Leg unit for movable seat unit, movable seat unit, and furniture assembly

Abstract

A leg unit (4) for a movable seat unit, and a movable seat unit. The seat unit comprises a seat portion (62). The leg unit (4) comprises: a leg frame, the leg frame at least comprising a pair of leg longitudinal beams (40) longitudinally extending in a front-back direction of the seat unit, and a leg transverse beam (41) transversely extending between the leg longitudinal beams (40); and a pair of leg sliding rods (42) movable in the front-back direction of the seat unit, the leg sliding rods (42) being attached to a leg rest panel (43), wherein the leg sliding rods (42) are slidably connected to the leg frame, so that the leg unit (4) is switched between a retracted position and an extension position, at the retracted position, the leg rest panel (43) is stowed at the front end portions of the leg longitudinal beams (40), and at the extension position, the leg rest panel (43) is deployed forward relative to the leg longitudinal beams (40). The leg unit (4) is mounted below the seat portion (62) by means of the leg frame.

Description

Leg unit for a movable seating unit, movable seating unit and furniture assembly

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421810106.3 filed on July 29, 2024, Chinese Patent Application No. 202411379026.1 filed on September 30, 2024, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202422394980.X filed on September 30, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by this reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a leg unit for a movable seating unit, a movable seating unit and a furniture assembly. BACKGROUND

[0003] Various movable seating units, such as sofas or chairs with multi-position conversion function, are known in the prior art. With the improvement of people's living standards, the comfort requirements for sofas and chairs are also increasing. In the known designs, the movable seating unit usually has a mechanical stretching device, by which it can be converted between a sitting position, a leisure position (or TV position) and a lying position. When the seating unit is converted from the sitting position to the TV position, the ottoman of the seating unit is stretched forward, and the angle between the backrest and the seat part remains substantially unchanged. When the seating unit is converted from the TV position to the lying position, the ottoman is further stretched forward and lifted upward compared to the TV position, and the backrest is significantly reclined. However, in the known designs of movable seating units, the stretching device of the leg part often adopts a multi-link telescopic structure, which brings the disadvantages of complex structure and complicated installation process. In addition, due to the complex connection structure, the movable seating unit is prone to functional failure, such as kinematic interference between the leg unit and the seat unit and the backrest unit. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a movable seating unit with a simpler structure and easier assembly.

[0005] To solve the above technical problem, a leg unit for a movable seating unit is provided, the seating unit comprising a seat part, wherein the leg unit comprises:

[0006] a leg frame comprising at least a pair of leg longitudinal beams extending longitudinally in the front-rear direction of the seating unit and a leg cross beam extending transversely between the leg longitudinal beams;

[0007] a pair of leg sliding rods movable in the front-rear direction of the seating unit, wherein the leg sliding rods are configured to attach a leg rest plate;

[0008] wherein the leg slide bar is slidably connected with the leg frame, thereby transforming the leg unit between a retracted position, in which the leg rest is folded in at the front end of the leg longitudinal beam, and an extended position, in which the leg rest is unfolded forwardly relative to the leg longitudinal beam, and wherein the leg unit is mounted below the seat portion by means of the leg frame.

[0009] Compared with the prior art, the leg unit dispenses with the conventional multi-link structure, and instead employs a cooperation connection of the leg slide bar and the leg frame. This simplifies the mechanical connection structure, realizes a simpler movement chain, and thereby reduces the risk of movement jamming and dysfunction. More importantly, the leg frame itself has shape stability, and the movable components of the leg unit are slidably retained in the leg frame. As a result, the leg unit, as an independent unit of modular construction, can be widely applied to various types of seat units. This significantly improves the application field of the movable leg unit, and can even be added to seat units that originally do not have movable leg structures.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the two ends of the leg cross beam are fixedly connected with the leg longitudinal beam by welding, riveting or threaded connection. Alternatively, the leg cross beam is integrally constructed with the leg longitudinal beam.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the leg longitudinal beam comprises a leg guide portion, in which the leg slide bar is slidably supported. Preferably, the leg guide portion is constructed as a through guide groove opened on the leg longitudinal beam, and the leg slide bar comprises at least one roller rollably fitted in the guide groove, so that the leg slide bar is slidably supported in the leg longitudinal beam. Alternatively, the leg guide portion is constructed as a guide rail provided on the leg longitudinal beam, and the leg slide bar comprises a sliding block movably fitted in the guide rail in a shape-fitting manner, so that the leg slide bar is slidably supported in the leg longitudinal beam.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the leg longitudinal beam comprises at least one mounting tab, by which the leg frame is connected to the seat portion unit. Preferably, an installation plane is defined by the mounting tab, wherein the leg guide portion extends obliquely relative to the installation plane. As a result, the leg slide bar is lifted upwardly while sliding forwardly, which improves the comfort of the user.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a leg rest link arranged between the leg slide bar and the leg rest, wherein the leg rest link is pivotally connected with the front end of the leg slide bar and fixedly connected with the leg rest.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a return element, wherein the return element acts between the leg slide rod and the leg rest plate link, by means of which the end of the leg rest plate link, which is facing away from the leg slide rod, can be flipped forward. During the transition of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, the leg slide rod slides forward along the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam, and the return element causes the leg rest plate link, together with the leg rest plate, to flip forward. During the transition of the leg unit from the extended position to the retracted position, the leg slide rod is slid back along the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam, so that the leg rest plate is stopped by the front end of the leg longitudinal beam or the front end of the seat unit of the seat unit, and is flipped back against the return force of the return element. Preferably, the return element comprises a torsion spring.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a leg actuator, which acts between the leg frame and the leg slide rod, and by adjustment of which the transition of the leg unit between the retracted position and the extended position is achieved.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a guide cross beam extending transversely between the pair of leg slide rods, wherein the leg actuator acts between the leg cross beam and the guide cross beam.

[0017] Preferably, the leg actuator is configured as a linear actuator, and comprises a motor head, a motor guide rail, and a motor slider which is movable along the motor guide rail. Preferably, the motor head is hinged to the leg cross beam by means of a motor bracket. Alternatively, the motor slider is hinged to the guide cross beam by means of a motor bracket. Thereby, by the pivotable mobility of at least one end of the leg actuator, the precision requirement for the inclination angle of the leg actuator during installation is reduced, and a simpler installation process is achieved.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the minimum thickness of the leg unit is not more than 10 cm.

[0019] The leg slide rod is guided in the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam in a sliding direction, and the above-mentioned thickness is measured perpendicular to this guiding direction. As mentioned before, the leg guide can extend obliquely with respect to the installation plane. In this case, the thickness of the leg unit varies in this sliding direction, in particular decreases from rear to front, and the minimum thickness is usually in the front of the leg unit; of course, the leg guide can also extend parallel with respect to the installation plane. In this case, the leg unit usually has a thickness which is essentially constant in the sliding direction.

[0020] According to the present application, the minimum thickness of the leg unit is further reduced to 10 cm, thereby increasing the structural compactness, so that the leg unit, including the leg actuator, is overall configured flat. This on the one hand provides sufficient space below the seat unit for cleaning and maintenance, and on the other hand improves the visual impression, while ensuring good functionality, while providing a more aesthetic design.

[0021] To solve the technical problem, the present application also relates to a movable seat unit comprising the above leg unit.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit comprises:

[0023] - a base unit;

[0024] - a seat unit for attaching a seat part;

[0025] wherein the seat unit comprises a pair of seat longitudinal beams extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, the seat part is connected to the seat longitudinal beams by means of a seat frame, and wherein the leg unit is connected to the seat frame.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the seat longitudinal beams are movable relative to the base unit in the front-rear direction of the seat unit.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit further comprises an outer trim part covering the seat part and the leg rest plate simultaneously, wherein the outer trim part is tensioned during the transition of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby causing the leg rest plate to unfold forward. Thereby, the return of the leg rest plate to its retracted position is achieved even without a separate return element.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit further comprises a backrest unit for attaching a backrest.

[0029] Preferably, the backrest unit is connected to the rear of the seat longitudinal beams and comprises a backrest support for attaching a backrest, wherein the backrest support is pivotally connected to the seat longitudinal beams, thereby enabling the tilting rotation of the backrest.

[0030] Preferably, the backrest unit further comprises a first backrest link and a second backrest link, wherein the first backrest link is connected between the backrest support and the second backrest link, and the second backrest link is pivotally connected to the first backrest link, the seat longitudinal beams and the base unit, respectively, thereby causing the highest point of the backrest support to move forward when the seat longitudinal beams move forward.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit further comprises a seat actuator acting between the base unit and the seat unit, by adjustment of which the movement of the seat frame longitudinal beams in the fore-aft direction of the seat unit is achieved.

[0032] To solve the technical problem, there is further provided a seat unit comprising:

[0033] - a seat unit comprising a seat frame;

[0034] - a leg unit comprising a leg frame and a pair of leg slide bars movable in the fore-aft direction of the seat unit, wherein the leg frame comprises at least a pair of leg longitudinal beams extending longitudinally in the fore-aft direction of the seat unit and a leg cross beam extending transversely between the leg longitudinal beams, the leg frame being connected to the seat frame bottom side; and

[0035] - an actuation unit comprising at least a leg actuator,

[0036] and wherein the leg longitudinal beams each comprise a rail opening out in the lateral direction of the seat unit, the leg slide bars being slidably supported in the rails, such that the leg unit is transformable between a retracted position, in which the leg slide bars are retracted in the leg longitudinal beams, and an extended position, in which the leg slide bars are extended forwardly from the leg longitudinal beams, by adjustment of the leg actuator.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the leg unit dispenses with the conventional multi-link structure and instead employs a combination of the leg slide bars and the leg frame. This simplifies the mechanical connection structure and achieves a simpler kinematic chain, thereby reducing the risk of kinematic jamming and functional disorders. More importantly, in the case that the leg frame itself has shape stability, the movable parts of the leg unit, i.e. the leg slide bars, are slidably retained in the leg frame. Thus, the leg unit as a modularly configured independent unit can be widely applicable to various types of seat units. This significantly improves the applicable field of the movable leg unit and can even be retrofitted in seat units that originally do not have a movable leg structure.

[0038] Furthermore, the rails are outwardly open, which not only simplifies the assembly difficulty of the leg slide bars and the rails, but also causes the movement of the leg slide bars to occur outside the seat unit in the lateral direction, rather than inside the seat unit, thereby avoiding interference with the movement of the actuation unit. This not only allows the running reliability of the mechanical extension device to be improved, but also allows the leg unit to be designed to be narrower, achieving a compact and beautiful structure.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the leg slide bar comprises a sliding block which is positively arranged in the guide rail, such that the leg slide bar is supported displaceably in the guide rail.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the leg actuator acts between the leg frame and the leg slide bar. It is particularly preferred that the leg unit further comprises a guide crossbeam which extends transversely between the pair of leg slide bars, wherein the leg actuator is connected at one end to the leg crossbeam and at the other end is arranged on the top side of the guide crossbeam. Thereby, the leg actuator is arranged above the lowest point of the leg frame, in particular above the guide crossbeam, such that the space requirement of the leg crossbeam in the height direction is further reduced. Preferably, the leg actuator is configured as a linear actuator and comprises a motor head, a motor guide rail and a motor sliding block which is movable along the motor guide rail. Preferably, the motor head is articulated on the leg crossbeam by means of a motor bracket, and the motor sliding block is fixedly connected to the top side of the guide crossbeam. As an alternative, the motor sliding block is articulated on the top side of the guide crossbeam by means of a motor bracket.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the leg longitudinal beam comprises at least one mounting tab with which the leg frame is connected to the bottom side of the seat frame. Preferably, a mounting plane is defined by the mounting tab, wherein the guide rail extends obliquely relative to the mounting plane. Thereby, the leg slide bar is lifted upwards while being displaced forwards, which improves the comfort for the user.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, both ends of the leg crossbeam are fixedly connected to the leg longitudinal beam. As an alternative, both ends of the leg crossbeam can also be fixedly connected to the seat unit.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the front end of the leg slide bar is attached to a leg rest panel which is folded in at the front end of the leg longitudinal beam in the retracted position and unfolded forwards relative to the leg longitudinal beam in the extended position.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a leg rest panel link, wherein the leg rest panel link is pivotally connected to the front end of the leg slide bar and fixedly connected to the leg rest panel, such that the leg rest panel is pivotably connected to the leg slide bar by means of the leg rest panel link.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the leg unit further comprises a reset member by which the end of the leg rest plate link facing away from the leg slide rod can be flipped forward. During the transition of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, the leg slide rod slides forward along the guide rail, and the reset member causes the leg rest plate link to flip forward together with the leg rest plate. During the transition of the leg unit from the extended position to the retracted position, the leg slide rod slides backward along the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam, so that the leg rest plate is stopped by the front end of the leg longitudinal beam or the front end of the seat unit of the seat unit and flips backward against the reset force of the reset member.

[0046] Preferably, the reset member comprises a torsion spring acting between the leg slide rod and the leg rest plate link.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the reset member comprises a tension member, such as a tension spring, a skin jointly covering the seat frame and the leg rest plate, etc., acting between the seat frame and the leg rest plate.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit further comprises a base unit comprising a pair of fixed plates extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, and a rear base cross beam extending transversely between the fixed plates and fixedly connected with the fixed plates.

[0049] Preferably, in order to further improve the stability of the seat unit, the base unit further comprises a front base cross beam extending transversely between the fixed plates and fixedly connected with the fixed plates. Compared with the prior art, the leg unit according to the present application is configured to be flatter, and the actuating unit is arranged closer to the seat frame, thereby providing more space for the lower part of the seat unit, and thereby providing space conditions for the arrangement of the front base cross beam.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit comprises a pair of seat part carrier assemblies movable relative to the base unit in the front-rear direction of the seat, thereby realizing the transition of the seat unit between a reclined position and an upright position, the seat part carrier assemblies at least having a seat longitudinal beam and an auxiliary seat longitudinal beam extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit. In the upright position, the seat frame forms an angle of 6° to 12°, preferably 9°, with the horizontal plane; and in the reclined position, the seat frame forms an angle of 16° to 28°, preferably 20°, with the horizontal plane.

[0051] The seat carrier assembly is configured as a frame structure with a stable shape. To this end, in a preferred embodiment, the seat carrier assembly further comprises a front seat link and a rear seat link fixedly connected between the seat longitudinal beam and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam. Particularly preferably, the seat longitudinal beam and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam are directly fixedly connected. This way has more advantages in strength and stability. Alternatively, the seat carrier assembly is integrally configured, for example, by casting.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the seat unit further comprises a backrest unit for attaching a backrest, the backrest unit being connected to the rear of the seat longitudinal beam and comprising a backrest support for attaching a backrest, wherein the backrest support is pivotally connected to the seat longitudinal beam, so as to realize tilting rotation of the backrest support with the transformation of the seat unit between the reclined position and the vertical position.

[0053] Preferably, the backrest unit further comprises a first backrest link and a second backrest link, wherein the first backrest link is connected between the backrest support and the second backrest link, and the second backrest link is pivotally connected with the first backrest link, the seat longitudinal beam and the base unit respectively, so that the highest point of the backrest support moves forward when the seat longitudinal beam moves forward.

[0054] Preferably, the angle between the backrest support and the horizontal plane changes by more than 40° when the seat unit transforms between the vertical position and the reclined position.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the actuation unit further comprises a seat actuator acting between the leg transverse beam and the rear base transverse beam, and the movement of the seat carrier assembly in the front-rear direction of the seat unit is realized by the adjustment of the seat actuator.

[0056] To solve the technical problem, the present application also relates to a furniture assembly comprising a pair of armrests fixedly supported on the ground, a seat part movable relative to the armrests, a backrest movable relative to the armrests, a footrest part telescopically movable relative to the armrests, and the above-mentioned seat unit.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the furniture assembly further comprises a leg packaging part, the leg packaging part enclosing a receiving cavity with a rectangular cross section, and the leg frame, the leg sliding rod and the actuation unit are at least partially accommodated in the receiving cavity, thereby constituting a leg movement module.

[0058] Preferably, the width of the leg packaging part is 200mm to 400mm.

[0059] Preferably, the furniture assembly comprises a front apron arranged at the front of the furniture assembly and extending between the armrest portions, wherein the front apron comprises a leg opening of rectangular configuration through which the leg module moves in a front-rear direction of the furniture assembly when the leg unit is transformed between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0060] Since the leg unit is overall flatly configured and since the actuation units, in particular the leg actuator and the seat actuator, are arranged uppermost, they together with the leg unit form a compact assembly which is sufficient to be accommodated in the leg package. The thus formed leg module moves in the leg opening in a similar "pull-out" manner.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the leg opening has a ratio to the width of the apron of at most 0.6. The leg opening has a ratio of its height to the height of the front apron of at most 0.5. Particularly preferably, the height of the front apron is at most 280 mm. Thereby, the leg unit is designed more compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0062] Embodiments of the present application are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a seat unit according to the present application;

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 1 in a sitting position;

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 1 in a TV position;

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a partial top view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0067] Fig. 5 shows a side view of a leg unit according to the present application;

[0068] Fig. 6 shows a top view of the leg unit shown in Fig. 5;

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a leg unit according to an embodiment of the present application in a retracted position;

[0070] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the leg unit shown in Fig. 7 in an extended position;

[0071] Fig. 9 shows a side view of the leg unit shown in Fig. 8;

[0072] Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a leg unit according to an alternative embodiment of the present application in a retracted position;

[0073] Fig. 11 schematically shows a perspective view of the leg unit shown in Fig. 10, in an extended position;

[0074] Fig. 12 schematically shows a partial perspective view of a leg unit according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of a seat unit according to an alternative embodiment of the present application, in a sitting position;

[0076] Fig. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 13, in a TV position;

[0077] Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of a seat unit according to an embodiment of the present application, in a sitting position;

[0078] Fig. 16 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 15, in a TV position;

[0079] Fig. 17 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 15, in a lying position;

[0080] Fig. 18 schematically shows a partial perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 15;

[0081] Fig. 19 schematically shows a partial perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 16;

[0082] Fig. 20 schematically shows a partial perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 17;

[0083] Fig. 21 schematically shows a perspective view of a seat unit according to another embodiment of the present application, in a sitting position;

[0084] Fig. 22 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 21, in a TV position, from another direction;

[0085] Fig. 23 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 21, in a lying position, from another direction;

[0086] Fig. 24 schematically shows a side view of a seat unit according to the present application, in a sitting position;

[0087] Fig. 25 schematically shows a side view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 24, in a TV position;

[0088] Fig. 26 schematically shows a side view of the seat unit shown in Fig. 24, in a lying position;

[0089] Fig. 27 schematically shows a top view of a seat unit according to the present application, in a sitting position; and

[0090] Fig. 28 schematically shows a top view of the seating unit shown in Fig. 27 in a TV position;

[0091] Fig. 29 schematically shows a top view of the seating unit shown in Fig. 27 in a lying position;

[0092] Fig. 30 schematically shows a perspective view of a furniture assembly according to the present application in a lying position;

[0093] Fig. 31 schematically shows a perspective view of the furniture assembly shown in Fig. 30 from another direction with the leg unit in a retracted position;

[0094] Fig. 32 schematically shows a perspective view of the furniture assembly shown in Fig. 30 from another direction with the leg unit in an extended position; and

[0095] Fig. 33 schematically shows a partial front view of a furniture assembly according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0097] The term "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one implementation of the application. The appearances of the term "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are they necessarily referring to one specific embodiment. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers, sections, etc. and are not intended to, nor should they be construed to, indicate a relative importance or a particular order among the elements, regions, layers, sections, etc. Thus, a feature described as "first" can later be described as "second" without departing from the teachings of the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used to identify similar objects in the specification and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequential order or hierarchy. It is to be understood that the use of the terms "first" and "second" herein is merely intended to differentiate between two similar objects and does not necessarily imply a particular sequential order or hierarchy.

[0098] Furthermore, it is noted here that the "front-rear direction" in the present application is to be understood with respect to the direction of extension of the leg unit of the furniture unit, in particular of the seating unit, in particular the "front" is to be understood as the direction towards the leg unit and the "rear" is to be understood as the direction towards the backrest unit. The "left-right direction" or "lateral direction" is to be understood with respect to the direction of the furniture unit, in particular of the seating unit, which is perpendicular to the "front-rear direction" in horizontal direction.

[0099] Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 schematically show a seating unit according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 schematically show a seating unit according to another embodiment of the present application; Fig. 15 to Fig. 20 schematically show a seating unit according to another alternative embodiment of the present application; Fig. 21 to Fig. 23 schematically show a seating unit according to another alternative embodiment of the present application.

[0100] As shown, the seating unit comprises a base unit 1, a seat unit 2, a backrest unit 3, a leg unit 4 and an actuation unit.

[0101] The seating unit is configured to be transformable between a sitting position, a TV position and a lying position.

[0102] In the sitting position, which is shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 15 and Fig. 18, the backrest, which is not shown, is upright and the leg unit 4 is in its retracted position; in the TV position, which is shown in Fig. 3, Fig. 16 and Fig. 19, the leg unit 4 is extended forwardly in its extended position and the backrest remains substantially unchanged; in the lying position, which is shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 20, the leg unit 4 remains in its extended position and the seat unit 2 is moved forwardly and brings the backrest to tilt back at a significant angle.

[0103] However, in an embodiment, which is not shown, the seating unit can also be transformable only between the sitting position and the TV position or only between the sitting position and the lying position.

[0104] The seating units shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 and in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are configured as armrest floor-type seating units, which comprise an armrest portion 61, which is shown in particular in Fig. 30 to Fig. 32, which is attached directly or indirectly to the base unit 1, for example by means of an armrest mounting plate 60, which is shown schematically in Fig. 15, on the one hand, and which is fixedly supported on the ground, so that the seating unit is "suspended" above the ground, on the other hand.

[0105] The present application is explained below exemplarily by means of such a seating unit and its improvements.

[0106] In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and 13, 14, the base unit 1 has fixed plates 12 which extend longitudinally along the front-to-rear direction of the movable seat and which are fixedly connected, for example by means of riveting, screwing or the like, to the inner side of the armrest mounting plate 60 which is fixedly connected to the armrest portion 61, and a rear base crossbeam 13 which extends transversely between the two fixed plates 12 and which is fixedly connected to the rear ends of the fixed plates 12 by means of the corner-shaped connecting strips 11. In alternative embodiments, for example as shown in Figs. 15 to 18, 19 to 13, in order to further improve the stability of the base unit 1, a front base crossbeam 14 is also provided in the front portion of the fixed plates 12, which extends transversely between the fixed plates 12 and is fixedly connected thereto. Here, the fixed plates 12, the connecting strips 11, the rear base crossbeam 13 and, if present, the front base crossbeam 14 are, for example, separate components which can be fixedly connected to one another, however, two or more of the fixed plates 12, the connecting strips 11, the rear base crossbeam 13 and the front base crossbeam 14 can also be configured as one-piece components.

[0107] Alternatively, however, the base unit 1 can also have other configurations in embodiments not shown, for example a base unit which is configured as a floor stand, the fixed plates 12 of which are not fixedly attached to the inner side of the armrest portion, but rather have a plurality of legs which extend downward from the fixed plates 12 for support on the floor, or a base unit which does not have fixed plates 12, but rather comprises a swivel stand which is rotatably supported on the floor.

[0108] The seat portion unit 2 comprises a pair of seat portion carrier assemblies which are movable relative to the base unit 1 along the front-to-rear direction of the seat unit.

[0109] The seat portion carrier assemblies comprise a pair of seat portion longitudinal beams 21 which extend along the front-to-rear direction of the seat unit and which are used for attachment of a seat portion, which is not specifically shown here. For mounting of the seat portion 62, in a simple embodiment, the seat portion 62 can be mounted on the seat portion longitudinal beams 21 by means of a seat frame 20, wherein the seat frame 20 is fixedly connected to the seat portion 62 on the one hand and, on the other hand, the seat frame 20 is connected with its bottom side to the top side of the seat portion longitudinal beams 21. The seat frame can be composed of a hard material, for example preferably of a wooden material. Furthermore, the seat frame can also be composed of a metal material, preferably the seat frame can be configured in one piece with the seat portion longitudinal beams.

[0110] The rear portion of the seat portion longitudinal beams 21 comprises two upwardly oriented protrusions, namely a front seat frame protrusion 21a and a rear seat frame protrusion 21b.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the seat carrier assembly of the seat unit 2 further comprises two seat frame attachment plates 22 extending downwardly from the seat longitudinal beam 21. The seat frame attachment plates 22 are fixedly connected with the seat longitudinal beam 21; however, in an embodiment not shown, the seat frame attachment plates 22 are configured as a component of the one-piece construction with the seat longitudinal beam 21.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 15 to 20, the seat carrier assembly comprises a seat longitudinal beam 21 extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, an auxiliary seat longitudinal beam 24, a front seat link 23a and a rear seat link 23b fixedly connected with the seat longitudinal beam 21 and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam 24, respectively. Thereby, a frame structure of stable shape is formed.

[0113] Alternatively, however, the seat carrier assembly can also have other structures than a frame structure. For example, similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, in an alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 21 to 23, the seat longitudinal beam 21 and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam 24 are directly fixedly connected with each other, thereby providing a higher stability and strength.

[0114] The seat unit 2 is movably connected relative to the base unit 1 by means of a linkage mechanism. In alternative embodiments, however, the seat unit 2 can also be configured to always maintain a constant relative position relative to the base unit 1.

[0115] The linkage mechanism can comprise a plurality of links. As shown in particular in Figs. 2, 3 and 17, the linkage mechanism comprises at least a front swing link 17, a rear swing link 18, a front sub-swing link 17a and a rear sub-swing link 18a, wherein the lower ends of the front swing link 17 and the rear swing link 18 are pivotally connected with the fixed plate 12, the upper end of the front sub-swing link 17a is pivotally connected with the middle portion of the front swing link 17, the lower end of the front sub-swing link 17a is pivotally connected with the lower end of the seat frame attachment plate 22, the upper end of the rear sub-swing link 18a is pivotally connected with the middle portion of the rear swing link 18, and the lower end of the rear sub-swing link 18a is pivotally connected with the lower end of the seat frame attachment plate 22. In addition, the linkage mechanism can further comprise at least an intermediate link 19a, the rear end of which is pivotally connected with the middle portion of the rear sub-swing link 18a, and the front end of which is pivotally connected with the top end of the front swing link 17. Thereby, the seat unit 1 is supported in a suspended manner on the fixed plate 12 by means of the linkage mechanism, thereby enabling the seat unit 2 to be transformed between a vertical position as shown in Figs. 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 25, and a reclined position as shown in Figs. 14, 20, 23 and 26. In the vertical position, the seat frame 20 forms an angle γ of about 6° to 12°, preferably 9°, with the horizontal plane EG; and in the reclined position, the seat frame 20 forms an angle γ of 16° to 28°, preferably 20°, with the horizontal plane EG.

[0116] The backrest unit 3 is configured for mounting a not specifically shown backrest of the seat unit.

[0117] Preferably, the backrest unit 3 is configured to be movable relative to the seat unit 2; however, in not shown embodiments, the backrest unit 3 can also be configured to always maintain a relative position relative to the seat unit 2.

[0118] Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 13, 14, the backrest unit 3 comprises a backrest bracket 31 for attaching a backrest mounting plate 63 fixedly connected to the backrest, a first backrest link 32 and a second backrest link 33, wherein, as shown in Fig. 30, the backrest bracket 31 is configured for attaching the backrest mounting plate 63 fixedly connected to the backrest. The backrest bracket 31 is configured in a general L-shape, a front end of which is pivotally connected relative to the seat longitudinal beam 21, wherein the front end of the backrest bracket 31 is pivotally connected to the front seat frame protrusion 21a. The second backrest link 33 is configured as a curved lever comprising three pivot points, namely a pivot point in the middle of the curved lever and two pivot points on the two end portions of the curved lever, respectively. Thereby, the second backrest link 33 is pivotally connected with its upper end portion to the lower end portion of the first backrest link 32, the upper end portion of the first backrest link 32 is pivotally connected to the middle portion of the backrest bracket 31, and the second backrest link 33 is pivotally connected to the rear seat frame protrusion 21b by means of the pivot point in the middle thereof. Furthermore, the backrest unit 3 comprises an auxiliary backrest link 34, one end of which is connected to the lower end portion of the second backrest link 33 and the other end is pivotally connected to the base unit 1, for example to the connecting strip 11.

[0119] In this embodiment, when the seat unit 2 is moved in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, the backrest bracket 31 is correspondingly tilted backwards and forwards, thereby enabling the backrest unit 3 to be transformed with the seat unit 2 between the upright position as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24 and 25 and the tilted-back position as shown in Figs. 14, 20, 23 and 26. For example, when the seat unit 2 is moved forward, the front end of the backrest bracket 31 hinged to the seat longitudinal beam 21 is moved forward, at the same time, the second backrest link 33 is rotated around the pivot point in the middle thereof with the rear seat frame protrusion 21b and is moved forward as a whole, thereby causing the backrest bracket 31 to pivot backwards around the pivot point thereof with the seat frame front protrusion 21a, thereby causing the backrest attached thereto to tilt backwards.

[0120] Preferably, when the seat unit 2 is transformed between the upright position and the tilted-back position, the backrest bracket 31 changes its angle with the horizontal plane by more than 40°. For example, in the upright position, the front side of the backrest bracket 31 forms an angle β of 100° to 115°, particularly preferably 110°, with the horizontal plane EG; and in the tilted-back position, the front side of the backrest bracket 31 forms an angle β of 150° to 165°, particularly preferably 159°, with the horizontal plane EG.

[0121] Figures 5 to 12 show the leg unit 4 according to an embodiment of the present application individually.

[0122] The leg unit 4 comprises a pair of leg longitudinal beams 40, a leg cross beam 41 transversely connecting between the leg longitudinal beams 40, a pair of leg sliding rods 42, and a leg rest plate 43 connected with the leg sliding rods, wherein the leg sliding rods 42 are in slidable guiding cooperation with the leg longitudinal beams 40, so that the leg sliding rods 42 can drive the leg rest plate 43 to move along the leg longitudinal beams 40 in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, so as to enable the leg unit 4 to transform between the retracted position shown in Figures 6, 7, 15 and 18 and the extended position shown in Figures 8, 9, 16, 17, 19 and 20. In order to achieve the motion synchronization of the leg sliding rods 42, a guiding cross beam 44 is transversely connected between the leg sliding rods 42. Preferably, the connection between the leg sliding rods 42 and the guiding cross beam 44 is achieved by welding, riveting, screwing, etc. The guiding cross beam 44 is located in front of the leg cross beam 41.

[0123] The leg cross beam 41 is fixedly connected to the leg longitudinal beams 40 at both ends thereof, and preferably the connection between the leg longitudinal beams 40 and the leg cross beam 41 is achieved by welding, riveting, screwing, etc., so as to form a stable leg frame by the leg longitudinal beams 40 and the leg cross beam 41.

[0124] The slidable guiding between the leg longitudinal beams 40 and the leg sliding rods 42 can be achieved in various ways.

[0125] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9, the leg longitudinal beams 40 are configured as a sliding groove member, wherein a longitudinal and through guiding groove 40a is formed on the leg longitudinal beams 40 as a leg guiding portion; correspondingly, the leg sliding rods 42 include at least one roller 42a at the rear end thereof. The roller 42a is rollably embedded in the guiding groove 40a, so as to achieve the slidable guiding of the leg sliding rods 42 in the leg longitudinal beams 40 along the sliding direction R1.

[0126] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the leg longitudinal beams 40 are configured as a sliding rail member, wherein the leg longitudinal beams 40 include a guiding rail 40b having a C-shaped cross section as a leg guiding portion; correspondingly, the leg sliding rods 42 include a sliding block 42b at the rear end thereof. The sliding block 42b is shape-fittingly and movably embedded in the guiding rail 40b, so as to achieve the slidable guiding of the leg sliding rods 42 in the leg longitudinal beams 40 along the sliding direction R1.

[0127] In a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs. 15 to 23, in case the leg longitudinal beam 40 is configured as a slide rail member, the leg longitudinal beam 40 comprises a guide rail 40b having a C-shaped cross section, wherein the opening of the guide rail 40b opens laterally outwardly of the seat unit; correspondingly, the leg slide bar 42 comprises a slide block 42b at its rear end. The slide block 42b is form-fittingly and movably embedded in the guide rail 40b, thereby enabling a sliding guidance of the leg slide bar 42 along the leg longitudinal beam 40, thereby enabling a transformation of the leg unit 4 between the retracted position and the extended position.

[0128] The leg rest plate 43 is configured as a plate-like member extending over at least a partial lateral width of the seat unit. The leg slide bar 42 is slidably embedded in the leg longitudinal beam 40 with its rear end and is connected with the leg rest plate 43 with its front end. Preferably, the leg slide bar 42 is connected with the leg rest plate 43 by means of a leg rest plate link 45 arranged at its front end. As shown in particular in Figs. 7, 12, 17 and 18, the leg rest plate link 45 is configured as having an L-shaped cross section, one side of which is pivotally connected with the leg slide bar 42 and the other side of which is fixedly connected with the leg rest plate 43, for example by means of riveting, screwing, welding or the like.

[0129] Particularly preferably, the leg unit 4 further comprises a return member 46. In this embodiment, the return member 46 is configured as a torsion spring acting between the leg slide bar 42 and the leg rest plate link 45. Under the biasing action of the return member 46, the leg rest plate link 45 tends to flip over with its end remote from the leg slide bar 43 forward.

[0130] As shown exemplarily in Fig. 7, the leg unit 4 is in the retracted position, the leg rest plate link 45 being folded in at the front end of the leg longitudinal beam 40, wherein, as shown in Fig. 31, the inner side of the leg rest plate 43 is resting against the front end of the leg longitudinal beam 40, thereby maintaining its retracted position against the return force exerted by the not shown return member 46. As shown in Figs. 8 and 32, the leg unit 4 is in the extended position, wherein the leg rest plate 43 is unfolded forwardly relative to the leg longitudinal beam 40.

[0131] In the course of the transformation of the leg unit 4 from its retracted position to its extended position, the leg slide bar 42 is slid forwardly, such that the leg rest plate 43 and the leg rest plate link 45 attached thereto are disengaged from the stop of the leg longitudinal beam 40, the leg rest plate link 45 being flipped over with its end remote from the leg slide bar 41 forwardly under the biasing action of the return member 46, thereby flipping over the leg rest plate 43.

[0132] During the transition of the leg unit 4 from its extended position to its retracted position, the leg slide rods 42 slide rearward, bringing the leg rest plate links 45 and thus the leg rest plates 43 with them. When the leg rest plates 43 abut against the front end of the leg longitudinal beams 40 with their inner sides, the leg rest plates 43 are flipped downward against the restoring force of the restoring members 46, thus transitioning into their retracted position.

[0133] Of course, as an alternative, for example in an embodiment not shown, the restoring member 46 can also be configured as a tensile member different from a torsion spring. Correspondingly, the outer covering, for example the sofa skin, simultaneously covers the seat portion of the seat unit and the leg rest plates. During the extension of the leg unit 4, the distance between the leg rest plates 43 and the leg cross beams 41 increases, under the influence of the tension of the outer covering, bringing the leg rest plates 43 from their position abutting against the leg longitudinal beams 40 in the retracted position into their position extended forward in the extended position. Alternatively, the restoring member is configured as a tension spring acting between the leg rest plates and the seat frame.

[0134] Furthermore, the actuation unit comprises a leg actuator 47, which can be assigned to the leg unit 4, and a seat actuator 50. The leg actuator is preferably configured as a linear actuator acting between the leg cross beams 41 and the guide cross beams 44. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the leg actuator 47 preferably comprises a motor head 471, which is hinged to the leg cross beams 41 by means of a motor bracket 471a, a motor guide rail 472 and a motor slide 473, which is movable along the motor guide rail 472 and is fixedly connected to the guide cross beams 44. By adjusting the leg actuator 47, the distance of the motor slide 473 relative to the motor head 471 changes, thus driving the guide cross beams 44 to increase or decrease their distance relative to the leg cross beams 41, and thus enabling the transition of the leg unit 4 between its retracted position and its extended position.

[0135] Alternatively, the motor head 471 can be fixedly connected to the leg cross beams 41, and the motor slide 473 can be pivotally connected to the guide cross beams 44 by means of a bracket with a pivot axis.

[0136] Since the leg actuator 47 is not in operative connection with the seat unit 2 or the backrest unit 3, adjusting the leg actuator 47 does not affect the position of the seat unit 2 and the backrest unit 3.

[0137] The leg unit 4 is modularly configured as a whole. As described above, the leg unit 4 comprises a stable leg frame formed by two leg longitudinal beams 40 and a leg cross beam 41, and the movable components of the leg unit 4, such as the leg slide rods 42, the guide cross beams 44 connected between the leg slide rods 42, the leg rest plate links 45 connected to the leg slide rods 42 and, if necessary, the leg rest plates 43, are movably connected relative to the leg frame. The leg unit forms a relatively independent unit, which can thus be widely used in a wide variety of seat units.

[0138] For mounting the leg unit 4, at least one mounting tab can be provided on the leg frame, by means of which the leg unit 4 can be mounted on the seat unit, for example on the seat frame or directly on the seat frame longitudinal beams 40, for example by means of riveting, screwing or the like. The mounting tab defines a common plane so that no interference with the mobility of other components of the seat unit occurs. Preferably, the mounting tab can be configured as a component which is integrally configured with respect to the leg longitudinal beam 40 or as a component which is fixedly connected, for example welded, riveted, screwed, with respect to the leg longitudinal beam 40.

[0139] Preferably, as shown in Figures 4 to 14 and 24, the leg longitudinal beam 40 comprises at least two mounting tabs, namely a front mounting tab 48a and a rear mounting tab 48b, respectively, at its front end and at its rear end. In this embodiment, the mounting tabs are configured as bent- over pieces which protrude inwardly from the front end and from the rear end of the leg longitudinal beam 40 and have rivet holes or screw holes through which a rivet or a bolt can pass. The front mounting tab 48a and the rear mounting tab 48b jointly define a mounting plane E0, with respect to which the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam 40, for example the guide groove 40a shown in Figure 9, extends obliquely, the two forming an angle a. Thereby, during the transition of the leg unit 4 from the retracted position to the extended position, the leg slide rod 42 slides along the obliquely upwardly directed guide, so that in the extended position the leg rest 43 can be brought to a greater height, preferably above the height of the backrest, a "zero-gravity" position being achieved, as shown in Figure 26.

[0140] Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the leg unit 4 can have a minimum thickness D0 of 10 cm. This thickness D0 is measured perpendicular to the sliding direction R1. The leg guide of the leg unit 4 shown in Figure 5 is obliquely oriented with respect to the mounting plane E0, also the sliding direction R1 is obliquely oriented with respect to the mounting plane E0. In the sliding direction R1, the minimum thickness D0 of the leg unit 4 is the distance between a first plane E1 which passes the front mounting tab 48a and is parallel to the sliding direction R1 and a second plane E2 which passes the lower edge of the leg actuator 47 and is parallel to the sliding direction R1. Thereby, a flat, compact design of the leg unit 4 as a whole is achieved.

[0141] In the embodiment of the seat unit shown in Figures 2 to 4, the leg unit 4 shown in Figures 7 to 9 is mounted.

[0142] In this embodiment, a seat part, not specifically shown, is attached directly or by means of a seat frame, also not specifically shown, to the top side of the seat longitudinal beam 21. The leg unit 4 is fixed to the seat part or the seat frame by means of a front mounting tab 48a and a rear mounting tab 48b on the leg longitudinal beam 40. The leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam 40 is configured as a guide slot 40a which is oriented obliquely with respect to the mounting plane defined by the front mounting tab 48a and the rear mounting tab 48b. In the course of the transformation of the leg unit 4 from the retracted position shown in Fig. 7 to the extended position shown in Fig. 8, the leg slide bar 42 slides forward and upward along the obliquely upwardly oriented guide slot 40a.

[0143] In the embodiment of the seat unit shown in Figs. 13 to 14, the leg unit 4 shown in Figs. 10 to 11 is mounted.

[0144] In this embodiment, a seat part, not specifically shown, is attached directly or by means of a seat frame, also not specifically shown, to the top side of the seat longitudinal beam 21. The leg unit 4 is fixed to the seat part or the seat frame by means of a front mounting tab 48a and a rear mounting tab 48b on the leg longitudinal beam 40. Different from the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam 40 is configured as a guide rail 40b which is oriented obliquely with respect to the mounting plane defined by the front mounting tab 48a and the rear mounting tab 48b. In the course of the transformation of the leg unit 4 from the retracted position shown in Fig. 10 to the extended position shown in Fig. 11, the leg slide bar 42 slides forward and upward along the obliquely upwardly oriented guide rail 40b.

[0145] The seat unit shown in Fig. 13 comprises the leg unit 4 in the retracted position, wherein the inner side of the not shown leg rest plate 43 of the leg unit does not abut against the front end of the leg longitudinal beam 40, but against the front end of the seat longitudinal beam 21, when the front end of the seat longitudinal beam 21 is more forward than the front end of the leg longitudinal beam 40.

[0146] Furthermore, the actuation unit comprises a seat actuator 50. The seat actuator 50 is preferably configured as a linear actuator comprising a motor head acting between the base unit 1 and the seat unit 2 and an actuation rod being retractable with respect to the motor head. Herein, the motor head of the seat actuator 50 can be mounted on the base unit 1, preferably on the rear base cross beam 13, and the actuation rod of the seat actuator 50 can act on a suitable component of the seat unit 2. By means of the adjustment of the seat actuator 50, the leg cross beam 41 can be moved back and forth, and in turn the seat frame 20 indirectly connected to the leg cross beam 41 as well as the seat longitudinal beam 21 can be moved back and forth, and the backrest can be tilted.

[0147] The seat actuator 50 and the leg actuator 47 can be operated independently of each other, so that the adjustment of the seat unit 2 and the backrest unit 3 between the upright position and the reclined position can be carried out independently of the adjustment of the leg unit 4 between the retracted position and the extended position. Thereby, by the joint action of the seat actuator 50 and the leg actuator 47, the seat unit is transformed between the sitting position, the TV position and the lying position.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 27, neither the leg actuator 47 nor the seat actuator 50 is extended, the leg unit 4 is in its retracted position, the seat unit 2 and the backrest unit 3 are in the upright position, and overall, the seat unit is in the sitting position; as shown in Fig. 28, only the leg actuator 47 is extended, while the seat actuator 50 is not extended, at this time, the leg unit 4 is transformed to its extended position, wherein the leg slide rod 42 is extended forward from the guide rail 40b, the seat unit 2 and the backrest unit 3 are in the upright position, and overall, the seat unit is in the TV position; as shown in Fig. 29, both the leg actuator 47 and the seat actuator 50 are extended, the leg unit 4 is in the extended position, the seat unit 2 and the backrest unit 3 are in the reclined position, and the leg unit 4 is further pushed forward compared to the TV position, and overall, the seat unit is in the lying position.

[0149] As shown in Figs. 30 to 32, the furniture assembly comprises the above-mentioned seat unit and a pair of armrests 61 fixedly supported on the ground, a seat part 62 movable relative to the armrests 61, a backrest mounting plate 63, and a footrest part 64. The armrests 61 are fixedly connected to the base unit 1 by means of the armrest mounting plate 60, the seat part 62 is attached to the seat unit 2 by means of the seat frame 20, the backrest mounting plate 63 fixedly connects the not-shown backrest to the backrest support 31, and the footrest part 64 is connected to the leg slide rod 42 of the leg unit 4 by means of the leg rest plate 43. A front cover plate 65 extending between the armrests 61 is provided at the front of the furniture assembly, which substantially shields the interior space of the furniture assembly from the front.

[0150] The furniture assembly further comprises a leg packaging part 66, which encloses a receiving cavity having a rectangular cross section, wherein the width B of the leg packaging part 66 is 200mm to 400mm. The leg frame, the leg slide rod 42, the leg actuator 47 and the seat actuator 50 are at least partially accommodated in the receiving cavity, thereby constituting a leg movable module, wherein the leg rest plate 43 extends out of the front end opening of the leg packaging part 66.

[0151] For the movement of the leg unit 4, a leg opening 65a is provided in the front apron 65, which extends downward from the upper edge thereof, through which the leg movement module moves in the front-rear direction of the furniture assembly when the leg unit 4 is transformed between the retracted position and the extended position. As shown in Fig. 31, the furniture assembly is in the sitting position, in which the leg unit 4 is in its retracted position, whereby the leg package 66 is accommodated as a whole in the interior space enclosed by the armrest portion 61 and the front apron 65, and the leg rest plate 43 and the foot rest portion 64 attached thereto extend from the leg opening 65a and cover the front apron 65 flush. As shown in Fig. 32, the furniture assembly is in the lying position, in which the leg unit 4 is in its extended position, and the backrest unit and the seat unit are in the reclined position, whereby the leg package 66 extends from the leg opening 65a. Due to the fact that the leg package 66 at least partially encloses the leg unit 4, the moving parts of the leg unit 4, in particular the leg slide rod 42 and the guide rail 40b, are hardly visible from the outside.

[0152] [Corrected according to Rule 91, 18.12.2024] As shown in Fig. 33, the ratio of the width D1 of the leg opening 65a to the width D2 of the front apron 65 can be at most 0.6, the ratio of the height H1 of the leg opening 65a to the height H2 of the front apron 65 is at most 0.5, and the height H2 of the front apron 65 is at most 280 mm. Thereby, the leg unit 4 is configured narrow, forming a compact structure.

[0153] As mentioned before, the leg unit 4 as a modularly configured independent unit can be adapted to a variety of different seat types, the seat unit described in the embodiments is only an exemplary explanation, the scope of application of the leg unit is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A leg unit for a movable seating unit, the seating unit comprising a seat section, characterized in that, The leg unit comprises: a leg frame comprising at least a pair of leg longitudinal beams extending longitudinally along the front-rear direction of the seat unit and a leg cross beam extending transversely between the leg longitudinal beams; a pair of leg slide bars movable along the front-rear direction of the seat unit, wherein the leg slide bars are configured to attach a leg rest plate; wherein the leg slide bars are slidably connected to the leg frame, such that the leg unit is transformable between a retracted position, in which the leg rest plate is folded in at the front end of the leg longitudinal beams, and an extended position, in which the leg rest plate is unfolded forward relative to the leg longitudinal beams, and wherein the leg unit is mounted below the seat portion by means of the leg frame.

2. The leg unit of claim 1, wherein, The two ends of the leg cross beam are fixedly connected to the leg longitudinal beams by welding, riveting or screwing.

3. The leg unit of claim 1, wherein, The leg cross beam is integrally formed with the leg longitudinal beams.

4. The leg unit of claim 1, wherein, The leg longitudinal beams comprise leg guides in which the leg slide bars are slidably supported.

5. The leg unit of claim 4, wherein, The leg guides are configured as through guide slots provided in the leg longitudinal beams, and the leg slide bars comprise at least one roller rollably fitted in the guide slots, such that the leg slide bars are slidably supported in the leg longitudinal beams.

6. The leg unit of claim 4, wherein, The leg guides are configured as guide rails provided on the leg longitudinal beams, and the leg slide bars comprise a slide block movably fitted in the guide rails in a form-fitting manner, such that the leg slide bars are slidably supported in the leg longitudinal beams.

7. The leg unit of claim 4, wherein, The leg longitudinal beams comprise at least one mounting tab by which the leg frame is connected to the seat unit.

8. The leg unit of claim 7, wherein, An installation plane is defined by the mounting tab, wherein the leg guides extend obliquely relative to the installation plane.

9. The leg unit of claim 1, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a leg rest plate link arranged between the leg slide bars and the leg rest plate, wherein the leg rest plate link is pivotally connected to the front end of the leg slide bars and fixedly connected to the leg rest plate.

10. The leg unit of claim 9, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a return member acting between the leg slide bars and the leg rest plate link, by which the end of the leg rest plate link facing away from the leg slide bars is able to be flipped forward.

11. The leg unit of claim 10, wherein, During the transformation of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, the leg slide bars slide forward along the leg guides of the leg longitudinal beams, and the return member causes the leg rest plate link together with the leg rest plate to flip forward.

12. The leg unit of claim 10, wherein, During the transformation of the leg unit from the extended position to the retracted position, the leg slide bars slide backward along the leg guides of the leg longitudinal beams, such that the leg rest plate is stopped by the front end of the leg longitudinal beams or the front end of the seat portion of the seat unit, and is flipped backward against the return force of the return member.

13. The leg unit of claim 10, wherein, The return member comprises a torsion spring.

14. The leg unit of claim 1, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a leg actuator acting between the leg frame and the leg slide bars, by adjustment of which the transformation of the leg unit between the retracted position and the extended position is realized.

15. The leg unit of claim 14, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a guide crossbeam extending transversely between the pair of leg slide bars, wherein the leg actuator acts between the leg crossbeam and the guide crossbeam.

16. The leg unit of claim 15, wherein, The leg actuator is configured as a linear actuator and comprises a motor head, a motor guide rail and a motor slider movable along the motor guide rail.

17. The leg unit of claim 16, wherein, The motor head is hinged to the leg crossbeam by means of a motor bracket.

18. The leg unit of claim 16, wherein, The motor slider is hinged to the guide crossbeam by means of a motor bracket.

19. The leg unit of claim 14, wherein, The minimum thickness of the leg unit is not more than 10 cm.

20. A movable seating unit, characterized in that The seat unit comprises a leg unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. The seating unit of claim 20, wherein, The seat unit comprises: - a base unit; - a seat unit for attaching a seat part; wherein the seat unit comprises a pair of seat longitudinal beams extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, the seat part is connected to the seat longitudinal beams by means of a seat frame, and wherein the leg unit is connected to the seat frame.

22. The seating unit of claim 21, wherein, The seat longitudinal beams are movable relative to the base unit in the front-rear direction of the seat unit.

23. The seating unit of claim 21, wherein, The seat unit further comprises an outer trim covering the seat part and the leg rest panel, wherein the outer trim is tensioned during the transition of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, thereby causing the leg rest panel to unfold forward.

24. The seating unit of claim 21, wherein, The seat unit further comprises a backrest unit for attaching a backrest.

25. The seating unit of claim 24, wherein, The backrest unit is connected to the rear of the seat longitudinal beams and comprises a backrest bracket for attaching a backrest, wherein the backrest bracket is pivotally connected to the seat longitudinal beams, thereby enabling tilting rotation of the backrest.

26. The seating unit of claim 24, wherein, The backrest unit further comprises a first backrest link and a second backrest link, wherein the first backrest link is connected between the backrest bracket and the second backrest link, and the second backrest link is pivotally connected to the first backrest link, the seat longitudinal beams and the base unit, respectively, thereby causing the highest point of the backrest bracket to move forward when the seat longitudinal beams move forward.

27. The seating unit of claim 22, wherein, The seat unit further comprises a seat actuator acting between the base unit and the seat unit, the movement of the seat frame longitudinal beams in the front-rear direction of the seat unit being achieved by adjustment of the seat actuator.

28. A movable seating unit, characterized by The seat unit comprises: - a seat unit comprising a seat frame; - a leg unit comprising a leg frame and a pair of leg slide bars movable in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, wherein the leg frame comprises at least a pair of leg longitudinal beams extending longitudinally in the front-rear direction of the seat unit and a leg crossbeam extending transversely between the leg longitudinal beams, the leg frame being connected to the underside of the seat frame; and - an actuation unit comprising at least a leg actuator, and wherein the leg longitudinal beams each comprise a guide rail opening outward in the lateral direction of the seat unit, the leg slide bars being slidably supported in the guide rails, thereby enabling the leg unit to be transitioned between a retracted position, in which the leg slide bars are retracted in the leg longitudinal beams, and an extended position, in which the leg slide bars extend forward from the leg longitudinal beams, by adjustment of the leg actuator.

29. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, The leg slide rod comprises a sliding block which is arranged in the guide rail in a form-fitting manner, so that the leg slide rod is supported in the guide rail in a slidable manner.

30. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, The leg actuator acts between the leg frame and the leg slide rod.

31. The seating unit of claim 30, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a guide crossbeam extending transversely between the pair of leg slide rods, wherein the leg actuator is connected to the leg crossbeam at one end and arranged on the top side of the guide crossbeam at the other end.

32. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, The leg longitudinal beam comprises at least one mounting tab by which the leg frame is connected to the bottom side of the seat frame.

33. The seating unit of claim 32, wherein, An installation plane is defined by the mounting tab, wherein the guide rail extends obliquely relative to the installation plane.

34. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, Both ends of the leg crossbeam are fixedly connected to the leg longitudinal beam.

35. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, The front end of the leg slide rod is attached to a leg rest plate, which is folded in at the front end of the leg longitudinal beam in the retracted position and unfolded forward relative to the leg longitudinal beam in the extended position.

36. The seating unit of claim 35, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a leg rest plate link, wherein the leg rest plate link is pivotally connected to the front end of the leg slide rod and fixedly connected to the leg rest plate, so that the leg rest plate is pivotally connected to the leg slide rod by means of the leg rest plate link.

37. The seating unit of claim 36, wherein, The leg unit further comprises a reset member by which the end of the leg rest plate link away from the leg slide rod can be flipped forward.

38. The seating unit of claim 37, wherein, During the transformation of the leg unit from the retracted position to the extended position, the leg slide rod slides forward along the guide rail, and the reset member causes the leg rest plate link and the leg rest plate to flip forward.

39. The seating unit of claim 37, wherein, During the transformation of the leg unit from the extended position to the retracted position, the leg slide rod slides backward along the leg guide of the leg longitudinal beam, so that the leg rest plate is stopped by the front end of the leg longitudinal beam or the front end of the seat unit of the seat unit and flipped backward against the reset force of the reset member.

40. The seating unit of claim 37, wherein, The reset member comprises a torsion spring acting between the leg slide rod and the leg rest plate link.

41. The seating unit of claim 37, wherein, The reset member comprises a tension member acting between the seat frame and the leg rest plate.

42. The seating unit of claim 41, wherein, The tension member comprises a tension spring or a skin collectively covering the seat frame and the leg rest plate.

43. The seating unit of claim 28, wherein, The seat unit further comprises a base unit, which comprises a pair of fixed plates extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit, a rear base crossbeam extending transversely between the fixed plates and fixedly connected to the fixed plates.

44. The seating unit of claim 43, wherein, The base unit further comprises a front base crossbeam extending transversely between the fixed plates and fixedly connected to the fixed plates.

45. The seating unit of claim 43, wherein, The seat unit further comprises a pair of seat part carrier assemblies capable of moving relative to the base unit in the front-rear direction of the seat, so as to realize the transformation of the seat part unit between a reclined position and a vertical position, the seat part carrier assembly at least having a seat part longitudinal beam and an auxiliary seat part longitudinal beam extending in the front-rear direction of the seat unit.

46. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, In the vertical position, the seat frame forms an angle of 6° to 12° with the horizontal plane, and in the reclined position, the seat frame forms an angle of 16° to 28° with the horizontal plane.

47. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, The seat carrier assembly further comprises a front seat link and a rear seat link fixedly connected between the seat longitudinal beam and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam.

48. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, The seat longitudinal beam and the auxiliary seat longitudinal beam are directly fixedly connected.

49. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, The seat carrier assembly is integrally configured.

50. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, The seat unit further comprises a backrest unit for attaching a backrest, the backrest unit being connected to the rear of the seat longitudinal beam and comprising a backrest support for attaching a backrest, wherein the backrest support is pivotally connected to the seat longitudinal beam, so as to realize tilting rotation of the backrest support with the transformation of the seat unit between the reclined position and the vertical position.

51. The seating unit of claim 50, wherein, The backrest unit further comprises a first backrest link and a second backrest link, wherein the first backrest link is connected between the backrest support and the second backrest link, and the second backrest link is pivotally connected with the first backrest link, the seat longitudinal beam and the base unit respectively, so that the highest point of the backrest support moves forward when the seat longitudinal beam moves forward.

52. The seating unit of claim 50, wherein, The change of the included angle between the backrest support and the horizontal plane is greater than 40° when the seat unit is transformed between the vertical position and the reclined position.

53. The seating unit of claim 45, wherein, The actuation unit further comprises a seat actuator acting between the leg transverse beam and the rear base transverse beam, and the movement of the seat carrier assembly in the front-rear direction of the seat unit is realized by the adjustment of the seat actuator.

54. A furniture assembly as in claim 53, wherein: The furniture assembly comprises a pair of armrests supported on the ground, a seat part movable relative to the armrests, a backrest movable relative to the armrests, a footrest part retractable relative to the armrests, and the seat unit according to any one of claims 21 to 53.

55. The furniture assembly of Claim 54, wherein, The furniture assembly further comprises a leg packaging part, the leg packaging part enclosing a receiving cavity having a rectangular cross section, and the leg frame, the leg sliding rod and the actuation unit are at least partially accommodated in the receiving cavity, thereby constituting a leg movement module.

56. The furniture assembly of Claim 55, wherein, The width of the leg packaging part is 200mm to 400mm.

57. The furniture assembly of Claim 55, wherein, The furniture assembly comprises a front cover plate arranged at the front of the furniture assembly and extending between the armrests, wherein the front cover plate comprises a leg opening of rectangular configuration, and the leg movement module moves in the front-rear direction of the furniture assembly through the leg opening when the leg unit is transformed between the retracted position and the extended position.

58. The furniture assembly of Claim 57, wherein, The ratio of the leg opening to the width of the front cover plate is at most 0.

6.

59. The furniture assembly of Claim 57, wherein, The ratio of the height of the leg opening to the height of the front cover plate is at most 0.

5.

60. The furniture assembly of Claim 57, wherein, The height of the front cover plate is at most 280mm.

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