangement is preferably only provided in the region of the cover plate, which is accessible from above. This is sufficient to accordingly deflect the entire roller shutter element on the shortened travel path in the storage space. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that the position of the track switching arrangement is visible due to the differing position of an actuating element in a plate portion preferably in the cover plate and can be checked thereby.

In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings, in which:

Fig. 1: is a schematic spatial view of a roller shutter cabinet on which the invention is realised;

Fig. 2a: is a schematic plan view of a guiding track end device 29 according to the invention, as installed in a roller shutter cabinet, more specifically in its first basic or functional position with the provision of the maximum travel path in the storage space;

Fig. 2b: is a three-dimensional plan view of the path of the guiding track shown in Fig. 2a in the region of a guiding track end device provided in the storage space;

Fig. 2c: is a corresponding spatial view of the rear side of the guiding track end device, as shown in Fig. 2b from the opposite side;

Fig. 3a-3c: are views corresponding to Fig. 2a to 2c, but in the views according to Fig. 3a to 3c, a track switching device has been moved into its second functional position in which only a shorter movement path is available in the storage space for the roller shutter;

Fig. 4a: shows a partly open roller shutter cabinet;

Fig. 4b: is a horizontal sectional view through the roller shutter cabinet with an inner wall, omitting the guiding track end device;

Fig. 4c: is a vertical cross-sectional view through the roller shutter cabinet shown in

Fig. 4a, the roller shutter being partly open and an alternative shortened storage space being provided;

Fig. 5: is a detail view in respect of Fig. 4a, showing an adjustment possibility of a track switching arrangement of the guiding track end device;

Fig. 6a-6c: are three views of the rear side of a guiding track end device, showing three adjustment positions of the track switching arrangement, and

Fig. 7: is a spatial view of part of a roller shutter cabinet according to the prior art.

Fig. 1 shows a closed roller shutter cabinet 1 with a front roller shutter 11, which cabinet 1, as mentioned, comprises an upper cover plate or cover wall 7, when viewed from the front a left vertical side wall 17a and, parallel thereto, a right outer side wall 17b and a lower base 23.

In the following, the side walls 17a and 17b will sometimes also be called outer walls.

The roller shutter usually comprises at least two mutually parallel guiding tracks 25, i.e. for example a first guiding track 25a arranged on the underside 7b of the cover plate 7 and a further guiding track 25b which is arranged on the upper side 23a of the base 23 or of the base plate 23 and which is usually U-shaped in cross section, and in which guiding tracks the roller shutter 11 is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner. In this respect, the roller shutter 11 comprising a plurality of mutually parallel slats 13 is moved transversely to the extension direction of the slats, for example according to the arrow 28 in Fig. 1, into its open position.

Fig. 2a to 2c show, for example, a detail of the guiding track 25, 25a, as provided for example on the underside 7b of the cover plate 7, i.e. when the underside of the upper cover plate 7 is viewed vertically from below. In this respect, in particular a guiding track end device 29 can be seen which is fitted in the so-called storage space 27, in which the roller shutter is accommodated in its open position.

The corresponding guiding track end device 29 is again shown on its own in a spatial plan view in Fig. 2b and in a rear view in Fig. 2c.

The mentioned guiding track 25 thus comprises in the region of the opening 31, which can be covered or uncovered by the movable roller shutter, a first guiding portion 25a which is parallel to the front edge 7’ of the cover wall 7 and which merges via a first 90°-forming guiding track curve 25b into a first straight guiding portion 25c, from here via a 180°-forming auidina track curve 25d into a followina straiaht auidina oortion 25e runnina from the rear side 5 to the front, i.e. to the opening side 31, before it merges into a last, again straight guiding portion 25g via a further 180° guiding track curve 25f (which has a smaller radius or diameter than the first 180° guiding track curve 25d). Fig. 2c shows that all the guiding track portions are U-shaped in cross section, so that the respective end portions 13a of the individual slats 13 engage here and can be guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner.

Provided in a mirror-inverted manner to this is a further guiding track 25, congruent in a plan view, on the upper side 23a of the base plate 23, namely with a first guiding portion 25a which runs parallel to the front edge 23’ and which also merges, again via a first 90° curved portion, into the diverse subsequent guiding track portions in the region of a guiding track end device 29, also provided there, in the storage space 27. The opposite end portions of the slats 13 of the roller shutter 11 engage in these guiding track portions, which are usually U-shaped in cross section, and they are guided displaceably along this rail and guiding system.

The dimensions of the guiding track portions particularly in the storage space 27 are such that the roller shutter 11 can be adjusted in its open position so that the entire opening 31 can be released as far as possible in its entire width and the roller shutter 11 has at least usually moved into the storage space 27 almost to the end 25h of the last guiding track portion 25g.

However, in order to interlink a roller shutter cabinet, shown in Fig. 1, for example on its outer side 17a, on the left in Fig. 1, with the next, identically constructed roller shutter cabinet and to firmly interconnect them using appropriate assembly aids, it is also necessary inter alia to carry out appropriate assembly work on the left side wall 17a from the inside of the roller shutter cabinet shown in Fig. 1, more specifically from the inner face 17’a of the roller shutter cabinet.

To make this possible, provided according to the invention is a track switching arrangement 33 which is arranged, for example, in the centre region of the guiding track end device 29 and can be moved between at least two adjustment positions.

In the adjustment position shown in Fig. 2a to 2c, the track switching device 33 has been moved into its usual functional position in which the entire storage space 27 is available via the mentioned auidina track oortions 25b to 25a for receivina the roller shutter 11.

However, if the mentioned interlinking work is to be carried out, the track switching arrangement 33, i.e. in general the track switching element 33’, can be moved from the position shown in Fig. 2a to 2c into the position shown in Fig. 3a to 3c.

In this respect, the track switching element 33’ is moved according to arrow 34 in Fig. 3a, as a result of which the first straight guiding track portion 25c is interrupted approximately in its centre region. Consequently, the track switching element 33’ releases a curved guiding track portion 25x so that, when the roller shutter 11 is opened, the leading end is initially deflected away from the outer side wall 17a by 90° upon reaching the track switching arrangement 33. During a further opening movement of the roller shutter, the roller shutter 11 performs a further curved feed movement along a remaining second guiding track portion 25e’. Since the roller shutter slats 13, which are interconnected in a part-articulated manner, can be adjusted at an angle to one another only in one direction, the adjacent roller shutter slats can only ever be curved in one direction so that the leading edge of the roller shutter 11 can be moved along the mentioned partial guiding track portion 25e’, the following 180° guiding track curved portion 25f up to the last straight guiding track portion 25g.

As a result, a storage space 27’ which is shortened in its overall length is provided which allows the roller shutter to be opened, for example into the position shown according to Fig. 4a (i.e. approximately up to a half or, for example, up to 60 %).

Thus, in the context of the invention, the described adjusting device, for example in the form of the track switching arrangement 33 produces in the storage space 27 a first guide path 125a and a second guide path 125b, which is shorter compared thereto, the second guide path 125b being configured such that it ultimately only forms or needs a storage space 27’ which is shorter compared to the storage space 27 (which is required for the first guide path 125a). Thus, in other words, the effective length of the guiding track 25 is shortened in the storage space in that the roller shutter is no longer moved on the first guide path 125a in the storage space 27, but only on the shorter guide path 125b which only requires a reduced storage space 27’ compared to the usual storage space 27.

Accordingly, the second or further guide path 125b is sometimes also called a shortened guide path 125b. Fig. 4b is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of a section through the roller shutter cabinet 1. without a detailed illustration of the individual auide devices.

However, it can be seen that the storage space 27, on the left in the illustrated embodiment, is separated from the rest of the roller shutter interior 17a by an internal wall 17c, so that horizontal shelves can be fitted between the mentioned internal wall 17c and the right outer side wall or outer wall 17b (as described in principle with reference to Fig. 7).

When an internal wall 17c of this type is provided, in the context of the invention it is provided with an appropriately dimensioned recess or opening 37 provided, for example, in the centre region (which recess or opening 37 is delimited by a peripheral edge 37’ in the partition wall 17c), as can be seen in the cross-sectional view according to Fig. 4c.

This view also shows that, for example when the roller shutter cabinet is half open, the roller shutter element 11 when the track switching arrangement 33 has been moved accordingly into the second adjustment position, only the portion, formed next to the front, of the storage space is used and can be used, so that the rear region 39 (Fig. 3a, Fig. 4c) at the side wall or outer wall 17a is accessible at least via the opening or recess 37 in the partition wall 17c.

It is thus possible for assembly work to be carried out at the inner face 17’a on the outer wall 17a, for example on two prepared holes 38 in the left outer wall 17a. Depending on the arrangement of the track switching element 33’ and thereby on the length, created thereby, of the shortened storage space 27’, the roller shutter 11 can be opened to varying extents, for example at least in a region of more than 40 %, optionally more than 50 % or for example up to 60 % or more, compared to the maximum opening width when the maximum storage space 27 is available.

In principle, the guiding track end device 29 on the underside 7b of the cover plate 7 is configured in the same manner as on the upper side 23a of the base plate 23. However, a described track switching arrangement is not required in the region of the base plate. An adjustable track switching arrangement 33 only has to be provided, i.e. configured on the upper side, i.e. on the cover plate 7, for example.

To be able to make the adjustment here, the cover wall 7 is provided with a slot-shaped actuating opening 7c, as is evident from the spatial view according to Fig. 4a and from the enlarged detail view according to Fig. 5. Projecting into this slot-like actuating opening 7c is an actuating device 43, for example an actuating peg 43, using which it is possible to make the adjustment, from outside, of the track switching arrangement between a first functional Dosition, which makes the full storaae space 27 available, and an at least second functional position, in which a reduced storage space 27’ is made available by opening an alternative shortened adjustment track.

As can be seen in the additional detail spatial views according to Fig. 6a to 6d, the track switching arrangement 33, i.e. of the track switching element 33’, can be brought not only into two different functional positions, but basically into three different functional positions by the actuating peg 43.

Fig. 6a shows a detail of the rear side of the guiding track end device 29 before assembly thereof on the inside or underside 7b of the cover plate 7, i.e. before assembly of the associated base element 29a of the guiding track end device 29’ with the track switching arrangement 33 adjustable therein, i.e. the adjustable track switching element 33’. The base element 29a has an angular adjustment opening 29b. In the view according to Fig. 3a or Fig. 6a, the peg-shaped actuating element 43 projects through the end portion of the adjustment opening 29b in a position in which it can be seen that the track switching element 33’ has not yet been finally installed on the guiding track end device 29. For installation, the track switching arrangement 33 has to be moved according to arrow 45 from the position according to Fig. 6a into the position according to Fig. 6b in which the track switching element is then secured in a captive manner in the guiding track end device 29’. At the same time, this adjustment position indicates that the track switching arrangement is in its second functional position in which the alternative guide path with a shortened storage space 27’ is created.

If the actuating element 43 and thereby the track switching element 33’ is moved from the position shown in Fig. 6b (the so-called second functional position) according to the direction of the arrow 47 into the first functional position shown in Fig. 6c, i.e. if the track switching element 33’ is moved away slightly from the adjacent outer wall 17a, then the usual adjustment path will again be provided in which the entire storage space 27 for receiving the roller shutter element 11 is made available. At the same time, a movement between the first and second functional positions can only be made when the track switching element is in a locked, secured installation position.

It can be seen according to the plan view in Fig. 4a and according to the detail view of Fig. 5 that provided in the cover plate 7 is just one actuating opening 7c which is smaller than the base olate 29a and which allows a movement of the actuatina element 43 of the track switching element 33’ only between the first and second functional positions, but not into the position shown in Fig. 6a in which the track switching element could be dismantled.

Finally, after performing assembly work and after moving the track switching element 33’ into its basic position, i.e. into its usual functional position (in which the entire storage space 27 is made available), as also shown merely schematically in Fig. 5, the opening 7c provided in the upper cover wall 7 can be closed by clipping on a cap or a covering plate 51. This cap 51 can consist of plastics material, for example.

The described embodiment shows that an adjustment of the track switching arrangement 33 can be made from the upper side 7a of the cover plate 7, namely when the opening 31 is closed, thus when the roller shutter element 11 is moved into its closed position. After the cap or covering plate 51 has been removed, the actuating element 43 and thereby the track switching device can be adjusted such that the shortened storage space is now available. After a partial opening movement of the roller shutter, assembly work can be carried out from the inside of the roller shutter furniture. When the roller shutter is then moved back into its closed position while closing the opening 31, the actuating element 43 can thus bring the track switching device 33 back into its other usual functional position which provides the maximum movement path in the storage space 27. Thereafter, the opening 7b in the cover plate 7 is closed.

The invention has been illustrated using the example of a roller shutter cabinet in which the roller shutter can be moved in a transverse direction, i.e. usually in a horizontal direction between an open position and a closed position. In this respect, the slats are usually oriented vertically. Flowever, the invention can likewise also be realised in the case of a piece of roller shutter furniture in which, for example, the roller shutter can be moved in a vertical direction, particularly for example if two roller shutter cabinets of this type are to be placed one on top of the other and interlinked.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1. A piece of furniture having at least one roller shutter wherein the piece of furniture includes a first and second side wall or outer wall, a base and a cover wall spaced therefrom, front opening which can be uncovered or covered by the roillr shutter, and at least two guiding tracks which are arranged parallel to and spaced from one another, wherein the roller shutter is guided at least in portions in the at least two guiding tracks and is configured flexibly in the direction of movement, and the piece of furniture comprises a storage space which is provided inside the piece of furniture next to a side wall or outer wall and in which the roller shutter can be moved on a guide path while uncovering the opening of the piece of furniture, and wherein the guide path forms a first guide path, next to which a second guide path is provided, the second guide path requiring a shorter storage space, compared to the storage space, than the first guide path, and the shortened storage space is formed such that a rear region of the inner face of the piece of furniture is accessible when the roller shutter is at least partly open and further including an adjustment device by which a switchover can be made between the first guide path and the second guide path, the seednd guide path being shorter than the first guide path, so that when the adjustment deviql is switched over from the first guide path to the second guide path, the effective length of the guiding track is reduced.
2. A piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterised in that the adjustment device comprises a track switching arrangement which can be adjusted at least between a first usual functional position while providing: the maximum length for the guiding track in the storage space and thereby for the first guide path, and a second functional position in which a shortened storage space with a shortened overall length for the guiding track and thereby for the second guide path is made available.
3. A piece of furniture according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the adjustment device and/or the track switching arrangement is provided on the underside of the pyervylii and is preferably only provided on the underside of the cover wall. 4t A piece of furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the adjustment device is preferably in the form of the track switching device which can be moved between the first and second functional positions from the outside of the piece of furniture.
5. A piece of furniture according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the track switching device is formed in a guiding track end divide provided on the underside of the cover wall with the formation of a storage space.
6. A piece of furniture aeeQrdpi t| claim 5, characterised in that the track switching device in the guiding track end device can be brought out of an assembly position into at least one functional position in which it is held on the guiding track end device.
7. A piece of furniture according to either claim 5 or claim 8, characterised in that in order to assemble the track switching device on the guiding track end device, the track switching device can be moved parallel to the adjphjrig side wall or outer wall.
8. A piece of furniture according; to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the track switching device can be moved transversely and in particular vertically to the adjoining side wall or outer wail for adjustment between its first and second functional positions with the provision of a maximum storage space or of a shortened storage space compared thereto.
9. A piece of furniture according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the track switching device has an actuating element which extends through an opening and in the cover wall, or at least engages the opening when at a partial height, whereby the track switching device can be adjusted between a first and a second functional position from outside the piece of furniture.
10. A piece of furniture according to claim 9, characterised in that the actuating opening in the cover waii can be Posed by a cap.
11. A piece of furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Characterised in that the usual orshorlened storage space § provided in the piece of furniture between one outer wall or side wall and an internal wall offset relative thereto, the internal wall having in the centre and/or rear region a recess which, when viewed from the side, overlap with the exposed rear region created by the shortened storage space. Dated this 5th day of July 2016 Steelcase Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant PETER MAXWELL AND ASSOCIATES