EP0815775A2 - Modular system for the assembly of office furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

The office furniture system comprises several modular columns (7) and horizontal development parts which can be assembled together to form a structure for carrying work surfaces and partitions. Each column comprises a first support portion (14) having a base (15) at its lower end. A second portion (16), fixed to the upper end of the first portion, constitutes a connecting node between the column and the horizontal elements. The second portion has a cylindrical body whose external surface has a series of vertical grooves (23). Each groove decreases toward the bottom and has an upper end immersing in the cylindrical body upper face (24). The grooves receive and support complementary truncated male coupling parts carried by the horizontal elements.

Description

The present invention relates to furniture systems for office, of the type comprising several modular columns and elements with horizontal development, likely to be assembled to each other in various configurations providing a bearing reticular structure for planes working and partition walls located at heights various.

A furniture system belonging to the aforementioned type is notably described in the European patent application EP-A-0 458 264.

The use of office furniture systems of this type has prevalent in recent years due to the benefits offered by their simplicity, by their speed of assembly, as well as by their flexibility of use. These systems can indeed be used to furnish workspaces with screens or partition walls arranged at different heights, desks, meeting tables, worktops for typists, etc., in a particularly rational way, flexible and simple. The production and storage of the components of the system are simplified, and assembly can be done using quick and easy operations. It is also possible to arrange quickly available space according to new needs.

The systems which have been proposed so far are however not not entirely satisfactory from the point of view of speed assembly and flexibility of use. The modular element of system is generally the weak point of conventional systems. This element is used as a link node between the modular columns and the elements with horizontal development of the system. This knot, in the conventional systems, is relatively complicated and does not allow to connect several horizontal elements in directions that form between they not right angles.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate these drawbacks by realizing a system whose structure is extremely simple. These systems can be mounted easily and quickly, and their use is very flexible.

• une première portion de soutien, munie à son extrémité inférieure d'un élément de piétement,
• une deuxième portion, fixée à l'extrémité supérieure de la première portion, et constituant un noeud de liaison entre la colonne et les éléments à développement horizontal qui lui sont associés, ladite deuxième portion ayant un corps cylindrique dont la surface extérieure présente une série circulaire de rainures verticales, chacune desquelles s'amenuisant vers le bas et présentant une extrémité supérieure qui débouche à la surface supérieure du corps cylindrique, lesdites rainures étant destinées à recevoir et à supporter des éléments d'accouplement mâles complémentaires d'allure tronconique portés par lesdits éléments à développement horizontal.

To achieve this object, the invention relates to a furnishing system of the aforementioned type, which is characterized in that each of the modular columns comprises:

• a first support portion, provided at its lower end with a base element,
• a second portion, fixed to the upper end of the first portion, and constituting a connection node between the column and the horizontally developing elements associated with it, said second portion having a cylindrical body whose outer surface has a circular series vertical grooves, each of which tapering downwards and having an upper end which opens onto the upper surface of the cylindrical body, said grooves being intended to receive and support complementary male coupling elements of frustoconical shape carried by said elements with horizontal development.

In a preferred embodiment, this second portion has a series of eight grooves which make equal angles between them. Greater number of horizontal elements can therefore be linked to a same modular column, so as to form an angle of 45 °, or an angle equal to a multiple of 45 °. The invention can of course also be configured with a different number of grooves on the aforementioned second portion, which in fact constitutes the connecting node, so that the grooves make between them an angle which can be different from 45 °.

Still in the case of the embodiment discussed above, it is expected that this modular column may further comprise a third portion forming an upper extension. The third portion in question is fixed on the second portion and it has a cylindrical body whose dimensions correspond to those of the cylindrical body of the second portion. It also has a series of vertical grooves, arranged in the extension of the vertical grooves of the second portion, and whose cross section is uniform over the entire length of this third portion. This section actually corresponds to that of the end upper grooves of the second portion. The third portion can be used for example to support partition walls, screens or equivalent elements.

Preferably, the aforementioned third portion is fixed to the second portion using a rapid implantation means, for example by means of a bayonet type fastener.

Alternatively, the second portion is to be attached to the first portion in a way that is adjustable in height, allowing have a work plan attached to the link node at several heights.

According to another preferred characteristic, the first portion of the modular column is made of steel, while the second and third portions are made of light alloy.

Starting from the basic component which has just been described, the system relating to the invention makes it possible to carry out a large number of configurations furniture, including desks, worktops, partitions of separation at different heights, etc. The usual weak point of the system, know the link node, is built in an extremely simple way and economical and it allows the connection of the horizontal elements of the supporting structure of the system to modular columns in a completely simple and fast. In addition, the special structure and arrangement of the knot of connection as described allow the connection between the various elements of the supporting structure in various configurations, having horizontal elements in such a way that they converge towards the same knot, in directions which form angles between them which can be different from 90 °.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the system comprises horizontal plans that can be used, for example, for offices, tables or work plans for typists. Each of them includes a portion that can be moved by sliding or rotating, in a position which gives access to an internal duct, in which are housed electrical service cables. Thanks to this feature, operations relating to the assembly of the system and the connection of the various cables electric with appliances intended to be placed on worktops are particularly simple and convenient to execute.

• La figure 1 met en valeur un exemple de configuration d'ameublement réalisée à l'aide du système de l'invention ;
• La figure 2 explique la structure portante de la configuration de la figure 1;
• La figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'un autre exemple de configuration d'ameublement pour un bureau, également réalisable grâce au système de l'invention,
• La figure 4 est une vue latérale d'un autre exemple de configuration d'ameublement, toujours réalisable à l'aide du système de l'invention, et qui montre les divers types de cloisons de séparation qui peuvent être par exemple prévus, avec les colonnes modulaires correspondantes ;
• La figure 5 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un premier type de colonne modulaire utilisable dans un système de l'invention ;
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un second type de colonne modulaire ;
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont une vue en section éclatée et une vue latérale montée de la colonne modulaire de la figure 5 ;
• Les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues en section suivant les lignes IX-IX et X-X de la figure 8 ;
• La figure 11 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de réalisation d'un bureau au moyen du système de l'invention ;
• La figure 12 est une vue éclatée en perpective du bureau de la figure 11;
• La figure 13 est une vue en perspective et à grande échelle d'un détail de la figure 12 ;
• La figure 14 est une vue latérale partielle et partiellement sectionnée de la structure portante du bureau des figures 11 et 12 ;
• La figure 15 est une vue en plan de la configuration de la figure 14 ;
• Les figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D sont des vues latérales de quatre configurations différentes de bureaux ;
• La figure 17 est encore une vue latérale d'un bureau réalisable avec le système de l'invention, doté d'un plan de travail réglable en hauteur ;
• La figure 18 est une vue en section et à grande échelle d'un détail de la figure 17, lorsque le plan de travail du bureau occupe la position la plus basse possible, et
• La figure 19 est une vue en perspective d'un autre bureau réalisable à l'aide du système de l'invention, qui met en évidence la possibilité d'enlever une partie du plan de travail, afin d'accéder au conduit interne dans lequel sont contenus les câbles électriques de service.

The description which follows highlights other characteristics and other advantages of the invention. This description is supported by the attached figures, which however only illustrate nonlimiting examples of the invention:

• Figure 1 highlights an example of furniture configuration made using the system of the invention;
• Figure 2 explains the supporting structure of the configuration of Figure 1;
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another example of furniture configuration for an office, also achievable using the system of the invention
• Figure 4 is a side view of another example of furniture configuration, always achievable using the system of the invention, and which shows the various types of partition walls which can for example be provided, with the corresponding modular columns;
• FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a first type of modular column usable in a system of the invention;
• Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a second type of modular column;
• Figures 7 and 8 are an exploded sectional view and a side mounted view of the modular column of Figure 5;
• Figures 9 and 10 are sectional views along lines IX-IX and XX of Figure 8;
• Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an office using the system of the invention;
• Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the desk of Figure 11;
• Figure 13 is a perspective view on a large scale of a detail of Figure 12;
• Figure 14 is a partial and partially sectioned side view of the supporting structure of the desk of Figures 11 and 12;
• Figure 15 is a plan view of the configuration of Figure 14;
• Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D are side views of four different office configurations;
• Figure 17 is still a side view of a desk achievable with the system of the invention, with a height adjustable work plan;
• FIG. 18 is a sectional view, on a large scale, of a detail of FIG. 17, when the desk top occupies the lowest possible position, and
• Figure 19 is a perspective view of another office achievable using the system of the invention, which highlights the possibility of removing part of the work plan, in order to access the internal duct in which the electric service cables are contained.

Figure 1 shows an example of a furniture configuration achievable by the system of the invention. It includes two offices (1), integrated into a single work plan, each of them provided with a extension (2), as well as removable portions (3, 4), in accordance with which will be described and explained in more detail below. The two workstations thus defined are separated by a partition or by a screen (5) which comprises panels (6), themselves held by modular columns (7). These will also be described in more detail below. They are also used to support various worktops.

As shown in Figure 2, in which the worktops are shown transparent and the panels (6) have been removed, the columns modular (7) have, at their lower level, base elements (8) and (9) and, at their upper level, horizontally developing elements (10, 11), which connect the columns together and support the worktops. All of these elements therefore constitute a reticular structure load-bearing for the furnishing configuration. Naturally, the configuration highlighted in Figures 1, 2 is cited only as an example, being given that the system of the invention, as clearly follows from the description which follows, can be used to compose at will a large number of furnishing configurations, with infinite variations possible with regard to the arrangement of the partition walls (5) and work plans.

Figure 3 is another example configuration with a desk, achievable with the system of the invention, which uses modular columns (12) of a second type different from that of the columns (7) of FIGS. 1 and 2, as will also be explained in detail in the following. In that case, the office (1) has an extension (2) for meetings, and a additional workstation (13) designed to house a computer.

FIG. 4 shows, by way of example and on the basis of a practical case carried out, the various versions of the modular column (7) and of the partitions separation (5) which are provided by the system of the invention to achieve workstations (1) with screens (5) of various heights, functions of the type of separation you want to achieve. As will be put more clearly visible below, each of the columns (7) includes a first support portion (14), provided at the lower level with a base (15), and at the upper end of a second portion (16).

This plays the role of connecting node between the modular column (7) and the horizontally developing elements (10, 11). As we can see, it is possible to provide, above the connecting node (16), a portion complementary upper extension (17). The latter is itself provided in various models of different heights to support the partition walls or screens (5), also of different heights, in particular by interposing panels (6) of variable height. The separation can also extend below the worktop and it is then made using other panels (18).

Figures 5 and 7-10 show in detail an embodiment of the modular column (7).

As mentioned above, the modular column (7) includes a lower support portion (14) which, in the embodiment presented, is constituted by a tubular steel element. The configuration of this element is such that there is a decrease in progressive section upwards, said portion ending at the upper level by a cylindrical end of constant diameter. On the other hand, in its main part, the profile of the section is roughly cross-shaped, with four large ribs (14a) separated by as many grooves (14b) whose width increases gradually down. At its lower end, the portion (14) of the modular column (7) is connected to a base element (15), which is provided in several versions (15a), (15b), (15c) and (15d) which are functions of needs, as will be better understood in the description which follows.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, the connection between the support portion (14) and the base (15) is produced, in the example presented, using two threaded rods (19), fitting into the lower end of the portion (14) engaging in two vertical studs (20). These exceed above the base (15) which, for its part, is provided with a small foot adjustable (21).

Above the support portion (14) is fixed the complementary portion (16) which constitutes the node of the connection. In the example in question, the body of the portion (16) is made of light alloy. Its lower end (16a), whose diameter is reduced, is embedded in the upper end of the portion (14) using an interposed socket (22) which can for example be in plastic material.

This socket comprises several elastic longitudinal fins (22a). The cylindrical body of the portion (16) further comprises a main portion (16b) on the outer surface of which opens a series of grooves vertical (23), of section tapering downwards. In the example shown, there are eight grooves and the angles between them are equal, so that two adjacent grooves define an angle of 45 ° (see figure 10).

Each groove (23) has a blind bottom width end minimum and an open upper end of maximum width, which opens onto the surface of the upper end (24) of the portion (16).

Still with regard to Figures 5 and 7-10, the portion of the upper extension (17) has a cylindrical body in light alloy, provided with several vertical grooves (25) of uniform cross-section along the portion (17), corresponding to the section of the grooves (23) at the surface upper (24) of the portion (16). The grooves (25) are arranged at the level grooves (23) so as to constitute an extension thereof. The portion (17) has at its lower end a reduced diameter heel (17a) which is housed inside the cylindrical cavity (16c) of the portion (16) (figure 7) and which is blocked in the latter using a rapid implantation device, by example by means of a bayonet type attachment (shown schematically by the groove (17b) in Figure 5). A disc in material plastic (26) is preferably interposed between the portions (16) and (17) (figure 5) and a cover element (26) is arranged at the top of the portion (17).

Figures 11-13 show the use of the modular column (7) described above in an office produced according to the system of the invention. As shown in Figures 11-13, the desk (27) includes a support for two modular columns (7) of the type described above. Each of them in turn comprises a support portion (14) of the type also described above, fitted at the bottom with a base (15b) and at the top a connecting node (16), connected to the end of an upper cross member of link (28). As can be seen in FIG. 13, the connecting crosspiece (28) consists of a metal profile provided, at each of its ends, a male element (29) which is housed in a corresponding groove (23) of the link node (16).

The male connection element (29) has a conical shape which corresponds to the also conical shape of the corresponding grooves (23), hence the blocking in this groove. The element (29) is constituted, in the example presented, by a portion of folded sheet metal. Each link node (16) supports also a console (30) for supporting the plan (31) of the desk (27). Each consoles is also provided with a male coupling element (32), similar to the male coupling element (29), which is housed in a corresponding groove (23). In the example illustrated, the plane (31) is provided on its lower surface of dowels (33) which are housed in elements corresponding couplings (34) carried by the brackets (30). The upper ends of the connecting nodes (16) are covered by two closing elements (26) (Figure 11).

Referring to FIG. 12, it can be observed that under the plane (31) is fixed a conduit (35) which is used to house the electric cables, in accordance with this which will be explained later. The plane (31) has a front portion (31a) can be opened, for example, by sliding or pivoting, to allow access to the internal conduit which is used to house the electric cables.

Figures 14 and 15 show in detail the connection of the top rail (28) with the two connecting nodes (16) carried by the columns modular (7).

Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D highlight four types of positions of work achievable thanks to the system of the invention. In the case of the figure 16D, the modular columns (7) include the upper portion of extension (17) which is used for fixing the separation screens (5), in accordance with what has already been described in connection with FIG. 4.

In the case of FIG. 16D, three of the grooves of each link node (16) are occupied by two consoles opposite one another (30) and by the upper link crosspiece (28).

As we have already specified, the arrangement of the grooves (23), at number of eight and in positions that make equal angles, lets place between them, at a node (16), two more elements horizontal at an angle of 45 °, which gives the system flexibility of use higher than that of conventional systems.

Figures 17, 18 show a variant in which the knot link (16) has a lower heel (16a), provided with a series of openings vertical passing radials (35), in which can be in particular engaged a connecting screw (36). Between the upper end of the portion (14) and the heel (16a) is a cylindrical element (37) which also has a series radial vertical openings (38) into which the screw can be engaged (36). By suitably choosing the pair of openings (35, 38) in which must be inserted the screw (36), it is possible to place at heights different the connecting element (16). Figure 18 highlights the knot of link (16) in the lowest position, while FIG. 17 corresponds to the highest possible position.

Figure 19 is another example of a workstation that could be achieved by the system of the invention. It highlights on the one hand the use of conduits (35) which are used to house the electrical cables of service, and on the other hand the arrangement of the portions (31a, 31b) of the plan of work (31) which are removable (in the first case by sliding and in the second case by pivoting) to allow access to the conduits. The side elements (30a) for covering the consoles (30) are also represented.

Returning to Figure 6, note that it presents a second type of modular column, indicated as a whole by the reference number (12), and which is not identical to the modular column (7) due to the different conformation of the lower support portion, as well as the upper extension portion. In this case, the lower portion of support, indicated as a whole by the reference number (40), has a tubular conformation tapering down and ending in a foot support (41), while the upper extension portion, indicated in the whole by the number (42), is constituted by a tubular element cylindrical, the bottom of which is provided with a heel (42a). This is used to fix, at by means of a bayonet, said portion (42) in the cavity (16c). The columns modular (12) of this type are for example used in the the invention for making workstations of the type shown in FIG. 3.

The above description shows how well the furnishing system of the invention is characterized by a great simplicity of construction, by extreme ease of use, by great speed assembly and, finally, by a great flexibility of configuration for the production of various furniture assemblies.

Configurations and embodiments may vary from what is described and explained as an example, without going beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

Office furniture system, comprising several modular columns (7, 12) and horizontally developing elements (28, 30) capable of being assembled to one another in various configurations to determine a supporting reticular structure for worktops (31) and partition walls (5) of various heights,
characterized in that each of the modular columns (7, 12) comprises: a first support portion (14), provided at its lower end with a base element (15), a second portion (16), fixed at the upper end of the first portion (14) and constituting a connection node between the column (7, 12) and the horizontally developing elements (28, 30) associated therewith, said second portion (16) having a cylindrical body, the outer surface of which has a circular series of vertical grooves (23), each of said grooves (23) tapering downwards and having an upper end which opens onto the upper surface (24 ) of the cylindrical body, said grooves (23) being intended to receive and support complementary male coupling elements (29, 32) of frustoconical shape carried by said horizontally developing elements (28, 30). Office furniture system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second portion (14) has a series of eight grooves (23) forming equal angles between them. Office furniture system according to claim 2, characterized in that each of the grooves (23) has a cross section circular. Office furniture system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned modular column (7) further comprises a third upper extension portion (17), fixed on the second portion (14), provided with a cylindrical body whose dimensions correspond to those of the cylindrical body of the second portion (16), and of a series of vertical grooves (25) arranged in the extension of the grooves vertical (23) of the second portion (16), the cross section of which is uniform throughout the third portion (17) and corresponds to that of the upper end of the grooves (23) of the second portion (16). Office furniture system according to claim 4, characterized in that the third portion (17) is attached to the second portion (16) using a quick fastening means. Office furniture system according to claim 5, characterized in that said quick fixing means is of the bayonet type. Office furniture system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second portion (16) is attached to the first portion adjustable in height. Office furniture system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system includes a desk worktop (31) (27), including at least a portion capable of being moved (31a, 31b), by sliding or pivoting, in a position allowing to access an internal pipe (35) intended to accommodate electric cables on duty. Office furniture system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first portion (14) is made of steel and the second portion (16) is made of light alloy.

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