WO2007101505A1

WO2007101505A1 - Table system

Info

Publication number: WO2007101505A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/000581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthias Fischer
Original assignee: Vel Vega Lda.
Priority date: 2006-01-27
Filing date: 2007-01-24
Publication date: 2007-09-13
Also published as: EP1981370A1; US20090183657A1; DE102006004176A1

Abstract

The invention presents a table system which has an axially oriented plug fastening means (3, 4) between table leg (2) and tabletop (1) and an automatic retaining device (5, 6, 7) which retains the table leg (2) after it is inserted into the tabletop (1). According to the invention, advantages such as a high degree of variability and particular convenience in terms of assembly are achieved.

Description

Description Tischsvstem

The invention relates to a table system, in particular for the conference table area. However, it can also be used accordingly in other furniture areas. In such table systems, the basic aim is to achieve variability in the construction of a table system or a single table.

For this purpose, various solutions are known. It is considered as particularly variable systems especially those with tool-free individually to be fastened table legs. Rosenthal ("Cetera", www.rosenthal.de) has one of the most advanced systems of leg tubes with attached angular extensions, which in turn are clamped by means of a manual eccentric device to various table tops Critical to this system is, however, in addition to a corresponding force in the attachment, in particular the disturbing footprint under the table tops or when storing the Tischbeineinheiten.

Another system from the company Wilkhahn ("Palette", www.wilkhahn.de) avoids the latter disadvantage by increasing the volume of the entire table leg and thus creating a broad upper plate support surface. However, this also leads to reduced legroom, a very disadvantageous situation in the office sector. In addition, here is also one eccentric locking lever used for fastening, which requires a problematic effort.

The present invention has for its object to provide a table system which avoids the disadvantages mentioned and achieved in a small footprint increased variability.

This is achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are reproduced Chen in the subclaims.

According to the invention, a table system is thus created with the following advantages:

- Setting up a table system or a single table unknown quickly and without any effort. The table legs must be introduced only slightly and a- xial to their Tischbeinlängsachse, but are nevertheless immediately completely free of play and stable attachment.

- Uncomfortably different positions of the table legs are possible. Thus, they can each be inserted under one or two plates, along, transversely or in different inclinations.

- It can be used very slim, in use and storage space-saving table legs. Especially those without disturbing upper flanges or thickening. This also has the consequence that particularly shapely designs are possible. - Assembly in solo assembly and on very uneven floors. So far, for example, carpet steps have been a major obstacle to table systems. The system according to the invention is also able to compensate for large plate inclinations without impairment.

- Constructional simplicity that leads to favorable manufacturing and robustness in use.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims as well as from the following description and the Drawings, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly referred to. Also encompassed by the invention are any technically meaningful combinations of individual features and feature sets that are not expressly described in this form.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1a and 1b: The detailed view of a table system according to the invention in front view and in plan view. A table leg (2) attached to a table top corner (1) has on its upper side an alignment bolt, in the form of a cone bolt (3). This is advantageously round, but can also be square or round with bevelled surfaces. The cone bolt (3) engages in a conical bore (4) of the table top. Here is a simplified representation shown without a later illustrated, incorporated into the table top fitting part. The cone bolt (3) and the conical bore (4) are slender, advantageously with a cone total angular range between 20 and 30 degrees. Thus, the table leg (2) can be easily inserted and aligned with only a single cone bolt (3) without play axially. Still, it can not be levered out by side force, as would be the case with a blunt cone. Down the leg is held by a retaining means (5,6,7) in the form of a locking bolt (5) with compression spring (6). Due to the slender, self-locking bevel (5a) of the locking bolt (5), which meets a corresponding recess (3a) of the cone bolt (3), the locking bolt (5) has the ability to catch the table leg without play even with only slight insertion and to hold even under heavy tensile load. In the first phase of insertion of the locking pin (5) is pushed by the main slope of the cone pin (3) to the rear. To release the table leg of the locking pin (5) with little effort by means of a handle knob (7) released backwards. As an alternative to such a locking bolt (5) also not shown here toggle lever is useful. This is then lying in the table top or standing in the table leg, and also has spring and release handle. Such a rocker arm is advantageously designed to be self-locking, by then having a retractable slope at an angle between 2 and 10 degrees.

In addition to the described plug-in fastening of the table leg (2) there is a particular partially spherical positioning element (8), which defines the table leg (2) in different radial positions on the table top (1). Avoiding so-called axial overdetermination, it drives into groove-shaped recesses (9) arranged in a star shape for plug-in fastening. An oblique arrangement of the table legs shown here is particularly advantageous in the case of individual tables or the corners of table systems in the office area.

Since the leg according to the invention does not require an upper alignment surface, it offers all formal freedom and can be aesthetically advantageous with spacers (10) form the table top and very slim. The latter then leads to high legroom and low storage space. The spacers (10) also offer the very interesting in the office area advantage to be able to introduce electrical cable systems from above into the table legs (2).

2a and 2b:

The detailed view of a table system according to the invention in front view and in plan view. Shown is a table leg (2) in a two table tops (12,13) supporting position. By means of the above-described cone pin (3) and the locking bolt (5), the table leg is axially fixed to the right table top. Now, if the second table top (13) inserted, strong skewed positions may occur especially when alone or by uneven floors. It will now the second table top (13) but not on a second cone bolt, but put on the spherical positioning element (8). This is designed in such a way that it also fits into the conical corner bore (14) of the second table top (13) and, in addition, can be hauled and held by its detent pin (15). Thus arises for this second table top while axially and fixed in height, but very advantageous pendulum compensating edition. Conversely, in order to avoid incorrect assembly, the cone-shaped bolt (3) does not fit into the grooves (9) provided above only for the positioning element (8).

Highest variability is achieved if, as shown here in each corner of the tabletop each have a single plug-in fastening and a retaining device. This allows easy access to different table leg positions, and the table top can be detached from the table leg in each case with a single handle. Not illustrated here, the system can also be reversed. For example, with appropriate bolts on the table tops and recesses on the table legs, or on the table leg itself.

Figure 3:

The top view of a table system according to the invention of two tabletops (16,17) with example only in different positions attached table legs. Longitudinal (18), transverse (19), diagonal (20) and in connecting position (21). By means of the above-described plug-and-hold system, such variable table systems can be assembled quickly and comfortably in an unsupported and unprecedented manner. Figure 4:

In front view an alternative embodiment of the invention. The cone bolt (22) is designed so slim here that it has self-locking properties. The holding device does not require a locking pin, but is formed by the cone bolt (22) itself, or his ability to hold the table leg after insertion by itself. The cone bolt here has two cone sections (22, 22a). This can generally lead to manufacturing advantages, as well as to pollution insensitivity. To release an ejector (23,24), here as an eccentric torsion pin (23) with handle (24) is formed. The eccentric portion (23a) of the torsion pin (23) rests on a step (22b) of the cone bolt to push it out by advancing the handle (24) by means of rotation of the .Torsionsbolzens (23) with large translation.

According to what has been described above, there is also a positioning element (25), which can only retract laterally into grooves (26) of the table top, or can also retract into the conical corner bore of a second table top in a self-locking manner. The positioning element (25) has a surface (25a) in the height of the eccentric portion of the ejector. It is thus designed so that it can also be taken and released by the ejector of the second table top.

Figure 5:

A sectional view of another embodiment of the invention. Here, the bore (27 a, b) of the plug-in fastening is cylindrical, which requires an increased fit accuracy for backlash. The bolt (28a, b) of the plug-in mounting forms a spherical portion (28a), which allows to arrive obliquely with the table leg (30) during insertion. The same could be achieved with a very short cylindrical bolt section. A lower bolt section (28b) then aligns the bolt axially. In addition, the bore (27a, b) has a larger first diameter (27a) and a tapered second diameter (27b). This allows shorter fitting lengths and more comfortable insertion. As a positioning element (29) which fixes the table leg (30) in the direction of rotation, the same bolt is used in a simple manner as in the plug-in fastening. In contrast to the latter, however, there is an already described groove-shaped recess (31), which avoids over-determinations. For certain designs, this design offers the advantage of being able to use the table legs in a twisted manner.

Incidentally, here a fitting part (32 a, b) is shown, which is incorporated into the table top (33) and screwed from below with her. The fitting part consists of a flat flange part (32a) and a higher socket part (32b).

Figure 6:

The perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. A table leg located shortly before insertion has at the top two identical alignment bolts designed as cone bolts (34). The table leg consists of a hollow profile (35) with upper lid (36) and lower lid (37). The conical bolts (34), the covers (36, 37) and the hollow profile clamped, are braced with each one threaded rod (38) to foot bushings (39). The foot bushes (39) can also contain feet not shown here. The cone bolts (34) have four conical bores (40) instead of one groove, in contrast to the examples presented above. These are formed for retracting the locking bolt (41) and have the advantage over a groove to allow a greater insertion or locking length and an approximate surface contact of the locking bolt (41). In addition, there is thus a radial alignment of the table leg, which is advantageous when tables are connected to each other. A particularly favorable forming the structure, the tabletop unit here consists of a thinner support plate (42) and a hollow profile frame (43,44), shown here a frame longitudinal tube (43), that on the longer side of the table top, and a frame cross tube (44). In this hollow profile frame (43,44) are structurally favorable all fasteners. The plug attachment or table leg receptacle in the frame longitudinal tube (43), and the retaining device in the transverse frame tube (44). A favorable but nevertheless very exact and robust design of the table leg receptacle consists of an inserted tapered bush (45) having the alignment bore and a simple groove (46) avoiding any axial overdetermination. It is now possible to insert the table leg in the position shown, but also to turn 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis. To connect tables, the table leg with only one cone bolt (34) is inserted into the cone socket (45), which can also take place rotated by 90 degrees. The free cone bolt (34) then waits for the next tabletop. Particularly noteworthy is that incorrect operation in this system with the two same cone bolts are almost impossible. The disadvantage appears first that, in contrast to the embodiments shown in the foregoing, this system does not allow compensating pendulum of the table tops. However, it has been found that nevertheless practical inclined positions of the plates can be compensated due to uneven floors. This is made particularly tolerant by the retaining device, in this case the locking pin (41) in the conical bores (40). Tolerant means to achieve a wide capture range, especially by a large locking length. So if a table leg (34) with a cone bolt (34) attached to the table top, and a second table top on the second cone bolt (34) is slightly obliquely, the locking pin (41) snaps the second table already, although this is not yet exactly right. Thus, the second table top is still held up in spite of their inclination. Accordingly, the retaining device then acts when inserting a table leg. She literally pulls the table leg into it with only a slight insertion Table leg in, which allows a super comfortable construction.

The bearing of the latching bolt (41) takes place in a simple and stable manner in two receiving bolts (47) located in the transverse frame tube (44). A strong, but soft compression spring (48), which is supported on the rear receiving bolt (47) and on a shoulder (41a) of the locking bolt (41), pushes it reliably over a large locking length forward. With a through a groove (49) from the frame cross-tube (44) exiting handle knob (50) the table leg is released again. An undercut (49a) in the groove allows, if desired, the retention of the locking bolt in an open position, which may be helpful in dismantling a table attachment by a single person.

Claims

1. Table system with individually on at least one table top (1) to be fastened table legs (2), characterized in that wenigs- least one table leg (2) with at least one table top (1) each connected to an axially aligning plug-in attachment (3.4) is, and that there is an automatically acting retaining means (5,6,7) which holds the table leg (2) after insertion into the plug-in fastening (3).

2. Table system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug-in attachment (3,4) has an axially acting alignment bore (4) for receiving an alignment bolt (3), and that a radially acting positioning element (8), the direction of rotation of the table leg (2). sets.

3. Table system according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug-in fastening (3, 4) has at least one at least partially conical bore (4) and an upwardly tapering alignment bolt (3), which in particular is slim, round and at least partially cone-shaped is formed, with a cone total angle between 3 and 30 degrees, preferably about 20 degrees.

4. Table system according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug-in attachment (27,28) has a cylindrical bore (27) and a Boi zen (28) with short ballistic (28a) or short cylindrical sections (28b) between them Sections forms a neck (34).

5. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the alignment bolt (3) of the plug-in attachment has a circumferential groove (3a), depressions or bores, in particular two to four conical bores (40) which conclusive retraction of a latching device (5,6,7) or ejection device (23,24) are formed.

6. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining device transversely to

Table leg extends that it has a round locking pin (5) with forward tapered, in particular self-locking cone-shaped retractable portion (5a), and a spring (6) for automatic retraction and a handle (7) directed against the spring force releasing the locking bolt ( 5).

7. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining device comprises a rocker arm, with spring for automatic retraction and handle against the spring force directed release of the rocker arm, wherein the rocker arm has a Einfahrschräge, in particular designed self-locking is.

8. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means consists in that the plug-in fastening itself is designed to be self-locking, in particular by providing a very slim cone bolt (22) with a corresponding conical bore (35 ), with a cone total angle between 2 and 25 °, in combination with an ejector (23,24).

9. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ejection device (23,24) has a transverse to the table leg torsion bolt (23) with eccentric Einschrabschnitt (23a), and a handle (24), the Torsion pin (23) for ejecting the table leg set in rotation.

10. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has on the table legs in each case at least one particular partially spherical positioning element (8), and that the positioning element (8) is formed both for retraction into the alignment hole (4), as well as for retracting into the table leg in the direction of rotation aligning recesses, in particular in a plurality of star-shaped for plug-fastening arranged grooves (9).

11. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that directly at the table top corner, in particular designed as an insert sleeve, axially acting alignment hole (4,45) is located next to at least one radially defining recess (9,46) is located, and that in each case on the table leg two in particular the same alignment bolt (34), or an alignment bolt (3) and a positioning pin (8) are located.

12. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table top unit has the following structure:

there is a support plate (42),

there is a table frame formed in particular from hollow profiles (43,44),

- In the table frame is in each case the plug-in fastening (45,46), in particular in the longitudinal tube (43),

- In the table frame is in each case the retaining means (41, 47,48,49,50), in particular in the transverse tube (44).

13. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table leg each following

Structure owns:

there is a hollow profile (35) with upper and lower covers (36, 37), - on the upper cover (36) or the alignment bolts (34) are fixed,

- The or the alignment bolts (34) are braced together with the upper cover (36) via one or more in the hollow profile (35) extending tie rods (38) with the lower lid (37).

14. Table system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining means (41, 47,48,49,50), has a large locking length up, preferably of about 5mm, and thus a tolerant capture area, which already in a state acts when the alignment bolt (34) is not yet in the axially aligned end position.