Component for shelf units, shelves, bookcases, stairs and furniture-like elements and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention describes a part (1) for shelf, shelf, bookcase, staircase and similar furniture elements, comprising at least two layer-like elements (2 ', 2' ') substantially parallel to each other and defining a plane (P) of extension of the part (1). These layered elements (2 ', 2 ") are used to cover an intermediate layer (3), which is interposed between at least two layered elements (2', 2"), substantially coplanar with the plane (P). The intermediate layer (3) has a frame consisting of metal beams (3 ', 3' ') connected to each other by snap-fit means (32, 33). The invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising a frame (2) for supporting at least one elongated element (4) made of a metal material, extending substantially perpendicularly along a longitudinal direction (X) with respect to a plane (P), and which accommodates an inductive lighting device (6). An elongate element (4) is positioned within a perimeter defined by the frame. The metal beams (3 ', 3' ') have a duct (31) for the passage of a cable (7) for energizing the lighting device (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a furniture component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements and a method for producing the same. Background Art

[0002] Designers and architects increasingly feel the need to offer furniture with novel shapes and new functions, both to make the environment more comfortable for those who work or live in it and to give it a unique character.

[0003] Nowadays, people are used to making or trying to construct a piece of furniture that expresses both technology and formal rigor, two requirements that are difficult to combine in a single system.

[0004] In addition, users are increasingly demanding original and personalized furniture, that is, "custom" furniture.

[0005] In addition to these aesthetic requirements, there was a need to reduce the overall size by creating cleaner lines, providing furniture with reduced thickness.

[0006] Finally, in order to reduce costs, it is now necessary to systematize the product, defining the functional-structural parameters, which in the actual production of this type of shelf start from basic extruded elements that can be adjusted and assembled according to the required dimensions.

[0007] Purpose of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements which allows to overcome the problems associated with the prior art and meet the above requirements.

[0009] Against the background of the above objects, the object of the present invention is to provide a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements which combines advanced technology with strict aesthetic criteria.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to allow the creation of racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and other customizable furniture elements.

[0011] Another object of the shelf according to the invention is to have an extremely thin thickness, but an aesthetically refined shape.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements, which component has a device that is easily available on the market and uses common materials, in such a way that the device is economically competitive. Summary of the invention

[0013] This object, as well as these and other objects described in more detail below, is achieved by a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements according to the invention, which component comprises the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to different possible embodiments of the invention.

[0014] More specifically, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements, which component has a so-called "sandwich" structure, in which an intermediate layer is placed between two layers consisting essentially of two layered elements.

[0015] The middle layer has a frame consisting of metal crossbars connected to each other by snap-fit ​​means, for example a pair of vertical and horizontal aluminum bars perpendicular to each other, preferably removable, the snap-fit ​​means preferably being of male-female type.

[0016] The frame is used to support one or more elongated elements, also made of metallic material, also preferably aluminium, for housing inductive lighting means, such as LEDs, of a type known per se, and positioned within the perimeter defined by the frame.

[0017] The metal beams advantageously have ducts for the passage of cables for energizing the lighting device, which not only allows the lighting system to be completed in the component, but also provides the possibility of integrating additional functions such as inductive power supply systems, signal connection devices, etc. inside panels, racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs, etc.

[0018] Advantageously, the electrical cable has press-fit electrical contacts that allow current to pass and light to be switched on without the need for wiring. In this way, the lighting device is designed to be activated by contact with a suitable switch located on an outer wall that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of extension of the component.

[0019] This feature allows anyone to easily insert and remove shelves from the side of the furniture without risk.

[0020] In practice, products manufactured in this way allow for numerous developments in terms of the integration of lighting and / or electronic components, and for the manufacture of compartments for housing these components, rendering them substantially “invisible”.

[0021] Advantageously, a reinforcing plate is arranged within the perimeter defined by the frame. This plate has a structure consisting of a mosaic of spaces of the honeycomb type, preferably of honeycomb shape, and is adjacent to the elongated element. This plate, known only in the aerospace sector, gives the structure excellent mechanical characteristics, even though it is extremely light.

[0022] In particular, the honeycomb structure made of aluminum ensures mechanical strength, making it possible to achieve greater lengths with less thickness and without the need for intermediate supports.

[0023] Preferably, the elongated element extends substantially perpendicularly in the longitudinal direction relative to the plane of extension of the component.

[0024] Furthermore, the elongated element comprises an inner groove for accommodating the lighting device. The inner groove extends along the aforementioned longitudinal direction and has a substantially elliptical curved profile, which is shaped so that the light source of the lighting device is shielded from direct contact with the user's eyes.

[0025] In use, light escapes from an internal groove formed entirely by the cutter, and the specific geometry of the groove means that the light source is shielded, preventing glare to the human eye.

[0026] Advantageously, the curved profile is produced by successively arranging at least three arcs of different and successively increasing radii (a circle of smaller radius, a circle of intermediate radius and a third circle of larger radius) so as to allow the head of the machining tool to enter the thickness to be removed in the most appropriate way.

[0027] Preferably, the larger of the three radii is larger than the middle radius by a percentage range of 33% to 43%, including 33% and 43%, preferably between 35% to 41%, including 35% and 41%, more preferably between 37% to 39%, including 37% and 39%, and more preferably substantially equal to 38%.

[0028] Similarly, the intermediate radius is preferably greater than the smaller radius by a percentage range of 60% to 72%, including 60% and 72%, preferably between 63% and 69%, including 63% and 69%, more preferably between 65% and 67%, including 65% and 67%, and even more preferably substantially equal to 66%.

[0029] Advantageously, in order to perform milling on the elongated element to prepare the best internal groove, the ratio between the larger radius and the smaller radius and the ratio between the length of the access opening to the internal groove and the width of the internal groove are in a ratio of between 1.30 and 2.00, inclusive, preferably between 1.40 and 1.90, inclusive, more preferably between 1.50 and 1.80, inclusive, even more preferably between 1.60 and 1.70, inclusive.

[0030] Another aspect relates to a method of manufacturing a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements.

[0031] The method comprises the following steps:

[0032] - extruding a metal beam and an elongated element (or providing a plurality of elongated elements), the metal beam being provided with snap-fit ​​means for interconnecting the metal beams;

[0033] - milling each elongated element in the longitudinal direction (direction of extension of the elongated element) in such a way as to form an internal recess for accommodating the inductive lighting device and such that the internal recess has a substantially elliptical curved profile, shaped in such a way that the light source of the lighting device is shielded from direct contact with the eyes of the user;

[0034] - making ducts for the passage of electrical cables on the metal beam in such a way as to allow mutual communication between each internal groove and the corresponding duct;

[0035] - Use snap-fit ​​devices to connect metal beams to form a frame;

[0036] - positioning the elongated element and the reinforcing plate adjacent to each other within a perimeter defined by the frame;

[0037] The elongated element houses the lighting device in its internal groove, and the reinforcing plate is of the type having a honeycomb structure as described above: this positioning is carried out in such a way as to form an intermediate layer situated in the plane of extension of the component;

[0038] - passing the cable for powering the lighting device along the conduit in such a way that the cable can be connected to the lighting device;

[0039] - producing a window in a first of the two laminar elements by removing material, such that the window is defined at the inner recess in such a way that the light emitted by the lighting device is not blocked by the thickness of the first element; and

[0040] - The component is manufactured in such a way that both the first laminar element and the second laminar element are glued to opposite sides of the intermediate layer.

[0041] Preferably, during the production of the window in the first element, the hole required for the passage of the cable is produced again by removing material.

[0042] Advantageously, milling each elongated element comprises forming an internal groove having a curved profile produced by successively arranging at least three arcs of different radii and increasing successively relative to each other (a circle of smaller radius, a circle of intermediate radius and a third circle of larger radius) so as to allow the head of the machining tool to enter the thickness to be removed in the most appropriate way.

[0043] Preferably, the larger of the three radii is larger than the middle radius by a percentage range between 33% and 43%, including 33% and 43%, preferably between 35% and 41%, including 35% and 41%, more preferably between 37% and 39%, including 37% and 39%, and even more preferably substantially equal to 38%.

[0044] Similarly, the middle radius is preferably larger than the smaller radius by a percentage range of between 60% and 72%, including 60% and 72%, preferably between 63% and 69%, including 63% and 69%, more preferably between 65% and 67%, including 65% and 67%, and even more preferably substantially equal to 66%.

[0045] Advantageously, in order to perform milling on the elongated element to prepare the best internal groove, the ratio between the larger radius and the smaller radius and the ratio between the length of the access opening to the internal groove and the width of the internal groove are in a ratio of between 1.30 and 2.00, inclusive, preferably between 1.40 and 1.90, inclusive, more preferably between 1.50 and 1.80, inclusive, even more preferably between 1.60 and 1.70, inclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Other features and advantages of the invention become more apparent from the description of a preferred non-limiting embodiment of a component for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements, which is shown by way of example and without limiting the scope of the invention with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of component 1;

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of component 1;

[0049] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a component 1 having a first laminar element 2 ′ separated from an intermediate layer 3 ;

[0050] Figure 4 is an exploded view of part 1 with the snap-fit ​​arrangement (32 and 33) magnified;

[0051] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of component 1 in a plane substantially parallel to plane P;

[0052] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through line VI-VI;

[0053] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through line VII-VII;

[0054] Figure 7 a shows an enlargement of section 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The above-mentioned figures show a preferred embodiment of a component for shelves, racks, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements according to the present invention, which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 1 and comprises a first layer element 2' and a second layer element 2", which are substantially parallel to each other and define an extension plane P of the component 1 by an intermediate layer 3 placed between the first layer element 2' and the second layer element 2", and which covers the intermediate layer 3. The intermediate layer 3 has a frame consisting of metal beams 3' and metal beams 3" removably connected to each other by snap-fit ​​means. The beams 3' and 3" are made of aluminum and include a pair of vertical rods 3' and a pair of horizontal rods 3" that are substantially perpendicular to each other. The frame defines a perimeter, inside which are located two slender elements 4, also made of aluminum, for accommodating the LED strip 6 in an internal groove 41, which extends in the element 4 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0056] In the same way as the elongated elements 4, the crossbars 3' and 3" have grooves or knurlings of a type known per se, in order to facilitate the gluing to the laminar elements 2' and 2".

[0057] The vertical rod 3' has a slot 36 ( Figure 6 ), the slot 36 is designed to engage with a suitable guide (not shown) formed on the outer panel for sliding movement of the component 1.

[0058] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 7 a, the inner groove 41 has a substantially elliptical curved profile 41a, shaped in such a way that the light source of the LED 6 is shielded from direct contact with the user's eyes.

[0059] The curved profile 41 a is formed by continuously arranging three arcs C1 , C2 , and C3 having different radii R1 (larger radius), R2 (intermediate radius), and R3 (smaller radius), wherein R1 > R2 > R3 .

[0060] Preferably, R1 is about 38% greater than R2.

[0061] Similarly, R2 is again approximately 66% greater than R3.

[0062] In practice:

[0063] R1 = 11.5 mm;

[0064] R2=8.3mm;

[0065] R3=5mm.

[0066] The ratio between the radius R3 and the radius R1 and the ratio between the length L of the entry opening 41 b to the inner groove 41 and the width h of the inner groove 41 are in a ratio of 1.60 to 1.70 (inclusive) to each other.

[0067] More specifically, the ratio is approximately 1.65.

[0068] In fact, as stated, if R is the ratio between the radius R3 and the radius R1, and K is the ratio between the width (or height) h and the length L of the groove 41, then in the case in question:

[0069] R=R3 / R1=5mm / 11.5mm=0.435

[0070] K=h / L=5mm / 19mm=0.263

[0071] R / K=1.654.

[0072] The LED 6 is powered by a cable 7 which passes through a conduit 31 formed on the vertical rod 3' and is connected to the LED 6 through an opening 34' communicating with a corresponding internal groove 41 ( Figure 5 ).

[0073] According to a variant embodiment, the duct 31 can also be formed on a horizontal bar 3 ″ which is obviously provided with an opening 34 ″.

[0074] The cable 7 is energized via press-fit electrical contacts in such a way that the LED 6 can be activated by contact with a suitable switch positioned on an outer wall that is substantially perpendicular relative to the extension plane P of the component 1 .

[0075] Between two elongated elements 4, within the perimeter defined by the frame constituted by the crossbeams 3' and 3", there is a reinforcement plate 5 adjacent to the elements 4. The plate 5 has a structure consisting of spaces of the mosaic honeycomb type (honeycomb shape).

[0076] According to the embodiment described here, the snap-fit ​​means comprise two male elements 32 protruding from each vertical rod 3' for engaging with corresponding female elements 33 defined at the corresponding horizontal rod 3". Each horizontal rod 3" will also have two female elements 33 ( Figure 4 ).

[0077] According to a variant embodiment comprising only one elongated element, the vertical rods 3 ′ will obviously each be equipped with a single male element 32 .

[0078] Finally, the second laminar element 2" pasted on the intermediate layer has appropriate windows 21 formed at the recesses 41 so that the light emitted by the LED 6 is not blocked by the thickness of the second element 2". In addition, the element 2" also includes holes 23 ( Figure 2 ).

[0079] From the above description it can be seen how the invention achieves the intended aims and objects, and in particular the fact that parts for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements are manufactured, such as light and strong racks, beams, columns or window sashes.

[0080] More particularly, the aluminum structure enables an ultra-thin thickness to be achieved, inside which the light-emitting groove can be accommodated without the structure compromising in terms of mechanical strength.

[0081] One advantage of the invention is that the component is a module constructed in such a way that it meets the requirements of various articles designed for the construction of general furniture with its strength and light mechanical characteristics: it is not like a standard furniture component made of wood, which, in order to ensure a comparable strength, requires a greater thickness proportional to the length of the frame and is therefore very heavy.

[0082] Another advantage of the invention is that even in the case of "long" parts, no intermediate supports are needed to ensure support of the "droop" of the weight of the part in the center of the body, such elements being absolutely necessary on wooden furniture if its length exceeds one and a half meters.

[0083] Another advantage of this technical feature is that the lightweight and durable structure allows to overcome certain previous limitations in machining for requirements and applications, such as the limitation of deep holes for cable passage.

[0084] Another advantage of this component is that the use of raw materials (i.e. aluminum) has been rationalized, resulting in a significant weight reduction (from 30% to 70%), but also considerable savings in economic terms considering the increase in raw material costs.

[0085] Another advantage of the present invention is that within the very thin thickness of only 10 mm, compared to the 19 mm wooden structure, there is a complete integrated lighting system.

[0086] Another advantage of the invention is that, thanks to this solidity, as well as the lightness of the structure, the production of cabinets, kitchens, display units, bookcases, showcases and modular structures of all types is guaranteed. Furthermore, inside each single component, a frame for engaging hinges, guides or other mechanisms designed for the rotation and / or translation of the elements can be housed.

[0087] Finally, the use of devices that are readily available on the market and the use of common materials make the device economically competitive.

[0088] The invention can be modified and adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0089] Moreover, all the details of the invention may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0090] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be of any type as required, as long as they are suitable for their production purpose.

Claims

1. A component (1) for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements, comprising: at least two laminar elements (2', 2") which are substantially parallel to one another and define a plane (P) in which the component (1) extends; The at least two laminar elements (2', 2") cover an intermediate layer (3), the intermediate layer (3) being interposed between the at least two laminar elements (2', 2") and being substantially coplanar with the plane (P); The intermediate layer (3) has a frame consisting of metal beams (3', 3") designed to be connected to each other by snap-fit ​​means (32, 33), for supporting at least one elongated element (4) made of metal material, extending substantially perpendicularly along a longitudinal direction (X) relative to the plane (P) and for accommodating an induction lighting device (6), and the at least one elongated element (4) is positioned within the perimeter defined by the frame; The metal beams (3', 3") have ducts (31) for passing cables (7) for supplying electricity to the lighting device (6).

2. Component (1) according to the previous claim, comprising a reinforcement plate (5) positioned within the perimeter defined by the frame, adjacent to at least one elongated element (4) and having a structure consisting of a mosaic of spaces of honeycomb type, preferably shaped like a honeycomb.

3. A component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one elongated element (4) comprises an internal recess (41) for the lighting device (6); The inner groove (41) has a substantially elliptical curved profile (41a) and is shaped in such a way that the light source of the lighting device (6) is shielded from direct contact with the user's eyes.

4. Component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The curved profile (41a) is composed of a series of at least three circular arcs (C1, C2, C3) of different radii (R1, R2, R3), so that the ratio between the radii (R1, R3) of the smaller circular arc (C1) and the larger circular arc (C3) and the ratio between the width (h) of the inner groove (41) and the length (L) of the entrance opening (41b) of the inner groove (41) are in the range of 1.30 to 2.00, including 1.30 and 2.00, preferably 1.40 to 1.90, including 1.40 and 1.90, more preferably 1.50 to 1.80, including 1.50 and 1.80, even more preferably 1.60 to 1.70, including 1.60 and 1.

70.

5. Component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The metal beams (3', 3") constituting the frame at least include a pair of vertical bars (3') and a pair of horizontal bars (3") which are perpendicular to each other.

6. Component (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The snap-fit ​​means (32, 33) comprise at least one male element (32) protruding from at least one of the vertical bars (3') and designed to engage with a female element (33) defined at a corresponding one of the horizontal bars (3").

7. A component (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein: The duct (31) is defined along the extension direction of the metal beam (3', 3") and has an opening (34', 34") at the at least one elongated element (4) for communicating with the internal groove (41).

8. A method for manufacturing a component (1) for racks, shelves, bookcases, stairs and similar furniture elements, comprising the steps consisting of: - extruded metal beams (3', 3") and at least one elongated element (4) made of metal material, said metal beams (3', 3") having snap-fit ​​means (32, 33) for their mutual connection; - milling said at least one elongated element (4) along the longitudinal direction (X) of extension of said at least one elongated element (4) in such a way as to form an internal groove (41) designed to accommodate an inductive lighting device (6), and so that said internal groove (41) has a substantially elliptical curved profile (41a), shaped in such a way that the light source of said lighting device (6) is shielded from direct contact with the eyes of a user; - making a duct (31) for the passage of a cable (7) on the metal beam (3', 3"), the cable (7) being used to power the lighting device (6), in such a way as to allow mutual communication between each of the internal grooves (41) and the corresponding duct (41); - connecting said metal beams (3', 3") using said snap-fit ​​means (31, 32) to form a frame defining a perimeter; - positioning at least one elongated element (4) and a reinforcing plate (5) within said perimeter, said at least one elongated element (4) and said reinforcing plate (5) being adjacent to each other in such a way as to form an intermediate layer (3) defining a plane (P) of extension of said component (1); - said at least one elongated element (4) houses said lighting device (6) in said internal groove (41), and said reinforcing plate (5) has a structure consisting of a mosaic of spaces of the honeycomb type, preferably in the shape of a honeycomb; The intermediate layer (3) is placed between at least two layered elements (2', 2") which are substantially parallel to each other; - passing the cable (7) through the duct (31) in such a way as to enable the cable to be connected to the lighting device (6); - producing a window (21) in a first element (2') of the at least two layered elements (2', 2") by removing material; The window (21) is defined at the inner groove (41) in such a way that the light emitted by the lighting device (6) is not blocked by the thickness of the first element (2'); as well as The component (1) is manufactured in such a way that the laminar elements (2', 2") are glued to the opposite sides of the intermediate layer (3).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The step of milling the at least one elongated element (4) comprises producing the inner groove (41) in such a way that the inner groove (41) has a curved profile (41a) produced by successively arranging at least three arcs (C1, C2, C3) having different radii (R1, R2, R3): a larger radius (R1), an intermediate radius (R2) and a smaller radius (R3), which increase one after the other along a milling line.

10. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the larger radius (R1) is larger than the intermediate radius (R2) by a percentage range of 33% to 43%, including 33% and 43%, preferably 35% to 41%, including 35% and 41%, more preferably 37% to 39%, including 37% and 39%, even more preferably substantially equal to 38%, and the intermediate radius (R2) is larger than the smaller radius (R1) by a percentage range of 60% to 72%, including 60% and 72%, preferably 63% to 69%, including 63% and 69%, more preferably 65% ​​to 67%, including 65% and 67%, even more preferably substantially equal to 66%.

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