IES81165B2 - Improvements in and relating to workbenches - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular workbench (1) has pillars (2,3 and 4) of hollow right angled cruciform shape. Pipes (30, 31) feed air to and from ventilator and extraction units. A perforated table top (5) is mounted above a trough connected to the pipe (31) to vent fumes and debris away from the workbench. Air is delivered by a pipe (30) through a hood beneath a shelf (6) onto the table top (5) to facilitate the provision of a suitable working environment.

Description

The present invention relates to workbenches and in particular to modular workbenches.

Generally, such modular workbenches comprise at least two ground engaging pillars having vertically spaced apart locations for the releasable securement of one or more work units attached thereto, one of which is usually in the form of a table top or work surface.

The term “work unit1’ is used in this specification to include not just simply table tops and the like work surfaces that are considered to be work tops but anything that holds equipment or simply storage baskets for parts, storage equipment for tools such as drills, soldering irons, spanners, test equipment and other devices and also work units, shelf units, tool rails, light fittings and computer monitor shelves, all of which can be applied to the definition of work tops.

For the purposes of this specification the term “air handling means” is deemed to include ventilators, air extracts, air conditioning apparatus, air heaters or any combination or variation thereof. In this specification the term pipe is used to include ducting, conduit trunking, tubing piping or similar hollow or bored units.

While it is known to provide such modular workbenches, they are generally not particularly easy for operators to use nor indeed do they mount the work units thereon rigidly enough.

A further problem is that they cannot be quickly dismantled or partly disassembled and further, they are not particularly robust. A still further disadvantage is that most workbenches now require the provision of electrical services and indeed very often cabling for computer systems and the like. There may also be a need, for example, for the provision of air or other services. Known modular workbenches are not easily adapted to this. Indeed, in modern factories, it is known to provide a considerable amount of these utility services on the ceilings of the rooms in which the workbenches are located so that when the workbenches are moved around the room or when the orientation of the workbenches is changed, it is a simple matter, for example, to drop the electricity supply or cabling down from the ceiling onto the workbench. Known construction of workbenches are not easily adapted towards this arrangement of utility services and the provision of them in an efficient and safe manner to the workbench.

A still further problem that occurs with workbenches is that they are extremely uneconomic due to the nature of their manufacture and the fact that mass production does not tailor each bench to the end user's needs. It is becoming more prevalent for managers to choose workbenches for their ergonomic properties. It is also now more common for employees to take legal action against an employer if they suffer such injuries as repetitive strain injury (RSI) or back injuries. These problems occur when an operative has to adjust to the bench rather than having the bench adjusted to the operative. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an ergonomic workbench which prevents or at least does not cause such injuries.

Problems are encountered especially in the computer manufacturing, electronics and medical manufacturing industries where clean room facilities are employed. There is often very tough legislation and standards governing these industries. The need for eliminating contaminants and gases is of the utmost importance as this results in products failing quality tests. It is well known to provide such modular workbenches with extraction systems, however heretofore such benches have had piping, conduit and ducting or the like for such extraction systems fixed beneath the work surface.

Piping fixed to benches becomes a problem when such benches need to be rearranged or moved to an alternative location. Very often the piping for air handling means is rigidly mounted in the structure and the design is such as to not address the problem of the mobility of the workbenches.

A further problem occurs in such situations where there is a need for laminar air flow in the working area which requires additional piping affixed above the work surface.

This further creates the problem of cluttering the valuable work space. Piping affixed in this manner is prone to damage which results in ineffective ventilation over the work surface. The present invention is directed towards providing an improved construction of modular workbench that will overcome these problems.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a workbench of a modular type comprising at least two spaced apart upright ground engaging pillars having vertically spaced apart locations for the releasable securement of one or more work units thereto, characterised in that each pillar is of a hollow right angled cruciform shape in cross section forming four projecting arms in which each arm has an outer face and two side faces, the outer face of two opposed arms having the utility exit holes and the side faces of the other two arms having a plurality of keyholes along its length for the reception of fixing means and a pipe forming part of an air handling means positioned within at least one hollow cruciform pillar. The advantage of housing the piping within the cruciform pillar is that it is protected from damage and also allows each bench to be totally mobile. Work benches incorporating the invention can be separated easily without the need for down time because they are no longer attached to each other by continuous piping which is secured either beneath or above the work surfaces. Flexible piping can be used such as thin walled plastics piping which can be easily bent, shortened or extended.

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a workbench in which the work unit is a perforated work surface at least two pillars having a pipe forming part of an air handling means positioned vertically within, one air handling means forming a ventilator and the other forming an extractor together providing laminar airflow thereto. These perforated work surfaces allow dirt and small pieces of solder for example to fall between the perforations. The laminar flow of air gently assists this and prevents dirt rising from the work surface. The extractor will be so arranged as to remove the contaminants.

Ideally there is provided a workbench in which the work surface is height adjustable to ergonomically suit an operative, the height adjustment being provided by releasably securing the work surface to the hollow cruciform pillar between two arms thus providing structural integrity and rigidity to the workbench. The advantage of having height adjustable work surfaces is that it allows operators to have the bench suited to their height. This helps to prevent such injuries as back pain and repetitive strain injury (RSI) due to bad posture. The work surface can be adjusted to accommodate operators standing or seated. When the work surface is secured in position, it provides rigidity to the structure and prevents movement within the bench.

Many arrangements of pipe or pipes within a pillar may be provided for example at least two pipes provided within a hollow cruciform pillar, one of which forms part of an extractor and the other a ventilator.

Ideally the work units when mounted between at least two pillars are so-constructed as to engage closely within the recess formed between two arms so as to bear against one side face when connected to the other. By so-configuring the work unit considerable added rigidity is imparted to the workbench, in effect the work units tie the structure together.

Preferably the pipe is mounted within an arm having the utility exit holes. This allows the pipe to be kept separate from and thus not cause interference with other services housed in the pillar. In some instances there are two pipes one in each of the opposed arms, one pipe forming part of a ventilator and the other of an extractor.

The invention further provides a workbench in which one of the pillars forms a hub pillar and in which each arm of the hub pillar has an outer face and two side faces, all the outer faces having the utility vent holes and each side face a plurality of keyholes along its length for the reception of fixing means and in which each arm houses a pipe forming part of an air handling means in and in which four work surfaces are attached equi-spaced around the hub pillar and to other pillars remote therefrom. This arrangement is only necessary when a very rigid structure is required since the pillar of the construction previously described will in most circumstances be suitable for this arrangement.

It is further envisaged that the piping contained within the pillars may be part of an air handling means including temperature controlling devices and climate control generally. The invention allows the accurate control of the working environment where it is most important for the operative and the workpiece, namely at the workbench.

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the workbench according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded view of part of the workbench of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a slightly enlarged perspective view of a pillar forming part of the workbench; Fig. 4 is a further enlarged side view of part of the pillar; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a pillar on the same scale as Fig. 4; Figs. 6(a) to (d) are plan views of various arrangements of pillars; Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 of an alternative construction of pillar; and Figs. 8(a) to (c) are diagrammatic layouts of workbenches according to the invention.

Referring to drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 5, there is illustrated a workbench indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, formed from three upright ground engaging pillars 2, 3 and 4 carrying work units, in this case a perforated table top 5, .6 shelves 6 and a canopy 7 carrying lights (not shown). Each pillar 2, 3 and 4 is formed from pressed steel and is of substantially hollow right angled cruciform section. A trough 8 is mounted beneath the perforated table top 5. An air distribution hood 9 is mounted beneath the shelves 6 (see Fig. 2).

Referring now to Figs. 3 to 5 the pillar 2 comprises four projecting arms 11, 12, 13 and 14. Each arm 11,12,13 and 14 has an outer face 15,16,17 and 18, as well as side faces 20, 21, 22 and 23, respectively. Two of the outer faces 16 and 18 of the opposed arms 12 and 14 have utility exit holes 25, see Fig. 4, while the side faces 20 and 22 of the arms 11 and 13 have keyholes 26. The keyholes 26 will receive in normal manner any fixing device having a head on it such as a bolt. The pillars 3 and 4 are of identical construction.

Pipes 30 and 31 are illustrated mounted within the pillar 2. The pipe 30 is connected to an overhead extraction system not shown. Similarly the pipe 31 is connected to a ventilator for the delivery of fresh air. The pillars 2,3 and 4 are mounted on groundengaging cross-members 35, 36 and 37. The pillars 2, 3 and 4 carry a frame-work 38 which incorporates side brackets 39 to support the work table top 5 by bolting the brackets 39 onto the pillars 2. Intermediate upright supports 40 are provided between the frame-work 38 and the cross-member 35. Further intermediate upright supports 41 and 42 are secured between the ground engaging cross members 36 and 37 respectively and the framework 38. The intermediate supports 40, 41 and 42 are height-adjustable to allow the table top 5 to be set at the optimum height. Mounted beneath the table top 5 is a trough 8. The trough 8 is shown in Fig. 2 connected the pipe 31 while the pipe 30 is shown connected to the hood 9.

In operation, with the use of nuts and bolts, the workbench 1 is assembled. The ventilation and extraction unit is turned on when there is anybody working at the worktable. All debris and dirt such as solder and the like will fall through the perforated table top 5 into the trough 8 and this will be extracted through the pipe 31 off site, At the same time air will be delivered down through the hood 9 by the pipe 30 onto the work table top 5 thus ensuring that noxious fumes as well as dust do not rise up off a work piece mounted on the table top 5, but are directed into the trough 8. .7.

When it is desired for example to put additional work units on the workbench 1 this can be relatively easily done. Similarly if it is desired to disassemble the workbench this again can be easily achieved.

It is possible by adjustment of the intermediate supports 40, 41 and 42 to raise or lower the table top 5 as the framework 38 can be easily moved by unbolting and refixing the side brackets 39.

Referring now to Figs. 6(a) to (d), there is illustrated various arrangements of pipes identified by the reference numerals 30,31,32 and 33 inside a pillar 2. It will be seen that various arrangements of pipe may be used. In particular, the arrangement shown in Fig. 6(a) and (d) are relatively advantageous as the pipes are housed within the arms 11,12,13 and 14.

Referring now to Fig. 7 there is illustrated an alternative construction of pillar indicated generally by the reference numeral 50 in which parts similar to those described with reference to the previous drawings are identified by the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment the utility exit holes 25 are formed in each of the outer faces 15, 16,17 and 18 and similarly the keyholes 26 are provided in each side face 20, 21, 22 and 23. The pillar 5 mounts four pipes 30,31, 32 and 33.

Referring now specifically to Ag. 8 there is shown various arrangements of workbench manufactured in accordance with the invention. The pillar 50 of Fig. 7 would be particularly suitable for the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 8(c). However, it wilt be appreciated that the pillars 2,3 or 4 could also be used in this arrangement.

The work units when mounted between at least two pillars are so constructed as to engage closely within the recess formed between two arms so as to bear against one side face when connected to the other. This can be achieved for example when bolts are used by providing slotted holes in the work units or in their supporting frames or brackets so as to ensure a snug fit with it bearing hard against the two side faces. Rigidity is of the utmost importance.

One of the great advantages of the construction of pillar according to the present a invention is that it allows for the full protection of the pipes connected to various air cooling means and this means that flexible pipes can be used and can be of relatively light gauge. Further they can be clipped above and beneath work tops without any great difficulties. Thus a ventilation system or an extraction system can be used to service more than one work unit.

It is envisaged however that in many instances the ideal arrangement will be to put ventilation systems and extraction systems spaced apart along a workbench. Thus, more than one pillar will be used and not necessarily the arrangement as shown in the drawings.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be adapted to cater for an assembly line type workbench wherein each individual pillar can provide corner support for different work tables.

In the specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising or any variation thereof and the terms “include, includes, included and including” or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims (5)

1. A workbench of a modular type comprising at least two spaced apart upright ground engaging pillars having vertically spaced apart locations for the releasable securement of one or more work units thereto, characterised in that each pillar is of a hollow right angled cruciform shape in cross section forming four projecting arms and having a plurality of utility exit holes along its length for the provision of utility services and a pipe forming part of an air handling means positioned within at least one hollow cruciform pillar for the extraction of gases and particulate matter from the work surface and in which the work units when mounted between at least two pillars are so-constructed as to engage closely within the recess formed between two arms so as to bear against one side face when connected to the other and in which at least one of the work units is a perforated work surface.

2. A workbench as claimed in claim 1 in which the work surface is height adjustable to ergonomically suit an operative, the height adjustment being provided by releasably securing the work surface to the hollow cruciform pillar between two arms thus providing structural integrity and rigidity to the workbench.

3. A workbench as claimed claim 1 or 2 in which each arm has an outer face and two side faces, the outer face of two opposed arms having the utility exit holes and the side faces of the other two arms having a plurality of keyholes along its length for the reception of fixing means and in which there are two pipes one in each of the opposed arms, one pipe forming part of a ventilator and the other of an extractor.

4. A workbench as claimed in any preceding claim in which one of the pillars forms a hub pillar and in which each arm of the hub pillar has an outer face and two side faces, all the outer faces having utility exit holes and each side face a plurality of keyholes along its length for the reception of fixing means and in which each arm houses a pipe forming part of an air handling means in and in which four work surfaces are attached equi-spaced around the hub pillar and to other pillars remote therefrom.

5. A workbench as claimed in any preceding claim substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.