EP0948918A2 - Table, especially for display work station - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a table, in particular for computer workstations, with a height-adjustable table top with at least one vertical guide bar (2), further with a table frame (3) with at least one table column (4) for the guide bar (2) telescopic therein, and with at least one an adjusting spring strut (5) with spring arranged between the table frame (3) or the table column (4) and the height-adjustable table elements (1, 2). In addition, a measuring device (25) is provided for determining the respective load on the table top (1), an actuating device (9) for a spring strut base (8) on an adjusting spring strut (5) being controlled as a function of the determined load values. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a table, in particular for VDU workstations, with a height-adjustable table top with at least one vertical guide rail, further with a table frame with at least one table column for the telescopic guide rail, and with at least one between the table frame or table column and the Height-adjustable table elements arranged spring strut with inside spring, the adjustable spring strut with its one spring end on the table frame or the table column is articulated and with its other Spring end adjustable against the preload of the Spring varying, with the height-adjustable spring elements connected, strut base is supported, and wherein the strut base by means of a connected adjusting device in different loads on the table top adjusted positions can be locked.

A table of the type described above is made known by DE 38 17 102 C2. Of course can with such a table instead of one Table top also realized a variety of table tops his. Also structures on the table top, such. B. shelves, cabinet elements, etc. conceivable. As a general rule form table top and guide bar (or guide bars) the height adjustable table elements while table frame and table column remain stationary.

In the known table from which the invention is based, a height adjustment is realized in such a way that the table top in suspension by means of the adjustment spring strut is held. The adjusting device serves for this purpose, which the strut base to different loads adapts to the table top. This adjustment takes place in the known Teaching in such a way that the adjusting device for the Suspension strut base or the supported spring end of the adjustment spring strut designed as a spindle drive with handwheel or crank is. All in all, it becomes a floating fitting realized for a height adjustable table whose Table top - due to the state of limbo - of a relevant operator with minimal effort can be adjusted in height. After reaching the desired one The position of the table top is usually via a (manually operated) parking brake fixed.

The measures described above have proven themselves, are, however, what is weight balancing or achieving regarding the state of limbo, in need of improvement. To the one will be a manual adjustment of the adjustment strut or their strut base to today's comfort requirements no longer fair, on the other hand hereby Inaccuracies connected, especially flexible and quick adaptation to changing loads on the Table top only with great effort. In addition, Danger to the operator if the weight balance is incomplete and do not exclude the released parking brake. This is where the invention comes in.

The invention has for its object a table, in particular for VDU workstations, the one described at the beginning Way of educating so that a simple, Comfortable, safe and flexible adaptation to changing Loads on the table top is made possible.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes generic table, especially for VDU workstations, before that a measuring device for determining the respective Load on the table top is provided, and that the actuating device as a function of determined load values is controlled accordingly. Usually For this purpose, the measuring device and adjusting device form one closed loop. In addition, a Control device for evaluating the from the measuring device delivered load values and corresponding control the adjusting device can be provided. At this Control device can of course also be a Act control device. The measuring device is preferred than two or more associated with a rotating rod Switch designed, the rotary rod with the guide rail is connected and its vertical movements in Implements rotary movements, and being rotations of the rotary rod via a connected connecting element, e.g. B. boom, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary rod on one Switch or the other switch are transmitted. It It should be emphasized that, according to the teaching of the Invention not only vertical movements in the sense of a Carry out telescoping in the assigned table column can, but of course also "inclinations" on the one hand guide bar on the other hand table column in the frame of the invention. In any case, such Linear displacements of the guide rail in the table column picked up via the rotating rod and in corresponding rotary movements implemented. Of course, this also applies to the case that - as usual - at least two guide rails are realized with associated table columns.

In this context, the boom can by means of a Plain bearing to be connected to the rotary rod, and at Rotation of the rotating rod against those acting as stops Switch - depending on the direction of rotation against one or other switch - hit. This way is an easy one and at the same time height-independent measurement of the respective Loading of the table top possible. Because as long as the rotating rod strikes a switch with its boom, lets find out about this switch operation that the Table top with the guide bar moved up or down becomes. To ensure an appropriate weight balance, it is now - depending on which switch is pressed still necessary to control the actuator so that the adjustable shock absorber or its shock absorber base suitable is positioned. For example, with an upward movement the table top with guide rail assume that overcompensation of the weight of the table top and possibly overlying objects is present, so that the Biasing of the spring by means of the adjusting device and the variable strut base must be reduced. This continues until the boom on the other Switch strikes, consequently a (sub) compensation of the Weight is present or the boom alternately against both switches bumps or strikes.

In the event that the table top with guide bar moved downwards, the procedure is the opposite, d. H. the preload of the adjustment spring strut increases, about the undercompensation of the weight here balance. - It is always guaranteed that a (vertical) movement the table top - with the parking brake released - to corresponding variations of the strut base corresponds, so that simple, comfortable and flexible Way a weight balance is achieved. This is of particular importance nowadays because the lifespan of Tables, in particular computer workstation tables or CAD tables also generally match the service life accordingly electronic (computer) components by far exceeds. In addition, additional devices are often required be, so that a flexible adaptation to the prevailing weight ratios on the table top is possible. It is also important to emphasize that the operational safety compared to the prior art could be increased significantly. - It actually exists with the known table and insufficient weight balance as well as released parking brake the danger that the table top - acted upon by the adjusting spring strut - jumps up and at worst injure the operator can. In any case, there are no such dangers more to be feared, because a rushing up automatically brakes or is suppressed because of such a vertical adjustment registered via the two switches and corresponding Countermeasures in the form of changing the preload to be taken by the pen. The same applies of course in the event that the weight balance is insufficient was and the table top - without the inventive Measures - hit the table column or table frame would. There is always an automatic weight balance - achieved without extensive manual adjustment work.

Further measures essential to the invention are as follows listed. So the strut base is regular as Curve rail and the adjusting device as a spindle drive Electric motor designed, the curved rail and the Spindle drive can be pivoted to a common pivot point are connected, the spindle drive also sliding carriage movable by means of the electric motor for the adjustable spring end, and wherein the Cam track by means of a flexible, on a driving roller traction means that can be wound up or unwound on the height-adjustable ones Guide bar or the table top against the force the spring is connected. Of course other drive concepts can also be used within the scope of the invention for the spindle drive or the sliding carriage think, for example a hydraulic drive.

The curved rail is preferably mirror-inverted L-shaped designed with vertical leg and horizontal leg, the common articulation point of the curve rail and Spindle drive arranged on the head side of the vertical leg is, and wherein the traction means bottom edge of the horizontal leg connected. The term vertical leg and horizontal leg naturally also includes leg in an inclined position that are not perpendicular to each other.

According to a proposal of the invention with special meaning two or more struts are provided, the one Suspension strut is arranged in the guide rail and between Guide bar or table top and table column or table frame supports and for weight compensation for the table top (with guide rail) is set up, and the Shock other than the adjustable strut and is articulated in the middle of a horizontal traverse. To this In this way, a particularly sensitive balance of weight can be achieved reach over an extraordinarily large area. This is ensured by the one arranged in the guide rail Suspension strut, which is used to balance the weight Table top (with guide bar) ensures. That strut serves to balance the "minimum weight" of the in Suspended tabletop. Of course you can this minimum weight also for permanently installed superstructures etc. include. Here you can flexibly adapt to each Achieve installation and working conditions. The additional Adjustment strut now provides for the so-called "Fine weight compensation", ie for additional burdens the tabletop through devices, screens etc. balance.

The cross-section of the guide rail is usually ε-shaped formed with two arches and the bridge connecting the arches. In contrast, the table column is regularly in the Cross-section essentially rectangular with the arches complementary indentations for between each Round arches and indentations arranged guide roller disks designed for vertical guidance of the guide rail. This way, not only will it be simple and precise as well as smooth guidance of the guide rail in the table column reached, but can on appropriate guide rails for the guide roller disks, because the respective outer or inner profile of the guide rail or table column like corresponding rail designs works.

Fig. 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Tisch in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 2

einen Schnitt durch den Tisch nach Fig. 1 im Bereich einer Horizontaltraverse,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht aus Richtung Z in Fig. 2 der verstellbaren Federbeinbasis,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch Fig. 1 im Bereich der Feststellbremse,

Fig. 5

eine Seitenansicht aus Fig. 4 aus Richtung X,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht aus Richtung Y in Fig. 5 und

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch Fig. 5 im Bereich der Feststellbremse.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one embodiment; show it:

Fig. 1

a table according to the invention in side view,

Fig. 2

2 shows a section through the table according to FIG. 1 in the area of a horizontal traverse,

Fig. 3

2 shows the adjustable strut base,

Fig. 4

2 shows a section through FIG. 1 in the area of the parking brake,

Fig. 5

4 from the direction X,

Fig. 6

a view from the direction Y in Fig. 5 and

Fig. 7

a section through Fig. 5 in the area of the parking brake.

In the figures there is a table, especially for VDU workstations and / or CAD workstations shown. This The basic structure of the table has a table top 1 with at least one vertical guide bar 2 Table frame 3 with at least one table column 4 for the here telescopic guide bar 2 and at least one between the table frame 3 or the table column 4 and the height-adjustable table elements 1, 2 arranged spring strut 5 with spring, gas spring in the exemplary embodiment, on. According to the embodiment are two guide rails 2 and accordingly two assigned table columns 4 provided. The adjusting strut 5 is with his a spring end 6 to the table frame 3 or the table column 4 articulated. With its other spring end 7 is the adjustable strut 5 adjustable against a bias the spring varies, with the height adjustable Spring elements 1, 2 connected strut base 8 supported. The strut base 8 is connected by means of a Adjustment device 9 in at different loads Table top 1 adjusted positions lockable.

The adjusting device 9 is a Spindle drive 9 with connected electric motor 10. Die Strut base 8 is designed as a curved rail, wherein the cam rail 8 and the spindle drive 9 to one common pivot point are pivotally connected. This pivot point is as a pivot bearing 11 and at the same time Actuating shaft for the connected electric motor 10 executed. By means of the pivot bearing 11 connected electric motor 10 can be in two essentially interlocking bevel gears 12 of the spindle drive 9 or one along it adjustable movable slide 13. This sliding carriage 13 is with the adjustable spring end 7th connected (cf. in particular FIGS. 2 and 3). If the Electric motor 10 is of course also a manual adjustment conceivable via a crank as indicated in Fig. 1 has been.

From FIG. 2 it can be seen that when the electric motor 10 is acted upon, the sliding carriage 13 can be moved up and down along the spindle drive 9, specifically guided by the curved rail 8. The shape of the curve 8 ′ swept by the sliding carriage 13 is chosen in this case that with each positioning of the supported or adjustable spring end 7, the vertical force components effective in the guide bar 2 are essentially the same size at least in both end positions of the table top 1. In the result, the procedure is comparable, as described in DE 38 17 102 C2, to which reference is expressly made, in particular to the vector diagram there according to FIG. 3. In any case, the adjustable spring end 7 can be adjusted by means of the slide-trimmed 13 Ultimately, the preload of the strut 5 or the (gas) spring vary, in such a way that with increasing piston 5b of the strut 5 immersed in a cylinder 5a, increasing spring forces have to be overcome, consequently the preload increases and thus a corresponding weight can be balanced on the table top 1. According to the exemplary embodiment, curve 8 'can be represented by two circular arcs with different radii R ₁ , R ₂ , R _{1 being} approximately 300 mm and R _{2 being} approximately 200 mm.

The curved rail 8 is by means of a flexible, on a Driving roller 14 windable or unwindable traction means 15 to the in the embodiment, left, height-adjustable guide bar 2 or the table top 1 against the direction of force Spring of the strut 5 connected. In addition there is one Deflection roller 16 realized on the left Guide column 4 or attached to the table frame 3 and ensures that vertical movements of the left Guide bars 2 in corresponding horizontal extensions or shortening of the traction means 15 via the drive roller 14 are converted, which to corresponding pivots the curve rail 8 (and of course the Spindle drive 9) correspond to the pivot bearing 11 (see the arrow in Fig. 2). That is, with a movement the table top 1 the guide roller 16 rotates according to Fig. 1 counterclockwise, which for The consequence is that the drive roller 14 according to FIG. 2 in a clockwise direction moved and via a pivot point 17 on the Curve rail 8 for pivoting it clockwise leads. Accordingly, the piston 5b is immersed in the Cylinders 5a a. Consequently, the need to balance such a movement of the table top 1 for a corresponding Preload due to a greater immersion depth of the Piston 5b are taken care of in the cylinder 5a.

The drive roller 14 is on boom 18 on a horizontal crossbar 19 or hinged to a U-shaped frame 19a. This horizontal traverse 19 serves to connect the Table columns 4 as well as for accommodating the adjusting spring strut 5, which is connected to this via the U-shaped frame 19a is. The drive wheel 14 is a Double roller with two different roller cores 14a and 14b, which have different diameters. All in all form the adjusting strut 5, the drive wheel 14, the Curve rail 8, and the actuating device 9 a structural unit and are in a U-shaped or box-shaped housing 20 with external drive wheel 14 or external roller core 14b summarized. The traction device 15 is concerned an endless steel rope 15. This steel rope is 15 as it were in two parts and on the one hand on the roll core 14a on the other hand, the roll core 14b is wound up.

In addition to the adjustment spring 5 shown according to the embodiment four further struts 21 realized, which are each arranged in the guide rail 2 and between guide bar 2 or table top 1 and Support table column 4 or table frame 3. You are for Weight balance for table top 1 with guide bar 2 set up. The guide bar 2 is in cross section ε-shaped with two arches 22 and the arches 22 connecting Bridge 23 executed. Enclose the four arches 22 the suspension struts already mentioned 21. In particular 4 that the table column 4 with a substantially rectangular cross section for the arches 22 complementary indentations 22 'for each arranged between arches 22 and indentations 22 ' Guide roller disks 24 for vertical guidance of the Guide rails 2 is formed. - With the curve rail 8 it is a mirror-inverted L-shaped double rail design, the common articulation point 11 of cam rail 8 and spindle drive 9 on the head side of the vertical leg 8a is arranged, and wherein the traction means 15 foot edge side of the horizontal leg 8b in the pivot point 17 is connected. For guiding the sliding carriage 13 are on the double-rail cam 8 Grooved disks 13 'are provided (see FIG. 3).

4 to 6 is a measuring device 25 for Determination of the respective load on the table top 1 is provided. Depending on the determined load values the actuating device 9 is controlled accordingly. At the measuring device 25 is according to the embodiment by two switches associated with a rotary rod 26 25a, 25b, the rotary rod 26 with the guide bar 2 connected and its vertical movements in rotary movements implements. According to the exemplary embodiment, the rotary rod is 26 in a parallel horizontal plane below the Horizontal traverse 19 arranged (see. Fig. 1). Here are rotations of the rotary rod 26 over a connected connecting element, according to the embodiment transfer a boom 27 to the switches 25a, 25b, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary rod 26 one switch 25a or the other switch 25b (cf. Fig. 6). The measuring device 25 and the adjusting device 9 form a closed loop, with additional a control device (or regulating device) 28 for Evaluation of those supplied by the measuring device 25 Load values and corresponding control of the Actuating device 9 is provided.

The rotary rod 26 is according to the embodiment around such a rod, which has an end Parking brake 29 has. This parking brake 29th according to the embodiment consists of a Rotary rod 26 connected clutch gear 29a end teeth 30 (see. Fig. 4 and 5), the in corresponding recesses 30 'in a plastic the manufactured stationary coupling bush 29b (cf. Fig. 7) when clutch gear 29a and clutch sleeve 29b be engaged. This can be done by entering or Disengage the coupling bush 29b (see arrow in Fig. 4). When the clutch gear 29a engages in the Coupling socket 29b, the table top 1 is fixed because the rotary rod 26 via an end gear 31 in Rack pinion 32 engages in the left guide bar 2. Consequently, corresponding vertical movements of the Guide rails 2 via the rack and pinion 32 corresponding rotary movements of the rotary rod 26 via the gear 31. With the help of the rotary rod 26 connected linear actuator can be Clutch gear 29a and clutch bush 29b apart and move towards each other and thus block (cf. Fig. 4).

The boom 27 is according to the embodiment around a longitudinally U-shaped holding frame 27 for the parking brake 29, which by means of plain bearings 33 connected in its two U legs to the rotary rod 26 is (see FIGS. 1 and 6). In any case, one leads Rotation of the rotary rod 26 to pivot the Cantilever or holding frame 27 in the in Fig. 6th Positions shown in dash-dotted lines (the solid Position shows the rest position). The boom 27 will corresponding to the rotary movements of the rotary rod 26 "taken away", namely about the friction between Slide bearing 33 and rotary rod 26. This leads - depending on Direction of rotation of the rotating rod 26 - to ensure that the boom 27th against one switch 25a or the other switch 25b (see FIG. 6). From this it can be concluded that the Table top 1 either overcompensated or undercompensated for weight is. The corresponding measured values or Positions of the switches 25a and 25b are in the Control device 28 evaluated and in control signals for the actuator 9 converted so that the bias of the adjusting strut 5 is changed accordingly.

It should be emphasized that the assembly is made of adjustable strut 5, driving wheel 14, cam rail 8, adjusting device 9 and, if applicable, housing 20 generally with any tables adjustable table top 1 can be used. In particular, it is conceivable for the aforementioned component complex to be installed as a retrofit or spare part or as Offer and operate the adjustment module. this is also valid in connection with the measuring device 25, the rotary rod 26, the boom 27 and the control device 28 in connection with the electric motor 10. It is only one appropriate connection or an adaptation of the traction means 15 and possibly the rotary rod 26 to the structural Conditions required. In any case, this can be Realize invention complex independently and at generally any table with adjustable table top 1 deploy. Yes, it can even be used for adjustable cupboards, chairs, table or standing desks etc. are thought.

Claims (10)

Table, especially for VDU workstations, with a height-adjustable table top (1) with at least one vertical guide bar (2), also with a table frame (3) with at least one table column (4) for the telescopic guide rail (2), and with at least one adjusting spring strut (5) with spring arranged between the table frame (3) or the table column (4) and the height-adjustable table elements (1, 2), wherein the adjusting spring strut (5) is articulated with its one spring end (6) on the table frame (3) or the table column (4) and is adjustable with its other spring end (7) against a spring element that varies the preload and with the height-adjustable spring elements ( 1, 2) connected, strut base (8) is supported, and wherein the strut base (8) can be locked in positions adapted to different loads on the table top (1) by means of a connected adjusting device (9),
characterized in that a measuring device (25) for determining the respective load on the table top (1) is provided, and that the actuating device (9) is controlled accordingly as a function of determined load values. Table according to claim 1, characterized in that the Measuring device (25) and the adjusting device (9) a closed Form a control loop. Table according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a control device (28) for evaluating the Measuring device (25) delivered load values and corresponding Control of the actuating device (9) is provided is. Table according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring device (25) as two or more switches (25a, 25b) associated with a rotary rod (26) is, the rotary rod (26) with the guide rail (2) is connected and its vertical movements in Implements rotary movements, and being rotations of the rotary rod (26) via a connected connecting element, e.g. B. Extension arm (27) depending on the direction of rotation of the rotating rod (26) one switch (25a) or the other switch (25b) be transmitted. Table according to claim 4, characterized in that the Boom (27) by means of a plain bearing (33) on the rotating rod (26) is connected and when the rotary rod rotates (26) against the switches acting as stops (25a, 25b) - depending on the direction of rotation against one switch (25a) or the other switch (25b) - strikes. Table according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that the strut base (8) as a curved rail (8) and the adjusting device (9) as a spindle drive (9) with an electric motor (10) are formed, the curved rail (8) and the spindle drive (9) at a common pivot point (11) are pivotally connected, and further the spindle drive (9) one that can be moved by means of the electric motor (10) Sliding carriage (13) for the adjustable spring end (7), and wherein the curved rail (8) by means of a flexible, on a drive roller (14) can be wound up or unwound Traction means (15) on the height-adjustable guide bar (2) or the table top (1) against the force the spring is connected. Table according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the curved rail (8) mirror-inverted L-shaped with vertical leg (8a) and horizontal leg (8b) is formed, the common pivot point (11) of Curve rail (8) and spindle drive (9) on the head side of the Vertical leg (8a) is arranged, and wherein the traction means (15) foot edge side of the horizontal leg (8b) connected. Table according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two or more struts (5) are provided are, one spring strut (21) being arranged in the guide rail (2) and is between the guide bar (2) or table top (1) and table column (4) or table frame (3) is supported as well as for weight compensation for the table top (1) (with guide bar (2)) is set up, and the shock absorber (5) other than the adjustment shock absorber (5) formed and articulated in the middle of a horizontal crossbeam (19) is Table according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that the guide bar (2) in cross section ε-shaped with two arches (22) and the arches (22) connecting Web (23) is formed. Table according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that that the table column (4) in cross section essentially rectangular with complementary to the arches (22) Indentations (22 ') for each between arches (22) and indentations (22 ') arranged guide roller disks (24) for vertical guidance of the guide rail (2) is trained.

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