Patent Application
20210378400
The invention relates to a platform for a variably adaptable piece of furniture and to such a piece of furniture. The invention further relates to a method for controlling such a piece of furniture.
Electrically height-adjustable tables are known from the office sector. A special version of these tables are height-adjustable workstations that typically include holders for various devices, in particular monitors, computers or keyboards. Care trolleys are known from the hospital or care sector. Both workstations and care trolleys offer various storage options for various utensils and devices. Desks, for example lecterns, are also known from the office sector.
The disadvantage of the various solutions described is that they can only be used very specifically in an individual working or operating environment. In this respect, for example, a care trolley designed for the hospital or care sector is unsuitable as a workstation in an office environment. Due to the constant change and transformation in the need for and purpose of such furniture, there is a desire to be able to adapt such furniture as variably as possible to different application situations.
In addition, efforts are being made to design furniture with more and more operating comfort and “intelligence” as so-called “smart” furniture. In this way, more and more extensive electrical or electronic functionalities are being integrated into furniture.
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a platform, a piece of furniture and a method of the kind mentioned above that support flexible and variable adaptation to a variety of different applications.
This object is solved according to a first aspect by a platform according to claim 1. Advantageous further embodiments are disclosed in the subordinate claims.
The platform has a base for placing the platform on an installation surface, a column and a universal mounting bracket for mounting interchangeable accessory modules. The column is connected to the base. The universal mounting bracket is located at an end of the column facing away from the base. The universal mounting bracket has a mechanical mounting interface for mounting and dismounting interchangeable accessory modules to the platform. The platform has electrical or electronic functionality. The platform further comprises an identification interface for identifying an accessory module mounted on the platform and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to receive identification information about an accessory module mounted on the platform from the identification interface and to control an adaptation of the electrical or electronic functionality of the platform depending on the received identification information.
Such a platform allows for the flexible and variable assembly of a wide variety of interchangeable accessory modules. By mounting different accessory modules on the platform, various variably adaptable pieces of furniture can be provided. In this context, the term “platform” means a basic framework or a basic mechanism or a basic frame that can be expanded into various variable pieces of furniture by means of various interchangeable accessory modules.
The mounting interface is advantageously set up in such a way that interchangeable accessory modules can be mounted on or removed from the platform in a simple way, for example (screwless) with only one or a few hand movements. The mounting interface fixes an interchangeable accessory module stably to the platform. For this purpose, the mounting interface can, for example, have a clamping system, in particular a quick-clamping system, one or more clamps, one or more magnetic holders, or the like. In this way, interchangeable accessory modules can be quickly, flexibly and easily placed on or removed from the platform. Nevertheless, the accessory modules can be fixed to the platform in a mechanically stable way. Thus, the platform enables quick and easy adaptability to a wide range of applications, whereby different functionalities of the piece of furniture thus provided are supported by exchanging different accessory modules on the platform.
The platform also enables an accessory module mounted on the platform to be recognised via the identification interface. Advantageously, different accessory modules can be identified in this way. Based on the respectively mounted and identified accessory module, an automatic adaptation or modification of the electrical functionality of the platform can take place. This includes, for example, the adaptation or modification of parameters, operating modes or settings of the electrical functionality, the calling up or setting of stored parameters, operating modes or settings as well as the replacement of set parameters, operating modes or settings with new parameters, operating modes or settings.
For example, based on the respective mounted and identified accessory module, the electrical functionality of the platform in the form of an indicator or a display, in the form of a cooling or heating of the accessory module (via a corresponding cooling or heating unit of the platform), in the form of an electrical power supply (e.g. power saving states or the like) or in the form of a height adjustability or automatic height adjustment can be controlled or adapted.
The explained platform thus allows various accessory modules to be coupled with the platform via the mounting bracket. This enables variable and individual adaptability of a piece of furniture equipped with the platform to various different applications. Furthermore, the platform enables automatic adaptation to special operating and working situations due to the automatic adaptation or modification of the electrical functionality of the platform depending on the accessory module used and automatically recognised, while still being simple, flexible and safe to use. In this way, variable intelligent (smart) pieces of furniture can be easily configured and adapted by means of the platform.
In various embodiments, the identification interface is configured as electrical, mechanical or electromechanical interface. The identification interface has one or more identification or decoding units for recognising or decoding corresponding identification or coding features of a respective interchangeable accessory module.
In the case of an electrical configuration, the identification interface has, for example, an electrical or electronic identification or decoding unit for electrical detection, recognition or reading of electrical identification or coding features of an interchangeable accessory module. The identification interface can be set up as an electrical plug-in connection or as an inductive, electromagnetic interface, whereby an electrical detection of identification or coding features of the accessory module takes place electromagnetically. Alternatively or additionally, the identification interface can be set up as a capacitive interface. The identification interface can also be set up as a near field communication interface, for example as an NFC interface (NFC means “Near Field Communication”). Further alternatively, the identification interface can also be set up as an electronic, e.g. optoelectronic, interface for detecting and converting mechanical identification or coding features of an interchangeable accessory module into electrical identification or coding features.
In the case of a mechanical configuration, the identification interface comprises, for example, a mechanical identification or decoding unit for mechanically detecting or recognising identification or coding features of an interchangeable accessory module. For example, the identification interface may have one or more mechanical plugs or couplings or other coding means (e.g. pins or pegs) that react mechanically in different ways depending on the plugging, coupling or connecting behaviour of an interchangeable accessory module when the accessory module is mounted. These mechanical identification or coding features can then be converted into electrical identification or coding features via a separate processing unit.
In the case of an electromechanical design, the identification interface may also have a combination of the electrical/electronic or mechanical designs explained above.
The electrical, mechanical or electromechanical identification or coding features of an accessory module coupled to the platform generated or detected via the identification interface may be converted via the identification interface itself or via a downstream processing unit into electrical identification information which is made available to the control unit. In alternative embodiments and implementations, the identification or coding features themselves may already represent the corresponding identification information.
In various embodiments, the identification interface and the control unit can be set up and implemented in separate components. Alternatively, the identification interface and the control unit can be set up as a uniform assembly with corresponding logic.
In various embodiments, the mounting interface and the identification interface of the universal mounting bracket are set up, designed and/or positioned on the universal mounting bracket in such a way that when a replaceable accessory module is mounted on the platform by means of the mounting interface, an identification of an accessory module mounted on the platform is automatically carried out or can be carried out by means of the identification interface. In the case of a mechanical or electromechanical design of the identification interface, this can be integrated with its mechanical components in the mounting interface. Alternatively, the identification interface provides a separate mechanism.
In various embodiments, the electrical functionality (alternative or supplementary to other electrical functions) of the platform comprises an electrical height adjustability of the column. The control unit is set up to adapt the electrical height adjustability of the column depending on the identification information obtained.
In some embodiments, the control unit is configured, for example, to control or adapt one or more of the following functions of the electrical height adjustability of the column depending on the identification information received:
In alternative or supplementary embodiments, the control unit is set up to control an automatic height adjustment of the column depending on the identification information obtained. This enables automatic control of a height adjustment of the electrically height-adjustable column.
All embodiments in which a height adjustability or an active height adjustment of the column can be controlled or adjusted by means of the control unit using the identification information have the following advantages. If, for example, an accessory module is mounted on the platform via the mounting interface of the mounting bracket, which requires a special height of the platform (e.g. a presentation height for a whiteboard, pinboard, display, TV, etc.), the control unit can automatically preset or change functions, parameters, settings or operating modes of the height adjustability (as explained above) for this accessory module or, for example, actively control a movement of the column to the desired presentation height. If, on the other hand, for example, an accessory module is mounted on the platform via the mounting interface of the mounting bracket that requires a lower operating or working height (e.g. a height for a tabletop or a chair), the control unit can automatically preset or change functions, parameters, settings or operating modes of the height adjustability (as explained above) for this other accessory module or, for example, actively control a movement of the column to this desired lower operating or working height. The respective desired height or different functions, parameters, settings or operating modes of the height adjustability can be preset for different accessory modules, e.g. stored in a logical data memory of the platform and/or programmed via a programme logic.
An automatic adaptation of the height adjustability of the explained kind depending on a respective accessory module coupled to the platform therefore also has the advantage that a safe adjustment can be made without harming a user or the platform itself. For example, it can be prevented in this way that a vertically used plate-shaped accessory module is brought into a too low working height and hits the base of the platform or traps a user or the like.
In various embodiments of the platform, the universal mounting bracket additionally has an electrical connection interface for electrically connecting interchangeable accessory modules to the platform. The mounting interface and the connection interface of the universal mounting bracket are, for example, set up, designed and/or positioned on the universal mounting bracket in such a way that by mounting an interchangeable accessory module on the platform by means of the mounting interface, an electrical connection of the interchangeable accessory module with the connection interface can be established automatically.
The connection interface is advantageously set up in such a way that an interchangeable accessory module can be easily connected to an electrical or electronic system of the platform. The platform is advantageously designed in such a way that an electrical connection of the interchangeable accessory module with the connection interface can be automatically established by mechanically fixing an interchangeable accessory module by means of the mechanical mounting interface. This does not necessarily mean that every interchangeable accessory module usable with the platform must include electrical functionality. Interchangeable accessory modules with purely mechanical functionality can also be mounted on the platform. It is essential that the platform itself provides the functionality that by mechanically mounting an accessory module, an electrical connection of the accessory module is automatically possible.
The connection interface comprises, for example, an electrical plug with electrical contacts for interacting with electrical contacts of a mating plug on an interchangeable accessory module to be mounted (plug-coupling system).
Alternatively or additionally, the connection interface can also be set up for galvanically isolated or wireless electrical connection with a replaceable accessory module. For example, the connection interface can be set up as an inductive, electromagnetic interface, whereby an electrical connection between the platform and an interchangeable accessory module is made electromagnetically. Further alternatively, the connection interface can also be set up as a capacitive interface. The connection interface can also be set up as a near field communication interface, for example as an NFC interface (NFC means “Near Field Communication”). In the case of a galvanically isolated connection of the kind explained, the connection interface can have an energy transmission unit, in particular a transmitter/receiver unit (for example a coil), while a corresponding interchangeable accessory module can have a corresponding complementary energy transmission unit, in particular a transmitter/receiver unit (complementary coil). Thus, in the case of a galvanically isolated configuration, the connection interface forms a wireless power transmission system with a correspondingly configured interchangeable accessory module. In various embodiments, the connection interface is configured separately from the identification interface. In alternative embodiments, the connection interface and the (electrical or electromechanical) identification interface are grouped as a combined interface. In this case, an electrical interface and its electrical or electronic components provide both an identification and an electrical connection of a corresponding accessory module to the platform.
In this way, the platform is set up to electrically connect an interchangeable accessory module to the platform via the connection interface. Preferably, the mounting interface and the connection interface are configured and positioned on the platform or in relation to each other in such a way that mounting an accessory module automatically connects it electrically. In this way, no additional handles are required for an electrical connection of the accessory module in addition to one or more handles for mechanical mounting of the accessory module. For example, a separate connection of corresponding plugs between the accessory module and the connection interface can be omitted in addition to mounting the accessory module. Advantageously, the connection interface is arranged on the universal mounting bracket with respect to the mounting interface in such a way that, when the accessory module is mounted, the connection interface is concealed between the universal mounting bracket and the accessory module. This has the advantage that any electrics or electronics between the accessory module and the universal mounting bracket are protected from the outside world. The mounting interface and the connection interface (and possibly also the identification interface) can also be set up as a combined interface of the universal mounting bracket. In this way, at the same time a mechanical as well as an electrical connection of a replaceable accessory module and, if necessary, its automatic recognition is possible by means of one interface mechanism.
The explained platform thus enables variable mechanical and electrical adaptability via the mounting interface in conjunction with the connection interface and, if necessary, in conjunction with the identification interface, while still offering simple and flexible handling.
In various embodiments of the platform, the column is arranged perpendicular to the installation surface when the platform is upright and the column is telescopically adjustable in height. When the platform is upright, the base is set up on the installation surface, with the column projecting upwards perpendicular to the installation surface. At the upper end pointing away from the base, the universal mounting bracket is set up with the mounting interface and the identification interface and, if necessary, the electrical connection interface. The column may be centrally (in the middle) fixed to the base of the platform. For telescopic height adjustment, the column comprises, for example, two or three tubes that can be moved into each other, for example pushed into each other. However, a multitude (more than three) of tubes can also be used to set up a column with a high lift and at the same time a small size.
In various embodiments, an electric drive is integrated in the column for electric (electromotive) height adjustment of the column. The electric drive can, for example, comprise a linear actuator or linear motor. The electric drive is advantageously adapted to the desired or required lifting force. Furthermore, a gearbox designed for the desired lifting distance and/or the desired lifting force can be set up. For manual control/operation of the electric drive, for example, one or more operating elements or control elements may be integrated on or in the column or on or in the universal mounting bracket. Alternatively or additionally, the connection interface of the universal mounting bracket comprises one or more control lines for connecting one or more operating elements or control elements integrated in a corresponding interchangeable accessory module to be mounted.
For example, such an accessory module can be mounted on the platform, with an electrical connection of a control element on the accessory module to the connection interface of the platform, so that the electrical drive of the column can be controlled via the control element on the accessory module. Various variable configurations are conceivable here.
In various embodiments, the platform comprises a protection for blocking or releasing the electrical functionality, e.g. the electrical height adjustability or height adjustment of the column. The protection has, for example, a contact element for interacting with a counter-contact element for releasing or blocking the electrical functionality of the platform. For example, a corresponding protection is implemented in that a user card (smart card) has a contact element and, when the user card is inserted into or comes into contact with a corresponding device on the platform, the contact element interacts with a counter-contact element to enable or disable the electrical functionality. Interaction of the contact elements can take place, for example, electrically and/or magnetically and/or mechanically.
In various embodiments, the platform has a rechargeable battery (accumulator, battery) for supplying electrical energy to the platform, in particular for supplying electrical energy to the electrical functionality of the platform, and/or for supplying electrical energy to a replaceable accessory module mounted on the platform. For example, the battery may be set up on or in the column or on or in the base of the platform. In one embodiment, the battery may also be a replaceable battery.
Such designs have the advantage that the platform can be made mobile. In this way, the platform is independent of a wired external power supply, as long as the energy reserves of the battery are sufficient to operate the platform. For example, to charge the battery, connections can be provided on the platform to connect to a mains power supply. Alternatively, the battery can be charged, for example, by an inductive charging system. In this case, the platform can be coupled with its base to a charging adapter lying on the installation surface, integrated in the installation surface or, for example, integrated in a mat. Due to the energy supply via rechargeable battery, the platform is very well mobile and can, for example, be transported between different rooms without having to reconnect a wired external power supply. The platform is thus advantageously configured for a mobile, variable piece of furniture.
In the case of an electrically height-adjustable column of the kind explained above, the energy of the battery can be used primarily for the electric drive for height adjustment. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments of the platform with an electrical connection interface of the kind explained, the energy supply of a replaceable accessory module with electrical functionality mounted on the platform can also be done by means of the connection interface of the universal mounting bracket. In this case, the energy from the battery can, for example, supply a device or a functionality of the accessory module. For example, a lamp is set-up on the accessory module, which can be supplied via the battery. Furthermore, in addition to a storage surface, the accessory module can also have, for example, an inductive charging option for a device placed on the accessory module, such as a laptop or smartphone or tablet computer, whereby the energy required to supply this device can in turn be fed from the battery. In this case, energy is transmitted between the battery, the connection interface of the universal mounting bracket to the accessory module and from the accessory module via a corresponding energy transmission to the coupled device. The battery thus provides a mobile auxiliary battery for supplying energy to electrical functionalities or devices that are coupled to a corresponding accessory module or are set up on the accessory module.
In various embodiments, the base has at least three feet. In special embodiments, a roller is arranged on at least two of the feet, respectively. This serves to displace the platform on the installation surface. A configuration with rollers additionally favours a mobility of the platform. The platform can be easily moved in space.
In alternative embodiments, the feet are set up without rollers. Here, for example, floor glides can be used in order not to cause damage to the installation surface when displacing the platform.
In various embodiments of the platform, the feet of the base are each designed as legs with the same leg length pointing away from a connection with the column. This means that all feet have the same leg length. One or more feet are advantageously pivotable relative to one or more other feet about an axis perpendicular to the installation surface (when the platform is upright). By pivoting one or more feet relative to other feet, it is possible to switch between a relatively wide and a relatively narrow set-up of the platform. For a space-saving arrangement, the feet can, for example, be pivoted in such a way that at least two feet span a very small angle (for example<15°) with their legs. The feet can preferably be swivelled in such a way that all legs of the feet are aligned almost parallel to each other. In this way, the platform can for example be positioned in very narrow places, for example in a niche. With this space-saving arrangement, however, the feet still span a standing surface that provides sufficient stability for the platform to remain upright. The space-saving arrangement of the feet of the type explained also has the advantage that in certain application situations the feet can be oriented in such a way that they do not obstruct a user of the platform.
In another orientation of the feet, they can be pivoted or oriented relative to each other in such a way that the feet form maximum angles (for example 80° to 120°) to each other. In such an orientation, the feet ensure a maximum stable standing surface of the platform.
In alternative embodiments of the platform, the feet are fixed to the column and are not pivotable relative to each other. In these embodiments, the base may, for example, be set up as a foot cross that has at least three feet.
In various embodiments, the universal mounting bracket is pivotably arranged on the column. For this purpose, a joint may be provided on the column by means of which the universal mounting bracket is held pivotably on the column. The universal mounting bracket can be pivotable in such a way that it can be pivoted around a horizontal axis (i.e. around an axis parallel to the installation surface when the platform is set up). Alternatively or additionally, the universal mounting bracket may also be pivotable in a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis (for example, about an axis perpendicular to the installation surface when the platform is set-up). In case of the platform being designed with feet on which rollers are mounted, alignment about such a vertical axis can alternatively or additionally also take place via these rollers.
The universal mounting bracket can be set up to pivot in such a way that it is possible to tilt from a substantially horizontal orientation (0°, main dimension of the universal mounting bracket substantially parallel to the installation surface) to a substantially vertical position (approx. 90°, main dimension of the universal mounting bracket substantially perpendicular to the installation surface). Between these two positions, the universal mounting bracket can assume any intermediate positions. In this respect, the platform, or more precisely, the universal mounting bracket, can be positioned very flexibly for a wide variety of applications in combination with an interchangeable accessory module as a flexible piece of furniture. The universal mounting bracket can also have releasable latching means (e.g. a gear coupling with the column) to keep the universal mounting bracket stable and secure in different angular positions and latched with respect to the column of the platform. By simply releasing and locking the latching means, the mounting bracket can be variably fixed in different angular positions with respect to the column.
In alternative embodiments, when the platform is upright, the universal mounting bracket is fixed to the column horizontally or vertically in its main dimension with respect to the installation surface. In these embodiments, the universal mounting bracket is not pivotable with respect to the column. A horizontal arrangement of the main dimension of the universal mounting bracket can be used, for example, for all table or storage or work surface applications. A vertical orientation of the main dimension of the universal mounting bracket can be used, for example, for applications of mounting of frames, screens, displays, whiteboards, pinboards or the like.
In various embodiments, the universal mounting bracket has a coupling interface for mechanical and/or electrical coupling with another universal mounting bracket of another platform. This has the advantage that several universal mounting brackets of different platforms or several platforms per se can be coupled mechanically and/or electrically in order to additionally expand the functional range of the platform or a piece of furniture assembled with the platform. In this way, two or more platforms can be coupled via their universal mounting brackets so that, for example, a work table can be constructed with two platforms. In the case of electrical functionality, an electrical coupling of several mounting brackets allows, for example, a synchronisation of a signal communication or an exchange of communication signals between the platforms involved, for example for synchronous electrical height adjustment of the respective columns of the platform (see above explanations). A mechanical coupling of several platforms can be advantageous, for example, to increase mechanical stability for certain applications. An electrical coupling of several platforms can take place via plug connections of corresponding plug contacts or also wirelessly or contactlessly (e.g. inductively or capacitively).
The mounting interface, the identification interface and/or the connection interface of the universal mounting bracket can be set up in such a way that they simultaneously provide the functionality of the coupling interface in addition to the functions of the type explained above. Alternatively, the coupling interface can be set up separately from the mounting interface, the identification interface or the connection interface on the universal mounting bracket. Further alternatively, the coupling interface is integrated elsewhere on the platform, for example on or in the column or on or in the base.
The above object is solved according to a second aspect by a variably adaptable piece of furniture according to claim 13. Advantageous further embodiments are disclosed in the subordinate claims.
The variably adaptable piece of furniture has a platform of the type explained above and an interchangeable accessory module. The accessory module is mounted or mountable on the universal mounting bracket of the platform by means of the mounting interface.
Such a variably adaptable piece of furniture also has the advantages mentioned in connection with the platform explained above. The accessory module can have a wide variety of functionalities, both mechanical and electrical.
In various embodiments of the variably adaptable piece of furniture, the interchangeable accessory module has at least one of the following functions:
The interchangeable accessory module can have one or more (combination) of the functionalities explained above, as far as reasonably realisable. In this way, the piece of furniture can be adapted for completely different applications.
A variably adaptable piece of furniture of the kind described can advantageously be put together as a set with a number of other interchangeable accessory modules of the kind described above. Each of the accessory modules can be mounted on the universal mounting bracket of the platform by means of the mounting interface. The set can also have several platforms of the kind described. Advantageously, the accessory modules comprise several of the functions described above, so that the set can be used to set up functional pieces of furniture for various different applications by means of the one or more platforms.
The above object is solved according to a third aspect by a method according to claim 16 for controlling a variably adaptable piece of furniture of the kind explained above. Here, the identification interface of the platform automatically identifies the accessory module mounted on the platform. The control unit obtains identification information about the accessory module mounted on the platform, the identification information acquired by means of the identification interface. The control unit controls an adaptation of the electrical functionality of the platform depending on the obtained identification information. Such a method also results in the advantages explained above.
All advantageous aspects, features and implementations of the platform explained above are taken into account analogously in the variably adaptable piece of furniture explained further with such a platform or in a set explained further with a variably adaptable piece of furniture and a plurality of interchangeable accessory modules. Furthermore, all advantageous aspects, features and implementations of the platform explained above, of the variably adaptable piece of furniture explained above and of the set explained above with a variably adaptable piece of furniture and a plurality of interchangeable accessory modules are taken into account or reflected in corresponding aspects, features and implementations in the method explained further for controlling a variably adaptable piece of furniture and vice versa.
The invention is explained in more detail below by means of various embodiments with the aid of several drawings.
In this embodiment, an electrical functionality of the platform 1 comprises an electrical height adjustability of the column 3. The column 3 is telescopically height adjustable. A height adjustment of the column 3 is carried out electrically (via an electric drive, for example a linear motor). In the embodiment according to
The universal mounting bracket 4 has a mounting interface 6 for mechanically mounting and dismounting an interchangeable accessory module. Furthermore, the universal mounting bracket 4 has an identification interface 7 for identifying an accessory module mounted on the platform 1. The interfaces 6 and 7 are configured and oriented or arranged on the mounting bracket 4 in such a way that when an interchangeable accessory module is mounted on the mounting bracket 4 by means of the mounting interface 6, the accessory module can be automatically identified via the identification interface 7. In this way, an accessory module can be fixed to the mounting bracket 4 in one or a few steps, while at the same time the accessory module is identified (ideally without the need for further handles or measures by a user).
The platform 1 further comprises a control unit (not explicitly shown), wherein the control unit is arranged to obtain identification information about an accessory module mounted on the platform 1, the identification information achieved by means of the identification interface 7, and to control an adaptation of the electrical height adjustability of the column 3, e.g. an automatic electrical height adjustment of the column 3, depending on the obtained identification information. For example, the control unit controls the electric drive for height adjustment of the column 3 in order to move the column 3 to a certain working or operating height depending on obtained identification information of a mounted accessory module. This can, for example, be stored or programmed in a data memory within the platform 1, e.g. within the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit controls an adaptation of parameters, operating modes or settings of the height adjustability of the column 3, e.g. calling up or setting stored maximum or minimum heights or a predetermined stop or safety position of the column 3.
Identification or coding features of an accessory module coupled to the platform 1 generated or recognised via the identification interface 7 can be converted via the identification interface 7 itself or via a downstream processing unit (not explicitly shown) into electrical identification information which is made available to the control unit. In alternative embodiments and implementations, the identification or coding features themselves may already represent the corresponding identification information.
The platform 1 thus enables a recognition of an accessory module mounted on the platform 1 via the identification interface 7 and an automatic adaptation of a height adjustability, e.g. a control of a height adjustment, of the electrically height-adjustable column 3 via the control unit. In the embodiment according to
The mounting interface 6 can be determined, for example, by the outer dimension (main dimension) of the mounting bracket 4. In addition, the mounting bracket 4 can have predetermined latching means (not explicitly shown) for latching an accessory module to the mounting bracket 4. Such latching means may comprise, for example, clamps, quick-release clamps, latches, clips, magnets, magnetic holders, or the like. Screw connections are also conceivable.
In the embodiment according to
In alternative embodiments, the identification interface 7 is mechanical or electromechanical. In this case, the identification interface 7 can detect mechanical identification or coding features (e.g. a specific coupling behaviour, a specific mechanical connector coding or one or more pegs or pins or corresponding counterforms) of an accessory module mounted on the platform 1 purely mechanically, whereby the mechanically detected identification or coding features are converted into electrical identification information, e.g. via a downstream processing unit. Alternatively, the identification interface 7 may electromechanically detect mechanical identification or coding features of the aforementioned type of an accessory module mounted on the platform 1. For example, the identification interface 7 can itself convert mechanically detected identification or coding features into electrical identification information.
In the embodiment according to
In this way, the platform 1 represents a multifunctional platform for interacting with an interchangeable accessory module of variable functionality to provide a variably adaptable piece of furniture. By mounting a wide variety of accessory modules on the mounting bracket 4, these can be coupled mechanically and, if necessary, electrically to the platform 1 in a simple and flexible manner. In this way, different pieces of furniture with different functionalities can be provided. Due to an automatic recognition of an accessory module coupled to the platform via the identification interface 7, an automatic adaptation of the height adjustability, e.g. a height adaptation of the platform 1 to a suitable or desired working or operating height of the platform 1, can take place. If, for example, an accessory module is mounted that requires a special presentation height for a whiteboard, pinboard, display, TV, etc., the control unit automatically controls a movement of the column 3 to the desired presentation height. If, on the other hand, an accessory module is mounted that requires a lower operating or working height, such as a height for a tabletop or a chair, the control unit automatically moves the column 3 to the desired lower operating or working height.
In this embodiment, the accessory module 5 comprises an electrical functionality, at least for an electrical identification of the accessory module 5. For this purpose, the accessory module 5 has an electrical interface which is set up complementary to the electrical identification interface 7 of the mounting bracket 4 in the embodiment according to
In this way, the accessory module 5 as shown in
In alternative embodiments, the accessory module 5 does not necessarily have to provide electrical functionality. The accessory module 5 can have a purely mechanical functionality. In this case, the accessory module 5 is purely mechanically coupled to the mounting bracket 4 of the platform 1 as shown in
A connection cable 16 can be plugged into connection 15, as shown in
Alternatively or in addition to such a charging option, the piece of furniture 13 can also have, for example, an inductive charging device that can be supplied with energy wirelessly, for example via floor contacts (charging mats, contacts in the installation surface, and so on).
In this way, the mobility of the piece of furniture 13 is further supported, whereby the piece of furniture 13 can operate electrically in a mobile manner without having to be permanently connected to an external mains supply. The power supply of the piece of furniture 13 serves in particular to supply an electric drive for the electrically height-adjustable column 3. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the design of the identification interface 7 explained above in connection with
In addition, the component 4, 5 as shown in
Finally,
The accessory module 5 according to the embodiment in
It is conceivable, for example, that a user has different accessory modules 5 according to
The variably usable piece of furniture 13 explained here offers a user advantages of a mobile, variable, flexible and safe application and provides a very flexible adaptability of the piece of furniture specifically for different use cases and situations by means of a universal bracket and recognition of interchangeable accessory modules.
The embodiments shown are merely selected as examples.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2018 132 690.4 | Dec 2018 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/084956 | 12/12/2019 | WO | 00 |
