EP1222876A2 - Arrangement for a table with at least two table-tops - Google Patents

Abstract

Table arrangement comprises two table plates (2) arranged to move in different parallel planes and coupled together using a synchronizing unit provided with a control element (5) moving about a central axis. The control element exerts control curves on the plates so that the plates move between an inner position and an outer position. Preferred Features: The control element is able to move about a central axis. The control element rotates about an angle of 90 degrees .

Description

The invention relates to a table arrangement with at least two table tops, which are arranged to move in different parallel planes are mutually at least in sections in at least one inner position superimpose and by means of a synchronization device are coupled for common movements.

Such a table arrangement is known from US Pat. No. 5,458,070. Several embodiments are described and in the US patent shown. In a version with three table tops, in different Horizontal planes are arranged to each other, is each Tabletop on a table leg eccentric to its focus held. The table legs are in a common, fixed Base rotatably mounted. There is a synchronizer in the base provided that the three table legs of the table tops for common Coupling movements. Overlay in an inner end position the three table tops in sections. In one by 180 ° the end position turned outwards is the common usable base area the table tops are enlarged compared to the inner end position, since the table tops no longer overlap in the outer end position.

The object of the invention is a table arrangement of the aforementioned Kind of creating a further improved variability of the Table top arrangement allows.

This object is achieved in that the synchronization device with at least one movable planar about a central vertical axis Control is provided by the positive control means on the Table tops exerts spiral control curves such that the table tops between the at least one inner position and at least an outer position in which the table tops have an enlarged joint Represent usable space that can be fanned in or fanned out. Under the planar The mobility of the control element is a flat, two-dimensional one To understand movement. This includes both turning and Swivel movements as well as wobble, pendulum or swimming movements. The movements take place around an imaginary central one Vertical axis, this term should be understood broadly. Because with a wobbling movement repeated for each revolution the control is inevitably constantly eccentric central vertical axis around. Nevertheless, the central vertical axis forms Center around which the control element moves when it wobbles becomes.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control element is around the central one Vertical axis rotatably mounted. This is an advantageous embodiment to achieve a limited, endless fanning and fanning.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each table top is a parallelogram steering assigned, with all parallelogram steering have a common central articulation point that is concentric to the central vertical axis is arranged. The control element is advantageous only rotatable to a limited extent, preferably by 90 °. The parallelogram steering are advantageously arranged so that they are mutually do not hinder. The basic idea of this embodiment is with a rotary movement of the control element in the line or straight curved parallel displacements common to all table tops to force outwards or inwards. By moving the Tabletops are opposed to a swiveling movement of the tabletops a reduced space for a corresponding shift movement the table tops needed, so the table arrangement in particular can also be used advantageously in confined spaces. The invention Solution preferably provides that the table tops are relative to each other as well as relative to the central vertical axis Movements while maintaining their parallel alignment in space carry out. Alternatively, it is also possible to move the table tops in from the central vertical axis radially outward linear guides to shift, the control element for each table top with a corresponding spiral control contour is provided, the respective one when the control element rotates Table top moves evenly outwards. This gives the fanning out movement. The reverse is done accordingly of course the fanning to the inner end position. at In the first, preferred version, the table tops move under Maintaining their parallel alignment spirally in space, which makes a particularly harmonious fanning or fanning movement is achievable. The one according to the invention is particularly advantageous Solution suitable for three table tops, because then the parallel fanning movement is particularly visually impressive. In addition, through the provision of three table tops in the fanned out area End position significantly enlarged. The table arrangement is preferred Can be used in the coffee table area.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotatable control element designed as a support part in which the table tops with the help of support elements rotatable about pivot axes parallel to the central vertical axis are stored, and the parallelogram steering are with the Support elements connected. Feet, base, Columns or legs can be provided, each carrying a table top.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control element is without a stop rotatable around the central vertical axis. This is advantageous a continuous and endless fanning and fanning can be achieved. The variability when enlarging or reducing the common usable area all table tops compared to the state of the art significantly increased.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each table top is a positive guide element assigned, which is part of the synchronization device, all the positive guide elements during a rotary movement of the control element revolve like a planet around the central vertical axis. If each table top is held on a single table leg, and each Table leg is assigned a corresponding positive guidance element, this results in the astonishing effect that when the Control element and a resulting fanning or fanning the table tops round the table legs around the central vertical axis.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control element is eccentric Tumbling movements are movable relative to the central vertical axis. In this way, a continuous and endless fanning and fanning can be achieved. The control element advantageously stands with the help of rectified Eccentrics, each assigned to a table top, with the Table tops in active connection. The eccentrics thus create the wobble movements for the control. The control element is preferably designed as a flat plate.

Fig. 1

zeigt in perspektivischer Darstellung eine Schrägansicht einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Tischanordnung von oben, wobei die Tischanordnung drei Tischplatten aufweist,

Fig. 2

die Synchronisiereinrichtung für die Tischplatten der Tischanordnung nach Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Darstellung, wobei aus Übersichtlichkeitsgründen die Tischplatten sowie eine Deckplatte entfernt sind,

Fig. 3

in einer Draufsicht die Tischanordnung nach Fig. 1 in einer zugefächerten Endposition,

Fig. 4

die Tischanordnung in einer aufgefächerten Endposition,

Fig. 5

in perspektivischer Darstellung eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Tischanordnung in einer aufgefächerten Position,

Fig. 6

die Tischanordnung nach Fig. 5 in einer zugefächerten Minimal-stellung,

Fig. 7

in perspektivischer Darstellung eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Tischanordnung,

Fig. 8

die Tischanordnung nach Fig. 7 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 9

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt der Tischanordnung nach den Fig. 7 und 8 auf Höhe eines Tischbeines.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the claims and from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with the aid of the drawings.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of an oblique view of an embodiment of a table arrangement according to the invention from above, the table arrangement having three table tops,

Fig. 2

1 in a perspective view, the table tops and a cover plate being removed for reasons of clarity,

Fig. 3

1 in a flattened end position,

Fig. 4

the table arrangement in a fanned out end position,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a further embodiment of a table arrangement according to the invention in a fanned out position,

Fig. 6

5 in a fanned minimum position,

Fig. 7

a perspective view of another embodiment of a table arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 8

7 in a side view and

Fig. 9

an enlarged section of the table arrangement according to FIGS. 7 and 8 at the level of a table leg.

A table arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is used in Coffee table area and stands on a solid surface 1. The Table arrangement has three rectangular table tops 2, which are preferably can be made of glass. Each table top 2 is eccentric to their center and thus to their focus on a support element attached in the form of a columnar foot 3, which by means of a Bearing bush 4 is rotatably mounted in a cover plate 5. Everyone Foot 3 protrudes through the common cover plate 5, which is also rectangular is designed, through and opens below the cover plate 5 in a carrier part 7 (Fig. 2), in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a stable, open frame. The frame 7 does not have two specified legs that are perpendicular to each other according to Art a T-beam are integrally connected. At the ends the legs are the feet 3 with their lower front ends rotatable added. The carrier part 7 also has a one-piece, unspecified positioning extension, which by one central vertical axis S, the vertical and coaxial by one shown in Fig. 2 Bearing pin M runs relative to one on the base 1 fixed base plate 6 is rotatably mounted.

The cover plate 5 is arranged above the carrier part 7 and rotatably connected to the carrier part 7. For this purpose, the cover plate 5 of her Bottom ago by means of the screw connections indicated in Fig. 2 8 screwed to the carrier part 7.

The cover plate 5 and the carrier part 7 serve as a control element in the sense the invention. As a synchronization device and as a positive guidance device within the meaning of the invention are those described in more detail below Parts 9 to 13 are provided. Each foot 3 and thus every table top 2 is in principle in the carrier part 7 as well as in the cover plate 5 a vertical pivot axis parallel to the vertical axis S is rotatably mounted. Each foot 3 points above the carrier part 7 and below the Cover plate 5 each have a steering disc 9, which rotatably with the respective Foot 3 is connected. On each steering disc 9 engages by means of a Hinge point 12 on a transmission rod 11 to a fixed Crank disk 10, which is aligned concentrically to the vertical axis S. is leads. On the crank disk 10, the transmission rod 11 is by means of another hinge point 13 rotatably fixed. The Crank disk 10 is firmly connected to the base plate 6, i.e. Likewise arranged stationary. The distances of the hinge points 12 to the respective Pivot axis of the associated foot 3 and the distances of the Pivot points 13 on the crank disk 10 to the vertical axis S are identical to each other. The straight lines connecting the vertical axis S and the axis of rotation of the inner pivot point 13 of each transmission rod 11 and the pivot axis of the associated foot 3 and the axis of rotation of the outer pivot point 12 are parallel aligned with each other, so that for each foot 3 and thus also results in a parallelogram steering for each table top 2.

The pivoting angle of the carrier part 7 as well as the cover plate 5 is limited to a maximum of 90 ° by stops not shown in detail. The Alignment of the table tops 2 to each other is selected so that the outer edges the table tops 2 are parallel to each other in pairs. The cover plate 5 is oriented such that in the inner end position, in which the three table tops 2 the maximum coverage area have, also with their side edges parallel to the outer edges the table tops 2 is aligned. With a beginning twist the top plate 5 and the support member 7 move the table tops 2 while simultaneously rotating outwards about the central vertical axis S, whereby the spiraling fan movements of the table tops 2 result. The table tops 2 retain through the positive guidance means in the form of the parallelogram steering described Parallel positions in space, i.e. the assigned outer edges of the Table tops 2 always remain parallel to each other. Stay in particular the outer edges of the table tops 2 also parallel to imaginary parallel lines on the substrate 1, whereas the cover plate 5 is relatively to these imaginary parallel lines of the underground, which are fixed in space 1 twist. In the orientation of the Cover plate 5 has reached the outer end position of the table tops 2, whereby the table tops 2 - seen in plan view - a significantly enlarged have common usable area. The table tops 2 can be arranged such that they are also in the fanned out end position overlay each other in sections. However, the arrangement can also be such that there is no overlap in the fanned out end position the table top 2 is more available.

3 and 4 are the inner and outer end positions the table arrangement recognizable. Fig. 4 shows that the usable table surface the table tops 2 in the fanned out end position opposite the fanned end position is significantly enlarged. For better understanding is each table top in a corner area with an individual Letters A, B, C. This is in the comparison between the both end positions on the one hand the horizontal displacement of the table tops in the room and on the other hand the spatially rectified parallel shift recognizable because the letters A, B, C in both end positions have the same spatial orientation.

A table arrangement according to FIGS. 5 and 6 has three circular table tops 1a to 3a, which in the illustrated embodiment Glass exist. Of course, any other is also for the table top suitable material can be used. Each table top 1a to 3a is eccentric to their focus and thus eccentric to their center attached to a table leg 4a to 6a, which is perpendicular to Table top protrudes downwards. In the illustrated embodiment the table legs 4a to 6a are of different heights, so that the Table tops 1a to 3a are in different parallel planes, here located in horizontal planes. Each table leg is therefore vertical aligned and in its lower end in a circular Base plate 7a held. The base plate 7a also exists in the present case Embodiment made of glass and all three table legs 4a to 6a are rotatably mounted in the common, disc-shaped base plate 7a. All three table legs 4a to 6a point to a center of the circular base plate 7a the same distance. In addition, everyone is three table legs 4a to 6a evenly over the circumference of the foot plate 7a distributed.

The base plate 7a itself is horizontal by means of a swivel joint 13a rotatably mounted on a fixed base. The hinge 13a is positioned concentrically to the center of the foot plate 7a. The fixed one Base is through a gear wheel disc described in more detail below 11a and by one on the underside of the gear wheel 11a attached feet 12a formed, which are supported on a surface. The gear disc 11a is on its outer edge with a circumferential Provide spur toothing. Each rotating table leg 4a to 6a is below the base plate 7a, in which the table legs 4a to 6a are mounted are, a positive guide element 8a to 10a, in the present form a toothed disc with spur gearing, non-rotatable assigned. All positive guidance elements 8a to 10a are in the arranged on the same horizontal plane as the fixed gear wheel 11a. The spur gears of the positive guide elements 8a to 10a and the gear wheel 11a are coordinated, so that the positive guide elements 8a to 10a with the gear wheel Comb 11a.

The gear wheel 11a and the positive guide elements 8a to 10a are part of the common synchronizer for a common Movement of the table top 1a to 3a. The gear disc 11a and the positive guide elements 10a form the positive guide means in Sense of the invention. In the present case, the footplate serves as the control element 7a.

In an embodiment of the invention, not shown, the Base plate held stationary. This is the central gear disc rotatable, so that the functions of the gear disc and the Invert the footplate. The table legs then remain on one stationary place. Nevertheless, the desired fanning out or fanning out results.

Since in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, both the table tops 1a to 3a and the base plate 7a consist of transparent glass, the parts lying one below the other are not dashed, but shown with solid lines.

As soon as one of the table arrangement according to FIGS. 5 and 6 Table tops 1a to 3a clockwise or counterclockwise is pressed or pulled, the corresponding table top begins to rotate the axis of rotation of the associated table leg 4a to 6a. As a result, the associated positive guide element 8a to 10a rolls up from the outer periphery of the gear disk 11a. By storing in the base plate 7a is also rotated in the corresponding direction of rotation and also takes the other table legs with it. Since also the positive guidance elements 8a to 10a of the remaining table legs 4a to 6a with the Combing spur gear teeth 11a, are inevitable this also moves. Each table top leads between that in FIG. 6 shown inner minimum position and an outer maximum position, in which the table tops 1a to 3a are fanned out to a maximum, spiral Control curves through. Since all table tops 1a to 3a all around are movable without a stop, can with several revolutions in one Direction of rotation an alternating fanning and closing of the table tops 1a to 3a can be achieved. Because the diameter of the gear washers in the form of the positive guide elements 8a to 10a much lower are as the diameter of the spur gear teeth 11a, there is also a relatively large gear ratio. Relative Small angles of rotation of the base plate 7a therefore already lead to the relative large angles of rotation of the table tops. As with FIGS. 5 and 6 is recognizable, already causes an angle of rotation of the base plate 7a of approximately 20 ° to 30 ° a rotation of each table top 1a to 3a by about 180 °.

The positive guidance means can in other, not shown embodiments the invention by others, non-positively or positively components which are connected to one another in a force-transmitting manner be educated. So are chain drives or belt drives in particular frictional transfers also provided.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 9 there are also three Table tops 1 b to 3b eccentrically on each table leg 4b to 6b held. A circular control plate 7b serves as the control element, that with the help of rectified eccentrics 10b parallel to one a base plate 11b in its plate plane tumbling around a central, unspecified vertical axis of the Base plate 11b is movably supported. The foot plate 11b is at illustrated embodiment also circular and has a smaller diameter than the control plate 7b. As an eccentric 10b flat cylindrical disks are provided, which on a Side eccentrically rotatable on the footplate by means of a bearing 8b 11b and - opposite each other with respect to their central vertical axis - By means of an attachment in a rotationally fixed manner described below Way with a penetrating the control plate 7b Control extension of the respective table leg 4b, 5b, 6b are connected.

In an embodiment of the invention, not shown, is used the lower plate as a wobble control plate and the upper plate, in which the table legs are rotatably supported serves as on the base or base plate is fixed to the ground. This is then by means of corresponding feet supported on the floor to avoid a wobbling Mobility of the control plate below the base or base plate to enable. The mode of operation corresponds to that shown here Embodiment in reverse.

As can be seen from FIG. 9, results from the ones used Bearings 8b an extremely flat base. The storage 8b is through an axial bearing is formed by means of a countersunk screw 12b on the base plate 11b is attached.

The table legs 4b, 5b, 6b are in the control plate 7b by means of a corresponding Bearings 9b rotatably mounted. A tax appendage each Table legs 4b to 6b project downwards through the control plate 7b through and is at a distance from the bearing with the respective eccentric 10b 8b firmly connected. For this purpose, the control plate 7b protruding control extension of each table leg 4b to 6b on his lower end on a downward protruding threaded bolt that with an eccentric nut cooperates such that the respective Table leg 4b to 6b is screwed onto the eccentric.

In order for a fanning or fanning movement of the table tops 1b to 3b, the control plate is easily in a circumferential direction emotional. This will over the control plate through which penetrate all three table legs 4b to 6b, a torque on the three eccentrics 10b exerted, causing them about their respective axes of rotation in the area of the bearings 8b relative to the fixed lower one Base plate 11b are rotated. Since the table legs 4b to 6b with the eccentrics 10b are firmly connected, they inevitably rotate a rotational movement of the eccentrics 10b inwards or outwards With. To prevent the entire arrangement from locking itself, Of course, all three eccentrics 10b must be parallel to each other be aligned. This means that the three levels of the table legs 4b to 6b, which are both the central longitudinal axis of the respective table leg 4b, 5b, 6b, as well as the respective axes of rotation of the bearings 8b, are aligned parallel to one another. Through the eccentric bearing the control plate is thus a smooth opening and closing of the Table tops 1b to 3b achievable.

Claims (9)

Table arrangement with at least two table tops which are movably arranged in different parallel planes, which overlap one another at least in sections in at least one inner position and which are coupled by means of a synchronizing device for common movements, characterized in that the synchronizing device is connected to at least one around a central vertical axis (p ) is provided with a planar movable control element (5, 7; 7a; 7b) which exerts spiral control curves on the table tops (2; 1a, 2a, 3a; 1b, 2b, 3b) in such a way that the table tops between the at least one inner one Position and at least one outer position, in which the table tops form an enlarged common usable area, can be fanned or fanned. Table arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the control element is rotatably mounted about the central vertical axis. Table arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that each table top (2) is assigned a parallelogram steering (9 to 13), wherein all parallelogram steering (9 to 13) have a common central articulation point which is arranged concentrically to the central vertical axis (S). Table arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rotary movement of the control element (5, 7) is limited to an angle of 90 °. Table arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotatable control element is designed as a carrier part (7) in which the table tops (2) are rotatably supported by means of support elements (3) about pivot axes parallel to the central vertical axis (S), and in that the parallelogram steering systems (9 to 13) are connected to the support elements (3). Table arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the control element (7a) is rotatable without a stop about the central vertical axis. Table arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that each table top is assigned a positive guide element which is part of the synchronizing device, with all positive guide elements rotating in a planetary manner around the central vertical axis when the control element rotates. Table arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the control element (7b) is movable in eccentric wobble movements relative to the central vertical axis. Table arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the control element (7b) is in operative connection with the table tops by means of rectilinear eccentrics (10b) which are each assigned to a table top (1b, 2b, 3b).

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