SINK HAVING A SEPARATE INSERT PLATE THAT IS TILTABLE
20220403634 · 2022-12-22
Inventors
Cpc classification
E03C1/186
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
A sink includes a basin including a bottom wall and adjoining side walls which delimit a receiving space. An insert plate separate from the basin is inserted into the receiving space, and a lifting apparatus moves the insert plate relative to the basin. The lifting apparatus includes a lifting unit with a lifting device to move the insert plate in a vertical direction. The lifting apparatus includes a tilting device configured to perform a tilting movement of the insert plate relative to a horizontal plane.
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A sink, comprising: a basin including a bottom wall and adjoining side walls, said basin including a receiving space delimited by the bottom wall and the side walls; an insert plate separate from the basin and inserted into the receiving space; and a lifting apparatus configured to move the insert plate relative to the basin, said lifting apparatus including a lifting unit with a lifting device to move the insert plate in a vertical direction, said lifting apparatus including a tilting device configured to perform a tilting movement of the insert plate relative to a horizontal plane.
16. The sink of claim 15, wherein the tilting device is configured separate from the lifting device.
17. The sink of claim 15, wherein the lifting unit includes a housing, said lifting device and said tilting device being arranged in the housing.
18. The sink of claim 15, wherein the tilting device is a rod which is oriented in the vertical direction and which is arranged eccentrically to a center point of the insert plate.
19. The sink of claim 15, wherein the tilting device is a telescopic rod which is longitudinally adjustable in the vertical direction.
20. The sink of claim 19, wherein the telescopic rod includes at least two rod parts which are guided one inside the other and which have a conical configuration.
21. The sink of claim 20, further comprising a plate, wherein an upper one of the at least two rod parts has at an upper end a first thread which engages in a second thread on the plate, so that the insert plate is tiltable about the horizontal plane by a thread adjustment when the upper one of the at least two rod parts is rotated about a vertical rod axis.
22. The sink of claim 21, wherein the lifting unit includes a housing having an upper lifting segment, said plate being a member selected from the group consisting of a plate receiver and a cover which is separate from the plate receiver, said member being arranged at an upper end of the upper lifting segment.
23. The sink of claim 22, wherein the upper lifting segment is formed by an upper housing segment of the housing of the lifting unit.
24. The sink of claim 21, wherein the second thread is configured in the plate, and further comprising a resilient cover to cover the second thread from above.
25. The sink of claim 21, wherein the at least two rod parts are configured with an anti-twist device to prevent a rotation relative to one another about the vertical rod axis.
26. The sink of claim 21, wherein the at least two rod parts are configured such as to have a shape which is not rotationally symmetrical about the vertical rod axis in order to prevent a rotation relative to one another about the rod axis.
27. The sink of claim 21, wherein the upper end of the upper one of the at least two rod parts has a pressure piece.
28. The sink of claim 27, wherein the pressure piece is resilient rubber cap.
29. The sink of claim 15, wherein the lifting apparatus includes a first motor to drive the lifting device and a second motor separate from the first motor to drive the tilting device.
30. The sink of claim 15, wherein the lifting unit includes a housing having an upper lifting segment, said lifting apparatus including a cover which is arranged at an upper end of the upper lifting segment, said cover having a hole for passage of the tilting device and guidance of a movement of the tilting device.
31. The sink of claim 30, wherein the cover is arranged at an upper housing segment of the housing.
32. The sink of claim 15, wherein the insert plate includes an upper face having a surface which is at least 80% of a surface of the receiving space in a horizontal plane but is less than 99% of the surface of the receiving space.
33. The sink of claim 15, wherein the insert plate includes an upper face having a surface which is at least 90% of a surface of the receiving space in a horizontal plane but is less than 99% of the surface of the receiving space.
34. The sink of claim 15, wherein the insert plate includes an upper face having a surface which is at least 95% of a surface of the receiving space in a horizontal plane but is less than 99% of the surface of the receiving space.
Description
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. In the drawings:
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039]
[0040]
[0041] Elements which are the same or functionally the same are provided with the same reference characters in the figures.
[0042] A sink 1 is shown in
[0043] Preferably, the sink 1 has an interaction unit 12. The interaction unit 12 may have a display unit 13 (
[0044] As may be identified in
[0045] Thus the receiving volume 20 is separated from the receiving space 8 of the basin.
[0046] In
[0047] In particular, the sink 1 also has a control unit 21 (
[0048] The sink 1 may preferably also have a faucet 22, as may be identified in the simplified plan view in
[0049] The lifting apparatus 11 preferably has a lifting unit and a motor. As a result, the lifting apparatus may be changed in terms of its length or height in the direction of the vertical axis A. Moreover, the lifting apparatus may be additionally or alternatively rotated about the vertical axis A. As a result, a rotational movement about this vertical axis A is also possible as a position, or as a change in the position, of the insert plate 10. Last but not least, the lifting apparatus 11 may also be set such that the insert plate 10 may be set in an oblique or inclined manner relative to a horizontal plane.
[0050] An operating state of the sink 1 may be identified and/or a change in the operating state of the sink 1 and/or an operation of a user who operates the sink 1, in particular at least one functional unit of the sink 1, may be identified by the interaction unit 12. Depending on the identification by the interaction unit 12, the lifting apparatus 11 is able to be operated for automatically changing the position of the insert plate 10. In
[0051] A change in the position of the insert plate 10 may be dependent on the type and/or intensity and/or duration of an operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1 and/or a change in the position may be dependent on the type and/or intensity and/or duration of a change in the operating state of at least one such functional unit of the sink 1.
[0052] The interaction unit 12 has a normal mode. The actual operation of the sink 1 is also detected in this normal mode. Moreover, the interaction unit 12 has a defining mode which is different from the normal mode. This defining mode may be set, for example, by a user. In this defining mode it is possible that at least one user defines or predetermines at least one reference position of the insert plate 10. In particular, in this defining mode such a reference position may be linked with a specific operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1 and/or with a defined change in the operating state of at least one functional unit of the sink 1. At least one such reference position may be stored as a user profile in a memory unit 24 of the interaction unit 12.
[0053] In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the surface shown in
[0054] As is also shown in
[0055] An exemplary embodiment of a sink 1 is shown in
[0056] The support vane 33 and the second support vane, not shown, are arranged spaced apart from one another by the central projection 32. They may be pivoted independently of one another about their axes B and C. Thus individual tilted positions of a support vane 33 may also be set relative to the horizontal plane. In particular, the plate receiver 31 also has a through-passage 35. An actuating element may extend from below through the plate receiver 31 through this through-passage, and thus in this case come into contact with the second support vane from below and lift it up, so that it is pivoted about its horizontal axis C. Accordingly, a further through-passage which is below the first support vane 33 is configured on the side opposing the through-passage 35. This may also be accordingly lifted, as has been described above. Preferably, it is provided that the through-passage 35 is covered from above by a resilient cover 36. The resilient cover 36 permits the actuating element to be able to protrude through the through-passage 35 and to be positioned further up relative to the upper face region 34b, and a corresponding protruding of the actuating element may result due to the resilient deformation of the resilient cover 36. As a result, the corresponding second support vane may also be lifted.
[0057] The plate receiver 31 is configured with the cover 36 as a 2K injection-molded component.
[0058] A partial region of the arrangement in
[0059] It may be identified that the plate receiver 31, which is configured as a flat cylinder, is positioned from above on an upper face 37 of the upper lifting segment of the lifting unit 28. This upper face 37 is, in particular, an upper face of an upper cover plate 38.
[0060] The lifting unit 28 has a lifting device 39. The lifting device 39 may be a spindle drive. However, it may also be a feed chain, for example. The lifting unit 28 also has a housing 40. The housing 40 surrounds this lifting device 39 over the circumference. The housing 40 is, in particular, a telescopic housing. This means that it has a plurality of housing segments. In the exemplary embodiment, these lifting segments are configured as hollow cylinders. In the exemplary embodiment an upper housing segment 29 is configured in an extended state, a second housing segment 41 following downwardly, a further housing segment 42 following downwardly, a further housing segment 43 following downwardly and then a lower housing segment 44. The fully retracted position of the lifting unit 28 is shown in
[0061] Moreover, the lifting apparatus 11 has a sealing sleeve 47. The sealing sleeve 47 is a separate component from the housing 40. The sealing sleeve 47 surrounds that partial region which extends over the circumference in the receiving space 8 of the lifting unit 28. The sealing sleeve 47 is resiliently configured. The sealing sleeve may be configured in one piece. The sealing sleeve may be configured, for example, as a folding bellows. However, other specifications are also possible in terms of material and geometry.
[0062] In
[0063] Moreover, this sealing sleeve 47 has a lower end 49. This lower end 49 is positioned directly on the inner face of the bottom wall 3. Moreover, it is provided that the sink 1 has an adapter 50. This adapter 50 is preferably a separate component. The adapter 50 is preferably designed as a circumferential adapter ring which is configured without interruption. The adapter 50 is positioned from above on this lower edge 49 of the sealing sleeve 47. As may be identified, the lower edge 49 is clamped between this adapter 50 and the bottom wall 3. In particular, a sealed clamping is also configured here.
[0064] In particular, the adapter 50 is fastened to the bottom wall 3 such that it can be released in a non-destructive manner, in particular screwed by screw connections. To this end, for example, a counter bearing 51 may be arranged below the bottom wall 3. This counter bearing 51 may be a bearing ring. At the same time, the counter bearing may be configured as an acoustic damping unit.
[0065] A seal 29a may be arranged between the adapter 51 and an outer face of the housing segment 44.
[0066] In
[0067] In the exemplary embodiment according to
[0068] The lifting apparatus 11 is shown in the fully extended state, and thus with a maximum length when viewed in the vertical direction, in a vertical sectional view in
[0069] Moreover, the lifting apparatus 11 has a tilting device 57. The tilting device 57 is a separate device from the lifting device 39. A tilting movement of the insert plate 10 relative to the horizontal plane (x-z plane) may be carried out by the tilting device 57. The tilting device 57 is preferably arranged in the housing 40. In particular, the tilting device 57 is a rod which is oriented in the vertical direction. This rod is preferably arranged eccentrically to a central point M of the insert plate 10. The central point M is, in particular, on the axis A. In particular, this tilting device 57 is a telescopic rod. It is thus longitudinally adjustable in the vertical direction. In particular, the rod axis D thereof is oriented in the vertical direction.
[0070] Preferably, the tilting device 57 thus has at least two rod parts guided one inside the other, preferably a plurality of rod parts 57, 58, 59 and 60 guided one inside the other. Preferably, it is provided that these rod parts 58 to 60 are of conical configuration.
[0071] In particular, the lifting apparatus 11 has a second motor 61. The second motor 61 is arranged, in particular, in the receiving housing 52. It is a further motor which is separate from the first motor 56. The second motor 61 is provided for driving the tilting device 57. The second motor drives, in particular, only this tilting device 57. The first motor 56 drives, in particular, only the lifting device 39. In particular, it is provided that when the lifting device 39 is actuated and moves apart upwardly, the tilting device 57 is also pulled apart at the same time. Due to the preferably conical embodiment of the rod parts 58 to 60, with this upward moving apart, it is achieved that when one of these telescopic segments, in particular a rod part, is completely pulled out relative to the next, an anti-decoupling device is formed by the conical shape, and with a further upward movement this next telescopic segment, in the form of this next rod part, is pulled upwardly relative to the further rod part following downwardly. This takes place again until the anti-decoupling device acts and the next rod part is pulled upwardly again. Accordingly, this is also carried out when the rod parts are moved together and thus when lowered downwardly.
[0072] In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the upper rod part 60 has at its upper end 60a a thread as a first thread. Preferably, a counter thread in the form of a second thread 63 may be provided. This is configured, in particular, in a plate following upwardly. This plate may be, for example, the plate receiver 31. If the second motor 61 is actuated, the tilting device 57 rotates and performs a linear movement due to these coupled threads 62 and 63. Preferably, it is provided that a pressure piece 64 forms the entire upper end of the upper rod part 60. This pressure piece 64 may be resiliently configured. In particular, it may be a rubber cap.
[0073] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the cover 38 has a hole 65. The tilting device 57 extends through this hole 65. Preferably this hole 65 is formed such that it forms a guide for the tilting device 57.
[0074] In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the rod parts 58 to 60, when viewed perpendicular to the rod axis D, are not configured to be rotationally symmetrical in the outer contour thereof. As a result, the rod parts 58 to 60 are secured against rotation relative to one another about this rod axis D. In particular, the tilting device 57 is configured in a separate bearing seat in a lower region. In particular, a ball bearing is also configured here.
[0075] In particular, it is provided that by the rotation about the rod axis D and, in particular, the threaded coupling of the two threads 62 and 63 the upper rod part 60 is moved upwardly in the through-passage 35 and protrudes upwardly. As a result, a contact of the lower face of the insert plate 10 or a contact of the lower face of the support vane 33 is made possible, in particular in the region 37. Thus by this upward movement of the upper rod part 60 beyond the level of the upper face of the plate receiver 31, the insert plate 10 is directly lifted, or the support vane 33 is lifted and the insert plate 10 then lifted therewith. As a result, the tilting movement of the insert plate 10 out of the horizontal position is brought about and thus a defined tilted position is set. In particular, it is provided that for a tilting movement the upper rod part 60 travels to a maximum extent upwardly beyond the level of the plate receiver 31 and this maximum projection path is less than 5 mm, in particular less than 4 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 4 mm.
[0076] As already described with reference to
[0077] It may be provided that the plate receiver 31 is configured as a one-piece plastics component with the resilient cover 36 which is preferably present. For example, this may be a 2K injection-molded component. If the pressure piece 64 is present this may accordingly serve as a direct contact element with the support vane 33 or the insert plate 10. If this resilient cover 36 is present, this pressure piece 64 acts directly on this cover 36.
[0078] The embodiments in
[0079] The embodiment according to
[0080] A dismantling mode which is different from the normal mode of the lifting unit 28 of the lifting apparatus 11 may also be set. In this dismantling mode, the lifting unit 28 is set in a position located even higher in the vertical direction above the maximum lifted position of the lifting unit 28 in normal mode and thus also the corresponding position of the insert plate 10. In the maximum lifted position in normal mode it is provided, in particular, that the upper face 10a of the insert plate 10 is flush with the upper face of the upper edge 2a of the basin 2 or a decorative frame or a mounting frame. In the dismantled position which is located higher for this purpose, the insert plate 10 is preferably positioned such that it is arranged with its lower face 10b higher than this upper edge 2a with a vertical spacing. In particular, this vertical spacing is at least 2 cm, in particular at least 3 cm. As a result, the insert plate 10 may be gripped on its edge 25 by a hand and securely held for removing from the lifting unit 28. The dismantling position is, in particular, a horizontal position of the insert plate 10. The lower face 10b of the insert plate 10 is thus positioned entirely above the upper edge 2a.
LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0081] 1 Sink [0082] 2 Basin [0083] 2a Upper edge [0084] 3 Bottom wall [0085] 4 Side wall [0086] 5 Side wall [0087] 6 Side wall [0088] 7 Side wall [0089] 8 Receiving space [0090] 9 Loading opening [0091] 10 Insert plate [0092] 10a Upper face [0093] 10b Lower face [0094] 11 Lifting apparatus [0095] 12 Interaction unit [0096] 13 Display unit [0097] 14 Operating apparatus [0098] 15 Operating panel [0099] 16 Optical detection unit [0100] 17 Acoustic unit [0101] 18 Identification unit [0102] 19 Receiving housing [0103] 20 Receiving volume [0104] 21 Control unit [0105] 22 Faucet [0106] 23 Finger [0107] 24 Memory unit [0108] 25 Edge [0109] 26 Gap [0110] 27 Outlet opening [0111] 28 Lifting unit [0112] 29 Upper housing segment [0113] 29a Seal [0114] 30 Upper region [0115] 31 Plate receiver [0116] 32 Central projection [0117] 32a Upper face [0118] 33 First support vane [0119] 33a Upper face [0120] 34 Upper face [0121] 34a Upper face region [0122] 34b Upper face region [0123] 35 Through-passage [0124] 36 Cover [0125] 37 Upper face [0126] 38 Cover plate [0127] 39 Lifting device [0128] 40 Housing [0129] 41 Housing segment [0130] 42 Housing segment [0131] 43 Housing segment [0132] 44 Housing segment [0133] 45 Interior [0134] 46 Feedthrough [0135] 47 Sealing sleeve [0136] 47a Outer face [0137] 48 Upper edge [0138] 49 Lower end [0139] 50 Adapter ring [0140] 51 Counter bearing [0141] 52 Receiving housing [0142] 53 Spindle [0143] 54 Spindle [0144] 55 Spindle [0145] 56 Motor [0146] 57 Tilting device [0147] 58 Rod part [0148] 59 Rod part [0149] 60 Rod part [0150] 60a Upper end [0151] 61 Motor [0152] 62 Thread [0153] 63 Thread [0154] 64 Pressure piece [0155] 65 Hole [0156] A Axis [0157] D Rod axis [0158] M Center point