. Field of the invention
[0001] . The present invention relates to an equipped work unit, preferably, but not exclusively
for applications in domestic use.
[0002] . In particular, the present invention relates to an equipped work unit which is reversibly
convertible between an open working configuration and a closed resting configuration,
wherein, in said open working configuration a user can open the equipped work unit
and work on a work surface, and wherein, in said closed resting configuration, the
equipped work unit can serve a containing function and can be positioned in a storage
place with said work surface closed so as to occupy as little space as possible.
. Background art
[0003] . In the domestic sector, particularly for living solutions, but not only, the need
has developed, over the years, to make work consoles, which are transformable between
a closed resting configuration and an open working configuration, so as to rationalize
the living spaces as much as possible according to the users' needs
[0004] . Transformable work consoles known in the state-of-the-art usually comprise at least
one desk, e.g. secured to the wall, concealed, which can be extracted in the open
working configuration and which can be retracted in the closed resting configuration,
allowing compacting the console when not in use as a work surface.
[0005] . Some known solutions comprise desks, which can be extracted with a linear translation
movement or a roto-translation movement for extracting the desk from the console.
[0006] . In view of the constant increase in the number of workers being allowed to work directly
from home, the need is particularly felt to provide new solutions of transformable
work consoles, which have increased functionalities with respect to what is known,
and which have desk movement mechanisms, which are as reliable and durable as possible.
[0007] . Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to provide transformable work consoles,
which are aesthetically appealing both in the open working configuration and in the
closed resting solution.
[0008] . Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to provide transformable work consoles,
having highly reduced dimensions between the open working configuration and the closed
resting configuration.
[0009] . Therefore, the problem underlying the present invention is to devise an equipped
work unit, which has such structural and functional features as to satisfy the aforementioned
requirements and, at the same time, solve the drawbacks mentioned with reference to
the prior art and satisfy the aforesaid needs felt.
. Solution
[0010] . The objective of the present invention is to provide an equipped work unit, particularly
for domestic use.
[0011] . This and other objects and advantages are achieved with an equipped work unit according
to claim
1.
[0012] . Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0013] . From an analysis of this solution, it has emerged how the suggested solution allows
obtaining a particularly simple equipped work unit to be converted between a closed
storage configuration and a working configuration.
[0014] . Furthermore, the suggested solution allows obtaining an equipped work unit having
a volume in the closed storage configuration, which is highly reduced with respect
to the solutions of the known art.
[0015] . Furthermore, the suggested solution allows obtaining an equipped work unit capable,
in said working configuration, of forming a work surface at a convenient height to
allow a user to work safely while sitting down, and which is capable of forming, in
said closed storage configuration, a containing unit having a height, which is lower
than that of the work surface.
. Drawings
[0016] . Further features and advantages of the equipped work unit will be apparent from the
following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- figure 1 shows an axonometric view of an equipped work unit according to the present
invention in a closed configuration;
- figure 2 shows an axonometric view of the equipped work unit in figure 1 in an open
configuration;
- figure 3 shows an axonometric view of the equipped work unit in figure 1 in an intermediate
configuration between said at least one open configuration and said at least one closed
configuration;
- figure 4 shows a side view of the equipped work unit in figure 3;
- figure 5 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the equipped work unit in
figure 2, so as to show some components inside the equipped work unit;
- figure 6 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the equipped work unit in
figure 5, in which some elements have been omitted so as to show other elements better;
- figure 7 shows an axonometric view of the equipped work unit in figure 1 in an intermediate
configuration;
- figure 8 shows an axonometric view of the equipped work unit in figure 1 in an open
configuration;
- figure 9 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the equipped work unit in
figure 7, in which some elements have been omitted so as to show other elements better;
- figure 10 shows a partially sectioned axonometric view of the equipped work unit in
figure 8, in which some elements have been omitted so as to show other elements better.
. Description of some preferred embodiments
[0017] . According to a general embodiment, an equipped workunit 1 is provided for domestic
use. The equipped work unit 1 is reversibly convertible between an open configuration
and at least one closed configuration. The open configuration is a use/working configuration
and the closed configuration is a storage configuration.
[0018] . Said equipped work unit 1 comprises a support frame 2 defining a vertical direction
Y-Y, an axial direction A-A orthogonal to said vertical direction Y-Y, and a horizontal
direction X-X orthogonal to said axial direction A-A and to said vertical direction
Y-Y.
[0019] . The support frame 2 is adapted to be rested, directly or indirectly, on a treadable
surface 42 orthogonal to said vertical direction Y-Y.
[0020] . Said equipped work unit 1-comprises an L-shaped wall 12 comprising a first upper
wall 7 and a front wall 9 joined in an L. The equipped work unit 1 comprises a rotation
axis A extending along said axial direction A-A. The L-shaped wall 12 is rotatably
connected to the support frame 2 so as to rotate about the rotation axis A.
[0021] . Said equipped work unit 1 comprises a rotation mechanism 15 connected to the support
frame 2 and to the L-shaped wall 12, and is configured to rotate the L-shaped wall
12 about the rotation axis A between a closed L-shaped wall configuration and an open
L-shaped wall configuration and vice versa. The rotation mechanism 15 is connected
to the support frame 2 and to the L-shaped wall 12.
[0022] . In the closed L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped wall 12 is arranged at a
first height H1 from said treadable surface 42, the front wall 9 is arranged perpendicularly
to said treadable surface 42, and the first upper wall 7 is arranged parallel to said
support surface 42 at said first height H1.
[0023] . In the open L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped wall 12 is rotated by 90 degrees
about the rotation axis A with respect to the closed L-shaped wall configuration so
as to form, with the front wall 9, a work surface 16 arranged at a second height H2,
which is greater than said first height H1, forming an open compartment beneath the
work surface 16 adapted to accommodate a seat of a chair and/or a user's legs.
[0024] . By virtue of the provision of the L-shaped wall, which is rotatable between two configurations,
it is possible to obtain an equipped work unit, which has a first height H1 in the
storage configuration and which, in the working configuration, forms a work surface
16 at a second height H2 to allow a user to work on said work surface. Advantageously,
the first height H1 is lower than the second height H2, allowing the work unit to
be put back, when it is in the closed configuration, beneath, for example, a desk
or table of a standard height.
[0025] . According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises at least one tubular structure,
comprising at least four columns, extending along the vertical direction Y-Y and at
least four crosspieces, connecting the weight-bearing columns by twos.
[0026] . According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises a first side wall 4 and
a second side wall 5, which form the weight-bearing shoulders of the equipped work
unit.
[0027] . According to an embodiment, said support frame 2 comprises a lower or bottom wall
3, to which the first and second side walls 4,5 are connected on opposite sides. According
to an embodiment, the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 are connected to
said lower wall 3 by means of metal chains.
[0028] . According to an embodiment, the support frame 2 comprises a rear wall 39, a first
side wall 4 and a second side wall 5 connected to said rear wall 39 on opposite sides.
The rear wall 39 is opposite to the front wall 9, when said L-shaped wall is in said
closed L-shaped wall configuration.
[0029] . According to an embodiment, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said support
frame 2 and said L-shaped wall 12 form a box-like structure having a maximum box-like
structure height equal to said first height H1, defining a hollow housing therein.
[0030] . According to an embodiment, said second height H2 is comprised between 60 cm and
90 cm, preferably between 70 cm and 85 cm. According to an embodiment, said second
height H2 is comprised between 74 cm and 75 cm.
[0031] . According to an embodiment, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, the L-shaped
wall 12 has said front wall 9 arranged flush with said first side wall 4 and with
said second side wall 5, and said first upper wall 7 arranged flush with said rear
wall 39, said first side wall 4 and said second side wall 5. In this description,
flush means that an outer surface of one of the walls 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 39 is flush
with an outer surface of at least one of the other walls.
[0032] . By virtue of the provision of the equipped work unit 1, which has five walls, it
is possible to obtain a containing box-like structure when the equipped work unit
1 is in the closed configuration, in this way, it is possible to have an equipped
work unit, which can contain a plurality of tools useful for carrying out the work
activity for the user when the equipped work unit 1 is in the open configuration.
[0033] . According to an embodiment, at least one of said first side wall 4 and said second
side wall 5 comprises a side opening 36, through which it is possible to access the
containing compartment inside the equipped work unit 1. According to an embodiment,
said equipped work unit 1 comprises at least one door, or a closing panel, connected
to said first side wall 4 or to said second side wall 5, covering said side opening
36.
[0034] . According to an embodiment, wherein said unit 1 comprises at least one side drawer
37, which is extractable from said side opening 36.
[0035] . According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a plurality of wheels 38 connected
to a lower part of said support frame 2. According to an embodiment, said wheels 38
are fixed to said lower or bottom wall 3 so as to allow said unit 1 to move on the
treadable surface 42.
[0036] . By virtue of the provision of said wheels 38, it is possible to move the equipped
work unit 1 in a simple and safe manner, so as to position it in the preferred storage
and working position.
[0037] . According to an embodiment, said first upper wall 7 comprises a connection end for
connecting to said front wall 9 and a free end 11 opposite to said connection end
10, wherein said rotation axis A is arranged at a free end 11. According to an embodiment,
said L-shaped wall 12 comprises a curved connection portion, which connects said front
wall 9 and said first upper wall 7 at 90 degrees.
[0038] . According to an embodiment, said L-shaped wall L 12 is hinged on opposite sides,
directly or indirectly, to said support frame 2, e.g. to two opposite crosspieces
of said support frame 2. According to an embodiment, said L-shaped wall 12 is hinged
on opposite sides to said first side wall 4 and said second side wall 5.
[0039] . According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a second upper wall 8 connected
to said support frame 2 and arranged parallel to said treadable surface 42.
[0040] . According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a monitor 13 connected to said
support frame 2. According to an embodiment, said monitor 13 is a television and/or
a screen connectable to a computer.
[0041] . According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a lifting mechanism 14 configured
to lift, along said vertical direction Y-Y, said second upper wall 8 between a resting
position and said working position. According to an embodiment, the lifting mechanism
14 is further configured to lift the monitor 13.
[0042] . According to an embodiment, in said resting position, said second upper wall 8 is
arranged at said first height H1 and is flush with the first upper wall 7, when said
L-shaped wall 12 is in said closed L-shaped wall configuration.
[0043] . According to an embodiment, in said resting position, said second upper wall 8 is
arranged at said first height H1 and is flush with the first side wall 4 and the second
side wall 5.
[0044] . According to an embodiment, said second upper wall 8 comprises at least one light
source connected to a lower surface thereof facing said treadable surface 42, which
allows, for example, lighting up the work surface 16.
[0045] . According to an embodiment, said support frame 2 defines an inner housing.
[0046] . According to an embodiment, in said resting position, said monitor 8 is completely
accommodated in said inner housing.
[0047] . According to an embodiment, in said working position, said monitor 13 is completely
outside said support frame 2 and is arranged at least at a monitor height, which is
greater than said first height H1. According to an embodiment, in said working position,
said monitor 13 is at a height, which is at least greater than said second height
H2, so that the monitor 13, in the working position, is at a height, which is greater
than the height of the work surface 16 when said L-shaped wall 12 is in the open configuration.
[0048] . According to an embodiment, in said working position, said second upper wall 8 is
arranged at a third height H3 greater than said second height H2. According to an
embodiment, in said working position, said second upper wall 8 is arranged at the
top of said monitor 13 along said vertical direction Y-Y.
[0049] . According to an embodiment, said lifting mechanism 14 comprises at least one vertical
lifting linear actuator 31 having a fixed actuator part 32 and a movable actuator
part 33, wherein said fixed actuator part 32 is secured to said support frame 2.
[0050] . According to an embodiment, said monitor 13 being fixed to the movable actuator part
33. According to an embodiment, said second upper wall 8 is secured to said movable
actuator part 33.
[0051] . According to an embodiment, said vertical lifting linear actuator 31 is an electromechanical
actuator comprising an actuator motor 34 and an actuator control module 35 configured
to control said vertical lifting linear actuator 31. According to an embodiment, said
actuator control module 35 can be operated manually or by means of a movable electronic
device.
[0052] . By virtue of the provision of an extractable monitor 13, it is possible to obtain
a highly versatile equipped work unit, which can be used both as a work station from
an office when said monitor is in the raised position and said L-shaped wall is in
said open L-shaped wall configuration, and as a television support unit when said
monitor is in the raised position and said L-shaped wall is in said closed L-shaped
wall configuration.
[0053] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises at least one linear
actuator 21 directly or indirectly connected with a first end to said support frame
2 and with a second end to said L-shaped wall 12, at said front wall 9, wherein said
at least one linear actuator 21 is extendable between a retracted position and at
least one extended position.
[0054] . According to an embodiment, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said at least
one linear actuator 21 is in said at least one extended position, and wherein, in
said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said at least one linear actuator 21 is in
said retracted position.
[0055] . According to an embodiment, said equipped work unit 1 comprises a support mechanism
configured to support said L-shaped wall 12 in said open L-shaped wall configuration.
[0056] . According to an embodiment, said linear actuator 21 is rotatably connected at one
end to the support frame 2 and at the other end, to the surface of the front wall
9 facing the inside of the support frame 2. According to an embodiment, said support
mechanism comprises a locking device for said linear actuator 21, which allows stably
securing the linear actuator in the extended position thereof to support the work
surface 16 at said second height H2. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises
at least two linear actuators 21, each secured to said front wall at an axial distance
along said axial direction A-A. According to an embodiment, said support mechanism
comprises one leg, e.g. a telescopic leg, rotatably connected to said front wall 9,
in an inner surface thereof, and movable between a resting position, in which said
leg is arranged parallel to said front wall 9 and a support position, in which said
leg is perpendicular to said front wall 9.
[0057] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first crosspiece
20 movable along said vertical direction Y-Y.
[0058] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first arm 22.
[0059] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first lever 41.
Said first lever 41 is rotatably connected at one end thereof to the support frame
2 and, at an opposite end thereof, it is rotatably connected to said L-shaped wall
12.
[0060] . According to an embodiment, said first arm (22) is rotatably connected at one end
to said first crosspiece 20 and at an opposite end thereof, it is rotatably connected
to said first lever 41.
[0061] . According to an embodiment, said at least one linear actuator 21 is secured to said
first crosspiece 20, wherein said linear actuator 21 is configured to move said first
crosspiece 20 along said vertical direction Y-Y.
[0062] . According to an embodiment, wherein in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said
first lever 41 and said first arm 22 are arranged along said vertical direction Y-Y
inside said support frame 2.
[0063] . According to an embodiment, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said first
lever 41 and said first arm 22 are arranged so as to support said front wall 9 at
said second height H2.
[0064] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second lever 44,
functionally and structurally similar to said first lever 41, and rotatably connected
to said first crosspiece 20 and to said front wall 9 on the opposite side, in an axial
direction A-A to said first lever 41.
[0065] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a third arm 47 functionally
and structurally similar to said first arm 22, and rotatably connected to said first
crosspiece 20 and to said second lever 44.
[0066] . According to an embodiment, said linear actuator 21 is an electromechanical linear
actuator comprising a linear actuator motor and a linear actuator control module configured
to control said linear actuator 21. According to an embodiment, said linear actuator
control module can be operated manually or by means of a movable electronic device,
such as, for example, a cell phone. According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism
15 comprises a frame 17 secured to said support frame 2. According to an embodiment,
said frame 17 comprises at least one first vertical guide 18 arranged along said vertical
direction Y-Y. According to an embodiment, said first crosspiece 20 is sliding at
least along said first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, said linear
actuator 21 is configured to move said first crosspiece 20 along said at least one
first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, said first arm 22 comprises a
first arm end rotatably connected to said first crosspiece 20 and a second arm end
directly rotatably connected to said L-shaped wall 12 at said front wall 9. According
to an embodiment, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said support mechanism
is configured to lock said first arm 22 in a locking position with respect to said
support frame 2 so as to support said front wall 9 at said second height H2. According
to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15, i.e. said frame 17, comprises a second
vertical guide 19 arranged at an axial distance along said axial direction A-A with
respect to said first vertical guide 18, and said first crosspiece 20 is sliding on
both the first and the second vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, said
first arm 22 is a panel having a width substantially equal to the axial distance between
the two vertical guides 18, 19. According to an embodiment, said first arm 22, translates
in the vertical direction Y-Y and rotates about the end hinged to the first crosspiece
20. According to an embodiment, said first arm 22, in said open L-shaped wall configuration,
is perpendicular to said treadable surface 42. According to an embodiment, said first
arm 22, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, is perpendicular to said treadable
surface 42.
[0067] . According to an embodiment, said linear actuator 21 is a gas spring.
[0068] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second crosspiece
27, which is movable along said vertical direction Y-Y.
[0069] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises movement transmission
means 28 connected to said first crosspiece 20 and to said second crosspiece 27 so
that a second crosspiece movement in a direction opposite to said first direction
of said second crosspiece 27 corresponds to a first crosspiece movement in a first
direction along said vertical direction Y-Y of said first crosspiece 20.
[0070] . According to an embodiment, said movement transmission means comprise a pantograph
connected at one end to the first crosspiece 20 and at the opposite end to the second
crosspiece 27, which is movable between an extended configuration and a retracted
configuration.
[0071] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a first foot 45
rotatably connected at one end to the support frame 2, preferably in a lower part
thereof, and having a first foot free end configured to rest on said treadable surface
42.
[0072] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second arm 23
rotatably connected at one end to said second crosspiece 27 and at an opposite end
thereof, it is rotatably connected to said first foot 45, preferably in an intermediate
position of said first foot 45.
[0073] . According to an embodiment, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said first
foot 45 and said second arm 23 are arranged along said vertical direction Y-Y inside
said support frame 2. According to an embodiment, in said open L-shaped wall configuration,
said first foot 45 is resting on said treadable surface 42 so as to support said front
wall 9 at said second height H2.
[0074] . According to an embodiment, between said closed L-shaped wall configuration and said
open L-shaped wall configuration, the first lever 41 rotates in the opposite direction
to said first foot 45.
[0075] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a second foot 46,
which is functionally and structurally similar to said first foot 45, wherein the
second foot 46 is rotatably connected at one end to the support frame 2, axially along
said axial direction A-A, on the opposite side to said first foot 45, preferably in
a lower part thereof, and having a second foot free end configured to rest on said
treadable surface 42.
[0076] . According to an embodiment, said rotation mechanism 15 comprises a fourth arm 48,
which is structurally and functionally similar to said second arm 23, wherein the
fourth arm 48 is rotatably connected at one end to said second crosspiece 27 and at
an opposite end thereof, it is rotatably connected to said second foot 46, preferably
in an intermediate position of said second foot 46.
[0077] . According to an embodiment, said lifting mechanism 16 and said rotation mechanism
15 are independently operable.
[0078] . According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a footrest 24 rotatably connected
to said support frame 2, wherein said footrest 24 is movable at least between a closed
position and an open position, in which, in said closed position, said footrest 24
is arranged beneath at least one orthogonal projection of said first upper wall 7
on said treadable surface, when said L-shaped wall 12 is in said closed L-shaped wall
configuration, i.e. said footrest 24 is arranged inside said support frame 2 and wherein,
in said open configuration, said footrest 24 is arranged, at least partially, in the
open compartment beneath the work surface 16 when said L-shaped wall 12 is in said
open L-shaped wall configuration to support the user's feet.
[0079] . According to an embodiment, said footrest 24 is configured to rototranslate between
said closed position and said open position, in which, in said closed position, said
footrest 24 is arranged perpendicularly along said vertical direction Y-Y with respect
to said treadable surface.
[0080] . According to an embodiment, in said open position, said footrest 24 is rotated about
said axial direction A-A and tilted with respect to said treadable surface. According
to an embodiment, said footrest 24 comprises a second footrest end configured to rest
on said treadable surface 42 in said open position.
[0081] . According to an embodiment, said frame 17 comprises at least one first footrest guide
25 arranged along said vertical direction Y-Y. According to an embodiment, said frame
17 comprising a second footrest guide 26 arranged along said vertical direction Y-Y.
According to an embodiment, said first footrest guide 25 is arranged beneath said
first vertical guide 18. According to an embodiment, said second footrest guide 26
is arranged beneath said second vertical guide 18.
[0082] . According to an embodiment, said second crosspiece 27 is sliding on said at least
one first footrest guide 25. According to an embodiment, said second crosspiece 27
is also sliding on said second footrest guide 26.
[0083] . According to an embodiment, said footrest 24 is hinged along said axial direction
A-A with a first footrest end thereof 29 to said second crosspiece 27. According to
an embodiment, said linear actuator 21 is configured to move said second crosspiece
27 along said at least one first footrest guide 25 indirectly by means of said movement
transmission means 28 so as to move said footrest 24 between said closed configuration
and said open configuration. According to an embodiment, said equipped work unit 1
comprises at least one first adjustable white light led connected to said second upper
wall 8. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises a second RGBW ambient led.
According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises at least one contact for opening
said L-shaped wall 12 to detect an opening or closing state of said L-shaped wall
12. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises at least one opening contact
of said second upper wall 8 to detect an opening or closing state of said second upper
wall 8. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises an opening contact of said
side drawer 37 to detect an opening or closing state of said side drawer 37. According
to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises at least one of the following ambient sensors
connected to said support frame 2: a sensor for volatile organic compounds, a carbon
monoxide sensor, a methane sensor, a nitrogen dioxide sensor, a humidity sensor, a
temperature sensor, a brightness sensor. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises
a data communication module 41 secured to said support frame 2. According to an embodiment,
said data communication module 41 comprises a GSM module, and/or a Bluetooth module,
and/or a Wifi connection module. According to an embodiment, said monitor 13 comprises
a webcam. According to an embodiment, said unit 1 comprises at least one electric
charging socket, preferably USB-C, and a connection module for connecting to an external
electric network and/or a rechargeable battery. According to an embodiment, it comprises
a keyboard and/or a wireless mouse accommodated in said housing and/or in said side
drawer 37.
LIST OF REFERENCES
[0084]
- 1
- equipped work unit
- 2
- support frame
- 3
- lower or bottom wall
- 4
- first side wall
- 5
- second side wall
- 6
- upper wall
- 7
- first upper wall
- 8
- second upper wall
- 9
- front wall
- 10
- connection end
- 11
- second free end
- 12
- L-shaped wall
- 13
- monitor
- 14
- lifting mechanism
- 15
- rotation mechanism
- 16
- work surface
- 17
- frame
- 18
- first vertical guide
- 19
- second vertical guide
- 20
- first crosspiece
- 21
- linear actuator
- 22
- first arm
- 23
- second arm
- 24
- footrest
- 25
- first footrest guide
- 26
- second footrest guide
- 27
- second crosspiece
- 28
- movement transmission means
- 29
- first footrest end
- 30
- second footrest end
- 31
- vertical lifting linear actuator
- 32
- fixed actuator part
- 33
- movable actuator part
- 34
- actuator motor
- 35
- actuator control module
- 36
- side opening
- 37
- side drawer
- 38
- plurality of wheels
- 39
- rear wall
- 41
- first lever
- 42
- treadable surface
- 44
- second lever
- 45
- first foot
- 46
- second foot
- 47
- third arm
- 48
- fourth arm
- A-A
- axial direction
- X-X
- horizontal direction
- Y-Y
- vertical direction
- A
- L-shaped wall rotation axis
- H1
- first height
- H2
- second height
- H3
- third height
1. An equipped work unit (1) for domestic use, which is reversibly convertible between
at least one open configuration and at least one closed configuration, comprising:
- a support frame (2) defining a vertical direction (Y-Y), an axial direction (A-A)
orthogonal to said vertical direction (Y-Y), and a horizontal direction (X-X) orthogonal
to said axial direction (A-A) and to said vertical direction (Y-Y), said support frame
(2) being adapted to be rested, directly or indirectly, on a treadable surface (42)
orthogonal to said vertical direction (Y-Y),
- an L-shaped wall (12) comprising a first upper wall (7) and a front wall (9) joined
in an L, wherein said L-shaped wall (12) is rotatably connected to said support frame
(2) so as to rotate about a rotation axis (A) extending along said axial direction
(A-A),
- a rotation mechanism (15) configured to rotate said L-shaped wall (12) about said
rotation axis (A) between a closed L-shaped wall configuration and an open L-shaped
wall configuration and vice versa, said rotation mechanism (15) being connected to
said support frame (2) and to said L-shaped wall (12),
wherein, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said L-shaped wall (12) is arranged
at a first height (H1) from said treadable surface (42), wherein said front wall (9)
is arranged perpendicularly to said treadable surface (42), and wherein said first
upper wall (7) is arranged parallel to said support surface (42) at said first height
(H1),
wherein, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said L-shaped wall (12) is rotated
by 90 degrees about said rotation axis (A) with respect to the closed L-shaped wall
configuration so as to form, with said front wall (9), a work surface (16) arranged
at a second height (H2), which is greater than said first height (H1), forming an
open compartment beneath the work surface (16) adapted to accommodate a seat of a
chair and/or a user's legs.
2. An equipped work unit (1) according to the preceding claim wherein said support frame
(2) comprises a first side wall (4) and a second side wall (5) connected to a rear
wall (39) and/or to a lower or bottom wall (3),
wherein, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said support frame (2) and said
L-shaped wall (12) form a box-like structure having a box-like structure height equal
to said first height (H1).
3. An equipped work unit (1) according to the preceding claim wherein in said closed
L-shaped wall configuration:
said L-shaped wall (12) has said front wall (9) arranged flush with said first side
wall (4) and with said second side wall (5) and with said lower or bottom wall (3),
and said first upper wall (7) arranged flush with said rear wall (39), said first
side wall (4) and said second side wall (5),
and/or wherein at least one of said first side wall (4) and said second side wall
(5) comprises a side opening (36), wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one door
for covering said side opening or a side drawer (37), which is extractable from said
side opening (36),
and/or wherein said L-shaped wall (12) is hinged on opposite sides, directly or indirectly,
to said support frame (2), preferably to said first side wall (4) and said second
side wall (5).
4. An equipped work unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
- a second upper wall (8) connected to said support frame (2) and arranged parallel
to said treadable surface (42),
- a monitor (13) connected to said support frame (2),
- a lifting mechanism (14) configured to lift, along said vertical direction (Y-Y)
said second upper wall (8) and said monitor (13), between a resting position and said
working position,
wherein said support frame (2) defines an inner housing,
wherein in said resting position:
said monitor (8) is completely accommodated in said inner housing,
and said second upper wall (8) is arranged at said first height (H1),
and wherein, in said working position, said monitor (13) is completely outside said
support frame (2) arranged at least at said first height (H1), and
said second upper wall (8) is arranged at the top of said monitor (13) along said
vertical direction (Y-Y) at a third height (H3).
5. An equipped work unit (1), according to claim 4 wherein said lifting mechanism (14) comprises a vertical lifting linear actuator
(31) having a fixed actuator part (32) and a movable actuator part (33), wherein said
fixed actuator part (32) is secured to said support frame (2),
said monitor (13) being secured to the movable actuator part (33), said second upper
wall portion (8) being directly or indirectly secured to said movable actuator part
(33).
6. An equipped work unit (1), according to the preceding claim, wherein said vertical
lifting linear actuator (31) is an electromechanical actuator comprising an actuator
motor (34) and an actuator control module (35) configured to control said vertical
lifting linear actuator (31), wherein said actuator control module (35) can be operated
manually or by means of a movable electronic device.
7. An equipped work unit (1), according to claim 1 wherein said rotation mechanism (15)
comprises at least one linear actuator (21) connected with a first end to said support
frame (2) and with a second end to said L-shaped wall (12), at said front wall (9),
wherein said at least one linear actuator (21) is extensible between a retracted position
and at least one extended position, in which in said open L-shaped wall configuration,
said at least one linear actuator (21) is in said at least one extended position,
and in which, in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said at least one linear
actuator (21) is in said retracted position.
8. An equipped work unit (1), according to the preceding claim, comprising
a first crosspiece (20), which is movable along said vertical direction Y-Y,
a first arm (22) and a first lever (41), wherein said first lever (41) is rotatably
connected at one end thereof to the support frame (2) and, at an opposite end thereof,
it is rotatably connected to said L-shaped wall L (12), wherein said first arm (22)
is rotatably connected at one end to said first crosspiece (20) and at an opposite
end thereof, it is rotatably connected to said first lever (41),
wherein said at least one linear actuator (21) is secured to said first crosspiece
(20), wherein said linear actuator (21) is configured to move said first crosspiece
(20) along said vertical direction (Y-Y),
wherein in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said first lever (41) and said
first arm (22) are arranged along said vertical direction (Y-Y) inside said support
frame (2)
wherein, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said first lever (41) and said
first arm (22) are arranged so as to support said front wall (9) at said second height
(H2),
and/or wherein said linear actuator (21) is a gas spring or a motorized linear actuator.
9. An equipped work unit (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising
a second crosspiece (21), which is movable along said vertical direction (Y-Y),
movement transmission means (28) connected to said first crosspiece (20) and to said
second crosspiece (21) so that a second crosspiece movement in a direction opposite
to said first direction of said second crosspiece (20) corresponds to a first crosspiece
movement in a first direction along said vertical direction (Y-Y) of said first crosspiece
(20),
a first foot (45) rotatably connected at one end to the support frame (2), preferably
in a lower part thereof, and having a first foot free end configured to rest on said
treadable surface (42),
and a second arm (23), rotatably connected at one end to said second crosspiece (21)
and at an opposite end thereof, it is rotatably connected to said first foot (45),
wherein in said closed L-shaped wall configuration, said first foot (45) and said
second arm (23) are arranged along said vertical direction (Y-Y) inside said support
frame (2),
and wherein, in said open L-shaped wall configuration, said first foot (45) is resting
on said treadable surface (42) so as to support said front wall (9) at said second
height (H2),
wherein, between said closed L-shaped wall configuration and said open L-shaped wall
configuration, the first lever (41) rotates in the opposite direction to said first
foot (45).
10. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising
at least one first adjustable white light led connected to said second upper wall
(8),
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises a second RGBW ambient led,
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one micro switch for opening said
L-shaped wall (12),
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one sensor for opening said second
upper wall (8)
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one sensor for opening said side drawer
(37),
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one of the following ambient sensors:
a sensor for volatile organic compounds, a carbon monoxide sensor, a methane sensor,
a nitrogen dioxide sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a brightness sensor,
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises a data communication module (41),
and/or wherein said data communication module (41) comprises a GSM module, and/or
a Bluetooth module, and/or a Wifi connection module, and/or wherein said monitor (13)
comprises a webcam,
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises at least one electric charging socket, preferably
USB-C, and a connection module for connecting to an external electric network and/or
a rechargeable battery,
and/or wherein said unit (1) comprises a keyboard and/or wireless mouse accommodated
in said housing and/or in said side drawer (37).
11. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
second height (H2) is from 70 cm to 85 cm.
12. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
equipped work unit (1) comprises a support mechanism connected at least to said L-shaped
wall (12) and configured to support said L-shaped wall (12) in said open L-shaped
wall configuration.
13. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
equipped work unit (1) comprises a footrest (24) rotatably connected to said support
frame (2), wherein said footrest (24) is movable at least between a closed position
and an open position, in which, in said closed position, said footrest (24) is arranged
inside said support frame (2), and in which, in said open position, said footrest
(24) is arranged at least partially in the open compartment beneath the work surface
(16) when said L-shaped wall (12) is in said open L-shaped wall configuration to support
the user's feet
14. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
unit (1) comprises a plurality of wheels (38) connected to a lower part of said support
frame (2), preferably to said lower or bottom wall (3), so as to allow said unit (1)
to move on said treadable surface.
15. An equipped work unit (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said
first upper wall (7) comprises a connection end for connecting to said front wall
(9) and a free end (11) opposite to said connection end (10), wherein said rotation
axis (A) is arranged at a free end (11).