EP3311693A1 - Height-adjustable frame with folding leg elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A height-adjustable frame comprises a first leg element (1) with a first support section (11), a first foot section (12) and a first adjustment device and a second leg element (2) with a second support section (12), a second foot section (22) and a second adjusting device. The first support section (11) and the first foot section (12) are displaceable relative to one another by means of the first adjustment device. The second support section (21) and the second foot section (22) are displaceable relative to one another by means of the second adjustment device. The first leg element (1) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (S1) and the second leg element (2) about a second pivot axis (S2). The frame further comprises a locking structure and a rotatable shaft (4) arranged between the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) for synchronously driving the first adjusting device and the second adjusting device. The shaft (4) comprises a central portion (40), a first end portion (41) pivotable relative to the central portion (40) about a first hinge axis (G1), and a second end portion (42) pivotable about a second hinge axis (G2). The locking structure locks the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) in an unfolded position when the joint axes (G1, G2) do not run at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) or, in particular, at least approximately coincide. The locking structure can be unlocked when the joint axes (G1, G2) extend at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) and in particular at least approximately coincide, so that the first leg member (1) and the second leg member (1) in a retracted position are pivotable.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a height-adjustable frame according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a table with such a frame.

State of the art

Workplaces with height-adjustable worktops have long been known in particular in the form of office or workshop. Due to the possibility of the worktop in the height. To adjust in the vertical direction, the workplace can be optimally adapted to a body size of a person working on him: This can be an important prerequisite for ergonomic and especially spine and back-friendly working posture.

While in the past, height adjustment was often only possible to a relatively limited extent in order to be able to compensate for differences in the size of a statistically relatively standard deviation of seated adults, nowadays worktops in particular also enjoy desks with extended height adjustability, which make it possible to work while standing , very popular. Since prolonged working while standing can be perceived as unpleasant and / or tiring, it is important that a quick and uncomplicated adjustability between heights of the worktop, which are suitable for working while standing and those which are suitable for working while sitting , is possible. In particular, a frequent adjustment of the vertical Position of the worktop to a sufficient extent should be easily possible.

In order to be able to use office space and storage areas as flexibly as possible, in particular, office or writing or workshop tables are offered, in which the frame or legs can be folded in and out in relation to the worktop. In the case of foldable or unfoldable embodiments, however, difficulties may arise if at the same time a height adjustment should be provided.

As is known, height adjustability is often implemented using an electric drive. In the EP 2 926 688 A1 a table frame described in which two height-adjustable table legs are connected via a longitudinal support body. The table legs each comprise a console at their upper ends, in each of which an electric drive for the associated table leg is provided. To fold the table legs, the brackets are folded together against the rest together with the rest of the associated table legs and the associated drive.

However, since electric drives require electrical energy and thus in particular a connection cable or the like, such racks are often undesirable. They can also be relatively susceptible to interference or defective. Mechanically height adjustable workplaces are accordingly popular as alternatives, but typically are not retractable. In particular, the mechanism usually prevents the legs or the frame can be folded.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a height-adjustable frame for a piece of furniture such as a table and in particular a writing or working table, which is simple in construction, can be operated without electrical energy and as compact as possible collapsible.

Presentation of the invention

These and other objects are achieved by a height-adjustable frame as defined by the features of independent claim 1 and by a table as defined by the features of independent claim 15 is. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention proposes a height-adjustable frame for furniture such as a table and in particular a writing or working table. The frame comprises a first leg member having a first support portion, a first foot portion and a first adjustment device. It further comprised a second leg member having a second support portion, a second foot portion and a second adjustment device.

The first support section and the first foot section are displaceable relative to one another by means of the first adjustment device. The second support section and the second foot section are displaceable relative to one another by means of the second adjustment device. The first leg element is pivotable about a first pivot axis and the second leg element about a second pivot axis.

The frame in particular has a locking structure and a rotatable shaft arranged between the first leg element and the second leg element for synchronously driving the first adjusting device and the second adjusting device. The shaft comprises a middle section, a first end section pivotable relative to the central section about a first hinge axis, and a second end section pivotable relative to the central section about a second hinge axis. The locking structure locks the first leg element and the second leg element respectively in an unfolded position when the joint axes do not run at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes or in particular at least approximately coincide. The locking structure can be unlocked when the joint axes extend at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes and in particular at least approximately coincide, so that the first leg member and the second leg member are pivotable in a retracted position.

The term "frame" may refer in particular to a support frame over which the furniture can be parked on the floor. In particular, the frame can be a table frame or a frame.

The term "countertop" in the context of the invention can generally refer to a plate-shaped element which can or can be mounted on the height-adjustable frame and on which an activity is carried out. In particular, the worktop can be a table top. In many applications such worktops have a horizontal surface. Deviations from an exactly horizontal orientation can also be included. The worktops can also be tilted or arranged obliquely or be arranged.

The term "pivoting" with respect to the end portions and leg members may refer to folding in and out. In this case, the leg elements, in particular with respect to a work or table top to which they are mounted, can be folded in and out. The end sections can be miteinge- or folded.

The first and the second leg element are pivotable about a first or second pivot axis, so that each of the leg elements - preferably individually - can be adjusted by pivoting between a folded and a deployed position. By means of the leg elements, in particular the foot sections, the frame can be placed on a floor or placed on another, preferably even ground, when they are in the unfolded position.

The first adjusting device and the second adjusting device are advantageously designed so that they can be actuated by rotation of a respective adjusting element and thereby depending on the direction of rotation, a displacement of the associated foot portion is effected. In this case, the respective adjusting element can in particular be a toothed wheel which is in operative connection with a toothed rack or spindle provided on the corresponding foot section and in particular firmly connected to the foot section.

For height adjustment, in particular for the synchronous actuation of the first and second adjusting device, a shaft extending between the leg elements is provided, which is adapted to synchronously actuate the respective adjusting elements of the first and second leg element when it rotates about a longitudinal axis. For example, it can rotationally actuate the gears and thereby the so move connected rack or spindle. For this purpose, a toothed wheel can be provided at each end of the shaft, which, as mentioned above, is in engagement with the toothed racks or spindles provided on the foot sections and serves as a first or second adjusting element.

According to the invention, the shaft is designed as an at least three-part shaft, and comprises the middle section, the first end section connected to the central section via a first joint, and the second end section connected to the central section, for example via a second joint. The joints are preferably universal joints with a single degree of freedom, each of which determines the respective axes of articulation extending in particular perpendicular to the central portion of the shaft. About these hinge axes, the end portions are pivotable together with the respective associated leg member. However, the two joints can also be designed with several in particular two degrees of freedom, for example as a cross, ball, or universal joint. For technical reasons, such joints generally have a preferred direction or a preferred degree of freedom, in which or with respect to which pivoting or rotation is particularly low-friction, low-resistance and / or over a particularly large - in particular compared to other directions or with respect other degrees of freedom - adjustment is possible. In connection with the present invention, in such a case the axis corresponding to the preferred direction or to the preferred degree of freedom may be understood as the respective joint axis, in particular as far as it is perpendicular to the central section of the shaft.

By connected via the hinge axes with the central portion end portions, it is possible that the latter can be pivoted simultaneously with the leg members or folded and unfolded, as far as the degrees of freedom of the joints allow. In order to ensure a clean pivoting, this is possible according to the invention only if the joint axes extend at least approximately parallel to the respective pivot axes of the leg elements or in particular at least approximately coincide with the respective pivot axes.

In order to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis, a crank element is preferably provided, which is in operative connection with the shaft, so that the Wave are rotated by turning the crank or the crank element in rotation when. In this case, the crank may in particular comprise a crank rod, at one end of which a first bevel gear is provided, in particular fixedly connected, which is provided with a shaft provided on the shaft, in particular fixedly connected to the bevel gear or can be brought into engagement. Alternatively, however, a motor, in particular an electric motor can be provided by means of which the shaft can be set in rotation. If the shaft is rotated, the two joints and thus also the two joint axes rotate at the same time. However, this leads to the fact that the joint axes are generally not parallel to the pivot axes, not approximately.

If, however, the first or second hinge axis does not run at least approximately parallel to the first or second pivot axis or if the hinge axes do not coincide at least approximately with the respective pivot axes, pivoting of the corresponding leg element is blocked or rendered impossible by the shaft. This serves in particular to ensure that the corresponding leg element or the shaft and / or other elements of the height-adjustable frame are not damaged.

For this purpose, the locking structure is provided according to the invention, which is designed in particular so that it locks the leg members in the unfolded position, ie, blocks a pivoting of the leg members, if the first hinge axis is not at least approximately parallel to the first pivot axis and the second hinge axis at least approximately parallel to the second pivot axis. However, the locking structure releases the leg members when the first hinge axis is at least approximately parallel to the first pivot axis, or when the first hinge axis and the first pivot axis coincide at least approximately and at the same time the second hinge axis is at least approximately parallel to the second pivot axis, or if the second hinge axis and the second pivot axis coincide at least approximately. In the unfolded position, the shaft is preferably in a linear or extended position, in which the middle section and the two end sections extend in one and the same direction or lie on a straight axis, ie are not pivoted relative to one another.

The provision of a locking structure as described above makes it possible to connect the end portions of the shaft, for example, with only one degree of freedom with the central portion, which allows a particularly simple, robust and stable construction of the shaft without affecting the pivotability of the leg members. Preferably, the two joint axes are oriented parallel.

Preferably, the frame comprises a support member for mounting on a worktop or table top, on which the first leg member is pivotally mounted about the first pivot axis and on which the second leg member is pivotally mounted about the second pivot axis. Such a support element can support and support a work or table top. Thus, the frame can be efficiently designed as a stable base of a table.

In this case, the support element is advantageously made in one piece. It preferably has a transverse section, on which the first leg element and the second leg element are mounted at a distance from one another. The transverse section can be designed, for example, in the form of a profile tube, a longitudinal traverse or a square tube. In the assembled state, it may extend substantially parallel to a direction of a width of the worktop. In this case, a first bearing may be provided in the region of a first end of the transverse section and a second bearing in the region of a second end of the transverse section remote from the first end. In addition, in the area of the first and second end of the transverse section, a first or second longitudinal section may be provided, which extends at least substantially in a longitudinal direction extending perpendicular to the transverse direction. The longitudinal sections can therefore extend parallel to a direction of a depth of the worktop and so support the worktop forward and backward.

The transverse sections may also be designed as panels or panels for the shaft, wherein at least part of the shaft extends in particular in a cavity formed in or from the transverse section, possibly in connection with the worktop.

But the support member may also be designed in several parts, and include a first mounting part with the first storage and a second, separate mounting part with the second storage. In such a two-part support element is the Transverse section to some extent replaced or formed by a portion of the worktop when the two-piece support member is mounted on such. In addition, the support member may also be integral with the worktop or firmly connected in particular firmly bonded thereto. For example, the support member may be integrally formed, welded or soldered to a worktop made of metal on the worktop.

The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are advantageously parallel to each other and different from each other. In particular, they may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction or parallel to a direction of a depth of the work surface when the frame is mounted on the table top.

The support element allows a stable and firm connection between worktop and frame. If required, the support element and the leg element can be designed such that the leg elements can be assembled and disassembled using suitable tools, for example. This allows a simple factory production or a simple assembly on site and allows the availability of a modular and / or configurable product range.

Preferably, the first leg member and the second leg member are each independently pivotable between the folded position and the deployed position.

In a preferred embodiment of the frame, the locking structure comprises a blocking device, which is adjustable between a blocking position, in which it blocks pivoting of the first and second leg member, and a release position, in which the first leg member and the second leg member is released for pivoting , In this case, a single, common blocking device can be provided which simultaneously blocks or releases the pivoting of both leg elements. But it can also be provided a blocking device per leg element, which blocks or releases only the pivoting of the corresponding leg member. Such a blocking device enables efficient design and operation of the locking structure.

Preferably, the locking structure changes depending on a rotational position of the shaft between the blocking position and the release position. In this way it can be efficiently achieved that the Beinelmente can be folded automatically only in appropriate positions. In particular, by rotating all three sections of the shaft and possibly the existing joints, folding can be made possible only if the joints are aligned properly.

In this case, the locking structure preferably comprises an eccentric provided on the shaft, by means of which the blocking device is adjustable in dependence on the rotational position of the shaft between the blocking position and the release position. By means of such an eccentric, the blocking device can be operated efficiently and reliably as a function of the rotational position. The eccentric may have a non-rotationally symmetrical outer circumference. For example, it may have a bulge in the circumferential direction. The non-circular outer circumference of the eccentric can move a part of the blocking device as a function of the rotational position of the shaft and actuate it. Preferably, two analogous eccentric are each arranged on the end portions of the shaft.

In this case, the blocking device of the locking structure preferably comprises a first locking pin, which projects in the blocking position into a first recess, which is formed in the deployed position of the first leg member on the first leg member and the support member, and a second locking pin which in the blocking position in a second Recess protrudes, which is formed in the unfolded position of the second leg member on the first leg member and the support member. Such locking pins can block the leg members efficiently and safely. In this case, the recess may be an opening and / or a recess. The term "protrude" in this context also includes a protruding.

Preferably, the blocking device of the locking structure is resiliently biased in the direction of the release position. Thus, the blocking device can always be moved to the release position, if it is not pressed to another location. Alternatively, the blocking device of the locking structure may also be resiliently biased in the blocking position.

In this case, the first locking pin and the second locking pin are preferably pressed resiliently in the blocking position into the first recess and the second recess and moved in the release position by the eccentric of the first recess and the second recess. The eccentric can thus push the locking pins against a spring force from the recesses.

In embodiments of the inventive frame, the blocking device may therefore in particular comprise a locking pin which can project into a first guide opening in the blocking position or can project through a first guide opening which is formed on the first leg element and at the same time projects into a first blocking recess or opening or protrudes through a first blocking recess or opening which is provided on the support element, in particular on the first mounting part, so that the first guide opening and the first blocking recess or opening are in the unfolded position of the first leg member in coverage, and / or in the blocking position in a second guide opening protrudes or protrudes through a second guide opening which is formed on the second leg member, and at the same time protrudes into a second blocking recess or opening, or by a second blocking recess or -öffnu protrudes ng, which is provided on the support member, in particular on the second mounting part, so that the second guide opening and the second blocking recess or opening in the unfolded position of the second leg member are in coincidence.

In the release position can thereby adjust the locking pin so that it no longer protrudes into the first or second blocking recess or opening. Preferably Blockiervertiefung- or opening and guide opening on an at least approximately identical cross section, which is preferably such that the locking pin or at least one end of the locking pin is at least approximately form-fitting in the blocking recess or opening and / or the guide opening can be inserted. The guide opening and / or the first or second blocking recess or opening can be designed in particular as bores, preferably with at least approximately identical diameter.

Preferably, the shaft extends in an interior of the transverse portion of the support element. Such an arrangement of the shaft can protect it efficiently. It can also be avoided that a clean rotation of the shaft is hindered.

Preferably, a first universal joint forming the first joint axis is provided between the central portion and the first end portion of the shaft, and between the central portion and the second end portion of the shaft is a second universal joint forming the second joint axis. Such universal joints can allow reliable rotation of the entire shaft and at the same time a stable tilting or pivoting of the end portions together with the leg members.

Preferably, the central portion of the shaft, the first end portion of the shaft and the second end portion of the shaft are each rod-shaped. Such a design enables a stable construction which is rotatable uniformly and efficiently.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a table with a height-adjustable frame, as described above, and a work or table top, which is mounted on the frame. Such a table enables an efficient realization of the effects and advantages described in connection with the frame according to the invention and its preferred embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemässen höhenverstellbaren Gestells;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gestells von Fig. 1 teilweise geöffnet;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine perspektivische Detailansicht des Gestells aus Fig. 1 in einer verriegelten Stellung; und

Fig. 4

zeigt eine perspektivische Detailansicht des Gestells aus Fig. 1 in einer geöffneten Stellung.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention by means of the schematic drawing. In particular, the frame according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to exemplary embodiments.

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an inventive height-adjustable frame;

Fig. 2

shows a perspective view of the frame of Fig. 1 partially open;

Fig. 3

shows a perspective detail view of the frame Fig. 1 in a locked position; and

Fig. 4

shows a perspective detail view of the frame Fig. 1 in an open position.

Way (s) for carrying out the invention

Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not meant to be limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," and "top" refer to directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "in", "out", "below", "above", "left", "right" or the like will be used to describe the arrangement of designated parts to each other, the movement of designated parts to each other and the directions toward or away from geometric center of the invention and named parts thereof as shown in the figures used. These relative relative terms also include other positions and orientations than those shown in the figures. For example, when a part shown in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as "below" are then "above". The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning.

To avoid repetition in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and embodiments, it is intended that certain features be considered to be common to various aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not suggest that this aspect is lacking in the associated embodiment. Rather, such omission may serve the purpose of clarity and prevention of repetition. In this context, the following definition applies to the entire further description: If reference signs are included in a figure for the purpose of clarity of drawing, but are not mentioned in the directly related descriptive text, reference is made to the explanation thereof in the preceding description of the figures. If reference signs are also mentioned in the description text directly related to a figure, which are not included in the associated figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Like reference numerals in two or more figures indicate similar or like elements.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an inventive height-adjustable frame 7 vice versa from one side and Fig. 2 the frame 7 from an opposite side. In Fig. 2 the frame 7 is partially open, so that components inside the frame 7 are visible.

The frame 7 comprises a support element 3 in the region of whose longitudinal ends a first leg element 1 and a second leg element 2 are mounted pivotably about a first pivot axis S1 and a second pivot axis S2 on a first and second bearing element, respectively. The first leg element 1 is located in Fig. 1 in an unfolded or pivoted position, the second leg member 2 in a retracted or pivoted position.

The support element 3 comprises a longitudinal cross-member 30 which extends in a transverse direction, which corresponds in particular to a direction of a width of a work or table top intended for mounting on the frame 7. In addition, the support element 3 comprises a first longitudinal section 31 and a second longitudinal section 32 which extend in a longitudinal direction which corresponds in particular to a direction of a depth of the work plate provided for mounting on the frame 7. The support element 3 - and thus the frame 7 - can be mounted at its longitudinal portions 31 and 32 on an underside of the work or table top and together with it form a table. For example, it can be fastened by means of screws which are screwed through bores 311, 321 into the work or table top.

The first leg element 1 comprises a first support section 11 and a first foot section 12. The second leg element 1 comprises a second support section 21 and a second foot section 22. The first foot section 12 and the second foot section 22 each comprise a square tube 122, 222 and a longitudinal leg 121 , 122. The longitudinal feet 121, 122 are aligned parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal sections 31, 32 of the support element 3. The foot sections 12, 22 are mounted on the respective support sections 11, 21 by means of a first adjusting device 13 and a second adjusting device 23 extendable and retractable.

If the support element 3 - and thus the frame 7 - mounted on a worktop, a height position of the worktop by retracting or extending the foot sections 12, 22 by means of the adjusting devices 13, 23 are adjusted. If the foot sections 12, 22 are extended, a distance between the foot sections 12, 22 and the support sections 11, 21 or the support element 3 increases. Thus, a vertical position or height of the work surface can be increased or increased. Will the Retracted foot sections 12, 22, a distance between foot sections 12, 22 and support member 3 decreases, and a vertical position of the worktop is lowered.

In order to actuate the adjusting devices 13, 23 and to ensure that the two foot sections 12, 22 are always moved in or out synchronously, a shaft 4 is provided which extends between the first and second leg members 11, 21 and by means of a crank element 5 in FIG Rotation can be offset. In this case, the two adjusting devices 13, 23 are actuated in a synchronous manner, with which the shaft 4 is in operative connection.

The shaft 4 comprises an at least substantially rod-shaped central portion 40, at one end of which a likewise at least substantially rod-shaped first end portion 41 is provided. Between the central portion 40 and the first end portion 41, a first universal joint 411 is provided. At the other end of the central portion 40, a likewise at least substantially rod-shaped second end portion 42 is arranged. Between middle section 40 and second end section 42, a second universal joint 421 is provided.

The universal joints 411, 421 are provided with respect to the transverse direction at a same position as the corresponding bearing elements, to ensure that the pivot axes S1, S2 of the leg members 1, 2 and the joint axes G1, G2 of the universal joints 411, 421 respectively substantially lie in a plane and in the in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 2 shown rotational position of the shaft 4 coincide.

As in Fig. 3 can be seen in detail, a second eccentric 61 is provided in the form of a cam on the second end portion 42 of the shaft 4. By means of the second eccentric 61, a fork-shaped second locking slide 62 can be actuated, which serves as part of a blocking device.

At a remote from the shaft 40 end of the locking slide 62, a locking pin 621 is provided with a rectangular cross-section, which is guided in the blocking position by a transverse section 40 provided on the second guide opening 63 with at least approximately corresponding cross-section. If as in Fig. 3 illustrated the second hinge axis G2 not with the second pivot axis S2 coincides, but this crosses, the locking slide 62 is displaced away from the eccentric 61 in the direction of the shaft 40, so that the locking pin 621 protrudes into the provided on the transverse portion 40 guide opening 63 or engages. The locking pin 621 is thus brought into positive engagement with the second guide opening 63 in engagement. In this way, a collapse of the second leg member 2 is prevented, so that the second leg member 2 is locked in the unfolded position. The first leg member 1 is locked in this position analogously in the unfolded position. Between the second lock slider 62 and the second support member 11, there is further provided a second coil spring 65 which urges the second lock slider 62 toward the shaft 4 and the second end portion 42 thereof, respectively.

As in Fig. 4 it can be seen, the first end portion 41 of the shaft 40 is analogous to the second end portion 42 described above, equipped with an identical first eccentric 61 ', which communicates with an identical one locking pin 621' having fork-shaped first locking slide 62 'in operative connection. The first leg element 1 and the transverse section 40 of the shaft 4 also have a first guide or blocking opening 63 'in a region of the first leg element 1. Thus, the first leg member 1 is locked in a corresponding manner synchronously to the second leg member 1 or released.

If the first hinge axis G1 as in Fig. 4 With respect to the first leg member 1 shown in detail after rotation of the shaft 40 by means of the crank 5 coincides with the first pivot axis S1, the first eccentric 61 'no longer presses on the locking slide 62', so that this under the action of a first coil spring 65 'in the direction is pushed on the shaft 40 to. As a result, the first locking pin 621 'is withdrawn from the first guide opening 63' and a pivoting of the first leg element 1 is released. The frame 7 is now in the release position and the leg members 1, 2 can be folded.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the figures and the accompanying description, this description and detailed description are to be considered illustrative and exemplary and not limiting as to the invention. In order not to transpose the invention, in some instances, well-known structures and techniques may not be shown and described in detail. It is understood that professionals can make changes and modifications, without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers other embodiments with any combinations of features that may differ from the feature combinations explicitly described.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments having any combination of features that are mentioned or shown above or below various embodiments or embodiments. It also comprises individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Also, the alternatives of embodiments and individual alternatives described in the figures and the description may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure includes embodiments which exclusively comprise the features described in the claims and in the exemplary embodiments as well as those which include additional other features.

Furthermore, the term "comprising" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "a" and derivatives thereof does not exclude a variety. The functions of several features listed in the claims may be fulfilled by a unit or a step. The terms "substantially", "approximately", "approximately" and the like in connection with a property or a value in particular also define precisely the property or exactly the value. The terms "about" and "approximately" in the context of a given numerical value or range may refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. All reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims.

Furthermore, the fact that a feature or a property, for example a specific, in particular geometrical, shape, at least approximately or substantially formed, is provided or available may in particular mean that production specifications exist which provide a specification according to which the feature is to be designed accordingly, wherein a deviation from the specification can result, in particular within the scope of usual manufacturing tolerances.

The fact that an element or feature is extended in one direction, extends in one direction or extends in one direction may in particular mean that dimensions of the element or feature in or with respect to this direction are greater than in or with respect to others, in particular all other directions. in particular orthogonal directions.

Claims (15)

Height-adjustable frame for a piece of furniture such as a table and in particular a writing or working table comprising
a first leg member (1) having a first support portion (11), a first foot portion (12) and a first adjustment device, and
a second leg member (2) having a second support portion (12), a second foot portion (22) and a second adjustment device, wherein
the first support section (11) and the first foot section (12) are displaceable relative to one another by means of the first adjustment device,
the second support section (21) and the second foot section (22) are displaceable relative to one another by means of the second adjustment device, and
the first leg element (1) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (S1) and the second leg element (2) is pivotable about a second pivot axis (S2),
marked by
a locking structure and a rotatable shaft (4) disposed between the first leg member (1) and the second leg member (1) for synchronously driving the first adjusting device and the second adjusting device, wherein
the shaft (4) comprises a middle section (40), a first end section (41) pivotable relative to the central section (40) about a first hinge axis (G1) and a second end section (42) pivotable relative to the central section about a second hinge axis (G2),
the locking structure locks the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) in an unfolded position when the joint axes (G1, G2) are not at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) or at least approximately coincide,
the locking structure can be unlocked if the joint axes (G1, G2) extend at least approximately parallel to the pivot axes (S1, S2) and in particular at least approximately coincide, then in that the first leg element (1) and the second leg element (1) are pivotable into a folded-in position. Frame according to claim 1, comprising a support element (3) on which the first leg member is pivotally mounted about the first pivot axis and on which the second leg member is pivotally mounted about the second pivot axis. Frame according to claim 2, wherein the support member has a transverse portion on which the first leg member and the second leg member are mounted spaced from each other. Frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg member and the second leg member are independently pivotable between the folded position and the unfolded position. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking structure comprises blocking means (62) for pivoting between a blocking position in which it blocks pivoting of the first and second leg members and a release position in which the first leg member and the second leg member are released, is adjustable. Frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking structure in response to a rotational position of the shaft (4) between the blocking position and the release position changes. Frame according to claim 6, wherein the locking structure comprises an eccentric (61) provided on the shaft (4), by means of which the blocking device (62) is adjustable between the blocking position and the release position as a function of the rotational position of the shaft (4). A frame according to claim 2 and 5 to 7, wherein the blocking means (62) of the locking structure comprises a first locking pin (621) which projects in the blocking position into a first recess (63) which is in the unfolded position of the first leg member (1) on the first leg member (1) and the support member is formed, and a second locking pin (621 ') which protrudes in the blocking position in a second recess (63') which in the unfolded position of the second Leg member (1) on the second leg member (1) and formed on the support member. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first locking pin and the second locking pin are pressed in the blocking position into the first recess and the second recess, and in the release position are moved by the eccentric of the first recess and the second recess. Frame according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the blocking means of the locking structure is resiliently biased towards the release position. Frame according to one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the shaft extends in an interior of the transverse portion of the support member. Frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the central portion (40) of the shaft (4) and the first end portion (41) of the shaft (4) there is provided a first universal joint (411) forming the first hinge axis (G1) and between the central portion (40) of the shaft (4) and the second end portion (42) of the shaft (4) a second joint axis (G2) forming the second universal joint (421) is provided. Frame according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central portion (40) of the shaft (4), the first end portion (41) of the shaft (4) and the second end portion (42) of the shaft (4) are each rod-shaped. Frame according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a crank member which is in operative connection with the shaft, so that the shaft is rotated by rotating the crank member in rotation. Table with a height-adjustable frame according to one of the preceding claims and a work or table top, which is mounted on the frame.

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