EP4065780A1

EP4065780A1 - Sink with feed chain or spindle drive for an insert plate with an adjustable height

Info

Publication number: EP4065780A1
Application number: EP20806972.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Wölfler; Benjamin Reu; Ingo Abels; Brigitte Meyer
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2020-11-11
Publication date: 2022-10-05
Also published as: DE102019218651A1; WO2021104870A1; CN114729533A

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a sink (1) with a basin (2) which has a base wall (3) and lateral walls (4, 5, 6, 7) adjoining the base wall and which has a receiving area (8) delimited by the walls (4 to 7). The sink (1) has an insert plate (10) which is separate from the basin (2) and which is inserted into the receiving area (8), and the sink (1) has a lifting device (11), by means of which the insert plate (10) can be moved relative to the basin (2), wherein the lifting device (11) has a lifting unit (28) with a variable length, and the lifting unit (28) has a lifting mechanism (39) which is a feed chain or a spindle drive (52).

Description

Sink with push chain or spindle drive for height-adjustable insert plate

One aspect of the invention relates to a sink with a tub. The tub has a bottom wall and side walls adjoining it. The tub has a receiving space delimited by the walls. In addition, the sink has an insert plate which is separate from the tub and which is inserted into the receiving space.

Such sinks are known. For example, US 2005/0067747 A1 discloses a sink which has a tub. An upwardly extending base is formed on the tub bottom and is formed in one piece with the tub bottom. A plate can be attached to this base. This forms a cutting board on which objects such as food can be cut. Such a configuration is disadvantageous in that the integrated base is always present and thus a fundamental configuration of the tub is complex in shape and is also designed to restrict the circumference of the receiving space. In addition, the plate that can be placed on the base is always only arranged at one level. It can only be put on or taken off by a user.

In addition, a sink is known from DE 362 1151 A1. Different inserts, which can be introduced into the receiving space, are provided separately from the tub. The inserts can be plates or other tub-like containers. These can be placed on the upper edge of the tub. This also severely limits the usability of a sink and the inserts have to be attached or removed by a user and can always only be positioned in an individual position.

The object of the present invention is to create a sink with a tub and a separate insert plate, in which the height of the insert plate can be precisely changed.

This object is achieved by a sink according to claim 1. One aspect of the invention relates to a sink with a tub. The tub has a bottom wall and side walls adjoining it. The tub also has a receiving space which is delimited by the bottom wall and the side walls. The recording room is open at the top. The sink has an insert unit separate from the tub, in particular an insert plate, in particular a contiguous and perforated insert plate. This can be used in the receiving space or used therein. The sink also has a lifting device with which the insert plate can be moved in the height direction of the sink relative to the tub. This is made possible by an objective lifting device for the sink. A sink is now provided, in which basically the possibility is created of arranging the insert unit at different height positions. This is also made possible by a lifting device and does not have to be done manually by the user himself. In principle, it is made possible that the lifting device enables a continuous height adjustment of the insert plate. A wide variety of height levels of the insert plate can thus be approached and set. A travel speed of the insert plate is preferably between 10-70 mm / sec., Particularly preferably between 30-50 mm / sec. The maximum possible travel of the insert plate is preferably between 100 and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 120 mm and 250 mm.

The lifting device has a lifting unit with a lifting device that is variable in length in the height direction of the sink. This lifting device is a linear chain or a spindle drive.

Such specific designs for a lifting unit make it possible to provide a mechanically robust concept with which the insert plate can be moved precisely in this height direction. The push chain or the spindle drive each represent a unit in which even a heavy insert plate can be moved continuously and thus smoothly in the vertical direction up or down. Even if objects are placed on this insert plate, a push chain or a spindle drive can move such a weight in this height direction without any problems. On the other hand, a push chain or a spindle drive also represents a unit that is permanent in the ambient conditions of a sink is functional. Even when corresponding temperature fluctuations occur, as can be the case when hot water is poured into the tub of the sink or, on the other hand, cold water is let in, this has no effect on the functionality of a linear chain or a spindle drive. This also guarantees a high level of wear and tear. Last but not least, a linear chain or a spindle drive is also a very space-saving concept for a lifting unit. In the case of the sink, in particular, it is advantageous in order not to undesirably restrict the receiving space by such a lifting unit. This lifting device of the lifting unit thus represents a sub-component of the lifting unit.

The lifting unit preferably has a housing which surrounds the lifting device and thus the push chain or the spindle drive on the circumferential side. This means that this lifting device is completely surrounded by the housing in the direction of rotation around a longitudinal axis of the lifting unit oriented in the vertical direction. This is a very advantageous embodiment, because on the one hand the lifting device is extensively protected from media in the tub of the sink. In addition, this housing also provides protection against contact for the lifting device. This also prevents a user from touching the lifting device directly.

This housing of the lifting unit is preferably formed from several, in particular rigid, housing segments. These housing segments can be moved relative to one another in the height direction of the sink. This is a further, very advantageous embodiment, because the length of the housing of the lifting unit can also be changed in this height direction and can thus also follow the change in length of the lifting device. In any position of the lifting device in this height direction, complete protection is thus formed by the housing. In order to produce a lifting unit that is as compact as possible, it preferably has at least 4, in particular at least 5, housing segments. For reasons of weight saving and in terms of an inexpensive design, it is advantageous if the housing segments are made of plastic.

These housing segments are in particular hollow cylinders. In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the housing segments form a telescopic housing of this lifting unit. The housing segments are each preferably provided with at least one circumferential recess or notch, each of which forms an anti-twist device. In addition, a sealing element, which is designed as an O-ring, for example, is also preferably arranged between the individual housing segments.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the spindle drive has at least two separate spindles that are coupled to one another. In particular, these spindles are guided into one another. With such a concept, the individual spindles can be made shorter. This also results in a higher flexural rigidity compared to very long spindles. In addition, a particularly precise height adjustment of the lifting unit is made possible by such a plurality of separate spindles, which are connected to one another and can be rotated relative to one another. This enables a very continuous and jolt-free height adjustment.

In this context, the spindles represent thin rods. They therefore require minimal space in a horizontal plane. As a result, the receiving space of the tub is not undesirably restricted. In order to achieve a low overall height of the lifting unit, it has at least three spindles coupled to one another. In order to enable a light and inexpensive lifting unit, the spindles are preferably made of plastic.

It is preferably provided that an upper spindle of this spindle drive is connected at an upper end to a separate cover of the lifting device. In particular, this cover is a cover plate and in particular represents a flat disk. In an advantageous embodiment, the insert plate is arranged on the cover. It can be arranged directly from above on the cover. However, the insert plate can also be arranged indirectly on the cover. This means that a further component can be arranged between the cover and the insert plate. For example, this can be a plate holder separate from the cover. This plate holder can be a flat disk and thus a flat cylinder. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one carrier wing can be arranged on this plate holder. On this carrier wing the Insert plate be arranged directly. The in particular at least two carrier wings, which preferably each have a V-shape, can be arranged on the plate receptacle so as to be pivotable about horizontal axes.

In such a configuration, in which the spindle does not engage directly on the insert plate, signs of wear on the insert plate can be avoided. In addition, an improved mechanical coupling concept can be achieved through this at least one cover. Because the spindle can thus be individually designed mechanically stable and yet individually with regard to the relative mobility to the cover and for the height adjustment. The insert plate therefore does not have to be designed individually on its underside for this purpose.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that this upper spindle is connected to the cover by means of an endless rotating unit. This means that the spindle is mechanically connected to the cover, but that the spindle can rotate relative to the cover about an axis of rotation oriented in the vertical direction in the connected state with the cover, without this resulting in a height adjustment between the spindle and the cover would result. When the lifting unit is raised in the vertical direction, the upper spindle is arranged so as to be endlessly rotatable relative to the cover about an axis of rotation oriented in the vertical direction. In this way, on the one hand, a direct mechanical coupling of the upper spindle to this cover is achieved, and yet it is avoided that the cover would also have to be rotatably mounted in this regard. The cover can thus be arranged with the insert plate in a stable position. Nevertheless, the rotational movement of the spindle is not restricted and a high-precision height adjustment of the cover with the insert plate arranged on it is made possible.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the endless rotating unit is, for example, a ball bearing. In this way, on the one hand, a stable mechanical coupling can take place and, on the other hand, a particularly smooth and yet resilient rotation of the upper spindle relative to the cover coupled to it can be carried out. It is preferably provided that the lifting device has a motor for driving the lifting device. In an advantageous embodiment, this motor is arranged in a receiving housing of the lifting device. In an advantageous embodiment, this receiving housing is arranged completely below the bottom wall of the tub. As a result, the receiving space of the tub is not restricted by this receiving housing. On the other hand, this arrangement of the receiving housing also enables easy access to the receiving housing. Last but not least, in an advantageous embodiment, the motor of the lifting device is thereby arranged completely outside the receiving space of the tub. This is advantageous in order to be able to avoid the effects of media in the receiving space on the motor as well as possible. On the other hand, undesired temperature influences, in particular temperature fluctuations due to hot or cold media in the receiving space on the motor can thereby also be avoided. The receiving housing preferably has a height or an extension below the bottom wall in a direction pointing away from it of less than 150 mm, in particular of less than 100 mm. With such a flat design, there is still enough space left under the sink for waste bins or the like.

It is preferably provided that the motor is connected to a lower spindle of the spindle drive. This lower spindle can be set in rotation about an axis of rotation oriented in the vertical direction by the motor.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the bottom wall has an opening or a passage. In particular, this opening is formed centrally in the bottom wall. The lifting unit extends through this opening so that it is arranged on both sides of this opening. In particular, both the lifting device of the lifting unit and an advantageously present housing of the lifting unit extend through this opening and are arranged on both sides of this opening.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the lifting device has only a single variable-length lifting unit. This enables a space-saving concept with fewer components. In particular with the support wings which are preferably present, which are arranged on an upper lifting segment of the lifting unit and on which the insert plate then rests, this single lifting unit which is variable in length is sufficient. This support wing can be in a horizontal plane Larger support structure can be created that securely receives the insert plate and protects it from undesired inclinations, even if only a single lifting unit is present.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the lifting device has at least one separate damper unit. The lifting device is acoustically decoupled from the bottom wall by means of this damper unit. This is also a very advantageous implementation. This is because noises that arise when the lifting unit is raised or lowered, in particular motor noises and / or noises from the lifting device, cannot be transmitted to the tub or can only be transmitted to a significantly reduced extent.

It can be provided that the damper unit is a rubber damper or an acoustic foam. On the one hand, these specific damper units can be easily installed in terms of assembly. On the other hand, even with relatively small designs, they provide a high level of damping behavior.

It is preferably provided that the damper unit rests directly on an underside or on an outside of the bottom wall of the tub. In particular, this damper unit is connected to a receiving housing of the lifting device, which is arranged under the bottom wall. A particularly efficient acoustic decoupling can thus take place.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that an upper side of the insert plate has an area which is at least 80 percent, in particular at least 90 percent, in particular at least 95 percent of the area of the receiving space in a horizontal plane. However, the area of the top of the insert plate is less than 99 percent of this area of the receiving space. With such a dimensioning, the insert plate is formed virtually over the entire area with regard to the clear width of the receiving space between the side walls and thus almost completely fills this receiving space when viewed in the horizontal plane. On the other hand, however, a small gap around the circumference, in particular between 3 mm and 15 mm, in particular between 3 mm and 10 mm, is made possible so that, on the one hand, the relative movement of the insert plate can take place unhindered when setting or changing position. In particular, this enables a side edge of the insert plate to be touched directly and, if necessary, grazed along the inside of the side walls avoided. In this way, on the one hand, damage to the side walls is avoided and, on the other hand, damage to the insert plate and also to the lifting device is avoided. Last but not least, this configuration also advantageously achieves that through this gap between the edge of the insert plate and the inner sides of the side walls, liquid that is present on the upper side of the insert plate can easily drain into the receiving space.

The tub preferably has a drain, in particular on the bottom wall. This allows medium that is arranged in the tub and collects there to run off via the drain without any problems.

In particular, the tub is formed in one piece with the bottom wall and the side walls. In particular, the tub is made of metal.

The bottom wall can be flat or slightly inclined or slightly curved. In particular, it is provided that that point on the bottom wall at which an outlet for a drain of the sink is formed is offset the furthest down with respect to the height.

It can be provided that the top of the insert plate is completely flat. However, it can also have a slight curvature. It is also possible that the top of the insert plate is structured at least in some areas. This can create a certain roughness. An undesired slipping of objects placed thereon can be avoided in an improved manner. For example, this is advantageous if the insert plate changes its position and objects are still arranged on the upper side of the insert plate. It is also possible for the upper side to have specific positioning areas. These can be recesses. For example, such depressions can be made relatively small. This is advantageous in order, for example, to be able to position vessels such as a glass or the like more securely. This is particularly advantageous when a change in position is tilting and / or rotating. An undesired slipping of such vessels is then avoided. In addition, predetermined positioning areas of this type also ensure that, for example, when vessels are placed on the upper side of the insert plate and are to be filled via the faucet, in the event of a rotational movement, the Faucet, leaking water runs into the vessels and does not hit the insert plate past the vessels.

The lifting device can have a lifting unit and a motor. With the motor, the lifting unit can be moved at least in the vertical direction.

The push chain consists of specially shaped, high-precision mechanical chain links. The chain links interlock with one another in a form-fitting manner. The special thing about the linear chain, in contrast to a "normal" chain, is that it works in both directions. She can pull and "push".

In the drive housing of the linear chain there is a pinion which engages in the intermediate links of the chain and moves the chain link by link - both forwards and backwards. The chain itself has two loose ends. The load to be moved is attached to one end. The other end can be guided freely and is usually rolled up in a store. This saves installation space and is the main advantage of the linear chain.

The drive element, usually an electric motor, transfers the thrust force to the chain links. The shoulders of the individual chain links then press against each other and form a rigid unit. And with it you can lift or push the load.

With the information "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction" are the positions and positions given when the sink is used and arranged as intended Orientations indicated.

Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own, without the frame to leave the invention. Embodiments of the invention that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but are therefore also to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed separate combinations of features emerge from the explanations explained and can be generated. Designs and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which therefore do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 shows a schematic sectional illustration through an exemplary embodiment of a sink according to the invention with an insert plate in a first position;

FIG. 2 shows the illustration of the sink according to FIG. 2 with the insert plate in a second position different from FIG. 1;

3 shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a sink;

4 shows a perspective partial illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a sink with an exemplary embodiment of a lifting device;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective sectional illustration of a partial area of the arrangement in FIG. 4 with a sealing sleeve around a lifting unit of the lifting device; FIG. and FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a lifting device.

Identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In Fig. 1, a sink 1 is shown in a schematic vertical section (xy plane with height direction y and width direction x). The sink 1 has a tub 2. The tub 2 has a bottom wall 3 and adjoining and upwardly extending side walls 4, 5, 6 (FIG. 3) and 7 (FIG. 3). The tub 2 is in particular formed in one piece. It is preferably made of metal. The tub 2 has a receiving space 8. The receiving space 8 is delimited by the aforementioned walls 3 to 7. The tub 2 thus has an upper loading opening 9. The sink 1 also has an insert unit on. The insert unit is in particular an insert plate 10. The insert plate 10 is in particular formed in one piece. The insert plate 10 is a separate component of the sink 1 from the tub 2. The sink 1 also has a lifting device 11. The insert plate 10 is arranged on the lifting device 11. In particular, it is arranged on the lifting device 11 in a non-destructive detachable manner. The insert plate 10 can be moved relative to the tub 2 by the lifting device 11. In this context, a movement in the height direction (y-direction) of the sink 1 can take place. In addition or instead of this, the lifting device 11 can rotate about a vertical axis A. In addition or instead of this, the insert plate 10 can be tilted. This means that the insert plate 10 can be adjusted with its plane at an angle to a horizontal plane. It can thus be positioned inclined or at an angle. In FIG. 1, the insert plate 10 is shown in an exemplary position in the receiving space 8. In particular, this is a position that has been moved downwards. In this regard, the insert plate 10 is arranged directly adjacent to the bottom wall 3.

The sink 1 preferably has an interaction unit 12. The interaction unit 12 can have a display unit 13 (FIG. 3). The

Interaction unit 12 can have an operating device 14. The operating device 14 can have one or more operating elements. The operating elements can be pushbuttons or switches or toggle elements or rotary knobs. The

Operating device 14 can, however, also have a touch-sensitive control panel 15 in addition to or instead of this. In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the interaction unit 12 has at least one optical detection unit 16. The optical detection unit 16 can be a camera, for example. The camera can be sensitive in the spectral range that is visible to humans. The interaction unit 12 can, however, also have an acoustic unit 17 in addition to or instead of this. This acoustic unit 17 can be designed to receive and / or output speech signals. In addition, the interaction unit 12 can be a

Have identification unit 18. The identification unit 18 is designed to recognize or identify a user of the sink 1. The identification unit 18 can also be formed by the optical detection unit 16, for example. In addition to or instead of this, however, the identification unit 18 can also have the acoustic unit 17, for example. This can, for example, by Evaluation of a voice signal from a user can be identified by the user. In addition to or instead of this, the identification unit 18 can be designed as a unit for recording and evaluating a biometric feature of a user. For example, this can be a fingerprint sensor or a sensor for recognizing an iris pattern.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the interaction unit 12 can be formed laterally and directly adjacent to the tub 2. For example, an upwardly open receiving housing 19 can be provided here. The receiving housing 19 can be designed separately from the tub 2. However, it can also be formed in a non-destructive manner with the trough 2 and cannot be detached. In particular, the receiving housing 19 can also be designed in one piece with the tub 2. The side wall directly adjoining the receiving housing 19, here the side wall 5 in the example, also forms a boundary wall for the receiving volume 20 of the receiving housing 19.

The receiving volume 20 is thus separated from the receiving space 8 of the tub.

FIG. 2 shows the illustration according to FIG. 1, but the insert plate 10 is shown in a position different from FIG. 1. In Fig. 2, the insert plate 10 is oriented horizontally, but moved upwards. In particular, this position represents the maximum possible height. In particular, in this position an upper side 10a of the insert plate 10 is flush with an upper edge 2a of the tub 2. In particular, in this position the insert plate 10 forms a cover or a lid for the receiving space 8. This However, the upper edge 2a can also be, for example, the top of a mounting frame or a decorative frame that is part of the sink 1. With the mounting frame, the sink 1, in particular the tub 2, can be mounted in a recess in a worktop. The tub 2 can be covered from above with a decorative frame. A gap between the tub 2 and a delimitation wall in the worktop, which delimits the recess, can thus be covered from above. Such a decorative frame represents, in particular, an upper visible component of the arrangement.

In particular, the sink 1 also has a control unit 21 (FIG. 3). The lifting device 11 can be operated by the control unit 21. In particular, the interaction unit 12 can also be operated by the control unit 21. As can be seen in the simplified top view in FIG. 3, the sink 1 can preferably also have a water tap 22. The water tap 22 represents a functional unit of the sink 1. The interaction unit 12, in particular the operating device 14, can also be viewed as a functional unit of the sink 1. The insert plate 10 can be a further functional unit of the sink 1. The lifting device 11 can be a further functional unit of the sink 1.

The lifting device 11 preferably has a lifting unit and a motor. As a result, its length or height can be changed in the direction of the vertical axis A. Furthermore, it can be rotated about the vertical axis A in addition to or instead of this. As a result, a rotational movement about this vertical axis A is also made possible as a position or change in position of the insert plate 10. Last but not least, the lifting device 11 can also be set so that the insert plate 10 can be set inclined or inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

With the interaction unit 12, an operating state of the sink 1 can be recognized and / or a change in the operating state of the sink 1 can be recognized and / or an operating action by a user who operates the sink 1, in particular at least one functional unit of the sink 1, can be recognized. Depending on the detection by the interaction unit 12, the lifting device 11 can be operated to automatically change the position of the insert plate 10. In addition, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a finger 23 of a user. The interaction unit 12 is preferably designed to detect a gesture by the user, in particular the finger 23. In particular, the gesture is a contactless gesture. In addition to or instead of this, however, the operating device 14 can also be operated directly with the finger 23. It is provided that an operating state and / or a change in operating state can be detected by the camera 16 and / or the acoustic unit 17 and / or the operating device 14. An operating state can be, for example, a setting of the operating device 14 and / or a change in the operating state can be a change in the setting of the operating device 14. A change in position of the insert plate 10 can depend on the type and / or strength and / or duration of an operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1 and / or a change in position can depend on the type and / or strength and / or duration of a change in the operating state of at least one such functional unit of the sink 1.

The interaction unit 12 has a normal mode. The actual operation of the sink 1 is also recorded in this. In addition, the interaction unit 12 has a definition mode that differs from the normal mode. This can be set by a user, for example. In this definition mode it is possible for at least one user to define or specify at least one reference position of the insert plate 10. In particular, such a reference position can be linked in this definition mode with a specific operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1 and / or with a defined change in the operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1. At least one such reference position can be stored as a user profile in a storage unit 24 of the interaction unit 12.

In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the area shown in Fig. 3 (depth direction z and width direction x) of the top 10a at least 80 percent, in particular at least 90 percent, in particular at least 95 percent of the area of the receiving space 8, which is in a horizontal plane (in Fig. 3 the figure level) is considered. In particular, however, this area of the upper side 10a is less than 99 percent of this area of the receiving space 8 in the aforementioned horizontal plane. This ensures that a circumferential edge 25 of the insert plate 10 is spaced apart from the side walls 4, 5, 6 and 7. In particular, a circumferential gap 26 is thereby formed between the insert plate 10 and the side walls 4 to 7. The gap 26 can be between 3 mm and 15 mm. This gap 26 is preferably so small, at least in the horizontal position of the insert plate 10, that objects such as cutlery or the like cannot slip through. The pinching of a finger 23 can then also be avoided in this horizontal position of the insert plate 10.

As is also shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sink 1 has a drain opening 27, for example a drain. This is particularly in the Bottom wall 3 formed. Media from the receiving space 8 can run out of the tub 2 through this drainage opening 27.

In Fig. 4, an embodiment of a sink 1 is shown in a perspective view. The lifting device 11 is shown. The lifting device 11 has a lifting unit 28. This is in particular fastened centrally on the bottom wall 3. The lifting unit 28 can be moved in the direction of the A axis. The travel speed is preferably between 10 and 70 mm / sec., Particularly preferably between 30 and 50 mm / sec. The maximum possible lifting height of the lifting unit 28 is preferably between 100 and 300 mm, particularly preferably between 120 and 250 mm. In this context, the lifting unit 28 has several lifting segments. In Fig. 4, the lifting unit 28 is shown in a completely collapsed state. This means that it has moved maximally downward into the receiving space 8. This lifting unit 28 preferably has an upper lifting segment. The upper hub segment is formed in particular by an upper housing segment 29 of a housing 40 of the lifting unit 28. A plate holder 31 is arranged in an upper region 30 of this upper lifting segment. The plate holder 31 is here a flat cylindrical disk. This plate receptacle 31 has a central web 32. A first carrier wing 33 is arranged on this central web 32. In particular, the carrier wing 33 is mounted on the central web 32 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis B. The one-piece support wing 33 rests on the plate receptacle 31 from above. A top side 34 of this plate receptacle 31 has top side areas 34a and 34b. These are offset downwards in relation to the central web 32. The carrier wing 33 rests on this upper side area 34a. For the sake of clarity, a second carrier wing that is separate from the first carrier wing 33, but in particular of the same size and shape, is arranged, but not shown. This is mounted on the central web 32 so as to be pivotable about a further horizontal axis C. The horizontal axes B and C are oriented parallel to one another. The second carrier wing rests from above on the second upper side area 34b. In the horizontal basic position, an upper side 33a of the carrier wing 33 is flush with an upper side 32a of the central web 32. This is designed accordingly with an upper side of the second carrier wing. Due to the central web 32, the carrier wing 33 and the second carrier wing, not shown, are arranged at a distance from one another. They can be pivoted about their axes B and C independently of one another. In this way, individual tilt positions of a carrier wing 33 can also be set relative to the horizontal plane. In particular, the plate receptacle 31 has an opening 35 for this purpose. An actuating element can extend through this opening from below through the plate receptacle 31 and thus, in this case, contact and lift the second carrier wing from below, so that it is pivoted about its horizontal axis C. Correspondingly, on the opposite side to the opening 35, a further opening is formed in the plate receptacle 31, which is below the first support wing 33. This, too, can then be raised accordingly, as has been explained. It is preferably provided that the opening 35 is covered from above by an elastic cover 36. The elastic cover 36 makes it possible for the actuating element to protrude through the opening 35 and to be positioned higher up than the upper side area 34b and for the actuating element to protrude accordingly due to the elastic deformation of the elastic cover 36. As a result, the corresponding second carrier wing can then also be raised.

The plate receptacle 31 with the cover 36 is designed as a 2K injection-molded component.

In FIG. 5, a partial area of the arrangement in FIG. 4 is shown in a perspective sectional illustration.

It can be seen that the plate receptacle 31, designed as a flat cylinder, rests from above on an upper side 37 of the upper lifting segment of the lifting unit 28. This top side 37 is in particular a top side of an upper cover plate 38.

The lifting unit 28 has a lifting device 39. The lifting device 39 can be a spindle drive. However, it can also be a push chain, for example. The lifting unit 28 also has a housing 40. The housing 40 surrounds this lifting device 39 on the circumferential side. The housing 40 is in particular a telescopic housing. This means that it has several housing segments. In the exemplary embodiment, these are Lifting segments designed as hollow cylinders. In the exemplary embodiment, an upper housing segment 29 is formed in a pulled-out state, a second housing segment 41 following downwards, another housing segment 42 following downwards, a housing segment 43 following further downwards, and then a lower housing segment 44. The housing segments 29, 41, 42, 43 and 44 are preferably made of plastic. They each have circumferential contours that form a mutual protection against rotation. In Fig. 5, the fully retracted position of the lifting unit 28 is shown. The lifting unit 28 has thus moved down completely. In this state, the housing 40 is completely pushed into one another and in a position that is minimized in height. The housing segments 29 and 41 to 44 are thus completely pushed into one another, as shown in FIG. 5. If the lifting unit 28 is extended from this downwardly moved state, in which the insert plate 10 is then also arranged in the lowered position, and thus moved upward, the housing segments 29 and 41 to 44 are pulled apart. The lifting device 39 is arranged in an interior 45 of this housing 40. The lifting unit 28 extends through an opening or passage 46 in the bottom wall 3. The lifting unit 28 is thus arranged on both sides of this bottom wall 3.

In addition, the lifting device 11 has a sealing sleeve 47. The sealing sleeve 47 is a separate component from the housing 40. The sealing sleeve 47 surrounds that sub-area, which extends in the receiving space 8, of the lifting unit 28 on the circumferential side. The sealing sleeve 47 is designed to be elastic. It can be designed in one piece. It can be designed as a bellows, for example. However, other specifications are also possible in terms of material and geometry.

In Fig. 5, the sealing sleeve 47 is designed as a bellows. It is shown in Fig. 5 in the completely compressed or folded state. The sealing envelope 47 has an upper edge 48. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper edge 48 is clamped between the plate receptacle 31 and the cover 38. In particular, this upper edge 48 is also arranged in a sealing manner between the plate receptacle 31 and the cover 38. The cover 38 can also be referred to as a lift plate. In addition, this sealing sleeve 47 has a lower end 49. This lower end 49 rests directly on the inside of the bottom wall 3. It is also provided that the sink 1 has an adapter 50. This adapter 50 is preferably a separate component. The adapter 50 is preferably designed as a circumferential, uninterrupted adapter ring. The adapter 50 is placed from above on this lower edge 49 of the sealing sleeve 47. As can be seen, the lower edge 49 is clamped between this adapter 50 and the bottom wall 3. In particular, a sealing clamp is also formed here.

In particular, the adapter 50 is non-destructively releasably attached to the bottom wall 3, in particular screwed with screw connections. For this purpose, a counter bearing 51 can be arranged under the bottom wall 3, for example. This counter bearing 51 can be a bearing ring. At the same time, the counter bearing can be designed as an acoustic damping unit.

In Fig. 6, an embodiment of a lifting device 11 is shown in an exploded view.

The lifting unit 28 is shown. This has a lifting device 39. The lifting device 39 can be a push chain. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the lifting device 39 is a spindle drive 52. In the exemplary embodiment, the spindle drive 52 has at least two separate spindles. In particular, three spindles are provided in the embodiment shown, which are preferably made of plastic. This is a lower spindle 52, a central spindle 54 and an upper spindle 55. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper spindle 55 is a trapezoidal screw spindle. The spindles 53 to 55 are rotatably connected to one another. The lifting device 11 has a longitudinal axis B. In particular, this is parallel to axis A.

The lifting unit 28 also has a housing 40, as has already been explained with regard to FIG. 5. The housing 40 has the housing segments 29, 41, 42, 43 and 44. These are sealed from one another by sealing rings 56, 57 and 58. In addition, the lifting device 11 has a receiving housing 59. This receiving housing 59 is separate from the housing 40. The receiving housing 59 is box-like. The housing 40 is formed by the housing segments 29 and 41 to 44 shown, which are each hollow cylinder. The housing 40 is designed as a telescopic housing. The receiving housing 59 has a base plate 60. As a result, the receiving housing 59 is closed from below. The bottom plate 60 is a separate plate. In the assembled state, the receiving housing 59 is arranged completely outside the receiving space 8. As can be seen in FIG. 5, it is arranged completely below the bottom wall 3 of the tub 2. It is attached to the bottom wall 3. The receiving housing 59 extends from an underside of the bottom wall 3 in a direction pointing away from it by less than 150 mm, in particular less than 100 mm, downwards.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the housing segment 44, which in the exemplary embodiment is preferably connected in one piece with the receiving housing 59, extends through the opening or passage 46.

Furthermore, a seal 61 and two plugs 62 and 63 are shown in FIG. 6. The upper spindle 55 is in particular in direct contact with this plug 63. A mechanical connection is thus formed with the plate 38, which represents a cover. It can be provided that this upper spindle 55 is non-rotatably connected to this plate 38. If the spindle drive 52 is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis B, such a change in length in the direction of the longitudinal axis B can be brought about by a relative movement between the spindles 53 and 54. In particular, it can be provided in this example that the spindles 54 and 55 are connected to one another in an endlessly rotatable manner. This means that when the spindles 53 and 54 move apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis B due to their threaded couplings, the upper spindle 55 is pushed upwards, but does not move apart with the spindle 54 in the vertical direction.

In an alternative embodiment it can be provided that the upper spindle 55 is also rotated about the longitudinal axis B when the length of the spindle drive 52 changes. In such an embodiment it is provided that this upper spindle 55 is connected to the plate 38 in an endlessly rotatable manner by an endless rotating unit. This means that when the upper spindle 55 is rotated, the plate 38 is not rotated along with it, but rather remains stationary in the direction about the longitudinal axis B. For example, such an endless rotating unit can be formed by a ball bearing. Likewise, at According to the above-mentioned first embodiment, in which an endless rotational movement possibility between the spindle 55 and the spindle 54 is made possible, an endless rotating unit coupling in this regard can be formed, in particular a ball bearing can also be formed.

In addition, the seal 75 already mentioned in FIG. 5 is shown.

In addition, a detector 64 is shown in FIG. 6. This detector 64 is in particular a sensor which detects liquid media in a volume space 65 (FIG. 5) between the sealing sleeve 47 and the lifting unit 28).

In addition, a motor 66 of the lifting device 11 is shown in FIG. 6. This motor 66 is arranged in the receiving housing 59. It is intended to drive the lifting device 39 and thus the spindle drive 52 in the exemplary embodiment. In particular, a motor flange 67, a toothed disk 68 and a drive shaft 69 are shown in this context. The drive shaft 69 is coupled in particular to the spindle drive 52, in particular the lower spindle 53. In the exemplary embodiment, a toothed belt 70 is also shown. A bearing flange 71 is also shown. Another bearing flange 72 is also shown. In addition, a further toothed pulley 73 and a ball bearing 74, which is in particular a deep groove ball bearing, are shown.

A damper unit is preferably also formed by the unit 51, as shown in FIG. 5. With this the lifting device 11 is acoustically decoupled from the bottom wall 3. This damper unit can be a rubber damper or an acoustic foam. The damper unit is in particular arranged directly on the underside of the bottom wall 3 and thus in contact with the outside of the bottom wall 3. In particular, this damper unit is connected to the receiving housing 59 of the lifting device 11.

A dismantling mode different from the normal mode of the lifting unit 28 can also be set. In this, the lifting unit 28 becomes an even higher position in the vertical direction via the maximum raised position of the lifting unit 28 in the normal mode and thus also the corresponding position of the insert plate 10 Position adjusted. In the maximally raised position in normal mode it is provided in particular that the upper side 10a of the insert plate 10 is flush with the upper side of the upper edge 2a of the tub 2 or a decorative frame or a mounting frame. In the dismantling position which is higher for this purpose, the insert plate 10 is preferably positioned such that its underside 10b is arranged a vertical distance higher than this upper edge 2a. In particular, this vertical distance is at least 2 cm, in particular at least 3 cm. As a result, the insert plate 10 can be grasped by one hand at its edge 25 and held securely for removal from the lifting unit 28. The dismantling position is in particular a horizontal position of the insert plate 10. The underside 10b of the insert plate 10 is thus positioned completely above the upper edge 2a.

List of reference symbols

1 sink

2 tub

2a upper margin

3 bottom wall

4 side wall

5 side wall

6 side wall

7 side wall

8 recording room

9 loading opening

10 insert plate 10a top 10b bottom 11 lifting device 12 interaction unit

13 Display unit

14 Control device

15 Control panel

16 optical detection unit

17 acoustic unit

18 Identification unit

19 Housing

20 capacity 21 control unit 22 water tap

23 fingers

24 storage unit

25 edge

26 gap

27 Drain opening

28 lifting unit 29 upper lifting segment 30 upper area

31 Plate holder

32 Middle bar 32a top

33 first support wing 33a top

34 top 34a top area 34b top area

35 breakthrough

36 cover

37 top

38 cover plate

39 reciprocator

40 housing

41 housing segment

42 housing segment

43 housing segment

44 housing segment

45 inside

46 Implementation

47 Sealing sleeve 47a outside

48 top margin

49 lower end

50 adapter ring

51 counter bearing

52 spindle drive

53 spindle

54 spindle

55 spindle 55a top end

56 sealing ring

57 sealing ring Sealing ring

59 Housing

60 base plate 61 seal 62 plug 63 plug

64 detector

65 volume space

66 Motor 67 Motor flange 68 Toothed lock washer

69 Drive shaft

70 timing belts

71 bearing flange

72 bearing flange 73 tooth lock washer

74 ball bearings

75 seal

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Sink (1) with a tub (2) which has a bottom wall (3) and adjoining side walls (4, 5, 6, 7), and the tub (2) is delimited by the walls (4 to 7) Receiving space (8), the sink (1) having an insert plate (10) which is separate from the tub (2) and which is inserted into the receiving space (8), characterized in that the sink (1) has a lifting device (11) with which the insert plate (10) can be moved relative to the tub (2) in the height direction (y), the lifting device (11) having a variable-length lifting unit (28) for this purpose, the lifting unit (28) having a lifting device (39), that is a push chain or a spindle drive (52).

2. Sink (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting unit (28) has a housing (40) which surrounds the lifting device (39) circumferentially, the housing (40) being made up of several, in particular rigid, housing segments (29 , 41, 42, 43, 44), which can be moved relative to one another in the height direction (y) of the sink (1).

3. Sink (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing segments (29, 41, 42, 43, 44) form a telescopic housing.

4. Sink (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spindle drive (52) has at least two separate and mutually coupled, in particular spindles (53, 54, 55) which are guided into one another.

5. Sink (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that an upper spindle (55) is connected to an upper end (55a) with a cover (38), in particular a cover plate, of the lifting device (11), wherein on the cover (38) the insert plate (10) is arranged.

6. Sink (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the upper spindle (55) is connected to an endless rotating unit with the cover (38) and when the lifting unit (28) is raised in the vertical direction (y) the upper spindle (55) is arranged endlessly rotatable relative to the cover (38) about an axis of rotation (A) oriented in the vertical direction (y) or the upper spindle (55) is connected to the cover (38) for rotation and the upper spindle (55) is connected to a further spindle ( 54) of the spindle drive (52) is connected in an endlessly rotatable manner.

7. sink (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the endless rotating unit is a ball bearing.

8. Sink (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (11) has a motor (66) for driving the lifting device (39) which is arranged in a receiving housing (59) of the lifting device (11), which is arranged below the bottom wall (3).

9. Sink (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7 and according to claim 8, characterized in that the motor (66) is connected to a lower spindle (53) of the spindle drive (55), which by the motor (66) in a rotation about an axis of rotation (B) oriented in the height direction (y) can be displaced.

10. Sink (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom wall (3) has an opening (46), in particular a central opening (46) through which the lifting unit (28) extends so that it can be on both sides the opening (46) is arranged.

11. Sink (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lifting device (11) has at least one separate damper unit (51) with which the lifting device (11) is acoustically decoupled from the bottom wall (23).

12. Sink (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the damper unit (51) is a rubber damper or an acoustic foam.

13. sink (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the

The damper unit (51) rests directly on an underside of the bottom wall (3) and is connected to a receiving housing (59) of the lifting device (11) which is arranged under the bottom wall (2).

14. Sink (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an upper side (10a) of the insert plate (10) has an area which is at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, in particular at least 95% of the area of the receiving space (8 ) is in a horizontal plane, but is less than 99% of this area of the receiving space (8).