Furniture system

Abstract

Furniture system comprising one or more components for electrical adjustment, at least one internal power supply unit, an internal network for connecting the one or more components, and a power distributor. The power distributor includes at least one internal interface to an internal network, at least one external interface for connecting an external power source, and a controller unit configured to on-demand control one or more energy flows between the internal power supply unit, the internal network, and the at least one external interface. The distributor is configured to supply components for electrical regulation individually and in combination from an internal power supply unit and from one external power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture system having electrically adjustable components and a method for distributing electricity in such a furniture system. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, furniture such as workstations for office departments, mobile carts for medical departments, and sofas are known to provide interfaces for powering electrical devices, lighting, and other equipment.

[0003] For example, such a conventional furniture system includes a power supply unit connected to a wall socket, and an interface installed on or within the furniture system in the form of a socket, which provides mains voltage or a low DC voltage derived from mains voltage to the power-consuming device and the equipment connected thereto.

[0004] In the prior art, it is also known that furniture supplies power to an interface from an energy storage device in the form of a battery or rechargeable battery, so that the furniture does not always have to be plugged into a wall socket and power supply unit, but can be moved.

[0005] For example, these could be single-column desks or computer carts commonly used in medical settings. Even in the absence of mains voltage, in order to supply power to medical devices or computers connected to interfaces on the single-column desk, an energy storage device installed on or within the desk can be used, which supplies power from mains voltage only as needed. Utility Model Content

[0006] One goal is to specify an improved supply concept for furniture systems that enables more flexible and efficient energy distribution.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further developments and implementations are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0008] The furniture system includes one or more components for electrically adjusting at least one adjustable part of the furniture system, and an internal network for connecting the one or more components (especially electrical connections).

[0009] The components used for electrical regulation can be formed, for example, by a linear actuator comprising a motor, a gearbox, and a spindle-nut system.

[0010] Components for electrical adjustment can, for example, adjust the height-adjustable portion of a furniture system that takes the form of table legs or columns. For instance, a single-column table may include telescopic columns as table legs, with linear actuators integrated into these columns.

[0011] Alternatively, the table may also include any number of table posts, each table post including a linear actuator that moves synchronously (i.e., simultaneously and in the same manner). For example, the table may include a height-adjustable tabletop with two or four table posts that move synchronously with each other.

[0012] Other components used for electrical regulation include one or more hand switches or displays, and motor control for linear actuator motors.

[0013] The furniture system also includes at least one internal power supply unit. For example, the power supply unit could be a plug-in unit. Typically, the power supply unit is designed to provide the power required for typical operation of a piece of furniture, such as 65 watts of continuous power.

[0014] The improved supply concept is based on the finding that the furniture system can be additionally or alternatively supplied with power from an external power source through a power distributor characterized by at least one internal interface of an internal network and one or more external interfaces for connecting to an external power source. Alternatively, external power-consuming devices can also be powered from the furniture system. Through this power distributor, the available internal and external power can be flexibly used by the furniture system's internal and external power-consuming devices, or can be obtained from either internal or external power sources.

[0015] Therefore, the power distribution unit also includes a controller unit configured to control one or more energy flows between the internal power supply unit, the internal network, and at least one external interface as needed.

[0016] The power distributor is configured, for example, to supply components for electrical regulation, individually and in combination from an internal power supply unit and from an external power source (if this is connected to at least one external interface), via a controller unit. Specifically, the source is selectively chosen, for example, based on the corresponding energy demand and / or available energy.

[0017] The power distributor may also include one or more other external interfaces for connecting to another external power source, and may be configured to additionally or alternatively supply components for electrical regulation from one other external power source if an other external power source is connected to at least one other external interface.

[0018] The external interface is implemented as a bidirectional interface, for example, for connecting external loads and / or power sources outside the furniture system.

[0019] The power distributor may also have one or more external unidirectional interfaces for connecting external power-consuming devices that are not part of the furniture system.

[0020] For example, a power distributor can be implemented as a standalone component with its own housing, or as part of another component of a furniture system, such as being integrated into a hand switch or motor control unit.

[0021] A one-way interface allows energy to flow from the furniture system to power-consuming devices connected to the one-way interface.

[0022] A unidirectional interface includes at least a line for transmitting electrical energy.

[0023] In another embodiment, the unidirectional interface includes a bidirectional data connection. This data connection can be used, for example, to establish communication between the power distributor and the power-consuming device and to provide information about the characteristics of the power-consuming device, information about the power required by the power-consuming device, or information about the power that the power distributor can or actually provides to the power-consuming device.

[0024] A bidirectional interface allows energy to flow from the furniture system to power-consuming devices connected to it. Compared to a unidirectional interface, a bidirectional interface also allows energy to flow from external or non-furniture system power sources (e.g., power banks, laptop batteries, or laptop power supplies) to the furniture system. This means, for example, that internal energy storage devices can be eliminated, or they can be manufactured to be smaller. This can reduce the weight of the furniture system.

[0025] For example, when the furniture system's internal power supply unit cannot provide enough power or cannot supply any power at all to regulate the furniture system, such as in the event of a mains voltage failure, a defect in the power supply unit, or a particularly high load on the furniture system, an energy flow from an external power source occurs.

[0026] For example, if a furniture system requires more power than its internal power supply unit can provide, energy can also flow from an external power source. This occurs when the furniture system is subjected to unusual loads and still requires electrical regulation. In this case, power from the external power source and power from the power supply unit are combined, and this combined power is used for electrical regulation.

[0027] Bidirectional interfaces include, for example, lines used for bidirectional transmission of electrical energy or power.

[0028] The power distributor is arranged to negotiate the level and / or direction of the energy flow with a connected external power source and / or a connected load via data communication, particularly via a data line.

[0029] In another embodiment, the bidirectional interface includes a bidirectional data connection. Similar to the unidirectional interface, this data connection can be used, for example, to establish communication between a power distributor and a power-consuming device and to exchange information about the characteristics of the power-consuming device, information about the desired power required by the power-consuming device, or information about the power distributor's ability to provide or actually provide power to the power-consuming device. Furthermore, the data connection can also be used, for example, to exchange information about the characteristics of available power from an external power source.

[0030] In another embodiment, the power distributor can select the energy flow direction of the bidirectional interface. The energy flow direction can be directed from the furniture system to an external load, or from an external power source to the furniture system.

[0031] In another embodiment, the power distributor can determine the level of energy flow provided via the bidirectional interface. For example, the level of energy flow is power or current at a given voltage.

[0032] In another embodiment, the power distribution unit may have a combination of bidirectional and unidirectional interfaces for energy transmission. If a unidirectional interface is present, the power distribution unit may also determine the level of energy flow provided via the unidirectional interface.

[0033] In another embodiment, each of one or more external power sources connected to the bidirectional interface can be combined to form the furniture’s own internal power supply unit, or can be used to replace the furniture’s own internal power supply unit.

[0034] In another embodiment, the power-consuming device at the bidirectional or unidirectional interface can be a device charged by the furniture system via a power distributor or an external energy storage device.

[0035] In another embodiment, the potential energy stored in one or more adjustable parts of the furniture system (e.g., in a raised tabletop) can be used as an energy source in a furniture system with high system efficiency. For example, in a table system with high system efficiency, most of the potential energy is released when the tabletop is lowered and can be distributed by a distributor in a unidirectional or bidirectional output to power-consuming devices, such as batteries connected thereto.

[0036] In another separate implementation, the furniture system may have its own energy storage device, for example, in the form of a capacitor, the size of which is determined so that it can absorb potential energy. This can be done, for example, if no energy storage device is connected to one of the unidirectional or bidirectional interfaces. The energy storage device of the furniture system may be implemented, for example, as a separate component of the furniture system or integrated into the power distribution unit.

[0037] Description of possible energy flows:

[0038] The use of power distributors in furniture systems enables various forms of energy flow, which provides users of furniture systems equipped in this way with advantages over existing technologies.

[0039] In one implementation, the load can be powered by the furniture's own power supply unit at a one-way interface.

[0040] In another embodiment, the load can be powered by the furniture's own power supply unit at the bidirectional interface.

[0041] In another embodiment, the electrical components used for regulation can be powered by one or more energy sources at a bidirectional interface.

[0042] In another embodiment, one or more loads at the unidirectional interface can be powered by one or more external power sources at the bidirectional interface.

[0043] In another embodiment, one or more loads at the bidirectional interface can be powered by one or more external power sources at the bidirectional interface.

[0044] For example, a scenario might occur where a laptop computer and another medical device are on a computer cart. When the cart's battery is empty, the medical device stops working, but the laptop computer continues to operate due to its built-in battery. In this case, the laptop computer's battery can at least temporarily power the device connected to the desktop interface.

[0045] In summary, furniture systems with power distributors can utilize all currently available power sources, such as the internal power supply unit of a laptop computer, external power supply unit, mobile power supply, potential energy stored in the adjustable parts of the furniture system, etc., for the electrical regulation of the furniture system on the one hand, and on the other hand, to make them available for other power-consuming devices to operate or charge them.

[0046] The power distributor includes a controller unit, which, for example, has a decision control unit that determines the direction and level of one or more energy flows based on circumstances.

[0047] In one implementation, for example, when the furniture system is not adjusted, the power distributor can use power from the furniture's own power supply unit to charge or supply power to external devices.

[0048] In another embodiment, while the furniture system is being adjusted, the power distributor can use power from the furniture's own power supply unit to charge and power external devices, thereby reducing the power supplied via one-way or two-way interfaces.

[0049] In another embodiment, the power distributor may use the potential or positional energy of one or more adjustable parts of the furniture system as an energy source and store it in an energy storage device at a one-way or two-way interface or in the furniture system's energy storage device, and then, for example, reuse it for adjustment. Potential or positional energy refers to the ability of an adjustable part of the furniture system to perform mechanical work due to its position. Potential energy is a form of mechanical energy.

[0050] In another embodiment, if the furniture’s own power supply unit cannot supply any or sufficient power, for example in the event of a mains voltage failure or a defective power supply unit, or if the furniture’s own power supply unit is currently unavailable, the power distributor can request power from an energy source at a bidirectional interface.

[0051] In another embodiment, the power distributor can realize several energy flows in different directions, such that energy flows, for example, from the furniture's own power supply unit and from external power supply units, are used together to regulate the furniture system and to charge external devices.

[0052] In another implementation, the power distributor can negotiate power supplied by an external power source. For example, a "contract" can be entered into between the power distributor and the power supply unit (such as a laptop power supply unit) connected via a bidirectional interface regarding the power to be supplied.

[0053] In another embodiment, the power distributor can negotiate energy requested by an external power-consuming device. For example, a contract can be entered into between the power distributor and the power-consuming device, which are connected via a one-way or two-way interface, regarding the power supplied to the furniture system.

[0054] The power distributor includes, for example, a control unit for combining (e.g., parallel switching) several energy sources. This allows the power distributor to utilize the power from several energy sources as needed and to use it to regulate furniture and / or supply external equipment. For example, if more power is required than can be provided by the furniture system's own power supply unit, the lost power can be supplemented by an external power source.

[0055] In one implementation, the power distributor can combine the furniture's own power supply unit with one or more energy sources at a bidirectional interface.

[0056] In another embodiment, the power distributor can combine several power supplies at a bidirectional interface without using the furniture's own power supply unit.

[0057] The furniture system also includes an internal network that electrically connects components for electrical regulation, an internal power supply unit, and a power distributor.

[0058] For example, an internal network could be a power bus. An internal network allows, for example, the transfer of energy, and also allows bidirectional communication between components connected to the network (such as distributors, components for electrical regulation, and internal power supply units).

[0059] The power distribution unit has one or more internal interfaces to the internal network. The number of interfaces depends in particular on the topology of the internal network or on whether the power distribution unit is connected to the network as a standalone component or as part of another component of the furniture system.

[0060] One aspect of the improved supply concept includes a power distribution method in a furniture system according to one of the embodiments described.

[0061] The method includes the following steps:

[0062] a. Determine (e.g., summarize) the instantaneous total power demand of all loads connected to the internal network (especially components used for electrical regulation of the desktop system).

[0063] b. Determine the power available from the internal power supply unit.

[0064] c. Determine the available power from one or more connected external power sources, and

[0065] d. If the determined available power from the internal power supply unit is lower than the determined total power demand, and if the determined sum of available power from the internal power supply unit and the external power source is higher than the determined total power demand, then a combination of power from the internal power supply unit and the connected external power source is supplied to the loads connected to the internal network.

[0066] Other implementations of this method are derived from various possible uses of the aforementioned power distributor, particularly regarding possible energy flows.

[0067] For example, the power distribution unit is equipped with a controller unit to execute the process based on an improved supply concept. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The improved supply concept will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples of embodiments. Similar elements or elements having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. Therefore, it is not necessary to repeat the description of individual elements.

[0069] It shows:

[0070] Figure 1 The furniture system is shown;

[0071] Figure 2 A furniture system fed by a combined energy flow from two energy sources is shown;

[0072] Figure 3 A furniture system fed by a combined energy flow from three energy sources is shown;

[0073] Figure 4 A furniture system is shown that feeds an external load at a one-way interface through the furniture's own power supply unit;

[0074] Figure 5 A furniture system is shown that supplies an external load at a bidirectional interface via the furniture's own power supply unit;

[0075] Figure 6A furniture system is shown that supplies an external load at a unidirectional interface by means of power at a bidirectional interface;

[0076] Figure 7 A furniture system is shown that supplies an external load at a bidirectional interface via a power source at the bidirectional interface.

[0077] Figure 8a A furniture system that uses potential energy in an adjustable component as an energy source is shown;

[0078] Figure 8b A furniture system that uses potential energy in an adjustable component as an energy source is shown;

[0079] Figure 9 A furniture system with an internal network having a line topology is shown, in which the power distributor and hand switch form a single unit;

[0080] Figure 10 A furniture system with an internal network having a line topology is shown, in which the power distributor and hand switches are separate;

[0081] Figure 11 A furniture system with an internal network having a star topology is shown, in which power distributors and hand switches form units;

[0082] Figure 12 A furniture system with an internal network having a star topology is shown, in which the power distributor is connected to a central motor control;

[0083] Figure 13 A method for power distribution is shown; and

[0084] Figure 14 A furniture system with electrically adjustable furniture components is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Figure 1 A furniture system 100 with a bidirectional power distributor 120 is shown, along with other components for electrically adjusting various parts of the furniture system. The furniture system 100 includes an internal power supply unit 150, a hand switch 180, and one or more linear actuators 110', 110", 110"', 110"". In a specific embodiment example, four linear actuators can be seen for the four legs of a table or the two legs of two combined tables. For example, the linear actuators 110', 110", 110"', 110"" may each have a motor controller 170', 170", 170"', 170"". Alternatively, a central motor control unit (not shown) may also be present to control several linear actuators.

[0086] Furniture system 100 also includes, for example, an internal furniture system network 160, which has at least lines for power supply and lines for data communication between components. An example implementation of the bus for data communication is a LIN bus.

[0087] exist Figure 1 For example, the power distributor 120 has a group of internal interfaces 190 that connect to the internal network 160.

[0088] Figure 1 The network shown is, for example, a star topology network, in which the power distributor is the central component to which other furniture system components connect.

[0089] exist Figure 1 For example, the power distributor 120 has a group having one or more unidirectional interfaces 130 and a group having one or more bidirectional interfaces 140, serving as external interfaces for connecting various external components.

[0090] In one example implementation, both the set of unidirectional interfaces 130 and the set of bidirectional interfaces 140 can be implemented as USB ports. A port is an external interface through which other devices can connect via a cable (e.g., via a corresponding plug).

[0091] Figure 2 The illustration shows a scenario where the furniture system 100 does not receive power from its own power supply unit, for example, because it is not connected or is faulty, or because it cannot draw any voltage from the mains. An energy storage device 210 (e.g., a battery) and another energy source 220 (e.g., a power supply unit for a portable computer) are connected to an external bidirectional interface 140. Additionally, a load 200 is connected to one of the external unidirectional interfaces 130.

[0092] The power distributor 120 now determines, for example, the power required by the linear actuator to move the furniture due to a command (e.g., via hand switch 180). Therefore, it switches the direction of the two energy flows E1 and E2 from the two energy sources 210 and 220 in the direction of the furniture, and directs the combined energy flow E1+E2 to the linear actuator.

[0093] Figure 3 The illustration shows a furniture system 100 supplied by a power supply unit 150, an energy storage device 210, and another energy source 220. When the power supply unit 150, the energy storage device 210, and the energy source 220 are combined, the energy flow E3 from the power supply unit 150 and the two energy flows E1 and E2 are merged.

[0094] Figure 4This illustrates a scenario where energy from the power supply unit 150 is supplied to the power-consuming device 200. For example, this could be a mobile device with a built-in battery that is connected to the furniture system 100 via the power distributor 120 and is now being charged via the furniture system.

[0095] Figure 5 This illustrates a situation where, similar to Figure 4 In this scenario, energy from the power supply flow E3 of the furniture's own power supply unit 150 is supplied to the power-consuming device. For example, the energy from the power supply unit's power supply flow E3 is used to charge an energy storage device 210 connected to one of the bidirectional interfaces 140. In one embodiment, this could be a battery in a laptop computer, which is charged and then used to power the furniture system later.

[0096] Figure 6 The illustration shows an energy storage device 210 in a mobile device feeding energy from an energy flow E2 to a load 200, which is connected to a furniture system 100 via a bidirectional interface of a power distribution unit 120, and the load 200 is connected to a unidirectional interface of the power distribution unit 120.

[0097] In another embodiment (not shown), only a portion of the energy from energy flow E2 may be supplied to load 200 and another portion may be fed to other loads or components for electrical regulation.

[0098] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an energy storage device 210 supplying power to a power-consuming device 220 using energy from energy flow E2. The energy storage device 210 is connected to a first bidirectional interface, and the power-consuming device 220 is connected to a second bidirectional interface.

[0099] Figure 8a and Figure 8b This illustrates a scenario where potential energy contained in an adjustable section of a furniture system (e.g., in a raised tabletop) is used as an energy source for an energy storage device. For example, when the tabletop moves downwards, the released potential energy is not destroyed by active braking (e.g., in the form of heat), but is instead converted into electrical energy by a motor operating in generator mode within the linear actuators 110', 110", 110"', 110"" of the tableposts. This electrical energy is then supplied to the energy storage device by a distributor. The energy storage device can, for example, be integrated into the distributor (…). Figure 8a In 230), connected to the distribution unit ( Figure 8b The external interface of 210 in the figure or the internal network connected to the furniture system (not shown).

[0100] The previous embodiments primarily illustrated the scenario where an energy source supplies power to another power-consuming device. Of course, it is also possible to distribute power from one or more energy sources to several power-consuming devices. For example, a power distributor can negotiate contracts with several power-consuming devices, defining the amount of power supplied to each device.

[0101] Figure 9 An embodiment of the furniture system 100 is shown, wherein the internal network 160 has a line topology. A power distributor is connected to the internal network 160 via an internal interface 190. Similarly, an internal power supply unit 150 and linear actuators 110', 110", 110"', 110"" with corresponding motor controllers 170', 170", 170"" are connected to the internal network 160.

[0102] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the power distribution unit 120 includes a hand switch 180 integrated within the power distribution unit.

[0103] Alternatively, the hand switch may include a distributor integrated into the hand switch.

[0104] Alternatively, the hand switch and the distributor can be separate components that are each connected to the internal network 160.

[0105] Figure 10 An embodiment of a furniture system 100 with a power distributor 120 is shown, the power distributor 120 having a set of internal interfaces 190 with two interfaces each. The internal network has a line topology. A hand switch is connected to one of the interfaces in the set of interfaces 190.

[0106] The power distributor internal connection interface group 190 has two interfaces. The controller unit 240 is also connected to the internal network (not shown).

[0107] Alternatively, the hand switch can be integrated into the power distribution unit.

[0108] Figure 11 An embodiment of a furniture system 100 with a star-topology power distribution unit 120 and an internal network 160 is shown. An internal power supply unit 150 and a linear actuator with a corresponding motor controller are each connected to an interface of an interface group 190.

[0109] Hand switch 180 can be integrated into distributor 120 (e.g.) Figure 11 (as shown), or it can be independently connected to one of the interfaces in the interface group 190 of the power distributor 120 at its own interface.

[0110] The controller unit 240 is also connected to the internal network 160 in the power distributor.

[0111] Figure 12An embodiment of furniture system 100 is shown, which, compared to the currently shown embodiment, has a central motor controller 170 instead of motor controllers 170', 170", 170"', 170"" integrated in the linear actuators. The internal network 160 has a star topology. Linear actuators 110', 110", 110"', 110"" and hand switches 180, internal power supply unit 150 and distributor 120 are connected to the internal network 160.

[0112] Alternatively, the hand switch 180 can be integrated into the power distribution unit 120.

[0113] Figure 13 A method for distributing electricity in a furniture system 100 is shown.

[0114] For example, when adjusting various parts of a furniture system, a load may occur, causing the internal power supply unit to become unable to meet the total power demand. Unlike existing technologies, instead of terminating the adjustment, a check is performed to see if power can be obtained from an external power source that can compensate for the missing power. If the sum of the power from the external power source and the power from the internal power supply unit is sufficient, power from the external power source is supplied, and adjustment continues. If the total power is insufficient, adjustment stops.

[0115] Therefore, the method includes the following steps:

[0116] a. Determine the instantaneous total power demand of all power-consuming devices connected to the internal network (300), especially components used for power regulation of the desktop system.

[0117] b. Determine (310) the available power from the internal power supply unit.

[0118] c. Determine (320) the available power from one or more connected external power sources.

[0119] d. If the determined available power from the internal power supply unit (150) is lower than the determined total power demand and if the sum of the determined available power from the internal power supply unit (150) and the external power source (210) is higher than the determined total power demand, then the load connected to the internal network (160) is supplied (330) with a combination of power from the internal power supply unit (150) and the connected external power source (210).

[0120] For example, the method can be repeated cyclically to detect a lack of power during the adjustment of the various components of the furniture system, and then power can be supplied from an external power source if available.

[0121] Figure 14An embodiment of a furniture system 100 is shown, having an electrically adjustable furniture section in the form of a desktop 105, which can be electrically adjusted via a plurality of linear actuators 110', 110" . An internal power supply unit 150 is connected to a power distributor 120, which in this example is mounted on the desktop 105 and includes an integrated hand switch 180.

[0122] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0123] 100 Furniture System

[0124] 105 Electrically Adjustable Furniture Section

[0125] 110', 110”, 110”', 110”” linear actuator

[0126] 120 power distribution unit

[0127] 130 Unidirectional Interface

[0128] 140 bidirectional interface

[0129] 150 Internal power supply unit

[0130] 160 Internal Network

[0131] 170', 170”, 170”', 170”” Motor control

[0132] 180 manual switch

[0133] 190 Internal Interface

[0134] 200 power-consuming devices

[0135] 210 External power supply

[0136] 220 external power supply

[0137] 230 Energy Storage

[0138] 240 Controller Unit

[0139] Energy flow of E1, E2, E3, E1+E2, E1+E2+E3

[0140] 300-330 Method and steps.

Claims

1. A furniture system, characterized in that, include - One or more components for electrically adjusting at least one adjustable portion of the furniture system. - At least one internal power supply unit; - An internal network for connecting the one or more components; as well as - A power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit includes: - At least one internal interface to the internal network; - At least one external interface for connecting to an external power source, wherein each of the at least one external interface has one or more lines for power supply; and - A controller unit configured to control one or more energy flows between the internal power supply unit, the internal network (160), and the at least one external interface on demand; - The power distributor is configured by the controller unit to selectively supply the components for electrical regulation from, individually and in combination: - From the internal power supply unit; and - When the external power supply is connected to the at least one external interface, it comes from the external power supply.

2. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the power distributor includes at least one additional external interface for connecting to another external power source, and is arranged to additionally or alternatively supply the component for electrical regulation from the other external power source when the other external power source is connected to the at least one other external interface.

3. The furniture system according to claim 1, wherein - The furniture system includes an energy storage device for receiving the potential energy of the at least one adjustable part; and - The power distributor is configured to additionally or alternatively supply the components for electrical regulation from the energy storage.

4. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein the power distributor is configured to supply the energy storage from the potential energy of the at least one adjustable portion.

5. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the at least one external interface and / or, if present, the at least one other external interface is configured as a bidirectional interface.

6. The furniture system of claim 5, wherein the direction of energy flow is adjustable for each of the bidirectional interfaces.

7. The furniture system of claim 5, wherein the level of energy flow is adjustable for each of the bidirectional interfaces.

8. The furniture system of claim 5, wherein the power distributor is configured to be supplied to at least one load of one of the bidirectional interfaces from at least one of the following: - The internal power supply unit - The external power supply, if the external power supply is connected to the at least one external interface; - The potential energy of the at least one adjustable part.

9. The furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power distributor further comprises at least one unidirectional interface and is arranged to be connected from at least one of the following supplies to at least one load of one of the at least one unidirectional interfaces: - The internal power supply unit - The external power supply, if the external power supply is connected to the at least one external interface; - The potential energy of the at least one adjustable part.

10. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein the level of energy flow at the at least one unidirectional interface is adjustable.

11. The furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power distributor is arranged to negotiate the level and / or direction of the energy flow with a connected external power source and / or a connected load via data communication through a data line.

12. The furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the controller unit determines that the power of the internal power supply unit is insufficient for the load condition of the at least one adjustable part of the furniture system, the controller unit is configured to supply the component for electric regulation with a combination of power from the internal power supply unit and power from at least one connected external power source.

13. The furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power distributor is configured to connect to an external energy storage device and / or an external power supply unit as an external power source.

14. The furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the internal network includes lines for supplying power to the one or more components and lines for data communication between the power distributor and the one or more components, and between the multiple components.

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