Power distribution control of a furniture arrangment

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a furniture arrangement, and more particularly to control the energy supply of a furniture system.

Background [0002] In offices, office furniture, such as a desk or other worktop, is equipped with a plurality of energy consuming devices, such as a computer, one or more computer screens, telephone, lighting and / or height adjustment system of the furniture itself. Many of these devices remain on or in standby mode when nobody is using the workspace. For example, computer screens can be turned on overnight or over the weekend. All these devices will consume a lot of energy over time without using them. There is a lot of money to be gained, as well as an environmental benefit, if all these devices were turned off when they are not used.

[0003] Currently, the solution to this problem is to warn the user of devices that are turned on to try to persuade him or her to turn them off before leaving the workplace. This can be done using the lights on the devices. However, such warning lights have been used on office devices for a long time without getting the desired effect.

[0004] In addition, a main switch may be used for the entire workplace to enable main power off of the devices. However, the operation still involves turning off the switch by the user.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an energy control system that allows energy to be saved in an office workplace.

Summary [0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved solution that reduces the drawbacks of the present devices. In addition, the aim is to provide a furniture system that enables efficient energy consumption control of energy consuming devices in conjunction with this system.

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, this is achieved by means of a furniture system comprising a table and a control unit designed to control the energy supply of at least one energy consuming device. The table includes an integrated interface for a communication connection with a mobile device and a control unit, the control unit being designed to disconnect the power supply of at least one energy consuming device when the communication connection of the mobile device to the control unit via the interface is not ensured.

[0008] In an office or workplace situation, a mobile device is an important work tool or for the user of an office or workplace. A mobile device can be used in the office for many purposes. In the present invention, the mobile device can be adapted to connect it to the table via the interface. The interface can be integrated with the furniture. For example, the interface can be integrated into the table top.

[0009] The connection of the mobile device to the table via the interface may indicate the presence of the user. To save energy in the workplace, you can turn off energy-consuming devices, such as office equipment, in the workplace when no one uses them. By forcing the user to connect the mobile communication to activate the power supply to the workplace, the user may also be forced to deactivate the power supply when he leaves the workplace and takes the mobile device. The energy consuming devices may include a computer screen, computer, lighting, electrically driven furniture or the like.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control unit may include a relay adapted to connect or disconnect the power supply to the at least one power consumption device, wherein said relay may be coupled to said interface.

[0011] The relay can be connected directly to the power supply network and can be controlled in response to the presence of the mobile device at the interface. The control unit can receive a signal from the interface indicating the connection of the mobile device with the interface. This signal can be used to activate the relay, and thus to activate the power supply of the furniture system.

In another embodiment, the table may comprise a height-adjustable table driven by an electric motor and where the control unit may be adapted to disconnect the power supply to the electric motor when the communication connection of the mobile device to the control unit via the interface is not provided.

[0013] The height-adjustable table may comprise at least one electric motor for driving the table height adjustment function. Such a height adjustment function may use at least a small amount of energy also in standby mode. This may be due to the low electrical detection signal in the electric circuit in the height-adjustable table that can be adapted to detect when a height adjustment signal is received to use the electric motor to raise or lower the table. Such energy can also be consumed when the workplace where the height-adjustable table can be located is not used. In addition, the energy consumption in the waiting state, when the table or workplace is not used, can be eliminated when the power supply of the table can be disconnected, when the mobile device is not connected via the interface. Such absence of a connected mobile device may indicate that the table or workplace is not being used.

[0014] In a further embodiment, said portable device may be a mobile telephone, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0015] A user of a furniture system, such as an office workplace, can almost always have a mobile phone with him and can always take it with him when he leaves the workplace. A mobile phone can therefore be a good way of identifying when a workplace is used and when it is not. When the user leaves the workplace and takes the mobile phone from the interface, the power supply of the workplace can be disconnected to save energy and prevent unnecessary energy consumption. The mobile phone can be, for example, a smartphone.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control unit may be adapted to receive information from the mobile user identification device and wherein the control unit may be adapted to control the power supply operation of the at least one energy consuming device based on information from the mobile device.

[0017] The furniture system may be equipped with a plurality of energy consuming devices. Different users of the furniture layout may want or need access to various selected devices. A mobile device may contain information identifying the user and which devices he or she wants them to be powered on. Devices that the user does not need can therefore not require power, which can prevent unnecessary energy consumption by unnecessary devices. The furniture system can be located in a facility containing many similar furniture arrangements, such as office space. The user can therefore receive the same power settings regardless of which office he or she can use.

[0018] In another embodiment, the control unit may be adapted to register the energy consumption of the furniture system and to transmit registered information to the mobile device via the interface.

[0019] The furniture system administrator may be interested in how much energy is consumed in the furniture system. In addition, it can be useful to know how much energy is used by a particular device connected to the furniture system. The control device can be adapted to measure and record the amount of energy consumed in the furniture system. The energy can be measured for a furniture system together and / or for different parts of the furniture system, e.g. for different devices. If the furniture is a height-adjustable table, the control unit can record the amount of energy consumed by the table. The control unit may be adapted to provide registered information to the connected mobile device. A mobile device can be adapted to store information or forward it,

[0020] In one embodiment, said interface may be adapted to a wired connection with a portable device.

[0021] The interface may comprise a cable attached to the furniture and connected to the control unit. A portable device can be connected to the cable to connect to the control unit. The control unit can receive information about when the mobile device is connected to the cable. With a wired connection, the mobile device can be communicatively connected to the interface through an accepted standard that allows many different devices to be compatible with the interface mentioned. For example, a wired connection can be a USB connection, a mini-USB connection, a micro-USB connection, a 30-pin dock connector, or other wired connection. In addition, a mobile device can be charged via a wired connection. In addition, the user can visually see that

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, said interface may be adapted for a wireless connection to a portable device.

[0023] The interface may include means for wireless connection to a portable device. Such interface may include a specific area on the furniture, where the interface is adapted to a wireless connection with a portable device. The wireless communication means may include means for a WLAN connection, Bluetooth connections, NFC near field communication connections, RFID connections or the like. The means for wireless connection to a portable device may be adapted to detect the presence of a mobile device. The control unit may therefore be adapted to control the energy supply of the furniture system based on the presence of the mobile device in a specific interface area. Therefore, no physical connection is needed between the mobile device and the interface. The control unit may be adapted to disconnect the energy supply to the furniture system when the mobile device is disconnected from the interface. However, the control unit may further be adapted to disconnect the power supply with a delay after disconnecting the mobile device. Therefore, it may be possible to remove the mobile device from the wireless interface for a short time without disconnecting the power supply. This can prevent an immediate disconnection of the power supply when the user needs a mobile device. Alternatively, it may be possible to deactivate the power supply disconnection by the control unit to allow temporary removal of the mobile device. However, the control unit may further be adapted to disconnect the power supply with a delay after disconnecting the mobile device. Therefore, it may be possible to remove the mobile device from the wireless interface for a short time without disconnecting the power supply. This can prevent an immediate disconnection of the power supply when the user needs a mobile device. Alternatively, it may be possible to deactivate the power supply disconnection by the control unit to allow temporary removal of the mobile device. However, the control unit may further be adapted to disconnect the power supply with a delay after disconnecting the mobile device. Therefore, it may be possible to remove the mobile device from the wireless interface for a short time without disconnecting the power supply. This can prevent an immediate disconnection of the power supply when the user needs a mobile device. Alternatively, it may be possible to deactivate the power supply disconnection by the control unit to allow temporary removal of the mobile device. This can prevent an immediate disconnection of the power supply when the user needs a mobile device. Alternatively, it may be possible to deactivate the power supply disconnection by the control unit to allow temporary removal of the mobile device. This can prevent an immediate disconnection of the power supply when the user needs a mobile device. Alternatively, it may be possible to deactivate the power supply disconnection by the control unit to allow temporary removal of the mobile device.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the wireless connection may be a combination of near field communication.

[0025] By combining close field communication, the mobile device can be communicatively connected to the interface by the fact that the mobile device is brought into the close proximity of the interface. In addition, the mobile device may be disconnected from the interface of the adjustable furniture by the mobile device being derived from a near field communication range. The user can thus save time and effort related to how to connect and disconnect the mobile device from the interface.

[0026] Furthermore, the combination of near field communication can be a relatively reliable connection due to the small range in which it operates, typically several centimeters.

In addition, when using a near field communication connection, there may be no risk of accidentally connecting the mobile device to the nearest work place in a situation where several jobs are located side by side to create a flexible work area.

[0027] In one embodiment, said interface may be integrated with the table.

[0028] In a further embodiment, said interface may be integrated into the table top.

[0029] The interface may comprise a cable attached to the table or other means of physical connection, such as a docking element, for connection to a portable device. The interface integrated into the table may alternatively comprise a specific area, such as a specific area on the table top, in which area the interface may be adapted to wirelessly connect to the mobile device. Accordingly, the control unit may be adapted to control the energy supply of the furniture system based on the presence of the mobile device in a specific interface area. Therefore, you may not need a physical connection between the mobile device and the interface.

[0030] In another embodiment, the control unit may be adapted to be controlled by a mobile device connected to the control unit via the interface.

[0031] Consequently, when the mobile device is connected to the furniture system via the interface and the energy supply of the furniture system is connected by the control unit, the power supply and energy distribution in the furniture system can also be controlled by the mobile device. The mobile device may be equipped with a means for controlling the control unit. Such a measure may be software loaded into a mobile device. The mobile device can be used by the user to control the control unit. The mobile device may be provided with inserting means for the user to send control signals and receive information to and from the control unit. Such signals can be used to control energy and energy consumption within a furniture system.

[0032] In one embodiment, the table may be a height-adjustable table, and the control unit may be adapted to control the table height adjustment operation.

[0033] A height-adjustable furniture such as a height-adjustable table is a typical device that consumes energy in standby mode. Many solutions have been disclosed in which the energy of table waiting state is reduced but not eliminated. The height-adjustable table normally comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the table. The table may include an electric motor that supports a linear actuator, which in turn provides for raising or lowering the table. The control unit may be adapted to control the operation of the electric motor. By using the same control unit to control the power supply of the furniture system, table standby energy can be minimized or eliminated. Deactivating the power supply when the mobile device is not connected to the interface can ensure that the table height adjustment is only possible when the mobile device is connected to the interface. Therefore, the table wait mode can be turned off when the mobile device is not connected.

[0034] In another embodiment, the control unit may be adapted to be controlled by a mobile device connected to the interface so that the height adjustment operation can be controlled by the mobile device.

[0035] The control unit may receive an input signal from the connected mobile device. Such an input signal may refer to the height adjustment of the height-adjustable furniture. A mobile device connected to the interface may be provided with a control means, such as software, adapted to send a control input signal to the control unit via the interface. Therefore, the user of the workplace and of the mobile device can control the operation of the height-adjustable piece of furniture by the mobile device when the mobile device is connected to the interface.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0036] In the following, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, where:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a control unit including a relay according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a furniture arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a furniture arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of Embodiments [0037] In the following, the present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be read as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure would be thorough and complete, and would fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, similar numbers refer to similar elements.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a furniture arrangement 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The furniture system 100 comprises a piece of furniture presented as a table 1. Table 1 comprises two legs 2 and a table top 4. The legs 2 can be extended telescopically, providing a table height adjustment function. The height adjustment of the table 1 can be driven by one or more electric motors (not shown). The furniture system 100 further comprises an interface 20 for communicating with a portable device 50, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone or a tablet. The furniture system 100 further comprises a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is connected to the power supply network via a power plug 34. Accordingly, the control unit 30 energizes the furniture system 100. The control unit 30 includes a control means for controlling the power supply operation,

The interface 20 is connected to the control unit 30 with the cable 22. In one embodiment, the interface 20 can be a unit integrated with the control unit 30.

[0040] When the mobile device 50 is connected to the interface 20, the control unit 30 will receive a signal from the interface 20. When the control unit 30 receives a signal indicating the connection of the mobile device 50 with the interface 20, the control unit 30 will activate the power supply of the furniture system 100.

[0041] Furthermore, when the mobile device 50 is disconnected from the interface 20, the control unit 30 will receive a disconnection signal or termination of the connection signal indicative of a disconnection. In response to the disconnection of the mobile device 50, the control unit 30 will disconnect the power supply of the furniture system 100.

[0042] Connecting or disconnecting the mobile device 50 from the interface 20 activates or terminates power supply to the furniture system 100.

[0043] The furniture system 100 may be equipped with office equipment, such as a computer 10, a computer screen 14, a telephone (not shown), lighting 12 and the like, which all consume energy, both when they are active and when they are able to expectations. In addition, the furniture in the furniture arrangement 100, as shown in the height-adjustable table 1, also uses energy in an inactive standby mode. The power supply of all these devices can be disconnected when the mobile device 50 is disconnected from the interface 20. The energy consumption during the furniture unit standby mode 100, i.e. when the devices connected to the control unit 30 are not actively used, can be minimized or eliminated.

[0044] When the mobile device 50 is connected to the interface 20, it can be charged by the control unit by connecting to the interface 20.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of connections with a control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a connection to a power plug 34 providing power supply input to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 further has a connection 22 with an interface 20. Through this connection 22 unit the controller 30 receives information about whether the mobile device 50 is connected to the interface 20 or not. When the connection 22 is pointing to the connected mobile device 50, the control unit 30 activates power distribution through one or more power leads 32. The power leads 32 are connected to devices in the furniture system, such as lighting 12, a computer screen 14, a height-adjustable table 1 and similar.

[0046] The control unit 30 may comprise a relay 36 controlled by an input connection 22 from the interface 20, and which relay 36, when activated, provides energy from the power supply 34 to the power outlets 32. In one embodiment, the control unit 30 itself consumes a small amount of energy when the power supply to the power sockets 32 is disconnected, due to a detection circuit (not shown) adapted to detect that the mobile device 50 is connected to the interface 20. In an alternative embodiment, an interface connection is provided between the interface 20 and the portable device 50. as a switch, so that when the mobile device 50 is connected, the switch will be closed,this will activate the relay 36 in the control unit 30 and the power supply of the power sockets 32 will be activated. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 as well as the interface 20 may not consume any energy when the mobile device 50 is not connected.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment where the furniture system 100 includes a supply unit 40 in combination with a control unit 30. The supply unit 40 is adapted to supply the energy of the table 1 and / or the equipment housed in the furniture system 100. The supply unit 40 is equipped with a plurality of electrical sockets 42 to which energy-consuming devices may be connected, such as a computer 10, a computer screen 14, lighting 12, etc. via power cables 44. The operation of the power unit 40 is controlled by the control unit 30. In response to the connection or disconnection of the device mobile 50 from the furniture system 100 via the interface 20, the control unit 30 activates or deactivates the power supply from the power unit 40 via electrical sockets 42.

[0048] In one embodiment, the power supply unit 40 may include a side electrical socket (not shown) that is not controlled by the control unit 30. A device may be connected to such an electrical outlet that is not to be disconnected or not suitable for disconnecting the power supply. based on the connection of the mobile device 50 to the furniture system 100. Such a device may be a computer 10 for which it may be desirable to be powered also when the mobile device 50 is not connected via the interface 20.

[0049] The interface 20 between the table 1 and the portable device 50 can be provided in many implementations. The interface 20 may be provided with a cable 26 for connection and communication with a portable device 50, as shown in FIG. The cable may be a USB cable or any other communication cable adapted to connect the mobile device 50. Alternatively, the interface may include a means 24 for wireless connection for wireless connection to a mobile device 50 as shown in Fig. 1. The wireless connection means may be adapted to connection to a mobile device 50 via WLAN, Bluetooth, near-field NFC communication or the like. The interface 20 is an integrated part of the table top 4. The means for connecting the wireless interface is arranged in a specific area 24 of the table top 4, as shown in Fig. 1. The control unit 30 controls the power supply connection of the furniture system 100 based on the presence of the mobile device 50 in a specific area 24 on the table top 4.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit 30 is adapted to register the power supply to the furniture system 100. It can then record the energy consumption of various units or equipment connected to the control unit 30. Such recorded information can include time and / or level information energy for each device. Accordingly, the control unit 30 would register, for example, how much power the computer screen 14 used, or how much energy used the height-adjustable table 1 in a given period of time. The recorded information may be stored in the control unit 30. Alternatively, the recorded information may be stored in a portable device 50 or in a central server (not shown).

[0051] The energy consumption information can then be transmitted by the control unit 30 to the portable device 50 connected to the furniture system 100 via the interface 20. The user of the furniture system 100 and the mobile device 50 can therefore be able to analyze the energy consumption of different devices . This information can also be forwarded through the mobile device 50 to the central server (not shown) or administrator.

[0052] Preferred embodiments and examples of the invention are disclosed in the drawings and description, and although specific terms are used, they are used only in the generic and descriptive sense and not to limit the scope of the invention as set out in the claims below.