Furnishing and method for manufacturing such a furnishing

Abstract

Furnishing, in particular a piece of furniture, such as a seat (1), a table or a cupboard, comprising: - a base body produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular by a 3D printing process (5) and - a computer element (18), in particular a desktop tower, wherein the computer element (18) is integrated into the base body (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a piece of furniture, such as a seat, a table or a cabinet, and to a method for manufacturing such a piece of furniture.

[0002] Furniture such as seating, tables, and cabinets are well-known. Personal computers (PCs) are also common furnishings and office equipment found in almost every household. A personal computer (PC) typically consists of a desktop unit, especially a desktop tower, and a monitor. The desktop tower, in particular, is a relatively large component that often cannot be easily and aesthetically integrated into the interior design of an apartment or house. Such desktop solutions often create visual disruptions to the overall aesthetic that the interior design aims to achieve.

[0003] The linking of furnishings with control devices is known from the prior art. For example, EP 3 256 023 B1 teaches a system that includes a control device designed to adjust the height positions of a chair and a tabletop to each other.

[0004] The present invention has for its object to improve the interior design of apartments and houses, in particular their visual impression and their compact design and to enable easier access to PCs by removing bulky and purely functional parts of a PC from the field of vision, in particular in such a way that no additional installation space is required.

[0005] The present invention solves the problem with a piece of furniture according to claim 1. Further embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a furnishing, in particular a piece of furniture, such as a seat, a table or a cabinet, is provided, comprising: - a base body produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular by a 3D printing process and - a computer element, where the computer element is integrated into the basic body.

[0007] In contrast to the furnishings known from the prior art, the computer element is intended to be integrated into the base body, which is or was manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. In this case, the design freedom offered by the additive manufacturing process can be particularly advantageous, as it allows, for example, the computer element to be integrated into a visually appealing base body or to be covered by the base body. The dimensions and size of the computer element can be accommodated flexibly and, in particular, the functionalities of the computer element can be specifically taken into account through the suitable choice of material in the additive manufacturing process. For example, it is conceivable to use a material for the base body with a comparatively high thermal conductivity, for example more than 0.2 W / mK, preferably more than 0.5 W / mK and particularly preferably more than 1 W / mK.It is also conceivable that the base body is only partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, with inserts being inserted into the base body next to the computational element, for example, to influence the physical properties of the base body as a whole or in part, for example, to increase the thermal conductivity of the base body. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the base body is manufactured entirely using an additive manufacturing process.

[0008] The additive manufacturing process, particularly in the form of a 3D printing process, is reflected particularly as a structural feature in the finished base body. Finally, individual layers arranged one above the other, or sections arranged above or next to each other, can be identified when viewing a sectional view of the base body, i.e., when creating a section through the base body. These individual material layers can be traced back to a common manufacturing step, for example, to a common curing step.

[0009] The furnishing item may have its own functionality separate from the computer element, such as providing storage space (in the case of a cupboard) or seating (in the case of a seating arrangement), or it may be function-free, i.e. it may be essentially a decorative item.

[0010] The seating arrangement in question is specifically a stool, at least partially manufactured using 3D printing, or a table or cabinet. Tables and cabinets, in particular, already offer sufficiently large objects into which a computer component, especially a desktop tower, can easily be integrated. In principle, any other type of furnishing can also be used, such as a lamp or a flowerpot. This allows the computer component to be optimally concealed within one of these furnishings, minimizing or eliminating its impact on the overall visual impression of the interior. Specifically, a furnishing is defined as any object that can be placed within a room.It can also be given a corresponding functionality, such as the possibility of holding a plant or serving as a seat.

[0011] It is particularly preferred that the furnishing be functionally independent of the computer element. The term "functionally independent" specifically means that the computer element is not designed to control any function of the furnishing. The computer element is thus functionally separate from the furnishing and, apart from its integration into the main body, is essentially independent. This distinguishes the furnishing from furnishings such as refrigerators, into which a computer element is embedded that can then be used to control the refrigerator.

[0012] The computer element is preferably a desktop element or a desktop tower, i.e. a device which includes a main memory. In particular, it is a device which has at least a volume of a cm x b cm x c cm, where a is between 18 and 50 cm, b is between 18 and 50 cm and s is between 5 and 20 cm. The desktop element is therefore preferably box-shaped. In particular, it is conceivable for the computer element to be integrated into its own housing, which in turn is embedded in the base body. It is preferably provided that the computer element interacts with a screen which is or can be placed outside the piece of furniture. Corresponding communication can be wired or wireless.

[0013] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a plurality of computer elements are integrated into the piece of furniture, with these multiple computer elements being interconnected or communicating with each other. This advantageously allows for the most functionally optimized distribution of the computer elements within the main body, ensuring, for example, that the placement of the computer element within the main body does not impair the functionality of the piece of furniture and, in particular, allows for greater flexibility in the design of the piece of furniture.

[0014] Preferably, the outer circumference of the computer element is surrounded, and in particular covered, by the base body to at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, and most preferably at least 90%. The computer element can also be completely integrated into the base body, in which case ventilation or cooling channels or devices may be provided that are embedded in and / or penetrate the base body. This advantageously surrounds as much of the computer element as possible and thus removes it from view. It is also conceivable that the base body has a recess on its outer surface into which the computer element can be inserted, preferably with a precise fit. In this case, the computer element may protrude from the base body, at least partially.It is therefore particularly preferred if the computer element is substantially completely integrated into the base body and cannot be recognized from the outside, for example.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferred that the 3D base body be modulated in terms of its thickness along the circumference of the computer element. In other words, the computer element is surrounded along its circumference with material of varying thicknesses, forming the base body. For example, it is also conceivable for the base body to be modulated and, in particular, deviate from a simple geometry. This allows, for example, an appealing geometry to be produced as easily as possible, and the base body can contribute to the design of an interior.

[0016] Preferably, the device has a communication and / or power supply interface, which is preferably integrated into the base body and / or adjoins or forms part of the outer surface of the base body. This advantageously makes it possible, for example, to exchange data or signals with the computer component. It is also conceivable that a corresponding network cable can be connected. In particular, it is possible to have an interface on the outside of the device, such as a USB interface and / or an HDMI interface, which can be used, for example, to provide data to a screen and / or to make data information accessible to the computer component. The communication and / or power supply interface can be designed to be wireless or wired.It is designed for wireless and / or wired communication and / or power supply. For example, the communication interface can also be an interface for Bluetooth or WLAN data transmission.

[0017] Preferably, the computer element is screen-free. This means, in particular, that the computer element provides the part designed specifically for work processes and storage, and not for displaying information. The screen responsible for displaying the information from the computer element is preferably located outside the device. In the case of a table as the device, the screen could be placed on the table.

[0018] Preferably, the base body is made, at least in part, from a transparent material. This makes it possible, for example, for the base body to be designed in particular sections in such a way that a visual insight into relevant sections of a computer element is possible, for example a control lamp that indicates the status of the computer element. In particular, it is conceivable for the material to be designed, at least in part, to allow the passage of signals for data communication and / or power supply. Accordingly, the material is matched to the transmission frequency and / or reception frequency of the communication interface, provided that this is designed for wireless communication. It is entirely possible for only a portion of the base body to be formed with this transparent material, allowing flexibility in the choice of remaining materials.

[0019] Preferably, the base body includes a ventilation channel. This advantageously allows for sufficient cooling of the computer element. This means that the design is not limited to computer elements operating at low temperatures, but also allows for the use of high-performance components that generate a corresponding amount of heat. Preferably, the base body has a hollow section in addition to the area for the computer element, particularly one directly adjacent to the computer element. This hollow section is preferably designed for ventilation. The ventilation channel preferably opens into this hollow section. In particular, the base body directly abuts the computer element on at least two opposite sides, preferably pressing against it to secure the computer element.to avoid relative movements of the computer element relative to the base body.

[0020] It is particularly preferred that the ventilation duct includes a fan assembly specifically designed to generate an airflow that carries heat away from the computer element. The ventilation duct can be curved, straight, and / or spiral. It is also conceivable that the ventilation duct is created during the additive manufacturing of the base body and / or by removing material from the preliminary base body following the additive manufacturing process.

[0021] In another embodiment, the piece of furniture is provided with a compartment for an energy storage device. For example, the energy storage device could be a rechargeable energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. This advantageously eliminates the need to connect the computer element to a power supply. In other words, a network cable is not required. This is particularly advantageous for seating arrangements, as these are often repositioned or moved when in use.

[0022] For example, the base body includes on its outer surface a receiving area for the energy storage device, in particular a slot-like receiving area into which the energy storage device can be inserted interchangeably. It is also conceivable that the energy storage device is designed for inductive charging. This advantageously makes it possible to recharge the energy storage device for the computer element as needed.

[0023] Preferably, the base body includes at least one cable running outside the computer element. This allows, for example, a data or power supply with a section of the base body that borders an outer surface of the base body.

[0024] Preferably, the computer element is connected to the base body by a material bond, friction bond, and / or force bond. In particular, the computer element is connected to the base body in such a way that it remains precisely positioned within the base body, especially when the furnishing is moved and / or shaken. For example, it is also conceivable that the computer element is clipped into the base body. A connection via a hook-and-loop fastener that prevents relative movement between the computer element and the base body is also possible.

[0025] In particular, it is intended that a material-bonded connection is created when the computer element is placed in the base body or the partially formed base body during the 3D printing process and the 3D manufacturing process continues. It may be provided that the computer element includes a housing with which a material-bonded connection is created with the 3D printing material.

[0026] Preferably, the computer element comprises a housing, which particularly preferably has an edge with an edge length of at least 10 cm, more preferably at least 20 cm, and more preferably at least 25 cm, but may also be smaller than 10 cm, depending on the application. In particular, the housing or computer element is essentially box-shaped. The edge with the longest edge length can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or obliquely.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture according to the invention, wherein the base body is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. All properties and advantages described for the piece of furniture can be transferred analogously to the method for manufacturing the piece of furniture and vice versa.

[0028] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual features of the individual embodiments can be combined with one another within the scope of the invention.

[0029] It shows: Fig. 1: a seating device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] In Fig. 1 shows a seating device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the seating device 1 in Fig. 1 is a stool, i.e., for example, a backrest-free seating device 1. Such a stool preferably has a seat side S and a floor surface side B opposite the seat side S. While a user of the stool can sit on the seat side S, the floor surface side B is in contact with a floor on which the seating device 1 has been arranged or placed. In particular, the floor surface side B of the seating device 1 rests against the floor at least in sections and contacts it.

[0031] In particular, in the embodiment of the Fig. 1. It is provided that the base surface B and the seat surface S are connected via a base body 5, which, for example, is conical at least in sections. Preferably, the base body 5 is designed as a shell structure, which, for example, has recesses. Preferably, the base body 5 has essentially conical sections that merge into one another at their tapered ends, so that the large cross-sections of the conical sections are opposite each other. Preferably, the base body 5 is a printed base body.

[0032] On the seat surface side S, the seating device 1 preferably has a seat surface section SAB, which includes, for example, padding and / or a mesh that preferably enables comfortable seating for the user. The base surface side B preferably has a base surface section BA, which can, for example, be inserted or fitted into a corresponding opening in the base body 5. Preferably, connecting mechanisms are provided that result, for example, in a positive-locking and / or friction-locking interaction between the inserted base surface section BA and the base body 5.

[0033] In particular, it is intended that the seat surface side S and the floor surface side B, especially the seat surface section SAB and the floor surface section B, are rigidly or permanently connected to each other. In other words: In the Fig. In the illustrated example of the seating device 1, the seat surface section SAB cannot be tilted or pivoted relative to the base surface section BA. It is conceivable that the distance between the base surface section BA and the seat surface section SAB is adjustable, for example to make a height adjustment, preferably with a telescopic mechanism, or that the distance remains permanently constant.

[0034] In particular, it is a seating device 1 that is designed such that it can be transferred from a primary orientation to a secondary orientation, in which the seating device as a whole is tilted relative to the primary orientation. To transfer the seating device 1 as a whole between the primary orientation and the secondary orientation, a bulging region 10 is provided on the base surface side B. For example, such a bulging region 10 is a dome-shaped section that protrudes from the base surface side B of the seating device 1. For the transfer from the primary orientation to the secondary orientation, the seating device rolls along the outside of the bulging region 10 on the floor.

[0035] In particular, the seating device 1 is provided to have an axis of symmetry 9 which, in a state of use of the seating device 1, runs essentially vertically. Furthermore, the seating device 1 is provided to be tiltable in any direction, in particular in any direction along a circumference that runs perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 9 of the seating device 1. Thus, tilting in 360° is provided or possible. A corresponding dome-shaped protrusion or a dome-shaped protrusion area 10 proves advantageous here. This dome-shaped protrusion area 10 is preferably arranged centrally, i.e., in the middle of the axis of symmetry 9.

[0036] Furthermore, the seating device 1 is designed, in particular by means of the bulged region 10, such that the primary orientation and / or secondary orientation determines a unstable equilibrium state. This makes it possible for the user to determine the orientation of the seating device 1 by sitting while using the seating device 1. Preferably, the bulged region 10 is made of an elastic material. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a seating device 1 in which a user actively reacts to seat displacement in order to hold the seating device 1 in the desired position. In particular, the manufacture of the bulged region 10 from elastic material proves to be particularly advantageous because this allows the seating comfort of the seating device to be further improved.

[0037] In particular, it is provided that the seating device 1 shown here, i.e., the stool, comprises a base body 5 which was manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. For example, the seating device or base body 5 was manufactured by a 3D printing process in which layers of material are applied and cured, in particular, each layer cures before the next layer of material is applied. Furthermore, it is provided in particular that a computer element 18 is at least partially integrated into the base body 5. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the computer element 18 is completely enclosed and integrated into the base body 5, i.e., essentially entirely surrounded by the base body 5. Preferably, the computer element 18 is a desktop tower which, together with a monitor, forms a PC.

[0038] The base body 5 thus surrounds the computer element 18, which is essentially completely contained within or integrated into the base body 5. The base body 5 therefore surrounds the computer element 18 essentially completely. It is specifically designed that the base body 5 only partially abuts the computer element 18. For example, a cavity (not shown) is formed in the base body 5, providing a material-free area between the computer element 18 and the base body 5. This allows, for example, the dissipation of heat, particularly via a ventilation duct 21 that opens into the material-free area.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that during the manufacture of the base body 5, i.e. during the additive manufacturing process, a recess is first provided into which the computer element 15 is then inserted. The additive manufacturing process is then continued in order to enclose the computer element as completely as possible. In other words: during the manufacturing process, the inserted and integrated computer element is enclosed and integrated into the base body. In this case, it is also conceivable, for example, that outlet openings are specifically provided during the manufacturing process, which allow communication with the computer element 18 from the outside. This can, for example, be an open area extending from the computer element 18 to the outside of the computer element 18, or a material selection designed at least in sections, which allows wireless communication with the computer element 18.It is also conceivable that a supply and / or communication interface is integrated on an outer side of the base body 5, which in turn is connected to the computer element, for example via a cable element embedded in the computer element 18.

[0040] This advantageously makes it possible to integrate a usually bulky computer element 18 into a piece of furniture or furnishing, such as a seat 1, so that it no longer obstructs or disturbs the view. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the computer element 18 adjoins at least part of the outer surface of the seat 1 or furnishing, in order to provide the easiest possible access to the computer element 18.

[0041] While the Fig.1. When dealing with a seating device 1, it is conceivable to provide for a corresponding integration into a base body 5, which has been manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, even if the furnishing is a cabinet, a flowerpot, a shelf and / or a table. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the computer element 18 is only partially integrated into the base body 5 and, for example, protrudes from this base body 5 in order to allow, for example, simplified access to corresponding interfaces 17 and / or to provide a corresponding cooling option. List of reference symbols: 1 Seating device 5 basic bodies 9 Axis of symmetry 10 Bulging area 15 deployment 17 Interface 18 computer element 21 ventilation duct S Seat side B Bottom side BA floor section SAB seat section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 256 023 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Item of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture, such as a seating device (1), a table or a cupboard, comprising: - a base body (5) produced by an additive manufacturing process, in particular by a 3D printing process, and - a computer element (18), in particular a desktop tower, wherein the computer element (18) is integrated into the base body (5). [2] A piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein the piece of furniture is functionally independent of the computer element (18). [3] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer circumference of the computer element (18) is surrounded, in particular covered, by the base body (5) to at least 50%, preferably at least 70% and particularly preferably at least 90%. [4] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture item has a communication and / or supply interface (17) which is preferably integrated into the base body (5) and / or adjoins an outer side of the base body (8) or forms part of the outer side of the base body (8). [5] A piece of furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer element (18) is screen-free. [6] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (5) is made at least in regions from a transparent material. [7] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ventilation duct (21) is embedded in the base body (5). [8] Item of furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the item of furniture has a receiving area for an energy storage device. [9] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer element (5) is connected to the base body (5) in a materially bonded, frictionally bonded and / or force-locked manner. [10] Furniture item according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computer element (18) comprises a housing which particularly preferably has an edge with an edge length of at least 10 cm, preferably at least 20 cm and particularly preferably at least 25 cm. [11] Method for producing a piece of furniture according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base body (5) is produced in an additive manufacturing process.

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