DE102006053353A1 - Furniture drive arrangement, has supply unit including switching power supply with unregulated output voltage, and relay-less switching units provided for switching drives for adjusting adjustable furniture part in direction of motion - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has drives (M) for adjusting an adjustable furniture part, and an operating unit (4) for actuating the drives. A control unit (3) is provided for controlling the drives, and a mains-operated supply unit (2) has a switching power supply with an unregulated output voltage. Relay-less switching units are provided for switching the drives for adjusting the adjustable furniture part in a direction of motion. A switching unit is provided for switching on and off of a furniture drive (1) and/or for locking/releasing the drives.

Description

The The invention relates to an arrangement for an electromotive furniture drive according to the preamble of claim 1.

such furniture drives are in different versions known. For a piece of furniture with adjustable furniture parts, such as a slatted bed of a moving bed Head and foot part, are each to drive this adjustable furniture parts individual drive or double drives provided.

When Drive motors are mainly used DC motors, the one with a harmless Low voltage are operable. The drives are controlled by an operating unit, a so-called hand switch or a hand control, operated, which in conjunction with a control unit that sets the drives in motion, whereby the respective furniture part in the desired Position is pivoted or raised or lowered. As a power supply serves primarily the power grid, where transformers are the mains voltage on the necessary extra voltage Transform down. These transformers have a specific one Power-to-weight ratio and, depending on the requirement, a not insignificant one Space requirements. They are also rechargeable batteries, for example lead-acid batteries, known to be a network independent Operation for ensure a certain period of time, for example for one short-term emergency operation with nursing beds. These accumulators have also a heavy weight and require constant care and maintenance related to their operational readiness.

The Controls for Such furniture drives require in Generally a relatively high number of parts. For low price applications this number has already been significantly reduced. This is however not for all applications of the case, such as in the care sector.

Furthermore, it has been proposed to use a switching power supply instead of the transformer, as for example in the document EP 1 304 793 A2 which describes a power supply for a furniture drive, wherein an electronic component regulates the voltage output of the power supply of the power supply so that the load independent of the load a uniform movement can be generated, which is required for a specific application.

Electronic switching power supplies generally have a certain number of control components, which allow regulation of the voltage and / or current output in close tolerances. For the variety of drive applications in the furniture sector, however, such a tight tolerance voltage is not required. The power supply of the document EP 1 304 793 A2 is not applicable for this variety of applications from an economic point of view. Notes on use, for example, for the care sector and its peculiarities are the document EP 1 304 793 A2 also not apparent.

It there is a need for an arrangement of furniture drives for general Use in tight tolerances.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, an arrangement for one electromotive furniture drive to create which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and others Offers advantages.

The Task is by an arrangement with the characteristics of the plate of claim 1.

Of the The basic idea of the invention is that a power supply for one electromotive furniture drive a switching power supply having an unregulated output voltage.

Of others should as possible many, preferably all, components in their construction and in their construction be coordinated and adapted to each other, so that the cost of the entire furniture drive can be reduced.

Thereby results advantageous that the cost and the number of parts for such Switching power supply are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the basic circuit concepts as well as necessary components for such a power supply in large numbers and high quality available at low price. Since the output voltage is unregulated, a drive runs under higher load Slower, which, for example, a user quickly notice advantageous and a possible one Blocking can be detected quickly and avoided.

One Another particular advantage is that the input side the switching power supply is interpretable so that they have a wide voltage range which makes for a great Application area for different national tensions without, as in State of the art every time a different transformer with appropriately adapted primary winding, for example for 100 V, 120 V, 200 V, 230 V, 240 V, must be made.

In another embodiment, the switching power supply to a fixed predetermined input voltage or at least two. This can do that Switching power supply, although only be operated country-specific, on the other hand, however, a switching power supply can be created with matched to the respective country-specific voltage electronic components, so that a cost-optimized switching power supply is created due to the high volumes. Furthermore, the switching power supply may have a switch with at least two switching positions, whereby the primary-side input voltage to the respective voltage network is customizable.

A inventive arrangement for one electromotive furniture drive with at least one drive for adjusting an adjustable furniture part, an operating unit for actuating the at least one drive, a control unit for controlling the at least one drive and a mains-powered supply unit for electrical supply, is characterized in that the Supply unit a switching power supply with an unregulated output voltage and wherein relayslose switching elements for switching the at least a drive (M) for adjusting the adjustable furniture part are provided in at least one direction of movement.

advantageous Further developments of the invention are the dependent claims remove.

For use the inventive arrangement in the care sector both in the domestic as in home care, the arrangement continues in a preferred embodiment a switching unit for switching on / off the electromotive furniture drive and / or select to lock / unlock a preselected number of drives, which comply with the relevant regulations is required. This switching unit has at least two switching positions (ON / OFF). It is preferably by means such as keys, radio / infrared remote control, magnetic key etc.. actuated. she is also referred to as a lock or locking device and can at different points of the arrangement according to the invention, such as in the supply unit, operating unit, control unit or in their connection lines, be arranged.

In a particularly preferred embodiment provided that the operating unit with the at least one drive via switching amplification elements electrically indirectly connected switching elements for direct on / off switching of the at least one drive. This gives the advantage that the switch contacts for on / off / switching of the Drive motor in the arranged in the manual control actuators are integrated. In this case, there are no in the control unit Reinforced gear components, For example, relays, for this Drive necessary. It is preferred that, for example, at a Four-drive bed the two drives with low power consumption, for example for the head and foot part of the slatted blind, can be switched directly from the operating unit, this means, that the current of these drive motors at farms directly through the switching contacts of the switching elements in the operating unit flows. For the lifting motors of the complete bed are relays as switching amplification elements, for example in the control unit. These relays are then switchable by other switching elements in the control unit.

It is further preferred that the Schaltverstärkungsbauelemente, for example Relay, used in only that circuit with the higher power consumption are. Hubbewegungen, for example, contrary to gravity have a particularly high power consumption while movements, which are supported by gravity, that is, that gravity or a part of it in the direction of movement of these movements runs, require a lower power requirement. These movements require less power can thus of the actuators such as a manual switch to be switched directly.

It is particularly preferred in drive configurations for slatted frames with only two motors with low power consumption the version to use without relay, as this is a special economic Advantage results.

The Switching power supply as a supply unit offers further advantages by is preferably provided that the switching power supply of the supply unit a short-circuit proof output has. This will be blocked or overload the drive damages avoided. It is particularly advantageous that at a Such switching power supply such a short-circuit detection in electronic Form and therefore responds quickly.

in this connection It is also preferred that the switching power supply of the supply unit Primary and / or Secondary safety devices has, which react in a preferred embodiment quickly and after Remedy of the fault are ready for use again.

Another embodiment of a switched mode power supply provides a selection of electronic components of the high frequency circuit of the transformer. This arrangement allows that at a secondary short-circuit or at a high secondary current flow, the transmittable energy of the transformer designed in the manner of an isolating transformer is reduced such that in such a case, a relatively low current flow on the secondary side provides, with no damage for all components connected to the switching power supply.

It is provided in a particularly preferred embodiment that the Supply unit is arranged in a plug-in power supply. This is particularly advantageous because thus the supply unit in a socket can be used and not lying on the ground, causing damage be avoided. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the switching power supply due to its construction has less space than a Transformer and thus a higher one Power / weight ratio having. This is a supply unit with higher power output allows. Due to non-existent control components for the unregulated voltage output is another space saving achieved. By using a AC adapter will also an expensive power line avoided.

In Yet another preferred embodiment provides that the at least one drive, the operating unit, the control unit and the switching unit at least against ingress of moisture protected are formed. Due to the small size of the arrangement according to the invention is it therefore advantageous allows to achieve simple and effective seals. For example The control unit can considerably due to non-existent relay smaller than in the prior art. Thus, for example a complete Encapsulation of this unit possible, the one big one Tightness without additional housing seals causes.

It but it is also possible that the control unit in a hollow body of two halves or in a poured housing is arranged, resulting in further advantages, for example, the assembly of the housing on the furniture or other units, such as on a drive.

In an alternative embodiment is the control unit in a housing together with the at least arranged a drive. This results in a particularly vorteilhaf te Space savings and cost reduction of housing components. Continue to be housing seals saved.

The Wiring of the control unit can be on a circuit board or free, for example, by belated to be spilled Running inserts be. This circuit board or free wiring is also in easy way advantageous used in a housing or by potting sheathed. The board can also be equipped with electrical or electronic components, for example with relays for predefined motors fitted be.

It is in yet another version provided that the at least one drive in a hollow body housing two halves is arranged. This results in a particularly simple assembly, if the individual components or assemblies, for example the engine, can be used and closed of the housing can be fixed. Furthermore, it is possible that in the housing of the Drive the housing other assemblies by molding completely or at least partially integrated. For example, the housing of the motor in the housing of the drive be formed, with components of the engine, such as Magnets, anchor, cabbage brush holder plate, Steel jacket, possibly several times divided steel jacket, etc., directly in the case of the drive can be inserted. This is advantageous a saving of housing components the subassemblies allows.

In an alternative embodiment, especially for The use in the care sector, it is provided that the switching unit and the switching elements of the operating unit are formed first fail safe. Here, for example, a switching contact for each actuator of a switching element be provided. Also here are several switch contacts possible to to divide the stream advantageous, which in particular in the so-called regenerative brake of a motor is advantageous. In addition, will it prefers to use switching contacts, their Erstfehlersicherheit (according to relevant Norm required) is detectable. Also can use positive opening switch contacts (switch contacts are first-fail-safe or positively-opening, so that unwanted movement of the drive is avoided). Also The switching unit is equipped with these first fail-safe contacts.

to advantageous comfortable monitoring is the supply unit with optical and / or acoustic signaling devices provided for status message. This allows certain states, such as for example, operation, fault, overload, simply signalize and recognize.

In Another preferred embodiment the at least one drive, the supply unit, the control unit, the control unit and the switching unit fixed to each other or at least partially individually or in combination are releasably connected. Thereby a saving of plug contacts with sources of error is avoided where connectors are used only in such places, where they are for an installation or maintenance unavoidable are. The plug connections can for example, on the control unit or on the associated Be arranged components. It is also possible that all Compounds are designed firmly, resulting in a reduction of dense connectors and thus costs.

The The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments on the attached Figures closer explained. Hereby show:

1 a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention;

2 a second embodiment of the inventive arrangement;

3 a first example of an arrangement of a switching unit;

4 a second example of an arrangement of the switching unit; and

5 a third example of an arrangement of the switching unit.

Same or similar Components or assemblies with the same or similar functions are in the figures provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a first embodiment of an inventive arrangement of an electromotive furniture drive 1 shown.

The arrangement comprises: a supply unit 2 in a connector housing with a switching power supply, which via a cable with a control unit 3 connected is. At the control unit 3 is also an operating unit 4 in the form of a hand control with eight actuators and a switching unit 5 connected with three switch positions. Furthermore, with the control unit 3 four drives M connected. Each drive M is arranged on a furniture, not shown, for adjusting a respective adjustable furniture part. It can also be arranged several drives M in a housing.

All components 2 . 3 . 4 and M are with releasable fasteners 6 in corresponding fixed connecting elements 7 at the control unit 3 connected. The supply unit 3 also has a connector in this example 6 . 7 on its underside, whereby a high flexibility is achieved.

This arrangement is for example for a furniture drive 1 intended for a nursing bed. Two drives M are provided for the adjustment of the head and foot part of a slatted base of the nursing bed with low power consumption. Two further drives as lifting drives adjust the height of the bed with high power consumption at least in the stroke direction. The supply unit 3 supplies electrical energy from the supply network in the form of an unregulated low voltage to the control unit 3 , The release or blocking of a selection of drives M is performed by the switching unit 5 allows, which is executed first fail-safe and, for example, operated by a caregiver, for which, for example, a special key is necessary. The release and locking takes place by means of switches of the switching unit 5 , which the switches of the operating unit 4 are downstream or can be upstream. By actuating one or more actuating elements of the operating unit 4 is when the switching unit is switched on 5 the respective drive is switched on. If it is a drive M with low power consumption, this is directly from a switching element of the operating unit 4 switched on and off. The drives M with high power consumption are switched on and off via switching amplification elements, such as relays.

If the installation position for a piece of furniture is already known, then plug-in connections can be saved or arranged at a suitable location in order to enable a quick and short installation and / or maintenance effort. Such a configuration shows 2 in a second embodiment. Here are the connectors 6 . 7 the drives M arranged directly to the drives. The cables of the drives M, however, are on the control unit 3 directly connected. This is also with the supply unit 2 the case. Thus, for example, different supply units can be 2 or subsequently attach M drives or replace them easily and quickly during maintenance.

The switching unit 5 has here three switch positions, whereby different functions or switching states can be achieved, such as switching off the control voltage or switching off control voltage and motor voltage.

Switching off the primary voltage from the mains side for the supply unit 2 can be easily removed by pulling out the supply unit 2 from their power outlet. But it is also possible in a simple manner that the power outlet is equipped with a switch that is manually operated or remotely controlled, is equipped to switch off the power supply. The switch for switching the mains voltage can also be integrated in the switching power supply.

The switching unit 5 can be placed at different locations in the arrangement according to the invention. To show the 3 to 5 three different locations.

In 3 is the switching unit 5 in or on the control unit 3 arranged. This results in space and line savings. In this case, it is the extra-low voltage for the drives M and the control voltage for possible Schaltverstärkungselemen te by the switching unit 5 switched on or off. According to the 3 can the control unit 3 be arranged outside the furniture, so that the switching unit 5 is accessible and operable from the outside of the furniture.

In 4 is the switching unit 5 in series with the control unit 4 arranged in the connecting line. In this version, the power supply to the control unit 4 and / or to the drives M and / or to the control unit 3 through the switching unit 5 switched on or off.

It is also possible that the switching unit 5 directly in the operating unit 4 is arranged and there their power supply on or off, as in 5 is shown and the circuit according to the 4 is described.

The Invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but on diverse Modifiable way.

For example, it is conceivable that in one embodiment the supply unit 2 and the building-side power supply of the power outlet are spatially separated. In this case, a line may be provided, which the building-side power supply to the input of the supply unit 2 combines.

The supply unit 2 can be provided with several output voltages with different powers and functions, which are designed, for example, also switchable. The same can also apply to primary voltages. This switching can be done manually or remotely (wired or wireless), whereby the remote control can be automated depending on certain conditions, for example the drive.

The switching unit 5 serves as main switch for the purpose of first fault safety. This can also be locked and / or switchable by a special key.

In a plug-in power supply also several switching power supplies can be arranged. It is also conceivable that a common supply unit 2 is possible for more than one piece of furniture.

It is also conceivable that the supply unit 2 is equipped with other functions, such as smoke detector, night light, displays for operating conditions (audible and / or visual) and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the control unit 3 in the supply unit 2 is integrated, in which case by means of the operating unit 4 a switchable power supply can be switched directly.

1

furniture drive

2

Power supply unit

3

control unit

4

operating unit

5

switching unit

6

Detachable connection element

7

feast connecting element

M

drive

Claims (14)

Arrangement for an electromotive furniture drive ( 1 ) with at least one drive (M) for adjusting an adjustable furniture part, an operating unit ( 4 ) for actuating the at least one drive (M), a control unit ( 3 ) for controlling the at least one drive (M) and a mains-powered supply unit ( 2 ) for electrical supply, characterized in that the supply unit ( 2 ) has a switching power supply with an unregulated output voltage and wherein relay-less switching elements for switching the at least one drive (M) are provided for adjusting the adjustable furniture part in at least one direction of movement. Arrangement according to claim 1, which further comprises a switching unit ( 5 ) for switching on / off the electromotive furniture drive ( 1 ) and / or for disabling / enabling a preselected number of drives (M). Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating unit ( 4 ) with the at least one drive (M) electrically directly connected switching elements for direct on / off of the at least one drive (M). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit ( 4 ) with the at least one drive (M) via switching amplifying elements electrically indirectly connected switching elements for indirect switching on / off of the at least one drive (M). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching power supply of the supply unit ( 2 ) has a short-circuit proof output. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Switching power supply of the supply unit ( 2 ) Has primary and / or secondary securing devices. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply unit ( 2 ) is arranged in a plug-in power supply. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the at least one drive (M), the operating unit ( 4 ), the control unit ( 3 ) and the switching unit ( 5 ) are formed protected at least against ingress of moisture. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 3 ) is arranged in a hollow body housing of two halves or in a cast-housing. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit ( 3 ) is arranged in a housing together with the at least one drive (M). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the at least one drive (M) in a hollow body housing two halves is arranged. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the switching unit ( 5 ) and the switching elements of the operating unit ( 4 ) are formed first fail safe. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supply unit ( 2 ) has optical and / or acoustic signaling devices for status message. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the at least one drive (M), the supply unit ( 2 ), the control unit ( 3 ), the operating unit ( 4 ) and the switching unit ( 5 ) are fixed to each other firmly or at least partially individually or in combination are releasably connected.