SUPPORT ARRANGEMENT

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a support arrangement, in particular for the backrest of a seating device, which comprises a support shell and a receiving shell mountable on the support shell. Such support arrangements, which are usually formed from a more rigid and a more flexible component, are typically designed to provide various ergonomic properties. State of the art

[0002] Support arrangements, especially for chair backrests, that provide back support while also being comfortable are used in both private and professional settings. Especially in the case of office or work chairs, where the user typically spends a lot of time, both back support and a comfortable, ergonomic position or support for the back are important.

[0003] Chairs are known in the art, particularly office or work chairs, whose backrests feature a frame over which a mesh with openings is applied. This gives the backrest a certain degree of flexibility, ensures air permeability, and, depending on the tension of the mesh, supports the user's back, for example, in the lumbar region.

[0004] The disadvantage of these solutions, however, is often that the mesh is not particularly durable. Depending on the material, it will sag over time, reducing its supportive function. Furthermore, a backrest made of mesh is also easily damaged. Another disadvantage is the complicated installation process, which requires the appropriate tensioning of the mesh.

[0005] Another solution known in the prior art for providing chairs that offer both back support and are comfortable are upholstered chairs with adjustment options for supporting different parts of the back, such as the lumbar region.

[0006] EP 3 231 330 B1, for example, discloses a backrest for a chair comprising a backrest frame defining thoracic, shoulder, lumbar, and pelvic regions. The backrest frame comprises a pair of spaced-apart upright support posts, the support posts comprising upper and lower ends. The upper ends are connected by an upper support cross member, and the lower ends are connected by a lower support cross member, the support posts and cross members together defining a window in the backrest frame. The backrest frame has a front side and a rear side opposite the front side. The backrest further comprises a flexible back support surface mounted on the backrest frame. Furthermore, the backrest comprises a lumbar mechanism positioned between the backrest frame and the flexible back support surface, the lumbar mechanism comprising a lumbar cushion.The lumbar cushion is formed as a flexible, hollow, tubular cushion, wherein at least a portion of the lumbar cushion engages the flexible back support surface and wherein the lumbar cushion is visible through the window in the backrest frame.

[0007] JP 2019 017745 A provides a backrest device comprising a back frame and a hard elastic back plate installed at the front of the back frame. An engaging part provided in the left and right side parts of the back plate engages with an engaging part provided in the left and right side parts of the back plate. A stopping part is installed in a lower part of the engaging part of the left and right side parts of the back plate, while an abutting part is installed in a lower part of the engaging part of the left and right side parts of the back frame. Each abutting part abuts the abutting surface of the abutting part when a load is applied from the front to the center part in the lateral direction of the back plate. Each engaging part 61 thereby displaces relative to the engaging part in a manner that shortens the distance between them.

[0008] However, such chairs are often very complex in design and laborious to manufacture. Furthermore, the upholstery can often wear out after a relatively short period of time. Furthermore, depending on the upholstery, caring for the upholstery can be difficult.

[0009] To support different back areas, office or task chairs, for example, have a backrest divided into several sections. These can be adjusted to varying degrees, providing the most ergonomic chair possible for the user.

[0010] Disadvantages of such chairs are, on the one hand, the early appearance of signs of wear and, on the other hand, the comparatively complex construction, which also represents a particular challenge with regard to production.

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of providing a support arrangement which is comparatively easy to manufacture and assemble, in particular for a backrest of a chair, which is robust and flexible at the same time and ensures ergonomically favorable support of the back of a user. Description of the invention

[0012] The object is achieved according to the invention by a support arrangement as defined in independent claim 1, and by a chair as defined in independent claim 16. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0013] The essence of the invention is as follows: A support assembly for a chair comprises a support shell, a receiving shell mountable on the support shell, and a locking element. The support shell and the receiving shell each have connecting structures complementary to one another in an edge region. The connecting structures are configured to interlock in the assembled state such that they form a through-channel into which the locking element can be inserted.

[0014] The support arrangement can be provided for a component of a chair that performs a supporting function and, in particular, accommodates or supports a body part of a user of the chair when the user is sitting on the chair. For example, it can be designed to form a seat or an armrest. However, the support arrangement is particularly advantageously designed as or for a component of a backrest of the chair and can be referred to as a backrest arrangement.

[0015] The use of only three components—namely, the support shell, the receiving shell, and the locking element—ensures particularly simple production and assembly. By designing the connecting structures to form the through-channel and inserting the locking element into this through-channel, an efficient, tool-free, and particularly stable assembly of the support arrangement, for example, as a backrest, can be achieved.

[0016] The term "chair" refers to any known form of seating or furniture. In particular, this can be an office chair or a work chair.

[0017] The term "shell" is generally used here for a dimensionally stable element that has a significantly larger surface area, or length and width, than its thickness. A shell within the meaning of the present disclosure is largely formed as a plate, whereby it is not planar or flat, but rather shaped to suit an intended use, such as being curved; it can also have multiple openings or perforations. For example, the receiving shell can be adapted, in a side view, to a body part of a chair user, which it accommodates as intended during use. In a backrest, the receiving shell can be ergonomically shaped to fit the user's back. The term "shape-stable" is understood here to mean that the corresponding element retains its shape at least when no force acts on it.However, elastic deformation typically occurs when a force is applied.

[0018] The term "receiver" typically refers to the side of the support assembly facing the chair user, against which the user's body or back rests. This allows the receiver to support the user's body or back when sitting in the chair.

[0019] The term "carrier tray" typically refers to a side of the support assembly facing away from the user, to which the receiving tray is mounted. This side is usually formed from a substantially rigid plastic shell. This means that the carrier tray is preferably less flexible than the receiving tray. The carrier tray therefore preferably forms a holder for the receiving tray.

[0020] The term "edge region" refers here to a section along a peripheral end of the associated receiving or support shell. The peripheral end of the receiving or support shell typically comprises several edge regions. In the case of a backrest, in which the receiving and support shells are usually quasi-rectangular in view, the edge regions can form vertically extending edges of the backrest, i.e., preferably without the upper and lower edges. In the event that the support arrangement is used elsewhere in a seating device, e.g., in a seat, several edge regions can also be formed all the way around or on three of the four sides of the seating device.

[0021] Preferably, the carrier shell and the receiving shell are configured as follows: The carrier shell is dimensionally stable and has a first elasticity. The receiving shell is also dimensionally stable and has a second elasticity. The second elasticity of the receiving shell is higher than the first elasticity of the carrier shell.

[0022] The term "elasticity" generally refers to the ability of a material to reverse, through its own force, a change in shape caused by external influences. A material's elasticity is therefore considered high if it is easily deformed. This means that a material exhibits comparatively high elasticity if it can be deformed with comparatively little effort. The support shell can preferably be designed as a flexible membrane made of a dimensionally stable plastic material. Such a configuration of the support and receiving shells enables comparatively high mobility or flexibility when supporting a body part. For example, the relatively soft receiving shell can enable ergonomic support of a user's back and allow for a certain amount of back movement without the back being lost.

[0023] The locking element is inserted or pushed into the through-channel formed by the complementary connecting structures and extends through it when assembled. Thus, the connecting structures, and with them the receiving shell and the carrier shell, are firmly fastened or locked together. The locking element ensures, in particular, a positive or positive / force-locking connection between the carrier shell and the receiving shell.

[0024] The "complementary connecting structures" include, in any case, geometric configurations that are capable of interlocking and then together defining the passageway for the locking element. The complementary connecting structures can have different geometries or they can have essentially the same geometry.

[0025] The "through-channel" is intended to be a roughly tunnel-shaped cavity or free space that extends through the connecting structures when they interlock, and thus passes through the locking structures. It enables comparatively easy and, in particular, tool-free insertion (and, if necessary, tool-free release) of the locking element. The through-channel can run continuously. However, it is generally not completely closed over its entire length. In particular, it can have alternating opening gaps, which can be arranged, for example, on both sides of the edge region. The through-channel preferably has a round cross-section, but it can also have a triangular, square, rectangular, or polygonal cross-section.The cross-section of the locking element corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the through-channel in such a way that secure mounting of the receiving shell to the support shell is ensured. The cross-sectional shapes of the through-channel and the locking element do not necessarily have to be identical.

[0026] According to the invention, either the connecting structure of the carrier shell, the connecting structure of the receiving shell, or the connecting structure of the carrier shell and the connecting structure of the receiving shell have spaced-apart claws. The term "claw" in this context refers to a finger-shaped or rod-shaped extension that is typically at least partially curved. Such a design of the corresponding connecting structure creates the prerequisite for particularly simple interlocking to create the through-channel. This enables efficient assembly.

[0027] According to the invention, the claws also comprise an engagement area, a first connection area, and a support area. This allows the prerequisite for optimal interaction between the two connecting structures to be met by providing geometric configurations that are particularly well suited for complementary cohesion.

[0028] Preferably, the connecting structure of the carrier shell or the connecting structure of the receiving shell has spaced-apart openings. The spaced-apart openings preferably accommodate the claws of the other connecting structure when the connecting structures engage with each other. The corresponding connecting structure is preferably configured in the form of a bead. The spaced-apart openings are each inserted between adjacent side walls of the bead. The "bead" is generally designed in the form of a substantially rounded thickening, which, however, also has geometries complementary to the claws, which are preferably also designed for a flush finish to the outside. This can also enable, in particular, a flush mounting of the carrier shell and the receiving shell in the edge region, i.e.a substantially smooth surface, particularly on the side of the edge area of ​​the receiving tray facing the user.

[0029] The connecting structures are preferably configured to interlock, with the openings each accommodating one of the claws. This allows for simple and efficient interlocking to create the through-channel.

[0030] According to the invention, the connecting structure, preferably configured in the form of a bead, also comprises a support projection, a second connecting region, and a receiving region. In this way, the complementary design of the two connecting structures and their corresponding assembly can be achieved particularly advantageously. The support projection and the receiving region are preferably each arranged in the region of the openings. Further preferably, the second connecting region is arranged in one of the side walls of the bead, with an opening preferably being provided between each two adjacent side walls of the bead.

[0031] In particular, the complementary engagement regions and support projections on the one hand and the complementary support regions and receiving regions on the other hand are preferably designed in such a way that they enable uncomplicated assembly, wherein even without an introduced locking element, a positive cohesion between the two connecting structures can already be provided at least in certain directions.

[0032] Preferably, the connecting structure of the receiving shell and the connecting structure of the carrier shell have alternatingly arranged partial curves, which are designed to form the through-channel with a substantially round cross-section when assembled. The partial curves are thus oriented opposite to one another. The partial curves are preferably provided in the first connecting region of the claws and in the second connecting region of the bead. Viewed in cross-section, they together encompass the locking element essentially entirely, whereby one partial curve can encompass slightly more than half of the locking element, and the other partial curve can encompass slightly less than half of the locking element.

[0033] According to the invention, the first connecting region of the claws and the second connecting region also have partial roundings which are designed to form the through-channel with a substantially round cross-section in the assembled state.

[0034] Preferably, the support projection of the connecting structure or the bead and a retaining element of the claws form a lateral travel limit of the receiving shell. In the event of a lateral tensile load on the receiving shell—that is, a force component directed essentially sideways inwards, for example, when a user leans against the receiving shell—corresponding stop surfaces of the support projection and the retaining element form the lateral travel limit (of the receiving shell under tensile load). The "sideways inwards directed force component" in this case is thus the force component acting from the edge areas essentially in the direction of the user when leaning against the receiving shell.

[0035] Preferably, a projection of the bead and a contact area between adjacent claws form a rearward travel limit. In the event of a rearward compressive load on the receiving shell—i.e., a force component directed essentially toward the support shell, such as when a user leans back in the receiving shell or sits on a receiving shell—corresponding stop surfaces of the projection and the contact area form the rearward travel limit (of the receiving shell under compressive load). The "rearward-directed force component" is thus the force component acting in the direction the user leans, essentially from the receiving shell onto the support shell.

[0036] Preferably, the carrier shell and / or the receiving shell are made of a thermoplastic material. This material is particularly suitable for injection molding. Furthermore, thermoplastics are flexible or elastic even in their solid state, allowing a wide range of desired elastic properties to be efficiently achieved.

[0037] Preferably, the support shell and / or the receiving shell are provided with perforations (or openings). In this context, "perforation" refers to a plurality of holes or openings in the corresponding shell. The perforations or openings can be in the range of centimeters in size to achieve the desired effect. The number, arrangement, and size of the corresponding perforations (or openings) allow for particularly fine-tuning of the flexibility properties, particularly in selected areas of the receiving shell or the support shell that are relevant for certain back areas.

[0038] The perforations (or openings) are preferably circular or polygonal, particularly hexagonal. In particular, they can vary in size and / or orientation across the height of the backrest of a chair in order to adjust the flexibility properties as desired.

[0039] The locking element preferably comprises a rod-shaped element, preferably with a quasi-round cross-section, which is made of an elastically flexible plastic material. This ensures that the locking element can be inserted and passed through the passage channel particularly well, i.e., particularly in the area of ​​curves in the edge region of the support arrangement or the backrest. Furthermore, such plastic rods can be designed to be sufficiently robust to be able to absorb an appropriate load.

[0040] Preferably, the support shell and the receiving shell have a convex curvature at least in the edge region, ie the curvature is directed towards the back of a user in order to be able to provide appropriate support, in particular in the lumbar region.

[0041] Another aspect relates to a chair with a seat mounted on a seat support and a backrest support attached to the seat support, wherein a support arrangement according to the invention is mounted on the backrest support. The chair can, in particular, be an office chair or a work chair. Short description of the drawings

[0042] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawing. In particular, the support arrangement according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1: an exploded view of a support arrangement according to the invention with carrier shell, receiving shell and locking element; Fig. 2: a perspective view of a support arrangement according to the invention in the assembled state; Fig. 3: a detailed view of a side area of ​​a support arrangement according to the invention in the assembled state; Fig. 4: a perspective sectional view along the line A - A in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5: a planar sectional view along the line A - A in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 6: a perspective sectional view along the line B - B in Fig. 3; Fig. 7: a planar sectional view along the line B - B in Fig. 3 ; and Fig. 8: a perspective view of a chair with a support arrangement for the backrest according to the invention. Way(s) of carrying out the invention

[0043] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not to be construed as limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," and "top" indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," or similar terms are used to describe the relative arrangement of designated parts, the relative movement of designated parts, and the directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and designated parts thereof as illustrated in the figures. These spatial relative terms also include positions and orientations other than those illustrated in the figures. For example, if a part illustrated in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as "below" are then "above."The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives of the same and words of similar meaning.

[0044] To avoid repetitions in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and embodiments, certain features should be understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the associated embodiment. Rather, such omission can serve to increase clarity and prevent repetitions. In this context, the following stipulation applies to the entire further description: If reference symbols are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity but are not mentioned in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in preceding figure descriptions.If the descriptive text directly associated with a figure contains reference symbols that are not included in the corresponding figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference symbols in two or more figures represent similar or identical elements.

[0045] In Fig. 1A support arrangement 10 according to the present invention is shown in an exploded view. The support arrangement 10 comprises, as its main components, a carrier shell 1, a receiving shell 2, and two locking elements 3 for mounting the receiving shell 2 to the carrier shell 1. The carrier shell 1 is usually designed as a hard or relatively inflexible injection-molded part. The receiving shell 2 is usually designed as a rather soft and flexible but dimensionally stable injection-molded part—preferably in the form of a flexible matrix—against which a user leans their back. The receiving shell 2 serves in particular to provide flexibility properties that can be tailored to selected back areas. The rod-shaped locking elements 3 are made of a flexible plastic material and serve to mount the receiving shell 2 to the carrier shell 1.The receiving shell 2 and the carrier shell 1 have, in any case, a concave curvature in the horizontal direction in sections.

[0046] The receiving shell 2 comprises an upper part 13, which is optionally configured in the form of a head and / or neck rest. In this embodiment, the receiving shell 2 has essentially circular perforations or openings 9', which serve to adjust the flexibility and as ventilation openings. In its edge regions 4', the receiving shell 2 has a bead 7 as a connecting structure, in which spaced-apart openings 8 are made. On its underside, the support shell 1 has recesses 11, which serve to mount the support arrangement 10, for example, on a backrest support of a chair. The receiving shell 2 has notches 19 arranged centrally on its underside, which serve to fix the receiving shell 2 to the support shell 1.

[0047] The carrier shell 1 has two tabs 18 on its upper side, which can be mounted on the upper part 13 of the receiving shell 2. The tabs 18 serve to support the receiving shell 2 so that it cannot bend under load in the upper lateral area. The carrier shell 1 preferably has hexagonal perforations or openings 9, which here too, to a more limited extent than in the receiving shell 2, serve to adjust flexibility properties and also as ventilation openings. The carrier shell 1 further has a substantially straight or non-curved central section 12. In its edge regions 4, the carrier shell 1 preferably comprises hook-like claws 6, which protrude laterally outwards from the carrier shell 1 and which are configured to be inserted into the corresponding openings 8 of the bead 7 in the edge regions 4' of the receiving shell 2 for assembly purposes.

[0048] The locking elements 3 are then inserted or pushed between the claws 6 and the bead 7, approximately in the area of ​​an insertion point 14 in the edge region 4 of the support shell 1, such that a fixed, but fundamentally detachable, mounting of the receiving shell 2 on the support shell 1 results. The support arrangement 10 according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for tool-free installation at home.

[0049] In Fig. 2 A fully assembled support assembly 10 is illustrated. The locking element 3 is now located between the claws 6 in the edge region 4' of the receiving shell 2 and the bead 7 or the openings 8 in the edge region 4 of the support shell 1. The support assembly 10 can thus be mounted in the region of the recesses 11 on a corresponding backrest support of a seating device, such as a work or office chair.

[0050] In the detailed view according to Fig. 3a section of a lateral region of the assembled support arrangement 10 is shown with a section line A - A and a section line B - B. The section line A - A runs through the bead 7, one of the openings 8 in the bead 7, through one of the claws 6 and the locking element 3 and through one of the perforations 9 of the receiving shell 2. The section line B - B runs somewhat further above through the bead 7 (in the area between two openings 8), the locking element 3 and through part of the receiving shell 2 or the carrier shell 1.

[0051] The perspective sectional view along the line A - A according to Fig. 4 illustrates the engagement of one of the claws 6 of the carrier shell 1 into a bead 7 or an opening 8 in the bead 7 of the receiving shell 2.

[0052] The claw 6 shown in section, like the other claws 6, has the following structure: At its outer upper end, the claw 6 has an engagement region 6a, which is adjoined by a first connecting region 6b. Adjoining the first connecting region 6b is a support region 6c, which has a retaining element 6d, with which it forms a notch 16d.

[0053] The parts of the bead 7 shown in section (the section runs through an opening 8) comprise a receiving area 7c with a notch 17c. On the other side of the opening 8, the bead 7 comprises a support projection 7a, to which a perforation 9' is connected.

[0054] The interaction of the individual parts or sections of the bead 7 and the claws 6 is as follows: The engagement area 6a engages the notch 17c of the receiving area 7c. The first connecting area 6b forms a semi-rounded portion 16b as a partial rounding, which at least partially surrounds the locking element 3. The notch 16d formed by the support area 6c and the holding element 6d accommodates the support projection 7a.

[0055] The holding element 6d is designed in such a way that it forms a stop or a (substantially horizontal) travel limitation for the support projection 7a, which is at least partially received in the notch 16d.

[0056] Due to the opposite construction described above, the claws 6 inserted into the openings 8 of the bead 7 initially hold even without the locking element 3.

[0057] The planar sectional view according to Fig. 5illustrates in particular the lateral travel limitation WZ of the receiving tray 2. When the receiving tray 2 is subjected to a tensile load in the direction of the arrow FZ - ie the force component directed essentially sideways inwards when, for example, a user leans back in the receiving tray 2 - the circled stop surfaces of the support projection 7a and the holding element 6d form the lateral travel limitation WZ of the receiving tray 2 under a tensile load.

[0058] The perspective section view along the line B - B according to Fig. 6 illustrates the interaction of a bead 7 of the receiving shell 2 with one of the claws 6 of the carrier shell 1.

[0059] The bead 7, shown in section outside an opening 8, initially has a rounded portion 7f at its outer upper end. The side wall 7d of the bead 7 comprises the second connecting region 7b, which forms a semi-rounded portion 17b as a partial rounded portion that at least partially surrounds the locking element 3 and, together with the first connecting region 6 or its semi-rounded portion (not visible here), forms a section of the through-channel 5 for the locking element 3. A substantially vertical abutment projection 7e adjoins the second connecting region 7b.

[0060] The sectioned area between the claws 6 includes a contact area 6e. Behind the section plane, a retaining element 6d can be seen, as well as, above the locking element 3, a first connecting area 6b of a claw 6.

[0061] The planar sectional view according to Fig. 7illustrates, in particular, the rearward travel limit WD of the receiving shell 2. When the receiving shell 2 is subjected to a compressive load in the direction of arrow FD—i.e., the essentially rearward-directed force component when, for example, a user leans back in the receiving shell 2—the circled stop surfaces of the contact projection 7e and the contact area 6e form the rearward travel limit WD of the receiving shell under a compressive load. The retaining element 6d preferably does not come into contact with the inner wall of the support shell 1.

[0062] In Fig. 8Finally, an exemplary chair 20 with a support arrangement 10 according to the invention is illustrated. The chair 20 comprises two armrests 21, a seat 22 mounted on a seat support 25, and a star-shaped foot part 23 arranged below the seat support, which has a plurality of casters 26. In the rear region of the seat support 22, a backrest support 24 is also attached, to which the support arrangement 10 according to the invention is mounted. The flexible receiving shell 2 is mounted to the fixed support shell 1 by means of the locking element 3. List of reference symbols:

[0063] 1 Carrier shell 11 recesses 2 Holder 12 Central section 3 Locking element 13 Upper part of the carrier shell 4 Edge area of ​​the carrier shell 14 Insertion point for locking element 4' Edge area of ​​the receiving tray 15 curvature 5 Through channel 16b Semi-circle (first connection area) 6 claws 6a Intervention area 16d notch 6b first connection area 17b Semi-circle (second connection area) 6c Support area 6d Holding element 17c Notch (receiving area) 6e Contact area (between adjacent claws) 18 tabs 19 Notches 7 Bead (preferred design edge area 4') 20 Chair 21 armrests 7a Support projection 22 seat 7b second connection area 23 Footrest 7c Recording area 24 Backrest support 7d Sidewall bead 25 seat support 7e Investment advantage 26 Roll 7f Rounding FD Compressive force (arrow) 8 Openings FZ Tensile force (arrow) 9 Perforations / openings carrier tray WD Travel limitation in pressure direction WZ Path limitation in the direction of travel 9' Perforations / openings receiving tray 10 Support arrangement

Claims

1. Support assembly (10) for a chair (20), in particular as a component of a backrest of the chair (20), comprising a carrier shell (1), a receiving shell (2) which can be mounted on the carrier shell (1), and a locking element (3), wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) each have, in an edge region (4, 4'), connection structures which are formed in a manner complementary to one another, wherein the connection structures are configured to engage in one another, in a mounted state, in such a way that they form a through-channel (5) into which the locking element (3) can be inserted, wherein the connection structure of the carrier shell (1), the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) or the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) and the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) have claws (6) spaced apart from one another, wherein the claws (6) comprise an engagement region (6a), a first connection region (6b) and a support region (6c), wherein the connection structure, preferably in the form of a bead (7), comprises a supporting projection (7a), a second connection region (7b) and a receiving region (7c), characterized in that the first connection region (6b) of the claws (6) and the second connection region (7b) have partial roundings (16b, 17b) or the partial rounded portions (16b, 17b), which are designed to form the through-channel (5), having a substantially round cross section, in the mounted state.

2. Support assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein either the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) or the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) has openings (8) spaced apart from one another.

3. Support assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the connection structures are configured to engage in one another in that the openings (7) each receive one of the claws (6), respectively.

4. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection structure of the receiving shell (2) and the connection structure of the carrier shell (1) have alternately arranged partial roundings (16b, 17b) which are designed to form the through-channel (5), having a substantially round cross section, in the mounted state.

5. Support assembly (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the supporting projection (7a) and a retaining element (6d) of the claws (6) form a lateral path limitation (WZ) of the receiving shell (2).

6. Support assembly (10) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein a contact projection (7e) and a stop region (6e) between adjacent claws (6) form a backward-directed path limitation (WD).

7. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) is formed so as to be dimensionally stable and has a first elasticity, the receiving shell (2) is formed so as to be dimensionally stable and has a second elasticity, and the second elasticity of the receiving shell (2) is higher than the first elasticity of the carrier shell (1).

8. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) and / or the receiving shell (2) are provided with preferably circular or polygonal and in particular hexagonal perforations (9).

9. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (3) comprises a rod-shaped element, preferably quasi round in cross-section, which is formed from a resiliently bendable plastics material.

10. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) have a convex curvature (15) in the at least one edge region (4, 4').

11. Support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a further locking element, wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) each have further connection structures, formed in a manner complementary to one another, in a further edge region (4, 4') opposite the edge region (4, 4'), wherein the further connection structures are configured to engage in one another in the mounted state in such a way that they form a further through-channel (5) into which the further locking element (3) can be inserted.

12. Support assembly (10) according to claim 11, wherein the carrier shell (1) and the receiving shell (2) are designed such that they are spaced apart from one another between the edge regions (4, 4') and the further edge regions (4, 4'), in the mounted state.

13. Chair (20) comprising a seat (22) mounted on a seat support (25) and a backrest support (24) fastened to the seat support, wherein a support assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims is mounted on the backrest support (24).