Patent Application
20220312957
This application claims priority to and benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102021000008135, filed on Apr. 1, 2021, which is fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The present invention relates to an equipped work unit, preferably, but not exclusively for applications in domestic use.
In particular, the present invention relates to an equipped work unit which is reversibly convertible between an open working configuration and a closed resting configuration, wherein, in the open working configuration a user can open the equipped work unit and work on a work surface, and wherein, in the closed resting configuration, the equipped work unit may have a containing function and may be positioned in a storage place with the work surface closed so as to occupy as little space as possible.
In the domestic sector, particularly for living solutions, but not only, the need has developed, over the years, to make work consoles, which are transformable between a closed resting configuration and an open working configuration, so as to rationalize the living spaces as much as possible according to the users' needs
Transformable work consoles known in the state-of-the-art usually comprise at least one desk, secured to the wall, concealed, which can be extracted in the open working configuration and retracted in the closed resting configuration, allowing compacting the console when not in use as a work surface.
Some known solutions comprise desks which can be extracted from the console with a linear translation movement or a roto-translation movement.
In view of the steadily increasing number of workers allowed to work directly from home, the need is particularly felt to provide new solutions of transformable work consoles, which have increased functionalities with respect to what is known, and which have desk movement mechanisms as reliable and durable as possible.
Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to provide transformable work consoles, which are aesthetically appealing both in the open working configuration and in the closed resting configuration.
Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to provide transformable work consoles having highly reduced dimensions between the open working configuration and the closed resting configuration.
Therefore, the problem underlying the present invention is to devise an equipped work unit having structural and functional features that satisfy the aforementioned requirements and needs and, at the same time, overcome the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.
The object of the present invention is to provide an equipped work unit, particularly for domestic use.
This and other objects and advantages are achieved by an equipped work unit as described and claimed herein.
Some advantageous embodiments are also described.
The suggested solution allows obtaining a particularly simple equipped work unit to be converted between a closed storage configuration and a working configuration.
Furthermore, the suggested solution allows obtaining an equipped work unit having a volume in the closed storage configuration which is highly reduced with respect to known solutions.
Furthermore, the suggested solution allows obtaining an equipped work unit capable, in the working configuration, of forming a work surface at a convenient height to allow a user to work safely while sitting down, and which is capable of forming, in the closed storage configuration, a containing unit having a height, which is lower than that of the work surface.
Further features and advantages of the equipped work unit will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
According to a general embodiment, an equipped work unit 7 is provided for domestic use. The equipped work unit 1 is reversibly convertible between an open configuration and at least one closed configuration. The open configuration is a use/working configuration and the closed configuration is a storage configuration.
The equipped work unit 1 comprises a support frame 2 defining a vertical direction Y-Y, an axial direction A-A orthogonal to the vertical direction Y-Y, and a horizontal direction X-X orthogonal to the axial direction A-A and to the vertical direction Y-Y.
The support frame 2 is configured to be rested, directly or indirectly, on a treadable surface 42 orthogonal to the vertical direction Y-Y.
The equipped work unit 1-comprises an L-shaped wall 12 comprising a first upper wall 7 and a front wall 9 joined in an L configuration. The equipped work unit 1 comprises a rotation axis A extending along the axial direction A-A. The L-shaped wall 12 is rotatably connected to the support frame 2 to rotate about the rotation axis A.
The equipped work unit 1 comprises a rotation mechanism 15 connected to the support frame 2 and to the L-shaped wall 12, and configured to rotate the L-shaped wall 12 about the rotation axis A between a closed L-shaped wall configuration and an open L-shaped wall configuration and vice versa. The rotation mechanism 15 is connected to the support frame 2 and to the L-shaped wall 12.
In the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped wall 12 is arranged at a first height H1 from the treadable surface 42, the front wall 9 is arranged perpendicularly to the treadable surface 42, and the first upper wall 7 is arranged parallel to the treadable surface 42 at the first height H1.
In the open L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped wall 12 is rotated by 90 degrees about the rotation axis A with respect to the closed L-shaped wall configuration so as to form, with the front wall 9, a work surface 16 arranged at a second height H2, which is greater than the first height H1, forming an open compartment beneath the work surface 16 configured to accommodate a seat of a chair and/or a user's legs.
By virtue of the provision of the L-shaped wall, which is rotatable between two configurations, it is possible to obtain an equipped work unit, which has a first height H1 in the storage configuration and which, in the working configuration, forms a work surface 16 at a second height H2 to allow a user to work on the work surface. Advantageously, the first height H1 is lower than the second height H2, allowing the work unit to be put back, when it is in the closed configuration, beneath, for example, a desk or table of a standard height.
According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises at least one tubular structure, comprising at least four columns, extending along the vertical direction Y-Y and at least four crosspieces, connecting the weight-bearing columns by twos.
According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises a first side wall 4 and a second side wall 5, which form the weight-bearing shoulders of the equipped work unit.
According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises a lower or bottom wall 3, to which the first and second side walls 4,5 are connected on opposite sides. According to an embodiment, the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 are connected to the lower wall 3 by metal chains.
According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises a rear wall 39, a first side wall 4 and a second side wall 5 connected to the rear wall 39 on opposite sides. The rear wall 39 is opposite to the front wall 9, when the L-shaped wall is in the closed L-shaped wall configuration.
According to an embodiment, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the support frame 2 and the L-shaped wall 12 form a box-like structure having a maximum box-like structure height equal to the first height H1, defining a hollow housing therein.
According to an embodiment, the second height H2 is comprised between 60 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 85 cm. According to an embodiment, the second height H2 is comprised between 74 cm and 75 cm.
According to an embodiment, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped wall 12 has the front wall 9 arranged flush with the first side wall 4 and with the second side wall 5, and the first upper wall 7 arranged flush with the rear wall 39, the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5. In the present description, flush means that an outer surface of one of the walls 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 39 is flush with an outer surface of at least one of the other walls.
By virtue of the provision of the equipped work unit 1, which has five walls, it is possible to obtain a containing box-like structure when the equipped work unit 1 is in the closed configuration, in this way, it is possible to have an equipped work unit, which can contain a plurality of tools useful for carrying out the work activity for the user when the equipped work unit 1 is in the open configuration.
According to an embodiment, at least one of the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 comprises a side opening 36, through which it is possible to access the containing compartment inside the equipped work unit 1. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one door, or a closing panel, connected to the first side wall 4 or to the second side wall 5, covering the side opening 36.
According to an embodiment the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one side drawer 37, which is extractable from the side opening 36.
According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a plurality of wheels 38 connected to a lower part of the support frame 2, According to an embodiment, the wheels 38 are fixed to the lower or bottom wall 3 to allow the equipped work unit 1 to move on the treadable surface 42.
By virtue of the provision of the wheels 38, it is possible to move the equipped work unit 1 in a simple and safe manner and position it in the preferred storage and working position.
According to an embodiment, the first upper wall 7 comprises a connection end for connecting to the front wall 9 and a free end 11 opposite to the connection end 10, the rotation axis A being arranged at the free end 11. According to an embodiment, the L-shaped wall 12 comprises a curved connection portion, which connects the front wall 9 and the first upper wall 7 at 90 degrees.
According to an embodiment, the L-shaped wall 12 is hinged on opposite sides, directly or indirectly, to the support frame 2, e.g. to two opposite crosspieces of the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, the L-shaped wall 12 is hinged on opposite sides to the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5.
According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a second upper wall 8 connected to the support frame 2 and arranged parallel to the treadable surface 42.
According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a monitor 13 connected to the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, the monitor 13 is a television and/or a screen connectable to a computer.
According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a lifting mechanism 14 configured to lift, along the vertical direction Y-Y, the second upper wall 8 between a resting position and a working position. According to an embodiment, the lifting mechanism 14 is further configured to lift the monitor 13.
According to an embodiment, in the resting position, the second upper wall 8 is arranged at the first height H1 and is flush with the first upper wall 7, when the L-shaped wall 12 is in the closed L-shaped wall configuration.
According to an embodiment, in the resting position, the second upper wall 8 is arranged at the first height H1 and is flush with the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5.
According to an embodiment, the second upper wall 8 comprises at least one light source connected to a lower surface thereof facing the treadable surface 42, which for example, lighting up the work surface 16.
According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 defines an inner housing.
According to an embodiment, in the resting position, the monitor 13 is completely accommodated in the inner housing.
According to an embodiment, in the working position, the monitor 13 is completely outside the support frame 2 and arranged at a monitor height greater than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, in the working position, the monitor 13 is at a height, which is at least greater than the second height H2, so that the monitor 13, in the working position, is at a height, which is greater than the height of the work surface 16 when the L-shaped wall 12 is in the open configuration.
According to an embodiment, in the working position, the second upper wall 8 is arranged at a third height H3 greater than the second height H2. According to an embodiment, in the working position, the second upper wall 8 is arranged at the top of the monitor 13 along the vertical direction Y-Y.
According to an embodiment, the lifting mechanism 14 comprises at least one vertical lifting linear actuator 31 having a fixed actuator part 32 and a movable actuator part 33, wherein the fixed actuator part 32 is secured to the support frame 2.
According to an embodiment, the monitor 13 is fixed to the movable actuator part 33. According to an embodiment, the second upper wall 8 is secured to the movable actuator part 33.
According to an embodiment, the vertical lifting linear actuator 31 is an electromechanical actuator comprising an actuator motor 34 and an actuator control module 35 configured to control the vertical lifting linear actuator 31. According to an embodiment, the actuator control module 35 can be operated manually or by a movable electronic device.
By virtue of the provision of an extractable monitor 13, it is possible to obtain a highly versatile equipped work unit, Which can be used both as an office work station when the monitor is in the raised position and the L-shaped wall is in the open L-shaped wall configuration, and as a television support unit when the monitor is in the raised position and the L-shaped wall is in the closed L-shaped wall configuration.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises at least one linear actuator 21 directly or indirectly connected, with a first end, to the support frame 2 and, with a second end, to the L-shaped wall 12, at the front wall 9, the at least one linear actuator 21 being extendable between a retracted position and at least one extended position.
According to an embodiment, in the open L-shaped wall configuration, the at least one linear actuator 21 is in the at least one extended position, and, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the at least one linear actuator 21 is in the retracted position.
According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a support mechanism configured to support the L-shaped wall 12 in the open L-shaped wall configuration.
According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 21, at one end, is rotatably connected to the support frame 2 and, at the other end, to the surface of the front wall 9 facing the inside of the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, the support mechanism comprises a locking device for the linear actuator 21, which allows stably securing the linear actuator in the extended position thereof to support the work surface 16 at the second height H2. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least two linear actuators 21, each secured to the front wall at an axial distance along the axial direction A-A. According to an embodiment, the support mechanism
comprises one leg, e.g. a telescopic leg, rotatably connected to the front wall 9, in an inner surface thereof, and movable between a resting position, in which the leg is arranged parallel to the front wall 9 and a support position, in which the leg is perpendicular to the front wall 9.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first crosspiece 20 movable along the vertical direction Y-Y.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first arm 22.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first lever 41. The first lever 41 is rotatably connected, at one end, to the support frame 2 and, at an opposite end, it is rotatably connected to the L-shaped wall 12.
According to an embodiment, the first arm 22 is rotatably connected, at one end, to the first crosspiece 20 and, at an opposite end, it is rotatably connected to the first lever 41.
According to an embodiment, the at least one linear actuator 21 is secured to the first crosspiece 20 and configured to move the first crosspiece 20 along the vertical direction Y-Y.
According to an embodiment, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the first lever 41 and the first arm 22 are arranged along the vertical direction Y-Y inside the support frame 2.
According to an embodiment, in the open L-shaped wall configuration, the first lever 41 and the first arm 22 are arranged to support the front wall 9 at the second height H2.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second lever 44, functionally and structurally similar to the first lever 41, and rotatably connected to the first crosspiece 20 and to the front wall 9 on the opposite side, in an axial direction A-A to the first lever 41.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a third arm 47 functionally and structurally similar to the first arm 22, and rotatably connected to the first crosspiece 20 and to the second lever 44.
According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 21 is an electromechanical linear actuator comprising a linear actuator motor and a linear actuator control module configured to control the linear actuator 21. According to an embodiment, the linear actuator control module can be operated manually or by a movable electronic device, such as, a cell phone. According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a frame 17 secured to the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, the frame 17 comprises at least one first vertical guide 18 arranged along the vertical direction Y-Y. According to an embodiment, the first crosspiece 20 is sliding at least along the first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 21 is configured to move the first crosspiece 20 along the at least one first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, the first arm 22 comprises a first arm end rotatably connected to the first crosspiece 20 and a second arm end directly rotatably connected to the L-shaped wall 12 at the front wall 9. According to an embodiment, in the open L-shaped wall configuration, the support mechanism is configured to lock the first arm 22 in a locking position with respect to the support frame 2 so as to support the front wall 9 at the second height H2. According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15, i.e. the frame 17, comprises a second vertical guide 19 arranged at an axial distance along the axial direction A-A with respect to the first vertical guide 18, and the first crosspiece 20 is sliding on both the first and the second vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, the first arm 22 is a panel having a width substantially equal to the axial distance between the two vertical guides 18, 19. According to an embodiment, the first arm 22, translates in the vertical direction Y-Y and rotates about the end hinged to the first crosspiece 20, According to an embodiment, the first arm 22, in the open L-shaped wall configuration, is perpendicular to the treadable surface 42. According to an embodiment, the first arm 22, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, is perpendicular to the treadable surface 42.
According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 21 is a gas spring.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second crosspiece 27, which is movable along the vertical direction Y-Y.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises movement transmission means 28 connected to the first crosspiece 20 and to the second crosspiece 27 so that a second crosspiece movement in a direction opposite to the first direction of the second crosspiece 27 corresponds to a first crosspiece movement in a first direction along the vertical direction Y-Y of the first crosspiece 20.
According to an embodiment, the movement transmission means comprise a pantograph connected at one end to the first crosspiece 20 and at the opposite end to the second crosspiece 27, which is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first foot 45 rotatably connected at one end to the support frame 2, preferably in a lower part thereof, and having a first foot free end configured to rest on the treadable surface 42.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second arm 23 rotatably connected, at one end, to the second crosspiece 27 and, at an opposite end, rotatably connected to the first foot 45, preferably in an intermediate position of the first foot 45.
According to an embodiment, in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the first foot 45 and the second arm 23 are arranged along the vertical direction Y-Y inside the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, in the open L-shaped wall configuration, the first foot 45 is resting on the treadable surface 42 to support the front wall 9 at the second height H2.
According to an embodiment, between the closed L-shaped wall configuration and the open L-shaped wall configuration, the first lever 41 rotates in the opposite direction to the first foot 45.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second foot 46, which is functionally and structurally similar to the first foot 45. The second foot 46 is rotatably connected, at one end, to the support frame 2, axially along the axial direction A-A, on the opposite side to the first foot 45, preferably in a lower part thereof, and having a second foot free end configured to rest on the treadable surface 42.
According to an embodiment, the rotation mechanism 15 comprises a fourth arm 48, which is structurally and functionally similar to the second arm 23. The fourth arm 48 is rotatably connected, at one end, to the second crosspiece 27 and, at an opposite end, rotatably connected to the second foot 46, preferably in an intermediate position of the second foot 46.
According to an embodiment, the lifting mechanism 14 and the rotation mechanism 15 are independently operable.
According to an embodiment, the unit 1 comprises a footrest 24 rotatably connected to the support frame 2, wherein the footrest 24 is movable at least between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the footrest 24 is arranged beneath at least one orthogonal projection of the first upper wall 7 on the treadable surface, when the L-shaped wall 12 is in the closed L-shaped wall configuration, i.e. the footrest 24 is arranged inside the support frame 2. In the open configuration, the footrest 24 is arranged, at least partially, in the open compartment beneath the work surface 16 when the L-shaped wall 12 is in the open L-shaped wall configuration to support the user's feet.
According to an embodiment, the footrest 24 is configured to rototranslate between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the footrest 24 is arranged perpendicularly along the vertical direction Y-Y with respect to the treadable surface.
According to an embodiment, in the open position, the footrest 24 is rotated about the axial direction A-A and tilted with respect to the treadable surface. According to an embodiment, the footrest 24 comprises a second footrest end 30 configured to rest on the treadable surface 42 in the open position.
According to an embodiment, the frame 17 comprises at least one first footrest guide 25 arranged along the vertical direction Y-Y. According to an embodiment, the frame 17 comprises a second footrest guide 26 arranged along the vertical direction Y-Y. According to an embodiment, the first footrest guide 25 is arranged beneath the first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, the second footrest guide 26 is arranged beneath the second vertical guide 18.
According to an embodiment, the second crosspiece 27 is sliding on the at least one first footrest guide 25. According to an embodiment, the second crosspiece 27 is also sliding on the second footrest guide 26.
According to an embodiment, the footrest 24 is hinged along the axial direction A-A with a first footrest end 29 to the second crosspiece 27. According to an embodiment, the linear actuator 21 is configured to move the second crosspiece 27 along the at least one first footrest guide 25 indirectly by the movement transmission means 28 so as to move the footrest 24 between the closed configuration and the open configuration. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one first adjustable white light led connected to the second upper wall 8. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a second. ROM ambient led. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one contact for opening the L-shaped wall 12 to detect an opening or closing state of the L-shaped wall 12. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one Opening contact of the second upper wall 8 to detect an opening or closing state of the second upper wall 8. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises an opening contact of the side drawer 37 to detect an opening or closing state of the side drawer 37. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one of the following ambient sensors connected to the support frame 2: a sensor for volatile organic compounds, a carbon monoxide sensor, a methane sensor, a nitrogen dioxide sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a brightness sensor. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises a data communication module secured to the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, the data communication module comprises a GSM module, and/or a Bluetooth module, and/or a Wifi connection module. According to an embodiment, the monitor 13 comprises a webcam. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one electric charging socket, preferably USB-C, and a connection module for connecting to an external electric network and/or a rechargeable battery. According to an embodiment, the equipped work unit comprises a keyboard and/or a wireless mouse accommodated in the housing and/or in the side drawer 37.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102021000008135 | Apr 2021 | IT | national |
