EP3434148A1

EP3434148A1 - Electrically adjustable furniture unit and method for assembling an electrically adjustable furniture unit

Info

Publication number: EP3434148A1
Application number: EP18184621.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thomas Platzer
Original assignee: Logicdata Electronic and Software Entwicklungs GmbH
Current assignee: Logicdata Electronic and Software Entwicklungs GmbH
Priority date: 2017-07-26
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Also published as: CA3012202A1; US20190029434A1

Abstract

An electrically adjustable furniture unit (1), such as a sofa bed or recliner, comprises a static frame (10) having a plurality of frame elements comprising side frame elements (12). At least two of the frame elements are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The furniture unit (1) further comprises a plurality of kinematics modules (30) comprising electrically adjustable arms, wherein the kinematics modules are contained in the at least two frame elements that are arranged substantially parallel to each other. A control unit is electrically coupled to each of the kinematics modules (30), wherein the control unit is adjusted to combine backrest arms (31) of the adjustable arms to a first adjustment group and to combine legrest arms (32) of the adjustable arms to a second adjustment group, and wherein for a backrest adjustment the control unit controls the backrest arms (31) in the first adjustment group in parallel or synchronously and wherein for a legrest adjustment the control unit controls the legrest arms (32) in the second adjustment group in parallel or synchronously.

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to an electrically adjustable furniture unit, in particular to an electrically adjustable furniture unit that is convertible into a bed.
Furniture units that are convertible into beds are popular with consumers because of their multifunctionality. Many consumers find it very convenient to have, for example, a sofa or chair that can provide a spare bed for guests, as such a unit can eliminate the need for an additional, separate bed. Another example is given by recliners that can be used to move from a sitting position to a reclining position in order to further relax the muscles of the back.
Typical adjustable furniture units, however, often have a bulky, mechanized appearance that is not aesthetically pleasing or consistent with the appearance of neighboring furniture pieces such that they often yield an unpleasant and non-unified appearance. Furthermore, adjustable furniture units in general utilize a relatively complex linkage system to effect the conversion, and an auxiliary support structure is usually provided to afford the desired rigidity and stability in the adjusted position. Such complexity increases the expense of the unit, adds unnecessary weight, and presents a continuing maintenance problem.
Desirably, the structure should be as simple as possible and be designed to take maximum advantage of the load bearing capability of the fewer components characteristic of simpler, more straightforward designs.
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved concept for an electrically adjustable furniture unit.
This object is achieved with the subject-matter of the independent claims. Embodiments and developments of the improved concept are defined in the dependent claims.
The improved concept is based on the idea of providing an electrically adjustable furniture unit, such as a sofa bed or a recliner, which comprises a static frame and a plurality of kinematics modules, wherein each kinematics module is responsible for moving the furniture unit to a plurality of positions suitable for sitting and/or sleeping.
The improved concept is further based on the idea of providing a modular static base frame comprising side frame elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled by the user, in particular by a single user.
In particular, an electrically adjustable furniture unit according to the improved concept comprises a static frame having a plurality of frame elements comprising side frame elements, wherein at least two of the frame elements are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The furniture unit further comprises a plurality of kinematics modules that are contained in the at least two frame elements that are arranged in parallel and each have electrically adjustable arms. The furniture unit further comprises a control unit, which is electrically coupled to each of the kinematics modules, wherein the control unit is adjusted to combine backrest arms of the adjustable arms to a first adjustment group and to combine legrest arms of the adjustable arms to a second adjustment group. According to the improved concept, the control unit for a backrest adjustment controls the backrest arms in the first adjustment group in parallel or synchronously, and for a legrest adjustment controls the legrest arms in the second adjustment group in parallel or synchronously.
The main concept of the present disclosure is the use of several separate kinematics modules within one adjustable furniture, in particular within a recliner or sofa bed. A kinematics module according to the improved concept is either part of one of the frame elements or mounted, e.g. screwed, to it. Preferably, a recliner or sofa contains two kinematics modules for each adjustable support surface of the furniture, one arranged on the left and one on the right side of the furniture, for instance. In case a furniture is particularly wide or heavy, it could be necessary to use more than two of these modules to be able to adjust the furniture.
The kinematics modules according to the improved concept contain the kinematics used for an adjustment of a backrest and for an adjustment of a legrest. In such an embodiment, the legrest can for example be adjusted from a substantially vertical orientation, typically called the stowed position', to a substantially horizontal position. An alternative option for an adjustment of the legrest is the adjustment of the seating angle.
The control unit of the furniture controls each kinematics module to ensure that each module adjusts in the same way. For example, the control unit communicates with each kinematics module and sends the same commands to them. Each module ideally reacts in the same way and adjusts as long as no error is present.
Depending on the application, the static frame may consist of two side frame elements, for example. Such an embodiment of the static frame of the furniture unit may be convenient for applications in mobile homes, wherein the side frame elements are mounted to a part of the mobile home such as a floor element. Other applications, in which the furniture unit is not mounted to the environment, may require a static frame that in addition comprises cross frame elements used to connect the side frame elements.
By using a control unit that controls kinematics modules in the said way, it is one advantage that the kinematics modules do not need any mechanical means, e.g. a pivoting rod, or any mechanical coupling means between two kinematics modules to ensure that all adjustable arms of an adjustment group move in parallel/synchronously. In particular, no adjustable frame is necessary to connect the arms. This leads to light weight and small modules which ensures small packaging for the modules.
By attaching support surfaces to the arms of the modules together with controlling the arms via the control unit in a parallel or synchronous way, the furniture is behaving like conventional adjustable furniture that comprise an additional adjustable steel frame for example, but without the requirement of adding the additional weight of said additional frame to the furniture.
The legrest arms of the kinematics modules of a furniture unit according to the improved concept are connected by a legrest support surface. The backrest arms of the kinematics modules are connected by a backrest support surface. The legrest and backrest support surfaces can be simple panels supporting a mattress, for example. Alternatively, said support surfaces are slatted frames, foam padded or frames with spring or other upholstery.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of kinematics modules comprises one of the legrest arms and one of the backrest arms.
An advantage of the kinematics modules each comprising more than one adjustment arm is that less kinematics modules in total are required, making the furniture therefore lighter in weight, possibly smaller in size and also cheaper in price.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of kinematics modules comprises complete electric parts required for an adjustment of the adjustable arms of the respective one of the plurality of kinematics modules.
An advantage of such an embodiment that provides kinematics modules which contain all necessary electric parts for electrically adjusting the furniture is that this provides a simple setup without the necessity for complicated electrical connections, such as wiring. Ideally, the control unit is part of a kinematics module, for example the control unit is included in the electric parts required for an adjustment of the kinematics module. Alternatively, the control unit is either integrated in one of the frame elements of the furniture unit or has an own housing, which is either mounted to the furniture unit or can be placed on the floor.
A second idea of such an embodiment is to substantially hide electric and electronic parts from the user. This way, cables, kinematics and controlling elements become less visible and less accessible for the user, children or pets. This prevents pinch points due to hidden kinematic structures, for instance.
In some embodiments, the legrest arms are adjustable to a substantially vertical position with respect to a main extension plane of the static frame.
For some applications, such as a recliner, a vertical adjustment position of the legrest arms enables a stowed position of a legrest support surface, for example. This stowed position may be desirable for certain seating configurations, in which a user prefers an upright seating position with his feet on the floor.
In some embodiments, the kinematics modules are fully retractable into the at least two frame elements.
In embodiments in which each kinematics module, including the adjustable arms of the kinematics module, is fully retractable into the frame element has the advantage that the modules can be mounted onto or into the respective frame elements ex-factory. This means, for shipping of the furniture unit both less packaging material and less packages are necessary. Also, the preinstalled kinematics modules mean easier assembling and hence less sources of trouble for a user.
In some embodiments, the kinematics modules further comprise a mechanism, in particular a carriage with rollers, such that a position of the kinematics modules within the at least two frame elements is adjustable with respect to the main extension axis of the at least two frame elements.
Moreover, in some of these embodiments, during the backrest adjustment the control unit is further configured to adjust the position of the kinematics modules within the at least two frame elements, such that a constant protrusion of a backrest of the furniture with respect to a rearmost part of the frame or of the rearmost part of the frame with respect to the backrest is maintained.
A nuisance of conventional adjustable furniture units is the fact that in its different adjustment positions, the footprint of the respective units may vary, therefore making a placement of the furniture unit close to a wall impossible. Placing those units sufficiently far away from a wall to facilitate the adjustment comes at the expense of a reduction of usable living space, and formation of gaps, which may facilitate the loss of personal items and may also serve as a nuisance for children and pets.
In a respective embodiment of the present invention, on the contrary, the kinematics modules comprise a wallhugger mechanism, like it is common for beds. This wallhugger mechanism ensures that the distance between the backrest and the end of the static frame is substantially constant during an adjustment of the backrest and enables a positioning of the furniture close to a wall, as the backrest remains at a certain distance to the wall during an adjustment. This mechanism is for example based on a carriage with rollers, which is included within the kinematics module. This carriage is pushed/pulled in horizontal direction if the backrest is adjusted. By this wallhugger mechanism space can be saved in an apartment and gaps can be avoided.
In some embodiments, the control unit is further configured to perform the backrest adjustment and the legrest adjustment based on a set of predefined adjustments.
Often, the furniture is desired to be adjusted between a set of predefined positions. For a sofa bed or a recliner, these positions may be a lie-flat and a seated position, for example.
Additional predefined positions may be configured to grant access to otherwise obstructed and/or hidden storage spaces, for example the space under the mattress of a bed or the legrest of a sofa.
In further embodiments, the control unit further comprises a programmable memory comprising the set of predefined adjustments.
In order to facilitate the adjustment of the furniture unit, the control unit in these embodiments saves the predefined positions in a memory. As a consequence, for an adjustment of the furniture unit, a user only selects the desired position, followed by an automatic adjustment into said desired position controlled by the control unit.
As in some applications it may be desirable to have storage spaces underneath a support surface of the furniture unit, for example, at least one of the predefined adjustments may be configured to grant access to said storage spaces, for example via adjustment of the legrest arms for elevating a legrest support surface. Particularly for mobile homes with limited storage spaces such a furniture unit may be a convenient solution.
Moreover, a programmable memory allows a user to save, modify and access preferred adjustment positions according to his personal preferences.
In some embodiments, the electrically adjustable furniture further comprises a user interface with which the control unit can be controlled to adjust the furniture. The user interface may be implemented in a remote control that comprises buttons for adjustment of the furniture, for example. The remote control may be a panel, such as a touch panel, integrated into an armrest of the furniture or a handset, for instance. Moreover, the implementation of the user interface may comprise visual elements, such as LEDs or a display, to provide feedback to the user regarding the adjustment, such as reporting a current status of the furniture, a successful processing of a command and/or an error message, for instance.
The communication between the user interface and the control unit may be based on a wired connection, for example for a use according to the implementations mentioned above, or based on a wireless connection. The user interface in this latter case may be implemented as an application that can be operated on a mobile device, such as a tablet computer or a smartphone, for example. The wireless connection is preferably based on a standard protocol, such as Bluetooth, Gazell or Wi-Fi, but may also be a non-standard protocol.
Additionally or alternatively, the control unit comprises a bidirectional wireless connection to a home network based on standard network protocols. In this case, the furniture may be integrated into a home automation system and/or smart home environment and be controlled via a smart home hub, for example via voice commands.
For example in a home automation system, various living scenes and preprogrammed or predetermined scenarios may be used so that the furniture unit is adjusted in a particular manner at different times of day, in reaction to different environmental conditions, to different situations, in combination with other smart objects, etc. These scenes enable multiple accessories including the furniture to work in combination with each other based on a single command.
In some embodiments, the furniture unit further comprises a pinch detection mechanism having sensors, with the sensors being configured to detect whether an object, in particular a limb of a user, is positioned within a path of motion of the adjustable arms. The control unit in such embodiments is further configured to terminate the backrest adjustment and/or the legrest adjustment based on the sensor values.
In general, adjustable furniture units have pinching points which constitute an injury hazard for humans and pets. Potential pinching points are generally located below the legrest and backrest as well as near the adjustment arms of the kinematics modules. To prevent injuries, sensors at the location of the kinematics modules, e.g. by using the arms of the kinematics modules as capacitive sensors or by attaching sensor strips (e.g. capacitive, strain gauges) to the arms, the furniture unit can be extended by means of an automatic pinch detection mechanism that interrupts the adjustment upon detection on an object in the path of motion. The control unit may be further configured to initiate an adjustment in the opposite direction for a small distance upon detection of an obstacle.
Due to the fact that the kinematics in the kinematics module is kept simple in comparison with conventional adjustable furniture, the number of potential pinching points is significantly reduced and thus the number of pinching points is kept at a minimum.
In some embodiments, each of the kinematics modules is further configured to compare an actual adjustment of the adjustable arms of the first and the second adjustment group to an intended adjustment, in particular with respect to momentary position and/or adjustment speed, and to report to the control unit a discrepancy between the actual adjustment and the intended adjustment. The control unit in such embodiments is further configured to generate a first and a second error flag for the first and the second adjustment group based on the discrepancy, and to adjust the backrest adjustment and/or the legrest adjustment based on the first and the second error flag.
In case of an error of a kinematics module, an error flag may be reported to the control unit that consequently terminates the adjustment of each kinematics module by sending a stopping command.
Alternatively, the modules could exchange current position data to synchronize the adjustment: e.g. one module is the master and if the remaining kinematics modules do not have the substantially same position, they may be controlled to slow down, or speed up their adjustment, for example.
In some embodiments, the furniture unit according to the improved concept further comprises vibration motors in a support surface. The control unit in such embodiments is further configured to control the vibration motors.
For example, support surfaces of the adjustable furniture, such as a backrest support surface, comprise integrated vibration motors to provide a massage function to the user.
In some embodiments, the furniture unit further comprises a body sensor in a support surface. In such an embodiment, the control unit is further configured to generate user-specific data based on a body sensor value received from the body sensor.
The support surface such as a mattress may comprise sensors for measuring the heart rate of a user for monitoring sleep phases, for instance. Alternative or additional sensors may be configured to detect movement data of a user during the use of the furniture unit. The data from the sensors may then be used to control an adjustment position of the furniture unit, for example to adjust the furniture unit to a position which provides a more comfortable sleeping position.
In some embodiments, the furniture unit further comprises storage spaces that can be accessed by adjusting the furniture unit.
Additional storage space, such as storage volumes, drawers, shelves, cabinets, bins, can be created underneath support surfaces of an adjustable furniture unit according to the improved concept. These storage spaces become available, or are accessible by way of adjustment. Storage space is attached to, mounted to, or supported by the static frame, for example.
For instance, the storage space can be mounted under a lifting or actuating legrest support surface. One aspect of the storage space can include drawers that open at the foot end. Alternatively or in addition, storage spaces may be located on at least one of the sides of the furniture unit. Furthermore, storage spaces may be located on the backrest, or on the side of the furniture proximate to the backrest.
By using kinematics modules located at the side of the static frame, space which would otherwise be used by an intricate and space-consuming mechanism to fold and unfold backrest, legrest and/or a frame may advantageously be used for storing various items, such as pillows, sheets, etc.
Depending on the preference of a user, at least a subset of the storage spaces may be inaccessible while the legrest and the backrest are adjusted to be parallel or substantially parallel to the floor, such as a sofa bed in a sleeping configuration. For example, the storage spaces may be accessible by a user after adjustment of the backrest and/or legrest by means of lifting, rotating, or the like, away from a base of the bed or the static frame. To realize such functionality, the static frame may have legs, or standing directly on the floor. The legs may be exchangeable or electrically height adjustable by the control unit, for example.
In some of the configurations described above, a minimal amount or threshold of adjustment may be required to provide access to the storage spaces.
As mentioned above, another aspect and desirable object to achieve is the aesthetic design of the adjustable furniture unit and its consistency with the appearance of other furniture pieces.
Provision of an appealing design is realized by the possibility to mount customizable and/or personalized parts like decorative elements to frame elements of the static frame. The static frame may be used with or without customizable and/or personalized parts. The side frame elements may be e.g. made of aluminum and provide a clipping mechanism allowing an easy attachment of decorative elements of a variety of different styles and shapes, such as modern blank aluminum, padded leather styles or wooden designs, for instance.
In particular, both a customization in the process of purchasing as well as an after-market personalization may be offered alongside with the adjustable furniture unit. Aspects of the adjustable furniture unit therefore allow for attaching, coupling or the like, of a decorative element. For example, a user may change the appearance of the furniture by adding a coupling mechanism, including but not limited to self-adhesive sticking bands or magnetic bands. The coupling mechanism may further couple with a customizable or personalized element in different designs, including but not limited to wood, fabrics, or the like, to the sides of the static frame. The coupling mechanism may be based on a certain profile of the side frame elements of the static frame which enables simple methods for attachment and dismantling of the decorative element for the user.
For example, a decor band, which may include an interchangeable personalized covering selected by a user, may be mounted to or be supported by at least a portion of the static frame. The decor band may be made of a flexible material and/or of several millimeter thickness. Alternatively or in addition, the decor band may include or may be covered with materials, such as fabric, leather, wood or plastic. Also, the decor band may include material that comprises a customized printing.
Also, further customization options may be provided by attaching objects such as padded elements, armrests or storage receptacles to the adjustable furniture unit. Armrests of the furniture, for example, may be provided with or without upholstery.
The described customization options may be made available online for the user. For example, an option to upload desired designs may be provided and/or existing designs may be offered via a website, such as an online shopping platform. The customized objects based on the designs may then be shipped to the user, who himself performs the installation/attachment. In addition, third parties such as sports teams may provide and offer special designs via their distribution and marketing channels. Furthermore, bedding manufacturers or retailers may provide and offer branded designs for distribution in their channels.
The objective is further solved by a method for assembling an electrically adjustable furniture unit. The method according to the improved concept comprises providing a plurality of frame elements of a static frame that has side frame elements and arranging a plurality of kinematics modules with electrically adjustable arms within at least two frame elements. The method further comprises providing a control unit that is electrically coupled to each of the kinematics modules, wherein the control unit is adjusted to combine backrest arms of the adjustable arms to a first adjustment group and to combine legrest arms of the adjustable arms to a second adjustment group. For delivery of the furniture to a customer, the plurality of frame elements and the control unit are packaged individually with packaging materials.
It is another idea of the improved concept that the manufacturer can pre-assemble frame elements and kinematics modules, and ship them in separate packages. Each package can thus be light-weight and small. This facilitates shipping and transportation directly to a user's home using conventional logistics companies, such as DHL, FedEx or UPS, even through small corridors or staircases. The complete furniture unit may be shipped in a small number of packages, for example two or three packages, each within the weight and size limits of standard delivery methods, e.g. a weight of less than 30 kg per package and total dimensions of less than 3.3 meters. This way, the shipping costs can be significantly reduced. In addition to a shipping method, the system may also be stored and sold like an off-the-shelf take-away product.
Within the adjustable furniture industry it is not common to offer the end-customers an appropriate delivery service as well as an easy and convenient assembly of the recliner or sofa bed frame by the consumer. The is at least partially due to the frame being commonly delivered in one or more large or heavy portions that have to be manually moved, flipped, adjusted, coupled, or the like, in order to form the static frame assembly. Additionally, the physical exertion required for moving and assembling the frame can be beyond the physical means for some end users, or require multiple end users to accomplish the same task due to the weight of the frame.
An embodiment of the method further comprises using at least part of the packaging materials as support for the frame elements. Moreover, the method comprises forming the static frame by interconnecting side frame elements and cross frame elements, attaching legs to the static frame and removing the support after these assembly steps. The method further comprises establishing an electrical connection between the kinematics modules and attaching a backrest support surface to the backrest arms and a legrest support surfaces to the legrest arms.
An idea of the above-mentioned embodiment is that a user, in particular a single user, may easily assemble and disassemble the static frame by connecting side and cross elements, for example, and to easily electrically connect the kinematics modules at the user's home. Due to the light-weight concept, the sofa can be moved easier than conventional adjustable furniture units, even after assembly.
The embodiment includes product packaging, a set of product packaging, or a product packaging assembly, wherein at least a portion of the product packaging assembly or set of product packaging can include or be configured to incorporate a support stand, a ledge, a step, or another physical supporting surface to support at least a portion of the furniture frame, or subset of the static frame elements, during assembly.
A user may utilize the product packaging to at least partially support the furniture frame during assembly or during assembly steps such that the user will be able to build up the frame on his own, particularly without the help of a service technician, special tools or another helping user.
In some embodiments, the user can assemble the static frame using nothing more than the packaging, or using nothing more than that which is included or provided with, within, or by the packaging. In particular, no flipping, turning or tilting of the static frame is necessary. In addition, the user assembly manual may be printed directly onto these packages.
Further embodiments of the method become apparent to the skilled reader from the embodiments of the furniture unit described above.
The following description of figures of exemplary embodiments may further illustrate and explain aspects of the improved concept. Components and parts of the furniture unit with the same structure and the same effect, respectively, appear with equivalent reference symbols. In so far as components and parts of the furniture unit correspond to one another in terms of their function in different figures, the description thereof is not repeated for each of the following figures.

Figure 1: shows an exemplary embodiment of a static frame according to the improved concept;
Figures 2-5: show an exemplary embodiment of an electrically adjustable furniture unit according to the improved concept in different adjustment positions;
Figures 6 and 7: show an exemplary embodiment of a kinematics module according to the improved concept in different adjustment positions;
Figure 8: shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrically adjustable furniture unit according to the improved concept;
Figures 9-12: show different customization options of the adjustable furniture unit according to the improved concept;
Figure 13: shows an exemplary embodiment of a side frame element according to the improved concept; and
Figure 14: shows a packaging option of a furniture unit according to the improved concept.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a static frame 10. The static frame 10 comprises two side frame elements 12 and two cross frame elements 11 that are connected to form the rectangular foot print via a connection mechanism, in particular a connection mechanism that does not require the use of special tools, for example a push-fit system. Depending on the height of the static frame 10 and that of the adjustable furniture unit 1, the static frame 10 may in addition comprise foot elements 13 to elevate the static frame 10 to a desired height. The side frame elements 12 in this example comprise an opening 14, in this case a slit, for mounting the kinematics modules 30.
The side frame elements 12 and/or cross frame elements 11 may be of different dimensions, depending on the specific type of the electrically adjustable furniture unit 1, for example to form the static frame 10 of a sofa bed or a recliner. Optionally, individual frame elements 11, 12 may be of different heights with respect to each other in order to provide an option for mounting storage compartments, for example.
The leg elements 13 may be exchangeable and/or height adjustable, in particular electrically height adjustable.
Figures 2 to 5 show an exemplary embodiment of an electrically adjustable furniture unit 1 in different adjustment positions. The furniture unit 1 shown is a sofa bed that may be electrically adjusted in order to change from a sitting position to a sleeping position, or vice versa. In addition to the static frame 10 described in Fig. 1, the furniture unit 1 comprises a legrest support surface 20 and a backrest support surface 21, with the support surfaces in this example comprising upholstery. As shown, the legrest support surface 20 and the backrest support surface 21 may be provided by means of a foldable mattress.
Figure 2 shows the sofa bed in a sleeping position, wherein both the legrest support surface 20 as well as the backrest support surface 21 are adjusted to be substantially horizontal.
Figure 3 shows the sofa bed in a sitting position, wherein the backrest support surface 21, in contrast to Figure 2, is adjusted to be in an elevated position, for example in a certain angle with respect to a vertical position. In the sitting position, detachable armrests 22 may be added to the furniture unit 1. The armrests 22 may be attachable to the furniture unit via a non-permanent attachment mechanism, for example via hook and loop fasteners.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the sofa bed in a sitting position. In this view, the kinematics modules 30 are visible. In this exemplary embodiment, the sofa bed further comprises wallhugger arms 33 that provide the wallhugger mechanism. The wallhugger arms 33 may be connected to the kinematics modules 30 and the kinematics modules 30 may comprise a carriage with rollers, such that they can move inside and along the opening 14 of the side frame elements 12.
Figure 5 shows the sofa bed, in which a seating angle is adjusted by means of legrest arms of the adjustable arms. Adjustment of the seating angle may be performed in order to achieve a more comfortable seating position for a user or to provide access to storage space, which may be located underneath the legrest support surface 20.
Figures 6 and 7 show an exemplary embodiment of a kinematics module 30 in different adjustment positions. The kinematics module shown comprises a backrest adjustment arm 31 and a legrest adjustment arm 32.
Figure 6 shows the kinematics module 30, wherein the backrest adjustment arm 31 and the legrest adjustment arm 32 are set to a horizontal, or flat, position, for example for a sleeping position of the furniture unit 1.
Figure 7 shows the kinematics module 30 adjusted to a sitting position, in which the backrest arm 31 is adjusted upwards to a certain angle, for example 65°, in order to put the backrest support surface 21 in an elevated position comfortable to a sitting user. The legrest arm 32 is adjusted downwards to a vertical position in order to adjust the legrest support surface 20 to a stowed position.
The exemplary kinematics module 30 shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be used for a recliner, for example. As for the sofa bed with adjustable seating angle shown in Figure 5, the legrest arm 32 may be configured to be adjustable upwards instead of downwards. For other embodiments of the furniture unit 1, it may be desirable have the backrest arm 31 and/or the legrest arm 32 adjustable downwards and upwards with respect to a horizontal position.
Figure 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrically adjustable furniture unit 1. As in Figures 2 to 5, the furniture unit 1 shown is a sofa bed that may be electrically adjusted in order to change from a sitting position to a sleeping position, or vice versa. In this embodiment, however, the static frame 10 consists of only two side frame elements 12 with the kinematics modules 30 that are mounted to a surface of the environment, such as a floor of a mobile home, for example.
The omission of cross frame elements 11 and instead mounting the side frame elements to the environment serves the purpose of not only reducing the weight of the furniture unit and possibly facilitating its assembly, but also ensuring a defined position within the environment, in particular if the environment is moving. This may for example be the case for a mobile home on the road.
Figures 9 to 12 show different customization options of the adjustable furniture unit 1 according to the improved concept. Customization options may include storage units 23 and decor bands 24, for example.
Figure 9 shows an optional storage unit 23 inside the static frame 10 that is accessible in an elevated adjustment position of the backrest support surface 21.
Figure 10 shows an exemplary furniture unit 1, in which receptacles, such as drawers, are attached underneath the legrest support surface 20 as storage units 23. The receptacles may be accessible in an elevated adjustment position of the legrest support surface 20.
Figure 11 shows storage units 23 that are attachable to a support surface 20, 21 of the furniture unit 1 or to the static frame 10. The storage units 23 shown here may be attachable via a non-permanent attachment mechanism, for example via hook and loop fasteners.
Figure 12 shows an optional decorative element 24, for example a decor band that may be attached to the static frame 10. The attachment mechanism may be based on a permanent method, such as glue, or based on a non-permanent method, such as hook and loop fasteners or magnets. The design of the decorative element 24 may be a print, for example. In particular a print that can be customized by a user to match a print of the support surfaces 21, 22, for instance.
Figure 13 shows an exemplary side frame element 12 that may comprise a carriage mechanism 15 for the kinematics modules 30, for example a rail, as well as coupling means, such as magnets or hook and loop fasteners, for decorative elements on the outside, such as decor bands.
Figure 14 shows an example for a packaging concept 40. The frame elements of static frame 10 are individually packaged, such that each package meets the requirements of standard shipment services. The packaging concept 40 further ensures light-weight packages that facilitate handling by the customer/user.

Reference numerals

1: adjustable furniture unit
10: static frame
11: cross frame element
12: side frame element
13: foot element
14: opening
15: carriage mechanism
20: legrest support surface
21: backrest support surface
22: detachable armrest
23: storage unit
24: decorative element
30: kinematics module
31: backrest adjustment arm
32: legrest adjustment arm
33: wallhugger arm
40: packaging concept

Claims

An electrically adjustable furniture unit (1), such as a sofa bed or recliner, comprising:
- a static frame (10) having a plurality of frame elements comprising side frame elements (12), at least two of the frame elements being arranged substantially parallel to each other;

- a plurality of kinematics modules (30) comprising electrically adjustable arms, wherein the kinematics modules are contained in the at least two frame elements that are arranged substantially parallel to each other; and

- a control unit electrically coupled to each of the kinematics modules (30), wherein the control unit is adjusted to combine backrest arms (31) of the adjustable arms to a first adjustment group and to combine legrest arms (32) of the adjustable arms to a second adjustment group;

- wherein for a backrest adjustment the control unit controls the backrest arms (31) in the first adjustment group in parallel or synchronously and wherein for a legrest adjustment the control unit controls the legrest arms (32) in the second adjustment group in parallel or synchronously.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of kinematics modules (30) comprises one of the legrest arms (32) and one of the backrest arms (31).
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of kinematics modules (30) comprises complete electric parts required for an adjustment of the adjustable arms of the respective one of the plurality of kinematics modules (30) .
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the legrest arms are adjustable to a substantially vertical position with respect to a main extension plane of the static frame.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the kinematics modules (30) further comprise a mechanism, in particular a carriage with rollers, such that a position of the kinematics modules (30) within the at least two frame elements is adjustable with respect to the main extension axis of the at least two frame elements.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein during the backrest adjustment the control unit is further configured to adjust the position of the kinematics modules (30) within the at least two frame elements, such that a constant protrusion of a backrest of the furniture unit (1) with respect to a rearmost part of the static frame (10) or of the rearmost part of the static frame (10) with respect to the backrest is maintained.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is further configured to perform the backrest adjustment and the legrest adjustment based on a set of predefined adjustments.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit further comprises a programmable memory comprising the set of predefined adjustments.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a pinch detection mechanism comprising sensors, with the sensors being configured to detect whether an object, in particular a limb of a user, is positioned within a path of motion of the adjustable arms, wherein the control unit is further configured to terminate the backrest adjustment and/or the legrest adjustment based on the sensor values.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the kinematics modules (30) is further configured to
- compare an actual adjustment of the adjustable arms of the first and the second adjustment group to an intended adjustment, in particular with respect to momentary position and/or adjustment speed; and

- report to the control unit a discrepancy between the actual adjustment and the intended adjustment; and wherein the control unit is further configured to

- generate a first and a second error flag for the first and the second adjustment group based on the discrepancy; and

- adjust the backrest adjustment and/or the legrest adjustment based on the first and the second error flag.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising vibration motors in a support surface of the furniture, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the vibration motors.
The electrically adjustable furniture unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a body sensor in a support surface, wherein the control unit is further configured to generate user-specific data based on a body sensor value received from the body sensor.
A method for assembling an electrically adjustable furniture unit (1), the method comprising
- providing a plurality of frame elements of a static frame (10), the plurality of frame elements comprising side frame elements (12);

- arranging a plurality of kinematics modules (30) within at least two frame elements, the kinematics modules (30) comprising electrically adjustable arms;

- providing a control unit electrically coupled to each of the kinematics modules (30), wherein the control unit is adjusted to combine backrest arms (31) of the adjustable arms to a first adjustment group and to combine legrest arms (32) of the adjustable arms to a second adjustment group;

- wherein for delivery of the furniture to a customer the plurality of frame elements and the control unit are packaged individually with packaging materials.
The method according to claim 13, further comprising
- using at least part of the packaging materials as support for the frame elements;

- forming the static frame (10) by interconnecting side frame elements (12) and cross frame elements (11);

- attaching foot elements (13) to the static frame (10);

- removing the support;

- establishing an electrical connection between the kinematics modules (30); and

- attaching a backrest support surface (21) to the backrest arms (31) and a legrest support surface (20) to the legrest arms (32).
The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the kinematics modules (30) are configured such that a position of the kinematics modules (30) within the at least two frame elements is electrically adjustable with respect to the main extension axis of the at least two frame elements.