DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE TILT OF AN OBJECT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height, distance, or inclination of an object relative to a structure with which it is slidably or pivotably coupled, for example as an adjustment device for the inclination of a stroller's backrest relative to its chassis, wherein the coupling of the object to the structure comprises a traction element which has at least one section adjustable in its free length, which is connected at one end to the structure and at the other end to the device fixed to the object to be adjusted, and which tends to shorten automatically during adjustment.

[0002] Adjusting the backrest of a stroller seat is usually done using a linkage and a toothed or knurled wheel. On a stroller with an adjustable backrest, pulling on a part of the linkage unlocks the backrest adjustment, and then turning the toothed or knurled wheel adjusts the backrest. Because these two actions must be performed simultaneously, the operator always needs two hands, which is impractical, among other reasons, because the operator cannot attend to the child during this time.

[0003] A first attempt to simplify the recline adjustment of a child car seat's backrest is known from DE 10 2012 022 306 A1. This discloses a child car seat with a frame, a seat surface, and a backrest that can pivot relative to the seat surface about a rearward axis. A webbing strap runs along the back of the backrest, where it can be slidably guided. The upper end of this strap is attached to the child car seat's frame and runs forward under the seat surface to a clamping device at the front end of the frame. When the clamping device is released, the backrest can swing backward, with the webbing strap running backward through the clamping device, thus increasing the distance between the upper end of the backrest and the child car seat's frame while the backrest is adjusted into the reclining position.If, on the other hand, the backrest is to be tilted upwards into an upright sitting position, the free end of the webbing must be pulled, and once the desired position is reached, the clamping mechanism is tightened again to lock the backrest in place. However, this adjustment always requires the use of two hands – one hand must be used to operate the clamping mechanism and, if necessary, shorten the webbing length, while the other hand is used to adjust the backrest.

[0004] WO 20178160144 A1 describes a seat for a pram, comprising a chassis, a seat, and a backrest. While the release mechanism for the backrest adjustment is located on the back of the backrest, allowing for adjustment with one hand if necessary, the locking mechanism uses a clamp, which is unreliable in the long run. Furthermore, part of the adjustment mechanism, namely an elastic band, extends outside the housing and runs along the entire back of the seat, significantly complicating the overall design.

[0005] Further such devices are disclosed in EP 2 878 513 A2, GB 2 178 306 A, JP 2003 095113 A, US 2006 / 006629 A1 and EP 0 479 132 A1.

[0006] The disadvantages of the described prior art give rise to the problem initiating the invention: to further develop a generic device in such a way that only a few, short or quick steps are required to adjust the distance or inclination of an object relative to a structure; the device should be permanently reliable and as simple as possible in its construction, assembly and operation.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. Disclosed is a traction element comprising at least one length-adjustable section, which is connected at one end to the structure and at the other end to the object to be adjusted, and which tends to shorten automatically during adjustment, wherein the device provides a locking mechanism for a set length of the adjustable section, effected by means of positively interlocking elements.

[0008] Because this design uses a traction element instead of a gearbox to absorb forces, the overall arrangement is simplified, and a self-locking mechanism is unnecessary, thus eliminating the need for a force transmission. In adjustment mode, the tendency for at least one free section of the traction element to shorten automatically means that two actions are entirely sufficient for adjustment: selecting the adjustment mode and specifying the desired height, distance, or inclination of an object relative to a structure. In many cases, these two actions can be performed simultaneously with just one hand.

[0009] Accordingly, an adjustment device can be replaced by a setting device with which the height, inclination or distance of an object relative to a structure or other component can be set once and then, if necessary, locked in order to preserve this setting.

[0010] The provision is that, within a generic device for adjusting the height, distance, or inclination of an object relative to a structure with which it is slidably or pivotably connected, an adjustment device is provided which, in a specific, preferably manually selectable system state, allows adjustment of the height, inclination, or distance parameter, but not in another system state, while the last set height, inclination, or distance parameter is then locked or preserved.

[0011] As a result of this departure from a conventional adjustment mechanism, neither a gear ratio nor a self-locking mechanism is required. Therefore, the adjustment device can be designed such that the height, tilt, or distance parameter can be adjusted with just a few quick movements.

[0012] The locking of a set length of the adjustable shaft by means of form-fitting interlocking elements is permanently stable in contrast to a clamping mechanism and, unlike a clamping mechanism, does not tend to gradually slip.

[0013] The traction element should have an elongated, flexible shape. This traction element could be, for example, a belt, thread, cord, band, wire, strand, or chain, etc. All such traction elements have in common that they can transmit tensile forces, but not other forces such as compressive, shear, or bending forces. Consequently, with such a device, a height, inclination, or distance position can only be specified in one direction, whereas specifying a position in the other direction would require, for example, a second, antiparallel device. Often, however, this is unnecessary if, due to a specific operating principle, forces can only occur in a single direction.For example, in its normal state, a backrest is always pushed backward by the pressure of a person sitting against it, so the tilt position only needs to be set against further backward tilting, but not against forward tilting. Therefore, one tensioning device is sufficient, making the overall arrangement very clear.

[0014] It has proven advantageous that the tendency for the adjustable section to shorten automatically is effected by a spring element arranged within the device. This spring element is not directly connected or coupled to the tension member forming the adjustable section, i.e., not in the sense of direct force transmission, but rather only through an additional, movable or movably mounted intermediate element. During locking, another element engages with this intermediate element in a form-fit manner to block its movement and thus fix the set length of the adjustable section. In contrast to a tension member or a spring element, a specially designed connecting element or intermediate element can be configured to facilitate a form-fit connection.In the context of the invention, the term "positive locking" means that in the locked state, one element is located in the movement range of another element and thereby obstructs its movement.

[0015] The invention allows for a further development in which the additional, movable or movably mounted intermediate element is designed as a winding body onto which at least a portion of the traction element can be wound, such that the at least one length-adjustable section is formed by a portion of the traction element not wound onto the winding body. This is a simple method of length adjustment. When the traction element is fixed to or in the winding body, the free end cannot displace relative to the surface of the winding body and is therefore able to absorb tensile forces and transmit them to the winding body.

[0016] The traction element can be easily wound onto the winding body, for example, by fixing one end to the winding body and winding it around the body from that point. The unwound section of the traction element then forms a spool whose length is adjustable depending on how far the winding body is rotated to wind the traction element. In such an arrangement, the free spool is shortened by the length of the winding body's circumference with each rotation of the winding body.

[0017] On the other hand, it is also possible to wrap the traction element twice around the winding body and, with each rotation, wind it up twice, thus creating two length-adjustable strands formed by the sections of the traction element not wound onto the winding body. In this case, a central section of the traction element would have to be fixed to or within the winding body, and the sections of the traction element on either side would then both be doubled and wound up, so that each of the two sections not wrapped around the winding body then acts as a length-adjustable strand. The advantage of this is that two strands, adjustable in length in the same direction or synchronously, are available, which can be fixed at different locations on the other object.

[0018] Furthermore, two or more tension strands can be used and wound onto the winding body in such a way that a total of two or more length-adjustable strands are formed by the portions of the two or more tension strands not wound onto the winding body. With four strands, these can, for example, be attached to the four corners of a board, such as a table.

[0019] For synchronous adjustment of two shafts, it is important that they are wound onto the winding body in the same direction of rotation, so that both are wound up or unwound simultaneously, depending on the direction of rotation of the winding body.

[0020] If two strands extend diametrically away from the coiled body or are deflected in diametrical directions, the result is a course of the two strands that is symmetrical to a central plane, and these can then be guided in opposite directions to two opposing edges of an adjustable object, or to anchors on a structure that are far apart.

[0021] The invention further provides that the tensioning element(s) is / are guided inwards through openings in the circumference of the winding body and is / are anchored inside the winding body. A clamping or other anchoring mechanism does not interfere with the winding process there.

[0022] The winding body should have a rotationally symmetrical shape, in particular the shape of a circular disk. Such a shape also promotes smooth winding onto and unwinding from the winding body.

[0023] A design of the winding body such that its circumference has a central, reduced-diameter area – viewed in the longitudinal direction of its axis of rotation – which is bounded at one or both end faces by a radially widened area, then acts like a winding drum, whereby the drum(s) is wound around the tapered area and is held back from slipping off by the radially widened areas.

[0024] To enable a uniform, as precession-free as possible, rotational movement of the winding body, it should be rotatably mounted about its axis of rotational symmetry, particularly on a chassis or on a housing surrounding the winding body. Depending on the shape of the winding body, a single bearing point may suffice, especially if the winding body has a more disc-like shape, or the mounting may be achieved at two bearing points offset from each other in the direction of the axis of rotation – such an embodiment is more advisable for a drum-shaped winding body, i.e., with a pronounced three-dimensional extent.

[0025] Further advantages arise from the fact that the winding body is pre-tensioned in one direction of rotation by a spring, particularly in the winding direction of the traction element(s). Due to the resulting tendency to continuously wind up the largest possible section of the traction element, at least one free strand of the traction element remains under constant tension, thus consistently following as straight a line as possible and permanently able to counteract any force acting on the adjustable object in the direction of stretching the traction element.

[0026] The spring is designed as a coil spring. This design has the advantage that both ends of the spring lie in the common spring plane, and therefore a housing or chassis is free from bending or torsional forces.

[0027] The spring or coil spring is arranged inside the winding body, primarily for space reasons. A coil spring is particularly well-suited for a disc-shaped winding body due to its geometric similarity, while a helical spring, for example, can also be accommodated in a drum-shaped winding body.

[0028] In order to be able to fix a selected rotational position, the invention provides that the winding body is equipped with a locking device, when activated, a further rotation of the winding body is blocked, preferably in both directions of rotation, but at least in the direction of rotation in which a torque acts and is therefore to be absorbed when the free stalk of the tensioning element is under tension.

[0029] To lock a selected rotational position, it is necessary to be able to absorb and dissipate an applied torque; a positive locking mechanism is particularly suitable for this purpose, especially when the winding body has a toothed row that runs completely or partially circumferentially. Different tooth shapes are possible: In a tooth shape similar to a gear, both flanks of a tooth run relatively steeply, i.e., almost in a radial plane, so that large torques can be transmitted; on the other hand, according to the invention, the tooth shape can also be designed in the manner of a sawtooth, with one steep flank and one shallow flank.Then, in one direction of rotation, high torques can be transmitted, while in the other direction of rotation – at least with little freedom of movement of one of the interlocking objects in the radial direction – starting is possible on the shallowly inclined flank of the sawtooth, meaning that no or only low torques can be transmitted.

[0030] A toothed array of this type can interact with an engagement element provided on a chassis or housing of the device, which is suitable for engaging the toothed array of the winding body in order to block rotation of the winding body. For this purpose, the engagement element has an engagement area which is designed as a counterpart to one or more teeth of the toothed array.

[0031] Preferably, the engagement element has one or more teeth in its engagement area. Even if these teeth do not correspond exactly to a gap in the tooth row in the lateral profile, they are still able to interlock with the tooth row and thus prevent further rotation of the winding body.

[0032] To overcome any blockage of the winding body's rotation caused by such tooth engagement, the engagement element should be displaceable towards or away from the winding body's tooth row. When it is moved away from the tooth row, the winding body is free to rotate; when moved towards the tooth row, its rotation is blocked. Displacement is enabled, for example, by at least one guide element for the engagement element arranged on the chassis or housing of the device. This guide element could, for instance, be a profile that surrounds the engagement element on several sides and thereby guides it along the longitudinal direction of the profile.

[0033] Preferably, the engagement element is pre-tensioned in one direction towards the toothed section of the winding body, so that, in an otherwise force-free state, it is pulled or pushed towards the toothed section and its engagement area engages in the toothed section of the winding body to block its rotational movement. In other words, if no external force is applied to the engagement element, it automatically enters the locking position, thereby permanently maintaining the set height, inclination, or distance value, theoretically indefinitely.

[0034] The invention involves pre-tensioning the engagement element by means of at least one spring. A spring is a passive mechanical element that requires no auxiliary energy and can therefore perform its function permanently.

[0035] This at least one spring for pre-tensioning the engagement element can be formed by a tension or compression spring, in particular by a helical spring. It is advantageous if the longitudinal axis of the helical spring is parallel to the guided displacement direction of the engagement element.

[0036] Finally, it is in accordance with the teaching of the invention that the engagement element is provided with an actuating element that projects from a housing. The locking mechanism can be released at this actuating element, particularly manually, by retracting the engagement element relative to or away from the toothed row of the winding body. After release, it is then automatically pushed back into the locked position by its integrated preload spring. Since a tensile force preferably has to be applied manually to the actuating element, it can have an undercut, for example, a tab with an opening oriented transversely to its direction of movement. Alternatively or cumulatively, it is also possible to provide at least one surface area of ​​the actuating element with a profile or roughen it.

[0037] Further features, details, advantages and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a backrest, for example of a stroller, with a device according to the invention for changing the inclination of this backrest, which has a manually movable actuating element; Fig. 2 shows a section through the adjustment device made of Fig. 1 along a central plane of the same, which is spanned by the direction of movement of the actuating element on the one hand and an axis of symmetry of the adjusting device on the other; and Fig. 3 a section through the adjusting device. Fig. 1 along a plane that is parallel to a base or mounting surface of the adjustment device.

[0038] The drawing shows a device 1 for adjusting the height, tilt or distance of an object 2, which is used as an example for adjusting the tilt of a backrest 3 of a stroller.

[0039] Of course, with such a device 1 or a similar arrangement, other objects 2 can also be adjusted with regard to their inclination and / or distance to a structure or with regard to their height, for example a front panel of a secretary that folds down to form a tabletop, a swiveling or extendable awning, but also a retractable sliding window, etc. In this respect, the application shown should only be understood as an example.

[0040] How to make Fig. 1 The device 1 according to the invention has a housing 4 from which one or more sections 5 of a traction element 6 emerge.

[0041] The traction element 6 can, for example, consist of a thread, a rope, or a wire. It is important that it be flexible with respect to deformations perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, while being as invariant as possible with respect to deformations, especially elongations, in its longitudinal direction; that is, preferably not elastically extensible. A typical example of this could be a nylon rope, such as that used as a kite string for flying kites.

[0042] Preferably, each Trum 5 consists of the same material. The in Fig. 1 The two recognizable trusses 5 can either originate from the same traction element 6 or from two different traction elements 6, which are then preferably made of the same material.

[0043] How to Fig. 1As can be further seen, each section 5 has two ends 7, 8, one of which is free and may, for example, be provided with a connecting or fastening means 9, in particular in the form of an eyelet 10. By means of such an eyelet 10, the free end 7 in question can be attached to a Fig. 1 The component can be attached to a structure not shown, for example, by screwing it on. Such a structure could be the chassis or frame of a stroller. However, a wide variety of constructions are generally possible.

[0044] The other end 8 opens through an opening 11 into the housing 4 of the device 1. The housing 4 of the device 1 is attached, for example, with its underside 12 to the object 2 to be adjusted, or in the present case to the backrest 3, preferably by screwing it on.

[0045] Inside the housing 4 is a mechanism 13 with which the free length of the trume 5 can be influenced. As can be seen from Fig. 1 It can be seen that the length of a truss 5 fixed to another structure has a direct influence on the distance or angle of inclination of the object 2 or the backrest 3 relative to another structure.

[0046] Since the distance of a side edge 14 of the backrest 3 from the housing 4 of the device 1 is constant, a change in the free length of the shaft 5 has a direct influence on the length of the distal section 15 of the traction element 6 between the fastening element or eyelet 10 on the one hand and the side edge 14 of the backrest 3 on the other.

[0047] However, this distal section 15 is proportional to the relevant distance between the object 2 or the backrest 3 on the one hand and another construction on the other hand, to which the eyelet 10 is attached.

[0048] Provided that object 2 or backrest 3 has a Fig. 1 If a joint not shown, e.g. in the area between the backrest 3 and the relevant seat surface or the like, is connected to the relevant construction, its distance to a construction can only change in an area spaced away from this joint, and therefore the backrest 3 experiences a tilt adjustment about the relevant connecting axis.

[0049] The internal structure of the mechanism 13 used for length adjustment within the housing 4 is described in the Figures 2 and 3 This is an example.

[0050] It can be seen that the mechanism 13 is covered at the top by the housing 4, while at the bottom it is covered by a base plate 16.

[0051] A central component of this mechanism 13 is a rotationally symmetric part, in particular in the form of a flat body serving as a winding body 17, which is rotatably mounted on a central axis 18, which in turn extends inwards from the housing upper part 4.

[0052] How to Fig. 2 As can be further determined, it is possible to form this axis 18 with a central, elongated cavity 19, so that a screw is able to extend through the base plate 16 into this cavity 19, where for this purpose there may be, for example, an internal thread matching the thread of the screw.

[0053] The Fig. 2 This further reveals that the rotationally shaped winding body 17 is not solid, but has a cavity 20 surrounding the axis 18. This cavity 20 also preferably has a rotationally shaped, flat form.

[0054] This cavity 20 serves to accommodate a coil spring 21, which is in Fig. 2 shown in cross-section; at the Fig. 3 The base plate 16 is removed so that one can see the front of the spring 21 and its individual coils 22.

[0055] The spring 21 has only two ends in total, namely one on the outer surface of the spirally wound spring 21 or on the inside 23 of the cavity 20, and one on the inside of the spirally wound spring 21 or on the outer lateral surface 24 of the central axis 18.

[0056] Thus, one end of the spring 21 is fixed to the inside 23 of the cavity 20, the other end to the outside 24 of the axis 18. Such an arrangement results in the spring 21 tending to maintain a certain angle of rotation between the rotationally symmetrical winding body 17 on the one hand and the central axis 18 or the housing 4 of the device 1 on the other.

[0057] In Fig. 2 It can be seen that a circumferential recess 26 is provided on the outer surface 25 of the winding body 17, in particular in the form of a completely circumferential groove 27.

[0058] How to Fig. 3 As can be seen particularly well, the two strands 5 of the traction element 6, after entering the interior of the housing 3 through one of two diametrically opposed openings 11, are looped around or wound onto the grooved outer surface 25 of the winding body 17. To prevent the strands 5 or the traction element 6 from slipping off the outer surface 25, the aforementioned groove 27 or circumferential recess 26 is incorporated there, which receives the wound strands 5.

[0059] The mode of operation of this mechanism 13 is as follows: If one assumes that the free strands 5 are always taut and that both have the same free length l, and furthermore that the winding body 17 has a radius r in the area of ​​its groove 27 or its circumferential recess 26, thus a circumference U = 2 * π * r, then, under the further assumption that the two strands 5 are formed by the same tensioning element 6 of total length L 2, which is fixed to the winding body 17 in the area of ​​its middle, while its free ends 7 each form a strand 5: L 2 = 2 * I + π * r + 4 * π * r * α / 360 ° = const . , where a is the angle of rotation of the winding body 17 relative to its position in which the strands 5 are wound neither in one direction nor the other. By calculating the absolute value |α|, it is taken into account that the traction element 6 can, in principle, be wound onto the traction element 19 in both directions of rotation.

[0060] The factor 4 takes into account the fact that both strands 5 are always wound up during a rotation; thus, when the winding body 17 is rotated by exactly 360°, the sum of the two strands 5 of the traction element 6 is shortened by twice the circumference U of the winding body 17.

[0061] The term π * r describes the fact that the traction element 6 must be guided around the winding body 17 at an angle of 180°, because the two openings 11 in the housing 4 are diametrically opposite each other.

[0062] In the case of two strands 5 formed from a common traction element 6, the length I then describes the length of the free section of a strand 5, i.e., the section detached from the flat body 6, which, in its ideally straight course, can easily be measured as the distance of the eyelets 10 to the lateral surface 25 of the winding body 17, i.e., the following applies: I = L 2 / 2 − π * r / 2 − 2 * π * r * α / 360 ° .

[0063] If a separate traction element 6 of length L 1 is used for each strand 5, which is attached at one end to the winding body 17, then the term π * r / 2 can be omitted, and furthermore only one strand 5 is wound up per revolution; then the following applies: I = L 1 − 2 * π * r * α / 360 ° .

[0064] In other words, the further the winding body 17 is rotated, the greater the angle of rotation a becomes, but the smaller the free length l of a strand 5 becomes.

[0065] The maximum rotation angle |α max l is reached when one of the cores 5 is completely wound onto the outer surface 25 of the winding body 17, i.e. when its free length l is equal to zero: I = L 2 − π * r / 2 − 2 * π * r * α max / 360 ° = 0 , 2 * π * r * α max / 360 ° = L 2 − π * r / 2 , α max = 360 ° * L 2 − π * r / 4 * π * r .

[0066] If only a single strand 5 is formed from a traction element 6, then one obtains: α max = 360 ° * L 1 / 2 * π * r .

[0067] Preferably, each opening 11 has a clear opening whose cross-section is larger than the cross-section of the traction element 6 but smaller than the cross-section of an eyelet 11 or another end-side fastening element 9, so that these ends 7.8 cannot pass through the openings 11 inwards, which may facilitate assembly.

[0068] The spiral spring 21 is to be pre-tensioned such that it does not assume its completely relaxed state at the rotation angle a = 0°, but preferably at a rotation angle |α| ≥ |α max |, so that the winding body 17 is always pre-tensioned in one direction of rotation for all conceivable rotation angles |α| ≤ |α max | and thus tends to wind the strands 5 completely onto the winding body 17 in a predetermined direction of rotation until the eyelets 11 or the end fastening means 9 would abut the edges of the openings 11.

[0069] In other words, the spiral spring 21 constantly attempts to draw the eyelets 11 or the end-end fasteners 9 towards the housing 4. If these eyelets 11 or fasteners 9 are fixed to a structure, at least the resulting tension is ensured between this structure and the object 2 or the housing 4 attached to it.

[0070] According to the invention, it is now possible to select or switch between this tightening mode and another mode, in which the free length l of a section 5 remains constant. This can be achieved by compensating the effect of the spiral spring 21, and this can be done in particular by preventing rotation of the winding body 17 relative to the housing 4.

[0071] For this purpose, an actuating element 28 is provided, which protrudes from the housing 4 of the device 1 and is therefore freely accessible. It allows selection between an adjustment mode in which the spiral spring 21 is active, but the rotation of the winding body 17 is not restricted, so that the height, inclination, or distance of the object 2 relative to a structure can be adjusted with the cables 5 taut, and a locking or operating state in which a set free length l of the cables 5 is kept constant by restricting further rotation of the winding body 17, so that the last set height, inclination, or distance of the object 2 relative to a structure is maintained and the object in question can be used in its usual function; a backrest 3, for example, for leaning against.

[0072] The actuating element 28 is slidably guided within the housing 4, in particular in a direction radial to the central axis 18. As can be seen from Fig 2 As can be seen, the housing 4 has a lateral projection 29, which is designed in the manner of a bracket 30 and is therefore open on two sides. The inner length of this projection 29 or bracket 30 is slightly greater than the length of the actuating element 28, which results in its radial displacement with respect to the central axis 18.

[0073] How to make Fig. 3 As can be further seen, the attachment 29 or bracket 30 also has a guide slot 31 arranged on its inside, in which the actuating element 28, which is designed in a disc shape in this area, is movably guided.

[0074] Preferably, the actuating element 28 has an opening 32 extending transversely to its plane, which is preferably larger than the cross-section of a human finger, so that a person can reach through this opening 32 with a finger to select the setting mode and then move the actuating element 28.

[0075] The actual selection between two different operating modes is effected by the fact that a circumferential toothing 33 is provided in the area of ​​the outer surface 25 of the winding body 17, in particular next to the groove 27 or recess 26 there, i.e. in Fig. 2 either above or - preferably - below the same, i.e., at a shorter distance to the lower or mounting side 12 of the housing 4 than the circumferential groove 27 or recess 26 in the outer surface 25 of the winding body 17.

[0076] The interior of the housing 4 is dimensioned to be large enough that the toothing 33 encounters no obstruction within it, allowing the winding body 17 to rotate freely. However, at the end of the actuating element 28 facing the central axis 18, at least one tooth 34 or a short row of teeth 35 with, for example, two or more teeth 34 is provided, which project towards the central axis 18. These teeth are preferably designed with regard to their size and geometry such that they are compatible with the teeth of the circumferential toothing 33 on the winding body 17, i.e., that they can engage with that toothing 33.

[0077] This gear engagement is controlled by the position of the actuating element 19: If the actuating element 28 is moved far enough towards the axis 18, its teeth 34 engage in the circumferential toothing 33 of the winding body 17; the actuating element 28, which is trapped in the guide slot 31, cannot itself rotate about the axis 18 and, due to its gear engagement with the winding body 17, also does not allow the latter to do so; the winding body 17 is locked in the direction of rotation.

[0078] If, on the other hand, the actuating element 19 is moved far enough away from the axis 18, its teeth 34 no longer reach the circumferential toothing 33 of the winding body 17, and there is no tooth engagement. The winding body 17 is free and can rotate, at least until, particularly under the influence of the spiral spring 21, one or both or all of the windings 5 ​​are tensioned.

[0079] However, not both end positions of the actuating element 28 are designed to be equally stable. This can be seen in the Fig. 2 and 3 Laterally next to the central plane of the partially disc-shaped actuating element 28 are two springs 36, whose longitudinal axes are parallel to the guided displacement direction of the actuating element 28, i.e. approximately radial to the axis 18.

[0080] How to in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the tooth row 35 of the actuating element 28 is wider than its rearward, disc-shaped area accessible from the outside. To ensure the radial mobility of this widened area 37, which supports the tooth row 35, a chamber 38 is created within the housing 4. The cross-section of this chamber, perpendicular to the permissible radial displacement direction of the actuating element 28, is sufficiently large to provide the widened area 37 with enough space for radial adjustment.

[0081] Behind the tooth row 35, or radially outside the widened area 37, there is space within this chamber 38 for the springs 36. These are designed as compression springs and support themselves with their radially outer ends against the housing 4, thus tending to push the widened area 37, which carries the tooth row 35, radially inwards, in the direction of the central axis 18.

[0082] As soon as the actuating element 28 is released, it is pressed radially inwards by the springs 36, and the teeth 34 engage with the toothing 33 on the outer circumference of the winding body 17, thus locking the flat body against further rotation. This corresponds to the operating position in which the set free length of the coils 5 cannot change. If the object 2 – for example, a seat backrest 3 – is now pushed away from a structure in the opposite direction to the tensioned end sections 14 of the coils 5, the coils 5 in this locked position are able to absorb the resulting forces without the object 2 yielding to this external force.

[0083] To adjust a free length l of the trume 5, the actuating element 28 is first pulled radially outwards until the winding body 17 is released and can rotate freely - only under the internal influence of the spiral spring 21.

[0084] If the object 2 in question, for example a backrest 3, is now pressed down into its desired inclined position, i.e. away from the structure, the spiral spring 21 releases the required length l of the shafts 5; a subsequent release of the actuating element 28 leads to the locking of this position.

[0085] On the other hand, if, when this setting mode is selected, the object 2, for example a backrest 3, is lifted upwards or moved towards a structure, the coil spring 21 winds up the now superfluous portion of the section 5 or all sections 5 and thus tightens the sections 5, so that exactly the free length l required for the desired tilt position is available. After the actuating element 28 is subsequently released, the springs 36 press it inwards until the teeth 34 and the toothing 33 engage – the system remembers the set tilt position and subsequently maintains it constant even under external pressure. Reference symbol list

[0086] 1 device 26 in-depth 2 object 27 Nut 3 backrest 28 Actuating element 4 Housing 29 Approach 5 Tower 30 Iron 6 Traction 31 Guide slot 7 End 32 opening 8 End 33 Interlocking 9 Fasteners 34 Tooth 10 eyelet 35 row of teeth 11 opening 36 Feather 12 bottom 37 widened area 13 mechanics 38 chamber 14 side edge 15 distal section 16 base plate 17 Changing body 18 axis 19 cavity 20 cavity 21 coil spring 22 Twist 23 inside 24 Surface area 25 Surface area

Claims

1. Device (1) for adjusting the level or the distance or the inclination of an object (2) relative to a structure, when it is moveably or swivelling coupled thereto, for example for adjustment of the inclination of a backrest (3) of a stroller relative to its chassis, wherein the coupling of the object (2) to the structure comprises a pulling means (6) with at least one strand (5), which is adjustable in its free length (l) and is connectable to the structure in the area of one of its ends (7) and is connected to the device (1) to be fixed to the adjustable object (2) in the area of the other end (8) and is subjected to the tendency to be shortened automatically upon the adjustment, wherein a locking of an adjusted length (l) of the adjustable strand (5) is provided as part of the device (1), which locking is effected by means of form-fitting interlocking elements, wherein the tendency of the adjustable strand (5) to be shortened automatically is effected by a spring element in the form of a spiral spring (21) arranged within a housing (4) of the device (1), wherein said spring element is not directly connected to the pulling means (6) forming the adjustable strand (5), but rather by means of an additional intermediate element in the form of a rotationally symmetrical, circular disc-shaped spooling drum (17) rotatably mounted about a central axis (18) of the housing (4) and comprising a cavity (20), in which the spiral spring (21) is accommodated, wherein at least a part of the pulling means (6) is able to be spooled on the spooling drum (17) in such a way that the at least one strand (5) which is adjustable in its free length is formed by a portion of the pulling means (6) which is not spooled onto on the spooling drum (17), characterized by a) a continuous peripheral toothing (33) on the outer lateral surface (25) of the spooling drum (17), with teeth which both edges are relatively steep similar to a gearwheel, and b) an actuating element (28) protruding from the housing (4), which is guided in a manner displaceable along a direction radial with respect to the central axis (18), and is comprises an engagement element having an engagement range (37) with one or more teeth (34) for the engagement into the toothing (33) on the outer lateral surface (25) of the spooling drum (17), in order to block a movement of the spooling drum (17) during locking and in order to thereby fix the length (l) of the adjustable strand (5), c) wherein the adjustment of the free length of the at least one strand (5) is only possible, when the actuating element (28) together with the engagement area (37) is moved from the axis (18) radially outwards.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pulling means (6) can easily be spooled onto the spooling drum (17), so that a strand (5) adjustable in its length is formed by a portion of the pulling means which is not spooled onto the spooling drum (17).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a) the pulling means (6) is able to be spooled around the spooling drum (17) doubly, so that two strands (5) adjustable in their length are formed by portions of the pulling means (6) which are not spooled onto on the spooling drum (17), or that b) two or more pulling means (6) are able to be spooled around the spooling drum (17), so that two or more strands (5) adjustable in their length are formed by portions of the two or more pulling means (6) which are not spooled onto the spooling drum (17).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that two strands (5) are spooled up on the spooling drum (17) in the same direction of rotation.

5. Device (1) according to one of the claims 3 or 4, characterized in that two strands (5) extend diametrically away from the spooling drum (17) or are deflected into diametrical directions, especially in the area of the edges of openings (11) of a housing (4) encompassing the spooling drum (17).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulling means (6) are anchored on the circumference (25) of the spooling drum (17) or are guided inwards through openings in the circumference (25) of the spooling drum (17) and are anchored inside the spooling drum (17).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circumference (25) of the coil form (17) comprises a reduced-diameter portion (26,27) defined by a radially enlarged portion at one or at both sides.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spooling drum (17) is rotatably mounted around its axis of rotational symmetry, especially relative to its chassis or to a bottom plate (16) or relative to a housing (4), which surrounds the spooling drum (17), especially at a central axis (18) of the housing (4).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spooling drum (17) is preloaded by the spring element which in a direction of rotation, especially in a spooling direction of the pulling means (6).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spooling drum (17) is provided with a locking means, in order to fix an angular position.

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement element (37) is preloaded in a direction towards the toothing (33) of the spooling drum (17).

12. Device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the engagement element (37) is preloaded by at least one spring (36), preferably wherein the at least one spring (36) for preloading the engagement element (37) is formed by a tension spring or a compression spring, especially by a helical spring.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (28) comprises an opening (32) for plugging a finger through.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (28) is guided in a linearly moveable way within a guide slot (31) which extends along a radial plane generated by a central axis (18), preferably wherein the guide slot (31) is formed within an attachment (29) or a clevis (30) of the housing, which extends along a radial plane generated by the central axis (18).

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pulling means (6) has an elongated and flexible, but preferably not stretchable shape.