EP0826465A1

EP0826465A1 - Curved work station

Info

Publication number: EP0826465A1
Application number: EP97114994A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David E. Conner
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Robert Bosch LLC
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH; Robert Bosch LLC
Priority date: 1996-08-30
Filing date: 1997-08-29
Publication date: 1998-03-04

Abstract

A workstation comprising a curved plan design and work surface. The workstation includes a curved work surface (30) supported by a frame (3) to optimize efficiency and worker comfort. The curved work surface includes a curved front edge (32) and a curved rear edge (34) connected by straight side edges (39, 41). The straight side edges are disposed about 90 degrees with respect to each other. The curve work surface optimizes the work surface by eliminating wasted corner spaces, thereby allowing a layout which places the parts and tools within easy reach of the worker and eliminates repetitive twisting and stretching by the worker. The frame (3) includes channels (8) for attaching parts containers, tools and other equipment as necessary for customizing the workstation for a particular work task. The workstation can be easily reconfigured by adding or deleting the parts containers, tools and other equipment using standard parts.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention.

The present invention relates to workstations and, more particularly, to workstations having ergonomic form.

2. Description of the related art.

Workstations are platforms used in a variety of manufacturing, assembly, and testing procedures wherein a person positioned at the workstation has a work surface and ready access to the parts and tools necessary to complete a particular work task. Such workstations are extensively used when performing assembly and testing procedures which are more efficiently performed by a single worker positioned at a single location rather than by an assembly line type of arrangement. Workstations are often used, for example, in processes involving assembly and testing of electrical components and circuits.

Workstations may be configured to be part of a larger assembly or testing line, or to be relatively independent stations which are used for performing discrete work tasks. In either situation, it is essential that workstations be easily reconfigurable and adaptable for use with a variety of tasks. To meet the goal of flexibility, workstations are usually designed using modular and standardized components. Modularization and standardization permits the designer to change, add, rearrange, or delete components or entirely reconfigure workstations.

Although easily reconfigurable, workstations usually include at least a table top, side panels or supports, overhanging supports and desirably a footrest. The table top provides a work space and the side panels, supports and overhanging supports provide a mechanism for attaching parts containers and tools to the workstation. Parts containers and tools are arranged about the work space to be within easy reach of the worker. Also, the footrest is usually attached to the workstation to improve worker comfort.

A primary consideration in designing workstations is the need to improve the efficiency of the manufacturing, assembly, or testing process. Indeed, an advantage of using workstations is that the worker has all the parts, tools and work space within reach at a single location, thus improving economy of motion and worker efficiency. The parts and tools are usually placed within easy reach of the worker such that minimal time and movement is necessary to acquire the parts and tools. Having the parts and tools at the worker's fingertips rather than forcing the worker to reach several inches or go to another location to obtain the parts or tools can significantly increase worker productivity and output.

Electrical and pneumatic tools are often provided at the workstations. The electrical tools may be permanently attached to the workstation or may be portable tools attached to electrical outlets provided on the workstation. The portable electrical tools may hang from overhead supports by a retractable lines or cables so that the tool is within easy reach of the worker, yet is out of the way when the tool is not in use.

The frame usually includes slides, slots or channels such that parts containers and tools can be easily attached to the frame and adjusted to fit the worker's frame. Parts containers have "ears" which attach to channels formed on the workstation frame to permit quick and easy mounting and repositioning of the containers on the frame. Parts containers are also usually designed with specially ridged bodies to help workers quickly grasp loose or irregularly shaped parts. Also, grab ledges may be nested into parts containers to separate parts before they are needed. The grab ledges allow a user to easily see and quickly pick up parts with a sweeping action of the hand. Thus, the parts containers and tools can be laid out on the workstation to match a worker's frame considering their height, grab area, etc., in order to maximize the worker's productivity.

Worker comfort is also an important consideration in the design of workstations. Worker comfort is closely related to efficiency considerations because workstations designed to improved comfort can significantly increase worker productivity, morale and product quality. Comfort considerations include: placing parts and tools within easy reach of the worker, having an optimized layout which reduces wasted motion and speeds part throughput; placing the work surface below the heart to increase blood circulation; placing the parts and tools within the worker's field of vision; and having light brightness appropriate to the task.

Conventional workstations use a substantially rectangular plan and work surface and do not totally meet the goals of increasing worker productivity, efficiency and comfort. Such conventional workstations are unable to completely satisfy the goals of optimizing efficiency and worker comfort because the shape of the work surface and the frame upon which the work surface is provided do not correspond to the shape of the optimal work area immediately in front of the worker. A work surface shape and frame that do not correspond to the optimal shape uses the space around the worker inefficiently, decreases economy of motion and does not optimize ergonomic factors.

Further, rectangular table tops usually include wasted corners areas which are usually out of easy reach of the worker and therefore are not used to store parts and tools which require ready access. If parts and tools are stored near these corner areas, the worker must stretch and twist to acquire these parts and tools. Therefore, it is desirable to place the parts, tools and work surface within an ergonomically ideal work area which reduces the need for stretching and twisting by the worker. Unfortunately, a rectangular work surface is not well suited for arranging such a work area layout.

Rectangular table tops also force the worker to work through a large field of vision. Since the worker faces a straight edge of the work surface, the work surface extends over a 180 degree angle from the worker's perspective. Therefore, a great deal of time is wasted twisting the body or the head and refocusing the eyes from one end of the work surface to the other end whenever the worker goes from one side of the work surface to another. Finally, rectangular table tops have areas immediately adjacent to the sides of the worker which cannot be not used as a work surface. This space is essentially wasted.

Therefore, what is needed is a workstation which permits modularization and standardization to keep the advantages of a flexible workstation and provide a ergonomically desirable work area immediately within the worker's reach.

What is also needed is a workstation which eliminates work surface corner areas which are either wasted or create discomfort for the worker by forcing the worker to stretch and twist in order to reach these corner areas.

What is also needed is a workstation which reduces the overall angle the worker must turn through, thereby minimize the turning, twisting and refocusing a worker must perform.

What is also needed is a workstation which provides a work surface in the area immediately adjacent the worker's side, thereby using the area surrounding the worker more efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a workstation having a curved plan and a curved work surface to provide an ergonomically efficient work area in front of the worker. The ergonomically efficient work area optimizes the use of the space immediately within the worker's reach and eliminates work surface corner areas which waste space and reduce worker efficiency and productivity.

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a curved workstation having a work surface with a curved rear edge distal from a user. The curved work surface is supported by a frame having a support beam which is disposed above the plane of the table top for supporting parts, tools and other accessories required to complete the task.

The curved work surface of the workstation of the present invention may further include a curved front edge proximal to the user to allow the workstation to partially surround the worker and provide greater work surface area around the worker.

The frame of the workstation of the present invention may comprise tubular members having longitudinal channels formed thereon to allow parts, tools and other accessories to be attached to the frame.

The curved work surface of the workstation of the present invention may further include straight side edges connecting the front and rear curvilinear edges, the front and rear curvilinear edges being concentric and the side edges being disposed at about 90 degrees with respect to each other.

An advantage of the present invention is that the work area immediately in front of the worker is optimized to fit the shape of an ideal work area and all the parts and tools required to complete a work task can be placed within easy reach.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the corner spaces associated with a workstation having a substantially rectangular work surfaces are eliminated. Therefore, all areas of the work surface are efficiently used and within easy reach of the worker. The elimination of corner spaces also reduces the amount of stretching and twisting required by the worker, thereby improving worker comfort.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the space immediately surrounding the worker's side is also used as a work surface, thus the space around the worker is more efficiently used.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the workstation retains modularization and standardization capabilities, thereby giving a designer the flexibility to allow a designer to add, delete or rearrange the modules attached to the workstation. This flexibility allows a designer to rearrange the workstation for a specific work task as well as to fit a particular body frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of the workstation of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the workstation of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the workstation of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the workstation of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of the workstation of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the workstation of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, there is shown workstation 2 having curvilinear table top 28 supported by frame 3. Table top 28 and frame 3 incorporate a curvilinear plan which optimizes the work area in front of a worker by conforming the shape of the work surface to the ideal work area shape based on the ergonomic reach zone of the worker. The ergonomic reach zone is substantially semi-circular in shape and has a radius corresponding to the approximate reach of the worker. By optimizing the shape of the work surface to correspond to the ergonomic reach zone, all of the necessary parts and tools can be easily placed within immediate reach of the worker. Frame 3 also serves as a mechanism for attaching parts containers and tools so that the required parts and tools are easily within the worker's grasp. The position of the parts containers and tools on frame 3 can be adjusted to fit the particular worker's body shape.

Curved work surface 30 is disposed on table top 28 and is bounded by front edge 32, rear edge 34 and side edges 39 and 41. Curved work surface 30 has a shape corresponding to a semi-circular shaped grab area formed in front of the worker. Curved rear edge 34 eliminates the corner areas which exist on rectangular surfaces, thereby eliminating wasted corner space and reducing the amount of stretching and twisting required by the worker. Also, curved front edge 32 allows the worker to have a greater immediate surrounding work surface than a straight line edge of a rectangular work surface, thereby using the area immediately surrounding the worker more efficiently. As curved rear edge 34 is much longer than front edge 32, there is little or no loss in total available work surface area compared to a rectangular work surface.

Curved rear edge 34 is attached to and supported by curved support member 36 which is attached to posts 4 and 6. The distance between

curved edges

32 and 34 can be varied to correspond to various workers for customized workstations. For mass produced workstations, the distance is preferably determined based on the grab area size of an average size worker and the area required for the task. In general, the maximum grab area desirably should not exceed 25 inches from the worker leaning forward at the trunk, using the shoulder joint as the reference point for measurement. A typical grab area is about 12 inches with the worker leaning forward et the trunk, using the shoulder joint as the reference point. A larger grab area forces the worker to stretch frequently, leading to discomfort and fatigue, while a smaller grab area causes the work surface to be too small to efficiently complete the task. Therefore, the area of the work surface must be sized based on the particular task and the workers' size.

Straight side edges 39 and 41 extend from the ends of curved rear edge 34 adjacent posts 4 and 6, respectively, to the ends of curved front edge 32. The separation between side edges 39 and 41 is preferably determined based on the worker's field of view. If the separation is too large, the worker must contend with a larger field of vision and a greater work surface to reach through. A larger field of vision and a greater work surface reduces the economy of motion, forcing the worker to spend greater time turning, twisting, refocusing on the new part or tool. A smaller separation may cause the work surface to be too small for most assembly and testing processes. Thus, the separation must correspond to the approximate width of the worker's field of vision while maximizing the available work area. Thus, the separation should desirably be within the range of between 60° and 120°. In the preferred embodiment, side edges 39 and 41 are disposed at about 90° with respect to each other. About a 90° separation is desirable to provide as large a work surface as possible, while maximizing worker efficiency and comfort.

Side supports 40 and 42 are also disposed adjacent side edges 39 and 41, respectively. Side supports 40 and 42 are constructed in a fashion similar to the frame portions and can be used as attachment devices for attaching parts containers and tools at the side of table top 28. The construction of the frame portions is further discussed below. As with the other portions of the frame, tools and other equipment accessories can be attached along side supports 40 and 42.

In the preferred embodiment, the frame is constructed of extruded aluminum tubes attached together using any conventional method of attaching such tubes. The tubes have a substantially rectangular cross section and channels disposed longitudinally on all four sides of the tube. One such channel on post 4 is indicated by reference numeral 8. As shown in the Figures, all of the portions of frame 3 include such longitudinal channels.

The frame tubes described above are well known in the art and the use of such tubes in the present workstation provides the advantages of modularization and standardization. Parts containers are mounted on the frame by engaging "ears" on the containers with these channels. Such "ears" are typically jutting plate members attached on the parts containers, tools or equipment which are configured to fittingly engage the channels or mounting brackets disposed on the frame. The parts containers and tools may be fixedly or slidingly attached to the channels such that the worker can move the parts containers or tools around the workstation as necessary while performing the task. Therefore, the parts containers and tools can be rearranged around the worker to provide the most efficient layout. In this connection, the tubes have channels on all four sides so that a given tube can be attached to the frame in a number of different orientations and still have channels available in all directions.

Further, mobile units having wheeled supports and containing parts and tools may be easily placed around the worker as desired. The curved plan of the workstation and the worksurface allows such units to fittingly surround the worker for a more efficient layout. With mobile units placed nest to a rectangular workstation, the worker must rotate about 90° from the centerline of the workstation to reach the mobile unit. If two mobile units are used, one on each side of the workstation, the worker must rotate about 180° to reach between the mobile units. With the present invention, since the side edges 39 and 41 are disposed about 45° from the centerline of the workstation, the worker is required to rotate through a much smaller angle to reach a mobile unit placed adjacent the workstation.

Frame 3 includes support posts 4 and 6 which are connected to the rear of table top 28 and extend from the floor to the top edge of workstation 2. Curved support beam 10 and straight support beam 12 are attached to the top of support posts 4 and 6. Support beams 10 and 12 include channels described above to allow parts and tools to be hung above the worker as necessary. The tools may be connected to support

beams

10 and 12 using retractable devices such that the tool is easily reachable yet hangs out the way when the tool is not used. Although not shown in the Figures, a tool balancer can be used for hanging tools from

support beams

10 and 12. A tool balancer is a well known device used with workstations. A tool balancer comprises generally an adjustable cable or air hose used for suspending tools within the operator's range of motion for maximum comfort and ease of workpiece assembly.

Support beam 10 extends along the entire periphery of the rear edge of table top 28 to maximize the frame length available for connecting the necessary parts, tools and accessories. Straight beam 12 is generally closer to the worker than support beam 10 and can be used to attach parts and tools which are more frequently used by the worker. Support beam 10 and straight beam 12 are disposed on posts 4 and 6 such that items attached to

beams

10 and 12 remain in the ergonomic reach zone of the worker. Here, the ergonomic reach zone would approximate a frontal portion of a sphere surrounding the worker and having a radius corresponding to the approximate length of the worker's arm. Placing parts, tools and accessories within this ergonomic reach zone increases the economy of motion thereby increasing worker efficiency and productivity.

Frame 3 further includes curved attachment member 11 attached to support posts 4 and 6 and disposed a few inches above table top 28. Again, attachment member 11 includes channels on which parts containers and tools can be attached and arranged. Attachment member 11 is particularly useful for attaching parts containers at an angle to the worker or such that the contents of the containers face the worker so that the worker is able to quickly view the parts in the containers without excessive head movement. Support posts 4 and 6 are also convenient locations for attaching electrical outlets or power strips. Placing an electrical outlet on support posts 4 or 6 allows the worker to quickly plug in or remove portable electrical equipment from a power source without reaching for an outlet. Such an outlet may be integrally formed with support posts 4 or 6.

Legs

22, 24 and 26 are attached under the sides and rear of table top 28 to support the weight of table top 28. Posts 4 and 6 are also attached to and support table top 28. In turn,

legs

22, 24 and 26 are attached to and supported by curved leg supports 14 and 16 and straight leg supports 18 and 20. The lower end of post 4 is connected to the ends of leg supports 14 and 20, and the lower end of post 6 is connected to the ends of leg supports 14 and 18 to provide further structural integrity. Pedestals 38 are positioned at various points under leg supports 14, 18 and 20, and posts 4 and 6 to evenly distribute the weight of workstation 2 on the floor.

Using this workstation, a worker can be positioned near curved front edge 32 such that the necessary parts, tools and accessories attached to frame 3 are within easy reach. Curved front edge 32 allow more of the space surrounding the worker to be used as a work space and for storing parts and tools. Curved rear edge 34 eliminates the corner spaces which exist in substantially rectangular work surfaces, therefore increasing economy of motion and reducing the amount of turning and twisting required by the worker.

Although not shown in the Figures, a number of additional equipment and tool accessories may be fitted onto the frame. Such accessories may include, for example, electrical outlets, work lights, tool shelves, cup or bottle holders, information boards, air bars for pneumatic tools, etc. Such equipment and accessories further improve worker efficiency and comfort. Such items are standard pieces associated with workstations, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and easily attach to frame 3.

Although also not shown in the Figures, a foot rest may be attached to

legs

22, 24 and 26, or posts 4 and 6, or used in a stand alone capacity to further increase worker comfort when a worker is seated at the workstation. Without a footrest, a worker's leg may tend to dangle over the front edge of the seat causing discomfort. It is preferable to include an adjustable footrest which is height adjustable to better match the footrest position to the worker's body and maximize worker comfort. The design and construction of footrests for workstations is well known to those with ordinary skill in the art, and any such known footrest may be used. The present invention may be used with a manually or electrically adjustable footrest.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, a height adjustable table top may be used with the workstation. Also, the footrest may be configured to permit foot angle adjustment. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

A work station, comprising:

a work surface (30) supported by a frame (3) and defining a work surface area bounded by a first edge (32) at which a user accesses the work surface and a second edge (34) distal from said first edge (32), characterized in that said second edge (34) being curvilinear, said work surface area disposed substantially within an ergonomic reach zone of the user;

said frame (3) including a first support member (10, 12) disposed above said work surface, said first support member (10, 12) adapted to hold a work accessory substantially within said ergonomic reach zone of the user.
The work station according to claim 1, wherein said first edge (32) is curvilinear.
The work station according to claim 2, wherein said first and second curvilinear edges (32, 34) form arcs of concentric circles.
The work station according to claim 3, wherein said frame (3) comprises a plurality of tubular members (4, 6).
The work station according to claim 4, wherein said first support member (10) is curvilinear.
The work station according to claim 5, wherein one of said tubular members (14, 16) is curvilinear.
The work station according to claim 6, wherein said frame further comprises a second support member (11) disposed above said second edge (34) and substantially parallel to the plane of said second edge.
The work station according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of tubular members (4, 6).
The work station according to claim 8, wherein said first support member (10) is curvilinear.
The work station according to claim 9, wherein said first support member (10) and said second edge (34) lie in parallel planes.
The work station according to claim 1, wherein said work surface includes two straight edges (39, 41), each respective straight edge disposed at the corresponding respective ends of said first and second edges (32, 34).
The work station according to claim 11, wherein said two straight edges (39, 41) are oriented at an angle to each other within the rage of 60° to 120°.
The work station according to claim 12, wherein said two straight edges (39, 41) are at substantially a 90° angle to each other.
The work station according to claim 4, wherein one of said tubular members includes means for supporting accessories (8).
The work station according to claim 14, wherein said means for supporting comprises a channel (8).
The work station according to claim 8, wherein one of said tubular members includes means for supporting accessories (8).
The work station according to claim 16, wherein said means for supporting comprises a channel (8).