WO2019149978A1

WO2019149978A1 - Assembly having a concealable apparatus, system comprising same and method for controlling same

Info

Publication number: WO2019149978A1
Application number: PCT/ES2019/070041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henrik Bo Aage Holm Jensen
Original assignee: Albiral Display Solutions, S. L.
Priority date: 2018-01-30
Filing date: 2019-01-28
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: ES2721723B2; ES2721726A1; ES2721723A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising: a supporting structure (H) to be fixed to a face of a board (3), adjacent to a through-opening (O1); an apparatus (1) with a casing (4) designed to move between a concealment position in which same does not protrude through the through-opening (O1) and a use position in which same protrudes, and vice versa, and a flexible elongate element (2) that is accessible through an access opening (4a) of the casing (4) only in the use position; and first actuation means for moving the element (2) between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa. The invention also relates to a system that includes a board and the assembly of the invention, and to a method designed to control the operation of the assembly.

Description

SET OF OCULTABLE APPARATUS, SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES IT AND METHOD OF

SAME CONTROL

Technical sector

The present invention generally concerns, in a first aspect, a concealable apparatus assembly, which includes a concealed housing

A second aspect of the invention concerns a system that includes a board or panel and the assembly of the first aspect mounted thereon.

A third aspect of the invention concerns a method of controlling the operation of the whole of the first aspect.

Prior art

Sets of concealable devices are known, comprising the elements defined in the preamble of claim 1 of the present invention, that is:

- a support structure configured to be fixed to a hidden face of a board or panel of a certain thickness, in a region adjacent to the contour of a through opening thereof; Y

- an apparatus and a mobile support structure of the apparatus fixed in a guided manner to said support structure to move, together with the apparatus, between a certain concealed position so that, when the support structure is fixed to said hidden face of said board or panel, the apparatus does not protrude through said through opening, and a position of use determined so that the apparatus does protrude through the through opening, and vice versa.

An example of such known sets is described in the utility model ES1 158985U, of the applicant himself.

Such assemblies known in the state of the art are only valid for devices of a certain type that allow their use by a user arranged in front of the board, once they reach the determined use position, that is once they protrude through the through opening , but not for other kinds of devices that include elongated and flexible elements, such as cables, for whose use the referred position of determined use is not sufficient, because it is too far away.

It appears, therefore, necessary to offer an alternative to the state of the art that covers the gaps found therein, providing a set of concealed apparatus that allows access and use of such devices that include elongated and flexible elements, in a simple manner, as well. as well as concealment when they do not wish to use. Explanation of the invention.

To this end, a first aspect of the present invention concerns, in a manner known per se, a set of concealable apparatus, comprising:

Unlike the prior art assemblies, in the one proposed by the present invention the apparatus comprises:

- a housing configured and arranged to protrude, at least in part, by the said through opening in the determined use position, and not to protrude through the through opening in the determined concealment position, where said housing is provided with an opening of access to its interior, which in turn is accessible from a face seen from the board or panel only in the position of determined use; Y

- an elongated and flexible element, which is accessible, from a first end, through said access opening only in the determined use position.

The assembly proposed by the first aspect of the invention further comprises first drive means configured and arranged to move, in a controlled manner, said elongated and flexible element between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa.

In general, the support structure is fixed to a lower face of a horizontal board, of a table or the like, although it can also be fixed to a rear face of a vertical panel or board or with any inclination, of another type of furniture or element of enclosure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the elongated and flexible element and the first actuation means are configured and arranged so that in the retracted position the elongated and flexible element does not protrude through the access opening of the housing or only a small portion protrudes. thereof (in general, a few centimeters) that includes the first end, and so that in said extended position a larger portion (in general, tens of centimeters) of the elongated and flexible element, which includes said small portion and an adjacent portion, which protrudes through the access opening of the housing.

For an exemplary embodiment, the first drive means are fixed to the support structure and / or another support structure also configured to be fixed to the hidden face of a board or panel.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured and arranged so that in the determined concealment position a visible and flat face of the housing, or of an element attached thereto, covers at least part of the through opening of the board or panel and is flush with a flat region of a face seen from the board or panel surrounding the through opening. Thus, among other objectives, it is possible to dispense with a cover to cover the through opening, and the mechanisms associated with its movement, as well as reduce the dimensions of such opening.

The assembly proposed by the first aspect of the present invention comprises, for one embodiment, second drive means kinematically coupled to the housing to move it between the determined concealment position and the determined use position, and vice versa.

For a first implementation of said exemplary embodiment, the displacement of the housing between the determined concealment position and the determined use position, and vice versa, is a linear displacement.

For a second implementation of said exemplary embodiment, the displacement of the housing between the determined concealment position and the determined use position, and vice versa, is a rotating displacement.

Other implementations are also possible, that include displacements of the housing alternative to those of said first and second implementations, or that combine the displacements thereof, that is to say a combination of said linear and rotary displacements.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the assembly proposed by the first aspect of the present invention comprises electrical and / or electronic control means for automatic control of the second drive means.

For a variant of said exemplary embodiment, the electrical and / or electronic control means comprise at least one push-button (or equivalent actuating element) disposed on the exposed and flat face of the housing, or of said element attached thereto. , If that's the case.

According to an alternative variant, the electrical and / or electronic control means comprise at least one button with a flat and visible face which, both in the use position and in the concealment position, covers at least a part of the opening through, which is adjacent to the one that is covered by the seen and flat face of the housing, or of said element attached thereto, and is flush with said flat region of the face seen from the board or panel.

As regards the first drive means, according to an embodiment, they comprise at least one motor that has or is kinematically connected to a mobile element configured and arranged to carry out said displacements of the elongate element and flexible from retracted to extended position, and vice versa.

In general, the motor is a rotating motor and the first drive means further comprise, for an exemplary embodiment:

- a first pulley with its axis of rotation kinematically coupled to the axis of transmission of the rotating motor; Y

- a second pulley arranged with its edge facing that of said first pulley so that between both of them an adjusted pitch is defined for the elongated and flexible element that makes, when turning, the first pulley exerts a drag by friction on the elongated element and flexible to carry out said displacements thereof from the retracted to the extended position, and vice versa.

For another embodiment, the motor is a rotating motor and the first drive means further comprise:

- a first pulley with its axis of rotation kinematically coupled to the axis of transmission of the rotating motor;

- an endless drive belt;

- a driven pulley kinematically connected to said first pulley by said endless drive belt, to be rotated when the first pulley is rotated; Y

- a second pulley arranged with its edge facing that of said endless drive belt so that between both of them an adjusted pitch is defined for the elongated and flexible element that makes, when turning, the first pulley, it moves to the endless belt of traction, which in turn exerts a frictional drag on the elongated and flexible element to carry out said displacements thereof from the retracted to the extended position, and vice versa.

Advantageously, the first drive means further comprise guides configured and arranged to guide the elongated and flexible element during its movement.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first drive means further comprise an adjustment mechanism configured and arranged to automatically regulate the section of said step depending on the thickness of the elongated and flexible element, maintaining a stable pressure on the elongated and flexible element during its movement.

For an exemplary embodiment, the assembly of the first aspect of the present invention comprises a control system for automatic control of at least said motor of the first drive means.

According to an implementation of said exemplary embodiment, said control system comprises:

- at least one detector configured and arranged to detect a displacement of the elongated and flexible element not caused by the motor but by another cause, in general, by a small pull or push of the same exerted by a user, and generate a signal corresponding detection; Y

- an electronic system operatively connected with an output of said detector and with a motor control input, said electronic system being configured to generate and send a control command to said motor control input to activate its operation, upon receiving from said detector output said detection signal.

In general, the electronic system comprises at least one memory in which an algorithm is installed, and a processor that executes said algorithm to analyze data representative of different detection signals from at least said detector and generate different control commands for the motor depending on the result of said analysis, that is to say based on at least the detection of said small pull / push of the elongated and flexible element.

In particular, according to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic system is adapted to, through the execution of said algorithm in the processor, generate and send an extension control command that causes the motor to move the elongated and flexible element towards the extended position, if it is detected by said or other detector that it was not in said extended position.

According to a variant of said embodiment, the electronic system is adapted to maintain the sending of said extension control command until the elongated and flexible element reaches the extended position, or until receiving a signal from said and / or other detector indicating that the displacement of the elongated and flexible element has stopped (for example, by user intervention or by accidental obstruction).

According to another embodiment, the electronic system is adapted to, through the execution of the algorithm in the processor, generate a retraction control command that causes the motor to move the elongated and flexible element towards the position retracted, if detected by said and / or other detector that it was not in said retracted position.

According to a variant of said embodiment, the electronic system is adapted to maintain the sending of said retraction control command until the elongated and flexible element reaches the retracted position, or until receiving a signal from one or more detectors that indicate that the displacement of the elongated and flexible element has stopped. Optionally, once the cable reaches its retracted position, the control system momentarily sends an extension command to the motor so that the elongated and flexible element protrudes a few centimeters from the housing, in order to facilitate its grip to the user.

Likewise, for another embodiment, the aforementioned push button is also part of the control system, the control system being configured to operate synchronously with the electrical and / or electronic control means for both of them, upon detecting a push of the push button duration equal to or greater than a predetermined time:

- if, during the push of the button, the housing was in its determined concealment position, control the electrical and / or electronic control means, to the second actuating means so that they move the housing to the determined use position, and a Once there, it generates and sends, the control system, an extension control command to a motor control input to make it move the elongated and flexible element towards the extended position; or

- if, during pressing the button, the housing was in its determined use position, generate and send, the control system, a retraction control command to a motor control input to make it move the elongated and flexible element towards the retracted position, and once there control, the electrical and / or electronic control means, to the second actuating means so that they move the housing to the determined concealment position.

According to an embodiment, the support structure defines a housing with an access opening thereto through which the apparatus enters / leaves the housing when moving between the use and concealment positions, and vice versa, and which, advantageously, also it houses inside the first drive means and at least part of the elongated and flexible element.

Depending on the exemplary embodiment, a second end of the elongated and flexible element, which is opposite to said first end, is connected to a remote device or a local device, such as a concealed screen that in its concealed position it is also housed in a housing defined by the support structure, or in an adjacent one, and which in its position of use protrudes through the through or through adjacent opening.

Preferably, the elongated and flexible element is a data transfer cable, such as an HDMI cable ("High-Definition Multimedia Interface", in Spanish "High Definition Multimedia Interface") or USB ("Universal Serial Bus", in Spanish "Universal Serial Bus"), which has a corresponding connector at its first end.

Alternatively, the elongated and flexible element is of another type, such as a power cable, a headphone and / or microphone cable (with at least one headset and / or a microphone at its first end), or a flexible microphone and extensible (not arranged in a cable), etc.

The present invention also concerns, in a second aspect, a system, comprising:

- a board or panel with a through opening; Y

- a concealable apparatus assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, with its support structure fixed to a hidden face of the board or panel.

Serve the description of the different embodiments of the first aspect set as valid also to describe corresponding examples of the second aspect system implementation.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the system of the second aspect of the present invention, the through opening is sized in relation to a cross section of the housing, so that sections of the contour of the through opening are adjacent to sections of the contour of a cross section of the housing in the use position, a distance of between 1 and 5 mm, preferably equal to or less than 3 mm, is separated from them.

In a third aspect, the present invention also concerns a method comprising controlling the operation of a concealable apparatus assembly defined according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises controlling the displacement of the housing between the determined concealment position and the position of determined use, and vice versa, and the displacement of the elongated and flexible element between the retracted position and the extended position, and vice versa.

The method of the third aspect of the invention comprises performing the functions of the electronic system and of the electrical and / or electronic control means of the whole of the first aspect, in accordance with the different embodiments described above, including the generation and delivery of the corresponding control commands.

Serve, therefore, the description of the different examples of realization of the whole of the first aspect related to the functions implemented by the electronic system and the electrical and / or electronic control means (and those of the associated elements, such as the detector or detectors), as also valid for describing corresponding examples of embodiment of the method of the third aspect.

Other aspects of the present invention relate to a concealable apparatus assembly and a system that includes it, which differ from those of the first and second aspects, respectively, in that the concealable apparatus does not include the housing described for said first and second aspects, but a housing that is not mobile and that is arranged below the board, or no housing.

For an exemplary embodiment of said other aspects, the assembly and the system comprise another class of apparatus, such as a screen, also movable between a position of use and a concealable one.

For an implementation of said embodiment, a cover is provided that covers the through opening of the board, and below which both the screen and the elongate element are arranged, both in their retracted position, so that when the opening is opened lid (eg when pushed by the screen when moving towards its extended position), the elongate element can be actuated to move to its extended position.

All of the embodiments explained herein in relation to the first and second aspects of the invention, with the exception of those that refer to the displacement of the housing of the apparatus, are valid for those referred to above as other aspects of the present invention .

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing and other advantages and features will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of some embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, which should be taken by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the assembly and the system proposed by the present invention, for an exemplary embodiment, which respectively illustrate a use situation and a concealment situation of the apparatus;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention in its position of use, protruding through the through opening of a board, but, unlike Figure 1, with a small portion of the elongate and flexible element protruding from the access opening of the device housing;

Figure 4 is a right side view of part of the apparatus and system proposed by the present invention, for an exemplary embodiment, in the determined use position, that is, with the housing protruding above the board, and with the elongated and flexible element in a partially extended position, that is, with a small portion protruding from the housing;

Figure 5 is a left side view of a lower portion of the apparatus of the present invention, according to the same embodiment of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a rear view of an upper portion of the apparatus of the present invention, according to the same exemplary embodiment of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a right side view of part of the apparatus and system proposed by the present invention, for the same exemplary embodiment of Figure 4 but in the determined concealment position, that is, with the housing hidden beneath the board, and with the elongated and flexible element in a retracted position;

Figure 8 is a rear view of the apparatus of the present invention, according to the same exemplary embodiment of Figure 6, but in the position of concealment, that is, with the housing hidden beneath the board;

Figure 9 is a right side view of part of the apparatus and system proposed by the present invention, for another embodiment, in the determined use position, that is to say with the housing protruding above the board, and with the elongate element and flexible in a retracted position;

Figure 10 is a rear view of part of the apparatus of the present invention, according to the same embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 is a view analogous to that of Figure 9, for the same exemplary embodiment, but in the determined concealment position, that is, with the shell hidden below the board, and with the elongated and flexible element also in a retracted position;

Figure 12 is a front view of part of the apparatus of the present invention, according to the same embodiment of Figure 9, and for the same situation illustrated therein, that is to say with the housing protruding above the board, and with the element elongated and flexible in a retracted position; Y

Figure 13 is a right side view of an upper portion of part of the apparatus and system proposed by the present invention, for the same embodiment of Figure 9, in the determined use position, that is, with the housing protruding above of the board, and with the elongated and flexible element in a partially extended position, that is to say with a small portion protruding from the housing.

Detailed description of some embodiments

As illustrated in particular in the accompanying figures, the present invention concerns, in a first aspect, a concealable apparatus assembly, comprising, for the illustrated embodiments: - a support structure H, which defines a housing, and which is configured to be fixed to a hidden face of a board 3 or panel of a certain thickness, in this case a lower face of a board 3 (generally of a table, counter or music stand) in a region adjacent to the contour of a through opening 01 thereof; Y

- an apparatus 1 and a mobile structure (not illustrated) supporting the apparatus 1 fixed in a guided manner to the support structure H to move, together with the apparatus 1, between a certain concealment position (Figure 2) so that, when the support structure H is fixed to the hidden face of the panel 3 or panel, the apparatus 1 does not protrude through the through opening 01, and a determined use position (Figure 1) so that the apparatus 1 does protrude through the opening intern 01, and vice versa.

The apparatus 1 comprises a housing 4, 104 that is configured and arranged to protrude, at least in part, through the through opening 01 in the determined use position, as illustrated, inter alia, in Figures 1 and 3 for housing 4 and in Figure 9 for the housing 104, and not to protrude through the through opening 01 in the concealed position, as illustrated, inter alia, in Figure 2 for the housing 4 and in Figure 1 1 for the housing 104. As shown in Figures 1 and 3 and in Figure 9, the housing 4, 104 is provided with an access opening 4a, 104a inside, which in turn is accessible from a face seen from the board 3rd panel only in the determined use position.

The apparatus 1 also comprises an elongated and flexible element 2, in general a cable 2, which is accessible, through a first end 2a, through said access opening 4a, 104a only in the determined use position, as illustrated, among others, in Figures 1 and 3 for the housing 4, and in Figure 13 for the housing 104.

The assembly of the present invention further comprises first drive means configured and arranged to move, in a controlled manner, the cable 2 between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa. In the retracted position the cable 2 remains inside the housing 4, 104 (as illustrated, among others, in Figure 1 and in Figure 9) or only a small portion thereof including the first end 2a (as shown illustrated in Figure 3), while in the extended position (illustrated in Figures 4 and 13, but only for a partially extended position) a larger portion of the cable 2 (in general, tens of centimeters) does protrude through the access opening 4a, 104a of the housing 4, 104, for ease of use to a user located in front of the board 3.

Figures 1, 2 and 3 illustrate the assembly of the first aspect of the present invention mounted on a board 3, thus constituting the system of the second aspect of the present invention. The apparatus 1 is configured and arranged so that in the position of concealment a visible and flat face 4b, 104b of the housing 4 (or of an element attached thereto, if applicable, such as a cover), covers at least a part of the through opening 01 of the board 3 or panel and is flush with a flat region of a visible face (in this case an upper face) of the board 3 or panel surrounding the through opening 01. This situation is shown in particular in the enlarged detail of Figure 2, for the housing 4, where it can be seen how the upper face 4a of the housing 4 covers most of the through opening 01, with the exception of some clearance or tolerance (of one or few millimeters)

As can be seen in particular in the enlarged detail of Figure 2, the outer contour of the visible and flat face 4b of the housing 4 has a shape complementary to that of the corresponding adjacent sections of the contour of the through opening 01. In an analogous manner it happens for the housing 104b, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Figures 9 to 13.

For an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one additional element (not shown) disposed adjacent to the housing 4, 104, so that only a few sections of the outer contour of the exposed and flat face 4b, 104b of the housing 4 , 104 have a shape complementary to that of the corresponding adjacent sections of part of the contour of the through opening 01, while at least one other section of the outer contour of the visible and flat face 4b, 104b of the housing 4, 104 has a shape complementary to that of the corresponding adjacent section of the additional element, which in turn has other sections of its outer contour with a shape complementary to that of corresponding adjacent sections of other parts of the contour of the through opening 01.

Such an additional element can be both an additional button and, alternatively or in a complementary manner, another kind of apparatus, such as a screen, advantageously also movable between a use position and a concealable one, in which its upper edge is flat and remains flush. with the face of the board 3. The displacement of such a screen can be carried out both in response to pressing the button 5 or another button, as well as another actuating element, local or remote.

Figures 4 to 8 illustrate different views of part of the assembly proposed by the first aspect of the present invention, in different operative positions, showing the components that make up the first and second actuation means, for an exemplary embodiment.

In particular, as regards the second drive means, that is to say those responsible for carrying out the displacements of the housing 4, as can be seen in Figures 6 and 8, these comprise a servomotor 18 kinematically connected, through a lever-connecting rod mechanism, to a plate 15 integral with the housing 4, in order to move both the plate 15 and the housing 4, from the determined concealment position in which the housing 4 is in its retracted position (Figure 8) to that of determined use in which the housing 4 protrudes above the board 3 (Figure 6). In this case, the displacement of the housing 4 is a linear displacement.

When a portion of the sheet 15 passes in front of a position sensor 14, for example an optical sensor, (situation illustrated in Figure 6), it generates a signal to detect such a situation, which sends, in this case, to the electrical and / or electronic control means.

Alternatively, for the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Figures 9 to 13, the displacement of the housing 104 is rotatable, pivoting it around an articulation (not illustrated) between the determined hiding position in which the housing 104 is in the position illustrated by Figure 1 1, that is to say with its flat and visible face 104b flush with the board 3 and covering, at least in part, the through opening 01, and the position illustrated in Figures 9, 10, 12 and 13 , that is to say the determined position of use in which the housing 4 protrudes above the board 3.

In this case, in order to carry out the displacement of the housing 104, the servomotor 18 is kinematically connected through a lever-connecting rod mechanism to the housing 104, in particular through the lever 1 15a, in order to move to the housing 104 rotatably, from the determined concealment position in which the housing 104 is in its retracted position (Figure 1 1) to that of determined use in which the housing 104 protrudes above the board 3 (Figures 9, 10 , 12 and 13).

It can be seen that from the lever 1 15a a plate 1 15 (integral or fixed to the lever 1 15a) protrudes, so that when a portion thereof (analogously to how the portion of the sheet 15 of the example of embodiment of Figures 4 to 8) passes in front of a position sensor 1 14, for example an optical sensor, (situation illustrated in Figure 1 1), this generates a detection signal of such situation, which sends, in this case, to the electrical and / or electronic control means.

As regards the first actuation means, that is to say those responsible for the displacement of the cable 2, as seen in Figures 4, 5, 7 and 8, for the embodiment illustrated therein, they comprise:

- a rotating motor 20;

- a first drive pulley 6, with its axis of rotation 6e kinematically coupled to the transmission axis of the rotating motor 20; - a second, idler pulley 8, arranged with its edge facing that of the first pulley 6 so that between both of them an adjusted passage is defined for the cable 2 which causes, when turning, the first pulley 6 exerts a drag by friction on the cable 2 for carrying out the displacements thereof from the retracted position (Figure 7) to the extended one (Fig. 4, although in this case it is only partially extended), and vice versa; Y

- lateral guides 9 directional ones 10, configured and arranged to guide the cable 2 during the movement thereof, so that the cable 2 does not find any resistance during its passage between the pulleys 6, 8.

In contrast, for the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Figures 9 to 13, the first drive means comprise:

- a rotating motor 20;

- a first pulley 106 with its axis of rotation kinematically coupled to the transmission axis of the rotating motor 20;

- an endless drive belt 25;

- a driven pulley 26 kinematically connected to the first pulley 6 by the endless drive belt 25, to be rotated by turning the first pulley 106; Y

- a second, idler pulley 8, arranged in the body 107 with its edge facing that of the endless drive belt 25 so that between them a defined pitch for the cable 2 is defined which causes, when turning the first pulley 6, it moves to the endless drive belt 25, which in turn exerts a frictional drag on the cable 2 to carry out the movements thereof from the retracted position (Figures 9, 10, 1 1 and 12) to the extended (Figure 13, although in this case it is only partially extended), and vice versa.

The first pulley 6 is the one that exerts the drag force on the cable 2, directly for the realization of Figures 4 to 8, or through the belt 25 for the realization of Figures 9 to 13, while the second pulley 8 follow the first 6 and collaborate in measuring the speed of the displacement of the cable 2 with a passage detector or "encoder" 19, thanks to a perimeter configuration that includes a circumferential distribution of projections 8d that pass successively in front of the "encoder" 19 when turning the second pulley 8, and therefore the first 6. The "encoder" detection signals (position and (or speed) are sent to the control system, which acts accordingly depending on them.

Examples of embodiment that combine different parts of the illustrated examples are possible. For example, the first drive means of the embodiment of Figures 9 to 13 can be applied to the example of embodiment of Figures 4 to 8, replacing those illustrated therein, and vice versa. An embodiment example of an adjustment mechanism of the assembly of the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figures 4 and 7, which is configured and arranged to automatically regulate the section of the passage between the pulleys 6, 8 depending on the thickness of the cable 2, maintaining a stable pressure on cable 2 during its movement.

Such adjustment mechanism is also applicable to the embodiment example of Figures 9 to 13.

In particular, such an adjustment mechanism comprises a pulley tensioner 7 that pivots on the shaft 16 fixed to a base piece 17, for joining the pulleys 6 and 8, since the second pulley 8 is fixedly mounted on the tensioner 7 and the first pulley 6 fixedly mounted on the base piece 17. In this way, the second pulley 8 exerts a determined pressure on the cable 2 by means of a spring 1 1 (see Figure 5) mounted between the base part 17 and the tensioner 7 thus producing an automatic adjustment of the distance between the pulleys 6 and 8, suitable for any change in the thickness of the cable 2 that passes between the pulleys 6 and 8, maintaining a stable pressure thereon so as not to damage it.

Depending on the illustrated embodiment, the electrical and / or electronic control means and the control system are integrated in a common control system, or implemented separately but operating synchronously, to carry out the different control tasks.

Figure 2 also shows how a button 5 is arranged on the flat and visible face 4b of the housing 4. This button 5 is the one comprised by the electrical and / or electronic control means for the automatic control of the second means of actuation (those responsible for moving the housing 4) and which, for some embodiments, is also part of the control system (not shown) of the first actuation means. The functions of the button 5 are those already explained in a previous section, for various embodiments, that is to say those associated with the activation of the displacements of the housing 4, and, optionally, also of the cable 2 (in case of prolonged pulsation by over a predetermined time).

An operation mode associated with the pressing of the button 5, already explained in a previous section, is that it implies that such a pulse has a predetermined duration and that, if the housing 4, 104 is in its hidden position, the servomotor 18 is activated moving the sheet 15, 1 15 and the housing 4, 104 until the sheet 15, 1 15 passes in front of the position sensor 14, 1 14, that is until the housing 4, 104 is in its determined use position protruding above the board 3, at which time the activation of the motor 20 that rotates the first pulley 6 is started to propel the cable 2 towards its extended position, to its maximum programmed length. On the other hand, if the duration of the push of the button 5 is shorter than said predetermined duration, according to another mode of operation, the housing 4, 104 moves to its determined position of use, but the cable 2 is only propelled so that it protrudes about few centimeters from the front face of the housing 4, 104, that is to say by the access opening 4a, 104a to facilitate its grip to a user, so that it can pull / push it, so that it is propelled towards its extended position to its maximum programmed length, as explained in a previous section.

Another mode of operation is that which happens when the button 5 is pressed for a long time over a predetermined duration, with the housing 4 in its use position (Figures 4 and 5), and which implies that the motor 20 rotates at the first pulley 6 in the reverse direction, picking up the cable 2, until it, in particular its first end 2a constituted by a connector, pushes the part 12 down until it is positioned in front of the position sensor 13 (for example an optical sensor) , as illustrated in Figure 7, which will cause the control system (upon receiving the detection signal from the position sensor 13) to stop the motor 20, since the cable 2 has already been collected until its final retracted position, and that the electrical and / or electronic control means activate the servomotor 18 to cause the housing 4 to move to its concealment position, as also shown in Figure 7.

For the exemplary embodiment illustrated by Figures 9 to 13, the detection of when the cable 2 has been collected until its final retracted position is performed in a manner analogous to that described in the previous paragraph with reference to Figure 7, although in in this case the detection is carried out by the position sensor 1 13, and it is also relative to the arrangement of a piece (not illustrated) in front of it, which is also displaced by the first end 2a, either by a linear, rotary displacement, or a combination thereof, and either directly on said piece, or indirectly through another intermediate piece (for example a cam follower if the piece is a cam, or vice versa).

To detect the final extended position of the cable 2, that is to the maximum programmed length, a detection mechanism thereof is illustrated in Figures 9 to 12, which can also be implemented in the examples of embodiment of the Figures 4 to 8.

In particular, as seen in Figures 9 to 12, such detection of the final extended position of the cable 2 is performed by a position sensor 29 (for example, an optical sensor), although in this case the detection of such extended position Final is the detection of an absence, in particular the absence of the rotating part 28 in front of the position sensor 29. A portion of such a rotating part 28 is arranged in front of the position sensor 29 for the situation illustrated by Figures 9 to 12, that is when the cable 2 is not in its final extended position. When the cable 2 is approaching its final extended position, the loop B below the piece 30, through which part of the cable 2 runs, becomes smaller and smaller, until a part of it pushes (directly or through an intermediate piece) to the piece 28 by rotating it around the axis of rotation 27, so that the portion thereof that was facing the position sensor 29 ceases to be, and it detects such absence and generates, consequently , a detection signal of such absence that is communicated to the control system, or ceases to generate a presence detection signal that the control system was receiving.

The portion of the cable 2 indicated with reference 2b in Figures 9 and 1 1, is a static portion of the cable 2, that is to say that it does not move at any time, thus ensuring that the cable 2 is disconnected from disconnecting its lower connector from the equipment to which it could be connected.

The control system uses the detection of the final extended position of the cable thus carried out, to know when the cable 2 reaches the previously referred to as extended position to its maximum programmed length, and thus to implement the previously described operating modes, for some examples of realization, or other modes of operation that may be of interest.

Obviously, the operating modes explained in the previous paragraphs are not all possible, the ones explained above associated with the detection of a pull / push of the cable 2 by a user, through the generation and sending of the corresponding commands are also valid of control to the motor 20, as well as to the stop of the displacement of the cable 2 when it is detected that the displacement of the elongated and flexible element has been stopped (for example, by user intervention or by an accidental obstruction). The detection of such a stop is carried out, for the illustrated embodiment, when it is detected by the "encoder" 19 that the second pulley 8 has stopped and also that the first pulley 6 continues to rotate (by means of a detector, not illustrated, associated with the first pulley 6 or the motor 20), which would cause the control system to detect a lack of synchronism that would cause it to stop the motor 20.

In particular, the following possible use of the assembly of the present invention is contemplated, for some examples of embodiment:

A. 1) When the button 5 is pressed with the device 1 in its position of concealed position (Fig. 2), the housing 4, 104 will start its vertical upward movement. Once it reaches the upper point of the movement (Figs. 1 and 9), the cable 2 is presented coming out a few cm, from the front face of the housing 4 (Figs. 3,

4 and 13).

Now the use of cable 2 begins, which is an intuitive loop that consists of the following points:

2) Cable 2 (a few mm) can be pulled or pushed gently. This is interpreted as a command for the equipment (that is, the control system) and cable 2 begins to exit until it reaches its maximum length (for example 60 cm), where it stops.

If the displacement of the cable 2 is stopped manually or by another obstruction, during the exit of the same, the equipment notices it and stops taking out cable 2, as explained previously.

3) Cable 2 (a few mm) can be pulled or pushed gently again. This is interpreted as a command for the equipment and the cable 2 begins to enter until completely collected inside the housing 4, 104 (Fig. 1), at which time it stops for a moment and comes back a few centimeters from the face front of the housing 4, 104 (Figs. 3, 4 and 13).

If during movement of cable 2 its movement is stopped manually or by another obstruction, the device notices it and stops entering cable 2, as explained above.

4) Subsequently, the process starts again at point 2.

At any time within the 2 to 4 loop you can press the button

5 and the cable 2 will enter completely and the housing 4 will lower to hide and be flush with the board 3 (Figs. 2 and 1 1).

B) Alternatively, with the device 1 in its position of concealed position (Figs. 2 and 1 1), the button 5 can be pressed for a long time, without releasing it. This action is interpreted as a command for the equipment and the housing 4, 104 goes up to its upper position and the cable 2 goes up to its maximum length. This skips steps A.1 and A.2.

A person skilled in the art could introduce changes and modifications in the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, another class of sensors or actuation mechanisms different from those illustrated, but which allow to perform a function equivalent to that carried out by them, are covered by the present invention.

Claims

1 Set of concealable apparatus, comprising:

- a support structure (H) configured to be fixed to a hidden face of a board (3) or panel of a certain thickness, in a region adjacent to the contour of a through opening (01) thereof; Y

- an apparatus (1) and a mobile support structure of the apparatus (1) fixed in a guided manner to said support structure (H) to move, together with the apparatus (1), between a certain concealed position so that, when the support structure (H) is fixed to said hidden face of said board (3) or panel, the apparatus (1) does not protrude through said through opening (01), and a position of use determined so that the apparatus (1 ) yes, it protrudes through the through opening (01), and vice versa;

characterized in that said apparatus (1) comprises:

- a housing (4, 104) configured and arranged to protrude, at least in part, by said through opening (01) in said determined use position, and not to protrude through the through opening (01) in said particular concealed position , wherein said housing (4, 104) is provided with an access opening (4a, 104a) to its interior, which in turn is accessible from a face seen from the board (3) or panel only in said determined use position; Y

- an elongated and flexible element (2), which is accessible, through a first end (2a), through said access opening (4a) only in the determined use position; and because the assembly further comprises first drive means configured and arranged to move, in a controlled manner, said elongated and flexible element (2) between a retracted position and an extended position, and vice versa.

2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated and flexible element (2) and the first drive means are configured and arranged so that in said retracted position the elongated and flexible element (2) does not protrude through the opening of access (4a, 104a) of the housing (4, 104) or only a small portion thereof that includes the first end (2a) protrudes, and so that in said extended position a larger portion of the elongate and flexible element (2) , which includes said small portion and an adjacent portion, which protrudes through the access opening (4a) of the housing (4, 104).

3. Assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least part of said first drive means are fixed to said support structure (H) and / or another support structure also configured to be fixed to said hidden face of a board (3) or panel.

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus (1) is configured and arranged so that in said position of concealment a visible and flat face (4b, 104b) of the housing (4, 104 ), or of an element attached thereto, cover at least part of said through opening (01) of the board (3) or panel and be flush with a flat region of a face seen from the board (3) or surrounding panel to the through opening (01).

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second drive means kinematically coupled to the housing (4, 104) to move it between the determined concealment position and the determined use position, and vice versa.

6. Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing (2) and said second actuating means are configured and arranged so that the displacement of the housing (4, 104) between the determined concealment position and the determined use position , and vice versa, be a linear displacement.

7. Assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the housing (2) and said second actuating means are configured and arranged so that the displacement of the housing (4, 104) between the determined hiding position and the position of determined use, and vice versa, whether or not it comprises a rotating displacement.

8. Assembly according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises electrical and / or electronic control means for automatic control of said second actuation means.

9. Assembly according to claim 8 when it depends on the 4, characterized in that said electrical and / or electronic control means comprise at least one pushbutton (5) disposed on said flat and visible face (4b, 104b) of the housing (4, 104), or of said element attached thereto.

10. Assembly according to claim 8 when it depends on the 4, characterized in that said electrical and / or electronic control means comprise at least one button (5) with a flat and visible face which, both in the position of use and in the concealment position, it covers at least a part of the through opening (01), which is adjacent to that which is covered by the exposed and flat face (4b, 104b) of the housing (4, 104), or of said element attached to it, and is flush with said flat region of the face seen from the board (3) or panel.

1 .- Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first drive means comprise at least one motor (20) that has or is kinematically connected to a mobile element configured and arranged to carry out said displacements of the elongated and flexible element (2) from the retracted to the extended position, and vice versa.

12. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said motor is a rotating motor (20) and that the first drive means further comprise:

- a first pulley (6) with its axis of rotation (6e) kinematically coupled to the transmission shaft of the rotating motor (20); Y

- a second pulley (8) arranged with its edge facing that of said first pulley (6) so that between them a defined pitch is defined for the elongated and flexible element (2) that makes, when turning, the first pulley ( 6) exert a frictional drag on the elongated and flexible element (2) to carry out said displacements thereof from the retracted to the extended position, and vice versa.

13. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said motor is a rotating motor (20) and that the first drive means further comprise:

- a first pulley (106) with its axis of rotation kinematically coupled to the transmission axis of the rotating motor (20);

- an endless drive belt (25);

- a driven pulley (26) kinematically connected to said first pulley (6) by said endless drive belt (25), to be rotated by rotating the first pulley (106); Y

- a second pulley (8) arranged with its edge facing that of said endless drive belt (25) so that between both of them an adjusted pitch is defined for the elongated and flexible element (2) that makes, when turning, the first Pulley (6), it moves to the endless drive belt (25), which in turn exerts a frictional drag on the elongated and flexible element (2) to carry out said displacements thereof from the retracted position to the extended, and vice versa.

14. Assembly according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first drive means further comprise guides (9, 10) configured and arranged to guide the elongate and flexible element (2) during the movement thereof.

15. Assembly according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the first actuating means further comprise an adjustment mechanism configured and arranged to automatically regulate the section of said step according to the thickness of the elongated element (2) and flexible, maintaining a stable pressure on the elongated and flexible element (2) during its movement.

16. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a control system for automatic control of at least said motor (20) of said first drive means.

17. Assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that said control system comprises:

- at least one detector (19) configured and arranged to detect a displacement of the elongate and flexible element (2) not caused by the motor (20) and generate a corresponding detection signal; Y

- an electronic system operatively connected to an output of said detector

(19) and with a control input of said motor (20), said electronic system being configured to generate and send a control command to said motor control input (20) to activate its operation, upon receiving from said output of the detector (19) said detection signal.

18. Set according to claim 17, characterized in that said electronic system comprises at least one memory in which an algorithm is installed, and a processor that executes said algorithm to analyze data representative of different detection signals from at least said detector (19) and generate different control commands for the motor (20) depending on the result of said analysis.

19. Assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that said electronic system is adapted to, through the execution of said algorithm in the processor, generate and send an extension control command that causes the motor

(20) move the elongated and flexible element (2) to the extended position, if detected by said (19) or other detector that it was not in said extended position.

20. Assembly according to claim 19, characterized in that said electronic system is adapted to maintain the sending of said extension control command until the elongated and flexible element (2) reaches said extended position, or until receiving a signal from said (19) and / or another detector indicating that the displacement of the elongated and flexible element (2) has stopped.

21 .- Assembly according to claim 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that said electronic system is adapted to, through the execution of said algorithm in the processor, generate a retraction control command that causes the motor to move to the elongated and flexible element (2) towards the retracted position, if detected by said (19) and / or other detector that it was not in said retracted position.

22. Assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that said electronic system is adapted to maintain the sending of said control command of retraction until the elongated and flexible element (2) reaches said retracted position, or until receiving a signal from said (19) and / or another detector indicating that the displacement of the elongated and flexible element has stopped.

23. Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 22, when it depends on any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that said push-button (5) is also part of said control system, the control system being configured to operate synchronously with the electrical and / or electronic control means for both, upon detecting a push of the button (5) of equal or greater duration at a predetermined time:

- if during pressing the button (5) the housing (4, 104) was in its position of concealed concealment, control the electrical and / or electronic control means, to the second actuating means so that they move to the housing ( 4, 104) to the determined use position, and once there is generated and sent, the control system, an extension control command to an engine control input to make it move to the elongated and flexible element (2) towards the extended position; or

- if during pressing the button (5) the housing (4, 104) was in its determined use position, generate and send, the control system, a retraction control command to a motor control input to make it moves the elongated and flexible element (2) towards the retracted position, and once there, controls the electrical and / or electronic control means, to the second actuating means so that they move the housing (4, 104) to the certain concealment position.

24.- System, which includes:

- a board (3) or panel with a through opening (01); Y

- a concealable apparatus assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, with its support structure (H) fixed to a hidden face of said board (3) or panel.

25. System according to claim 24, characterized in that the through opening (01) is sized in relation to a cross-section of the housing (4, 104), so that some contour sections of the through opening (01) remain adjacent to some contour sections of a cross section of the housing (4, 104) in the use position, a distance of between 1 and 5 mm, preferably equal to or less than 3 mm, is separated therefrom.

26.- Method, which comprises controlling the operation of a concealable apparatus assembly defined according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the method comprises controlling the displacement of the housing (4, 104) between the determined concealment position and the determined use position, and vice versa, and the displacement of the elongated and flexible element (2) between the retracted position and the extended position, and vice versa.

27.- Method according to claim 26, characterized in that it comprises performing the functions of the electronic system and of the electrical and / or electronic control means of the set defined in accordance with any one of claims 17 to 23, including the generation and sending the corresponding control commands.