Chair with a lockable hinge assembly and hinge assembly

Abstract

In a chair (1), in particular an office chair, with a seat (2) and a footrest, the footrest comprises a support (3) which is connected to the seat (2) via a joint arrangement (4) that allows relative movement between the seat (2) and the footrest. The joint arrangement (4) comprises a support connecting element (13) which is movable relative to the seat (2) against the restoring force of a spring element (14). Both the support connecting element (13) and the spring element (14) are arranged, at least partially, in a receptacle (11) which is bounded on the upper side by a top part (10) and on the lower side by a base element (12). A locking device (21), which is movable between a locking position and a release position, prevents relative movement between the support connecting element (13) and the seat (2) in a locking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a chair, in particular an office chair, with a seat part and a foot part, wherein the foot part comprises a support which is connected to the seat part via a joint arrangement which allows a relative movement from the seat part to the foot part, wherein the joint arrangement comprises a support connecting part which is movable relative to the seat part against the restoring force of a spring element, and wherein both the support connecting part and the spring element are arranged in a receptacle which is delimited by an upper part on the upper side and a base element on the lower side.

[0002] EP 1 584 266 B1 discloses a chair with a tilting mechanism comprising a pressure plate with a first conicity in the front-to-back direction of the seat surface, via which the seat can be tilted in the front-to-back direction, and a second conicity in the right-to-left direction of the seat surface, via which the seat can be tilted in the right-to-left direction. The tilting mechanism is limited because the pressure plate abuts against the underside of a housing part.

[0003] US 2013 / 0 033 078 A1 discloses a chair in which a seat can be pivoted around a horizontal axis. This pivoting movement can be blocked by a locking element.

[0004] DE 10 2020 101 033 A1 and US 2017 / 0 231 394 A1 each disclose a chair whose seat surface can be adjusted relative to a chair column against the action of a spring element, wherein the movement can be blocked.

[0005] Office chairs are often equipped with a synchronous mechanism that allows relative movement between the seat and backrest. It is also desirable to provide the user with the ability to perform small movements with the seat, thus leading to dynamic sitting, which offers ergonomic advantages. This is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 123 414 A1.

[0006] However, there are situations in which it is desirable to prevent this limited movement of the seat.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a chair that offers this possibility.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a chair, in particular an office chair, having the features of patent claim 1.

[0009] The locking device essentially deactivates the joint arrangement, so that the chair behaves like a conventional office chair with, for example, a synchronous mechanism. Even in a locked position of the locking device, if a synchronous mechanism is present, a relative movement of a seat surface arranged on the seat part to the support of the footrest may be possible. The locking device can be designed such that intermediate positions between a locked position and a released position are possible, wherein in an intermediate position, the pivoting range of the joint arrangement, in particular of the support connecting part, relative to the seat part can be limited.

[0010] The locking device comprises a locking element that is displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the floor element and engages the support connecting part in an upwardly displaced position. When the locking element is displaced upwardly, it can contact the support connecting part, preventing relative movement between the support connecting part and the locking element. This allows the joint arrangement to be locked.

[0011] The locking element can have a through-hole for the support and an external thread that interacts with a corresponding internal thread of the base element. The support can thus pass through the locking element, or the locking element can be arranged surrounding the support. If the locking element and the base element have corresponding threads, the locking element can be screwed into the base element to different depths. Thus, a rotational movement can be converted into a linear movement of the locking element, and the locking element can be moved toward or away from the support connection part by rotating relative to the base element.

[0012] It is therefore particularly advantageous if the locking element can be supported on the floor element.

[0013] Particular advantages arise when the locking element has an internal cone. This allows sufficient space between the support and the locking element, allowing at least limited movement of the support relative to the locking element. This means that a rocking movement of the seat part is not hindered by the locking element when the locking element is in a release position.

[0014] A particularly reliable locking of the support connecting part is achieved when the locking element, in a locked position, engages a portion of the support connecting part. This results in a particularly good positive fit. In particular, the locking element can have a hollow-cylindrical portion with an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of a hollow-cylindrical portion of the support connecting part. The hollow-cylindrical portion of the support connecting part can be stepped, so that the end face of the locking element can also rest against the step.

[0015] To facilitate the user's transition of the locking element from a release position to a locking position and vice versa, an actuating element can be arranged on the locking element in a rotationally fixed manner. The actuating element can be designed as a lever.

[0016] The actuating element can cause the locking element to rotate, which is then converted into a linear upward or downward movement relative to the base element. In particular, it can be provided that the locking element can be rotated by 90° from a release position to a locking position.

[0017] A fixing device can be provided for fixing a relative position of the actuating element and / or locking element and the base element. For this purpose, one or more spring-loaded pressure pieces can be provided on the actuating element, for example, which can engage in corresponding pressure piece recesses on the base element. This can prevent the actuating element from becoming loose or moving automatically. Furthermore, this provides haptic feedback to a user when a pressure piece slides over a protrusion between two pressure piece recesses. Several spring-loaded pressure pieces and correspondingly assigned pressure piece recesses can be provided.

[0018] The locking element can be secured to the base element by a locking element. This makes it possible to pre-assemble an assembly comprising the locking element and the base element and then attach it to the seat part. The locking element can also serve to limit the movement of the locking element toward a release position.

[0019] The support connecting part can have a stop which cooperates with a corresponding stop of the upper part in order to prevent a rocking movement of the upper part to the rear.

[0020] The joint arrangement can thus be blocked in one direction or limited to minimal movement, while allowing greater movement in almost all other directions when the locking arrangement is in a release position. Such a chair contributes to dynamic sitting by allowing very small movements of the seat surface due to the joint arrangement. On the other hand, the function of the synchronous mechanism, should one be provided, is not canceled or overridden by the joint arrangement, since the stop of the support connecting part prevents a backward rocking movement or, at most, allows it to a minimal extent.

[0021] It should be noted that additional stops, particularly side surfaces, can be provided on the support connecting part, so that movements in directions other than backwards are permitted, but only until the support connecting part comes into contact with an inner wall of the receptacle with a stop. In particular, the upper part and / or the base element and the support connecting part can be geometrically coordinated in such a way that lateral movement and a rocking movement forwards are permitted, whereby the pivoting range of the rocking movement can be larger than the pivoting range of the lateral movement. However, with the exception of a backward movement, continuous rocking movements in the circumferential direction can be permitted to a limited extent.

[0022] A particularly compact design, i.e. a small design, results when the receptacle is formed on the seat part, i.e. the seat part represents the upper part. The spring element and the support connecting part can thus be arranged in a receptacle in the seat part designed as a recess. The recess can be closed by the base element. The base element can be connected to the seat part, in particular screwed to it. This also enables particularly simple assembly. The support connecting part and the spring element can be inserted into the recess and the recess can then be closed by the base element. The spring element can be compressed at least in some areas in order to generate a preload.

[0023] However, the upper part can also be a separate component that can be connected to the seat part. The upper part can be designed like a hood. This inevitably creates a recess in which the support connecting part and the spring element can be at least partially arranged.

[0024] The base element can be connected to the upper part, in particular by screwing. If the seat part is designed as an upper part or has a recess itself that serves as a receptacle, the base element can be connected directly to the seat part.

[0025] The floor element may have a through-hole through which a part of the support connecting part or a section of the support protrudes.

[0026] The stop can be formed on a particularly solid projection that protrudes radially from the support connecting part. This provides the necessary stability to prevent the stop from being damaged when blocking a backward movement. The stop itself can be designed as a surface. The surface can be aligned at an angle to the horizontal. This allows for particularly effective blocking of a backward movement.

[0027] The projection may have a curved surface on its side facing the spring element. The curvature of the surface may be selected, in particular, to facilitate movement of the seat part to the left and right. The curved surface may, in particular, be designed in the form of a partial surface of a cylinder.

[0028] The spring element can circumferentially surround the support connecting part at least in sections. Preferably, the spring element completely surrounds the support connecting part circumferentially. In particular, the spring element can be ring-shaped and surround the support connecting part. Preferably, however, the spring element is cuboid-shaped and has a through-opening in which the support connecting part can be arranged. If the support connecting part is circumferentially surrounded by the spring element, movement of the seat part towards the support can always take place against the restoring force of the spring element, regardless of the direction in which the seat part is pivoted. On the other hand, this ensures that a restoring force is always present in order to return the seat part to its neutral position, i.e. to its unloaded, non-pivoted position, after deflection relative to the support.

[0029] Particular advantages arise when the spring element is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on or at the support connecting part. For this purpose, the spring element can have a non-circular, in particular non-rotationally symmetrical, through-opening in which the support connecting part can be arranged. The support connecting part can be circumferentially shaped to fit snugly in the through-opening of the spring element. This creates a rotationally fixed connection.

[0030] In particular, if the spring element is designed in such a way that it has different thicknesses in different areas and / or different elasticities in different areas, it is advantageous if the spring element is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the support connecting part in order to ensure that the zone with the corresponding desired elasticity is always in the correct position.

[0031] The support connecting part can have a stop, in particular a collar, against which the spring element is supported, in particular axially. This measure ensures that the spring element assumes a defined position with respect to the support connecting part. Furthermore, the spring element can be clamped between the collar and the base element, in particular compressed, to create a preload. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the spring element above the stop, i.e., between the stop of the support connecting part and the upper part.

[0032] The spring element can be arranged in the receptacle in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, the base element can have a recess in which the spring element is arranged. The recess in the base element can not be rotationally symmetrical, in particular it can be non-circular. For example, the recess can have at least one straight side, so that twisting of the spring element relative to the base element and thus relative to the receptacle is prevented. The base element preferably has three straight sides in the recess against which the spring element rests. Providing a recess designed in this way also has the advantage that the spring element cannot give way when it is compressed, in particular when it is placed under prestress.

[0033] The base element may further have a raised wall on its front side, which also prevents the spring element from deflecting under compression. The raised wall may be curved.

[0034] As mentioned above, it can be advantageous to equip the spring element with zones of different elasticity. This allows, for example, different restoring forces to be set for different rocking movements of the upper part. One way to provide different zones with different elasticity is to manufacture the spring element from different materials.

[0035] Another way to achieve different elasticities is to provide the spring element with one or more slots, particularly longitudinal slots, in at least one area. Depending on the spacing and width of the slots, different elasticities can be achieved. In this case, it is not absolutely necessary to use different materials for the spring element.

[0036] The slot(s) can be arranged on the outer circumference of the spring element. Preferably, the spring element is not slotted across its entire thickness, but rather the slots are groove-like, meaning they do not extend completely through the spring element.

[0037] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide different spring elements for the chair depending on the weight of the user in order to adjust the restoring force.

[0038] The support connecting part can be convex on its underside, at least in sections, and the floor element can be concave in corresponding sections. This creates opposing sliding surfaces, allowing the support connecting part to slide along the floor element.

[0039] The support connecting part can be supported on the upper part via a sliding element. The sliding element can be made of plastic, for example. The support connecting part can also be convex, at least in sections, on the upper side, and the sliding element, in particular its underside, can be concave. The sliding element can in turn be arranged in the upper part; in particular, the upper side of the sliding element can be convex, and a corresponding underside of the upper part can be concave.

[0040] In order to fix the plain bearing in its position relative to the upper part, the plain bearing can have a projection on its upper side, in particular an annular or hollow cylindrical projection, with which it projects into a recess in the upper part.

[0041] Further advantages arise when the seat component incorporates an additional mechanism for moving a seat surface, particularly a synchronous mechanism, rocker, permanent mechanism, or asynchronous mechanism. This allows two joint arrangements to be combined to improve the ergonomics of a chair.

[0042] The scope of the invention also includes a joint arrangement for a chair, having the features of patent claim 11.

[0043] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown therein are not necessarily to scale and are presented in such a way that the special features of the invention can be clearly seen. The various features can be implemented individually or in combinations in variants of the invention.

[0044] The schematic drawing shows embodiments of the invention and explains them in more detail in the following description.

[0045] They show: Fig. 1 shows a section of a chair in a side view; Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through the seat part of a chair; Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a joint arrangement with a locking device in a release position; Fig. 4 shows the joint arrangement of the Fig. 3 with the locking device in a locking position; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a support connecting part; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a floor element; Fig. 7 a perspective view of a locking element; Fig. 8 an exploded view of a joint arrangement.

[0046] The Fig. 1shows a section of a chair 1 with a seat part 2 and a footrest support 3 connected thereto. The support 3 is connected to the seat part 2 via a joint arrangement 4 to be described in more detail. The seat part 2 comprises a synchronous mechanism 5, which causes a synchronous movement of a seat surface (not shown here) toward a backrest (also not shown) when a user leans against the backrest. The support 3 can comprise a gas spring.

[0047] In the sectional view of the Fig. 2 It can be seen that the joint arrangement 4 has an upper part 10, which is designed like a hood. The upper part 10 is connected to the seat part 2 or is a component thereof.

[0048] The upper part 10 defines a receptacle 11 at the top. The receptacle 11 is defined at the bottom by a base element 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the base element 12 is connected, in particular screwed, to the upper part 10. A support connecting part 13 is arranged in the receptacle 11 and is supported at least indirectly on the base element 12 via a spring element 14. The support connecting part 13 has an inner cone 15 that tapers conically toward the top. The support 3 can be arranged in the inner cone 15, in particular connected by means of a press fit.

[0049] The support connecting part 13 has a radial projection 16, which has a stop 17 designed as an inclined surface. The stop 17 rests against a corresponding stop 18 of the upper part 10. This prevents a relative movement of the support connecting part 13 and the upper part 10 or the seat part 2 at this point. In particular, this prevents the seat part 2 and thus a seat surface from being pivoted backward relative to the support 3 or the support connecting part 13. A relative movement of the support connecting part 13 to the upper part 10 in other directions is possible.

[0050] The support connecting part 13 has a further stop 20, which in the present example is designed as a collar. The spring element 14 rests against this further stop 20 from below.

[0051] A locking device 21 comprises a locking element 22 arranged on the base element 12. The locking element has an external thread 23, via which the locking element 22 can be screwed into the base element 12. For this purpose, the base element 12 has a corresponding internal thread 24. The locking element 22 further has a through-opening 25 through which the support 3 protrudes. To prevent a collision of the support 3 with the locking element 22 when the seat part 2 moves relative to the support 3, the through-opening 25 is designed, at least in some areas, as an internal cone.

[0052] If the locking element 22 is set in a rotational movement by an actuating element 26 arranged thereon in a rotationally fixed manner, the locking element 22 can be screwed into the base element 12 and moved toward the support connecting part 13 (moved upwards) until it abuts against it. This can block the support connecting part 13. To fix the position of the actuating element 26, a spring-loaded pressure piece 27 can be provided, which engages in a pressure piece recess 28 of the base element 12.

[0053] A securing element 29 designed as a securing ring is arranged on the locking element 22, which limits the downward movement of the locking element 22 by abutting against the base element 12 when the locking element 22 is displaced far enough downwards.

[0054] To increase the contact surface for the spring element 14, a rigid insert 30 is provided as a support element. The insert 30 is arranged between the base element 12 and the spring element 14.

[0055] The Fig. 2 further comprises a pivotable lever 31 for actuating the gas spring of the support 3.

[0056] In the Fig. 3 The joint arrangement 4 is shown in an enlarged view. The previously described elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals. The locking element 22 is in a release position in which it does not touch the support connecting part 13. The support connecting part can move at least partially relative to the upper part 10 (not shown here).

[0057] Here, it can also be seen that a sliding element 32 is arranged between the support connecting part 13 and the upper part 10. The sliding element 32 enables low-friction relative movement of the support connecting part 13 and the upper part 10.

[0058] When the upper part 10 moves, the spring element 14 is compressed, for example, at point 14.1. To generate a sufficient restoring force, the spring element 14 is prevented from deflecting laterally at point 14.1. For this purpose, a wall 34 is provided on the base element 12. The spring element 14 is also enclosed by corresponding walls at other points to prevent deflection.

[0059] In order for the sliding element 32 to remain in its position when the support connecting part 13 and the upper part 10 are moved relative to one another, it has a projection 36 which can be annular and projects into an opening in the upper part 10.

[0060] The Fig. 4shows the joint arrangement 4 when the locking element 22 is in a locked position. To reach the locked position, the actuating element 26 was actuated in order to rotate the locking element 22, which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the actuating element 26, and to screw it into the base element 12. As a result, the locking element 22 was displaced upwards so that a section 38 of it protrudes into the support connecting part 13. In particular, for this purpose, the upper part of the locking element 22 has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the support connecting part 13. The support connecting part 13 is stepped on the inside so that a stop ring 54 of the locking element 22 abuts the step 40 of the support connecting part 13. There is thus a positive connection between the support connecting part 13 and the locking element 22. The support connecting part 13 is thus protected against relative movement with respect to the seat part 2 orThe locking element 22 connected to the base element 12 is locked. A rocking movement of the seat part 2 relative to the support 3 is therefore no longer possible. Movement of the synchronous mechanism 5 remains possible.

[0061] The Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the support connecting part 13 from below. The step 40 is particularly clearly visible here. The surfaces 42 are aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis and thus match the equally angled surface of the locking element 22 at its upper end to ensure a good form fit. Interruptions 44 reduce friction losses when the locking element 22 is screwed in.

[0062] At the upper end, a sliding surface 46, in particular a substantially convex one, is provided. The sliding element 32 rests on this sliding surface 46.

[0063] The Figure 6shows a perspective view of a base element 12. The base element 12 has the previously described thread 24, into which the locking element 22 can be screwed. On the outside, the base element 12 has a plurality of pressure piece recesses 28, which can interact with the spring-loaded pressure piece 27. Upon appropriate actuation of the actuating handle 26, the pressure piece 27 can slide from one pressure piece recess 28 into the next pressure piece recess 28. This provides haptic feedback to a user.

[0064] Furthermore, the base element 12 has a notch 50 for the insert part 30.

[0065] The Figure 7shows a perspective view of the locking element 22. In this embodiment, the thread 23 is designed as a double-row trapezoidal thread. Here, the hollow cylindrical section 38, which can engage with the support connecting part 13 in a locked position, can also be seen particularly well. The surface 52 is matched to the surface 42 so that the surfaces 42, 52 touch in a locked position. In addition, a stop ring 54 touches the step 40 in a locked position. This allows the support connecting part 13 to be immovably secured relative to the locking element 22.

[0066] The Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the essential elements of the joint arrangement 4. The individual elements shown are provided with the previously used reference numbers.

Claims

1. Chair (1), in particular an office chair, comprising a seat part (2) and a foot part, the foot part comprising a support (3) connected to the seat part (2) via a hinge assembly (4) that allows relative movement of the seat part (2) to the foot part, the hinge assembly (4) comprising a support connecting part (13) that is movable relative to the seat part (2) against the restoring force of a spring element (14), and both the support connecting part (13) and the spring element (14) being arranged, at least partially, in a receptacle (11) that is delimited on the upper side by an upper part (10) and on the lower side by a base element (12), a locking device (21) being provided that is movable between a locking position and a release position and, in a locking position, prevents relative movement of the support connecting part (13) and the seat part (2), characterized in that the locking device (21) has a locking element (22) which is displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the base element (12) and engages the support connecting part (13) in an upwardly displaced position.

2. Chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (22) has a through-opening (25) for the support (3) and has an external thread (23) which cooperates with a corresponding internal thread (24) of the base element (12).

3. Chair according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (22) has an inner cone.

4. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (22) forms a form-fitting connection with the support connecting part (13) in a locking position.

5. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (22) plunges with a portion into the support connecting part (13) in a locking position.

6. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating element (26) is arranged on the locking element (22) in a rotationally fixed manner.

7. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing device is provided for fixing a relative position of the actuating element (26) and / or locking element (22) and base element (12).

8. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support element is arranged between the base element (12) and the spring element (14).

9. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (22) is arranged captively on the base element (12) by a securing element (29).

10. Chair according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat part (2) has an additional mechanism for moving a seat surface, in particular a synchronous mechanism, rocker, permanent mechanism or asynchronous mechanism.

11. Hinge assembly (4) for a chair, comprising an upper part (10) and a base element (12) which can be connected to the upper part (10), the upper part (10) and the base element (12) forming a receptacle (11) in which a support connecting part (13) and a spring element (14) are at least partially arranged, the spring element (14) being arranged under pretension in the receptacle and a locking element (22) being provided which is movable between a locking position and a release position, characterized in that the support connecting part (13) is supported at least indirectly on an inner wall of the receptacle via the spring element (14) and the locking element (22) engages the support connecting part (13) in a locking position in order to block a movement of the support connecting part (13) in the receptacle (11), wherein the locking element (22) is displaceable in a vertical direction relative to the base element (12) and engages the support connecting part (13) in an upwardly displaced position.

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