Expandable and reducible partition

Abstract

A height-adjustable partition wall intended as visual and acoustic protection for workplaces, especially for opposing desks, which can be easily moved at any time on the tabletops (10) or fixed to the rear edge of the tabletops (10), above or, for space reasons, below the lower drive unit with its outer side frames (8) by a clamping device (11), characterized in that the actual visual and acoustic protection mat (1) consists of felt approximately 3 mm thick or of other highly sound-absorbing or opaque or highly fire-resistant material, e.g., sheet steel, but always flexible, in order to be able to wind and unwind it in a space-saving manner onto a winding tube (5) with the smallest possible tube diameter, thereby advantageously increasing or decreasing the height of the partition wall by means of a visual and acoustic protection mat (1).The soundproofing mat (1) is deflected from below via an upper deflection profile (3), then guided in a double-walled manner to a lower deflection profile (4), and thus a differentiated force-active impedant device (6) with sufficient lateral stability and corresponding to each height is advantageously concealed between the now double-walled visual and soundproofing mat (1) to provide the required tension force, i.e., it is permanently articulated between the two deflection profiles (3) and (4) in an impedant-like manner, permanently pressing apart.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a partition wall that can be increased or decreased in height as a visual and acoustic barrier for workplaces, in particular for opposing desks, which can be easily set up on the tabletops so that they can be moved at any time, or can be fixed to the rear edge of the tabletops, above or, for reasons of space, below the lower drive part with its outer side frames by means of a clamping device.

[0002] Conventional partition walls, used for visual and acoustic protection, consist of solid, sound-absorbing materials covered with fabric or simply melamine-coated chipboard. These rigid panels are clamped vertically above the rear edges of the desks, thus providing visual and, potentially, acoustic protection for the desks and employees positioned opposite them, often due to space constraints. However, even if maximum heights of 500 mm to 600 mm are chosen solely for visual contact, this creates a feeling of isolation or enclosure for the employees, negatively impacting the working atmosphere.

[0003] The following utility models are already known: DE 200 03 502 U1, DE 20 2012 005 906 U1 and DE 20 2013 004 449 U1. Partitions of this type are also known from the publications DE 10 2009 005 167 A1, DE 20 52 407 A, US 2013 / 0 192 922 A1, DE 297 16 836 U1 and KR 20 2010 0 007 822 U.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of creating a simple and quick stepless height-variable, removable and quickly restorable partition wall for visual and sound protection.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention in that the actual visual and acoustic insulation mat consists of felt approximately 3 mm thick or of other highly sound-absorbing, opaque, or highly fire-resistant material, e.g., sheet steel, but always flexible, in order to be able to wind and unwind it in a space-saving manner onto a winding tube (5) with the smallest possible tube diameter, and thereby advantageously increasing or decreasing the height of the partition wall by deflecting a visual and acoustic insulation mat from below over an upper deflection profile, and then guiding it in a double-walled fashion to the lower deflection profile. Thus, a differentiated force-active impedant device with sufficient lateral stability and corresponding to each height is advantageously concealed between the now double-walled visual and acoustic insulation mat to provide the required tension force, i.e., it is permanently pressed apart between the two deflection profiles and articulated in a manner similar to an impedant.

[0006] This rollable, sufficiently thick felt mat, made of, for example, sound-absorbing material, is mounted below or above the tabletops in such a way that it allows eye contact depending on the current situation or need of one or both employees.

[0007] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention provides a simple and quick automatically height-adjustable or even completely retractable partition wall as a visual and sound barrier, which allows a view of the other person and then just as quickly and easily blocks it off again, e.g. during a disturbing phone call or highly concentrated work.

[0009] To achieve the best possible sound absorption, the sound-absorbing material, e.g., a 3 mm thick felt mat, is preferably guided from below over a deflection profile that is constantly pressed upwards like an impedder, thus ensuring the felt mat remains taut. The mat is then doubled and guided downwards at a distance from its beginning over another deflection profile. Finally, the beginning and end of the felt mat are successively attached to a winding tube with an internal tubular motor or spring shaft, rotating in the same direction. This creates a sufficient air gap between these double layers of e.g., 3 mm thick designer felt, which is also advantageous for sound insulation. This air gap between the felt mats is then used to conceal an impedder-like device between the two deflection profiles, e.g.,...A spring-assisted scissor mechanism supports the deflection surface above, either in the middle or at both ends, ensuring sufficient tension for the current weight load during both upward and downward movements, while also providing adequate lateral stability. When the winding tube is rotated by a tubular motor or spring shaft, the double-walled partition winds up, reducing its size. Conversely, when unwinding, it expands the partition. This advantageous double-walled winding and unwinding mechanism allows for twice the speed of raising and lowering, or reducing or expanding, the partition, which can be used as a visual and acoustic barrier.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of two opposing desks, on which a partition wall is raised in the middle as a visual and acoustic barrier with a functional strip for storage trays, multiple sockets, etc., through the side panels above the table surface to provide space for cables or table clamps for monitor mounts. Fig. Figure 2 shows the cross-section of the double-walled and double-walled rolled-up partition wall as visual and sound protection, centered above two opposing table back edges. Fig. Figure 3 shows the cross-section of the double-walled but only single-walled rolled-up partition wall as a visual and sound barrier, now attached below the rear edge of the table with clamps. Fig. Figure 4 shows the front view of an exemplary impeder device, which is used between the deflection profiles to achieve differential force application with sufficient lateral stability by means of differently positionable tension springs. Fig. Figure 5:5 shows a perspective side view of several freestanding partition walls on the floor as visual and sound protection, whereby only the upper half can be made smaller or larger, and below the room can be used by means of wall panels that can be folded open on one or both sides, behind which the accommodation of computers, cables and sockets can be provided.

[0011] In Fig. 1. The partition wall, serving as a visual and acoustic barrier, preferably consists of a felt mat only 3-5 mm thick to allow for a relatively small bending radius around a deflection profile 3, thus saving space. It is then guided downwards in a double-walled fashion, concealing the impedance device 6 acting between them, and deflected again around another deflection profile 4 to the beginning of the felt mat, so that the beginning and end of the felt mat are successively attached to the winding tube 5, and are then wound and unwound together in the same direction, thus enabling the acoustic surface to be reduced or increased.

[0012] The winding tube 5 is driven by an internal tubular motor 7 and, together with the deflection profile 4, to which the impedance device 6 is also articulated, is securely connected to the side frames 8 on their outer sides. Additionally, functional rails for mounting storage trays, power strips, or swivel arms for monitors can be installed between the side frames 8. The side frames 8 also serve as the support feet for the entire partition and can be fitted with tabletop clamps 9, which are used for securely attaching tabletops both above and below them.

[0013] In Fig. 2 and the Fig. Figure 3 shows the cross-section of the double-walled partition 1, which serves as a visual and acoustic barrier, with its two different winding options on the winding tube 5. For clarity, the impedance device 6 is simplified here as a gas spring. The winding tube 5 is preferably rotated or driven by the internal tubular motor 7, or, if manual operation is desired, by an internal spring shaft 7a. The various setup and mounting options using table clamps 9, either on top of or, to save space, underneath the tabletop 10, are shown. Sufficient space is provided underneath for cables or table clamps, for example, for existing monitor arms, to be attached to the rear edge 10 of the tabletop.

[0014] Fig. Figure 4 shows the functional view of an exemplary impedance device 6 with differential force development to prevent overstretching of, for example, the felt mat, while still maintaining sufficient inherent stability to prevent lateral breakout during impedance. The impedance device 6 allows for precise fine-tuning by means of tension springs 13 / 14. Thus, sufficient tension is ensured for the required differentiated impedance forces by changes in the preload of the tension springs 13 / 14 or by various changes in the lever arm 15 / 16. This prevents the visual and acoustic insulation mat 1 from being overstretched in the long term.

[0015] Fig.Figure 5 shows an arrangement of several freestanding partition walls on the floor, serving as visual and acoustic barriers. These partitions have a fixed lower section and an adjustable upper section, where all previously described solutions for increasing or decreasing the surface area are also applied. Figure 5 also demonstrates how easily a computer, cables, and power strips can be installed in the fixed lower section simply by opening a cover 17, and how the cables can be routed out over or under the cover 17.

[0016] The gap between the double-guided visual and soundproofing mat 1, which is otherwise open on both sides, can be closed by U- to V-shaped guide fingers, which are attached on both sides at the top of the upper deflection profile 3 and at the bottom of the lower deflection profile 4, by compressing the open gap at the edges after the deflection, regardless of height.

[0017] Magnetic strips on the inner sides of the edges are also conceivable; these would then adhere to each other until they are deflected, thus closing the gap. Reference symbol list: 1 privacy and soundproofing mat 3 upper deflection profile 3b Deflection profile 4 lower deflection profile 5 winding tube 6 Impeder device 7 Tubular motor 7a Spring shaft 8 side frames 9 tabletop clamps 10 Tabletop 11 Clamping device 12 Cover profile 13 / 14 tension springs 15 / 16 Lever arm changes 17 Cover 18 foot extensions

Claims

[1] A height-adjustable partition wall designed as a visual and acoustic barrier for workplaces, especially for opposing desks, which can be easily moved at any time on the tabletops (10) or fixed to the rear edge of the tabletops (10), above or, for reasons of space, below the lower drive unit with its outer side frames (8) by a clamping device (11), characterized byThe actual visual and acoustic insulation mat (1) consists of felt approximately 3 mm thick or of other highly sound-absorbing, opaque, or highly fire-resistant material, e.g., sheet steel, but always flexible material, in order to be able to wind and unwind it in a space-saving manner onto a winding tube (5) with the smallest possible tube diameter, thereby advantageously increasing or decreasing the height of the partition wall by deflecting a visual and acoustic insulation mat (1) from below over an upper deflection profile (3), then guiding it in a double-walled fashion to a lower deflection profile (4), and thus advantageously concealing a differentiated force-active impedance device (6) with sufficient lateral stability and corresponding to each height to provide the required tension, i.e., permanently pushing apart like an impedance, it is hinged between the two deflection profiles (3) and (4). [2] Partition according to claim 1, characterized by , that the height-adjustable partition wall, serving as a visual and acoustic privacy mat (1) for workplaces, can be mechanically operated by hand by replacing a tubular motor (7) with a spring shaft (7a), which is then pre-tensioned so strongly that the winding force of the spring shaft (7a) is always only slightly less than the tension force of the impedance device (6), in order to reliably stabilize the visual and acoustic privacy mat (1) at any height and to wind the winding tube (5) by spring force only by slight downward pressure on the cover profile (12) and unwind it when lifted. [3] Partition according to claim 2, characterized by , that the impregnating device (6) is replaced by an electromechanical scissor drive or knee joint. [4] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the height-adjustable partition wall (1) serves as a visual and acoustic barrier for workplaces, as a freestanding partition or room divider, standing on legs (18) or movable on casters, and depending on requirements, consisting of a fixed lower part or a variable part from the middle upwards, or integrated with continuous side frames (8a), wherein the lower part can advantageously serve as a cable duct or functional space for electrification and is concealed behind one- or two-sided covers (17) with cable inlet and outlet. [5] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that a functional strip can be mounted on the front or back of the partition wall, which can be increased or decreased in height, as a visual and soundproofing mat (1) for workplaces, between the side frames (8) in order to easily attach storage trays, combination sockets or monitors with their swivel arms. [6] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the side frames (8) on both sides serve as feet for the partition. [7] Partition wall according to claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the partition wall as a visual and soundproofing mat (1) is advantageously additionally laminated or spun on the back with fleece or fabric or reinforced with one or more e.g. fabric tapes. [8] Partition wall according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by, that the partition wall is provided as a visual and soundproofing mat (1) at the edge or also diagonally or also checkered or freeform with single or multi-track design sewing machine seams, which are also reinforced by backing with fabric tape material. [9] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the partition wall is printed with motifs or quilted or appliquéd as a visual and soundproofing mat (1). [10] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the side edges of the visual and soundproofing mat (1) are provided with a non-stretchable piped finish. [11] Partition wall according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the visual and soundproofing mat (1) is doubled on the front side with other material in a fixed or removable manner or is covered with writable and wipeable film which can be rolled up and unrolled. [12] Partition wall according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the gap open on both sides between the double-guided visual and soundproofing mat (1) is closed by an elastic band that is sufficiently wide and sufficiently stretchable on both sides, or that the gap is covered on both sides by means of coil springs that wind up and down. [13] Partition according to claims 1 and 3, characterized by , that the tubular motor (7) or the electric scissor drive can be remotely controlled from other workplaces via radio or infrared transmitters or can be controlled by sound via an adjustable sound sensor.

Images