An oscillation mechanism for a chair or an armchair

Abstract

The present invention relates to a swing mechanism (6) for a chair or armchair (1), comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (4). The swing mechanism (6) comprises: i) a functional body (3) hinged to the seat (2) and / or the backrest (4), having at least one flexible functional portion that is elastically deformable; ii) an adjustment device (5) comprising a movable engaging member (38) and an auxiliary portion (33) connected to at least one flexible functional body (15) having a free end (37); The adjustment device (5) may be configured in the following configurations: - a high flexibility configuration in which the auxiliary portion (33) is configured in a cantilever form; and - a low flexibility configuration in which the movable engaging member (38) engages with the free end (37) such that the auxiliary portion (33) and at least one flexible functional portion (15) bend elastically together, for example, when subjected to buckling.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of swing mechanisms for chair or armchair seats, such as office chairs.

[0002] In this field, a considerable amount of research and development effort is aimed at maximizing the comfort experienced by the end user of the product. [Previous Technology]

[0003] In the field of chairs and armchairs, especially office chairs, it is important to ensure that there are multiple ways to adjust the seat, such as seat height, backrest and seat tilt, so that users can adjust their position best.

[0004] Modern seating solutions include a swing backrest, for example, when the user leans their back against the backrest, and a rocking chair that can adapt to the user's position, such as sitting away from or very close to the backrest.

[0005] The possibility of swinging the backrest and seat is provided by the swing mechanism that supports the seat and backrest of the chair, the swing mechanism being supported by a rod at a predetermined height, which is usually also adjustable.

[0006] Several schemes of swinging mechanisms are disclosed in the name of the applicants in documents WO-A1-2010 / 097818, WO-A1-2011 / 104735, WO-A1-2015 / 145216, WO-A1-2021 / 156672, and IT201800003431. Further examples of swinging mechanisms are described in documents US-A-5356199 and WO-A1-2021 / 156672. [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] New solutions in this field aim to reduce or accommodate the complexity of these mechanisms using a limited number of components.

[0008] In addition, it is necessary to allow for adjustments to the swing of the chair or armchair according to user preferences and needs.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a swing mechanism for a chair or armchair that meets the needs of the above-mentioned fields.

[0010] The stated object is achieved by the swing mechanism according to claim 1 and the chair or armchair according to claim 15. The supplementary claim describes further advantageous embodiments.

Implementation Method

[0021] Please refer to the diagram in the attached drawings. 1 indicates a chair or armchair 1, including a seat 2, a backrest 4, a swing mechanism 6 and a lever 8.

[0022] For example, a rod 8 consisting of a gas piston supports the swing mechanism 6 at a predetermined height relative to the ground and can be adjusted according to the user's needs.

[0023] Preferably, the swing mechanism 6 includes a seat component 10 that can be mechanically connected, for example, mechanically connected to the seat 2 of a chair or armchair 1 by screws.

[0024] Preferably, the swing mechanism 6 includes a backrest accessory 20 that can be mechanically connected, for example, to the backrest 4 of the chair or armchair 1 via screws.

[0025] The swing mechanism 6 includes a functional body 3 extending a length between a front portion 11 and a rear portion 12, wherein the front portion 11 has a front hinge axis 20 and the rear portion 12 has a rear hinge axis 40.

[0026] Preferably, in the front portion 11, the functional body 3 is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced hinge elements 110 and is provided with a laterally through front hole 115 that defines a front hinge axis 20. Preferably, in the rear portion 12, the functional body 3 is provided with a plurality of laterally through rear holes 125 that define a rear hinge axis 40.

[0027] The functional body 3 can be hinged from the rear to the backrest 4, preferably to the backrest fitting 41, for example, via a rear hinge pin extending along the rear hinge axis 40.

[0028] In addition, the functional body 3 may be hinged to the seat 2 from the front, preferably to the seat accessory 21, for example, via a front hinge pin extending along the front hinge axis 20.

[0029] Furthermore, preferably, the seat fitting and the back fitting are hinged in a second rear hinge axis, for example, via a second rear hinge pin.

[0030] The functional body 3 also includes a connecting hole 100 extending vertically in the rear portion 12, the connecting hole 100 opening on a lower side 140 of the functional body 3 and engaging with the rod 8.

[0031] The functional body 3 is configured to be elastically deformable between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40, for example, when subjected to buckling.

[0032] In particular, for the swinging of the seat 2 and / or backrest 4, the functional body 3 includes at least one flexible functional part 15 that can be bent between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40, for example, that can be elastically deformed when subjected to buckling.

[0033] The swing mechanism 6 further includes an adjustment device 5, which can be configured to adjust the flexibility of the functional body 3. Specifically, the adjustment device 5 enables the user to adjust the response of the chair or armchair 1 when moving, for example, when stretching on the backrest 4.

[0034] The adjustment device 5 includes a support portion 31 connected to at least one flexible functional part 15 of the functional body 3, and a movable engaging member 38 supported by the support portion 31.

[0035] In particular, the movable engaging member 38 can move in a plurality of positions, each position corresponding to a configuration of the adjusting device 5.

[0036] The adjustment device 5 further includes an auxiliary portion 33, which is provided to have a first end 35 connected to at least one flexible functional portion 15, and a second end or free end 37.

[0037] The adjustment device 5 can be configured in a first configuration or a high-flexibility configuration, wherein the movable engaging member 38 disengages from the free end 37 of the auxiliary portion 33, such that the auxiliary portion 33 is configured in a cantilever form. Furthermore, the adjustment device 5 can be configured in a second configuration or a low-flexibility configuration, wherein the movable engaging member 38 engages with the free end 37, such that the auxiliary portion 33, together with at least one flexible functional portion 15, elastically bends between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40, for example, when subjected to buckling.

[0038] In other words, when the adjustment device 5 is configured in a highly flexible configuration, the pressure applied by the user to the chair or armchair 1 acts on at least one flexible functional part 15, which undergoes increased bending, resulting in a particularly flexible functional body 3.

[0039] Preferably, in a high-flexibility configuration, the auxiliary part 33 will not bend.

[0040] According to one embodiment, due to the deformation of at least one flexible functional part 15, the free end 37 will move in the longitudinal direction, for example, close to the movable engaging member 38.

[0041] Otherwise, when the adjustment device 5 is configured in a low-flexibility configuration, the pressure acting on the functional body 3 is released onto at least one flexible functional part 15, and also onto the auxiliary part 33. The auxiliary part 33 is thus subjected to pressure imposed by the seated user, i.e., receives a portion of the pressure, thereby providing resistance to deformation between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40. This makes it possible to have a functional body 3 that is generally rigid or less flexible compared to a high-flexibility configuration.

[0042] That is to say, when the user's actions generate the same pressure, in the low flexibility configuration, the seat 2 and / or backrest 4 will produce a smaller amplitude of sway.

[0043] The mechanical properties of the elastic bending force of at least one flexible functional part 15 and auxiliary part 33 are given by their specific geometry and / or their manufacturing materials.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the flexible functional part 15 has a planar shape, the dimensions of which are mainly in length, i.e., transverse to the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40, and in width, i.e. parallel to the front hinge axis 20; at the same time, it has a vertical dimension or a reduced thickness.

[0045] According to different embodiments, the flexible functional part 15 has the shape of a septum or rod, with a predominantly longitudinal dimension, while the other two dimensions, thickness and width, are significantly smaller.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the adjustment device 5 includes two flexible functional parts 15 extending primarily between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40.

[0047] For example, the flexible functional parts 15 are spaced apart along the front hinge axis 20, that is, along the lateral dimension of the functional body 3, and an auxiliary region 150 is defined therebetween. Preferably, the auxiliary part 33 is spaced apart from the two flexible functional parts 15 in the longitudinal direction within the auxiliary region 150.

[0048] In addition, the adjustment device 5 includes a connecting portion 34 preferably manufactured integrally with the auxiliary portion 33, which connects the flexible functional portion 15 to the auxiliary portion 33.

[0049] Preferably, the auxiliary portion 33 extends longitudinally from the connecting portion 34.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the connecting portion 34 is adjacent to the front hinge axis 20, and the supporting portion 31 is adjacent to the rear hinge axis 40.

[0051] According to a different embodiment, the connecting portion 34 is adjacent to the rear hinge axis 40, and the supporting portion 31 is adjacent to the front hinge axis 20.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the support portion 31 and the movable engaging member 38 are positioned in a control area 39 adjacent to the free end 37 of the auxiliary portion 33.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the movable engaging member 38 can move along a straight control axis C, which is parallel to the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40.

[0054] According to a different embodiment, the movable engaging member 38 can move along a circular or curved section.

[0055] For example, the movable engaging member 38 has a control groove 72 and is engaged to slide freely along a transverse guide rail 315 of the support portion 31, for example, by means of a screw 71 passing through the control groove 72.

[0056] In particular, the movable engaging member 38 can be positioned in a first position or release position (corresponding to the high flexibility configuration (FIG. 2)) and a second position or working position (corresponding to the low flexibility configuration (FIG. 5)), for example, opposite to the release position along the control axis C.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary portion 33 includes a first auxiliary tooth 81 positioned at the free end 37 (e.g., protruding from the free end 37), and the movable engaging member 38 includes a first member tooth 91 and a member seat 90, preferably adjacent along the control axis C.

[0058] In a highly flexible configuration, during the deformation of at least one flexible functional part 15, the first auxiliary tooth 81 is substantially stationary or freely movable in the longitudinal direction when leaving and entering the component seat 90.

[0059] However, in the low flexibility configuration, the first component tooth 91 is engaged with the first auxiliary tooth 81 and its movement is prevented, so that the auxiliary part 33 is locked between the engaging part 34 and the movable engaging member 38.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary portion 33 further includes a second auxiliary tooth 82, which is aligned with and spaced apart from the first auxiliary tooth 81 along the control axis C, thereby defining an auxiliary seat portion 80. Furthermore, the movable engaging member 38 includes a second member tooth 92, which is aligned with and spaced apart from the first member tooth 91 along the control axis C, thereby defining the member seat portion 90.

[0061] In a highly flexible configuration, during the deformation of at least one flexible functional part 15, the second component tooth 92 is substantially stationary or freely movable in the longitudinal direction when leaving and entering the auxiliary seat 80.

[0062] However, in the low flexibility configuration, the second component tooth 82 is engaged with the second component tooth 92 and its movement is prevented, so that the auxiliary part 33 is locked between the engaging part 34 and the movable engaging member 38.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary portion 33 is longitudinally divided into a first segment 33a and a second segment 33b, wherein each segment is elastically deformable between the front hinge axis 20 and the rear hinge axis 40.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first segment 33a and the second segment 33b are integrally formed to form an auxiliary portion 33.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first segment 33a and the second segment 33b are separate from each other and are not the same; in other words, they are deformable and preferably movable in an independent manner.

[0066] In particular, in the low flexibility configuration, the movable engaging member 38 engages with both the first section 33a and the second section 33b, that is, the entire auxiliary part 33 is bent.

[0067] According to one embodiment, along the control axis C, the first auxiliary tooth 81 is longitudinally aligned with the first segment 33a, and the second auxiliary tooth 82 is longitudinally aligned with the second segment 33b.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the adjustment device 5 may also be configured in a third configuration or an intermediate flexibility configuration (FIG. 7), wherein the movable engaging member 38 engages only with one of the first section 33a and the second section 33b, for example, the first section 33a. Therefore, in the intermediate flexibility configuration, only a portion of the auxiliary portion 33 bends, providing only partial resistance to deformation, and thus the functional body 3 is less reinforced compared to the low flexibility configuration.

[0069] In particular, in the intermediate flexibility configuration, the movable engaging member 38 is positioned in a third position or intermediate position.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the intermediate position is located in a transition section included along the control axis C between the release position and the working position.

[0071] According to a different embodiment, the intermediate position is located outside the conversion section along the control axis C, that is, beyond the release position or beyond the working position.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the adjustment device 5 further includes a handle 75 that can be gripped by a user, the handle 75 engaging with a movable engaging member 38 to move it between multiple positions, for example, protruding laterally or downward from the lower surface 150 of the functional body 3. In one embodiment, the handle 75 and the movable engaging member 38 are manufactured as a single piece.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the adjustment device 5 includes a plurality of alignment members 60 to ensure that the movable engaging member 38 is correctly positioned and to prevent it from being accidentally misaligned.

[0074] In particular, the functional body 3 has a continuous plurality of alignment seats 61 (e.g., located in the rear portion 12), each alignment seat 61 corresponding to a position of the movable engaging member 38. Preferably, the movable engaging member 38 is provided with an alignment partition 62, preferably manufactured as a single piece and elastically deformable, thereby engaging by springing into an opposing alignment seat 61.

[0075] By moving the movable engaging member 38, the alignment partition 62 will deform and move away from the alignment seat 61 to engage with the adjacent alignment seat 61.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the functional body 3 is manufactured as a single piece, that is, it is a single component that integrates at least one flexible functional part 15 (preferably two flexible functional parts 15), and also integrates the auxiliary part 33, the connecting part 34 and the support part 31 of the adjustment device 5.

[0077] More specifically, the functional body 3 includes at least one flexible functional part 15, a connecting part 34 and an auxiliary part 33 constituting a single unit, which allows the seat 2 and / or backrest 4 to swing by means of their elastic deformation.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the functional body 3 is made of a plastic material, for example, through molding. For example, the functional body 3 is made of polyamide fiber.

[0079] According to one embodiment, in the longitudinal direction, at least one flexible functional part 15 and / or auxiliary part 33 have multiple regions with different stiffnesses of varying flexibility, for example, made of different materials with different elastic properties, or different regions have different cross sections or geometries.

[0080] Another object of the present invention is a chair or armchair 1, which includes a swing mechanism 6 as described above, as well as a seat 2, a backrest 4 and a rod 8.

[0081] Innovatively, the swing mechanism according to the invention meets the needs of this field because it can effectively tilt the seat and / or back of a chair or armchair while overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages, thereby making it possible to change the swing range and intensity of the chair or armchair.

[0082] Advantageously, the user can easily adjust the rigidity of the swing mechanism according to their comfort needs.

[0083] Advantageously, the swing mechanism is structurally simplified. In fact, the deformable functional body integrates the typical functions of the steel or aluminum box and steel spring in existing technical solutions.

[0084] Advantageously, the functional body can be easily manufactured from plastic material by molding.

[0085] It will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described swing mechanism can be modified to meet current needs, and all such modifications are included within the scope of protection defined in the following claim. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0011] The features and advantages of the swing mechanism according to the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a chair equipped with a swing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 shows the swing mechanism of Figure 1;

[0014] Figure 3 shows a swing mechanism with an adjustment device in a highly flexible configuration;

[0015] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the oscillating mechanism along the cross-sectional plane AA of Figure 3;

[0016] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the swing mechanism in Figures 3 and 4;

[0017] Figure 6 shows a swing mechanism with an adjustment device in a low-flexibility configuration;

[0018] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the oscillating mechanism along the cross-sectional plane BB of Figure 6;

[0019] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the swing mechanism in Figures 6 and 7;

[0020] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of some components of a swing mechanism having an adjustment device configured in an intermediate flexibility configuration. [Biomaterial Storage]

[0087] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number): None. International storage information (please note in order of storage country, institution, date, and number): None.

Claims

1. A swing mechanism (6) for a chair or an armchair (1), comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (4), wherein the swing mechanism (6) includes: A) A functional body (3) hinged to the backrest at a rear hinge axis (40) and hinged to the seat (2) at a front hinge axis (20), wherein the functional body (3) includes at least one flexible functional portion (15) that is elastically bendable between the front hinge axis (20) and the rear hinge axis (40) for the swinging of the seat (2) and / or the backrest (4); B) An adjustment device (5) for adjusting the flexibility of the functional body (3), the adjustment device (5) including: i) a support portion (31) connected to the at least one flexible functional portion (15); ii) at least one auxiliary portion (33) having a first end (35) connected to the at least one flexible functional portion (15) and a free end (37); iii) a movable engaging member (38) supported by the support portion (31); wherein the adjustment device may be configured as follows: - A high flexibility configuration in which the movable engaging member (38) disengages from the free end (37) of the auxiliary part (33) so that the auxiliary part (33) is configured in a cantilever form; - A low flexibility configuration in which the movable engaging member (38) engages with the free end (37) so that the auxiliary part (33) bends together with the at least one flexible functional part (15) between the front hinge axis (20) and the rear hinge axis (40), for example, when subjected to buckling.

2. The swing mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary part (33) is manufactured integrally with the at least one flexible functional part (15).

3. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustment device (5) includes two flexible functional parts (15) extending between the front hinge axis (20) and the rear hinge axis (40), and an assembly part (34) manufactured integrally with the auxiliary part (33) and the flexible functional parts (15).

4. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the connecting portion (34) is adjacent to the front hinge axis (20) and the supporting portion (31) is adjacent to the rear hinge axis (40), or the opposite configuration.

5. The swing mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the movable engaging member (38) is movable along a circular or curved section.

6. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable engaging member is movable along a control axis (C) parallel to the front hinge axis (20) and / or the rear hinge axis (40).

7. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary portion (33) is divided into a first segment (33a) and a second segment (33b), the first segment (33a) and the second segment (33b) being elastically bendable between the front hinge axis (20) and the rear hinge axis (40), for example, in the event of buckling, wherein, In this low-flexibility configuration, the movable engaging member (38) engages with both the first section (33a) and the second section (33b).

8. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 7, wherein the adjusting device (5) may be further configured in an intermediate deflection configuration such that the movable engaging member (38) engages only with one of the first section (33a) and the second section (33b).

9. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary portion (33) includes a first auxiliary tooth (81) supported on the free end (37), wherein the movable engaging member (38) includes a first member tooth (91) and a member seat (90), wherein: - In the high flexibility configuration, the first auxiliary tooth (81) is stationary or freely movable in the component seat (90) during the elastic deformation of the at least one flexible functional part (15); - In the low flexibility configuration, the first auxiliary tooth (81) is engaged with the first component tooth (91).

10. The swing mechanism as described in claim 6, wherein: - The auxiliary part (33) includes a first auxiliary tooth (81) supported on the free end (37), wherein the movable engaging member (38) includes a first member tooth (91) and a member seat (90); - In the high flexibility configuration, the first auxiliary tooth (81) is stationary or freely movable in the member seat (90) during elastic deformation of the at least one flexible functional part (15); - In the low flexibility configuration, the first auxiliary tooth (81) is engaged with the first member tooth (91); - The first member tooth (91) and the member seat (90) are adjacent to each other along the control axis (C).

11. The swing mechanism as described in claim 10, wherein, The auxiliary portion (33) includes a second auxiliary tooth (82) spaced apart from the first auxiliary tooth (81) along the control axis (C), defining an auxiliary seat (80), wherein the movable engaging member (38) includes a second member tooth (92) spaced apart from the first member tooth (91) along the control axis (C), defining the member seat (90), wherein: - in the high flexibility configuration, the second member tooth (92) is stationary or freely movable in the auxiliary seat (80) during elastic deformation of the at least one flexible functional portion (15); - in the low flexibility configuration, the second member tooth (92) is engaged against the second auxiliary tooth (82).

12. The swing mechanism as described in claim 10, wherein: - The auxiliary portion (33) includes a second auxiliary tooth (82) spaced apart from the first auxiliary tooth (81) along the control axis (C), defining an auxiliary seat (80), wherein the movable engaging member (38) includes a second member tooth (92) spaced apart from the first member tooth (91) along the control axis (C), defining the member seat (90); - In the high flexibility configuration, the second member tooth (92) is stationary or freely movable in the auxiliary seat (80) during elastic deformation of the at least one flexible functional portion (15); - In the low flexibility configuration, the second member tooth (92) is engaged against the second auxiliary tooth (82); - Along the control axis (C), the first auxiliary tooth (81) is aligned with the first segment (33a), and the second auxiliary tooth (82) is aligned with the second segment (33b).

13. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjusting device (5) includes a handle (75) integrally connected to the movable engaging member (38) for moving the movable engaging member (38) between its various positions.

14. The swing mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functional body (3) includes a connection hole (100) that can engage with a rod (8) of the chair or the armchair (1).

15. A chair or armchair, comprising: A swing mechanism (6) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14; and a seat (2), a back (4) and a rod (8).

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