Chair for the sitting of a user

Abstract

Chair for the sitting of a user, comprising a support structure (2) designed to rest on the ground, a seat (3) mounted on the support structure (2), a back (4), which is hinged to the seat (3) around a first rotation axis (R) between a substantially vertical rest position (A) and at least one reclined position (B), and a blocking device (5), mounted on the seat (3). The blocking device (5) comprises a first element (51), rotatably mounted on the seat (3) and rotatable by a user about a second rotation axis (T) orthogonal to the first rotation axis (R), a second element (52), slidably mounted on the seat (3) and movable along a movement direction (X), orthogonal to the first rotation axis (R) and the second rotation axis (T), between a locking position, in which it locks the rotation of the back (4) about the first rotation axis (R), and an unlocking position, in which it allows the rotation of the back (4) about the first rotation axis (R), and transmission means (53), which are mechanically connected to the first element (51) and the second element (52), and are configured to move the second element (52) along the movement direction (X), between the locked position and the unlocked position, following the rotation of the first element (51) around the second rotation axis (T). The transmission means (53) comprise an elastically yielding elbow portion (54), which is configured to flex elastically following the rotation of the first element (51) about the second rotation axis (T), and to move the second element (52) along the movement direction (X).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a Chair for the sitting of a user according to the preamble of independent claim No. 1.

[0002] The chair in question is intended to be used to allow the sitting of a user, both in offices, studies and similar locations (particularly during working hours) and in private homes, for example in studies, kitchens or living rooms.

[0003] The chair in question is of the reclining type, so as to allow a user to vary their sitting position between a position in which the back is substantially at right angles to the legs and several reclined positions.

[0004] The chair that is the subject of this invention therefore falls within the field of furnishing for both work and domestic environments and, more generally, within the field of furniture production, in particular the production of chairs and reclining chairs.State of the art

[0005] Known chairs comprise a support structure, which is intended to rest on the floor, a seat, which is mounted on the support structure and is intended to support a user in a seated position, and a back, which is connected to the support structure or to the seat and is intended to support the user's back during use of the chair.

[0006] Chairs of the known type can be made in a single piece, for example in plastic or metal, or alternatively be formed from several separate elements that are connected to each other during assembly of the chair.

[0007] Chairs of the known type in a single piece, also known as monocoque chairs, are usually cheaper products with less added value, and are mostly intended for temporary and non-prolonged use, as they offer reduced ergonomics and comfort, unsuitable for prolonged use of the chair and in more professional contexts, for example as an office chair.

[0008] On the other hand, chairs for more professional use (also known as ergonomic chairs), which must offer greater comfort and ergonomics, are made up of several separate elements that must be assembled together before being shipped and sold to the retailer or end customer.

[0009] These ergonomic chairs usually include a back that can be reclined between a rest position and several reclined positions to increase the ergonomics of the chair during use, depending on the customer's needs. In particular, these chairs include elastic return means, which are connected to the back and the support structure or seat, to exert an elastic return force on the back to return it from the reclined position back to the rest position.

[0010] Such chairs of known type also include locking / unlocking mechanisms, which allow the rotation of the chair back relative to the seat around a horizontal rotation axis to be selectively locked and / or unlocked.

[0011] In particular, this locking / unlocking mechanism is generally housed inside a housing body fixed to the underside of the seat, and comprises an actuation lever, pivoted to the seat lock and rotatable around a hinge pin, and locking means operated by the aforementioned actuation lever.

[0012] For example, document EP 2554075 discloses a chair equipped with a mechanism for locking / unlocking the seat inclination.

[0013] In particular, the chair described in this document includes a rocking mechanism, which comprises a housing body mounted on the chair's gas column and supporting a support plate for the chair seat at the top.

[0014] In particular, the support plate tilts with respect to the housing body, around a pivot point, against the action of the coil springs, in order to allow the seat and therefore the back to tilt with respect to the base of the chair itself.

[0015] In particular, the chair described in this document is equipped with a mechanism for locking / unlocking the seat tilt, which includes a locking element hinged to the housing body around a hinge axis and movable between a locking position (in which it prevents the seat from tilting) and an unlocked position (in which it allows the seat to swing).

[0016] More specifically, the locking element can be moved by means of an actuation lever that can be operated manually by a user, which transmits the movement to an elastic transmission element.

[0017] In particular, the elastic transmission element is provided at its ends with two hemispherical housing seats, which are engaged by respective hemispherical portions provided on the locking element and on an intermediate transmission element, so as to hinge the elastic element to the locking element and to the intermediate transmission element.

[0018] Document IT 102017000057361 is also known, which describes a chair equipped with a mechanism for locking / unlocking the seat tilt.

[0019] In particular, the chair described in this document is equipped with a rocking mechanism, which includes a housing body mounted on the chair's gas column and a support plate fixed to the chair seat mounted on top.

[0020] In particular, the support plate tilts with respect to the housing body, around the pivot pin, against the action of the coil springs, in order to allow the seat and therefore the back to tilt with respect to the base of the chair itself.

[0021] The chair described in this document also includes an actuation lever, which can be operated manually by a user. This lever is hinged to the housing body around two separate rotation axes and can be moved vertically around a horizontal rotation axis to act on the gas column and adjust the height of the seat.

[0022] In addition, the lever can be rotated around a vertical rotation axis in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction to move a mechanism for locking / unlocking the seat tilt.

[0023] More specifically, this locking / unlocking mechanism comprises a slider, which slides within the housing body and is connected to the actuation lever by means of several transmission arms.

[0024] Furthermore, the locking / unlocking mechanism of the chair described in that document comprises a ball-spring system, in which the ball moves vertically against the action of the spring during the translation of the slider, until it engages in a corresponding housing seat, in which it is able to define a respective stable position of the slider along the direction of translation.

[0025] The chairs of the type described above have proved to have some drawbacks in practice.

[0026] The main drawback is that these chairs are expensive and extremely complex to manufacture and assemble, as the locking / unlocking mechanisms are structurally complex, consisting of numerous elements that must be assembled together, for example using screws, bolts, hinges, springs, joints, etc.

[0027] This requires a considerable amount of time for these operations, as well as the use of highly specialised personnel to assemble the chair correctly for its end use.

[0028] A further drawback is that, very often, these locking / unlocking mechanisms require considerable force to be applied by the user to activate the locking / unlocking mechanism, resulting in a greater likelihood that the elements of the locking / unlocking mechanism will be damaged or subject to jamming, irreparably compromising the functioning of the entire locking / unlocking mechanism and the chair itself, thus jeopardising the stable and safe use of the chair by a user.

[0029] A further drawback lies in the fact that when one or more elements of the locking / unlocking mechanism wear out or break, it is difficult to repair such a complex operating structure, thus forcing the user to replace the entire locking / unlocking mechanism.

[0030] Furthermore, an additional drawback lies in the fact that such locking / unlocking mechanisms require a relatively large installation space in order to function.

[0031] Therefore, such chairs of the known type have proved to be aesthetically unattractive and unpopular with the public, as they are difficult to incorporate into contexts where product design is important, such as minimalist settings.Presentation of the invention

[0032] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of known chairs by providing a Chair for the sitting of a user that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

[0033] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair that reduces the number of components required for its production.

[0034] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair that does not require skilled personnel for its assembly.

[0035] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair that is safe and stable during use. A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a chair that is aesthetically pleasing and attractive.Brief description of the drawings

[0036] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the above purposes, are clearly evident from the content of the claims below, and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent a purely illustrative and non-limiting form of implementation, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the Chair for the sitting of a user that is the subject of this invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the blocking device, seat and back of the chair that is the subject of this invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the seat housing body of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the blocking device of the chair that is the subject of this invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view from below of the blocking device shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the blocking device's actuation lever; Figure 7 shows a top view of the blocking device in the locked position. Figure 8 shows a side view of the blocking device in the locked position, with the chair back in the rest position; Figure 9 shows a top view of the blocking device in the unlocked position, with the chair back in the reclined position. Figure 10 shows a side view of the blocking device in the unlocked position, with the chair back in the reclined position. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0037] With reference to the accompanying drawings, 1 indicates a Chair for the sitting of a user, which is the subject of this invention.

[0038] Advantageously, chair 1 is suitable for use as a functional and decorative element in both public and private environments, whether in the workplace or at home.

[0039] More specifically, chair 1, which is the subject of this invention, is intended to be advantageously used for the sitting of a user, for example, for the sitting of a worker in an office or for the sitting of a user in a private and / or domestic environment.

[0040] Advantageously, chair 1 is a reclining chair, i.e. with a back that can be tilted between a working position and several reclined positions, and preferably a height-adjustable chair, i.e. one in which the seat is mounted in an adjustable manner on a support structure, as described in more detail below.

[0041] The chair for the sitting of a user 1 according to the invention comprises a support structure 2, intended to be placed on the ground, for example on the floor.

[0042] Advantageously, the support structure 2 of chair 1 comprises a support base 21, intended to be placed on the floor, and on which a gas column 22 is advantageously mounted, for example a gas column configured (in a known manner) to allow height adjustment of a seat of chair 1.

[0043] In particular, the support base 21 of chair 1 comprises several support legs 211, which are preferably equipped with wheels to allow chair 1 to be moved across the floor during use.

[0044] Obviously, it is also possible to provide a base support 21 of the pedestal type, without support legs 211, or to provide a base support 21 in which the legs are without wheels in order to allow greater stability of chair 1 during use.

[0045] Preferably, the support structure 2 of chair 1 is made of resistant material, in particular metal, such as steel or aluminium, or alternatively plastic.

[0046] In accordance with the invention, chair 1 also comprises a seat 3, which is mounted on the support structure 2.

[0047] In particular, the seat 3 comprises a support portion 31, mounted on top of the support structure 2, and a seating portion 32, which defines a seating surface for receiving a user in a seated position. Obviously, the seating surface may be flat, for example perfectly horizontal, or curved, as shown in the attached figures, depending on the different possible designs and ergonomics of the chair, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] More specifically, the support portion 31 may be fixed to the support structure 2 or, alternatively, be pivotally connected to the support structure 2. Preferably, the support portion 31, and therefore the seat 3, is adjustable, for example in height, relative to the support structure 2 itself by means of the gas column 22.

[0049] In accordance with the invention, chair 1 also comprises a back 4, which is hinged to seat 3 around a first rotation axis R between a rest position A, for example visible in Figure 8, and a reclined position B, for example visible in Figure 10.

[0050] More specifically, the back 4 extends along a main direction of development Y, which is essentially vertical, between an upper end 4' and nd an opposite lower end 4". More specifically, the main direction of development Y of the backrest 4 is essentially vertical when the backrest is in the rest position A, while it is inclined when the backrest 4 is in the reclined position B.

[0051] Obviously, as can be seen in the attached figures, the back 4 can extend mainly along the aforementioned main direction of development Y but be equipped with its own curvature for lumbar and / or cervical support, without this falling outside the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] Preferably, the backrest 4 is reclinable to a maximum reclined position, in which the reclining angle is between 16° and 20°, and more preferably 18°.

[0053] Therefore, the chair 1 of the present invention is advantageously of the reclining type, so as to allow a user to vary their sitting position between the rest position A, for example an operating position in which the back is substantially at right angles to the legs, and several reclined positions B, in which the back is inclined relative to the legs and the user assumes a more reclined position than the aforementioned rest position A.

[0054] In particular, the backrest 4 can be reclined in a first reclining direction between the rest position A and the various reclined positions B, and can be moved in a second repositioning direction, opposite to the first reclining direction, between the various reclined positions B and the rest position A.

[0055] According to the invention, chair 1 comprises a blocking device 5, which is mounted on seat 3, and preferably housed therein, and comprises a first element 51, rotatably mounted on the seat 3 (e.g. hinged) and rotatable by a user about a second rotation axis T orthogonal to the first rotation axis R, and a second element 52, which is slidably mounted on the seat 3 and is movable along a movement direction X, orthogonal to the first rotation axis R and the second rotation axis T, between a locked position, in which it locks the free rotation of the back 4 around the first rotation axis R, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, and an unlocked position, in which it allows the rotation of the back 4 around the first rotation axis R, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0056] In particular, the second element 52 is configured to mechanically interfere with a portion of the back 4 when it is in the locked position, so as to prevent it from rotating about the first rotation axis R, and conversely, so as not to mechanically interfere with the aforementioned portion of the back 4 when it is in the unlocked position, so as to allow it to rotate about the first rotation axis R. In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the blocking device 5 comprises transmission means 53, which are fixed in a single body to the first element 51 and to the second element 52, and are configured to move the second element 52 along the movement direction X, between the locked position and the unlocked position, following the rotation of the first element 51 around the second rotation axis T.

[0057] In particular, the transmission means 53 extend between a first end 53' fixed as a single piece to the first element 51, and an opposite second end 53" fixed as a single piece to the second element 52.

[0058] The transmission means 53 comprise an elastically yielding elbow portion 54, which is configured to flex elastically as a result of the rotation of the first element 51 about the second rotation axis T, and to move the second element 52 along the movement direction X.

[0059] In particular, the elbow portion 54 is interposed between the first end 53' and the second end 53" of the transmission means 53.

[0060] Advantageously, the transmission means 53, and in particular the aforementioned elbow portion 54, are made of an elastically deformable material, preferably a polymeric material, for example nylon, and more preferably glass-filled nylon.

[0061] Advantageously, the elbow portion 54 of the transmission means 53 defines a virtual hinge suitable for hinging the first element 51 and the second element 52 together.

[0062] More specifically, the elbow portion 54 is configured to allow, with a single body, a rotary-translational movement, which causes the second element 52 to slide along the X movement direction following the rotation of the first element 51 around the second rotation axis T.

[0063] In particular, the aforementioned rotational translation has a rotational component around the second rotation axis T, and a translational component along the movement direction X.

[0064] In this way, it is possible to create a blocking device 5 that is extremely simple and economical to produce and assemble, minimising the number of components required.

[0065] More specifically, the elbow portion 54 of the transmission means 53 comprises at least one curved section 541, extending from a first end 541', which is connected to the first element 51, to an opposite second end 541", which is preferably connected to the second element 52.

[0066] Preferably, as shown in the attached figures, the second end 541" of the curved section 541 of the elbow portion 54 is not directly connected to the second element 52, but rather by means of an additional portion, preferably rigid, as described in more detail below.

[0067] Advantageously, following the rotation of the first element 51 around the second rotation axis T, the curved section 541 is configured to assume a tight configuration, in particular substantially closed with the second element 52 in the unlocked position, in which the curved section 541 has a first radius of curvature, and a spread configuration, in particular substantially open, with the second element 52 in the locked position, in which the curved section 541 has a second radius of curvature, greater than the first radius of curvature.

[0068] Advantageously, the elbow portion 54 is substantially U-shaped and defines a concavity that faces the second element 52 of the blocking device 5, preferably substantially parallel to the movement direction X.

[0069] More specifically, the elbow portion 54 advantageously comprises two straight sections 542, fixed respectively to the first and second elements 51, 52, which are connected to each other by the curved section 541 to form a substantially U-shaped profile.

[0070] Advantageously, the two straight sections 542 of the elbow portion 54 are capable of moving closer together or further apart as a result of the elastic bending of the elbow portion 54, and therefore as a result of the rotation of the first element 51 about the second rotation axis T.

[0071] In particular, when curved section 541 is in the closed configuration, the two straight sections 542 are close together, while when curved section 541 is in the open configuration, the two straight sections 542 are spaced apart.

[0072] In other words, the elbow portion 54 has its own straight sections 542 which are flexible in relation to each other in terms of approaching / moving away along a direction that is transverse, preferably orthogonal, to the movement direction X.

[0073] As described above, the two straight sections 542 of the elbow portion 54 are advantageously fixed as a single unit to the first and second elements 51, 52 of the blocking device 5, preferably by interposing additional portions.

[0074] In particular, the transmission means 53 advantageously comprise a rigid elongated element 530, which is fixed in a single piece to the second end 541" of the curved section of the elbow portion 54, and to the second element 52.

[0075] In particular, the elongated element 530 is fixed as a single piece to a first straight section 542' of the elbow portion 54.

[0076] Advantageously, the elongated element 530 has a predominant development component which is substantially parallel to the movement direction X. In this way, the rigid elongated element 530 allows the motion received from the elbow portion 54 to be transmitted longitudinally to move the second element 52 along the movement direction X.

[0077] Advantageously, the elbow portion 54 is thinner than the rest of the transmission means 53, and in particular than the elongated element 530.

[0078] More specifically, the elongated element 530 is advantageously rod-shaped, so as to allow stable axial thrust, while the elbow portion 54 preferably has a plate-like shape and is particularly thinned along a bending direction transverse to the movement direction X. This shape of the elbow portion 54 allows good elastic deformability to be obtained, which ensures the correct bending of the elbow portion 54 following the rotation of the first element 51 around the second rotation axis T. Preferably, the elbow portion 54 has a thickness between 1 and 4 mm, and even more preferably between 2 and 3 mm.

[0079] In particular, the aforementioned thickness is measured along a bending direction transverse to the X movement direction.

[0080] Advantageously, the curved section 541 of the elbow portion 54 is arranged off-centre with respect to the second rotation axis T around which the first element 51 can rotate.

[0081] More specifically, the first element 51 extends advantageously between a hinge end 51', near which the first element 51 is hinged to the seat 3, and an operating end 51", at which the first element 51 has the elbow portion 54 fixed to it as a single piece.

[0082] In this way, the first element 51 acts as a lever arm, thanks to its extension between the hinge end 51' and the drive end 51", to determine (with the same angular rotation around the second rotation axis T) a greater stroke or excursion of the second element 52 along the movement direction X.

[0083] This makes it possible to obtain a blocking device 5 which, even with small movements of the first element 51, guarantees a deep insertion stroke of the second element 52, in order to stably prevent the backrest 4 from rotating around the first rotation axis R.

[0084] Advantageously, seat 3 comprises a housing body 30, which defines a housing volume V in which the blocking device 5 is at least partially housed.

[0085] More specifically, the housing body 30 is substantially dome-shaped and comprises a bottom wall 302, mounted on the support structure 2, and a side wall 301, which rises in projection from the bottom wall 302, delimiting the housing volume V.

[0086] Advantageously, the first element 51 is rotatably mounted, and preferably pivoted, inside the housing body 30 of the seat 3.

[0087] Advantageously, the second element 52 is slidably mounted inside the housing body 30 of the seat 3.

[0088] Advantageously, the housing body 30 extends between a front end, which defines a front portion of the seat 3, and an opposite rear end, at which the seat 3 is hinged to the back 4.

[0089] Preferably, the second element 52 is arranged in proximity to the rear end of the housing body 30. Advantageously, as shown in Figure 3, the housing body 30 comprises a sliding seat 300, which extends parallel to the movement direction X, and in which the second element 52 is slidably mounted.

[0090] Advantageously, the backrest 4 is provided with an interference portion 40, which, during rotation of the backrest 4 about the first rotation axis R, is capable of travelling along a circular trajectory, preferably passing at least partly through the aforementioned sliding seat 300.

[0091] More specifically, when the second element 52 is in the unlocked position, it is in a rearward position and does not intercept the circular trajectory travelled by the interference portion 40 of the back 4, whereas when the second element 52 is in the locked position, in a forward position (along the movement direction X), it intercepts the circular trajectory travelled by the interference portion 40 of the back 4, preventing the latter from rotating further towards the reclined position B.

[0092] Advantageously, chair 1 comprises guide means 7, which are configured to connect the second element 52 in a sliding manner with respect to the housing body 30, along the movement direction X.

[0093] Therefore, the guide means 7 are configured to connect the second element 52 in a sliding manner with respect to the housing body 30, along the movement direction X.

[0094] In particular, the second element 52 of the blocking device 5 comprises a sliding portion 55 slidably connected to the guide means 7, and a stop portion 56, fixed to the sliding portion 55 and intended to lock and / or unlock the rotation of the back 4.

[0095] Advantageously, the stop portion 56 is fixed as a single piece to the sliding portion 55.

[0096] More specifically, the sliding portion 55 comprises a central body 551 and at least two coupling projections 552, 553, which protrude from opposite sides of the central body 551, to keep the second element 52 mounted to the housing body 30 when moving the second element 52 along the movement direction X.

[0097] Advantageously, the second element 52 of the locking means 5 is snap-fitted to the seat 3. Operationally, when the blocking device 5 is mounted on the seat 3, the coupling projections 552, 553 are coupled, preferably by snapping, to the guide means 7.

[0098] Advantageously, the guide means 7 comprise at least one guide groove 71, preferably in the shape of a slot, formed on one of the housing body 30 and the sliding portion 55 of the second element 52, and at least one guide projection 72, advantageously mounted in a single piece on the other between the housing body 30 and the sliding portion 55 of the second element 52 and slidably inserted into the corresponding guide groove 71 to guide the sliding of the second element 52 along the movement direction X.

[0099] Preferably, the guide groove 71 is mounted on the housing body 30, and more specifically, it is formed as a single piece with the housing body 30. Preferably, the guide projection 72 is mounted on the sliding element 55 of the second element 52.

[0100] Advantageously, the guide means 7 comprise two coupling flaps 721, 722, preferably formed in a single piece on the housing body 30, between which a guide housing is defined, in which the second element 52, in particular its sliding portion 55, is at least partially slidably arranged.

[0101] In particular, the coupling tabs 721, 722 are configured to mechanically connect, preferably by snapping, the second element 52 of the blocking device 5 to the housing body 30 of the seat 3, in particular by engaging with the coupling projections 552, 553 of the coupling portion 55.

[0102] This allows for easy connection between the second element 52 and the housing body 30, allowing the second element 52 to be moved along the X movement direction while remaining mounted on the seat 3.

[0103] In particular, chair 1 comprises connecting means 6, which are configured at least to connect the first element 51 of the blocking device 5 and the seat 3, and in particular the housing body 30, in a rotatable manner around the second rotation axis T.

[0104] Advantageously, the connecting means 6 comprise at least one guide seat 63, advantageously having a slot shape, formed on one of the first element 51 and the housing body 30, and a guide pin 64 mounted on the other of the first element 51 and the housing body 30, and more preferably on the lower wall 302 of the housing body 30, and slidably inserted into the guide seat 63 to guide and / or limit the rotation of the first element 51 about the first rotation axis R. Therefore, the connecting means 6 act as a limit stop for the first element 51 of the blocking device 5.

[0105] Preferably, the guide pin 64 is advantageously mounted in a single piece with the first element 51 of the blocking device 5.

[0106] Advantageously, the guide pin 64 is mounted on the first element 51, which preferably comprises a protruding portion 562, which extends laterally from a main portion 561, and on which the guide seat 63 is advantageously formed.

[0107] As described above, the first element 51 is advantageously hinged inside the housing body 30 of the seat 3. In particular, the connecting means 6 comprise at least one hinge hole 61, made on one of the first element 51 and the housing body 30, and a hinge pin 62 mounted, advantageously in a single piece, on the other of the first element 51 and the housing body 30, and rotatably inserted into the hinge hole 61. Preferably, the hinge hole 61 is formed on the first element 51 of the blocking device 5.

[0108] Advantageously, the connecting means 6 also comprise at least one locking seat 65, formed on one of the first element 51 and the housing body 30, and a locking element 66, mounted on the other between said first element 51 and the housing body 30 and movable between a locking position, in which it is inserted at least partially into the locking seat 65 to prevent rotation of said first element 51, and a release position, in which it is disposed outside the locking seat 65 to allow rotation of the first element 51. Preferably, the locking seat 65 is formed on the first element 51 and the locking element 66 is mounted on the housing body 30.

[0109] Advantageously, the blocking device 5 comprises an actuation lever 57, which is connected to the first element 51, is rotationally integral with the latter at least with respect to the second rotation axis T, and can be gripped by a user to rotate the first element 51 around the second rotation axis T.

[0110] In particular, the actuation lever 57 has a first section 571, preferably grippable by a user, which is arranged at least partially externally with respect to the housing volume V and can be moved at least along a first movement plane, perpendicular to the second rotation axis T, in order to rotate the first element 51 in a blocking sense, corresponding to the passage of the second element 52 from the unlocked position to the locked position, or in an opposite unlocking sense, corresponding to the passage of the second element 52 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0111] More specifically, the actuation lever 57 is connected in a rotatable manner to the first element 51 along a third rotation axis U perpendicular to the second rotation axis T by means of at least one rotation pin 570 extending along the third rotation axis U.

[0112] Advantageously, the actuation lever 57 also comprises a second section 572, which is opposite the first section 571 with respect to the third rotation axis U, is housed in the housing volume V of the housing body 30 and is designed to selectively abut against the lifting means of the chair 1 in order to actuate them and move the seat 3 along a vertical direction Z.

[0113] Preferably, the second section 572 has an enlarged portion 573.

[0114] Advantageously, actuation lever 57 comprises, between the first section 571 and the second section 572, two portions projecting laterally which define at least one rotation pin 570.

[0115] More specifically, the first section 571 of the actuation lever 57 can be moved along a second movement plane, essentially perpendicular to the third rotation axis U, to bring the second section 572 into contact with the lifting means.

[0116] Advantageously, the first element 51 comprises a main portion 511 on which a housing seat 512 is formed, designed to house at least the second section 572 of the actuation lever 57.

[0117] In particular, the actuation lever 57 comprises, in a single body, the rotation pin 570, and a pivot seat 513 is formed on the first element 51, in which the rotation pin 570 is rotatably housed.

[0118] Advantageously, the side wall 301 is provided with a side opening 301', at which the actuation lever 57 is positioned.

[0119] In particular, the side opening 301' is sized so as to allow the actuation lever 57 to be moved both along the first movement plane and along the second movement plane.

[0120] The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the intended purposes.

Claims

1. Chair for the sitting of a user, which comprises: - a support structure (2), intended to be placed in abutment against the ground; - a seat (3), mounted on said support structure (2); - a back (4), hinged to said seat (3) around a first rotation axis (R) between a rest position (A), substantially vertical, and at least one reclined position (B); - a blocking device (5), mounted on said seat (3) and comprises: - a first element (51), rotatably mounted on said seat (3) and actuatable in rotation by a user around a second rotation axis (T) orthogonal to said first rotation axis (R); - a second element (52), slidably mounted on said seat (3) and movable along a movement direction (X), orthogonal to said first rotation axis (R) and to said second rotation axis (T), between a blocking position, in which it blocks the rotation of said back (4) around said first rotation axis (R), and a release position, in which it allows the free rotation of said back (4) around said first rotation axis (R); said chair (1) being characterized in that said blocking device (5) comprises transmission means (53), which are fixed in a single body with said first element (51) and with said second element (52), and are configured for moving said second element (52) along said movement direction (X), between said blocking position and said release position, following the rotation of said first element (51) around said second rotation axis (T); said transmission means (53) comprising an elbow portion (54), elastically pliable, which is configured for being elastically bent following the rotation of said first element (51) around said second rotation axis (T), and for moving said second element (52) along said movement direction (X).

2. Chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the elbow portion (54) of said transmission means (53) defines a virtual hinge adapted to hinge together said first element (51) and said second element (52).

3. Chair according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elbow portion (54) of said transmission means (53) comprises at least one curved section (541), extended starting from a first end (541'), connected to said first element (51), up to an opposite second end (541"); in which, following the rotation of said first element (51) around said second rotation axis (T), said curved section (541) is configured for taking on: - a shut configuration, with said second element (52) in said release position, in which said curved section (541) has a first curvature radius, and - an opened configuration, with said second element (52) in said blocking position, in which said curved section (541) has a second curvature radius, greater than said first curvature radius.

4. Chair according to claim 3, characterized in that the curved section (541) of said elbow portion (54) is substantially U shaped, and defines a concavity which is directed towards the second element (52) of said blocking device (5).

5. Chair according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said transmission means (53) comprise a rigid elongated element (530), which is fixed in a single body to the second end (541") of the curved section (541) of said elbow portion (54), and to said second element (52); in which said elongated element (530) has a main extension component which is substantially parallel to said movement direction (X).

6. Chair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said seat (3) comprises a housing body (30), which defines a housing volume (V) in which said blocking device (5) is at least partially housed; in which said chair (1) comprises guide means (7), which are configured for connecting said second element (52) in a slidable manner with respect to with respect to said housing body (30), along said movement direction (X).

7. Chair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises connection means (6), which are configured at least for rotatably connecting the first element (51) of said blocking device (5) and said seat (3) around said second rotation axis (T); in which said connection means (6) comprise at least one guide seat (63) made on one between said first element (51) and said housing body (30), and a guide pin (64) mounted on the other between said first element (51) and said housing body (30) and slidably inserted in said guide seat (63) in order to guide and / or limit the rotation of said first element (51) around said first rotation axis (R).

8. Chair according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said blocking device (5) comprises an actuation lever (57), which is mounted on said first element (51), with which it is integral in rotation with respect to said second rotation axis (T) and is grippable by a user in order to rotatably move said first element (51) around said second rotation axis (T); in which said actuation lever (57) is rotatably connected to said first element (51) along a third rotation axis (U) perpendicular to said second rotation axis (T) by means of a rotation pin (570) extended along said third rotation axis (U); in which said actuation lever (57) has a first section (571), which is placed at least partially externally with respect to said housing volume (V), and a second section (572), which is in a position opposite said first section (571) with respect to said third rotation axis (U), is housed in the housing volume (V) of said housing body (30) and is arranged for selectively abutting against means for lifting said chair (1) in order to actuate such means and move said seat (3) along a vertical direction (Z).

9. Chair according to claim 8, characterized in that said first element (51) comprises a main portion (511) on which a housing seat (512) is made, aimed to house at least the second section (572) of said actuation lever (57); in which said actuation lever (57) comprises, in a single body, said rotation pin (570) and on said first element (51), a pivoting seat (513) is attained, in which said rotation pin (570) is rotatably housed.

10. Chair according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second element (52) of said blocking means (5) are snap coupled to said seat (3).

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