Adjustment device

Abstract

Adjustment device (1, 24), comprising a first joint (2) and a second joint (3), each joint (2, 3) having a detent mechanism comprising a pair of detent elements (4, 5), wherein the detent elements (4, 5) are movable between a detented position and a released position in which the joint (2, 3) is adjustable, wherein each detent mechanism is actuated by a spring element and held in the detented position, wherein the pair of detent elements (4, 5) of the first joint (2) and the pair of detent elements (4, 5) of the second joint (3) are connected to each other by a pressure plate (6, 25), wherein the detent mechanisms of both joints (2, 3) are movable from the detented position to the released position in which the joints (2, 3) are adjustable by axially displacing the pressure plate (6, 25) against the force of the spring elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device with a first joint and a second joint.

[0002] Such an adjustment device can be used in various products that feature two interconnected joints attached to a side plate. A further component is attached to each joint. Adjustment is achieved by pivoting the joint or one of the components attached to it around the joint's axis of rotation.

[0003] With such a conventional adjustment device, each joint can only be adjusted separately. Therefore, a user will first adjust the first joint, and then adjust the second joint.

[0004] In certain applications, it is necessary to adjust both the first and second joints. Typically, the first joint is adjusted first, followed by the second. However, this is perceived as uncomfortable. Therefore, there is a need for an adjustment device that is easier to operate.

[0005] To solve this problem, an adjusting device with the features of claim 1 is provided.

[0006] In the adjusting device according to the invention, each joint has a locking mechanism comprising a pair of locking elements, wherein the locking elements are movable between a locked position and a released position in which the joint is adjustable, wherein each locking mechanism is acted upon by a spring element and held in the locked position, wherein the pair of locking elements of the first joint and the pair of locking elements of the second joint are connected to one another by a pressure plate, wherein the locking mechanisms of both joints are movable by axial displacement of the pressure plate against the force of the spring elements from the locked position into the released position in which the joints are adjustable.

[0007] The invention is based on the discovery that by mechanically coupling the locking mechanisms of the first and second joints, it is possible to move both joints simultaneously into the released position, in which adjustment is possible. Accordingly, only a single actuation by a user is required to adjust both joints and the additional component attached to each joint. Thus, the adjustment device enables simultaneous adjustment of the positions of both components relative to the respective joint or to the pressure plate.

[0008] After the two components have been brought into the correct position, the user can release the adjustment device, which then automatically returns to its original state, i.e. the locked position.

[0009] A preferred variant of the adjusting device according to the invention additionally provides a second pair of locking elements, wherein the locking elements are movable between the locked position and the released position, wherein each locking mechanism of the second pair of locking elements is acted upon by a spring element and held in the locked position, wherein the second pair of locking elements of the first joint and the second pair of locking elements of the second joint are connected to one another by a second pressure plate, wherein the locking mechanisms of both joints are movable by axial displacement of both pressure plates against the force of the spring elements from the locked position into the released position, in which the joints are adjustable.

[0010] This version features two pressure plates located on the outside of the adjustment mechanism. This results in a larger width compared to an adjustment mechanism with only one pressure plate, making the adjustment mechanism more stable. By pressing both pressure plates simultaneously, the user can pivot and adjust the components attached to the joints. After releasing the pressure plates, both automatically return to the locked position.

[0011] Preferably, a pair of locking elements of the adjusting device according to the invention comprises a female locking disc with internal teeth and a male locking disc with external teeth, wherein either the male locking disc or the female locking disc is movable between the locked position and the released position by axial displacement. The teeth engage with each other in the locked state and prevent rotation. In this way, the relative positions of the components connected to the joints can be adjusted in small increments, enabling precise positioning.

[0012] It is also preferred that those components of the locking elements of the first and second joints that are not connected to each other by a pressure plate are each connected to each other by a side plate. Such a side plate is constructed similarly to a pressure plate, with the difference that one component of the locking elements, i.e., a female locking disc or a male locking disc, is fixedly attached to the side plate.

[0013] It is preferred that the pressure plates and / or the side plates are each plate-shaped or web-like. With a web-like pressure plate or a web-like side plate, the pairs of locking elements can each be attached to an opposite end. Preferably, one pressure plate is arranged parallel to a side plate. A user can thus grip the pressure plate and the side plate together. If a joint has a second pair of locking elements, the user can grip both pressure plates together.

[0014] Optionally, a preferably U-shaped mounting bracket or a mounting bracket configured as a square profile can be attached to the first joint and / or the second joint, on which the spring elements are supported. A component that can be adjusted by means of the adjustment device according to the invention can be attached to each mounting bracket.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring elements can be designed as spiral compression springs. Due to the energy stored in the compressed spiral compression springs, the pressure plate is moved from the released position back to the locked position when released.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, it can also be provided that each pair of locking elements is assigned an axis designed as a cylinder or hollow cylinder, with the cylinder or hollow cylinder being surrounded by the spring element. The spring element is thus held securely and in a space-saving manner.

[0017] The adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for various applications. For example, a mounting bracket of the adjustment device can be part of a headrest, particularly for a vehicle seat or a doctor's chair, a wheelchair, an office chair, a gaming chair, or a piece of furniture. Similarly, a mounting bracket can be part of a backrest or an armrest.

[0018] It is also possible for a fastening fitting of the adjustment device according to the invention to be part of a laboratory device or a tripod or a camera tripod.

[0019] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an adjusting device according to the invention according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the individual parts of the adjustment device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a similar view to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 the adjusting device according to the invention in the locked position; Fig. 5 which in Fig. 4 shown adjustment device in the released position; Fig. 6 a perspective view of an adjusting device according to the invention according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 which in Fig. 6 shown adjustment device in the locked position; and Fig. 8 which in Fig. 6 shown adjustment device in the released position.

[0020] The Fig. The adjustment device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first joint 2 and a second joint 3, each having a rotation axis. Each joint 2, 3 has a locking mechanism consisting of a pair of locking elements 4, 5. Fig. 1 shows the pair of locking elements 4, 5 in the locked position. The two pairs of locking elements 4, 5 on the first joint 2 and the second joint 3 are constructed identically. The two joints 2, 3 and the two pairs of locking elements 4, 5 are connected to one another by a side plate 7. In this exemplary embodiment, the side plate 7 is web-shaped. In the region of its ends, it has a through-opening for a fastening element such as a screw, a rivet, or a bolt, so that the side plate 7 is firmly connected to a locking element, in this exemplary embodiment to the locking element 4.

[0021] In addition, the adjustment device 1 comprises a pressure plate 6, which is arranged parallel to the side plate 7 and opposite it, so that the pairs of locking elements 4, 5 are located between the pressure plate 6 and the side plate 7. Each joint 2, 3 additionally comprises a schematically illustrated fastening fitting 8, 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening fittings 8, 9 are schematically shown as short plates with fastening holes. However, other designs are also conceivable; for example, a fastening fitting can have a U-shaped or circular cross-section or be designed as a square profile. The fastening fittings 8, 9 make it possible to connect the adjustment device 1 to other components, which can thereby be adjusted.

[0022] The following refers to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, each of which shows an exploded view of the individual parts of the adjustment device 1 from a different perspective.

[0023] The locking element 4 is designed as a male locking disc with external teeth 10. The locking element 5 is designed as a female locking disc with internal teeth 11, which comprises an outer conical toothing section 12 and an inner toothing section 13 with a constant diameter. The conical toothing section 12 is optional.

[0024] When assembled, as shown in Fig. 1, the external toothing 12 and the inner toothing section 13 engage with each other, whereby the respective joint 2, 3 is locked, i.e. blocked. The side plate 7 has a screw 14 which passes through a central opening 15 of the locking element 4 designed as a male locking disc. On both sides next to the screw 14 there are further screws 16, 17 which firmly connect the side plate 7 to the male locking disc 4. The male locking disc is thus held in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the side plate 7 and is also axially firmly connected to the side plate 7. Both male locking discs are connected to the side plate 7 in the same way.

[0025] Each locking element 5, designed as a female locking disc, is firmly connected to a fastening fitting 8, 9 by means of two screws 18. Each fastening fitting 8, 9 has a circular through-opening through which a sleeve 19 extends, which runs along the axis of rotation and thus through the center of the internal toothing 11. In the axial direction, the sleeve 19 is approximately flush with the free end of the respective locking element 4, 5. On the opposite side, the sleeve 19 projects towards the pressure plate 6. The sleeve 19 is rotatably mounted in the circular through-opening of the respective fastening fitting 8, 9. In the area of ​​each end of the pressure plate 6 there is a screw 20, the shaft 22 of which is surrounded by a spiral compression spring 21. The shaft 22 of the screw 20 is screwed into an internal thread of the sleeve 19. The screw 14, which is inserted through the side plate 7, is screwed into the sleeve 19 on the opposite side.As a result, the pressure plate 6, the sleeve 19, and the side plate 7 are firmly connected to one another. In contrast, the fastening fittings 8, 9 with the locking elements 5 can each be pivoted separately in the released position when the pressure plate 6 is pressed.

[0026] Fig. 4 shows the adjusting device 1 in the rest position when the pressure plate 6 is not actuated by a user. In this state, the spiral compression spring 21 is supported on the one hand on the inside of the pressure plate 6 and on the other hand on the outside of the fastening fittings 8, 9. The screw 20 of the pressure plate 6 is screwed to the sleeve 19, which can be pivoted relative to the fastening fitting 8, 9. In this state, the spiral compression spring 21 is at least slightly compressed, so that a pretensioning force, i.e. a compressive force, is exerted on the locking elements 5 and the fastening fittings 8, 9 connected to them. This compressive force causes the external toothing 10 of the locking element 4 and the internal toothing 11 of the locking element 5 to be compressed axially, so that the toothing section 13 with a constant diameter engages with the external toothing 10 of the locking element 4.In this state, pivoting of the fastening fittings 8, 9 is blocked.

[0027] If the user - as in Fig. 5 - the pressure plate 6 is displaced axially by applying a force represented by the arrow 23, the side plate 7, which is firmly connected to the pressure plate, with the two locking elements 4 attached to it is displaced axially, ie in Fig. 5 to the left. This releases the engagement of the toothed section 13 with a constant diameter with the external toothing 10 and the locking is released. The user can now pivot both fastening fittings 8, 9 about their respective rotation axes. Upon releasing the pressure plate 6, the spiral compression springs 21 press the pressure plate 6 axially outwards again, so that the external toothing 10 of the locking elements 4 is again axially displaced, in the view of Fig. 5 to the right, and engages the toothed section 13 with a constant diameter of the locking element 5. As a result, the adjusting device 1 automatically returns to the locked position.

[0028] The Fig. 6 to 8 show an adjusting device 24 according to a second exemplary embodiment. The adjusting device 24 can be viewed as a combination of two adjusting devices 1 of the first exemplary embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of identical components is omitted here. All described advantages and functions of the first exemplary embodiment also apply to the present second exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Unlike in the first embodiment, the locking mechanism of each joint 2, 3 additionally has a second pair of locking elements. Both locking elements are located on the same axis of rotation of the respective joint 2, 3. The adjusting device 24 is designed symmetrically to an imaginary center line arranged perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the two joints 2, 3. On both outer sides of the adjusting device 24 there is a pressure plate 6, 25, which is acted upon near its two opposite ends by a spiral compression spring 21 and pressed outwards. On the inside, side plates 7, 26 arranged parallel to the pressure plates 6, 25 are assigned to the locking elements. The two halves of the adjusting device 24, which are mirror-symmetrical to one another, are connected to one another by fastening fittings 27, 28.A mounting bracket 27, 28 is angled twice, with the angled ends firmly connected to the locking elements 5. A central section of the mounting brackets 27, 28 has holes and can be connected to another component.

[0030] Fig. Figure 7 shows the adjustment device 24 in the locked position. The locking elements 4, 5, which are designed as female and male locking discs, are engaged with each other, i.e., the female locking disc with the internal toothing 11 engages with the external toothing 10 of the male locking disc, thereby preventing rotation of the joints 2, 3. In this state, the spiral compression spring 21 holds the locking elements 4, 5 in position.

[0031] When the user presses the two pressure plates 6, 25 together as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig.8, the locking elements 4 and the side plates 7, 26 firmly connected thereto are displaced axially inwards, i.e., toward one another. The locking of the locking elements 4, 5 is thereby released, so that the fastening fittings 27, 28 can be pivoted about the axis of the two joints 2, 3. The adjusting device 24 can thus be moved from the locked position to the released position with one hand, so that one or more components to which the fastening fittings 27, 28 are connected can be adjusted with the other hand. In this way, adjustment about two axes of rotation is possible with a single actuation.

[0032] The two variants of the adjustment device 1, 24 are suitable for different applications. For example, the adjustment device can be part of a headrest that is adjustable around two axes. The headrest can be intended for a vehicle seat, a doctor's chair, a wheelchair, an office chair, or a yellow chair. It is also possible for the headrest adjustable by means of the adjustment device to be part of a piece of furniture. In this context, a mounting fitting can be part of a backrest or an armrest. With the adjustment device, the backrest or armrest can thus be adjusted around two axes with a single movement.

[0033] In addition, the adjustment device can be part of a laboratory device, a tripod or a camera tripod, which can be easily adjusted in this way. List of reference symbols 1 adjustment device 2 first joint 3 second joint 4 locking element 5 locking element 6 printing plate 7 Side plate 8 Mounting fitting 9 Mounting fitting 10 External gearing 11 Internal gearing 12 conical toothing section 13 constant gear section 14 Screw 15 Opening 16 Screw 17 Screw 18 Screw 19 sleeve 20 screw 21 Spiral compression spring 22 shaft 23 Force 24 Adjustment device 25 printing plate 26 Side plate 27 Mounting fitting 28 Mounting fitting

Claims

[1] Adjusting device (1, 24), with a first joint (2) and a second joint (3), wherein each joint (2, 3) has a locking mechanism comprising a pair of locking elements (4, 5), wherein the locking elements (4, 5) are movable between a locked position and a released position in which the joint (2, 3) is adjustable, wherein each locking mechanism is acted upon by a spring element and held in the locked position, wherein the pair of locking elements (4, 5) of the first joint (2) and the pair of locking elements (4, 5) of the second joint (3) are connected to each other by a pressure plate (6, 25), wherein the locking mechanisms of both joints (2, 3) can be moved by axial displacement of the pressure plate (6, 25) against the force of the spring elements from the locked position into the released position, in which the joints (2, 3) are adjustable. [2] Adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism of each joint (2, 3) additionally comprises a second pair of locking elements (4, 5), wherein the locking elements (4, 5) are movable between the locked position and the released position, wherein each locking mechanism of the second pair of locking elements (4, 5) is acted upon by a spring element and held in the locked position, wherein the second pair of locking elements (4, 5) of the first joint (2) and the second pair of locking elements (4, 5) of the second joint (3) are connected to each other by a second outer pressure plate (25), wherein the locking mechanisms of both joints (2, 3) can be moved by axially displacing both pressure plates (6, 25) against the force of the spring elements from the locked position into the released position, in which the joints (2, 3) are adjustable. [3] Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pair of locking elements (4, 5) comprises a female locking disc with an internal toothing (11) and a male locking disc with an external toothing (10), wherein either the male locking disc or the female locking disc is movable by an axial displacement between the locked position and the released position. [4] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein those components of the locking elements (4, 5) of the first and second joints (2, 3) which are not connected to one another by a pressure plate (6, 25) are each connected to one another by a side plate (7, 26). [5] Adjusting device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure plates (6, 25) and / or the side plates (7, 26) are each plate-shaped or web-like. [6] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a preferably U-shaped fastening fitting (8, 9, 27, 28) or a fastening fitting designed as a square profile is attached to the first joint (2) and / or to the second joint (3), on which the spring elements are supported. [7] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring elements are designed as spiral compression springs (21). [8] Adjusting device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each pair of locking elements (4, 5) is assigned an axis designed as a cylinder or hollow cylinder and the cylinder or hollow cylinder is surrounded by the spring element. [9] Adjusting device according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one fastening fitting (8, 9, 27, 28) is a component of a headrest, in particular for a vehicle seat or a doctor's chair, a wheelchair, an office chair, a gaming chair or for a piece of furniture. [10] Adjusting device according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least one fastening fitting (8, 9, 27, 28) is a component of a backrest or an armrest. [11] Adjusting device according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one fastening fitting (8, 9, 27, 28) is a component of a laboratory device or a tripod or a camera tripod.

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