EP0785739A1

EP0785739A1 - Computer work-table

Info

Publication number: EP0785739A1
Application number: EP95933330A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guido Fehrenbach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-10-13
Filing date: 1995-10-11
Publication date: 1997-07-30
Also published as: WO1996011600A1; DE4436594A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a computer work-table with a surface (1) for a keyboard (2), and with an adjustable surface (4) which is disposed behind the surface (1) and is used to accommodate a monitor (3). For individual and hence ergonomic adaptation and easy handling whilst having a simple structure, the adjustable surface (4) is inclined downwards with its side remote from the screen (5) such that the monitor (3) is inclined rearwards according to the inclination of the adjustable surface (4) or obliquely upwards with the screen (5).

Description

"Computer work table"

The invention relates to a computer work table with a shelf for a keyboard and a lifting surface arranged behind the shelf and used to hold a monitor.

Computer work tables of the type in question here have been known in practice for years. Most of these are work tables that have sufficient depth to position a keyboard and a monitor behind it, or even a small computer with a monitor above it. There are also already special platforms for the monitor, which are positioned accordingly on a computer work table. Some of these platforms can also be adjusted in height so that the monitor can be moved approximately at the operator's eye level.

However, the known computer work tables and their equipment as a whole are problematic in practice from two points of view. On the one hand, the position of the monitor does not meet the needs of the operators, especially since the monitors cause the head to be held unnaturally or the operator to be positioned unnaturally. Regardless of the height of the monitor, the position of the screen that can be reached on a work table does not correspond to the ergonomic requirements such as those caused by the magazine reader, for example, by keeping the magazine in a suitable position. The inclination reached there, or the angle of the viewing direction to the horizontal, corresponds to the most comfortable position when reading and thus also when working on a monitor. In any case, conventional computer work tables or the position of the monitor that can be implemented there do not allow such an ergonomic situation.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a computer work table with a shelf for a keyboard and a lifting surface which is arranged behind the shelf and serves to accommodate a monitor, which on the one hand meets the ergonomic needs of an operator and on the other hand simple construction with easy handling. The computer work table according to the invention achieves the above object by the features of patent claim 1. According to this, the computer work table mentioned at the outset is designed in such a way that the lifting surface with the side facing away from the screen is inclined downwards in such a way that the monitor corresponds to the angle the lifting surface is tilted backwards or inclined upwards with the screen.

According to the invention, it has accordingly been recognized that the previous position of the monitor does not meet the ergonomic requirements of an operator. Rather, the previous positioning of the monitor - on the level of the table top or above - irrespective of any inclination of the monitor leads to an unnatural head posture or angular position of the eyes, so that early signs of fatigue or cramping of the neck muscles and thus head ¬ pain occurs. In this respect, it has been recognized in a further manner according to the invention that the screen should be lowered from the plane of the table or inclined with the side facing away from the screen so that the operator - like reading a magazine - in one Predeterminable angle directed downwards looks at the monitor or screen. Finally, it has been recognized that this angle is best achieved by the monitor pointing backwards with the inclination of the lifting surface or with the screen obliquely upwards. Consequently, a position can be achieved with the computer work table according to the invention, as a newspaper reader naturally adjusts itself to the newspaper by holding the newspaper accordingly. Early signs of fatigue or even cramping or headaches are at least largely avoided by the arrangement according to the invention.

With regard to a concrete design of the computer work table according to the invention, it is now of particular advantage if the storage for the keyboard is part of a work surface or an integral part of a work surface. The shelf could swing out or fold out of the work surface. If the keyboard is not required, it can easily be swiveled or folded back into the area of the work surface, so that the operator's disabilities are avoided to this extent.

From an ergonomic point of view, it is particularly advantageous if the shelf is located in the area of the work surface, preferably in one area below the work surface. In this respect, the shelf in its working position could be at least slightly below the level of the work surface, which results in a very special posture of the arms when working on the keyboard. An ergonomic posture is also favored in this respect.

Now people of different sizes work on a computer work table according to the invention. Furthermore, different operators do not necessarily find the same position of the monitor as pleasant or optimal, even with the same body size. It is consequently of particular advantage with regard to the design of the lifting surface if it can be adjusted to different inclinations, preferably continuously, and locked there in each case. Due to this configuration, the operator can adjust the monitor according to his own needs or according to his own - subjective - well-being and can find out, in particular in the course of working on the computer work table according to the invention, by trying out which inclination of the lifting surface and thus the monitor is probably the cheapest.

For optimal positioning and thus adjustment of the monitor, it is a further advantage if the lifting surface can also be positioned below the level of the working surface or above the level of the working surface with a predeterminable or adjustable inclination. In this respect, this positioning outside of the level of the work surface, in addition to the adjustable inclination, is particularly suitable for different body lengths of the operators.

Due to the aforementioned possibility of positioning the lifting surface on the one hand below and on the other hand above the working surface, it is of further advantage if the storage for the keyboard can also be lowered below the level of the working surface or raised above the level of the working surface and there is definable. The shelf can be positioned below the level of the work surface by pushing or swiveling. The same applies to positioning above the work surface. With the lifting surface correspondingly raised or the monitor shifted upwards, one could work standing upright on the computer work table according to the invention, the keyboard with the storage area carrying it having to be correspondingly highly positioned. Consequently, the computer work table according to the invention is not only suitable for sitting work, but also, for example, in the area of a production line for "fast" standing work. If the computer work table is not to be used exclusively for working on the computer, it is a further advantage if the lifting surface, together with the monitor fixed thereon, can be completely shifted under the work surface and, if necessary, pivoted or tilted there. In this respect, the monitor can be moved out of the work surface and / or swiveled or tilted so that the view originally obstructed by the monitor is released and the work surface as a whole can be used for other purposes. In any case, it should be ensured that the monitor is firmly on the lifting surface or is even fixed there, so that the monitor cannot slide off the lifting surface when it is lowered.

So that the lifting surface lowered with the monitor does not obstruct the footwell of the operator sitting at the computer work table, the lifting surface could be pivoted away to the side or to the rear together with the monitor in the lowered position. More precisely, the lifting surface could be swung away to the side or to the rear together with the monitor under the work surface in a curved rotary movement, so that the footwell is largely kept free. In the pivoted-away position of the lifting surface, the screen could in turn be directed towards the rear or towards the rear wall or to the side, so that the screen is protected in this respect.

So that the work surface released overall after the monitor has been poured away can actually be used for another purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the remaining recess in the work surface is closed. In this respect, the side of the lifting surface facing away from the monitor, i.e. the underside, complement the parting area to a closed area. The monitor would then be swung down under the parting surface and the back of the lifting surface would then be part of the work surface when lowered. Except for the remaining joints, the work surface would then be closed overall.

Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the monitor to be directed with the screen upward in the pivoted-away position of the lifting surface. To this extent, the monitor itself would close the recess in the work surface, the work surface, which was closed to that extent, being of limited use here. In any case, the monitor would be removed from the eye-catcher and could also be used in this configuration the work surface is at least largely used for other purposes. As already mentioned before, however, a separate cover plate could also be provided for closing the recess in the worktop, so that a secure covering of the recess is ensured.

With regard to a very specific configuration of the lifting surface or the facial expressions carrying the monitor, it is of particular advantage from the point of view of the safe storage of the monitor if the monitor, together with the lifting surface, is arranged in a surface that is formed under the working surface and is preferably closed on all sides Box can be lowered. This box is preferably arranged in the rear area of the work surface, so that it does not restrict the operator's legroom or only insignificantly.

A simple and effortless handling of the computer work table according to the invention is favored in that the lifting surface can be actuated - preferably automatically - via an actuating member. In this respect, on the one hand, the inclination and, on the other hand, the height positioning of the lifting surface and thus of the monitor can be set automatically. Predeterminable heights and inclinations could be specified via a corresponding processor and in this respect could be reproduced exactly. Different operators could prescribe different settings and, if the operator changes, bring them back automatically and without lengthy trial and error.

If the lifting surface is at least slightly lowered in the recess in the working surface - with a corresponding inclination towards the operator - the lifting surface could form a trough or the trough bottom. This trough could have panels or side boundaries extending between the lifting surface and the working surface. Openings, recesses or spacings to the lifting surface and / or to the working surface could in turn be formed in these panels, so that any cables or supply lines can be laid through these openings or recesses or spacings. A spacing between the lifting surface and the diaphragms forming the side boundary would have the further enormous advantage that smaller objects, for example ballpoint pens, pencils or the like, accidentally get into the trough due to the inclination of the lifting surface between the lifting surface and the diaphragm due to the spacings can fall through Stuck small parts and thus a hindrance to the lifting surface is largely excluded. A cumbersome disassembly of the monitor for easy access into the trough is therefore unnecessary. Specifically, spacers could be provided between the lifting surface and the diaphragms that laterally delimit the trough, via which the diaphragms are firmly connected to the lifting surface.

If the computer work table according to the invention is a work table consisting at least predominantly of wood, the trough could also be made entirely of wood. However, it would also be conceivable to manufacture the trough entirely or at least partially from sheet metal. The diaphragms forming the side boundary of the trough could in turn be made from perforated sheet metal or sheet metal strips or sheet metal profiles. The spacers connecting the diaphragms to the lifting surface could be designed as metal or plastic profiles, any suitable materials being considered here.

For safe cable routing, it is now of further advantage if the trough or the covers of the trough have an integrated cable duct or if the covers are at least part of a cable duct. In this respect, safe cable routing would also be ensured when lifting and lowering the lifting surface, it always having to be ensured that shearing of the cables is effectively avoided when lifting or lowering the lifting surface above or below the working surface.

The work surface as such could be designed as a conventional desk top with rectangular edges. Especially in the case of universal use, for example at an information stand at a trade fair or the like, it would be advantageous if the work surface was designed as a rotatable plate. More precisely, the work surface could be designed as a round plate. In this respect, you could work equally well on the worktop from all sides. However, it would be of further advantage if the lifting surface carrying the monitor were designed as a preferably round rotating plate within the working surface. In this respect, the monitor could be rotated not only in its height and inclination but also in its angle of rotation position to different operators and raised, lowered and / or inclined there accordingly. So one could easily imagine, for example, that the work table as a whole is designed in the form of a barrel which also rotatably encompasses the lifting surface carrying the monitor. The shelf carrying the keyboard could be pulled out of the area of the bin and with a corresponding one Linkage to the barrel as a whole can be moved or pushed around it. However, it would also be conceivable to assign the shelf for the keyboard to the lifting surface, so that when the lifting surface is turned, the keyboard or the shelf carrying the keyboard is also automatically rotated.

Especially when designing the work table or the work surface in the form of a barrel, the monitor could be lowered into the barrel together with the lifting surface carrying the monitor. The shelf supporting the keyboard could be folded into the recess of the work surface, the rear of the work surface supporting the keyboard closing the recess in the work surface. In this respect, a homogeneous work surface for other use would be formed after the monitor has been folded away.

In addition to the foregoing, it should be mentioned here that the computer could be arranged below the work surface, however it is designed. This could in turn be held under the work surface with appropriate mounting brackets. Of course, one could simply and simply place the computer under the computer work table, which would ensure decoupling of the vibrations emanating from the computer onto the computer work table.

There are now various possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims subordinate to patent claim 1, and on the other hand to the following explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching are also explained in general. In the drawing shows

1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a computer work table according to the invention in plan view,

2 shows the object from FIG. 1 in a sectional side view,

3 shows the object from FIG. 1 in a view from behind, Fig. 4 in a schematic representation, partially, an embodiment of the trough of a computer work table according to the invention and

5 shows a schematic side view of the lifting surface with the monitor at standing height, at seat height and in the submerged state, a simple immersion without pivoting away in the footwell being shown here, and

6 is a schematic view of a further exemplary embodiment of a computer work table in barrel form according to the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show, in schematic representations, a first exemplary embodiment of a computer work table according to the invention with a shelf 1 for a keyboard 2 only shown in FIG. 6 and a lifting surface 4 arranged behind the shelf 1 and used to hold a monitor 3, 1 to 4, for the sake of simplicity, neither the keyboard nor the monitor are shown.

Figures 1 to 4 clearly show that in the manner according to the invention the lifting surface 4 is inclined downwards with the side facing away from the screen 5 such that the monitor 3 is inclined to the rear in accordance with the inclination of the lifting surface 4 or with the screen 5 shows above.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the shelf 1 is part of a work surface 6. In the further embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the shelf 1 can be folded out of the work surface 6 and is upstream of the work surface 6 in the operating state. With regard to alternative configurations, reference is made to the general part of the description in order to avoid repetitions.

5, the lifting surface 4 can be infinitely adjusted to different inclinations and locked there in each case. Furthermore, the lifting surface 4 can be positioned at a predeterminable inclination both below the level of the working surface 6 and above the level of the working surface 6, a total of three positions being shown in FIG. 5. In other words, the lifting surface 4, together with the monitor 3 fixed thereon, can be completely displaced under the working surface 6 and, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, can be pivoted or tilted in the lowered state. As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the monitor 3 could be pivoted away to the side or to the rear in the lowered position, so that the foot space below the computer work table is at least largely freed from the monitor 3. The monitor 3 could be lowered and pivoted away as part of a curved rotary movement to the side or to the rear. In any case, the monitor 3 could be directed backwards or to the side with its screen 5 in the lowered and pivoted-away position. In the event of a veneer, the screen 5 would also be protected by the veneer.

Fig. 4 shows in connection with Figures 1, 2 and 3 very clearly that the lifting surface 4 in the lowered state in the recess 7 of the work surface 6 forms a trough 8 or the trough bottom. This trough 8 has orifices 9 or corresponding side boundaries extending between the lifting surface 4 and the working surface 6. The panels 9 in turn have openings 10 and spacings 11 to the lifting surface 4 and to the working surface 6, respectively, the panels 9 being connected to the lifting surface 4 via spacers 12.

In the embodiment selected here, the trough 8 is made entirely of wood. Likewise, it could - as part of an inexpensive alternative - be made from sheet metal or perforated sheet metal or from sheet metal strips or sheet metal profiles. Furthermore, an integrated cable duct, not shown in the figures, could be provided, so that the cables are stored in an orderly manner, in particular for pivoting away the lifting surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the lifting surface 4 is designed as a rotatable round plate and can be lowered into a barrel 13 together with the monitor 3. The recess 7 in the work surface 6 can be closed by folding down the shelf 1 carrying the keyboard 2.

Finally, it should be particularly emphasized that the exemplary embodiments discussed above only serve to explain the claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to these exemplary embodiments.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Computer work table with a shelf (1) for a keyboard (2) and a behind the shelf (1) arranged to accommodate a monitor (3) serving lifting area

(4), characterized in that the lifting surface (4) with the side facing away from the screen (5) is inclined downwards in such a way that the monitor (3) corresponding to the inclination of the lifting surface (4) backwards or with the screen (5) is inclined upwards.

2. Computer work table according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelf (1) is part of a work surface (6).

3. Computer work table according to claim 2, characterized in that the shelf (1) from the work surface (6) can be pivoted or folded out.

4. Computer work table according to claim 2, characterized in that the shelf (1) from the area of the work surface (6), preferably from an area under the work surface (6), can be pulled out.

5. Computer work table according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the tray (1) in its working position is at least slightly below the level of the work surface (6).

6. Computer work table according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the lifting surface (4) is preferably continuously adjustable to different inclinations and can be locked there.

7. Computer work table according to claim 6, characterized in that the Hub¬ surface (4) can be positioned at a predetermined inclination below the level of the work surface (6) or above the level of the work surface (6).

8. Computer work table according to claim 7, characterized in that the tray (1) for the keyboard (2) when positioning the lifting surface (4) below the plane of the work surface (6) can be lowered or pushed into or under the work surface (6) or can be pivoted and, when the lifting surface (4) is positioned above the level of the working surface (6), can also be correspondingly displaced over the level of the working surface (6) and can be fixed there.

9. Computer work table according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the lifting surface (4) together with the monitor (3) fixed thereon completely under the work surface (6) and can be swiveled or tilted there if necessary.

10. Computer work table according to claim 9, characterized in that the Hub¬ surface (4) together with the monitor (3) in the lowered position to the side or back can be pivoted away.

11. Computer work table according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the lifting surface (4) together with the monitor (3) under the work surface (6) in a curved rotary movement to the side or to the rear can be pivoted away.

12. Computer work table according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in the pivoted-away position of the lifting surface (4) the monitor (3) with the screen (5) is directed backwards or to the side.

13. Computer work table according to claim 9, characterized in that in the pivoted away position the monitor (3) facing away from the lifting surface (4) supplements the work surface (6) to form a closed surface.

14. Computer work table according to claim 9, characterized in that in the pivoted-away position of the lifting surface (4) the monitor (3) with the screen (5) is directed upwards.

15. Computer work table according to claim 14, characterized in that a ge special cover plate for closing the recess (7) in the work surface (6) is provided.

16. Computer work table according to one of claims 6 to 15, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the monitor (3) together with the lifting surface (4) in a beneath the working surface (6) formed, preferably all-round closed box can be lowered.

17. Computer work table according to claim 16, characterized in that the box is preferably arranged in the rear region of the work surface (6).

18. Computer work table according to one of claims 6 to 17, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the lifting surface (4) via an actuating member - preferably automatically - is operable.

19. Computer work table according to one of claims 6 to 18, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the lifting surface (4) in the lowered state in the recess (7) of the work surface (6) forms a trough (8) or the trough bottom.

20. Computer work table according to claim 19, characterized in that the trough (8) between the lifting surface (4) and the work surface (6) has panels (9) or side boundaries.

21. Computer work table according to claim 20, characterized in that the diaphragms (9) have openings (10), recesses or spacings (11) to the lifting surface (4) and / or to the work surface (6).

22. Computer work table according to claim 21, characterized in that the diaphragms (9) via spacers (12) with the lifting surface (4) are connected.

23. Computer work table according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the trough (8) is made entirely of wood.

24. Computer work table according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the trough (8) is made entirely of sheet metal.

25. Computer work table according to claim 24, characterized in that the diaphragms (9) are made of perforated sheet metal or sheet metal strips or sheet metal profiles.

26. Computer work table one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the diaphragms (9) have an integrated cable duct or are at least part of a cable duct.

27. Computer work table according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the work surface (6) is designed as a rotatable plate.

28. Computer work table according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the work surface (6) is designed as a round plate.

29. Computer work table according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the lifting surface (4) is designed as a preferably round rotary plate.

30. Computer work table according to one of claims 27 to 29, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the work table is in the form of a barrel (13).

31. Computer work table according to claim 30, characterized in that the Hub¬ surface (4) together with the monitor (3) in the bin (13) and the recess (7) in the work surface (6) by folding the Keyboard (2) carrying tray (1) can be closed.