EP1419822A1 - Laboratory furniture building system - Google Patents

Abstract

A range of parts may be fitted together with simple tools in various configurations to meet changing laboratory needs. The components are resistant to chemical action and provision is made for utilities and communications. Vertical metal beams (1) with feet (2) carry pairs of horizontal supports (4) which bear a working surface (5,9) and utility supplies (15,16,17,18).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a building system for a laboratory shelf unit that brings together a simple construction with a high degree of modularity and with great adaptability able to make possible all classes of furniture variants by combining the multiple different elements needed in different types of testing and research laboratories in the various branches derived from physics and the chemistry.

This invention also relates to a system for the construction of a shelving unit intended for laboratory equipment that aims to get a high degree of modularity and adaptability to allow to obtain variants of construction adapted to the wide range of needs derived from research work in the fields of physics and chemistry, due dimensions, distribution and location of the furniture, and adapted to the appliances and services must be installed in such furniture at work (standing or sitting) or other aspects to consider in this sector.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Laboratory furniture are very products special and very expensive, because they have to be intended to enable the integration of equipment for supply of gas, water and electricity, means of communicating oral information and data, as well as equipment for draining liquids and evacuate fumes and gases. On another side, the materials that must be used for their constructions can not be arbitrary, since they must be resistant to various chemical agents, flame retardant and easy to clean, among others particularities.

Currently, we know different modes of laboratory furniture construction; all having the common feature of building tables of independent work that is assembled by simple juxtaposition or that include a common foot between two tables, and on these work tables, are consisting of vertical structures of shelves fixed to the worktable itself where on the wall, these shelves, being otherwise intended for the provision of the terminals power supplies, appliances and tools that are needed on the workstation in question.

These known methods of construction are not very adaptable, so the distribution changes posts of work or nature of work to be carried out on these The latter often require the construction of a new furniture or to use a piece of furniture that does not meet the needs of the workstation and we recall that these furniture are of a high price.

The invention relates to a system for constructing furniture-shelves for laboratory that includes two uprights in metal profiles, first two supports, two second supports, pairs of thirds supports and supports, a horizontal frame, a vertical access frame, superior gutters and inferior, a work plan, an additional plan of work, doorways, door shelves to false or not, an electric chute with light, front flanges, worktop feeds, higher power supplies, tower power supplies, collecting cups of liquid, showcases suspended, grilles; where: the studs metal extend from the ground over the entire height of the wall cabinet and they own, as well on their vertical fields only on their sides, means which can make it possible to fix said first ones, second and third supports and supports following at the same time on their front and rear sides, as these amounts in metal profiles can support between them the vertical frame, the gutters upper and lower, the supplement of work, the shelves without protruding and protruding, the tower feeders, the collecting cups of liquids, hanging windows and grilles, first supports are attached to the feet of the uprights metal profiles and rest on the ground; the second supports can be attached to the choice at least at two distinct ergonomic levels of the amounts in metal profiles; the horizontal frame is fixed between the second supports; the work plan is set at horizontal frame; the vertical mount of visit is fixed between the uprights made of metal profiles; the upper and lower gutters are coupled horizontally at the top and bottom edges vertical frame and extend between the two uprights made of metal profile; the plan supplement work is coupled on the upper gutter of the frame vertical and includes power elements; and the third and subsequent supports can be attached selectively at various heights of amounts in metal profiles.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION AND BENEFITS

Faced with this state of affairs, the invention proposes a shelf cabinet construction system laboratory, which includes two studs metal, two first supports, two second supports, pairs of third supports and following supports, a horizontal frame, a vertical frame visit, upper and lower gutters, a work plan, an additional work plan, doors, cantilevered or not, an electric chute, frontal flanges, board power supplies, higher power supplies, tower feeders, collecting cups liquids, hanging windows, grilles; where the metal profile uprights extend from the floor all the way up the wall cabinet and they possess, both on their vertical fields and on their their sides, means that can help to fix said first, second and third supports and following brackets at the same time on their front sides and rear, as well as these amounts in metal profiles can support between them the vertical frame, the upper and lower gutters, the supplement worktop, the shelves without protruding and with protruding, lathe feeds, bowls collectors, hanging windows and grids; the first supports are attached to the feet uprights made of metal profiles and rest on the ground ; the second supports can be fixed to the choice at least at two distinct ergonomic levels of uprights of metal profiles; the horizontal frame is fixed between the second supports; the work plan is fixed to the horizontal frame; vertical mount of visit is fixed between the uprights made of metal profiles; the upper and lower gutters are coupled horizontally at the top and bottom edges vertical frame and extend between the two uprights of metal profiles; the plan supplement working is coupled on the upper gutter of the vertical frame and includes power elements; and the following third supports and supports can be selectively attached to various heights of studs in metal profiles.

With this constitution, the proposed system makes possible the construction of a structure that incorporates the work table and shelf. In addition, the construction of structural components and their selection make it possible to obtain a simple construction, to be assembled as if it were a meccano game, by using simple fasteners and tools elementary; at the same time that they ensure a great adaptability to applications.

In this building system, the gutter top of the vertical frame is intended to incorporate the sinks and necessary draining means; while the lower gutter of the vertical frame supports the water and gas supply lines; the power supply means are realized by means of of an electric cable tray, to which are connected a power supply gallery, a luminaire with switch double socket, oral communication terminals and data exchange, and an internal partition of separation for the necessary wiring. Which means the shelving unit constituted according to the invention provides the correct separation of different types of power necessary, in accordance with safety standards in force.

Another particularity of the invention consists in the vertical access frame has access doors sliding or swinging, so that we have a quick and convenient access to power supplies and their means of measurement and control (meters, pressure switches, etc.), arranged concealed behind said vertical access frame.

Also according to the invention, the front edges are profiles that are coupled to the edges longitudinal dimensions of the shelves cantilevered or not, and who are adequately protruding from their plan superior. Such borders are intended to prevent the falling of the elements deposited on the tablets; when these elements can produce liquid flows, the shelves cantilevered or not are replaced by collecting bowls of liquids. Similarly, borders can be placed in such a way that the tablet is flush with said profile to place instrumentation apparatus.

In addition to the simplicity of construction and proposed system design, it should be noted that the first and second supports are identical between them except that they are mounted in positions returned 180 ° so that the first supports constitute support lugs for the profile posts metal and that the second supports play the role supports of the work plan. Extra, the third supports and the following supports meet the same concept of design as the first and second supports, except that they are of length different.

Some embodiments are intended the means provided for regulating at will the position in height of the work plan, which are means of selectively variable setting continuously or discontinuous.

With regard to the means of continuous adjustment, a embodiment of the height adjustment device selectively variable is that the amounts have, on their vertical edges, grooves longitudinal which are narrower on their side open only in their interior and which, in this inside, can receive mounted pressure stops in the second supports. Using grooves such as those indicated, the invention two other variants are envisaged: the first is that these vertical flutes incorporate internally, and with slippery fit, a plate with threaded holes for first respective screws mounted in the second supports; and the second is that the vertical splines are constituent parts of coupling means slippery that are complementary to others that exist in the second supports, these second supports are joined to the horizontal frame and this horizontal frame is fixed at the end of a piston that is part of a cylinder to vertical fluid. Another embodiment that is not not based on vertical grooves is this that there are vertical toothed racks which are attached to the uprights and in which mesh motorized gears that are attached to the second supports.

With regard to the height adjustment means in a discontinuous manner, the present patent of consider two possibilities. A first possibility consists in that the vertical fields of the uprights possess, with appropriate distribution, a plurality of threaded holes for second screws respective ones which are mounted in the second supports. The second possibility is that in which vertical fields of the uprights present a grooving having an appropriate pitch between the grooves consecutive, while the second supports have a pair of ribs that can be mated in corresponding grooves of said grooving, consecutive or not.

DRAWINGS AND REFERENCES

To better understand the nature of this invention, we represent in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment of industrial production, which has a character of purely illustrative example and not limiting.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view shows, on the right, the supporting structure and, left, the elements supported by it.

FIG. 2 is a shelving unit constituted according to the invention.

Figures 3 and 4 show in perspective cantilevered shelves (13) of different types, mounted with respective third supports (4), a front edge (15) and associated with a cable tray electric (14).

Figures 5 and 6 are respective side views which correspond to Figures 3 and 4.

Figures 7 and 8 are side views such as Figures 5 and 6, but which show the gallery of power supplies (23) in the rear position relative to the electric chute with luminaire (14).

Figure 9 shows in perspective a bowl liquid collector (19).

Figures 10 and 11 are side views of a shelf with protrusion (12) or without protrusion (13), with the front edge (15) projecting from Fig. 10 and in the extension of the surface of the tablet on Figure 11.

Figures 12 to 21 are perspective views that show different realizations according to invention and purely illustrative and not limiting.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a shelf unit constituted according to the invention and which corresponds to the variant embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of detail II which appears circled in Figure 22 and it shows a variant of the height adjustment means selectively continuously variable according to this invention.

Figures 24 to 26 are enlarged views as that of Figure 23, but which refer to other variants of the height adjustment means selectively continuously variable according to this invention.

Figures 27 and 28 are similar to Figures 23 to But they refer to variants of the means of selectively variable adjustment in height so discontinuous according to this invention.

1 - Montants en profilés métalliques

2 - Premiers supports

3 - Deuxièmes supports

4 - Troisièmes supports et supports suivants

5 - Bâti horizontal

6 - Bâti vertical d'accès

7 - Gouttière supérieure du bâti vertical (6)

8 - Gouttière inférieure du bâti vertical (6)

9 - Plan de travail

10 - Supplément de plan de travail

11 - Porte d'accès pour bâti vertical (6)

12 - Tablettes sans saillie

13 - Tablettes avec saillie

14 - Goulotte électrique avec luminaire

15 - Bordure frontale

16 - Alimentations de plateau

17 - Alimentations supérieures

18 - Alimentations en tour

19 - Cuvette collectrice de liquides

20 - Vitrine suspendue

21 - Grille

22 - Eviers

23 - Galerie d'alimentations

24 - Nervure asymétrique de la bordure frontale (15)

25 - Cannelures longitudinales dans les montants (1)

26 - Arrêts à pression

27 - Plaquette

28 - Trous filetés de plaquette (27)

29 - Premières vis

30 - Cylindre à fluide vertical

31 - Piston du cylindre (30)

32 - Crémaillère dentée verticale

33 - Pignon motorisé

34 - Trous filetés dans.les montants (1)

35 - Deuxièmes vis

36 - Rainurages dans les montants (1)

37 - Nervures dans les deuxième supports (3)

In these figures, the following references have been indicated:

1 - Uprights in metal profiles

2 - First supports

3 - Second supports

4 - Third and subsequent supports

5 - Horizontal frame

6 - Vertical access frame

7 - Upper gutter of the vertical frame (6)

8 - Gutter bottom of the vertical frame (6)

9 - Work plan

10 - Work plan supplement

11 - Access door for vertical frame (6)

12 - Non-protruding shelves

13 - Shelves with protrusion

14 - Electric trunking with luminaire

15 - Frontal border

16 - Board power supplies

17 - Higher power supplies

18 - Tower Power Supplies

19 - Liquid collection basin

20 - Hanging showcase

21 - Grid

22 - Sinks

23 - Power Gallery

24 - Asymmetrical rib of the frontal border (15)

25 - Longitudinal grooves in the uprights (1)

26 - Pressure stops

27 - Plaque

28 - Threaded insert holes (27)

29 - First screws

30 - Vertical fluid cylinder

31 - Piston of the cylinder (30)

32 - Vertical toothed rack

33 - Motorized pinion

34 - Threaded holes in the uprights (1)

35 - Second screws

36 - Grooves in the uprights (1)

37 - Ribs in the second supports (3)

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In combination with drawings and references listed above, we represent on the boards annexed the object of the invention and different modes of embodiment of this invention, which relates to a construction system, for shelf unit which, as shown in Figure 1, includes two amounts in metal profiles (1), first two supports (2), two second supports (3), pairs of third and subsequent supports (4), one frame horizontal (5), a vertical access frame (6), gutters upper (7) and lower (8), a plan of (9), an additional work plan (10), access doors (11), non-projecting shelves (12), shelves with projection (13), an electric chute with luminaire (14), front edges (15), worktop supplies (16), power supplies (17), tower power supplies (18), collecting bowls of liquids (19), showcases suspended (20), grids (21); where: the amounts in metal profiles (1) extend from the ground on the entire height of the wall cabinet and they own, also well on their vertical fields than on their sides, means which may make it possible to fix the said first (2), second (3) and third supports and supports following (4) at the same time on their front and rear, as well as these amounts in metal profiles can support between them the vertical frame (6), the gutters upper (7) and lower (8), the extra worktop (10), tablets without projection (12) and with projection (13), the power supplies tower (18), the liquid collecting cups (19), hanging showcases (20) and grilles (21); the first supports (2) are attached to the feet of the uprights in metal profiles (1) and rest on the ground; the second supports (3) can be attached to less at two ergonomic levels distinct from the amounts made of metal profiles (1); the horizontal frame (5) is fixed between the second supports (3), the work plan (9) is fixed to the horizontal frame (5); the vertical frame (6) is fixed between the profile posts metal (1); the upper gutters (7) and lower part (8) are coupled horizontally to the edges respective upper and lower portions of the vertical frame (6) and extend between the two studs metal (1); additional worktop (10) is coupled to the upper gutter of the vertical frame (7) and includes power elements; and the third and subsequent supports (4) can be attached selectively at various heights of amounts in metal profiles (1).

In FIG. 1, a variant of construction with two protruding shelves (13) and an electric chute in which are integrated (figure 3 to 6) a supply gallery (23), a luminaire with switch, double sockets, communication of oral information and exchange of data, in addition to incorporating an internal partition separation for the necessary wiring; on the Figures 5 and 6, we can see the layout of this internal partition wall for wiring. On the FIG. 1 also shows the sliding doors or flaps (11) for the vertical frame (6), as well as a worktop supplement (10) which is equipped with two sinks (22) arranged to the right of arrivals of liquids which are produced using higher power supplies (17), as shown in Figure 2, by means of of tray feeds (16), as shown in FIG. figure 12 or, including, by the combination of board (16) and higher (17) power supplies we see it in figures 13 and 14.

Figures 3 to 8 illustrate subsets related to a chute with luminaire (14) coupled in its lower part to tablets in overhang (13), with a separate bottom, which are fixed between a pair of third supports (4) and terminated by respective leading edges (15) which prevent or make it more difficult to accidentally fall objects deposited on these tablets, in the event that spills of liquids, the door shelves to false (13) or not (12) can be replaced by liquid collecting cups (19) in the form of basins, like the one shown in Figure 9. The embodiment of Figure 14 is similar to that of the Figure 13, but with a different electrical chute, provided with a luminaire (14).

The front edges (15) are profiles that are coupled to the longitudinal edges of the shelves cantilever (13) or not (12), flush with the upper plane of these tablets or forming a rim.

As seen in Figures 10 and 11, the border front (15) can be mounted on the front of the tablet cantilevered or not (12 or 13); in Figure 10, the coupling is realized by constituting a rim which prevent the falling of appliances and containers located on the shelf with or without projection (12 or 13), while, in FIG. 11, the front edge (15) is flush with the surface of the tablet. One or the other montage is obtained by simple 180 ° rotation of the border frontal (15) and by coupling the rib asymmetrical (24) of the front edge (15).

The second supports (3) are adjustable in height along the amount of metal profile, so that the the work plan is too, which allows us to adapt easily the ergonomic position of the worktop both to the concrete element or to the function that is going to carry out on this specific place, that at the position of most appropriate work for the user (s).

For any tablet with or without projection (12 or 13) it is expected that it has a liquid collecting bowl configuration (19).

For applications where one requires special degree of cleanliness, as in so-called "clean rooms", it is planned the use of a panel post-formed without ridge; as it is represented on Figure 15.

Figures 18 and 20 show various achievements equipped with tower feeders (18) which incorporate themselves as well as liquid feeds power supplies, gas, or means of communication of oral information or exchange of data. The embodiment of FIG. only non-protruding shelf (12), that of Figure 19 has two protruding shelves (12) and that of Figure 18 additionally includes a suspended showcase (20).

Figures 19 and 20 show achievements that include grids (21) for producing on they mount circuits or devices to to study. In these figures, the work plan (9) is at a level lower than in the indicated achievements previously.

Figure 21 shows a dual embodiment, in that the same amounts of metal profiles (1), a furniture-shelf structure carrying two workstations facing face.

Other features are explained below Referring to Figures 22 to 28 of the representation attached graph; they refer to variants of means of selectively variable adjustment of the height of the worktop (9) for the shelves-furniture of laboratory which are constituted according to the system of construction whose configuration represented on the attached figure is a purely illustrative example.

Figures 23 to 26 show variants respective means of adjustment which are of those make continuous adjustment possible. Variant shown in Figure 23 is that the uprights (1) have on their vertical fields longitudinal grooves (25) which are narrower on their longitudinal side open only in their interior and who, in this interior, can receive stops at pressure (26) mounted on the second supports (3).

In the solution shown in Figure 24, there is longitudinal grooves (25) like the previous ones, but who incorporate in their interior and with sliding fit, a wafer (27) with holes threaded (28) provided for first screws (29) mounted on the second supports (3).

The longitudinal grooves (25) are also part of the variant shown in Figure 25, where they constitute a constituent part of coupling means which are complementary to others that are present on the second supports (3), these second supports (3) are joined to the horizontal frame (5) and this horizontal frame (5) is attached to the end of a piston (31) which is part of a vertical fluid cylinder (30).

Figure 26 shows a solution where the longitudinal grooves (25) are not needed but, to get the continuous tuning and selectively variable in height, it is planned racks corresponding vertical teeth (32) which are fixed to the amounts (1) and in which motorized gears (33) which are attached to the second supports (3).

Figures 27 and 28 show solutions to allow the desired adjustment, but discontinuous way, that is to say step by step. Variant shown in Figure 27 is that the vertical fields of the uprights (1), have a plurality of threaded holes with a distribution appropriate (34), for respective second screws (35) which are mounted on the second supports (3). Of his side, Figure 28 shows the variant consisting of vertical fields of the uprights (1) have a grooving (36) having a suitable pitch between consecutive grooves, while the second supports (3) have a pair of ribs (37) that can be coupled in corresponding grooves, consecutive or not, said grooving (36).

Claims (15)

Construction system, for laboratory shelf unit, characterized in that it comprises two metal profile uprights (1), two first supports (2), two second supports (3), pairs of third supports and subsequent supports (4), a horizontal frame (5), a vertical access frame (6), upper (7) and lower (8) gutters, a worktop (9), an additional worktop (10) , access doors (11), cantilevered shelves (13) or not (12), electrical trunking with luminaire (14), front edges (15), worktop supplies (16) upper feeders (17), tower feeders (18), liquid collecting cups (19), hanging showcases (20), grids (21); where: the uprights of metal profiles (1) extend from the ground over the entire height of the wall unit and they have, both on their vertical fields and on their sides, means that can be used to fix said first (2 ), second (3) and third supports and supports (4) at the same time on their front and rear sides, as these amounts of metal profiles can support between them the vertical frame (6), the upper gutters (7) and bottom (8), additional worktop (10), cantilevered shelves (13) or not (12), tower feeders (18), liquid collecting cups (19), showcases suspended (20) and grilles (21); the first supports (2) are fixed to the legs of the metal profile uprights (1) and rest on the floor; the second supports (3) can be optionally fixed at at least two ergonomic levels distinct from the amounts of metal profiles (1); the horizontal frame (5) is fixed between the second supports (3), the work plane (9) is fixed to the horizontal frame (5); the vertical inspection frame (6) is fixed between the uprights made of metal profiles (1); the upper (7) and lower (8) gutters are coupled horizontally to the respective upper and lower edges of the vertical frame (6) and extend between the two metal profile uprights (1); the additional worktop (10) is coupled to the upper trough of the vertical frame (7) and includes feed elements; and the third and subsequent supports (4) can be selectively attached at various heights of the metal profile posts (1). Laboratory shelving system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the vertical access frame (6) is provided with sliding or swinging access doors (11). Laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the front edges (15) are profiles which are coupled to the longitudinal edges of the cantilevered shelves (13) or not (12), making protruding from the top plane of these tablets. Laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the front edges (15) are profiles which are coupled to the longitudinal edges of the cantilevered shelves (13) or not (12), flush from the top of these shelves forming a rim. Laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that in said electrical trunking with luminaire (14) is integrated a feed gallery (23) provided with a switch, double sockets, means communication device and data exchange means, in addition to incorporating an internal partition wall for the necessary wiring. Laboratory shelf furniture construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said first supports (2) and second supports (3) are identical to each other. A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said second supports (3) are adjustable in height along the metal profile upright, so that the worktop is also adjustable. Laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the shelves (12, 13) is configured as a liquid collecting cup (19). Laboratory shelving system, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting the height of the work plane (9) which are selectively variable adjustment means in a continuous or discontinuous manner. A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that the selectively variable continuous adjusting means consist in that the uprights (1) have, in their vertical fields, longitudinal grooves (25) which are more narrow on their open longitudinal side only inside and that, in this interior, they can receive pressure stops (26) mounted on the second supports (3). A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that the selectively variable continuous adjusting means consist in that the uprights (1) have, in their vertical fields, longitudinal grooves (25) which are more narrow on their open longitudinal side that they internally include with sliding fit a plate (27) provided with threaded holes (28) provided for respective first screws (29) mounted on the second supports (3). A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that selectively variable continuous adjusting means consist in that the uprights (1) have, in their vertical fields, longitudinal grooves (25) which are more narrow on their open longitudinal side and inside which constitute part of sliding coupling means which are complementary to others provided on the second supports (3), these second supports (3) are joined to the horizontal frame (5). ) and this horizontal frame (5) is attached to the end of a piston (31) which is part of a vertical fluid cylinder (30). A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that selectively variable continuous adjusting means is that there are vertical toothed racks (32) which are attached to the uprights (1) and in which meshing motorized gears (33) which are fixed to the second supports (3). A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that selectively variable discontinuous adjustment means is that the vertical fields of the uprights (1) have, with appropriate distribution, a plurality of threaded holes ( 34) provided for second screws (35) which are mounted on the second supports (3). A laboratory shelf cabinet construction system according to claim 9, characterized in that selectively variable discontinuous adjustment means is that the vertical fields of the uprights (1) have a groove having a suitable pitch between the consecutive grooves, while the second supports (3) have a pair of ribs (37) which can mate with the corresponding grooves, consecutive or not, of said grooving (36).

Images