Coupling arrangement and furniture piece

A coupling arrangement for two panels (12, 13) that are movable relative to one another may include comprises a first and a second guide track; (1, 2) and a first and a second guide pin (5, 6) for engaging in the guide tracks (1, 2). The first guide track describes a straight path having a starting point and an end point. (E1), and the The second guide track describes a first straight section which is arranged parallel to the first guide track, a circle section and a second straight section which extends parallel to the first guide track. In the case of a piece of furniture having a first panel and a second panel, the panels are coupled together with the aid of a coupling arrangement such that, from a starting position of the panels (12, 13), a guided translation (T1, T2) and a guided rotation of the panels (12, 13) with respect to one another can take place in succession.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coupling arrangement for coupling two panels together, for example for use in table tops that are displaceable and/or rotatable with respect to one another. Furthermore, a piece of furniture is proposed.

BACKGROUND

In particular in furniture construction, in the case of flexibly configurable pieces of furniture there is a need to carry out rotations and displacements of panels or part bodies of pieces of furniture. Rotations are in this case frequently executed via hinge mechanisms and displacements with the aid of fitted guide rails in combination with casters. In the past, use was also made of complicated articulation mechanisms which allowed simultaneous displacement and rotation of furniture parts with respect to one another.

Under specific space conditions, for example in the case of pieces of furniture located in corners, rotations and displacements are rendered difficult spatially. Moreover, it is frequently necessary to displace heavy table tops with respect to one another, this requiring a particularly robust mechanism. U.S. Ser. No. 556,707 discloses a desk in which a smaller desk top leads to a widening or enlargement of the supporting surface via two guide pins which are displaced in guide channels. The additional small desk top is then secured laterally.

However, it is frequently necessary to couple heavy panels together and displace them. For example, the possibility of both guiding movable panels and securely connecting them together is desirable.

SUMMARY

Against this background, it is the object of the present invention to create improved coupling possibilities.

Accordingly, a coupling arrangement for two panels that are movable relative to one another is proposed, having a first and a second guide track and a first and a second guide pin for engaging in the guide tracks. In this case, the first guide track describes a straight path section having a starting point and an end point. In particular when the panels are in a coupling position with respect to one another, the second guide track describes a first straight section which is arranged parallel to the first guide track, a circle section and a second straight section which extends parallel to the first guide track.

The arrangement of the guide tracks with respect to one another allows sequentially a translation, rotation and translation again. As a result, the coupling arrangement can be used efficiently in pieces of furniture which are arranged for example in corners. In this case, the straight parts of the guide tracks can be arranged for example along the angle bisector of a room corner or table corner.

In one embodiment, the first guide track comprises only a straight path.

The coupling arrangement allows in particular either a translation or a rotation in a particular position of the panels. Rotation at the same time as displacement is preferably not possible on account of the geometry of the guide tracks.

The guide tracks can be embodied for example in the manner of grooves and the guide pins in the manner of sliding blocks. It is possible to provide the guide track in a first coupling panel and the guide pins on a second coupling panel, wherein the coupling panels are attached to, set into or integrated into the panels of a piece of furniture that are movable relative to one another.

In the proposed coupling arrangement, no articulations or hinges which make it difficult to produce coupling arrangements are used. Moreover, as a result of the combination of guide tracks with guide pins, a particularly robust arrangement which makes it possible to mount even heavy panels on one another is created. For example, the two movable panels can rest on one another and be guided by way of the coupling arrangement.

In this case, at least one guide track may have a guide groove having a plurality of steps. The steps create improved lateral support of the guide pins in the guide tracks.

It is conceivable for the guide tracks to be arranged in or on different coupling panels. For example, the first guide track is arranged in a first coupling panel and the second guide track is arranged in a second coupling panel.

In one embodiment of the coupling arrangement, at least one guide track has an undercut. Together with a correspondingly formed guide pin, the undercut allows particularly reliable guidance. In particular, for example a guide pin is formed such that the guide pin also holds the two coupling panels together in a state in which it is inserted into the guide track.

A guide pin can in particular comprise a spherical shape or have a flat cylinder which rests in the guide track by way of its flat side.

In this respect, the combination of suitable guide pins and guide tracks having an undercut results in secure fastening of panels that are movable with respect to one another. In the case of the configuration of the guide tracks having an undercut, the geometry of the guide track results in guidance of the panels with respect to one another only along the predefined trajectories in a plane. Guide pins are largely prevented from being removed from or falling out of the guide track.

In embodiments of the coupling arrangement, the first and/or the second guide track has an insertion recess for inserting a guide pin into the guide track. In this respect, widening or enlargement at a starting or end point of the particular guide track is conceivable. The sliding block or guide pin is then easily insertable at this insertion recess and can be pushed into the undercut. This results in particularly reliable guidance.

Furthermore, provision is preferably made of a closure element for inserting into the insertion recess and for closing the insertion recess. As a result, the guide pin is prevented from slipping out of the guide track. This results in secure coupling of movable panels together, wherein well-defined guidance both along the translation parameters provided by the geometry of the guide tracks and in rotation about for example the end point of the first guide track can take place.

In the coupling arrangement, it is possible for example for a circle center of the circle section for the second guide track to be located at the end point of the straight path of the first guide track. Preferably, the first and the second straight section of the second guide track extend at one and the same distance from the first guide track. For example, the radius of the circle section corresponds to the distance between the parallel straight sections. For example, in an embodiment of the circle section as a quarter-circle section, a defined rotation through 90° of panels that are movable with respect to one another results. However, rotations through other angular ranges are also conceivable. For example, the circle section of the second guide track may be configured such that a rotation through 180° is possible.

Preferably, the guide tracks do not intersect. Moreover, the guide tracks preferably do not have any bifurcations, i.e. do not branch. As a result, reliable guidance that is safeguarded against tilting and jamming can take place.

In further embodiments of the coupling arrangement, the first and the second guide track comprise only straight sections and arcuate sections. As a result of this simple configuration, reliable guidance is possible and virtually no tilting and jamming of the two guide pins in the guide tracks is possible.

The guide pins are in a fixed arrangement with respect to one another. The guide pins can for example be fastened securely to a coupling panel or a furniture panel.

In embodiments, the guide tracks are arranged for example in a coupling panel which is manufactured at least partially from a plastics material. Plastics material can be processed easily and so the guide tracks can be realized in particular by way of material removal. In embodiments, the guide tracks are milled into the coupling panel material in the manner of a groove.

For example, the coupling arrangement comprises a first coupling panel in which the guide tracks are arranged and a second coupling panel on which the guide pins are arranged.

In a further embodiment of the coupling arrangement, the first guide track and the second guide pin for engaging in the second guide track are arranged in or on a first coupling panel. The second guide track and the first guide pin for engaging in the first guide track are then arranged on a second coupling panel. This results in particularly secure coupling together of the coupling panels, which moreover allow particularly reliable guidance and rotation of the panels.

In embodiments of the coupling arrangement, a coupling panel has a first panel with a guide track passing through the first panel, and a second, closed panel which is arranged on the first panel and closes the guide track on one side. A two-part design makes manufacturing easier and an undercut for reliably receiving sliding blocks is producible at low cost.

Preferably, the coupling arrangement comprises exactly two guide tracks and exactly two guide pins. The guide pins can have for example circular profiles or be round or spherical with an attachment pin. Provision can also be made of a plurality of guide tracks and pins.

Embodiments of the coupling arrangement have at least three guide tracks and three guide pins, wherein the guide pins form in particular a triangle. The guide tracks are preferably at least sectionally parallel to one another.

A piece of furniture having a first panel and a second panel is furthermore proposed. The first and the second panel are coupled together with the aid of a coupling arrangement as described above. The coupling is in this case such that, from a starting position of the panels, a guided translation and a guided rotation of the panels with respect to one another can take place in succession.

For example, the two panels are initially congruent in a corner. Subsequently, a translation takes place along the two straight sections of the guide tracks which extend in particular parallel to the angle bisector of the corner. Subsequently a rotation takes place about the end point of the first guide track, wherein the rotation axis is located in the surface of the two panels. Depending on the configuration of the arcuate section, the rotation is fixed, for example at 90°. Subsequently, a guided translation back into the corner takes place, wherein the two panels have been rotated through 90° compared with the starting position.

In embodiments, the first and the second panel are arranged vertically for mutual pivoting. On account of the reliable guidance and coupling together of the guide pins and tracks, the coupling arrangement is also suitable for ensuring a reliable pivoting movement counter to gravity in a vertical installation situation.

The following come into question by way of example as the piece of furniture: a table, a piece of seating furniture, a rack or a cabinet. It is in particular possible to equip airplane or Pullman seats with the coupling arrangement in order to form a swiveling table. In a further embodiment, the coupling arrangement couples a footrest to a chair or seat, wherein two coupling arrangements are fastened vertically and the footrest extends between the two coupling arrangements.

Further possible implementations of the invention also comprise combinations that are not explicitly mentioned of the features or embodiments of the coupling arrangement that are described above or in the following text with regard to the exemplary embodiments. Here, a person skilled in the art will also add or modify individual aspects as improvements or additions to the particular basic form of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs, unless otherwise specified.

FIGS. 1 to 3show perspective views of one embodiment of a piece of furniture which comprises two furniture panels that are coupled together and guided. The piece of furniture is illustrated in the manner of a corner piece of furniture as a desk. Here, two panels that rest on one another are intended to be rotated with respect to one another.

In this case, the piece of furniture100has in particular a first worktop12and a second worktop13that rests thereon and is part of an L-shaped table. In this case, the worktop13forms a first limb of the L and a perpendicular side support14forms the second limb of the L. In the illustration inFIG. 1, a screening wall15can also be seen at the front right. The two panels12,13of the piece of furniture100are coupled together via a coupling arrangement10. A coupling panel11integrated into the panel12can be seen at the corner26located at the rear left in the orientation ofFIG. 1.

It is now in particular desired and possible, by way of the coupling arrangement10described below, first of all to execute a translation T1along the angle bisector of the corner. This is indicated by the arrow T1. This is followed by a rotation R1about a rotation axis which is located perpendicularly and in the surface of the panels12and13.FIG. 2shows the position in which the upper tabletop13has first of all been translated and has been positioned perpendicularly opposite the tabletop12through the rotation R1. Storage space16beneath the first panel12can furthermore be seen in the illustration inFIG. 2.

The first translation T1is in this case guided such that, for the rotation of the panel13, no overhang whatsoever of the panel13rearwardly to the corner26or the adjoining side with respect to the panel12is required. Subsequently, as is illustrated inFIG. 3, a further translation T2is carried out. In the end state, the two panels12,13have been rotated through 90° with respect to one another. The two corners26are located on top of one another again. Of course, the movement can be reversed again, or the panels12,13reach intermediate positions.

It is possible to adapt the guided relative movement of the panels12,13with respect to one another to the installation or position conditions of the particular piece of furniture. The guided displacement or translation and the pivot point or rotation axis result in particular also from the length of the straight sections21,23in relation to the length of the straight path of the first guide track1. For example, the second translation T2can be reduced by shortening the section23with respect to the length of the section21. Furthermore, for example by forming a semicircle arc of the circle section22, rotatability of the panels12,13through 180° with respect to one another could be specified. The coupling arrangement10allows flexible configurations.

FIG. 3furthermore shows a pullout17as a storage shelf in the visible side of the L-shaped piece made of the limbs13and14. The inserted coupling arrangement10can be seen inFIG. 4in a schematic cross-sectional view of the piece of furniture100. The lower furniture part having the panel12can be seen. Arranged thereon is the L-shaped piece having the horizontal tabletop13and the side support panel14. Incorporated into the panel12is a coupling panel11. In this case, the coupling panel11comprises two guide grooves or guide tracks1,2which are illustrated schematically in the sectional view inFIG. 4. Guide pins5,6which are arranged on the underside of the panel13engage in the guide tracks1,2. The guide pins are guided for example in the manner of sliding blocks in the groove-like guide tracks1,2.

In order to explain the guidance of the translation and rotation better, plan views, perspective views and sectional illustrations of the coupling arrangement10are illustrated schematically inFIGS. 5 to 7. In this case primarily the lower coupling panel11is explained. The coupling panel11is produced for example from plastics material and has milled guide tracks1,2. The panel is arranged with the upper left-hand corner26in the direction of the corner26with respect to the orientation ofFIGS. 1 to 3.

This results in a first guide track1which describes a straight path from a starting point A1to an end point E1. The straight path of the guide track1forms for example or, when installed in a piece of furniture, as is indicated inFIGS. 1-3, is arranged parallel to an angle bisector for the corner26.

The coupling panel11has a second guide track2which, in the embodiment inFIGS. 5 to 7, comprises three sections21,22,23which transition into one another. The second guide track2has a starting point A2from which a straight path section21starts. The path section21is parallel to the first guide track1. The first straight section21is followed by a circle section22. The circle section is in this case a quarter circle having the radius R. The circle section has its midpoint at the end point E1of the first guide track1. Finally, the second guide track2has a second straight section23which is again located parallel to the first guide track1. Both guide tracks1,2have an insertion opening3,4for the guide pins (not illustrated here), which are arranged for example on a second coupling panel. The two straight sections21,23of the second guide track2are at a distance D1and D2, respectively, from the first guide track1. The distances D1and D2are the same.

In the sectional illustration inFIG. 7, it can be seen that the guide tracks in the material of the coupling panel11each have an undercut7. The undercut7prevents a sliding block or guide pin, as is illustrated as5inFIG. 7, from being able to slip out upwardly perpendicularly to the coupling panel. In this respect, guidance of the guide pins5only along the trajectory which is provided by the guide tracks1,2takes place.

During displacement, as is illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, the two guide pins are present initially at the starting points A1and A2. During the translation T1, the guide pins are guided in a fixed manner with respect to one another in the guide track1and the straight section21. The guide pin in the first guide track remains in a fixed position at the end point E1during the rotation R1. During the rotation R1, the second guide pin in the guide track2runs along the circle section22. Subsequently, the first guide pin in the first guide track1is displaced from E1to A1, while at the same time the second guide pin in the guide track2is guided along the straight path23to the end point E2. Of course, reverse guidance or movement is possible. This results in a well-defined manner in a combination of translation and rotation and additionally secure coupling on account of the undercuts in the guide tracks. In order to insert the sliding blocks or guide pins into the guide tracks, the insertion openings3and4are provided in a widened or enlarged manner.

FIG. 8shows possible embodiments of guide tracks and guide pins for coupling arrangements in cross section. A lower coupling panel11and an upper coupling panel18can be seen inFIG. 8. The coupling panels11,18can also in particular be part of a piece of furniture or be integrated into panels, for example worktops. Various cross-sectional geometries of guide tracks can be seen from left to right. A groove without an undercut, a circular groove, a rectangular groove, trapezoidal groove and a step-like groove are illustrated from left to right. In this case, the undercuts are each indicated by way of arrows7. Sliding blocks or guide pins5are insertable or engageable along the longitudinal extent of the groove or guide track which extends perpendicularly to the plane of the page. In this case, the guide pins are adapted to the geometry of the guide track. In particular, plastics materials are suitable for the guide tracks and metal pins are suitable as guide pins.

The right-hand groove geometry comprises a groove sunk along the guide track1. A channel is defined by edges25in the top surface of the lower coupling panel11can be seen. As a result, improved guidance is achieved. The guide pin used has in this case a lower section which is guided in the undercut7and an upper section which is guided in the (open) channel provided in the panel11. The lower and upper sections are connected by a rod, wherein the upper and lower sections have a larger cross section than the rod along the rod axis. The corresponding guide pin5can be produced for example in one piece and may be turned from a metal.

FIG. 9shows once again the relative movement of the guide pins and guide tracks with respect to one another, wherein the coupling arrangement, as explained with respect toFIGS. 1-6, comprises two coupling panels11,18. The guide tracks1,21,22,23are provided in the first coupling panel11, as illustrated in more detail also inFIGS. 5 and 6, and the guide pins5,6are fastened to a second coupling panel18. The coupling panels11,18are fastened for example to panels of pieces of furniture with the aid of adhesive bonding, screw connection or the like. In this case,FIGS. 9ato 9cshow the guided movements in translation T1and T2and the rotation R of the upper (second) coupling panel18with respect to the lower (first) coupling panel11.FIG. 9dshows the end position according toFIG. 3of the piece of furniture equipped with a corresponding coupling arrangement.

FIG. 10shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of guide tracks and pins. In order to improve the coupling together of the coupling panels11,18, for example the first guide track1is produced in the upper coupling panel18and the second guide track2is produced in the lower coupling panel11. Furthermore, the first guide pin5is provided on the first coupling panel11and the second guide pin6is provided on the second coupling panel18.

FIG. 11shows an embodiment of a coupling arrangement101having two coupling panels11,18. Incorporated into the first coupling panel11, which is illustrated on the left, is a guide track21,22,23which comprises two straight sections21,23and an arcuate section22connecting the two parallel straight sections21,23. A guide pin6is arranged in a projecting manner on the panel11at the midpoint of the quarter-circle arc22, and an insertion opening or recess4is provided on the guide track section21. The second coupling panel18, which is illustrated on the right, comprises a guide track which is composed of two straight sections1A,1B that form a right angle, and a guide pin5for engaging in the first guide track21,22,23. An insertion recess3for the guide pin6of the other coupling panel is provided at one end of the guide track1A. Since the guide tracks1A,1B and21,22,23are provided in different coupling panels11,18, the course that differs from the trajectories of the guide tracks, shown inFIGS. 5, 6 and 9, in one coupling panel results.FIG. 11ashows the two coupling panels11,18alongside one another with a view of the guide tracks, andFIG. 11bis an illustration similar toFIG. 9, wherein the partially concealed lower panel elements are indicated by dotted lines.

Finally,FIG. 12shows a detail of a guide track1in plan view. The guide track1has been milled into a coupling panel11. The dashed lines indicate the undercut7. The schematically indicated sliding block or guide pin5can be displaced only along the arrows in the longitudinal direction of the guide track1since it is retained by the undercut7. The insertion opening3, which has a sufficiently large cross section for the guide pin to be able to be inserted into the guide track1or guide grooves, can be seen on the left. Subsequently, the insertion opening, which is for example a blind hole, is closed. To this end, provision is made of a plug or screw8which acts as a closure element. Once the two elements of guide track and guide pins have been placed in one another and the insertion openings have been closed with for example a plug8, secure and reliable coupling and fastening of the two parts with respect to one another results.

FIG. 13shows yet further embodiments of guide pins.FIG. 13ashows a perspective view of a guide pin having a lower section in the manner of a flat cylinder19which is provided with a shank or pin attachment9. As a result of the rounding, the guide pin can slide well in a groove.FIG. 13bshows a modification or extension of the guide pin in a multipart embodiment. The flat cylinder20has an axial opening24through which a screw20engages. The screw19is screwed into the shank9and allows for example the cylinder to rotate in the manner of a wheel during the displacement and/or rotation operations in the particular guide track.FIG. 13cillustrates a further embodiment of a guide pin. In this case, a spherical body5is provided with a shank9. The spherical form allows particularly good guidance within guide tracks.FIG. 13dshows a guide pin which is suitable in particular for a guide track cross section that is illustrated on the right inFIG. 8. The guide pin has, along an axis X, an upper and a lower flat cylinder section19B,19A, which are connected by a shank9. The shank9is provided at least partially with a thread for example for screwing into a coupling panel. In the orientation ofFIG. 13, the underside of the upper section19brests in a flat channel or groove in the surface of the corresponding opposite coupling panel.

FIG. 14shows a further possible configuration of a coupling panel in cross section. The coupling panel11is constructed from two panels, wherein, in order to form the guide track1with an undercut7, a first panel11A is interrupted along the contour of the guide track and a second panel11B for closing the apertures is fastened to the first panel. An insertion opening for a sliding block or guide pin is not necessary in this variant, since, when assembling the coupling arrangement, first of all the first panel11A can be fitted to the piece of furniture, and then the guide pins are fastened to the second coupling panel or furniture panel (not shown here) and only in the final production step is the closed panel11B fastened and closes the open grooves.

FIGS. 15-17show examples of pieces of furniture which comprise coupling arrangements as were explained above.FIG. 15shows a cabinet102which comprises a facing element25which closes with the aid of the coupling arrangement10.FIG. 16shows an airplane or Pullman seat103which comprises a swiveling table27. The swiveling table27is pivotable reliably into various positions with the aid of the coupling arrangement10. In a similar manner to a downwardly pivotable swiveling table arrangement, a corresponding seat can also be equipped with a footrest which is held between two vertical couplings, as is indicated inFIG. 15. A chair104having a horizontally pivotable table is illustrated inFIG. 17. InFIGS. 15 and 16, the pivot plane is arranged vertically, whileFIG. 17shows pivoting in the horizontal plane.

FIG. 18shows a further variant of a guide track geometry. Three guide tracks1,2,2′ and guide pins5,5′,6are provided in order to achieve particularly stable guidance and coupling. As inFIG. 9, a first guide track1is provided in the first coupling panel11as a straight path, a further guide track2comprises a straight path21, a quarter-circle arc22and a straight path23. A third guide track2′ extends parallel to the second guide track2′ and around the latter. Arranged on the second coupling panel18are three guide pins6,5,5′ which each engage in the associated guide track1,2,2′. This results in three bearing or coupling points on the pins6,5,5′, with the result that particularly stable guidance is achieved. The straight sections1,21,21′,23,23′ extend parallel to one another and the arcuate sections22,22′ are concentric. In some embodiments, the pins6,5,5′ form a triangle such that particularly rocking-free and tilt-free translation T1is enabled.FIG. 19shows an example arrangement where the pins6,5,5′ form a triangle, although other triangular arrangements may be implemented.

Overall, robust guidance is achieved by way of the geometry of the guide tracks and guide pins with respect to one another. Tilting and jamming or sticking is virtually ruled out by the combination for example of round guide pins and round guide tracks in cross section. Overall, the simple geometry, specifically of only straight and only circular sections of the guide tracks, results in scarcely any tilting and jamming or sticking. This results in a particularly reliable coupling and guiding mechanism. Rotation and displacement take place in one plane. Although the rotation and translation in the exemplary embodiments was indicated and explained in the horizontal or a vertical rotation axis, an alternative configuration where the rotation axis is present horizontally is also conceivable. The invention provides a simple possibility of displacing and rotating in particular furniture panels with respect to one another. It is furthermore conceivable to provide more than two guide tracks and guide pins.

REFERENCE SIGNS USED