Electric lifting and supporting device for a seat

Abstract

The electric lifting device and supporting device suitable for a seat adopt an electric driving scheme, provide torque through a motor, drive a lead screw to rotate, accurately control the movement of a lifting column, and finally realize high-precision linear adjustment of the height of a seat. In addition, the manual wrench operation is replaced, the user does not need to exert effort, and the lifting can be easily completed through a key, which greatly improves the convenience and comfort, and meets the demand of intelligent interaction of a middle and high-end seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seating, and more specifically to the optimization of the lifting structure of the support components of a seating unit. Background Technology

[0002] The main support and load-bearing device of a chair is the seat. As the core load-bearing component of the chair, it provides a stable sitting surface for the user.

[0003] The mainstream seat height adjustment uses a manual mechanical adjustment scheme based on a gas spring. Specifically, the lower part of the seat is fixedly connected to the upper end of the gas spring, while the lower end of the gas spring is connected to the seat's support legs via a base. The user manually moves a lever, which, in conjunction with a valve inside the gas spring, drives the piston rod of the gas spring to extend or retract, thereby adjusting the height of the rigidly connected seat.

[0004] While this technical solution allows for height adjustment of the support device, it suffers from the following drawbacks. Firstly, because the adjustment process relies entirely on the user manually triggering non-linear air pressure changes within the gas spring, it lacks precise position feedback and control mechanisms, making it impossible to achieve refined and quantitative height settings. Users often find it difficult to adjust the seat to the desired height in one go, typically requiring multiple attempts and corrections, a cumbersome process. Secondly, users must apply sufficient force to operate the control lever to overcome the initial air pressure resistance within the gas spring. This operation is laborious and stiff, failing to meet the experience requirements of mid-to-high-end seating products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electric lifting device and support device suitable for seats. Employing an electric drive system, a motor provides torque to drive a lead screw to rotate, precisely controlling the movement of the lifting column, ultimately achieving high-precision linear adjustment of the seat height. Furthermore, it replaces manual wrench operation, allowing users to easily adjust the height by simply pressing a button, greatly improving convenience and comfort, and meeting the needs of mid-to-high-end seats for intelligent interaction.

[0006] An electric lifting device for a seat, comprising a main frame on which a motor is connected;

[0007] It also includes a lead screw extending in the vertical direction and a lifting column extending in the vertical direction;

[0008] The lead screw is connected to the output end of the motor and is configured to rotate under the drive of the motor;

[0009] The lifting column is threadedly connected to the lead screw and is configured to lift and lower under the rotation of the lead screw.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting column comprises a split-design threaded tube and a rotating tube, the rotating tube and the threaded tube being rotatably connected, and the threaded tube being threadedly connected to the lead screw.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor is arranged below the threaded tube, and the rotating tube is arranged above the threaded tube.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the threaded tube includes a fixing plate, and the rotating tube includes an abutting plate, the abutting plate being configured to limit the rotation angle of the rotating tube by abutting against the fixing plate.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main frame is connected to a housing, which is configured to limit the rotation of the threaded tube.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing is disposed on the outside of the lifting column, and the lifting column is disposed on the outside of the lead screw.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a positioning device for sensing the lifting height position of the lifting column.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device includes a travel plate and micro switches installed at different height positions on the travel plate, the micro switches including contact heads, and the lifting column including a sensing platform for contacting the contact heads.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a guide cylinder for providing lifting guidance for the lifting column; it also includes an outer positioning seat and an inner bearing rotatably connected to the inner ring of the outer positioning seat, the inner bearing being connected to the lead screw.

[0018] A support device includes a support body and an electric lifting device suitable for a seat, the support body being connected to the lifting column.

[0019] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the lifting column, which is threaded with the lead screw, achieves linear motion, transforming the traditional manual pneumatic adjustment method into electric drive. This eliminates the reliance on manual wrench operation and user physical strength, realizing electric, smooth, and linear adjustment of seat height, and solving the problems of laborious adjustment and insufficient precision.

[0021] 2. The lifting column is designed as a separate structure consisting of a threaded tube and a rotating tube that can rotate relative to each other. This allows the threaded tube to be used specifically to work with the lead screw to achieve lifting motion, while the rotating tube can be used independently to connect to the seat and achieve rotation. This decoupling of lifting and rotation motions allows a single device to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of precise electric lifting and horizontal seat rotation, improving functional integration.

[0022] 3. By placing the motor below the threaded tube and the rotating tube above it, the spatial structure and force transmission path of the device are optimized. Positioning the drive unit near the bottom helps lower the overall center of gravity, enhances stability, and results in a more rational and compact overall structure.

[0023] 4. The rotational movement of the rotating tube provides a mechanical angular limit. This prevents the internal cables from becoming entangled or interfering with external structures due to excessive rotation, thus protecting the internal components of the device.

[0024] 5. The outer casing limits the rotation of the threaded tube, providing an external and stable anti-rotation constraint. This ensures that when the motor drives the lead screw, the threaded tube can only move linearly according to the transmission relationship of the thread pair, avoiding uncontrollable circumferential swaying or rotation and guaranteeing the stability of the lifting motion.

[0025] 6. A multi-layered sleeve structure is adopted, with the outer shell covering the outside of the lifting column, and the lifting column covering the outside of the lead screw, forming effective radial containment and protection. The entire device has a clean appearance and can effectively isolate dust and foreign objects from entering the internal precision transmission components, improving the protection level and aesthetics of the device.

[0026] 7. A positioning device for sensing the height of the bollard is added, introducing position feedback functionality to the electric lifting system. This device can sense and determine the bollard's current position in real time, providing a necessary foundation for intelligent control features such as height memory, precise stopping at preset positions, and prevention of overshoot or bottoming out. This enhances the accuracy of height adjustment and the level of intelligence in the user experience.

[0027] 8. The guide cylinder ensures that the lifting column moves in a strictly linear manner, preventing swaying; the bearing assembly constrains the rotational movement of the lead screw in a low-friction, high-precision support environment, together ensuring that the entire lifting process is stable, smooth and low-noise, improving motion quality and component life. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an electric lifting device for a seat, according to several embodiments of this specification, is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Side sectional view;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A diagram showing the product after the outer casing has been removed;

[0031] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A magnified view of the details at point A in the image;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A magnified view of the details at point B in the image.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Guide cylinder, 11. Lower conical opening, 2. Lead screw, 3. Lifting column, 31. Threaded tube, 311. Fixing plate, 312. Induction table, 32. Rotating tube, 321. Contact plate, 41. Outer positioning seat, 42. Inner bearing, 5. Positioning device, 51. Travel plate, 52. Micro switch, 521. Contact head, 91. Main frame, 92. Motor, 93. Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0037] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or examples set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the described elements without departing from the scope of this specification. Various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added to the examples. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to some examples may be combined into other examples.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an electric lifting device for a seat is described, the core of which is an electrically driven height adjustment mechanism. The device includes a main frame 91 as the primary load-bearing structure. The main frame 91 is preferably welded or cast from metal profiles, possessing sufficient structural strength to support the seat load. A cylindrical outer shell 93 is connected to the main frame 91, and the outer shell 93 is fixed to the main frame 91 by screws or clips. This outer shell encloses most of the electric and mechanical components of the electric lifting device, improving aesthetics. A motor 92 is fixedly connected to the main frame 91. The motor 92, as a power source, can be, for example, a DC brushed motor, a DC brushless motor, or a stepper motor, and is fixed to a pre-set mounting base on the main frame 91 by bolts or interference fit.

[0039] The output shaft of motor 92 is coaxially connected to one end of a lead screw 2 extending in the vertical direction via a coupling or a reduction gear set, thereby transmitting the rotational torque of the motor to the lead screw 2.

[0040] It also includes a vertically extending lifting column 3, which has a threaded hole inside that matches the lead screw 2, allowing the lifting column 3 to form a helical transmission pair with the lead screw 2 through this threaded hole. When the motor 92 drives the lead screw 2 to rotate, because the lifting column 3 is constrained in the circumferential direction, the rotational motion of the lead screw 2 is converted into a precise linear lifting motion of the lifting column 3 along its axial direction. This structure transforms the traditional method of relying on manual operation of the pneumatic valve into an electric drive method precisely controlled by the motor, thereby eliminating the inconvenience and effort of manual operation for users and realizing highly adjustable electrification and automation.

[0041] In some embodiments, to enable the seat to rotate horizontally while being raised and lowered, and to optimize the force and transmission path, the lifting column 3 is designed as a separate unit. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2As shown, the lifting column 3 can be composed of two parts: a threaded tube 31 and a rotating tube 32. The threaded tube 31, as a transmission component, has an internal thread that engages with the lead screw 2, directly converting the rotational motion of the lead screw into linear motion. The rotating tube 32, as a connecting and functional component, has its lower end rotatably connected to the upper end of the threaded tube 31 via a plane bearing or sliding bushing, allowing the rotating tube 32 to rotate freely relative to the threaded tube 31. The threaded tube 31 meshes with the lead screw 2, responsible for converting the motor's rotational power into its own linear lifting; while the rotating tube 32 is used to directly connect to the seat. This split design decouples the two degrees of freedom of motion, "lifting" and "rotation." When height adjustment is needed, the motor drives the lead screw to rotate, causing the threaded tube 31 and the rotating tube 32 connected to it to rise and fall smoothly together; when the user needs to rotate the seat, only a rotational force needs to be applied to the seat, and the rotating tube 32 can easily rotate around the threaded tube 31, while the threaded tube 31 and the internal lead screw 2 remain stationary, their movements not interfering with each other. This allows a single device to simultaneously and independently meet the dual needs of precise electric lifting and manual horizontal rotation, significantly improving the device's functional integration and user experience.

[0042] To ensure that the internal wiring of the rotating tube 32 will not be broken or interfere with the external structure due to excessive rotation during horizontal rotation, this embodiment is equipped with a mechanical rotation limit structure. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a fixing plate 311 is provided on the outer wall of the threaded tube 31. Correspondingly, an abutment plate 321 is provided on the rotating tube 32. When the rotating tube 32 rotates relative to the threaded tube 31, the abutment plate 321 on it will rotate together. For example, the number and installation angle of the fixing plate 311 and the abutment plate 321 can be designed within a range of rotation angles that need to be set, such as 180 degrees to the left and right.

[0043] When the rotating tube 32 rotates to the preset limit angle, the abutment piece 321 on it will physically abut against the fixing piece 311 on the threaded tube 31, thereby preventing the rotating tube 32 from continuing to rotate. This structure provides a reliable physical limit, effectively preventing the risk of cable entanglement, twisting, or structural interference caused by unlimited rotation, and improving the durability and safety of the product.

[0044] To achieve intelligent height control, some embodiments also integrate a positioning device 5. The positioning device 5 is used to sense the real-time height position of the lifting column 3 during the lifting process.

[0045] Specifically, the positioning device 5 includes a travel plate 51 fixedly installed in the vertical direction. The travel plate 51 can be connected to the housing 93, but it does not rise or fall itself. At different height positions of the travel plate 51, multiple microswitches 52 are installed. For example, the number and installation position of the microswitches 52 can be determined according to preset memory positions, such as low, medium, and high positions. Figure 4 Two bits are set in the middle, namely the low bit and the high bit.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, each microswitch 52 has the same structure, including an actuated contact head 521. A radially protruding sensing platform 312 is provided on the outer wall of the threaded tube 31. When the motor drives the lifting column 3 to rise and fall, the sensing platform 312 moves up and down. When the lifting column 3 moves to a preset height, the sensing platform 312 will precisely trigger the contact head 521 of the corresponding microswitch 52, causing the state of the microswitch 52 to change, for example, from normally open to closed or from normally closed to open.

[0047] The control system can accurately determine the current position of the lifting column 3 by detecting the status of each microswitch 52. The technical advantage of this positioning device is that it introduces a crucial position feedback signal to the electric lifting system, enabling the device to sense its own height. Based on this, the seat height memory function can be easily realized, such as one-button restoration of the preset sitting posture, precise stopping at the preset position, and setting the upper and lower limit positions through the program to prevent overshooting or bottoming out, thus enhancing the accuracy and intelligence of height adjustment.

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the motor 92 is positioned below the threaded tube 31, while the rotating tube 32 is positioned above it. Placing the heavier drive component at the bottom of the mechanism helps lower the center of gravity of the entire device, enhancing its stability and anti-tipping ability during lifting and lowering. Simultaneously, placing the rotating tube 32, which connects to the external seat, at the top ensures that the seat's connection interface is at the highest point, facilitating direct docking with various seating structures and ensuring smooth, unobstructed rotation. The overall structural layout is compact and rational, with a clear force transmission path.

[0049] To ensure the normal operation of the screw drive pair, that is, to ensure that the threaded tube 31 can only make strict linear motion under the drive of the screw 2 and does not rotate itself, some embodiments are provided with an anti-rotation constraint mechanism.

[0050] For example, the inner wall cross-section of the outer casing 93 is non-circular; for example, it can be rectangular, polygonal, or circular with keyways. The outer wall cross-section shape of the threaded tube 31 is adapted to the inner wall cross-section shape of the outer casing 93. When the threaded tube 31 is placed inside the outer casing 93, its outer wall and the inner wall of the outer casing 93 form a circumferential fit, thereby constraining the rotational freedom of the threaded tube 31 about its own axis. This provides a rigid, external anti-rotation constraint for the threaded tube 31, ensuring that when the motor 92 drives the lead screw 2 to rotate, the threaded tube 31 can strictly follow the transmission relationship of the screw pair, uniquely converting the rotation of the lead screw into its own precise vertical lifting motion, completely avoiding swaying or jamming during the lifting process, and ensuring transmission accuracy and stability.

[0051] The outer casing 93 is fitted onto the outside of the lifting column 3, enclosing and protecting the entire lifting column 3. The lifting column 3, in turn, is fitted onto the outside of the lead screw 2. This multi-layered "outer casing-lifting column-lead screw" structure provides effective radial containment. The outer casing 93 gives the entire device a neat and uniform appearance. Furthermore, it effectively isolates the internal precision transmission components from the external environment, preventing dust, hair, and other foreign objects from entering the threaded engagement area, thus avoiding wear, abnormal noise, or jamming.

[0052] To ultimately ensure smooth, stable, and low-noise lifting movements, this embodiment also includes guide and support components. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a guide cylinder 1 is fixedly installed on the outer casing 93. Its inner wall is smooth and forms a sliding fit with the outer wall of the lifting column 3, providing precise linear guidance for the lifting movement of the lifting column 3 and effectively preventing possible swaying or jamming during the lifting process. The lower part of the guide cylinder 1 includes a converging lower cone opening 11, which facilitates the insertion of the guide cylinder 1.

[0053] In addition, a bearing assembly is included, specifically comprising an outer positioning seat 41 and an inner bearing 42 rotatably connected to its inner ring. The outer positioning seat 41 is fixed inside the housing 93, while the inner bearing 42 is tightly fitted onto the end of the lead screw 2. This provides high-precision, low-friction radial and axial support for the rotating lead screw 2, constraining its rotational movement onto a stable axis of rotation, significantly reducing transmission noise and friction loss. Working in conjunction with the guide cylinder 1, it ensures a smooth, quiet, and stable lifting process, improving motion quality and extending the service life of the core transmission components.

[0054] The support device includes a support body, which may be a seat cushion. It also includes the aforementioned electric lifting device for the seat, with the support body connected to the output end of the lifting column 3.

[0055] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. An electric lifting device for seats, comprising a main frame (91), characterized in that: The main frame (91) is connected to the motor (92); It also includes a vertically extending lead screw (2) and a vertically extending lifting column (3); The lead screw (2) is connected to the output end of the motor (92) and is configured to rotate under the drive of the motor (92); The lifting column (3) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (2) and is configured to lift and lower under the rotation of the lead screw (2).

2. The electric lifting device for seats according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting column (3) includes a split-design threaded tube (31) and a rotating tube (32), the rotating tube (32) and the threaded tube (31) are rotatably connected, and the threaded tube (31) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (2).

3. The electric lifting device for seats according to claim 2, characterized in that: The motor (92) is located below the threaded tube (31), and the rotating tube (32) is located above the threaded tube (31).

4. The electric lifting device for seats according to claim 2, characterized in that: The threaded tube (31) includes a fixing plate (311), and the rotating tube (32) includes an abutting plate (321). The abutting plate (321) is configured to limit the rotation angle of the rotating tube (32) by abutting against the fixing plate (311).

5. The electric lifting device for seats according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main frame (91) is connected to a housing (93), which is configured to limit the rotation of the threaded tube (31).

6. The electric lifting device for a seat according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outer casing (93) is located on the outside of the lifting column (3), and the lifting column (3) is located on the outside of the lead screw (2).

7. The electric lifting device for a seat according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a positioning device (5) for sensing the lifting height position of the lifting column (3).

8. The electric lifting device for a seat according to claim 7, characterized in that: The positioning device includes a travel plate (51) and micro switches (52) installed at different height positions on the travel plate (51). The micro switches (52) include a contact head (521). The lifting column (3) includes a sensing platform (312) for contacting the contact head (521).

9. The electric lifting device for seats according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a guide cylinder (1) that provides lifting guidance for the lifting column (3); it also includes an outer positioning seat (41) and an inner bearing (42) rotatably connected to the inner ring of the outer positioning seat (41), the inner bearing (42) being connected to the lead screw (2).

10. A support device, characterized in that: It includes a support body and an electric lifting device for a seat as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the support body is connected to the lifting column (3).

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