阅读说明：本技术 模块化家具系统 (Modular furniture system ) 是由 A·M·瓦尔塞奇 于 2020-01-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种模块化家具系统(1),其具有至少两个在空间中能电动地并且相互独立地移动的家具模块(2),其中,每个家具模块(2)包括自身的由家具系统(1)的控制计算机(10)控制的马达(8)。对于模块化家具系统(1),设置有电动线性驱动装置,该电动线性驱动装置具有沿空间的墙壁(15a)固定的第一驱动元件(3a)和固定在每个家具模块(2)上的第二驱动元件(3b)。所述第一驱动元件(3a)与第二驱动元件(3b)配合作用,从而使得每个家具模块(2)能单独地借助线性驱动装置与自身的马达(8)配合作用地移动。该家具系统(1)还包括用于支承家具模块(2)的轨道系统(4a),其中,该轨道系统(4a)设置在空间的墙壁上,并且在家具模块(2)移动时,家具模块(2)的支承元件(4b)靠放在轨道系统(4a)上。(The invention relates to a modular furniture system (1) having at least two furniture modules (2) that can be moved in space in an electrically powered manner and independently of one another, wherein each furniture module (2) comprises its own motor (8) that is controlled by a control computer (10) of the furniture system (1). For the modular furniture system (1), an electric linear drive is provided, which has a first drive element (3a) fixed along a wall (15a) of the space and a second drive element (3b) fixed on each furniture module (2). The first drive element (3a) interacts with the second drive element (3b) in such a way that each furniture module (2) can be moved individually by means of a linear drive in interaction with its own motor (8). The furniture system (1) further comprises a rail system (4a) for supporting the furniture module (2), wherein the rail system (4a) is arranged on a wall of the space and the support element (4b) of the furniture module (2) rests on the rail system (4a) when the furniture module (2) is moved.)

1. Modular furniture system (1) having at least two furniture modules (2) which can be moved in space in an electrically powered and mutually independent manner, wherein each furniture module (2) comprises its own motor (8) which is controlled by a control computer (10) of the furniture system (1), and wherein for the modular furniture system (1) an electrically powered linear drive is provided which has a first drive element (3a) which is fixed along a wall (15a) of the space and a second drive element (3b) which is fixed on each furniture module (2), wherein the first drive element (3a) interacts with the second drive element (3b) such that each furniture module (2) can be moved in interaction with its own motor (8) by means of the linear drive alone, and a rail system (4a) for supporting the furniture module (2), the rail system (4a) is arranged on a wall of the space and the bearing element (4b) of the furniture module (2) rests on the rail system (4a) when the furniture module (2) is moved.

2. Modular furniture system according to claim 1, wherein the first drive element is a rack (3a) and the second drive element (3b) is a pinion (3b) which meshes with the rack (3a), wherein, for moving the furniture module (2), the pinion (3b) is coupled with a motor, or the linear drive is a spindle drive with a screw fitted along a wall (15a), or the linear drive is designed as a direct drive.

3. Modular furniture system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a transmission (5), in particular a planetary gear transmission, is provided between the linear drive and the motor.

4. A modular furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rail (4a) of the rail system is designed as a linear rolling bearing and is substantially parallel to the space floor (7 b).

5. A modular furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture module (2) is supported on the floor (7b) of the space by means of at least one roller (8b), in particular arranged on the furniture module (2) relative to the rail system (4 a).

6. A modular furniture system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical force-limiting device, in particular a torque-limiting device, in particular a sliding coupling, is inserted between the motor and the linear drive, the mechanical force-limiting device being designed such that, upon application of a predetermined torque, it disconnects the motor from the linear drive, wherein the disconnection of the connection can be detected by the control computer and the motor can then be switched off by the control computer.

7. Modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control computer for controlling the speed of each furniture module has a motor controller and a first encoder coupled to the motor for adjusting the rotational speed of the motor, in particular the motor controller (12) is electrically connected with a first decoder, wherein the control computer further has a module for processing user data, which the control computer receives from a user interface.

8. A modular furniture system as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a system for measuring absolute travel for position identification, wherein the cable pull sensor system comprises a cable fixed at a fixed reference point and a cable pull sensor co-acting with the cable on each furniture module, the cable pull sensor having a second encoder for outputting a position signal.

9. A modular furniture system as claimed in claims 6 to 8 wherein the control computer for detecting the disconnection of the connection between the linear drive and the motor by means of the mechanical force limiting device is designed such that it continuously or at predetermined time intervals compares the rotational speed of the motor with the position signal of the second encoder and checks whether the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

10. A modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each furniture module comprises a photoelectric sensor, in particular a light barrier, for detecting obstacles when the furniture module is moved, wherein the photoelectric sensor comprises a light source and a receiver and is designed to cover the entire width of the furniture module, wherein the light source and the receiver protrude from the front or back side of the furniture module and are each held by a spring, such that the light source and the receiver can be pressed against the spring force into a recess provided therefor and no longer protrude from the furniture module upon collision with an object, so that detection can be triggered.

11. A modular furniture system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a mechanical crank can be coupled to each furniture module by means of which the furniture module can be moved manually by rotating the crank.

12. A modular furniture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one spacer is provided on each furniture module to ensure a safe distance when the modules abut one another.

13. A modular furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein two furniture modules are provided, wherein a first furniture module is a bed module and a second furniture module is a cabinet module, or three furniture modules are provided, wherein a first furniture module is an office module, a second furniture module is a bed module with a particularly foldable bed and a third furniture module is a cabinet module.

14. A modular furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each furniture module comprises at least one pressure sensor (13c), in particular a button or a pressure switch, wherein the pressure sensor (13c) is arranged in the region of one, in particular both, edges of the support base (16a) which are viewed in the direction of the back-and-forth movement, in particular a plurality of pressure sensors being distributed along this or these edges, so that by means of this pressure sensor or these pressure sensors, detection can be triggered upon a collision of the furniture module (2) with an object near the ground.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a modular furniture system according to claim 1.

Background

Furniture systems with movable furniture modules are known. For example, modular roll-up racks have been developed as so-called compact devices for holding files. In this case, a plurality of modules are arranged one after the other. To reach the module's file, the module is manually moved until an access space is created between the module of interest and the adjacent module. Furthermore, the idea is transferred to a dwelling unit in which furniture modules are pre-configured and by moving the individual modules different intermediate spaces can be provided, which are used for one or another purpose, such as a living room or a bedroom. Solutions have been developed for comfort, in which the furniture module is electrically movable.

Such modular furniture systems have been developed with emphasis to save space or to make optimal use of space. One challenge here is to adapt the furniture system to different spatial configurations or spatial structures.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide an improved modular furniture system.

The object is achieved by a modular furniture system having at least two furniture modules which can be moved in space in an electrically powered and mutually independent manner. Each furniture module comprises its own motor controlled by the control computer of the furniture system. For a modular furniture system, an electric linear drive is provided, which has a first drive element fixed on a wall of the space and a second drive element fixed on each furniture module. The first drive element interacts with the second drive element in such a way that each furniture module can be moved individually by means of the linear drive in cooperation with its own motor. The modular furniture system further comprises a rail system for supporting the furniture modules, the rail system being provided on a wall of the space. During the movement of the furniture module, the support element of the furniture module rests on the rail system.

The advantage of the system is that the guidance of the furniture module takes place on the wall side. It is therefore not necessary to insert guide grooves in the floor for the guided movement of the furniture module, which reduces the construction expenditure.

Drawings

Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the description which follows with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a furniture system according to the invention, an

Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the furniture system according to the invention in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a furniture system 1 according to the invention in perspective. The modular furniture system 1 has a plurality of furniture modules 2 which can be moved electrically and independently of one another in space, of which only one module 2 is shown in the drawing for reasons of clarity. Another module 2 will be arranged on the supporting base or substructure 16a, but not shown, in order to see the elements arranged behind it. In this context, the term "rear" means toward the wall 15 a.

As already mentioned, each furniture module 2 comprises its own motor 8 which is controlled by the control computer 10 of the furniture system 1. For the modular furniture system 1, an electric linear drive is provided, which has a first drive element 3a fixed along a wall 15a of the space and a second drive element 3b fixed on each furniture module 2. It should be noted that in this document, a linear drive is understood as a power train and a motor as a driving force. The first drive element 3a interacts with the second drive element 3b such that each furniture module 2 can be moved individually by means of a linear drive in interaction with its own motor 8. The control computer has a motor controller 12 for controlling the speed of each furniture module 2 and a first encoder 9 coupled to the motor 8 for adjusting the rotational speed of the motor 8. The motor controller 12 is electrically connected to the first encoder 9, which is preferably an encoder with two hall sensors. In the text that is in force as of the filing date of the present application, the motor controller 12 meets the certification of the IEC60335-1 standard. The motor controller 12 also has an interface for an encoder with two hall sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the first drive element 3a is a rack 3a and the second drive element 3b is a pinion 3b which meshes with the rack 3 a. The involute toothing is preferably used here, since it can be produced acoustically low, securely and simply. For moving the furniture module 2, the pinion 3b is coupled to a motor.

In another embodiment, not shown, the linear drive may be a spindle drive with a screw mounted along the wall.

In a further alternative, which is not shown, the linear drive can be designed as a direct drive.

A transmission 7 is provided between the linear drive and the motor 8. Preferably, a planetary gear transmission is used here, because it has the advantage of being low-pitched, which is particularly important for applications in living spaces where the transmission noise is perceived as unpleasant. However, a direct drive could also be used, so that no transmission is required. Furthermore, a mechanical force limiting device, in particular a torque limiting device, in particular a sliding coupling, is inserted between the linear drive and the motor 8. The mechanical force limiting device is designed such that it disconnects the motor 8 from the linear drive as soon as a predetermined torque is applied. The safety coupling takes into account that, for example, a user is located between two adjacent modules 2, while these two modules are moved toward one another. As soon as the module hits an obstacle, a sliding coupling is used which disconnects the motor 8 from the linear drive. In this case, the force limit at which the coupling is to be triggered can be mechanically adjusted. In any case, a value is set at which no serious injury to the operator occurs and which meets applicable safety regulations. In order to detect the disconnection of the connection between the linear drive and the motor 8 by means of the mechanical force limiting device 6, the control computer 10 is designed in such a way that it continuously or at predetermined time intervals compares the rotational speed of the motor 8 with the position signal of the second encoder and checks whether the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the position does not change or changes only slightly and the motor continues to rotate (in idle), this can be interpreted by the control computer 10 as a decoupling of the motor 8 from the linear drive. In response, the control computer may switch off the motor 8 and store the stop position provided by the position recognition means.

The position recognition means is implemented with a system for measuring absolute travel. To this end, in the modular furniture system 1, one cable pull sensor system is provided for each module, said cable pull sensor system comprising a cable fixed at a fixed reference point. Furthermore, the cable pull sensor system comprises a cable pull sensor on each furniture module 2, which cable pull sensor interacts with the cable and has a second encoder for outputting a position signal, which is generated by the unwinding or winding up of the cable during the movement of the module 2.

The acceleration can be adjusted within certain limits; the boundary of the acceleration selection is produced by the triggering torque of the sliding coupling, i.e. the acceleration torque must be lower than the triggering torque of the sliding coupling. In the event of the sliding coupling being triggered by an obstacle, a low linear acceleration is carried out on the next start of the module until a movement of the module 2 (locking-in of the sliding coupling) is detected by means of the position sensor.

When the module 2 is braking, a distinction is made between normal braking operation and emergency braking operation. The control computer 10 makes this distinction on the basis of the determined signals it receives. If an emergency stop is initiated by the user, the module 2 brakes many times faster than during a normal stop when the module 2 is adjusted. In the case of the safety brake profile, this is triggered after an emergency stop condition is detected, wherein the module must stop within a short distance. Therefore, active braking is preferred in this case. In the normal braking process, the collision causes braking immediately after the detection of the respective condition, wherein the braking is linearly to 0 cm/s. Of course, the acceleration and braking values are adjustable and can be adjusted according to the distance to be stored for the module 2 and according to the module weight.

Furthermore, a rail system 4a for supporting the furniture module 2 is provided, which rail system 4a is arranged on a wall of the space. When the furniture module 2 is moved, the bearing element 4b of the furniture module 2 rests on the rail system 4 a.

A safety distance is always provided between the modules. On the one hand, it is thereby ensured that, for example, a finger, which may not be detected as an obstacle due to the small counterforce of the sliding coupling, is not clamped. On the other hand, it is thereby avoided that two adjacent modules collide with each other and may damage each other.

The rails 4a of the rail system are preferably designed as linear roller bearings and are arranged substantially parallel to the space floor 15 b. In particular, the invention relates to a linear guide device of the recirculating ball type. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the support element 4a to be slid more easily and is relatively low-pitched. Since the furniture module 2, which is mounted on the rail by means of the mounting element 4b, is heavy, the furniture module 2 is additionally mounted on a mounting base 16a, which is fixedly connected to the mounting element 4b or is formed in one piece. The support base 16a itself rests on the floor 15b by means of at least one roller 16 b. Preferably, the roller 16b is arranged on the furniture module 2 relative to the rail system 4 a. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of rollers, for example on the corners of the support base 16a opposite the rail system. By using the rollers 16b, the weight of the module 2 is better distributed over the opposite area of the support system constituted by the support base 16a and the support elements 4b and therefore greater stability is achieved. Here, the above-mentioned main advantages of the furniture system 1 also become clear: since the drive of the furniture system is arranged on the wall side and is anchored in the floor only at some points, the construction of the furniture system 1 is simplified: as already mentioned, it is not necessary to insert a continuous long guide groove in the floor for the guided displacement of the furniture module. This is advantageous because the ground may be made of many materials with different physical properties, which must be considered differently. In this case, too, possible ground heating does not have to be taken into account. In addition, uneven floors present fewer problems in the present furniture system 1, since only the rollers 16b roll on the floor 15 b. The rollers 16b are made of a suitable rubber which on the one hand has elasticity and on the other hand protects the ground differently from harder materials.

Preferably, each furniture module 2 comprises a photoelectric sensor 13a, in particular a light barrier 13b, for detecting obstacles when the furniture module 2 is moved. The photosensor 13a comprises at least one light source and at least one receiver and is designed to cover the entire width of the furniture module 2, which is illustrated in fig. 1 by the diverging line 13 b. In this case, the light source and the receiver protrude from the front or rear side of the furniture module 2 and are each held by a spring (not shown) in such a way that, in the event of a collision with an object or in the event of combination with an adjacent module, they can be pressed against the spring force into the recess provided for this purpose and no longer protrude from the furniture module 2, which likewise triggers detection. The recess for the photosensor 13a is shown in fig. 1 by a void behind the beam marked 13 a. In addition to the photoelectric sensor, at least one pressure sensor 13c is provided for each furniture module 2. The pressure sensor 13c may be, for example, a push button or a pressure switch and is arranged in the region of one, preferably both, edges of the support base 16a that are viewed in the direction of the back-and-forth movement. In an embodiment of the furniture module, a plurality of pressure sensors are distributed along this or these edges. With the aid of this pressure sensor or these pressure sensors, detection can be triggered when the furniture module 2 collides with an object near the ground, which may not be detected by the grating of the photoelectric sensor. In the context of this document, such detection means an emergency stop of the furniture module following the start of the travel.

Preferably, the control computer does not allow any furniture module to be subsequently activated, in particular in the event of an emergency stop, until the emergency stop condition is cancelled by the user.

The drive member and the photoelectric sensor are placed in a wall connection which serves as a barrier for a neat visual impression, protects the user from moving parts of the furniture system 1 and protects the components of the furniture system 1 from dust and the like.

As already mentioned, the furniture system 1 is electrically driven. In the event of a power interruption or in the event of a fault, it is also possible to control each furniture module 2 individually manually. For this purpose, a mechanical crank can be coupled to each furniture module 2, by means of which crank the furniture module 2 can be moved manually by rotating the crank (not shown).

Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the furniture system 1 according to the invention from fig. 1, which is integrated in a typical configuration in a home. The furniture system 1 comprises a plurality of furniture modules 2; an office 2a, a cabinet 2b and a bed 2c, which can move back and forth in the x-direction. Further, an immovable kitchen 2e and bathroom 2d are provided in the house. Furthermore, a living room may be provided in the area in front of the module. It is to be noted that only two furniture modules, for example one bed module and one cabinet module, may also be provided. As can be seen in the drawing, for maximum space utilization, the office 2a can be moved to the kitchen 2e in order to get more office space. Conversely, the office 2a can be moved to the right so that the kitchen is accessible. In other words, the present furniture system not only provides space between its own modules, but can be positioned such that additional space associated with a fixed dwelling component can also be used modularly. However, it can also be provided that, for example, the sink and the refrigerator are accessible in each operating mode.

The modular structure now functions in such a way that the modules 2a-2c can be moved to the left or to the right by means of the operator interface 18. For example, if bed 2c is moved to the right and the cabinet is moved to the left, a bedroom with a cabinet entrance is present. If the cabinet is now moved to the right and the office module to the left, the office is present and the cabinet module 2b rests against the bed module and is no longer accessible. The modules themselves may be provided in various configurations, for example as the standard modules, or they may match the customer's desires. For example, different furniture elements that can be folded in or tilted, such as tables that can be folded or pulled out in the office module 2a, can be provided in one module. Each module 2 is supplied with current via the above-mentioned wall connection via the network connection 22 and the distributor 21. For example, lamps (for example reading or operating lamps) or other electrical devices (for example TV device 17) can be installed in this way. Furthermore, the modules may be arranged such that they are accessible from both sides in order to be able to utilize the respective functions in a plurality of configurations.

Also shown in the figure are a control computer 10, a linear drive, a position sensor 11 and a motor 8 with a motor controller 12. Electrical connections to the control computer and power supply are also shown. In this case, the connection of signals for positioning the furniture module and safety-relevant signals are involved, which are accompanied by possible obstacles, for example, when the module 2 is moved. In this case, all signal cables or lines connected to the movable component are guided by means of the drag chain, so that a reliable connection is ensured and the cables are guided in a controlled manner. The drag chain 14 is also provided in the wall connection for aesthetic and protective reasons.

The system also includes a receptacle 20 and a network connection for the user. The network connection is provided, on the one hand, to enable a user to access the internet and, on the other hand, to connect the furniture system 1 itself to the internet. Thus, remote diagnostics may be invoked for determining faults, for example, in the event of a fault. Furthermore, the furniture system can thus be remotely controlled by the user himself. For example, the user can set up a certain furniture configuration with his smartphone before he returns home and send it to the furniture system 1, which then moves the module autonomously accordingly. To this end, the control computer 10 also comprises a module for processing user data, which the control computer 10 receives from the user interface, independently of whether the data comes from a remote device or by direct operation of the user interface. The control computer comprises, in addition to the software for controlling the furniture module 2, software for changing parameters and adjusting different variables or pre-adjusted usage profiles. In this case, the individual modules can be moved independently by means of a single button pressure, and can also actuate the intermediate position of the module 2 in such a way that: the corresponding "left key" or "right key" remains pressed until the desired position.

The furniture system 1 can also preferably be integrated into a home automation system, wherein a corresponding interface is provided for this purpose on the control computer 10.

The movable components of the furniture system 1 are shielded as much as possible from the surroundings, on the one hand for safety reasons and on the other hand for contamination reasons. In any case, brush seals are used for this purpose, for example, which on the one hand reject dirt from the outside and on the other hand are suitable for sealing moving parts. In particular, such seals may be provided on the wall connection or in the rollers 16b along an adjustable length of the cable for guiding together when the module is moved.

As already mentioned, the furniture system may be integrated in an existing house. The track system is first fixed together with the drive and the substructure 16 a. The furniture modules 2 are subsequently constructed, wherein, depending on the access possibilities of the dwelling, these modules can be prefabricated or transported in parts into the dwelling and then assembled. The system is then connected to the necessary interfaces such as power supply, television and possibly network (if there is no WLAN). Finally the furniture system is programmed and tested.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it is pointed out that the invention can be implemented in other ways within the scope of the following claims. Terms such as "preferred", "in particular", "advantageous" and the like as used in the present description relate here only to alternative and exemplary embodiments.