Damping system for adjustment device and adjustable furniture piece

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment device (18) for a furniture piece (10), in particular a table, comprising a first part (26), a second part (30) and a multi-layer damping element (28), the second part (30) being in contact with the first part (26) by means of at least part of the damping element (28). The damping element (28) comprises at least one outer layer (38) and at least one damping layer (40). The at least one outer layer (38) is made of an elastomeric material, and the at least one damping layer (40) is made of a softer damping material than the elastomeric material of the outer layer (38). Furthermore, an adjustable furniture piece (10) is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device and an adjustable piece of furniture. Background Art

[0002] Adjustable tables with adjustment devices are well known in the art. The adjustment devices allow the table top to be moved relative to a static part, such as a leg, by using an actuator.

[0003] When adjusting the height, the parts moving relative to each other can create vibrations and noise that can disturb the user of the table or other people near the table. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment device and an adjustable piece of furniture which reduce vibrations and noise emissions when the adjustment device is actuated.

[0005] For this purpose, an adjustment device for a piece of furniture, in particular a table, is provided. The adjustment device comprises a first component, a second component and a multi-layer damping element, wherein the second component is in contact with the first component via at least a portion of the damping element. The damping element comprises at least one outer layer and at least one damping layer, wherein the at least one outer layer is made of an elastomeric material and the at least one damping layer is made of a damping material that is softer than the elastomeric material of the outer layer.

[0006] By providing a multi-layer damping element having an outer layer, wherein the outer layer is harder than the damping layer, it is possible to effectively damp unwanted noise and vibrations by the damping layer. Furthermore, the stability required during use of the furniture (i.e. for writing and reading) is provided by the harder outer layer. Thus, the seemingly opposing requirements of providing vibration damping and stability are resolved.

[0007] For example, a table, especially a desk.

[0008] In the present disclosure, "softer" may mean "having a lower hardness", especially a smaller Shore A hardness, such as measured by a durometer.

[0009] The second component is connected to the first component, in particular via a damping element.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjustment device comprises a static component, wherein the first component, the second component and the damping element are movable relative to the static component and / or wherein the first component is movably mounted to the static component, thereby providing a stable structure.

[0011] The first component may be mounted in the static component.

[0012] In one aspect, the adjustment device comprises a telescoping support column, wherein at least the first component is part of the telescoping support column, providing a reliable adjustment mechanism.

[0013] The static part may also be part of a telescopic support column.

[0014] For example, the first element is an inner tube and / or the second element is a U-shaped member.The second element may be connected to the damping element via its base.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastomeric material is rubber and / or the damping material is a polyurethane elastomer, making the damping element cost effective.

[0016] To further increase the stability, the hardness of the elastomeric material of the at least one outer layer may be between 50 and 70 Shore A hardness, in particular between 55 and 65 Shore A hardness.

[0017] To further improve noise and vibration damping, the damping material may have a hardness between 5 and 50 Shore A hardness, in particular 10, 18, 24, 37 or 48 Shore A hardness.

[0018] In one embodiment, at least one damping layer is arranged between the outer layer and the first component, in particular wherein the outer layer comprises a protrusion through the damping layer. This protrusion allows a more precise measurement by the sensor of the first component.

[0019] The projection can extend completely through the damping layer, in particular through all damping layers.

[0020] For example, the first component comprises a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, wherein the protrusion is in contact with the sensor, allowing a very precise control of the movement.

[0021] In order to simplify the assembly of the adjustment mechanism, the damping element comprises at least one through-hole, in particular for a screw, and / or a cutout, in particular for a cable.

[0022] In particular, the through-holes and / or the cutouts extend through all layers of the damping element.

[0023] In one embodiment, the damping element comprises two outer layers, wherein at least one damping layer is arranged between the two outer layers. This arrangement leads to a further improvement in performance.

[0024] For example, the outer layers are made of the same material and / or the damping element comprises exactly one damping layer.

[0025] The outer layer can be in contact with the first component and the second component, respectively, in particular with a side facing away from the damping layer, thus protecting the damping layer.

[0026] In order to further simplify assembly, the outer layers can be connected to one another by at least one bridge, wherein the bridge extends along the outer peripheral surface of the damping layer.

[0027] For example, both outer layers and at least one bridge are made from a single part.

[0028] In another embodiment, the damping element comprises two damping layers, wherein the second element is partially arranged between the two damping layers, further improving the performance.

[0029] In order to improve the performance even further, the outer layer and / or the first component is positioned on that side of the respective damping layer which faces away from the second component.

[0030] For the above mentioned purposes, an adjustable piece of furniture, in particular a table, is also provided. The piece of furniture comprises an adjustment device as described above, in particular wherein the piece of furniture comprises a table top and / or a crossbar fixed to a second component.

[0031] Features and advantages discussed with respect to the adjusting device also apply to the piece of furniture and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a part of a furniture piece according to an embodiment of the invention with an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Exploded diagram of the regulating device,

[0035] Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are shown respectively Figure 2 Assembly state diagram and exploded diagram of the damping element of the adjustment device,

[0036] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a damping element of an adjustment device according to a second embodiment,

[0037] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross-section of the damping element without the damping layer, and

[0038] Figure 7 An exploded view of an adjusting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 A piece of furniture 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0040] The piece of furniture 10 includes a table top 12 , two legs 14 and an interface device 16 .

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the piece of furniture 10 is a table, in particular a desk.

[0042] The piece of furniture 10 is adjustable in height, ie the height of the table top from the ground can be adjusted.

[0043] Below the table 12, the beam 17 (at Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention (shown by dotted lines) can extend in the transverse direction.

[0044] Each leg 14 includes an adjustment device 18 for adjusting the height of the table top 12 .

[0045] The regulating device 18 is Figure 2 The adjustment device 18 includes an actuator 20 ( Figure 1 ), a telescopic support column 22 having at least a static component 24 and a first component 26 , a multi-layer damping element 28 and a second component 30 .

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the static component 24 is an outer tube of the telescoping support column 22 and the first component 26 is an inner tube of the telescoping support column 22 .

[0047] On its upper surface, the first component 26 may include a sensor 32 , such as a pressure sensor.

[0048] The telescoping support column 22 is configured such that the first member 26 is movable in a height direction relative to the static member 24 by actuation of the actuator 20 , as is well known in the art.

[0049] The second part 30 is a connecting part for connecting the part of the furniture piece 10 that is to be adjustable to the adjusting device 18. In the embodiment shown, the second part 30 is connected to the table top 12 either directly or via the crossbar 17, so that the second part 30 is static relative to the table top 12.

[0050] The second component 30 is rigid and may be made of metal.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the second component 30 has a U-shape, with a horizontally extending base 34 and two limbs 36 extending upwardly from the base 34. The second component 30 may thus be considered a U-shaped member.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the multi-layer damping element 28 is arranged completely between the first component 26 and the second component 30 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 The damping element 28 is shown in an assembled perspective view ( Figure 3 ) and exploded view ( Figure 4 ) for more details.

[0053] In the first embodiment shown, the damping element comprises two outer layers 38 and a damping layer 40 .

[0054] The outer layers 38 extend parallel to each other, are spaced a distance apart, and may be substantially plated-shaped.

[0055] The outer layers 38 are connected by two bridges 42 extending vertically at the periphery of the outer layers 38. The outer layers 38 and the bridges 42 may be formed together as a single part, for example by injection molding.

[0056] Both outer layers 38 are of elastomeric material, for example rubber and / or have a hardness between 50 and 70 Shore A, in particular between 55 and 65 Shore A, for example measured with a Shore A durometer.

[0057] The damping layer 40 may also be plate-shaped and have a thickness that corresponds to the distance between the outer layers 38 .

[0058] In vertical projection, the outer layer 38 and the damping layer 40 have the same outer contour. The damping layer 40 is therefore completely covered by the outer layer 38 .

[0059] The damping layer 40 is arranged between the outer layers 38 such that the damping layer 40 is covered at its bottom and at its top surface by the outer layers 38. The bridges 42 extend across the peripheral surface of the damping layer 40.

[0060] The damping layer 40 is made of a damping material, such as a polyurethane elastomer. The hardness of the damping material can be between 5 and 50 Shore A hardness, for example measured with a Shore A durometer. In particular, the hardness of the damping material can be 10, 18, 24, 37 or 48 Shore A hardness.

[0061] Therefore, the damping material and the damping layer 40 are softer than the elastomeric material and the outer layer 38 .

[0062] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the damping element 28 comprises two through holes 44 and a cutout 46 extending from the peripheral side.

[0063] The through-opening 44 and the cutout 46 extend vertically completely through the damping element 28 and therefore also through all layers 38 , 40 of the damping element 28 .

[0064] Back to Figure 2 In the assembled state, the damping element 28 is fixed between the first component 26 and the second component 30 .

[0065] The bottom layer of the outer layer 38 is therefore in contact with the upper end face of the first component 26 , in particular with the side facing away from the damping layer 40 .

[0066] For convenience of description, the following terms "upper", "upper" or similar terms refer to a direction away from a static component. Similarly, "lower", "bottom" or similar terms refer to a direction toward a static component.

[0067] The upper layer of the outer layer 38 is in contact with the second component 30, in particular with its side facing away from the damping layer 40. For example, the base 34 of the second component 30 is in contact with the upper outer layer 38, and the limbs 36 extend upward.

[0068] The damping element 28 and the second component 30 are fixedly connected to the first component 26, and they are movable relative to the static component 24. Therefore, in turn, the table top 12 is also movable relative to the static component 24 and the ground.

[0069] For example, the base 34 of the second component 30 includes screw holes aligned with the through holes 44 of the damping element 28. The screws 48 thus extend through the base 34 of the second component 30 and the entire damping element 28 and are fastened in respective threaded holes of the first component 26.

[0070] In addition, the base 34 may also include cutouts that align with the cutouts 46 of the damping element 28. Through these cutouts, the cable 50 ( Figure 1 ) can extend from the actuator 20 to the interface device 16.

[0071] Due to the multi-layer damping element 28 with a damping layer 40 which is softer than the outer layer 38, vibrations and noises of the adjustment device 18 during movement are silent, while at the same time, stability is provided, which is desirable for a piece of furniture, in particular a desk.

[0072] Figures 5 to 7 A further embodiment of the adjusting device 18 is shown which corresponds substantially to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, only the differences are discussed, and identical and functionally identical components are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0073] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A perspective view of the layer of the bottom of the damping element 28 in the outer layer 38 of the second embodiment of the adjustment device 18 is shown in each case ( Figure 5 ) and a cross-sectional view of the damping element 28 without the damping layer 40 ( Figure 6 ).

[0074] The damping element 28 in the second embodiment differs from the damping element 28 in the first embodiment in the protrusion 52 .

[0075] The protrusion 52 is connected to the upper layer of the outer layers 38 and extends vertically from the upper outer layer 38 to another of the outer layers 38, such as vertically downward. In particular, the protrusion 52 is part of a single piece of elastomeric material that constitutes the outer layer 38 and the bridge 42.

[0076] The protrusion 52 can be cylindrical and extend completely through the damping layer 40 and also vertically through the other outer layer 38. For this purpose, both the damping layer 40 and the bottom outer layer 38 include holes. In particular, the holes make the protrusion 52 not contact the bottom layer of the damping layer 40 or the outer layer 38.

[0077] It can be seen from the top view that the projection 52 extends into the central region of the damping element 28 so that it is completely surrounded in the horizontal direction by the damping layer 40 and the outer layer 38 .

[0078] In particular, the protrusion 52 is positioned so that it is aligned with the sensor 32 of the first component 26 , and in particular is in physical contact with the sensor 32 .

[0079] The measurement quality of sensor 32 is improved by projection 52 .

[0080] Figure 7 An exploded view of a third specific embodiment of the adjusting device 18 is shown.

[0081] The damping element 28 differs from the damping element of the first embodiment in that there is one outer layer 38 , namely the upper outer layer 38 . Furthermore, the damping element 28 comprises two damping layers 40 .

[0082] The damping layer 40 may be made of the same material or different materials with different hardness.

[0083] The damping layer 40 is arranged below the outer layer 38, that is, between the outer layer 38 and the first component 26. The lower layer of the damping layer 40 is arranged between the first component 26 and the second component 30, and the upper layer of the damping layer 40 is arranged on the opposite side of the second component 30.

[0084] In other words, the second component 30 , in particular its base 34 , is arranged vertically between the two damping layers 40 .

[0085] The outer layer 38 is positioned on top of the upper layer of the damping layer 40 , ie the side of the upper damping layer 40 facing away from the second component 30 .

[0086] From a top view, the lower layer of the damping layer 40 may have the same outer contour as the first component 26 , the upper layer of the damping layer 40 may have the same outer contour as the base 34 , and / or the outer layer 38 may have the same outer contour as the upper damping layer 40 .

[0087] As explained with respect to the first embodiment, the screw 48 extends through all layers 38 , 40 of the damping element 28 and the base 34 of the second component 30 , with the outer layer 38 supporting the screw head to provide stability.

[0088] The embodiments shown are merely exemplary; features of different embodiments may be combined with one another.

Claims

1. An adjusting device for a piece of furniture (10), in particular a table, comprising a first component (26), a second component (30) and a multi-layer damping element (28), wherein the second component (30) is in contact with the first component (26) via at least a portion of the damping element (28), wherein the damping element (28) comprises at least one outer layer (38) and at least one damping layer (40), and The at least one outer layer (38) is made of an elastomeric material, and the at least one damping layer (40) is made of a damping material that is softer than the elastomeric material of the outer layer (38).

2. The adjusting device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment device (18) comprises a static component (24), wherein the first component (26), the second component (30) and the damping element (28) are movable relative to the static component (24) and / or wherein the first component (26) is movably mounted to the static component (24).

3. The adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The adjustment device (18) comprises a telescopic support column (22), wherein at least the first component (26) is part of the telescopic support column (22).

4. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The elastomeric material is rubber and / or the damping material is polyurethane elastomer.

5. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The hardness of the elastomeric material of the at least one outer layer (38) is between 50 and 70 Shore A hardness, in particular between 55 and 65 Shore A hardness.

6. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The damping material has a hardness between 5 and 50 Shore A hardness, in particular 10, 18, 24, 37 or 48 Shore A hardness.

7. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one damping layer (40) is arranged between the outer layer (38) and the first component (26), in particular wherein the outer layer (38) comprises protrusions (52) extending through the damping layer (40).

8. The adjusting device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first component (26) comprises a sensor (32), in particular a pressure sensor, wherein the protrusion (52) is in contact with the sensor (32).

9. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The damping element (28) comprises at least one through-hole (44), in particular for a screw (48), and / or a cutout (46), in particular for a cable (50).

10. Adjustment device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The damping element (28) comprises two outer layers (38), wherein the at least one damping layer (40) is arranged between the two outer layers (38).

11. The adjustment device according to claim 10, characterized in that The two outer layers (38) are in contact with the first component (26) and the second component (30), respectively, in particular with the sides facing away from the damping layer (40).

12. The adjustment device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The two outer layers (38) are connected to each other via at least one bridge (42), wherein the bridge (42) extends along the peripheral surface of the damping layer (40).

13. The adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The damping element (28) comprises two damping layers (40), wherein the second component (30) is partially arranged between the two damping layers (40).

14. The adjustment device according to claim 13, characterized in that The outer layer (38) and / or the first component (26) are positioned on a side of the respective damping layer (40) facing away from the second component (30).

15. An adjustable piece of furniture, in particular a table, comprising an adjustment device (18) according to any of the preceding claims, in particular wherein the piece of furniture (10) comprises a table top (12) and / or a crossbar (17) fixed to the second part (30).

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