DE102014204728A1 - office chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an office chair, in particular office swivel chair, with a foot and a seat having a seat support, a seat, and a backrest with a synchronous mechanism, which is mounted on the seat support and kinematically couples the backrest with the seat, with a Spring-joint module, which has a seat carrier coupling section and a foot coupling section, which are each arranged along a main axis and are connected to each other via a spring joint resiliently perpendicular to the main axis tiltable, the spring joint has an elastic member and a cooperating actuator, which are designed and arranged such in that they have a first position relative to one another in which the spring joint is blocked, and a second position in which the spring joint is flexibly tiltable, wherein the seat carrier and the foot are coupled to one another via the spring joint module.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an office chair.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Modern office chairs often have facilities that should allow the so-called movable seats. When sitting permanently, it is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view to provide a seat movable. This was already in the German patent application DE 35 13 985 A1 tried to solve. It is proposed to provide for a stool, the storage of the seat about a central seating area tiltable by the seat surface on a arranged in the middle seating area tennis ball tilts. Centering springs are provided at the edges of the seat. By this arrangement, the upper body of the user should always be in a mobile, unstable state, so that the back muscles is constantly operated by balancing. The disadvantage here is that this movable storage of the seat is not adaptable without much effort. However, this is necessary in office chairs, which generally require flexible ergonomic adaptability to a wide variety of physical conditions.

There are also industrial rotary stools which have a spring joint between a seat and a foot of the stool. Such an industrial stool is in the German utility model DE 20 2012 010 417 U1 described. Such industrial swivel stool is preferably provided for muscle-powered sitting without back or armrests.

In contrast, there are high demands on seating comfort in office chairs. For this purpose, office chairs often comfort-oriented adjustment mechanisms, in particular so-called synchronous mechanisms, which allow, for example, the comfort-optimized reclining in the office chair. Such a synchronous mechanism is exemplary in the DE 42 19 599 C2 described. However, such mechanisms allow only a very specific movement of the recline. Lateral pivoting movements of the seat are not provided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide an improved office chair.

According to the invention this object is achieved by an office chair with the features of claim 1.

• – Ein Bürostuhl, insbesondere Bürodrehstuhl, mit einem Fuß und einem Sitz, der einen Sitzträger, eine Sitzfläche, und eine Rückenlehne aufweist, mit einer Synchronmechanik, welche an dem Sitzträger gelagert ist und die Rückenlehne mit der Sitzfläche kinematisch koppelt, mit einem Federgelenkmodul, das einen Sitzträgerkoppelabschnitt und einen Fußkoppelabschnitt aufweist, die jeweils entlang einer Hauptachse angeordnet sind und miteinander über ein Federgelenk federelastisch senkrecht zur Hauptachse verkippbar verbunden sind, wobei das Federgelenk ein elastisches Element und ein damit zusammenwirkendes Stellteil aufweist, welche derart ausgebildet und angeordnet sind, dass sie zueinander eine erste Stellung, in welcher das Federgelenk blockiert ist, und eine zweite Stellung, in der das Federgelenk flexibel verkippbar ist, aufweisen, wobei der Sitzträger und der Fuß über das Federgelenkmodul miteinander gekoppelt sind.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• An office chair, in particular an office swivel chair, having a foot and a seat, which has a seat support, a seat, and a backrest, with a synchronous mechanism, which is mounted on the seat support and kinematically couples the backrest with the seat, with a spring-joint module a seat carrier coupling portion and a Fußkoppelabschnitt, each of which is arranged along a major axis and spring elastically connected to each other via a spring joint tilted perpendicular to the main axis, wherein the spring joint has an elastic member and a co-operating control part, which are designed and arranged such that they each other a first position, in which the spring joint is blocked, and a second position, in which the spring joint is tilted in a flexible manner, wherein the seat support and the foot are coupled together via the spring joint module.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a spring joint on an office chair, which has a synchronous mechanism, in such a way that it can easily be blocked and, upon adjustment, in particular during rotation, of the setting part, a flexibility is provided. When rotating the spring characteristic of the spring joint is changed by moving provided on the control part contact points relative to stationary power support points for the elastic element. In the first position there is no or only a slight flexibility realized by compression deformation of the elastic element. When twisting the flexibility increases, because the elastic element can then flex flexibly. The spring joint may include an axial securing and optionally or additionally a pivot bearing, which is pivotable in particular about all axes transverse to the main axis.

Thus, the spring joint can be advantageously blocked and provide when releasing the blocking one, in particular all-round, flexibility. In an office chair so that a movable in all directions seat is created, the all-round mobility can be blocked if necessary, regardless of the synchronous mechanism. Furthermore, the synchronizing mechanism can also be locked if required. Thus, according to the invention, the ergonomically advantageous functionalities of the spring joint and the ergonomic and comfort-oriented functionalities of a synchronous mechanism on the office chair can be used both jointly and independently of each other.

The elastic element is arranged stationary on the spring joint module. This is to be understood in such a way that there is a force support for the elastic element that is stationary on the spring joint module, for example in the form of stationary bearing elements. The actuator is rotatable relative to these bearing elements.

The elastic element may be attached to the bearing elements, but this is not absolutely necessary. That is, in one embodiment of the invention, the elastic element could, for example, also be rotatable with the setting part. Furthermore, the elastic element, in particular if it is rotationally symmetrical, can be provided as a further alternative without a rotational fixing with another element. However, the force support for the elastic element is always provided stationary on the spring joint module.

The spring joint module is, according to the requirements of an office chair, with the adjustable or rotatable control part particularly ergonomic and reliable blocking and releasable.

It is also conceivable variability of the spring characteristic of the elastic element. For example, different materials or material thicknesses could be provided for this purpose on the elastic element, with the contact points being brought into operative contact with the various materials or material thicknesses during rotation.

Furthermore, the provision of a backdrop for the control part is conceivable, so that one or more predefined levels of flexibility are adjustable.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element is arranged stationary and the adjusting part provided rotatable relative to the elastic element. Alternatively or additionally, the flexibility of the spring joint between the first and the second position is infinitely adjustable. For example, a distance between bearing points of the elastic element and contact points is set to the control part during rotation of the actuator. The elastic element is provided resiliently within a predetermined range at different locations and the displacement occurs along this predetermined area. Thus, the spring characteristic of the spring joint in terms of their slope, so the differential quotient of spring force and tilt angle, be changed. The spring joint module can be adapted for example to different body weights, different preferences or different office situations.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is rotationally symmetrical. In particular, it is designed as a spring ring. Thus, the elastic element is also simple and robust and thus very reliable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating part is designed as a projection provided with projections. This is in particular rotatable about the main axis. Thus, the control part is simple and robust and thus very reliable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element is mounted on one side at least three bearing points spaced from the seat carrier coupling portion and is on the other side at least three contact points defined by the extensions in contact with the actuating part. The first side is the side facing the seat carrier coupling section. The support points can be realized for example with support cylinders, which space the elastic element from the seat carrier coupling portion. Three bearing points and contact points represent a minimum number in this embodiment. This is particularly preferred, because at the same time a stable force support and a maximum adjustment are possible. Thus, the spring characteristic is variable in a wide adjustment range. Alternatively, however, a higher number, for example of four bearing points, could be provided, which would increase the stability but at the same time reduce the adjustment path.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element abuts the bearing points in line contact. Optionally or additionally, the elastic element bears against the contact points of the extensions in line contact. Thus, a defined contact and at the same time a maximum flexibility are provided. The line contact is made for example with support cylinders and / or with roller bearings.

In preferred embodiments, the line contact is in each case aligned radially to the main axis. Thus, a uniform deformation of the elastic element during tilting is ensured.

Particularly preferably, the bearing points and the contact points are each arranged uniformly around the circumference of the spring element in one embodiment. The bearing points are arranged directly opposite the contact points in the first position. In the second position, the contact points are at a distance to the bearing points arranged. This allows at the same time a uniform, stable power support and a maximum adjustment.

In one embodiment, the contact points are arranged in the second position in each case in the middle between two bearing points. Thus, the maximum adjustment is advantageously used.

In preferred embodiments, securing extensions for radially securing the elastic element are provided at the bearing points and / or at the contact points. Thus, the elastic element, even when deformed, can not be detached from the bearing points and / or contact points, whereby the functional reliability is ensured.

In advantageous embodiments, the actuating part has roller bearings provided on the extensions which are designed to roll on the flexible element and to produce the line contact. Thus, the frictional resistance during rotation of the actuator is reduced, which improves operability. A roller bearing has, for example, two bolt holders, a bolt arranged radially to the main axis and a roller mounted on the bolt. The radially inner stud holder is formed lower than the position of the line contact is arranged. The radially outer stud holder is preferably provided higher than the position of the line contact and thus forms an outer securing extension.

In one embodiment, the bearing points are formed with bearing cylinders, wherein a secant-like, the bearing point forming recess is provided on the support cylinder. The contact on the support surface forms with the recess a narrow surface contact strip. This is also to be understood in terms of the above embodiments as a line contact. Thus, this embodiment can be combined with the above embodiments, which contain a line contact.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess extends from one end of the support cylinder to a shoulder. This paragraph preferably forms an inner backup extension.

In a preferred embodiment, the seat carrier coupling portion has a hollow chamber with an undercut. The Fußkoppelabschnitt has an engaging in the undercut Axialsicherungsabschnitt, which extends into the hollow chamber. Thus, the spring joint module is axially held together by an axial securing of the seat carrier coupling portion with the Fußkoppelabschnitt even with a tensile stress, such as a lifting of the office chair on the seat.

In a preferred embodiment, the Axialsicherungsabschnitt is formed as a tube extension, which engages with an attachable thereto attachment in the undercut. Furthermore, the hollow chamber, for example, with a collar sleeve and the undercut, for example, formed with an attached to the seat carrier coupling portion annular disc. Thus, the axial securing is particularly easy to manufacture.

In an advantageous embodiment, the attachment has a lower part and a top part rotatable about the main axis. This is a simple and robust way a rotation of the seat carrier coupling portion allows relative to the Fußkoppelabschnitt, which is advantageous in an office chair, especially in an office swivel chair.

Preferably, a thread is provided on the tube extension and the upper part is screwed therein. For example, the thread may be an external thread and the upper part may be formed as a threaded nut. Thus, the essay is easy to attach.

In preferred embodiments, the axial securing portion extends through a central opening of the spring ring. Thus, advantageously, a symmetrical arrangement can be provided, which allows, for example, the use of many rotationally symmetrical, turned parts. These are easy to manufacture and can be installed regardless of their orientation, which reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs.

In an advantageous embodiment of an industrial chair, the foot has a foot pillar, wherein the foot pillar is connectable or connected to the foot coupling portion. Furthermore, the seat has a seat carrier which is connectable or connected to the seat carrier coupling portion. Thus, the spring joint module is easily integrated into a variety of office chair types, especially in office swivel chairs.

To connect the individual elements are provided, for example, screwed together. For this purpose, for example, external threads can be provided directly on the column and on a socket-like seat carrier coupling section, which can be screwed into corresponding internal threads on the foot coupling section and on the seat carrier. Alternatively, additional fastening means for connecting, in particular additional fastening screws may be provided. Preferably, however, the compound is made with a positive connection.

In preferred embodiments, the seat is spring-tiltable about all lying in the horizontal plane pivot axes. Thus ergonomically advantageous all-round mobility of the office chair is provided.

Furthermore, in advantageous embodiments, a lever is attached to the actuating part, by means of which the actuating part can be rotated by manual operation relative to the elastic element. Thus, the control part is advantageous to operate easily and with little effort. Preferably, the lever is arranged such that it is manually accessible and operable manually by a person sitting on the office chair. Thus, the flexibility of the office chair can be comfortably and easily changed while sitting on the office chair.

In an advantageous embodiment, a form-locking conical connection is provided between the seat carrier and the seat carrier coupling section and optionally or additionally between the foot coupling section and the foot column.

This is in each case formed with an inner cone on one part and an outer cone on the other part. Thus, a centering by the cone shape and a self-reinforcing with the seat force friction between the lateral surfaces are provided at the same time advantageous. Furthermore, the individual modules of the office chair, i. H. the seat, the spring joint module and the foot are easily separable and interchangeable with this connection. In addition, other fastening means may be provided.

In one embodiment, at least one axial pressure pin is provided in the spring joint module. This is designed to transmit a compressive force from the seat support to the foot column, which serves to trigger a seat height adjustment provided on the foot. The pressure pin has a pivotable with the spring joint training. In particular, the pressure pin is linearly guided and formed in two parts, wherein a convex punch is provided at the division point. The seat height adjustment is preferably designed as a gas spring, but other height adjustment devices are conceivable. Thus, the seat height adjustment can be operated from the seat support of the seat, in particular by a person sitting on the chair, without the all-round pivotability is impaired. Advantageously, an operating element, preferably a height adjustment lever, is provided on the seat carrier.

In an advantageous embodiment, an adjusting device for pivoting the backrest and / or for adjusting the backrest inclination is provided, by means of which the backrest, in particular in terms of their inclination, independently of the synchronizing mechanism is pivotable and / or adjustable. Thus, the backrest is advantageously also individually pivotable relative to the seat and / or adjustable, without having to move while the seat. Thus, a pivotability of the backrest can be provided, which forms a so-called asynchronous mechanism together with the inclination adjustment of the synchronous mechanism. Ie. Both the seat and the backrest can be pivoted independently. Alternatively or additionally, advantageously a desired inclination of the backrest can be preset independently of other adjustment options, in particular independently of the synchronizing mechanism, on the office chair. Ie. It is possible to use the synchronous mechanism with different preset angles of inclination of the backrest relative to the synchronous mechanism. The adjusting device can be locked in a desired position. Preferably, the adjustment is attached to the backrest support of the backrest. Alternatively, the adjusting device can also be attached directly to the backrest.

In a preferred embodiment, an actuating element is further provided, by means of which the adjusting device can be unlocked and locked in a desired position of the backrest again. In the unlocked state while pivoting the backrest is given. In the locked state, the backrest is fixed relative to the synchronizing mechanism in position, but can still be moved together with the synchronizing mechanism. Thus, the desired inclination of the backrest can be preset by means of locking the actuating element. The actuating element is preferably arranged such that it can be reached and actuated by a person sitting on the office chair. For example, it may be attached to a backrest support on the seat support of the office chair.

A tilt adjustment of the seat is basically provided by the synchronous mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, an actuating part for unlocking and locking the synchronizing mechanism is provided, by means of which the synchronizing mechanism and thus also the seat can be unlocked and locked again in a desired inclination of the seat. When unlocking the synchronizing mechanism and unlocking the adjustment of the backrest, an asynchronous mechanism can be realized in which the seat and the backrest are independently pivotable.

• m1) Fixiert, d. h. alle drei verschwenkbare Einheiten sind blockiert bzw. verriegelt;
• m2) Allseitig verschwenkbar, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind verriegelt;
• m3) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit Synchronmechanik, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik ist entriegelt, während die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne verriegelt ist;
• m4) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit Asynchronmechanik, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind entriegelt;
• m5) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit verstellbarer Rückenlehne, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne ist entriegelt, während die Synchronmechanik verriegelt ist;
• m6) Nur mit Synchronmechanik, d. h. die Synchronmechanik ist entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne verriegelt ist;
• m7) Nur mit Asynchronmechanik, d. h. die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist;
• m8) Nur mit verstellbarer Rückenlehne, d. h. die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne ist entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist und die Synchronmechanik verriegelt ist.

The office chair according to the invention, in the form of the universal tiltability of the spring joint of the spring joint module, allows an additional or disable functionality too. Overall, therefore, three pivotal units, namely the synchronous mechanism, the all-round pivoting spring joint and the adjustment of the backrest can be combined together in an office chair, each of these units is independent of the other lockable or lockable. Thus, a very high flexibility for the use of the office chair according to the invention in a variety of usage modes is created. For example, the office chair can be used in at least eight different usage modes:

• m1) Fixed, ie all three pivoting units are blocked or locked;
• m2) pivotable on all sides, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronous mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are locked;
• m3) pivotable on all sides with synchronous mechanism, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronizing mechanism is unlocked while the adjustment of the backrest is locked;
• m4) pivotable on all sides with asynchronous mechanism, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronous mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are unlocked;
• m5) pivotable on all sides with adjustable backrest, ie the spring joint is released and the adjustment of the backrest is unlocked while the synchronizing mechanism is locked;
• m6) Only with synchronous mechanism, ie the synchronizing mechanism is unlocked, while the spring joint is blocked and the adjustment of the backrest is locked;
• m7) Only with asynchronous mechanism, ie the synchronizing mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are unlocked while the spring joint is blocked;
• m8) Only with adjustable backrest, ie the adjustment of the backrest is unlocked, while the spring joint is blocked and the synchronizing mechanism is locked.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

1 an exploded view of the modules of an office chair with synchronous mechanism and a spring joint module in a first position;

2 the office chair off 1 , with the spring joint module in a second position;

3 a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a spring joint module;

4 a schematic side view of an office chair with released spring joint module;

5 a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked synchronous mechanism;

6 a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked independent backrest adjustment;

7 a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked backrest adjustment and released spring joint module;

8th a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked independent backrest adjustment and with unlocked synchronous mechanism;

9 an individual perspective view of a seat support;

10 a side view of a seat support according to 9 , wherein two different positions of the synchronous mechanism are shown superimposed

11A a side view of a seat with independent backrest adjustment;

11B a side view of a seat with synchronous mechanism.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to convey a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

In the figures of the drawing are identical, functionally identical and equivalent elements, Features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows an office swivel chair 10 with a spring-joint module 1 in a first position A. The office swivel chair 10 has as modules an incompletely represented foot 12 , a seat 11 and a spring joint module disposed therebetween 1 on.

The foot 12 has at the end, not shown, a standing device, such as a base, on. Further, at the foot 12 a foot pillar 13 intended.

The spring joint module 1 includes one with the seat carrier 14 positively connectable seat carrier coupling section 2 , a spring joint 5 and one with the foot column 13 positively connectable foot coupling section 3 ,

The seat 12 has a seat carrier 14 , a seat 16 and a backrest 17 on. These are kinematically coupled to each other via a synchronous mechanism not shown in detail. Furthermore, the seat points 12 one on the backrest 17 attached backrest 18 and laterally on the seat carrier 14 attached armrests 19 on.

Synchronous mechanisms are generally known to a person skilled in the field of office seating furniture. It is therefore not discussed in detail on the internal structure of the synchronous mechanism. On the interpretation of the synchronous mechanism will be later in relation to the 5 . 10 and 11B discussed in more detail.

It is further noted that in this case the backrest 18 preferably not with the seat 16 connected, so that the free movement of the seat 16 is guaranteed.

The individual modules of the office chair 10 namely the foot 12 , the spring-joint module 1 and the seat 11 are here separated, but shown according to their assembly arrangement. The present description thus also applies to a fully assembled office chair in which the modules are connected to each other.

The spring joint 5 has one at the foot coupling section 3 rotatably mounted collar 7 with three evenly over the circumference of the adjusting ring 7 distributed radial roller bearings 9 on. The roller bearings 9 stand at contact points 26 with the elastic element in line contact. Furthermore, the spring joint 5 at the seat coupling section 2 three evenly on the circumference of the spring ring 6 radially arranged support cylinder 8th on, at which support points 27 are provided for the elastic element. Again, created by the cylindrical shape of the support cylinder 8th a line contact. Between the roller bearings 9 and the bearing cylinders 8th is the spring ring 6 arranged. The support cylinder 8th store the spring washer 6 from the seat coupling section 2 spaced. The roller bearings 9 ensure a sufficient distance of the spring ring 6 to the collar 7 in the areas between the roller bearings 9 , Thus, the spring ring 6 in both directions, ie the seat carrier coupling section 2 and to the collar 7 towards, flexibly deformable.

The seat carrier coupling section 2 and the foot coupling section 3 are through the central openings of the spring ring 6 and the adjusting ring 7 through each other z. B. ball joint connected. Alternatively, a universal joint or another pivotable about the axes of the horizontal plane hinge or bearing may be provided. Preferably, a connection with an axial securing portion and a lock nut is provided, with reference to 3 will be discussed in more detail.

In the illustrated position A are the roller bearings 9 and the support cylinders 8th on the spring ring 6 arranged directly opposite. Thus, in this position A and their line contacts coincide with the spring ring 6 , At a force in the seat 11 Therefore, the force becomes from the bearing cylinders 8th without deformation of the spring ring 6 or with a merely compressible deformation of the spring ring 6 on the roller bearings 9 transfer. The spring joint 5 is blocked in this position A against tilting.

On the collar 7 is a lever 15 attached. By means of this lever 15 is the collar 7 manually rotatable relative to the remaining components. A twisted position B of the adjusting ring 7 is in 2 represented, wherein the Verdrehwinkelpfeil 23 the twist symbolizes. The collar 7 is rotated in the second position B by 60 ° to the first position A, so that the roller bearings 9 each in the middle between two support cylinders 8th are shifted. In this position, a maximum flexibility of the spring joint 5 provided as the distance between support cylinder 8th and roller bearings 9 is greatest. On the spring ring 6 Thus, a higher bending moment builds up than at a smaller distance. This is a flexible deformation of the spring ring even at low force 6 reached. Furthermore, the deflection is higher with the same force.

The spring ring 6 can in this position B for Sitzträgerkoppelabschnitt 2 and to the collar 7 deform flexibly. The seat 11 is relative to the foot 12 around all axes transverse to the main axis, for example around the normal horizontal axes 21 and 22 , flexible tiltable. This is with the tilting arrows 24 and 25 indicated.

The resistance of the spring joint 5 is continuously adjustable between a blockage in the first position A and a maximum flexibility in the second position B in the illustrated embodiment. For example, a Verkippbarkeit with higher Verkippwiderstand, so with a higher spring stiffness or a steeper course of the spring characteristic of the spring joint 5 at a twist angle of the adjusting ring 7 from Z. B. 30 ° can be adjusted. As a result, the distance between the with the support cylinders 8th formed Auflagerstellen 27 and the contact points 26 the roller bearing 9 lower, so that with the same force a lower bending moment on the spring ring 6 results.

In this way, the spring joint module 1 For example, be adapted to different types of office chairs. Furthermore, an office chair can thus be adapted to different body weights of persons, different preferences of persons or different office requirements.

3 shows a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a spring joint module 1 , Therein is the seat carrier coupling section 2 with an outer cone 34 and the foot coupling section 3 with an inner cone 35 educated. Through the center of the Konen 34 . 35 run to trigger a gas spring provided pressure pins 36 in the axial direction.

The pressure pens 36 are axially guided and formed divided to ensure pivoting. Thus, the height adjustment with the gas spring is always operable, has a pressure pin 36 a convex shaped stamp 51 on, in each Verkippstellung on a flat surface of the other pressure pin 36 can press. A gas spring is preferably in the mounted state within the foot, not shown here 12 arranged. The cones 34 . 35 are for positive connection with corresponding cones of a seat 11 or a foot 12 educated.

The seat carrier coupling section 2 has one with a tube extension 37 trained axial securing section on. This extends through the central opening of the spring ring 6 to one on the seat carrier coupling section 2 with a collar sleeve 48 formed hollow chamber 38 , The hollow chamber 38 has an undercut 39 on, which with a on the seat carrier coupling section 2 screwed ring plate 40 is formed. To an external thread 41 of the tube extension 37 is a threaded nut 33 screwed, which in the undercut 39 engages and thus the axial securing the Fußkoppelabschnitts 3 to the seat carrier coupling section 2 forms.

On the rotatable actuator 7 are roller bearings 9 provided for unrolling on the spring ring 6 are formed. This will make a line contact to the spring washer 6 produced. A roller bearing 9 has two stud holders each 44 . 45 , one radially to the main axis 4 arranged bolts 46 and one on the bolt 46 stored roll 47 on. The radially inner stud holder 44 is formed lower than the position of the line contact at the contact point 26 is arranged. The radially outer stud holder 45 is preferably formed higher than the position of the line contact and thus forms an outer securing extension 32 out.

The bearing points 27 are with radially arranged support cylinders 8th formed, with a secant, the bearing point 27 forming recess 50 on the support cylinder 8th is provided. The recess 50 extends from the radially outer end of the support cylinder 8th up to a paragraph. This paragraph forms the inner securing extension 31 out. The backup processes 31 . 32 serve for radial securing of the spring ring 6 to make the elastic element 6 not deformed or twisted from the bearing points 27 or the contact points 26 can solve.

A rotation of the seat carrier coupling section 2 relative to the foot coupling section 3 around the main axis 4 comes with the washers 42 . 43 realized, which are formed for example of plastic and each other have a low frictional resistance. Thus, the spring joint module 1 easily rotatable and thus can be advantageously used as a swivel in an office swivel chair.

4 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with released spring joint module 1 , The seat 11 is in the released state B of the spring joint module 1 All around the spring joint flexibly swiveled, which is indicated by the dashed lines. The all-round pivotability is, as in relation to the previous one 1 to 3 described by means of the lever, not shown for clarity 15 of the spring joint module 1 releasable and lockable. In addition, the effective spring rate is infinitely adjustable. The office chair 10 also has a synchronizing mechanism, not shown here for clarity 66 and an adjusting device, also not shown 67 for the backrest 18 which are respectively locked in the illustrated use mode m2 and thus are not active.

5 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with unlocked synchronous mechanism 66 , Here is the backrest 18 with the seat 16 kinematically on the not clearly shown for clarity seat support 14 kinematically coupled, wherein both are pivotable in different inclinations. The kinematics of the synchronous mechanism 66 is designed such that a tilt of the backrest 18 prefers a slightly lower inclination of the seat 16 causes, for example, in the ratio in a range between 3: 1 and 1.5: 1, preferably between 2: 1 and 1.5: 1, particularly preferably with a ratio of 1.8: 1. The synchronous mechanism 66 is by means of an actuating part also not shown here 62 activatable or blockable. The spring joint module 1 is blocked in the illustrated use mode m6. Furthermore, the adjusting device, not shown 67 for the backrest 18 locked.

6 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with released independent backrest adjustment. For independent adjustment of the backrest 18 in particular for independently adjusting the inclination of the backrest 18 opposite the synchronous mechanism 66 , is an adjustment device 67 on the backrest 18 intended. The adjusting device 67 is unlocked and locked in a desired position of the backrest again. In the illustrated use mode m8 is the adjustment 67 unlocked and pivoted in a position according to the lines indicated by dashed lines. In the illustrated use mode m8 is the spring joint 1 blocked and the synchronous mechanism 66 is locked.

For locking and unlocking the adjusting device 67 is a not shown for clarity actuator 61 intended.

The adjusting device 67 preferably has a return spring, not shown, which the backrest 18 in the unlocked state returns to a starting position, if no adjusting or holding force in the backrest 18 is introduced.

For example, the adjustment 67 be designed as a spring hinge, which in an upright position of the backrest 18 having a stop and pivoting the backrest 18 allows against a spring force to the rear. A first fitting of the spring hinge is fixedly coupled to the synchronizing mechanism, while a second fitting of the spring hinge is fixedly coupled to the backrest.

The spring hinge is either directly or indirectly by actuation of the actuator 61 lockable. For example, a locking bolt in different positions of the spring hinge in locking recesses of the spring hinge on or executable upon actuation of the actuating element.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that upon actuation of the actuating element, for example, a clamping coupling between the first and second fitting is opened or closed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting device 67 on a backrest support 65 the synchronous mechanism 66 arranged.

Preference can be given to all those in relation to the 4 to 6 functionalities described a spring preload be preset and / or also changed as desired or adapted to the body weight. In the spring joint module this is done in relation to the 1 to 3 way described by a corresponding lever position. For the synchronous mechanism 66 may be provided to adjust the bias of a return spring, an adjusting screw, which is preferably designed as a handwheel. For the adjusting device 67 are also provided, in particular preset, return springs.

According to the adjustment and movement functions of the spring joint module according to 4 , the synchronous mechanism according to 5 and the independent backrest adjustment according to 6 integrated together in an office chair or office swivel chair.

The individual mobilities can be combined with each other. Ie. When the synchronizing mechanism is activated, an all-round mobility by the spring-joint module can additionally be activated. Furthermore, the independent backrest adjustment can also be activated by means of the adjusting device in addition to the spring joint module and / or the synchronizing mechanism. Furthermore, it is also possible, any other combination of three in the 4 to 6 provided functionalities or all at the same time to activate.

Thus, for example, eight different operating modes m1 to m8 of the office chair are possible, in particular the operating modes m1: fixed; m2: swiveling on all sides; m3: swiveling on all sides with synchronous mechanism; m4: pivotable on all sides with asynchronous mechanism; m5: swiveling on all sides with adjustable backrest; m6: only with synchronous mechanism; m7: only with asynchronous mechanism; m8: only with adjustable backrest.

7 shows a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked backrest adjustment and released spring joint module 1 , In this embodiment, in which the use mode m5 is illustrated, is not shown here for clarity, synchronous mechanism 66 locked. The unlocked adjusting device 67 is also for the better Clarity not shown. In the illustration, the dashed lines and movement arrows symbolizing the pivotability are a superposition of the 4 and 6 , That is, the entire seat 11 is complete with backrest 18 swiveled around the spring joint. In addition, the backrest 18 independent of the seat 11 pivotable. Thus, the backrest is pivotable here in two ways, once around the spring joint of the spring joint module 1 together with the entire seat 11 and also to the adjustment 67 ,

8th shows a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked synchronous mechanism 66 , which allows a tilt adjustment of the seat, and with unlocked adjustment 67 which allows independent backrest adjustment. Characterized in that the backrest adjustment is independent of the inclination adjustment of the seat, the seat and the backrest are independently pivotable, as indicated by the dashed lines and the movement arrows. Thus, this combination represents a so-called asynchronous mechanism. In the illustration, the dashed lines and movement arrows symbolizing the pivotability are a superposition of the 5 and 6 ,

For locking and unlocking the adjusting device 67 is an actuator not shown here 61 intended. By means of this is the adjustment 67 for free gift giving the backrest or for adjusting the backrest tilt unlocked and locked in a desired position of the backrest again. Furthermore, the synchronous mechanism and thus the tilt adjustment with an actuating part, also not shown 62 unlocked and / or in a desired position of the seat 16 lockable again. Thus, when unlocked with the actuator 61 and with the actuating part 62 the asynchronous mechanism can be activated.

9 shows a perspective detailed view of an exemplary seat support 14 , This has a support plate 64 and a backrest mount 65 on. The carrier plate 64 is for mounting a seat 16 intended. The backrest support 65 is to accept a backrest 17 intended. The carrier plate 64 and the backrest support 65 are via a synchronous mechanism 66 , which in the representation partly of the support plate 64 is hidden, kinematically coupled. The synchronous mechanism 66 can by means of an operating part provided for this purpose 62 blocked or released.

Furthermore, the backrest support can 65 also independent of the synchronous mechanism 66 to be moved. You can do this by means of an actuator 61 be unlocked. This is possible regardless of whether the synchronous mechanism 66 blocked or released. It is thus a seat carrier 14 who is responsible for an office chair according to a combination of functionalities of 4 to 6 is provided.

Furthermore, there is also a height adjustment lever 63 intended. This is with reference to 3 with the pressure pin 36 for triggering a provided in the foot portion of the office chair gas spring operable, so that the gas spring on the height adjustment lever 63 for height adjustment of the office chair is actuated.

10 shows a side view of a seat support 14 according to 9 , wherein two different positions of the synchronous mechanism 66 of the seat wearer 14 are shown superimposed. In a first, upright position, the carrier plate relative to a horizontal angle slightly inclined forward α1. Preferably, α1 is about 3 ° The backrest support 65 is in an angular position β1 relative to the horizontal, which is provided such that the backrest is substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the angular position β1 relative to the horizontal is about 36 °

Furthermore, superimposed on a pivoted position of the synchronous mechanism is shown. In this pivoted position, the support plate has an angular position α2 relative to the horizontal, which is slightly inclined backwards and is preferably about -6 °. The corresponding angular position β2 of the backrest support is inclined to a greater extent to the rear than that of the support plate. Preferably, β2 is about 20 °.

The seat is thus tilted by a total of Δα = α1 - α2, which corresponds to about 9 ° in the preferred example.

The backrest is pivoted by a larger angle of Δβ = β1 - β2, which corresponds to about 16 ° in the preferred example. In the preferred example, this results in a transmission ratio of the synchronous mechanism 66 between seat 16 and backrest 18 of Δα: Δβ of 1: 1.8.

11A shows a side view of a seat 11 with independent backrest adjustment. 11B shows a side view of a seat with synchronous mechanism. Preferably, each is the same seat, which is shown from opposite sides. The seat has a seat carrier 14 , a seat 16 and a backrest 18 on. The seat carrier 14 is to trained according to 1 to 3 on a spring joint module 1 to be attached.

The seat carrier 14 has a backrest support 65 on, in which the backrest wearer 17 is included. In the area of the backrest support 65 is an adjusting device formed with a hinge 67 intended. Furthermore, a trained as an actuating lever actuator 61 provided by means of which the adjusting device 67 locked and unlocked.

The backrest 18 is shown in shaded representation superimposed in a pivoted position, which is the pivotability of the backrest in the unlocked state of the adjustment 67 illustrated. The pivotability is further indicated by a movement arrow.

The in the 11A In particular, a specific embodiment for the in 6 schematically illustrated adjustability of the backrest 18 represents.

In 11B are by means of superimposed shaded representation in relation to 10 explained different positions of the synchronous mechanism 66 on a concrete embodiment of a seat 11 illustrated. Accordingly, the seat surface 16 and the backrest 18 each pivot angle .DELTA..alpha. and .DELTA..beta., which are in a gear ratio to each other.

The in the 11B illustrated embodiment provides in particular a concrete embodiment of the in 5 schematically illustrated adjustability of the synchronous mechanism 18 represents.

The in the 11A and 11B shown mobilities can with simultaneous unlocking of the synchronous mechanism 66 and the adjustment 67 as described with reference to the preceding figures as an asynchronous mechanism.

Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but is modifiable in a variety of ways.

For example, it would be conceivable that the spring element is designed as a solid ring which is elastically mounted with springs on the seat carrier coupling portion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Spring hinge module

2

Seat support coupling section

3

Fußkoppelabschnitt

4

main axis

5

spring joint

6

Spring element, spring washer

7

Control part, adjusting ring

8th

support cylinders

9

roller bearing

10

Office chair, office swivel chair

11

Seat

12

foot

13

foot column

14

seat support

15

lever

16

seat

17

backrest support

18

backrest

19

armrest

21

axis

22

axis

23

Verdrehwinkelpfeil

24

Verkipppfeil

25

Verkipppfeil

26

contact point

27

bearing point

31

inner securing extension

32

outer securing extension

33

threaded nut

34

outer cone

35

inner cone

36

pushpin

37

Tubular extension

38

hollow

39

undercut

40

washer

41

external thread

42, 43

washer

44, 45

Bolzenhalter

46

bolt

47

role

48

collar sleeve

49

central opening

50

recess

51

convex stamp

61

actuator

62

actuating member

63

height adjustment lever

64

support plate

65

Backrest support recording

66

synchronous mechanism

67

adjustment

A

first position

B

second position

α1, α2

Angular position of the carrier plate

β1, β2

Angular position of the backrest support

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 3513985 A1 [0002]
• DE 202012010417 U1 [0003]
• DE 4219599 C2 [0004]

Claims (15)

Office chair ( 10 ), in particular office swivel chair ( 10 ), with one foot ( 12 ) and a seat ( 11 ), a seat support ( 14 ), a seat ( 16 ) and a backrest ( 18 ), with a synchronous mechanism ( 65 ), which on the seat support ( 14 ) and the backrest ( 18 ) with the seat ( 11 kinematically coupled, with a spring joint module ( 1 ), which has a seat carrier coupling section ( 2 ) and a foot coupling section ( 3 ), each along a major axis ( 4 ) are arranged and together via a spring joint ( 5 ) resiliently perpendicular to the main axis ( 4 ) are tiltably connected, wherein the spring joint ( 5 ) an elastic element ( 6 ) and a co-operating actuating part ( 7 ), which are designed and arranged such that they are mutually a first position (A), in which the spring joint ( 5 ) is blocked, and a second position (B), in which the spring joint ( 5 ) is tiltable, the seat support ( 14 ) and the foot ( 12 ) via the spring joint module ( 5 ) are coupled together. Office chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic element ( 6 ) is stationary and the actuating part ( 7 ) relative to the elastic element ( 6 ) is provided rotatable and / or the flexibility of the spring joint ( 5 ) is infinitely adjustable between the first and the second position (A; B). Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element ( 6 ) rotationally symmetrical and / or as a spring ring ( 6 ) is trained. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating part ( 7 ) as with extensions ( 9 ) provided collar ( 7 ) is formed, in particular around the main axis ( 4 ) is rotatable. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastic element ( 6 ) on at least three bearing points ( 27 ) is mounted at a distance from the seat carrier coupling section and at least three by the projections (on the other side). 9 ) defined contact points ( 26 ) with the control part ( 7 ) is in contact. Office chair according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic element ( 6 ) at the support points ( 27 ) in line contact or at the contact points ( 26 ) of the extensions ( 9 ) in line contact, in particular radially to the main axis ( 4 ) is present. Office chair according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the bearing points ( 27 ) and the contact points ( 26 ) each uniformly around the circumference of the elastic element ( 6 ), the bearing points ( 27 ) in the first position (A) the contact points ( 26 ) are arranged directly opposite and in the second position (B) the contact points ( 26 ) at a distance to the bearing points ( 27 ) are arranged. Office chair according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that at the bearing points ( 27 ) and / or at the contact points ( 26 ) Backup processes ( 31 ; 32 ) for radially securing the elastic element ( 6 ) are provided and / or that the extensions ( 9 ) as roller bearings ( 9 ) which are designed to roll on the elastic element ( 6 ) and are designed for producing the line contact and / or that the bearing points ( 27 ) with bearing cylinders ( 8th ), wherein a secant, the bearing point ( 27 ) forming recess ( 50 ) on the support cylinder ( 8th ) is provided. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess ( 50 ) from one end of the support cylinder ( 8th ) extends to a paragraph which the backup extension ( 31 ) trains. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat carrier coupling section ( 2 ) a hollow chamber ( 38 ) with an undercut ( 39 ) and the foot coupling section ( 2 ) one in the undercut ( 39 ) engaging axial securing portion ( 37 . 33 . 42 . 43 ), which extends into the hollow chamber ( 38 ). An office chair according to claim 10, characterized in that the axial securing portion ( 37 . 33 . 42 . 43 ) as a tube extension ( 37 ) is formed, which with an attachable thereto attachment ( 33 . 42 . 43 ) in the undercut ( 39 ) and / or which extends through a central opening ( 49 ) of the spring ring ( 6 ) extends therethrough. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat support ( 11 ) relative to the foot ( 12 ) by the spring joint ( 5 ) resilient around all located in the horizontal plane pivot axes ( 21 ; 22 ) is tiltable. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by: - a lever ( 15 ), which at the control part ( 7 ) is mounted and by means of which the actuating part ( 7 ) by hand operation relative to the elastic element ( 6 ) is rotatable, and / or A form-locking cone connection between the seat carrier ( 14 ) and the seat coupling section ( 2 ) and / or between the foot coupling section ( 3 ) and the foot column ( 13 ) and / or - at least one axial pressure pin ( 36 ) in the spring joint module ( 1 ), which for transmitting a compressive force from the seat carrier ( 14 ) to the foot column ( 13 ) for triggering a foot ( 12 ) provided seat height adjustment is formed and having a pivotable with the spring joint training. Office chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjusting device ( 67 ) is provided for pivoting the backrest and / or for adjusting the backrest inclination, by means of which the backrest ( 18 ), in particular with regard to their inclination, independently of the synchronous mechanism ( 66 ) is pivotable and / or adjustable. An office chair according to claim 14, characterized in that an actuating element ( 61 ) is provided, by means of which the adjusting device ( 67 ) unlockable and in a desired position of the backrest ( 18 ) is lockable again.

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