EP3578085B1 - Workstation assembly with treadmill - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a workplace arrangement with a desk and a seating and / or leaning facility and a treadmill arranged in the foot area of the workplace arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

Usual office workplaces include a desk with an office chair in front of it. During working hours, the user then sits mainly on the office chair in front of the desk and works, for example, on files or on a personal computer. Long-term studies have shown that this type of work, which is mainly done while sitting, has an extremely negative impact on the health of employees. Sitting for long periods of time not only causes back problems, but also causes serious glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, which are associated with a greatly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and a lower life expectancy. It is also already known that cognitive abilities are restricted as a result of physical inactivity.

The document CN 106 136 573 A discloses a desk with a multipurpose walking device composed of two non-powered rollers attached to a rectangular metal bracket which tension a treadmill. A base part of the treadmill is not motorized. Rather, its speed is adjusted exclusively by the user's walking movement. Furthermore, a removable, suspended seat board section is provided, which is composed of a perforated seat board, two flexible connectors and two stable metal hooks. When the user wants to sit down, he can hook the metal hooks on both ends of the seat board into holes in the middle of armrests.

In the document WO 2010/107632 A1 discloses a passive treadmill device which is adapted to generate electrical energy. The treadmill device includes a base and a handrail attached to the base, the base including a treadmill. The running surface of the treadmill is generally uneven, the relative height of the running surface increasing relative to the ground in the front region of the running surface towards the front, that is to say from a central region of the running surface towards a front shaft arrangement of the base. In a rear area of the running surface, the distance between the running surface and the ground increases towards the rear.

From the document US 2014/080679 A1 a passive treadmill arrangement is known which has an uneven running surface. The treadmill device includes a base and a handrail attached to the base, the base including a treadmill. In one embodiment, the base further comprises two opposing bearing rails with a plurality of roller bearings to support the treadmill together with a front synchronization belt roller, a rear synchronization belt roller and a synchronization belt, all of which are connected to the treadmill.

Workstation arrangements with a height-adjustable desk are known from the prior art, so that the user can also do office work at the desk while standing. Recent studies have shown that standing at a desk all the time also has undesirable health side effects.

Based on this prior art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a new workplace arrangement with which a positive influence on the health factors of the user can be exerted.

This object is achieved with a workstation arrangement according to the teaching of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

The workstation arrangement according to the invention is based on the basic idea that a treadmill is arranged in the foot area of the workstation arrangement, which is driven exclusively passively by the walking movement of the user. In other words, this means that the treadmill does not perform a rotary movement driven by a drive device, but instead is only set in motion by the walking movement of the user on the treadmill. This type of passive drive of the treadmill ensures that the user has intuitive control over the circulating movement. In particular, it is avoided that the walking movement of the user is driven by the revolving movement of the treadmill. Rather, the passive drive of the treadmill causes the user to walk in a relaxed manner so that this can be carried out intuitively. As a result, all of the user's attention is available to carry out office work on the desk. The user can independently regulate the speed and intensity of the walking movement without having to intervene on the treadmill. In the case of the passive drive of the treadmill, two directions of rotation are in principle conceivable, namely one with one direction of movement pointing in the direction of the desk and the opposite direction of movement. For the use of the treadmill while doing desk work at the same time, it is sufficient if the treadmill only allows the direction of travel pointing in the direction of the desk. According to the invention it is therefore provided that the treadmill has a backstop device which excludes the drive of the treadmill in the running direction facing the opposite of the desk. The backstop makes it easier in particular to lean against a backrest and exert force with your feet against the treadmill direction. It is also made easier to get on and off the treadmill.

The running resistance of the treadmill that the treadmill opposes the walking movement of the user depends on the individual preferences of the user. Some users prefer a light gear, while other users want a correspondingly higher resistance to running in order to be able to run with more effort but at a lower running speed. In addition, the optimal running resistance range varies greatly with the weight of the individual user. In order to be able to adjust the running resistance of the treadmill individually, it is therefore provided according to a preferred embodiment that a braking device is provided on the treadmill. The braking effect of the braking device can be increased or decreased by the user by means of a corresponding adjusting device in order to be able to adjust the running resistance of the treadmill to the individual needs in this way.

It is also advantageous if a parking brake device is provided on the treadmill, which prevents the treadmill from being adjusted in both running directions. In other words, this means that the treadmill is locked by activating the parking brake device becomes. The stationary treadmill can then be entered or exited by the user without the risk of uncontrolled movements.

What material the treadmill is made of is basically arbitrary. In order to achieve a high profile of the running surface, which enables a comfortable rolling movement of the user, it is particularly advantageous if the treadmill is formed by several wooden bars or wooden slats running transversely to the running direction. These wooden sticks are arranged transversely to the direction of rotation and offer a high level of comfort.

With a view to improving walking comfort, it is also advantageous if the wooden rods are mounted in an elastically resilient manner and / or can be elastically resiliently deformed along their longitudinal axis. The elastic suspension of the wooden rods relieves the user's walking apparatus significantly during the walking movement. Joints and the spine in particular experience significant relief from the compression of the wooden rods.

The way in which the roller bars are mounted on the frame of the treadmill is basically arbitrary. According to a preferred design variant, it is provided that the ends of the wooden rods are each attached to a left and a right guide band. The two guide bands for their part are then mounted in a circular manner on the left and the right side of the frame. The use of guide belts in particular largely avoids undesirable noise development when the treadmill is driven by the user. The guide bands can preferably be made of an elastically deformable material, for example rubber, in order to achieve an impact sound absorption.

With a view to minimizing undesirable noise development, it is also advantageous if the guide belts are on several Rolling bearings are stored on the frame. The roller bearings allow a largely silent storage of the guide belts. For example, rubber-coated rollers can be attached to the rolling bearings, on which the guide belts come to bear in a load-transferring manner.

In order to be able to motivate the user to use the treadmill during office work, various motivational aids are conceivable. As a motivational aid, an electric generator can be built into the treadmill, which can be driven with the treadmill to generate electricity. The electrical power generated with the generator by the running movement can then be displayed to the user, if necessary, in order to motivate him to continue running. It is also conceivable to use the electricity generated by the generator to charge electrical devices, for example a mobile phone. As an alternative or in addition to this, a sensor for measuring the movements of the treadmill can be built into the treadmill. The data from the sensor can then be transmitted to a display device by cable or wirelessly (Bluetooth, WLAN) in order to inform the user about the distance covered, for example. Cell phones or smartwatches can also be used as display devices.

With regard to a running or walking movement of the user on the treadmill that is as natural as possible, it is advantageous if the treadmill runs in the foot area along an arcuate, concave track. Such a concave curved track corresponds largely to a natural gait pattern and increases walking comfort for the user.

In view of the different body sizes of different users, it is advantageous if the desk is mounted on a table frame so that it is height-adjustable. An electric drive device or a manual adjustment device can be provided for height adjustment. The height adjustment of the desk allows that the user may also take a seat on a seat provided at the workplace arrangement in order to at least temporarily carry out certain work while seated. When sitting, the treadmill is usually not driven by walking.

The table frame of the desk can be attached to the frame of the treadmill so that the entire workstation arrangement is mechanically connected to one another. In order to enable the user to have the most relaxed posture possible when working at the desk while walking, it is advantageous if the table frame can be positioned independently of the frame of the treadmill. In other words, this means that the two frames are not mechanically connected to one another, so that the user can adopt the most suitable posture for him through appropriate relative positioning of the table frame relative to the frame of the treadmill.

When doing office work at a desk, it is necessary to enter text on keyboards on a regular basis. For this text input on keyboards, a free hand position is required in order to be able to move the fingers relaxed over the keyboard. To enable this free hand position while walking on the treadmill in the most relaxed possible posture, adjustable forearm rests can be provided on the desk. The user can then place his forearms in a suitable posture on these forearm rests, thereby giving him the opportunity to move his hands over the keyboard without stress.

In order to enable the most relaxed possible input of texts on a keyboard while walking on the treadmill, it is also advantageous if an adjustable keyboard shelf is provided on the desk. The top of the keyboard tray has an acute angle with respect to the table surface of the desk, so that the keyboard placed on the keyboard tray is inclined with respect to the desk surface. The incline of the keyboard tray should be as close as possible adjustable in order to be able to realize individual preferences of the user.

The way in which the seating and / or leaning option is formed on the workplace arrangement according to the invention is basically arbitrary. According to a preferred variant, a chair with a seat and backrest is attached to the frame of the treadmill. The seat of the chair can be adjusted between a folded seat position and a folded seat position. In the folded-up rest position, the user then has the option of leaning against the back of the chair and performing the desired walking movements on the treadmill while standing. During breaks in walking, the seat can then be folded down into the sitting position so that the user can take a seat on the seat.

An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is explained below by way of example.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Arbeitsplatzanordnung in einer zum Sitzen vorgesehenen Konfiguration in perspektivischer seitlicher Ansicht;

Fig. 2

die Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 1 in einer zum Stehen und Gehen geeigneten Konfiguration in perspektivischer seitlicher Ansicht;

Fig. 3

die Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 1 in seitlicher Ansicht;

Fig. 4

die Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 2 in seitlicher Ansicht;

Fig. 5

die Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 4 in Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 6

die Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 4 in Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 7

das Laufband der Arbeitsplatzanordnung gemäß Fig. 1 im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 8

das Laufband gemäß Fig. 7 in einer Explosionsdarstellung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a workstation arrangement according to the invention in a configuration provided for sitting in a perspective side view;

Fig. 2

the workplace arrangement according to Fig. 1 in a configuration suitable for standing and walking, in perspective side view;

Fig. 3

the workplace arrangement according to Fig. 1 in side view;

Fig. 4

the workplace arrangement according to Fig. 2 in side view;

Fig. 5

the workplace arrangement according to Fig. 4 in front view;

Fig. 6

the workplace arrangement according to Fig. 4 in top view;

Fig. 7

the treadmill according to the workplace arrangement Fig. 1 in longitudinal section;

Fig. 8

the treadmill according to Fig. 7 in an exploded view.

Fig. 1 shows a workstation arrangement 01 with a desk 02, a chair 03 and a treadmill 04 in a side view. The workstation arrangement 01 is shown in FIG Fig. 1 shown in a configuration suitable for sitting. In this seat configuration, the foldable seat 05 of the chair 03 is folded down into the sitting position so that the user can take a seat on it. In addition, the user can lean against the backrest 06 of the chair 03 in this configuration. In the seat configuration, the height-adjustable desk 02 is moved into the lowest position with an electric drive device, so that the user sitting on the seat 05 can work at the desk 02.

Fig. 2 shows the workstation arrangement 01 in a configuration suitable for standing and walking. The desk 02 is moved into the highest position by an electric drive with a corresponding drive device, so that the user at the desk 02 can work in an upright position. In addition, the seat 05 is adjusted to the folded-up rest position. This makes it possible for the user to be able to support himself with his thighs or the back of the pelvis on the backrest 06 while walking on the treadmill 04. The table frame 07 has no mechanical connection to the frame 08 of the treadmill 04, so that the desk 02 can be positioned freely opposite the treadmill 04 on a surface.

On the top of the desk 02 there is a keyboard tray 09 sloping at an acute angle, on which a computer keyboard can be placed. In addition, the user can rest his forearms on two multi-axis adjustable forearm supports 10. By the forearm rests 10 and the inclined against the table surface Keyboard shelf 09, the user can also work relaxed on a personal computer while walking on the treadmill 04. The cables for supplying the keyboard or a screen on the surface of the desk 02 can be passed down through cable bushings 11.

Fig. 3 shows the workstation arrangement in the configuration provided for sitting in a side view.

Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the workstation arrangement 01 intended for walking or standing.

Fig. 5 shows the workstation arrangement 01 in the configuration provided for standing in a view from the front.

Fig. 6 shows the workstation arrangement according to Fig. 5 in top view.

Fig. 7 shows the treadmill 04 in a schematic longitudinal section. To form the concave upwardly curved running surface 12, wooden rods 13 are used, which are arranged transversely to the running direction. For this purpose, the ends of the wooden rods 13 are each fastened to a guide band 14. The two guide belts 14 in turn roll from rollers 15 mounted on roller bearings. Since the wooden rods 13 are not additionally supported between the two guide strips 14, the wooden rods 13 can deflect elastically according to their material elasticity. As a result of the mounting on guide belts 14, which in turn roll on rollers 15 mounted on the roller bearings, very smooth running of the conveyor belt 04 is made possible.

On the underside of the two halves of the frame 08, two height-adjustable foot stands 19 are provided, with which the frame is supported on the floor. By adjusting the foot stand 19, the inclination of the frame 08 and thus the running resistance of the treadmill 04 can be changed by the user. On one side of the two halves of the frame 08 a roller 20 is also provided in each case. By lifting the frame on the opposite side, the two rollers come to rest on the floor, so that the four foot stands 19 lift off. As a result, the user can then move the frame rolling on the rollers.

Fig. 8 shows the treadmill 04 in an exploded view, with the guide belts 14 and the wooden bars 13 in FIG Fig. 8 are not shown. The two guide belts 14 are deflected in a circulating manner on deflection rollers 16. In order to achieve synchronization of the two guide belts 14 and to prevent the wooden rods 13 from tilting in this way, the two left-hand rollers 16 are each connected to the two right-hand rollers 16 by connecting axles 17.

On the rear connecting axis 17, a backstop device 18 is additionally provided with which a rotation of the treadmill is blocked against the direction of travel directed towards the desk 02. A braking device with which the running resistance of the treadmill 04 can be adjusted can optionally be integrated into the housing of the backstop device 18 either in addition or as a separate assembly. In addition, the braking device can optionally also be used as a parking brake in order to lock the treadmill 04 when entering or leaving it.

On the inside of the two halves of the frame 08, three lateral guide rollers 21 are provided, which come to rest laterally on the ends of the wooden rods 13 and / or on the side surfaces of the guide strips 14 to ensure that the wooden rods 13 are guided laterally.

Claims (14)

1. A workstation assembly (01) having a desk (02) and a seating and/or leaning facility (03), wherein a treadmill (04) is arranged in the foot area of the workstation assembly (01),
   wherein the treadmill (04) is revolvingly supported on a frame (08),
   wherein the feet of a user can roll off in walking on the treadmill (08), and
   wherein the treadmill (04) is passively driven by the walking movement of the user,
   characterized in that a return stop device (18) is provided on the treadmill (04), wherein the return stop device (18) precludes the driving of the treadmill (04) opposite to the running direction directed towards the desk (02).
2. The workstation assembly according to claim 1,
   characterized in that a braking device, by means of which the running resistance can be adjusted, is provided on the treadmill (04).
3. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 2,
   characterized in that a fixing brake device is provided on the treadmill (04), said fixing brake device precluding the displacement of the treadmill (04).
4. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that the treadmill (04) comprises a plurality of wood slats (13) which extend across the running direction and form the running surface (12) of the treadmill (04).
5. The workstation assembly according to claim 4,
   characterized in that the wood slats (13) are elastically resiliently supported and/or can elastically resiliently deform along their longitudinal axis.
6. The workstation assembly according to claim 4 or 5,
   characterized in that the ends of the wood slats (13) are attached to a left and a right guide belt (14), respectively, wherein the two guide belts are supported in a circular revolving manner on the left and the right side of the frame (08).
7. The workstation assembly according to claim 6,
   characterized in that the two guide belts (14) are supported on the frame (08) on a plurality of rollers (15) mounted by roller bearings.
8. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that an electric generator for generating electricity or a sensor for measuring the treadmill movements is drivable by means of the treadmill (04).
9. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that the treadmill (04) extends in the foot area along an arc-section-shaped concave path.
10. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that the desk (02) is mounted in a height-adjustable manner on a table frame (07).
11. The workstation assembly according to claim 10,
    characterized in that the table frame (07) can be positioned independently of the frame (08) of the treadmill (04).
12. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that, in particular multi-axially adjustable, forearm supports (10) are provided at the desk (02).
13. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that a keyboard tray (09) is provided at the desk (02), wherein the upside of the keyboard tray (09) is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the table surface of the desk (02).
14. The workstation assembly according to one of claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that a chair (03) with a seat (05) and a backrest (06) is attached to the treadmill (04), wherein the seat (05) can be adjusted between a folded-down sitting position and a folded-up idle position.

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