Patent Application
20240245210
The present disclosure relates to a telescopic column, and especially a telescopic column comprising telescopically arranged tubes and means for stabilizing the telescopic column.
Presently, telescopic columns are well known and used in height adjustable furniture, often in height adjustable tables. As telescopic columns commonly comprise axially adjustable tubes, wherein the tubes are telescopically adjustable in relation to each other, and the columns are stabilized laterally by using various means.
Usually, the stabilizing means are statically attached at to at least one of the overlapping tube parts of the column, at a surface side adjacent between two overlapping tube parts and comprise plastic “studs” or other means for stabilizing the space between two tubes. The stabilizing means are then providing a “two-point” stabilization. Stabilizing points or means may then also function as bearings for the telescopic column when the column is raised or lowered.
As telescopic columns are height adjustable, the increasing distance between the stabilization points or means when raising the telescopic column comprising several tubes may create instability in the column construction.
Today, the stabilizing means must be distributed at a specific axial minimum distance to be able to provide lateral support to the telescopically arranged tubes in a telescopic column. The longer the distance between stabilizing means or points, the more stable construction. The axial distance between the stabilizing means also constitutes limitations for how far apart the tubes may be displaced, or how short the tube parts may overlap to still maintain lateral stability. The distance between the stabilization points or means will therefore affect the total stroke of the telescopically arranged tubes.
As telescopic columns are often height adjusted, the extension and retraction must be properly facilitated in order to ensure stable function in the long-term use. Thus, there is also a need for enabling and facilitating a proper bearing effect, for the telescopic columns to function properly.
Consequently, a more adjustable solution for laterally stabilizing a telescopic column is needed, which is adjusted to the different heights of an adjustable column and which facilitates altering the height of a telescopic column by also providing a bearing function.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a telescopic column comprising telescopic tubes that alleviates drawbacks with present solutions. The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telescopic column, comprising at least a first and a second telescopic tube, wherein the column further comprises a first static stabilizing device, a second static stabilizing device, and a mobile stabilizing device, wherein the first and the second stabilizing devices are arranged axially separated at a fixed distance from each other, between the first and a second tube. The mobile stabilizing device is arranged in an inner space of the first tube, and the mobile stabilizing device is axially movable in relation to the first and second static stabilizing devices, and in relation to the first tube.
Thereby, an adaptable and flexible solution may be provided to exert extra support to the telescopic column.
The first and second static stabilizing devices may have an advantage of providing both a supportive function and a bearing function to the telescopic column.
The first and second static stabilizing devices may have an advantage of being simple in construction and being easily produced. Therefore, they may provide cost-effective support together with the mobile stabilizing devices. The first and second static stabilizing devices may be arranged radially between the first and second telescopic tubes.
By having a mobile stabilizing device, which is movable relative to the static stabilizing devices during extension and retraction of the telescopic column, it may be achieved a telescopic column with an improved stability throughout its stroke of length. Especially, the stabilizing effect of the static and mobile stabilizing devices in the telescopic column may increase when the telescopic column is extended.
An advantage of providing the first and the second static stabilizing devices at an outer surface of the first tube is that two supporting points between the first and the second telescopic tubes are formed, wherein the supporting points are static in relation to the first telescopic tube. Thereby, enhanced lateral stability is achieved.
The static stabilizing devices may also provide a bearing effect between the first and the second telescopic tubes. The bearing effect may be enabled due to material quality, of which the static stabilization devices are made of. For example, the stabilization devices may be made of a polymer material. The bearing effect may further be enhanced by the geometric shape of the static stabilization devices. The static stabilization devices may therefore have a tapering or rounded shape facing towards the inner surface side of the second telescopic column. The effect of forming the static stabilization devices in such manner has an effect of decreasing the contact area of the static stabilization devices, but at the same time providing sufficient support laterally. The two static stability devices may provide two bearing points between the first and the second telescopic tubes. Such bearing points may provide a low friction movement between the two tubes. The static stability devices may be fastened to either the first or the second telescopic tube. In one embodiment, one of the static stabilizing devices may be an end cap arranged at an end of the outer of the two telescopic tubes, thereby providing a point of contact between the two tubes.
Also, as the two static stabilizing devices are provided together with the mobile stabilizing device, the stabilizing effect is further advantageous. The advantage being, that the static stabilizing devices may provide lateral stabilization between the first and the second telescopic tubes, whereas the mobile stabilizing device may provide lateral stability in lateral direction between a driving arrangement and the first telescopic tube. In that way, the telescopic column may be provided with lateral support in relation to all the parts comprised in the column.
In that way, when a driving arrangement is positioned through the entire length of the column, comprising two or several telescopic tubes, there is provided an enhanced stability throughout the telescopic column.
The driving arrangement is provided extending through the telescopic tubes, and the mobile stabilizing device is formed and adapted to be coupled to and axially movable relative to the driving arrangement in the inner space of the first tube.
By providing a mobile stabilizing device which is formed and adapted to being coupled to a driving arrangement, enhanced stability for a telescopic column may be provided.
The mobile stabilizing device may be arranged in a radial space between the driving arrangement and an inner surface of the first tube. The mobile stabilizing device may extend radially to be in contact with the driving arrangement and the inner surface of the first tube.
By providing a mobile stabilizing device which is axially movable relative to the driving arrangement in the inner space of the first tube, the mobile stabilizing device has an advantage of providing lateral support for the first telescopic column in different axial positions.
By lateral support it is meant, that the telescopic tubes are laterally stable in relation to each other and in relation to a part of furniture they are arranged to support or bear. Lateral direction may be defined as any direction in a plane which is perpendicular to an axis through a longitudinal direction of the column.
By movable in axial direction it is meant, that the mobile stabilizing device may vary its position axially inside the first telescopic tube. Thereby, lateral support may be provided in a desired position or in a desired place or point inside the first telescopic tube. The mobile stabilizing device's axial position along the driving arrangement may depend on the extension or retraction level of the telescopic column.
By lateral support, it may also be meant that several telescopic tubes may be supported in relation to each other, for example three or more telescopic tubes. That may be achieved by extending the driving arrangement through several tubes and by providing two mobile stabilizing devices, for example one in the first telescopic tube, being connected to the driving arrangement, and one in a third telescopic tube and connected to the driving arrangement, wherein there is a second tube connected to both the first and the third tube.
The driving arrangement may extend through the first and the second tube and may be arranged coaxially with the tubes of the telescopic column.
By means of the three stabilizing devices, stabilizing points of contact between the telescopic tubes and the driving arrangement may be provided, thereby improving the overall stability of the telescopic column throughout the stroke of the column, but especially in the extended position of the column. The static stabilizing devices may provide points of contact between the first and the second tubes, and the mobile stabilizing device may provide a point of contact between the first tube and the driving arrangement.
According to an embodiment, the telescopic column may be in an extended position. By the telescopic tubes being in an extended position it is meant that the first and the second telescopic tubes are positioned so as to be displaced in an axial direction as far apart from each other as possible. By as far as possible it is meant that the telescopic column has sufficient stability to be able to support, for example a tabletop. The stability may then be provided, when the telescopic tubes are in the extended position and supported by the first and second static stabilizing devices and the mobile stabilizing device.
In an extended position, the first and the second telescopic tubes are extended in relation to each other such that a first end of the second tube is closer to a second end of the first tube.
In a retracted position, the first and the second telescopic tubes are retracted in relation to each other, such that the first end of the second tube is adjacent to the first end of the first tube.
According to one embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may be in a first position, when the telescopic column is in a retracted position. The first position may be provided, when the mobile stabilization device is located adjacent to an end portion of the first telescopic tube, or several tubes, when all tubes comprised in a telescopic column are retracted into each other.
The mobile stabilizing device may be in a second position, when the telescopic column is in an extended position. The second position may be provided, when the mobile stabilizing device is located in a middle section of a first telescopic tube, when the tubes comprised in a telescopic column are extended in relation to each other. The middle section may be at an axial position in the middle between a first end of the first tube and the first static stabilizing device.
When the telescopic column is extended, the mobile stabilizing device is configured to move from the first position towards the second position. When the telescopic column is retracted, the mobile stabilizing device is configured to move from the second position towards the first position. When in the second position, the mobile stabilizing device may be positioned at its maximal axial distance from the static stabilizing devices. The mobile stabilizing device may reach the second position before the telescopic column is fully extended to the extended position.
In one embodiment, the driving arrangement may comprise a spindle, and the spindle may be arranged to, during rotation, axially move the mobile stabilizing device in the inner space of a first tube. Thereby, axial movement of the stabilizing device is provided.
In one embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may be formed with an opening having inner threads to form a threaded connection with the spindle. Thereby, the spindle may drive the mobile stabilizing device by rotating in a first or a second direction. By rotating in the first direction, the spindle may move the mobile stabilizing device in one direction along the spindle axis, and vice versa.
Yet in another embodiment, the spindle may comprise a threadless section at an axial position corresponding to the second position of the mobile stabilizing device. The threadless section enables the mobile stabilizing part not to be in a threaded connection with the spindle. Thereby, the connection may be controlled by moving the mobile stabilizing device to the threadless section. The spindle may be rotated such that mobile stabilizing device is moved towards the second position, and when the mobile stabilizing device reaches the second position where threads are missing on the spindle, the mobile stabilizing device may be prevented from moving further along the spindle. The second position of the mobile stabilizing device may thereby be controlled.
In one embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may be out of the threaded connection from the spindle in the second position. A part of the driving arrangement may be configured to push the mobile stabilizing device to threaded connection with the spindle during retraction of the telescopic column. When the telescopic column is retracted, the mobile stabilizing device may initially remain at the second position and the axial distance between the mobile stabilizing device and the static stabilizing devices may decrease. During retraction of the telescopic column, a part of the driving arrangement may move along the spindle towards a first end of the first tube. The part of the driving arrangement may be coupled to the second tube, thereby providing the telescopic movement between the first and the second tube. When the part of the driving arrangement reaches the second position of the mobile stabilizing device, the part will push on the mobile stabilizing device into threaded connection with the spindle. Thereafter, the mobile stabilizing device will move along the spindle towards the first end of the first tube. Hence, during retraction of the telescopic column towards the retracted position, the mobile stabilizing device may initially remain at the second position, and when a portion of the retraction is performed the mobile stabilizing device may start moving towards the first position.
In one embodiment, the threadless section of the spindle at the second position of the mobile stabilizing device may be a first threadless section, and the spindle may comprise a second threadless section at an axial position corresponding to the first position of the mobile stabilizing device. When the mobile stabilizing device has moved to the first position during retraction of the telescopic column, it may reach the second threadless section providing that the axial movement of the mobile stabilizing device is stopped. During rotation of the spindle for retraction of the telescopic column, the mobile stabilizing device will be prevented from getting into threaded connection with the spindle. In fully retracted state of the telescopic column, a part of the driving arrangement may press on the mobile stabilizing device to be kept in the first position. When the mobile stabilizing device is in the first position, and an extension of the telescopic column is initiated from the fully retracted state, the mobile stabilizing device may engage into threaded connection with the spindle. In one embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may comprise a spring that facilitates the mobile stabilizing device to get into threaded connection with the spindle when the part of the driving arrangement releases its pressure against the mobile stabilizing device. The spring may provide a spring force towards the first end of the first tube.
In another embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may be configured for sliding movement relative to the driving arrangement, and the driving arrangement may comprise protruding means formed on an outer surface of the driving arrangement. Thereby, protruding means on the driving arrangement may be adapted to engage with the mobile stabilizing device. The protruding means may enlarge the circumference of the driving arrangement and thereby, when the driving arrangement is in axial movement, may engage the mobile stabilizing device. The protruding means may be configured to cause axial movement of the mobile stabilizing device in the first telescopic tube during extension of the telescopic column. The driving arrangement in the first tube may comprise a tube having a substantially flat outer surface. The mobile stabilizing device may enclose the tube and be configured for sliding movement along the outer surface of the tube. The mobile stabilizing device may be configured to have lower friction towards the driving arrangement than towards an inner surface of the first telescopic tube.
According to one embodiment, the protruding means is configured to engage the mobile stabilizing device to be moved from the first position to the second position, when the telescopic column is extending.
According to one embodiment, the mobile stabilizing device may comprise an opening configured to enclose the driving arrangement, and the protruding means may locally radially extend the cross-section of the driving arrangement, thereby preventing the protruding means to pass through the opening of the mobile stabilizing device.
According to an embodiment, the first and the second static stabilizing devices may be arranged at an outer surface of the first telescopic tube. An advantage of providing the first and the second static stabilizing devices at an outer surface of the first tube may be that two supporting points between the first and the second telescopic tubes are formed, wherein the supporting points are static in relation to the first telescopic tube. Thereby, enhanced lateral stability may be achieved.
The static stabilizing devices may also provide a bearing effect between the first and the second telescopic tubes. The bearing effect may be enabled due to material quality, of which the static stabilization devices are made of. For example, the stabilization devices may be made of a polymer material. The bearing effect may further be enhanced by the geometric shape of the static stabilization devices. The static stabilization devices may therefore have a tapering or rounded shape facing towards the inner surface side of the second telescopic column. The effect of forming the static stabilization devices in such manner has an effect of decreasing the contact area of the static stabilization devices, but at the same time providing sufficient support laterally.
Also, as the two static stabilizing devices are provided together with the mobile stabilizing device, the stabilizing effect is further advantageous. The advantage being, that the static stabilizing devices may provide lateral stabilization between the first and the second telescopic tubes, whereas the mobile stabilizing device may provide lateral stability in lateral direction between the driving arrangement and the first telescopic tube. In that way, the telescopic column may be provided with lateral support in relation to all the parts comprised in the column.
In that way, when a driving arrangement is positioned through the entire length of the column, comprising one or several telescopic tubes, there is provided an enhanced stability throughout the telescopic column.
In one embodiment, the first and the second static stabilizing devices may be arranged at an outer surface of the second telescopic tube. An advantage of providing the first and the second static stabilizing devices at an outer surface part of the second stabilizing device is that two supporting points between the first and the second telescopic tubes are formed, wherein the supporting points are static in relation to the first telescopic tube. Thereby, enhanced lateral stability is achieved.
An advantage of providing a first and a second stabilizing devices on an outer surface of the second telescopic tube is that the first telescopic tube may be arranged and formed to be larger in lateral direction, such that the second telescopic tube may be surrounded by the first telescopic tube, when retracting.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a telescopic column, comprising at least a first, a second and a third telescopic tube, wherein the column further comprises: a first static stabilizing device; a second static stabilizing device, a third static stabilizing device; a fourth static stabilizing device, a first mobile stabilizing device, and a second mobile stabilizing device and a driving arrangement. The first and the second static stabilizing devices are arranged axially separated at a fixed distance from each other, and between the first and a second tubes, the third and fourth static stabilizing devices are arranged axially separated at a fixed distance from each other, and between the second and the third tubes. The first mobile stabilizing device is arranged in an inner space of the first tube, and wherein the first mobile stabilizing device is axially movable in relation to the first and second static stabilizing devices, and in relation to the first tube and the second mobile stabilizing device is arranged in an inner space of the third tube, wherein the second mobile stabilizing device is axially movable in relation to the third and fourth static stabilizing devices, and in relation to the third tube. The embodiments according to the first aspect of the invention are applicable to the second embodiment as well.
The invention will in the following be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:
The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
The telescopic column 1 may comprise three telescopic tubes, as seen in
The first telescopic tube 110a has a first end 11a at the housing 120, representing a first end of the telescopic column 1, and a second end 11b. The second telescopic tube 110b has a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The third telescopic tube 110c has a first end 13a and a second end 13b. The second end 13b of the third telescopic tube 110c represents the second end of the telescopic column 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the first telescopic tube 110a is an inner tube, the second telescopic tube 110b is a middle tube, and the third telescopic tube 110c is an outer tube.
The telescopic tubes 110a, 110b and 110c are axially movable in relation to each other, by means of the driving arrangement 130. The driving arrangement may be adapted to retract and extend the telescopic column 1 comprising telescopic tubes 110a, 110b and 110c to occupy an extended position or a retracted position. The column 1 may function in an embodiment with two tubes or four and more telescopic tubes (not illustrated). As seen in
The driving arrangement 130, as seen in the
The driving arrangement 130 comprises the spindle 14, a second driving member 112b and a third driving member 112c, arranged to be connected by threads or other means. The driving arrangement 130 extends from the first tube 110a to the second 110b and third tubes 110c, being fixedly attached to the first end 11a of the first tube 110a and to the second end 13b of the third tube. The extending and retracting function for the column 1 may thereby be provided by operating the driving arrangement 130. The three parts of the driving arrangement 130 are coaxially arranged through the telescopic column 1. The spindle 14 is arranged axially fixed to the first telescopic tube 110a. The second driving member 112b is axially fixed to the second telescopic tube 110b. The third driving member 112c is axially fixed to the third telescopic tube 110c. The three parts 14, 112b, 112c of the driving arrangement 130 interacts to extend or retract the telescopic column 1.
As seen in
As seen in
As mentioned above, the first telescopic tube 110a also comprises a first mobile stabilizing device 10a. The third tube 110c comprises a second mobile stabilizing device 10b.
As further seen in
The embodiment as seen in
As seen in
As seen in
Preferably, the mobile and static stabilizing devices 10a, 10b are made of a plastic material. The tubes and the driving arrangement may preferably made of a metallic or a plastic material.
When the column 1 is in a retracted position, as will be described further in
When the spindle 14 during a rotating movement drives the mobile stabilizing device 10a into a position where there are no threads, as illustrated in
The mobile stabilizing device 10b may, as seen in
When the telescopic column 1 is retracting from the extended position, the mobile stabilizing device 10b will initially stay at the second position relative to the second tube, and thereby relative to the static stabilizing devices 16c, 16d. When the second end 13b of the third tube 110c reaches the mobile stabilizing device 10b, the second end 13b will engage with the mobile stabilizing device 10b and push the mobile stabilizing device 10b towards the first position.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21174295.2 | Dec 2021 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/063243 | 5/17/2022 | WO |
