EP4298957A1

EP4298957A1 - A frame structure and a frame assembly for a piece of furniture

Info

Publication number: EP4298957A1
Application number: EP22181511.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Viberg
Original assignee: Pass of Sweden AB
Current assignee: Pass of Sweden AB
Priority date: 2022-06-28
Filing date: 2022-06-28
Publication date: 2024-01-03

Abstract

The invention provides a furniture frame structure (100) comprising:
a base frame (110) adapted to form a part of a piece of furniture (1),
a first tiltable part (120), hingedly connected to the base frame (110) by means of at least one first joint (122, 124) arranged for tilting of the first tiltable part (120) about a first rotation axis (R1),
a second tiltable part (130), hingedly connected to the first tiltable part (120) by means of at least one second joint (132, 134) arranged for tilting of the second tiltable part (130) about a second rotation axis (R2), which is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1),
wherein the base frame (110) comprises a first actuator mount (118) adapted to hingedly connect to a first end (141) of a motorized actuator assembly (140) comprising a linear actuator (145) so as to provide a third joint (126), between the base frame (110) and the actuator assembly (140), with a third rotation axis (R3) that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1), and
wherein the second tiltable part (130) comprises a second actuator mount (138) adapted to hingedly connect to a second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) so as to provide a fourth joint (135) between the second tiltable part (130) and the second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) with a fourth rotation axis (R4), that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1),
wherein the third rotation axis (R3) is arranged to be located outside of an imaginary plane (T1) formed by the first and second rotation axes (R1, R2), and the fourth rotation axis (R4) is arranged to be located, at least in an un-tilted position of the second tiltable part (130) in relation to the first tiltable part (120), so that a line extending from the third rotation axis (R3) to the fourth rotation axis (R4), and transversely to the second rotation axis (R2), extends on the side of the imaginary plane (T1) in which the third rotation axis (R3) is located, or extends so that a part of the line is on the side of the imaginary plane (T1) in which the third rotation axis (R3) is located and the remaining part of the line is on a side of the second rotation axis (R2) which is opposite to a side of the second rotation axis (R2) on which the first rotation axis (R1) is located.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments herein relate to furniture mechanisms for adjusting inclination of support members, such as back rests, head rests, neck rests, or the like, of a piece of furniture, such as a bed, an inclinable chair, or the like. In particular, a furniture frame structure adapted to enable tilting of support members of a piece of furniture as well as a furniture frame assembly for a piece of furniture comprising such furniture frame structure are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Furniture with adjustable support members can be embodied in many different variants, such as beds, sofas, daybeds, chairs, recliner chairs, sunbeds and the like.
US2002036421A1 discloses a motorized adjusting device for a piece of furniture, such as a bed, with two tiltable support parts. One tiltable support for the neck of a user and another tiltable part for the back of the user about a respective rotational axis. A problem with the motorized adjusting device may be how to provide a reliable and cost-efficient mechanism for tilting of the support parts. Furthermore, a problem may be how to reduce height, e.g. as seen along an axis perpendicular to e.g. a mattress of a bed.

SUMMARY

An object may be to mitigate, or even eliminate, the abovementioned disadvantage, or other disadvantages or problems.
According to an aspect, this object is achieved by a furniture frame structure adapted to form a part of a piece of furniture. The furniture frame structure further comprises a first tiltable part, hingedly connected to the base frame by means of at least one first joint arranged for tilting of the first tiltable part about a first rotation axis. Moreover, the furniture frame structure comprises a second tiltable part, hingedly connected to the first tiltable part by means of at least one second joint arranged for tilting of the second tiltable part about a second rotation axis, which is parallel with the first rotation axis. The base frame comprises a first actuator mount adapted to hingedly connect to a first end of a motorized actuator assembly comprising a linear actuator so as to provide a third joint, between the base frame and the actuator assembly, with a third rotation axis that is parallel with the first rotation axis. Furthermore, the second tiltable part comprises a second actuator mount adapted to hingedly connect to a second end of the actuator assembly so as to provide a fourth joint between the second tiltable part and the motorized actuator assembly with a fourth rotation axis, that is parallel with the first rotation axis. Additionally, the third rotation axis is arranged to be located outside of an imaginary plane formed by the first and second rotation axes, and the fourth rotation axis is arranged to be located, at least in an un-tilted position of the second tiltable part in relation to the first tiltable part, so that a line extending from the third rotation axis to the fourth rotation axis, and transversely to the second rotation axis, extends on the side of the imaginary plane in which the third rotation axis is located, or extends so that a part of the line is on the side of the imaginary plane in which the third rotation axis is located and the remaining part of the line is on a side of the second rotation axis which is opposite to a side of the second rotation axis on which the first rotation axis is located.
In some examples, during an initial expansion of the motorized actuator, rotation about the second rotation axis is achieved while taking advantage of an imaginary hinge arm representing a distance between the second and fourth rotation axis. The rotation about the second rotation axis may for example proceed until the second tiltable part reaches a maximum inclination with respect to the first tiltable part. Next, during subsequent expansion of the motorized actuator assembly, rotation about the first rotation axis is achieved.
Thus, embodiments of the invention allow for the use of a single linear actuator for a sequential tilting process, with an initial tilting of the second tiltable part only, followed by a tilting of the first tiltable part.
The base frame of the furniture frame structure may be adapted to be mounted at, such as in, on or like, the reminder of the piece of furniture. It should be noted that the second tiltable part is preferably connected to the first tiltable part at an end of the first tiltable part which is opposite to an end of the first tiltable part at which the first tiltable part is connected to the base frame. The un-tilted position of the second tiltable part in relation to the first tiltable part may be a position in which that the second tiltable part assumes when the actuator assembly is fully retracted. The un-tilted position of the second tiltable part in relation to the first tiltable part may be a position in which the second tiltable part is aligned with the first tiltable part.
The embodiments herein advantageously enable construction of a furniture frame structure having a relatively low height, such as thickness, or the like.
In some embodiments, the second end of the motorized actuator assembly comprises a rigid link, having a first link end and a second link end. The first link end is adapted to hingedly connect to the second actuator mount. The second link end is hingedly connected to the linear actuator. Thanks to the rigid link, the second actuator mount is located closer to the second rotation axis, e.g. while assuming the same motorized actuator assembly, whereby said angle between the imaginary plan and said imaginary line is increased. As a result, the furniture frame structure enables heavier load on the first and/or second tiltable parts, while at the same time a thickness, or height, of the furniture frame structure is maintained relatively low, or thin, or at least not creased as much.
In some embodiments, when the actuator assembly is mounted at the first and second actuator mounts, the furniture frame structure is arranged to increase inclination of the second tiltable part from a first position to a second position as the actuator assembly expands, while the first tiltable part remains stationary, and the furniture frame structure is arranged to increase inclination of the first tiltable part as the actuator assembly expands further. Thereby, the second tiltable part may maintain its inclination with respect to the imaginary plane. The first position of the second tiltable part may be the un-tilted position of the second tiltable part.
In some embodiments, said at least one first joint and the first actuator mount are spaced apart along a first direction, perpendicular to a main extension plane of the base frame, so that the furniture frame structure is capable of housing the motorized actuator assembly between an upper limiting extension plane of the base frame and a lower limiting extension plane of the base frame, wherein the upper and lower extension planes are parallel to the main extension plane. The main plane may be parallel with the imaginary plane formed by the first and second rotation axes when the first tiltable part is un-tilted in relation to the base frame. The un-tilted position of the first tiltable part in relation to the base frame may be a position in which that the first tiltable part assumes when the actuator assembly is fully retracted.
In some embodiments, a contour of the base frame on a projection plane, being perpendicular to the first rotation axis, forms a z-shape. In this manner, a robust and shear resistant base frame is provided, while at the same time enabling the third and fourth rotation axis to be located outside of, and on the same side of, the imaginary plane.
In some embodiments, the motorized actuator assembly is driven by an electric motor arranged to drive lengthwise extension of the linear actuator of the motorized actuator assembly by exposing the second end to a push force.
According to another aspect, the object may be achieved by a furniture frame assembly for a piece of furniture comprising the furniture frame structure according to various embodiments herein and a motorized actuator assembly arranged to drive tilting of the first and second tiltable parts of the furniture frame structure. Thereby, the motorized actuator assembly comprises a linear actuator. Further, the first actuator mount of the base frame is hingedly connected to a first end of the motorized actuator assembly so as to provide the third joint, between the base frame and the actuator assembly, with the third rotation axis that is parallel with the first rotation axis. Further, the second actuator mount of the second tiltable part is hingedly connected to a second end of the motorized actuator assembly so as to provide the fourth joint between the second tiltable part and the second end of the motorized actuator assembly with the fourth rotation axis, that is parallel with the first rotation axis.
In some embodiments, the second end of the motorized actuator assembly comprises a rigid link, having a first link end and a second link end, wherein the first link end is hingedly connected to the second actuator mount and wherein the second link end is hingedly connected to the linear actuator.
The rigid link is advantageous since the rigid link may be, when the second tiltable part is rotated by means of the actuator assembly, substantially aligned with the line extending from the third rotation axis to the fourth rotation axis. Thereby, the linear actuator may extend from the third rotatable axis and past the fourth rotatable axis. Thereby, the third rotatable axis may be relatively close to the fourth rotational axis. Thereby, an angle between the line extending from the third rotation axis to the fourth rotation axis, and the imaginary plane formed by the first and second rotation axes in the un-tilted position of the first tiltable part, can be relatively large. This provides a relatively long moment arm for tilting the first tiltable part. Thereby, a relatively low force is required from the linear actuator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, including particular features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described in the following.

Figure 1 is a schematic overview of an exemplifying piece of furniture in which embodiments of the furniture frame structure disclosed herein may be implemented.
Figure 2 through Figure 4 are a set of perspective views of an exemplifying furniture frame assembly arranged according to different configurations, or inclination positions.
Figure 5a through Figure 5c are a set of side views of an exemplifying furniture frame assembly arranged according to different configurations.
Figure 6a through Figure 6c are a set of side views of another exemplifying furniture frame assembly arranged according to different configurations.
Figure 7 is a side view of an exemplifying furniture frame assembly arranged according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows an exemplifying motorized adjustable bed 1 in which an exemplifying furniture frame assembly with a furniture frame structure (not shown) is installed, e.g. mounted in, built into, integrated with or the like. The bed 1 is illustrated as an example of a piece of furniture.
The bed 1 is configured to be capable of being adjusted between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, a first support section 5.1 and a second support section 5.2 are horizontal, at least when the bed is standing on a horizontal floor. In case the furniture frame structure is installed in e.g. a reclining chair, the first configuration may imply that the first and second support sections are slightly inclined. In a second configuration (not shown in Figure 1), the first support section 5.1 and the second support section 5.2 may be arranged at an angle with respect to each other and the first support section 5.1 is arranged at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane P1, such as a main extension plane of a stand base 3 of the bed 1. The stand base 3 may be in connection with the floor, or ground, when the bed 1 is positioned for normal use. The second configuration may be useful when a person would like to have their head and back higher than the legs when occupying, such as sitting in, laying in, or the like, the bed 1.
As seen in Figure 1, in which a typical cartesian coordinate system is depicted, an x-axis represents a longitudinal direction of the bed 1, e.g. a length direction of the bed 1, an y-axis represents a traverse directions of the bed 1, e.g. a width or traverse direction of the bed 1, and a z-axis represents a sagittal direction of the bed 1, e.g. a thickness direction of the bed 1. The same, similar or corresponding directions are applicable to the furniture frame structure 100 as observed when installed or thought of as being installed in the bed 1, or another piece of furniture.
The bed 1 has a centre 8, such as a centre point, indicating a lengthwise centre with respect to a length I of the bed 1. The second support section 5.2 is located distally of the first support section 5.1, e.g. with respect to the centre 8.
As used herein, the term "angle", "tilting angle", "inclination angle", or the like, refers to an angle measured between a longitudinal direction of the bed 1, or the furniture frame structure 100, and an imaginary direction of a tiltable part, on which e.g. the first and/or second support section(s) 5.1 5.2 is/are provided. The projection of the imaginary direction on the main extension plane P1 is parallel with the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, no inclination may typically correspond to angle of zero and an increasing inclination implies an increasing, greater angle. Furthermore, the rotation axes mentioned herein are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel with a main extension plane of the bed and/or the furniture frame, i.e. a base frame thereof as will understood in view of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows the exemplifying furniture frame structure 100 that is mountable, such as installable, attachable to, or the like, at e.g. the bed 1 of Figure 1. The furniture frame structure 100 may thus be separable from the bed 1. In particular, the furniture frame structure 100 may be installed in beds of different widths. This means that the bed 1 itself need no mechanisms for tilting, but it may be sufficient that the support sections of the bed 1 are flexible, whereby the furniture frame structure 100 may achieve desired tilting of the bed 1 when installed in the bed 1.
The furniture frame structure 100 comprises a base frame 110 adapted to be mounted at, such as in, on or like, a piece of furniture 1. This means that the base frame 110 is fixed to the stand base 3. The base frame 110 and the stand base 3 does not move relatively each other when inclination of the bed 1 is adjusted.
The furniture frame structure 100 comprises a first tiltable part 120, hingedly connected to the base frame 110 by means of at least one first joint 122, 124 arranged for tilting of the first tiltable part 120 about a first rotation axis R1. The first tiltable part 120 is associated with the first support section 5.1 of the bed 1. This means for example that the first support section 5.1 is provided at, such as located on, positioned at, fastened at, resting on, fixed to, or the like, the first tiltable part 120.
The furniture frame structure 100 comprises a second tiltable part 130, hingedly connected to the first tiltable part 120 by means of at least one second joint 132, 134 arranged for tilting of the second tiltable part 130 about a second rotation axis R2, which is parallel with the first rotation axis R1. The second tiltable part 130 is associated with the second support section 5.2 of the bed 1. This means for example, as above, that the second support section 5.2 is provided at, such as located on, positioned at, fastened at, resting on, fixed to, or the like, the second tiltable part 130. The second tiltable part 130 may be located distally of the first tiltable part 120, e.g. under the second support section 5.2 of the bed 1.
Rotation about the second rotation axis R2 is limited to a range from e.g. zero degrees up to an upper limit of e.g. 20-60 degrees, preferably to 25-40 degrees, or approximately 30 de grees. Zero degrees typically corresponds that there is no tilt, e.g. relatively the first tiltable part 120. The upper limit may be achieved in many different manners, such as by a stop block or the like. In some examples, the stop block may be formed by a bevelled end (not shown) of the first tiltable part 120. Thanks to the upper limit of the rotation about the second rotation axis R2, it is achieved rotation about the first rotation axis R1 begins upon continued extension of the actuator assembly 140, i.e. further extraction of the linear actuator 145.
The base frame 110 comprises a first actuator mount 118 adapted to hingedly connect to a first end 141 of a motorized actuator assembly 140. The motorized actuator assembly 140 and the frame structure 100 are parts of the furniture frame assembly. The motorized actuator assembly 140 comprises a linear actuator 145. Thanks to the first actuator mount 118 a third joint 126 is formable between the base frame 110 and the motorized actuator assembly 140, e.g. when the motorized actuator assembly 140 is installed. The third joint 126, between the base frame 110 and the actuator assembly 140, is thus provided. The third joint 126 has a third rotation axis R3 that is parallel with the first rotation axis R1. The third rotation axis R3 may run through the first actuator mount 118.
The second tiltable part 130 comprises a second actuator mount 138 adapted to hingedly connect to a second end 144 of the actuator assembly so as to provide a fourth joint 135 between the second tiltable part 130 and the second end 144 of the actuator assembly 140 with a fourth rotation axis R4, that is parallel with the first rotation axis R1. The fourth rotation axis R4 is located at a distance from the second rotation axis R2. A greater distance yields a greater torque about the second rotation axis R2. In some examples, thanks to the distance , a rotation about the second rotation axis R2 is achieved when the motorized actuator assembly 140 expands in its length direction by projection of the linear actuator 145. The second tiltable part 130 is normally only lightly loaded. Thus, a relatively small torque will be sufficient to achieve the rotation about the second rotation axis R2. The fourth rotation R4 axis is located at a fixed, such as constant or the like, distance from the second rotation axis R2, independently of the inclination of the first and/or second tiltable part(s) 120, 130. The distance may be dependent on a length of the hinge arm 136. During tilting, or inclination, of the second tiltable part 130, the fourth rotation axis R4 rotates about the second rotational axis R2, e.g. while still being parallel thereto. During tilting, or inclination, of the first tiltable part 120, the fourth rotation axis R4 rotates about the first rotation axis R1, e.g. while still being parallel thereto. When the first tiltable part 120 rotates, the fourth rotation axis R4 does preferably not rotate about the second rotational axis R2.
The third rotation axis R3 is arranged to be located outside of an imaginary plane T1 formed by the first and second rotation axes R1, R2, and the fourth rotation axis R4 is arranged to be located, at least in an un-tilted position of the second tiltable part 130 in relation to the first tiltable part 120, so that a line extending from the third rotation axis R3 to the fourth rotation axis R4, and transversely to the second rotation axis R2, extends on the side of the imaginary plane T1 in which the third rotation axis R3 is located, or extends so that a part of the line is on the side of the imaginary plane T1 in which the third rotation axis R3 is located and the remaining part of the line is on a side of the second rotation axis R2 which is opposite to a side of the second rotation axis R2 on which the first rotation axis R1 is located. Notably, the line begins at the third rotation axis and ends at the fourth rotation axis and thus extends between the third and fourth rotation axes.
The bed 1 of Figure 1 may comprise the furniture frame structure 100 according to any one of the examples and/or embodiments herein and the motorized actuator assembly 140, being arranged to drive tilting of the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130 of the furniture frame structure 100.
In Figure 2, the second tiltable part 130 is arranged in a first position, which may be an initial position, or the like. The initial position may, in case of the furniture frame structure 100 is provided in the bed 1 as above, imply that a main extension plane of the second tiltable part 130 is horizontal, i.e. at least when the bed is standing on horizontal floor. The second tiltable part may be in the first position in the first configuration of the bed, described above.
In Figure 3, the second tiltable part 130 is arranged in a second position, which may be assumed when the linear actuator 145 has been extended by the electrical motor of the motorized actuator assembly 140, whereby a distance between the first and second actuator mounts 118, 138 has been increased as compared to in Figure 2. The first tiltable part 120 remains in the same position as in Figure 2.
In Figure 4, the linear actuator 145 has been extended further as compared to in Figure 3. Rather than causing further inclination of the second tiltable part 130, the first tiltable part 120 has assumed a third position. This may happen, e.g. because the second tiltable part 130 has a maximum tilting angle, which has been reached in Figure 3.
Figure 5a through Figure 5e illustrate side views of the exemplifying embodiment of the furniture frame 100 in various configurations. In this embodiment, the second actuator mount 138 may be said to be directly and hingedly connected to the motorized actuator assembly 140.
Figure 5a illustrates, similarly to Figure 2, the furniture frame structure 100 in a first configuration. In this Figure, a first direction D1, perpendicular to the main extension plane P1, is illustrated. As an example, said at least one first joint 122, 124 and the first actuator mount 118 are spaced apart along the first direction D1 to be capable of housing the motorized actuator assembly 140. The motorized actuator assembly 140 is preferably capable of being housed between an upper limiting extension plane of the base frame 110 and a lower limiting extension plane of the base frame 110, but it is not required. Typically, the upper and lower extension planes are parallel to the main extension plane P1.
Said at least one first joint 122, 124 and the first actuator mount 118 may be spaced apart along the first direction D1 by 3-20 cm, preferably by 5-15 cm, more preferably by 7-12 cm, or by approximately 8 cm.
Moreover, said at least one first joint 122, 124 and the first actuator mount 118 are spaced apart along a second direction D2, such as the longitudinal direction. In more detail, said at least one first joint 122, 124 and the first actuator mount 118 are spaced apart in the second direction D2 by 10-45 cm, preferably by 15-40 cm, more preferably by 20-35 cm, or by approximately 25 cm. Typically, the first actuator mount 118 is associated with the third rotation axis R3 and the second actuator mount 138 is associated with the fourth rotation axis R4. This may mean that the third rotation axis R3 runs through the first actuator mount 118 and that the fourth rotation axis R4 runs through the second actuator mount 138.
Figure 5b illustrates, similarly to Figure 3, the furniture frame structure 100 in a second configuration. A second imaginary plan T2, parallel to a main extension plane of the second tiltable part 130, is positioned at angle relative to the first imaginary plane T1, due to extension of the linear actuator 145. Thanks to the hinge arm 136 rotation about the second rotation axis R2 is achieved. The longer the hinge arm 136, the less power is required to achieve the rotation.
Figure 5c illustrates, similarly to Figure 4, the furniture frame structure 100 in a third configuration. In this Figure, further extension of the linear actuator 145 has caused rotation about the first rotation axis R1. A distance from the first rotation axis R1, measured along a straight line that is perpendicular to the first rotation axis R1, to the fourth rotation axis R4 acts as a first imaginary lever arm. Again, the longer the first imaginary lever arm, the less power is required to achieve the rotation about the first rotation axis R1. A maximum Inclination of the first tiltable part may typically be more than what is shown in Figure 5c.
Figure 6a through Figure 6c illustrate another exemplifying embodiment of the furniture frame 100 in various configurations.
In this embodiment, the second end 144 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 comprises a rigid link 160, having a first link end 162 and a second link end 164. The first link end 162 is adapted to hingedly connect to the second actuator mount 138 and the second link end 164 is hingedly connected to the linear actuator 145. In this manner, the linear actuator 145 is indirectly hingedly connected to the hinge arm 136 via the rigid link 160.
With the example of Figure 6a-6c, as the first tiltable part 120 is lowered and an object is squeezed between the first tiltable part 120 and e.g. the stand base 3 of the bed 1, continued attempted lowering of the first tiltable part 120 will thanks to the rigid link 160 cause the first tiltable part 120 to stop lowered and the second tiltable part 130 will instead lower, such as decrease inclination angle. An advantage is hence that a squeeze force is reduced, at least temporarily, i.e. until the second tiltable part 130 cannot reduce inclination further.
Also, the rigid link 160 may be, when the second tiltable part 130 is rotated by means of the actuator assembly 140, substantially aligned with the linear actuator 145. More specifically, the rigid link 160 may be, when the second tiltable part 130 is rotated by means of the actuator assembly 140, substantially aligned with the linear actuator 145 the line extending from the third rotation axis R3 to the fourth rotation axis R4. In this example, the linear actuator 145 is slightly angled to said line. Nevertheless, the link allows the linear actuator 145 to extend from the third rotatable axis R3 and past the fourth rotatable axis R4. Thereby, the third rotatable axis R3 may be relatively close to the fourth rotational axis R4. Thereby, an angle between the line extending from the third rotation axis R3 to the fourth rotation axis R4, and the imaginary plane T1 formed by the first and second rotation axes R1, R2 in the un-tilted position of the first tiltable part 120, can be relatively large. This provides a relatively long moment arm for tilting the first tiltable part 120. Thereby, a relatively low force is required from the linear actuator 145.
Notably, the description concerning the first and second directions D1, D2 for Figure 5a through Figure 5c also applies to the embodiment of Figure 6a through Figure 6c. However, a distance along the second direction D2 between the first and third rotation axis R1, R3, which is the same or similar to a distance between said at least one first joint 122 and the first actuator mount 118, typically increases by an amount corresponding a length of the rigid link 160. In fact, all features described herein and the explanations provided are applicable to the two main embodiments, i.e. a first main embodiment in which the linear actuator 145 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 is directly and hingedly connected to the second actuator mount 138 and a second main embodiment in which the linear actuator 145 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 is indirectly and hingedly connected to the second actuator mount 138 via the rigid link 160.
With the embodiments herein, when the actuator assembly 140 is mounted at the first and second actuator mounts, the furniture frame structure 100 is arranged to increase inclination of the second tiltable part 130 from the first position, e.g. shown in Figure 2, to the second position, e.g. shown in Figure 3, as the actuator assembly 140 expands, while the first tiltable part 120 remains stationary. The first position may be the aforementioned un-tilted position. Moreover, the furniture frame structure 100 is arranged to increase inclination of the first tiltable part 120, e.g. with respect to the base frame 110, as the actuator assembly 140 expands further, while the second tiltable part 130 may preferably maintain its inclination with respect to the imaginary plane T1, and preferably also the first tiltable part 120.
In all embodiments herein, the motor drives tilting of both the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130, preferably in sequence as described herein. As an example, when starting from e.g. a flat configuration, the second tiltable part 130 is first inclinable due to extension of the motorized actuator assembly 140, and next as the motorized actuator assembly 140 is further extended, the first tiltable part 120 is inclinable. The flat configuration may refer to that the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130 are parallel with the main extension plane of the base frame 110.
Moreover, the first and second actuator mounts 118, 138 are arranged so that when the linear actuator 145 is extended and the second tiltable part 130 rotates initially and then, upon subsequent further extraction of the linear actuator 145, the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130 rotates. As the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130 rotates, the motorized actuator assembly 140 rotates about the third rotation axis R3, e.g. about the first actuator mount 118 connected to the first end 141 of the motorized actuator assembly 140.
With the embodiments herein, the tilting angle of at least one of the first and second tiltable parts 120, 130 increases as the actuator assembly 140 extends/expands.
With reference to the motorized actuator assembly 140 that may be employed with the embodiments herein, it may be noted that any one of the first and second ends 141, 144 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 may be hingedly connected to the first actuator mount 118 and the other one may be hingedly connected to the second actuator mount 138. It may be preferred that the one end at which the motor is located is hingedly mounted at the first actuator mount 118, but said end may also be hingedly mounted at the second actuator mount 138.
In the context of the motorized actuator assembly 140 it may be noted that length position refers to how far the linear actuator extends. As is well known, various length positions of the motorized actuator correspond to various distances between the first and second ends 141, 144 of the motorized actuator assembly 140.
In the examples of Figure 5a through Figure 5c and Figure 6a through Figure 6c, the first actuator mount 118 is located, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the base frame 110, between the first and second rotation axis R1, R2.
In some embodiments, a contour Z of the base frame 110 on a projection plane P2, being perpendicular to the first rotation axis R1, forms a z-shape. In more detail, the base frame 110 may comprise two z-shaped beams running along a respective side of the furniture frame structure 100. The z-shape is merely one way of achieving that the third and fourth rotation axes R3, R4 are arranged to be located outside of, and on the same side of, the imaginary plane T1. This may also be achieved with beams forming rectangular shapes, triangular shapes, or the like.
As an example, the motorized actuator assembly 140 is driven by an electric motor 150 arranged to drive lengthwise extension of the linear actuator 145 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 by exposing the second end 144 to a push force.
In some examples, the electric motor 150 of the motorized actuator assembly 140 is mounted at the third joint 126. In other examples, the electric motor 150 may be mounted at the fourth joint.
As used herein, the term "configuration" refers to, according to the context in which it is used, various inclinations of the first and second support sections and/or the first and second tiltable parts.
As used herein, the term "joint" refers to an articulated joint, e.g. a hinge joint that is adapted to allow tilting and/or rotation within a single plane, such as a plane that is parallel to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the main extension plane of the furniture frame structure disclosed herein.
Even though embodiments of the various aspects have been described, many different alterations, modifications and the like thereof will become apparent for those skilled in the art. The described embodiments are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Reference is made to Figure 7, showing a further embodiment of the invention. The embodiment is similar to the one described with reference to Figures 5a-5c, except for the following differences. The fourth rotation axis R4 is arranged to be located, at least in an un-tilted position of the second tiltable part 130 in relation to the first tiltable part 120, so that a line L extending from the third rotation axis R3 to the fourth rotation axis R4, and transversely to the second rotation axis R2, extends so that a part of the line L is on a side of the imaginary plane T1 on which side the third rotation axis R3 is located, and the remaining part of the line L is on a side of the second rotation axis R2 which is opposite to a side of the second rotation axis R2 on which the first rotation axis R1 is located.

Claims

A furniture frame structure (100) comprising:
a base frame (110) adapted to form a part of a piece of furniture (1),

a first tiltable part (120), hingedly connected to the base frame (110) by means of at least one first joint (122, 124) arranged for tilting of the first tiltable part (120) about a first rotation axis (R1),

a second tiltable part (130), hingedly connected to the first tiltable part (120) by means of at least one second joint (132, 134) arranged for tilting of the second tiltable part (130) about a second rotation axis (R2), which is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1),

wherein the base frame (110) comprises a first actuator mount (118) adapted to hingedly connect to a first end (141) of a motorized actuator assembly (140) comprising a linear actuator (145) so as to provide a third joint (126), between the base frame (110) and the actuator assembly (140), with a third rotation axis (R3) that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1), and

wherein the second tiltable part (130) comprises a second actuator mount (138) adapted to hingedly connect to a second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) so as to provide a fourth joint (135) between the second tiltable part (130) and the second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) with a fourth rotation axis (R4), that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1),

wherein the third rotation axis (R3) is arranged to be located outside of an imaginary plane (T1) formed by the first and second rotation axes (R1, R2), and the fourth rotation axis (R4) is arranged to be located, at least in an un-tilted position of the second tiltable part (130) in relation to the first tiltable part (120), so that a line extending from the third rotation axis (R3) to the fourth rotation axis (R4), and transversely to the second rotation axis (R2), extends on the side of the imaginary plane (T1) in which the third rotation axis (R3) is located, or extends so that a part of the line is on the side of the imaginary plane (T1) in which the third rotation axis (R3) is located and the remaining part of the line is on a side of the second rotation axis (R2) which is opposite to a side of the second rotation axis (R2) on which the first rotation axis (R1) is located.
The furniture frame structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the actuator assembly (140) is mounted at the first and second actuator mounts (118, 138), the furniture frame structure (100) is arranged to increase inclination of the second tiltable part (130) from a first position to a second position as the motorized actuator assembly (140) expands, while the first tiltable part (120) remains stationary, and
the furniture frame structure (100) is arranged to increase inclination of the first tiltable part (120) as the motorized actuator assembly (140) expands further.
The furniture frame structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first joint (122, 124) and the first actuator mount (118) are spaced apart along a first direction (D1), perpendicular to a main extension plane (P1) of the base frame (110), so that the furniture frame structure (100) is capable of housing the motorized actuator assembly (140) between an upper limiting extension plane of the base frame (110) and a lower limiting extension plane of the base frame (110), wherein the upper and lower extension planes are parallel to the main extension plane (P1).
The furniture frame structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a contour (Z) of the base frame (110) on a projection plane (P2), being perpendicular to the first rotation axis (R1), forms a z-shape.
The furniture frame structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized actuator assembly (140) is driven by an electric motor (150) arranged to drive lengthwise extension of the linear actuator (145) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) by exposing the second end (144) to a push force.
A furniture frame assembly for a piece of furniture (1), comprising the furniture frame structure (100) according to any one of claims 1-6 and a motorized actuator assembly (140) arranged to drive tilting of the first and second tiltable parts (120, 130) of the furniture frame structure (100), wherein the motorized actuator assembly (140) comprises a linear actuator (145), wherein the first actuator mount (118) of the base frame (110) is hingedly connected to a first end (141) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) so as to provide the third joint (126), between the base frame (110) and the actuator assembly (140), with the third rotation axis (R3) that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1), and wherein the second actuator mount (138) of the second tiltable part (130) is hingedly connected to a second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) so as to provide the fourth joint (135) between the second tiltable part (130) and the second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) with the fourth rotation axis (R4), that is parallel with the first rotation axis (R1).
The furniture frame assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein the second end (144) of the motorized actuator assembly (140) comprises:
a rigid link (160), having a first link end (162) and a second link end (164), wherein the first link end (162) is hingedly connected to the second actuator mount (138) and wherein the second link end (164) is hingedly connected to the linear actuator (145).