Device for transferring loads and methods for its operation

Abstract

Device (1) for transferring loads, comprising - a surface structure (2), - a supporting structure (3) as well as - at least one sensor device (4) wherein the device (1) is formed by a seat or a reclining piece of furniture, wherein the surface support structure (2) forms a seat, a lying surface and / or a back surface of the device (1), wherein the surface support structure (2) is attached to the supporting structure (3) in such a force-transmitting manner that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) can be transferred into the supporting structure (3), wherein information concerning a load state of the surface structure (2) can be acquired by means of the sensor device (4), characterized by the fact that the surface support structure (2) is formed by a flexible surface support structure (2) which forms a load-bearing surface (5) by means of its attachment to the supporting structure (3), so that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) at least perpendicular to the load-bearing surface (5) can be transferred into the supporting structure by means of the surface support structure (2), wherein the surface support structure (2) is designed to be self-supporting between the respective elements of the supporting structure (3) that take over the loads from the surface support structure (2), so that it can independently transfer loads acting on the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3), wherein the sensor device (4) is arranged at a measuring point (6) between the surface support structure (2) and the supporting structure (3), so that information concerning loads transferred from the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3) at the measuring point (6) can be detected by means of the sensor device (4).

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a device for transferring loads according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for operating such a device according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] The device comprises a surface support structure, a supporting structure, and at least one sensor device. The device is formed by a piece of seating or reclining furniture, with the surface support structure forming a seat, a reclining surface, and / or a backrest. For the purposes of this application, a surface support structure is understood to be a support structure designed to transfer a load oriented perpendicular to a surface of the surface support structure to a higher-level supporting structure. For this purpose, the surface support structure is attached to the supporting structure in a force-transmitting manner. The sensor device is capable of acquiring information regarding the load state of the surface support structure. Such a load state can be in the form of the surface support structure's own weight and / or in the form of live loads acting upon the surface support structure. State of the art

[0003] Devices of the type described above are already known in the prior art. European patent application EP 3 821 766 A1 serves as an example. This application describes a load-bearing device in the form of an office chair. The office chair can, in particular, comprise a seat, a backrest, and armrests. To detect the load on the office chair, it is equipped with a multitude of sensors. These sensors can interact with the seat, backrest, and armrests, enabling the detection of loads acting on these areas of the office chair. Information acquired by the sensors in this way is evaluated by an evaluation unit, which can then trigger events. This can occur, for example, in the form of sending information or a control command to an external device.

[0004] Sensors used in the prior art are typically strain gauges or capacitive sensors, which, due to a deformation of a respective element, allow conclusions to be drawn about the load state of the surface structure, resulting in the measured deformation. The use of resistive sensors is also known, whose electrical resistance changes depending on a force acting on the sensor.

[0005] The known techniques each have disadvantages in different ways. Sensors that operate directly in or under a surface structure are typically exposed to high wear and tear as well as other environmental conditions that can impair the sensor's function in the short or long term, or even permanently damage it. This can include, for example, fluctuating humidity or temperature. Measurements taken with such sensors are therefore not entirely reliable, especially in the context of long-term use.

[0006] Other sensors, particularly mechanical sensors, require moving parts through which a load is transferred, meaning the load can only be detected indirectly and locally. This limits the ability to perform a load analysis of the device's actual load state. Mechanical sensors typically detect information as a result of changes in the distance between moving parts of a switch or actuator, whereas capacitive sensors are also affected by humidity and other surface or environmental influences.The various sensors, particularly mechanical, resistive, or capacitive sensors arranged in or beneath a surface structure, thus impose design limitations on the structure's design or can only describe the acting load situation indirectly (through the one-dimensional load distribution derived from and therefore altered by the structural framework) and thus inadequately. The use of such sensors restricts the design freedom for the respective device, as structurally, elements that are movable relative to each other or rigid "counterparts / plates" must be present, or the surface must be modified optically or haptically so that the sensors can fully describe the load situation.The use of such sensors is therefore in competition with slim, reduced designs that manage with as few individual elements as possible and should be able to describe a real load situation without delay across multiple levels.

[0007] Document DE 42 37 072 C1 discloses a resistive foil pressure sensor for use in a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat comprises a flexible, non-pressure-resistant surface support structure (“seat cushion”). The document further describes a support structure formed by a load-bearing spring frame located beneath the seat cushion. The sensor device, in the form of the sensor foil, can be positioned between the seat cushion and the spring frame.

[0008] Document DE 10 2013 102 008 A1 discloses an office chair whose adjustability with regard to seating characteristics is to be simplified. For this purpose, a motorized adjustment is proposed, preferably one that operates automatically, meaning the seating characteristics can be changed without user intervention. Furthermore, the document discloses the use of sensors, for example in the form of load cells, to obtain information regarding the user's seating position. By evaluating this information, the seating characteristics can be continuously and automatically adjusted.

[0009] Finally, document DE 10 2017 223 196 A1 discloses a conveyor belt mounted on bearing rollers. The bearing rollers are equipped with a sensor device to detect force transmission between the conveyor belt and the rollers. Task

[0010] The present application is therefore based on the task of providing a device that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages. Solution

[0011] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0012] The device is characterized in that the surface support structure is formed by a flexible surface support structure, which forms a load-bearing surface by means of its attachment to the supporting structure. In this way, loads acting perpendicular to the load-bearing surface on the surface support structure can be transferred into the supporting structure. The surface support structure is designed to be self-supporting between the respective elements of the supporting structure that transfer the loads from the surface support structure, so that it can independently transfer loads acting on the surface support structure to the supporting structure. The device is further characterized in that the sensor device is arranged at a measuring point between the surface support structure and the supporting structure. In this way, the sensor device is suitable for acquiring information regarding loads transferred from the surface support structure to the supporting structure at the measuring point.

[0013] The sensor device is preferably designed to include at least one pressure-sensitive sensor. For the purposes of this application, a pressure-sensitive sensor is understood to be a sensor capable of detecting pressure forces transmitted between two contact partners, at least locally. Preferably, the pressure-sensitive sensor is designed as a film sensor. Such sensors can be particularly thin and can be manufactured, in particular, as "printed electronics" in a single-layer or multi-layer configuration. Pressure sensitivity generally means that acting forces ("pressures") can be detected. The acting forces can be read out either continuously or at discrete intervals. This allows changes in force to be characterized over time, enabling the characterization of the force magnitude, the time of force application, and its temporal progression.In this context, a described pressure-sensitive sensor can be designed, for example, as a capacitive or resistive (e.g., piezoresistive) sensor, preferably in foil form to avoid installation height.

[0014] A flexible surface structure, as defined in the present application, is designed such that it lacks compressive stability. Consequently, the surface structure is not designed to withstand bending moments. Instead, a natural form of the surface structure—comparable to a chain or rope—corresponds to its own deflection curve, which sags between the supports of a higher-level supporting structure due to acting loads, in particular the weight of the surface structure itself and any additional live loads. To counteract this effect, the flexible surface structure can, in particular, be prestressed, thereby reducing its deflection. Specifically, the flexible surface structure can be formed from a self-supporting textile, especially a woven fabric, or a membrane, for example, a film.According to this explanation, the surface structure can only form the described load-bearing surface as a result of its interaction with the supporting structure, since the surface structure would not be suitable for transferring loads without being attached to such a higher-level supporting structure, which can be formed in particular by a supporting frame. Between the respective elements of the supporting structure that transfer the loads from the surface structure, the surface structure is self-supporting, so that it can independently transfer loads acting on the surface structure to the supporting structure without requiring any further load-bearing element.

[0015] The supporting structure can be formed, in particular, by a frame to which the flexible surface structure is attached, especially tensioned. In any case, the supporting structure is capable of absorbing loads acting on the surface structure and, if necessary, transferring them further. Using the example of a device formed by a chair, the surface structure can, for instance, be formed by a self-supporting textile stretched between lateral frame members of a supporting structure formed by a frame. The surface structure forms, for example, a seat or a backrest. In this configuration, the at least one sensor device is arranged between the surface structure and the supporting structure, preferably being in direct contact with both the surface structure and the supporting structure.In particular, the sensor device can be mounted on one of the frame members at a given measuring point, with the supporting structure spanning over or onto the sensor device, so that loads acting on the supporting structure at the measuring point are transferred through the sensor device into the supporting structure. Forces acting on the sensor device in this way can be particularly advantageously detected by means of at least one pressure-sensitive sensor of the sensor device.

[0016] The device according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, it enables the use of a flexible surface support structure, which can be self-supporting. In other words, the device does not require a rigid plate to transfer loads to a higher-level support structure, as is the case with rigid surface support structures. Such a plate is necessary in the prior art, at least when pressure sensors are used under or within the surface support structure. Furthermore, the device also does not require sensors to be integrated on, in, or under the surface support structure, which restricts the design freedom of the surface support structure (or affects its appearance and / or feel).The device according to the invention, however, can comprise a self-supporting surface structure that does not require any additional load-bearing element, yet still determines the load state of the surface structure by using at least one sensor device arranged between the surface structure and the supporting structure. The use of strain gauges, for example, is also disadvantageous and not required by the invention, since the force is dissipated through the supporting structure and can therefore only be perceived in one dimension and with a delay, thus preventing a complete description of the load situation. Since these configurations are disadvantageous with regard to durability and accuracy, as explained above, the disadvantages caused by the use of such sensors or their installation principles are avoided.

[0017] The concept of positioning the sensor device between the surface structure and the supporting structure is based on the consideration that a load transfer from the surface structure to the supporting structure must occur. In the area of ​​the at least one measuring point where the sensor device is active, the load transfer takes place between two contact partners (the surface structure and the supporting structure), thus enabling the use of at least one pressure-sensitive sensor. Accordingly, it is advantageous for the sensor device to be in direct contact with both the supporting structure and the surface structure. The positioning of the sensor device "between" the surface structure and the supporting structure can therefore be understood as meaning that the sensor device is "squeezed" between these two contact partners, i.e., the load transfer from the surface structure to the supporting structure occurs "through" the sensor device.The interaction thus results in a device that is flexible with regard to the design of the surface support structure, whereby in particular a self-supporting flexible surface support structure can be used, which does not require an accompanying contact partner, for example a load-bearing plate, and furthermore avoids the use of strain-based sensors, whose durability and susceptibility to prevailing environmental conditions are not satisfactory.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, it comprises a plurality of sensor devices, preferably a multiplicity. These are arranged at different measuring points between the surface structure and the supporting structure. Using a plurality of sensor devices, the load state of the surface structure can be determined more accurately than with just one sensor device. In particular, when using at least three sensor devices, the distribution of a load acting on the surface structure can be determined by processing the information acquired by each sensor device accordingly. In this way, it is possible, for example, to determine that the surface structure is subjected to heterogeneous loads.Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that a point load acts at a specific location on the surface structure, while a locally limited surface load acts on a portion of the surface away from the point load. Using multiple sensor devices, such a load state can be reconstructed computationally. This creates the possibility of taking further actions depending on the different load states of the surface structure. Using the example of a device formed by a chair, it is conceivable, for instance, that a physically unfavorable sitting posture of a user of the device is detected, which is reflected in a characteristic load distribution on the surface structure that forms the seat of the chair.The ability to detect such things opens up the possibility of, for example, pointing out the unfavorable sitting posture to the user so that they can adjust their behavior accordingly.

[0019] Furthermore, such a device can be particularly advantageous if the sensor assembly comprises a multitude of individual sensors distributed across a sensor area. This distribution can be in a regular pattern, for example, in the form of a matrix arrangement. Such a sensor assembly makes it possible to determine not only the force locally transmitted from the surface structure to the supporting structure, but also the force distribution acting locally across the sensor area. This is advantageous for a detailed evaluation of the load state of the surface structure. For example, it is conceivable that the sensor assembly is subjected to particularly high loads at one edge of the sensor area, while the load transfer across the sensor assembly decreases in the direction away from the edge of the sensor area.Such information allows conclusions to be drawn about the location, relative to the sensor device, where a load acts on the surface structure, which is then transferred into the supporting structure at the measuring point by means of the sensor device. If a sensor device is used in which a large number of sensors are arranged in a matrix configuration, it is particularly advantageous if these are arranged in a rectangular, preferably square, grid, preferably at a distance of no more than 1 cm, preferably no more than 0.5 cm, and more preferably no more than 0.2 cm.

[0020] If a sensor arrangement comprising a multitude of individual sensors is used, it can be particularly advantageous if the sensor arrangement is attached to at least a portion of the supporting structure. In particular, the sensor arrangement can consist of a sensor film that is bonded or otherwise firmly attached to a portion of the supporting structure.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the supporting structure comprises at least one support element having a circular cross-section and preferably an elongated form. The flexible surface support structure can be braced to such a support element in a particularly simple manner, especially by encircling the support element at least along a portion of its circumference. In this embodiment, the sensor device, which is arranged between the surface support structure and the supporting structure, is advantageously also designed in a planar form that at least partially encircles the support element along its circumference. This embodiment has the advantage that, as a result of a change in the load state of the surface support structure, the angle of wrap around the support element, by which the surface support structure locally wraps around the support element along its circumference, changes.This is due to the flexible structure of the surface support structure, as the surface support structure sags to varying degrees as a result of changes in the load state and thus contacts the supporting element in different ways. This change in the wrap angle can be detected particularly easily using the sensor device, which provides information not only about the magnitude of the force transmitted from the surface support structure to the supporting structure at the respective measuring point, but also about the wrap angle. This angle can also vary across a sensor area depending on the load state, thus providing further information that enables a computational determination of the load state using an evaluation unit.

[0022] The device according to the invention is particularly advantageous if it comprises an evaluation unit that is connected to the sensor device in a data-transmitting manner. The evaluation unit is configured to process the information acquired by the sensor device. In particular, the evaluation unit can have at least one processor suitable for executing software. Advantageously, the evaluation unit also comprises at least one memory element on which the respective software and / or information acquired by the sensor device can be stored. In a further preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit is configured to process the information acquired by the sensor device in such a way that a load state of the surface structure can be determined that led to the information acquired by the sensor device.As explained above, it can be particularly advantageous if this information is acquired by a plurality of sensor devices, which are preferably processed in combination by the evaluation unit. In this way, it is possible to determine the load state of the surface structure in detail.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if the device has a transmitter / receiver unit that can send information to an external transmitter / receiver unit. Such a transmitter / receiver unit, which can be a Bluetooth module or a WLAN module, can be used, in particular, to send the information acquired by the sensor device to an external evaluation unit. It is also conceivable that the information is first processed by an evaluation unit and the resulting information is then transmitted by the transmitter / receiver unit. Information can also be received, for example, in the form of control commands for the device's components.For example, it is conceivable that the device interacts with at least one motor drive, by means of which forces can be exerted directly or indirectly on the surface structure. For example, the drive can power an eccentric, which can generate a vibration that can be transmitted to the surface structure. The device, with its transmitter / receiver unit, is suitable for controlling such a motor drive by means of an external control unit, whereby the control unit sends a corresponding control command, which is received by the transmitter / receiver unit and finally forwarded to the drive.

[0024] According to the invention, the device is formed by a seat or a reclining piece of furniture. The surface support structure is preferably formed by a seat, a reclining surface, and / or a backrest of the device. In this embodiment, the surface support structure can, in particular, be formed by a self-supporting textile, which in turn is formed by a woven fabric. This fabric can, for example, be formed by elastic monofilaments made of polyester. When the device is designed as furniture, the supporting structure can, in particular, be formed by a support frame to which the surface support structure is tensioned.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be particularly advantageous if the device includes at least one sensor unit in addition to the at least one sensor device. This sensor unit is preferably arranged downstream of the sensor device in the direction of the force flow of a load acting on the surface support structure. In particular, the sensor unit can be integrated into a leg of the device. Additional information can be acquired by means of such a sensor unit, which can, for example, serve to verify the information acquired by the at least one sensor device. Thus, it is conceivable that a total of three sensor devices are arranged at different measuring points between the flexible surface support structure and the supporting structure, whereby the evaluation of the information acquired by the sensor devices allows conclusions to be drawn about a specific load state of the surface support structure.The additional sensor unit can, for example, be positioned in such a way that it is suitable for acquiring information from which the total load acting on the surface structure can be directly determined. By comparing this information with the calculated determination of the load state based on the information acquired by the sensor devices, the result of the respective evaluation of the information acquired by the sensor devices can be verified.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the additional sensor unit could be used to determine other types of information concerning the device. This could include, for example, information regarding ambient temperature, relative and / or absolute humidity, or the like. With regard to the preferred embodiment in which the sensor unit is arranged in a chair leg, it is equally conceivable that the sensor unit consists of a rotary sensor capable of detecting a change in the rotational position of at least one seat surface of the respective piece of furniture relative to a surface. It is also conceivable that the device is equipped with a multitude of additional sensor units that acquire further information.In any case, it is advantageous if the information from both the sensor device and the sensor unit can be processed by means of a respective evaluation unit, so that further actions can be carried out on a combined evaluation of the information.

[0027] The underlying problem is further solved by means of a method with the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0028] The method is characterized by the fact that the information acquired by the sensor device is processed by an evaluation unit. As explained above, this allows, in particular, conclusions to be drawn regarding the load state of the flexible surface structure, which in turn can trigger further actions or events. As explained above, it is conceivable, for example, that when a specific load state of the surface structure is detected, a notification should be sent to a user of the device informing them about the nature of the load state. This notification could, for example, prompt the user to take action to change the load state.For example, it is conceivable that the load-bearing capacity of the surface structure is at risk of being exceeded, which is determined as a result of processing the information acquired by the sensor system. The user of the device can then be notified that the load-bearing capacity is about to be exceeded, so that they can react accordingly.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, depending on the result of processing the respective information, at least one piece of information is automatically transmitted by a transmitter / receiver unit and displayed to the user of the device. This display can be visual and / or acoustic, for example, in the form of a beep or a graphic element shown on a screen. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, that the device consists of a gaming chair connected to an external data processing system. A video game is running on this system, configured to process inputs submitted via the gaming chair.For example, it is conceivable that a user of the device, intending to control a character in a video game, changes their sitting position or posture on the flexible surface structure, which, for instance, forms the device's seat. This change is detected by the sensors, and the corresponding information is transmitted to an evaluation unit, which could, for example, be the data processing system on which the video game is running. Based on the sensor information, it is determined that the user has changed their sitting position, which generates an input for the video game. This input is then automatically translated into a corresponding movement of the character.

[0030] Furthermore, the method can be particularly advantageous if, depending on the result of processing the information from the sensor devices by an evaluation unit, at least one control command is automatically issued. Such a control command can, for example, be used to control external devices or devices within the device itself, such as motor drives. For instance, if the device is designed as a chair, it is conceivable that, depending on the detected sitting posture of the user, an armrest, a backrest, and / or a seat surface could be automatically adjusted to influence the user's posture. Examples of implementation

[0031] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1: A schematic cross-section through a device according to the invention, Fig. 2: The cross-section according to Fig. 1, however with a different stress condition, Fig. 3: A detail of a sensor device that is applied over a surface to a supporting structure, and Fig. 4: A device according to the invention in the form of a chair.

[0032] A device 1 according to the invention, which is located in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the device 1 comprises a flexible surface structure 2, which here is formed by a self-supporting textile. This textile, in turn, is formed by a woven fabric consisting of interwoven monofilaments made of polyester. The device 1 is formed here by a chair 18. In the example shown, a first surface structure 2 forms a seat surface of a seat element 20 of the chair 18, while a second surface structure 2 forms a back surface of a back element 19. Such a surface structure 2, which is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The surface structure 2, which is ideally represented in Figure 2, is supported by a supporting structure 3, which here is formed by a supporting frame. The surface structure 2 is spanned between two load-bearing elements 21 of the supporting structure 3, so that the surface structure 2 forms a load-bearing surface 5. A load 15 acting on the load-bearing surface 5 can thus be transferred laterally to the load-bearing elements 21 of the supporting structure 3 by means of the surface structure 2, whereby the load 15 is then transferred into the supporting structure 3.

[0033] According to the invention, a sensor device 4 is arranged between the surface support structure 2 and the support structure 3. In this way, the sensor device 4 is suitable for partially detecting loads acting on the surface support structure 2. This is based on the consideration that the load 15 is transferred into the surface support structure 2 and, via the surface support structure 2, into the support structure 3. Here, forces 16 are transferred over a surface area at one or more bearing surfaces where the surface support structure 2 is connected to the support structure 3. As a result of the arrangement of the sensor device 4 at a measuring point 6, it is therefore possible to measure a portion of the load 15 that is transferred from the surface support structure 2 to the support structure 3 at the respective measuring point 6. In the example shown, the sensor device 4 comprises a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors 7.By measuring the force transmitted at measuring point 6 by means of the sensor device 4, it is possible to determine the overall load state of the surface structure 2. This can be done particularly easily if the device 1 has several sensor devices 4 arranged at different measuring points 6. This is shown in the . Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an example with two sensor devices 4, which are arranged at a respective measuring point 6 of a part of the supporting structure 3. The information acquired by means of the sensor devices 4 can be evaluated computationally, in particular by processing with an evaluation unit 10, whereby it can be deduced what the magnitude of the load 15 is and at what point the load 15 acts on the surface structure 2.

[0034] As described above, the sensor devices 4 are each designed as a planar surface, each comprising a sensor area 8 on which a plurality of sensors 7 are arranged. The sensors 7 are arranged in a square grid pattern on the sensor area 8, with the individual sensors 7 arranged in a grid with a spacing of 5 mm. In particular, the sensor devices 4 can each comprise a sensor film 9, which forms a carrier for the individual sensors 7. Such a sensor device 4 can be particularly easily glued onto a support structure 3 and / or sewn onto a surface support structure 2.

[0035] Since the surface structure 2 is flexibly designed, it changes its shape under the influence of load 15. This is because the surface structure 2 is not suitable for resisting bending moments. It therefore forms a flexible shape, similar to a chain or rope sagging between supports. This is particularly evident from the following: Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a typical deformation of the surface structure 2 between the two load-bearing elements 21 of the supporting structure 3 as a result of the application of a load. In the example shown, the surface structure 2 is spanned around the load-bearing elements 21 of the supporting structure 3, each of which is formed by an elongated rod with a circular cross-section. This configuration results in the surface structure 2 "bearing against" a surface of the load-bearing elements 21, thereby changing, and in particular increasing, the wrap angle 17 around which the surface structure 2 wraps around the load-bearing elements 21. This is particularly evident from a comparison of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. This change in the wrap angle 17 can be detected by the sensor devices 4, since the individual sensors 7 of the sensor devices 4 are subjected to different loads. In particular, the sensor device 4 can be designed such that at least individual sensors 7 are only "activated," i.e., subjected to a load, when the wrap angle 17 exceeds a certain value. In this way, it is possible to detect not only the magnitudes of forces 16 locally transferred from the surface support structure 2 into the supporting structure 3, but also the area distribution of the respective force across the sensor surface 18 using the sensor devices 4.

[0036] This information is combined and transmitted to an evaluation unit 10, where it is processed. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 10 comprises at least one processor on which software for processing the information can be executed. In this way, the evaluation unit 10 is configured to process the information in such a way that a conclusion can be drawn about the load state of the surface structure 2, from which the respective information from the sensor devices 4 has resulted.

[0037] In the example shown, where the device 1 is formed by a chair 18, a total of two sensor devices 4 are formed on the seat element 20, located at two measuring points 6. The surface support structure 2 is formed by a self-supporting fabric stretched over a support frame, which forms the support structure 3. Furthermore, a backrest is formed by a flexible surface support structure 2, which is also stretched over a support frame, forming the support structure 3. The surface support structure 2 forming the backrest is also formed by a self-supporting fabric, and two sensor devices 4 are used, arranged at separate measuring points 6 on the backrest element 19. The information acquired by the sensor devices 4 is transmitted to a transmitter / receiver unit 11, which is configured to transmit this information wirelessly, in particular via the internet.The transmitter / receiver unit 11 can, in particular, be arranged in a separate housing on the chair 18. The illustration according to . Fig. 4 is idealized in this respect.

[0038] In the example shown, the information is sent to an external transmitter / receiver unit 12, which receives the information and then forwards it to the evaluation unit 10. In this example, the evaluation unit 10 is centrally located on a server, which is connected to the transmitter / receiver unit 11, primarily via the internet. As a result of processing the information, events can be triggered. For example, the transmitter / receiver unit 12 can send information to an external device belonging to the user of the office chair 18. Thus, it is conceivable that the user sitting in the chair 18 could receive a notification via a device, such as a smartphone, that their posture should be changed. This posture was previously determined as a result of processing the information acquired by the sensor devices 4.

[0039] In the example shown, the device 1 further comprises another sensor unit 13, which is arranged in a chair leg 14 of the chair 18. This sensor unit 13 is suitable for detecting a force transmitted via the chair leg 14. Since all forces acting on the chair 18 must be transmitted via the chair leg 14, the sensor unit 13 is therefore suitable for determining the total load acting on the chair 18. This information can also be incorporated into the processing by the evaluation unit 10, which, for example, allows for the verification of the information acquired by the sensor devices 4.

[0040] To supply the sensor devices 4, the sensor unit 13, and the transmitter / receiver unit 11 with electrical current, the device 1 can, for example, have an energy storage device in the form of a battery. It is also conceivable that the device 1 has at least one photovoltaic module, by means of which electrical energy can be generated and made available to a respective electrical consumer either directly or after intermediate storage by means of an energy storage device. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 Surface structure 3 Supporting structure 4 Sensor device 5 Wing 6 measuring point 7 Sensor 8 sensor area 9 Sensor film 10 evaluation units 11 Transmit / Receive Unit 12 Transmit / Receive Unit 13 Sensor unit 14 Chair leg 15 Last 16 force 17 Wrap angles 18 chairs 19 back element 20 seating elements 21 Supporting element

Claims

[1] Device (1) for transferring loads, comprising - a surface structure (2), - a supporting structure (3) as well as - at least one sensor device (4) wherein the device (1) is formed by a seat or a reclining piece of furniture, wherein the surface support structure (2) forms a seat, a lying surface and / or a back surface of the device (1), wherein the surface support structure (2) is attached to the supporting structure (3) in such a force-transmitting manner that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) can be transferred into the supporting structure (3), wherein information concerning a load state of the surface structure (2) can be acquired by means of the sensor device (4), characterized by , that the surface support structure (2) is formed by a flexible surface support structure (2) which forms a load-bearing surface (5) by means of its attachment to the supporting structure (3), so that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) at least perpendicular to the load-bearing surface (5) can be transferred into the supporting structure by means of the surface support structure (2), wherein the surface support structure (2) is designed to be self-supporting between the respective elements of the supporting structure (3) that take over the loads from the surface support structure (2), so that it can independently transfer loads acting on the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3), wherein the sensor device (4) is arranged at a measuring point (6) between the surface support structure (2) and the supporting structure (3), so that information concerning loads transferred from the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3) at the measuring point (6) can be detected by means of the sensor device (4). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the sensor device (4) has at least one pressure-sensitive sensor (7), wherein preferably the sensor (7) is designed as a foil sensor. [3] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of sensor devices (4), preferably a plurality of sensor devices (4), wherein the sensor devices (4) are arranged at different measuring points (6) between the surface support structure (2) and the supporting structure (3). [4] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor device (4) comprises a plurality of individual sensors (7) which are arranged distributed over a sensor area (8), preferably in a regular pattern, in particular a matrix arrangement. [5] Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the sensor device (4) is attached over a surface to at least one support element (21) of the support structure (3), preferably in the form of a sensor film (9) bonded to a partial surface of the support structure (3). [6] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an evaluation unit (10) which is connected to the sensor device (4) in a data-transmitting manner, wherein the evaluation unit (10) is configured to process the information acquired by means of the sensor device (4). [7] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a transmitting / receiving unit (11) by means of which information can be sent, in particular to an external transmitting / receiving unit (12). [8] Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one sensor unit (13), wherein preferably the sensor unit (13) is arranged in the direction of a force flow of a load applied to the surface support structure (2) viewed after the sensor device (4), preferably in a chair leg (14). [9] Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the surface support structure (2) is formed by a self-supporting textile, which is preferably formed by a woven fabric. [10] Method for operating a device for transferring loads, the device comprising - a surface structure (2), - a supporting structure (3) as well as - at least one sensor device (4) wherein the device (1) is formed by a seat or a reclining piece of furniture, wherein the surface support structure (2) forms a seat, a lying surface and / or a back surface of the device (1), wherein the surface support structure (2) is attached to the supporting structure (3) in such a force-transmitting manner that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) are transferred into the supporting structure (3), wherein information concerning a load state of the surface structure (2) is recorded by means of the sensor device (4), wherein the surface support structure (2) is formed by a flexible surface support structure (2) which forms a load-bearing surface (5) by means of its attachment to the supporting structure (3), such that loads acting on the surface support structure (2) at least perpendicular to the load-bearing surface (5) are transferred into the supporting structure by means of the surface support structure (2), wherein the surface support structure (2) is designed to be self-supporting between the respective elements of the supporting structure (3) that take over the loads from the surface support structure (2), so that it can independently transfer loads acting on the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3), wherein the sensor device (4) is arranged at a measuring point (6) between the surface support structure (2) and the supporting structure (3), so that information concerning loads transferred from the surface support structure (2) to the supporting structure (3) at the measuring point (6) is recorded by means of the sensor device (4), characterized by , that Information captured by the sensor device is processed by an evaluation unit. [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized by that the information is sent to the evaluation unit in temporal relation to its collection and / or temporarily stored in a memory for later processing. [12] Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by, that depending on an evaluation result, at least one piece of information is automatically sent to a receiving unit by means of a transmitting / receiving unit, by means of which the information is reproduced to a user of the device, preferably visually and / or acoustically. [13] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by , that depending on an evaluation result, at least one control command is automatically sent to a receiving unit by means of a transmitting / receiving unit, by means of which the control command is implemented.

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