Rolling device and furniture element with such a rolling device

Abstract

Rolling device (1) with a support element (5) and a rolling element (60), wherein the support element has four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), and - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) extend in a first direction (V) from a first end to a second end, so that the supporting element (5) also extends overall from a first end (5a) to a second end (5b), - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) each have an inner surface that encloses an interior space (I), - the interior (I) is open at least at the second end (5b) of the supporting element (5), - a recess (12, 22, 32, 42) extending from the second end of the side wall into the inner surfaces of at least two opposing side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the two recesses (12, 22, 32, 42) are arranged symmetrically to each other and each has a circular segment-shaped section (12a), and whereby the rolling element comprises a cylindrical rolling body (62) and two cylindrical axle stubs (64) extending coaxially from the rolling body to the cylinder axis of the rolling body (62), which in the assembled state of the rolling device are received at least partially in two opposing circular segment-shaped sections (12a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rolling device according to claim 1, a support element designed for use as part of such a rolling device according to claim 11, and a furniture element comprising such a rolling device according to claim 12.

[0002] Furniture elements incorporating at least one rolling device are known in the art. A fundamental distinction can be made between rolling devices that can only roll in one direction and those that can roll in all directions within a plane. The latter are used, for example, in office chairs and the like. The present invention, however, relates to a rolling device that, when assembled, can only roll in one direction. Suitable applications for such a rolling device include, for example, tables with an extendable section. This is an important application area of ​​the invention; however, it should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to this.

[0003] The present invention aims to provide such a rolling device which is easy to manufacture, easy to assemble, robust and visually unobtrusive.

[0004] This problem is solved by a rolling device with the features of claim 1. A support element designed for use as part of such a rolling device is specified in claim 11, and a furniture element comprising such a rolling device is specified in claim 12.

[0005] The rolling device according to the invention is at least two-part, preferably exactly two-part, and comprises a support element and a rolling element, which in the assembled state is largely received in this support element. The support element is particularly designed such that it can be received to a large extent in a hollow profile, and in particular such that it is held clamped in this hollow profile in the assembled state.

[0006] The support element of the roller device according to the invention has four side walls, each extending in a first direction (which is generally the vertical direction in the operating state) from a first end to a second end, so that the support element as a whole also extends from a first end to a second end. Each of the four side walls has an inner surface that encloses an interior space, which is open at least at the second end (which is generally the lower end in the operating state). Preferably, the interior space is also open at the first end (the upper end), which particularly facilitates the manufacture of the support element; however, this is not mandatory.In a cross-sectional plane which runs perpendicular to the first direction defined above, the four side walls preferably define a square, further preferably such that the supporting element is symmetrical with respect to 90-degree rotations about a central axis extending in the first direction.

[0007] Recesses extend into the inner surfaces of at least two opposing side walls. These recesses are arranged symmetrically to each other and each has a circular segment-shaped section. If the supporting element has the aforementioned preferred 90-degree geometry, each of the four side walls naturally has such a recess. Each recess is preferably keyhole-shaped with a constriction, the constriction adjoining the circular segment-shaped section in such a way that it lies between the circular segment-shaped section and the second end of the respective side wall, and the circular segment-shaped section encloses an angular range of more than 180 degrees.

[0008] The aforementioned roller element, designed for sectional installation within the support element, comprises a cylindrical roller body and two cylindrical axle stubs extending coaxially from the roller body to its cylindrical axis. The roller body typically has two end faces from which these axle stubs extend. These end faces need not necessarily be flat surfaces, and thus the term "cylindrical roller body" should be understood to mean that it has a lateral surface with a circular cross-section. In the assembled state of the roller device, these axle stubs are received, at least section by section, in two opposing recesses, specifically in the circular segment-shaped section. The distance between the two axial end faces of the axle stubs is chosen such that the axle stubs do not protrude beyond the side walls of the support element.

[0009] To mount the roller element to the support element, it is simply inserted into the support element from below until the axle stubs lie in opposing circular segment-shaped sections. If the recesses have the aforementioned indentations, the axle stubs are "clicked" into the respective circular segment-shaped sections, thus securing them against accidental dislodgement. Final assembly of the roller device, consisting of such a support element and a roller element, is correspondingly simple and can be carried out even if the support element is already mounted on a component of a piece of furniture, particularly a hollow profile (i.e., a tube). The roller element can also be removed again in this state, for example, for cleaning or if it needs to be replaced due to wear.

[0010] If the support element, as described above, has 90-degree symmetry, the rolling element can be arranged on the support element in two mutually perpendicular orientations. This, in particular, prevents incorrect assembly of the support element on a furniture component: If the support element is arranged in a hollow cylindrical furniture component (for example, a table leg) with a square cross-section, it will always have the correct orientation because it has the aforementioned 90-degree symmetry. Without this 90-degree symmetry, the support element could be incorrectly mounted, so that the rolling direction of the cylindrical hollow body would not correspond to the desired direction of movement.

[0011] The support element is preferably a one-piece injection-molded plastic part, which can be made of, for example, PP or PA6. It is also possible, in principle, to manufacture the support element from a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0012] The rolling element preferably consists of two different materials, with the axle stubs and the rim connecting them forming a main element, preferably also manufactured as a single-piece injection-molded plastic part. A hollow cylindrical running element (i.e., a tire), which has the actual running surface, is arranged on the rim. The running element can be manufactured separately or attached to the rim using a two-component injection molding process. The main element preferably also consists of a hard plastic such as PP or PA6, while the running element preferably consists of a softer plastic such as TPE, TPE-U, or TPE-SEBS. The rim of the main element and the running element are preferably firmly connected to each other, so that the rolling element is considered a single component.Unless a soft running surface is required, the roller element can also be made in one piece, although this is usually not preferred.

[0013] In order not to impede the assembly and rotation of the rolling element, the inner surfaces of the side walls facing the interior are preferably smooth, except for the recesses, at least up to the height to which the rolling element extends from the second end of the support element into the support body.

[0014] The recesses can be designed as openings, at least in sections, which particularly facilitates manufacturing, but this is not functionally essential.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the outer surfaces of the side walls facing away from the interior are structured, in particular by having ribs. In particular, ribs can be provided that extend perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., that they run horizontally in typical use. These ribs serve both to stiffen the structure and to ensure secure clamping of the load-bearing element within a hollow profile. These ribs are hereinafter also referred to as first ribs. Alternatively or (and this is often preferred) additionally, ribs can be provided that extend along the first direction (hereinafter also referred to as second ribs). These second ribs can, in particular, extend from the recesses towards the first ends of the side walls to improve load transfer.If first and second ribs are present, the first ribs preferably have a greater depth than the second ribs in order not to impede the clamping fit of the supporting element in a hollow profile.

[0016] The outer surfaces can also be structured (especially additionally) by thickening the side walls in the edge areas surrounding the recesses. This distributes the force transmission between the axle stubs and the support element over a larger area, thus reducing wear.

[0017] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the second end of the support body is designed as a circumferential collar such that the support element has its greatest extent in the cross-sectional plane in the region of the collar. This collar defines a stop when the support element is inserted into a hollow profile, so that no additional connecting elements between the hollow profile and the support element are required.

[0018] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, using a preferred embodiment as an example. The figures show: Fig. 1 a table leg designed as a hollow profile with a square cross-section and the described embodiment of the roller device according to the invention in an exploded view, Fig. 2 the rolling device Fig. 1 in an enlarged view, Fig. 3 that in Fig. 1 Supporting element shown from a different viewpoint (“diagonally from below”), Fig. 4 the supporting element made of Fig. 3 in a side view from the direction of R1 in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 the supporting element made of Fig. 3 in a view from direction R2 in Fig. 3, Fig. 6 the rolling device Fig. 2 in an assembled state in which the rolling element is received section by section in the interior of the support element, Fig. 7 that in Fig. 6 Shown in a representation according to the Fig. 4, Fig. 8 that in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 Shown in a representation according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9 a piece of furniture which has table legs according to the Fig. 1 exhibits which roller devices can carry which in Fig. 9, however, are not visible.

[0019] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a detailed, perspective view of a table leg 88, which is designed as a hollow profile with a square cross-section, as well as an exploded view of a rolling device 1 consisting of a support element 5 and a rolling element 60. This rolling device 1 is now described with reference to the Fig. 2 to 8 are described in detail, whereby the Fig. 2 shows the unassembled state, the Fig. 3 to 5 show only the supporting element and the Fig. Figures 6 to 8 show the assembled state. First, we will discuss support element 5: This support element 5, as already mentioned, is preferably a one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic, for example polypropylene (PP) or a polyamide, in particular PA6. This support element 5 extends from a first end 5a in a first direction V to a second end 5b and has four identically shaped side walls 10, 20, 30, 40. In a cross-sectional plane E, which is perpendicular to the direction V, these four side walls 10, 20, 30, 40 define a square and enclose an interior space I, which is open at both the first end 5a and the second end 5b. Since the support element 5 as a whole extends from a first end 5a to a second end 5b, this naturally also applies to each of the side walls 10 to 40. With respect to a central axis extending in the first direction V, the support element has 90-degree rotational symmetry.

[0020] The second end 5b of the supporting body is designed as a circumferential collar 50 such that the supporting element has its greatest extent in the cross-sectional plane E there.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surfaces of the side walls 10 to 40 each have two types of ribs: first ribs extending parallel to the cross-sectional plane E and second ribs extending parallel to the first direction V. The first ribs are deeper than the second ribs. Both types of ribs serve as reinforcement, and the first ribs also enable the supporting body to be clamped within a hollow profile with a square cross-section.

[0022] Each of the side walls 10, 20, 30, 40 has a recess 12, 22, 32, 42, which extends from the inner surface. These recesses each extend to the second end 5b of the supporting element 5 (i.e., to the second end of the respective side wall), as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 3 can be removed. Except in the area of ​​the collar, the recesses 12, 22, 32, 42 are designed as perforations.

[0023] How to particularly well Fig. As can be seen from Figure 4, the recesses (here the first recess 12 is shown) are "keyhole-shaped" and have a circular segment-shaped section 12a and a constriction 12b adjoining it with a width B. EThe recess 12 widens again between the constriction 12b and the second end of the respective side wall. The circular segment 12a forms an angle of more than 180 degrees (otherwise there would be no constriction). The edge region surrounding the opening of the recess is thickened in accordance with the first ribs. The inner surfaces of the side walls 10 to 40 are smooth, except for the recesses, at least over 80 percent of their length in the first direction starting from the second end 5b.

[0024] This is especially true in Fig. The clearly visible rolling element 60 is quite simply constructed; it has a rolling body 62 and two axle stubs 64a and 64b extending coaxially from the end faces of the rolling body 62, wherein the diameters D AThe axle stubs 64a, 64b essentially correspond to the diameters of the circular segment-shaped sections 12a, but in practice are slightly smaller. Furthermore, the diameters of the axle stubs D A greater than the width of the constrictions B E .

[0025] As a rule, the rolling element 60 is composed of two elements, namely a main element 60a, which forms the rim and the axle stubs, and a running element 60b, which is arranged on the rim and together with the rim forms the rolling body 62 within the meaning of this application.

[0026] Mounting the roller element 60 on the support element 5 is very simple: The roller element is inserted into the support element 5 from the second end 5b until the axle stubs 64a, 64b are positioned in opposing circular segment-shaped sections. This occurs with slight elastic deformation of the support element as the axle stubs 64a, 64b pass through the constrictions. The assembled state is shown in the Fig. Shown 6 to 8.

[0027] The Fig. Figure 9 shows a typical application example of the invention, namely a table with an extendable element. In this embodiment, the table 80 has a first tabletop 82, which is supported by two side panels 84. A second tabletop 86 is slidably arranged on the side panels 82 via an indicated extension mechanism and is further supported by two table legs 88, as shown in Figure 9. Fig.Figure 1 shows that a roller device, as described above, can be arranged at the lower end of each of the table legs 88, wherein the support body of the roller device is located inside the table leg 88, except for the circumferential collar. The collar defines a stop.

[0028] It can therefore be seen that a very easy-to-assemble roller device is provided, whereby the ease of assembly refers both to the roller device itself and to the ease of mounting the support element in a hollow profile. It is particularly advantageous that the roller element 60 can be positioned on the support element when the latter is already mounted in the hollow profile. Reference symbol list 1 rolling device 5 Supporting element 5a first end 5b second end 10 first side wall 12 Exclusion 12a circular segment-shaped section 12b Constriction 20 second side wall 22 Exclusion 30 third side wall 32 Exclusion 40 fourth side wall 42 Exclusion 50 collars 60 roller elements 60a Main element 60b Running element (tire) 62 rolling bodies 64a, b axle stub 80 table 82 first tabletop 84 side panels 86 second tabletop 88 table legs B E Width of the constriction D A Axle stub diameter E Cross-sectional plane Interior V first direction (vertical direction)

Claims

[1] Rolling device (1) with a support element (5) and a rolling element (60), wherein the support element has four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), and - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) extend in a first direction (V) from a first end to a second end, so that the supporting element (5) also extends overall from a first end (5a) to a second end (5b), - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) each have an inner surface that encloses an interior space (I), - the interior (I) is open at least at the second end (5b) of the supporting element (5), - a recess (12, 22, 32, 42) extending from the second end of the side wall into the inner surfaces of at least two opposing side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the two recesses (12, 22, 32, 42) are arranged symmetrically to each other and each has a circular segment-shaped section (12a), and whereby the rolling element comprises a cylindrical rolling body (62) and two cylindrical axle stubs (64) extending coaxially from the rolling body to the cylinder axis of the rolling body (62), which in the assembled state of the rolling device are received at least partially in two opposing circular segment-shaped sections (12a). [2] Rolling device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the circular segment-shaped sections (12a) of the recesses (12, 22, 32, 42) each encircle an angle range of more than 180° and that the recesses each have a constriction (12b) located between the second end and the circular segment-shaped section (12a). [3] Roller device (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by , that the inner surfaces of the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) facing the interior are smooth except for the recesses (12, 22, 32, 42). [4] Rolling device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the recesses (12, 22, 32, 42) are formed at least partially as openings. [5] Roller device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the outer surfaces of the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) facing away from the interior have ribs. [6] Rolling device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) are thickened in the perimeter areas surrounding the openings. [7] Roller device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) define a square in a cross-sectional plane (E) which runs perpendicular to the first direction (V), [8] Rolling device (1) according to claim 7, characterized bythat all four side walls are formed in the same way, at least with regard to the recesses, preferably completely. [9] Rolling device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second end (5b) of the supporting body is designed as a circumferential collar (50), so that the supporting element (5) has its greatest extent in the cross-sectional plane (E) in the area of ​​the collar (50). [10] Rolling device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the maximum distance between the outer sides of two opposing side walls exceeds the total length of the rolling element in the axial direction (A). [11] Support element (5) designed for use as part of a roller device according to at least one of claims 1 to 10 and which has four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein: - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) extend in a first direction (V) from a first end to a second end, so that the supporting element (5) also extends overall from a first end (5a) to a second end (5b), - the four side walls (10, 20, 30, 40) each have an inner surface that encloses an interior space (I), - the interior (I) is open at least at the second end (5b) of the supporting element (5), - a recess (12, 22, 32, 42) extending from the second end of the side wall into the inner surfaces of at least two opposing side walls (10, 20, 30, 40), wherein the two recesses (12, 22, 32, 42) are arranged in a mirror image to each other and each has a circular segment-shaped section (42a). [12] Furniture element with at least one hollow profile serving as a foot, which extends to a lower end section, wherein in the lower end section a roller device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 is arranged such that its support body (5) is held at least section by section in the hollow profile.

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