Furniture locking device, rotatable furniture, and method for locking rotatable furniture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking device for furniture, in particular for furniture that can be adjusted by rotating a furniture part, comprising: a shaft that can be rotated to adjust the furniture and has an engagement recess that is limited to a predetermined angular segment around the shaft; a stop element that is configured to engage in the engagement recess to engage with the shaft in order to engage with the engagement recess; a support bearing that is configured to support the stop element in a rotationally fixed manner around the shaft; and an adjustment ring that rotates around the shaft and has a profile recess that allows radial adjustment of the stop element within the support bearing when the adjustment ring is rotated around the shaft, wherein the stop element can engage in the engagement recess by radial adjustment so that the shaft can be rotationally locked to the support bearing by the stop element. The present invention also relates to rotatable furniture, in particular a swivel chair, having such a locking device, and a method for locking furniture that can be adjusted by rotating a furniture part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture adjustable by rotation of furniture parts, a rotatable piece of furniture, in particular a swivel armchair, and a method for locking a rotatable piece of furniture. Background Art

[0002] Rotating furniture is often known for general-purpose applications such as tables or task chairs, but it can also be found in lounge settings, such as swivel chairs.

[0003] However, there are also some furniture used for special applications. Due to their special design, these furniture are generally not rotatable and cannot be used universally. Other uses are usually not possible, or at least not possible without disassembly.

[0004] One example of such a specialized application is furniture for racing simulations (also known as "sim racing"). This application includes a device for securing seats and mounting a racing simulation steering wheel and a racing simulation pedal set. In most cases, a rigid metal frame (also known as a "rig") is used for this purpose, to which the seats, racing simulation steering wheel, and racing simulation pedals are attached. Unfortunately, such specialized furniture is often very space-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a locking device for furniture and improved rotatable furniture, in particular allowing configurations of furniture for all uses, such as furniture for living or working spaces, as well as configurations for special applications.

[0006] Therefore, it provides:

[0007] A locking device for furniture, in particular for furniture that can be adjusted by rotating a furniture part, comprises: a shaft that can be rotated to adjust the furniture and has an engagement recess that is limited to a predetermined angular segment around the shaft; a stop element that is configured to stop the shaft in rotation by engaging in the engagement recess; a support bearing that is configured to support the stop element in a fixed rotational manner around the shaft; and an adjustment ring that rotates around the shaft, the adjustment ring having a contour recess that is used for radial adjustment of the stop element in the support bearing when the adjustment ring rotates around the shaft, wherein the stop element can engage in the engagement recess by radial adjustment, so that the shaft can be rotationally locked to the support bearing via the stop element.

[0008] A rotatable piece of furniture, in particular a swivel chair, comprises: a base; a useful part, in particular a seat; and a locking device according to the invention, which couples the base and the useful part by means of an axis of the locking device and a support bearing, wherein the useful part can be rotated about the axis and can be locked in a predetermined orientation relative to the base by means of the locking device.

[0009] A method for locking furniture that can be adjusted by rotating a furniture part, in particular rotatable furniture according to the invention and / or rotatable furniture having a locking device according to the invention, comprises the following method steps: releasing the rotatability of an adjustment ring arranged around the axis of the rotatable furniture; and locking a stop element with an engagement recess by rotating the adjustment ring around the axis, the stop element being radially adjustable relative to the axis via a contour recess of the adjustment ring, the engagement recess being arranged on the axis and limited to a predetermined angular segment around the axis.

[0010] The invention is based on the principle that for general use and for specific use in a particular application, a rotatable piece of furniture must be rotatable for general use on the one hand and lockable for specific use on the other hand.

[0011] The basic concept of the present invention is to provide a locking device for furniture that achieves both rotatability and lockability, comprising a rotatable shaft and providing engagement of a stop element in an engagement recess provided on the shaft. The stop element is adjustable via an adjustment ring and is additionally mounted in a support bearing. According to the present invention, a contoured recess is provided in the adjustment ring for adjusting the stop element, which converts rotation of the adjustment ring into radial translation of the stop element. This provides free rotation in the released configuration and high stability in the locked configuration, thereby making it very easy to switch between the locked and rotatable configurations.

[0012] For example, such a locking device according to the present invention can be used to lock the swivel column of a seat, in particular a swivel armchair or chair. Such a locking device is useful, for example, for aligning a seat in a predetermined orientation or relative to a predetermined second object. Therefore, the present invention is preferably applicable to multifunctional furniture, which, in a first configuration, is generally rotatable and can be used, for example, as a lounge or living room piece, and in a second configuration, is locked and can be used, for example, as a racing car piece. In particular, the seat can thus be aligned in a predetermined manner relative to a second multifunctional piece of furniture, which, in a predetermined configuration, exposes a racing car steering wheel and a racing car pedal channel to the seat.

[0013] It should be understood that the engagement recess limited to a predetermined angular segment around the shaft can be an engagement recess in the shaft for determining the rotational degree of freedom, and the engagement recess is configured to establish a tight fit and / or friction fit with the stop element in the rotational direction. It is also possible to provide for the definition of the translational degree of freedom, for example in the axial direction, but this is not required.

[0014] It should be understood that the stop element is an engagement element corresponding to the engagement recess, the stop element being configured to engage in the engagement recess to establish a positive connection and / or a friction connection, thereby preventing the shaft from rotating.

[0015] It is understood that the support bearing is a guide for the stop element, which allows a radial movement of the stop element but blocks a rotational movement of the stop element, preferably in a form-fitting manner.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are apparent from the further dependent claims and from the description with reference to the drawings.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the adjustment ring is configured to be rotatable under a spring bias to radially adjust the stop element in the direction of the axis. Thus, when the stop element and the engagement recess are aligned, the stop element can be independently locked with the engagement recess by rotating the adjustment ring under the spring bias. Advantageously, this significantly improves operation, as once the adjustment ring is released for rotation, the stop element independently engages in the engagement recess in the predetermined position. In particular, the rotatable furniture part only needs to be rotated for locking, where it is locked in the predetermined orientation by the locking device.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the profile recess of the adjustment ring has an opening facing the shaft, through which the locking element can engage with the engagement recess at the level of the adjustment ring when the opening and the engagement recess are aligned. This is particularly advantageous if the locking element also extends at the level of the adjustment ring and engages with the shaft at this level. This advantageously increases the engagement surface, thereby reducing the surface pressure and point loads on the locking element and the engagement recess, thereby providing a higher load capacity for the locking device without increasing the structural complexity.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the retaining element is formed as a circular bolt that is received in the support bearing substantially parallel to the shaft. Furthermore, the engaging recess is formed as a circular groove that is inserted into the side surface of the shaft. This allows the retaining element to be configured with a simple geometry, which simplifies manufacturing and improves compatibility. Furthermore, since the circular surfaces can smoothly mate with each other during engagement, the resulting engagement is smooth and less abrupt.

[0020] According to a further development, the radius of the circular bolt corresponds to the radius of the circular groove, wherein the circular bolt is configured so that it can be inserted into the circular groove over its entire length with a portion of its side surface. Preferably, the adjustment ring or its profile recess has a self-locking portion, by which the stop element (if located in this portion) is retained in the engagement recess. Thus, despite the circular shape of the circular bolt and the circular groove, a tight fit is established between them, thereby preventing rotation of the shaft.

[0021] In a further embodiment, for example, one or more balls can also be provided as stop elements. This reduces the installation space required for the locking device. The engagement recess can also be formed as a circular groove or, in one embodiment, as a pocket with a spherical cross-section.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a plurality of engaging recesses arranged around the circumference of the shaft, a plurality of stop elements, a plurality of support bearings, and a plurality of profile recesses of the adjustment ring are provided for radial adjustment of the stop element within the support bearing during rotation of the adjustment ring. Thus, a locking action is provided at several points distributed around the circumference of the shaft, in order, on the one hand, to increase the load or resistance torque of the locking device and, on the other hand, to provide load distribution to prevent the stop element from seizing.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the plurality of engagement recesses, the plurality of stop elements, the plurality of support bearings, and the plurality of profile recesses are arranged asymmetrically around the circumference of the shaft, wherein all stop elements are aligned with the corresponding engagement recesses in only one position, so that the stop elements can be inserted into the engagement recesses only in this position by rotating the adjustment ring. This defines a predetermined position of the shaft relative to the support bearings in which locking is possible. However, in other positions, the shaft of the locking device remains rotatable and engages the stop elements only when the predetermined position is reached.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the rotatable furniture, the furniture comprises an actuating element configured to control the rotation and / or rotatability of the adjustment ring. Specifically, the actuating element is an adjustment lever, preferably a manually operable adjustment lever. For example, in one embodiment, the actuating lever can directly adjust the adjustment ring against the spring bias, i.e., release the locking mechanism, or, depending on its position, release the adjustment ring for spring-biased rotation, i.e., lock it.

[0025] However, in a further embodiment, a permanent coupling of the actuating element to the adjusting ring is also conceivable, for example in the manner of a dead center mechanism, which holds the adjusting lever in the set (locked or released) end position.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the adjustment ring of the locking device is configured to be rotatable in a spring-biased manner to radially adjust the locking element in the direction of the axis, and a retaining device coupled to the actuating element is provided to selectively control the spring-biased rotatability of the adjustment ring. Thus, the adjustment ring can be controlled by the actuating element (without being in continuous engagement with the adjustment ring). In particular, in an intermediate position of the adjustment ring (where the adjustment ring is neither in the released position nor in the locked position), the adjustment ring is not engaged with the actuating element. Thus, on the one hand, the force required for actuation can be reduced, and on the other hand, interference and incorrect actuation caused by applying too much or too little force can be avoided.

[0027] According to one embodiment, in the first position of the actuating element, the adjustment ring is released by rotation due to the spring bias, causing radial displacement of the stop element. In the second position of the actuating element, the retaining device retains the adjustment ring against the spring bias, retaining the stop element in a position disengaged from the engagement. Advantageously, the user applies only the restoring and retaining forces, whereas the forces for locking the locking device are applied independently of the user input but solely by the spring bias. Thus, improper operation due to application of excessive or insufficient force is advantageously prevented.

[0028] According to an embodiment of a method for locking furniture that is adjustable by rotating a furniture part, a locking element is rotatably supported about an axis by a support bearing, so that the rotational locking of the axis and the support bearing is established by locking. Thus, for example, a base coupled to the furniture part by a locking device can be locked with the rotatable furniture part. To this end, the support bearing is attached to the base.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the method, the adjustment ring is spring-biased for independent rotation. Furthermore, once the stop element and the engagement recess are aligned, they engage with each other through independent rotation of the adjustment ring. Thus, locking is provided only in a predetermined position where alignment is achieved, enabling automatic latching only in this predetermined position.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the method, the latch establishes a locking mechanism between the rotatable useful part and the base of the piece of furniture, wherein the useful part has an actuating element, in particular an adjusting lever, by means of which the rotatability of the adjusting ring is released. Thus, the piece of furniture standing on the base can be freely rotated about the base in the released position and can be locked in a predetermined orientation in the locked position.

[0031] If necessary, the above-described embodiments and further implementations can be combined with one another. In particular, all features of the locking device can be transferred to the furniture and locking method, and vice versa. Other possible embodiments, improvements, and implementations of the present invention also include combinations of features of the present invention described above or below with respect to the embodiments, not explicitly mentioned. In particular, those skilled in the art will also be able to add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawings of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1A The locking device is shown in a released position;

[0034] Figure 1B Shown in locked position Figure 1A Locking device;

[0035] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a portion of a locking device according to another embodiment in a released position;

[0036] Figure 2B Shown in locked position Figure 2A Locking device;

[0037] Figure 3A The rotatable furniture is shown in a released position;

[0038] Figure 3B Shown in locked position Figure 3A Rotatable furniture;

[0039] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of a retaining device coupled to an actuating element;

[0040] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the present invention. Other embodiments and numerous advantages are apparent from the accompanying drawings. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0041] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, elements, features, and components that are identical, have the same function, or have the same effect have the same reference numerals, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1A The locking device 1 is shown in the released position.

[0043] A locking device 1 is configured for use with furniture, in particular for lockability of furniture that can be adjusted by rotating the furniture parts. To this end, the locking device 1 comprises a rotatable shaft 2 for adjusting the furniture, which shaft has an engagement recess 3. The extent of the engagement recess 3 is limited to a predetermined angular segment α around the shaft 2; in this case, the engagement recess 3 is configured in the form of an axially extending groove.

[0044] Furthermore, a stopper element 4 corresponding to the engagement recess 3 is provided, which is configured to rotationally lock the shaft 2 by being engaged in the engagement recess 3 .

[0045] In the embodiment shown, there are respectively a plurality, in particular for example three, of engagement recesses 3 and stop elements 4. However, in further embodiments, only one or a plurality of other elements is of course also conceivable.

[0046] To support the stop element 4, a support bearing 5 is also provided. It supports the stop element 4 in a rotationally fixed manner about the shaft 2, but allows radial movement of the stop element 4. This is a concealed support bearing that can be configured, for example, as a support ring. The support bearing 5 has a radially extending groove, marked with a dotted line as the covering edge, in which the stop element 4 is guided radially and fixed in the circumferential direction. In further embodiments, other types of support bearings are of course also possible, for example in the form of guide rails specifically designed to guide the respective stop element in a linear manner or the like.

[0047] In addition to the support bearing 5, an adjustment ring 6 is provided, which rotates around the shaft 2 and has a profiled recess 7 for radially adjusting the stop element 4 within the support bearing 5 as the adjustment ring 6 rotates around the shaft 2. The profiled recess extends at least partially obliquely, so that the stop element 4 extending in the recess is adjusted radially as the adjustment ring rotates. The stop element 4 is thus guided into two different elements: first, the support bearing 5 (which determines the position of the stop element in the circumferential direction), and second, the adjustment ring 6 (which converts the rotation into radial adjustment).

[0048] If the radial adjustment is large enough, the stop element 4 can engage in the engagement recess 3 of the shaft, so that the shaft 2 can be locked in rotation with the support bearing 5 by the stop element 4. To this end, the shape of the profile recess 7 is adapted to the geometry of the stop element 4 and the engagement recess 3 so that in the first position, as Figure 1A As shown, the stop element 4 is safely disengaged from the shaft 2. Furthermore, there is a second position (the stop element 4 is securely engaged with the shaft 2 or the engagement recess 3), so that the locking device 1 is in the locked position.

[0049] Figure 1B Shown in locked position Figure 1A Locking device 1.

[0050] In this locked position, the stop element 4 engages with the engagement recess 3 to establish a tight fit between the shaft 2 and the support bearing 5. Depending on the geometry and design, this can alternatively or additionally be a friction connection. In addition, a self-locking portion can be provided in the profile recess 7 to ensure positive locking, which is configured in such a way that the adjustment ring 6 cannot be turned back by the force of restoring the stop element 4 in the second position shown.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the adjusting ring 6 is configured to be rotatable with spring preload in order to radially adjust the stop element 4 in the direction of the shaft 2. As indicated by dashed lines here, a helical spring can be provided for this purpose, by way of example, to move the adjusting ring from Figure 1A The first position is independently pressed into Figure 1B For example, a coil spring can be attached to the stop element 4 in the direction of the axis 2. For this purpose, the coil spring can be supported on a shoulder of a support bearing (not shown in detail). In other embodiments, other spring preloads are also conceivable, for example by means of a torsion spring or the like.

[0052] Due to the spring biased rotation of the adjustment ring 6, the stop element 4 can be locked independently of the engagement recess 3 when the stop element 4 and the engagement recess 3 are aligned with each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B For example, Figure 1A As shown, if the stop element 4 is not aligned with the engagement recess 3, the stop element 4 cannot be engaged in the engagement recess. Then, the shaft 2 must be rotated to lock so that the locking element 4 is arranged to be aligned with the engagement recess 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B shown.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of engagement recesses 3, a plurality of stop elements 4, a plurality of support bearings 5, and a plurality of profile recesses 7 of the adjustment ring are arranged around the circumference of the shaft 2, for radially adjusting the stop elements 4 within the support bearings 5 as the adjustment ring 6 rotates. Therefore, the stop elements can only engage simultaneously in the engagement recesses 3. This is only possible if all the stop elements are also aligned with the engagement recesses. Furthermore, the plurality of engagement recesses 3, the plurality of stop elements 4, the plurality of support bearings 5, and the plurality of profile recesses 7 are arranged asymmetrically around the circumference of the shaft 2. Consequently, all the stop elements 4 are aligned with their respective engagement recesses 3 at only one position, so that the stop elements 4 can only be inserted into the engagement recesses 3 at this position by rotating the adjustment ring 6.

[0054] The stopper element 4 may generally be various stopper elements that may be guided by the described guides among several components and configured to engage with the engaging recesses, and may be a ball or the like in addition to a round bolt.

[0055] Figure 2A A perspective view of a portion of a locking device 1 according to another embodiment is shown in a released position.

[0056] In this embodiment, the stopper element 4 is formed as a circular bolt which is housed in a support bearing 5 substantially parallel to the shaft 2, and the engagement recess 3 is formed as a circular groove introduced into the side surface of the shaft 2. The radius of the circular bolt corresponds to the radius of the circular groove, and the circular bolt can be inserted into the circular groove over its entire length with a portion of its side surface. The first position shown here (which qualitatively corresponds to Figure 1A In the first position of the circular bolt, the circular bolt is separated from the circular groove and is completely accommodated in the contour recess 7.

[0057] Figure 2B Shown Figure 2A The locking device is in the locked position.

[0058] In the locked position, the round bolt is supported on one side of its side surface by the profile recess 7 and inserted into the engagement recess 3 on the other side. To this end, the profile recess 7 of the adjustment ring 6 has an opening 8 facing the shaft 2. When the opening 8 and the engagement recess 3 are aligned with each other, the stop element 4 (or the round bolt in this case) can be engaged in the engagement recess 3 at the level of the adjustment ring 6 through this opening. In the area of the opening 8, a self-locking portion is provided in the profile recess 7 to ensure a tight fit. This portion supports the circumferential surface of the round bolt and extends not obliquely but in the circumferential direction, so that the adjustment ring 6 cannot be rotated back to the second position shown due to the restoring force of the stop element 4.

[0059] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Also shown is a bearing ring 9 arranged below the adjustment ring 6, wherein a radially extending guide for a circular bolt is provided in the bearing ring, which guide is hidden here by the adjustment ring and is configured to support the bearing 5 (with Figure 1A The dashed line shown).

[0060] Furthermore, the adjustment ring 6 and the bearing ring 9 have protrusions that engage with each other, which allows a predetermined relative movement of the two rings 6, 9 relative to each other and also limits them to a predetermined range. Furthermore, a spring may also be sandwiched between the protrusions of the bearing ring and the adjustment ring, which allows the adjustment ring 6 to rotate relative to the spring bias of the bearing ring 9, as described with reference to FIG1 . By way of example, this may be a helical spring as shown in FIG1 , but spiral springs, torsion springs, or other elastic elements suitable for spring pretensioning are also conceivable.

[0061] The locking device 1 shown here is also configured for rotatable furniture, such as a swivel chair.

[0062] Figure 3A The rotatable piece of furniture 10 is shown in a released position.

[0063] By way of example, the rotatable piece of furniture 10 shown here is a swivel armchair having a central column forming a base 11. Furthermore, a useful part 12 is provided in the form of a seat of the swivel chair.

[0064] The useful part 12 and the base 11 are connected by a locking device 1 shown in Figure 2, which connects the base 11 and the useful part 12 via the shaft 2 and the support bearing 5. Therefore, the useful part 12 can be arranged rotatably around the shaft 2 relative to the base by means of the locking device 1 and can be locked in a predetermined orientation.

[0065] In order to control the rotatability of the adjusting ring 6, the furniture 10 has an actuating element 13 (typically in the form of an adjusting lever). In the illustrated release position of the locking device 1, the actuating element 13 holds the spring-biased adjusting ring 6 in a position separating the stop element 4 from the shaft 2 or the engagement recess 3, as shown. Figure 2A To this end, a retaining device 14 is provided which is connected to the actuating element 13 for selectively controlling the spring-biased rotatability of the adjusting ring 6, which will be referred to Figure 4 Discuss in more detail.

[0066] By manually adjusting the actuating element 13, in this case by manually adjusting the adjusting rod, the adjusting ring 6 is released so that the adjusting ring 6 can be adjusted by the spring bias to independently achieve Figure 2B Shown in locked position.

[0067] Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A The rotatable furniture 10 is in the locked position.

[0068] In this position, the adjusting ring 6 is independently rotated about the shaft 2 by the spring bias relative to the support bearing 5 of the locking device 1, so that the stop element 4 engages in the engagement recess 3 of the shaft 2. With the rotation of the adjusting ring 6, the retaining device 14 has also been readjusted and is again in contact with the actuating element 13 in the illustrated locking position.

[0069] The useful part 12, which is configured as a seat, is now locked relative to the base or the column, i.e. it can no longer rotate about the axis 2. The swivel chair is thus oriented in a predetermined position. Advantageously, the swivel chair can thus be oriented in a predetermined desired manner in the locked position and can always be locked again in the predetermined desired orientation after the swivel chair is released (as long as the base is not manipulated).

[0070] The locking position can be correspondingly released by actuating the actuating element 13 in the opposite direction. This reverse actuation rotates the adjusting ring back to the locking position. Figure 3ARelease position shown.

[0071] Thus, a method for locking a rotatable piece of furniture 10 can be performed, which is adjustable by rotating a furniture part, in particular a useful part 12. The first step of the method consists in releasing the rotatability of an adjustment ring 6 arranged around an axis 2 of the rotatable piece of furniture 10. Another step consists in engaging a stop element 4, which is radially adjustable relative to the axis 2, with a profile recess 7 of the adjustment ring 6, the engagement recess 3 being provided on the axis 2 and being limited to a predetermined angular segment α around the axis by rotating the adjustment ring 6 around the axis 2.

[0072] When the stopper element 4 is engaged in the engagement recess, the stopper element 4 is rotatably supported by the support bearing 5 about the shaft 2 , thereby establishing rotational stop of the shaft 2 and the support bearing 5 by engagement.

[0073] The adjusting ring 6 is spring-biased so as to rotate independently, thereby locking the adjusting ring when released. Consequently, after releasing the adjusting ring 6, once the stop element 4 and the engagement recess 3 are aligned with one another, they engage with one another by independent rotation of the adjusting ring 6. Thus, the locking occurs, in particular, between the useful part 12 (which is rotatable about the axis 2) and the base 11 of the piece of furniture 10. The adjusting ring 6 is released by an actuating element 13 provided on the useful part 12, for example, in this case in the form of an adjusting lever, by means of which the rotatability of the adjusting ring 6 is released. For this purpose, when the actuating element 13 is actuated, a retaining device coupled to the actuating element 13 and the adjusting ring is released.

[0074] Figure 4 A detailed view of the holding device 14 coupled to the actuating element 13 is shown.

[0075] The retaining device 14 is configured as follows: in the first position of the actuating element 13, the retaining device rotates and releases the adjustment ring 6 due to the spring bias, allowing radial adjustment of the stop element 4. In the second position of the actuating element 13, the retaining device, against the spring bias, retains the adjustment ring 6 in a position that disengages the stop element 4. In this case, the retaining device is configured, for example, as a transmission device in the form of a centrally mounted rotatable rod. The rotatable mounting, in this case, provides a rotation axis formed by a screw that is fixed to the useful part 12 of the furniture 10.

[0076] At its upper end, the retaining device 14 has a contact portion 15 which is configured to contact the actuating element 13. At this contact portion, an actuating force is transmitted from the actuating element 13 to the retaining device 14, resulting in a spring-biased retention of the adjusting ring 6 or a resetting of the adjusting ring 6 against the spring force.

[0077] On the opposite, lower side, the holding device has a guide groove 16 for a coupling element 17 of the adjustment ring 6. As coupling element 17, a cap screw fastened in the adjustment ring 6 is provided here merely as an example.

[0078] Although the present invention has been fully described above based on the preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto but can be modified in various ways.

[0079] In particular, the shape and design of the individual elements can be different. For example, the support bearing can be integrated into the useful part or base of the furniture instead of being a separate bearing ring.

[0080] Furthermore, the locking element can have different shapes, as long as the engagement recess corresponds thereto and the resulting pairing is configured for rotational locking of the shaft 2. In particular, it is also conceivable to design the locking element 4 as a ball. Furthermore, in addition to rotational locking, a pairing that provides axial locking is also conceivable.

[0081] The actuating element 13 and the holding device 14 can be configured in many other ways, for example in the form of different types of gear wheels equipped with an actuating element.

[0082] The number of corresponding engagement recesses 3 , stop elements 4 , support bearings 5 and profile recesses 7 can in principle vary and can be set to a maximum arrangable number up to the installation space limit.

[0083] Reference Signs List

[0084] 1 Locking device

[0085] 2-axis

[0086] 3 Engage recess

[0087] 4 Stop element

[0088] 5 Support bearing

[0089] 6 Adjustment ring

[0090] 7 Contour recesses

[0091] 8 Opening

[0092] 9 Bearing ring

[0093] 10 Furniture

[0094] 11 Base

[0095] 12 Useful parts

[0096] 13 Actuating element

[0097] 14 Holding device

[0098] 15 Contact part

[0099] 16 guide groove

[0100] 17 Cap screw

Claims

1. A locking device (1) for furniture, comprising: a shaft (2) which is rotatable for adjusting the furniture and has an engaging recess (3) limited to a predetermined angular segment (α) around the shaft (2); a stop element (4) configured to perform rotational stop of the shaft (2) by engaging in the engagement recess (3); a support bearing (5) configured to support the stop element (4) in a rotationally fixed manner about the shaft (2); as well as An adjusting ring (6) is rotated around the shaft (2), and the adjusting ring has a contoured recess (7) for radial adjustment of the stop element (4) in the support bearing (5) when the adjusting ring (6) is rotated around the shaft (2), wherein the stop element (4) can engage in the engagement recess (3) by radial adjustment, so that the shaft (2) can be rotationally locked to the support bearing (5) by the stop element (4).

2. The locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that The adjustment ring (6) for radial adjustment of the stop element (4) in the direction of the shaft (2) is configured to be rotatably spring-biased so that when the stop element (4) and the engaging recess (3) are aligned with each other, the stop element (4) can be independently latched to the engaging recess (3) by the spring-biased rotation of the adjustment ring (6).

3. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The contour recess (7) of the adjustment ring (6) has an opening (8) facing the shaft (2), through which the stop element (4) can engage in the engagement recess (3) at the level of the adjustment ring (6) when the opening (8) and the engagement recess (3) are aligned with each other.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stop element (4) is configured as a circular bolt received in the support bearing (5), the circular bolt being substantially parallel to the shaft (2), and the engagement recess (3) is configured as a circular groove introduced into the side surface of the shaft (2).

5. The locking device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The radius of the circular bolt corresponds to the radius of the circular groove, and the circular bolt is configured so as to be insertable over its entire length into the circular groove with a portion of its circumferential surface.

6. The locking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A plurality of engagement recesses (3) arranged around the circumference of the shaft (2), a plurality of stop elements (4), a plurality of support bearings (5) and a plurality of contour recesses (7) of the adjustment ring are provided for radial adjustment of the stop element (4) within the support bearing (5) when the adjustment ring (6) is rotated.

7. The locking device according to claim 6, characterized in that The arrangement of the plurality of engagement recesses (3), the plurality of stop elements (4), the plurality of support bearings (5) and the plurality of profile recesses (7) is configured to be distributed asymmetrically around the circumference of the shaft (2), wherein all the stop elements (4) are aligned with the corresponding engagement recesses (3) at only one position, so that the stop elements (4) can be inserted into the engagement recesses (3) at only said position by rotating the adjustment ring (6).

8. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein: The locking device is used for furniture that can be adjusted by rotating the furniture parts.

9. Rotatable furniture (10), including: base (11); Useful part (12); as well as The locking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (11) is coupled to the useful part (12) via the shaft (2) and the support bearing (5) of the locking device, Therein, the useful part (12) is rotatable about the axis (2) and can be locked in a predetermined orientation relative to the base by means of the locking device (1).

10. The rotatable furniture according to claim 9, characterized in that The piece of furniture (10) has an actuating element (13) configured to control the rotation and / or rotatability of the adjustment ring (6).

11. The rotatable furniture according to claim 10, characterized in that: The locking device (1) is configured according to claim 2 and in that a retaining device (14) coupled to the actuating element (13) is provided for selectively controlling the spring-biased rotatability of the adjusting ring (6).

12. The rotatable furniture according to claim 11, characterized in that In the first position of the actuating element (13), the adjusting ring (6) is rotated and released by the spring bias to perform radial adjustment of the stop element (4), and in the second position of the actuating element (13), the retaining device resists the spring bias to retain the adjusting ring in a position to keep the stop element (4) disengaged.

13. The rotatable furniture according to claim 9, characterized in that The rotatable piece of furniture (10) is a swivel armchair and the useful part is a seat.

14. The rotatable furniture according to claim 13, characterized in that The swivel armchair has an adjustment lever configured to control the rotation and / or rotatability of the adjustment ring (6).

15. Method for locking a rotatable piece of furniture according to one of claims 9 to 14 and / or a rotatable piece of furniture having a locking device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following method steps: releasing the rotatability of an adjustment ring (6) arranged around the axis (2) of the rotatable piece of furniture (10); and By rotating the adjustment ring (6) around the shaft (2), the stop element (4) is locked with the engagement recess (3), the stop element being radially adjustable relative to the shaft (2) by means of a profile recess (7) of the adjustment ring (6), the engagement recess being arranged on the shaft (2) and being limited to a predetermined angular segment (α) around the shaft.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The stop element is supported in a rotationally fixed manner around the shaft (2) by a support bearing (5), so that a rotational stop of the shaft (2) and the support bearing (5) is established by engagement.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The adjustment ring (6) is spring-biased to rotate independently, and once the stop element (4) and the engagement recess (3) are aligned with each other, the stop element and the engagement recess engage with each other by independent rotation of the adjustment ring (6).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that The engagement establishes a lock between a useful part (12) rotatable about the axis (2) and a base (11) of the piece of furniture (10), wherein the useful part has an actuating element (13) by which the rotatability of the adjusting ring (6) is released.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The actuating element (13) is an actuating rod.

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