SEATING FURNITURE AND SEATING FURNITURE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SEATING FURNITURE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to an item of seating furniture (2) having a seating frame (11) with a running gear and with at least one seating assembly (12), a table assembly (14), a footrest (13), a power storage system which supplies the seating furniture (2) with energy, a control unit, and a comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15), wherein the control unit controls the one comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15). In addition, the present invention relates to a seating furniture system (1) having at least one item of seating furniture (2).

Claims

1. An item of seating furniture (2) having: a seating frame (11) with a running gear and with at least one seating assembly (12), a table assembly (14), a footrest (13), a power storage system which supplies the seating furniture (2) with energy, a control unit and a comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15), wherein the control unit controls the one comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15).

2. The item of seating furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the running gear is driven by a motor which can be controlled by the control unit.

3. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a seat position of the seating assembly (12) of the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15) can be adjusted between at least two seat positions, one of the at least two seat positions comprising a lounge seat position, a working chair position, a standing stool position, or a leaning position.

4. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15) comprises a stimulation or massage device of the seating assembly (12), an air conditioning system of the seating assembly, an IR, UVA, and UVB light source, and/or an air conditioning system of a foot space on the footrest (13).

5. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15) comprises a multimedia conference device and/or a computer workstation.

6. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that user identification means are provided.

7. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15) can be controlled according to a user profile.

8. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that coupling means (30) are provided, by means of which additional objects (4) can be coupled to the item of seating furniture (2).

9. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that a shielding device (20) is provided, by means of which at least one seating assembly (12) can be shielded.

10. The item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional object can or does comprise the drive, a plant, a second running gear, a filing cabinet, and/or the table assembly.

11. A seating furniture system (1) having at least one item of seating furniture (2) according to claim 1, and a higher-level controller (8), wherein the higher-level controller (8) can communicate with the controller of the item of seating furniture (2).

12. The seating furniture system according to claim 11, characterized in that a cleaning station, a storage facility, and/or a charging station for charging the power storage system of the item of seating furniture (2) are or is provided.

13. A method for operating a seating furniture system (1) according to claim 11, having the following method steps: transmitting at least one control command between the item of seating furniture (2) and the higher-level controller (8) of the at least one item of seating furniture (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the drive is controlled to move the item of seating furniture (2).

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device (15) of the at least one item of seating furniture (2) can be adjusted using settings predefined in the user profile.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one item of seating furniture (2) is driven autonomously to the charging station, to the cleaning station, to a storage facility, and/or to a deployment location.

Description

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of an item of seating furniture is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a greatly simplified schematic representation of an item of seating furniture of a seating furniture system;

[0043] FIGS. 2a-2d show different application formats of the item of seating furniture according to FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an input and output unit of the item of seating furniture;

[0045] FIGS. 4a-4c show a schematic representation of a seating furniture assembly of the seating furniture system; and

[0046] FIGS. 5a-5c show a schematic representation of another seating furniture assembly of the seating furniture system and the adjustment options thereof.

[0047] Identical or functionally identical components are identified below with the same reference symbols. For the sake of clarity, not all parts that are the same or functionally the same are provided with a reference number in the individual figures.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of an item of seating furniture 2 of a seating furniture system 1 with a seating frame 11, wherein a seating assembly 12, a footrest 13, and a table assembly 14 are provided on the seating frame 11. A drive (not shown), a running gear 10, and a controller (not shown) are also provided. The drive can be addressed by the controller and can drive the running gear 10. The running gear 10 can have a lifting mechanism, by means of which the seating frame 11 can be raised and lowered, for example before the item of seating furniture 2 is to be moved or when the item of seating furniture is to be parked.

[0049] The item of seating furniture 2 also has sensors (not shown) that can detect the surroundings of the item of seating furniture 2. As a result, the item of seating furniture 2 can be moved safely, like a vacuum cleaner robot, for example. The item of seating furniture 2 can also include a sensor system (not shown) which can record, for example, the air quality (purity, temperature, flow, etc.), voice commands, and/or gestures of the user.

[0050] The seating assembly 12 can preferably be adjusted between at least two seat positionssee FIGS. 2a to 2done of the at least two seat positions being a lounge seat position, a working chair position, a standing stool position, or a leaning position. As shown in FIG. 1, a large number of adjustments can be made, which are indicated by double arrows. This can include, for example, a rotation angle, a seat height, a seat surface inclination, and a reclining position, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0051] The table assembly 14 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment forms a seating niche that partially encloses the footrest 13 and forms a comfort zone for the user. The table assembly 14 can comprise one or more storage options 17, 17, each storage option 17 being a small safe or cupboard which can be used for storing personal items, for example. The table assembly 14 can also be individually adjusted independently of the seating assembly 121. For example, the table assembly can be adjusted in height and depth in relation to the seating assembly 12 or can have integrated monitors that can be adjusted electrically in order to meet the individualized needs of the user.

[0052] The footrest 13 offers the user a place to put their feet without the risk of the feet coming into contact with the floor when the item of seating furniture 2 moves.

[0053] The seating assembly 12 can preferably be adjusted between at least two seat positions, one of the at least two seat positions being a lounge seat position, a working chair position, a standing stool position, or a leaning position.

[0054] In addition, the item of seating furniture 2 has a comfort, work, and/or entertainment device 15 which can or does comprise, for example, a stimulation or massage device of the seating assembly 12, an air conditioning system of the seating assembly 12, an air conditioning system of a foot space on the footrest, a multimedia conference device, and/or a computer workstation. The comfort, work, and/or entertainment device 15 can also adjust the seat positions automatically. The comfort, work, and/or entertainment device 15 can comprise an input and output unit 16 which, for example, comprises at least one screen, a touch screen, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchpad, and/or the like. The input and output unit 16 can be extended and retracted but also pivoted.

[0055] The comfort, work, and/or entertainment device 15 can have storage options 17, 17. The storage options 17, 17 can be a small safe 17 or cupboard 17 which can be used for storing personal items. In a preferred embodiment, the storage option also has locking means which can preferably be opened and closed by user identification means. The storage option 17 can also be air-conditioned and store, for example, snacks or soft drinks which can be made available to the user, for example at a conference, a meeting, a training course, or the like. The at least one storage option also allows other objects to be integrated, such as filing cabinets, in other niche solutions.

[0056] Furthermore, an air conditioning system 18, 18 can be provided, which is designed to provide the user with pleasant indoor air. The seating assembly 12 can also be heated or cooled, or the temperature of the table assembly can be controlled accordingly. Additives such as oxygen or fragrances can be added to the air.

[0057] Furthermore, a shielding device 20 is provided, which can be a component of the comfort, work, and/or entertainment device 15. The shielding device 20 can, for example, implement a soundproofing concept (see FIG. 2b), a sun protection concept (see FIG. 2c), or a privacy concept (see FIG. 2d). The shielding device 20 according to the exemplary embodiment shown can be designed in the manner of a convertible top and/or in the manner of a hard top, which can be activated manually or automatically and by the controller or put on separately. The shielding device 20 can protect against prying eyes and/or serve to isolate the individual from noise that affects oneself and/or others.

[0058] FIGS. 2a to 2d show different usage formats of the item of seating furniture 2.

[0059] FIG. 2a shows a user using the item of seating furniture 2. The user has brought their personal hardware 5 with them in the form of a laptop and can connect it to the item of seating furniture via an interface. The item of seating furniture 2 provides electrical energy for the personal hardware via a power connection 19. Via the user profile of the personal hardware 5, pre-adjustments to the seating furniture 2 can be made, which allow individualization for the user.

[0060] FIG. 2b shows an item of seating furniture 2, with an additional object 4 being coupled via a coupling means 30 to the item of seating furniture 2 with storage options 17, 17. The seating assembly 12 and the table assembly 14 are adjusted according to the preferences of the user and form a standing stool with a standing desk.

[0061] FIG. 2c shows an item of seating furniture 2, with the shielding device 20 forming a sunshade. A sensor system can determine the necessary shading of the seating assembly 12 and the table assembly 14, and the shielding device 20 can be controlled accordingly in order to create the best possible working atmosphere.

[0062] According to FIG. 2d, the shielding device 20 can also provide privacy and can both protect the user from prying eyes and create an undisturbed conversation atmosphere that allows confidential conversations.

[0063] It can be seen from the different setups according to FIGS. 2a to 2d that the seating assembly 12 and/or the table assembly 14 can be adapted as desired to the needs of the user. The atmosphere can also be adjusted for the user to create a healthy and creative environment.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows an input and output unit 16 that is designed for all possible usage formats. The input and output unit 16 can be adjusted as desired according to the movements indicated by double arrows and can assume the function of a computer workstation or an entertainment system. Presentations can be shown or played back interactively, or content or messages can be exchanged.

[0065] FIGS. 4a to 4c show different seating furniture assemblies that can be implemented by a seating furniture system 1 having at least one item of seating furniture 2. The seating furniture system 1 can have a higher-level controller 8 which can exchange control commands with the at least one item of seating furniture 2. A communication connection is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4a.

[0066] The seating furniture system 1 can, for example, specify a seating furniture assembly as shown in FIG. 4a, with the items of seating furniture 2 being arranged, preferably autonomously. It is possible to specify the seating furniture assembly by using an appropriate computer program, for example by drag & drop, or individual users can book specific seating furniture 2 in the manner of a booking system, for example to experience the format offered from a preferred position. The items of seating furniture 2 would be bookable, in a similar way to seats in an airplane, in conjunction with a digital map of the rooms, with further authorizations, roles, or additional objects optionally being bookable for each item of seating furniture.

[0067] The user of the item of seating furniture 2 according to FIG. 4a can adjust or configure the respective item of seating furniture 2 according to their own preferences and desires, with some parameters being able to be specified by the organizer, for example. For example, the seat heights in the different rows of seats according to FIG. 4a can be set at different heights so that every user can have the best possible view. This can eliminate the need for complex room designs.

[0068] To form small work groups, two items of seating furniture 2 can be brought into position relative to one another as shown in FIG. 4c, it being possible for sensors on the respective items of seating furniture 2 to monitor a distance between the items of seating furniture 2, thereby ensuring automated maintenance of a minimum distance between the users, andparticularly in times of pandemicsallowing hygiene concepts to be implemented and monitored. The shielding devices 20 can shield the working group that has been formed in order to create a suitable working atmosphere.

[0069] FIGS. 5a to 5c show an exemplary use of the seating furniture system 1 for implementing different seating furniture assemblies. According to FIG. 5a, working groups can come together, for example for team meetings. At the end of the meeting, the items of seating furniture 2 of this seating furniture assembly can be moved by the furniture system 1 as per the adjustment directions shown in FIG. 5b, as a result of which the seating furniture assembly now assumes an arrangement in which the participants of the meeting are again arranged at a single workstation. The shielding device can extend both over the seating assembly 13 and/or table assembly 14 and also shield them at the sides so as to form a niche.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0070] 1 Seating furniture system [0071] 2 Item of seating furniture [0072] 4 Additional object [0073] 5 Hardware [0074] 8 Controller [0075] 10 Running gear [0076] 11 Seating assembly [0077] 12 Seating assembly [0078] 13 Footrest [0079] 14 Table assembly [0080] 15 Comfort, work, and/or entertainment device [0081] 16 Output unit [0082] 17 Storage option [0083] 18 Air conditioning system [0084] 19 Power connection [0085] 20 Shielding device [0086] 30 Coupling means