DE102018102346A1 - Chair, especially office chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a chair (1), in particular an office chair. In order to detect and / or evaluate events during the life of the chair (1), a chair (1) is proposed, which has at least one sensor (12) position-independent relative to the chair (1), which is used to acquire movement data (27, 28 , 29) of the chair (1), which movement data are suitable for recognizing characteristic movement patterns of the entire chair (1).

Description

The invention relates to a chair, in particular an office chair.

The use of certain sensors in office chairs is known from the prior art. For example, capacitive sensors, strain gauges, etc. are used to detect the load on the seat. Other sensors are used to detect pivoting angles of individual chair components to each other. These sensors are always coupled to certain chair components, ie assigned to the respective component, and require a very specific placement on the component for proper function. The data thus obtained are used, for example, to alert the user to a particular seat failure or to allow the user to make certain desired chair settings particularly easily.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that makes it possible to detect and / or evaluate events during the life of the chair.

This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims.

The chair according to the invention, in particular an office chair, comprises a number of position-independent sensors which are designed to detect movement data of the chair, which movement data are suitable for detecting characteristic movement patterns of the entire chair.

The system according to the invention for evaluating movement data of a chair, in particular an office chair, comprises receiving or reading means for obtaining movement data of the chair detected with a number relative to the chair of position-independent sensors, which are suitable for detecting characteristic movement patterns of the entire chair, as well as data processing means for Evaluating the data obtained, in particular for the purpose of vandalism detection and / or complaint processing relating to the chair, and output means for outputting a result of the data evaluation.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. The advantages and embodiments explained below in connection with the chair or the system also apply mutatis mutandis to the inventive method for detecting and evaluating and vice versa.

A key idea of the invention is to detect and detect events during the life of the chair, which are reflected in a characteristic movement pattern of the entire chair. Here, a characteristic movement pattern is understood to mean a collection of data corresponding to a predefined pattern, the data being the acquired movement data or data obtained from the acquired movement data or data obtained using the detected one Movement data can be determined. A characteristic movement pattern of the entire chair is understood to mean a pattern of movement of the chair in its entirety. Such a movement pattern therefore always refers to the movement of more than one chair component. The movement pattern preferably refers to the interaction of all chair components.

For this purpose, the invention triggers from the traditional approach of a mandatory specific assignment of a sensor to a specific chair component. Instead, a number of position independent sensors relative to the chair are used. This refers to sensors that can perform position-independent measurements, ie measurements whose results are not dependent on the position of the sensors in relation to the chair. In this context, the invention also solves the use of conventional sensors. Preferably, at least one inertial measuring unit (IME) is used instead, by which is meant a spatial combination of several inertial sensors, preferably an accelerometer and a gyroscope, whereby rotation (rotation angle) and translation (accelerations) can be detected (6-axis IME). , Such an inertial measuring unit is an example of a sensor for position-independent measurements which can be used particularly advantageously in the present case. The use of other suitable types of sensors is also possible.

In the following, the terms "position-independent sensor" and "inertial measuring unit (IME)" will be used interchangeably, the IME being only a preferred embodiment of a position-independent sensor.

Due to the special nature of the sensors used here, in particular the previously not yet practiced in office chairs capture acceleration data, not only previously unrecognizable motion data can be detected, but the placement of the sensor in or on the chair is in a particularly simple manner no longer tied to a particular chair component. Instead, any mechanical connection of the IME to a chair component is sufficient, and this chair component need not necessarily be a movable component of the chair in the sense of a part of the chair mechanism. The specific arrangement of the sensor in or on the chair does not affect the measurement result or, at least in respect of the mutually sufficiently different, available from the movement data movement pattern of the chair in its entirety, only insignificantly.

Essential to the invention is that the sensor is permanently installed with the chair. In other words, a mobile sensor system, which is provided for only temporary, in particular detachable attachment to the chair, not suitable. Instead, a solid, preferably insoluble connection of sensor and chair is necessary. With regard to the placement of the sensor, there are preferred or less preferred positions in or on the chair. In order to obtain particularly well evaluable or particularly clear and unambiguous measurement results, preferably a placement of the sensor obliquely in space, more precisely obliquely in relation to one or more axes of the chair coordinate system, is advantageous. In particular, when it comes to the detection of translations (acceleration values), placement of the sensor exactly on one of these spatial axes can be disadvantageous for the same reasons; The same applies to the detection of angles of rotation when placing the sensor on one of the axes of rotation of the chair.

The characteristic patterns of movement that can be identified by evaluating the movement data of the chair are, in particular and preferably, patterns for the following movements: getting the user up from the chair, seating the user on the chair, turning the chair to the right or left, rolling of the chair on the floor, rolling on the floor with strong initial acceleration (eg after a side impact or kick), triggering of the gas spring (height adjustment), pendulum movement of the seat and / or the backrest (transverse to the seat longitudinal direction), change of seat tilt, Changing the backrest tilt (leaning against the backrest), tilting the chair to one side, dropping the chair from a raised point to the floor. The recognition of further movement patterns is possible and is within the scope of the invention.

According to the invention, the chair-own sensor (IME) supplies movement data to a receiver, which can be designed either as a chair-own or as an external receiver. Preferably, the received data is subsequently recorded, whereby, if necessary, processing of the data and / or selection of data takes place before storage. It is particularly advantageous if the data is recorded in a chair-own data memory. In this case, the data memory is preferably designed such that the stored data can be read out easily and at any time with the aid of a suitable reading device and / or with the aid of a suitable contactless or contact-bound data connection.

With the help of the recorded data not only the sitting behavior of the users of the chair can be evaluated later. The recorded data may also include the entire history of the chair, including the history of movement of the chair. According to the invention, the loading of the chair is recorded, the data obtained or processed giving information about the chair, more precisely about how the chair was treated.

For example, it can be determined how often the gas spring has been triggered or how many times a user has sat on the chair. On the basis of appropriate movement patterns but can also be recognized whether and how often the chair has fallen or overturned, or if the chair has fallen from a greater height to the ground, for example during transport, during unloading from a delivery vehicle, etc.

The evaluation of the movement data thus obtained, preferably on the basis of characteristic movement patterns, preferably serves the purpose of detection of vandalism and / or complaint processing by the chair manufacturer or dealer. In particular, it can be determined on the basis of the evaluated data, whether a certain damage to the chair due to a proper handling and operation of the chair in the context of a common use or due to improper handling or the like.

Optionally, the obtained motion data can also be used to provide information about the user, more specifically his sitting behavior, especially from a health point of view and with regard to improved seating ergonomics. The data analysis can then be used to inform the chair user, e.g. B. on an optimal, manually be made chair setting. On the basis of the results of the data evaluation, however, an independent adjustment of the chair can also take place with the aid of suitable reclining adjustment means (actuators), in conjunction with a corresponding control of the adjustment means by control means to which the evaluated data is made available.

The inertial measuring unit used can also be embodied as a 9-axis IME and additionally comprise magnetic field sensors in addition to acceleration sensors and rotation rate sensors.

Furthermore, a GNSS sensor for position determination can also be integrated in the IME. While a 6-axis or 9-axis IME serves as a central sensor of the chair, other sensors, such As temperature or pressure sensors, be provided to collect additional information about the chair history. This further data is then preferably used together with the acquired movement data to more accurately describe the load on the chair during its lifetime. Additional movement data of the chair can be obtained by using other inertial measuring units and processed for the desired purposes. In particular, it is possible to use a number of further IMEs for position-dependent, in particular chair-component-related measurements, in addition to the at least one IME, which is provided for performing position-independent measurements relative to the chair. Such further IMEs may, for example, be attached to chair components of the chair mechanism that move during the operation of the chair, such as in particular spring elements, there advantageously for detecting the inclination of a spring element used for adjusting the spring force, for example when adjusting the pivoting resistance of the backrest of the chair.

In particular, from the point of view of the use of the data obtained for the purpose of vandalism detection and / or complaint processing, the attachment of the sensor and / or the other data-processing or data-storing components of the system according to the invention in or on the chair is preferably such that the sensor or said Components is secured tamper-proof and / or vandalism-proof. In addition, the sensor or the components themselves can be upgraded with the help of suitable measures for tamper protection and / or vandalism protection.

• 1 einen Bürostuhl,
• 2 Komponenten des Stuhls,
• 3 Komponenten des Systems,
• 4 bis 13 verschiedene Bewegungsprofile.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Hereby show:

• 1 an office chair,
• 2 Components of the chair,
• 3 Components of the system,
• 4 to 13 different movement profiles.

All figures show the invention not to scale, while only schematically and only with their essential components. The same reference numerals correspond to elements of the same or comparable function.

The office chair described by way of example 1 has a base carrier 2 by means of a cone holder 3 on a chair column 4 of the chair 1 is placeable. The chair column 4 is equipped with a gas spring for seat height adjustment and with a base 5 connected with the help of rollers 6 a move of the chair 1 on the ground 7 allows. The basic carrier 2 is with a seat carrier 8th and a backrest support 9 connected. base support 2 , Seat carrier 8th and backrest support 9 Together form a synchronous mechanism, which provide for each other coupled, a certain relative movement of the seat and backrest with each other bringing kinematics. On the seat carrier 8th The seat of the office chair is usually mounted with a padded seat. The backrest carrier 9 carries the backrest of the office chair 1 , Instead of such a synchronous mechanism, however, it is also possible to install another mechanism, for example a tilt mechanism, in which the backrest support 9 rigid with the seat carrier 8th , the seat or the frame of the chair 1 is connected so that the resulting combination of seat support 8th and backrest support 9 around a transverse to the chair's longitudinal direction 11 extending pivot axis is pivoted to the rear, when the user of the chair leans against the backrest. For further consideration, consider a coordinate system of the chair 1 set, wherein the three mutually perpendicular coordinate axes are arranged as follows: The Z-axis is perpendicular to the ground 7 and lies on the vertical axis 15 the chair column 4 , The X-axis lies in the chair's longitudinal direction 11 in a plane parallel to the ground 7 and points towards the seat leading edge. The Y-axis is transverse to the chair's longitudinal direction 11 in the same plane as the X axis. The origin of the coordinate system is at the height of the seat cushion compressed under load. For the sake of clarity, is in 1 this chair coordinate system X, Y, Z shown shifted to the right.

The chair 1 In the simple example illustrated here, it has a single internal inertial measuring unit (IME). 12 , In view of the desired measurement results and their use, the IME is preferably not close to the ground, for example in the area of the chair cross 5 , appropriate. In particular, although tilting or camber movements of the chair 1 to be recorded and evaluated is the IME 12 advantageously sufficient from the ground 7 mounted at a distance. The IME 12 is in the present case in the seat of the chair 1 integrated, more precisely at any angle in the seat support 8th ie not lying exactly on one of the X, Y and Z axes of the chair coordinate system. This means that the IME 12 on none of the three pivot axes of the chair 1 lies. In particular, the IME 12 is not perpendicular to the ground 7 extending vertical axis 15 of the chair column 4 , which at the same time the axis of rotation of the chair 1 represents a right or left turn. The IME 12 neither of them is parallel to the ground either 7 extending horizontal pivot axes of the chair, namely neither on the pivot axis 16 to the inclination of the seat still on the pivot axis 17 to the inclination of the backrest, wherein these two pivot axes 16, 17 as in the example sketched apart from each other or can be performed on top of each other. At the same time lies the IME 12 not parallel to the Earth's magnetic field. Instead, the IME defines 12 their position in space their own sensor coordinate system with three mutually perpendicular coordinate axes X ', Y' and Z '. The arrangement of the IME 12 in the seat of the chair 1 , in particular in or on the seat support 8 of the chair 1 represents a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular from the viewpoint of a sufficiently remote from the ground positioning of the sensor. With regard to important for vandalism or reclamation processing movement data of the chair 1 is the location of the sensor in or on the seat of the chair 1 especially advantageous. Neither an arrangement of the sensor in the area of the chair cross 5 nor an arrangement in or on the backrest or on the backrest support 9 enables the clear and unambiguous detection of such chair movement patterns, which play a particularly important role in vandalism detection and complaint handling.

In the inertial measuring unit 12 it is a 6-axis IME 12 with three mutually orthogonal acceleration sensors 13 (Translation sensors) for detecting the translational movement in the X'- and Y'- or Z'-axis and with three orthogonal rotation rate sensors mounted 14 (gyroscopic sensors) for the detection of rotating movements in the X'- and Y'- or Z'-axis. Instead of such a 6-axis IME 12, a 9-axis IME may be used, which additionally includes a magnetometer, with magnetic field sensors for detecting the magnetic field in the X'-, Y'- and Z'-axis.

The IME 12 thus provides the following measured values: accelerations 27 in the X'-, Y'- and Z'-axis, detected by the acceleration sensors 13 the IME 12 , expressed in g (gravitational acceleration); angular velocities 28 in the X'-, Y'- and Z'-axis, detected by the rotation rate sensors 14 the IME 12 , expressed in ° / s (degrees per second); angle of rotation 29 in the X ', Y' and Z 'axes, calculated from the data of the rotation rate sensors 14 of the IME 12 , expressed in ° (degrees).

The sensors 13 . 14 the IME 12 are mounted on a suitable board, on which at the same time the circuits required for any calculations can be provided (not shown). To record the movement data, the chair has chairs on storage. For this purpose, suitable memory chips 18 used with the sensors 13 . 14 connected and advantageously also on the board of the IME 12 are attached. Instead of such an integrated solution of an IME data storage combination but also one of the IME 12 separated in or on the chair 1 be provided attached data storage.

The chair 1 In addition, it has personal data processing equipment 19 to process the motion data before saving. The processing of the data comprises, for example, a preprocessing advantageous with regard to the later use of the movement data and / or a reduction of the data volume. The processing may also include a selection step so that only selected but otherwise unprocessed data is stored. However, it is also possible to save selected processed data or all data (processed or unprocessed). With the data processing means 19 For example, these are suitable digital circuits, advantageously with the storage means 18 combined and thus advantageously also on the board of the IME 12 are attached, so that there is an integrated IME data processing / data storage combination. However, it can also be one of the IME 12 separate in or on the chair 1 attached data processing / data storage combination may be provided.

In addition, it is particularly advantageous that sensors 13 . 14 and data storage 18 and data processing means 19 can be used with particularly low energy consumption. A used IME data storage combination, for example, with the help of a chair 1 powered battery (not shown) over a period of years, collecting and recording movement data. Preferably, the invention is for collecting data throughout the life of the chair 1 ,

The data thus acquired and stored can then be analyzed using an evaluation system 21 be evaluated. In this case, different evaluation systems can be used, in particular also evaluation systems that are used for evaluating the movement data with regard to the user, in particular with respect to the latter Sitting posture, etc. serve or to inform the user regarding ergonomic or health aspects.

The evaluation system described here 21 is used to evaluate the data collected regarding the chair 1 more specifically regarding the load on the chair 1 or the chair history.

Accordingly, the system has 21 via reception or read-out means 22 which are adapted for obtaining movement data of the chair 1, more specifically for obtaining storage means 18 of the chair 1 stored data, this data may be the original measurement data (motion data) or may be already selected and / or (pre) processed data, so for example, data based on the original movement data. As a receiving or reading device 22 are suitable, for example, contactless or contact-bound to the data storage 18 connectable data receivers, such as a via a communication interface with the chair 1 connectable computer 23 ,

The system 21 also includes data processing means 24 for evaluating the data obtained for purposes of vandalism detection and / or reclamation processing relating to the chair 1 are formed. The data processing means 24 can be realized as hardware or software, for example in the form of a computer equipped with a suitable computer program 23 with a computing unit 24 to run the computer program. Evaluating the data obtained means recognizing characteristic patterns of movement of the chair 1 in its entirety, including the detection of shock events, in particular concerning the mechanical loading of the chair 1 , including in particular such movements of the chair 1 be understood, which are due to short-term high forces.

The system 21 also has output means 25 . 26 on, which are designed to output a result of the data evaluation. These are, for example, the computer 23 own data storage 25 to realize an output in the form of data to be stored, and / or around the screen 26 of the computer 23 to realize a pictorial output.

The IME 12 , including storage means 18 and data processing means 19 and optionally sharing the communication interface to the evaluation system 21 , is inside the seat carrier 8th so fastened and / or so provided with suitable means that it can not be manipulated, in particular can not be removed or replaced. In a simple case, the IME 12 be installed in the seat support, for example, in the manner of an encapsulation, that a non-destructive removal of the IME 12 is no longer possible. However, the chosen anti-tamper means ensure the interchangeability of the battery, if necessary. The safeguards preferably include access protection for the IME 12 myself and those on the board of the IME 12 mounted components, preferably in the form of a combined receiving and mounting capsule (not shown) in which the IME 12 access safe and insoluble with the seat support 8th connected is.

The following are with reference to the 4 to 13 Exemplary motion profiles are described, resulting from those with the IME 12 recorded movement data. The respective movement profiles are compiled on the basis of the acquired or calculated data. For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the IME 12 , unlike in 1 represented, not obliquely in the chair 1 is arranged, but that instead the sensor coordinate system X ', Y', Z 'coincides with the chair coordinate system X, Y, Z.

Each motion profile consists of three measurement categories, namely the acceleration values specified in the upper field 27 ("Acc") for the X, Y and Z axes, the angular velocity values given in the middle field 28 ("Gyro") for the X, Y and Z axes and the angle values given in the lower field 29 ("Angle") for the X, Y and Z axis. The measured values are plotted over time, with a period of 5 s being shown in each case. The values for the X-axis are each shown with a dotted line, the values for the Y-axis each with a broken line and the values for the Z-axis in each case with a solid line.

A first movement profile 31 in 4 shows a process in which the user sits at the desk and the chair 1 resting (home position of the chair, for example parallel to the edge of the desk).

A second movement profile 32 in 5 shows a process in which the user sits at the desk and the chair 1 turns 100 ° to the right, for example, to get up.

A third movement profile 33 in 6 shows a process in which the user sits at the desk and the chair 1 turns 95 ° to the left, for example, to get up.

A fourth movement profile 34 in 7 shows a process in which the user the chair about 1 m in chair longitudinal direction 11 rolls to the back, for example, rolls away from a desk to get up then.

A fifth movement profile 35 in 8th shows a process in which the user repeatedly triggers the height release and, supported by the gas spring, the seat along the vertical axis 15 goes up and down.

A sixth movement profile 36 in 9 shows a process in which the user, in the chair 1 sitting, several times from left to right, ie across the chair's longitudinal direction 11 , around 50 ° commutes each.

A seventh movement profile 37 in 10 shows a process in which the user repeatedly actuates the seat recline with simultaneously blocked backrest tilt.

An eighth movement profile 38 in 11 shows a process in which the user repeatedly operates the backrest tilt adjustment, so the backrest in chair longitudinal direction 11 swung forwards and backwards.

A ninth movement profile 39 in 12 shows a process in which the chair 1 falls from a height of about 0.5 m on the floor 7.

A tenth movement profile 40 in 13 shows a process in which the chair 1 tilts 90 ° about the X-axis and falls to the ground 7.

The data processing means provided for the evaluation of the data 24 are now designed such that they subject these motion profiles of a pattern recognition, with the aim in the motion profiles characteristic movement pattern of the entire chair 1 to recognize or assign the motion profiles such detected movement pattern.

For example, for this purpose, a comparison of the motion profiles with certain, preferably predefined and stored in a data store comparison profiles instead. For this purpose, the data processing means 24 algorithms suitable for pattern recognition. If characteristic patterns of movement of the chair are detected, a corresponding count, evaluation etc. of the respective events can take place. These results can then be used for purposes of vandalism detection and / or complaint processing of data processing outside or within the evaluation system 21 be supplied.

Preferably, there is no exact placement of the IME during assembly of the chair 12 , approximately aligned with the axes of the chair coordinate system required. The IME 12 instead, it can be placed "somehow" diagonally in the room. For most of the motion patterns to be detected, the placement of the IME plays 12 no or only a minor role. This means that reliable pattern recognition is possible regardless of the sensor placement. In other motion profiles, it may be to simplify or optimize the comparison process during the recognition of the characteristic movement pattern advantage in a previous normalization step, for example immediately after the measurement or just immediately before the evaluation, the real measurement results of the IME 12, based on refer to the sensor coordinate system X ', Y', Z ', to convert into measurement results relating to the chair coordinate system X, Y, Z, to assist in secure pattern recognition.

All in the description, the following claims and the drawings illustrated features may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

chair

2

base support

3

cone holder

4

chair column

5

footbase

6

role

7

ground

8th

seat support

9

Backrest support

10

(free)

11

Chair longitudinally

12

Inertial measuring unit (IME)

13

accelerometers

14

Gyroscopes

15

vertical axis

16

Swivel axis of the seat

17

Swivel axis of the backrest

18

data storage

19

Data processing means

20

(free)

21

evaluation system

22

Receiving or reading means

23

computer

24

Data processing means

25

Output means, data memory

26

Output means, screen

27

acceleration

28

angular velocity

29

angle of rotation

30

(free)

31

first movement profile

32

second movement profile

33

third movement profile

34

fourth movement profile

35

fifth movement profile

36

sixth movement profile

37

seventh movement profile

38

Eighth movement profile

39

ninth movement profile

40

tenth movement profile

Claims (10)

Chair (1), in particular office chair, with at least one sensor (12) position-independent relative to the chair (1), designed to capture movement data (27, 28, 29) of the chair (1), which movement data (27, 28, 29) are suitable for detecting characteristic movement patterns of the entire chair (1). Chair (1) after Claim 1 , wherein the at least one with respect to the chair position independent sensor is an inertial measuring unit (12). Chair (1) after Claim 2 in which the inertial measuring unit (12) has at least three acceleration sensors (27) and three yaw rate sensors (28). Chair (1) after one of Claims 1 to 3 memory means (18) for recording the detected movement data (27, 28, 29), the storage means (18) being connected to the at least one inertial measuring unit (12). Chair (1) after one of Claims 1 to 4 , with data processing means (19) for processing the acquired movement data (27, 28, 29), the data processing means (19) being connected to the at least one inertial measuring unit (12) and / or to the storage means (18). Method for detecting movement data of a chair (1), in particular an office chair, wherein movement data (27, 28, 29) are detected with at least one sensor (12) position-independent relative to the chair (1), which identifies characteristic movement patterns of the entire chair ( 1) are suitable. System (21) for evaluating movement data (27, 28, 29) of a chair (1), in particular an office chair, with receiving or reading means (22), designed to be obtained by means of a chair (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 and / or with the aid of a method Claim 6 recorded data of the chair (1), - with data processing means (24), designed for evaluating the data obtained, in particular for the purpose of vandalism detection and / or complaint processing with respect to the chair (1), and - with output means (25, 26) formed for Output of a result of the data evaluation. Method for evaluating movement data (27, 28, 29) of a chair (1), in particular an office chair, comprising the steps: - obtaining data of the chair (1) which is obtained by means of a chair (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4 and / or with the aid of a method Claim 6 - evaluating the data obtained, in particular for the purpose of vandalism detection and / or complaint processing relating to the chair (1), and - outputting a result of the data evaluation. Method according to Claim 8 wherein the evaluation of the obtained data comprises creating movement profiles (31, ..., 40) from the obtained data and comparing these movement profiles (31, ..., 40) with characteristic movement patterns of the chair (1). Computer program, which is a procedure after Claim 8 or 9 when executed on a computing device (23).

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