EP1516567B1 - 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 present invention relates to a device serving as a mezzanine retractable bed comprising a frame equipped with a frame, a retraction mechanism for 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 provide a convertible furniture. Thus, the furniture can be used in a first position to then be transformed into its second position to free space. In this case, the furniture can be used as bed during the night to be transformed during the day 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 for positioning the horizontal frame at several positions in height, the bed can thus be used or stored. The retraction mechanism used in this case operates using electric drive means comprising in particular a motor.

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

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

The document US 3,745,595 discloses a retractable berth intended in particular to serve as sleeping space in a camper, on a boat or for other similar uses. This device has a frame fixed for example to the ceiling of a camper, a frame receiving a mattress and a retraction mechanism for retracting the frame from a position of use to a storage position. The retraction mechanism operates mechanically and has axes positioned on the frame, each of these axes being connected by connecting rods to the frame. In addition, the movement of the two sides of the frame is synchronized by means of a transverse bar connecting the connecting rods at the point of rotation of their ends fixed to the frame, the bar then acting as axle rigidly fixed to the connecting rods and imposing a synchronized rotation to the connecting rods. This kind of retractable bed is adapted to the aforementioned applications by having a fairly light construction, but may not be sufficiently stable, especially in the retraction mechanism, for other applications involving larger weights, such as for a conventional bed.

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

The present invention relates to a device serving as a mezzanine retractable bed 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 synchronization mechanism of the movement connecting these two axes and imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes. In addition, the movement synchronization mechanism comprises a first element extending radially from each axis of the frame and at least one second element kinematically connecting the first elements at their outer ends, in order to stabilize the synchronized movement of the axes.

In one embodiment, the retraction mechanism comprises 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.

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

In addition, the mechanism may comprise at least one sector and a lever or two sectors positioned on the axes, the latter being connected by one or more springs. The spring provides a force facilitating the movement of a frame position to another. Thus having a comfort of use comparable to that of an electrical means, the space required to accommodate the retraction mechanism can at the same time be reduced by improving the aesthetics and also the 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 allows to easily release space in its storage position, for example to use a desk, a table or desk. other things installed under the bed frame.

Other advantages emerge from the features expressed in the dependent claims and from the description which sets forth the invention in more detail with the aid of 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.

• The Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the device, seen from the perspective side, in its storage position and its position of use.
• The figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame in its storage position.
• The figure 3 represents, in perspective, an intermediate position of the frame close to the storage position, some parts of the frame not being represented, as in the figures 2 and 6a to 6e , in order to show in particular the retraction mechanism.
• The Figures 4a to 4c illustrate the mechanism for adjusting the spring force provided on the retraction mechanism.
• The Figures 5a and 5b show the locking device.
• The Figures 6a to 6e represent a succession of positions of the frame when moving from its storage position to its position of use.

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

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

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

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

Each box 21 of the frame 20 contains a retraction mechanism 30 having two axes 31, as shown in FIG. figure 3 where the inner or inner inner face of the boxes is not shown to show the details of the mechanism 30. An axis 31 of a retraction mechanism 30 can physically traverse the entire frame 20 by connecting two retraction mechanisms 30 in the caissons 21 located on each side of the frame 20 or may have only the length corresponding to the thickness of a box 21. Preferably, at least one of the two axes 31 of a retraction mechanism 30 passes through 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 comprises each post 11 of the frame 10. The location of the pivot 33 in the posts 11 and the length of the connecting rods 32 are chosen so as to what, on the one hand, the position of storage of the frame 20 frees enough space to use the space below this frame 20 and that, on the other hand, the position of use of the bed and in particular the 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 FIG. figure 1b .

Each axis 31 of the retraction mechanism 30 of each box 21 carries at least one link 34, the ends of the two links 34 of the two axes 31 being articulated on the arms 35 to form a deformable parallelogram imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes 31. Preferably, two opposite sides, longitudinal or transverse, of the frame 20 are equipped with a retraction mechanism 30, that is to say that the 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 box may be replaced by a simple beam, as mentioned above, this beam having only a pivot 33 connected by a connecting rod 32 to the axis 31 instead of a complete retraction mechanism. In the preferred case of two boxes 21, the retraction system of a frame 20 has two retraction mechanisms 30 and is therefore symmetrical. The rods 34 are preferably mounted perpendicular to the corresponding rod 32, as illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , and the arms 35 comprise, at each of their ends, an arcuate portion rounding the corners of the deformable parallelogram so as to allow the arms 35 to be brought as close as possible into the horizontal position of the link 34, ie in the position storage 20a and 20b use of the frame 20, wherein the hinge connections between the rods 34 and the arms 35 must find room between the two arms 35 corresponding. This set of rods 34 and arms 35 form a mechanism for synchronizing the movement of the axes 31.

A variant among several others, not shown, to the preceding solution to form such a motion synchronization mechanism 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. It is obvious that the pinion and chain assembly is equivalent to the mechanism using rods 34 and arms 35, and the remarks of the preceding paragraph apply analogously to this solution.

The synchronization mechanism of the movement which 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 thus be realized differently.

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

Each axis 31 of the retraction mechanism 30 of each box 21 may 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 in the ascent and dampens the downward movement of the frame 20. The force of the springs 37 can be adjusted via 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 hung in several places along the outer periphery of each sector 36 thus putting the springs 37 under a greater or lesser tension and simultaneously changing the angle of attack of a spring. One or even both sectors 36 can also be replaced by a simple lever limiting or even eliminating the possibility of varying the torque exerted by the springs 37 on the sectors 36. This set of sectors and springs therefore plays the role of a driving 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.

The Figures 4a to 4c show in detail one of the possible embodiments of such a sector 36 on which is engaged a wire 371 connecting it to the corresponding spring 37. Along the outer periphery of this sector 36 are arranged several holes 361 to introduce a stop pin 362 on which is fixed the aforementioned wire 371, this being shown in FIG. figure 4a . By changing the location of the stop pin 362 around the sector, the tension on the spring 37 and its angle of attack relative to the sector 36 can be adjusted. With the aid of an extension pin 363 inserted in addition to the stop pin into another hole 361 along the periphery of this sector 36 and passing the wire 371 over the extension pin 363, the tension of the spring 37 can be further strengthened while changing the angle of attack as before, this provision being illustrated in the figure 4b . There are also other ways to achieve the adjustment of the voltage, for example by winding the wire 371 on the locking pin 362 by rotating the latter which can for this purpose be arranged in the form of a screw. For the easy introduction of the pins 362 and / or 363 and an 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 storage position 20a. These orifices 211 and the pins 362 and 363 are illustrated in the figure 4c , the extension pin 363 being shown in its disengaged position and in the engaged position.

In particular, there are several possibilities for relative mounting of the parts of the retraction mechanism 30. If the shafts 31 are mounted idly in the frame 20, for example by means of bearings or simple openings, the connecting rods 32, the links 34 and if necessary, the sectors 36 are fixed rigidly relative to each other and preferably also to these axes 31. The axes 31 can also be fixed to the frame 31. In this case the connecting rods 32, the rods 34 and the where appropriate, the sectors 36 are fixed rigidly relative to one another and the axes 31 are idler pivoted on this assembly. A similar remark applies to the pivots 33 which are pivotally mounted either in the rods 32 or in the posts 11 (or both).

The device may further comprise a locking device for locking 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 for this purpose formed 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 rod 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 than the axis 31. The body 311 is bevelled at the outer end facing the post 11 of the frame 10 and has a pin 312 at the inner end. A guide 313 having 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 forwards and backwards while simultaneously preventing its rotation. At least one spring 314 pushes the body 311 outwards, 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 a stop, for example in the form of a striker 111 formed in the post opposite the positions where the body 311 comes in the low and / or high position 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, thus 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 be 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 in the front part of the bed, preferably on each side, the front axis is therefore physically in two parts, while the rear axis of the bed can be in one piece to serve to better synchronize the movement the frame 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. figure 5a , this damping device 38 may be constituted by a hydraulic stop positioned inside a box 21 so that it cooperates with the retraction mechanism 30, for example a sector 36, to dampen the frame 20 may be constituted by a spring, a rubber or any other means capable of fulfilling this damping function, and the cooperation could be done with the rod 34, the connecting rod 32 or another part of the retraction mechanism 30.

The following Figures 6a to 6e allows to explain the operation of the device. The figure 6a shows the frame 20 in the upper position, that is to say in the storage position 20a. By pulling horizontally, possibly after unlocking the frame 20 by means of the cord 315, on one of the transverse boards 22, which may for this purpose comprise openings serving as a handle, the frame 20 moves, while remaining horizontal, forwards and downwards, the intermediate positions of the frame 20 being illustrated in FIGS. Figures 6b and 6c , then backward and downward, see the figure 6d , to finish its displacement in the low position of use 20b illustrated in FIG. figure 6e . In this position, the frame is locked again if it is equipped with the locking device described above. It should be noted that during this movement the springs 37 tend to compensate for the weight of the frame 20 and allow easy and smooth movement. The force exerted by the springs 37 increases from the storage position 20a to become maximum in the intermediate position of the figure 6d and then decrease slightly to the use position 20b. She can be adjusted using the aforementioned sectors 36 and pins 362, 363, forming a mechanism for adjusting the force of the springs 37.

By pulling again on the transverse plate 22, we go back from the lower position illustrated in FIG. figure 6e at the top position of the frame 20 illustrated in FIG. figure 6a . For this upward movement, the force of the springs 37 assists the raising of the frame so that the force required for this lifting is minimal, or that the frame is self-rising by the force of the springs which can also, in place of the locking device, hold the frame in the high position. Close to the storage position 20a, the damping device makes it possible to damp the movement of the frame 20 driven by the force of the springs 37, for example applying to the sectors 36 of the retraction mechanism 30, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6a .

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

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 rods 32 and the location of the pivots 33 of these two frames 20 are preferably chosen so that the storage positions 20a of the two frames 20 are relatively close to one another. while the use positions 20b are similar to the positions of the normal bunk bed bases. In this case, the movement planes of the rods 32 of the two frames 20 must be slightly offset in order to allow the rod 32 of the lower frame to pass the pivot 33 of the high frame.

In summary, it should be noted that the retractable mezzanine bed according to the present invention is characterized mainly by the following features: It has 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, has 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 also comprises a synchronization mechanism of the movement connecting these two axes and imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes. This movement synchronization mechanism can be achieved by at least one rod on each axis, these links being articulated on arms to form a deformable parallelogram imposing a synchronized rotation of the two axes. Preferably, the retraction mechanism also comprises, also 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 movement from one position to another of the frame.

The device according to the present invention thus provides a convertible furniture that can serve as bed at night in its use position and occupying little space during the day in its storage position, this goal being completed in a simple, effective and inexpensive thanks to the above features.

Claims (12)

1. Device serving as a folding mezzanine bed including a stand (10) equipped with at least one frame (20), at least one folding mechanism (30) allowing the frame (20) to be folded from a first position (20b) of utilisation to a second position (20a) of stowing, the folding mechanism (30) including two axles (31) positioned on the frame (20), each of these axles (31) being linked via a hinge rod (32) to a pivot (33) at stand (10) in order to link frame (20) and stand (10), the folding mechanism (30) also including a mechanism for synchronising the movement that links these two axles (31) and imposes a synchronised rotation of the two axles (31), characterised in that the mechanism for synchronising the movement comprises a first element (34) radially extending from each axle (31) of the frame (20), and at least one second element (35) kinematically connecting the first elements (34) at the level of their outer ends in order to stabilise the synchronised movement of the axles (31).
2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first element of the mechanism for synchronising the movement is realised by at least one crosspiece (34) on each axle (31), these crosspieces (34) being articulated at arms (35) serving as the second element so as to form a deformable parallelogramme imposing a synchronised rotation of the two axles (31).
3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the first element of the mechanism synchronising the movement is realised through at least one pinion on each axle (31), these pinions being connected via a chain serving as the second element so as to form a kinematic link imposing a synchronised rotation of the two axles (31).
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the folding mechanism (30) on the axles (31) includes a driving device including at least one sector (36) and a lever or two sectors (36) connected via one or several springs (37) in order to furnish a force facilitating the movement of frame (20) from one position (20a) into the other position (20b).
5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that one sector (36) is arranged in such a way that the spring or springs (37) may be hooked into several places along the periphery of each sector (36) while being placed under a more or less strong tension and/or modifying their angle of attack.
6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that one sector (36) is fitted with holes (361) arranged along its periphery that can receive a lock bolt (362) and/or an extension bolt (363).
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a locking device cooperating with a stop (111) placed on the stand (10) that allows the frame (20) to be locked in at least one of its end positions (20a, 20b).
8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the locking device comprises a cylindrical body (311) chamfered at its outer end and holding a pin (312) at its inner end, while a guide (313) fixed at frame (20) receives the pin (312) in such a way that the movement of body (311) is limited toward the front and back while at the same time its rotation is inhibited, at least one spring (314) pushing the body (311) outward, the body being able to retreat into the inside of frame (20) when its outer chamfered end comes in contact with the stand (10), in order then to snap into stop (111) so as to lock the frame (20), and means (315) to retract the cylindrical body (311) so as to unlock frame (20).
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a damping device (38) cooperating with the folding mechanism (30) in order to cushion the movement of frame (20) when driven into its high position (20a).
10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the positions of use (20b) and of stowing (20a) of frame (20) are arranged to the two sides of the pivoting axles (33a) of frame (20).
11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that frame (20) of the device includes two boxes (21) and two planks (22) interconnecting the boxes (21), each box (21) enclosing one folding mechanism (30).
12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes two superimposed frames (20).

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