EP3821760B1 - Table-blackboard comprising a pivoting mechanism - Google Patents

Description

The field of the present invention relates to furniture equipping classrooms in a middle or high school, or even meeting rooms. The invention relates more precisely to a modular table which can be configured as a display and writing board.

Tables and pictures generally both include a top or flat plate arranged on a support such as table legs or an easel. In the case of a table, the top is generally arranged in a horizontal plane or slightly inclined relative to the horizontal to provide a support surface on which objects can be placed or used for writing. or draw. In the case of a painting, the tray or flat plate is oriented vertically or slightly inclined to the vertical. The board top is then used to display content, for example by hanging posters or writing directly on the board surface.

It is practical to have a tool enabling these two functions to be carried out; such a device then serves as both a table and a board and is known as a “board-table”. To do this, the orientation of the top can be modified to adopt either a “table” position or a “board” position and thus adapt to the user's needs. There are devices allowing this change of configuration, but these devices sometimes involve assembly and disassembly steps which can prove time-consuming. In addition, this type of device sometimes involves the use of specific tools, such as screwdrivers or wrenches, such as adjustable wrenches.

There are also modular devices comprising a tray which is movably mounted on a support so as to be able to switch the tray between a “table” position and a “board” position without having to dismantle the table-board. This type of device generally uses a tilting system linking the plate to the support, these tilting systems often include a pivot connection allowing the plate to be tilted around a fixed pivot axis in order to be able to move from one position to another. In the case of a tilting system using a pivot link, the change of configuration then consists of pivoting the plate around the axis of the pivot link of the tilting system between a "table" position and a "table" position ", Or vice versa.

In such a tilting system, the axis of the pivot is fixed, the height of the plate is thus dictated by the height of the support and by the position of the axis of the pivot connection relative to the plate. The pivot connection is for example arranged in the center of the plate to promote the stability of the device, but the height of the plate in the “table” position is insufficient in this case. It is possible to use telescopic feet within the support to adjust the height of the tabletop, but this type of telescopic feet adds weight to the support and may require additional assembly and disassembly steps when changing the support. the position of the board.

The pivot connection can be arranged at the edge of the top, in this case the height of the top is suitable both in the “table” position and in the “table” position, but such a pivot connection is then eccentric in relation to the top, this which can cause problems with the stability of the device in the table position or require a bulky and impractical support. In addition, a sufficiently wide space must be provided around the device to be able to change the configuration and allow the plate to be rotated between its two positions.

Depending on the size, weight and orientation of the tray in relation to the support, the latter must be adapted to be able to carry the weight of the tray and the tilting system. The support can be bulky and difficult to move. Additionally, a compromise is required between the stability of the device and its weight. FR 601 174 A discloses a table-table known from the state of the art.

The invention aims to at least partially overcome these drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a simple, effective and economical solution.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a table-table comprising a support, a tray and a tilting mechanism interposed between the support and the tray to allow the tilting of the tray between a table position and a table position, the tilting mechanism comprises at least a first link and a second link, the ends of each of the links being articulated on the one hand respectively in first articulation points spaced from each other by a distance e1 and secured to the plate and on the other hand respectively in second articulation points spaced from each other by a distance e2 and secured to the support, the first and second articulation points of the first link being spaced from each other by a length 11 and the first and second articulation points of the second link being spaced from each other by a length l2, and in that the distances e1, e2 is the lengths 11, l2 verify the following relation l1+e2 > l2+e1. Such a device does not require an assembly or disassembly step when changing the position of the plate, this is done with a simple tilting movement of the plate via the tilting mechanism comprising the links.

Thanks to the two links and the different distances and lengths between the points of articulation, the tilting mechanism of the table-table makes it possible to obtain a simultaneous “double movement” of rotation and sliding of the table which requires less space than a tilting system comprising a fixed pivot axis. Such a tilting mechanism therefore makes it possible to change the position of the tabletop quickly, simply and silently and offers good stability of the table-table in both “table” and “board” positions.

The links and their arrangement within the table-table alone ensure rapid, intuitive, secure and silent tilting of the table. No counterweight system is used in this tilting mechanism. Such a table-board therefore offers a particularly light solution in terms of weight which makes it easier to transport and/or move the table-board when necessary. Such a design of the tilting mechanism and the resulting weight gain also induce an economic advantage.

• les premiers points d'articulation solidaires du plateau sont supportés par des appendices fixés sur la face du plateau en vis-à-vis du support en position table ;
• les premier et deuxième points d'articulation de la première biellette et le premier point d'articulation solidaire du plateau de la deuxième biellette sont alignés en position table ;
• la première biellette est droite ;
• la deuxième biellette est coudée ;
• le coude de la deuxième biellette est disposé dans le prolongement de l'appendice du premier point d'articulation de la première biellette ;
• le coude de la deuxième biellette est aligné avec les deuxièmes points d'articulation solidaires du support lorsque le plateau est en position tableau ;
• en position tableau, le segment de la deuxième biellette coudée qui est proximale à son premier point d'articulation est parallèle au plateau ;
• la première biellette porte sur sa face opposée au plateau en position table une butée sur laquelle le premier point d'articulation de la deuxième biellette est en appui en position tableau ;
• en section transversale le support présente une forme générale trapézoïdale symétrique ;
• en position tableau, les premiers points d'articulation et le coude de la deuxième biellette sont alignés sur la ligne de symétrie du support ;
• le deuxième point d'articulation de la première biellette est surmontée d'un appui sur laquelle repose le plateau en position table ;
• la table-tableau comprend deux paires de première et deuxième biellettes disposées aux extrémités latérales du support ;
• la table-tableau comprend au moins un ressort élastique interposé entre au moins l'une des biellettes et le support pour solliciter le plateau en position tableau afin de faciliter le changement de la position table en tableau ;
• la table-tableau comprend un panneau additionnel agencé dans le support ; et
• le panneau additionnel s'étend dans le prolongement du plateau lorsque celui-ci est dans une position tableau.

The invention may further comprise one or more of the following aspects taken alone or in combination:

• the first articulation points secured to the tabletop are supported by appendages fixed on the face of the tabletop facing the support in the table position;
• the first and second articulation points of the first link and the first articulation point secured to the plate of the second link are aligned in the table position;
• the first link is straight;
• the second link is bent;
• the elbow of the second link is arranged in the extension of the appendage of the first point of articulation of the first link;
• the elbow of the second link is aligned with the second articulation points secured to the support when the plate is in the table position;
• in the table position, the segment of the second bent link which is proximal to its first articulation point is parallel to the table;
• the first link carries on its face opposite the tabletop in the table position a stop on which the first articulation point of the second link rests in the table position;
• in cross section the support has a generally symmetrical trapezoidal shape;
• in the table position, the first articulation points and the elbow of the second link are aligned with the line of symmetry of the support;
• the second articulation point of the first link is surmounted by a support on which the tabletop rests in the table position;
• the table-table comprises two pairs of first and second links arranged at the lateral ends of the support;
• the table-table comprises at least one elastic spring interposed between at least one of the links and the support to bias the table into the table position in order to facilitate changing the table position to the table;
• the blackboard table includes an additional panel arranged in the support; And
• the additional panel extends in the extension of the top when the latter is in a table position.

• [Fig. 1] La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective de la table-tableau avec un plateau en position table ;
• [Fig. 2] La figure 2 représente une vue en perspective de la table-tableau avec un plateau en position tableau ;
• [Fig. 3] La figure 3 représente une vue de détail du mécanisme de basculement de la table-tableau des figures 1 et 2.
• [Fig. 4] La figure 4 représente une vue de profil de la table-tableau avec un plateau en position table ;
• [Fig. 5] La figure 5 représente une vue de profil de la table-tableau avec un plateau en position tableau ;
• [Fig. 6] La figure 6 représente une vue schématique du mécanisme de basculement de la table-tableau des figures précédentes en position table ;
• [Fig. 7] La figure 7 est similaire à la figure 6 et représente une vue schématique du mécanisme de basculement de la table-tableau en position tableau ;
• [Fig. 8] La figure 8 représente une série de clichés schématiques illustrant un basculement du plateau de la table-tableau de sa position tableau vers sa position table ; et
• [Fig. 9] La figure 9 représente une vue en perspective d'un autre mode de réalisation de la table-tableau.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a perspective view of the table-table with a top in table position;
• [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a perspective view of the table-table with a top in table position;
• [ Fig. 3 ] There Figure 3 represents a detailed view of the table-table tilting mechanism figures 1 And 2 .
• [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents a profile view of the table-table with a top in table position;
• [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a profile view of the table-table with a top in table position;
• [ Fig. 6 ] There Figure 6 represents a schematic view of the tilting mechanism of the table-table of the previous figures in the table position;
• [ Fig. 7 ] There Figure 7 is similar to the Figure 6 and represents a schematic view of the mechanism for tilting the table-table into the table position;
• [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents a series of schematic photographs illustrating a tilting of the table top from its table position to its table position; And
• [ Fig. 9 ] There Figure 9 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of the table-table.

In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

The following achievements are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features only apply to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

In the description, we can index certain elements, such as first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such denominations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present description. This indexing does not imply an order in time either.

It is illustrated schematically in figure 1 a blackboard table 1 comprising a top 3 arranged in a table position on a support 5. More particularly, the table position of the top 3 designates a position in which the plane of the top 3 is substantially horizontal. However, the table position can also designate a inclined position of the plate 3 relative to a horizontal plane, the angle of inclination of the plate 3 relative to the horizontal plane is then relatively small, it is for example less than 25°.

The plate 3 is for example a flat plate of rectangular or square shape or even of circular shape. The edges of the plate 3, and more particularly the corners of the plate 3 are for example rounded. These roundings can be tangent or non-tangent. The thickness of the plate 3 is for example a few centimeters, it is in particular between one and ten centimeters.

The plate 3 comprises two flat surfaces 3a, 3b located on both sides relative to each other. The individual dimensions of the flat surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3 are for example between one and five m ² .

The flat surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3 are in particular magnetic and are for example configured to exert a magnetic attraction on magnetized objects, such as magnets. According to one embodiment of the plate 3, it comprises for example a stack of layers. The two flat surfaces 3a and 3b correspond in particular to the two layers located at the ends of the stack and sandwich the intermediate layers of the stack. One of the intermediate layers of the stack is for example a thin iron plate, or more generally a thin plate of ferromagnetic material capable of attracting magnets.

The flat surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3 are also configured to deposit erasable ink using an erasable ink felt-tip pen, better known as a “marker”. Such surfaces appear in particular on whiteboards.

Erasing the erasable ink can be carried out with a dry cloth, an erasing pad or a magnetic brush fitted with magnets allowing the magnetic brush to be fixed on one of the flat surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3 after use or on the support 5 in the case where it is configured to exert a magnetic attraction on magnetized objects.

The plate 3 of the table-table can be tilted relative to the support 5 between a table position illustrated in particular on the Figure 1 and a table position illustrated in particular on the Figure 2 . Optionally, table-table 1 may include locking means which can be used to lock the plate 3 in its table position or in its table position.

When the plate 3 is in the table position, the plate 3 is for example oriented along a vertical plane. However, the table position of the tray 3 can also designate a position of the tray 3 in which it is inclined relative to a vertical plane. The angle of inclination of the plate 3 relative to the vertical plane is then relatively small, for example less than 25°.

Unlike the case where the plate 3 is in the table position, in which only the front/upper face 3a of the plate 3 is easily accessible and usable, the table position of the plate 3 allows access and use without major difficulties as well as the front/upper face 3a of the plate 3 than the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3. The plate 3 can thus be used double-sided when it is in the board position.

The support 5 of the table-table 1 is configured to hold the tray 3 in the table position on the one hand and in the table position on the other hand. According to one embodiment of the support 5 illustrated on the figures 4 to 5 which depict the table-table 1 in a cross section, the support 5 has a generally symmetrical trapezoidal shape. The support 5 comprises for example several tubes 51, 52, 53 which together form the uprights and the crosspieces of an easel of this shape.

A generally symmetrical trapezoidal shape of the support 5 along a cross section is obtained in particular by the arrangement of two uprights 53 in the form of inclined tubes whose ends are secured to lateral crosspieces 52 extending perpendicular to the plate 3 when the latter is in table position. The side crosspieces 52 closest to the plate 3 are for example shorter than the side crosspieces 52 furthest from the plate 3. The uprights 53 are symmetrical to each other along a plane of symmetry P intersecting the side crosspieces 52 in their middles, as illustrated on the Figure 4 . The uprights 53 are for example slightly inclined relative to the plane of symmetry P.

The support 5 comprises for example four side crosspieces 52 in total, two of which are longer than the other two. It also includes four uprights 53. In the embodiment of the support 5 described here, the support 5 reveals two ends lateral, each lateral end being defined by a symmetrical trapezoid formed by two lateral crosspieces 52 and two uprights 53.

The support 5 also includes connecting tubes 51 which extend between the symmetrical trapezoids described above. The connecting tubes 51 extend for example parallel to the plate 3 both in the table position and in the table position, they are in particular included in the plane of symmetry P, as illustrated in the Figure 3 . The support 5 comprises for example two connecting tubes 51 which are of the same length. The ends of the connecting tubes 51 are secured to the side crosspieces 52, they are for example welded in the middle of the side crosspieces 52. One of the connecting tubes 51 is positioned closer to the plate 3 in the table position than the other tube. connection 51. The support 5 then reveals another plane of symmetry P', this plane P' cuts each connecting tube 51 into two halves and is perpendicular to the first plane of symmetry P ( Figure 3 ).

According to the embodiments of table-table 1 illustrated on all of the Figures 1 to 9 , the junctions between the side crosspieces 52 furthest from the plate 3 and the lower ends of the uprights 53 are for example equipped with casters 9 to allow a user to move the entire table-table 1 on a flat floor, for example example through a classroom or meeting room. The casters 9 are for example pivoting so that they can be oriented 360° around an axis passing through the center of the casters 9. The casters 9 can be equipped with safety latches allowing the casters 9 to be blocked, for example by means of brakes, to prevent them from rolling on the ground.

Such a support 5 formed of tubes 51, 52, 53 together forming an easel of generally symmetrical trapezoidal shape is for example advantageously light, economical and solid. The support 5 contributes largely to the stability of the table-table 1 in the two positions of the plate 3; “table” or “table”. Any other shape of the support 5 making it possible to maintain the plate 3 in the table position on the one hand and in the table position on the other hand is possible. Any material to ensure the stability of the table-table 1, such as metal, plastic or even wood, can be considered for the design of the support 5.

A tilting mechanism 4, visible on all of the Figures 1 to 9 , is interposed between the support 5 and the plate 3 to allow the tilting of the plate 3 between a table position and a table position. The tilting mechanism 4 comprises at least a first link 7 and a second link 8 which are particularly visible on the Figures 2 to 8 . According to the embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4 illustrated on all of the Figures 1 to 9 , the second link 8 is for example longer than the first link 7. According to another non-illustrated embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4, the first link 7 can be longer than the second link 8, or they can be of same length.

According to one embodiment of the first link 7, it is straight. According to one embodiment of the second link 8, it is bent, unlike the first link 7 which is straight. This is particularly visible on the Figures 4 to 8 . More precisely, the ends 8a and 8b of the second link 8 each respectively form a straight segment 8ac and 8bc which meet to form an elbow 8c having an obtuse angle ( Figures 6 And 7 ). The obtuse angle formed by the two segments 8ac and 8bc of the link 8 is for example between 110° and 170°, it is more particularly equal to 150° degrees.

In the embodiment of the second link 8 illustrated on the Figures 2 to 9 , the straight segments 8ac and 8bc are of the same length, the elbow 8c is therefore located in the middle of the second link 8.

Generally speaking, that is to say independently of the respective shapes of the links 7 and 8, the ends 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b of each of the links 7 and 8 are articulated on the one hand respectively in first points articulation 37, 38 secured to the plate 3 and on the other hand respectively in second articulation points 27, 28 secured to the support 5.

More precisely, a first end 7a of the first link 7 is articulated in a first point of articulation 37 secured to the plate 3 and a second end 7b of the first link 7 is articulated in a second point of articulation 27 secured to the support 5 Likewise, a first end 8a of the second link 8 is articulated in a first articulation point 38 secured to the plate 3 and a second end 8b of the second link 8 is articulated in a second articulation point 28 secured to the support 5. This arrangement is particularly visible on the Figures 6 And 7 .

The first articulation points 37 and 38 are spaced from each other by a distance e1 and the second articulation points 27 and 28 are spaced from each other by a distance e2. The first and second articulation points 37 and 27 of the first link 7 are spaced apart from each other by a length l1 and the first and second articulation points 38 and 28 of the second link 8 are spaced apart l 'from each other by a length l2. As mentioned above, according to the present example l1 < l2.

The positions of the second articulation points 27 and 28 are defined so that in the table position ( Figure 6 ), the second articulation point 27 articulating the first link 7 is located at a distance d1 shorter from the plate 3 than the distance d2 between the plate 3 and the second articulation point 28 articulating the second link 8. In other words, when the plate 3 is in the table position, the second articulation point 27 is closer to the plate 3 than the second articulation point 28. This is particularly visible on the Figure 6 on which the distances d1 and d2 are illustrated by double-headed arrows.

According to one embodiment of table-table 1 illustrated on all of the Figures 1 to 9 , the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5 are for example arranged in plates 22 and 24 secured to the side crosspieces 52 closest to the plate 3. The plates 22 and 24 come for example from the same material as the side crosspieces 52. The plates 22 and 24 are in particular triangular in shape, as illustrated in the Figure 3 . More precisely, plate 22 has a right triangle shape and plate 24 has an isosceles triangle shape.

Concerning the plate 22, the opposite side of the right triangle is integral with the side crosspiece 52 and the adjacent side of the right triangle extends perpendicular to the side crosspiece 52 in the direction of the plate 3, as illustrated in the Figure 4 . The right angle is therefore arranged close to the plane of symmetry P, just like the most acute angle of the right triangle formed by the plate 22. The second articulation point 27 secured to the support 5, configured to articulate the first link 7, is in particular arranged at the level of the most acute angle of the plate 22 in the shape of a right triangle.

Concerning the plate 24, the base of the isosceles triangle is arranged parallel to the side crossbar 52. The main vertex of the isosceles triangle formed by the plate 24 is oriented in the direction of the side crossbar 52 furthest from the plate 3. The second point d The articulation 28 secured to the support 5, configured to articulate the second link 8, is particularly arranged at the level of the main vertex of the plate 24 in the shape of an isosceles triangle. According to a particular embodiment of the plate 24, it can have the shape of an equilateral triangle.

According to the embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4 illustrated on all of the Figures 1 to 9 , the first articulation points 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3 are closer to each other than the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5. More precisely, the distance e2 between the second points d The articulation 27 and 28 is twice as large as the distance e1 between the first articulation points 37 and 38.

Generally speaking, the distances e1, e2 and the lengths 11, 12 verify the following relationship: l1+e2 > l2+e1. The sum of length l1 and distance e2 is greater than the sum of distance e1 and length l2. These relationships between l1 and e2 on the one hand and e1 and l2 on the other hand are illustrated in particular on the Figures 6 And 7 . Otherwise expressed, the lengths of the first link 7 and the second link 8 and the positions of the first and second articulation points 37, 38, 27 and 28 are defined so that the cumulative distance between the first articulation point 37 secured to the plate 3 articulating the first link 7 and the second articulation point 28 secured to the support 5 articulating the second link 8 passing through the second articulation point 27 secured to the support 5 articulating the first link 7 is greater than the distance cumulative between the first point of articulation 37 secured to the plate 3 articulating the first link 7 and the second point of articulation 28 secured to the support 5 articulating the second link 8 passing through the first point of articulation 38 secured to the articulating plate 3 the second link 8.

In this embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4, the first articulation points 37 and 38 are configured to form pivot connections respectively with the first end 7a of the first link 7 and the first end 8a and of the second link 8. Likewise, the second points of articulation 27 and 28 are configured to form pivot connections respectively with the second end 7b of the first link 7 and the second end 8b and of the second link 8. The tilting mechanism 4 thus comprises four pivot connections making it possible to switch the plate 3 between a table position and a table position relative to the support 5.

Together, the first articulation points 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3 and the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5 form the vertices of a simple polygon, that is to say non-crossed. The order of the simple polygon is more particularly between three and four. In other words, the articulation points 37, 38, 27 and 28 are the vertices of a polygon which forms either a triangle when the plate 3 is in the table position ( Figure 6 ), or a quadrilateral when plate 3 is in table position ( Figure 7 ). In these polygons, the links 7 and 8 do not cross and therefore do not form a pinching zone in which a user could trap his fingers. The shape and arrangement of the first link 7 and the second link 8 within the tilting mechanism 4 are such that in all circumstances shearing between the components of the table-table 1 is avoided. This arrangement of the links 7 and 8 of the tilting mechanism 4 therefore makes it possible to change the position of the plate 3 in complete safety, without risking pinching, jamming, shearing or cutting the fingers or hands of a user.

According to one embodiment of the articulation points 37 and 38 illustrated on the Figure 3 , the first articulation points 37, 38 are supported by appendages 15 fixed on the face facing the support 5 in the table position of the plate 3, that is to say the lower/rear face 3b of the plate 3. Although all the appendages 15 fixed on the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3 perform the same function by each supporting a point of articulation 37 or 38, the appendages 15 are not necessarily all identical to each other.

According to an embodiment of the appendices 15 illustrated on the Figure 3 , an appendix 15 supporting a point of articulation 37 for the first link 7 has for example a straight blade shape projecting in a direction perpendicular to the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3. However, an appendix 15 supporting a articulation point 38 for the second link 8 has for example a square shape which recalls the letter “L”. More precisely, a first flat face of a appendix 15 in the shape of an “L” is fixed on the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3, such that a second flat face of this appendix 15, oriented perpendicular to the first flat face of the appendix 15, projects along a direction perpendicular to the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3 and supports a point of articulation 38.

However, the length of the blade-shaped appendages 15 each supporting a point of articulation 37 and the length of each second flat face of each appendage 15 supporting a point of articulation 38 are substantially identical in this example. In other words, the two articulation points 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3 are located at the same distance d1 from the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3, as illustrated for example on the Figure 6 .

By combining this particular arrangement of the first articulation points 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3 with the respectively straight and bent shapes of the first link 7 and the second link 8, the embodiment of the table-table 1 illustrated in Figure 4 allows a notable configuration of the three articulation points 27, 37 and 38 when the plate 3 is in the table position. In this particular configuration of the components of the tilting mechanism 4, the polygon formed by the articulation points 37, 38, 27 and 28 is a triangle in which the first and second articulation points 37, 27 of the first link 7 and the first articulation point 38 of the second link 8 secured to the plate 3 are aligned in the table position. The articulation points 37, 27 and 38 are therefore all located at the same distance d1 from the rear/lower face 3b of the plate 3, as illustrated in the Figure 6 .

The alignment of the first and second articulation points 37, 27 of the first link 7 with the first articulation point 38 of the second link 8 is reinforced by the straight shape of the first link 7 which then extends parallel to the opposite side of the right triangle formed by the plate 22 and parallel to the plate 3 when the latter is in the table position.

In addition, the elbow 8c of the second link 8 is arranged in the extension of the appendix 15 of the first articulation point 37 of the first link 7 ( Figure 4 ). This position of the elbow 8c of the second link 8 relative to the first articulation point 37 of the first link 7 makes it possible to have a mark to mark a suitable orientation of the plate 3 relative to the support 5 when the plate 3 is in the table position and thus demonstrates the stability of the table-table 1. Indeed, if for a second link 8 having straight segments 8ac and 8bc of the same length , the elbow 8c is for example arranged between the extensions of the appendages 15 of the first articulation point 37 and the second articulation point 38, this position of the elbow 8c testifies to an instability of the plate 3 relative to the support 5 at which this needs to be remedied. In addition, the segment 8bc of the second bent link 8 which is proximal to its second point of articulation 28 extends in the extension of the isosceles side farthest from the plane of symmetry P in the isosceles triangle formed by the plate 24, as illustrated on the Figure 4 .

According to the embodiment of table-table 1 illustrated on the Figures 3 , 4 And 5 , the second articulation point 27 of the first link 7 is surmounted by a support 11 on which the plate 3 rests in the table position. The support 11 is in particular designed to be at the same height as the appendages 15 when the plate 3 is in the table position. In order to protect the rear/lower surface 3b of the plate 3, the support 11 includes for example a rubber protection which makes it possible to absorb the shock of the impact and to attenuate the noise generated by the impact of the plate 3 on the support 11 when the plate 3 is tilted from its table position to its table position.

In this embodiment of the table-table 1, the second articulation point 27 surmounted by a support 11 and the first articulation point 38 supported by the “L”-shaped appendix 15 then serve as points d support for the plate 3 which extends for example in a horizontal plane ( Figure 4 ). The forces exerted on the plate 3 are transmitted to the support 5 on the one hand by the second articulation point 27 articulating the second end 7b of the first link 7 and on the other hand by the appendix 15 supporting the first point of articulation. articulation 38 articulating the first end 8a of the second link 8. The bent geometry of the second link 8 therefore also makes it possible to transmit the forces exerted on the plate 3 to the support 5 while ensuring the stability of the table-table 1.

The elbow 8c of the second link 8 also makes it possible to have a similar stability mark in the case where the plate 3 is in the transom position ( Figures 5 ). Indeed, the elbow 8c of the second link 8 is aligned with the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5 when the plate 3 is in the table position. On the Figure 5 , a dotted line traces the alignment between the second articulation point 27, the elbow 8c of the second link 8 and the second articulation point 28. In this embodiment, if the elbow 8c of the second link 8 is not aligned with the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5 when the plate 3 is in the table position, this may indicate an instability of the plate 3 relative to the support 5 to which it is appropriate to remedy. This alignment also reflects the compactness of the tilting mechanism 4 in the table position of the plate 3. For visibility concerns, the alignment of the elbow 8c with the second articulation points 27 and 28 is not respected on the Figure 7 . In addition, the segment 8ac of the second bent link 8 which is proximal to its first point of articulation 38 is parallel to the plate 3, while the segment 8bc of the second bent link 8 which is proximal to its second point of articulation 28 extends parallel to the isosceles side closest to the plane of symmetry P of the isosceles triangle formed by plate 24 ( Figure 5 ). This makes it possible to properly arrange a lower edge of the plate 3 in the elbow 8c of the second link 8. In other words, the plate 3 can be “stored” in the elbow 8c of the second link 8 when the plate 3 is in the table position.

The parallelism between the segment 8ac of the second link 8 and the plate 3 draws attention to another remarkable alignment of the table position. When the plate 3 is in the table position, the first articulation points 37, 38 and the elbow 8c of the second link 8 are aligned with the line of symmetry of the support 5 In other words, the plane of symmetry P intersecting the side crosspieces 52 in their middles comprises a line of symmetry on which the first points of articulation 37, 38 and the elbow 8c of the second link 8 are aligned, as illustrated in the Figure 5 . In the case where the table position of the plate 3 results in the fact that the plate 3 extends along a vertical plane, the line of symmetry is also vertical and the alignment of the first points of articulation 37, 38 and the elbow 8c of the second link 8 is also. This alignment again reflects the compactness of the tilting mechanism 4. Furthermore, the first right link 7 extends in the extension of the hypotenuse of the right triangle formed by the plate 22 when the plate 3 is in the table position ( Figure 5 ). According to the embodiment of the first link 7 illustrated on the Figures 4 And 5 , the first link 7 bears on its face opposite the plate 3 in the table position a stop 17 on which the first articulation point 38 of the second link 8 is supported in the table position. The stop 17 is configured to allow the appendix 15 supporting the first articulation point 38 of the second link 8 to bear on the stop 17 by complementarity of shapes when the plate 3 is in the table position. The stop 17 can be configured to prevent the first articulation point 38 from moving and accidentally causing the second link 8 to pivot. Likewise, the arrangement of the first articulation point 38 on the stop 17 can prevent a accidental pivoting of the first link 7 around its first and second articulation points 37 and 27. The stop 17 thus makes the tilting mechanism 4 particularly stable and reliable in the table position.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4, it comprises a first link 7 and a second link 8 arranged coplanarly in the second plane of symmetry P' intersecting the connecting tubes 51 in their middles. The tilting mechanism 4 is then centered in relation to the support 5.

According to the embodiment of the tilting mechanism 4 illustrated on the figures 1 to 6 , the tilting mechanism 4 comprises two pairs of first and second links 7, 8. The tilting mechanism 4 therefore comprises four links in total: two first links 7 and two second links 8 longer than the first links 7. The first two links rods 7 are substantially identical to each other. It is the same for the two second links 8.

The first two links 7 are for example arranged symmetrically with respect to the second plane of symmetry P' which is perpendicular to the plate 3 of the table-table 1. The same is true for the two second links 8. More precisely, the first and second links 7 and 8 of the same pair are arranged at a lateral end of the support 5, as illustrated in the Figure 3 .

In the case where the tilting mechanism 4 comprises two first links 7 and two second links 8 longer than the first links 7, four appendages 15 are arranged in a rectangular formation on the rear/lower face 3b of plate 3, as illustrated in the Figure 3 . The four appendages 15 are for example arranged near the edges of the plate 3. They are in particular arranged symmetrically with respect to the plane of symmetry P'.

The table-table 1 comprises at least one elastic spring (not referenced in the figures) interposed between at least one of the links 7 or 8 and the support 5 to bias the plate 3 in the table position in order to facilitate changing the position table to table. According to another embodiment not illustrated in table-table 1, the at least one elastic spring can be located at the level of the first or second articulation point 27, 28, 37, 38.

The elastic spring is for example a spiral spring with non-contiguous turns, also known as a torsion spring. Such an elastic spring interposed between one of the links 7 or 8 and the support 5 makes it possible to store elastic potential energy during the tilting of the plate 3 from its table position to its table position. The storage of energy in the elastic spring makes it possible more particularly to reduce the energy input provided by a user when he wishes to tilt the plate 3 from the table position to the table position. The tilting of the plate 3 is thus facilitated since part of the energy required to lift the weight of the plate 3 is provided by the elastic spring. According to another embodiment not illustrated in table-table 1, the at least one elastic spring can be supplemented or replaced by at least one cylinder.

According to a second embodiment of the table-table 1 represented on the Figure 9 , the table-table 1 comprises an additional panel 31 extending in the extension of the table 3 when the latter is in its table position. In this second embodiment, the additional panel 31 is arranged in the support 5, it is more particularly held by the connecting tubes 51 which cover two opposite edges of the additional panel 31. The additional panel 31 is then coplanar with the first plane of symmetry P, it is therefore centered in relation to the support 5. Optionally, there can be a lateral offset of ten to thirty centimeters between the plate 3 and the additional panel 31. In this case, the plate 3 and the additional panel 31 do not are not coplanar, but can be parallel to each other. According to another embodiment of the additional panel 31, it is for example inclined relative to the plate 3. The inclination between plate 3 and the additional panel 31 forms for example an obtuse angle.

The additional panel 31 is for example a removable panel which can be mounted or disassembled in the support 5 of the table-table 1. The dimensions of the additional panel 31 are for example similar in width and thickness to those of the plate 3. The height of the additional panel 31 is imposed in particular by the distance between the connecting tubes 51, it corresponds for example to a third of the height dimension of the plate 3.

The additional panel 31 comprises for example at least one magnetic planar face configured to exert a magnetic attraction on magnetized objects, such as the planar surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3. Likewise, the planar face(s) of the additional panel 31 are also configured to deposit an erasable ink there, such as the flat surfaces 3a, 3b of the plate 3.

In the embodiments of table-table 1 described here, table-table 1 is bistable. By “bistable” we mean the fact that only the “board” and “table” positions of the plate 3 are stable positions. The intermediate positions adopted by the table 3 during a tilt from its “table” position to its “table” position or vice versa are considered unstable in the sense that the table-table 1 is for example configured to bring the table 3 back into one of the two stable positions if the plate 3 is left to its own devices during its tilting movement.

If for example the plate 3 is not entirely tilted from one stable position to its other stable position, the table-table 1 can be configured so that the plate 3 adopts the closest stable position. According to a non-illustrated embodiment of the table-table 1, a spring system arranged between the plate 3 and the support 5 can be provided for this purpose. Thus, if the plate 3 is for example moved away from its table position, then released before the angle formed between the plate 3 and a vertical plane exceeds a given angle threshold, for example 30°, the spring system is configured to return the tray 3 to its table position. Similar reasoning applies when tray 3 is in the table position. Table-table 1 thus presents means to ensure the security of users of table-table 1.

During a tilting of the plate 3 from the table position to the table position, the first link(s) 7 are pivoted around their second articulation point 27 secured to the support 5 and the second link(s) 8 are pivoted around their second point of articulation 28 secured to the support 5. The links 7 and 8 drive in their respective rotations the first points of articulation 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3, so that the plate 3 is also driven in movement relative to to the support 5. The movement of the plate 3 during a switch between the table position and the table position is more particularly illustrated on the Figure 8 . There Figure 8 brings together a set of photos illustrating several intermediate positions adopted by the plate 3 during its tilting. On the second photograph, the distance e1 between the first points of articulation 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3, the distance e2 between the second points of articulation 27 and 28 secured to the support 5, the length 11 separating the points of articulation 27, 37 of the first link 7 and the length l2 separating the articulation points 28, 38 of the second link 8 are reported. To authorize the tilting of the plate 3 between its table position and its table position, the cumulative distance of the arrow representing l1 with the arrow representing e2 is greater than the cumulative distance of the arrow representing e1 with the arrow representing l2. This makes it possible to “let pass” the first articulation point 38 secured to the plate 3 articulating the second link 8 between the first articulation point 37 secured to the plate 3 articulating the first link 7 and the second articulation point 28 secured to the support 5 articulating the second link 8 during the tilting movement.

The first and second articulation points 27, 28, 37 and 38 of the tilting mechanism 4 thus define four pivot connection axes making it possible to tilt the tabletop 3 between a table position and a table position relative to the support 5. A particularity of the tilting mechanism 4 is due to the fact that the pivot connections at the level of the second articulation points 27 and 28 secured to the support 5 are fixed while the pivot connections at the level of the first articulation points 37 and 38 secured to the plate 3 are caused to change in distance relative to the support 5 when the plate 3 is tilted from the table position to the table position or vice versa. When switching between its extreme positions, the movement of the plate 3 is therefore not a simple rotation around a fixed axis.

The movement of plate 3 is similar to a combination of sliding up with rotation. The trajectories of the free edges of the plate, that is to say the edges of the plate 3 which are perpendicular to the side crosspieces 52 of the support 5, are thus similar to portions of an eccentric ellipse and more precisely to quarters of eccentric ellipse.

According to the table position shown on the Figure 4 , the plate 3 delimits a horizontal plane located at a given distance from a horizontal ground on which the support 5 rests. When the plate 3 is in the table position, a minority portion corresponding for example to an eighth of the plate 3 is located below of the previously defined horizontal plane. Consequently, a majority portion corresponding for example to seven-eighths of the plate 3 is located above this same horizontal plane. The majority portion includes the center of gravity of the plate 3 which is located approximately in the middle of the plate.

Thus the tilting mechanism 4 of the table-table 1 and more precisely the links 7 and 8 and their first and second articulation points 27, 37, 28 and 38 make it possible to tilt the table 3 between two stable "table" positions and "table" by guiding the plate 3 in a combined movement of rotation and sliding upwards making it possible to adapt the height of the plate 3 according to the intended use for the table-table 1. In addition, the tilting mechanism 4 is designed in such a way that any possibility of shearing is avoided in order to ensure the safety of a user of the table-table.

Claims (12)

1. Table-board (1) comprising a support (5), a plate (3) and a tilting mechanism (4) interposed between the support (5) and the plate (3) so as to allow the plate (3) to be tilted between a table position and a board position, such that the tilting mechanism (4) comprises at least a first link rod (7) and a second link rod (8), the ends (7a, 7b and 8a, 8b) of each of the link rods (7, 8) being articulated, for the one part, respectively at first points of articulation (37, 38) that are separated from one another by a distance e₁ and are secured to the plate (3), and, for the other part, respectively at second points of articulation (27, 28) that are separated from one another by a distance e₂ and are secured to the support (5), the first and second points of articulation (37, 27) of the first link rod (7) being separated from one another by a length l₁ and the first and second points of articulation (38, 28) of the second link rod (8) being separated from one another by a length l₂, characterized in that the distances e₁, e₂ and the lengths l₁, l₂ satisfy the following relationship $${\mathrm{l}}_1+{\mathrm{e}}_2>{\mathrm{l}}_2+{\mathrm{e}}_1.$$

   
2. Table-board (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first points of articulation (37, 38) secured to the plate (3) are supported by appendages (15) fastened to the face (3b) of the plate (3) facing the support (5) in the table position, and in that the first (37) and second (27) points of articulation of the first link rod (7) and the first point of articulation (38), secured to the plate (3), of the second link rod (8) are aligned in the board position.
3. Table-board (1) according to either one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first link rod (7) is straight, and in that the second link rod (8) is bent.
4. Table-board (1) according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, in the table position, the bend (8c) of the second link rod (8) is disposed in the continuation of the appendage (15) of the first point of articulation (37) of the first link rod (7).
5. Table-board (1) according to Claims 2 and 3 or 4, characterized in that the bend (8c) of the second link rod (8) is aligned with the second points of articulation (27, 28) secured to the support (5) when the plate (3) is in the board position.
6. Table-board (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that, in the board position, that segment (8ac) of the bent second link rod (8) which is proximal to its first point of articulation (38) is parallel to the plate (3).
7. Table-board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first link rod (7) bears, on its face pointing away from the plate (3) in the table position, a stop (17) against which the first point of articulation (38) of the second link rod (8) bears in the board position.
8. Table-board (1) according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, in cross section, the support (5) has a symmetrical trapezoidal general shape, and in that, in the board position, the first points of articulation (37, 38) and the bend (8c) of the second link rod (8) are aligned on the line of symmetry of the support (5).
9. Table-board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second point of articulation (27) of the first link rod (7) is surmounted by a rest (11) on which the plate (3) rests in the table position.
10. Table-board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two pairs of first (7) and second (8) link rods disposed at the lateral ends of the support (5).
11. Table-board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastic spring interposed between at least one of the link rods (7, 8) and the support (5) so as to urge the plate (3) into the board position in order to facilitate the change from the table position to the board position.
12. Table-board (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional panel (31) arranged in the support (5), the additional panel (31) extending in the continuation of the plate (3) when the latter is in a board position.

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