TABLE FRAME FOR A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLE AND HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TABLE WITH SUCH A TABLE FRAME

Description

The invention relates to a table frame for a height-adjustable table and a height-adjustable table with such a table frame, in particular, a table frame with a plurality of table legs.

A plurality of table legs are used for height-adjustable tables in order to improve stability and increase a load-bearing capacity. However, thereby, it is problematic that, in the case of non-uniform extension of the table legs for a height adjustment, a table top can be inclined and the table legs can tilt and jam.

Hence, solutions for synchronizing a movement of a plurality of table legs are known, in which the movements of the individual table legs are synchronized via a connecting shaft. This connecting shaft is coupled via a chain or a toothed belt to a relative movement of components of the table legs that are movable with respect to one another in order to synchronize the relative movement. In further implementations, the connecting shaft is connected to adjusting spindles in the individual table legs via a transmission. However, these solutions are associated to the use of many complex components.

The patent specification EP 1 987 734 B1 of the applicant discloses a table frame in which the table legs are connected to one another by means of at least one band which is deflected in such a way that a relative displacement between an inner column and an outer column of a first table leg results in a synchronous relative displacement between an inner column and an outer column of a second table leg. Although relatively simple components are used here, nevertheless, a large number of mechanical components are required in order to realize the synchronization in a stable manner.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a table frame for a height-adjustable table which does not have the above disadvantages and which allows it to be constructed in a cost-effective manner.

The object is achieved by a table frame according to claim 1 and a height-adjustable table according to claim 15. Advantageous further developments are included in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, a table frame has at least two telescopic columns, wherein a first telescopic column and a second telescopic column respectively comprise: an outer column, an inner column which is arranged so as to be axially displaceable in a first direction with respect to the outer column, wherein the telescopic columns are configured such that the inner column can be extended out of the outer column in the first direction towards a table top of the table, and a drive device which is arranged at least partially within the inner column, wherein the drive device has a first drive component which is attached to the inner column in a positionally stable manner in the first direction relative to the inner column, and a second drive component which is attached to the outer column in a positionally stable manner in the first direction relative to the outer column, and the first drive component and the second drive component can be moved with respect to one another in the first direction. Further, the table frame has a first band-type synchronization device which is connected in the region of one of its ends to the outer column of the second telescopic column, wherein the table frame is configured such that a relative displacement between the inner column and the outer column of the first telescopic column results in a synchronous relative displacement between the inner column and the outer column of the second telescopic column by means of the first band-like synchronization device, and the first band-like synchronization device is connected in the region of its other end to the second drive component of the drive device of the first telescopic column.

As a result of the connection of the first band-like synchronization device to the second drive component which is attached to the outer column, it is not necessary to provide further complex holding elements in order to connect the other end of the first band-like synchronization device to the outer column of the first telescopic column. As a result, the table frame can be constructed in a cost-effective manner with fewer individual parts.

In an advantageous further development of the table frame, the first telescopic column has a first deflection roller and a second deflection roller, and the second telescopic column has a third deflection roller, wherein the first and second deflection rollers are connected to the inner column of the first telescopic column and the third deflection roller is connected to the inner column of the second telescopic column. The first band-type synchronization device is configured such that it can be deflected by the first deflection roller, particularly upward by 180°, and by the second deflection roller of the first telescopic column, particularly towards the second telescopic column by 90°, and by the third deflection roller of the second telescopic column, particularly downward by 90°.

As a result of the use of these deflection rollers, it is possible to allow the first synchronization device to run within the table frame in order thus to allow a reliable and visually appealing synchronization.

According to a further advantageous implementation of the table frame, the table frame has a second band-like synchronization device which is connected in the region of its first end to the second drive component of the drive device of the second telescopic column, and it is connected in the region of the second end to the outer column of the first telescopic column. The table frame configured such that a relative displacement between the inner column and the outer column of the second telescopic column results in a synchronous relative displacement between the inner column and the outer column of the first telescopic column by means of the second band-like synchronization device.

As a result of the provision of this second band-like synchronization device, it is possible for the two telescopic columns to move precisely synchronously both in the first direction and in a second opposite direction.

According to a further advantageous implementation of the table frame, the second telescopic column has a fourth deflection roller and a fifth deflection roller, and the first telescopic column has a sixth deflection roller. The fourth deflection roller and the fifth deflection roller are connected to the inner column of the second telescopic column, the sixth deflection roller is connected to the inner column of the first telescopic column, and the second band-like synchronization device is configured such that it can be deflected by the fourth deflection roller, particularly upward by 180°, and by the fifth deflection roller of the second telescopic column, particularly by 90° towards the first telescopic column, and by the sixth deflection roller of the first telescopic column, particularly downward by 90°.

As a result of the use of these deflection rollers, it is possible to allow the second synchronization device to run within the table frame in order thus to allow a reliable and visually appealing synchronization.

In a further advantageous further development of the table frame, at least one of the first and second telescopic columns respectively comprises a separate roller fastening element which is attached to the inner column in the region of an end of the inner column opposite to the first direction and which configured such that it can fasten the first deflection roller and the fourth deflection roller rotatably to the inner column.

As a result of the separate roller fastening element, it is possible to connect the first and fourth deflection rollers to the inner column without the need for complex machining of the inner column.

In a further advantageous further development of the table frame, the roller fastening element has laterally protruding projections, the inner column has openings or recesses from its inner surface in the region of the end of the inner column opposite to the first direction, and the projections of the roller fastening element and the openings or recesses of the inner column are configured such that the projections engage in the openings or recesses and fix the roller fastening element in any direction parallel to the first direction with respect to the inner column.

As a result of the provision of the laterally protruding projections in conjunction with the recesses or openings, it is possible to mount the roller fastening element on the inner column in a simple manner.

According to an advantageous implementation of the table frame, the roller fastening element is produced from a plastic.

This allows cost-effective production of the roller fastening element which can be adapted precisely to the inner column in a simple manner.

In an advantageous further development of the table frame, the first and second telescopic columns respectively have a drive component fastening element by means of which the first drive component of the drive device can be attached to the inner column, wherein the drive component fastening element has a support device which is configured such that it can rotatably support at least one of the second and sixth deflection rollers or the third and fifth deflection rollers.

As a result of this design of the drive component fastening element, it is possible both to attach the first drive component to the inner column and to rotatably support a corresponding deflection roller without the need for further components, with the result that the number of components and therefore production costs can be reduced.

According to a further advantageous implementation, the drive component fastening element has laterally protruding projections, the inner column has openings or recesses from its inner surface in the region of the end of the inner column opposite to the first direction, and the projections of the drive component fastening element and the openings or recesses of the inner column are configured such that the projections engage in the openings or recesses and fix the drive component fastening element in any direction parallel to the first direction.

As a result of the provision of the laterally protruding projections in conjunction with the recesses or openings, it is possible to mount the drive component fastening element in a simple manner.

In an advantageous implementation of the table frame, the drive device has a gas spring.

The gas spring has a design which is favorable for accommodation in a telescopic column, wherein its extension force can be varied in a simple manner if required.

According to an advantageous further development of the table frame, the gas spring comprises a locking device which is configured such that it locks the gas spring in a position within its stroke distance.

This allows simple locking of the table top at a desired height within the lifting path.

In a further advantageous implementation of the table frame, the drive component fastening element has a release device which is configured such that it releases the locking device of the gas spring.

In this case, in addition to the attachment of the first drive component of the drive device to the inner column and the mounting of deflection rollers, a further function is integrated into the drive component fastening element, with the result that further additional components can be saved.

According to an advantageous implementation, the telescopic column has a first band fastening element which is configured such that it connects the first and second band-type synchronization device directly to the second drive component of the respective drive device.

This allows the synchronization devices to be fastened to the outer column in a simple manner via the second drive component.

In an advantageous further development of the table frame, at least one of the first band-type synchronization device and the second band-type synchronization device consists of two band-type sections, a first band-type section can be connected to the outer column of the first and second telescopic columns, a second band-type section can be connected to the second drive component of the drive device of the first and second telescopic columns, and the first band-type synchronization device is configured such that it is formed by connecting the first band-type section and the second band-type section by means of pressing a sleeve.

As a result of the design of the synchronization device in two sections and the respective connection of the sections to corresponding components of the telescopic columns, it is possible to use the telescopic columns for the table frame having different widths, wherein the connection of the two sections to the one synchronization device is then possible in a simple manner in order thus to save costs during assembly.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a height-adjustable table has an above described table frame with the corresponding advantages.

The invention is explained below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

In particular:

FIG. 1 shows a height-adjustable table with a schematic illustration of a table frame according to the invention with a table top;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged illustration of an end of a drive device of the table frame with a first band fastening element;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a longitudinal section through a telescopic column of the table frame;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the drive device of a first telescopic column and of a first and second synchronization device with associated deflection rollers;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective illustration of the drive device of a second telescopic column and of the first and second synchronization device with the associated deflection rollers;

FIG. 6 shows an end of the inner column which is arranged opposite to a first direction; and

FIG. 7 shows one of the band-type synchronization devices which have a plurality of sections.

FIG. 1 shows a height-adjustable table 1 with a schematic illustration of a table frame 2 according to the invention with a table top 3.

The table frame 2 has two telescopic columns 4, 4′, namely a first telescopic column 4 and a second telescopic column 4′. In alternative embodiments, also, more than two telescopic columns 4, 4′ can be provided.

The telescopic columns 4, 4′ each have an outer column 5, 5′ and an inner column 6, 6′ which is arranged so as to be axially displaceable in a first direction R with respect to the outer column 5, 5′. The inner column 6, 6′ can be extended out of the outer column 5, 5′ in the first direction R towards the table top 3 of the table 1. Further, the telescopic columns 4, 4′ each have a drive device 7, 7′ described below.

Further, the table frame 2 has a first band-type synchronization device 13 and a second band-type synchronization device 14.

The first band-type synchronization device 13 is connected in the region of one of its ends to the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′ and is connected in the region of its other end to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4. Further, the first telescopic column 4 has a first deflection roller 15 and a second deflection roller 16, and the second telescopic column 4′ has a third deflection roller 17. The first deflection roller 15 and the second deflection roller 16 are connected in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R to the inner column 6 of the first telescopic column 4, and the third deflection roller 17 is connected in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R to the inner column 6′ of the second telescopic column 4′. Starting from the end fastened to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4, the first band-type synchronization device 13 is deflected upward by 180° by the first deflection roller 15, toward the second telescopic column 4′ by 90° by the second deflection roller 16, and downward by 90° by the third deflection roller, and is then connected to the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′. As a result, the table frame 2 is configured such that a relative displacement between the inner column 6 and the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4 results in a synchronous relative displacement between the inner column 6′ and the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′ by means of the first band-type synchronization device 13.

The second band-type synchronization device 14 is connected in the region of one of its ends to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4, and it is connected in the region of its other end to the outer column 5, 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′.

Further, the second telescopic column 4′ has a fourth deflection roller 18 and a fifth deflection roller 19, and the first telescopic column 4 has a sixth deflection roller 20. The fourth deflection roller 18 and the fifth deflection roller 19 are connected in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R to the inner column 6′ of the second telescopic column 4′, and the sixth deflection roller 20 is connected in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R to the inner column 6 of the first telescopic column 4. Starting from the end fastened to the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′, the second band-type synchronization device 14 is deflected upward by 180° by the fourth deflection roller 18, toward the first telescopic column 4 by 90° by the fifth deflection roller 19, and downward by 90° by the sixth deflection roller 20, and is then connected to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4. As a result, the table frame 2 is configured such that a relative displacement between the inner column 6 and the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4 results in a synchronous relative displacement between the inner column 6′ and the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′ by means of the first band-type synchronization device 13.

As a result of the use of the first synchronization device 13 and the second synchronization device 14, it is made possible for the two telescopic columns 4, 4′ to extend and retract precisely synchronously. In alternative embodiments, however, it is possible for only one of the two synchronization devices 13, 14 to be provided, and/or for the synchronization devices 13, 14 to be deflected by different angles. In alternative embodiments, deflection rollers are not necessarily provided, but, for example, rigid bolts are provided by means of which the band-type synchronization devices 13, 14 are deflected.

In the following description, components that are shown in the figures, in which respectively only the first telescopic column 4 or the components of the first telescopic column 4 are shown, are likewise provided in the second telescopic column 4′.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged illustration of an end of the drive device 7 of the table frame 2 with a first band fastening element 8 in order to connect the first band-type synchronization means 13 to the drive device 7. The drive device 7 has a first drive component 9 and a second drive component 10. In the embodiment shown, the first drive component 9 is formed as a piston rod of a gas spring and the second drive component 10 is formed as a cylinder of the gas spring. The first drive component 9 and the second drive component 10 can be moved with respect to one another in the first direction R. The gas spring has a locking device 11, wherein a release pin of the locking device 11 is shown in FIG. 2. The locking device 11 locks the gas spring in a position within its stroke distance and can be released by actuating the release pin. In alternative embodiments, a gas spring without a locking device is provided, or the drive device 7 is not formed as a gas spring, but, for example, as an electric linear motor, wherein the first drive component 9 and the second drive component 10 are then also formed by other components.

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of a longitudinal section through the telescopic column 4 of the table frame 2, wherein it can be seen that the telescopic column 4 has the drive device 7 which is arranged at least partially within the inner column 6. The first drive component 9 is attached to the inner column 6 in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R relative to the inner column 6 by a drive component fastening element 12. The second drive component 10 is attached to the outer column 5 in a positionally stable manner in the first direction R relative to the outer column 5. For this purpose, the outer column 5 has an end plate 21 with a bore through which a threaded pin attached to the second drive component 10 is guided and fastened by means of a nut. In alternative embodiments, also, a different fastening of the second drive component 10 to the outer column 5 is possible, for example, by fastening by means of a transverse pin.

The first band fastening element 8 shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the second drive component 10 of the drive device 7, thus, the first band fastening element 8 connects the first band-type synchronization device 13 directly to the second drive component 10, and therefore to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective illustration of the drive device 7 of the first telescopic column 4 in a retracted state and of the first band-type synchronization device 13 and second band-type synchronization device 14 with the associated deflection rollers 15, 16, 20.

The drive component fastening element 12 of the first telescopic column 4 has a support device 22 which rotatably supports the second deflection roller 16 and the sixth deflection roller 20.

Further, the first telescopic column 4 has a second band fastening element 23 by means of which the second band-type synchronization device 14 is connected to the outer column 5 (FIG. 3) of the first telescopic column 4.

The drive component fastening element 12 of the first telescopic column 4 has laterally protruding projections 24 on opposite sides. The laterally protruding projections 24 are formed integrally with the drive component fastening element 12 in such a way that they are configured to be resilient with respect to one another in one direction. The projections 24 engage in the openings 28 shown in FIG. 3, which are provided in the region of the end of the inner column 6 in the first direction R, and the projections 24 of the drive component fastening element 12 and the openings 28 fix the drive component fastening element 12 in any direction parallel to the first direction R. In alternative embodiments, instead of the openings 28, recesses starting from an inner surface of the inner column are provided.

Further, the drive component fastening element 12 comprises a release device 29 which can release the locking device 11 (FIG. 2) of the gas spring. The release device 29 is designed as a transmission element which transmits a movement, which is transmitted, for example, via a Bowden cable, to the release pin of the locking device 11.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective illustration of the drive device 7′ of the second telescopic column 4′ in the retracted state and of the first synchronization device 13 and second synchronization device 14 with the associated deflection rollers 17, 18, 19.

The drive component fastening element 12′ of the second telescopic column 4′ has a support device 22′ which rotatably supports the third deflection roller 17 and the fifth deflection roller 19.

Further, the second telescopic column 4′ has a second band fastening element 23′ by means of which the first band-type synchronization device 13 is connected to the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′.

Also, the drive component fastening element 12′ of the second telescopic column 4′ has laterally protruding projections 24′ on opposite sides. The laterally protruding projections 24′ are formed integrally with the drive component fastening element 12′ in such a way that they are designed to be resilient with respect to one another in one direction.

Furthermore, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a roller fastening element 25, 25′. The telescopic columns 4, 4′ comprise the roller fastening element 25, 25′ in the region of an end of the inner column 4, 4′ opposite to the first direction R. The roller fastening element 25, 25′ fastens the first deflection roller 15 and the fourth deflection roller 18 rotatably to the inner column 4, 4′. The roller fastening element 25, 25′ has laterally protruding projections 26, 26′. The laterally protruding projections 26, 26′ are formed integrally with the roller fastening element 25, 25′ in such a way that they are designed to be resilient with respect to one another in one direction. The roller fastening element 25, 25′ is produced from a plastic. In alternative embodiments, the roller fastening element 25, 25′ is not, as shown, formed with the laterally protruding projections 26, 26′, but, for example, it is formed merely as an axis in the inner column 6, 6′, and, in further alternative embodiments, it is not produced from plastic, but, for example, as a zinc die-cast part.

FIG. 6 shows the end of the inner column 6, 6′ which is arranged opposite to the first direction R. The inner column 6, 6′ comprises openings 27, 27′ in the region of this end. In alternative embodiments, instead of the openings 27, 27′, recesses starting from an inner surface of the inner column are provided.

The projections 26, 26′ (FIGS. 4, 5) engage in the openings 27, 27′ in order to fix the roller fastening element 25, 25′ in any direction parallel to the first direction R with respect to the inner column 6, 6′.

FIG. 7 shows one of the band-type synchronization devices 13, 14 which have a plurality of sections 30, 31. The band-type synchronization devices 13, 14 respectively have the two band-type sections 30, 31 and respectively have a sleeve 32. A first band-type section 30 can be connected to the outer column 5′ of the second telescopic column 4′ and to the outer column 5 of the first telescopic column 4, and a second band-type section 31 can be connected to the second drive component 10 of the drive device 7 of the first telescopic column 4 and to the second drive component 10′ of the drive device 7′ of the second telescopic column 4′. The band-type synchronization device 13, 14 is formed by connecting the first band-type section 30 and the second band-type section 31 by means of pressing the sleeve 32. As a result, it is possible to react flexibly to different distances of the telescopic columns 4, 4′. In alternative embodiments, also, one-piece synchronization devices 13, 14 can be used. Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, these illustrations and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary and not as restrictive. The invention defined in the claims is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the claims, the indefinite article “a” does not exclude a plurality.