DK2976969T3

DK2976969T3 - COMBINATION OF A TABLE AND A LAMP

Info

Publication number: DK2976969T3
Application number: DK15170385.7T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Joachim Fleischer
Original assignee: Ceka Gmbh Co Kg
Priority date: 2014-07-24
Filing date: 2015-06-03
Publication date: 2017-08-07
Also published as: EP2976969B8; EP2976969A1; EP2976969B1; DE202014103416U1; PL2976969T3

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention concerns the combination of a table with a table frame and a table top, together with at least one lamp with a variable light intensity, wherein the table top is designed to be variable in height, and wherein the light intensity of the lamp for purposes of illuminating the table top is adjusted as a function of its height position, such that the illumination intensity at the location of the table top remains essentially constant.

[0002] In the case of tables with a table frame and table top, it is essential, in the context of office workstations amongst other scenarios, to work to ensure perfect illumination. In actual fact, the lamp should ensure that the table top is illuminated as uniformly as possible, and that any glare effects with regard to the screens positioned on the table top are avoided. Alternatively or additionally, the lamp is often also anticipated to provide room lighting - in addition to the illumination of the table top.

[0003] In the state of the art according to DE 20 2010 011 170 U1 a lighting system based on LEDs is described that is modular in its construction. The LED lighting system of known art can be utilised for this purpose, among other alternatives, as workstation lighting in combination with a table with a table frame and table top.

[0004] In addition to the known combination of the table and lamp with variable light intensity, variable height office desks are also of known art, in particular, for screen display workstations, as described in detail in the context of DE 10 2012 109 469 A1. Such variable height office tables feature the general advantage that a user can adjust the height of the table top to meet his individual needs and changing ergonomic requirements. Thus both sitting and standing operations are possible. This has proved to be successful in overall terms.

[0005] In the case of a generic combination of a table with a table frame and table top, together with at least one lamp, in accordance with DE 20 2012 010 025 U1 the procedure is that the light intensity is regulated, or can be regulated, with an individual dependence on the workstation height. By this means, the work surface of a workstation is always illuminated at any height between a minimum and maximum workstation height with the same predetermined light intensity. No details are given regarding the workstation lamp and its assembly or installation.

[0006] In the closest prior art in accordance with FR 2 532 830 A1, the combination of a table with a table frame and table top, together with a lamp, is already described and illustrated. The table top is designed to be adjustable in height. The lamp is connected to the table frame. The table frame is composed of at least two table columns, each predominantly vertically oriented, and related feet. The lamp is also connected to an upright.

[0007] In the context of the prior publication DE 20 2012 010 025 U1 a workstation lamp is described, the light intensity of which can be individually regulated as a function of the workstation height. By this means, the work surface of the workplace can always be illuminated with the same predetermined light intensity at any workstation height.

[0008] Up to the present time, definitive concepts have accordingly been lacking as to how the different height positions of the table top should properly be taken into account in a combination of the table together with the at least one lamp with a variable light intensity. Conventionally, a ceiling light is used at this point, for example, which, when the operative is standing, and with the table located in the highest position, may provide sufficient illumination. However, if the table top is at its lowest, or near its lowest, position when the operative is seated, the illumination, or more particularly, the illumination intensity is often no longer sufficient. Here the invention aims to provide an overall remedy.

[0009] The technical problem underlying the invention is that of developing further such a combination of a table together with at least one lamp with a variable light intensity such that the illumination and the arrangement of the table top are optimised. To solve this technical problem, a combination of a table with a table frame and table top, together with at least one lamp with a variable light intensity, is provided with the features of claim 1. In accordance with an advantageous configuration the lamp is arranged at a fixed position above the table top. In addition the two table columns can be coupled with one another by way of a connecting strut. At the same time the table column for purposes of accommodating the foot of the lamp is arranged essentially parallel to the adjacent table column of the table frame. The two table columns, coupled with one another by way of the connecting strut, define the table frame. Telescopic guide bars are accommodated in each of the two table columns; these support the variable height table top.

[0010] In the context of the invention, the latter firstly involves a special combination of a table, in particular an office desk, and at least one lamp with a variable light intensity. That is to say, the table or office desk and the related lamp form a unit. In most cases, a structural unit is preferred at this point, in which the lamp is connected to the table.

[0011] In all cases the lamp provides the illumination for the table top. Since the table top is designed to be variable in height, the object of the invention is to control the various height positions of the table top in terms of illumination. To this end, the invention proposes that the light intensity for purposes of illuminating the table top is adjusted so as to be essentially constant, independently of the height position of the table top.

[0012] The end result is that the light intensity of the lamp is reduced, for example, when the table top is in the highest position, compared to the case in which the table top is in its lowest position. That is to say, in the highest position of the table top, the lamp is operated at a low light intensity. In contrast, in the lowest position of the table top the light intensity is high. As a consequence, the illumination intensity at the location of the table top, that is to say the quotient of the light intensity and the square of the distance, can be adjusted so as to be essentially constant. The illumination intensity in general denotes the specific light emission, and is expressed as the quotient of the light intensity of what is usually a point-shaped light source and the square of the distance.

[0013] Since the light intensity is specified, for example, in lumens (Im), the illumination intensity is measured in lumens per square metre, which corresponds to the unit of lux. Alternatively, the illumination intensity can also be measured in candelas. In all cases, the invention ensures that the illumination intensity (measured in lux) of the lamp for purposes of illuminating the table top is adjusted so as to be essentially constant at the location of the table top, independently of the height position of the table top.

[0014] The end result is that the lamp, which is fixed in position and is arranged above the table top, changes its distance from the table top, because the table top is designed to be variable in height. Depending upon the height position of the table top, the light intensity of the lamp is adjusted such that the illumination intensity at the location of the table top remains essentially constant. That is to say, depending upon the height position of the table top, the light intensity of the lamp is in each case adapted such that the illumination intensity at the location of the table top remains essentially constant, and, needless to say, also satisfies legal requirements. It is therefore to be anticipated that the same lighting conditions will be always be present, regardless of whether the table top assumes its highest or lowest position. The essential advantages are to be seen in this fact.

[0015] In order to be able to implement the adaptation of the light intensity to the height position of the table top in detail, a sensor is usually provided in order to detect the height position of the table top and/or a distance between the lamp and the table top.

[0016] As already explained, the lamp is normally positioned above the table top at a fixed position, and is connected to the table or table frame in overall terms. Since the table top can change its height position, the distance of the lamp from the table top accordingly also varies. This distance is measured with the aid of the sensor.

[0017] For this purpose, the sensor can, for example, be a displacement sensor, which measures the travel of the table top relative to the fixed table frame. In principle, however, the lamp can also be equipped with a distance sensor that measures the distance of the lamp from the table top located underneath. In all cases the sensor is advantageously connected to a control unit for purposes of adjusting the light intensity of the lamp. If the distance between the lamp and the table top reduces, the light intensity of the lamp is steadily reduced. If, however, the distance increases, the light intensity is correspondingly increased.

[0018] In order to achieve as uniform an illumination of the table top as possible with the aid of the lamp, the latter is usually equipped with a multiplicity of illumination sources. These illumination sources typically take the form of LEDs, and in particular white light LEDs. In addition, it has proved to be advantageous if the individual illumination sources are arranged two-dimensionally and, for example, define a rectangular lamp surface.

[0019] In addition, the illumination source is often equipped with a diffusely lightscattering body on the emitting side of the illumination source. In this manner, the white light emanating from the illumination sources is diffusely scattered, and ensures an impression of uniform lighting on the table top located underneath. These light-scattering bodies can be equipped with openings, through which the individual illumination sources emit essentially unhindered. In this context the light emanating from the illumination sources and not emitted through the opening may be additionally emitted diffusely.

[0020] In addition, the design is generally such that a part of the diffusely emitted light is emitted backwards, that is to say, away from the table top into the room. In this manner, the lamp ensures that not only is the table top illuminated directly, but at the same time an indirect illumination of the room is also provided.

[0021] As already explained, the lamp is located at a fixed position above the variable height table top. Here the lamp is usually arranged above the centre of the table top. In order to achieve this positioning at a fixed position in detail, the lamp is usually connected to an upright.

[0022] The upright is designed in two parts, with a foot and an arm that is angled relative to the upright. The foot of the upright is accommodated in a table column. In contrast, the lamp is connected to the end of the angled arm.

[0023] The foot is detachably inserted into the table column, and can be anchored in the table column. In principle, the foot can also be anchored relative to the table column at different height positions. By this means, the lamp can be altered in its position above the table top, and can easily be adapted to the particular circumstances in question. The lamp can thus be installed at a fixed position above the table top. In addition, a variable position of the lamp above the table top is also possible.

[0024] As already described, the table frame for the variable height table regularly consists of two table columns, which are connected to one another. In the interior of each of the table columns, which are usually arranged vertically, telescopic guide bars can be accommodated; these in turn support the table top, as is discussed in detail in DE 10 012 109 469 A1, which has already been described in the introduction.

[0025] As a result, the combination of a table with a table frame and a table top, together with at least one lamp with a variable light intensity is provided, which for the first time provides consistently constant illumination conditions at the location of the variable height table top. That is to say, an operator enjoys uniform illumination conditions irrespective of whether the table top is at its highest or lowest position. By this means particular ergonomic advantages are achieved, and specifically, any symptoms of fatigue at the work station are countered.

[0026] In addition, the fitting of the lamp on the table frame ensures defined conditions. In this manner it can in fact be ensured, for example, that the lamp is arranged centrally above the table top and retains its position. This applies both to the case in which the lamp is positioned above the table top at a fixed position, and also when the lamp experiences an alteration in its height above the table top.

[0027] The lamp for its part is accommodated with its foot in a table column, which can take the form of a table column of the table frame. In general, however, a separate - third - table column is implemented. By this means the lamp can be established on the table frame in a space-saving manner, because the table column for purposes of accommodating its foot and the adjacent table column of the table frame can be connected with one another. By this means the foot can be integrated into the table, as it were, and may pass through an opening in the table top. By this means a compact and elegant structure is achieved.

[0028] The essential advantages are to be seen in this fact.

[0029] In what follows the invention is explained in more detail in terms of just one drawing representing an example of embodiment; here:

Figs. 1 and 2 show the inventive combination in various views, some in perspective.

[0030] A combination of a table 1 and a lamp 2 is shown in the figures. The lamp 2 is arranged at a fixed position above a table top 3. For this purpose, the lamp 2 is connected to a table frame 4, 5, 6. The table frame 4, 5, 6 is composed of two predominantly vertically oriented table columns 4 and related feet 5. The two table columns 4 of the table frame 4, 5, 6 are coupled with one another by way of a connecting strut 6.

[0031] In addition, a further third table column 4 is added to one side of the table frame 4, 5, 6, as the figures clearly show. The third table column 4 extends predominantly parallel to the adjacent table column 4 of the table frame 4, 5, 6. The two parallel and adjacent table columns 4 utilise a common foot 5. In addition, the two table columns 4 are coupled with one another by, for example, transverse struts, as is clear from Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] In the two table columns 4 of the table frame 4, 5, 6, telescopic guide bars 7 are accommodated; these support the variable height table top 3. The adjustment of the various height positions of the table top 3, illustrated in the figures, may here take place as described in detail in DE 10 2012 104 469 A1 of the applicant. That is to say, with the aid of a spring element, the table top 3 is preloaded and manually fixed at the desired height position with recourse to an additional brake. In principle this is of known art.

[0033] The lamp 2 has a variable light intensity (measured in lumens). In this manner, the light emission, that is to say, the light intensity, at the location of the table top 3 can be altered. The lamp 2 is in fact arranged at a fixed position above the variable height table top 3. The lamp 2 is usually located above or in the vicinity of a centre of the table top 3.

[0034] The light intensity of the lamp 2 for purposes of illuminating the table top 3 is now adjusted as a function of the height position of the table top 3, such that the illumination intensity at the location of the table top 3 remains essentially constant. That is to say, the illumination intensity at the location of the tabletop 3 remains approximately constant, both when the table top 3 is located in its highest position (as shown on the left) and also when the lowest position is assumed (as shown on the right). By this means constant lighting conditions at the location of the table top 3 are achieved, independently of the latter’s height position relative to the table frame 4, 5, 6.

[0035] Since, in its highest position, the table top 3 has a small distance A relative to the lamp 2 arranged above the latter, compared with the situation when the table top 3 assumes its lowest position, the light intensity of the lamp 2 must be adapted. The light intensity of the lamp 2 in the highest position tends to be lower than in the lowest position, because the illumination intensity represents the quotient of the light intensity and the square of the distance. If, for example, the distance A is doubled, then the light intensity must be adjusted to be four times as large in order to hold the illumination intensity at the location of the table top 3 constant.

[0036] In order now to be able to vary the light intensity of the lamp 2 accordingly, and to adjust the resulting illumination intensity at the location of the table top 2 so that it is essentially constant, a sensor 8 is also provided. The distance A of the lamp 2 from the table top 3 is detected with the aid of the sensor 8 in or on the lamp 2. The sensor 8 can, for example, take the form of an ultrasound and/or laser-based distance sensor.

[0037] The sensor 8 in question is connected to a control unit 9 that is just indicated. The light intensity of the lamp 2 is altered with the aid of the control unit 9. The lamp 2 is in fact connected to an upright 10, 11. The upright 10, 11 is designed in two parts, with a foot 10 and an arm 11 that is angled relative to the upright.

[0038] The foot 10 of the upright 10, 11 is accommodated in the third table column 4. Conversely, the end of the angled arm 11 carries the lamp 2. The control unit 9 already mentioned may be arranged inside the upright 10, 11 such that it is protected. The sensor 8 is connected to the control unit 9 via a connecting conductor running in the interior of the upright 10, so that any damage to the sensor 8 or to the control unit 9 and its connecting conductor can in effect be ruled out. In addition, a particularly pleasing appearance is provided.

[0039] For its part the lamp 2 is usually equipped with a plurality of illumination sources. Here the illumination sources are arranged two-dimensionally. In actual fact the plurality of illumination sources defines a rectangular lamp surface 12. In addition a diffusely light-scattering body may be provided on the emission side of the individual illumination sources. The lamp 2 not only ensures direct illumination of the table top 3, but in addition can also generate light that is indirectly emitted into the room. This is all, of course, just an example and is not obligatory. One can see that the upright 10, 11 for the lamp 2 is accommodated in the third table column 4. In this manner the height of the upright 10, 11 can in principle be altered. In addition one can see with the aid of the enlarged detail in Figure 1, that the upright 10 passes through the table top 3, taking into account an opening 13 in the table top 3. The opening 13 may be equipped with a seal relative to the upright 10. Furthermore, the upright 10 passes through the edge of the table top 3 in a vertical extension of the third table column 4, which accommodates the upright 10 in its interior.

[0040] In overall terms, the lamp 2 is firstly roughly aligned at its distance A above the table top 3 and is fixed in position. By this means it is possible to adapt it to different table frames 4, 5, 6, different table tops 3, room conditions, etc.

[0041] If the table top 3 is now altered in its height position and thus also in the distance A relative to the lamp 2, this alteration in the distance A is measured with the aid of the sensor 8. This sensor 8 outputs the corresponding values to the control unit 9, which accordingly controls the individual illumination sources of the lamp 2 such that the light intensity of the lamp 2 is altered. If the table top 3 is located in its highest position, the light intensity of the lamp 2 is reduced. If on the other hand the table top 3 is moved into its lowest position, the light intensity of the lamp 2 is increased.

[0042] In all cases, the invention ensures that the illumination intensity, that is to say, the quotient of the light intensity and the square of the distance A, is adjusted so as to be essentially constant in the vicinity of the table top 3. By this means, both standing and seated activities can be expected to enjoy the same lighting conditions, and as a result any symptoms of fatigue of the operating personnel are obviated.

Claims

1. Combination of a table (1) with table frame (4, 5, 6) and table top (3) and at least one lamp (2) of varying brightness, where - the table top (3) is designed so that it can height changes and where - the lamp (3) is connected to the table frame (4, 5, 6), where - the table frame (4, 5, 6) consists of at least two respectively vertically oriented table columns (4) and associated feet (5) and wherein - the lamp (2) is connected to a pole (10, 11), the foot (10) of which is accommodated in a table column (4), characterized in that - the lamp (2) brightness for illuminating the table top (3) depending on the its height position is adjusted in such a way that the illuminance remains substantially the same at the location of the countertop (3) and that - the post (10) passes through the countertop (3), namely, taking into account an opening (13) in the countertop ( 3).

Combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the lamp (2) is arranged stationary over the table top (3).

Combination according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a sensor (8) is provided for detecting the height position of the worktop and / or a distance (A) between the lamp (2) and the worktop (3).

Combination according to claim 3, characterized in that the sensor (8) is connected to a control unit (9) for adjusting the brightness of the lamp (2).

Combination according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lamp (2) is provided with a plurality of lighting sources.

Combination according to claim 5, characterized in that the illumination sources are arranged flat and e.g. defines a rectangular lamp surface (12).

Combination according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a diffuse light-scattering body is provided on the radiation side of the lamp sources.

Combination according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the post (10, 11) is formed in two parts with the foot (10) and an arm (11) which is angled relative thereto.

Combination according to claim 8, characterized in that the table column (4) for accommodating the foot (10) is arranged parallel to a further table column (4) which accommodates a telescoping guide rod (7).