DE8513857U1 - Screen table - Google Patents

Abstract

A table top (2) is so arranged as to be lifted from the frame (1) of the display screen table. Said top is provided close to the edge (80) with an opening (79) which may be closed by a removable filling plate (86) and a void (75) extending parallel to the edge wherein is placed a glass plate (77). Under said glass plate there is arranged a display screen unit (19) of which the inclined screen (20) may be viewed through the void (75), said unit being optionally inclinable about an axis (26), orientable about a vertical axis and longitudinally displaceable on a fixed slide. On the table frame are mounted a basket (18) for a central computer unit (10) and a retractable record printer (23). The data input unit (21) may be lifted in the opening (79) up to the table surface. All technical installations including cable connections, the sockets (66), the switch panel (62) and the control keys (63) are arranged at a distance under the table top (2). The upper surface (82) of the table therefore remains free from apparatuses and may be used as desired. The technical installations are freely accessible and ready to be operated when the top is removed, thereby facilitating maintenance and repairs. All functional units are enclosed and protected in a cabinet-like construction and are kept safe by means of a central locking (134).

Description

8 May 1985/m 31 R 2857 VNR.: 100 986

Johannes Rittel
Blumenstr. 13

D-7950 Biberach-Rissegg

Screen table

The invention relates to a screen table with a table frame covered by a table top, a computer or terminal arranged below the table top and with connections for peripheral devices such as an input unit, screen unit or display, storage unit and printer.

Computer tables and other screen tables of this type are known in various designs, including those with a flat, usually horizontal table top. The screen device and other units are attached to the table top either permanently or detachably. Sometimes they are also recessed. Although exclusive screen workstations can be designed in this way, it is extremely difficult if people want to work at this workstation in the traditional way, even for a longer period of time.

For such activities, two work tables are usually provided, a conventional desk and a computer table. Sometimes a desk is combined with a separate equipment table, which then holds everything that does not fit on the normal desk. This allows you to switch from one activity to the other more quickly, but working with a computer or terminal is then relatively difficult.

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difficult, since you have to at least change your sitting position and the posture is often very uncomfortable, which also reduces overall performance. In addition, such table groups require a lot of space and are expensive.

The invention is based on the screen table defined at the beginning and pursues the task of designing this table in such a way that it enables comfortable and less tiring work with or without control of screen processes at the same table and thus in a limited office space and for

others to conveniently maintain and repair their technical equipment.

The following design is used to solve this problem: a) All equipment units are arranged below the table top, at least when not in use. b) The table top forms a continuously flat upper surface as

Work surface with a view of the screen or display. c)All connections and intermediate connections* are under

Exclusion of the table top from the table frame is provided. d)The table top can be lifted off or swung open on the

Table frame on. * of the device units.

The computer table designed in this way can basically have the design of a conventional office desk, in which only the electronic components are arranged in a fixed or movable manner so that they are not visible when not in use, so that the entire table surface can be used for any conventional type of work. All devices are within sight and reach, so they can be operated in the usual way.

The screen table according to the invention is usually prepared to accommodate all the necessary equipment units and connections of the computer table, but can

The table can be set up in very different ways depending on its maximum purpose. Without any technical installation, the table can be used in the traditional way as a desk, even for students - with a screen unit, input unit and, if necessary, a protocol printer, and the required or complete installation as a terminal table and finally with the equipment of a central unit as a computer table. Here too, the computer or central unit is conveniently connected in such a way that it can be replaced as required. It is therefore also possible to use a portable computer, which should conveniently have a separate output in order to be connected to the screen unit that is to be installed at a fixed location.

Another area of application for the screen table according to the invention is in shops, for example in order to combine the cash desk and packing table in a space-saving manner. The screen table can also be conveniently installed in classrooms that are at least partially used for computer science lessons. In dedicated computer systems, the screen table according to the invention is suitable as a "console", the workstation of the operator, who can control all operating functions of a possibly widely branched system from his seat. Even in the private sector, it can be useful to house the screen unit or home computer in a piece of furniture that can be used for a variety of other purposes.

The ability to lift or swing the table top up makes it cheaper to manufacture, improves the technical overview and makes maintenance and repair work easier, as you only need to lift the table top up to be able to inspect the entire technical equipment. This is particularly true if the table top is designed to be movable up as a whole.

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In order to be able to install the screen device below the work surface, a transparent screen in the table top is usually required, which can be many times larger than the screen surface. In particular, it should be large enough that you can see through the work surface at an angle to the screen, which is also conveniently positioned at an angle. This screen can also be used as a storage area for conventional office work.
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Further features and advantages of the invention will now be explained with reference to the drawing, which shows the invention as an example.

Show it

Fig. 1 is a spatial representation of a currently preferred embodiment of the screen table according to the invention with a raised table top, Fig. 2 is a view of the table frame with a schematic representation of the device units mounted therein,
Fig. 3 a section through the computer desk along the line HI-III in Fig. 2,
Fig. 4 a view of the same computer desk in

Direction of arrow IV in Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a partial section through a slightly modified

Embodiment according to the line V-V in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 shows a further modification corresponding to Fig. 5 in the extended position,

Fig. 6ä the design of Fig. 6 in the functional position,

Fig. 7 the pivoting mounting of a differently designed input unit in the table top, 35

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Pig. 8 a partial cross-section corresponding to Pig. 3

by a design with a desk-like inclined table top j

Fig. 9 a version with pull-out flat screen,

Fig. 10 is a front view of a modified embodiment of the screen table compared to the first described embodiment and

Fig. 11 is a view of this screen table seen from above in Fig. 10.

The computer table shown in Fig. 1 to H is divided into the table base frame 1 and the table top 2, which can be lifted off and placed on top of it. While the table top has a largely passive function, i.e. it has no connections or connections to devices or to the outside, all installations and devices required for data processing are attached to the base frame 1. j

This table base essentially consists of a metal profile frame 3, which is traversed by a crossbar 4 and a longitudinal bar 5 extending up to it from the frame crossbar 12 and is held by footrests 6, which are provided with height-adjustable support parts 9. They protrude above the frame 3 with their neck parts 7 by the height of a normal table drawer and end in a common support level 8 for the table top 2.

The support feet 6, the front frame longitudinal bar 11 and the frame cross bar 12 are designed as tubes with a square cross section. The longitudinal bar 5 and the rear frame longitudinal bar 13 have the same external shape with a C-shaped cross section and form a longitudinal guide 16 with their open sides facing each other. Accordingly, the cross bar H and the other frame cross bar 14 form a transverse guide 17.

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A basket 18 or a box is suspended firmly under the longitudinal bars 5 and 11, which accommodates a computer central unit 10 with disk storage, floppy disk drive and the like. Furthermore, a screen unit 19 with screen 20, an input unit 21 with keyboard 22 and a protocol printer 23 are adjustably attached to the table frame.

The screen unit 19 is held on a bearing block 27 so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis 26, which is mounted with its base plate 40 so that it can rotate about a vertical pivot axis 28 in a carriage 29 held in the longitudinal guide 16. A motor spindle unit 32 is used for adjustment about the pivot axis 26 according to the double arrow 31 (Fig. 3) between a connecting joint 33 on the carriage 29 and a control joint 34 attached to the lowest end of the screen unit.

A geared rotary motor 37f is used to adjust the rotation of the screen unit 19 according to the double arrow 36 (Fig. 2 _), the pinion 38 of which engages in a toothed segment 39 of the base plate ¹¹⁰ of the bearing block 27. Finally, a geared drive motor 41 attached to the carriage is used to move the carriage 29 longitudinally according to the double arrow 30, the pinion 42 of which engages in a rack 43 on the longitudinal frame rod 13.

The input unit 21 with the keyboard 22 is fixedly mounted on a lifting platform 46, which can be raised and lowered relative to a base plate 47 attached to the rods 5, 11. Four guide columns 48 attached to the corners between the lifting platform and the base plate 47 serve to guide it vertically, and a nut 51, which can be rotated by a geared lifting motor 50 in the base plate 47, on a spindle 52, which is attached to the underside of the lifting platform 46, serves to adjust it according to the double arrow 49. It is expedient to use several parallel-acting spindles or comparable actuators.

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,The carriage 29 is guided between the bars 5 and 13 by rollers 56 which , as shown in Fig. 3, are mounted in a floating manner and extend into the C-shaped bar profiles of the longitudinal guide. In the same way, the rectangular pull-out frame 57 is guided in the guide 17 of the bars 4 and 14 by rollers provided at its inner end and holds the protocol printer 23 at its outer end with a paper box 58 attached underneath for pulling off the printed sheet 59. The printer operating keys are designated by 60.

Additional operating buttons 63 are attached to a switch bar 62, which is attached above the central unit 10 on the frame longitudinal bar 11, so that all adjustment functions for the screen unit 19 and the input unit 21 can be controlled from there. Additional plug-in units for further peripheral devices or other equipment are shown, for example, in Fig. 4 and will be explained later.

A plug panel 65 with sockets 66 is attached to the outside of the frame crossbar 12 and the neck parts 7 projecting up there. Additional sockets can also be provided on the switch panel 62 under certain circumstances. In this way, as required, the individual devices can be connected to the power supply and connected to one another via plugs 67 and cables 6b, as shown in part in Fig. 3. The cables 68 can be routed in single or multiple loops, possibly via adjustable intermediate supports, as is known per se.

Since the entire installation with all electrically operated units is attached exclusively to the table frame, the entire data processing device can in principle be operated with the table top 2 removed, as shown in Fig. 1 (table top removed) and Fig. 2 (line drawing).

1 point boundary of the table top). Using these figures, the adjustment of the screen unit 19 will also be explained with additional reference to Fig.3;

The operator normally assumes the position shown in Fig. 2, with the view from the visual center 71 normally directed in the transverse direction of the desk according to the I visual axis 72 with the viewing direction 73 (Fig. ^T ).

1 10 tet. Depending on the work to be carried out with the table top in place, the carriage 29 with the

S Screen unit 19 in the direction of the double arrow 30 (Fig.

I 2) between the extreme settings 19a and 19b

1 which can be easily done using the buttons 63 for the gear

I] 15 be-drive motor 41 can be controlled.

I Since the viewing direction changes, for example between

1 72a and 72b, this must also be driven by the geared rotary motor

\ be adjusted. Since the distance between the eye and the screen changes, a

_; Adjustment of the screen inclination via the motor spindle adjustment

; unit 32 may be necessary. This is also fundamentally indi-

J can be adjusted visually using the keys 63, for which purpose

% Stepper motors can be used moderately.

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i However, an automatic correction can also be made by

I can be seen that the rotary motor and swivel motor are

I Dependence on the switch-on time of the drive motor or the actuator

; because of the car 29 controls. Relatively simple lets

30 This can be achieved with a linear correction, whereby in the middle position according to the viewing direction 72 (Fig. 2) and 73 (Fig. 3) either a normal value is set directly and small deviations are accepted in the end positions with viewing directions 72a, 72b. These can be corrected individually, especially when using stepper motors, since the basic command and

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Single commands can be superimposed. However, small deviations can also be allowed in the normal viewing direction 72. Stepless, precise corrections can also be made, for example by means of control curves operated by a drive, electronic puncture converters and the like. It is relatively simple to install curve elements between the base plate kO and the carriage 29, each of which controls a pulse generator for the other two servomotors &igr;

In order to allow a view of the screen 20 in all driving positions of the carriage 29, an elongated rectangular recess 75 with a peripheral angle groove with a support edge "JS for a glass plate 77 is provided in the table top 2. This glass plate can be lifted out; its thickness corresponds exactly to the depth of the angle groove.

A further rectangular recess 79 is provided in the area of the input unit 21 and is separated from the front side edge 80 of the table top by an edge strip part 81, which can serve as a hand rest when entering data or text. The input unit 21 with the keyboard can therefore be raised to an individually selectable position up to approximately above the top 82 of the table top 2. This end position can then be specified for later lifting processes by a limit switch.

While the glass pane 77 is fitted tightly to the edge in the angle groove with the support edge 76 and can also be fixed there, for example by gluing, a filling plate 86 that can be lifted out according to arrow 85 (Fig. 3) is used to cover the recess 79, which, like the glass plate 77, is fitted tightly to the edge and, if possible, without noticeable transitions into the recess. When the input unit 21 is lowered, the filling plate 86 is supported by two supports 87 that snap into recesses in the input unit 21 or its support. This also ensures that the top

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the filling plate fits exactly into the top 82 of the table top 2. Both tops should also be made of the same material, have the same properties and fit together without a noticeable transition. 5

When the input unit 21 is raised, the filling plate 86 is also raised and can be easily released by lifting it. It can be attached or placed in a suitable holder in the normal position or inverted position as required. There is a storage option in the larger part of the area between the profile frame 3 and the table top 2, provided that no parts, such as the movable screen unit 19 or the input unit 21, protrude into this space. For example, a small board with two recesses for the supports 87 can be attached there.

In Fig. ¹ I, two further drawers 91 and 92 are shown schematically on the side of the printer 23. The drawer 91 can carry the same or a modified input unit 21 as in the previous illustration, as shown in more detail in Fig. 5. A telephone 93 with a modem SH can be accommodated on the drawer 92. A further drawer 95, suspended below the profile frame 3, can accommodate, for example, any organizational means 96 or the like, eg an intercom.

As can be seen from Fig. 5, only a relatively short transverse guide 98 on the longitudinal bars 5 and 11 is required for the extension 97 in order to make the keyboard 22 operable in the extension end position. It is therefore only necessary to pull it out and push it back in again according to the double arrow 99 and still have a relatively stable holder. Such an arrangement is primarily important where keying processes - possibly with a reduced keypad - are only carried out over a short period of time.

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Another possibility according to Fig. 6 is to connect the input unit 21 to a pull-out element i03 via an intermediate link 101 with two joints 102. Then the input unit can be swung up in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 6 into the position Fig. 6a on the top of the table top 2. Although the keyboard 22 is somewhat higher than this top, operation is still relatively convenient, especially since a control strip 104 is also formed here.
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According to Fig. 7, the input unit 121 has a partially cylindrical outer surface 106, which runs smoothly in a partially cylindrical inner surface of the recess 79. Two lateral ring bearings 107 are used for mounting in the table top 2, one of which enables the electrical connection cables to be passed through. The underside 108 of this input unit, which is then on top, is in turn designed in the same way and consists of the same material as the top side 82 of the table top 2. It is at the same height and fits in such a way that it does not cause interference even when writing by hand on a thin sheet of paper over the connection edge.

If the input unit 121 is now turned by l80° according to the double arrow 109, the keyboard 22 moves upwards and then comes to lie slightly higher than the table top surface 82 in the same way as shown in Fig. 3. Here too, an edge strip part l8l remains for the hand rest.

When the input unit is recessed, swiveled or turned by 180°, the entire top surface 82 remains completely flat and smooth. It can be used in any way, such as for writing purposes, taking notes, sorting documents, etc., like any conventional desk.

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-&Pgr;&Igr; Since the upper side 82 is normally horizontal, it is often difficult to allow a sufficiently large viewing angle onto the screen 20. For this reason, according to Fig. 8, the table top 2 is inclined at an angle of approximately 12°. As is usual with drawing boards, it can be provided with a lower edge bead 112, which in turn can be used as a hand rest if the keyboard in the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3 is to be attached to the upper side of the table top. The guide for the input unit 21 could then be inclined accordingly.

In order to make the devices covered by the table top 2 easily accessible for maintenance, installation and repair purposes, it can also be expedient to mount the table top 2, for example in a joint 113 on the base frame 1, in order to swivel it up from its inclined position or from its horizontal position, as is usual with piano lids, car hoods and the like. For this purpose, weight compensation, support rods and the like can be used in a known manner.

According to Fig. 9, a pocket-shaped standby box 114 for a plate-shaped screen 115 is attached to the back of the table frame 1 below the top 82. This can be moved according to the double arrow 116 between the illustrated operating position in the upper end position and its lower end position, in which it comes to lie below the top 82 of the table top, so cannot hinder the processes on the table top.

It is understood that such a flat screen 115 or a comparable display panel can be embedded in the table top 2 directly or underneath a transparent shield.

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-&Igr;&Ogr;&Igr; In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the base frame 1 consists of a table box 123 which is open at the top and covered by the removable table top 2 and rests detachably on two box supports 124 and 125, as is the basic shape of older office desks. The log printer 23 is in turn attached to a pull-out frame 57, and other devices such as tape and hard disk storage can also be accommodated in the two box supports. In principle, however, the electronic device which is essential for data processing is accommodated within the table box 123, the interior of which corresponds approximately to the space between the profile frame 3 and the table top 2 of the previously described embodiment.

This is possible there primarily because the screen unit 19 is only adjustable around the high pivot axis as shown in Fig. 3, but is otherwise fixed in place. Therefore, the receiving space for the screen unit can also be limited by a housing extension 126 in the form of a truncated pyramid, which projects downwards from the base plate 127.

While the input unit 21 can basically be lifted up in the same way as in the first described version and can be arranged in the same way or at an angle, the screen 20 is arranged at an ergonomically appropriate angle to the left of the seat. Here too, a glass plate 177 covering the screen unit lies in the recess \

175 in an angle groove on a support edge 76. \ This edge shoulder is interrupted towards the bottom right corner in Fig. 11 approximately within the triangle 128. If you press on the glass plate there, it swings up and can be lifted out. This is important for processes j with

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which controls can be triggered by touching the screen.

The side edge 131 of the table box 123 consists of individual plates which are detachably connected to one another and to the base plate 127 3 by means of angle rails or the like. Cables routed between individual plate parts are also interrupted by detachable couplings. In this way, the individual parts of the box can be transported separately after disassembly, are easier to handle and are better protected against damage, provided that the devices are not removed as a whole and packed separately.

To prevent damage from electrostatic charges, the entire inner surface of the table box 123, including the underside of the table top 2, is covered with an electrically conductive and grounded layer. A metal foil is generally used for this purpose. The temperature in this room can be kept within narrow limits by means of a cooling or air conditioning device. The simplest design is a fan 117 > the more precise are Peltier elements 118.

It is advisable to assign a power-voltage stabilizer to the mains connection, which is to be installed inside or outside the table box. However, all electrical and data cables should be routed exclusively from this connection inside the box. At least this box, and ideally the entire table, is made primarily of wood, but in some cases also of plastic. For special purposes, however, the use of all-metal boxes can also be advantageous, just as different regulations can require a different design of the entire table or individual table elements.

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It is therefore advisable to design the individual holders in such a way that different devices can be accommodated there, so that the next generation of electronics can be installed on the same monitor table as technology develops. An input unit can be combined with a central unit and, even if it is designed to be turned by 180°, can have some kind of height adjustment for the keyboard to allow individual adjustment to the palm rest. 10

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Claims (8)

<#■ &bull; · I &bull; · t k t · 31 R 2857 24.11.1986/gg Johannes Rittel ßlumenstr. 13 D-7950 ßiberach-Rissegg ßbildschirmtisch Claims 1. Screen table with a table frame covered by a table top, a computer or terminal arranged below the table top and with connections for peripheral devices such as an input unit, screen unit or display, storage unit and printer, characterized by the following features: a) All device units (10, 19, 21, 23) are arranged below the table top (2) at least when not in use. b) The table top (2) forms a continuously flat upper side (82) as a work surface with a view of the screen (20) or display. c)All connections and intermediate connections of the device units (10,19,21,23) are provided on the table frame (1), excluding the table top (2). d)The table top (2) rests on the table frame (1) and can be lifted off or swung open (Fig.1,8). 2. Screen table according to claim 1, characterized in that the table top (2) is provided so as to be movable upwards as a whole and has a transparent shield. 3. Screen table according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a display plate or a plate-shaped screen (115) is embedded in the table top. did * t · 4. Screen table according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a display plate (115) is provided so as to be movable upwards from a rest position (111) below the table surface (82) into a position of use (Fig. 8) 5· Screen table according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a transparent shield such as a glass plate (77)j, which can be removed if necessary, is mounted in a recess (75) in the table top (2), which covers a screen unit (19) mounted underneath. ) 6. Screen table according to claim 5> characterized in that the screen (20) is inclined towards the front (80) of the table in order to increase the viewing angle. 15 is set. 7. Screen table according to claim 6, characterized by j, in particular electrically controllable adjustment means (32) \ for tilting the screen (19). 8. Screen table according to claim 5j, characterized in that the screen unit (19) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an approximately vertical j axis (28). 25 9· Screen table according to one of claims 5 to 8, I. characterized in that the shield (glass plate 77) ! is elongated, particularly parallel to the front \ side (80) of the table and that the screen unit (19) is provided so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the shield (77). Iu. Screen table according to claim 9, characterized in that the rotational adjustment (2ö, 3tO) and/or the pivoting adjustment (26,31) of the screen unit (19) is linked to its longitudinal adjustment (16,30) below the transparent shield (77).