DE102014116392A1 - Rocking mechanism and chair with rocking mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rocking mechanism (11) for a chair, in particular an office chair, with a seat for a person and a foot for placing on a ground. By shifting the weight of the person, the seat is tilted relative to the footboard. The invention is characterized in that curved bearing shells (28, 29) are used for the storage of the bearing parts of the mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to a rocking mechanism for a chair, in particular an office chair according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a chair, in particular an office chair with the features of claim 15.

The invention relates to a tilt mechanism for chairs, as they are used in particular as office chairs. Such an office chair typically has a foot portion with which the chair stands up on the floor. The foot can, for example, be equipped with fixed foot elements or with rollers for moving the foot part on a substrate.

There is a centrally arranged vertical element which connects a seat surface with the foot part. The seat is arranged substantially horizontally so that a person can sit on this seat. Optionally, the chair still on a backrest and / or one or two-sided arranged armrests. In general, the seat is arranged rotatably relative to the foot part about a vertical axis of rotation.

The central support element can be designed to be height adjustable. For this purpose, an adjustable gas spring is often used. This serves on the one hand for height adjustment and on the other hand, at least partially for damping or suspension in the vertical direction, for example, when a person sits down on the seat.

In order not to excessively burden or even relieve the musculoskeletal system and in particular the back of the person, the seat can be equipped with a tilt mechanism, which arranges the seat movable relative to the foot part. As a result, the seat can be inclined relative to the foot part, preferably by a few degrees. Corresponding office chairs are known in which such a one-dimensional inclination of the seat in the direction of the user, so viewed from this forward or backward is possible. This usually serves a corresponding pivot axis. Optionally, an additional inclination to the sides through a second pivot axis can be made possible. In this case, this is called a 3D rocker.

Both an inclination to the two sides and to the front and back, so perpendicular to this requires a so-called neutral position. The seat is in the unloaded or centrally loaded state in this typically central neutral position. Incidentally, a person located on the seat by tilting the weight of the seat side or tilt forward or backward, preferably starting from the neutral position.

With a central bearing by two relatively mutually movably arranged bearing parts, the inclination is made possible, for example by means of two physical perpendicular to each other pivot axes. The upper bearing part serves for connection to a seat surface for a person and the lower bearing part for connection to the foot part for setting up the chair on a substrate.

The bearing parts are tilted relative to each other in a predetermined angular range by shifting the weight of the person. The known rocking mechanisms are equipped with metal springs for adjusting the neutral position. This leads to a comparatively static and, especially with prolonged use to usually stiff and noisy movements of the spring elements.

The object underlying the invention is to provide a Wippmechanik that eliminates the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the new rocker mechanism should enable a noise-free and smooth operation even with long service life.

A Wippmechanik with the features of claim 1 solves this problem. Accordingly, the bearing parts have mutually correspondingly curved bearing shells for mutual storage. This means that both the upper bearing part and the lower bearing part each have a corresponding bearing shell. These bearings are curved corresponding to each other, d. H. essentially, they have an identical curvature. In particular, the bearing shells are formed identically at least with respect to the curvature. This allows a smooth and quiet adjustment or inclination of the seat against the foot. Physical pivot axes are preferably not provided.

Preferably, the Wippmechanik is characterized in that the bearing shells are spherical shell-shaped relationship meadow formed as spherical shells sections. A spherical shell is a section of a spherical surface. A spherical shell section or a spherical shell therefore does not designate a complete sphere, but only a part of it. Typically, such a spherical shell section is significantly smaller than a hemisphere here. Since a ball has an identical curvature at all points of the spherical shell, bearing shells with identical curvature or with identical Ball diameter abut the entire surface together. Thus, an optimal storage is achieved.

Preferably, the bearing shells are annular or ring-shaped. Accordingly, they preferably have an annular cross-section. Thus, the bearing shell comprises a circumferential, closed edge on the one hand and a free, central region on the other. If the bearing shells are spherical shell sections or similarly curved surfaces, the circumferential annular section is correspondingly curved.

The bearing shells are preferably arranged displaceable relative to one another. Thus, a relative inclination of the bearing parts to each other is made possible. This is achieved in that one of the bearing shells is displaced with respect to the other bearing shell along the curved surface of the bearing shell, ie along a curved path. Alternatively, this movement can be described by a pivot about an axis of rotation, which is arranged at the center of curvature. In isotropic or symmetrically curved bearing shells, the movement therefore runs in all directions along identically curved paths. In the case of anisotropically or asymmetrically curved bearing shells, a plurality of virtual pivoting or pivoting axes may need to be considered.

The relative pivoting or tilting of the bearing parts to each other along the surface of the bearing shells by relative displacement of the bearing shells achieved. This ensures that the inclination of the bearing parts to each other in virtually any direction is changed. A three-dimensional mobility of the bearing parts to each other is thus given within the given degrees of freedom.

Preferably, a plurality of spring elements are provided. These serve to mediate a spring action and / or damping against a relative inclination of the bearing parts to each other. In particular, the spring elements serve to generate an opposing spring action in deflections from the neutral position or inclinations of the bearing parts. This spring effect should preferably serve to return the bearing parts back to the neutral position. In particular, pairs of opposing spring elements are provided, in particular with respect to the center of the bearing and the bearing shells or the vertical axis. More preferably, an even number of spring elements is provided, preferably four or eight spring elements. More preferably, the spring elements are arranged in pairs as opponents. This means, in particular, that springs rebound of one of the spring elements whose opponent and vice versa. Thus, a bilateral suspension can be ensured. The opponents are preferably arranged opposite each other.

In particular, at least a part of the spring elements, preferably all spring elements have an identical spring action and / or damping. Alternatively, individual spring elements or even all spring elements may have different spring action and / or damping. This means that in particular for individual directions of movement, a different strength spring action and / or damping can be adjusted. This can preferably be ensured both by insertion and subsequently by replacing individual or even all spring elements. This can be provided in each direction of movement a certain, possibly different spring action and / or damping.

The spring elements are in particular formed as a hollow body. Preferably, they have a deformable wall. Thus, an elastic effect of the spring elements is achieved. Particularly preferably, the spring elements are cylindrical, more preferably as a hollow cylinder.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the spring elements are designed as elastomer springs or elastomer spring elements. Elastomeric springs are characterized by permanent elasticity of linear spring action and low manufacturing costs. Moreover, elastomer springs avoid in particular the usual noise development of metallic spring elements.

In particular, the bearing portion of the lower bearing part is provided with a central receptacle, preferably in the manner of a projection. This receptacle is preferably used for fastening a vertical element or a corresponding connecting element arranged on the foot part. As a vertical element or part thereof may preferably serve a gas spring. By the central receptacle has a round cross-section, a rotation of the seat against the foot part about a vertical axis of rotation can already be ensured.

The bearing section of the upper bearing part has in particular a central opening for receiving the central vertical element of the foot part or the central receptacle and / or the associated projection of the lower bearing part. The vertical element may in particular include a gas spring. The breakthrough is required to secure the upper bearing part on the lower bearing part, if a central storage of Seat should be provided, such as by means of a gas spring. Namely, the upper bearing part preferably surrounds the lower bearing part at least in part.

The bearing portion of the upper bearing part is supported by means of a pressure washer on the lower bearing part. For this purpose, the pressure disk is preferably annular. In particular, the thrust washer is annular to be disposed about the central receptacle on the lower bearing member. Preferably, for this purpose, a circumferential groove or the like is provided, in which the thrust washer is inserted.

More preferably, at least one sliding element is arranged between the bearing shells and / or between the bearing shell of the upper bearing section and the thrust washer. Such a sliding element may, for example, be a foil, a pane or the like, which is produced in particular from a low-friction material. For example, it may be a Teflon element or the like. Thus, the friction between the bearing shells or between the bearing shell and the pressure plate is reduced, so as to provide a smooth rocker mechanism.

More preferably, an actuating device for a height adjustment of the chair is provided. To adjust the height, in particular, a gas spring arranged in the region of the foot part or of the central vertical element is used. Such a gas spring can be used on the one hand for height adjustment and on the other hand for partial damping. The actuator is preferably designed lever-shaped and / or annular. Preferably, an actuating arm is used to actuate a release button of the gas spring. In particular, a handling handle region is provided at the other end region of the actuating device. The actuating device is preferably triggered by a vertical movement upwards or downwards. In particular, a corresponding axis of rotation can be provided for the actuating device.

The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a chair, in particular an office chair or swivel chair with the features of claim 15. This chair preferably has a seat for a person and a foot for placing on a substrate. The seat is movably connected to the foot part in a limited angular range relative to one another. The chair is characterized in that a rocking mechanism according to the above description is provided for the movable connection of the seat surface to the foot part. Accordingly, the above descriptions of the rocking mechanism are applicable in combination with the described chair.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In these show:

1 a chair or office chair with a rocking mechanism according to the invention,

2 the rocking mechanism in a perspective view from below,

3 the rocking mechanism in a perspective view from above,

4 the rocking mechanism in a plan view from below,

5 the Wippmechanik in a side sectional view, and

6 the rocking mechanism in an exploded view.

The chair 10 As office or swivel chair is characterized by a rocking mechanism according to the invention 11 out.

This rocking mechanism 11 is below a seat 12 for connection to a foot part 13 of the chair 10 arranged. Between the rocking mechanism 11 and the actual foot part 13 is still a vertical element 14 arranged. The vertical element 14 has a gas spring 15 inside up.

For actuation or height adjustment of the gas spring 15 is an operating lever 16 below the seat 12 in the field of rocking mechanics 11 intended. This operating lever 16 serves to actuate a top-side control knob 17 the gas spring 15 , During an upward movement of the actuating lever 16 at the outside end portion by engagement of a user becomes due to the lever axis 18 the gas spring-side end region 19 of the operating lever 16 moved down so that the control knob 17 is pressed down. This leads to a release of the gas spring 15 at low weight on the chair 10 can expand freely. In a typical load with a person becomes the gas spring 15 compressed on the other hand, so that the rocking mechanism 11 with the seat 12 moved downwards.

Alternatively to the operating lever shown here 16 In particular, an actuating ring, not shown here, may be provided in particular. Instead of a single side control lever 16 is then a circumferential ring below the seat 12 arranged. This ring can also by an upward or downward movement of the corresponding control knob 17 the gas spring 15 actuate.

The chair 10 here, moreover, still has a backrest 19 on that on the seat 12 is attached. In the illustrated embodiment, however, no further elements, such as armrests or the like are provided. These can however be added if necessary.

Both the seat 12 as well as the backrest 19 each have a padding 20 on. This serves to provide the convenience for a user of the chair 10 So to raise a person sitting on it.

The foot part 13 has in the illustrated embodiment 5 protruding from a central region arms 21 on. These arms 21 serve to ensure a secure state of the chair 10 to reach on a surface.

As in the embodiment shown, at the end portions of each of the arms 21 Rollers rotatable about vertical axes 20 be arranged with the seat 12 screwed on the underside. The lower bearing part 24 is, on the other hand, at the top of vertical life 14 in the form of the housing of the gas spring 15 placed. The glass spring 15 or the vertical element 14 has at the top corresponding to an outer shape, with the interior of an associated receptacle 26 of the lower bearing part 24 corresponds. Typically, this is a round cross-section. In principle, however, other cross sections may be conceivable. A round cross-section offers the advantage of having the seat surface 12 opposite the vertical element 14 already be thereby rotatable.

The upper bearing part 23 is up as a housing 27 formed that the lower bearing part 24 inside absorbs. Accordingly encloses the upper bearing part 23 essentially the lower bearing part 24 ,

The actual storage of the two bearing parts 23 . 24 to each other is through two so-called cups 28 and 29 completed. The first bearing shell 28 is to the case 27 of the upper bearing part 23 shaped on. It basically can this bearing shell 28 but also be designed as a separate part that in other ways with the upper bearing part 23 connected is. In any case, the bearing shell 28 designed as a spherical shell-shaped element. This means that the bearing shell 28 has a shape or curvature corresponding to a section of a spherical surface.

The lower bearing part 24 also has a molded bearing shell 29 on. The bearing shell 28 is as part of the lower bearing part 24 educated. Specifically, here is the lower wall as a bearing shell 29 formed. However, there is still a second bearing shell 32 provided, which actually serves as a support for the upper bearing part 24 serves. Therefore, the bearing shell could 29 Although basically eliminated. But it serves as an investment and to secure storage upwards.

Shape and curvature of the bearing shells 29 and 32 essentially correspond to those of the bearing shell 28 , In other words, the radii of curvature of the respectively associated spherical surfaces also correspond. It is ensured that the two warehouse slip 28 and 29 always optimally abut each other within the intended movement-dependent inclination range. An optimal power transmission is guaranteed.

Because the upper bearing part 23 the lower bearing part 24 practically completely surrounds, is the bearing shell 28 below the bearing shell 29 arranged. To the two warehouse note 28 and 29 as far as possible to rest against each other and for a support of the upper bearing part 23 at the lower bearing part 24 over the bearing shell 32 It is therefore a thrust washer 30 intended. This pressure washer 30 is on the lead 31 of the lower bearing part 24 put on and attached to this. For this purpose, a circumferential groove is used 36 into the pressure washer 30 is used.

Between the pressure disc 30 and the bearing shell 28 is additionally a bearing shell 32 provided as a lower bearing element. Accordingly, the bearing shell lies 28 on the lower bearing shell 32 on that over the pressure washer 30 at the lead 31 crashed. At the top is the bearing shell 28 on the upper bearing shell 29 formed fitting. This upper bearing shell 29 is part of the lower bearing part 24 and does not have to be designed explicitly as a bearing shell.

To a passage of the projection 31 through the warehouse bill 28 enabling them, this has a key breakthrough 33 on. This breakthrough 33 is usually formed as a circular opening. To a relative mobility of the two bearing parts 23 and 24 against each other and ultimately a tilt of the seat 12 to enable, the breakthrough points 33 a larger cross section than the projection 31 , Accordingly, there are gaps 34 laterally in the area between the bearing shells 28 . 29 and 32 and the lead 31 available. These gaps 34 allow a lateral pivoting movement by displacement of the upper bearing part 23 opposite the lower bearing part 24 , The pivoting movement is limited by a stop of the bearing shell 28 laterally to the projection 31 on one side. Because the area around the projection 31 including the bearing shells 28 . 29 and 32 is circular and thus point-symmetrical to the center, an inclination in each spatial direction is possible.

The detailed in the 5 shown relative orientation of the two bearing parts 23 and 24 to each other corresponds to the so-called neutral position. This is the orientation in unloaded condition. Starting from this neutral position can pivot by moving the bearing parts 23 and 24 relative to each other on both sides. This is possible because there are corresponding gaps 34 around the lead 31 available.

Between lower bearing part 24 and upper bearing part 23 are also still spring elements 35 provided, which are formed in the embodiment shown as elastomer springs or elastomeric spring elements. The elastomer springs or spring elements 35 serve on the one hand, the two bearing parts 23 and 24 to keep in said, in particular central neutral position. For this purpose, the spring elements 35 under pretension between the upper bearing part 23 the lower bearing part 24 used. This ensures that with symmetrical construction of the spring elements 35 a substantially central neutral position is taken. Accordingly, the circumferential gap is 34 formed with a constant cross-section.

In the embodiment shown, a total of eight spring elements 35 intended. The spring elements 35 are around the circumference of a circular interior of the rocking mechanism 11 arranged distributed. This ensures that every tilt movement of the tilt mechanism 11 on one or more of the spring elements 35 is distributed. To the extent that one of the spring elements 35 is loaded, is a corresponding opposite spring element 35 relieved. Accordingly, on the adjustment of the bias of the spring elements 35 already set the strength of the spring action.

Incidentally, priority is given by the choice of material and the shape of the spring elements 35 adjusted the spring action. For example, everywhere on the one hand identical spring elements 35 be used all around. Alternatively, individual directions by more or less elastic spring elements 35 be strengthened or weakened in the spring action. While on the sides usually opposite identical spring elements 35 are likely to be used, may well forward and back due to the different desired spring action a different strength of the spring elements 35 be provided. Thus, an individual adjustment of the spring action in different directions of inclination is possible.

The when using so-called elastomer springs as spring elements 35 are usually formed as a cylindrical hollow body. Accordingly, they have a circumferential wall, which can be deformed when force in the vertical direction. The wall will accordingly be deformed into a less bulbous shape, depending on the applied force. When unloading one of the spring elements 35 then the stored energy is released elastically again. This leads to a return movement of the two bearing parts 23 and 24 in the direction of their neutral position.

Alternatively, where appropriate, other types of spring elements 35 be provided. According to the invention, however, elastomeric springs are preferable to, for example, metallic springs, since accordingly noise and other difficulties caused by these are avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

chair

11

tilt mechanism

12

seat

13

footboard

14

vertical element

15

gas spring

16

actuating lever

17

control knob

18

lever axis

19

backrest

20

upholstery

21

poor

22

role

23

upper bearing part

24

lower bearing part

25

screw holes

26

admission

27

casing

28

bearing shell

29

bearing shell

30

thrust washer

31

head Start

32

bearing shell

33

breakthrough

34

gap

35

spring element

36

groove

Claims (15)

Rocking mechanism for a chair ( 10 ), in particular office chair, with two relatively movably arranged bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ) of a central Storage, wherein the upper bearing part ( 23 ) for connection to a seat surface ( 12 ) for a person and the lower bearing part ( 24 ) for connection to a foot part ( 13 ) for setting up the chair ( 10 ) is formed on a substrate, wherein the bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ) relative to each other in a predetermined angular range by shifting the weight of the person tilted or tilted, in particular on both sides of a neutral position, characterized in that the bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ) correspondingly curved bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) for mutual storage. Rocking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) are formed as spherical shell sections. Rocking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) have an annular cross-section. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) are arranged relative to each other for the relative inclination of the bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ), preferably pivoting about a pivot axis, preferably through the center of the curvature of the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) runs. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relative orientation or inclination of the bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ) to each other in any direction along the surface profile of the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) by relative displacement of the bearing parts ( 23 . 24 ) is variable with each other. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of spring elements ( 35 ) are provided which counteract in particular a deflection and / or in particular in pairs opposite from the center of the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) are arranged, wherein preferably an even number of spring elements ( 35 ) is provided, more preferably four, more preferably eight, and / or wherein the spring elements are arranged in pairs as an opponent. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a part of the spring elements ( 35 ), preferably all spring elements ( 35 ) have an identical spring action and / or damping, in particular individual spring elements ( 35 ) may have a different spring action and / or damping. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements ( 35 ) are formed as a hollow body with a deformable wall and / or that the spring elements ( 35 ) are formed in particular cylindrical. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements ( 35 ) are formed as elastomeric spring elements. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower bearing part ( 24 ) a central recording ( 26 ), in particular in the area of a projection ( 31 ), for a vertical element ( 14 ) of the foot part ( 13 ), in particular with a gas spring ( 15 ), having. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing shell ( 28 ) of the upper bearing part ( 23 ) a key breakthrough ( 33 ) for receiving the central vertical element ( 14 ) at the foot part ( 13 ), in particular with a gas spring ( 15 ), having. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing shell ( 29 . 32 ) of the upper bearing part ( 23 ) on a preferably annular pressure disk ( 30 ) at the lower bearing part ( 24 ) is supported. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the bearing shells ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) and / or between bearing shell ( 28 . 29 . 32 ) and thrust washer ( 30 ) At least one sliding element is arranged. Rocking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating device or an actuating lever ( 16 ) for a height adjustment of the chair or the seat surface ( 12 ), in particular for one in the region of the foot part ( 13 ) or the vertical element ( 14 ) arranged gas spring ( 14 ), is provided, wherein the actuating device is preferably designed lever-shaped or annular and / or wherein the actuating device can be triggered by a vertical movement. Chair, in particular office chair, with a seat ( 12 ) for a person and a foot part ( 13 ) for placing on a substrate, the seating surface ( 12 ) with the foot part ( 13 ) is movably connected relative to one another in a limited angular range, characterized in that a rocking mechanism ( 11 ) according to one of the preceding claims for the movable connection of the seat surface ( 12 ) with the foot part ( 13 ) is provided.

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