A lumbar support structure

Abstract

The application discloses a waist supporting structure, which comprises a support and two waist supports arranged symmetrically on the front side of the support, each of the two ends of the support is connected with a corresponding waist support through a soft connecting piece, the soft connecting piece is deformed and generates a restoring force when the waist support swings, the waist support comprises a waist support body and a supporting rod for connecting the waist support body with the soft connecting piece, the waist support body has an inner end close to the middle part of the support and an outer end away from the middle part of the support, the supporting rod extends from the inner end to the soft connecting piece, when the inner part of the waist support body is pressed backward, the whole waist support body is twisted inward around the soft connecting piece, and the outer end of the waist support body is swung outward around the inner end and close to the middle part of the support. The two waist support bodies are forced to form a waist wrapping effect, which is flexible and comfortable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lumbar support structures, and particularly to a lumbar support structure. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for the health and comfort of chairs also increase. Initially, chairs did not have lumbar support, and the right-angled structure was neither healthy nor comfortable. Later, single-lumbar-support chairs had a single piece of lumbar support, which could only meet the basic need of supporting the waist and was very inflexible. Most double lumbar supports on the market now, such as the lumbar support mechanism of an office chair disclosed in CN202121626602.X, connect the base plate through springs and support column hinges, which slightly improves mobility. However, the hinges are limited to horizontal rotation and cannot deflect at all in the vertical direction. Moreover, the use of springs for support means that users have different body shapes and weights. When the user's waist is wider, the spring should be closer to the outside, and when the user is lighter, the spring force should be reduced. However, the installation position and elastic strength of the springs are difficult to adjust, and still cannot meet the needs.

[0003] Therefore, we need a lumbar support structure that can adapt to the body shape of most users, coordinate with the movement of the waist, better adjust the position in all directions, and provide better comfort during use, combining health and comfort to meet the user's requirements for the product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a lumbar support structure that, through the cooperation of a support rod, a bracket, and a soft connector, increases the range of motion and waist-hugging performance of the lumbar support, making it more ergonomic, comfortable, and healthy.

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] A lumbar support structure, comprising:

[0007] The support frame and symmetrically arranged lumbar supports at the front of the frame are connected to their respective ends by flexible connectors. These flexible connectors deform and generate a restoring elastic force when the lumbar supports twist. Each lumbar support includes a lumbar support body and a support rod connecting it to the flexible connector. The lumbar support body has an inner end near the center of the support frame and an outer end away from the center. The support rod extends from the inner end towards the flexible connector. When the inner part of the lumbar support body is subjected to a backward compressive force, the entire lumbar support body twists inward around the flexible connector, while the outer end of the lumbar support body swings outward around the inner end and towards the center of the support frame. The two lumbar support bodies create a lumbar-hugging effect, providing flexibility and comfort.

[0008] Preferably, the support rod and the lumbar support body are integrally formed, and the length of the support rod is shorter than the overall width of the lumbar support body. The support rod and the body cooperate through the lever principle to achieve lumbar support.

[0009] Preferably, the lumbar support body is curved along its width, gradually extending away from the support from the inner end to the outer end. This shape is more ergonomic and more comfortable to use.

[0010] Preferably, the lumbar support body is equipped with a mesh fabric, which is embedded around the perimeter of the lumbar support body, forming a support surface. Using mesh fabric as the surface of the lumbar support provides good breathability and elasticity, resulting in greater comfort during use.

[0011] Preferably, a connecting mechanism is provided between the support rod and the flexible connector and / or between the flexible connector and the bracket. The connecting mechanism includes a connecting seat formed at the end of the support rod and / or the bracket, and a pressure cap detachably connected to the connecting seat. The connecting seat is recessed on both sides of the end face facing the flexible connector to form a relief groove. A connecting protrusion is formed between the two relief grooves. The portion of the relief groove near the end face of the connecting seat extends radially to form a limiting stop. A slot is formed between the limiting stop and the bottom of the opposite relief groove. The end of the flexible connector that mates with the connecting seat has a notch to avoid the connecting protrusion, and the end of the flexible connector that mates with the connecting seat is radially recessed to form a neck. Thus, a convex ring that protrudes radially outward from the neck is formed at the end of the flexible connector. When the flexible connector is inserted into the connecting seat, the convex ring is inserted into the slot and stopped by the limiting stop. The limiting stop is then locked at the neck. The pressure cap is placed on the connecting protrusion and locked with screws to restrict the convex ring in the slot. The traditional connection method involves pre-installing nuts inside the flexible connector. This causes the nuts and screws to directly contact the inside of the flexible connector, resulting in relative movement of the hard metal inside. Over time, this can cause significant wear. The connection mechanism, on the other hand, can effectively fix the flexible connector and prevent wear, thus extending its service life under normal use.

[0012] Preferably, the gland includes a gland body, with two ribs extending from one side of the gland body in a direction perpendicular to the gland body. A gap is left between the two ribs to allow for a connecting protrusion. The connecting protrusion has a screw hole, and the gland body has a through hole corresponding to the screw hole. When the gland is assembled with the connecting seat, the ribs are inserted between the protruding ring and the bottom of the relief groove to fill the gap. The gland body is then connected and fixed by screws inserted into the screw holes of the connecting protrusion. The wide bottom of the relief groove allows the protruding ring to easily engage, and then the ribs are inserted to fill the gap between them, simplifying installation while ensuring a compact structure.

[0013] Preferably, the limiting stop occupies one-half to two-thirds of the height of the limiting groove, leaving a gap between the limiting stop and the recessed groove. A baffle extends from the other side of the pressure cap body in the same direction as the rib. When the pressure cap is combined with the connecting seat, the baffle fills the gap and, together with the limiting stop, limits the convex ring of the soft connector. The limiting stop and the baffle combine to form a complete circle, resulting in a compact and aesthetically pleasing structure while saving axial space occupied by the connector.

[0014] Preferably, the flexible connector is cylindrical or disc-shaped, with hollow cavities extending axially inward from both ends. The sum of the lengths of the hollow cavities at both ends is less than the total length of the flexible connector, and there is a solid partition between the hollow cavities. Flexible connectors are mostly solid or hollow. Solid structures require greater force to deform and generate greater reaction force, while hollow structures have relatively insufficient support and elasticity. Adding hollow cavities can reduce the force required for deformation and the restoring elasticity, and the solid partition at the waist can ensure sufficient support and elasticity.

[0015] The principle and beneficial effects of the present invention, which adopts the above technical solution, are as follows:

[0016] This invention provides a waist support structure that improves flexibility by replacing the traditional double-waist spring hinge structure with a Z-shaped rod and a flexible connector structure.

[0017] Specifically, through the levers between the support rod, the bracket, and the lumbar support body, combined with the elasticity and deformation capacity of the soft connector, a double-lever mechanism is formed between each lumbar support and the bracket. The first lever is formed between the lumbar support body and the soft connector via the support rod. When the lumbar support body is subjected to external force, it pries the soft connector, causing the soft connector to deform and generate an elastic restoring force. Furthermore, because the outer end of the lumbar support body is suspended, a second lever is formed between the inner and outer ends, allowing the outer end to twist and deflect around the inner end. Therefore, using… The aforementioned structure allows for more flexible lumbar support deformation, especially when applied to a seat, i.e., when the body leans back, achieving lumbar support compression. This means the outer sides of the lumbar support effectively hug and support the waist. Furthermore, it remains close to the waist as the body twists and turns, supporting and conforming to the waist's movement. Moreover, the soft connectors are injection molded, allowing for any shape to achieve the desired visual effect. The overall assembly of the soft connectors is more refined than that of springs, and the flexibility of the soft material, meaning its deformation response is gentler, also meets the requirements for safe human use. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the normal use of the lumbar support structure.

[0019] Figure 2 A top view of the lumbar support structure;

[0020] Figure 3 Top view of the waist support structure without mesh fabric;

[0021] Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the lumbar support body;

[0022] Figure 5 An exploded view of the front side of an example of a lumbar support structure.

[0023] Figure 6 An exploded view of the rear side of an example of a lumbar support structure.

[0024] Figure 7 Assembly diagram of the lumbar support structure;

[0025] Figure 8 This is an assembly diagram showing the soft connectors of the lumbar support structure after they have been installed.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the partial insertion of the cap.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the full insertion and assembly of the pressure cap;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the flexible connector;

[0029] The labels for each of the attached drawings are as follows: 1-bracket, 2-lumbar support, 3-soft connector, 4-lumbar support body, 5-support rod, 6-connecting seat, 7-pressure cap, 8-recessed groove, 9-connecting protrusion, 10-limiting stop, 11-slot, 12-notch, 13-neck reduction, 14-protruding ring, 15-rib plate, 16-gap, 17-deformation groove, 18-hollow cavity, 19-mesh surface, 20-through hole, 21-baffle, 22-pressure cap body, 23-solid partition. Implementation

[0030] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0031] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and therefore the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] The specific embodiments of the present invention are as follows:

[0033] First, let's define the orientation in the description of this invention. This invention takes the lumbar support structure as a reference when it is in normal use. The bracket 1 is located at the rear, with the side with the connecting seat 6 facing forward, and the lumbar support 2 is located at the front, with the side with the connecting seat 6 facing backward.

[0034] like Figure 1-11 As shown, the present invention first provides a lumbar support structure, including a bracket 1 and lumbar supports 2 symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides in front of the bracket 1. Each end of the bracket 1 is connected to the corresponding lumbar support 2 by a soft connector 3. The soft connector 3 is made of rubber and can deform and generate a restoring elastic force when the user leans against the lumbar support 2 and twists, increasing the range of motion of the lumbar support 2. The lumbar support 2 includes a lumbar support body 4 and a support rod 5 for connecting the lumbar support body 4 to the soft connector 3. The lumbar support body 4 has an inner end near the middle of the bracket 1 and an outer end away from the middle of the bracket 1. The support rod 5 extends from the inner end toward the soft connector 3 and is integrally formed with the lumbar support body 4. The bracket 1, the support rod 5 and the lumbar support body 4 form a Z-shaped structure. When the inner part of the lumbar support body 4 is subjected to a backward squeezing force, the lumbar support body 4 twists inward around the soft connector 3, while the outer end of the lumbar support body 4 swings outward around the inner end toward the middle of the bracket 1, achieving a waist-hugging effect through the lever principle.

[0035] The above describes the general composition of this lumbar support structure. The following sections will provide a detailed description of each part:

[0036] Specifically, such as Figure 2-4 As shown, the lumbar support body 4 is arc-shaped along the width direction, gradually extending away from the bracket 1 from the inner end to the outer end. The structure is ergonomic and can provide a better waist-hugging effect. In addition, the support rod 5 is integrally formed with the lumbar support body 4 and does not require additional connection. The length of the support rod 5 is shorter than the overall width of the lumbar support body 4.

[0037] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the lumbar support body 4 is equipped with a mesh fabric 19. The mesh fabric 19 is embedded around the perimeter of the lumbar support body 4, and the surface of the mesh fabric 19 forms a support surface. When sitting for a long time, especially in hot weather, the lumbar support 2 needs to have good breathability. The mesh fabric 19 has good breathability, as well as good elasticity and flexibility, making it suitable as the surface of the lumbar support 2.

[0038] Furthermore, such as Figure 7-8As shown, a connecting mechanism is provided between the support rod 5 and the flexible connector 3, and between the flexible connector 3 and the bracket 1. The connecting mechanism includes a connecting seat 6 formed at the ends of the support rod 5 and the bracket 1, and a pressure cap 7 detachably connected to the connecting seat 6. The connecting seat 6 is generally cylindrical, and recesses inward on both sides of the end face facing the flexible connector 3 to form relief grooves 8. A connecting protrusion 9 is formed between the two relief grooves 8. The connecting protrusion 9 has a built-in threaded hole for subsequent installation steps. The portion of the relief groove 8 near the end face of the connecting seat 6 extends radially to form a limiting stop 10, which is about half of the circular surface of the connecting seat 6. A retaining groove 11 is formed between the limiting stop 10 and the bottom of the opposite relief groove 8. The end of the flexible connector 3 that mates with the connector seat 6 has a notch 12 to avoid the connecting protrusion 9, and the end of the flexible connector 3 that mates with the connector seat 6 is radially recessed to form a neck 13, thereby forming a convex ring 14 that radially protrudes outward from the neck 13 at the end of the flexible connector 3; when the flexible connector 3 is inserted into the connector seat 6, the convex ring 14 is inserted into the slot 11 and stopped by the limiting stop 10, which is then locked at the neck 13, the notch 12 fits against the connecting protrusion 9, the pressure cap 7 covers the connecting protrusion 9, and the screw is locked to the connecting protrusion 9 through the through hole 20, thus restricting the convex ring 14 in the slot and thus restricting the displacement of the flexible connector 3.

[0039] Furthermore, such as Figure 9-10 As shown, the pressure cap 7 includes a pressure cap body 22. Two ribs 15 extend from one side of the pressure cap body 22 in a direction perpendicular to the pressure cap body 22. A gap 16 is left between the two ribs 15 to avoid the connecting protrusion 9. The combination of the two ribs 15 and the gap 16 is roughly circular. A screw hole is provided on the connecting protrusion 9. A through hole 20 corresponding to the screw hole is provided on the pressure cap body 22. In actual installation, the ribs 15 are inserted between the protruding ring 14 and the bottom of the relief groove 8 to fill the gap. The pressure cap 7 is connected and fixed by screws inserted into the screw holes of the connecting protrusion 9. The structure is simple and easy to install.

[0040] The limiting stop 10 occupies half the height of the relief groove 8, thus leaving a gap between the limiting stop 10 and the groove opening of the relief groove 8. On the other side of the pressure cover body 22, a baffle 21 extends in the same direction as the rib plate 15. When the pressure cover 7 is combined with the connecting seat 6, the baffle 21 fills the gap and together with the limiting stop 10 limits the protruding ring 14 of the soft connector 3. The shapes of the pressure cover 7 and the connecting seat 6 fit together, and the outer surfaces of the combined pressure cover 7 and the connecting seat 6 are cylindrical, which is beautiful and not obtrusive.

[0041] like Figure 11As shown, the flexible connector 3 is cylindrical or disc-shaped, with a length of about 4-5 cm. It has an annular deformation groove 17 at the waist of the cylindrical or disc shape, and hollow cavities 18 extending axially inward from both ends. The length of the hollow cavities 18 at both ends is less than the total length of the flexible connector 3. The middle section of the two hollow cavities 18 is a solid partition 23. In use, the flexible connector 3 deforms around the annular deformation groove 17 as the waist moves, and the hollow cavities 18 inside also deform accordingly. The solid partition 23 in the middle provides support and elasticity, which can adapt to most normal use situations.

[0042] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above illustratively. This description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. Therefore, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lumbar support structure comprising a support frame and a lumbar support disposed on the front side of the support frame and symmetrically disposed left and right, characterized in that: Each end of the support is connected to a corresponding lumbar support via a flexible connector. The flexible connector deforms and generates a restoring elastic force when the lumbar support twists. The two ends of the flexible connector extend axially inward with hollow cavities, and there is a solid partition between the two hollow cavities. The flexible connector is cylindrical or disc-shaped, and an annular deformation groove is provided in the waist of the cylindrical or disc-shaped part. The lumbar support includes a lumbar support body and a support rod for connecting the lumbar support body to the flexible connector. The lumbar support body has an inner end near the middle of the support and an outer end away from the middle of the support. The support rod extends from the inner end toward the flexible connector. The support, support rod and lumbar support body form a Z-shaped structure. The support rod is integrally formed with the lumbar support body, and the length of the support rod is shorter than the overall width of the lumbar support body. When the inner part of the lumbar support body is subjected to a backward squeezing force, the lumbar support body twists inward around the flexible connector, while the outer end of the lumbar support body swings outward around the inner end toward the middle of the support.

2. The lumbar support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waist rest body is arc-shaped along the width direction, gradually extending away from the support from the inner end to the outer end.

3. The lumbar support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lumbar support body is equipped with a mesh fabric, which is embedded around the perimeter of the lumbar support body, and the surface of the mesh fabric forms a support surface.

4. The lumbar support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connecting mechanism is provided between the support rod and the flexible connector and / or between the flexible connector and the bracket. The connecting mechanism includes a connecting seat formed at the end of the support rod and / or the bracket, and a pressure cap detachably connected to the connecting seat. The connecting seat is recessed on both sides of the end face facing the flexible connector to form a relief groove. A connecting protrusion is formed between the two relief grooves. The portion of the relief groove near the end face of the connecting seat extends radially to form a limiting stop. A slot is formed between the limiting stop and the bottom of the opposite relief groove. The end of the flexible connector that mates with the connecting seat has a notch to avoid the connecting protrusion, and the end of the flexible connector that mates with the connecting seat is radially recessed to form a neck. Thus, a convex ring that protrudes radially outward from the neck is formed at the end of the flexible connector. When the flexible connector is inserted into the connecting seat, the convex ring is inserted into the slot and stopped by the limiting stop. The limiting stop is then locked at the neck. The pressure cap is placed on the connecting protrusion and locked with screws to restrict the convex ring within the slot.

5. The lumbar support structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure cap includes a pressure cap body. Two ribs extend from one side of the pressure cap body in a direction perpendicular to the pressure cap body. A gap is left between the two ribs to avoid the connecting protrusion. A screw hole is opened on the connecting protrusion. A through hole corresponding to the screw hole is provided on the pressure cap body. When the pressure cap is combined with the connecting seat, the ribs are inserted between the protruding ring and the bottom of the relief groove to fill the gap. The pressure cap body is connected and fixed by screws inserted into the screw hole of the connecting protrusion.

6. The lumbar support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The limiting stop edge occupies one-half to two-thirds of the height of the relief groove, thus leaving a gap between the limiting stop edge and the relief groove opening. A baffle extends from the other side of the pressure cover body in the same direction as the rib plate. When the pressure cover is combined with the connecting seat, the baffle fills the gap and together with the limiting stop edge limits the convex ring of the soft connector.

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