DE19700657B4 - Furniture with a continuous flat work surface - Google Patents

Abstract

Furniture (1) with a continuous flat working surface (6, 18), which essentially is free from superstructures, and with one under a window (9) in the work surface (6, 18) arranged pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (14) Screen (10, 19), characterized in that the screen (10, 19) a in a box (5) lowest possible installation depth under the work surface (6, 18) is included flat screen and that the pivot axis (14) - by working user - seen from a back end of the Box (5) is arranged.

Description

technical area

The The invention relates to a piece of furniture with a continuous flat work surface, which is substantially free of superstructures, and with one under a window in the work surface around one horizontal pivot axis hinged screen.

The The world of work is permeated with work on the computer. common are personal computers, which are e.g. are run as independent secretarial workplaces, and local workstations, which come with a central computer are connected. At work, therefore, screen, keyboard and computing station. Often the workstation becomes easy on a conventional office table posed. The disadvantage here is that the free work area thereby is reduced. Next is the screen placed at eye level as not ergonomic.

It is known to provide special computer work furniture in which the screen is not arranged at eye level, but approximately at the height of the keyboard (see. US 5,118,172 A. ). The inclination of the screen is adjustable and allows an ergonomic optimization. The workplace is designed as a frame on wheels, with the top of the printer (to verify the written) and at the bottom of the computing station is housed. A disadvantage is that, so to speak, no storage space or other work surface is available on this furniture. The work documents must therefore always be deposited on a separa th table. Moreover, only little legroom remains, so that when working the posture and leg position can not be changed greatly. This is ergonomically a disadvantage.

It has also been proposed to install the keyboard in a larger work table and to put the screen on the table surface (see, eg DE 2753990 A1 ). The keyboard is in a recessed drawer. This can be covered with a board, so that the whole table surface is better usable when the computer is not needed.

From the published application NL 8105025 a computer workstation is known in which the screen is placed sunk in the foot of the table and can be viewed through two mirrors. The keyboard is mounted on a flap, which can be turned over when the computer is not in use, making the table surface usable for other work. Furthermore, consoles are known which have a window under which the screen is arranged (cf., for example US 4755009 , WO 88/07826 A1, FR 2650740 A1 . US 5,071,204 , WO 92/06616 A1, US 5205631 A WO 93/07779 A1, WO 93/25117 A1, GB 2281692 A). All these proposals have in common that a relatively heavy furniture arises, that despite the constructive effort does not offer very large legroom. Communicative work (advice, group work, etc.) is not really possible because the known jobs are set up for one person.

The applications outside the office area usually have application-specific specifications and peculiarities that are foreign to the office application (cf. EP 0248100 A1 - Computer desk for foreign exchange and securities traders; EP 0218963 A2 - conference table; US 440724 - video conference table).

The publication DE 92 03 404 U1 discloses a computer desk. The tabletop (2) has in its central region an opening (21) in which a surface (20) is inclined obliquely backwards and downwards (page 9, first paragraph). At the rear end of this inclined surface, an upstanding support surface is formed for the rear of the screen (page 9, third paragraph). The surface (20) may be pivotally formed at the edge to the table top (2) about a horizontal axis, wherein for adjusting the inclination, for example, an electric motor is used (page 11, second paragraph). However, the screen is placed in the opening and protrudes from the plane formed by the working surface of the table.

The publication DE 35 16 855 A1 relates to a display table with a table frame covered by a table top (page 6, lines 12-13). All of the connected devices on a computer are always located below the tabletop, creating a continuous flat work surface with a view of a screen or display (page 7, lines 13-17). The screen is fixed in place and is connected to a (eg portable) computer (page 8, lines 5-8). For the below the work surface attached display device is a rectangular glass plate (77) provided in the tabletop (page 9, lines 1-3, page 14, lines 10.15). Conveniently, the screen is tilted (page 9, lines 6-7). The shield can be used as a storage area for conventional office work (page 9, lines 7-9).

at a different embodiment is a plate-shaped Screen (115) directly into the table top (2) or below a transparent shield embedded (page 17, lines 32-35). is the screen unit (19) only about the high-lying pivot axis adjustable and otherwise fixed (page 18, lines 16-19), then Can it in a housing approach (126) be housed in the form of a truncated pyramid, which sticking out of the table top (page 18, lines 19-22). With a motor-spindle unit, the screen unit (32) to a horizontal pivot axis (26) can be adjusted (page 11, lines 8-16).

presentation the invention

The object of the invention is a piece of furniture DE 35 16 855 A1 in such a way that it is suitable for communicative work (eg in the training or communicative service sector) and allows dynamic ergonomic work. Desirable is also an aesthetically pleasing manifestation.

These Task becomes surprising simple manner solved by the subject of claim 1.

According to the invention is the solution in that to create a communicative workplace, which despite limited work space optimal working conditions, the screen in a box lowest possible installation depth under the working surface enclosed flat screen and that the pivot axis, around which the flat screen is pivotally mounted - from the working User viewed from - on a rear end of the box is arranged.

Preferably the flat screen is arranged in an inside black box. This ensures optimum readability of the screen display. Disturbing ambient light is kept away.

The Furniture is preferably a work table. However, the invention is also suitable for counters, Standing desks or the like.

Of the Screen can be tilted, with the tilt manually From Be user is adjustable. Because of the screen itself has a low weight, the support structure can accordingly be finely trained. The adjustment of the inclination is preferred possible by hand (e.g., by dissolving or Locking a locking screw).

Of the Box in which the screen is installed is e.g. in cross section triangular (Tip down). It is just below the table surface (i.e. under the window in the table area) assembled. To adjust the inclination of the screen, a wall of the box.

Of the Screen can preferably be in one as a wall of the same time Box serving bracket be inserted, this wall in the inclination is manually adjustable.

Preferably is the serving as a wall bracket to a - seen from the user - at the rear End of the box arranged axis pivotally mounted.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the box with two parallel spaced triangular side walls with arcuate Has slots in which the bracket with fixing screws of Outside can be fixed in any angular position.

Especially preferred is that the window under which the box is arranged is rectangular and is approximately in the middle of the table top without interruption or heel to the other surface of the table top is used.

Preferably, the table has no further internals, but consists essentially of a table top of constant thickness and eg four thin steel legs. Overall, the table is very light and can easily be carried around by two people. This is particularly advantageous in the field of training, where the tables can be changed without difficulty according to the needs of the class and the work. The table is eg square and has a side length of 0.75-1.0 m. It is designed so that several identical tables can be combined by juxtaposing a larger table surface. It is also conceivable that a furniture system has both tables and tables without a built-in screen. Both tables are preferably identical except for the window and the screen. The user can therefore buy a plurality of tables and put them together individually to form a large conference table, whereby screens are only available at selected locations (eg the chairman).

Further preferred embodiments and feature combinations are shown in the following detailed description and from the totality of the claims.

Short description the drawings

The In order to explain the embodiments used drawings show:

1 An inventive table in the side view;

2 the window in the table top in the plan view;

3 a representation of the box with the screen in section AA 2 ;

4 Representations of the cross sections CC and BB 3 ;

5 a schematic representation of an inventive counter.

Basically in the drawings, like parts with the same reference numerals.

Ways to execute the invention

1 shows a table 1 on which one or more persons can sit (chair 2 ). The table consists essentially of a thin table top 6 (eg 15-30 mm thick and 75 × 75 cm tall), four thin steel legs 7.1 . 7.2 (in the illustration according to 1 only two table legs are visible) and a box 5 at the bottom of the table top 6 , From each side you can easily sit down at the table. In the counseling session, two or even three or four people may sit down in the group work.

Somewhere on the table surface can be a keyboard 3 be set up. She is with a cable to a computer 4 connected (which is designed as a tower, for example, and stands under the table on the floor). In the box 5 is a flat screen (as used for example in portable computers) housed. He is also on a cable 8th with the calculator 4 in connection. The box 5 For example, has a plug on the outside to connect the cable 8th , The cable 8th but can also be connected directly to the screen without a plug. The user is completely free in the placement of the computer 4 , It is also conceivable that the calculator 4 down to the table top 6 is hanged. It can also be placed on the table or on a separate stand.

How out 1 is apparent, is the box 5 triangular and has only a small depth (eg 15 cm). For the user on the chair 2 This results in complete legroom, even if other people want to sit at the table, because on the one hand the space under the table top 6 is completely free (there are only four steel legs 7.1 . 7.2 ) and on the other hand the box 5 is arranged approximately in the middle of the table surface.

With additional reference to the 2 to 4 Now the installation of the flat screen is explained. In the table top 6 is in the middle of a rectangular window 9 (eg made of anti-reflective glass). It closes without interruption or paragraph on the other surface of the table top 6 at. Under the window 9 is, as already mentioned, the box 5 assembled. He is in the side view (cf. 1 and 3 ) triangular. Between two spaced parallel side walls 12.1 . 12.2 (which are substantially triangular are) extends an oblique (total approximately rectangular) wall 11 , The side walls 12.1 . 12.2 are with the wall 11 firmly connected. The screen 10 is in a holder 13 attached. This is one at the back of the box (seen by the working user) 5 arranged axis 14 pivotable. The two side walls 12.1 . 12.2 have an arcuate slot 15 (only for the side wall 12.1 in 3 shown), in each of which a fixing screw 16 the holder 13 is displaceable. The holder 13 and with it the screen 10 So it can be around the axis 14 , for example, by an angle of 45 °, be pivoted. Between a horizontal position (in 3 drawn) and a 45 ° inclination (in 3 dashed lines drawn) is the holder 13 can be fixed in any position (loosening or tightening the fixing screw 16 ). The fixing screw 16 is preferably manually on the outside of the side wall 12.1 actuated. The tilt of the screen can thus be adjusted without the user having to look at the screen 10 even has access. This is particularly useful for public areas and schools (because of the risk of damage and theft).

In the embodiment according to 3 is on the second inclined side 17 between the side walls 12.1 . 12.2 no wall provided (ie with the screen lowered 10 The page 17 is through the back of the bracket 13 filled in). But it is of course readily possible, also on the side 17 to provide a continuous, closing inclined wall (by analogy or mirror image of the wall 11 ).

Preferably, the side walls 12.1 . 12.2 and the wall 11 on the inside strong light absorbing (matt black surface). This can cause unwanted light reflections in the box 5 be eliminated. Next is beneficial if the window 9 is anti-reflective. Under the window 9 In addition, a thin cover frame 18 be provided, which is also in the service of minimizing disturbing light reflections. The cover frame 18 in any case, should be so large that the user has a clear view of the screen, regardless of the position or inclination of the screen 10 ,

5 schematically shows a counter in side view. A work surface 18 is equipped with a window under which a screen 19 in a box 21 is installed. Under the work surface 18 For example, there is a storage space (container, drawer, etc.). The box 21 protrudes into this storage space 20 into it, but leaves enough free space for the user. storage space 20 and work surface 18 are from a carrier 22 held. The carrier 22 may be a partition or a metal support. It is also conceivable that the carrier 22 itself is formed of cabinet elements.

In the 5 illustrated counter is suitable as a reception, consulting or training furniture, or as a lectern.

Of course, let the described embodiments in various aspects, without departing from the scope of the invention will leave. Thus, e.g. the flat screen (liquid crystal screen) be firmly installed with a predetermined inclination. With flexible inclination are also other mechanisms for adjusting or fixing the pivot position conceivable.

The box 5 is preferably as small as possible, but does not necessarily have to be triangular. If there is no risk of damage or theft, in principle, on the side walls 12.1 . 12.2 and the wall 11 be waived.

It is not mandatory that the screen is placed under the tabletop or work surface. It can also be installed in the tabletop and possibly even be swung out of it. The table top in this case has an opening or depression in which the flat screen can be sunk. If required, it is pivoted upwards (above the level of the tabletop) around a pivot axis (seen from the perspective of the working user at the front) 6 ). In this embodiment, the screen is also accommodated with advantage in a flat box with a robust glass plate, which is completely and seamless as possible (ie without large paragraphs and spaces) fits into the surface of the table top when folded down box.

In summary It should be noted that a table with built-in computer screen has been created, which is an optimal utilization of the table top when working with and without a computer and in particular for communicative Work (team work, advisory services, training, conferences etc.) is suitable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Claims (10)

Furniture ( 1 ) with a continuous flat work surface ( 6 . 18 ), which is substantially free of superstructures, and with one under a window ( 9 ) in the workspace ( 6 . 18 ) about a horizontal pivot axis ( 14 ) hinged screen ( 10 . 19 ), characterized in that the screen ( 10 . 19 ) in a box ( 5 ) lowest installation depth under the working surface ( 6 . 18 ) is enclosed flat screen and that the pivot axis ( 14 ) - seen from the working user - at a rear end of the box ( 5 ) is arranged. Furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the box ( 5 . 21 ) inside is black. Furniture according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the screen ( 10 ) is mounted manually adjustable in the inclination. Furniture according to claim 3, characterized in that the box in cross section triangular is. Furniture according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the screen in an equal early as a wall of the box serving bracket ( 13 ) is inserted and that this wall is manually adjustable in inclination. Furniture according to claim 5, characterized in that serving as a wall bracket ( 13 ) at a - seen by the working user - at the back of the box ( 5 ) arranged axis ( 14 ) is pivotable. Furniture according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the box ( 5 ) two parallel spaced triangular side walls ( 12.1 . 12.2 ) with arcuate slots ( 15 ) in which the holder ( 13 ) with fixing screws ( 16 ) is fixable from the outside in any angular position. Furniture according to claim 7, characterized in that the window ( 9 ) under which the box ( 5 ) is arranged, is rectangular and approximately in the middle of the table top without interruption or paragraph to the other surface of the table top ( 6 ) is used. Furniture according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is designed as a table, which essentially by a table top ( 6 ) constant thickness, single thin legs ( 7.1 . 7.2 ) and the box ( 5 ) with the screen ( 10 ) is trained. Furniture system with at least two tables, which in such a way substantially by a table top ( 6 ) constant thickness and individual thin legs ( 7.1 . 7.2 ) are formed so that they can be assembled to larger work surfaces, characterized in that at least one of the tables is designed as furniture according to one of claims 1 to 9 and that tables without screen are provided.