EP0796575B1 - Office workplace with communication devices - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an office work station with office and communication devices and a work surface according to the preamble of claim 1. Previous In principle, workplaces were not mobile, but in a fixed location bound. Some very limited attempts towards a more mobile office are noticed furnished office workplaces in vehicles, e.g. in special express trains or on ships. However, these are only in rare special cases and very limited viable solutions. A full-fledged, mobile, universally applicable and available office workspace is, however, far from being feasible. Also the well-known carrying of small and light single office devices such as notebooks or radio telephone does not in any way replace a fully-fledged office workplace. Nevertheless, there is an increasing need for it, e.g. for long travel times to be able to use it better and ideally have one available at all times full office workspace.

EP 172 762 describes a mobile container with IT equipment as Office workplace known according to the preamble of claim 1. The The container can be moved in the direction of view at the workplace by means of three wheels. To the Move, e.g. to another office, the job must be in an essentially cubic box packed and the IT equipment stowed inside become. At the place of work, the container must be of all dimensions, especially in the Height and sideways, rebuilt and unfolded and the IT equipment can be folded out of the inside of the container to be used as a workplace to be able to serve. This is a relatively complex conversion, which also has a lot of handling space needed. This well-known mobile container as an office workplace can do that but do not perform the following task in any way.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the previous limitations overcome and a universally applicable and highly available full to create functional mobile office workplaces, which in particular in Passenger vehicles with very limited space can be used to do so to be able to use long travel times much better, and which one at any place can be used where there is no infrastructure.

1. Ausgehend vom bekannten, relativ gross dimensionierten herkömmlichen Büroarbeitsplatz wird auf das notwendige Volumen für die Geräteausrüstung reduziert und mit kompakten und leichten Geräten ausgerüstet, ohne unnötigen Leerraum zu beanspruchen. Dazu wird der Büroarbeitsplatz quasi in den kompakten Behälter zusammengepackt.

2. Der Arbeitsplatz wird bewegbar gemacht durch die Rollen des fahrbaren Behälters und durch die Feststellvorrichtung wird erreicht, dass er in der Arbeitsstellung auch sicher steht.

3. Zum Transport an einen gewünschten Sitzplatz heran wird der mobile Behälter geschlossen und die Geräteausrüstung auf eine minimale Breite zusammengelegt. Dies ermöglicht eine optimale Manövrierbarkeit und Zugänglichkeit auch in schmalen Gängen von Verkehrsmitteln sowie einfaches Ein- und Ausladen in Fahrzeuge.

4. Anstelle eines zu einem festen Arbeitsplatz gehörenden Sitzplatzes wird der fahrbare Behälter an einen schon bestehenden Sitzplatz herangefahren, so dass dieser in einer zweiten Funktion als Arbeits-Sitzplatz genutzt wird und in Kombination mit dem fahrbaren Behälter den neuen, universell einsetzbaren, mobilen Büroarbeitsplatz ergibt. Damit wird auch der in Verkehrsmitteln sehr knappe Raum bestmöglich ausgenützt, d.h. im Prinzip sogar doppelt genutzt.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an office work station according to claim 1. The invention essentially consists of the combination of the following four new factors:

1. Starting from the well-known, relatively large dimensioned conventional office workplace, the volume required for the equipment is reduced and equipped with compact and light devices without taking up unnecessary empty space. For this purpose, the office workstation is virtually packed into the compact container.

2. The workplace is made movable by the rollers of the mobile container and the locking device ensures that it is also safe in the working position.

3. To move to a desired seat, the mobile container is closed and the equipment is folded to a minimum width. This enables optimal maneuverability and accessibility, even in narrow aisles of transport, as well as easy loading and unloading in vehicles.

4. Instead of a seat belonging to a fixed workplace, the mobile container is moved to an existing seat, so that it is used as a work seat in a second function and, in combination with the mobile container, results in the new, universally applicable, mobile office workplace . This means that the space that is very scarce in means of transport is used in the best possible way, ie in principle even used twice.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention, which is particularly good maneuverability, particularly high utilization of the existing Space and particularly favorable working conditions and ergonomic conditions result for the user of the mobile office workplace.

Fig. 1a - c

ein Beispiel eines erfindungsgemässen mobilen Büroarbeitsplatzes mit zugeordnetem Sitzplatz in drei Ansichten

Fig. 2

eine auf alle vier Räder wirkende Bremsvorrichtung mit Pedalen

Fig. 3, 4

ein Beispiel mit ausfahrbaren Stützen und ausziehbarer Arbeitsfläche in zwei Ansichten

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Beispiel eines mobilen Büroarbeitsplatzes mit Bürogeräten in perspektivischer Darstellung

Fig. 6

einen fahrbaren Behälter mit zusätzlicher Transportkapazität im offenen Beinraum

In the following, the invention is further explained with the aid of examples and figures. It shows:

1a-c

an example of a mobile office workplace according to the invention with an assigned seat in three views

Fig. 2

a braking device with pedals acting on all four wheels

3, 4

an example with extendable supports and extendable work surface in two views

Fig. 5

another example of a mobile office workplace with office equipment in perspective

Fig. 6

a mobile container with additional transport capacity in the open leg room

Figure 1 shows an office workstation with office and communication devices in the form a mobile container 1 which is connected to an existing seat 2, e.g. at one 1st class seat in an aircraft that can be approached. As in the floor plan of Figure lc as can be seen, the mobile container has a slim, essentially rectangular shape Base area F1 with a length L1 and a width B1. For the good Maneuverability is swiveling in all four corners of the base 3 appropriate. The container 1 is in place in its working position by means of a Locking or braking device 4 securely fixed. The container has an upper one Top surface 15 and an upper region, which forms an upper equipment compartment 11, on. In the equipment room 11, office and communication devices 10 are safe for transportation arranged, this equipment room through a cover 8 during transport or can be closed with a closing device 28 when not in use. in the middle region 12 of the container is an extendable beyond the base area F1 Work surface 6 arranged. In the lower area 13 of the container 1 is a Electrical storage 9 as a power supply for the Biiro- and communication devices 10 and for one Workplace lighting 14 of the equipment room 11 arranged. In the middle and lower Area 12 and 13, below the work surface 6, is an open leg space 7 inside the base area F1 is formed. When not in use, i.e. in rest or park position and also during transportation, i.e. when moving the container 1 to one other location, all office and communication devices 10, such as a PC or Notebook 31, a printer 32, a fax machine 33, various storage devices 34, a radio telephone 35 or a scanner etc. in the closed container 1 on the minimum width B1 of e.g. stowed and fastened only 30 cm for transport. The Mobile containers can take up a minimum of space, e.g. on an airplane be securely stored, in this parking position by means of a parking bracket 42 is fixable. For use, this sealed container is attached to the desired one Seat 2 of a passenger introduced. On top of the top surface 15 of the container are for two-handed, optimal maneuvering on both narrow sides ergonomic handles 26 attached, which with connecting rods 27 together a border of the top surface 15 and thus an upper shelf form. These handles can advantageously be designed to be multifunctional rounded head elements 25 with hand-shaped troughs for two-handed operation, as disclosed in EP-A-672 572 (Fig. 4). At the desired place of work, i.e. at the Seat 2, the container 1 in a the user or the passenger on the Seat 2 optimally adjusted corresponding position and here by means of the brake or Locking device 4 fixed so that it does not move even when driving uneasily. According to FIG. 2, this braking or locking device can consist of wheel brakes 21 or according to Figures 3, 4 also consist of lowerable, non-slip supports 23.

In the optimal working position, the work surface 6 is extended, in the example of Figure 1 forms a hinged lid 8 of the upper equipment room 11 in its working position 8 'the extended part of the work surface 6. This cover 8, 8' can be adjustable, for example in its inclination, the angle W 1 of this Vertical work surface e.g. can be selected between 80 ° and 100 °. The work surface 6 can also be variable in length L2, as in the example in FIG. 3 will be shown. With this basic adjustability of the work surface, e.g. through the Angle W1 and length L2 can meet the needs of a user 53 as well the spatial conditions and the seat height of seat 2 taken into account become. In the working position, the various office devices can be used as needed partly also pulled out on the work surface 6 or opened for use a PC or notebook 31. Personal documents brought with you like a folder 52 can be set up on the upper cover plate 15 as a storage space complete office equipment in a relatively compact space with office and communication devices for user 53 stands. The workplace also contains other facilities such as additional ones Trays 36, compartments and holders 37 and a waste basket or document shredder 38. How 1b clearly shows the lower area of the mobile Container through the open space 7 for the legs in principle more or less over the entire width B1 must be kept clear. In the example of Figure 3, the open leg space 7 as a continuous opening over the entire width B1. To increase the stability and also the safety of the container 1 in the working position additionally be fixed to the assigned seat 2 with a security band 41, e.g. analogous to a seat belt, so that the container 1 even with very strong driving impacts or even remains fixed as securely as possible in accident situations and not thrown around becomes. The equipment room 11 can have a matt and noise-absorbing interior Cover 29 can be designed to allow pleasant glare-free work and to allow little working noise to penetrate into the environment.

die Höhe H1: ca. 90 - 100 cm; zum Einsatz in Flugzeugen kann mit Vorteil auch eine den Normen für Trolleys entsprechende Höhe von z.B. von 103 cm gewählt werden,

die Höhe H2 der Arbeitsfläche 6: ca. 65 - 70 cm, z.B. 67 cm, angepasst an 1.-Klasse-Flugzeugsitze,

die Breite B1: vorzugsweise 25 - 35 cm, z.B. 30 cm (Norm: 305 mm)

die Länge L1: von z.B. 70 cm, ist vorzugsweise mindestens doppelt so gross wie die Breite B1,

die Länge L2 des ausgefahrenen Teils der Arbeitsfläche 6 beträgt z.B. 30 cm und liegt vorzugsweise zwischen 25 - 35 cm.

The dimensions of the container 1 and the workplace are, for example, depending on the intended application and use:

the height H1: approx. 90 - 100 cm; for use in aircraft, a height of, for example, 103 cm, which corresponds to the standards for trolleys, can advantageously be selected,

the height H2 of the work surface 6: approx. 65 - 70 cm, e.g. 67 cm, adapted to 1st class aircraft seats,

the width B1: preferably 25-35 cm, e.g. 30 cm (norm: 305 mm)

the length L1: of, for example, 70 cm, is preferably at least twice as large as the width B1,

the length L2 of the extended part of the work surface 6 is, for example, 30 cm and is preferably between 25 and 35 cm.

From these dimensions and in FIG. 1b it is clearly visible that a very large space saving or a much higher multiple use of space can be achieved with the mobile office workplace concept according to the invention than was previously possible:
When not in use in the parking position, the entire office workspace, packed together to a minimum compact possible width B 1, measures only 0.3 m. In contrast, the area of use corresponding to the length L3 that is available at the seat, for example L3 = 1.3 m. This ratio L3 / B1 of here, for example, at least a factor of 4 corresponds to a quadrupling of the usable space in comparison to previously customary fixed office workplaces or also to a moving office workstation on the train; that is, the length L3 of the passenger seat 2, which is available per se, can also be used fully as an office workstation, the mobile container 1 required for this only requiring a minimal storage space in its parking or storage position.

The U-shaped open leg space 7 has, for example, a depth of 20 cm (ie B1 - B2 = 30 cm - 10 cm = 20 cm), which is sufficient for a comfortable working position.
In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the leg space 7 is even continuously open, ie its depth extends over the entire width B 1 of the container.

The example of Figure 2 shows a braking and locking device seen from above 4 in the form of a braking device acting on all four wheels or rollers 3. In principle, depending on the application, one on both sides of the open Leg space 7 on a roller 3 acting brake are sufficient. Here are on the reels 3 one wheel brake 21 each, e.g. in the form of a brake block, which of a Rotating backdrop is operated. The rotating backdrop, in turn, is made up of pull and push rods 55 operated. The rods 55 are in turn moved by rocker arms 56 from two pedals 22 actuated - one of which is used for braking and one for releasing the brake. This The braking device is described in principle in EP-A 678438 by the same applicant. For optimal operability of the brake and locking device 4 can the actuation pedals 22 may be arranged in more than one place. In Figure 2 are on Both narrow sides outside pedal pairs 22 for optimal maneuvering of the container appropriate. In addition, one example is also in the corners of the leg room 7 Brake and a brake release pedal arranged by the seated user of the Are particularly easy to use. In this example, the braking device 4 can be operated by all pedals 22.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a locking device 4 by means of lowerable supports 23, which is arranged on both sides of the leg space 7 or in all four corners of the container could be. These supports 23 are actuated, for example, by a hand lever 58, i.e. lowered, fixed and retracted. The work surface 6 is here as a pull-out Plate formed, the extension length L2 individually adjustable as desired is. The lid 8 of the equipment room 11 is folded up here so that it is in the working position 8 'also forms an upper panel or cover 17. To the workplace or the equipment room 11 from unwanted insight protect and also to shield the lighting of the workplace are here also pivotable side panels 16 attached. These panels 16 can also consist of sliding curtains on pivoting rods, as in Example of Figure 5 is shown. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 1 an additional extendable support 24, also provided with a roller 3 on. To the Transport and in the park position, this support 24 is within the base area F1 folded. In the working position, the support can be swung out as required are used for wider and safer support of the container 1, if necessary is. As shown here, the assigned seat can e.g. also a folding seat 51, which are carried separately or e.g. when not in use, even in the open Leg room 7 can be stowed. In addition to interior lighting 14 is here another adjustable movable lamp 18 attached.

The example in FIG. 5 illustrates a personally furnished office workplace in Working position with a different arrangement of office equipment and facilities, which e.g. can also include a satellite phone or a finetone 35. The power supply contains in addition to the electrical storage 9 also a battery charger 44 and a power supply or a converter 45 for commonly required mains voltages. Also from Personal software, data and programs 47 brought along by users as well as personal Data carriers or data devices 48 can be connected to the office and communication devices 10 of the office workplace connected or worked with.

Figure 6 shows another possibility for maximum use of space also the open leg room 7 used as additional storage space, which during storage and transport of the container 1 can accommodate additional devices. A fold-out frame 49, 49 ', on which further office equipment 59 is used, can be attached and stowed, e.g. a bigger screen or monitor, which is placed in the working position (59 ') on top of the cover plate 15 and wherein the folding frame 49 is folded in such a way that the leg space 7 is open again Available. All storage spaces and in particular the upper equipment compartment 11 can can be provided with locking devices 28 to prevent theft of the devices to prevent during storage or also to keep important data at rest to protect against unauthorized access or insight.

The following considerations further illustrate the great advantages of the mobile office workstation according to the invention:
For practical reasons, air travelers can usually carry at most one device, such as a notebook, with a weight of 2-5 kg and a briefcase with a volume of, for example, 5 dm ³ . In contrast, an office workstation according to the invention can provide a rich range of office equipment and with a total weight of up to 100 kg, for example, fully equipped with office equipment and other facilities in a relatively small volume of, for example, 100 dm ^{3 of} the container. In order to achieve a low weight, the container 1 can advantageously be made, for example, of aluminum, which also improves the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and allows the relevant regulations to be easily complied with.

In principle, a mobile office workstation can be staggered in time are available to multiple users. For example, for 100 passengers carried 2 to 5 office containers 1 as required, which alternate from e.g. 5 to 20 passengers can be used during the trip.

• eine kompakte, vollständige Büroeinrichtung auf minimalem Raum im Behälter 1 zusammenzupacken zum Transportieren des Behälters und in seiner Parkstellung,
• den Behälter leicht überallhin an einen gewünschten Ort oder zu einem bestehenden Sitzplatz hin transportieren zu können
• und diesen dort rasch und einfach zum vollwertigen Büroarbeitsplatz aufstellen zu können.

In short, the principle of the new office workstation according to the invention consists in

• to pack a compact, complete office equipment in a minimal space in container 1 for transporting the container and in its parking position,
• to be able to easily transport the container anywhere to a desired location or to an existing seat
• and to be able to set it up quickly and easily as a fully-fledged office workplace.

This principle opens up a wide range of possible areas of application and Applications:

• in Flugzeugen,
• auf Schiffen, wo der Behälter in die Kabinen transportiert werden kann, um dort einen Büroarbeitsplatz zu bilden,
• zu Lande in Fahrzeugen wie Zügen und Reisebussen wie auch abwechselnd an unterschiedlichen festen Standorten.

Can be used anywhere as a movable temporary office in the air, on water and in the country:

• on airplanes,
• on ships, where the container can be transported into the cabins to form an office workplace,
• on land in vehicles such as trains and coaches as well as alternately at different fixed locations.

• in Passagierfahrzeugen, wobei wenige Büroarbeitsplätze abwechselnd relativ vielen Passagieren zur Verfügung stehen können,
• in Individual- oder Firmenfahrzeugen als persönlicher Büroplatz mitgeführt
• und zusätzlich auch in Gebäuden als bewegbares temporäres Büro.

Universally applicable, both business and private:

• in passenger vehicles, whereby a few office workplaces can alternately be available to a relatively large number of passengers,
• carried in individual or company vehicles as a personal office space
• and also in buildings as a movable temporary office.

• Einsatz als Kommunikations-Kit zum Einrichten und Durchführen von Messen und Ausstellungen, dabei kann das erfindungsgemässe, mobile eigene Büro wesentliche Einsparungen sowohl an Zeit wie auch an Kosten erbringen;
• Einsatz als Hilfsbüro oder Katastrophen-Kit bei Rettungseinsätzen oder an Orten ohne Infrastruktur;
• Einsatz in Servicefirmen, wobei jeder Serviceperson ein eigener mobiler Büroarbeitsplatz zugeteilt ist, welcher abwechselnd vom jeweils anwesenden Personal einerseits in den Büroräumen der Servicefirma genutzt und anderseits auch mit einem Servicefahrzeug an einen externen Einsatzort mitgenommen und dort benützt werden kann.
• Einfacher Standortwechsel, z.B. vom Haus ins Auto und zurück.

Some examples may illustrate the range of possible applications:

• Use as a communication kit for setting up and carrying out trade fairs and exhibitions, while the mobile office of the invention can bring significant savings in both time and costs;
• Use as an aid agency or disaster kit during rescue operations or in locations without infrastructure;
• Use in service companies, whereby each service person is assigned his own mobile office workstation, which is used alternately by the staff present on the one hand in the service company's office space and on the other hand can also be taken to an external location with a service vehicle and used there.
• Easy change of location, e.g. from home to car and back.

For passengers on long journeys in airplanes or trains, the travel time can be be used in a way that was previously not possible, for example can be the text for speeches or papers while traveling to a conference or Meeting to be completed and printed out so that it arrives at the meeting location is already ready for delivery.

On the way to a conference or to a company visit you can go Prior information is created to the destination and sent by fax in advance, so that preparations for the meeting are made during the trip - in communication with the destination - are possible. The mobile office workstation can also be connected to a vehicle antenna be connected so that a reception of external information and Data, e.g. for database research, is possible and thus also current information can be processed immediately on an ongoing basis.

Claims (18)

1. Office workplace with a movable container (1), with office and communication devices (10), with an extendable work surface (6) and with a locking or braking mechanism (4), characterized in that

   the movable container can be moved up to an existing seat (2) in person transportation vehicles, so that the direction of vision at the seat is transverse to the longitudinal direction (L1)

   and in which the movable container has a narrow, substantially rectangular base surface F1, with a width B1 of between 25 to 35 cm

   and a length L1 which is at least twice the width B1

   and with a height H1 of at least 90 cm, with an upper cover surface (15) with handles (26) affixed to it for maneuvering the container,

   with swivellable castors (3) in all four corners of the base surface F1,

   with an open leg space (7) within the base surface F1 and below the work surface (6),

   and an upper equipment space (11), arranged within the base surface F1, which can be closed by a cover (8) and in which are placed in transport-safe manner office and communication devices (10),

   with a work surface (6) extendable or swivellable over and beyond the base surface F1,

   which is located in the central area (12) of the container with respect to height

   with a workplace lighting system (14)

   and an electric storage means (9) as a power supply for office equipment and lighting purposes located in the lower area (13) of the container (1) and within the base surface F1.
2. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (8) can be folded downwards and forms a work surface (6).
3. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the work surface (6) has an adjustable extension length L2 and/or an adjustable inclination angle W1.
4. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized by a brake (21) as a locking or braking mechanism operable with pedals (22) and acting on both sides on in each case one castor (3).
5. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized by a locking or braking mechanism in the form of lowerable, non-sliding supports (23).
6. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that an additional support (24) extendable over and beyond the base surface F1 is provided.
7. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that on both narrow sides to the top of the top surface (15) are fitted ergonomic handles (26) with head elements (25) for two-handed maneuvering and connecting rods (27), which form a border for an upper depositing surface.
8. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that in the equipment space (11) are placed compact office and communication devices such as a PC (31) or notebook, printer (32), fax (33), various storage devices (34), radiophone (35) and scanner.
9. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that when the cover (8) is closed, the equipment space can be locked with a locking device (28).
10. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that extendable shields (16, 17) or curtains are placed around the equipment space (11).
11. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (1) contains additional pockets (36), compartments, holders (37) and a waste paper basket or shredder (38).
12. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the equipment space (11) has a matt, soundproofing covering (29) inside.
13. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized by an inner space lighting of the equipment space and an additional, movable lamp (18).
14. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (1) can be fixed- to an associated seat (2) with a safety belt (41) and that it is fixable in a parking position by a holder (42).
15. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (1) is made from aluminium and non-flammable materials.
16. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the container contains EDP equipment, to which are connectable carried data equipment (48) and with which it is possible to process carried data and programs (47).
17. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply has a battery charger (44), as well as a feed device (45) for standard mains voltages.
18. Office workplace according to claim 1, characterized in that in the open leg space (7) is provided a hinged frame (49) for receiving further equipments (59) in the transportation position and in the rest position of the container (1).

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