Seating furniture, especially office chairs, with independent swivel joints

Abstract

Seating furniture (10), in particular a work chair, comprising a base (12), a seat assembly (14) and a backrest (16), wherein the seat assembly (14) is movable about an axis of rotation of a first pivot joint (18) via which the seat assembly (14) is connected to the base (12), and the backrest (16) is movable about an axis of rotation of a second pivot joint (20) via which the backrest (16) is connected to the seat assembly (14), wherein the axis of rotation of the first pivot joint (18) is parallel to a seat surface plane (14') of the seat assembly (14), wherein the axes of rotation of the first pivot joint (18) and the second pivot joint (20) are parallel to each other but spatially spaced apart, and wherein the first pivot joint (18) and the second pivot joint (20) are mechanically decoupled from each other.so that the movement of the seat arrangement (14) about the first pivot joint (18) can be mechanically independent of the movement of the backrest (16) about the second pivot joint (20).

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture, in particular a work chair, comprising a base frame, a seat arrangement and a backrest, wherein the seat arrangement is movable about a rotational axis of a first pivot joint, via which the seat arrangement is connected to the base frame, and the backrest is movable about a rotational axis of a second pivot joint, via which the backrest is connected to the seat arrangement.

[0002] In this context, the seat arrangement refers to a seat of the seating furniture with the adjoining mechanical and structural components which are not assigned to the backrest or the base frame.

[0003] Common seating furniture, including office chairs, usually has adjustment options for ergonomic fine-tuning of the seating to suit the individual user or to vary the user's possible sitting positions.

[0004] Often, for example, the backrest can be moved relative to a seat surface of the seating arrangement, particularly tilted backward for reclining. Alternatively or additionally, the seat surface can also be moved relative to the footrest. It can be tilted, particularly in the manner of a rocker, around a rotational axis oriented parallel to the seat surface and backrest. The movements can be triggered specifically by the user and / or occur at least partially automatically, adapting to their center of gravity.

[0005] Seating furniture is known that only offers one of the adjustment options mentioned. In a seat with a so-called permanent contact mechanism, the backrest can be tilted relative to a seat assembly permanently attached to the base frame, thereby ensuring permanent contact between the user's back and the backrest. In a seat with a rocking mechanism, the seat assembly, including the backrest, can be tilted relative to the base frame in a rocker-like manner, while the angle between the backrest and the seat always remains unchanged.

[0006] If a piece of seating offers both of these adjustment options, they are usually synchronized via a mechanical coupling. In this case, a movement of the seat assembly is accompanied by an additional movement of the backrest in the same direction. As a result, when reclining, in addition to the combined movement of the seat assembly and the backrest, the angle between the seat assembly and the backrest is increased by the additional movement of the backrest. Seating of this type is referred to as seating with synchronous mechanisms.

[0007] Depending on the intended use and the given environmental conditions, each of the described mechanisms may offer advantages in terms of the user's well-being and health over other variants. When purchasing seating, the user must decide on a preferred design. Object of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a piece of seating furniture, in particular a work chair, with a flexible design of the movement possibilities between a backrest, a seat arrangement and a base frame. Description of the invention

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a piece of seating furniture, in particular a work chair, having a base frame, a seat arrangement and a backrest, wherein the seat arrangement is movable about a rotational axis of a first rotary joint, via which the seat arrangement is connected to the base frame, and the backrest is movable about a rotational axis of a second rotary joint, via which the backrest is connected to the seat arrangement, wherein the rotational axis of the first rotary joint runs parallel to a seat surface plane of the seat arrangement, wherein the rotational axes of the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint run parallel to each other, but are spatially spaced from each other, and wherein the first rotary joint and the second rotary joint are mechanically decoupled from each other,so that the movement of the seat assembly about the first pivot joint can be mechanically independent of the movement of the backrest about the second pivot joint.

[0010] The components of the seating furniture can thus freely adapt to the respective load situation. This allows the user appropriate freedom in choosing a sitting position and allows them to vary it in many ways. External constraints caused by the seating furniture's structure are minimized by the independent pivot joints, thus promoting a natural posture and reducing fatigue.

[0011] Preferably, the first pivot joint can be arranged below a seat surface plane of the seat assembly, and the second pivot joint can be arranged above the seat surface plane. In particular, the second axis of rotation can be offset horizontally and vertically (upwardly) relative to the first axis of rotation.

[0012] The seat plane may include the seating surface of the furniture. However, the seat plane is often contoured to improve the ergonomics of the furniture. In these cases, the seat plane refers to a compensating plane that approximates the orientation and position of the seat. In the case of a rounded transition from the seat to the backrest, the transition area is not taken into account when determining the seat plane. In an unloaded neutral position of the furniture, the seat plane runs parallel to a flat contact surface of the furniture. Accordingly, the seat plane runs horizontally when the furniture is on a level floor.

[0013] The described arrangement of the independent pivot joints above and below the seat surface provides beneficial support for the user's body. Changing sitting positions can be achieved comfortably and gently, without the need to "slide around" on the seat. Furthermore, the comparatively large spatial separation of the pivot joints at the respective joints provides sufficient space for the seating to be designed and manufactured in a structurally advantageous manner. Last but not least, this allows the seating to be designed to be particularly stable without significant structural effort.

[0014] Preferably, the seating furniture has a first locking device for locking the first pivot joint.

[0015] The first locking device can be operated by a user, particularly without tools, i.e., manually. By fully locking the first pivot joint of the seat assembly, the permanent contact mechanism described above can be implemented. While the first pivot joint is locked by the first locking device, the seat assembly can preferably be in a neutral position, with the seat running essentially parallel to the floor on which the seating furniture rests. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the seat assembly can be locked in any of its possible positions.

[0016] In embodiments, the first locking device can be used, in addition to or alternatively to complete locking, also for "partial" locking of the first pivot joint. This can be understood as the first locking device applying resistance to the movement between the seat assembly and the base frame, thus acting like a friction brake. Alternatively, the first locking device can be designed as a locking mechanism and predetermine various locking positions.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the seating furniture can have a second locking device for locking the second pivot joint. The second locking device can be designed in variants analogous to those of the first locking device. In variant designs, the seating furniture can have only the second locking device, while the first locking device is not present. Complete locking of the second pivot joint, and thus the setting of the backrest position, is preferably provided in each of the possible positions of the second pivot joint.

[0018] By completely locking the second swivel joint (where the first swivel joint, if present, is not locked), the rocking mechanism described above can be realized.

[0019] The seating furniture preferably has the first and second locking devices. In particular, both locking devices can be designed identically.

[0020] Preferably, the first and second locking devices can be locked independently of one another.

[0021] In this way, both the described permanent contact mechanism and the rocking mechanism can be implemented through different locking states, as mentioned above. If both pivot joints are freely movable, a synchronous effect is achieved without direct coupling.

[0022] Preferably, the seating furniture has at least one end stop which limits the movement of the backrest about the second pivot joint.

[0023] In particular, the rearward movement of the backrest, i.e., away from the seat assembly, can be limited by the end stop. The end stop can, in particular, be arranged or formed as a separate component on the backrest and / or the seat assembly, for example, in the form of a projection or a pair of projections.

[0024] The seating furniture may have a support spring between the backrest and the seat assembly, whereby a spring force of the support spring must be overcome in order to move the backrest about the second pivot joint.

[0025] The support spring can be designed, in particular, as a cylindrical compression spring or made of rubber or elastomer. An unloaded length of the support spring can thus determine the neutral position of the backrest in a structurally advantageous manner.

[0026] Preferably, a longitudinal axis of the support spring is oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis of the second pivot joint in the unloaded state. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the support spring can be oriented perpendicular to the plane of the seat surface.

[0027] By means of the described arrangement, the existing degrees of freedom of movement and the support spring are placed in a preferred operative relationship.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the seating furniture can have a support spring package consisting of at least two parallel support springs between the backrest and the seat arrangement.

[0029] The at least two support springs are arranged next to each other, particularly in the direction of the rotational axis of the second pivot joint. Typically, all support springs present have identical dimensions and spring constants.

[0030] The support spring(s) is / are preferably arranged on a side of the second pivot joint facing away from the first pivot joint.

[0031] This ensures that the respective support springs are subjected to compression when the user leans back. Tension loading of the support spring(s) can be permitted, in particular. In this case, the backrest is moved forward beyond its neutral position. This can facilitate transport of the seating. Alternatively, tension loading of the support spring(s) can be mechanically prevented.

[0032] Preferably, a flexible cover is arranged between the seat assembly and the backrest, wherein the flexible cover covers the second pivot joint and / or the support spring(s).

[0033] The cover offers particular advantages when the seating is used in cleanroom environments. In particular, the cover prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt between the seat and backrest. The resulting smooth, closed surfaces make cleaning particularly easy. Furthermore, the visual appearance of the seating is positively influenced.

[0034] The seating furniture is preferably designed as a swivel chair.

[0035] Particularly when the seating is used as a work chair, designing it as a swivel chair offers advantages in everyday use. For this purpose, the seating features, in particular, an additional swivel joint between the seat assembly and the base frame. The base frame can preferably have a single column, which terminates in a base at the lower end (towards the floor). The base frame is particularly equipped or configured with casters or gliders for moving the seating across the floor.

[0036] The seating may, in particular, have additional joints and, if necessary, locking devices. In particular, the seating may be height-adjustable.

[0037] In some embodiments, the seating furniture comprises electrically conductive materials. In particular, it is designed for overall electrical conduction across all components.

[0038] This provides reliable protection against accidental electrostatic discharge. This makes the seating or work chair particularly suitable for use when working with sensitive components, for example, in the microchip and semiconductor industries.

[0039] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the above-mentioned and further-described features can be used individually or in combination in any desired manner. The embodiments shown and described are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention. Short description of the drawing

[0040] The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described using an embodiment.

[0041] It shows: Fig. 1 a partial side view of a seating furniture according to the invention in the form of a work chair. Detailed description of the invention and drawing

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a piece of seating furniture 10 in the form of a work chair in a partial side view. The seating furniture 10 has a base frame 12, a seat arrangement 14, and a backrest 16. The seat plane 14' is considered to be a plane on an upper side of the seat arrangement 14, which plane largely depicts a possibly ergonomically contoured seat of the seating furniture 10. In a Fig. In the neutral position of the seating furniture 10 shown in Figure 1, the seat surface plane 14' runs particularly parallel to a support surface of the base frame 12 of the seating furniture 10. The support surface is usually the floor. The seat surface arrangement 14 is typically located largely below the seat surface plane 14'. However, as shown, it can also extend above the seat surface plane 14'.

[0043] The base frame 12 is in Fig. 1 is shown only in part. It may have a height-adjustable column, in particular, and be divided downwards, in particular, into several struts of a base, on which casters or gliders are arranged (not shown). The base frame 12, the seat assembly 14, and the backrest 16 may each have several subcomponents. The present invention primarily describes the features of the seating furniture 10.

[0044] The seating furniture 10 has a first pivot joint 18 between the base frame 12 and the seat assembly 14, as well as a second pivot joint 20 between the seat assembly 14 and the backrest 16. The pivot axes of the first pivot joint 18 and the second pivot joint 20 have the same orientation (here, into the plane of the illustration) and are offset laterally and vertically. The first pivot joint 18 can, in particular, be arranged approximately centrally beneath the seat assembly 14 and enable a rocking movement of the seat assembly 14. Upon deflection of the seat assembly 14 about the first pivot joint 18, the previously defined seat plane 14' tilts accordingly with the seat assembly 14.

[0045] The seating furniture 10 preferably has a first locking device 19 for, in particular manually, locking the first pivot joint 18 in any desired position. Further preferably, the seating furniture 10 has a second locking device 21 for, in particular manually, locking the second pivot joint 20 in any desired position. The first locking device 19 and the second locking device 21 can, in particular, be lockable independently of one another. For this purpose, two spaced-apart operating elements or, alternatively, a combined operating element for independent locking can be provided. The locking devices 19, 21 are in Fig. 1 not shown in detail.

[0046] The second pivot joint 20 can be arranged above the seat surface plane 14'. In the illustrated embodiment, the second pivot joint 20 connects the backrest 16 to the seat surface arrangement 14 in the manner of a hinge. For this purpose, the seating furniture 10 has, in particular, a mechanism consisting of several tabs 22 on the backrest 16 and the seat surface arrangement 14, wherein the respective tabs 22 each have through-holes for receiving the axis of rotation of the second pivot joint 20. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, two support springs 24 arranged parallel one behind the other perpendicular to the plane of the illustration are arranged between the backrest 16 and the seat surface arrangement 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the support springs 24 are designed as cylindrical compression springs. However, they can also be made of rubber or elastomer. In order to move the backrest 16 about the second pivot joint 20, a spring force of the support springs 24 must be overcome.A forward movement of the backrest 16 from the neutral position, whereby the support springs 24 are subjected to tensile stress, can be either permitted or prevented by mechanical means, even if this does not appear appropriate for everyday use of the seating furniture 10. To limit the rearward movement of the backrest 16 about the second pivot joint 20, a separate end stop 26 can be provided. The end stop 26 can be determined by the geometry of the backrest 16 or the seat surface arrangement 14 and / or the maximum compression of the support springs 24.

[0047] A longitudinal axis of the support springs 24 runs in Fig. 1 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second pivot joint 20 and at least approximately perpendicular to the seat surface plane 14'. The support springs 24 are arranged near a rear side of the backrest 16, so that they are arranged on a side of the second pivot joint 20 facing away from the first pivot joint 18.

[0048] A flexible cover 28 is provided to seal the second pivot joint 20 and the support springs 24. The flexible cover 28 is in Fig. 1 only indicated by dashed lines.

[0049] In particular, the seating furniture 10 can be designed as a swivel chair, wherein it has an additional, optionally lockable, swivel joint with a rotation axis perpendicular to the support surface. The additional swivel joint can be formed, for example, within the base frame 12 or between the base frame 12 and the seat assembly 14 (not shown). List of reference symbols 10 seating furniture 12 base frame 14 Seat arrangement 14' seating level 16 Backrest 18 first swivel joint 19 first locking device 20 second swivel joint 21 second locking device 22 tab 24 support spring 26 End stop 28 Cover

Claims

[1] Seating furniture (10), in particular a work chair, comprising a base frame (12), a seat assembly (14) and a backrest (16), wherein the seat assembly (14) is movable about a rotational axis of a first rotary joint (18), via which the seat assembly (14) is connected to the base frame (12), and the backrest (16) is movable about a rotational axis of a second rotary joint (20), via which the backrest (16) is connected to the seat assembly (14), wherein the rotational axis of the first rotary joint (18) runs parallel to a seat plane (14') of the seat assembly (14), wherein the rotational axes of the first rotary joint (18) and the second rotary joint (20) run parallel to one another but are spatially spaced from one another, and wherein the first rotary joint (18) and the second rotary joint (20) are mechanically decoupled from one another,so that the movement of the seat assembly (14) about the first pivot joint (18) can be mechanically independent of the movement of the backrest (16) about the second pivot joint (20). [2] Seating furniture (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot joint (18) is arranged below the seat surface plane (14') of the seat surface arrangement (14) and wherein the second pivot joint (20) is arranged above the seat surface plane (14'). [3] Seating furniture (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seating furniture (10) has a first locking device (19) for locking the first pivot joint (18). [4] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (10) has a second locking device (21) for locking the second pivot joint (20). [5] Seating furniture (10) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the first locking device (19) and the second locking device (21) can be locked independently of one another. [6] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (10) has at least one end stop (26) which limits the movement of the backrest (16) about the second pivot joint (20). [7] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (10) has a support spring (24) between the backrest (16) and the seat surface arrangement (14), wherein in order to move the backrest (16) about the second pivot joint (20) a spring force of the support spring (24) must be overcome. [8] Seating furniture (10) according to claim 7, wherein a longitudinal axis of the support spring (24) in the unloaded state of the support spring (24) is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second pivot joint (20), in particular wherein the longitudinal axis of the support spring (24) is oriented perpendicular to the seat surface plane (14'). [9] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein the seating furniture (10) has a support spring package consisting of at least two parallel support springs (24) between the backrest (16) and the seat surface arrangement (14). [10] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein the support spring(s) (24) is / are arranged on a side of the second pivot joint (20) facing away from the first pivot joint (18). [11] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein a flexible cover (28) is arranged between the seat arrangement (14) and the backrest (16), wherein the flexible cover (28) covers the second pivot joint (20) and / or the support spring(s) (24). [12] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (10) is designed as a swivel chair. [13] Seating furniture (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating furniture (10) comprises electrically conductive materials and is designed for overall electrical dissipation across components.

Images