Mechanism for seats

Abstract

The invention relates to a mechanism (100) for a seat, in particular for an office seat. In order to provide a mechanism that is particularly simple in construction, it is proposed that a rear spring end (27) of a spring element (30) acting between a backrest support (4) and a base support (1) of the mechanism (100) is designed to be positionally variable, and when the backrest support (4) is pivoted rearward in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat, the rear spring end (27) can be controlled by a coupling element (27) articulated on the backrest support (4) so ​​that the rear spring end is pulled forward in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a mechanism for a chair, in particular an office chair. Background Art

[0002] In various embodiments, a mechanism for a seat, in particular an office chair, is known. For high seating comfort, a so-called synchronous mechanism is used. This can be understood as a component in the seat base of the office chair, which is responsible for the kinematics that are coupled to each other and cause a certain relative movement of the seat and backrest relative to each other. The seat of the office chair, which is usually provided with an upholstered seat surface, is mounted on the seat support. The backrest support, which extends backwards from the actual synchronous mechanism in a conventional manner, carries the backrest of the office chair on an upwardly extending support.

[0003] Synchronous mechanisms for seats, in particular office seats, are usually of relatively complex construction, consist of a plurality of interacting components and / or are complex in terms of their assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a device which is of particularly simple construction. This object is achieved by the device according to the invention.

[0005] Thereafter, a mechanism for a seat, in particular an office seat, is proposed, the mechanism comprising a base support and a backrest support which can be placed on a base, wherein the backrest support is pivotally connected to the base support about a first transverse axis, and the mechanism comprises a spring device for setting a pivot resistance of the seat back, wherein the spring device comprises at least one spring element, wherein the at least one spring element is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the seat and acts between the backrest support and the base support, wherein the spring device comprises at least one spring end positioning element, wherein the at least one spring element acts on the spring end positioning element with its rear spring end as seen in the longitudinal direction of the seat. The invention relates to a backrest component, wherein the spring end positioning element is connected to the backrest component by a coupling element so that the spring end positioning element is moved forward in the longitudinal direction of the seat by pivoting the backrest component rearwardly about a first transverse axis in the longitudinal direction of the seat, which causes the rear spring end to move in the direction toward the front spring end and thereby causes loading of at least one spring element, and is characterized in that the spring end positioning element is connected to the backrest component by a coupling element so that the spring end positioning element is pulled forward in the longitudinal direction of the seat by pivoting the backrest component rearwardly about a first transverse axis in the longitudinal direction of the seat.

[0006] In other words, a mechanism for a seat, in particular an office seat, is proposed, wherein the rear spring end of a spring element acting between a backrest support and a base support of the mechanism is designed to be positionally variable, and when the backrest support is pivoted rearward in the longitudinal direction of the seat, the rear spring end is controlled by a coupling element hinged on the backrest support so that the rear spring end is pulled forward in the longitudinal direction of the seat. Preferably, the mechanism is designed so that the rear spring end is only pulled and not pressed or pushed.

[0007] Since the loading of the rear spring end of the at least one spring element is not carried out by a pressure or thrust from the rear, but instead only by a pulling force to the front, a complex backrest structure that acts on the rear spring end is not required. Instead, only a suitable coupling element that cooperates with the backrest support is provided, which acts on the rear spring end and pulls it forward when the backrest support is pivoted. By controlling the rear spring end in this way by means of a coupling element, the structure of the mechanism can be simplified.

[0008] Preferably, the coupling element is not only pivotally connected to the backrest support around the second transverse axis but also rotatably connected to the spring end positioning element. By articulating the coupling element to the spring end positioning element, it is ensured that the spring end positioning element can be driven by the coupling element to each allowed position.

[0009] Preferably, the second transverse axis is in front of the rear spring end in the longitudinal direction of the seat. In this way, the coupling element can be extended backward in the longitudinal direction of the seat to be connected to the spring end positioning element and to drive the spring end positioning element forward when the backrest support is pivoted backward.

[0010] The arrangement structure of the second transverse axis before the spring end at the rear can preferably be realized in the following manner, that is, at least a part of the backrest support extends forward along the longitudinal direction of the seat over the position of the spring end at the rear. By means of a coupling element that is hinged on the end of this front portion of the backrest support, extends backward along the longitudinal direction of the seat (that is, extends back), the spring end positioning element connected with the coupling element is driven by the coupling element and pulled forward when the backrest support pivots backward. In other words, the backrest support pulls the spring end positioning element forward when it pivots backward. Caused by this, the spacing of these two spring ends is reduced. The spring element that is implemented as a pressure spring is compressed. The user of the seat perceives this as the pivot resistance of the backrest, and the user leans on the backrest. If the user stops leaning on the backrest, the compressed spring element moves the backrest support forward back to its initial posture that is not pivoted.

[0011] Preferably, the spring end retaining element and thus also the rear spring end of the at least one spring element is arranged spaced apart from the first transverse axis. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the spring device has a spacer acting between the first transverse axis on the one hand and the spring end retaining element on the other hand, which spacer spaces the spring end retaining element apart from the first transverse axis.

[0012] Preferably, the spacer is designed in particular for setting the spring force of the at least one spring element in such a way that the distance of the rear spring end from the first transverse axis can be changed by means of the spacer. In other words, the spring device has means for setting the spring force of the at least one spring element in such a way that the distance of the spring end of the at least one spring element from the first transverse axis is variable. As a result, the effective lever arm, which determines the loading of the spring end and thus influences the pivoting resistance of the backrest support, can be lengthened or shortened. When setting the spring force, the position of the spring element in the mechanism, in particular its inclination, is changed, as a result of which the preload of the entire mechanism is changed.

[0013] Preferably, the spacer is designed so that the rear spring end of the at least one spring element can move on a circular path with a substantially constant radius around the front spring end of the spring element. In other words, the spring force is preferably set so that no work has to be done to overcome the spring force. For such a "weak" spring force setting, the setting device is designed so that the position-variable spring end can move on a circular path with a substantially constant radius around the other spring end. The preload of the spring element remains unchanged.

[0014] Preferably, the spacer is designed as a movably supported curved support, has such a curved support or cooperates with such a curved support, and the spring end positioning element is designed as a curved roller, which cooperates with the curved portion of the curved support and forms a curved transmission in this way, wherein the curved roller cooperating with the rear spring end of the at least one spring element can be moved into different spring force positions by the movement of the curved support. In other words, the setting device includes a curved transmission, whose curved roller cooperating with the curved support is connected to the length-variable spring end of the at least one spring element and can be moved into different spring force positions due to the movement of the curved support manually by the user or by a motor. The use of a curved transmission as a setting device is advantageous due to the movement curve of the spring end which can be precisely defined by a preset curve slope.

[0015] Preferably, the spacer is constructed as an eccentric and is supported rotatably about a first transverse axis, so that it provides different distances between the curved portion of the curved carrier and the first transverse axis, and the distance between the first transverse axis and the spring end positioning element and thus the distance between the first transverse axis and the rear spring end can be changed by rotating the spacer about the first transverse axis.

[0016] Preferably, the spring end retaining element, which serves as a curve roller of the curve transmission, runs on one side of the curve and is pressed against the curve by at least one spring element. Preferably, the spacer serves only to support the spring end retaining element on the spacer; the spring end retaining element is not loaded by the spacer during the pivoting of the backrest support, but is only loaded by the coupling element in that the coupling element pulls the spring end retaining element forward.

[0017] Preferably, the mechanism is configured as a synchronization mechanism for the relevant seat backrest movement of an office chair. Like each mechanism, the mechanism also has a seat support. Then, with the help of the present invention, the number of coupling elements, especially the number of elements connecting the seat support and the backrest support, can be reduced, so as to realize the particularly simple structural construction of the mechanism without giving up the desired function of the synchronization mechanism. For this reason, the backrest support is not only pivotable around a transverse axis and thus defines the main pivot axis of the mechanism with the base support and the seat support preferably non-indirectly (that is, directly and without an additional coupling element or similar element being connected in the middle) articulated connection. Preferably, the seat support is also non-indirectly articulated connection with the base support.

[0018] The three main components of the mechanism (base support, seat support and backrest support) are preferably connected to each other in such a way that the pivoting movement of the backrest from the initial position into the rearwardly pivoted position causes not only an immediate downward sinking movement of the rear region of the seat support as seen in the longitudinal direction of the seat, but also an immediate upward lifting movement of the front region of the seat support as seen in the longitudinal direction of the seat.

[0019] In other words, the rear area of ​​the seat sinks into its rearwardly pivoted position when the backrest is pivoted, while the front area of ​​the seat is lifted. The lowering of the rear seat area takes place indirectly here each time the initial position is left. The initial position is considered to be a position in which the backrest is not pivoted rearward.

[0020] The seat support is lowered in the area behind it and the area in front of it is simultaneously raised, so that the seat is synchronously driven in a defined relationship with the backrest and the seat surface is tilted. This results in the desired synchronization effect, in which the angle of the seat support relative to the backrest support changes. The synchronous movement of the seat and backrest that can be achieved avoids linear movement components of the seat support. In the case of the point synchronization mechanism, the synchronous movement of the seat is carried out as a rotation about a rotation point.

[0021] Compared to other mechanisms, the present mechanism is distinguished by its particularly flat design, so that the corresponding components require only a small amount of structural space. In other words, the invention allows a particularly high level of seating comfort to be achieved in a very small space in a smart manner without the so-called "shirt-slip effect" and without having to resort to complex and expensive structural solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The advantages and other advantages of the present invention are explained below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention according to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a side view of the mechanism in its initial attitude ("hard" setting),

[0024] Figure 2 A side view showing the mechanism in the most rearwardly pivoted position (the "hard" setting),

[0025] Figure 3 shows a side view of the mechanism in its initial attitude ("soft" setting),

[0026] Figure 4 A side view showing the mechanism in the most rearwardly pivoted position ("soft" setting),

[0027] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the synchronization mechanism in the initial position ("hard" setting),

[0028] Figure 6 A perspective view of a synchronization mechanism with a seat support is shown in an initial position (“hard” setting),

[0029] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the synchronization mechanism in the most rearwardly pivoted position (“hard” setting),

[0030] Figure 8 A perspective view of a synchronizing mechanism with a seat support is shown in a position pivoted to the maximum extent rearward (“hard” setting). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] All views show a section through the mechanism along the middle longitudinal plane. All figures do not show the invention to scale, are only schematic and only include its important components. Here, the same reference numerals correspond to elements with the same or similar functions.

[0032] First, the general structure and movement process of the mechanism are explained.

[0033] The device 100 has a base support 1 which can be placed on a seat base, here on the upper end of a base 10 (see Figure 1 Furthermore, the mechanism 100 surrounds the essentially frame-shaped seat support 3 (see Figure 6 , 8 ) and a backrest support 4, the side faces 5 of which are arranged to run parallel to the side walls of the base support 1.

[0034] The seat support 3 is provided for receiving or mounting a preferably upholstered seat surface (not shown). The mounting is carried out in a conventional manner with the aid of fastening elements not shown in greater detail. A backrest (not shown in greater detail) is arranged on the backrest support 4, which is height-adjustable in modern office chairs. The backrest can also be connected in one piece to the backrest support 4.

[0035] The entire mechanism 100 is designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to its central longitudinal plane (which is related to the actual kinematics). In this regard, unless otherwise stated, the following description always proceeds from the structural elements of the actual pivot mechanism that are present in pairs on both sides.

[0036] exist Figure 1 , 3 , 5 and 6 show the initial position of the mechanism 100 , in which the seat support 3 assumes a substantially horizontal position. Figure 2 , 4 , 7 and 8 show the mechanism 100 in the position in which the backrest support 4 is pivoted to the maximum extent possible. In this case, the base support 1 remains stationary.

[0037] In the rear region 6 of the mechanism 100, viewed in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat, the backrest support 4 is articulated non-indirectly (that is, directly and without the interposition of additional coupling elements or the like) with the rear region 25 of the seat support 3 at the articulation point 24. When using the pivot axis 13, a corresponding pivot bearing is formed.

[0038] Furthermore, the backrest support 4 is directly articulated to the base support 1 with its side face 5 extending in the direction of the front seat support region 8 and can thus be pivoted in the pivot direction 7 about a first transverse axis 11 defining a stationary main pivot axis of the mechanism 100. The first transverse axis 11 is located in front of the articulation point 24 of the backrest support 4 on the seat support 3, as viewed in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat. The pivoting of the backrest support 4 out of the initial position into the rearwardly pivoted position is therefore always coupled with a lowering movement of the rear region 25 of the seat support 3.

[0039] Both in the initial position and in the position pivoted to the rear to the greatest extent possible, all pivot axes and articulation points, with the exception of the articulation point 24 of the backrest support 4 on the seat support 3 , are located in front of the center of the conical receptacle 2 as viewed in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat.

[0040] In the front region 17 of the mechanism 100, the front region 18 of the base support 1 is connected to the front region 8 of the seat support 3 at a hinge point 26 in an indirect manner (that is, directly and without the interposition of additional coupling elements or the like). A corresponding pivot bearing is formed when using the pivot axis 15. The hinge point 26 (and also the first transverse axis 11) is fixed in position relative to the base support 1 and is therefore immobile, that is, it does not move with the backrest support 4 when pivoting.

[0041] The described pivoting device ensures that the backrest support 4 can be pivoted together with the backrest (not shown) about the first transverse axis 11 serving as the main pivot axis in the pivoting direction 7. At the same time, the rearward pivoting movement of the backrest support 4 causes the rear region 25 of the seat support 3 to immediately move downward, and the front region 8 of the seat support 3 to complete an upward lifting movement. When the backrest support 4 is pivoted, the seat support 3 is pivoted (that is, simultaneously), while the base support 1 remains fixed in position with the axes 11, 15.

[0042] The mechanism 100 has a spring device for setting the pivot resistance of the backrest support 4 or the backrest. The spring device comprises a single spring element 30 arranged centrally in the seat longitudinal direction 14 in the base support 1, which is in the form of a helical compression spring. The spring element 30 is not shown in all figures, but only in Figure 2. The spring element 30 acts between the backrest support 4 and the base support 1. In this case, the spring element exerts a spring force in order to prevent a rearwardly directed pivoting movement 7 of the backrest support 4. In this case, the spring element 30 is loaded during the pivoting of the backrest support 4. This means that, depending on the "hardness" of the spring element 30, a synchronous movement (seat and backrest) takes place in order to overcome a greater or lesser spring resistance.

[0043] The spring element 30 is supported on the one hand on the front thrust bearing 31 and on the other hand on the rear thrust bearing 37 by means of spring collars 32, 34. Here, the spring element 30 embraces a guide rod 33, which has spring collars 32, 34 at its respective ends.

[0044] The spring device has a spring end positioning element 45 which is positionally variable relative to the base support 1 and is arranged at a distance from the first transverse axis 11. When the backrest support 4 is pivoted, the spring element 30 is loaded on one side. In this case, the spring element 30 acts with its rear spring end 27 as seen in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat on the spring end positioning element 45, which forms the rear thrust bearing 37, and with its front spring end 28 as seen in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat on the base support 1 which is not positionally variable, i.e., by being supported on the thrust bearing 31, see Figure 2 In this way, only the rear spring end 27 is loaded by the rearward pivoting of the backrest support 4 about the first transverse axis 11 in the pivot direction 7 or in the seat longitudinal direction 14. This exclusive loading of the rear spring end 27 is an important feature of the mechanism 100 according to the invention.

[0045] In order to construct the variable-length rear lever arm 35 in the embodiment shown, the rear spring end 27 is connected to the backrest support 4 at a distance from the first transverse axis 11. The hinge point 40 is located in the area below the first transverse axis 11. The connection of the rear spring end 27 to the backrest support 4 is carried out by two coupling elements 21, which are non-indirectly hinged on the backrest support 4 on the one hand (i.e. pivotable around the second transverse axis 19) and non-indirectly hinged on the spring end positioning element 45 on the other hand. The coupling element 21 extending in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat is arranged on the right and left of the spring element 30. In the sectional illustration of the figure, only one of the coupling elements 21 is shown respectively. The structure and function of the coupling element 21 are described below based on a single coupling element 21.

[0046] In the simplest case (as shown in the figure), the spring end positioning element 45 is a stud bolt on which the spring plate 34 of the spring element 30 is supported. The coupling element 21 is articulated to the spring end positioning element 45 by rotatably inserting the spring end positioning element 45 into the rear end 38 of the coupling element 21 as seen in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat.

[0047] The second transverse axis 19 is located in front of the rear spring end 27 in the seat longitudinal direction 14. In the initial position of the mechanism 100, which has not been pivoted backward, the second transverse axis 19 is also located in front of the front spring end 28 or the front thrust bearing 31 in the seat longitudinal direction 14.

[0048] The coupling element 21 is articulated on an arm 20 of the side 5 extending forwards beyond the articulation point 11 in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat. The coupling element 21 is articulated on the backrest support 4 by rotatably inserting a stud 16 arranged between the two side surfaces 5 of the backrest support 4 at an articulation point 36 into a front end 39 of the coupling element 21 as viewed in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat, thereby forming a pivot bearing using the stud 16 as a pivot axis.

[0049] The spring end positioning element 45 is connected to the backrest support 4 via the coupling element 21 in such a way that the spring end positioning element 45 is moved forward in the seat longitudinal direction 14 by pivoting the backrest support 4 backward about the first transverse axis 11 in the seat longitudinal direction 14, which causes the rear spring end 27 to move in the direction of the front spring end 28 and thus causes the spring element 30 to be loaded. In this case, the rear spring end 27 is connected to the backrest support 4 via the coupling element 21 at a distance from the first transverse axis 11.

[0050] According to the invention, the coupling element 21 is designed so that the spring end positioning element 45 is pulled forward in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat by the rearward pivoting of the backrest support 4 about the first transverse axis 11 in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat. In other words, the loading of the rear spring end 27 is not carried out by a pressure or thrust from the rear, but by a pulling force forward. The arm 20 of the backrest support 4 extends forward in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat beyond the position of the rear spring end 28, so that when the backrest support 4 is pivoted backward, the spring end positioning element 45 connected to the coupling element 21 is driven and pulled forward by the coupling element 21 by means of the coupling element 21 that is articulated on the front end 47 of the backrest support 4 and extends backward in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat (that is, extends back).

[0051] The front spring end 28 is supported with a spring plate 32 in the front region 18 of the base carrier 1 on a suitably designed support element 51 which forms the thrust bearing 31 , thereby forming a fixed, positionally non-variable articulation point 9 .

[0052] Since the spring element 30 is arranged in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat, its line of action 52 also runs parallel to the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat, see Figure 2 When the backrest support 4 is pivoted backwards, the coupling element 21 pulls the spring end positioning element 45 forward in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat and thus in the direction of action 52 of the spring element 30. This type of arrangement of the coupling element 21 and the spring element 30 is the preferred arrangement. However, an arrangement of the coupling element 21 and / or the spring element 30 which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat is also possible.

[0053] The coupling element 21 acts as an articulated part, and in the event of a pivoting movement of the backrest support 4 or of the seat support 3 articulated thereto, executes a pivoting movement 29 directed toward the backrest support 4, see Figure 2 , 4 This pivoting movement follows the pivoting movement 41 of the arm 20 of the backrest support 4 and causes the spring end positioning element 45 to be pulled forward in the longitudinal direction 14 of the seat, whereby the compression spring 30 tensioned between the base support 1 and the coupling element 21 is compressed.

[0054] The position of the articulation point 40 of the rear end 27 of the spring element 30 on the coupling element 21 (and thus indirectly on the backrest support 4) defines the length of the lever arm 35 up to the main pivot axis 11 of the mechanism 100. When the backrest support 4 is pivoted, the lever arm 35 is pivoted forward about the main pivot axis 11, thereby loading the rear spring end 27. When the backrest support 4 is pivoted, the position of the front spring end 28 remains unchanged.

[0055] The change in pivot resistance is described in more detail below.

[0056] Since the spring element 30 acts on the spring end positioning element 45 , the spring element 30 can also be acted on in the opposite direction by a change in position of the spring end positioning element 45 .

[0057] The spring device comprises means for setting the spring force of the spring element 30 by changing the position of the rear spring end 27 and thus the spacing between the two spring ends 27, 28. In addition, the distance of the rear spring end 27 from the first transverse axis 11 is changed.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment described here, two spacers 43 acting between the first transverse axis 11 on the one hand and the spring end positioning element 45 on the other hand serve to space the spring end positioning element 45 from the first transverse axis 11. The spacers 43 simultaneously serve to set the spring force of the at least one spring element 30 in that they are designed to change the distance of the rear spring end 27 from the first transverse axis 11. The spacers 43 (like the coupling element 21 cooperating therewith) are also arranged to the right and left of the spring element 30. In the sectional illustration of the figure, only one of the spacers 43 is shown in each case. The structure and function of the spacers 43 will be described below with reference to a single spacer 43.

[0059] The spacer 43 is preferably designed in such a way that it allows the rear spring end 27 to move on a circular path with a substantially constant radius around the front spring end 28 , thereby achieving a “weak” spring force setting.

[0060] In this case, the position of the rear spring end 27 is changed by using the spacer 43 as a curve carrier 44 of the curve drive. The eccentric curve carrier 44, which can be manually and / or motor-actuated and movably supported on the backrest support 4 (i.e., rotatably supported about the first transverse axis 11), cooperates with a spring end positioning element 45 that serves as a scanning element of the curve drive. In other words, the spring end positioning element 45 assumes the function of a curve roller, which cooperates with or is in engagement with the curve 46 of the curve carrier 44. Due to the eccentricity of the spacer 43 and the resulting shape of the curve carrier 44, different distances of the curve 46 from the first transverse axis 11 are obtained. The distance between the first transverse axis 11 and the spring end positioning element 45 and thus the distance between the first transverse axis 11 and the rear spring end 27 can be changed in this way by rotating the spacer 43 about the first transverse axis 11.

[0061] In a simple case, in which the curve carrier 44 is designed as a curve disk 20, the spring end positioning element 45, as shown, runs on one side of the curve 46, against which it is pressed by at least one spring element 30. The spring end positioning element 45 is connected to the rear spring end 27, which is connected in the embodiment described here by supporting the rear spring end 27 on the spring end positioning element. By moving the curve carrier 44, the spring end positioning element 45 and the spring end 27 arranged there can be moved in position relative to the first transverse axis 11, which results in different spring forces.

[0062] Instead of a spacer 43 designed as an eccentric, a differently designed spacer can also be used, as long as it is suitable for changing the distance between the spring end positioning element 45 and the first transverse axis 11 in the desired manner. It is also possible that the spacer 43 itself is not designed as a curved disk 44, but a curved disk 44 cooperating with the spacer 43 is provided, which can be moved together with the spacer 43 or by means of the spacer 43 in the desired manner.

[0063] The spacer 43 or the curved disc 44 is used only to support the spring end positioning element 45 thereon, or in other words, only to fix the position of the spring end positioning element 45. During the pivoting of the backrest support 4, the spring end positioning element 45 is not loaded by the spacer 43 or the curved disc 44. The spring end positioning element 45 is loaded only by the coupling element 21 in that it pulls the spring end positioning element 45 forward. If the coupling element 21 pulls the spring end positioning element 45 forward during the pivoting of the backrest support 4, the spacer 43 is pivoted about the transverse axis 11 by the spring end positioning element 45 resting on the spacer 43, so that the spacer 43 also performs the pivoting movement of the backrest support 4.

[0064] A plurality of grooves are provided on the edge of the curved support 44 that defines the direction of the curved portion 46, which determine the local direction of the curved portion 46, including the rearmost groove 48 and the frontmost groove 49, see Figure 3 , 4 The recess arranged at a defined position of the curve 46 ensures a sufficiently large self-braking, that is to say a sufficient resistance to prevent the spring end retaining element 45 from sliding on the curve 46. As a result, the spring end retaining element 45 remains in its position even when a curve carrier 44 is used, which has a curve 46 with the steepest possible inclination, that is to say a steep curve angle, in order to achieve the shortest possible adjustment path when setting the spring force of the spring element 30.

[0065] The advantage of the recess is that a graduated setting of the spring force is thereby achieved, which is often considered advantageous from the user's point of view, since the adjustment of the rear spring end 27 is associated with a more or less strong snapping of the spring end positioning element 45 into the corresponding recess, whereby the user receives tactile feedback regarding the successful completion of the setting process. However, embodiments with a continuously smoothed curve edge are also possible.

[0066] When the spacer 43 mounted on the rear transverse axis 11 is rotated in the actuation direction 50 , a setting from “hard” to “soft” and vice versa is achieved.

[0067] exist Figure 1, 2 , 5 to 8, the spring end positioning element 45 is placed in the groove 49 at the front of the curve 46. The effective lever arm 35 from the hinge point 40 of the spring element 30 of the mechanism 100 to the main pivot axis 11 is the longest. In this posture, the hinge point 40 of the spring element 30 must travel a larger path under the same pivot angle of the backrest support 4. In other words, the spring path is longer. For this reason, the spring element 30 is compressed more strongly. The pivot resistance and thus also the restoring torque of the backrest support 4 are large. Here, the spring element 30 already has a greater hardness at the beginning of the pivoting process, and there is no need for the backrest support 4 to pivot for this.

[0068] exist Figure 3 and 4 In the softest setting shown in FIG, the spring end positioning element 45 is placed in the recess 48 at the rearmost of the curve 46. The effective lever arm 35 is shorter, the spring path and thus the pivoting resistance and the restoring torque are correspondingly smaller.

[0069] During the described setting of the pivoting resistance, the spring preload of the spring element 30 does not change. However, with the change of the pivoting resistance, the initial resistance of the backrest support 4 changes. The "harder" the setting, the greater the initial force to be applied by the user for the pivoting of the backrest support 4.

[0070] The rotation of the spacer 43 in the actuation direction 50 (here from "hard" to "soft", see Figure 1 ) can be carried out by means of a manually operable handle (not shown), for example by means of a rotating knob or hand wheel. The handle is preferably mounted on the backrest support 4, wherein the transverse axis of the advantageously used hand wheel overlaps with the rear transverse axis 11, so that a user-friendly direct transmission of the rotation of the hand wheel to the spacer 43 takes place without the need for a prior transmission of the linear operating movement to the rotational movement of the spacer 43. Alternatively, the spacer 43 can also be driven by a lever, a Bowden pull or the like or by means of a transmission element, such as a gear and the like, to transmit the operating movement from the handle (whose transverse axis is remote from the transverse axis 11) to the spacer 43. Instead of manual actuation, an (electric) motor drive can also be provided.

[0071] Depending on the available construction space, a larger or smaller curved carrier 44 can be used. It is also possible to use a curved section 46 with a smaller or larger slope, depending on the desired construction size. Likewise, the adjustment characteristics of the pivoting resistance can be set by selecting the curved section 46, in particular by deciding whether to use a curved section 46 with a constant or variable slope.

[0072] Overall, this results in a spring force setting that can be realized with a small number of components and requires a particularly small amount of installation space.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, in which no forced guidance of the spring end positioning element 45 serving as a curve roller of the curve transmission is provided in order to keep the number of required components as small as possible for the sake of simplicity of construction, it must be ensured that when the spacer 43 is rotated for adjusting the pivoting resistance (especially when adjusting from "hard" to "soft"), the spring element 30 follows the curve 46 of the curve disk 44 and does not lose contact with the spacer 43. The force acting on the spring end positioning element 45, which is sufficient to reliably press the spring end positioning element 45 onto the curve 46, is advantageously provided by a suitable mutually coordinated arrangement of the spring element 30 and the coupling element 21.

[0074] Preferably, for this purpose, the spring element 30 and the coupling element 21 are arranged in the mechanism 100 in such a way that the line of action 52 of the spring element 30 does not overlap with the traction direction 53 of the coupling element 21. In other words, the lines of action 52, 53 of the spring element 30 and of the coupling element 21 are spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the line of action 52 of the spring element 30 and the middle longitudinal axis of the coupling element 21, which overlaps with the traction direction 53, are never parallel to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, in order to achieve the desired force action on the spring end positioning element 45, the structural component is preferably arranged in such a way that the second transverse axis 19, which is positionally variable together with the backrest support 4, is always spaced apart from the fixed hinge point 9 at which the spring element 30 is supported on the base support 1, in particular above this pivot point 9. The force thus caused to act on the spring end positioning element 45 is Figure 3 This is illustrated by arrow 54.

[0075] In other words, the spring end positioning element 45 is always pressed easily against the spacer 43 because the lines of action 52, 53 have an angular offset which causes a force component acting on the spring end positioning element 45 that points upward in the direction of the spacer 43. In this way, it is possible to dispense with the use of additional spring elements that load the spring end positioning element 45 from below in the direction of the spacer 43 and to dispense with alternative fixing measures.

[0076] All features shown in the description and the drawings may be essential to the invention both individually and in any combination with one another.

[0077] These features or combinations of features can each represent an independent invention, the scope of protection of which is expressly reserved.

[0078] When describing a combination of features that define the invention, individual features from the description of an embodiment do not necessarily have to be combined with one or more or all other features described in the description of this embodiment; in this regard, each subcombination of features of one or more embodiments is explicitly disclosed together.

[0079] Furthermore, specific features of the device can be used as method features in a modified form and method features can be used as specific features of the device in a modified form. Features modified in this way are automatically disclosed together.

[0080] Reference numerals list

[0081] 1 Foundation bearing

[0082] 2 Conical receiving part

[0083] 3 Seat support

[0084] 4 Backrest support

[0085] 5 Side

[0086] 6 Rear mechanism area

[0087] 7 Pivot direction

[0088] 8 Front area of ​​the seat support

[0089] 9 Pivot points, articulation points of spring elements / base supports

[0090] 10 Base

[0091] 11 First transverse axis, main pivot axis

[0092] 12 (none)

[0093] 13 Pivot axis of backrest support / base support

[0094] 14 Seat longitudinal direction

[0095] 15 Pivot axis for base carrier / seat carrier

[0096] 16 Bolt, pivot

[0097] 17 Front Institutional Area

[0098] 18 Front area of ​​the base carrier

[0099] 19 Second transverse axis, pivot axis

[0100] 20 Arm

[0101] 21 Coupling elements

[0102] 22 (none)

[0103] 23 (none)

[0104] 24 Articulation point of backrest support / seat support

[0105] 25 Rear area of ​​seat support

[0106] 26 Articulation point of base support / seat support

[0107] 27 Rear spring end

[0108] 28 Front spring end

[0109] 29 Pivoting movement of coupling element

[0110] 30 Helical compression springs, spring elements

[0111] 31 Front thrust bearing

[0112] 32 Front spring retainer

[0113] 33 Guide rod

[0114] 34 Rear spring retainer

[0115] 35 Lever Arm

[0116] 36 Articulation point of backrest support / coupling element

[0117] 37 Rear thrust bearing

[0118] 38 Rear end of coupling element

[0119] 39 End of the front portion of the coupling element

[0120] 40 Connection / action / hinged points

[0121] 41 Pivoting movement of the rear lever arm

[0122] 42 (none)

[0123] 43 Spacer

[0124] 44 Curved bearings

[0125] 45 Curve roller, scanned parts

[0126] 46 Curve

[0127] 47 Front end of backrest support

[0128] 48 rearmost groove

[0129] 49 Front groove

[0130] 50 Control direction

[0131] 51 Support element

[0132] 52 Spring action line and direction

[0133] 53 Pull direction of coupling element

[0134] 100 Institutions

Claims

1. A mechanism (100) for a seat, The arrangement comprises a base support (1) which can be placed on a base (10) and a backrest support (4), wherein: The backrest support (4) is hingedly connected to the base support (1) so as to be pivotable about a first transverse axis (11); The mechanism comprises a spring device for setting the pivoting resistance of a backrest of a seat, wherein the spring device has at least one spring element (30), wherein the at least one spring element (30) acts between the backrest support (4) and the base support (1), The spring device comprises at least one spring end positioning element (45), wherein the at least one spring element (30) acts with its rear spring end (27) as viewed in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat on the spring end positioning element (45) and with its front spring end (28) as viewed in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat on the base support (1), The spring end positioning element (45) is connected to the backrest support (4) via a coupling element (21) so that the spring end positioning element (45) moves forward in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat by pivoting the backrest support (4) backward about the first transverse axis (11) in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat, which causes the rear spring end (27) to move in the direction of the front spring end (28) and thereby causes the at least one spring element (30) to be loaded. in, pulling the spring end positioning element (45) forward in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat, It is characterized in that The spring end positioning element (45) is arranged spaced apart from the first transverse axis (11), The spring device has a spacer (43) acting between a first transverse axis (11) on the one hand and the spring end positioning element (45) on the other hand, the spacer spacing the spring end positioning element (45) from the first transverse axis (11).

2. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 1, wherein: The seat is an office seat.

3. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 1, wherein: The coupling element (21) is connected in an articulated manner not only to the backrest support (4) so ​​as to be pivotable about a second transverse axis (19) but also to the spring end positioning element (45).

4. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 3, wherein: The second transverse axis (19) is located in front of the rear spring end (27) of the at least one spring element (30), viewed in the longitudinal direction (14) of the seat.

5. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The spacer (43) is designed for setting the spring force of the at least one spring element (30) such that the distance between a rear spring end (27) of the at least one spring element (30) and the first transverse axis (11) can be varied by means of the spacer (43).

6. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 5, wherein: The spacer (43) is implemented as a movably supported curved support (44), has such a curved support (44) or cooperates with such a curved support (44), and the spring end positioning element (45) is implemented as a curved roller, which cooperates with the curved portion (46) of the curved support (44) and constructs a curved transmission in this way, wherein the spring end positioning element (45) that cooperates with the rear spring end (27) of the at least one spring element (30) can be moved into positions of different spring forces by moving the curved support (44).

7. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 6, wherein: The spring end positioning element (45) runs on one side of the curved portion (46) and is pressed against the curved portion by the at least one spring element (30).

8. The mechanism (100) for a seat according to claim 7, wherein: The lines of action of the at least one spring element (30) and the coupling element (21) are not parallel to each other.

9. A seat having a mechanism (100) for a seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The seat according to claim 9, wherein: The seat is an office seat.

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