EP2191741B1 - Furniture column - Google Patents

Abstract

The column (1) has an outer wall (3) running in a longitudinal direction of the column. A recess (19) is provided in the wall. Chambers (15a, 15b) are provided inside the column, where the channel is connected to the recess. The recess is closable by a cover. The cover includes a rotation covering (23), which is arranged in a circumferential direction around a rotational axis (27) between a closing position and an opening position in a twistable manner. The rotational axis lies offset to the rotation covering. The wall includes an extrusion part.

Description

The invention relates to a column for furniture, in particular in the form of a table leg according to the preamble of claim 1.

Furniture, especially tables are usually provided with three or four legs. In the case of tables, constructions are also known in which tables have a single central leg over which the table top is held. If necessary, these can also be height-adjustable tables.

From the DE 20 2006 014 070 U1 For example, a vertical column for a table with a receptacle for a table leg has become known, wherein the receptacle is a central portion of the vertical column. This vertical column is hollow, so has a surrounding housing with an inner and extending in the longitudinal direction of the column free space that can be used as a cable channel. In other words, over the vertical column thus formed from bottom to top of the table top a variety of cables can be laid, for example Power cables, data cables, telephone lines, etc., in order to connect in this way aesthetically pleasing on the table surface electronic devices such as computers, notebooks, etc., to network and power can.

In order to make the wiring as simple and efficient as possible, a variety of variants have already become known.

According to the DE 297 22 360 U1 It has been proposed to use a double-walled, in cross section C-shaped hollow profile. By the shape of a cross-sectionally C-shaped profile thereby creating a receiving space that can serve as a cabling channel. The cross-sectionally C-shaped hollow profile is provided with two projecting, opposite legs, in each of which a groove is incorporated. At this groove, a covering the receiving space for the cable cover can be clipped.

A largely similar table frame with legs with integrated cable channel is also from the DE 43 15 649 A1 known. The column element here consists of an extruded profile material with an inner, extending along the column member chamber. The column member has a circumferentially closed and on one side of the cable channel releasing housing, wherein the opening of the cable channel and thus the columnar table leg by means of a full profile length of the table leg extending lid is closed. The lid is held on the column member via a hinge member and between an open position and a closed position lockable in the manner of a pivotable flap.

Finally, another pillar, for example, from the DE 299 14 993 U1 known. The column comprises a wall extending in the longitudinal direction of the column, which has a slot-shaped recess into which a removable cover element can be inserted. When the cover element is removed, the wiring can be made, wherein the inserted in the interior of the column-shaped cable channel cables are covered by the inserted cover element.

A generic pillar for a piece of furniture with an integrated cable channel is from the US 6,086,028 A known. The vertically extending foot has in horizontal cross-section an elongated shape with a straight central portion, followed by the adjoining semi-cylindrical end portions. Opposite to the inner straight wall section, a vertically extending wiring opening is provided on the outside, which can be closed by a flat cover strip. This cover element is pressure-loaded by provided in the interior of the foot, horizontally acting springs so that it is held pressed in the closed position of the cable channel with laterally projecting flanges adjacent to the vertically extending wiring opening in the foot. To open the cable channel, this vertical cover strip can be pressed inwards and be pivoted laterally by the elastic bending of the spring in the interior of the channel, that in the vertical direction of the cable channel cables can be laid and inserted.

Object of the present invention is in contrast to provide a further improved pillar for furniture, especially for table legs, which includes a possibility of wiring in the column, with a total of aesthetically pleasing solution lightweight wiring should be possible.

The object is achieved according to the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The present invention provides, by simple means, a new way to provide an aesthetically pleasing columnar support structure provided with an integral cable channel which provides easy cabling capability.

In contrast to the prior art, the provided for the wiring along the column extending Wandungsausnehmung, especially in the form of a slot-shaped recess, not closed by an insertable or in particular clipped lid, not even by a hinge against the wall for rapid opening of a Closed position pivotable flap-shaped lid, but by a rotation cover. This rotation cover allows rotational movement about a central axis for opening and closing the cable insertion opening.

According to the invention, the rotation cover is further formed in the manner of a tubular rotary channel, which is also provided again with a recess which in Longitudinal direction of the rotary element thus formed extends, ie in the circumferential direction transverse to the axis of rotation has a corresponding (slot-shaped) recess. This rotation element as a cover is formed so that it is preferably stop limited between an open position in which the receiving opening in the wall of the column at least largely covered with a corresponding recess in the rotation cover, and a closure position is rotatable in which the rotation element, ie the rotation cover is twisted so far in itself, that in the longitudinal direction of the column extending, preferably slot-shaped recess is closed by a wall portion of the rotary channel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rotation cover is accommodated in the interior of the column, which comprises or comprises at least one receiving space, which is designed in cross-section transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotation cover completely or partially cylindrical, so record a wholly or partially cylindrical rotary cover and hold rotatable and can store.

In one embodiment of the invention, the column is constructed so that it still has a separate channel next to the cable channel, which is preferably closed circumferentially. This ensures a high stability for the column, since a two-chamber system formed in this way comprises a closed chamber and a further chamber serving for cabling, into which the cables can be inserted via the mentioned slot-shaped recess, the cable receiving space passing through a twisting movement of the rotation cover can be closed.

In particular, when the column itself is designed as a hollow cylinder, it is also possible that the rotation cover surrounds the wall of the column, that is not arranged in the interior of the column but outside it.

Figur 1:

eine schematische räumliche Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Säule mit einer Rotations-Abdeckung;

Figur 2:

einen schematischen Querschnitt quer zur Längsrichtung der Säule bei geöffnetem Kabelkanal;

Figur 3:

eine zu Figur 2 entsprechende Quer- schnittsdarstellung durch die Säule, je- doch bei geschlossenem Kabelkanal;

Figur 4 :

ein zu Figur 1 und 2 abgewandeltes Ausfüh- rungsbeispiel mit einer hohlzylinderförmi- gen Wandung für die Säule; und

Figur 5:

ein nochmals abgewandeltes Ausführungsbei- spiel mit einer die Säule im Inneren auf- nehmenden, die Säule also umgreifenden Rotationsabdeckung.

Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments illustrated below with reference to drawings. In detail:

FIG. 1:

a schematic spatial representation of a column according to the invention with a rotation cover;

FIG. 2:

a schematic cross section transverse to the longitudinal direction of the column with the cable channel open;

FIG. 3:

one too FIG. 2 corresponding cross-sectional view through the column, but with the cable duct closed;

FIG. 4:

one too FIG. 1 and 2 modified embodiment with a hollow cylindrical wall for the column; and

FIG. 5:

a further modified exemplary embodiment with a rotation cover accommodating the column in the interior, thus encompassing the column.

In FIG. 1 is shown schematically a column 1, as they are especially for furniture and especially for table legs can be used. It can be vertical, ie vertical or at least with a vertical component.

In the FIG. 1 shown column 1 may for example consist of a continuous casting. The column 1 has a housing or an outer wall 3, which is formed in the embodiment shown not a circular cross-section, but from a more oval-shaped cross section with two opposite semicircular column sections 3 'and two offset by 90 ° flat wall sections 3 ".

On the underside of the column thus formed, for example, a setting slide 7 can be used, which can be provided with a height adjustment allowing adjusting screw 7 '. But other deviating constructions are possible here. If necessary, even such a termination member can be completely dispensed with.

In the illustrated embodiment (as in particular from FIGS. 2 and 3 can be seen), the column 1 is divided into two parts, ie divided into two parts. For this purpose, the column in the column interior 11 comprises a transverse wall 13, whereby a first chamber 15a and a second chamber 15b is formed.

The second chamber 15b is thus completely closed in the embodiment shown by the outer portion of the wall 3 and the transverse wall 13 in the circumferential direction, whereby a closed hollow channel 17 is formed.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first chamber 15a is centered in the semicircular wall section 3 '. a recess 19 extending along the column 1, which is also referred to below as a slot-shaped or slot-shaped recess 19. This recess 19 communicating with the chamber 15a can be exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 (FIG. FIG. 1 ) of the column 1, however, can also be introduced or formed at an angle with an additionally circulating component (for example slightly helical), at least in the region of this slotted chamber 15a. The thus formed chamber 15a thus simultaneously represents a cable receiving channel 115a.

In the interior of this cable channel 115 a, a rotation cover 23 is used, which is also referred to below as a rotary channel 123. In FIG. 1 is shown in perspective view of the rotary channel 123 in its external position before, as shown by arrow 124 in FIG. 1 is inserted in the axial direction of the open end of the column ago in the first cable channel 115a. It can be seen that this rotation cover 23 or this rotary channel 123 is designed partially circular in cross-section, that is provided with a part-circular outer surface 23 'in cross-section. In other words, therefore, the rotary channel 123 is provided with a cylindrical outer surface or a cylindrical jacket 23 '. The outer diameter of this rotary channel 123 is adapted to the inner diameter of the part-circular column section 3 'with or without play.

How out FIG. 1 but also from the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 2 can be seen, this rotary channel 123 also has a longitudinal direction of the rotary channel, so preferably parallel to its axis of rotation 27, also preferably slot-shaped recess 29 whose width in the direction of rotation 129, that is perpendicular to the rotational movement in approximately the width of the recess 19 in the wall 3 of the column 1 corresponds, but does not have to correspond.

As is apparent from the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 2a in open condition and according to FIG. 2b can be seen in the closed state of the cable channel, for example, with an open cable channel through the slot-shaped recess 19 in the column 1 at least slightly outwardly beyond the outer wall 33 of the column projecting handle portion 31 detected and moved according to the arrow 129 so that the rotation cover 23 performs a rotational movement about its axis of rotation 27 and thereby the slot-shaped recess 19 in the column 1 is closed. In this case, the gripping portion 31 of the one boundary edge 37 'to the opposite boundary edge 37 "moves, ie between the two the recess 19 in the column 1 bounding edges 37' and 37". In this case, the gripping portion 31 runs on the opposite boundary edge 37 "and thereby closes the feed slot 19 in the column 1. Preferably, adjacent to the gripping portion 31, a slight portion of the circular or semicircular section 23" may be formed on the tubular rotary channel the opposite boundary edge 37 "engages behind in the closed position of the rotary channel.

Conversely, the closed cable channel 123 can be detected by gripping the over the outer wall 33 of the column 1 cross handle portion 31 and in the reverse rotational direction 129, that is moved in the open position, to the gripping portion and the handle bar 31 at the opposite boundary edge 37 'runs (Figure 3).

From the illustrated embodiment also shows that the axis of rotation 27 for the rotary channel 123 is the coaxial central axis, which is offset from the material of the tubular or hollow cylindrical rotary channel, so that the tubular or hollow cylindrical material preferably only a rotational movement in itself about the axis of rotation 27 performs (which is formed in the embodiment shown centrally in the first chamber 15a extending inside the column), whereby the shell of the tubular or hollow cylindrical rotating member performs only on an orbit a rotational movement about the rotation axis 27.

In the open position, any cables (for example power cable, telephone cable, modem cable, data cable or cable for the networking of a computer, printer cable, etc.) can easily be inserted into the cable channel, wherein in the embodiment shown by the more than 180 °, for example more than 270 ', more than 315 ° or more than 330 ° circumferentially closed rotation cover 23 serves as a rotatable cable channel 123a itself, which is rotatably held in the corresponding first chamber 15a, so the so-called cable receiving channel 115a of the column 1. Preferably, there is a certain frictional effect between the rotary channel 123 and the inner wall of the chamber 15a of the column 1, whereby the rotation cover 23 is held and guided smoothly but at the same time ensures by the at least low frictional connection that the rotation cover 23 does not unintentionally become too smooth twisted in open position can be.

In other words, therefore, the rotary member has a part-cylindrical shape, in cross-section so a part-circular shape, which is at least so large in the circumferential direction that the gap-shaped opening 19 in the longitudinal direction of the column 1 can be closed. Therefore, the rotational part in the circumferential direction should cover at least an angular range of more than 30 °, in particular more than 45 °, 90 ° or 180 °. Preferably, a wall in a circumferential angle range of 270 ° and more is possible, whereby a particularly simple mounting of the rotary member in the corresponding interior of the column 1 can be ensured.

In the illustrated embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3 It can also be seen that the cross-section of the first chamber 15a is half-cylindrical in shape and the remainder is rather angularly shaped, wherein in the embodiment shown on the side opposite to the slot side of the transverse wall 13 has a part-circular cross-section recess 113 or a part-circular deduction 113 is.

Theoretically, 15b cables could also be laid through the closed further chamber. But this would be more cumbersome, since here the cables "threaded" from bottom to top and would have to be pushed through, so could not be wired from the side.

As is apparent from the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 It can also be seen, the rotation cover 23, that is, the rotary channel 123 on its outer peripheral surface 23 'at least partially with a preferred in his Provided longitudinally extending corrugation 223, which is in their collection or training a plurality of adjacent lying in cross-section wave-shaped resulting rib-shaped elevations so that the smallest possible clearance between the rotary channel 123 and the corresponding inner walls of the cable receiving channel 115a is present. The corrugation can extend so far that a stop limit in the open position according to FIG. 2 is given not only by the outwardly projecting handle bar 31, but also by the last elevation of the corrugation 223 ', which abuts an inner, preferably also extending in the longitudinal direction rib 115b. This rib-shaped elevation 115b as well as another rib 115b provided in the direction of rotation provided on the inside of the chamber 15a (FIG. FIG. 3 ) and an opposing pair of ribs 115b 'and 115c' serve to supplement the guide of the rotatably supported rotary channel 123.

It is in FIGS. 2 and 3 in cross-sectional view also shown that in the context of the closed channel 15b preferably at the intermediate wall 13 still anchoring projections 71 and 71 'are formed in which thus formed receiving space from below or above screws can be screwed to secure other connecting parts to this column , For example, the adjusting slider 7 shown in Figure 7 at the bottom of the column. 1

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4 is a cross-sectionally hollow cylindrical column 1 is shown. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to that after FIGS. 2 and 3 , Finally, based on FIG. 5 shown that the longitudinally slotted column 1 is itself designed circular or partially circular, at least with respect to its outer surface 33. In this case, the rotation cover 23 is also designed part-circular, but does not sit inside the chamber 15a of the column 1, but takes the column. 1 quasi encompassing. In this case, can be dispensed with a handle bar 31 on the outside even. The column 1 encompassing the rotary channel 123 can be easily grasped and rotated in the circumferential direction until the slot-shaped recess 29 is more or less congruent or at least partially overlapping to the slot-shaped recess 19 in the wall 3 of the column 1 to lie to make the wiring ,

In the embodiment, it has been shown that the width of the slot-shaped recess 19 (ie transverse to the longitudinal axis 20 of the column 1 and transverse to the axis of rotation 27 of the rotary channel) should at least approximately correspond to the width of the slot-shaped recess 29 in the rotary member 23, so that at overlapping orientation in the open position of the column the maximum opening width is available. Of course, in the embodiment, in particular according to FIGS. 1 to 3 the opening width 29 'of the rotating member must also be dimensioned much larger, since it only has to be ensured that the rotating member can be guided and held and pivoted between a closing and an open position, wherein in the closed position only a portion of the outer shell 33 of the rotary member is visible through the slot-shaped recess 19 in the wall 3 of the column 1.

Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 , So in a sitting on the outside of the column 1, rotating rotating part, it is sufficient if the slot-shaped or gap-shaped opening width 29 is at least slightly narrower than the maximum diameter of the column 1. This ensures that the rotation part of the column at least more than 180 ° engages and is thus kept almost clipped on the column and can be twisted around the column. Preferably, however, the width of the slot-shaped recess 29 is at least approximately adapted to the width of the slot-shaped recess 19 in the wall 3 of the column 1 in the circumferential direction. In other words, therefore, in this embodiment, the rotary member 23 has a partially cylindrical inner surface 123 'in order to encompass the outer surface 33 of the column 1 as fully as possible. Deviating from this, however, other embodiments are possible in which, for example, on the inside of the rotation cover 23, a rib structure or the like with elevations and / or depressions is formed, which has only partially, in certain areas, linear or punctiform support structures, with which the rotation part 23 preferably rests on the outer surface of the column 1.

As mentioned, the slot-shaped recess 19 of the wall 3 in the column 1 or the slot-shaped recess 29 in the rotary part 23 essentially in the longitudinal direction of the column 1 and thus be formed in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation 27 of the rotary member. But it is also possible, for example, an at least slight helical structure in which the slot-shaped recess, at least in a small angular range in Circumferentially extending inclined. In all cases, however, the course and thus the orientation of the slot-shaped recesses should be the same, so that they are always in a rotational position in overlapping position can be brought to release the entire cable channel from bottom to top in the column 1 upon rotation of the rotary member in the open position ,

From the illustrated embodiments also shows that the rotary member 23 is not stored in particular in the form of the rotary channel 123 in the region of its rotation or rotation axis 27, but the storage takes place on his, the closure part itself forming cylinder jacket, depending on the embodiment either to the inside of the chamber 15a of the column 1 is supported at corresponding locations and thereby stored, upper, for example, in the embodiment according to FIG. 4 in that the rotary channel surrounds the wall 3 of the column 1 on its outer side and is held rotatably on this outer wall.

The column as well as the rotation cover 23 may be made of any materials. In particular, when the column for furniture to record higher loads, it is advisable to use appropriate materials, such as feet of aluminum material or other suitable materials. The housing cover itself may consist of the same or of a different material, preferably made of plastic.

Claims (15)

1. Column for furniture, in particular for table legs, comprising the following features

   - the column (1) comprises a wall (3) extending in the longitudinal direction of the column (1),

   - in the longitudinal direction or substantially in the longitudinal direction of the column (1), a recess (19) is provided in the wall (3),

   - at least one duct (15a, 15b) is provided inside the column (1), which duct is connected to the recess (19),

   - the recess (19) is closable by means of a cover, and

   - the cover consists of a rotating cover (23) which is arranged such that it can be twisted circumferentially about a rotational axis (27), located offset from the rotating cover (23), between a closed position and an open position,

   characterised by the following further features

   - the rotating cover (23) consists of a rotating duct (123) or comprises a rotating duct (123),

   - the cross-section of the rotating duct (123) is in the form of a partial circle with a recess (29) extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotating duct (123), and

   - in the open position, the recess (19) in the rotating duct (123) can be made to overlap partially or entirely the recess (19) in the wall (3) of the column (1).
2. Column according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotating channel (123) is formed in the shape of a tube or hollow cylinder with a recess (29) extending along the hollow cylinder casing.
3. Column according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the wall of the rotating duct (123) is closed in the circumferential direction over 180°, in particular over 270° and preferably over 315° or 330°.
4. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rotating cover (23), and in particular the rotating duct (123), has an outer surface (23') in the form of a partial cylinder and is arranged in a chamber (15a) located inside the column (1).
5. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rotating cover (23), and in particular the rotating duct (123), has an inner surface (123') in the form of a partial cylinder and embraces the outer surface (33) of the column (1) and can be twisted relative thereto.
6. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the width of the preferably slot-shaped recess (29) in the rotating duct (123) corresponds at least approximately to the width of the recess (19) in the column (1) or is wider that the width of the recess (19) in the column (1).
7. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the rotating column (123) comprises an outwardly projecting handle portion (31) or an outwardly projecting handle strip (31) adjacent to the slot-shaped recess (29).
8. Column according to claim 7, characterised in that the handle portion (31) or the handle strip (31) projects outwards through the slot-shaped recess (19) in the wall (3) of the column (1) at least slightly beyond the outer surface (23') of the column (1).
9. Column according to either claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the handle portion (31) or the handle strip (31) forms a limiting stop for the maximum opening and/or closing movement of the rotating cover (23).
10. Column according to claim 9, characterised in that limiting edges (27', 27") are provided for the maximum rotation movement of the rotating cover (23), and in particular the rotating duct (123), which limiting edges delimit the slot-shaped recess (29) in the wall (3).
11. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the rotating cover (23), preferably in the form of the rotating duct (123), is arranged such that it can be twisted concentrically with the column (1).
12. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the wall (3) of the column (1) consists of an extruded part, preferably made of metal, in particular aluminium.
13. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the rotating cover (23), preferably in the form of the rotating duct (123), is made of plastics material.
14. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the rotating duct (123) and the wall (3) of the column (1) can be twisted relative to one another at least without play or only with slight play.
15. Column according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that a cable duct (123a) is formed inside the rotating cover (23) or the rotating duct (123).

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