Recliner
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EKORNES
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing adjustable recliners are complex to operate, have complicated designs, and are not very durable.
A recliner was designed, including a seat, a backrest, and a headrest. The headrest is automatically adjustable via an elongated connector assembly that expands or contracts when a force exceeding a threshold is applied. A reset mechanism ensures smooth transitions between different headrest positions.
The operation of the recliner has been simplified, improving its ease of use and durability, and enhancing the user experience.
Smart Images

Figure CN122161532A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of adjustable recliners. Background Technology
[0002] Adjustable recliners have been on the market for decades, including those with adjustable headrests and synchronization mechanisms. However, existing adjustable recliners often suffer from problems such as difficulty in operation, complex design, and low durability, so there is still room for further research and development in this field.
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a recliner that solves some of the problems in the prior art. Summary of the Invention
[0004] A first aspect of the invention provides a recliner comprising: a seat; a backrest including a first backrest portion, wherein the backrest is connected to the seat and wherein the first backrest portion is configured to pivot between an upright first position and an inclined second position; a headrest connected to an upper end of the first backrest portion and wherein the headrest is configured to pivot between a headrest first position and a headrest second position; and an elongated connector assembly connected to the headrest at a first connection point and extending toward the seat, wherein the elongated connector assembly is configured to pivot between a headrest first position and a headrest second position; and an elongated connector assembly connected to the headrest at a first connection point and extending toward the seat. The headrest is pivoted forward from the first headrest position to the second headrest position when the first backrest portion pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position, and pivots rearward from the second headrest position to the first headrest position when the first backrest portion pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position, wherein the elongated connector assembly includes a connector assembly element having an adjustable length, and wherein the connector assembly element is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the elongated connector assembly when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest.
[0005] According to another embodiment of the invention, the backrest includes a second backrest portion connected to the seat portion, a first backrest portion connected to the second backrest portion, an elongated connector assembly connected to the second backrest portion via a second connection point, the elongated connector assembly extending between the first connection point and the second connection point, and wherein the connector assembly element is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point and the second connection point when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recliner further includes a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is connected to a second backrest portion and extends a non-zero distance from the second backrest portion in a forward direction, and wherein a second connection point is arranged on the connecting element such that the second connection point is positioned at a non-zero distance from the backrest in a forward direction.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recliner further includes a lumbar support connected to a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is rotatably connected to a second backrest portion such that when the first backrest portion pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position, the lumbar support rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest in a rearward direction.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first backrest portion is connected to a seat portion, an elongated connector assembly is connected to the seat portion via a third connection point, the elongated connector assembly is disposed between the first connection point and the third connection point, and the connector assembly element is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point and the third connection point when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recliner further includes a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is connected to a first backrest portion and extends a non-zero distance from the first backrest portion in a forward direction from the backrest, the elongated connector assembly is further connected to the first backrest portion via a fourth connection point, and wherein the fourth connection point is arranged on the connecting element such that the fourth connection point is positioned at a non-zero distance from the backrest in a forward direction from the backrest.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recliner further includes a lumbar support connected to a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is rotatably connected to a first backrest portion such that when the first backrest portion pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position, the lumbar support rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest in a rearward direction.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connector assembly element includes an elastic element.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly element includes an elongated piston assembly.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the recliner further includes a reset mechanism configured to set the length of the connector assembly elements within a predetermined interval when the first backrest portion pivots between an inclined second position and an upright first position.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the elongated piston assembly includes a piston and a piston housing, wherein the piston is configured to move within the piston housing when the elongated piston assembly is exposed to a force exceeding a second threshold.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the reset mechanism includes a connecting rod connected to the first backrest portion and the piston, and the connecting rod is arranged to apply a force exceeding a second threshold when the first backrest portion pivots between an inclined second position and an upright first position.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, the piston includes an elongated slot, wherein a connecting rod is received in the slot and is movable within the slot.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated piston assembly includes an elastic member connecting the piston and the piston housing. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a recliner according to the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a recliner according to the present invention, which includes a headrest and a first backrest portion, wherein the headrest is configured to pivot between a first headrest position and a second headrest position when the first backrest portion pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position.
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a recliner (excluding the base) including the elongated connector assembly.
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic illustration of a recliner (excluding the base) including an elongated connector assembly, wherein the elongated connector assembly connects to the headrest and seat of the recliner.
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic illustration of a recliner (excluding the base), which includes an elongated connector assembly and a first backrest portion, wherein the elongated connector assembly connects to the headrest, the first backrest portion, and the seat of the recliner.
[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a recliner (excluding the base), which includes an elongated connector assembly, a first backrest portion, and a second backrest portion. The elongated connector assembly is connected to the headrest and the second backrest portion of the recliner.
[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an elongated connector assembly connected to the connecting element and the waist support.
[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an elongated connector assembly when installed as part of a recliner, wherein the elongated connector assembly connects to the connecting element and the lumbar support.
[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an elongated piston assembly.
[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an elastic element.
[0028] Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of a recliner (excluding the base), which includes an elongated connector assembly, a first backrest portion, and a second backrest portion. The elongated connector assembly is connected to the headrest and the second backrest portion of the recliner.
[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an elongated piston assembly including a piston and a piston housing, wherein an elastic member connects the piston and the piston housing. Detailed Implementation
[0030] In the following, general embodiments of the invention and specific exemplary embodiments will be described. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are merely exemplary embodiments, and other features and embodiments may also be within the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, references such as "an" or "a kind" should not be construed as excluding multiple instances. The term "invention" is used interchangeably with the term "disclosure" herein. The term "produced" is used interchangeably with the term "obtained" herein.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, symbols, and other scientific terms or expressions used herein are intended to have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. However, certain technical terms, symbols, and other scientific terms or expressions may be specifically defined as follows.
[0032] This invention relates to a recliner 100, which includes a seat 100, a headrest 130, an elongated connector assembly 140, and a backrest 120. For example... Figure 1 As schematically shown, the backrest 120 is connected to the seat 110 and includes a first backrest portion 121. The first backrest portion 121 is configured to pivot between an upright first position and a tilted second position, and the headrest 130 is configured to pivot between a first headrest position and a second headrest position. An elongated connector assembly 140 can generally be configured to synchronize the position of the headrest 130 with the position of the first backrest portion 121.
[0033] In operation, such as Figure 2 As illustrated in diagram a, the recliner 100 may have an initial upright configuration, wherein the first backrest portion 121 is in an upright first position, and wherein the headrest 130 is in a headrest first position. Figure 2 As illustrated in diagram b, when a user is seated in the recliner 100, the user can move the first backrest portion 121 from an upright first position to a reclined second position, for example, by leaning back in the recliner 100. In response to the first backrest portion 121 moving from the upright first position to the reclined second position, the headrest 130 can pivot forward from the headrest first position to the headrest second position. (As shown in diagram b) Figure 2As illustrated in section c, for example, if a user wishes to adopt a resting position, they can choose to push the headrest 130 back. Figure 2 As illustrated schematically in diagram d, when a user decides to get up from the recliner 100, the user can move the first backrest portion 121 from a tilted second position to an upright first position. In response to the first backrest portion 121 moving from the tilted second position to the upright first position, the headrest 130 can pivot rearward from the second headrest position to the first headrest position. The first headrest position can here be the upright headrest position, wherein the headrest is aligned with the first backrest portion. The second headrest position can here be the forward-facing headrest position, wherein the headrest is tilted forward relative to the first backrest portion, thereby forming an obtuse angle with the first backrest portion.
[0034] The seat of a recliner can typically be any suitable seat configured to support the user. As those skilled in the art will understand, the exact construction of the seat can vary, particularly regarding its shape, support structure, spring assembly, leg connectors, etc.
[0035] The backrest of the recliner can be rigid or comprise several interconnected parts. The backrest can generally comprise or consist of a first backrest section. The first backrest section can be pivotable about a pivot axis and can be connected, for example, to a second backrest section or directly to the seat. The first backrest section is preferably rigid, or can at least comprise a rigid or semi-rigid frame, and can optionally include various additional components, such as cushions, springs, etc.
[0036] The responsive movement of the headrest 130 when the first backrest portion 121 moves between an upright first position and a tilted second position can be achieved by providing an elongated connector assembly 140 to the recliner 100. For example... Figures 1 to 6 As schematically illustrated, the elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected to the headrest 130 and extends toward the seat portion 110. The elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected to the headrest 130 at one end (e.g., at the first connection point 150) and to the backrest 120 or seat portion 110 at the other end. As those skilled in the art will understand upon learning of the invention, the elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected between the headrest 130 and any suitable position on the recliner 100, thereby enabling the headrest 130 to pivot in response to movement of the first backrest portion 121. The elongated connector assembly 140 may, for example, include one or more interconnecting rods and have a connector at each end. The elongated connector assembly 140 may be at least partially made of metal or plastic. The first connection point 150 may alternatively be referred to as the headrest connection point.
[0037] like Figures 1 to 6As schematically shown, the elongated connector assembly 140 can typically be configured to pivot the headrest 130 forward from the first headrest position to the second headrest position when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position. The elongated connector assembly can be further configured to pivot the headrest 130 rearward from the second headrest position to the first headrest position when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position. More specifically, the elongated connector assembly 140 can connect the headrest 130 to the seat portion 110 or the backrest 120 in such a way that torque / force is applied to the headrest 130 when the first backrest portion 121 moves between the upright first position and the inclined second position. Figures 3 to 6 As schematically illustrated, a suitable configuration of the elongated connector assembly 140 can be obtained, for example, by connecting the elongated connector assembly 140 to the seat 110 or backrest 120 at a position not on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. In other words, the elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected to the seat 110 or backrest 120 at a position different from that on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. The elongated connector assembly 140 can preferably be connected to the seat 110 or backrest 120 at a position in the forward-facing direction of the recliner 100. As those skilled in the art will understand upon learning of the invention, the elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected directly or indirectly to the seat 110 or backrest 120. Indirect connection can be obtained, for example, by connecting the elongated connector assembly 140 to a connecting element and then connecting the connecting element to the seat 110 or backrest 120.
[0038] like Figures 7 to 8 As schematically illustrated, the elongated connector assembly 140 may include a connector assembly element 141 having an adjustable length. The connector assembly element 141 is configured herein to at least partially expand or contract when exposed to a force exceeding a threshold. As those skilled in the art will understand, the connector assembly element 141 is configured to expand or contract based on the direction of the force. The connector assembly element 141 may be mounted as part of the elongated connector assembly 140 such that the connector assembly element 141 can expand or contract at least partially in the longitudinal direction 142 of the elongated connector assembly 140. Therefore, the elongated connector assembly 140 may have an adjustable length and be configured to at least partially expand or contract when exposed to a force exceeding a threshold.
[0039] like Figures 2 to 6As schematically shown, connector assembly element 141 of the elongated connector assembly 140 can be configured to allow the headrest 130 to move from the second headrest position to the first headrest position when the first backrest portion 121 is in the second reclined position. A user operating the recliner 100 can push the headrest 130 from the second headrest position to the first headrest position, for example, by leaning back against it, after pivoting the first backrest portion 121 from the upright first position to the reclined second position. Connector assembly element 141 can therefore be configured to expand in length when the user applies a force exceeding a first threshold to the headrest 130. More generally, connector assembly element 141 can be configured to expand or contract at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the elongated connector assembly 140 when a force exceeding the first threshold is applied to the headrest 130. As those skilled in the art will understand upon learning of the invention, the first threshold may be different from the force threshold required to directly apply to the connector assembly element 141 to cause it to expand or contract. The force threshold required to be applied directly to connector assembly element 141 to expand or contract it may be defined herein as a second threshold. It will be further understood that the first and second thresholds may differ from each other herein, as the force transmission between the headrest 130 and connector assembly element 141 may be unequal. As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, the force threshold for expanding connector assembly element 141 may differ from the force threshold for contracting connector assembly element 141. The force threshold for contracting connector assembly element 141 may be referred to herein as a contraction threshold, and the force threshold for expanding connector assembly element 141 may be referred to herein as an expansion threshold. Thus, at least one of the contraction threshold and the expansion threshold will be equal to the second threshold, while the other may be equal to or less than the second threshold.
[0040] Figure 6The following embodiment is illustrated schematically, wherein the backrest 120 further includes a second backrest portion 122, for example, fixedly connected to the seat portion 110. Here, the first backrest portion 121 may be pivotally connected to the second backrest portion 122, for example, directly or indirectly via a second connection point 160. The first backrest portion 121 may be pivotally connected to the second backrest portion 122, for example, directly or via an intermediate connector (such as connecting element 190). The first backrest portion 121 and the second backrest portion 122 may alternatively be fixed to each other, for example, such that each of the first backrest portion 121 and the second backrest portion 122 includes a portion of the same frame, wherein the backrest 120 includes a frame. The second backrest portion 122 may optionally be pivotally connected to the seat portion 110. More specifically, an elongated connector assembly 140 may be connected to the second backrest portion 122 via the second connection point 160, such that the elongated connector assembly 140 extends between the first connection point 150 and the second connection point 160. Connector assembly element 141 can therefore be configured to expand or contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point 150 and the second connection point 160, for example, when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest 130. A backrest 120 comprising multiple backrest sections may be preferred, for example, in a reclining sofa or reclining armchair. The second connection point 160 may alternatively be referred to as a second backrest section connection point.
[0041] Figure 6 An embodiment of the recliner 100 including a second backrest portion 122 and a connecting element 190 is schematically illustrated. The connecting element 190 can be connected to the second backrest portion 122 and thus can act as an intermediate connector between the elongated connector assembly 140 and the second backrest portion 122. The connecting element 190 can extend a non-zero distance from the second backrest portion 122 in a forward direction from the backrest 120. This extension is preferably configured to allow the elongated connector assembly 140 to apply force / torque to the headrest 130 when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between an upright first position and a tilted second position. Therefore, a second connection point 160 can be positioned a non-zero distance from the backrest in the forward direction. The second connection point 160 can be arranged such that it is not located on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. As an alternative to using connecting element 190, the second connection point 160 can be located on the second backrest portion 122, and the second backrest portion 122 can be shaped such that the second connection point 160 is located at a position not on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. In other words, the second connection point 160 can be arranged at a position different from the position on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121.
[0042] like Figure 6 and Figure 11As illustrated schematically, the recliner 100 may include a second backrest portion 122, a connecting element 190, and a lumbar support 200 connected to the connecting element 190. The connecting element 190 may be rotatably connected to the second backrest portion 122, for example, via a bolted connection. The lumbar support 200 may be connected to the connecting element 190 such that when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position, the lumbar support 200 rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest. This distance from the backrest 120 is, in this context, a distance pointing away from the backrest 120 in a rearward direction. As those skilled in the art will understand, the lumbar support 200 may generally be any support element shaped or generally configured to provide lumbar support for the user occupying the recliner 100 when the first backrest portion is in the upright first position. The rearward direction of the backrest can generally be defined as a direction pointing away from the user operating the recliner.
[0043] Connecting elements are typically connectors that allow two physical components to interconnect. Therefore, connecting elements can be, for example, mechanical couplings. In a specific example, a connecting element may include a flat coupling that is bolted to a backrest at one end and mounted to an elongated connector assembly at the other end via one or more fork-shaped couplings.
[0044] Figures 3 to 5 A recliner 100 is schematically shown, wherein a first backrest portion 121 is connected to a seat portion 110. Therefore, the first backrest portion 121 can be pivotally connected to the seat portion 110 directly or indirectly, for example via an intermediate connector. An elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected directly or indirectly to the seat portion 110. In a particular example, the elongated connector assembly 140 can be connected to the seat portion 110 via a third connection point 170, and the elongated connector assembly 140 can therefore be arranged between the first connection point 150 and the third connection point 170. Figures 3 to 7 As schematically illustrated, connector assembly element 141 can be configured to expand or contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point 150 and the third connection point 170 when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest 130. The third connection point 170 can be arranged such that the elongated connector assembly 140 applies a force / torque to the headrest 130 when the first backrest portion 141 pivots between an upright first position and an inclined second position. Therefore, the third connection point 170 can be positioned at a non-zero distance from the backrest 120 in the forward-facing direction. The third connection point 170 can be arranged such that it is not located on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. In other words, the third connection point 170 can be located at a position different from that on the pivot axis of the first backrest portion 121. The third connection point 170 can alternatively be referred to as the seat connection point.
[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As schematically shown, the elongated connector assembly 140 can typically be connected to either the seat portion 110 or the second backrest portion 122. The second backrest portion 122 can be fixedly connected to the seat portion 110, for example, and the first backrest portion 121 can be pivotally connected to the second backrest portion 122. When the elongated connector assembly 140 is connected to the seat portion, the first backrest portion is preferably pivotally connected to the seat portion.
[0046] When the first backrest portion 121 is connected to the seat portion 110, the recliner 100 may further include a connecting element 190. For example... Figure 3 As schematically shown, the connecting element 190 can be connected to the first backrest portion 121 and thus can act as an intermediate connector between the elongated connector assembly 190 and the backrest 120. The connecting element 190 can extend a non-zero distance from the first backrest portion 121 in a forward direction from the backrest 120 and can be used to provide rigidity for the elongated connector assembly 140. The lumbar support 200 (i.e., the lumbar support element) can be further connected to the connecting element 190, for example, to provide support to the lumbar region of the user occupying the recliner 100 when the first backrest portion 120 is arranged in an upright first position. The connecting element 190 can be further rotatably connected to the first backrest portion 121, for example, via a bolted connection, such that the lumbar support 200 can rotate a non-zero distance from the backrest 120 when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between the upright first position and the tilted second position. The distance from the backrest 120 here refers to the distance away from the backrest 120 in a rearward direction from the backrest 120. The lumbar support 200 rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest 120, which will cause the lumbar support 200 to be moved to a position that will not affect the user occupying the recliner.
[0047] Connector assembly elements are typically mechanical units with adjustable lengths. More specifically, connector assembly elements can be configured to have adjustable lengths, wherein the length of the connector assembly element can be changed when a force exceeding a second threshold is applied to the connector assembly element. Thus, as an example, the connector assembly element can expand when exposed to an expansion force exceeding the second threshold and reversibly contract when exposed to a contraction force exceeding the second threshold. Alternatively, the reverse is also true. More specifically, the connector assembly element can expand when exposed to an expansion force exceeding an expansion threshold and reversibly contract when exposed to a contraction force exceeding a contraction threshold. The connector assembly element may preferably have an elongated shape and optionally include a coupling at each end.
[0048] Figure 7 and Figure 8Connector assembly element 141 is schematically shown, wherein connector assembly element 141 includes an elongated piston assembly 220. The elongated piston assembly 220 may include a piston 230 and a piston housing 240, and the elongated piston assembly 220 may be configured such that there is non-zero friction between the piston 230 and the piston housing 240. This friction may be selectively or optionally adjustable to determine or adjust a second force threshold. As an example, the friction can be determined by adjusting the clamping force of the piston housing 240 and / or the area of the friction surface of the elongated piston assembly 220 (i.e., the surface between the piston 230 and the piston housing 240). The piston 230 can therefore be configured to move when the longitudinal force between the piston 230 and the piston housing 240 exceeds the second threshold.
[0049] In a specific example, the second force threshold can be primarily determined by the friction between the piston and the piston housing. In other words, the friction between the piston and the piston housing can be the main factor in the second force threshold. The latter is preferably used to provide smooth and continuous expansion and contraction of the connector assembly elements.
[0050] The connector assembly element may include one or more additional elements that help determine the second force threshold. The connector assembly element may, for example, include an elastic member 280, such as a spring element, connected between the piston 230 and the piston housing 240. The elastic member 280 will therefore decrease the force threshold for contracting the connector assembly element (i.e., the contraction threshold) and increase the force threshold for expanding the connector assembly element (i.e., the expansion threshold). Therefore, the contraction threshold may be lower than the expansion threshold, and the second threshold may thus be equal to the expansion threshold. Figure 12 The following connector assembly elements are schematically shown, wherein connector assembly element 141 includes an elongated piston assembly 220 and an elastic member 280 connecting the piston 230 and the piston housing 240. The elastic member 280 may be, for example, a spring or an elastic band.
[0051] like Figure 10 As schematically illustrated, connector assembly element 141 may include an elastic element 210 that allows the connector assembly element to reversibly expand and contract when exposed to a force exceeding a second threshold. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exact value of the second threshold may vary based on, for example, the size, exact shape, and / or weight of the recliner. The second threshold can typically be adjusted or predetermined such that connector assembly element 141 does not expand when the first backrest portion pivots between an upright first position and a tilted second position.
[0052] Figure 3A recliner 100 is schematically shown, which further includes a reset mechanism 250. The reset mechanism 250 is typically configured to set the length of the connector assembly element 141 within a predetermined interval when the first backrest portion 121 pivots between a tilted second position and an upright first position. Therefore, the reset mechanism 250 can be configured to place the headrest 130 in the headrest first position when the first backrest portion pivots from the tilted second position to the upright first position. The latter is preferred when the user of the recliner 100 does not move the headrest 130 from the headrest second position to the headrest first position after the first backrest portion pivots from the upright first position to the tilted second position. Therefore, the reset mechanism 250 can be configured to place the headrest 130 in a default position when the first backrest portion pivots between the tilted second position and the upright first position.
[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 8 As schematically illustrated, the reset mechanism 250 can be configured to set the position / length of the elongated piston assembly 220, including the piston 230 and the piston housing 240, to a predetermined position. The reset mechanism 250 may include a connecting rod 260 connected to the first backrest portion 121 and the piston 230, such that when the first backrest portion 120 pivots between an inclined second position and an upright first position, the piston 230 moves to a default position in the piston housing 240. Therefore, the exact configuration of the connecting rod 260 allows it to apply a force exceeding a second threshold on the elongated piston assembly 220 when the first backrest portion 120 pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position. As an example, the piston 230 may include an elongated slot 270 configured to receive the connecting rod 260, allowing the connecting rod 260 to move within the elongated slot 270. The latter configuration has been found to be advantageous in preventing the piston 230 from being pulled out of the piston housing 240 and in allowing some flexibility in the elongated connector assembly 140. The elongated slot 270 can be positioned at the end of the piston 230 facing the headrest 130.
Claims
1. A recliner (100), comprising Seat (110) Backrest (120), the backrest including a first backrest portion (121), wherein, The backrest (120) is connected to the seat (110), and wherein the first backrest portion (121) is configured to pivot between an upright first position and an inclined second position. A headrest (130), wherein the headrest (130) is connected to the upper end of the first backrest portion (121), and wherein the headrest (130) is configured to pivot between a first headrest position and a second headrest position, and An elongated connector assembly (140) is connected to the headrest (130) at a first connection point (150) and extends toward the seat portion (110), wherein the elongated connector assembly (140) is configured to When the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the upright first position and the inclined second position, the headrest (130) pivots forward from the first headrest position to the second headrest position, and When the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position, the headrest (130) pivots rearward from the second headrest position to the first headrest position. The elongated connector assembly (140) includes a connector assembly element (141) having an adjustable length, and wherein the connector assembly element (141) is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the longitudinal direction (142) of the elongated connector assembly (140) when a force exceeding a first threshold is applied to the headrest (130).
2. The recliner (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The backrest (120) includes a second backrest portion (122) connected to the seat portion (110). The first backrest portion (121) is connected to the second backrest portion (122). The elongated connector assembly (140) is connected to the second backrest portion (122) via a second connection point (160). The elongated connector assembly (140) extends between the first connection point (150) and the second connection point (160), and wherein, The connector assembly element (141) is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point (150) and the second connection point (160) when a force exceeding the first threshold is applied to the headrest (130).
3. The recliner (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a connecting element (190), wherein, The connecting element (190) is connected to the second backrest portion (122) and extends a non-zero distance from the second backrest portion (122) in a forward direction from the backrest (120), wherein, The second connection point (160) is arranged on the connecting element (190) such that the second connection point (160) is positioned at a non-zero distance from the backrest (120) in the forward direction of the backrest (120).
4. The recliner (100) according to claim 3, further comprising a lumbar support (200) connected to the connecting element (190), wherein, The connecting element (190) is rotatably connected to the second backrest portion (122) such that when the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the upright first position and the inclined second position, the lumbar support (200) rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest (120) in the rearward direction.
5. The recliner (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first backrest portion (121) is connected to the seat portion (110). The elongated connector assembly (140) is connected to the base (110) via a third connection point (170). The elongated connector assembly (140) is arranged between the first connection point (150) and the third connection point (170), and The connector assembly element (141) is configured to expand / contract at least partially in the direction between the first connection point (150) and the third connection point (170) when a force exceeding the first threshold is applied to the headrest (130).
6. The recliner (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a connecting element (190), wherein, The connecting element (190) is connected to the first backrest portion (121) and extends a non-zero distance from the first backrest portion (121) in a forward direction from the backrest (120). The elongated connector assembly (140) is further connected to the first backrest portion (121) via a fourth connection point (180), and wherein, The fourth connection point (180) is arranged on the connecting element (190) such that the fourth connection point (180) is positioned at a non-zero distance from the backrest (120) in the forward direction of the backrest (120).
7. The recliner (100) according to claim 6, further comprising a lumbar support (200) connected to the connecting element (190), wherein, The connecting element (190) is rotatably connected to the first backrest portion (121) such that when the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the upright first position and the inclined second position, the lumbar support (200) rotates a non-zero distance from the backrest (120) in the rearward direction.
8. The recliner (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connector assembly element (141) includes a resilient element (210).
9. The recliner (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connector assembly element (141) includes an elongated piston assembly (220).
10. The recliner (100) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a reset mechanism (250) configured to set the length of the connector assembly element (141) within a predetermined interval when the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position.
11. The recliner (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The elongated piston assembly (220) includes a piston (230) and a piston housing (240), wherein the piston is configured to move within the piston housing (240) when the elongated piston assembly (220) is exposed to a force exceeding a second threshold.
12. The recliner (100) according to claims 10 and 11, wherein, The reset mechanism (250) includes a connecting rod (260) that connects to the first backrest portion (121) and the piston (230), and The connecting rod (260) is arranged to apply a force exceeding the second threshold when the first backrest portion (121) pivots between the inclined second position and the upright first position.
13. The recliner (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The piston (230) includes an elongated slot (270), in which the connecting rod (260) is received and is movable within the slot.
14. The recliner (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The elongated piston assembly (220) includes an elastic member (280) connecting the piston (230) and the piston housing (240).