Workstation for video terminal operators

Abstract

A workstation (1) for video terminal operators comprising a base structure (2) having a predominantly planar work surface (20), a lighting device (3) removably resting on the work surface (20) and comprising a light source (30), and a panel (4) comprising a panel surface (40) above the work surface (20). In a working configuration of the workstation (1), the lighting device (3) emits the light beam in a direction normal to the panel surface (40) with a luminous flux between 9000 and 10000 lumens, the panel surface (40) has a luminance between 3000 and 4500 cd / m2 and the at least one work surface (20) is indirectly illuminated with average lighting exceeding 500 lux.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a workstation.

[0002] The present invention finds application in the field of constructing environments and workstations optimized for video terminal operators, i.e., for users who make use of equipment and systems comprising a video terminal for work purposes.

[0003] With the aim of maximizing the overall comfort of a video terminal operator there are many regulations, requirements, and guidelines within the sector for the design and construction of workstations for video terminal operators.

[0004] Within the sector, there is a known problem relating to the complex and expensive design and construction of such workstations typically requiring significant changes to the surrounding environment resulting in extended lead-times and costs. For example, in order to create a lighting point that illuminates a workstation, masonry work is required within the area surrounding said workstation.

[0005] An additional and well-known problem within the sector is in relation to the fact that in the event of the modification, extension, renewal or reorganization of the workstation, for example in organizing workstations differently, those design choices aimed at promoting the comfort of the video terminal operator are invalidated or nullified. For example, by assigning an additional video terminal operator to a previously designed workstation, it frequently happens that the overall lighting is insufficient to ensure visual comfort for each video terminal operator.

[0006] Document CH713727A1 describes a solution without a sound-absorbing panel and light beam projected onto a ceiling, which is therefore inefficient from an acoustic point of view, and inefficient from a lighting point of view in the event of redesigning the workstations. Document US7686482B2 describes a workstation without a lighting device resting on the work surface, and not very flexible in the case of a redesign insofar as both the lighting device and the sound-absorbing fabric are supported by a single upright that is in turn supported by the desk itself.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to implement a workstation for video terminal operators that meets the needs of the industry and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a workstation for video terminal operators that is easy to design and manufacture.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular workstation for video terminal operators that may be easily modified in the event of variations to the workstation.

[0010] This and other objects are achieved by means of the workstation for video terminal operators according to the independent claim. The claims dependent thereupon refer to preferred embodiments involving additional beneficial technical effects.

[0011] The present invention is described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a workstation, in a first preferred embodiment, according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a lighting simulation relating to a workstation, according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 shows a lighting simulation relating to a workstation, in a second preferred embodiment, according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a lighting simulation relating to a workstation, in a third preferred embodiment, according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a lighting simulation relating to a workstation, in a fourth preferred embodiment, according to the present invention; Figures 6 and 6a respectively schematically show a side view and a top perspective view of a workstation according to one embodiment, according to the present invention.

[0012] In the figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates, in the entirety thereof, a workstation for video terminal operators according to the present invention.

[0013] The workstation 1 is optimized in order to maximize the comfort of one or more video terminal operators, i.e., users who make use of equipment and systems that include a video terminal for working purposes.

[0014] The workstation 1 is optimized in order to maximize the visual comfort of one or more video terminal operators operating at a workstation.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1 is optimized to also maximize the acoustic comfort of at least one video terminal operator.

[0016] According to the present invention, the workstation 1 comprises a base structure 2, at least one lighting device 3 and at least one panel 4.

[0017] According to the present invention, the base structure 2 rests on a ground floor G and comprises at least one mainly planar work surface 20 arranged at a working height H1 from the ground floor G between 0.70 and 1.30 meters.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the base structure 2 comprises structure adjustment means, of the manual and / or electronic type, for example remotely controllable, for adjusting the position of the work surface 20, i.e., for varying the working height H1.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the structure adjustment means comprise a plurality of telescopic legs resting on, or fastened to, the ground floor G.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the base structure 2 is a work table or shelf, preferably comprising a plurality of base legs 25 resting on, or fastened to, the ground floor G.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the base structure 2 is a desk according to one of the types determined by the EN 527-I:2011 standard, for example a desk at an adjustable height (type A, B, D) or a desk at a fixed height (type C).

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 20 is adjustable in height in relation to the ground floor G, preferably by means of one or more telescopic or modular base legs 25, for example manually or by means of electronic control.

[0023] The work surface 20 is configured to support one or more pieces of equipment or systems comprising a display screen, such as a monitor.

[0024] In particular, the work surface 20 is intended for use by only one video terminal operator.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 20 has a polygonal shape, for example square or rectangular, or else it has a circular or elliptical shape.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 20 extends predominantly along two surface dimensions, wherein one surface dimension is greater than or equal to 0.80 meters and the other dimension is between 0.85 and 1.80 meters.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 20 has a rectangular shape, wherein one dimension is 1.60 meters and the other dimension is 0.80 meters.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the work surface 20 has a rectangular shape, and the base structure 2 comprises two work surfaces that are adjacent along the greatest dimension.

[0029] According to the present invention, the lighting device 3 comprises a light source 30, for example a plurality of LEDs, configured to emit a light beam.

[0030] The lighting device 3 emits a light beam starting from a source height H2 from the work surface 20 between 0.30 and 0.50 meters.

[0031] In a working configuration of the workstation 1, the lighting device 3 emits a light beam with a luminous flux between 9000 and 10000 lumens, for example 9200 lumens or for example 9700 lumens.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 rests on or is removably fastened to the work surface 20.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 rests on or is removably fastened to the ground floor G.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 comprises an electronic adjustment unit for adjusting the brightness of the light beam. In other words, the lighting device 3 may be dimmed.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 comprises an electronic adjustment unit for adjusting the brightness of the light beam. In other words, the lighting device 3 is tunable, preferably tunable white.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 emits a predominantly upward facing light beam.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 has a Flux Code 0 0 0 0 100 according to CIE 040-1978.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 emits a light beam with an anti-glare effect according to the EN 12464-1:2021 standard.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 has a power of 65 W.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting device 3 is associated with one or two work surfaces. The lighting device 3 is preferably arranged such illuminate, indirectly through the panel 4, a maximum of two work surfaces. In other words, preferably, the ratio between the lighting devices and the work surfaces is 1:2.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1 comprises at least one base structure 2 that supports two work surfaces 20, at least one panel 4 and one lighting device for illuminating, indirectly through the panel 4, both work surfaces 20.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the light source 30 is symmetrical, i.e., it shines with the same intensity of light in each direction and in vertical planes that are angularly distinct therebetween.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the light source 30 emits a narrow light beam.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the light source 30 emits a light beam with a beam angle or half-intensity angle between 25 and 40 degrees, preferably between 30 and 35 degrees.

[0045] The panel 4 comprises a predominantly planar panel surface 40 arranged, at least partially, above the at least one work surface 20 and the lighting device.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the panel surface 40 extends mainly along two panel dimensions, wherein one panel dimension is between 0.50 and 0.70 meters and the other panel dimension is between 1.50 and 1.70 meters.

[0047] According to the present invention, the panel surface 40 of the panel 4 is arranged at a panel height H3 from the work surface 20 of less than or equal to 1.50 meters.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the panel 4 is fastened in a height-adjustable manner at a panel height H3 between the panel surface 40 and the work surface 20 of less than or equal to 1.50 meters, preferably greater than or equal to 0.4 meters.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the panel 4 comprises manual and / or electronic panel adjustment means, for example remotely controllable, for adjusting the position of the panel surface 40, i.e., for varying the panel height H3.

[0050] The panel 4 is arranged in such a way that, in the working configuration, the lighting device 3 emits the light beam in a direction normal to the panel surface 40, and the panel surface 40 reflects the light beam towards the work surface to indirectly illuminate it.

[0051] In the working configuration, with a luminous flux between 9000 and 10000 lumens, at least one portion of the panel surface 40 has a luminance between 3000 and 4500 cd / m2.

[0052] In the working configuration, the at least one work surface 20 is indirectly illuminated with average lighting exceeding 500 lux.

[0053] In particular, in the working configuration, an operating region of the work surface (task area), identified at the display screen and display screen operator, has lighting exceeding 500 lux.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the structure adjustment means and / or the panel adjustment means are configured to adjust the working height (H1) as the panel height (H3) varies and / or configured to adjust the panel height (H3) as the working height (H1) varies.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the structure adjustment means and / or the panel adjustment means are electrically controllable, for example they comprise one or more electric motors, respectively operatively connected to the base legs 25 and / or to the anchoring elements 45.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the panel 4 comprises an inner sound-absorbing layer and preferably an outer layer which fully covers the inner layer and is intended to be illuminated by the light beam.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer is a panel having a thickness between 0.02 and 0.08 meters.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the inner layer consists of polyester fiber having a variable density between a peripheral high-density region, an intermediate region having an intermediate density and a central low-density region. The peripheral region is preferably proximal to, or in contact with, the outer layer.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer consists of polyester fabric.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1, in particular the panel adjustment means, comprises anchoring elements 45 for suspended attachment, for example from a ceiling of a room in which the workstation is located.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the workstation 1, in particular the panel adjustment means, comprises a panel support structure, for example a lateral arm or a frame or else a stand, resting on the ground floor G, which supports the panel in position, wherefrom, for example, the anchoring elements 45 extend downwards.

[0062] In the embodiments of the accompanying figures, the work surface 20 is arranged at about 0.74 meters from the ground floor G and the light source 30 emits a light beam about 0.41 meters from the work surface 20. The lighting device 3 emits a symmetrical light beam with a luminous flux equal to approximately 9710 lumens and a half-intensity angle between 30 and 35 degrees, in a direction normal to the panel surface 40. The panel 4 consists of an inner layer and an outer layer which entirely surrounds the inner layer and which is illuminated.

[0063] In Figures 1 and 2, the panel surface 40 is arranged at approximately 1.56 meters from the work surface 20, it has a minimum lighting in proximity to the vertices exceeding 300 lux, and a luminance equal to approximately 4500 cd / m2.

[0064] In Figure 3, the panel surface 40 is arranged at approximately 1.66 meters from the work surface 20, it has a minimum lighting in proximity to the vertices exceeding 500 lux, and luminance equal to approximately 3810 cd / m2.

[0065] In Figure 4, the panel surface 40 is arranged at approximately 1.76 meters from the work surface 20, it has a minimum lighting in proximity to the vertices exceeding 500 lux, and luminance equal to approximately 3300 cd / m2.

[0066] In Figure 5, the panel surface 40 is arranged at approximately 1.96 meters from the work surface 20, it has a minimum lighting in proximity to the vertices exceeding 750 lux, and luminance equal to approximately 2600 cd / m2.

[0067] In the embodiments according to the simulations according to the accompanying figures, it is clear that, once the other lighting and dimensional characteristics of the workstation have been established, the panel may be adjusted in height so that the panel surface is at a panel height that is less than or equal to about 1.66 meters from the work surface. In other words, the panel surface may have a distance from the ground floor of less than or equal to 2.40 meters.

[0068] Innovatively, the workstation fulfills the intended objects and overcomes the typical problems of the prior art.

[0069] Advantageously, the workstation complies with those regulations relating to the construction of workstations for video terminal operators, for example the UNI EN 12464 standard which provides for a minimum lighting of 500 lx at the video terminal operator's work surface.

[0070] Advantageously, the workstation effectively illuminates the task area of the work surface associated with each video terminal operator.

[0071] Advantageously, the workstation obviates the need to carry out major modifications to the surrounding environment, for example masonry work and the construction of electrical systems, which would entail an increase in time and costs.

[0072] Advantageously, the workstation makes it possible to qualify a general usage room as a certified high comfort workstation that is in compliance with regulations.

[0073] Advantageously, the workstation is easy to design and implement.

[0074] Advantageously, the workstation is modular insofar as it is possible to create several workstations adjacent therebetween.

[0075] Advantageously, the workstation may easily be modified in the event of variations to the arrangement of the composition of the workstation, while maintaining valid design choices that are aimed at maximizing the comfort of the video terminal operator.

[0076] Advantageously, the workstation protects and promotes the overall comfort of the video terminal operator, especially visual comfort and acoustic comfort.

[0077] Advantageously, the workstation optimizes the comfort of the video terminal operator in any outdoor sunlight condition, for example in any weather conditions and at any working hour.

[0078] Advantageously, the workstation optimizes the comfort of the video terminal operator regardless of the arrangement of doors or windows that are proximal thereto.

[0079] Advantageously, the lighting device is easily transportable.

[0080] Advantageously, the light beam emitted has an anti-glare effect for the video terminal operator.

[0081] Advantageously, the workstation overcomes the need to perform ceiling anchor machining, such as drilling or other masonry work.

[0082] It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention described above in order to meet incidental needs, which changes all fall within the scope of protection as defined in the following claims.

[0083] In one embodiment, the panel support structure 70 comprises two uprights 71 spaced apart transversely, preferably each being arranged in proximity to the sides of the base structure 2. In one embodiment, each upright 71 is separate and structurally independent of the base structure 2. Each upright 71 comprises at least one lower end 72 resting on the ground floor G, and at least one free upper end 73. In one embodiment, each upright 71 comprises a central portion, for example, formed as a single unit, which bifurcates at the bottom into two lower ends 72 spaced apart longitudinally, and which bifurcates at the top into two upper ends 73 spaced apart longitudinally.

[0084] In one embodiment, the panel support structure 70 comprises a lower crosspiece that connects the two uprights 71 and that is arranged below the work surface 20 in order to support it, for example decreasing the maximum flexion thereof. The panel support structure 70 preferably comprises an upper crosspiece that connects the two uprights 71 in proximity to, or at, the upper ends 73.

[0085] The anchoring elements 45 are fastened at or in proximity to the upper ends 73 of the uprights 71, for example an anchoring element 45 for each of the four upper ends 73, hanging downwards and supporting the panel 40 in suspension above the work surface 20.

[0086] Advantageously, the panel support structure that suspends the panel, the base structure and the lighting device are independent of one another, and are therefore easily replaceable and interchangeable in the event of redesigning the working environments thereby conferring considerable flexibility to the workstation.

Claims

1. A workstation (1) for video terminal operators comprising: - a base structure (2) resting on a ground floor (G), comprising at least one mainly planar work surface (20) arranged at a working height (H1) from the ground floor (G) between 0.70 and 1.3 meters; - at least one lighting device (3) comprising a light source (30) configured to emit a light beam from a source height (H2) from the work surface (20) between 0.30 and 0.50 meters; and - at least one panel (4) comprising a mainly planar panel surface (40) arranged above the at least one work surface (20) and the lighting device (3), wherein the panel surface (40) is positioned at a panel height (H3) from the work surface (20) less than or equal to 1.50 meters; wherein, in a working configuration, the lighting device (3) emits the light beam in a direction normal to the panel surface (40) with a luminous flux between 9000 and 10000 lumens, at least one portion of the panel surface (40) has a luminance between 3000 and 4500 cd / m2 and the at least one work surface (20) is indirectly illuminated with average lighting exceeding 500 lux.

2. Workstation (1) according to claim 1, comprising structure adjustment means and / or panel adjustment means, for example electrically controllable, configured to adjust the working height (H1) as the panel height (H3) varies and / or configured to adjust the panel height (H3) as the working height (H1) varies.

3. Workstation (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lighting device (3) removably rests on the work surface (20).

4. Workstation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light beam has an anti-glare effect and Flux Code 0 0 0 0 100.

5. Workstation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (30) is symmetrical with an opening angle or beam angle between 25 and 40 degrees.

6. Workstation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device (3) comprises an electronic adjustment unit for adjusting the light intensity and / or the tone of the light beam.

7. Workstation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (4) comprises an inner sound-absorbing layer and an outer layer, preferably composed of polyester fabric, which fully covers the inner layer, wherein the light beam illuminates the outer layer.

8. Workstation (1) according to claim 7, wherein the inner layer is a panel having a thickness between 0.02 and 0.08 meters, consisting of polyester fiber having a variable density between a peripheral high-density region, an intermediate region having an intermediate density, and a central low-density region.

9. Workstation (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising anchoring elements (45) for adjustably fixing the panel (4) in a suspended manner.

10. Workstation (1) according to claim 9, comprising a panel support structure (70) resting on the ground floor (G), from which the anchoring elements (45) hang, supporting the panel (4) in a position above the at least one work surface (20) and the lighting device (3).

11. Workstation (1) according to claim 10, wherein the panel support structure (70) comprises two uprights (71) spaced apart transversely, separate and structurally independent of the base structure (2), wherein each anchoring elements (45) is fastened to, or in proximity of, the upper ends (73) supporting the panel (40).

12. Workstation (1) according to claim (11), wherein each upright comprises a central portion which bifurcates at the bottom into two lower ends (72) spaced apart longitudinally, and which bifurcates at the top into two upper ends (73) spaced apart longitudinally.

Images