NL2002882C2

NL2002882C2 - Device for suspension of substantially vertically movable objects and automatic measurement and adjustment system therefore.

Info

Publication number: NL2002882C2
Application number: NL2002882A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Wouter Dirk Dorsser; Rogier Barents; Boudewijn Martin Wisse; Andreas Petronella Maria Stijns; Robert Luimers
Original assignee: Thomas Regout Internat B V; Intespring Holding B V
Priority date: 2009-05-13
Filing date: 2009-05-13
Publication date: 2010-11-18
Also published as: WO2010131969A1

Description

P88196NL00

Title: Device for suspension of substantially vertically movable objects and automatic measurement and adjustment system therefore.

The invention relates to a device for suspension of substantially vertically movable objects. The invention moreover relates to a method for substantially vertically movably suspending objects.

W00244609A1 discloses stands for computer monitors, comprising 5 a base for support on a work surface and a suspension frame, vertically movable relative to the base. A computer monitor can be mounted on the suspension frame. This stand is designed for height adjustably positioning of a computer monitor. Similar devices have been designed for other objects such as television screens and black boards. In the stand of W00244609A1 a 10 balancing mechanism is provided for balancing the weight of the monitor and suspension frame, independent of the relative position of the suspension stand in the base. Balancing has to be understood in this respect as at least meaning that the weight of the monitor and suspension frame are compensated, in this case by a spring system, such that the monitor will 15 stay in any height position relative to the base, without the necessity of locking means or the like, and that therefore very little force has to be applied to the monitor to adjust the height thereof. In the system of WO 02/44609A1 friction is used to provide for a stable position of the monitor relative to the base. The force needed to reposition the monitor 20 should overcome this friction, which means that still some effort is needed.

The firm Intespring BV, Delft, The Netherlands, has developed a device for suspension of substantially vertically movable objects, marketed under the name Balancebox (www .intespring.nl). Patents have been applied for this device. In this device a base frame is mounted to a wall or ceiling, 25 whereas a suspension frame is mounted to the base frame, such that the suspension frame can be moved in vertical direction relative to the base 2 frame. An object in the shape of a microwave oven has been mounted on the suspension frame. Again a spring operated balancing system has been provided for balancing the weight of the suspension frame and the object supported by the suspension frame.

5 In W02007035096A2 a balancing system is described for balancing the weight of an object when vertically moved relative to a base. In this device a spring is provided for balancing the system, which spring can move such that the potential energy of the system is maintained during vertical displacement of an object supported by the device. Non pre-published Dutch 10 application NL 2001125 describes a similar linear balancing system.

These known devices have the advantage that they are relatively easy to manufacture and use, wherein especially vertical displacement of objects can be done with very little to almost no force, without the necessity of powered movement of the object. A disadvantage of these devices is that 15 they have to be designed or set for a specific weight of the object to be suspended. Weight changes by varying loads can not be automatically balanced by these devices. Adjustment is cumbersome and time consuming.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an alternative device and method for suspending objects movable in a direction comprising 20 at least a vertical component.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and method for suspending movable objects of which the load can be varied, wherein a balancing can be maintained at least substantially.

These and/or other objects can be achieved with a device and 25 method of the present disclosure.

In a first aspect a device according to the present disclosure can be characterized by a base frame and a suspension frame, wherein at least one guide is provided between the base frame and the suspension frame. A balancing system can be provided acting on the base frame and the 30 suspension frame. A first sensor is provided for sensing weight change on 3 the suspension frame, and a compensation device is provided for changing a force exerted by the balancing system on the base frame and/or the suspension frame, compensating at least partly for the weight change.

In a second aspect a method according to the description can be 5 characterized by the steps of: mounting a base frame in a fixed position on a surface or frame; mounting a suspension frame on the base frame, such that the suspension frame is movable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the base frame; 10 - balancing the suspension frame relative to the base frame by setting at least one balancing system; detecting change of a load on or in the suspension frame; and compensating said balancing system at least partly for a detected change.

15 For a better understanding of the present disclosure embodiments of a device and method shall be described, with reference to the drawings. These drawings are schematically only and should not be construed as limiting the claimed invention in any way. The drawings show in:

Fig. 1 schematically in side view a storage device suspended from a 20 device according to the disclosure, partially broken away;

Fig. 2 schematically in frontal view, side view and top view a device according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 schematically an embodiment of a balancing system of the present disclosure; 25 Fig. 3A a cross section along the line IIIA-IIIA in fig. 3;

Fig. 4 schematically in frontal view with partly taken away frame part of a device according to the disclosure, showing a brake, in a first embodiment; 4

Fig. 5A - C schematically in frontal view with partly taken away frame part of a device according to the disclosure, showing a brake, in a second, third and fourth embodiment;

Fig. 6 schematically part of the suspension frame comprising a 5 sensor;

Fig. 7 an alternative balancing system for a device according to the present disclosure; and

Fig. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a device according to the present description.

10 In this description the same or similar elements or features may be indicated by the same or similar reference signs. The embodiments shown or described are disclosed as exemplary only and should by no means be understood as limiting the scope of protection sought in any way. Many variations, including combinations of embodiments or parts thereof, are 15 possible within this scope and should be understood as having been disclosed herein too.

In this description substantially has to be understood as at least including deviations from any value, dimension or shape it refers to within at least a range of 10% or less, more specifically deviations at least in a 20 range of about 5%. With respect to substantially vertical this has to be understood as including angles relative to a vertical direction which are such that the force of gravity working on the suspension frame, either directly or by an object carried on said suspension frame, will force the suspension frame down along the guide and/or the base frame, which force 25 of gravity is compensated at least partly and preferably substantially entirely by the balancing system. Preferably the angle is within -15 and 15 degrees from vertical, more preferably between -10 and 10 degrees, even more preferably between -5 and 5 degrees although the angle can be larger. A direction of movement comprising at least a substantially component 30 should thus be understood as including at least non-horizontal direction of 5 movement. In this description as a storage device a cupboard such as a kitchen cabinet will be described and disclosed. However, the storage device can be any other storage device suitable for suspension for vertical movement, such as but not limited to other cupboards, electrical or 5 mechanical appliances such as but not limited to kitchen, bathroom, shower or tanning appliances, shelving, book cases and other such devices. In stead of a storage device another device can be carried on the suspension frame or be part thereof, able to bear a changeable weight.

In this description a balancing system will inter alia be described. 10 This is preferably though not limited to a linear balancing system.

Fig. 1 shows schematically in side view a suspension device 1 suspending a storage device 2 from a wall 3. The wall 3 extends substantially vertically and can for example be a wall of a room, inside or outside, and can be made of any suitable material. In stead of a wall 3 any 15 other artifact or natural surface or construction could be used, such as but not limited to a frame, fence, ceiling or floor could be used. The device 1 comprises a base frame 4, which can also be referred to as a wall frame, and a suspension frame 5. The base frame 4 is mounted by any suitable means on the wall 3, for example by screws or bolts. The suspension frame 5 20 mounted on the base frame 4 such that it is movable along the base frame 4, in a direction V. The direction V can be substantially vertical, can be substantially parallel to the wall and can be substantially parallel to a frontal surface 6 of the base frame 4. A force of gravity G will act on the storage device 2 and the suspension frame 5, which will try to force the 25 storage device 2 down. In the suspension device 1 a balancing system 7 is provided, of which embodiments will be discussed hereafter, countering the force of gravity G at least substantially, such that the storage device and suspension frame will stay in any position relative to the base frame 4 when no external force F is applied upward, indicated by arrow Fu, or downward 30 direction, indicated by arrow Fd. The external force can be provided by a 6 person pushing the storage device 2 up or down, or by adding to or taking away weight from the storage device 2, for example by adding or removing items to or from it.

The balancing system 7 is laid out to balance the weight, such that 5 the force F to move the device deliberately up or down by a person, for adjusting the height, is preferably as low as possible, for example a few Newton. This means that any weight added or removed from the storage device 2 would mean that the balancing system 7 would be under or over dimensioned, in the sense that when weight is removed the balancing 10 system 7 would move the storage device upward, whereas when weight is added to the device, gravity force G would pull the storage device 2 downward, against the counter action of the balancing system 7. To counter these effects in the present suspension device 1 a compensation device 8 is provided, which can adjust the balancing system 7 based on at least weight 15 change of the storage device 2, whereas it will allow the storage device 2 still to be moved up and down with relatively low forces Fu, F,i. To this end at least a first sensor 9 is provided in, on or near the suspension device 1 and/or the storage device 2, for sensing directly or indirectly weight changes of the storage device 2 and/or the suspension frame 5, and a control 10 to 20 control the compensation device 8.

In fig. 2 schematically an embodiment of a suspension device 1 is shown. This comprises a balancing system 7, for example as shown schematically in fig. 3. The suspension device comprises the base frame 4 and the suspension frame 5. The base frame 4 can be substantially window 25 shaped, having two uprights 11,12 and two horizontal connectors 13,14.

The sides 15 of the uprights 11,12 facing away from each other or side surfaces thereof can form first guide paths. The suspension frame 5 can also be substantially window shaped, having second uprights 16,17 and horizontal connectors 18, 19. The inner surfaces 20 of the uprights, facing 30 each other or side surfaces thereof can form second guide paths. Bearings B

7 such as for example but not limited to ball bearings, slide bearings or wheels can be provided between the first and second guide paths, forming guides M for allowing linear movement of the suspension frame 5 relative to the base frame 4, as discussed here above.

5 In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, two plates 21 are mounted to the front and back of the uprights 11, 12, providing a space 22 between the plates 21 and uprights 11,12, open to the lower side of the base frame 4.

The balancing system 7 extends through at least part of this space 22. However, this could be construed in different manners which would be 10 directly clear to a skilled person.

Fig. 3 and 3A schematically shows an embodiment of a balancing system 7. This balancing system 7 comprises a first set of springs 23 and a second set of springs 24. In the drawings the springs have been shown in outline only, as cylinders. The springs can be linear springs, such as but not 15 limited to single or double wire coiled springs. In this embodiment each set 23, 24 comprises two parallel springs 23A, 23B and 24A, 24B respectively, for symmetry purposes and for the sake of providing sufficient force within a compact space. However, different numbers of springs could be used in either set 23, 24, for example only one or more than two, whereas the 20 number of springs could differ for the different sets 23, 24.

The first ends 25 of the springs 23A, B of the first set 23 are connected to the upper connector 13, for example near a middle part thereof, whereas the opposite second ends 26 of the springs 23A, B are connected to a first cross beam 27. The first ends 28 of the springs 24A, B of the second 25 set 24 are also connected near the upper connector 13 of the base frame, for example near opposite ends thereof, preferably in a manner as will be explained hereafter, whereas the opposite second ends 29 of the springs 24A, B are connected to the lower connector 19 of the suspension frame 5. A compensator 31 is provided, which comprises a parallelogram 32 of two sets 30 of two bars 33A, B and 34A, B respectively. The bars 33A, B are pivotably 8 connected to each other in a first pivot point 35 which is connected to the first cross beam 27. The bars 34A, B are pivotably connected to each other in a second pivot point 36. The bar 33A is pivotably connected to the bar 34A in a third pivot point 37, the bar 33B is pivotably connected to the bar 34B in a 5 fourth pivot point 38. At each of the third and fourth pivot points 37, 38 a guide element 39 is provided, for example a bearing, a guide block, a wheel or the like. Each guide element 39 is pressed against a guide surface 40, such as a track, which can have a bent shape as shown in fig. 3, with the apex 30 facing each other. The tracks are connected to the base frame 4, in 10 this embodiment in a fixed position, and in this embodiment the tracks have a fixed shape. The first cross beam 27 is connected to the lower first pivot point 35, such that the springs 23A, 23B can exert a pulling force on the first pivot point 35 in the direction of the base frame 4, especially the upper connector 13 thereof.

15 The suspension frame 5 is provided with at least one connecting

rod 41, which extends between and is connected to the lower connector 19 of the suspension frame 5 and the upper, second pivot point 36 of the compensator 31, extending through an opening 27A in the cross beam 27. In an alternative embodiment the crossbeam 27 can extend between two or 20 more connecting rods 41 or through a longitudinal opening in the rod 41. In the embodiment shown the crossbeam 27 is formed by a plate extending between the arms 33, through which an axis of the pivot point 35 extends and to which the springs 23 are connected. Upon movement up or down of the suspension frame 5 relative to the base frame 4 therefore the 25 compensator 31 will move too, in the same direction. The second pivot point 36 will move at the same rate as the suspension frame 4, over the same distance. Since the guide elements 39 will be forced along the guide surfaces or tracks 40, they will be moved towards or away from each other, depending on their position relative to the guide surfaces 40. This results in 30 an alteration in the shape of the parallelogram, meaning that the distance D

9 between the first and second pivot point 35, 36 will be altered and thus the rate and distance of movement of the first pivot point 35 will differ from that of the second pivot point 36 and thus of the suspension frame 5. The springs 23A, B of the first set 23 will force the guide elements 39 outward, 5 against the surface or tracks 40. During movement of the suspension frame 5 relative to the base frame 4 the change in length of the springs 23A, B of the first set 23 will not be linear and/or not be directly proportional to the movement. The shape and dimensions of the parallelogram of the compensator 31 and the surfaces or tracks 40 can be designed such that the 10 length of the springs of the two sets 23, 24 is in each position of the suspension frame 5 in accordance with the force needed to be exerted by the springs in that position, based on at least the spring characteristics of the respective springs, for balancing purposes.

As indicated above, a balancing system 7 will be designed for a 15 specific load and thus force F as a result of gravity G working on the suspension frame 5. A change in this load will lead to unbalance and thus movement of the suspension frame 5 and thus of the storage device 2 if no counter action is taken. As indicated in the present invention a compensation device 8 has been provided to counteract this effect.

20 In a simple embodiment the storage device 2 can be provided with a first sensor 9 mounted under a storage surface 50 of the storage device 2. The sensor 9 can be a weight sensor or can comprise such weight sensor for weighing a load on the storage surface 50 or for sensing changes in such weight. The sensor 9 is connected to the control 10. The compensation device 25 8 can further, as shown in fig. 3, comprise a winch 51, for example mounted on the base frame 4 and at least one cable 52 connected between the winch 51 and an end 28 of one or more of the springs 23, 24, preferably the springs 24. Upon a weight change, sensed by the sensor 9, the control 10 will activate the winch 51 in order to wind the cable 52 up or release some of the 30 cable 52, thereby respectively lengthening or shortening the spring 24 10 connected to the cable 52. This means that the force exerted by the or each relevant spring or sets of springs 23, 24 will be altered in proportion to the weight change. The sensor 9 could also be placed in other positions, one of which is schematically indicated also in fig. 1, in the base frame 4. As 5 described hereafter in stead of cables other means can be used for adjusting the springs or otherwise compensating weight changes, such as, but not limited to, motors, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or slides.

In all embodiments a brake 53 can be provided for fixating the suspension frame 5 in a stationary position relative to the base frame 4, at 10 least during weight changes such as for example shown in figures 2-5. An operating element 54 can be provided for activating and/or deactivating the brake 53. The operating element can be operated by a user, such as but not limited to a hand or foot operated switch, a proximity switch, or push or pull button or a lever. In another embodiment the operating element can be or 15 comprise a second sensor 55, which can for example be one of a movement sensor, a contact sensor such as operable by a knob or handle, an approach sensor, acoustic or optical sensor or a combination thereof. Other sensors can be possible. By way of example a movement sensor 55 is shown in fig. 1, connected to a door 56 of the storage device 2. Upon opening of the door 56, 20 the movement sensor 55 will sense the movement of the door and activate the brake. Upon closure of the door 56 the sensor 55 will deactivate the brake 53 and allow movement of the storage device 2 again. In a comparable manner such second sensor 55 could be used with for example but not limited to drawers or lids. Also the first sensor 9 as disclosed in fig. 1 could 25 be used for activating the brake 53, as soon as a weight change is detected, wherein for example a timer can be provided which will for example keep the brake 53 activated for a predetermined length of time or until no further weight change is detected within a certain time frame. This can be controlled by the control 10.

11

In all embodiments comprising one or more brakes 53 it can be advantageous to couple the brake 53 to one part of the base frame 4 and suspension frame 5, acting on the other of the two frames 4, 5, wherein the coupling to the relevant frame 4, 5 allows some movement relative to the 5 frame 4, 5, especially in up and down direction, especially when gripping the other frame 4, 5. The brake can be suspended from one of the base frame 4 and the suspension frame 5 by suspension means allowing relative movement of the brake 53 and the other of the base frame 4 and the suspension frame 5, which relative movement is small compared to the 10 freedom to move of the suspension frame 4 relative to the base frame 5. The relative movement can for example be less than one or two centimeters or even less than 5 millimeters, whereas the freedom to move T vertically of the suspension frame 5 relative to the base frame 4 can for example be several decimeters to over a meter. This relative movement can be achieved 15 with the entire brake 53 but can also be achieved with for example movement of brake shoes 56 within the brake 53 or movement of part of the suspension frame 5 relative to the further suspension frame 5, if the brake 53 is mounted on the base frame 4 , or movement of part of the base frame 4 relative to the further base frame 4, if the brake 53 is mounted on the 20 suspension frame 5.

In fig. 2 and 3 an embodiment is shown in which two cables 52 are connected with one end to the upper ends 28 of the springs 24A, B of the second set 24. The other ends are wound around a winch 51, for example a double working winch 51, preferably electrically operated. A first sensor 9 is 25 provided near the brake 53. In fig. 4 an embodiment of a brake 53 is shown, supported on the lower connector 14 of the base frame 4 by a third spring system 57. The brake 53 can for example have one or more brake shoes 58, which can be moved in and out of engagement with the connecting rod 41. When in engagement, the rod 41 and thus the suspension frame 5 is fixed in 30 position relative to the brake 53, whereas when they are out of engagement 12 the suspension frame 5 is free to move up and down along the base frame 4 as described. The brake 53 is preferably operated electrically. Obviously it could also be possible to interconnect the ends 28 of the springs 24 and manipulate them by a cable 52 simultaneously. In stead of cables 52 other 5 devices could be used to influence the force exerted by the springs, such as electrical motors shortening or lengthening the springs, a balloon inflated or deflated within or around the springs, gripping the spring at a height, shortening the effective length or other means known in the art.

The third spring system 57 can comprise two sets of springs 59, 10 positioned on opposite upper and lower sides of the brake 53. This means that the brake 53 can move over a relatively short distance d up and down relative to the connector 14 and thus relative to the base frame 4. When the brake 53 is activated and the load on the suspension frame 5 is balanced by the balancing system 7, the brake 53 will stay in one position, defined by the 15 springs 59, especially the characteristics of the springs 59 of the third spring system 57. Preferably the springs 59 of the third system 57 are substantially identical, such that in this situation the brake 53 is suspended in a mid position relative to an upper and lower part 14A, B of the lower connector 14 of the base frame 4, as shown in fig. 4. If the load on the suspension frame 5 20 is changed when the brake 53 is engaged, the brake 53 will be urged up or down from the mid position. A first sensor 9 is positioned near the brake 53, detecting this movement of the brake 53 relative to the base frame 4 and providing a signal to the control 10. If weight has been added to the storage device 2 the suspension frame 5 will want to go down and the brake 53 will 25 thus be pushed down against the lower set of springs 59 of the third spring system 57. This relative movement will be sensed by the sensor 9, which will activate the control 10. The control 10 will then activate the winch 51 to wind some cable 52, so as to stretch the springs 24A, B of the second set 24, further tensioning these springs 24A, B, which springs 24A, B will then 30 compensate for the added weight, rebalancing the balance system 7. If on 13 the contrary weight has been removed from the storage device 2, the control 10 will activate the winch 51 to unroll some cable 52, shortening the springs 24A, B of the second set 24 and thus compensating for the lowering of the load exerted on the suspension frame 5 and rebalancing the balancing 5 system 7.

In the embodiment of fig. 4 the sensor 9 can be a Hall sensor or similar magnetic sensor. The sensor 9 will sense a change in the magnetic field as a result of the movement of the brake 53 relative to the sensor 9.

The brake 53 can have a metallic housing or metallic parts. Adjustment of 10 the balancing system 7 will bring the brake 53 back to the mid position and the sensor 9 will sense again the magnetic field value indicative for this mid position.

In the embodiment of fig. 5A the sensor 9 is a capacity sensor. In this embodiment one side 61 of a capacitor 60 is mounted on or coupled to 15 the brake 53, whereas the other side 62 of the capacitor 60 is mounted on the frame part 14A. A displacement of the brake 53 will be sensed by the capacitor 60 by change of the capacity of the capacitor 60 when a current is lead through the capacitor. Adjustment of the balancing system 7 will bring the brake 53 back to the mid position and the sensor 9 will sense again the 20 capacity value indicative for this mid position.

In the embodiment of fig. 5B the sensor 9 comprises one or more load cells 63, in this embodiment enclosed between the brake 53 and a frame part 14A, B. A movement of the brake 53 relative to the frame part 14A, B will lead to a load change on the load cells 63. Adjustment of the balancing 25 system 7 will bring the brake 53 back to the mid position and the sensor will sense again the load value indicative for this mid position. This load value can for example be zero when balanced.

In the embodiment of fig. 5C the sensor 9 can be an electrical sensor such as a potentiometer 64. A wheel 65 connected to the shaft of the 30 potentiometer 64 can be positioned against the brake 53, such that upon 14 relative movement of the brake 53 the wheel 65 will rotate and the potentiometer will sense a change in resistance, indicative for the displacement. Adjustment of the balancing system 7 will bring the brake 53 back to the mid position and the sensor will sense again the resistance value 5 indicative for this mid position.

Obviously all kinds of other types of sensors 9 can be used for assessment of relative movement of the brake 53 to the relevant frame part 4, 5, such as but not limited to optical, acoustical, mechanical, chemical and/or electrical sensors or combined sensors of the types described. Mid 10 position has to be understood as meaning a position indicative for the suspension frame 5 with the storage device 2 being balanced relative to the base frame 4 or having a predetermined, desired force remaining into one of the up or down direction. The latter can for example be used to let the balancing system 7 exert a force on the suspension frame when the brake 53 15 is released, to bring the suspension frame 5 into one of the upper or lower end positions, that is maximal up or maximal down. The maximum path of travel is indicated in fig. 1 by T, for this embodiment.

In the control 10 an algorithm can be provided for assessing the weight change of the storage device 2 based on a signal from the sensor 9, 20 indicative for a weight change of the storage device 2. This can be used for control of the compensation device 8. This algorithm can for example control the winch to wind up or release the amount of cable 52 suitable for compensating for the weight change. In another embodiment the process of compensating for the weight change can be an iterative process.

25 In fig. 6 part of an alternative embodiment is shown, in which the sensor 9 is positioned in the rod 41 or between the rod 41 and the suspension frame 5. When the rod 41 is engaged by the brake 53, which brake can in this embodiment be in a fixed position relative to the base frame 4, then a load change on the suspension frame 5 will be sensed by the 30 sensor 9, which can for example be a load cell 63, such as comprising one or 15 more strain gauges. This will allow amendment of the tension in the springs as discussed above, by the compensation device 8. A load cell can be understood also as a weight sensor or a weight change sensor.

Fig. 7 shows an alternative embodiment for a balancing system 7 5 with compensation means 8. In this embodiment a cable 66 carrying the load of the suspension frame 5, schematically indicated by the block 67, is lead over a wheel 68 having a snail housing type outer surface 69. An end 70 of the cable 66 is connected to a first spring 23, which is lead to the base frame 4. At the opposite side of the load 67 the cable 66 is connected with 10 the opposite end 71 to a second spring 24, which is also connected to the base frame 4. Vertical displacement of the load 66 will lead to a change of position of the cable 66 on the surface 69, changing the radius of the part of the surface 69 over which the cable is positioned, thus adjusting the change in the length of at least the first spring 23, balancing the device 1. A brake 15 53 is provided for braking the wheel 68 when a load change is made or, as discussed before, at least with a second sensor 55 an action is sensed activating the brake, such as but not limited to opening a door, lid or drawer of the storage device 2. The brake 53 can move relative to the base frame 4 over a short distance, as discussed here above. Again a sensor 9 is provided, 20 for sensing said relative movement of the brake 53, activating the control to adjust the spring length of in this embodiment the first spring 23, rebalancing the balance system 7. In this embodiment a cable 52 is connected to the spring 24 and wound around a winch 51, such that when the cable 52 is wound on the winch 51, the spring length will increase, 25 whereas when the cable 52 is unwound the spring length is decreased, adjusting the spring load.

The control 10 can comprises means for setting a pretension of the springs 23 and/or 24. This can be done once, for example during manufacturing, or can be allowed to be operated by a user, depending on his 30 desires. The pretension can for example be set such that upon release of the 16 brake in any position the balancing system will force the suspension frame to an end position, for example fully upward or fully downward, with low speed. Such pretension can for example be a few Newton. This will mean that when the storage device 2 has been used, for example by adding or 5 retracting load, and the brake is released, the storage device will slowly return to a storage position. Obviously, by setting the pretension higher, the speed of movement could be increased. The control 10 could be provided with a knob, allowing the user to choose between no pretension or a pretension by for example pressing or turning said knob. Preferably the 10 device 1 only requires energy, such as electrical energy when the brake is activated, whereas the balancing system 7 can be purely mechanical.

In an alternative embodiment a or the sensor 9 such as a weight sensor as previously described, can be mounted between the base frame 4 and the wall 3 or other surface the base frame 4 is mounted on, such that 15 weight changes of the entire device can be measured and used in the compensation device 8.

In fig. 8 an alternative embodiment of a device 1 is disclosed, wherein a storage device 2 is movably suspended by a guide M, mounted to a wall 3 by rail 78. The storage device 2 can move up and down in the 20 direction V. Distanced from the guide M, for example at an opposite side of the wall 3 as indicated in fig. 8, the balancing system 7 and/or the compensation device 8 can be provided, for example as shown in any one of figures 2 - 7. In this embodiment a cable 80 is provided between the suspension frame 5 and the storage device 2, led in this embodiment over 25 guide wheels 77 and through an opening 79 in the wall 3. In an embodiment the guide M can be embodied in different means, for example the wheels 77 when the storage device is suspended from said cable 80, for example from a ceiling, or can be formed by the guides between the suspension frame 5 and the base frame 4, if this is provided above the storage device. In another 30 embodiment the storage device could be carried on rigid or flexible posts 17 above the suspension frame 5, so that it can be pushed up by the suspension frame 5.

The invention is by no means limited to the embodiments shown and described herein. Many variations are possible within the scope of the 5 invention.

The balancing system can be designed differently, for example as described in W00244609A1 or in W02007035096, or in PCT/NL2008/050802. One or more intermediate frames could be provided, such that a larger path of travel could be obtained. Between each two 10 adjacent frames then a balancing system and/or a compensation device could be provided. In stead or augmented to amending the tension or effective length of one or more of the springs, the shape and/or relative position of the tracks 40 can be altered depending on the weight and weight changes of the suspension frame 5 and a storage device 2 coupled thereto.

15 The suspension frame can be an integral part of the storage device. In an embodiment in the device 1 can be made such that the storage device can only be opened or reached by a person for changing loads when it is in a lower end position. In such embodiment a brake would not be necessary.

The storage device can be mounted to the suspension frame in a different 20 position, for example on top of the top side or to a side thereof. A storage device can be any element or combination of elements that can support loads, such as but not limited to said chests, cupboards, drawers but also tables, chairs, reading stands, wardrobes and the like. These and many more variations, including combinations of parts of the embodiments shown 25 are considered to have been disclosed herein too.

Claims

Device (1) for suspending movable objects movable in a direction (V) comprising at least one substantially vertical component, comprising a base frame (4) and a suspension frame (5), at least one guide ( M) provided between the base frame and / or the suspension frame, a balance system (7) provided acting on the base frame and the suspension frame, wherein a first sensor (9) is provided for detecting a change in weight on the suspension frame, and a compensation device (8) is provided for changing a force exerted by the equilibrium system on the base frame and / or the suspension frame, so that at least in part the weight change is compensated.

2. Information as claimed in claim 1, wherein a brake (53) is provided between the base frame (4) and the suspension frame (5), wherein preferably a second sensor (55) is provided for activating the brake, the second sensor is preferably one of a motion sensor, a contact sensor as operable by means of a button or handle, an approximation sensor, acoustic or optical sensor or a combination thereof. 20

Device according to claim 2, wherein the brake (53) is suspended from one of the base frame (4) and the suspension frame (5) by means of suspension means that allow relative movement between the brake and the other of the base frame and the suspension frame, which relative movement is small compared to the freedom of movement of the suspension frame relative to the base frame.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first sensor (9) comprises a contactless sensor, such as a magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor, more in particular a sensor for detecting movement of the suspension frame (5) relative to the base frame (4).

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first sensor (9) comprises a contact sensor, such as a weight and / or weight change sensor, and / or a position sensor.

6. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the balance system (7) comprises at least a first spring system (23, 24), wherein the compensation device (8) comprises at least one tensioning device for adjusting the voltage of at least at least one spring (23A, 23B, 24A, 24B) of the first spring system.

Device according to claim 6, wherein the tensioning device comprises at least one winch (51) and a cable (52), which cable is connected between said at least one spring (23A, 23B, 24A, 24B) and the winch, so that the tension of the spring can be adjusted by rolling the cable on or from the winch. 20

Device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the tensioning device is connected to at least one spring, such that the tension and / or effective length of the spring can be adjusted.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compensation device (8) is electrically operated.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a control (10) is provided with which a bias for the equilibrium system (7) and / or for the compensation device (8) can be set.

11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a storage device (2) is provided on the suspension frame (5) and / or wherein the suspension frame forms part of a storage device.

12. Device as claimed in at least claim 2 and claim 11, wherein the second sensor (55) is provided on a movable cover element of the storage device (2), such as a door, cover or drawer and / or at the location of a storage platform (50) ) of the storage device.

13. Method for movably suspending objects in a direction (V) which comprises at least one substantially vertical component, comprising the steps of: - placing a base frame (4) at a fixed position on a surface or frame; - placing a suspension frame (5) on the base frame (4), such that the suspension frame is movable in a substantially vertical direction relative to the base frame; - balancing the suspension frame with respect to the base frame by adjusting at least one balance system (7); - detecting a change of a load on or in the suspension frame; and - at least partially compensating said equilibrium system for a detected change.

A method according to claim 13, wherein the suspension frame (5) is held in a measuring position or measuring position area relative to the base frame (4) during detection of the change of a load.

Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the suspension frame (5), at least during load change, is held relative to the base frame (4) by a brake (53), which brake is movably suspended from at least one of the base frame and the suspension frame, wherein movement and / or load of the brake is measured and wherein the compensation for the change is based on the movement and / or load of said brake relative to the frame part on which the brake is suspended.