EP1217919A2

EP1217919A2 - Workstation

Info

Publication number: EP1217919A2
Application number: EP00982944A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eberhard Römer
Original assignee: Comforttable-Computer AG
Current assignee: Comforttable-Computer AG
Priority date: 1999-09-29
Filing date: 2000-09-26
Publication date: 2002-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-26
Also published as: DE50002010D1; DE19948643A1; WO2001022848A3; EP1217919B1; WO2001022848A2; ATE238718T1

Abstract

The invention relates to a workstation (1) comprising a work surface (3) and means (2) for accommodating technical devices which can be connected to technical devices of other workstations (1). According to the invention, each workstation (1) is provided with means (40) enabling mechanical coupling with other workstations (1) and at least one interface (30, 31), which is used to transmit information to the technical devices of the other workstations (1), and/or an electricity supply. The workstations can be mechanically integrated into and hooked up by means of information technology to a workstation system (100).

Description

Workstation unit

description

The invention relates to a workplace unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention is particularly suitable for use in schools or at other workplaces where several users work.

From DE 93 08 550 Ul a work table or office container is known which forms a vertically extending cavity accessible from the rear in the rear area. The cavity is used to hold electronic parts or other devices. In an alternative it is provided to provide table tops with a cavity, openings being made in the front, the back or in the work surface. The openings can be closed by removable plate parts and allow loading from the front.

From DE 41 15 151 AI a desk pad is known in which data processing devices etc. can be integrated. A desk on which such a system is used, however, can only be used to a limited extent, since the desk pad takes up a large part of the entire work surface of the desk, so that the desk can no longer be used for other work processes. From DE 195 33 494 C2 a work unit is known with a hinged worktop under which a container for receiving devices or device parts is attached. The worktop and the container together form the housing of the technical devices or parts of the devices.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a space-saving workstation unit which is as space-saving as possible and which enables versatile replacement with little material expenditure.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a workstation unit with the features of claim 1 and a workstation system with the features of claim 18.

By equipping each workstation unit with means for mechanical coupling with the further workstation units and through the at least one interface for information transfer to the technical devices - or parts thereof - of the further workstation units or a power supply, a modularly constructed element is created which is simple and Mechanically and information technology can be coupled together to form a workstation system.

The workstation unit according to the invention enables the direct combination of several workstation units to form a workstation system, for example a local network, by arranging the coupling means. Such a system can be used particularly well in schools, for example, since it can be adapted to the different needs of everyday school life. The students can work in groups of different sizes, each with its own workplace, where all the necessary tools are available. At the same time, the group is interconnected and can work together on a given task.

Furthermore, due to the modular structure of the workstation units, a large number of possible combinations with one another and with one another are possible, so that an optimal use of space is given without sacrificing ergonomics. In addition to coupling two workstation units, any number of workstation units can be connected to one another, depending on the design. In addition, no exposed or separate connection cables are required between the individual workstation units, which have a high potential for interference.

The coupling means are expediently arranged on the sides of the worktop facing away from the workplace user, the sides to the right and left of the user being particularly suitable for realizing a combination of several workplace units. It is provided that the means are arranged directly on the worktop or on the side surfaces of the receiving means or a container in order to be able to produce a connection between the workstation units that is as robust and stable as possible.

In addition to means for mechanically coupling the workstation units, means are also provided for data transfer between the workstation units in order to couple the workstation units with one another without any problems. In this way, no separate connection means have to be installed and the electrical or data transfer connections have to be made in several work steps. The means for mechanical coupling are advantageous Luckily designed as a screw, plug or snap connector, and the means for data transfer can alternatively be designed as conventional plug interfaces or as contactless interfaces, in particular as infrared interfaces. It is envisaged to integrate both the mechanical connection means and the means for data transfer in the workplace unit.

A trapezoidal worktop is provided to facilitate the combination to form a work station system, the angular position of the non-parallel side surfaces determining the number of similar segments which can be joined together to form a polygonal ring. While at an angle of 45 ° to the base surface, ie the side surface that faces the user, four identical workstation units can be directly connected to one another, at an angle of 60 ° there are six workstation units. in principle, however, it is provided and possible to design the worktops at right angles, so that almost any number of workstation units can be combined with one another. It is also provided to provide interfaces or coupling elements on the end faces of the worktops, so that e.g. a U-shape can be realized. In addition to a trapezoidal configuration, a segment-like design is also provided.

Of course, provision is made to provide workstation units with different trapezoidal shapes in order to increase the variability. The various workstation units are compatible with one another, ie workstation units with different angular positions of the side faces can also be connected to one another, for which purpose the respective interfaces or coupling elements are arranged accordingly. The workstation units advantageously have interfaces to external data transmission or communication devices or peripheral devices, for example via a hub or router. In this way, access to databases or the Internet is made possible, or centrally fed films can be made accessible to every workstation unit. In the other direction of the data stream, only a common printer is required to print out the work results. Depending on the equipment, there are also several outputs, for example if the data is transported via a hub.

It is advantageously provided that each workstation unit is constructed as a single workstation solution, that is, it combines all the components that are necessary for a fully functional workstation. In addition to a screen and the necessary hardware components, this includes motherboard, drives, memory, power supply and plug-in cards, in particular also operating elements such as a keyboard or mouse or trackball. For easy access to the keyboard, it can be pulled out like a drawer. For this purpose, telescopic guides are provided, for example, in a manner known per se.

Depending on the area of application of the workstation unit, a telephone, e.g. can be accommodated in a drawer or a compartment closable by a flap, can be provided as basic equipment.

The components of the integrated device, in particular the motherboard, plug-in cards and data carrier drives are interchangeably arranged in the container for easier repair or for simply adding to or modernizing the workstation unit. Thanks to the modular structure, it is still possible to easily adapt the workstation units to the respective application or custom made. For example, school workplaces have different requirements and components are used differently than workplaces in industry, in banks, libraries or at the university. The application is not limited to the above examples; Depending on the users' wishes, combinations of data processing and communication devices with other devices are provided, for example with laboratory or analysis devices or desktop computers.

To make the components more accessible, the worktop is designed to be removable or foldable.

In order to provide a fully integrated workstation unit, the screen is either arranged directly on the worktop or in a housing on the worktop. The housing is attached to the worktop or integrated into the worktop. The housing advantageously forms a base on the worktop, as a result of which the visible part of the screen is brought to an ergonomically favorable height. The housing or the base advantageously accommodates controls, loudspeakers, cameras, sockets for headphones or microphones or other peripheral devices.

Likewise, a flat screen is provided, which is installed in the worktop and which is only folded out when needed, so that the worktop can be fully used. For schools in particular, the flat screen and the keyboard are designed to be lockable so that the risk of damage is excluded in "normal" school operations. The flat screen and the keyboard can be hidden under a hard-wearing plate, for example. As an alternative to the arrangement in the base, the operating elements, loudspeakers, cameras, sockets for headphones or microphones or other peripheral devices are installed directly in the worktop or below the worktop in appropriate containers.

A workstation system consisting of several interlinked workstation units has the advantage of creating optimal working conditions in a small space, with little material and in particular without a large number of cables, in which a free work surface is made available. There is no need for separate workstations or computer cases that take up space and that require a large number of supply lines and cables. The data and power lines are simply coupled via the work units themselves, so that a network is created. In each workstation unit there is a branch to the own devices and a forwarding of the data and the current to one or more further workstation units.

The workstation system is very variable and can be adapted to the respective needs in a particularly simple manner, without separate components.

In the case of networks in particular, it is advantageous if one workstation unit is designed as a server for the other coupled workstation units. The corresponding components and the corresponding software are provided on this workstation unit in order to supply the network with the necessary data. In this way, not all workstation units need to have the complete software and hardware, which leads to an inexpensive solution. In addition to a local network, it is provided to couple the workstation system via an interface to a server outside the workstation system and to connect it to a higher-level network. In schools, it is possible for the teacher to gain access or insight into the activities of the groups or the respective workplace users and, if necessary, to intervene in a corrective manner or to provide advice. The workplace units of the workstation system then do not require the complex and expensive hardware and software of the server and are accordingly manufactured cheaper.

The modular structure of the workstation units enables easy interchangeability or recombinability, the workstation units being coupled to one another directly or via adapters. In this context, adapters are understood as intermediate pieces in the form of worktops which are shaped in such a way that the variety of shapes of the workstation system is increased. The adapters e.g. a different angle to the workplace units, so that the number of combinable workplace units is reduced or increased. An adapter can, for example, be designed as a passive corner piece to form a U-shaped workstation system, so that rectangular worktops with interfaces can only be used on the side surfaces.

It is also provided that the adapters are designed as storage areas or as functional units such as a printing station. In any case, the interfaces are arranged in the adapters corresponding to the workstation units and the corresponding lines are integrated, so that only a plug-in must be done to implement the workstation system. In an embodiment of the invention, receptacles for privacy or noise protection devices, for example removable privacy screens, are provided in the worktop or in the adapter, which ensure undisturbed work or an individual work result. It is sensible for the visual or soundproof walls to always be arranged on one side of the workstation units, for example on the right side, so that only one wall is required per workstation unit in order to shield all workplaces from one another.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the workstation units are grouped around a central column and connected to it. The supply lines to the respective workplace units are laid in this column. In this way it is achieved that only one supply line to the column has to be provided, from which all workstation units are supplied. In addition to distributing the data via a hub, the power supply is also provided within the column. A central power supply unit with the corresponding branches to the respective docked workstation units ensures the required power supply.

In a development of the invention, the server and the feed lines to the workstation units are installed in the column. The workstation units are then connected to the column via the corresponding interfaces or plug connections to the server, analogous to the plug-and-play principle. The workstation units can be decoupled from the column just as easily, it not being necessary for all coupling stations to be occupied by workstation units at all times. To further reduce emissions, it is intended to use the column at the same time as an exhaust air duct for the air heated by the computers or components. For this purpose, for example, a fan or a suction device is installed in the column, which conducts the cooling air from the workplace units. The column is expediently connected to the building air conditioning system or to the outside air, so that the used air does not get into the work space. The column is soundproofed or insulated and thermally insulated.

In a development of the invention, the workstation units are fastened to the column, so that the column also serves as a support for the worktop. In this way it is possible that with a complete ring of workstation units, only one further support element has to be provided per workstation unit. If a workstation unit is removed, only a further support element is necessary to ensure secure support. Of course, both the column and the support elements are adjustable in height.

As an alternative to training as a support leg, the column can also be attached to the ceiling, so that all lines are fed to the workstation system from above. Maintenance hatches are expediently installed in the column, which allow access. Maintenance is made easier by integrated lighting.

The idea on which the invention is based will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

Figures la to lc - views of a workplace unit;

Figure 2 - a plan view of a workstation system; Figure 3 - a variant of a workplace unit as well

Figure 4 - a detailed view of an operator element.

Figure la shows a schematic view of a workstation unit 1 with a trapezoidal worktop 3, with a front 10 facing the user, which forms the longer side of the parallel sides of the trapezoid. The non-parallel sides 11 are at an angle to the front side 10, which is clear from the figure lc. Various drives 20, loudspeakers 21 and operating elements 25 are arranged in a base 2 of the worktop 3 below the worktop 3 and accessible from the front 10. The worktop 3 together with the base 2 is supported on height-adjustable feet 5.

The substructure 2 serves as a means for receiving technical devices or parts of technical devices and can be designed as a container. A motherboard, not shown, of a computer is usually installed in the container 2. In a known manner, all essential hardware components of the computer are located on the motherboard. Furthermore, all necessary devices or device components of a modern workplace are installed in the workstation unit 1, in particular plug-in cards such as ISDN cards or interface cards, a network unit for power supply, etc. The individual parts of the computer are built directly into the container 2, so that the workstation unit 1 is a complete housing for the computer and other integrated systems; the container 2 and the worktop 3 together form the housing of the computer. The worktop 3 is either permanently connected to the container 2 or is designed to be foldable in order to enable easy access to the devices or components. A work station unit 1 is shown in side view in FIG. 1b. It can be clearly seen here that on the side 11 of the worktop 3 there is an interface 30 for transmitting information to another workstation unit 1. This interface 30 is inserted directly into the worktop 30, for example into a corresponding cutout, and is connected to the computer or communication device arranged in the workstation unit 1. Alternatively or in addition, a second interface 31 is incorporated in the side surface of the container 2, which likewise couples two workstation units 1 in terms of information technology.

With two interfaces, it is possible to provide only for the transfer and the second for receiving the data. Alternatively, the interfaces can be constructed redundantly or different types of data (analog or digital) can be transmitted. However, it is also planned to install several interfaces, depending on the requirements, so that contact can be made with several external devices such as printers or servers.

In addition to the interfaces 30, 31, mechanical coupling elements 40 are arranged on the sides of the container 2, which are designed, for example, as plug connectors or latching elements. The coupling elements can also be provided with a corresponding securing means as conventional screw connections or as buckles. The workstation units 1 can be mechanically and information technology integrated into a workstation system via the coupling elements 40 and the interfaces 30, 31. The modular structure of the workplace unit 1 enables simple combination and arrangement to differently designed workplace systems. Depending on the floor plan of the worktop 1 regular polygons can be formed with one type of workstation unit; If different floor plans are used, almost any polygonal shape can be realized. In the case of a plan according to FIG. 1c, in which the sides 11 are at an angle of 60 ° to the front side 10, a hexagon is possible with a complete ring. It is also provided to connect only three of the workstation units 1, so that two of the sides 11 can be placed on a wall. In this way, work spaces can be optimally used without the ergonomics suffering.

Basically, it is also provided to arrange the coupling elements 40 and the interfaces 30, 31 on the end faces 12 of the workplace unit 1, so that the workplace units 1 can also be compared.

In addition to the combinable individual workstation solutions from FIG. 1, which can also stand alone in the work space, FIG. 2 shows a workstation system 100 comprising eight workstation units 1, which are grouped around a central, octagonal column 50. Only one separate foot 5 is provided and necessary for each workstation unit 1, since the end faces 12 of the workstation units 1 are fastened to the central column 50. The feet 5 are expediently arranged at the corners of the octagon.

The workstation units 1 are mechanically coupled via coupling elements 40 and via the interfaces 30 with regard to the data or information exchange, so that the workstation system 100 can form a local network. The connected workstation units 1 have created an overall housing in which no loose cables and open connecting lines have been laid. The danger disruption is reduced and the network itself is easy to set up and change even for non-experts.

Each workstation unit 1 has its own motherboard 7 and has the other necessary components which are required for a network computer, in particular the keyboard, drives and monitor, which are not shown for reasons of clarity.

A server 60 is installed within the central column 50 and is networked to the individual workstation units 1 via corresponding connections 56. Here, too, the coupling is expediently carried out via interfaces, analogously to the coupling of the workplace units 1 to one another.

A central power supply unit can also be provided in the column 50, which supplies the respective workstation unit 1 with energy. In addition to the support function as a front foot and the distribution function of data and energy, the central column 50 can also serve as an exhaust air duct for the heated air from the workplace units 1. A corresponding connection or outlet of the cooling air on the end face 12 of the work station unit 1 is connected to the column 50 and the cooling air is removed by a blower or a suction device.

It is not necessary for all sides of the column 50 to be coupled to workplace units 1. It is also possible that the column 50 serves only as a support and the server is formed by a workstation unit 1 or is arranged outside the workstation system 100. Of course, a workstation system 100 is not limited to the octagon shape, but can have any, in particular regular polygon, as a floor plan. FIG. 3 shows a variant of the workplace unit 1, in which a housing 33 is arranged above the worktop 3, in which a screen 15 is integrated. The housing 33 forms a base which lifts the screen 15 to an ergonomically favorable level and also removes the feed lines to the computer or the graphics card from direct access. Devices or components can also be arranged in the housing 33, for example a camera, a microphone, loudspeaker, a telephone or operating elements. A pull-out keyboard could also be stowed within the housing 33. The housing 33 is either firmly connected to the worktop 3 or can be put on.

FIG. 4 shows an operator element 70 in which various peripheral devices and operating elements are combined. The operator element 70 is preferably mounted on the worktop 3, not shown, and has a cable duct 72, which can be designed in any shape. The cable duct 72 serves to connect devices or apparatus with the computer components or other devices accommodated in the work unit. An on-off switch 73 is also provided in the operator element 70, with which the work unit can be put into operation or switched off accordingly, the control lamp 77 indicating, regardless of the switch position, whether the work unit is in operation. The connections 75 and 76 for a microphone or headphones and a USB connection 74 are also provided in the operator element 70; In addition to the control elements or connection options shown in FIG. 4, connection options for a mouse, a keyboard and storage devices such as floppy disk drives, CD drives, DVD, CDR or hard disk drives are installed in a vertical orientation. In one variant, the operator element 70 is installed in a lowered manner and is covered by a plate in order to obtain a free work surface when the devices and apparatus of the work station unit are not in operation. Alternatively, a hood is provided with which the operator element 70 is covered, which can also serve as a bookend. Both the plate and the hood can be designed to be lockable, so that unauthorized use can be excluded. When the hood or panel is closed, it is not possible to start up the workstation unit, since all components are arranged within the housing or container and access can only be achieved via the operating devices or interfaces that are hidden under the hood or panel.

Claims

Expectations

1. Workstation unit (1) with a worktop (3) and

Means (2) for accommodating technical devices which can be connected to technical devices of further workstation units (1),

characterized,

that each workplace unit (1)

a) means (40) for mechanical coupling with the other workplace units (1) and

b) has at least one interface (30, 31) for transmitting information to the technical devices of the further workstation units (1) and / or a power supply,

wherein the workplace units (1) can be mechanically and information technology integrated into a workplace system (100).

2. Workstation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the workstation units (1) form a local area network.

3. Workstation unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means (40) for coupling and the interface (30, 31) on the sides facing away from the workplace user (11, 12) of the worktop (3) are arranged.

Workstation unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (40) for coupling and the interface (30, 31) are arranged directly on the worktop or on the side surfaces of the means (2) for receiving devices.

5. Workstation unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (40) for mechanical coupling are designed as screw, plug or snap connector.

6. Workstation unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the interfaces (30, 31) are designed as plug interfaces or as contactless interfaces, in particular as infrared interfaces, and are integrated in the workstation unit (1).

7. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a trapezoidal worktop (3).

8. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by interfaces to external data transmission or communication devices or peripheral devices.

9. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each workstation unit (1) is constructed as a single workstation solution.

10. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components of the device, in particular the motherboard (7), plug-in cards and data carrier drives (20) are interchangeably arranged in a container (2).

11. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a removable or hinged worktop (3).

12. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a screen (15) which is arranged in a housing (33) on the worktop (3).

13. Workstation unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing (33) on the worktop (3) forms a base in which controls (25), speakers (21), cameras, sockets for headphones or microphones or other peripheral devices are arranged ,

14. Workstation unit according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a flat screen is arranged in the worktop (3).

15. Workstation unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the flat screen is foldable and lockable in the closed position.

16. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that operating elements (25) or peripheral devices are arranged in a container (2) below the worktop (3) and are accessible from the side facing the workplace user (10).

17. Workstation unit according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that operating elements (25), connections or peripheral devices are arranged in an operator element (70) in the worktop (3) and are accessible on the worktop (3).

18. Workstation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for receiving visual or soundproofing elements.

19. Workstation system consisting of several interlinked workstation units (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

20. Workstation system according to claim 19, characterized in that a workstation unit (1) is designed as a server for the other coupled workstation units (1).

21. Workstation system according to claim 19, characterized by at least one interface to a server outside the coupled workstation units (1).

22. Workstation system according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the workplace units (1) are modular and are coupled to one another directly or via adapters.

23. Workstation system according to one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that the workstation units (1) are grouped around and connected to a central column (50) and that in the column supply lines (56) to the workstation units (1) are laid ,

24. Workstation system according to claim 23, characterized in that in the column (50) the server (60) and the feed lines (56) to the workstation units (1) are arranged.

25. Workstation system according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the column (50) is designed as an exhaust air duct.

26. Workstation system according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the workplace units (1) are attached to the column (50) and that only one further support element (5) is provided per workplace unit (1).

27. Workstation system according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the column (50) has maintenance openings and is illuminated from the inside.

28. Workstation system according to one of claims 19 to 27, characterized in that the workplace units (1) form a regular polygon, in particular an octagon.

29. Workstation system according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the central column is designed as a regular polygon, in particular as an octagon.