EP1364596A1

EP1364596A1 - System desk

Info

Publication number: EP1364596A1
Application number: EP02700751A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Isao Hosoe; Katsunori c/o Itoki Crebio Corporation HAMA; Takeshi c/o Itoki Crebio Corporation KAGAYAMA; Tomohiko c/o Itoki Co. Ltd. TASAKA
Original assignee: Itoki Crebio Corp; Itoki Co Ltd
Current assignee: Itoki Crebio Corp; Itoki Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-27
Filing date: 2002-02-25
Publication date: 2003-11-26
Also published as: EP1364596A4; CN1233286C; WO2002067723A1; CN1498088A; HK1063717A1

Abstract

A system desk is provided which enables a person (worker) seated in front of a desk top plate to concentrate on work or to conveniently make conversation with another person and to quickly change the condition of the desk between one for work and one for conversation. The desk top plate 2 having a generally semicircular outer periphery 2a in plan view is supported by legs 4 provided with casters 5. The desk top panel has a lower surface provided, at a portion close to the outer periphery, with a downwardly open guide rail 21 which is arcuate in plan view. A service station 3 arranged outwardly of the outer periphery includes a post 7 from which an arm 13 projects. The arm is provided with a rotation roller 18 which is fitted in the guide rail 6 for connecting the desk top plate 2 and the service station 3 for relative movement in the arc in plan view. The desk top plate 2 has an inner periphery formed with a recess 2b adjacent to a rotation center O. By horizontally pivoting the desk top plate 2, the person sitting close to the rotation center can face the service station 3 or make conversation with another person by laterally deviating the service station out of hinderance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a structure of a system desk which enables selection of a optimum work space position or a position for concentrating on work or for conversation (communication) or the like and which also enables easy variation of the layout.

BACKGROUND ART

As an example of conventional system desk, JP-A-4-357904 discloses a system desk for realizing effective utilization of an office space and for enhancing work efficiency by increasing a workspace. Specifically, the system desk comprises a combination of desks each having a hexagonal desk top panel and side desks each having a rectangular auxiliary desk top panel which is equal in height to the desk. The plurality of (four) hexagonal top plates are arranged so that one side of each hexagonal top plate abuts against one side of another top plate while the auxiliary top plate of each side desk is arranged along one side of a relevant hexagonal top plate.
With this structure, when a person seated on a chair arranged on an inner peripheral side of the hexagonal top plate is set as the center, an arcuate work space reachable by the person is included in a region of the hexagonal top plate and the adjacent auxiliary top plate. Further, when the four auxiliary top plates are arranged adjacent to each other in a rectangular layout and the hexagonal top plates are arranged along it so that the sides of the hexagons abut against each other, the dead space can be eliminated with the work spaces positioned close to each other. Further, the independence of work space can be ensured even in a face-to-face island arrangement. Moreover, when a chair or a like is placed on an outer peripheral side of one hexagonal top plate, meeting space can be prepared.
However, due to recent computerization, the operation using an electronic apparatus such as a computer is often necessary, so that it is desirable to collect portions (service station) for placing such an apparatus or documents to one location. However, in the prior art system desk, only the auxiliary desk top panel exists as a service station for placing such an apparatus or documents and it is difficult to arrange a plurality of service providing portions of various functions. Therefore, articles of service providing portions are spread at various locations, which makes the top of the desk untidy. Further, in the case of the desk having a hexagonal top plate, an angular dead space exists outwardly of the arcuate work space reachable by a person's hand. Therefore, when the auxiliary top plate is utilized as a service station and the person talks with (communicates with) another person while sandwiching the hexagonal top plate therebetween, the distance between the persons varies depending on the position. Moreover, sitting at a corner portion on the outer side of the desk top panel gives uncomfortable feeling to the person.
Further, it is difficult to quickly change the condition of the desk from one for concentrating on work using information equipment to that for another one for talking with another person and to shift the large space area on the desk top panel to a position appropriate for the purpose.
On the other hand, Japanese Design Registration No. 683190 (Registration Date: April 24, 1986) discloses a teacher's desk which is generally semicircular in plan view and which includes a desk top panel having a generally arcuate outer periphery and a leg member in the form of a frame for supporting the desk top panel. The leg member is disposed under the desk top panel adjacent to the outer periphery and has a lower end provided with a plurality of casters. The desk top panel includes an inner periphery formed with a recess so that a person such as a teacher standing or sitting in front of the desk can easily reach the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
Owing to the provision of the casters, the teacher's desk is movable horizontally in a desired direction. However, from the nature of a teacher's desk, arranging of the above-described service station adjacent to the outer periphery of the desk is not considered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the present invention, which is conceived in view of the above-described problems of prior art system desks, is to provide a system desk capable of enabling a person (worker) sitting in front of the desk top panel to concentrate on work or to conveniently talk with others, capable of enabling quick change between a condition for work and a condition for conversation, and capable of reducing a dead space while minimizing the territory (area) of the person.
To achieve the object, a first aspect of the present invention provides a system desk comprising a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery, and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel. The service station and the desk are movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system desk comprising a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery, and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel. The desk top panel includes a supported portion, whereas the service station includes a supporting portion for supporting the supported portion of the desk top panel. The service station and the desk are movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel. In this case, the desk top panel includes guide means which is arcuate in plan view, and the service station includes supporting means for guiding the guide means.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a system desk comprising a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery, and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel. The service station and the desk top panel are connected to each other to be inseparable in a horizontal direction while being movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel. In this case, the service station includes guide means which is arcuate in plan view, and the desk top panel includes supporting means for guiding the guide means. The service station and the desk are connected to each other to be inseparable in a horizontal direction while being movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
With the above-described structure of the first through the third aspects, a workers positioned on a rotation center side of the desk top panel can horizontally pivot the desk top panel relative to the service station as desired. Therefore, the worker can face OA equipment or the like disposed on the service station to concentrate on the work using the equipment or face a person positioned on the outer peripheral side of the desk top panel for conversation by shifting the relative position of the service station to the desk top panel by rotating the desk top panel. In this way, the worker can greatly change his or her field of view quickly and easily and can easily remove a physical or visual obstacle for conversation.
Further, by setting the radius of the outer periphery of the desk top panel to an appropriate one, a plurality of system desks can be arranged while keeping the territory balance (balance of area) of workers and an optimum work space around each worker and ensuring the option (freedom) or flexibility of layout of the plural system desks.
Since the distance from the person positioned on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel to the arcuate outer periphery is equal, the person's hand can easily reach the service station arranged along and outwardly of the outer periphery, which enhances the work efficiency.
When the desk top panel and the service station are held connected by guide means, the desk top panel can be pivoted for horizontal movement relative to the service station so that the both members neither directly contact nor separate. In that case, when the guide member is generally arcuate in plan view, the desk top panel and the service station can be moved horizontally relative to each other along the generally arcuate outer periphery of the desk top late.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the desk top panel has an inner peripheral portion formed with a recess for positioning a person close to a hypothetical circle center of the arcuate outer periphery. With this structure, the position of a person to be seated is set to a recess on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel so that the entire upper surface of the generally semicircular desk top panel can be reached by the person, which facilitates the work. Further, the person can easily pivot the desk top panel as seated.
A second object of the present invention is to make it easy to horizontally pivot the desk top panel along the outer periphery of the desk top panel, i.e. along an arcuate path in plan view without being hindered by the feet of the person seated on the chair arranged on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel.
According to a first aspect of the present invention to achieve the second object, the desk top panel is supported on a leg which is provided with a caster for making the desk top panel movable generally along a path of the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
According to a second aspect, the desk top panel is provided with legs adjacent to the outer periphery, and the legs are provided with horizontal feet extending along the outer periphery at opposite sides of the desk top panel and separated suitably from each other to define a space therebetween. In this way, since the paired legs and the horizontal feet provided on the legs are arranged close to the outer periphery of the desk top panel, the desk top panel can be supported stably. Further, since the horizontal feet extend adjacent to and along the outer periphery of the desk top panel toward opposite sides, feet of the person seated on a chair arranged on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel do not become an obstacle.
According to a third aspect, the horizontal feet are generally arcuate in plan view. With this structure, when the desk top panel is pivoted generally along the path of the arc of the outer periphery and the horizontal feet pivot horizontally together with the desk top panel, the feet of the person seated on a chair arranged on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel do not become an obstacle.
According to a fourth aspect, an auxiliary horizontal foot is connected to a lower end of the service station via a connection member extending radially inward below the desk top panel via the space. With such a structure, the service station can stand stably owing to the provision of the auxiliary horizontal foot. Further, feet of the person sitting on a chair arranged on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel can be placed on the auxiliary horizontal foot to make the auxiliary horizontal foot serve as a footrest.
According to a fifth aspect, each of the horizontal feet is provided with a caster, and the horizontal foot is capable of moving over the connection member of the service station. When the orientation of the desk top panel is largely changed by horizontal pivoting, the horizontal foot can move over the connection member of the service station. Therefore, the service station can be located at a position largely deviated to a side of the desk top panel along the outer periphery.
According to a sixth aspect, the caster is provided with lock means. With such a structure, the desk top panel can be stably held at the position shifted relative to the service station so as not to move sideways.
A third object of the present invention is to provide the service station with various functions useful for various works for enhancing the work efficiency, or to removably attach a service providing portion having such functions to the service station for providing the user with various options selectable as desired for enhancing the work efficiency.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a system desk comprising a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery, and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel. The service station includes a post and a foot for supporting the post on a floor surface. The post has a wiring function and a function for removably mounting an article. With this structure, the third object can be achieved. Further, a large part for wiring need not be separately provided.
According to a second aspect, the service station is removably provided with a service providing portion at an upper surface side of the desk top panel. Therefore, a worker positioned across the desk top panel can easily reach the service station and easily change or add a service providing portion through preference or in accordance with the kind of work.
Further, the service providing portion comprises a horizontally elongate beam member including a hollow portion capable of accommodating wiring and an additional article mounting portion for providing office service such as a supporting unit for a liquid crystal display, a memo board or a shelf board supporting unit. When a liquid crystal display is disposed on the beam member, the excess portion of the wiring cord can be easily accommodated. Further, an additional article for providing various kinds of office service can be easily attached or mounted to the beam member so that the worker positioned across the desk top panel can easily reach the service providing portion.
The service providing portion may be an accommodating unit which includes an accommodation main body having an opening at a front and a cover member for covering the opening of the accommodation main body, and the cover member may be capable of exposing the opening while covering an upper portion and a rear side of the accommodation main body when the cover member is pivoted upward. In such a case, documents or the like which are often used may be accommodated in the accommodation main body so that such articles can be easily put in or taken out from the accommodation main body by opening the cover from the front side of the desk.
The service providing portion may be a screen unit which is so suspended as to project laterally of the post. Such a screen unit serves as a screen between adjacent desks when a plurality of desks are arranged so that the outer peripheries adjoin each other.
According to a third aspect for the third object of the present invention, the post of the service station has an upper end provided with a lighting apparatus. With this structure, illumination effect such as indirect illumination can be provided for the desk top panel or the service station.
According to a fourth aspect for the third object of the present invention, a plurality of service stations are arranged along the outer periphery of the desk top panel movably on the floor surface. When a plurality of service stations are arranged along the outer periphery of a single desk top panel, various kinds of service providing portions can be provided, which enhances the convenience for the user. Further, when a plurality of desks are arranged so that the respective arcuate outer peripheries face each other while interposing a plurality of service stations between adjacent desk top panels, the service providing portions can be shared.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a system desk according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a right side view of the first embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of system desk viewed from the front.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a service station according to a first embodiment as viewed from the front.
Figs. 5 illustrate a second embodiment of a system desk, Fig. 5(a) being a plan view, and Fig. 5(b) being a right side view.
Fig. 6 is a front view of a system desk according to a third embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines VII-VII in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a plan view of the third embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a principal portion of guide means.
Fig. 10 is a sectional view illustrating connection between an upper post and a lower post via an upper beam.
Fig. 11 is a sectional side view illustrating another embodiment of the guide means.
Fig. 12(a) is a plan view illustrating part of an upper or lower beam, Fig. 12(b) is a sectional view taken along lines XIIb-XIIb in Fig. 12(a), and Fig. 12(c) is a side view taken along lines XIIc-XIIc in Fig. 12(a).
Fig. 13(a) is a plan view of a system desk according to a fourth embodiment, whereas Fig. 13(b) is a side view of the desk.
Fig. 14(a) is a plan view of a system desk according to a fifth embodiment, whereas Fig. 14(b) is a side view of the desk.
Fig. 15(a) is a plan view of a system desk according to a sixth embodiment, whereas Fig. 15(b) is a side view of the desk.
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment.
Figs. 17 are plan views illustrating variations of orientation of the desk top panel, Fig. 17(a) illustrating orientation which enables the person to face the service station, Fig. 17(b) illustrating the desk top panel pivoted to the left relative to the service station, and Fig. 17(c) illustrating the desk top panel pivoted to the right relative to the service station.
Fig. 18(a) is a plan view illustrating three system desks arranged in a triangle, Fig. 18(b) is a plan view illustrating four system desks arranged in a rhombus and Fig. 18(c) is a plan view illustrating a plurality of system desks arranged in a wave-like pattern.
Fig. 19 is a plan view illustrating a variation of arrangement of a plurality of system desks.
Fig. 20 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of service station as viewed from the front.
Fig. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of service station as viewed from the rear.
Fig. 22 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of service station as viewed from the front.
Fig. 23 is a side view illustrating a desk and a service station.
Fig. 24 is a plan view illustrating a desk and a service station.
Fig. 25 is a side view, which is partially cut away, of a vertically adjustable leg of a desk top panel.
Fig. 26 is a sectional view illustrating a guiding and supporting structure for an upper post and a lower post.
Fig. 27 is a sectional view taken along lines XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26.
Fig. 28 is a sectional view illustrating a principal portion of a handle portion and a guide rail of a desk top panel.
Fig. 29 is a front view of a service station and an article accommodating unit.
Fig. 30 is a right side view of the service station and the article accommodating unit.
Fig. 31 is a plan side view of the service station and the article accommodating unit.
Fig. 32 is an enlarged sectional view of a post and a mounting member.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a beam member of the article accommodating unit.
Figs. 34 illustrate details of the beam member: Fig. 34(a) being a plan view of the beam member, Fig. 34(b) being a sectional view taken along lines B-B in Fig. 34(a), Fig. 34(c) being a sectional view taken along lines C-C in Fig. 34(a), Fig. 34(d) being a sectional view taken along lines D-D in Fig. 34(a), Fig. 34(e) being a sectional view taken along lines E-E in Fig. 34(a), and Fig. 34(f) being a sectional view taken along lines F-F in Fig. 34(a).
Fig. 35 is a bottom view illustrating a half portion of a lid.
Fig. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting member for a post.
Fig. 37 is an enlarged view illustrating aprincipal portion of a support member of a desk top panel.
Fig. 38 is a left side view of an article accommodating unit mounted to the upper end of a post.
Fig. 39(a) is a left side view of an article accommodating unit, and Fig. 39(b) is a view taken along lines XXXIXb-XXXIXb in Fig. 39(a).
Fig. 40(a) is a left side view of an accommodation main body, and Fig. 40(b) is a view taken along lines XLb-XLb in Fig. 40(a).
Fig. 41 is a front view illustrating a principal portion of a collar member.
Fig. 42(a) is a sectional side view illustrating a pivot supporting unit, and Fig. 42(b) is a front view illustrating the pivot supporting unit with the cap removed.
Fig. 43 is a sectional side view illustrating a mounting portion of the article accommodating unit.
Fig. 44 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines XLIV-XLIV in Fig. 43.
Fig. 45 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating a mounting portion of a lighting apparatus.
Figs. 46 illustrate a screen unit: Fig. 46 (a) is an exploded perspective view of the parts whereas Fig. 46(b) illustrates the sequence of assembling.
Fig. 47(a) is a sectional view illustrating a post to which a screen unit is mounted via a mounting member, and Fig. 47(b) is a sectional side view illustrating the manner of inserting the mounting member in the post.
Fig. 48(a) is a sectional view illustrating a protective cover, and Fig. 48(b) is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines XLVIIIb-XLVIIIb in Fig. 48(a).
Fig. 49 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of auxiliary top plate unit.
Fig. 50 is a plan view illustrating a principal portion.
Fig. 51 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a principal portion.
Fig. 52(a) is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the connection at a lower end of a leg of the auxiliary top plate unit, and Fig. 52(b) is a plan view illustrating the connection.
Fig. 53 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of auxiliary top plate unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention can be carried out in many modified or alternative ways, though the drawings only show some particular (or optimum) embodiments. Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings.
The system desk 1 according to the present invention comprises a desk top panel 2 which is generally semicircular in plan view and a service station 3 arranged adjacent to an outer periphery of the desk top panel. In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4, the desk top panel 2 is separable from the service station 3 and is horizontally pivotable relative to the service station 3 in that state.
As shown in Fig. 1, as viewed in plan, the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 is defined by a circumference of a generally semicircular shape with a radius R1 from a center O as a hypothetical rotation center. The desk top panel 2 has an inner periphery centrally formed with a recess 2b of a generally semicircular shape with a radius R2. The recess 2b is formed for avoiding contact with the body of a worker (person H0) when the worker is positioned adjacent to the center O. In the embodiment, the radius R1 of the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 is about 600-800mm, and preferably 750mm. The radius R2 of the recess 2b is about 350mm.
The desk top panel 2 according to the first embodiment is supported by a pair of legs 4, 4. Each of the legs 4 comprises a leg pole 4a and a horizontal foot 4b of a generally crescent shape (generally arcuate) . The horizontal feet 4b are arranged generally along and inwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. Each of the feet 4b has a lower surface provided with a plurality of casters 5.
As shown in Figs. 1-4, the service station 3 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the desk top panel 2 comprises a generally arcuate article accommodating/supporting unit 16 provided at an intermediate portion of the height of a post 7, an article accommodating unit 15 provided at an upper end of the post 7 and so on. As will be described later, various embodiments may be employed for the structure of the service station 3.
Below the desk top panel 2 and outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel is provided a generally arcuate horizontal foot member 9 on which the post 7 stands upright. The horizontal foot member 9 is provided with an auxiliary horizontal foot 10 connected thereto via a connection member 8 extending radially inwardly from the horizontal foot member 9 below the desk top panel 2.
The desk top panel 2 is separable from the service station 3 and is horizontally pivotable relative to the service station 3 in that state. For guiding the desk top panel so as not to hit against the post 7 or the like of the service station when the desk top panel pivots horizontally about the hypothetical rotation center O, the post 7 is provided, at an intermediate portion of the height thereof, with an arm 13. The arm is provided with a plurality of rotation rollers 14 each standing on the arm for rotation about a vertical axis. The desk top panel 2 pivots horizontally about the hypothetical rotation center O with the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 brought into engagement with or held close to the circumferential surfaces of the rotation rollers 14 (See Figs. 1-3). This structure is the guide means in the present invention. It is to be noted that a plurality of service stations 3, 3', 3' (three in this embodiment) may be provided along the outer periphery of the desk to plate 2, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
For facilitating the horizontal pivoting of the desk top panel 2 about the hypothetical rotation center O, the casters 5 provided at the feet 4b of the paired legs 4 maybe so structured as to roll on a floor surface 19 only along the generally arcuate path.
As another embodiment of the guide means, a spherical member may be provided, instead of the rollers 14, for revolution about a vertical axis so that the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 engages the spherical surface of the spherical member. Alternatively, a sliding member with a low coefficient of friction may be provided.
The article accommodating/supporting unit 16 of the service station 3 in the illustrated first embodiment comprises a beam member 16a in the form of a hollow box and a lid 17 removably attached to an upper surface of the beam member (See Fig. 4). The lid 17 may be utilized for placing a monitor 22 such as a liquid crystal display of a computer or a non-illustrated telephone. The lid may be provided with a bucket for accommodating a non-illustrated cellular phone or writing implements such as a pencil or a memo board or the like for attaching memo pads each provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
The horizontal foot member 9 and the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 of the service station 3 may be made movable by attaching casters 12 on the lower surfaces thereof. Preferably, the connection member 8 for the horizontal foot member 9 and the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 of the service station 3 is held flat and low so that the horizontal foot 4b of the leg 4 of the desk top panel 2 can move along the floor surface 19 over the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 or the connection member 8 (See Figs. 2 and 3).
Figs. 5 (a) and 5 (b) illustrate a second embodiment of system desk 1, in which a desk top panel 2 is supported by a pair of legs 4 horizontally pivotally relative to the legs and hence is horizontally pivotable relative to a post 7 as arranged separable from the post. The paired legs 4 are connected to each other at upper portions thereof by a support arm 23 which is generally T-shaped in plan view. The support arm 23 is provided, at a generally middle portion thereof, with one or a plurality of rolling members 24a and 24b comprising a rotation roller or a spherical member and arranged at locations with radii R3 and R4, respectively, from the hypothetical rotation center O. The desk top panel 2 has a lower surface provided with an inner guide rail 25 and an outer guide rail 26 which are generally in the form of arcs respectively with radii R3 and R4 from the hypothetical rotation center O and which are downwardly open. The rolling member 24a is fitted in the inner guide rail 25, whereas the rolling member 24b is fitted in the outer guide rail 26, thereby supporting the desk top panel 2 so that the desk top panel 2 is horizontally pivotable.
On the other hand, the post 7 of the service station 3 is provided with an arm 13 projecting therefrom. The arm is provided with one or a plurality of rolling members 14 such as a rotation roller or a spherical member held in engagement with or close to the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2. A horizontal foot member 9 attached to a lower end of the post 7 of the service station 3 is provided with a pair of auxiliary horizontal feet 27 each having a crescent shape (generally arcuate) extending radially inwardly below the desk top panel 2 for enhancing stability.
The post 7 has an outer circumferential surface formed with a plurality of axially extending grooves for receiving a power cord of a monitor or wiring of a communication line and the like, so that the cord or wire are prevented from coming apart. The grooves may be closed with a vertically elongated lid formed of a synthetic resin, for example, for better appearance.
As shown in Figs. 6-12, a system desk 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention comprises a desk top panel 2 which is generally semicircular in plan view and a service station 3 arranged adjacent to an outer periphery of the desk top panel. Since the configuration of the desk top panel 2 in plan view is the same as that of the first embodiment, portions thereof are designated by the same reference signs and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The desk top panel 2 according to the third embodiment is supported by a pair of legs 4, 4. Each of the legs 4 comprises a leg pole 4a and a horizontal foot 4b of a crescent shape (generally arcuate). The horizontal feet 4b are arranged generally along and inwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. Each of the feet 4b has a lower surface provided with a plurality of casters 5.
The desk top panel 2 has a lower surface formed, adjacent the outer periphery thereof, with a guide rail 21 made of a downwardly open channel which is arcuate in plan view. As will be described later, the guide rail 21 constitutes part of guide means for horizontally pivoting the desk top panel 2 as connected to the service station 3.
As shown in Figs. 6-12, a second embodiment of the service station 3 comprises a plurality of posts 701, a generally arcuate upper lateral frame 702 connecting upper ends of the posts to each other, a generally arcuate lower lateral frame 703 connecting lower ends of the posts to each other, horizontal foot members 705 supporting these members, and an article placing unit 800 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the desk top panel 2.
The paired horizontal foot members 705 are provided at the lower lateral frame 703 so as to extend below the desk top panel 2 toward the inner periphery thereof . Among the plurality of posts 701 (three posts in this embodiment) extending between the upper and the lower lateral frames 702 and 703, each of the leftmost post 701 and the rightmost post 701 is provided with a projecting arm 13 provided with a horizontally rotatable roller 14 as guide means (See Figs. 6, 7 and 8). By rotatably fitting the rollers 14 into the guide rail 21, the desk top panel 2 can be connected to the service station 3 while enabling relative movement between the desk top panel 2 and the service station 3 along an arc without separating from each other.
In other words, the generally arcuate guide rail 21 formed at the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2 as guide means and one or a plurality of rotation rollers 14 provided at the service station 3 connect the service station 3 to the desk top panel 2 while keeping a certain distance from the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2 so as to allow horizontal relative movement between the two members.
As shown in Fig. 11, as another example of guide means, a guide rail 21 made of a radially outwardly open channel may be attached along the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. By fitting the roller 14 provided at the arm 13 projecting from the leg 9 into the guide rail 21, the desk top panel 2 can be connected to the service station 3 and can be guided for movement relative to the service station 3 generally along an arc without separating from the service station. Instead of the roller 14, a rolling member such as a spherical member or a sliding member with a low coefficient of friction may be provided.
In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and the lower lateral frames 702 and 703 comprise beam materials of the same configuration (See Figs. 7, 12 (a), 12 (b) and 12 (c)). Each beam material comprises an inner main beam 706 and an outer main beam 707 which are generally in the form of an arc having a center angle of 60 degrees (inner radius of about 760mm, outer radius of about 840mm and mean radius R0 of about 800mm), an X-shaped auxiliary rib 708 and cylindrical connecting portions 709 arranged at a predetermined pitch for connecting the inner main beam to the outer main beam. Each of the inner main beam 706 and the outer main beam 707 is in the form of a ladder. The beam material has longitudinally opposite ends each formed with a dovetail groove 710, as shown in Fig. 12 (c). Therefore, a plurality of beam materials may be removably connected to each other utilizing a non-illustrated connecting member in the form of a tenon to provide a longer lateral frame curving horizontally. For connecting the lower lateral frame 703 to the post 701 or connecting an upper post 711 to the lower post 701 via the upper lateral frame 702 as shown in Fig. 10, a connection shaft 712 is inserted in the cylindrical connecting portion 709 to extend axially within the upper post 711 and the lower post 701, and an end portion is fixed by engaging a nut 713.
Each of the horizontal foot members 705 of the service station 3 may be made movable by attaching a caster 12 on the lower surface thereof. The casters 12 and the casters 5 of the legs 4 of the desk top panel 2 may be so structured as to be capable of changing its rolling direction as desired. Each of the casters 5 may be provided with a locking device of a conventionally known structure for stopping the direction change or the rotation. By operating the locking device after the desk top panel 2 is oriented as desired, the legs 4 and hence the desk top panel 2 are prevented from unintentionally moving relative to the floor surface 19.
As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the article placing unit 800 of the service station 3, which is supported on the upper ends of paired upper posts 711, 711, comprises an upper and a lower shelf boards 801, 802. The peripheries of the upper and the lower shelf boards 801 and 802 are covered with a bellows (telescopic) door 803 for opening or closing.
Figs. 13(a) and 13(b) illustrate a fourth embodiment of a system desk, in which a desk top panel 2 which is similar in configuration to those of the foregoing embodiments is directly supported on a service station 3 so that the generally arcuate desk top panel 2 having an outer periphery 2a is horizontally pivotable. Specifically, a post 701 of the service station 3 is provided with a support arm 714 as a supporting portion which projects generally horizontally from the post and which has a tip end provided with a vertical shaft 715 projecting upward therefrom. The desk top panel 2 has a lower surface formed, at a portion close to the inner periphery thereof, with a bearing 716 into which the vertical shaft 715 is fitted, so that the desk top panel 2 is supported horizontally pivotally. Further, one or a plurality of arms 13 each provided with a sliding piece 717 projecting upward therefrom is provided so as to project from an intermediate portion of the support arm 714 or another post 701 or the like. The sliding piece 717 is slidably fitted in a guide rail 21 having an inverted U-shape in section and provided on the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 along the generally arcuate outer periphery thereof. Thus, the desk top panel 2 is supported at a plurality of locations to be horizontally pivotable with the vertical shaft 715 serving as the rotation center O. It is to be noted that the vertical shaft 715 may be mounted at the desk top panel 2 whereas the bearing 716 may be mounted at the support arm 714. The sliding piece 717 and the guide rail 21 comprise a low-friction member or a low-friction surface. In the above-described structure, legs for supporting the desk top panel 2 relative to the floor surface are unnecessary, which simplifies the structure.
Figs. 14(a) and 14(b) illustrate a fifth embodiment, in which a desk top panel 2 having a configuration similar to the above and supported horizontally pivotally relative to the legs 4 is connected to a service station 3 horizontally pivotally relative to a support 701 of the service station which keeps a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. Specifically, the paired legs 4 have respective upper portions connected to each other by a support arm 718. The support arm 718 has a generally middle portion provided with one or a plurality of rolling members 719 comprising a rotation roller or a spherical member. The desk top panel 2 has a lower surface provided with an inner guide rail 720 which is generally in the form of an arc with a radius R3 from the rotation center O and which is downwardly open. The rolling member 719 is fitted in the inner guide rail 720 for supporting the desk top panel 2 horizontally pivotally. Further, the post 701 of the service station 3 is provided with an arm 721 projecting therefrom and provided with one or a plurality of rolling members 722, which are fitted in an outer guide rail 723 provided at the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 adjacent to the outer periphery. Thus, the desk top panel 2 is horizontally pivotally supported also at this portion and connected to the service station 3 so as not to separate therefrom.
Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate a six embodiment of a system desk, in which a service station 3 is supported by a single post 7, similarly to the first embodiment. Specifically, the post 7 stands upright from a horizontal foot member 9 which is generally shaped like an arc (a crescent) coinciding with the outer periphery of the desk top panel and is provided below the desk top panel 2 on the outer peripheral side thereof. The horizontal foot member 9 is flat and has a small height. For enhancing the stability, the horizontal foot member 9 is provided with an auxiliary horizontal foot 10 connected thereto via a connection member 8 extending below the desk top panel 2 radially inwardly from the horizontal foot member. Each of the horizontal foot member 9 and the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 has a lower surface provided with casters 5 at opposite ends thereof.
On the other hand, the desk top panel 2 is supported by a pair of legs 4 each provided with a horizontal foot 4b provided with casters 5 having a height larger than those of the horizontal foot member 9, the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 and the connection member 8. Therefore, each horizontal foot 4b can move over the auxiliary horizontal foot 10 and the connection member 8 in overlapping relationship as seen in plan view. Further, the post 7 is provided with an arm 13 projecting from a longitudinally intermediate portion of the post and provided with a rolling member 18 such as a rotation roller. The rolling member is fitted in a guide rail 21 made of a downwardly open channel which is generally arcuate in plan view and which is provided at the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 close to the outer periphery thereof. Thus, the desk top panel 2 is horizontally pivotally connected to the post 7 of the service station 3 which keeps a predetermined distance from the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. The post 7 has an upper end provided with an article accommodating unit 15 for accommodating articles. Further, a generally arcuate article accommodating/supporting unit 16 for placing or suspending a liquid crystal display apparatus (monitor) 22 for example is attached to the post 7 at a position longitudinally intermediate but higher than the top surface of the desk top panel 2. Although three service stations 3 are arranged along the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2 in the illustrated embodiment, only a single service station may be provided.
In the above-described embodiments, the service stations 3 are arranged within an area having a center angle of 60 degrees in plan view, which is based on a human viewing angle in normal working.
Next, the operation and advantages of the system desk 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the examples of arrangement shown in Figs. 17 (a)-(c) and 18(a)-(c). As understood from Fig. 15, a person H0 may be regarded to be located at the center as being seated on a rotatable chair 24 arranged close to the rotation center of the desk top panel 2 (the recess 2b on the inner periphery of the desk top panel 2) which is connected to the service station 3 horizontally pivotally. Fig. 17 (a) shows the state in which the service station 3 is arranged at a middle position of the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. In this state, the person H0 faces the service station 3 located right in front, so that the person can concentrate on the inputting operation with the keyboard 23 or the like while facing various kinds of service articles (monitor 22 of the liquid crystal display apparatus or the like) provided at the service station 3.
Further, the position of the person H0 seated on the chair 24 is set at the recess 2b on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel 2 so that the person can reach any portion on the upper surface of the generally arcuate table 2, which facilitates the work. Further, since various service articles such as the monitor 22 can be collectively disposed at the service station 3 arranged close to the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2, the upper surface of the desk top panel 2 is not occupied by such articles, so that the person can concentrate on the work utilizing a wide space.
As shown in Figs. 17(b) or 17(c), the person H0 can horizontally pivot the desk top panel to the left or to the right by about 30-40 degrees while also changing the orientation of the chair 24 in the pivoting direction toward (or to face) the desk top panel. This greatly changes the field of view of the person H0. For example, in the state shown in Fig. 17 (b), the monitor 22 is deviated to the right relative to the front of the person H0. That is, the service station 3 is not located in front of the middle of the desk top panel 2 but located at a position deviated to the right. Therefore, meeting, discussion or the like with another person H1 in a face-to-face relationship can be performed utilizing a wide area extending from the middle position to the left on the desk top panel 2 while avoiding a physical or visual obstacle of the service station 3. At that time, the inputting operation can also be performed by moving the keyboard 23 to the right portion of the desk top panel 2 and orienting the monitor 22 to the left.
When the desk top panel 2 is pivoted to the right by 30 degrees and the person H0 also turns to that direction as shown in Fig. 17 (c), the position of the service station 3 deviates to the left relative to the middle of the desk top panel 2. Therefore, discussion or the like with another person H1 in a face-to-face relationship can be performed utilizing an area extending from the middle position to the right on the desk top panel 2. At that time, the inputting operation can also be performed by moving the keyboard 23 to the left portion of the desk top panel 2 and orienting the monitor 22 to the right. In this way, the work space on the desk top panel can be appropriately selected depending on the characteristics of the worker such as a right-hander or a left hander.
Further, since the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2 is generally arcuate in plan view, the distance reachable by the hands of the person H0 positioned on the inner peripheral side of the desk top panel 2 is generally equal throughout the entire upper surface of the desk top panel 2. Therefore, the distance between the service station 3.and the person H0 does not become excessively short or long, which makes it possible to perform work smoothly.
When a plurality of system desks 1 according to the present invention are arranged as shown in Fig. 18(a), the outer peripheries of the plural desk top panels 2 (three in this embodiment) become adjacent to each other with the service stations 3 interposed therebetween. The distance from the rotation center O of the desk top panel 2 to the portion of the service station 3 which provides the mean radius (the lateral frame 7), i.e. with the mean value between the inner radius and the outer radius, is equally R0 with respect to every system desk. Since each person H0 is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the relevant desk top panel 2 adjacent to the rotation center O, the person H0 is surrounded by a circle TR with a diameter 2xR0. In other words, the distance (territory or area) of 2xR0 is kept between a person sitting on the inner peripheral side of each desk top panel 2 and another person H0 sitting on the inner peripheral side of an adjacent desk top table 2.
Considering the territory balance (balance of area) of the persons and an optimum work space, it is preferable that the diameter 2×R0 is about 1500-1600mm at the minimum.
In arranging a plurality of systems desks 1 according to the present invention, the layout can be optionally (freely) and flexibly selected while keeping the territory balance by the circular region TR and keeping the space for horizontal pivoting of each system desk 2. In the example shown in Fig. 18(a), three system desks 1 are arranged in a triangle in plan view. Alternatively, four system desks 1 may be arranged in a parallelogram (rhombus) in plan view as shown in Fig. 18(b) or arranged in a wave-like pattern as shown in Fig. 18(c).
Among these layouts, in the case where the three system desks 2 are arranged in a triangle in plan view while interposing the three service stations 3 at the center, the service stations serve as physical barriers to help concentration on the work. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 18(b), two persons H0, H0 facing each other via plurality of service stations 3 are difficult to talk with each other due to the presence of the physical barrier of the service stations 3, and hence can concentrate on the operation. On the other hand, even at two desk top panels 2, 2 aligned adjacent to each other without interposing the service stations 3 therebetween, each person can concentrate on the work without feeling eyes of the other person when the persons are oriented in the same direction relative to the desk top panels 2. Further, the two persons H0, H0 can easily talk with each other by pivoting one or both of the desk top panels 2, 2 so that the persons can face each other.
In the case shown in Fig. 18(c), an upper lateral frame 702 as a separate member is connected to an upper lateral frame 702 of an adjacent service station 3 to arrange the service stations 3 in a wave-like pattern. In this case, when the center angle of the arc of each upper lateral frame 702 is 60 degrees, the plurality of service stations 3 can be connected easily and smoothly utilizing the upper lateral frames 702 having the same configuration. Further, as shown in Fig. 19, a plurality of service stations 3 may be aligned, and a plurality of desk top panels 2 may be arranged in a wave-like pattern so as to interpose the service stations therebetween. In this case, when the center angle of the arc of each beam-like article accommodating/supporting unit 16 is 60 degrees, the plurality of service stations 3 having the same configuration can be connected easily and smoothly. Also in these layouts, condition suitable for conversation can be easily provided by pivoting adjacent desk top panels 2, 2 through about 20-60 degrees to change the orientation (See two-dot chain lines) so that two persons H0, H0 face each other beyond the upper lateral frame 702 (article accommodating/supporting unit 16). Further, the orientation of each desk top panel 2 can be easily changed to that suitable for concentrating on work.
Next, various embodiments of the service station 3 will be described. Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate an example in which various optional parts are mounted to the service station 3 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 . Fig. 20 illustrates the service station 3 as viewed from the front, whereas Fig. 21 illustrates that as viewed from the rear. In the service station 3, a monitor 22 such as a liquid crystal display of a computer as a service providing article may be attached to an arm 730 standing from the upper lateral frame 702, and a telephone 733 or a printer 734 may be disposed on a table 732 projecting horizontally via a mounting hole 731 (See Fig. 6) formed at an appropriate height position of the post 701. Further, the upper lateral frame 702 may be provided with a bucket 735 for containing a cellular phone or writing implements such as a pencil or a memo board 737 for attaching memo pads 736 with a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like. These parts may be mounted by utilizing a space between auxiliary ribs 708 of the upper lateral frame 702, a space between the ladder portions of the main beams 706, 707, or a mounting hole formed in the lower post 701 and the upper post 711. In this way, various service articles for performing information processing or the like is disposed at a portion which is higher than the upper surface of the desk top panel 2 and which is easily reached by the operator's hand. Of course, a keyboard 23 for a computer or documents can be placed on the desk top panel 2 for performing various works.
Preferably, power cords 738 of the monitor 22 such as a liquid crystal display device, the telephone 733 and the printer 734, and an excess portion of a communication line 739 for example can be accommodated in a cord duct 740. Further, such cords and the like may be preferably fixed to the upper and the lower posts 701 and 711 by wire banding parts 741 when such cords are arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the posts. The power cord 738 and the communication line 739 may be connected from the service station 3 to a connector 742 on the floor surface 19 directly or via an intermediate connector 743 attached to the post 701, for example.
Figs. 22-24 illustrate a variation of the fifth embodiment of the system desk, in which a generally semicircular desk top panel 2 is supported by a pair of legs 4, and one or a plurality of service stations 3 are arranged adjacent to the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2. As shown in Fig. 24, as viewed in plan, the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 is defined by a circumference of a generally semicircular shape with a radius R1 from a center O as a rotation center. The desk top panel 2 has an inner periphery centrally formed with a recess 2b which has a generally semicircular shape with a radius R2. The recess 2b is so formed as not to contact with the body of a worker (person H0) when the worker is positioned adjacent to the center O. In the embodiment, the radius R1 of the outer periphery 2a of the desk top panel 2 is about 600-800mm, and preferably 750mm. The radius R2 of the recess 2b is about 350mm.
The desk top panel 2 is supported by the pair of height- adjustable legs 4, 4 as shown in Figs. 25-27. Each leg 4 comprises an upper post 4c attached to a lower surface of the desk top panel 2, a lower leg pole 4a' capable of vertically moving relative to the upper post, and a horizontal foot 4b of a generally crescent shape (generally arcuate). The upper post 4c is, in advance, inserted slidably in a guide hole formed in an upper end collar 83b of an upper guide member 83 made of a synthetic resin.
The upper post 4c which is in the form of a generally rectangular pipe and extending downward from a bracket 84 fixed to the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 is inserted into the lower leg pole 4a' which is elliptical in section of each leg 4 for allowing vertical adjustment. A lower guide member 82 formed of a synthetic resin and fixed to a lower end of the upper post 4c is slidably fitted in the lower leg pole 4a'.
The upper guide member 83 includes a downwardly extending outer mounting piece 83a fastened to a plate piece 85 fixed to the outer surface of an upper end portion of the lower leg pole 4a' with a bolt 86. Further, a plate-like spacer 87 is interposed between the outer surface of the upper post 4c and the inner surface of the lower leg pole 4a'. The spacer includes a horizontal portion 87a at the upper end thereof, which is held between the lower surface of the upper end collar 83b of the upper guide member 83 and the upper end surface of the lower leg pole 4a' so as not to drop . The spacer 87 is pressed against the upper post 4c by the bolt 86. An engagement pin 89 is horizontally inserted into one of adjustment holes 88 formed in the upper post 3c at a predetermined pitch (See Figs. 26 and 27). Front and rear end portions of the engagement pin 89 projecting from the upper post 4c are set onto disposing portions 90 as a recess formed in the upper end collar 83b of the upper guide member 83. One of the disposing portions 90 is provided with a projection 90a with which a head portion 89a of the engagement pin 89 engages. Thus, the engagement pin 89 capable of being inserted or removed is prevented from dropping.
The horizontal feet 4b are arranged along and inwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel 2, as viewed in plan. Each of the horizontal feet 4b has a lower surface to which a plurality of casters 5 are attached so as to be capable of fixing the direction and hence is pivotable about the center O as viewed in plan.
The desk top panel 2 has a lower surface to which a guide rail 21 made of a downwardly open arcuate channel is fixed by embedding or the like adjacent to the outer periphery of the desk top panel. When connected via a support member 45 of the service station 3 which will be described later, the guide rail 21 constitutes part of guide means for horizontally pivoting the desk top panel 2. As shown in Figs. 24 and 28, handle portions 29, 29 each of which is generally circular in plan view (having a diameter of about 110mm) and includes a recess 29a having a radius of curvature of about 110mm are embedded in the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 adjacent to opposite sides of the recess 2b. Therefore, the worker (person H0) seated on the chair 24 located adjacent to the center O can easily pivot the desk top panel 2 while holding the paired handle portions 29 with hands. The handle portion 29 may slightly project downward from the lower surface of the desk top panel 2.
The service station 3 in this embodiment can stand independently by a post 7 formed of a metal such as extruded aluminum or a synthetic resin and a horizontal foot member 9 engaging the floor surface. The post 7 has a lower end fixedly connected to a generally middle portion of the length of the arcuate horizontal foot member 9 with a bolt, for example. A connection member 8 is connected to the horizontal foot member 9 so as to extend radially inwardly below the desk top panel 2 and generally in parallel with the floor surface. The connection member 8 has a tip end to which an auxiliary horizontal foot 10 is attached for enhancing the stability of independent standing (See Figs. 22-24). The auxiliary horizontal foot 10 has an upper surface located in front of the recess 2b of the desk top panel 2 for also serving as a footrest for the person H0 sitting on the chair 24. The connection member 8 differs in height from the horizontal foot 4b of each leg 4 of the desk 1 so that the horizontal foot can move over the connection member in pivoting the desk 1 for avoiding interference. There is also provided a wagon unit 20 which includes an article accommodating box 20a and which is movable also under the desk top panel 2 (See Figs. 22 and 24).
As shown in Figs. 22, 23 and 29-31, in the service station 3 in this embodiment, service means can be mounted to a first through a third operational grooves 75, 77, 79 of the post 7 via a mounting member or mounting means such as a bracket 30. The service means includes an article accommodating/supporting unit 16 comprising a hollow beam member 16a generally arcuate in plan view and a lid 17 for covering the upper opening of the beam member, a plate-like support member 23a held in front of the unit for placing an article such as a liquid crystal display apparatus (monitor 22), a flat shelf board 23b generally arcuate in plan view, an upper cabinet as an example of article accommodating unit 15 for accommodating articles such as documents, lighting apparatus 25, a holding base 26 for placing OA equipment such as a main unit of a computer, a socket box 27, and a modular jack box and the like. Further, a power cord 201 or a communication line 202 can be arranged along the operational groove.
Fig. 32 is a sectional view of the post 7. As shown in the figure, the post includes a core member 71 located at the center in the section and formed with a hollow portion 72 generally in the form of an hourglass. The hollow portion 72 has four corners each formed with a generally circular insertion groove 72a.
As shown in Fig. 32, the core member 71 is radially outwardly provided with a pair of first side walls 73a, 73a facing each other in the X-axis direction while interposing the center of the core member 71, and a pair of second side walls 73b, 73b facing each other in the Y-axis direction while interposing the center of the core member. The side walls are integrally connected to each other via connection pieces 74a, connection pieces 74b and connection pieces 74c. In the embodiment, the configuration surrounded by the paired first side walls 73a, 73a spaced in the X-axis direction and the paired second side walls 73b, 73b spaced in the Y-axis direction is generally elliptical. The first side walls 73a, 73a are positioned on a major axis side, whereas the second side walls 73b, 73b are positioned on a minor axis side.
Each of the paired side walls 73a, 73a is formed with a first narrower open groove 76a having a width W1 and extending longitudinally and in parallel with the center axis of the post 7. The first operational groove 75, which is formed at each first side wall 73a, is made up of the first open groove 76a and a first insertion groove 76b which communicates with the first open groove, which is closer to the core member 71 and which is wider than the first open groove. Therefore, the first open grooves 76a, 76a of the pair of first operational grooves 75 open in opposite directions along the X axis. Each of the first insertion groove 76b has a bottom portion formed with a pair of rail portions spaced by a distance slightly smaller than the width of the first open groove 76a and extending longitudinally and in parallel with the center axis of the post 7.
Each second operational groove 77 is made up of a second narrower open groove 78a having a width W2 and provided at the second side wall 73b to extend longitudinally of the post 7, and a second insertion groove 78b which communicates with the second open groove, which is closer to the core member 71 and which is wider than the first open groove. Therefore, the second open grooves 78a, 78a of the pair of second operational grooves 77 open in opposite directions along the Y axis.
The third operational groove 79 is provided between the first side wall 73a and the second side wall 73b. Therefore, four third operational grooves 79 are formed at locations each sandwiched between a first operational groove 75 and a second operational groove 77.
Next, with reference to Figs. 32-36, the structure of the article accommodating/supporting unit 16 and the structure of the mounting means therefor will be described in detail. As shown in Figs. 32, 22 and 34(a), for removably mounting the beam member 16a in the form of an upwardly open box to the post 7, the bracket 30 as mounting means which is U-shaped in section is fixed, with a screw (not shown), to a rear surface of the beam member 16a at the middle position between opposite sides. The bracket 30 is provided, at opposite sides thereof, with a pair of engagement pawls 31, 31 extending rearward and downward. Further, in a left and right pair of third operational grooves 79, 79 of the post 7, vertically elongate engagement plates 32, 32 (See Fig. 36) are inserted from the upper end of the post 7. Each of the engagement plates 32, 32 is formed with engagement holes 33 spaced vertically at a predetermined pitch. The downward engagement pawls 31, 31 provided at opposite sides of an end of the bracket 30 are inserted into the engagement holes 33 for engagement.
To strongly fasten the bracket 30 for preventing horizontal positional deviation of the bracket relative to the post 7, the space between the bracket 30 and an engagement block 35, which can be pivoted by a handle 34 arranged on the obverse side of the bracket 30, is narrowed to fix the mounted posture of the bracket 30 (See Fig. 32). It is to be noted that the shelf board 23b shown in Fig. 22 is mounted to the post 7 in a similar manner. Specifically, a bracket 30' provided with engagement pawls 30a' as shown in Fig. 36 is brought into engagement with engagement plates 32 inserted in the post 7, and the mounted posture of the bracket 30' is fixed via an engagement block which can be pivoted by a handle arranged on the obverse side of the bracket 30'. The shelf board 23b is fixed via supporting pieces 30b' provided to project from the bracket 30'.
Next, with reference to Figs. 33, 34(a)-34(f) and 36, the structure of the beam member 16a and the lid 17 of the article accommodating/supporting unit 16 will be described in detail. The beam member 16a comprises an upwardly open box which is elongate horizontally and shaped like a crescent (generally arcuate) in plan view. The beam member has a bottom plate 16b provided with a plurality of upwardly standing cylindrical holders 36 which are arranged longitudinally of the beam member at a predetermined pitch and each of which is formed with a vertically extending through-hole. In the cylindrical holders 36, a base end of an arm 43 of a mounting member (post) for a memo board 28 and the like is inserted (See Fig. 22) so as to stand therefrom. The bottom plate is further formed with a pair of cylindrical portions 37, 37 which open downward and each of which is fastened to an upper end of a vertical support shaft 110 in the form of a rounded bar of a support member 45 via a bolt 111 projecting downward from a top plate into the cylindrical portion (See Fig. 37). Each support member 45 comprises the vertical support shaft 110, an outer cylinder 112 arranged around the shaft vertically movably relative to the shaft, and a bias spring 114. The outer cylinder 112 has an upper end to which a guide cylinder 113 is attached for vertically slidably guiding the vertical support shaft 70. The bias spring 114, which is a coiled spring, has a lower end supported by a washer 115 fixed to a lower end of the vertical support shaft 110 and has an upper end biased and pressed against a lower surface of the guide cylinder 113. A guide pin 117, which is inserted slidably relative to a vertically extending guide groove 116 formed at one side of the outer cylinder 112, is threadingly attached to a side surface of the vertical support shaft 110 at a lower portion thereof. The outer cylinder 112 has a lower end sealed by a plug 120. The outer cylinder 112 has an outer surface to which a horizontal support member 118 is fixed, which is provided with a first rotation roller 46a for rotation about a vertical axis and a second rotation roller 46b for rotation about a horizontal axis. The first rotation roller 46a is fitted in a guide rail 21 generally arcuate in plan view and provided adjacent to the outer periphery of the lower surface of the desk top panel 2, whereas the second rotation roller 46b is rotatably brought into engagement with the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 (See Fig. 37). As described before, such an arrangement enables the desk 1 to rotate in an arc relative to the service station 3. Further, as described before, since the first rotation roller 46a and the second rotation roller 46b engaging the lower surface of the desk top panel 2 are supported by the vertically movable outer cylinder 112 which is constantly urged upward under the biasing force of the bias spring 114, they can follow the height of the desk top panel 2 when the height is varied as desired by adjusting the height of the legs 4, 4.
As shown in Figs. 34(a)-34(c), the bottom plate 16b of the beam member 16a includes a pair of flat support portions 38 each having an upper surface communicating with a corresponding one of a pair of flat thorough-holes 39 formed at a front surface of the beam member 16a. A pair of support brackets 40 each having a stepped portion are inserted, at respective base ends thereof, into the thorough-holes 39 and screwed to the support portion 38. The paired support brackets 40 have respective tip ends between which a support member 23a for placing an article such as a liquid crystal display apparatus (monitor 22) is mounted.
The bottom plate 16b of the beam member 16a is further provided with a plurality of mounting portions 41 which are open upwardly for fixedly mounting electric (electronic) apparatus such as a connector or a modular jack box (See Figs. 34(a) and 34(f)). Further, through-holes 42 for wiring are formed at a plurality of locations on a side surface and the bottom plate 16b of the beam member 16a. Thus, the power cord 201 and the communication cord 202 arranged to extend from the post 7 can be introduced into the beam member 16a via the through-holes 42 and excess portions of the cords can be accommodated in the beam member 16a (wire accommodating space).
As shown in Figs. 29, 30 and 35, the lid 17 removably covering the upper surface of the beam member 16a is formed, at the outer periphery thereof, with a fitting groove 17a for fitting the upper edge of the outer periphery of the beam member 16a for preventing positional deviation. The lid 17 is further formed with a plurality of cutouts 44 for passing the arms 43 for mounting to the cylindrical holders 36 from above and for guiding the power cord 201 and the communication cord 202 to the outside. It is to be noted that the upper edge at the outer periphery of the beam member 16a may also be formed with cutouts 47 (See Figs. 29, 33 and 34(a)). In this way, excess portions of the power cord 201 and the communication cord 202 of electric apparatus such as a monitor of a liquid crystal display apparatus, a telephone, a printer and the like can be accommodated in the internal space of the beam member 16a.
In the cylindrical holder 36, a base end of the arm 43 for supporting a memo board 28 or a base plate 23c for placing an article for example may be fitted from above for allowing pivoting of the arm 43 (See Figs. 22 and 33). Further, as shown in Fig. 33, a support base 121 for placing a small computer main body 120 is supported by an arm 122, and a pin 123 projecting from the lower end of the arm 122 is fitted in the cylindrical holder 36 for making the support base 121 horizontally pivotable. In this case, the support base 121 may have opposite sides provided with protective frames 124, 124 standing thereon which serve to prevent the computer main body 120 from dropping from the support base 121 and also serve as handles. Further, the protective frames 124, 124 or the upper surfaces of the support base 121 and the computer main body 120 may be bound with a tightening member such as a belt for reliably preventing the computer main body 120 from dropping or moving.
As shown in Figs. 22, 23, 29, 30, 31, 38-43, the upper cabinet as an example of article accommodating unit 15 removably arranged at an upper portion of the post 7 comprises an accommodation main body 91 which is generally triangular in side view, is generally rectangular and elongated horizontally in front view and has an opening 93 at the front, and a cover member 92 pivotally mounted to cover the opening 93. The cover member 92 has opposite side portions pivotally mounted to side portions of the accommodation main body 91 via a pair of pivot shaft unit 126, 126. The cover member 92 is domed (in the form of a convexly curved shell) so as to project forward when it covers the opening 93.
The accommodation main body 91 comprises a horizontal bottom plate 91a, side plates 91b, 91b which stand from opposite sides of the bottom plate and which are generally triangular in side view, and a vertical rear plate 91c connecting the side plates 91b, 91b and the rear edge of the bottom plate 91a. The opening 93 has a generally rectangular configuration in front view defined by a front edge of the bottom plate 91a, front edges (inclined front edges) of the opposite side plates 91b, 91b and an upper edge of the rear plate 91c. In a state as mounted to the post 7 via mounting means such as a mounting bracket 139 which will be described later, the rear plate 91c extends vertically in parallel with the vertical axis of the post 7 while the bottom plate 91a extends horizontally. Therefore, in the mounted state, the opening 93 is oriented forward as inclined relative to the vertical axis of the post 7.
Further, a projecting portion in the form of a flat plate is provided on the front of the accommodation main body 91 so as to surround the opening 93. As an example of the projecting portion, a plate-like collar member 125 is provided which is connected to the front edge of the bottom plate 91a, the front edges (inclined front edges) of the opposite side plates 91b, 91b and the upper edge of the rear plate 91c so as to surround the opening 93 and which extends generally in parallel with a plane including the opening 93. The collar member 125 has an outer periphery convexly curved so as not to interfere with an opening of the domed cover member 92 when the cover member pivots about the paired pivot shaft units 126. Therefore, when the opening 93 of the accommodation main body 91 is completely closed with the cover member 92, the contour of the opening of the cover member 92 generally coincides with that of the outer periphery of the collar member 125 so as not to define a large gap.
The collar member 125 has opposite sides formed with rectangular mounting holes 127 in each of which an article case 128 which is generally triangular in side view, which is open at the front, and which is formed of a synthetic resin or the like is removably mounted (See Figs. 39(a) and 39(b)). The collar member 125 has a reverse surface which is formed with an engagement portion 130 at a portion closer to the bottom plate 91a. Thus, when the cover member 92 is closed, it can be locked by the engagement of the engagement portion 130 with a hook piece 129a of a pivoting-type lock 129 provided at the cover member 92 (See Figs. 39(b) and 41).
As shown in Figs. 42 (a) and 42 (b), the opposite side plates 91b, 91b of the accommodation main body 91 are provided with mounting members 131, 131 projecting outward therefrom. Each of the pivot shaft units 126 includes a pivot shaft member 133 having a base end connected to the mounting member 131 so as not to pivot. The pivot shaft member 133 has a tip end portion (which can pivot relative to the base end) through which a circular base plate 132 is pivotally connected. To the base plate 132, a relevant side surface of the cover member 92 is fixed via a generally semicircular reinforcing member 134 with screws 135 for tightening the three members together. The base plate 132 has an obverse surface covered with a removable cap 136.
The article accommodating unit 15 is removably attached to the post 7 via a mounting member 137. In the embodiment, as shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the mounting member 137 is L-shaped for supporting the accommodation main body 91 at the bottom plate 91a and the rear plate 91c. Specifically, the mounting member 137 includes a horizontal portion 137a fixed to the bottom plate 91a with a screw 138 and a vertical portion 137b brought into engagement with a pair of upward engagement pawls 140 formed at the mounting bracket 139. The mounting bracket 139 has opposite sides each provided with downward engagement pawls 141a, 141b arranged vertically at a predetermined pitch. The downward engagement pawls are inserted into the engagement holes 33 (See Fig. 36) of vertically elongate engagement plates 32 inserted in the paired third operational grooves 79, 79 of the post 7 from the upper end of the post 7. The space between the bracket 30 and an engagement block 35, which can be pivoted by a handle 34 arranged on the obverse side of the mounting bracket 139, is narrowed to fix the mounted posture of the bracket 139.
As shown in Figs. 23, 30, 38 and 39(a), the domed cover member 92 can be pivoted upwardly from the state for completely covering the opening 93 provided at the front surface of the accommodation main body 91 to the state for largely exposing the opening 93. When pivoted upward, the cover member 92 covers an upper portion of the accommodation main body 91 and the reverse surface side of the rear plate 91c (See two-dot lines in Fig. 39(a)). In this state, the lighting apparatus 25 attached upwardly at the upper end of the post 7 on the rear side of the rear plate 91c of the accommodation main body 91 is positioned inwardly of the cover member 92 pivoted upward (opened).
The pivot center of the pivot shaft member 133 is slightly offset rearward from the intermediate portion between the front edge and the rear edge of the cover member 92. Therefore, when the cover member 92 is pivoted rearward or upward largely (through about 90 degrees), the lighting apparatus 25 is housed in the cover member 92 and the front edge of the cover member 92 is located upward of the opening 93 to largely expose the opening of the accommodation main body 91, which facilitates putting in and taking out of articles. When the cover member 92 is formed of a translucent or opaque synthetic resin or the like, the cover member 92 can serve as a shade of the lighting apparatus 95. Specifically, when the cover member 92 is opened largely as described above, light from the lighting apparatus 25 is reflected by an inner surface of the cover member 92 to travel from the rear side to the upper side of the accommodation main body 91, which provides indirect illumination effect to brighten the entire cover member 92. Further, as shown in Fig. 38, when the lighting apparatus 25 comprises a light source 25a such as a light bulb and a shade 25b which is open on the upper end side of the light source, light from the light source 25a strongly impinges on the top portion of the inner surface of the cover member 92 and diffused to the entire domed inner surface of the cover member 92, which further provides indirect illumination effect. In the case where the cover member 92 is formed of a transparent material, light from the lighting apparatus 25 is guided upward or sideways to the outside through the cover member 92 pivoted rearward or upward, so that the cover member 92 shines with a color in accordance with the color of the transparent material, which enhances the design.
As shown in Fig. 45, a mounting base 50 for the lighting apparatus 25 is attached to the upper end of the post 7. Specifically, the mounting base 50 is provided with a plurality of (four in this embodiment) downwardly projecting engagement pins 51, which are fitted in the insertion grooves 72a formed at the four corners of the hollow portion 72 of the core member 71 shown in Figs. 34 and 44. It is to be noted that a power cord 201 may be introduced to the hollow portion 72 or the first operational groove 75 or the second operational groove 77 for connection to the lighting apparatus 25.
Figs. 46(a), 46(b), 47(a) and 47(b) illustrate an embodiment of screen unit 94 for use as a screen between adjacent desk top panels 2, 2, as shown in Figs. 49 and 53. The screen unit 94 comprises an elongated rectangular screen 95 made of cloth, tension plates 96a, 96b made of a synthetic resin for linearly holding upper and lower edges of the screen 95, upper and lower weight bars 97a, 97b for fitting the tension plates 96a, 96b, a mounting member 98 connected to one end of the upper weight bar 97a and caps 99 removably attached to opposite ends of the upper and the lower weight bars 97a, 97b. Each of the upper and the lower weight bars 97a, 97b, which is cylindrical, includes a connection beam 100 for diametrically connecting cylinder halves to define grooves 101, 101 extending along the cylinder axis at an upper and a lower portions of the cylinder.
The mounting member 98 connected to one end of the upper weight bar 97a includes a vertical piece 98a. The vertical piece is provided with vertical guide grooves 102, 102 for engagement with the first open groove 76a of the post 7, and a pair of sliding piece 103 , 103 for fitting in the first insertion groove 76b for sliding engagement with a pair of projections 104, 104 of the connection piece 74b for connection with the core member 71, the first insertion groove 76b communicating with the first open groove 76a, being wider and closer to the center of the post 7. The vertical piece 98 is further provided with a tab portion 105 formed at an upper end thereof.
As shown in Fig. 46(a), the tension plates 96a, 96b are inserted from sides into the upper and the lower weight bars 97a, 97b, respectively, so that the screen 95 extend between the grooves 101, 101 of the upper and the lower weight bars 97a, 97b, and the caps 99 are fitted to opposite ends of each of the upper and the lower weight bars 97a, 97b.
The paired vertical guide grooves 102, 102 of the mounting member 98 are fitted to the first open groove 76a by sliding down from the upper end of the post 7 to a predetermined height position. At this time, when the included angle between a straight line extending toward the free end of the upper weight bar 97a and the longitudinal line (vertical line) of the post 7 is 90 degrees plus 1-2 degrees, the vertical guide grooves 102, 102 become parallel with the first open groove 76a while the paired sliding pieces 103, 103 become parallel with the projections 104, 104. In such a case, the mounting member 98 can be smoothly slid vertically. When the mounting member 98 is released from the hand, due to the eccentric load of the upper and the lower weight bars 103, 103 and the screen 95 and so on, lower ends of the paired sliding pieces 103, 103 come into engagement with the paired projections 104, 104, thereby being held at a predetermined height position so as not to drop while the upper weight bar 97a is held horizontally.
A protective cover 54 formed of a soft synthetic resin as shown in Figs. 48(a) and 48(b) covers almost entire length or part of the connection member 8 extending radially inwardly from the horizontal foot member 9 below the desk top panel 2 for connection to the auxiliary horizontal foot 10. The protective cover 54 has opposite sides formed with fin portions 56 which are normally held close to but out of contact with the floor surface 19. The protective cover 54 includes an upper plate portion 54a formed with a fitting portion 107 as a recess for fitting a mounting piece 106 formed of resin for example. When the mounting piece 106 is fitted to the fitting portion 107, frond and rear ends of the mounting piece 106 engage with front and rear end surfaces of the protective cover 54 for preventing positional deviation. The upper plate portion 54a is fixed to the connection member 8 with a screw 108 so that the head portion of the screw 108 is received in a retreated bearing surface of the mounting piece 106 so as not to project upward.
In moving the desk top panel 2 horizontally relative to the service station 3, the horizontal foot 4b can move over and across the connection member 8. In the above-described structure, the protective cover 54 is fixed to a position where parts of the both members may be damaged when the caster 5 at the lower end of the horizontal foot 4b hits against a side of the connection member 8. When the caster 5 gets on top of the fin portion 56 at a side of the protective cover 54, the fin portion 56 is deformed to bend downward so that a friction portion 56a provided at a lower surface of the fin portion 56 is pressed against the floor surface 19. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connection member 8 and the horizontal foot member 9 from moving unintentionally and prevent the parts from being damaged.
Figs. 49-53 illustrate a layout for arranging a plurality of desk top panels 2 and service stations 3 adjacent to each other, and an auxiliary top plate unit 57 disposed at a gap among the desk top panels 2. The auxiliary top plate unit 57 includes an auxiliary top plate 58 and a plurality (three) legs 59 each supporting the auxiliary top plate via a brackets 60. Each of the legs 59 has a lower end to which a foot plate 62 is fixed with a screw 63. The foot plate 62 is provided with an adjuster bolt 61 mounted thereto and a tip end portion provided with a pair of upward engagement pins 64, 64. Another pair of engagement pins 65, 65 are provided at a support plate 9a provided at a tip end portion of the horizontal foot member 9 so as to project upward. Two connection members 66, 66 formed of e.g. rubber are respectively formed with two engagement holes 67, 67 opening downward. The distance between two adjacent engagement holes 67 of different connection members 66 is equal to a distance L1 between the engagement pins 64 and 64 (65 and 65). The engagement pins 64, 65 are fitted in the engagement holes 67, 67 of the two connection members 66, thereby connecting the foot plate and the horizontal foot member. When the auxiliary top plate unit 57 is not used, one of the connection members 66 may be fitted to the paired engagement pins 64, 64 while the other connection member 66 may be fitted to the paired engagement pins 65, 65 of the support plate 9a of the horizontal foot member 9. In this state, each connection member 66 serves as a bumper for absorbing shock at an end portion.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 53, the auxiliary top plate 68 is supported by a plurality of legs 69 (only one shown in Fig. 53) directly contacting the floor surface.
The accommodation main body 91 of the article accommodating unit 15 is not limited to a triangular configuration in side view but may be barrel-like in front view or spherical or of any other configuration as desired.
Since the accommodation main body 91 has the opening 93 at the front and the cover member 92 for covering the opening 93 covers the upward portion and the rear side of the accommodation main body 91 to expose the opening 93 when the cover member 92 is pivoted upward, the cover member 92 does not exist in front of the accommodation main body 91 when the opening 93 is exposed. Therefore, the cover member 92 does not hinder putting in and taking out of articles. Moreover, since the cover member 92 can be viewed from the state in which it covers the front surface (opening) of the accommodation main body 91 to the state in which it is pivoted upward for exposing the opening, the cover member 92 can be emphasized in the design.
Further, a projecting portion such as a collar member 125 is provided to cover the periphery of the opening 93 surrounded by the generally horizontal bottom plate 91a, opposite side plates 91b and the vertical rear plate 91c, and the cover member 92 is provided to cover the outer periphery of the projecting portion and is pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the accommodation main body 91. With such a structure, the cover member 92 can cover the opening 93 of the accommodation main body so that the projecting portion cannot be seen from the front or sides. Further, the presence of the projecting portion can eliminate or narrow the gap between the cover member and the opening, which prevents dust from entering or articles in the accommodation main body from being stolen.
When the cover member 92 is formed of transparent or translucent material, articles in the accommodation main body 91 can be seen. Further, when the cover member 92 is domed in section so as to project forward in covering the opening 93 of the accommodation main body 91, articles such as documents which are generally rectangular in side view can be accommodated in the accommodation main body 91 so as to be enclosed in the curved surface of the domed cover member 92, and the design can also be emphasized.
When the accommodation main body 91 is mounted to the front side of the upper end of the post 7 while the lighting apparatus 25 is provided on the reverse side of the accommodation main body 91 at the upper end of the post 7, the lighting apparatus 25 can be housed in the domed cover member 92 when the cover member 92 is widely opened. Thus, the cover member can serve as a shade of the lighting apparatus 25. With this structure as combined with the making of the cover member 92 from a transparent or translucent material, light from the light source on the reverse side of the accommodation main body can be guided to the front, which provides indirect illumination effect.
When the projecting portion comprises a collar member 125 which is generally parallel with a plane including the opening, the collar member 125 does not become an obstacle in the side view configuration of the accommodation main body. When an article case 128 which opens generally in the same direction as the opening is provided at the collar member, the article case can be used without increasing the volume of the accommodation main body 91. Further, the article case 128 can also be covered by the cover member 92.

Claims

A system desk comprising: a desk including a desk top panel which is generally semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery; and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel; wherein the service station and the desk are movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
A system desk comprising: a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery; and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel; wherein the desk top panel including a supported portion, the service station including a supporting portion for supporting the supported portion of the desk top panel; the service station and the desk being movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
The system desk according to claim 2, wherein the desk top panel includes guide means which is arcuate in plan view, the service station including supporting means for guiding the guide means.
A system desk comprising: a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery; and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel; wherein the service station and the desk top panel are connected to each other to be inseparable in a horizontal direction while being movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
The system desk according to claim 4, comprising: a desk including the desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view andhas a generally arcuate outer periphery; and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel; wherein the service station includes guide means which is arcuate in plan view; and wherein the desk top panel including supporting means for guiding the guide means; the service station and the desk being connected to each other to be inseparabe in a horizontal direction while being movable relative to each other generally along the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel in plan view.
The system desk according to any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the desk top panel has an inner peripheral portion formed with a recess for positioning a person close to a hypothetical circle center of the arcuate outer periphery.
The system desk according to one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the desk top panel is supported on a leg which is provided with a caster for making the desk top panel movable generally along a path of the arc defined by the outer periphery of the desk top panel.
The system desk according to claim 7, wherein the desk top panel is provided with legs adjacent to the outer periphery, the legs being provided with horizontal feet extending along the outer periphery at opposite sides of the desk top panel and separated suitably from each other to define a space therebetween.
The system desk according to claim 8, wherein each of the horizontal feet is generally arcuate in plan view.
The system desk according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an auxiliary horizontal foot connected to a lower end of the service station via a connection member extending radially inward below the desk top panel via said space.
The system desk according to any one of claims 8 through 10, wherein each of the horizontal feet is provided with a caster, the horizontal foot being capable of moving over the connection member of the service station.
The system desk according to any one of claims 7 through 11, wherein the caster is provided with lock means.
A system desk comprising: a desk including a desk top panel which is semicircular in plan view and has a generally arcuate outer periphery; and a service station arranged outwardly of the outer periphery of the desk top panel; wherein the service station includes a post and a foot for supporting the post on a floor surface, the post having a wiring function and a function for removably mounting an article.
The system desk according to claim 13, wherein the post has an upper portion at which an accommodating unit is placed, the accommodating unit including an accommodation main body having an opening at a front and a cover member for covering the opening of the accommodation main body, the cover member being capable of exposing the opening while covering an upper portion and a rear side of the accommodation main body when the cover member is pivoted upward.
The system desk according to claim 13, wherein the service station is removably provided with a service providing portion at an upper surface side of the desk top panel.
The system desk according to claim 15, wherein the service providing portion comprises a horizontally elongate beam member including a hollow portion capable of accommodating wirings and an additional article mounting portion for providing office service such as a supporting unit for a liquid crystal display, a memo board or a shelf board supporting unit.
The system desk according to claim 15, wherein the service providing portion comprises a screen unit suspended to project laterally from the post.
The system desk according to any one of claims 13 through 17, wherein the post of the service station has an upper end provided with a lighting apparatus.
The system desk according to one of claims 13-18, wherein the desk top panel is provided with a plurality of service stations arranged along the outer periphery, each of the service stations being movable on the floor surface.