Chair with multiply adjustable angle of the seat

Abstract

A chair arrangement (100, 200), in particular for an office chair, comprising a central part (18) connectable to a base (22), a seat part (16), a link (26, 92) connecting the central part (18) and the seat part (16), and an adjustment mechanism (40) for adjusting the relative position of the central part (18) and the seat part (16), wherein the adjustment mechanism (40) comprises a shaft (42) rotatably mounted in the link (26, 92) and comprising or being connected to a profile piece (44) having a control profile (50) interacting with a control element (52) of the seat part (16) and at least three stop profiles (64, 70, 72) interacting with stop elements (62) of the seat part (16) defining at least three different relative positions of the seat part (16) and the central part (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair assembly, particularly for an office chair, comprising: a central component that can be connected to a base; a seat cushion component; and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative positions of the seat cushion component and the central component. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, when a chair is in a neutral position (e.g., when the backrest is not reclined), it is desirable to be able to adjust the position of the seat cushion. Some chairs exist that allow the seat cushion component to be adjusted to two different positions relative to the central component, such as the chair equipped with the Donati mechanism D109. However, it is generally desirable to be able to adjust the seat cushion component to more positions. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that allows the relative positions of the seat cushion component and the central component to be adjusted to more than two positions, independent of the position of the backrest.

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a chair device, particularly for an office chair, comprising:

[0005] The central component is capable of being connected to the base;

[0006] Seat cushion components; and

[0007] An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the relative position of the central component and the seat cushion component, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a shaft.

[0008] The shaft is rotatably mounted in the central component or in a linkage connecting the central component and the seat component, and the shaft includes or is connected to a profile member having control profiles that interact with control elements of the seat component, and the profile member also has at least three stop profiles that interact with stop elements of the seat component, thereby defining at least three distinct relative positions of the seat component and the central component, or

[0009] The shaft is rotatably mounted in the seat cushion component or in a link connecting the central component and the seat cushion component, and the shaft includes or is connected to a profile member having a control profile that interacts with a control element of the central component, and the profile member also has at least three stop profiles that interact with a stop element of the central component, thereby defining at least three different relative positions of the seat cushion component and the central component.

[0010] The relative positions of the seat cushion component and the central component can be changed via an adjustment mechanism. The interaction between the control contour and the control element ensures controlled relative movement of the seat cushion component and the central component. The control contour provides guidance for directing the seat cushion component into different defined positions relative to the central component. In particular, the chair device according to the invention allows adjustment of the inclination of the seat cushion component relative to the central component. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism (particularly the contour member) is located at the front end of the chair device. The contour member may have more than three stop contours.

[0011] This chair assembly can be used with any chair that has a seat component capable of moving relative to a central component. For example, it can be used with a chair's weight-bearing mechanism or a chair's synchronization mechanism. Preferably, the seat component is movably coupled to the central component in two positions, particularly at the front of the seat component and at a distance from the front. The coupling away from the front of the seat component can be achieved via a pivot and / or a pivotable link connecting the central component and the seat component.

[0012] A first control element for lowering the front end of the seat cushion component can be provided, and an additional control element for raising the front end of the seat cushion component can be provided. One of the control elements can also function as a stop. Therefore, one of the control elements can be a stop. The control surface can have a small gap with the corresponding unused control element. The control elements can be in substantially opposite positions, with the lower control element configured to lower the front end of the seat cushion component and the upper control element configured to raise the front end of the seat cushion component.

[0013] Different control surface sections can be provided for lowering and raising the front end of the seat cushion component. Therefore, the control surface section for raising the front end of the seat cushion component can cooperate with one of the control elements, while other control surface sections for lowering the front end of the seat cushion component cooperate with another control element. The curvature of the control surface section for raising the front end of the seat cushion component can be different from the curvature of the control surface section for lowering the front end of the seat cushion component. In particular, the radius of the control surface section for lowering the front end of the rear end component can be larger than the radius of the control surface section for raising the front end of the seat cushion component. The different curvatures for lowering and raising take into account the fact that the lowering of the front end of the seat cushion component is supported by gravity or even the user's weight. The radius of at least one control surface section may not be constant.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the contour member is located within the housing of the seat cushion component. In an alternative where the shaft is rotatable within the seat cushion component, the central component may include a housing for the contour member. Therefore, the contour member is not visible from the outside, improving the visual appeal of the chair assembly. Furthermore, the contour member is protected within the housing, thereby preventing dust or dirt from impairing the function of the adjustment mechanism. Additionally, the housing prevents the user's fingers from being pinched in the mechanism. Control elements and stops may be disposed on the inner wall of the housing.

[0015] Each of the stop profiles can be implemented as a pawl groove. The stop can remain in the pawl groove, thereby holding the profile in a defined position corresponding to the defined relative position of the seat cushion component and the center component.

[0016] The contoured components can be mounted eccentrically on the shaft. This allows relative movement between the seat cushion components and the central component if the shaft rotates only a few degrees.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the contour member includes at least one stop, preferably two stops, for limiting the rotational movement of the contour member. This prevents the contour member from over-rotating. If two stops are provided, they can correspond to the extreme positions of the contour member. Furthermore, one stop can correspond to the maximum tilt angle of the seat cushion member, i.e., the lowest position of the front end of the seat cushion member, while the other stop can correspond to the minimum tilt angle of the seat cushion member, i.e., the highest position of the front end of the seat cushion member.

[0018] The seat cushion component may include a sidewall with a groove through which the shaft extends, allowing relative movement between the seat cushion component and the shaft. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the shaft is rotatably mounted in the seat cushion component, the central component may include a sidewall with a groove.

[0019] The groove may include a stop position for the axle. This prevents displacement of the axle when the user sits on the seat cushion component, thereby preventing displacement of the contour component. In particular, the stop position for the axle prevents unnecessary readjustment of the seat cushion component relative to the central component due to the user's weight.

[0020] A particular advantage arises if a spring is provided to bias the shaft to at least one stop position. Therefore, in order to move the shaft from one stop position to another, the force of the spring must be overcome to move the shaft.

[0021] Therefore, the linkage can move relative to the central component against the force of the spring. The spring can be part of a mechanism used to adjust the resistance of the chair backrest.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the spring may be disposed in a slot opposite to at least one stop position. The spring may be implemented as an elastic band or a leaf spring. The slot may include a recess for receiving a portion of the spring when it is deflected.

[0023] According to yet another embodiment, a stop is provided to limit the movement of the link relative to the central component. Therefore, during the adjustment of the profile member's position, the link can tilt against the force of the spring. Once the next defined position of the profile member is reached, the link tilts back under the spring force, but only before further movement is prevented by the stop.

[0024] An operating handle can be provided, which is connected to the shaft in a torque-resistant manner. This allows the user to change the tilt angle of the seat cushion component using the operating handle.

[0025] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a chair, particularly an office chair, having a chair device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 Chairs, particularly office chairs, are shown.

[0027] Figures 2a to 2c A partial side view of a chair with the seat cushion tilted independently at different angles is shown.

[0028] Figures 3a to 3c It shows the corresponding Figures 2a to 2c A longitudinal sectional view of the chair assembly.

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view of the chair assembly is shown.

[0030] Figures 5a to 5c The diagram shows cross-sectional views of the profile within the housing of the seat cushion component at different locations.

[0031] Figures 6a to 6c The different positions of the axis supporting the contour member relative to the seat cushion component are shown.

[0032] Figure 7 A portion of the chair assembly is shown.

[0033] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of the chair device is shown.

[0034] Figures 9a to 9c A cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the contour member located in the housing of the cushion component is shown.

[0035] Figures 10a to 10c The different positions of the axis supporting the contour member relative to the seat cushion component are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1A chair 10 with a seat cushion 12 and a backrest 14 is shown. The seat cushion 12 is attached to a seat cushion component 16, which is movably connected to a central component 18. The central component 18 is attached to a post 20 of a base 22.

[0037] An operating handle 24 is provided, which allows the user to adjust the seat cushion component 16 and thus adjust the position of the seat cushion 12 relative to the central component 18. In particular, by using the operating handle 24, the user can change the tilt of the seat cushion component 16, as described below.

[0038] Figures 2a to 2c It shows Figure 1 A side view of a portion of chair 10. Figure 2a Corresponding to the neutral position, in which the seat cushion 12 and therefore the seat cushion component 16 are substantially parallel to the ground or horizontal line 30, the operating handle 24 is in the first position. Figure 2b In the middle, the operating handle 24 has been rotated clockwise, causing the seat cushion 12 and seat cushion component 16 to tilt. The planes of the seat cushion component 16 and seat cushion 12 (indicated by line 32) now form an angle with respect to the horizontal line 30. The central component 18 attached to the post 20 remains stationary, i.e., without tilting.

[0039] If the operating handle 24 is turned further clockwise, as... Figure 2c As shown, the seat cushion component 16 is tilted more, resulting in a larger angle between lines 32 and 30. From Figures 2a to 2c It can be seen that the position of the backrest 14 has not changed. Therefore, the angle of the seat cushion 12 changes independently of the position of the backrest 14.

[0040] Figure 3a A longitudinal sectional view of a chair assembly 100 is shown. The chair assembly 100 includes a central component 18, a seat cushion component 16, a connecting rod 26 connecting the central component 18 and the seat cushion component 16, and an adjustment mechanism 40 for adjusting the relative position of the central component 18 and the seat cushion component 16. The adjustment mechanism 40 includes a shaft 42, specifically a hexagonal shaft 42. The shaft 42 is rotatably mounted in the connecting rod 26 and includes a profile member 44 (…). Figure 3b The profile member 44 is mounted on the shaft 42 in a torque-resistant manner. The shaft 42 can also be connected to the operating handle 24 in a torque-resistant manner. Therefore, by turning the operating handle 24, the user can rotate the profile member 44.

[0041] The central component 18 can be connected to the base 22, and in particular to the column 20. For this purpose, a tapered receiving portion 46 is provided in the central component 18. Figure 3a The situation shown corresponds to Figure 2aThat is, the seat cushion component 16 is in a neutral position. Specifically, the seat cushion component 16 is parallel to and aligned with the horizontal line 30. As the operating handle 24 is rotated, the shaft 42, and therefore the profile member 44, also rotates, which allows for… Figure 3b As seen in the image, the contour member 44 is located inside the housing 48 of the seat cushion member 16. The contour member 44 has a control contour 50 that slides along the control element 52 of the seat cushion member 16, thereby causing the front end 54 of the seat cushion member 16 to move downward, resulting in the surface of the seat cushion member 16 being inclined relative to the horizontal line 30.

[0042] Figure 3c Further rotation of the contour member 44 is shown to cause the front end 54 of the cushion member 16 to move further downward, thereby increasing the angle between the lines 30 and 32.

[0043] Figure 4 A perspective view of the chair assembly 100 is shown. The shaft 42, connected to the operating handle 24, is located in the connecting rod 26. The profile member 44 is mounted... Figure 4 On shaft 42 (not shown). The same profile is housed in the housing of the seat component 16 located on one side of the operating handle 24. Furthermore, in Figure 4 As can be seen, the seat cushion component 16 has a groove 60 that allows the seat cushion component 16 to move relative to the axis 42 as the tilt angle of the seat cushion component 16 changes.

[0044] Figure 5a The front end 54 of the seat cushion component 16 is shown. The profile member 44 is located within the housing 48 of the seat cushion component 16. The position of the profile member 44 corresponds to... Figure 2a , Figure 3a The illustrated configuration is that the surface of the seat cushion component 16 is horizontally oriented. In this position, the stop 62 rests within the stop profile 64 of the profile 44. Therefore, the profile 44 is in a defined stop position. In this position, the stop 66 of the profile 44 also abuts against the stop 62, preventing the profile 44 from rotating further counterclockwise. The control element 52 and the stop 62 are constructed on the inner surface 68 of the housing 48. When the profile 44 is rotated clockwise by rotating the shaft 42 using the operating handle 24, the control profile segment 50.1 of the control profile 50 moves along the control element 52, thereby pushing the front end 54 of the seat cushion component 16 downward. The profile of the control surface segment 50.1 has a length and shape that allows the seat cushion component 16 to tilt by approximately 5° (from the horizontal neutral position to the maximum tilt position). However, the length and shape can be modified to allow for a larger tilt angle, such as 10°. The shape can be further designed so that the torque required to rotate the operating handle 24 is below a given threshold, such as 3 Nm or 2 Nm.

[0045] exist Figure 5bAs shown, the stop 62 remains within the stop profile 70, thus defining a specific relative position between the seat cushion component 16 and the central component 18. Further counter-clockwise movement of the profile 44 results in... Figure 5c As shown, the control contour segment 50.1 interacts further with the control element 52, pushing the front end 54 of the cushion component 16 further downward until the stop 62 is stopped in the stop contour 72. In this position, another stop 74 abuts against the stop 62, preventing the contour component 44 from rotating further clockwise. Therefore, the contour component 44 can rotate between two extreme positions. While there is one intermediate position in the illustrated embodiment, multiple intermediate positions can be provided. Therefore, the angle or tilt of the cushion component 16 can be adjusted in defined steps.

[0046] If the contour member 44 rotates counterclockwise, the interaction between the control surface section 50.1 and the control element 52 will not cause the front end 54 of the seat cushion component 16 to rise. If the contour member 44 rotates counterclockwise... Figure 5c Starting from the indicated position and rotating counterclockwise, the seat cushion component 16 is lifted as the control contour segment 50.2 moves along the stop 62. Therefore, the stop 62 also serves as a control element for lifting the seat cushion component 16. Figures 5b to 5a The contour member 44 rotates further counterclockwise, causing the control surface section 50.3 to push the stop member 62 upward, thereby pushing the front end 54 of the seat cushion member 16 upward. The radii of the control surface sections 50.2 and 50.3 are smaller than the radius of the control surface section 50.1. The smaller radius helps to lift the front end 54 of the seat cushion member 16. For optimal user comfort, the radii within the control surface sections 50.1, 50.2, and 50.3 can be varied. The control element 52 and the stop member 62 are substantially opposite to each other, or offset by approximately 180°.

[0047] The position adjustment of the seat cushion component 16 is achieved by eccentrically mounting the control element 44 on the shaft 42.

[0048] exist Figure 6a As can be seen, the shaft 42 extends through the groove 60 in the side wall of the seat cushion component 16. The groove 60 has stop positions 76, 78, and 80 on its inner wall, forming a ratchet groove. The shaft 42 (in this case, by means of a bushing 82 disposed on the shaft 42) remains in the stop position 76, thereby securing it. Figure 5aThe position of the contour member 44 is shown. In particular, by having the bushing 82 remain in the stop position 76, unnecessary readjustment of the seat cushion member 16 due to, for example, the user's weight can be prevented. However, in order to adjust the angle of the seat cushion member 16, the shaft 42 must move within the groove 60. To make this possible, the shaft 42 (in particular the bushing 82) must be disengaged from the stop position 76. On the other hand, the bushing 82 must be pressed into the stop position 76, for example, by spring force, to prevent undesirable changes in the position of the seat cushion member 16.

[0049] Go to Figure 7 As can be seen, link 26 engages with spring 90, which is used to adjust the force required for the user to recline the backrest 14. Spring 90 pushes link 26, and in turn, shaft 42, toward the front end of chair assembly 100. Therefore, shaft 42 is pushed forward, i.e., into stop position 76. When the user intentionally changes the angle of seat cushion component 16, shaft 42 can move against the force of spring 90 by operating operating handle 24, thus moving away from stop position 76.

[0050] In the intermediate position, bushing 82 can remain in the stop position 78, such as Figure 6b As shown, corresponding to Figure 5b Furthermore, bushing 82 can remain in the stop position 80, such as... Figure 6c As shown, corresponding to Figure 5c The situation is shown. From Figures 6a to 6c As can be seen, the groove 60 forms an angle with respect to the vertical line 84. This ensures that the user can turn the operating handle 24 with minimal effort, and also ensures that the position of the seat cushion component 16 will not change due to the user's weight.

[0051] Figure 7 It is also shown that the link 26 has a stop 86 that abuts against the central member 18 to prevent the link 26 from moving too far due to the action of the spring 90.

[0052] Figure 8 A chair device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this case, the shaft 42 is also rotatable in the link 92; however, the link 92 connecting the seat cushion component 16 and the central component 18 can be considered as part of the central component 18 and cannot move against the force of the spring 90. The spring 90 cannot be used to push the shaft 42 into the stop position of the slot 60.

[0053] Figure 8It is also shown that the seat cushion component 16 is connected to the base component 18 via a link 94, wherein the link 94 is rotatable relative to the central component 18 and also relative to the seat cushion component 16. Thus, when the front end of the seat cushion component 16 changes position due to the profile 44, the link 94 allows relative movement of the seat cushion component 16 relative to the central component 18 and allows the seat cushion component 16 to tilt.

[0054] Figures 9a to 9c The front end 54 of the chair device 200 according to the second embodiment is shown. Figures 9a to 9c Basically corresponds to Figures 5a to 5c Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding elements. Figures 9a to 9c and Figures 5a to 5c The main difference lies in controlling the shape of contour 50.

[0055] Figures 10a to 10c Roughly corresponding to Figures 6a to 6c However, in the second embodiment of the chair device 200, as... Figure 8 The force of the spring 90 cannot be used to push the shaft 42 into the stop positions 76, 78, and 80. A spring 96 is provided on the side of the groove 60 opposite to the stop positions 76, 78, and 80. Behind the spring 96, a recess 98 is provided in the cushion component 16. When the shaft 42 is moved from one of the stop positions 76, 78, and 80 to the next stop position 76, 78, or 80, the shaft 42 can be moved to the right by deflecting the spring 96 into the recess 98.

[0056] It is important to note that, for the two embodiments shown, the combination of stop contours 64, 70, 72 and stop positions 76, 78, 80 prevents unintended rotation, but still allows the user to rotate contour 44 when changing the position of the seat cushion component 16.

Claims

1. A chair assembly (100, 200), particularly for office chairs, comprising: Central component (18) which can be connected to base (22); The chair assembly includes a seat cushion component (16) and an adjustment mechanism (40) for adjusting the relative position of the central component (18) and the seat cushion component (16), wherein the adjustment mechanism (40) includes a shaft (42). The shaft is rotatably mounted in the central component (18) or in a link (26, 92) connecting the central component (18) and the seat component (16), and the shaft includes or is connected to a profile (44) having a control profile (50) that interacts with a control element (52) of the seat component (16), and the profile also having at least three stop profiles (64, 70, 72) that interact with a stop element (62) of the seat component (16), thereby defining at least three distinct relative positions of the seat component (16) and the central component (18), or The shaft is rotatably mounted in the cushion component (16) or in a link connecting the central component (18) and the cushion component (16), and the shaft includes or is connected to the profile (44), the profile having a control profile (50) that interacts with a control element (52) of the central component (18), and the profile also having at least three stop profiles (64, 70, 72) that interact with a stop (62) of the central component (18), thereby defining at least three different relative positions of the cushion component (16) and the central component (18).

2. The chair device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first control element (52) is provided for lowering the front end of the seat cushion component (16), and an additional control element is provided for raising the front end of the seat cushion component (16).

3. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Different control surface sections (50.1, 50.2, 50.3) are provided for lowering and raising the front end (54) of the seat cushion component (16).

4. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The contour piece (44) is located in the housing (48) of the cushion component (16).

5. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The stop contours (64, 70, 72) are each implemented as pawl grooves.

6. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The profile member (44) is eccentrically mounted on the shaft (42).

7. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The profile member (44) includes at least one stop member, preferably two stops members (66, 74), which are used to restrict the rotational movement of the profile member (44).

8. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cushion component (16) includes a sidewall with a groove (60) through which the shaft (42) extends to allow relative movement of the cushion component (16) and the shaft (42).

9. The chair device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The groove (60) includes stop positions (76, 78, 80) for the shaft (42).

10. The chair device according to claim 9, characterized in that, A spring (90, 96) is provided to bias the shaft (42) into at least one stop position (76, 78, 80).

11. The chair device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The link (26) is able to move relative to the central component (18) against the force of the spring (90).

12. The chair device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, A spring (96) is provided at the groove (60), the spring (96) being opposite to at least one stop position (76, 78, 80).

13. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A stop (86) is provided to limit the movement of the link (26) relative to the central component (18).

14. The chair device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An operating handle (24) is provided, which is connected to the shaft (42) in a torque-resistant manner.

15. A chair (10), particularly an office chair, having a chair assembly (100, 200) according to any of the preceding claims.

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