公开(公告)号：WO1995016327A1

公开(公告)日：1995-06-15

申请号：PCT/US1994014031

申请日：1994-12-06

Applicant: STEELCASE INC.

Inventor： STEELCASE INC. ,  TOMS, John, S. ,  BROWN, Steven, M. ,  MILLER, William, L. ,  WELLER, George, V. ,  RUSSELL, Scott, H. ,  BRANC, Joseph, R. ,  SWEETON, David, C. ,  MIKOLAJCZAK, Matthew, M.

IPC: H04Q01/18

CPC classification number: A47B83/001 ,  H02G3/00 ,  H02G3/0487 ,  H02G3/286 ,  H02G3/288 ,  H02J13/0062 ,  H02J13/0086 ,  H04L12/28 ,  Y02B90/2638 ,  Y04S40/124

Abstract: A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units (3) which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor (5) is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors (7) are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quickdisconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler (9) physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler (10). A network controller (11) is operably connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports (12) which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers (13), telephones (14), facsimile machines (15) switches (27), power outlets (25), data receptacles (26) and the like. The utility appliances preferably have memory capability to internally store operating instructions for the same, which are transmitted to the network controller when the utility appliance is initialized.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于包括单独的家具单元（3）的模块化家具的公用设施分配系统，所述家具单元（3）并列形成一个或多个工作站。 信号导体（5）位于每个家具单元中，并且大致在其相对侧之间延伸。 在每个信号导体的相对端设置快速断开连接器（7），并与相邻家具单元中的类似快速断开连接器配合，以通过工作站创建通信网络。 每个家具单元具有与物理相关联的信号器（9），其在耦合器（10）处与相关联的信号导体连接。 网络控制器（11）可操作地连接到网络以评估网络和/或相关联的家具单元。 家具单元可以配备有与耦合器连接的一个或多个公用端口（12），以及诸如个人计算机（13），电话（14），传真机（15）开关（27）， 电源插座（25），数据插座（26）等。 实用设备优选地具有存储器能力，用于在内部存储相同的操作指令，当对电力设备进行初始化时，这些操作指令被发送到网络控制器。