U.S. patent application number 15/787345 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-22 for arrangement for height adjustment preferably for kitchen tables with base cabinets.
This patent application is currently assigned to LINAK A/S. The applicant listed for this patent is LINAK A/S. Invention is credited to Torben Basse, Jeppe C. Bastholm, Bent Jensen, Norbert Klinke, Henning Kristensen, Jens J. Nielsen, Michael L. Randlov, Martin Riis, Henrik Winther.
Application Number | 20180049543 15/787345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43829308 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180049543 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Randlov; Michael L. ; et
al. |
February 22, 2018 |
Arrangement for Height Adjustment Preferably for Kitchen Tables
with Base Cabinets
Abstract
An apparatus for adjusting the height of a base cabinet having a
table top thereon includes a bottom plate supporting a lifting
assembly, the lifting assembly including a spindle unit with a
spindle and a spindle nut mounted on the bottom plate, an upper end
of the spindle unit providing a carrying surface, and a single
electric motor for driving the spindle unit.
Inventors: |
Randlov; Michael L.;
(Vojens, DK) ; Basse; Torben; (Sonderborg, DK)
; Winther; Henrik; (Sonderborg, DK) ; Bastholm;
Jeppe C.; (Sonderborg, DK) ; Riis; Martin;
(Nordborg, DK) ; Kristensen; Henning; (Sydals,
DK) ; Nielsen; Jens J.; (Oct Shenzhen, CN) ;
Klinke; Norbert; (Augustenborg, DK) ; Jensen;
Bent; (Nordborg, DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LINAK A/S |
NORDBORG |
|
DK |
|
|
Assignee: |
LINAK A/S
NORDBORG
DK
|
Family ID: |
43829308 |
Appl. No.: |
15/787345 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13514216 |
Jun 25, 2012 |
|
|
|
PCT/DK10/00172 |
Dec 9, 2010 |
|
|
|
15787345 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 9/04 20130101; A47B
51/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/04 20060101
A47B009/04; A47B 51/00 20060101 A47B051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 9, 2009 |
DK |
PA 2009 01 294 |
Claims
1. An arrangement for height-adjustment, for base cabinets and
where the upper side of the cabinets is furnished with a table top,
wherein the arrangement is designed as a platform comprising a
bottom plate on which is mounted a lifting arrangement with a
carrying surface for an object positioned thereon, a spindle unit
(2-4, 7, 8; 13-15; 73-75; 200, 202, 203) comprising, at least one
spindle (2; 13, 14; 73, 74-200, 202) and a spindle nut (8; 15; 75;
203) is mounted at the bottom plate (10) and where an upper end of
the spindle unit (2-4, 7, 8; 13-15; 73-75; 200, 202, 203)
constitutes the carrying surface and where the spindle units are
driven by one electric motor (5; 80; 302).
2. (cancel)
3. The arrangement according to claim 1, including a spindle (2) on
a pressure bearing (4) mounted at each corner of the bottom plate
and where the lower end of the spindle is equipped with a toothed
disc or chain wheel (4), a motor (5) which through an endless
toothed belt or chain (6) drives the spindles (2) synchronously and
where a tube piece (7) extending over the spindles (2), is equipped
with a spindle nut (8) at the lower end, and where the upper side
of the tube pieces (7) constitutes the supporting surface.
4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a hollow spindle
(13) with external thread is secured in each corner of the bottom
plate, a solid spindle (14) with external thread is secured to a
top plate (11), constituting the supporting surface, a tubular
spindle nut (15) is secured between the hollow spindle (13) and the
solid spindle (14), said spindle nut having a hole with internal
thread for the solid spindle (14) at the top and a hole with
internal thread for the hollow spindle (13) at the bottom, the
spindle nuts (15) are mounted in each corner of an intermediate
frame (16), and a motor unit, which through an endless chain or
toothed belt (17) running over a chain wheel or toothed pulley (18)
drives each spindle nut (15).
5. The arrangement according to claim 1, including two wedge
elements (80,81) located next to each other, an axially
displaceable wedge element (82) is located between these two wedge
elements, said displaceable wedge element rests on one on the wedge
elements (80) with a surface, while the other wedge element (81)
rests on a surface of the displaceable wedge element (82) facing
upwards, and where the axially displaceable wedge element (82) may
be moved with a chain or belt drive, alternatively a spindle nut
unit.
6. The arrangement according to claim 1, includes a box-shaped
profile (51) which is open at the top and a box-shaped profile (50)
which is open at the bottom and that there between these two
box-shaped profiles (50,51) is a chassis element (52), in which two
chain wheels (53,54) are embedded, over which an endless chain (55)
runs, that a triangular plate element (56,57) is secured to each
chain distance between the two chain wheels (53,54), where an axle
pin (58-61) is secured at each corner facing away from the chain
wheels (53,54), said axle pin fitting into two inclined tracks (62,
63; 64, 65) in the two box-shaped profiles (51;50), and where the
chain (55) is driven by a reversible electric motor (66) such that
when the two triangular plate elements (56,57) are displaced away
from each other, the upper box-shaped profile (50) will be raised
and when the two triangular plate elements (56,57) are pulled
towards each other the upper box shaped profile (50) is
lowered.
7. The arrangement according to claim 1, including two box-shaped
profiles (70,71) and a third box-shaped profile (72) is located in
between such that these three box-shaped profiles (70-72) in a
telescopic manner may be displaced in and out of each other with a
solid spindle (73) in mesh with a hollow spindle (74), which again
is in mesh with a tubular spindle nut (75), which on the exterior
has a bevel wheel (76), that such a spindle unit is located at each
end of the box-shaped profiles (70-72) and is connected to a drive
shaft (77) driven by a motor, and that each end of the drive shaft
(77) is equipped with a bevel wheel (78) in mesh with the bevel
wheel (76) of the spindle unit on the spindle nuts (75).
8. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein two parallel
shafts (23,24) are mounted on the bottom plate (2) at a mutual
distance, and that an arm (25-28) is located at each end of these
shafts, that the upper end of the arms (25-28) in pairs are
connected to a rod (29,30), corresponding to the length between the
two shafts (23,24) such that a rod-shaped parallelogram emerges at
each side, the upper side of which constituting the supporting
surface and that a linear actuator (32) is secured with one end to
the bottom plate (20) and with the other end (33) is secured to a
rotary arm (31) on one of the shafts (23) for raising and lowering
the rod-shaped parallelogram.
9. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lifting
arrangement comprises a shaft (103) driven by a motor (108) mounted
on the bottom plate (102), that a rope such as a wire, belt,
plastic band, steel band (104;109) is secured to each end of the
shaft (103), said rope running over rolls (105,106) and up over the
upper edge of the lower box-shaped element (100) and is secured to
the underside of a subsequent box-shaped element (101).
10. The arrangement according to claim 1, including two similar but
mirrored arrangements comprising a lever (90), mounted about a
horizontal shaft (91) in a rotatable manner, that a spindle (92),
driven by a reversible electric motor (93), is secured at a
distance along the lever (90), that the spindle (92) is in mesh
with a spindle nut (94) mounted on the lever (90), that the spindle
nut (94) is mounted on the lever in a rotatable and displaceable
manner, alternatively that the spindle (92) is embedded in a
tiltable manner.
11. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the platform is
longitudinal, i.e., the length is larger than the width, and where
a lifting arrangement with a spindle unit, a lever, wedge
arrangement or rope drive is located at each end.
12. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the platform has
a length of approximately 45 cm and a width of approximately 20
cm.
13. The arrangement according to claim 1, including on at least the
visible sides of the platform in its mounted position is a
telescopic cover.
14. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein one part of the
telescopic cover is secured to the bottom plate while another part
is secured at the carrying surface such that the cover is extended
and retracted concurrently with the movements of the platform.
15. A cabinet with a bottom plate prepared for mounting of or which
is mounted with at least one arrangement according to claim 1.
16. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein there is located
a spindle unit at either end of the platform.
17. The arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the spindle unit
is connected to a through-going drive shaft.
18. The arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the spindle unit
is equipped with a bevel wheel in mesh with a bevel wheel on the
drive shaft.
19. The arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the drive shaft
is driven by an electric motor.
20. The arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the middle of
the drive shaft includes a worm wheel in mesh with a worm on the
electric motor.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for
height-adjustment, preferably for base cabinets located on a floor,
and where the upper side of the cabinets are furnished with a table
top, particularly kitchen tables with base cabinets. This
particularly relates to kitchen elements where a standard size of a
base cabinet is: depth 50-60 cm and height 60-70 cm having varying
widths from 30 cm to 120 cm, with leaps of 10 cm, and where the
standard widths are 40 cm, 50 cm and 60 cm.
[0002] Height-adjustable work tables where the height of the table
top can be adjusted to the height of different users have been
known in special bur pose constructions for many years e.g. for
emergency dispatch centers, which are manned around the clock. The
development of sitting/standing tables was commenced towards the
end of the 1980s/the beginning of the 1990s. This development was
due to ergonomic reasons, so that the user could assume changing
work positions. A number of different lifting columns designed as
table legs have been developed for these sitting/standing tables,
just as different linear actuators for these lifting columns have
been developed. In some structures the linear actuator is an
incorporated part of the lifting column and in other structures it
is a separate unit which may be built into different lifting
columns, Basically, a lifting column consists of a telescopic guide
and the linear actuator, which typically consists of a spindle unit
driven by a low-voltage DC-motor. To begin with the lifting columns
were designed with two members, a fixed and an extendable member.
However, due to increased requirements of the customers for the
variable heights, lifting columns with three members were
developed--one fixed and two extendable members. The development
was, however, also marked by a desire for cheaper products in order
to gain a foothold on the market. As an example of a typical
lifting column for a work table and an actuator for a lifting
column, reference is made to WO2004/100632 A1,Linak A/S. A typical
example of a desk having a lifting column at each side is disclosed
in EP 1079511 A1, Linak A/S.
[0003] For that reason the desire for height-adjustment has become
more pronounced and has spread to other fields, where it has been
attempted to use the same type of lifting columns for
sitting/standing work tables. However, it has not always been
possible to use these or it has, in terms of construction and
design, proven to be difficult to fit the lifting columns to a
given structure.
[0004] One of the fields, where it is desired to be able to perform
a height-adjustment is kitchen tables, where the table top rests on
a row of base cabinets. This is a relatively complicated task where
it is not immediately possible to use the lifting columns intended
for height-adjustable work tables. This is among other things due
to the fact that a kitchen table is relatively long end heavy. It
is particularly challenging in case of cooking islands, which often
are twice as wide since they comprise two rows of cabinets placed
back to back. As examples reference is made to U.S. Pat. No.
6,213,575 and US 2003/0227240 A1 both Maytag Corp., disclosing
cooking islands constructed around, specially constructed
height-adjustable frames. It should also be mentioned that
JP20031591221 Yamaha Living Tec. discloses a kitchen table, where
the table top can be raised from the lower frame.
[0005] The purpose of the invention is to provide a solution for
height-adjustment of kitchen tables, where the table top rests on a
row of base cabinets. It is required that the production and
assembly costs are relatively inexpensive, just as the technical
solution should be simple and preferably so simple that it is
suitable for a do-it-yourself project, i.e. without actual
preceding expertise in the field.
[0006] This is achieved according to the invention by constructing
the arrangement for height-adjustment as a platform comprising a
bottom plate on which a lifting arrangement having a supporting
surface for an object is mounted. Thus, the height--adjustment is a
separate element and already known elements such as base cabinets
may be used, i.e. simply by placing them on top of the supporting
surface of the platform. For kitchen, utility room, bath room and
dressing room elements, having a basically standardized size, the
size of the platforms may be adapted accordingly. For a kitchen
table with base cabinets the required number of platforms can then
merely be placed together, where after the base cabinets are placed
on top of them. The advantage is also that the existing production
machinery for manufacturing cabinet and drawer elements can remain
intact, while the manufacturing of the platforms is transferred to
a separate production, which may be optimized with a view
thereto.
[0007] In the dependent claims more different embodiments for the
height-adjustment arrangement have been provided. The claims 2-4
disclose embodiments based on spindles, which give the advantage of
being reliable and long-lasting and with a solid spindle or a solid
spindle combined with a hollow spindle a wide span in the
adjustment height as well as a cost optimizing is achieved.
[0008] Claims 5-6 provide different solutions all based on the idea
of using a. wedging for the height-adjustment. The wedge surfaces
sliding against each other may be fashioned to have a low friction,
e.g. by means of a surface treatment or surface coating,
alternatively rolls may be used on the wedge surfaces. Again, this
is a simple and uncomplicated construction.
[0009] Claims 6-7 provide solutions based on box-shaped profiles,
which may be designed such that they can be located in pairs under
each side of a base cabinet, alternatively at the front and rear
edge. The latter solution further has the advantage that access
under the cabinet from the front is prevented.
[0010] Claims 8 and 10 provide solutions with levers, where the
solution in claim 8 may be moved by means of a known actuator. It
is an obvious advantage that a linear actuator is a well-proven
component which is simple and dependable. The solution in claim 10
is based on spindle technology and has the advantage that the
levers may be arranged so that transversal forces eliminate each
other.
[0011] Claim 9 provides an entirely different solution based on. a
rope pull, where the rope may be a wire, band or the like. Again, a
simple and functional solution, which likewise may be constructed
relatively inexpensive.
[0012] The invention further relates to a cabinet with a bottom
plate, being prepared for mounting of or which is mounted with at
least one arrangement according to one of the claims 1-14. This
could e.g. be holes or dogs or brackets which should cooperate with
the arrangement.
[0013] Various embodiments of the invention will be explained below
with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment with a single
spindle,
[0015] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the spindle in FIG. 1,
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a cross section through, a corner of an
embodiment with hollow and solid spindle,
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a top or bottom plate in FIG. 3 seen from
above,
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment with a linear
actuator shown without top plate,
[0019] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment in FIG. 5 seen from the
side,
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a section in the bottom plate, which exposes an
adjusting screw,
[0021] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment based on box-shaped profiles and
chain drive shown directly from the side and where it has been
retracted to its minimum height,
[0022] FIG. 9 shows the same as FIG. 8, but extended to its full
height,
[0023] FIG. 10 shows the same as FIG. 8, but seen directly from
above,
[0024] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment based on box-shaped profiles and
drive with a drive shaft and angle gear shown directly from the
side, and where it has been retracted to its minimum height,
[0025] FIG. 12 shows the same as FIG. 11, but extended to its full
height,
[0026] FIG. 13 shows the same as FIG. 11 but seen directly from
above,
[0027] FIG. 14 shows a principle sketch of an embodiment based on
wedge elements shown in fully retracted position,
[0028] FIG. 15 shows the same as FIG. 14, but in fully extended
height,
[0029] FIG. 16 shows the same as FIG. 15, but shown from the
opposite end,
[0030] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment based on levers shown directly
from the side,
[0031] FIG. 18 shows the same as FIG. 14, but seen directly from
above,
[0032] FIG. 19 shows a schematic principle view of an embodiment
based on wound bands,
[0033] FIG. 20 shows the same as FIG. 19 but where the embodiment
has three telescopic members,
[0034] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment based on a solid and a hollow
spindle and also a tube with internal thread,
[0035] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment as in FIG. 21 shown with chain
drive,
[0036] FIG. 23 shows the same as FIG. 22, but seen directly from
above, and
[0037] FIG. 24 shows a section of the drive motor and where the end
stop switches are shown.
[0038] FIGS. l-2 of the drawing shows an embodiment comprising a
square box (shown transparent) with a bottom plate 1, having a
spindle 2 mounted on a thrust bearing 3 in each corner. The lower
end of the spindle 2 is furnished with a toothed pulley 4. All four
spindles 2 are driven by a central motor 5 through a toothed belt
6. The motor 5 and the transmission, here a worm gear and driving
wheel for the toothed belt 6, is mounted on a mutual plate, which
can pivot about an axle pin, said plate being spring loaded with a
coil spring at the end such that the toothed belt is held tight. A
tube piece 7 extends over the spindles 2 and to the lower end of
said tube piece a spindle nut 8 in mesh with the spindle 2 is
secured. As the spindles 2 rotate synchronously due to the toothed
belt drive, the four tube pieces 7 are displaced synchronously up
and down depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. It is
realized that the toothed belt 6 and corresponding toothed pulley 4
may be replaced by a chain and chain wheel. The spindles may
naturally also be driven by a separate electric motor each. Alone
the circumference of the bottom plate 1 a frame 9 is secured. Under
a base cabinet mounted on top of the tube pieces 7 shut-offs
may.sup.. be secured to the sides of the frame 9, which are visible
after the final assembly, said shut-offs sliding on the outside of
the base plate frame 9, such that the bottom plate is covered. The
upper side of the four tube pieces 7 constitutes the supporting
surface. At the corners of the frame 9 guides for the tube pieces 7
on the spindle nuts may be arranged.
[0039] FIGS. 3-4 of the drawing show an embodiment with a larger
lifting height comprising an identical bottom and top plate 10,11,
which may be adjusted to a horizontal position by means of
adjusting screws 12 in the bottom plate 10. In each corner of the
bottom plate a hollow spindle 13 with external thread is secured. A
solid spindle 14 with external thread which may be accommodated in
the hollow spindle 13 is secured to the top plate 11. Between these
two spindles is a tubular spindle nut 15 having a hole with
internal thread for the solid spindle 14 at the top. At the bottom
of the spindle nut 15 is a hole likewise with internal thread for
the hollow spindle 13. The two spindles 13,14 have opposite thread.
The spindle nut 15 at each corner of the bottom plate 10 is in a
rotatable manner embedded in an intermediate frame 16 on which a
motor unit is mounted. The motor unit drives an endless chain 17
running around a chain wheel 13 on each of the spindle nuts 15.
When the motor rotates in one direction the spindle nut 15 will
climb up the hollow spindle 13 while the solid spindle 14 will be
extended out of the tubular spindle nut 15. When the direction of
rotation of the motor is changed the spindles 13,14 will be
retracted again. It is realized that the chain 17 may be replaced
by a toothed belt and toothed pulley. A V-belt and discs for V-belt
are also a possibility. Further, it is possible to use a separate
motor for each, spindle nut 15 or a motor for spindle nuts in
pairs, e.g. a motor for driving the two spindle nuts in one side
and another motor for driving the two spindle nuts in the other
side. The top plate 11 constitutes the supporting surface. It is
realized that a telescopic extendable/retractable frame or cover
plate may be arranged between the bottom plate 10 and the top plate
11 at least on the sides which are visible after the final
assembly.
[0040] Another solution is shown in FIGS. 5-7 of the drawing which
comprises a bottom plate 20 on which two parallel positioned shafts
23,24 are mounted at a mutual distance by means of two rails 21,22.
An arm 25,26,27,28 is secured to each end of these shafts 23,24.
The upper end of the arms 25-28 is connected in pairs to a rod
29,30, having a length corresponding to the distance between the
two shafts 23,24. A rotary arm 31 is fitted to one of the shafts
23. The rear end of a linear actuator 32 is supported on one of the
shafts 24 while the front end of its displaceable piston-like inner
tube 33 is connected to the arm 31 on the other shaft 23. When the
inner tube 33 of the actuator is displaced outwards, the arms 25-28
of the shafts 23,24 rotate or extend upwards. When the inner tube
33 of the actuator is retracted the arms 25-28 of the shafts 23,24
are lowered. The linear actuator may e.g. be of the type disclosed
in WO 02/29284 A1 Linak A/S. At each corner of the bottom plate 20
is mounted a small telescopic control unit 34 on top of which is
mounted a carrying plate 35 constituting the supporting surface. At
the upper end of the lifting arms 25-28 is mounted a wheel in mesh
with the underside of the supporting surface 35. It is understood
that the bottom plate 20 may be equipped with adjusting screws 40
for adjusting the arrangement to a horizontal position. These
adjusting screws 40 may be integrated in the lower end of the
telescopic control units 34 at the corners. The telescopic control
units 34 are here illustrated as three inside each other telescopic
tube pieces. As mentioned earlier this embodiment may also comprise
a. telescopic frame or rails. It is noted that the shafts 23,24 may
be designed in a manner which allows them to be coupled with
adjacent arrangements, e.g. tubular coupling pieces in extension of
the shaft 23 as shown in the drawing.
[0041] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10 of the drawing comprises
an upper box-shaped profile 50 which is open at the top and a lower
box-shaped profile 51 which is open at the bottom. Between these
two box-shaped profiles 50,51 is a chassis element 52 likewise
designed as a box-profile. In this chassis element 52 two chain
wheels 53,54 are embedded, over which an endless chain 55 runs. A
right-angled, triangular plate element 56,57 is secured to each
chain distance between the two chain wheels 53,54, where an axle
pin 58-61 is secured at each corner of the vertical side facing
away from the chain wheels, said axle pin fitting into two inclined
tracks 62-65 in the two box-shaped profiles 50,51. The axle pins
are guided with the ends in horizontal tracks in the chassis
element 52. The chain 55 is driven by a reversible electric motor
66 which over a worm gear 67 drives one of the chain wheels 54.
When the two triangular plate elements 56,57 are pulled away from
each other, the upper box-shaped profile 50 will be raised out of
the chassis element 52 while this synchronously is raised out of
the lower box-shaped profile 51. When the two triangular plate
elements 56,57 are pulled towards each other the upper box-shaped
profile 50 is lowered over the chassis element 52 while this is
lowered into the lower box-shaped profile 51. The triangular shape
of the plate elements 56,57 causes the elements to be completely
pulled together, even though they are displaced in the same plane.
One of these arrangements may be arranged e.g. under a cabinet but
it is also possible to place an arrangement at each side. It is
noted that it is also possible to arrange a telescopic frame or
cover plate as shut-off, preventing access into the hollow of the
platform. This both prevents dirt from building up in the platform
and also prevents personal injuries or squeezing e.g. as a result
of a child extending a hand or foot into the platform.
[0042] A similar solution is shown in FIGS. 11-13 which also
comprises two box-shaped profiles 70,71 and a third box-shaped
profile 72 is located in between these. These three box-shaped
profiles 70-73 may in a telescopic manner be displaced in and out
of each other. The drive mechanism is constituted by a spindle unit
comprising a solid spindle 73 in mesh with a hollow spindle 74,
which again is in mesh with a tubular spindle nut 75, which on the
exterior at one end has a bevel wheel 76. Such a spindle unit is
located at each end of the box-shaped profiles 70-72 and is
connected to a through-going drive shaft 77, which at each end is
equipped with a bevel wheel 78 in mesh with the bevel wheel 76 of
the spindle nut 75. The middle of the drive shaft 77 is furnished
with a worm wheel 72 in mesh with a worm 79 on a reversible
electric motor 800. When the motor shaft moves in one direction the
box-shaped profiles 70-72 are synchronously raised out of each
other and when the direction of rotation is reversed the box-shaped
profiles 70-72 are retracted into each other.
[0043] A somewhat similar construction is shown in FIGS. 14-16 of
the drawing which comprises two wedge elements 80,81 located next
to each other, Between these two wedge elements 80,81 is located an
axially displaceable wedge element 82, which with a surface rests
on one on the wedge elements 80, while the other wedge element 81
rests on a surface of the displaceable wedge element 82 facing
upwards. When the axially displaceable wedge element 82 is
displaced axially it is raised from the lower wedge element 80
while it simultaneously urges the upper wedge element 81 upwards.
When the axially displaceable wedge element 82 is moved in the
other direction the upper wedge element 81 will be lowered while
the displaceable element 82 slides down the lower wedge element 80.
The axially displaceable wedge element 82 may be moved by means of
a chain as stated above or a spindle with a rotating spindle nut
may be used causing the spindle to be displaced axially. Otherwise,
the same principles as the above embodiment in FIGS. 8-10
apply.
[0044] Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17-18 which comprise
similar but mirrored arrangements arranged in pairs comprising a
lever 90, mounted about a horizontal shaft 91 in a rotatable
manner. At a distance along the lever 90 there is a spindle 92
driven by a reversible electric motor 93. The spindle 92 is in mesh
with a spindle nut 94 mounted on the lever 90. When the motor 93 is
activated the free ends of the four levers are raised due to the
spindle nut climbing upwards on the spindle 92. The spindle nut 94
is mounted on the lever 90 in a tiltable and displaceable manner
causing it to adjust itself to the angular position of the lever
90. If the direction of rotation of the motor 90 is reversed, the
levers are lowered. All four spindles 92 may be driven synchronous
through a toothed belt or chain 95 by a centrally located motor 93.
Like the other embodiments each spindle may be driven by a separate
motor or in pairs. The spindle nut 94 is mounted on the lever in a
tiltable and displaceable manner and the spindle 92 is fixed to the
bottom plate 95. On the other hand the spindle 92 may be mounted on
the bottom plate 95 in a tiltable manner and the spindle nut 94
fixedly mounted on the lever 90. In reality, the mutual rotation of
the spindle/spindle nut is relatively small, which means that the
spindle could be mounted on a yielding surface, which allows the
rotation. Rolls 96 or circular arched supports may be mounted on
the free ends of the levers 90, which allow a more or less
frictionless movement against the bottom of the object 97, such as
a kitchen base cabinet placed on top of it.
[0045] In FIGS. 19-20 an entirely different embodiment is shown
comprising two inside each other telescopically displaceable
box-shaped elements 100,101. One of the box-shaped elements 100 has
a bottom plate 102, while the other box-shaped element 101 does not
necessarily have to be furnished with a top plate. The drive unit
comprises a shaft 103 driven by the motor. A steel band 104 is
secured to each end of the shaft, which over rolls 105,106 runs
over the edge of the lower box-shaped element 100 and is secured to
the underside of the subsequent box-shaped element 101. A further
development of the embodiment discloses three telescopically
displaceable box-shaped elements 100,101,107 located inside each
other, where the upper box-shaped element 107 is secured to the
intermediate box-shaped element 101 by means of a steel band 180
over a roll 109 on the intermediate box-shaped element 101. When
the steel band 104 is wound on the shaft 103 the intermediate 101
and upper box-shaped element 107 will be telescopically displaced
upwards. When the direction of rotation of the motor 108 is
reversed the steel band 104 is slackened and the weight of and the
weight on the box-shaped elements 107,101 will urge these
downwards. It is noted that a steel band 109 is mounted in a
corresponding manner on the motor driven shaft 103 which is secured
to the opposite sides of the box-shaped elements. It is further
noted that these steel bands 109 are guided the opposite way around
the shaft 103 compared to the steel bands 104. As an alternative to
steel bands the construction may also be fitted with other types of
bands e.g. plastic bands. Instead of a mutual motor-driven shaft
103 two motor-driven shafts for operating each side of the
box-shaped elements may of course be provided. It is realized that
the box-shaped elements does not necessarily have to be equipped
with sides all the way around, it would be sufficient with two
sides located opposite each other. These would of course have to be
strengthened in the cross direction e.g. with supports on the
bottom plate 102 and mutual guides.
[0046] For the sake of completeness, FIG. 21 shows a variation of
the embodiment in FIG. 3. Unlike FIG. 3, a solid spindle 200 with
right-hand thread is here mounted on the bottom plate via a plate
element 201. This solid spindle 200 is furnished with a hollow
spindle 202 with internal thread. The exterior of the hollow
spindle 201 is designed with left-hand thread. On the outside of
the hollow spindle 202 is a tube 203 with internal thread, On top
of this tube is a mounting elate 204, constituting the supporting
surface for the object, such as a base cabinet, which should be
carried by the tube 203. The hollow spindle 202 is equipped with a
toothed disc or chain wheel 205 at the bottom. All four spindle
units are driven by an endless toothed belt or chain driven by a
reversible electric motor. When the motor runs in one direction,
the hollow spindle 202 will climb up the solid spindle 200 while
the tube 203 is extended out of the hollow spindle 202.
[0047] FIGS. 22-24 of the drawing show an embodiment based on a
spindle unit as shown in FIG. 21. The hollow spindle 300 is here
driven by an endless chain 301 driven by a reversible low voltage
motor 302, which drives a chain wheel 303 through a worm gear 304.
For guiding the chain 301 this is situated in a round-going profile
rail 305, functioning as chain housing to which the motor unit
302-304 further is secured. In the outermost position the motor 302
is stopped by end stop switches 306,307, where one switch 306 hits
the bottom plate 308, while the other switch 307 hits a dog 309 on
a rod 310 protruding from the bottom plate. On top of the spindle
units is mounted a top plate 311 constituting the supporting
surface for an object placed thereon.
[0048] The invention thus provides a solution, at which a table top
mounted on base cabinets in an uncomplicated manner may be adjusted
in height. The solution may be used where a table top is mounted on
a continuous row of base cabinets as well as an interrupted row of
base cabinets, e.g. where the table top is mounted on a base
cabinet at each end. The platform according to the invention may be
adapted to the individual base cabinets but may also be constructed
to carry two or more base cabinets located next to each other. It
is understood that two platforms may also be used for one cabinet
e.g. a platform in each side with a width of 20 cm and depth of 45
cm may be used for a 60 cm wide cabinet. Such a platform may
immediately be used for a slim cabinet e.g. with a width of 30 cm.
In such a platform there is only one lifting arrangement at each
end.
[0049] It is noted that the invention is not only intended for
kitchens but may be used in other connections. An obvious example
is in connection with laboratory and clinical equipment, where the
cabinet elements by and large correspond to the kitchen cabinet
elements.
[0050] When studying the invention from an overall point of view it
is realized that the invention may be used for much more than
height-adjustment of floor-mounted cabinet and drawer elements. The
platform may e.g. be located on a table for height-adjustment of an
object on the table. This is particularly relevant in connection
with laboratory and clinical equipment.
* * * * *