EP1516567A1 - Retractable mezzanine bed - Google Patents

Abstract

The bed has stowage mechanisms (30) enabling a frame (20) to be moved from a use position to a stowed position. Each mechanism has two shafts (31) connected via a linkage arm (32) to a pivot (33) on a support structure (10). A motion synchronization mechanism causes a synchronized rotation of the shafts. Small control rods (34) on shafts form a deformable parallelogram causing a synchronized rotation of the shafts.

Description

The subject of the present invention is a device serving as a retractable bed mezzanine comprising a frame equipped with a frame, a retraction mechanism retracting the bed frame from a first use position to a second storage position.

In general, we know what kind of devices whose purpose is to put in provision a furniture transformable. Thus, the furniture can be used in a first position to then be transformed into his second position in order to free up space. In this case, the furniture can serve as bed during the night to be transformed during the day in order to have more space in the room.

The document FR 2 729 062 describes in particular a retractable bed composed of a frame, a frame and a mechanism to position the frame horizontally at several positions in height, the bed can be used or stored. The retraction mechanism used in this case works by means of electric drives comprising in particular a motor.

A similar device is disclosed in document CH 678 145, the frame used as a support being in this case fixed to the ceiling of the room intended to be equipped with transformable furniture.

These devices make use of electrical drive means requiring a corresponding arrangement of the furniture, especially to house the motor and to bring current for its operation. At the level aesthetic and with regard to the place taken by these means, this has adverse consequences, especially in the case of bed furniture. The fact use of electrical means limits the possibilities of installation and of use of such a piece of furniture. Similarly, fixing the frame to the ceiling of a piece removes the flexibility of use of the furniture. In addition, the costs of production and the risks of failure for this type of retraction mechanism are relatively high.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device tending to obviate the aforementioned drawbacks of current systems.

The subject of the present invention is a device serving as a retractable bed a mezzanine comprising the features set forth in claim 1.

In particular, the mechanism of retraction of the device comprises two axes positioned on a bed frame, each of these axes being connected by a connecting rod to a pivot on a frame, in order to connect the frame and the frame, and a mechanism of synchronization of the movement connecting these two axes and imposing a rotation synchronized of the two axes.

In one embodiment, the retraction mechanism comprises at least one minus one link on each axis, these links being articulated on arms to form a deformable parallelogram imposing a synchronized rotation both axes.

It is thus possible to achieve a simple mechanical retraction means not using electrical means. The mechanism is arranged, in reducing the number of parts and optimizing their location, so efficient and simple to reduce production costs and maintenance. He can be easily installed inside a box integrated naturally in the frame supporting the bedspring of the bed in order to have a presentation aesthetically attractive furniture.

In addition, the mechanism may include at least one sector and a lever or two sectors positioned on the axes, these being connected by one or more springs. The spring provides a force facilitating the displacement of a position of the frame to another. Thus having a comfort of use comparable to that of a electrical means, the space required to house the retraction mechanism can at the same time be reduced by improving aesthetics and also flexibility of use of the furniture.

Thus, the transformable furniture according to the present invention can serve as a bed in its use position and makes it easy to clear space in its storage position, for example to use a desk, table or other things installed under the bed frame.

Other advantages emerge from the characteristics expressed in the dependent claims and description hereafter disclosing the invention more in detail using drawings.

Les figures 1a et 1b illustrent le dispositif, vu de coté en perspective, dans sa position de rangement et sa position d'utilisation.

La figure 2 est une vue en perspective du cadre dans sa position de rangement.

La figure 3 représente, vu en perspective, une position intermédiaire du cadre proche de la position de rangement, certaines parties du cadre n'étant pas représentées, comme dans les figures 2 et 6a à 6e, afin de montrer en particulier le mécanisme d'escamotage.

Les figures 4a à 4c illustrent le mécanisme de réglage de la force des ressorts prévu sur le mécanisme d'escamotage.

Les figures 5a et 5b montrent le dispositif de verrouillage.

Les figures 6a à 6e représentent une succession de positions du cadre lors de son déplacement à partir de sa position de rangement jusqu'à sa position d'utilisation.

The accompanying drawings show, schematically and by way of example, an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the device, seen from the perspective side, in its storage position and its use position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame in its storage position.

FIG. 3 shows, in perspective, an intermediate position of the frame close to the storage position, certain parts of the frame not being shown, as in FIGS. 2 and 6a to 6e, in order to show in particular the mechanism of retraction.

Figures 4a to 4c illustrate the mechanism for adjusting the force of the springs provided on the retraction mechanism.

Figures 5a and 5b show the locking device.

Figures 6a to 6e show a succession of positions of the frame during its movement from its storage position to its position of use.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings appended which illustrate by way of example an embodiment of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, it is firstly noted that the bed retractable according to the present invention is an independent assembly constituting a retractable mezzanine.

This mezzanine consists of a frame 10 formed of four poles vertical 11 connected together by a rigid structure 12, 13, 14, for example triangulated, ensuring the stability and rigidity of the whole.

This frame 10 serves to support a horizontal frame 20 formed normally of two longitudinal boxes 21 connected by two transverse boards 22, as indicated in FIG. 2 where the faces of the boxes 21 hiding in this view the retraction mechanism are not shown. Frame 20 could also be formed by two transverse boxes connected by two boards by changing the location of the retraction mechanisms in consequently, as will be apparent from the following explanations. In an other an embodiment using a simpler retraction mechanism and asymmetrical, the frame 20 could be formed by a box and a beam corresponding to the second box, these two pieces being of again connected by two boards.

Each box 21 of the frame 20 contains a retraction mechanism 30 having two axes 31, as shown in Figure 3 where the outer face interior of the caissons is not shown to show the details of the mechanism 30. An axle 31 of a retraction mechanism 30 may physically crossing the entire frame 20 by connecting two mechanisms 30 in the boxes 21 located on each side of the frame 20 or can only have the length corresponding to the thickness of a box 21. From preferably, at least one of the two axes 31 of a retraction mechanism 30 crosses the frame 20, as shown in Figure 3. Each of these axes 31 is connected at its outer ends by a connecting rod 32 to a pivot 33 that includes each post 11 of the frame 10. The location of the pivot 33 in the posts 11 and the the length of the rods 32 are chosen so that, on the one hand, the position of storage of the frame 20 free space enough to use the place below this frame 20 and that, on the other hand, the position of use of the bed and in particular frame 20 is at a suitable height. The device can also be equipped with a ladder 23 allowing the user to climb into the bed without any effort, as shown in Figure 1b.

Each axis 31 of the retraction mechanism 30 of each box 21 carries at least one rod 34, the ends of the two rods 34 of the two axes 31 being articulated on arms 35 to form a parallelogram deformable device imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes 31. Preferably, two opposite sides, longitudinal or transverse, of the frame 20 are equipped of a retraction mechanism 30, that is to say that arms 35 are thus in two boxes 21 located on two opposite sides of the frame 20. In the case of an asymmetric retraction system, the second caisson can be replaced by a simple beam, as mentioned above, this beam not comprising that a pivot 33 connected by a connecting rod 32 to the axis 31 instead of a mechanism full retraction 30. In the preferred case of two boxes 21, the system retraction of a frame 20 has two retraction mechanisms 30 and is therefore symmetrical. The rods 34 are preferably mounted perpendicularly to the corresponding rod 32, as shown in Figure 3, and the arms 35 comprise, at each of their ends, an arcuate portion rounding the corners of the deformable parallelogram to allow the maximum bringing the arms 35 into the horizontal position of the rod 34, that is to say in the storage position 20a and use 20b of the frame 20, where the articulation links between the links 34 and the arms 35 must find the place between the two corresponding arms. This set of rods 34 and arm 35 forms a mechanism for synchronizing the movement of the axes 31.

A variant among several others, not shown, to the solution previous to form such a motion synchronization mechanism has at least one pinion on each axis 31, these pinions being connected by a chain to form a kinematic connection imposing a rotation synchronized two axes 31. It is obvious that the pinion and chain assembly is equivalent to the mechanism using rods 34 and arms 35, and the remarks in the previous paragraph apply in a similar way to this solution.

The motion synchronization mechanism that is positioned on the axes 31 and connects these two axes 31 by imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes 31 is part of the retraction mechanism 30 and can be realized In a different way.

After this description of the connection between the frame 20 and the frame 10, see 30 retraction mechanism, it is clear that the positions of use 20b and 20a storage frame 20 are for the device according to this invention, on one side and the other of the pivot axes 33a of the frame 20, that is to say pivots 33 of the frame.

Each axis 31 of the retraction mechanism 30 of each box 21 can still carry at least one sector 36, the two sectors 36 of a mechanism 30 being connected by one or more springs 37. The force of the springs 37 assists the up and down the downward movement of the frame 20. The force of the springs 37 can be adjusted through the aforementioned sectors 36 because the springs 37 or corresponding intermediate links, for example a wire 371 between a sector 36 and a spring 37, can be hooked to several places along the outer perimeter of each sector 36 thus putting the springs 37 under a more or less strong tension and simultaneously allowing change the angle of attack of a spring. One or even both sectors 36 can also be replaced by a simple lever by limiting or even removing the possibility of varying the torque exerted by the springs 37 on the sectors 36. set of sectors and springs thus plays the role of a training device for the retraction mechanism to facilitate the movement of the frame by the user. In order to cite an alternative solution, this provision could be replaced for example by spiral springs mounted individually on the axes 31.

Figures 4a to 4c show in detail one of the embodiments possible of such a sector 36 on which is engaged a wire 371 connecting it to the spring corresponding 37. Along the outer periphery of this sector 36 are arranged several holes 361 for inserting a stop pin 362 on which the above-mentioned wire 371 is fixed, this being represented in FIG. 4a. By modifying the location of the stop pin 362 on the periphery of the sector, the tension exerted on the spring 37 as well as its angle of attack with respect to the sector 36 can be set. With the aid of an extension pin 363 introduced in addition from the stop peg into another hole 361 along the periphery of that sector 36 and passing the wire 371 over this extension pin 363, the tension of the spring 37 can be further enhanced while changing the angle of attack as before, this arrangement being illustrated in Figure 4b. There are also others means for effecting the adjustment of the tension, for example by winding the thread 371 on the stop pin 362 by turning the latter which can for this purpose be arranged in the form of a screw. For the easy introduction of ankles 362 and / or 363 and easier adjustment once the bed is mounted, orifices 211 are provided in the inner planks of the boxes 21 of a frame 20, for example in front of the holes 361 of the sector 36, the frame 20 being in the position of storage 20a. These orifices 211 and the pins 362 and 363 are illustrated in the FIG. 4c, the extension peg 363 being shown in its position cleared and in the engaged position.

In particular, there are several possibilities for relative mounting of parts of the 30. If the shafts 31 are mounted facing, in the frame 20, for example using bearings or simple openings, the connecting rods 32, the rods 34 and, where appropriate, the sectors 36 are fixed rigidly by in relation to others and preferably also to these axes. also be attached to the frame 31. in which the rods 32. the rods 34 and the where appropriate the sectors 36 are fixed rigidly relative to one another and the axes 31 rotated face on this set. A similar remark applies to pivots 33 which are pivotally mounted either in the rods 32 or in posts 11 (or both).

The device may further comprise a locking device allowing to lock the frame 20 in at least one of its extreme positions. This locking device can be integrated in the axes 31, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 5a and 5b. Preferably, an axis 31 of a retraction mechanism is this effect achieved by a tube of a length corresponding approximately to the thickness of a box 21 and pivotally mounted in the frame 20 forming a rigid assembly with the rod 32, the link 34 and, where appropriate, the sector 36. In this axis 31 is housed a cylindrical body 311, a tube or a cylinder, a slightly longer length than the axis 31. The body 311 is cut into bevel at the outer end facing the post 11 of the frame 10 and comprises a pin 312 at the inner end. A guide 313 with grooves receiving the pin 312 of the body 311 is fixed to the frame 20 so as to constrain the movement of the body 311 in the axis 31 forward and backward by preventing simultaneously its rotation. At least one spring 314 makes it possible to push the body 311 to the outside, the latter being able to retract inside the frame 20 when its outer end cut bevel touches the post 11. The latter is equipped with at least one stop, for example in the form of a striker 111 formed in the pole in front of the positions where the body 311 comes in the low position and / or high of the frame 20. Under the effect of the force of the spring or springs 314, the body 311 can snap into the striker 111 in the post, thereby locking the frame 20 in its storage position at the top or the use position at the bottom. By removing the body 311, for example by means of a cord 315, the frame 20 can be unlocked again. The locking device can also placed elsewhere in the box 21, instead of being placed in the axis 31, while remaining able to cooperate with the frame 10. In general, this locking device can be provided for example at the front part of the bed, preferably on each side, the front axle is therefore physically in two parts, while the rear axis of the bed can be in one piece to better synchronize frame movement physically connecting the two retraction mechanisms 30 housed in two boxes 21 on each side of the frame 20.

In addition, a damping device 38 may be provided on the frame 20 or on the frame 10. As shown in FIG. 5a, this damping device 38 can be constituted by a hydraulic stop positioned inside a box 21 of so that it cooperates with the retraction mechanism 30, for example a sector 36, for damping the frame 20 driven in the upper position 20a by the springs 37. It could also be constituted by a spring, a rubber OR any other means capable of fulfilling this depreciation function, and the cooperation could be done with the rod 34, the connecting rod 32 or another piece of the mechanism of retraction 30.

The sequence of FIGS. 6a to 6e explains the operation of the device. FIG. 6a shows the frame 20 in the high position, that is to say in the storage position 20a. Pulling horizontally, possibly after unlocked the frame 20 with the cord 315, on one of the boards 22, which may for this purpose comprise openings serving as handle, the frame 20 moves, while remaining horizontal, forwards and downwards, the intermediate positions of the frame 20 being illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6c, and then backward and downward, see Figure 6d, to finish moving to position low usage 20b shown in Figure 6e. In this position, the frame is locked again if equipped with the locking device described above. he It should be noted that during this movement the springs 37 are stretched compensating the weight of the frame 20 and allowing easy and smooth movement. The force exerted by the springs 37 increases from the position of storage 20a to become maximum in the intermediate position of the figure 6d and then decrease slightly to the position of use 20b. She can be adjusted using the aforementioned sectors 36 and pegs 362, 363, forming a mechanism for adjusting the force of the springs 37.

By pulling again on the transverse plate 22, we go back to the lower position illustrated in FIG. 6e at the upper position of the frame 20 illustrated in FIG. Figure 6a. For this upward movement, the force of the springs 37 helps the raising the frame so that the force required for this lifting is minimal, even that the frame is self-amount by force of the springs that can also, in place of the locking device, hold the frame in position high .. Close to the storage position 20a, the damping device allows to dampen the movement of the frame 20 driven by the force of the springs 37 applying for example on the sectors 36 of the retraction mechanism 30, as shown in Figure 6a.

The frame 20 can serve as a support for a bed base and a mattress for constitute a retractable mezzanine. The dimensions of frame 20 depend the size of the desired bed and can for example correspond to a single bed or a bed double.

It is also possible to provide two frames 20 on the frame 10 in order to have a retractable bunk bed. In this case, the length of the connecting rods 32 and the location of the pivots 33 of these two frames 20 are preferably selected in such a way that the storage positions 20a of the two frames 20 are relatively close to each other while the positions 20b are similar to the positions of the bunk bed bases normal. In this case, the movement plans of the rods 32 of the two frames 20 must be slightly offset to allow the connecting rod 32 of the frame can pass the pivot 33 of the high frame.

In summary, it should be noted that the Murphy bed in mezzanine according to the The present invention is characterized primarily by the characteristics following: It presents a frame, this frame being equipped with a frame. A mechanism allows to retract the frame from a first low position of use to a second high storage position. The mechanism, positioned on the frame, comprises two axes, each of these axes being connected by a connecting rod to a pivot on the frame, in order to connect the frame and the frame. It still has a mechanism for synchronization of the movement connecting these two axes and imposing a rotation synchronized of the two axes. This mechanism of motion synchronization can be achieved by at least one rod on each axis, these rods being articulated on arms to form a deformable parallelogram imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes. Preferably, the retraction mechanism also includes, on these axes, at least one sector and a lever or two sectors, these being connected by one or more springs in order to have a drive device to provide a force facilitating the movement of a position to the other of the frame.

The device according to the present invention thus makes available a piece of furniture transformable that can be used as bed at night in its position of use and occupying little space during the day in its storage position, this goal being completed in a simple, efficient and inexpensive way thanks to the characteristics above.

Claims (12)

Device serving as a mezzanine retractable bed comprising a frame (10) equipped with at least one frame (20), at least one retraction mechanism (30) for retracting a frame (20) from a first position of use (20b) at a second storage position (20a), characterized in that the retraction mechanism (30) comprises two axes (31) positioned on the frame (20), each of these axes (31) being connected by a connecting rod (32) to a pivot (33) on the frame (10), in order to connect the frame (20) and the frame (10), and in that the retraction mechanism (30) further comprises a movement synchronization mechanism connecting these two axes (31) and imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes (31). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the synchronization mechanism of the movement comprises at least one link (34) on each axis (31), these links (34) being articulated on arms (35) to form a deformable parallelogram imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes (31). Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism for synchronizing the movement comprises at least one pinion on each axis (31), these pinions being connected by a chain to form a kinematic connection imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes (31). ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retraction mechanism (30) comprises, on the axes (31), a drive device comprising at least one sector (36) and a lever or two sectors (36), which are connected by one or more springs (37) to provide a force facilitating the movement of a position (20a) of the frame (20) to the other (20b). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a sector (36) is arranged so that the spring or springs (37) can be hooked at several points along the outer periphery of each sector (36) in the putting under more or less strong tension and / or by modifying their angle of attack. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a sector (36) is provided with holes (361) arranged along the outer periphery and capable of receiving a stop pin (362) and / or an extension pin (363). ) Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a locking device cooperating with a stop (111) placed on the frame (10) and for locking the frame (20) in at least one of its extreme positions (20a, 20b). Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking device comprises a cylindrical body (311) cut at a bevel at its outer end and carrying a pin (312) at the inner end, a guide (313) fixed to the frame (20) receiving the pin (312) so as to constrain movement of the body (311) forward and backward while simultaneously preventing rotation thereof, at least one spring (314) pushing the body (311) outwardly; it can retract inside the frame (20) when its bevelled outer end touches the frame (10) and then snaps into the stop (111) to lock the frame (20), and means (315) for retracting the cylindrical body (311) to unlock the frame (20). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a damping device (38) cooperating with the retraction mechanism (30) for damping the movement of the frame (20) driven in the up position (20a). ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positions of use (20b) and storage (20a) of the frame (20) are arranged on one side and the other of the axes (33a) of pivoting the frame (20). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (20) of the device comprises two boxes (21) and two boards (22) connecting the boxes (21) between them, each box (21) enclosing a mechanism retraction (30). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two superposed frames (20).

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