WO2016030542A1 - Agencement de support pour une cuisine réglable - Google Patents

Agencement de support pour une cuisine réglable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016030542A1
WO2016030542A1 PCT/EP2015/069871 EP2015069871W WO2016030542A1 WO 2016030542 A1 WO2016030542 A1 WO 2016030542A1 EP 2015069871 W EP2015069871 W EP 2015069871W WO 2016030542 A1 WO2016030542 A1 WO 2016030542A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support arrangement
vertical
support
linear
countertop
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/069871
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Heinrich Olavi HEER
Michael ZWIMPFER
Original Assignee
Heer Heinrich Olavi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Heer Heinrich Olavi filed Critical Heer Heinrich Olavi
Publication of WO2016030542A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016030542A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B9/00—Tables with tops of variable height
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B77/00—Kitchen cabinets
    • A47B77/02—General layout, e.g. relative arrangement of compartments, working surface or surfaces, supports for apparatus
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
    • A47B2200/0035—Tables or desks with features relating to adjustability or folding
    • A47B2200/005—Leg adjustment
    • A47B2200/0056—Leg adjustment with a motor, e.g. an electric motor
    • A47B2200/0058—Leg adjustment with a motor, e.g. an electric motor with synchronized motors

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed to a support arrangement for adjusting the working height of a countertop, as well to an adjustable kitchen using such a support arrangement and an adjustable workbench using such a support arrangement.
  • US774371 6 was filed on 20 June 2006 on behalf of Eric S. Burka and is directed to an adjustable height counter top system.
  • the document describes a device with an elevator unit that has left and right hand elevator assemblies which are connected by a common drive shaft that is connected to an electric motor.
  • the system shown comprises a base cabinet which houses the elevator unit.
  • the elevator unit further comprises a top frame and a bottom frame.
  • the bottom frame comprises T-slotted vertical side rails.
  • the top frame slides vertically along the bottom frame on rollers received in the T-slots of the bottom frame's side rails.
  • the right and left elevator assemblies are joined by a rear counter top brace.
  • US461 6887 was filed on 23 April 1 984 on behalf of Dirk J. Oudman and shows an adjustable work top attachable to a wall.
  • the system shown includes at least one means for vertically adjusting said work top that is provided with a horizontally extending carrier arm for carrying said work top.
  • the publication further shows a safety arrangement using a light source or infrared source and a photo ⁇ sensitive or infrared-sensitive cell, which in case of an interruption of the light beam causes the system's motor to be switched off at least during a downward movement of the work top.
  • EP1 077624 was filed on 1 4 March 2000 on behalf of Juha Lehto and shows a support framework for adjustment in height and depth of upper and lower cabi ⁇ nets and a worktop in kitchen furniture.
  • the document discloses a first and a second support framework.
  • the first support framework stands freely on the floor while the second support framework is vertically movable by a slide mechanism with respect to the first support framework.
  • the document further discloses that grooved pulleys, cable wires and counterweights or other means may be used in order the facilitate adjustments.
  • EP0402283 was filed on 5 June 1 990 on behalf of C.I . E. D.I. L. and shows a support means for adjustable positioning of storage volumes and other applications in horizontal or in vertical direction.
  • the document shows a fixed framework comprising two vertical tubular profiles that are interconnected by an upper und a lower horizontal brace. On each of the two vertical tubular profiles a movable element is arranged, these two movable elements being mechanically connected by a traverse.
  • An electric motor is arranged in between the two vertical tubular profiles on the upper horizontal brace and is mechanically interconnected to the traverse by means of an auger. Thus the height of the traverse can be adjusted by means of this centrally positioned motor.
  • TR201 20301 0 was filed on 1 6 March 201 2 on behalf of Bennett Yalcin and shows a device for adjusting the height of a kitchen cabinet. Therefore a movable plate is mechanically connected to a fixed plate by means of two parallel arms. According to the document the fixed plate can be attached to a wall, whereby the movable plate can be attached to a cupboard or cabinet. The position of the movable plate can be adjusted by means of a vertical actuator. Therefore a first end of the actuator is connected to the movable place while a second end is connected to one of the parallel arms.
  • the present invention relates to furniture, especially to kitchen furniture, such as countertops and cabinets that can be used by people with average, above- average and below-average body height.
  • kitchen furniture such as countertops and cabinets that can be used by people with average, above- average and below-average body height.
  • types of kitchen furniture may be used in household shared by people with average body height and shorter people, such as children or people using a wheelchair.
  • a kitchen's countertop designed for wheelchair access requires in general a lower working height than a countertop designed for people who work in an upright standing position.
  • lower cabinets may have to be omitted or to be movable in order to be able to roll a wheelchair underneath the countertop for easy access to the countertop.
  • these requirements are conflicting with the requirements other users may have in order to be able to use a kitchen in an ergonomic way. Therefore systems that allow easy adjustments in a kitchen design, in particular the working height of a countertop are needed. Such systems need to be highly versatile such that they may be adapted to virtually any kitchen design without much additional construction costs.
  • a support arrangement according to the invention can easily be adapted to the requirements imposed by a specific application.
  • the support ar ⁇ rangement is based on a relatively small number of basic components (building blocks) that can be assembled using standardized interfaces, depending on the design of a kitchen.
  • a support arrangement can be customized with a relatively low number of modular building blocks to correspond to a specific kitchen design and to a specific user's requirements.
  • Such modularity and scalability significantly reduces the production costs as well as storage costs.
  • it facilitates assembly, as virtually all interfaces between the building blocks are standardized.
  • thanks to the modular building blocks and the standardized interfaces simple replacement of defective components as well as alteration and expansion of the support arrangement become possible.
  • a support arrangement comprises a first and a second vertical support that are arranged in a mounted position at a distance with respect to each other.
  • the first vertical support comprises a first vertical column and the second vertical support comprises a second vertical column.
  • the first and the second vertical column are normally lying in a vertical plane perpendicular to the floor.
  • the first column comprises a first linear-motion actuator and the second column comprising a second linear-motion actuator.
  • the support arrangement further comprises a first and a second slidable element. The first slidable element is in a mounted position movable along the first column, while the second slidable element is in a mounted position movable along the second column.
  • the support arrangement further comprises a horizontal traverse element which comprises a first flange and a second flange.
  • a horizontal traverse element which comprises a first flange and a second flange.
  • Such a support arrangement as described above can also be referred to as a pri ⁇ mary support structure.
  • the support arrangement is not limited to a certain type of mechanism.
  • linear actuators using screw and travelling nut mechanisms or belt mechanisms or chain mechanisms or other concepts may be used.
  • first and the second linear-motion actuator are mechanically interconnected to the horizontal transverse structure. Alternatively or in addition, they may be mechanically interconnected to the first, respectively second, slidable element.
  • first and/or second linear-motion actuator may be at least partially arranged inside the first, respectively second, vertical column.
  • a relatively flat support arrangement can be obtained.
  • an encapsulation of the linear-motion actuators can be used to protect them from pollution.
  • a highly reliable support arrangement with a long service life can be obtained if the first and the second linear-motion actuator are operatively connected to each other by electrical or mechanical means in order to synchronize their motion.
  • the support arrangement may also be used in order to adjust the vertical position of upper and lower cabinets, as will be explained in further details below.
  • the upper and the lower cabinets each must not exceed specific maximum heights that are related to the room's height as well as the range of adjustable height provided by the support arrangement. If these maximum heights are exceeded, upper cabinets may collide with the ceiling when moving them upwards and/or lower cabinets may collide with the floor when moving them downwards. It turned out that for some applications good results can be achieved if the support arrangement has a range of adjustable height of about 400 mm. This range turned out to accommodate a wide range of user heights while still allowing for upper and lower cabinets of sufficient height (respectively storage capacity) .
  • the support arrangement may allow adjustments of height at a speed of 4- 1 0 mm/s. Such adjustments turned to be advantageous with respect to user safety as well as user convenience.
  • the support arrangement comprises a monitoring system that detects underload and/or overload of the first and/or second linear-motion actuator. If a countertop collides with a person or an object while moving upwards, this will typically result in an overload of the linear-motion actuator. If a countertop collides with a person or an object while moving downwards, this will typically first result in a short period of underload of the linear-motion actuator which will be followed by an overload. Hence these characteristics can be used in order to detect a majority of collisions during height adjustments and consequently initiate countermeasures. Such countermeasures may be cutting the power supply or reverse the direction of movement. Monitoring of unerload and overload can e.g.
  • a corresponding monitoring unit may be integrated in the linear-motion actuators.
  • the support arrangement may comprise a separated controller unit that monitors the linear-motion actuators with the purpose of detecting underload and/or overload.
  • first and/or the second linear-motion actuator is/are arranged at a distance from the vertical plane defined by the first and the second vertical columns. Such an arrangement can be used in order to obtain a weight-balanced construction, as will be explained in further details below.
  • first and the second vertical column may each comprise a stand that extends in horizontal direction at the bottom end of the first respectively of the second vertical column.
  • Such an embodiment can e.g. be used to obtain a freestanding support arrangement.
  • the stands may also be fastened to the floor in order to increase safety against tilting.
  • Such stands may also be used in combination with fastening the support arrangement to an adjacent wall in order to reduce the mechanical stress in the wall.
  • the horizontal traverse element has an at least partially open cross-section.
  • a support arrangement allows arranging e.g. controllers or auxiliary components, such as controllers, screens or socket-outlets inside of the horizontal traverse element. Therefore mounting points suitable to receive such components may be arranged inside of such an embodiment of a horizontal traverse element.
  • the horizontal traverse element can also be used as a storage.
  • a high increase in modularity may be obtained by means of a horizontal traverse element that is adjustable in length (horizontal direction). Therefore e.g. a first segment of the horizontal traverse element may be pushed into a second segment of the horizontal traverse element.
  • a mechanism may also be referred to as a telescoping mechanism.
  • the length of the horizontal traverse element may also be adjusted by adding or removing segments (portions) of the horizontal traverse element.
  • Such an embodiment of the invention can be used for kitchen designs with varying widths.
  • first vertical column and the second vertical column may further be interconnected by a transversal beam.
  • Such embodiments of the invention have an increased mechanical competence and e.g. may be used in order to obtain a freestanding kitchen or workbench that has to withstand extreme mechanical loading.
  • a countertop may be mounted directly at the horizontal traverse element.
  • a secondary support structure may be arranged at the horizontal traverse element in order to support the countertop.
  • Such a secondary support structures may also be arranged at the first or the second slidable element or both slidable elements.
  • a secondary support structure can also be used in order to support one cabinet or multiple cabinets or the like in a suspended or supported manner, as will be discussed in further details below.
  • the horizontal traverse element may comprise standardized fastening points that can serve as mechanical interfaces to the secondary support structure.
  • a high mechanical competence may be achieved if the secondary support structure comprises one cantilever or multiple cantilevers for supporting the countertop. If needed, the mechanical competence of a secondary support structure based on cantilevers can be further increased by interconnecting the cantilevers with beams in order to obtain a framework structure.
  • load bearing means to bear a cabinet may be arranged underneath the countertop.
  • load bearing means may be connected directly to the bottom side of the horizontal traverse element or may be arranged at cantilevers.
  • At least one of the load-bearing means comprises a linear-motion bearing that is able to move a cabinet connected to it in horizontal direction with respect to the countertop.
  • a cabinet may be moved backwards in direction of the vertical plane in order to allow a person using a wheel ⁇ chair to roll a wheelchair underneath the countertop.
  • the cabinet may be moved by means of an actuator, such as a linear-motion drive controlled by an activation means.
  • an actuator such as a linear-motion drive controlled by an activation means.
  • the lower cabinets can conveniently be moved backwards and forwards by actuation of e.g. a switch.
  • the secondary support structure may also comprise a vertical bearing means that suitable to be mechanically interconnected to a cabinet.
  • Such vertical bearing means can e.g. be used in order to connect upper cabinets to the horizontal traverse element.
  • the vertical bearing means comprises an angle bracket.
  • Such an angle bracket allows a mechanically advantageous fastening to a top face of the horizontal traverse element.
  • a cabinet may also be arranged such that part of it is lying on a top face of the horizontal traverse element and is supported directly by the horizontal traverse element.
  • the vertical bearing means may also comprise a mechanism that allows vertical and horizontal translation of a cabinet connected to it with respect to the horizontal traverse element.
  • the support arrangement comprises a controller that activates a lowering of the upper cabinets as soon as the horizontal traverse element is lifted above a certain height in order to allow for a further increase in countertop height without causing a collision between an upper cabinet and the ceiling of a room.
  • a vertical bearing means may comprise a parallelogram linkage that allows vertical and horizontal translation of a cabinet connected to it with respect to the horizontal traverse element.
  • Such a mechanism may e.g. allow persons using a wheelchair getting access to an upper cabinet of a kitchen.
  • a particularly convenient embodiment of a support arrangement can be obtained if the parallelogram linkage comprises an actuator, such as e.g. a linear-motion actuator that can be activated by e.g. a switch arranged at the countertop and which allows adjusting the position of the cabinet automatically.
  • an actuator such as e.g. a linear-motion actuator that can be activated by e.g. a switch arranged at the countertop and which allows adjusting the position of the cabinet automatically.
  • An aspect of the invention is directed to a kitchen with a support arrangement.
  • a kitchen may comprise a countertop connected and cabinets connected to the support structure.
  • a cabinet may be an upper or lower cabinet.
  • a kitchen may also comprise additional countertops or cabi- nets that are interconnected to the same support structure or to additional support structures according to the invention or may be free standing on the floor.
  • Such a kitchen will be described in further details below.
  • Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an adjustable workbench compris ⁇ ing a support arrangement as described herein.
  • Such an adjustable workbench may be a kitchen island or may be a general workbench which is not related to kitchen.
  • multiple support arrangements may be combined. For example two or more support arrangements may be lined up adjacent to each other, such as to obtain a larger countertop. Or they may be used in order to build up different kitchen layouts, such as L-shaped or U-shaped layouts, e.g. aligning multiple support arrangements perpendicular to each other.
  • a vertical column according to the invention may have a tubular profile, a rectangular profile, l-profile, T-profile or another type of profile.
  • the profile may be an elongated plate that extends in vertical direction along a wall and is fastened to said wall. Such an elongated plate may serve as a carrier for a linear- motion bearing for a slidable element.
  • the horizontal traverse element has to have a relatively high mechanical competence such that a large variety of different cabinet arrangements and countertop designs can be fastened to it.
  • Horizontal traverse elements with high strength and stiffness can be obtained if a truss, or a hollow profile, such as a C-profile is used.
  • the vertical columns as well as the horizontal traverse element and the slidable elements may be made from sheet metal, using bending in combination with welding or another type of joining process.
  • the vertical columns, horizontal traverse element and the slidable elements may be made from steel or aluminium.
  • the support arrangement according to the invention is not limited to the use of these materials and also other materials may be used, such as wood or composite materials.
  • a support arrangement according to the invention may also comprise combinations of different materials (hybrid design) .
  • the first and the second linear-motion actuator are positioned in a plane which is parallel to the vertical plane defined by the first and the second vertical column and which goes through the centre of mass of the horizontal traverse element in combination with the components mounted on the horizontal traverse element (e.g. countertop, cabinets with a typical loading) .
  • the linear-motion actuators are positioned in order to ob ⁇ tain a weight balanced support which minimizes the loading of the first and the second column.
  • the lower cabinets may be mounted by fastening them to load bearing means arranged under the countertop.
  • the cabinets may be mounted in a suspended or supported manner.
  • a mount in a suspended manner may be advantageous as it allow easy installation of the cabinets. Therefore the cabinets are first positioned underneath the countertop. Subsequently the countertop is lowered until fastening points of the load bearing means and cabinets are in a matching position and can be interconnected. Hence the cabinets may even be mounted single-handed.
  • the support arrangement may comprise adjustable levelling feet.
  • adjustable levelling feet can be used for freestanding support arrangements as well as for support arrangement that fastened to a wall.
  • the adjustable levelling feet are designed in order to allow for a large variation in levelling.
  • One non-limiting aspect of the invention relates to a linear-motion actuator that can be used to move cabinets (e.g. lower cabinets) automatically, as will be described in further details below.
  • cabinets e.g. lower cabinets
  • linear-motion actuator may also be used for other applications.
  • Countertops and/or cabinets may be arranged on one side of the support arrangement or also on multiple sides of the support arrangement.
  • a swivel table (respectively swivelled tray) which can be tucked by swivelling and which can be stored inside of the kitchen furniture.
  • Good results may be obtained if the swivel table has a nested design where in a stored state a first table portion in the shape of a first quarter circle is nested in a second table portion in the shape of a second quarter circle, that itself is nested, such as between two cabinets.
  • Good results may be obtained if the axes of the swivel table are arranged such that in a swung out state the table does not interfere with the moveable parts of the kitchen, e.g. is spatially separated from the countertop.
  • the first and/or second table portion may be made from a heat-resistant material, such as a metal.
  • the swivel table can also be considered to be an independent inventive concept, independent of the aforementioned support arrangement or adjustable kitchen.
  • activating means for height and/or depth adjustments of a countertop and/or cabinets may be arranged at the front of a countertop.
  • Such activating means may e.g. be switches, such as rocker switches, or buttons.
  • a touch-screen arranged in the horizontal traverse element or a cabinet may be used to activate adjustments in the kitchen layout.
  • Good results may also be obtained if the adjustments can be controlled by means of a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone (e.g. type Smartphone) or a tablet computer.
  • Alternatively or in addition also other types of remote controls may be used, such as infrared light or radio remote control systems.
  • a support arrangement according to the present invention may also be used in order to obtain an adjustable countertop island, which e.g. may be part of a kitchen, an office, a workshop or a laboratory.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a support arrangement in a perspective view from above and the front;
  • Fig. 2 shows the support arrangement of Fig. 1 in a partially disassembled state for illustrative purposes
  • Fig. 3 shows detail A of Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 shows the support arrangement of Fig. 1 with a secondary support structure
  • Fig. 5 shows a support arrangement with a secondary support structure in a view from the side
  • Fig. 6 shows detail B of Fig. 5; an embodiment of a cantilever with a linear-motion actuator in a perspective view;
  • Fig. 8 the cantilever with a linear-motion actuator in a side view
  • Fig. 9 schematically shows an embodiment of a kitchen in a perspective view from above and behind; schematically shows the kitchen of Fig. 9 in a perspective view from above and the front; detail C of Fig. 1 0; shows an embodiment of a swivel table in a stored state in a perspective view from above and the front; shows the swivel table of Fig. 1 2 in a first partially extended state in a perspective view from above and the front; shows the swivel table of Fig. 1 2 in a second partially extended state in a perspective view from above and the front; shows the swivel table of Fig. 1 2 in a fully extended state in a perspective view from above and the front; shows the swivel table of Fig.
  • FIG. 1 4 with some parts removed for illustra ⁇ tive proposes in a view from the top; schematically shows a variation of a countertop island with a support structure in a perspective view from above; shows the countertop island of Fig. 1 7 in a perspective view from below; shows the countertop island of Fig. 1 7 in a contracted state from the side; shows the countertop island of Fig. 1 7 in an extended state; schematically shows a variation of a countertop island with a secondary structure, the countertop being partially clipped for illustrative purposes, in a perspective view from above; shows detail D of Fig. 2 1
  • an embodiment of a support arrangement 1 comprises a first vertical support 2 and a second vertical support 3.
  • the first vertical support 2 comprises a first vertical column 4 and a first linear- motion actuator 6 which at its top end is connected to a first slidable element 8.
  • the first vertical support 2 further comprises a stand 1 3 which is mechanically connected to the bottom end of the first vertical column 4.
  • the second vertical support 3 comprises a second vertical column 5 and a second linear-motion actuator 7 which at its top end is connected to a second slidable element 9.
  • the first 2 and the second vertical support 3 are arranged at a distance with respect to each other.
  • the first vertical column 3 and the second vertical column 4 are lying in a vertical plane 1 4, which in most applications will be substantially perpendicular to the floor.
  • the support arrangement 1 shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a horizontal traverse element 1 0 which comprises a first flange 1 1 and a second flange 1 2.
  • the embodiment of a horizontal traverse element 1 0 shown in Fig. 1 is a truss. In a mounted state as shown in Fig. 1 the first flange 1 1 is mechanically connected to the first slidable element 8, whereas the second flange 1 2 is mechanically connected to the second slidable element 9.
  • the support arrangement 1 further comprises two stands 1 3a, 1 3b arranged at the bottom ends of the vertical columns 4, 5 and in a mounted state extending in horizontal direction (y) along the floor.
  • Fig. 2 and 3 show the support arrangement of Fig. 1 in a (partially) disassembled state.
  • the first linear-motion actuator 6 may be connected to the first slidable element 8. Therefore the top end of the first linear-motion actuator 6 can be mechanically connected to the first slidable element 8 by means of a clevis mounting.
  • the support arrangement 1 may also comprise additional structural components, whereof some can be regarded as secondary support structures 1 5 which can be connected to the horizontal traverse element 1 0.
  • a first type of such a secondary support structure 1 5 is shown on the left and bottom side of Fig. 4. It is an assembly comprising four cantilevers 1 8 that are connected by a beam in order to build a framework which can be used to support a countertop 39 (not shown).
  • This secondary support structure 1 5 can be mechanically connected to the bottom side of the horizontal traverse element 1 0, as indicated by dotted arrows. Said mechanical connection may e.g. be obtained by screws, bolts or other means.
  • the first type of secondary support structure 1 5 further comprises load bearing means 1 9 which are connected by horizontal lin- ear-motion bearings 20 to the cantilevers 1 8.
  • the load bearing means 1 9 are capable to bear e.g. a lower cabinet 42 (not shown) in a suspended manner.
  • the load bearing means are beams made of aluminium.
  • a support arrangement 1 shown comprises a second type of secondary support structure 1 5 which is shown in on the right and top side of Fig. 4. This secondary support structure comprises vertical bearing means
  • the vertical bearing means 22 embodied as angle brackets and can be mounted on the top side of the horizontal traverse element 1 0, as again indicated by dotted arrows. As shown, different types of vertical bearing means 22 are possible according to the invention.
  • the two vertical bearing means 22 on the right side are fixed angle brackets which are designed to be connected to e.g. the back wall of an upper cabinet 41 (not shown) and keep said upper cabinet in place.
  • the vertical bearing means 22 on the left side are hinged bearing means that comprise a parallelogram linkage
  • the embodiment of a support arrangement 1 as shown in Fig. 4 also comprises a transversal beam 38 which mechanically connects the first 2 and second vertical support 3 in order to increase the mechanical competence of the whole structure.
  • Multiple levelling feet 1 7 are connected to the stands 1 3a, 1 3b as well as to the transversal beam 38.
  • the levelling feet allow compensating floor irregularities as well as they allow an initial adjustment of the height of the support arrangement 1 during installation.
  • the support arrangement 1 can e.g. be adapted to people with a higher than average height.
  • the support arrangement 1 shown in Fig. 4 here comprises two cable carriers 1 6 by means of which cables can be inserted into the inner space of the horizontal traverse element 1 0. Said cable carriers 1 6 protect cables during height adjustments from damage.
  • the parallelogram linkage 23 which can be seen in further details in Fig. 5 here comprises upper and lower arms 24a, 24b which connect the side mounted to the horizontal traverse element 1 0 to the side that may be fastened to an upper cabinet 41 (not shown). Between the lower arm 24b and the horizontal traverse element 1 0 and actuator 25 can be arranged in order to move this arm 24b and hence move a cabinet. As indicated in Fig. 5 and illustrated more clearly in Fig. 6, the first 6 and the second linear-motion actuator 7 may be mounted in a predefined shift s from the vertical plane 1 4. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 part of the first slidable element 8 was removed for illustrative purposes in order to make the clevis mounting visible.
  • the support arrangement 1 allows a weight-balanced support and thus reduction of internal bending moments.
  • the shift s may therefore be determined on the design of the support arrangement 1 as well as of the countertop and/or cabinets to be installed on the support arrangement 1 .
  • Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a mechanism for adjusting a lower cabinet 42 in horizontal direction.
  • Such a mechanism may be arranged at a cantilever 1 8. It comprises a linear-motion bearing 20 that connects the cantilever 1 8 with a load bearing means 1 9 that is formed as a beam. On the bottom side of the load bearing means 1 9, screws are arranged as connection means 37 are arranged in order to receive e.g. a lower cabinet.
  • the linear-motion bearing 20 comprises a horizontal rod 33 which is fixed with respect to the cantilever 1 8. It further comprises two sliding means that can move along the rod in horizontal direction and which are connected to the load bearing means 1 9.
  • the load bearing means 1 9 is con ⁇ nected to a toothed belt 32 that is driven by a pulley arrangement 30, comprising three pulleys.
  • the pulley arrangement 30 is mounted in a cage 3 1 which cage is mounted at the cantilever 1 8. Please note that in Fig. 8 the cage 3 1 was removed for illustrative purposes.
  • the pulley arrangement 30 is driven by a motor 35 and a gear unit 36 arranged on the cage 3 1 .
  • an embodiment of a kitchen 40 may comprise a multiple upper 41 and lower 42 cabinets mounted at the support arrangement 1 . It may also comprise additional components such as cabinet towers that are not adjustable in height. As is also shown in Fig. 9, the kitchen 40 may comprise an extended flexible waste pipe 47 which ensures proper drain regardless of the height of the countertop.
  • a controller 43 of the support arrangement 1 may be arranged in an upper cabinet 41 .
  • the controller 43 is arranged in the same cabinet 41 as the extractor hood. However it may also be arranged inside of the horizontal traverse element 1 0, in a lower cabinet 42 or anywhere else.
  • activators 45 for adjustments in height and depth of the countertop 39 and cabinets 41 , 42 may be arranged. Alternatively or in addition also other activators may be arranged.
  • a display 44 can be arranged in order to provide a user with information or for entertainment purposes.
  • a swivel table 48 is arranged in the left cabinet tower just below the oven 46.
  • This swivel table 48 can be used as a shelf when taking something out of the oven 46.
  • the swivel table 48 as shown comprises an outer 49 and an inner tray 50. It is designed such that in a fully extended state it does neither interfere with the countertop 39 nor with a lower cabinet 42, which is important in order to avoid damage during height adjustments of the countertop 39.
  • the swivel table 48 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 1 2 to 16.
  • Fig. 12 shows the swivel table 48 in a stored state.
  • the swivel table 48 comprises two trays that can be rotated around a vertical swivel axis 5 1 in order to extend the swivel table 48. Extending (indicated by the dotted arrow), respectively opening the swivel table 48 will first result in the outer tray 49 extending, the inner tray 50 still being stored inside of the outer tray 49.
  • the outer tray will typically be made from a metal sheet in order to resist to the hot goods taken out of the oven and put on the outer tray 49.
  • the inner tray 5 1 can be swivelled out of the outer tray 50, as shown in Fig. 1 5.
  • the inner tray 50 is designed such that in fully extended state there is still an offset d to the countertop 39 and/or lower cabinets 42 (both not shown) .
  • the swivel table 48 does not interfere with the countertop 39 or lower cabinets 42 during height adjustments.
  • the top plate of the housing and the top face of the outer tray 49 have been removed for illustrative purposes in order to reveal the inner layout of the swivel table.
  • both inner 50 and outer 49 tray rotate around the same vertical axis 5 1 .
  • the inner tray is mounted on a swivel beam 53.
  • a plain bearing is arranged on the top and bottom face of the inner tray 50.
  • a support arrangement 1 may also be used in order to obtain an adjustable countertop island 60, which e.g. may be part of a kitchen, an office, a workshop or a laboratory.
  • the countertop island 60 comprises a countertop 39 which is interconnected with the support arrangement 1 .
  • the countertop 39 is arranged on the horizontal traverse element 1 0, as well as on the first and second slidable elements 8, 9.
  • the stands 1 3a, 1 3b of the first and second vertical supports 2, 3 are arranged at the bottom ends of the first, respectively second vertical columns 4, 5 and protrude horizontally in two directions ( negative and positive y-direction).
  • the invention is not limited to such stands 1 3a, 1 3b, and a stand may e.g. also only protrude in one direction.
  • first and second vertical columns 4, 5 of the variation of a support arrange- ment 1 shown are open profiles, respectively both have a C-shaped cross-section, defining a semi-open inner space, where a first and second linear-motion actuator 6 (the second linear-motion actuator not visible in the Figures) are arranged. Due to the open profiles, easy access to the linear-motion actuators 6 can be obtained.
  • First and/or second vertical columns 4, 5 may also be used in support ar- rangements 1 used for other applications, such as e.g. for adjustable kitchens. By varying the length of the first and second linear-motion actuators 6, 7 the height of the countertop 39 can be adjusted, as indicated by the dotted arrow.
  • a countertop island 60 in which additional secondary sup- port structures are arranged at the horizontal traverse element 1 0 in order to e.g. attach load bearing means to which lower cabinets may be fastened, as explained above.
  • Such lower cabinets may also be movable in horizontal direction with respect to the countertop, as described in further detail above.
  • a lower cabinet may be moved (respectively switched) from one end/edge of the countertop to a diametrically opposite end/edge, hence allowing easy access to the cabinet from different sides of the countertop island.
  • Such a variation may also be used for other applications, such as for kitchens.
  • a cabinet may have multiple doors arranged at different outer faces.
  • the horizontal transversal element may have a particularly small dimension in vertical direction (z-direction) in order to facilitated movements of lower cabinets within a horizontal plane.
  • a support arrangement 1 does also allow easy adaptation to specific needs. As such, different types of secondary structures may be easily added to a countertop island 60.
  • an overshelf is arranged on the countertop 39. Due to the standardized fastening points 62 arranged at the horizontal transversal element 1 0 and/or the first and/or second slidable elements 8, 9 even relatively heavy modules - such as e.g. the overshelf 61 shown - may be added to a countertop island 60 (or other apparatus comprising a support arrangement according to the invention) without compromising the mechanical competence of the countertop 39.
  • the predefined standardized fastening points 62 make easy modification and/or retrofitting of a countertop island 60 (or other apparatus) possible.

Landscapes

  • Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un agencement de support (1) permettant de régler la hauteur de travail d'un plan de travail (39) par rapport au sol comprenant des premier et second supports verticaux (2, 3) agencés dans une position montée à une certaine distance l'un de l'autre, le premier support vertical (2) comprenant une première colonne verticale (4) et le second support vertical (3) comprenant une seconde colonne verticale (5), les première et seconde colonnes verticales (4, 5) reposant dans un plan vertical (14) et le premier support vertical (2) comprenant un premier actionneur à mouvement linéaire (6) et le second support vertical (3) comprenant un second actionneur à mouvement linéaire (7). L'agencement de support (1) comprend en outre des premier et second éléments coulissants (8, 9), le premier élément coulissant (8) dans une position montée étant mobile le long de la première colonne verticale (4) et le second élément coulissant (9) dans une position montée étant mobile le long de la seconde colonne verticale (5). L'agencement de support (1) comprend en outre un élément transversal horizontal (10), l'élément transversal horizontal (10) comprenant une première bride (11) et une seconde bride (12), et lorsqu'elle se trouve dans une position montée, la première bride (11) étant mécaniquement raccordée mutuellement au premier élément coulissant (8) et la seconde bride (12) étant mécaniquement raccordée mutuellement au second élément coulissant (9).
PCT/EP2015/069871 2014-08-29 2015-08-31 Agencement de support pour une cuisine réglable WO2016030542A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH13102014 2014-08-29
CH01310/14 2014-08-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016030542A1 true WO2016030542A1 (fr) 2016-03-03

Family

ID=54064316

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2015/069871 WO2016030542A1 (fr) 2014-08-29 2015-08-31 Agencement de support pour une cuisine réglable

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2016030542A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10159336B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2018-12-25 Varidesk, Llc Electrically-lifted computer desk and office desk thereof
US11019920B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2021-06-01 Varidesk, Llc Electrically-lifted computer desk and office desk thereof

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005102105A1 (fr) * 2004-04-22 2005-11-03 Ropox A/S Ensemble de cadre de support de charge telescopique
US20070236114A1 (en) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-11 Enrique Fuentes Vertical and articulated system to move furniture

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005102105A1 (fr) * 2004-04-22 2005-11-03 Ropox A/S Ensemble de cadre de support de charge telescopique
US20070236114A1 (en) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-11 Enrique Fuentes Vertical and articulated system to move furniture

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10159336B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2018-12-25 Varidesk, Llc Electrically-lifted computer desk and office desk thereof
US11019920B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2021-06-01 Varidesk, Llc Electrically-lifted computer desk and office desk thereof

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