WO2021094016A1

WO2021094016A1 - Height adjustable multifunction table

Info

Publication number: WO2021094016A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/075981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef GLÖCKL
Original assignee: Aeris Gmbh
Priority date: 2019-11-15
Filing date: 2020-09-17
Publication date: 2021-05-20
Also published as: DE102019130840A1; EP4013266A1; US20220386771A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a workstation system (1), in particular an office table with a sitting work area and a standing work area, comprising a support frame (10) which is height-adjustable in the height direction H for synchronous height adjustment of two table tops (T1, T2) for forming in each case a sitting and standing working area, the table tops (T1, T2) being fastened to the supporting frame at a fixed distance from one another in the height direction H, the upper table top (T2) being arranged above the working plane (A1) of the lower table top (T1), as viewed in the height direction.

Description

Height-adjustable multifunctional table

Description:

The invention relates to a height-adjustable multifunction table, insbesonde re an office work table for use while sitting and standing.

Height-adjustable tables are known in the prior art in different embodiments.

In the tables and offices known and widely used in the prior art As a rule, the user is limited to a workstation with a table, which leads to a predominantly sedentary work. Known tables and workstation systems are currently designed as individual functional units that are independent of one another and that the user can arrange in his or her desired order. Conventional offices are therefore organized in such a way that all work equipment such as telephones, keyboards, mice, screens and work equipment are within easy reach. Such workstation systems often also have a roll container in which additional work equipment is within easy reach of the user. There are even Refa studies that record times down to tenths of a second, showing how time-saving handling of work equipment and peripheral devices, including printers and the removal of printer products, can be implemented.

The idea on which this concept is based, that every tenth of a second of time saved with quick access to documents and work equipment, increases performance and efficiency, is correct for machines, but not for the people who are supposed to work at such workplaces.

In humans, physiological and physical factors and properties determine their performance and efficiency. The increase in health damage that can be traced back to sedentary office work can be seen in the increasing clinical pictures of people who do office work. More and more people are suffering from so-called civilization diseases, which are caused by sitting rigidly in the office for hours on end.

In the area of office chairs, so-called active dynamic seating opportunities have already been developed to enable the chair user to sit actively.

However, there is still the problem that the user or, for example, the office worker seldom moves away from his chair and, insofar, still causes a predominantly sedentary activity. In between- At present there are a number of findings that speak in favor of alternating standing and sitting work, thus promoting active behavior in the office.

In the past few decades, office workplaces have been set up according to technical and economic aspects, sometimes also according to aesthetic considerations. Considerations of designing people's working environment according to the needs of their genetic makeup and physiological peculiarities are new and so far little known. A disadvantage in the prior art is the fact that there are no furniture systems that are suitable for the user and that are technically suitable for activity in the office. In principle, not every type of movement is good for people, and movement is not always movement. Rather, it depends on the quality of the movement, as the latest scientific findings prove.

From DE 10033216 A1 table systems are known to easily change the dimensions of the work surface in addition to the height adjustment without tools. No tools are necessary for these settings and changes, so that the table according to the invention can be easily and quickly adapted to a wide variety of applications. In addition to the height adjustment, the particular advantage is the change in the width of the work surface. However, this height-adjustable table with a changeable table top consists of several basic elements and is therefore not easy to set up even with limited space requirements. Furthermore, there is a need to switch from the sitting to the standing position and vice versa more frequently without major adjustment and modification measures.

From DE 10102484 B4 a height-adjustable table, in particular a sit-down workstation with at least two telescopic table legs, is known whose synchronism and weight compensation is carried out via a synchronous cable drive, consisting of two synchronous cables that run in opposite directions and cross over, which are connected via double pulleys to the ends of the telescopic Table legs are guided, with the synchronous cable drive directly frictionally at least a cable drive is assigned, each having a drive shaft, and where in each case one or both synchronizing cables at least once or depending on the required power transmission several times at least one drive shaft to loop and then continue the synchronization.

There are a number of other adjustment devices to be able to adjust the height of a table by means of a motor, gas pressure spring or gear system.

Such systems are complex in structure and require a comparatively long period of time to change positions in order to be able to switch from working while sitting to a position while standing.

The present invention is not only about the basic variability and adjustability of a work table, in particular an office work table, but rather a solution for the space-optimized implementation of the active office concept. The core of the concept is a table arrangement known under the brand active Office desk®, namely a unique work surface combination, consisting of a standing and a seated workstation, which are connected to one another by an angled base. The standing height and the seat height are each electrically height-adjustable and can thus be individually adapted to the special needs of the user. The user thus has the option of switching back and forth between the standing and sitting work surfaces, either task-related or time-related. The resulting work dynamics can be easily integrated into the workflow. Because of the fact that each table can be adjusted in height to suit your personal body dimensions. Such workstation systems are known from DE 102016103433 A1, which also originates from the present applicant of this invention. In this way, a standing and sitting workstation can be created next to one another, between which a user can switch back and forth. However, in many offices, especially in smaller ones, there is not enough space to set up such arrangements. There is therefore a need for a space-saving arrangement and solution, even with less To be able to implement an “Active Office Concept”.

A particular problem is the fact that people have different leg lengths and heights. There are not only small people with short legs, but also with long legs and, for example, a short torso. Likewise, there are tall people who may have long legs and a short torso. Due to the large number of possible dimensions of leg length, upper body length and overall body size, it is difficult to provide a height-adjustable table that is easy to use. It has been shown in the workplace analysis that height-adjustable tables are not regularly adjusted, e.g. B. every 10 or 15 minutes, but only very sporadically. However, the “Active Office Concept” only works if you change positions frequently and regularly throughout the day.

The invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and of realizing a space-saving table concept in order to be able to carry out active work and, in particular, a quick change from a sitting position to a standing position and vice versa.

This object is achieved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

According to the invention, a workstation system, in particular an office table or workstation table with a seated work area and a standing work area, is proposed, comprising a support frame that is adjustable in height in the height direction H for synchronous height adjustment of two table tops attached to it on different work levels to form one of the sitting and one Standing work areas, the two table tops being attached to the support frame at a fixed distance in height direction H from one another, the upper table top being arranged above the working plane of the lower table top when viewed in height direction and consequently protruding into the work space above the lower table top. The selected distance between the top of the lower table top and the top of the upper table top is advantageously in the range between 27-39 cm, preferably in the range between 31-36 cm. A distance of 33 cm is particularly advantageous, as the reference has been adapted to the average body size.

Due to this novel solution, the user has a work surface for sitting and standing work at the same time at a single table, while the top of the lower table top is typically around 74 cm from the floor, while the upper work surface is from the second table top the mentioned distance of 33 cm is arranged at a height of about 107 cm.

Thus, persons d. H. Users who are taller than the assumed average person should move the upper table top a little when changing position and smaller people tend to lower the upper table top or move it down. However, according to the invention, it is not necessary to move the tabletop up and down about 30 to 40 cm each time, as is the case with the solutions known in the prior art, but only in a range of about +/- 7 cm or less.

The user can then quickly and easily switch from sitting to standing and back, and vice versa. Even with the still occurring low height adjustment of z. B. 7 cm for a user, the user does not have the feeling of having to wait long for the table position to be set, but can continue working immediately. If a user number For example, if you are small and only want a standing working height of 100 cm, you can set the height correction factor - 7cm and then only this height adjustment is required.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a height adjustment device can therefore be provided which requires a maximum stroke of 14 cm. It has been shown that the vast majority of users can cope with a height adjustment of around +/- 3cm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the upper and lower table top are formed in one piece and / or in one piece. So the plate made of metal z. B. be made in a forming process by bending from a plate.

A solution is also advantageous in which the lower and upper table top are connected to one another via a vertical table top section or, alternatively, a connecting section.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is therefore provided that the upper table top has a width which corresponds to about 30-60%, preferably about 50% of the width of the lower table top. So z. B. each have the left half of the table a lower table top section and an upper table top section arranged above, while rend the work area in the adjacent right table half is only formed by the lower table top.

The "sandwich-like" arrangement of the table tops (with the defined distance) in the standing area offers the possibility of using the area under the standing work area as well.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the work surface of the upper table top when viewed perpendicularly onto the lower table top is located directly above the lower table top (e.g. at a distance of about 33 cm) so that the remaining Arbeitsbe rich of the lower table top, above which there is no table top section of the upper table top, is freely accessible from above and defines a seated work area.

Another, likewise preferred embodiment of the invention provides for a control device (preferably controllable via an APP on a mobile terminal) to be provided which can or does an automatic height adjustment for a user. To do this, it registers whether an identified user (via a user interface) is seated or standing. current position at the table and depending on the personal data stored for this user, in particular with regard to one or more body dimensions (such as leg length, body size, upper body length, etc.), the control device automatically adjusts the height depending on the sitting or standing position. It is also conceivable that a height adjustment is made automatically after a certain period of time in a position, so that the user is prompted to change his position at the same time.

An APP or user software can be designed in such a way that the entire user behavior is saved and the data can be evaluated. The user can also store individual data, such as B. the desired height correction factor according to his body size.

It is also advantageous if a face recognition device is provided which uses biometric data to recognize the respective table user (especially if there are several users) automatically or in response to a user request and then automatically sets the table height stored for this user by means of the control device.

It is also advantageous if the control device provides further communication channels and interfaces in order to enable communication and active user behavior at the workbench. Each user channel can be individually set or adapted to the needs of the table user, for which the software offers adaptable or selectable presets. In addition to the control device, the table can also have devices, sensors and actuators, which carry out the desired actions or instructions when the respective unit responds via a communication channel. So z. B. a sensor system for detecting the position of a table user can be provided. A telephone can then automatically display the position property via a communication channel (e.g. user not present) and send a corresponding answer to the caller. Depending on the table position, a lighting sensor can offer the user to adjust the lighting of the table to the position and the like. In general, A large number of APPs can also be connected so that, in addition to conventional communication with other people, communication with software applications is also possible. These can either be used actively by the table user in a targeted manner or passively via an instruction or an instruction. Various functions can be integrated into the control of the table and an “intelligent” table is provided. The entire movement pattern and number of table changes and thus position changes can also be used as a database for further software applications. An interaction between a virtual secretariat and the table user can also be installed, which can also be implemented by the control device.

It is also advantageous if the orientation of the front edge of the upper table top directed towards a user is formed at an oblique angle of approximately 30 ° to the orientation of the front edge of the lower table top. It is also conceivable that the upper table top is designed to be pivotable about the column axis via a joint, e.g. a rotary column, so that the user can adjust the angle and position of the upper table top according to his personal wishes. Furthermore, by pivoting it away, the lower table top can also be used in the area in which the upper table top is located above it in the starting position.

To produce a stable standing work surface, a vertical support strut can run between the lower table top and the upper table top. In this way, the user can also support himself on the table top to relieve the strain.

If the height of the lower table top should also be variable, one can realize a further height adjustment range for the lower table top by additionally making the device height adjustable by approx. 30-40 cm via a telescope.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a device and a method for setting up and adjusting the height of a table top a control system for automatic or user-activated synchronous adjustment of the height of the table tops of a workstation system as described above when changing from a sitting to a standing position and / or vice versa for an individual user, with the following steps:

1. Input of user-specific body data, such as body size, leg length, upper body length of a user;

2. Setting a first height position of the lower table top for the user, which corresponds to a desired height for working in the sitting position;

3. Determine whether with this height position of the lower table top the height of the upper table top for a reference user stored in the system corresponds to the corresponding body dimensions and, if a deviation is determined, a height correction value in the range between +/- 7 cm is stored so that a If this user changes from the seated position to the standing position, the controller automatically adjusts the height in accordance with the height correction value and a corresponding correction is made in the opposite direction when the user returns from his standing position to his sitting position.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures.

It shows:

Fig. 1 is a perspective rear view of a first Ausführungsbei game of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the table from FIG. 1; 3 shows a side view from the front of the table from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a side view from behind of the table from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view from above of the table from FIG. 1 and a variant with a pivotable upper table top; FIG.

Fig. 6 is a perspective front view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

7 shows a perspective rear view of the table from FIG. 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective front view of a third game Ausführungsbei the present invention and

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the table from FIG. 8.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the same reference symbols in the figures indicating the same functional and / or structural features.

In FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, three exemplary configurations of workstation systems according to the invention, namely office desks 1, are shown. The Ti cal 1 each have a support frame 10 from a left table frame 10a and a right table frame 10b, each having a height-adjustable column 12, at the top end of which a cross member 13 is provided for supporting the lower table top T1.

The tables 1 define a sitting work area (in these versions each Weil in the essentially right half of the table 1) and a standing work area (in the essentially left half) of the table 1, with an extended user area below the upper table top T2 also for the Seat position and thus the seat work area is formed.

The height-adjustable support frame 10 is used for the synchro NEN height adjustment of the two on different working levels A1, A2 on Support frame 10 fixed tabletops T1, T2.

The table tops T1, T2 are attached to the support frame at a fixed distance of 33 cm in height direction H from one another, the upper table top T2 being arranged above the working plane A1 of the lower table top T1 when viewed in the height direction. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the upper and lower table top T1, T2 are formed in one piece.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the lower and upper table top T1, T2 are connected to one another via a vertical table top section T3.

From the top views according to FIGS. 2 and 8 it can be seen that the upper table top T2 has a width B2 which corresponds to approximately 50% of the width B1 of the lower table top T1. It can also be seen that the orientation of the front edge V2 of the upper table top T2 facing a user is included at an angle of approximately 20 ° to the orientation of the front edge V1 of the lower table top T1 or an angle of 160 ° between them.

It can also be seen from the figures for the different design variants that a vertical support strut 30 extends between the lower table top T1 and the upper table top T2.

In the lower view of Figure 5, the upper table top is not integrally connected to the lower table top, but the upper table top can be rotated about the column axis by a desired angle of rotation via a joint, namely a rotary column D, so that the user can adjust the angle and the position of the upper table top can be adjusted according to your personal requirements. Here, a rail system S can either be inserted in the lower table top, into which a leg S with an engaging end (e.g. a set of rollers) engages downward from the upper table top, so that the upper table top is supported during the rotary movement. The leg can be attached to the table top at its upper end.

It when a guide rail F in the table top is particularly advantageous is let in so that no annoying elevation protrudes from the table top.

In a likewise alternative solution (see FIG. 10), a leg on the side edge of the table or at a suitable point that affects the user as little as possible can extend from the lower table top up to the underside of the upper table top. At the upper end there is advantageously a bearing roller on which the upper table top rests, preferably a bearing roller arranged to be rotatable. If the upper table top is then rotated into a desired user position, the table top moves, resting on the support leg, and is thereby supported.

The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred exemplary embodiments given above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which make use of the solution shown even in the case of fundamentally different designs.

Claims

1. Workstation system (1), in particular an office table with a Sitzarbeitsbe rich and a standing work area comprising a support frame (10) which is adjustable in height in the height direction H for synchronous height adjustment of two table tops (T1, T2) attached to it on different work levels (A1, A2) for training each a sitting and standing work area, the table tops (T1, T2) being attached to the support frame at a fixed distance in the height direction H from one another and the upper table top (T2) viewed in the height direction above the working level (A1) of the lower table top (T1) is arranged.

2. Workstation system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower table top (T1, T2) are formed in one piece and / or in one piece.

3. Workstation system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the distance from the top (O) of the lower table top (T1) to the underside (U) of the upper table top (T2) in the range between 27 - 39 cm, preferably is in the range between 31-36 cm, further preferably 33 cm.

4. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower and upper table top (T1, T2) are connected to one another via a vertical table top section (T3).

5. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper table top (T2) has a width (B2) which is about 30-60%, preferably about 50% of the width (B1) of the lower table top ( T1).

6. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the work surface of the upper table top (T2) viewed in a perpendicular projection onto the lower table top, is located immediately above the lower table top (T1), so that the remaining work area of the lower table top (T1) over which there is no table top section of the upper table top (T2) is freely accessible from above and forms a sitting work area.

7. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device is provided which registers whether an identified user is in the sitting or standing position at the table and depending on the personal data stored for this user, in particular with regard to one or more body dimensions, the control device automatically adjusts the height in the range from -7cm to + 7cm, preferably 3cm to + 3cm, depending on the sitting or standing position.

8. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orientation of the front edge (V2) of the upper table top (T2) directed towards a user is at an angle of about 30 ° to the orientation of the front edge (V1) the lower table top (T1).

9. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vertical support strut (30) runs between the lower table top (T1) and the upper table top (T2).

10. Workstation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a height adjustment device is provided, the stroke of which is a maximum of 14 cm.

11.Arbeitsplatzsystem (1) according to claim 1 or 3, 5 or 6, characterized in that the lower and upper table top (T1, T2) are connected to each other via a joint, so that the upper table top (T2) opposite the lower The table top (T1) can be rotated around an axis of rotation while maintaining the working levels (A1, A2).

12. A method for setting up and adjusting the height of a table top egg nes with a control system for automatic or by a User activated synchronous adjustment of the height of the table tops of a workstation system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 when changing from a sitting to a standing position and / or vice versa for an individual user, with the following steps: a. Input of user-specific body data, such as body height, leg length, upper body length of a user; b. Setting a first height position of the lower table top for the user, which corresponds to a desired height for working in the sitting position; c. Determine whether at this height position of the lower table top (T1) the height of the upper table top (T2) for a reference user stored in the system corresponds to the corresponding body dimensions and, if a deviation is detected, a height correction value in the range between +/- 7 cm is stored is, so that when this user changes from the sitting position to the standing position, the control is user-controlled or automatically adjusts the height according to the height correction value and a corresponding correction is made in the opposite direction when the user moves from his standing position to his Returning to the sitting position.