DE102017104272B4 - Stepless friction joint - Google Patents

Abstract

A stepless friction joint comprising a fixed arm fixed to a fixed furniture element or to a fixed element of another article in which it is used, and a movable arm attached to a movable furniture element or to a movable element of another article in which it is used, containing clamping elements which are arranged in seats, pressure pads and friction pads, which are arranged between the Andrückunterlagen and the inner surfaces of the parts of the fixed arm, wherein the movable arm is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed arm in that the arms are connected to one another by means of a connecting element which acts on at least one pressure spring arranged between the connecting element and an articulated arm, characterized in that it has a star (3) which is located in an opening (8) of the movable arm (2). is stored and from a sleeve (3a) and a Umfa The plate (3b) projects beyond the side parts (5) of the star (3), the star (3) evenly distributed on the circumference of the plate (3b) teeth (4 ), wherein the teeth (4) of the star (3) each have a longer edge (9), which merges via a back (10) in a shorter edge (11), wherein the seats (13), in which the clamping elements (14) are spaces represented by shorter flanks (11) of the teeth (4), longer flanks (9) of the teeth (4) and portions of the edge (12) of the opening (8) of the movable arm (2 ) are limited, wherein the Andrückunterlagen (6) and the friction pads (7) on the side parts (5) from both sides of the star (3) are arranged.

Description

Field of Technology:

The invention relates to a continuously variable friction joint for positional locking of a movable element of an object in which it is mounted. Friction joints find particular use for the regulation of the position of a movable element in upholstered furniture pieces in any position, in particular for the regulation of the position of head, arm and footrests and backrests in chairs, armchairs, sofas and beds. Moreover, the invention may also be applied to other types of furniture, e.g. find use in cover elements and doors of kitchen and bathroom cabinets; It can also be used in the automotive industry, machinery industry and household items.

State of the art:

A joint, in particular for seating and reclining furniture, with two articulated arms connected in one direction to each other, one of which has a locking piece provided with a blocking area and the other bearing a locking member cooperating with the locking piece, to which a pivotable control lever is assigned; which is switchable under the action of the arm bearing the locking piece, is from the DE 12 53 961 A known. In this prior art joint is provided that on the pivot axis of the locking piece bearing arm rotatably mounted control lever is frictionally connected to the arm.

A known friction joint with the features of the preamble of claim 1 comprises a fixed arm, which is fixed to a fixed furniture element or to a solid element of another object in which it is used, as well as a movable arm, which on a movable furniture element , eg is fixed to a head or arm support or to a movable member of another object in which it is used. The movable arm is rotatably attached to the fixed arm. The joint comprises pressure pads and friction pads.

On the movable arm, between the elements of the fixed arm a form-fitting placed sleeve is arranged, which has in its central part a circumferential projection which projects beyond its side parts, wherein on both sides of the side parts Andrückunterlagen are arranged.

In an opening of the movable arm is immovably mounted relative to the movable arm an insert having a through opening, wherein recesses are introduced at the periphery of this opening. In the opening of the insert a form-fitting placed sleeve is arranged with its peripheral projection. The contours of the recesses provided in the insert and the contours of portions of the peripheral projection of the sleeve form seats in which the clamping elements are arranged. The recesses are evenly distributed around the circumference of the opening of the insert.

The clamping elements, which are arranged in the formed seats, may have the form of rollers, balls or curved wedges.

The clamping elements can be supported by the compression springs, which are placed in the seats next to the clamping elements.

The sleeve is positively connected to the pressure pads, so that during rotation, the sleeve and the pressure pads are fixed against each other and at the same time form supports for the friction pads on the sleeve projection.

The friction pads are disposed between the pressure pads and the inner surfaces of the parts of the fixed arm.

The articulated arms are connected together by means of a connecting element, e.g. a screw connected to a nut. Between the ends of the connecting element and the outer surfaces of parts of the fixed arm Andrückfedern, preferably disc springs are arranged. The compression of the pressure spring is regulated by the force with which the connecting element is tightened.

The movable arm has the shape of a simple flat bar. The fixed arm can be made of interconnected, cranked flat bars.

The movable arm contacts with the clamping elements and causes their compression in the seats according to the principle of a one-way clutch.

• - Falls mit dem beweglichen Arm in Richtung einer freien Regulierung ohne Reibungswiderstände gedreht wird, bleiben die in den Sitzen platzierten Klemmelemente zusammen mit den Reibunterlagen gegenüber dem festen Arm und den Andrückunterlagen unbeweglich. Es bewegt sich lediglich der an einem beweglichen Element, z.B. an einem Möbelelement fixierte bewegliche Arm.
• - Während der Bewegung in entgegengesetzte Richtung ruft der bewegliche Arm das Zusammendrücken der Klemmelemente in den Sitzen hervor. Es erfolgt eine Bewegung des beweglichen Arms zusammen mit den Klemmelementen und den Reibunterlagen gegenüber den Andrückunterlagen und dem festen Arm, wodurch es bei Drehung der Reibunterlagen zur Reibung zwischen den Reibunterlagen und den Andrückunterlagen auf der einen Seite und den Teilen des festen Arms auf der anderen Seite kommt. Diese Bewegung wird durch den Reibungswiderstand blockiert, der zwischen den erwähnten Gelenkteilen auftritt.

The operation of the known friction joint looks like this:

• - If the movable arm is rotated in the direction of free regulation without frictional resistance, the clamping elements placed in the seats, together with the friction pads, remain immovable relative to the fixed arm and the pressure pads. It moves only on a movable element, for example, fixed to a furniture element movable arm.
• - During the movement in the opposite direction, the movable arm calls the compression of the clamping elements in the seats out. There is a movement of the movable arm together with the clamping elements and the friction pads against the Andrückunterlagen and the fixed arm, whereby it upon rotation of the friction pads for friction between the friction pads and the Andrückunterlagen on one side and the parts of the fixed arm on the other side comes. This movement is blocked by the frictional resistance that occurs between the mentioned joint parts.

The rotation in one direction requires the overcoming of the frictional force, while the rotation in the opposite direction requires no application of force. It is essential that in any position of the movable arm can be returned to the starting position by overcoming the frictional force.

Disadvantages of the known solution:

The construction of the known friction joint makes it possible to block the position of a movable element, e.g. a furniture element in any convenient location for the user. There is no indirect angle limitation of the position of the movable element, because the lifting and lowering of this element is continuous and thus flowing.

The fact that apply to the joint solutions that work on the principle of a one-way clutch, the compression of clamping elements during the execution of movement is made possible with one of the arms. As a result, the rotation of the friction pads causes friction between these friction pads and the parts of the fixed arm.

This undoubtedly enhances the useful qualities in relation to the previously used joints with a gradual subsequent change of position of the movable element of a piece of furniture. However, the growing demands of consumers are forcing hardware manufacturers to introduce ever-newer designs that further enhance the usability of friction joints in terms of improving the effectiveness of their use, ease of operation, and smaller and smaller sizes with the same usage parameters.

Object of the invention:

In order to overcome the mentioned shortcomings and to adapt the construction of the joint to the increased use requirements, a stepless friction joint has been developed, the construction of which effectively blocks the position of a movable element, e.g. a piece of furniture element in any position during the stepless lifting and lowering of the movable element allows. The construction of the joint according to the invention simplifies the manufacturing technique of the joint and allows to reduce its dimensions with the same usage parameters.

The essence of the invention:

The stepless friction joint according to the invention, comprising a fixed arm which is fixed to a fixed furniture element or to a solid element of another object in which it is used, and a movable arm, which on a movable furniture element or on a movable element of another object in which it is used, containing clamping members which are arranged in seats, pressure pads and friction pads, which are arranged between the Andrückunterlagen and the inner surfaces of the parts of the fixed arm, wherein the movable arm relative to the fixed arm is rotatably mounted, wherein the arms are interconnected by means of a connecting element which acts on at least one arranged between the connecting element and an articulated pressure spring, characterized in that it comprises a star which is mounted in an opening of the movable arm and out a sleeve and a U mäng arranged sleeve of the sleeve, wherein the plate protrudes beyond the side parts of the star, wherein the star evenly distributed on the circumference of the plate teeth, wherein the teeth of the star each have a longer edge, which passes over a spine in a shorter edge, wherein the seats in which the clamping elements are arranged represent spaces delimited by shorter flanks of the teeth, longer flanks of the teeth and edge portions of the opening of the movable arm, the pressure pads and friction pads being from both sides of the star at the side parts of the star are arranged. The star in the locked state presses the clamping elements against the opening edge in the movable arm.

In one of the embodiments of the star, the sleeve and the plate are not detachable from each other and form a solid element, while in another embodiment, the sleeve and the plate are detachable from each other. The friction pads are supported on the star on Andrückunterlagen.

The star is - preferably releasably - connected to the Andrückunterlagen, in such a way that the star and the Andrückunterlagen are fixed against each other.

The star is rotatably mounted on a connecting element, preferably on a screw.

Advantages (favorable consequences of the application of the invention):

The construction of the stepless friction joint according to the invention makes it possible to block the position of a movable element, e.g. a furniture element in any convenient location for the user. There is no indirect angle limitation of the position of the movable element, because the lifting and lowering of this element is continuous and thus flowing.

In the joint according to the invention, there is the possibility of regulating the frictional resistance force associated with the action of the joint, which from the point of view of individual users is of essential importance. The adjustment of this force and thus the frictional resistance occurs earlier, e.g. a piece of furniture with said hinge. The power regulation is simple because it relies on turning the arms with a corresponding force and by rotating the connecting element, e.g. Tightening a nut on the screw. The fact that apply to the joint solutions that work on the principle of a one-way clutch, the compression of clamping elements during the execution of movement is made possible with one of the arms. As a result, the rotation of the friction pads causes friction between these friction pads and the parts of the fixed arm. In addition, thanks to the construction of the friction joint according to the invention, the transmission of a larger torque and the improvement of the manufacturing technology compared to known and previously used friction joints is made possible.

list of figures

• - 1 - ein Gelenk in einer Seitenansicht, mit einem Teilschnitt A-A,
• - 2 - das Gelenk in einer Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite,
• - 3 - einen Gelenkabschnitt im Schnitt B-B, mit rollenförmigen Klemmelementen und auf diese wirkenden Andrückfedern,
• - 4 - einen Gelenkabschnitt im Schnitt B-B, mit rollenförmigen Klemmelementen ohne die Anwendung von Andrückfedern,
• - 5 - einen Gelenkabschnitt im Schnitt B-B, mit rollenförmigen Klemmelementen und auf diese wirkenden Andrückfedern, wobei in dem Arm eine gehärtete Hülse gelagert ist,
• - 6 - einen Gelenkabschnitt im Schnitt B-B, mit rollenförmigen Klemmelementen ohne Andrückfedern, wobei in dem Arm eine gehärtete Hülse gelagert ist,
• - 7 - einen beweglichen Arm in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 8 - einen beweglichen Arm in einer Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite,
• - 9 -einen beweglichen Arm in einer Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite, mit einer in einer Öffnung des Arms gelagerten, gehärteten Hülse,
• - 10 - die gehärtete Hülse in einer Draufsicht,
• - 11 - die Hülse gemäß 10 in einem Querschnitt,
• - 12 - ein Element des beweglichen Arms in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 13 - das Element gemäß 12 in einer Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite,
• - 14 - einen Stern in einer Draufsicht, in einer an die Klemmelemente und an die Andrückfedern angepassten Variante,
• - 15 - den Stern gemäß 14 in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 16 - einen Stern in einer Draufsicht, in einer anderen Variante, die nur an die Klemmelemente angepasst ist,
• - 17 - den Stern gemäß 16 in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 18 - eine Andrückunterlage in einer Draufsicht auf ihre Flachseite,
• - 19 - die Andrückunterlage gemäß 18 in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 20 - eine Reibunterlage in einer Draufsicht auf ihre Flachseite,
• - 21 - die Reibunterlage gemäß 20 in einer Seitenansicht,
• - 22 - ein Gelenk in einer Draufsicht auf seine Flachseite, wobei das Gelenk in einer freien (nicht geklemmten) Lage und im Verriegelungszustand dargestellt ist und wobei die Lage des beweglichen Arms mittels Strichlinie gezeigt ist,
• - 23 - ein Gelenk im Schnitt B-B, mit Klemmelementen sowie Druckfedern, wobei das Gelenk in einer freien (nicht geklemmten) Lage und im Verriegelungszustand mit geklemmten Klemmelementen mittels Strichlinie dargestellt ist,
• - 24 - ein Gelenk im Schnitt B-B, mit Klemmelementen, wobei das Gelenk in einer freien (nicht geklemmten) Lage und im Verriegelungszustand mit geklemmten Klemmelementen mittels Strichlinie dargestellt ist,
• - 25 - ein Gelenk mit einer Hülse, im Schnitt B-B, mit Klemmelementen und Druckfedern, wobei das Gelenk in einer freien (nicht geklemmten) Lage und im Verriegelungszustand mit geklemmten Klemmelementen mittels Strichlinie dargestellt ist,
• - 26 - ein Gelenk mit einer Hülse, im Schnitt B-B, mit Klemmelementen, wobei das Gelenk in einer freien (nicht geklemmten) Lage und im Verriegelungszustand mit geklemmten Klemmelementen mittels Strichlinie dargestellt ist.

The object of the invention is illustrated in exemplary embodiments in the drawing, the figures of which show:

• - 1 - A joint in a side view, with a partial section AA .
• - 2 the joint in a plan view of its flat side,
• - 3 - A joint section in section BB , with roller-shaped clamping elements and on this acting pressure springs,
• - 4 - A joint section in section BB , with roller-shaped clamping elements without the use of pressure springs,
• - 5 - A joint section in section BB with roller-shaped clamping elements and pressure springs acting thereon, wherein a hardened sleeve is mounted in the arm,
• - 6 - A joint section in section BB with roller-shaped clamping elements without pressure springs, wherein a hardened sleeve is mounted in the arm,
• - 7 a movable arm in a side view,
• - 8th a movable arm in a plan view of its flat side,
• - 9 a movable arm in a plan view of its flat side, with a hardened sleeve mounted in an opening of the arm,
• - 10 the hardened sleeve in a plan view,
• - 11 - the sleeve according to 10 in a cross section,
• - 12 an element of the movable arm in a side view,
• - 13 - the element according to 12 in a plan view of his flat side,
• - 14 a star in a plan view, in a variant adapted to the clamping elements and the pressure springs,
• - 15 - according to the star 14 in a side view,
• - 16 a star in a plan view, in another variant adapted only to the clamping elements,
• - 17 - according to the star 16 in a side view,
• - 18 a pressure pad in a plan view of its flat side,
• - 19 - the pressure pad according to 18 in a side view,
• - 20 a friction pad in a plan view of its flat side,
• - 21 - the friction pad according to 20 in a side view,
• - 22 - A joint in a plan view of its flat side, the joint in a free (not clamped) position and in the locked state and with the position of the movable arm shown by dashed line,
• - 23 - a joint in the cut BB , with clamping elements and compression springs, wherein the joint is shown in a free (not clamped) position and in the locked state with clamped clamping elements by dashed lines,
• - 24 - a joint in the cut BB , with clamping elements, wherein the joint is shown in a free (not clamped) position and in the locked state with clamped clamping elements by dashed lines,
• - 25 - a joint with a sleeve, in section BB , with clamping elements and compression springs, wherein the joint is shown in a free (not clamped) position and in the locked state with clamped clamping elements by dashed lines,
• - 26 - a joint with a sleeve, in section BB , with clamping elements, wherein the joint is shown in a free (not clamped) position and in the locked state with clamped clamping elements by dashed line.

Description of the invention:

The continuously variable friction joint according to the invention comprises a fixed arm 1 which is fixed to a fixed furniture element or to a fixed element of another object in which it is used, as well as a movable arm 2 which is fixed to a movable furniture element, for example to a headrest or armrest or to a movable element of another object in which it is used. The movable arm 2 is opposite the firm arm 1 rotatably mounted. On the movable arm 2 , between the elements of the fixed arm 1 is a star 3 arranged, consisting of a sleeve 3a and one over the side panels 5 of the star 3 protruding platelets 3b consists. At the periphery of the plate 3b are even teeth 4 distributed. In a variant of the star 3 are the sleeve 3a and the slide 3b arranged inseparable from each other and form a solid element, while in another variant of the star 3 the sleeve 3a and the slide 3b are detachable from each other.

On both sides of the side panels 5 of the star 3 are Andrückunterlagen 6 as well as friction documents 7 placed, with the friction pads 7 between the pressure pads 6 and the inner surfaces of the parts of the fixed arm 1 are arranged.

The star 3 is in an opening 8th of the movable arm 2 stored. The teeth 4 of the star 3 each have a longer edge 9 that have a back 10 in a shorter flank 11 passes.

The rooms, which have shorter flanks 11 the teeth 4 , longer flanks 9 the teeth 4 as well as through sections of the rim 12 the opening 8th of the movable arm 2 are limited form seats 13 in which there are clamping elements 14 are located. There are preferably five seats 13 but it may also have fewer or more than five seats 13 give.

The clamping elements 14 who are in the trained seats 13 are arranged, may have the role or spherical shape.

In one variant is located in the seat 13 only one clamping element 14 , in another variant - a clamping element 14 and a compression spring 15 , In the last variant, the compression spring 15 in the seat 13 next to the clamping element 14 is placed and on the clamping element 14 supports.

If only in the seat 13 arranged clamping element 14 is used, then forms the longer, inclined flank 9 of the tooth 4 of the star 3 prefers a straight section. If in the seat 13 both the clamping element 14 as well as a compression spring 15 are located, then forms the longer, inclined flank 9 of the tooth 4 of the star 3 preferably two mutually inclined sections.

The star 3 is form-fitting, preferably solvable with the pressure pads 6 connected, in such a way that during the rotation of the star 3 and the pressure pads 6 are fixed against each other and at the same time supports for the friction pads 7 form. The positive connection of the star 3 with the pressure pads 6 comes through the chamfers 16 on the side panel 5 of the star 3 and by corresponding recesses 17 in the pressure pads 6 but it can also be produced in another way, eg by a splined profile or a polygon.

The poor 1 . 2 are connected to each other via a connecting element 18 connected, preferably by means of a screw 19 with a mother 20 , On the screw 19 is rotatable the star 3 arranged. Between the ends of the connecting element 18 and the outer surfaces of parts of the fixed arm 1 are pressure springs 21 , preferably arranged disc springs. The compression of the pressure spring 21 is regulated by the force with which the connecting element 18 is attracted.

The movable arm 2 can be made entirely of hardened steel. In another embodiment, the movable arm 2 consist of ordinary carbon steel, in which case in the opening 8th of the movable arm 2 a hardened sleeve 22 is pressed into it.

The movable arm 2 contacted with the clamping elements 14 and calls their squeezing in the seats 13 according to the principle of an overrunning clutch forth.

• - Falls mit dem beweglichen Arm 2 in Richtung einer freien Regulierung ohne Reibungswiderstände gedreht wird, bleiben die in den Sitzen 13 platzierten Klemmelemente 14 zusammen mit den Reibunterlagen 7 gegenüber dem festen Arm 1 und den Andrückunterlagen 6 unbeweglich. Es bewegt sich nur der an dem beweglichen Element fixierte bewegliche Arm 2.
• - Während der Bewegung in entgegengesetzte Richtung ruft der bewegliche Arm 2 das Zusammendrücken der Klemmelemente 14 in den Sitzen 13 hervor; der Stern 3 im Verriegelungszustand drückt die Klemmelemente 14 gegen den Rand 12 der Öffnung 8 in dem beweglichen Arm 2. Es erfolgt eine Bewegung des beweglichen Arms 2 zusammen mit den Klemmelementen 14 und den Reibunterlagen 7 gegenüber den Andrückunterlagen 6 und dem festen Arm 1, wodurch es bei Drehung der Reibunterlagen 7 zur Reibung zwischen den Reibunterlagen 7 und den Andrückunterlagen 6 auf der einen Seite und den Teilen des festen Arms 1 auf der anderen Seite kommt. Diese Bewegung wird durch den Reibungswiderstand blockiert, der zwischen den erwähnten Gelenkteilen auftritt.

The operation of the friction joint is described as follows:

• - If with the moving arm 2 turned in the direction of a free regulation without frictional resistance, remain in the seats 13 placed clamping elements 14 together with the friction pads 7 opposite the fixed arm 1 and the pressure pads 6 immobile. Only the movable arm fixed to the movable element moves 2 ,
• - During movement in opposite direction calls the movable arm 2 the compression of the clamping elements 14 in the seats 13 forth; the star 3 in the locked state presses the clamping elements 14 against the edge 12 the opening 8th in the moving arm 2 , There is a movement of the movable arm 2 together with the clamping elements 14 and the friction pads 7 opposite the pressure pads 6 and the firm arm 1 , which makes it when turning the friction pads 7 for friction between the friction pads 7 and the pressure pads 6 on one side and the parts of the fixed arm 1 on the other side comes. This movement is blocked by the frictional resistance that occurs between the mentioned joint parts.

The rotation in one direction requires the overcoming of the frictional force, while the rotation in the opposite direction requires no application of force. It is essential that in any position of the movable arm 2 can be returned to the starting position by overcoming the frictional force.

Claims (7)

A stepless friction joint comprising a fixed arm fixed to a fixed furniture element or to a fixed element of another article in which it is used, and a movable arm attached to a movable furniture element or to a movable element of another article in which it is used, containing clamping elements which are arranged in seats, pressure pads and friction pads, which are arranged between the Andrückunterlagen and the inner surfaces of the parts of the fixed arm, wherein the movable arm is rotatably mounted relative to the fixed arm in that the arms are connected to one another by means of a connecting element which acts on at least one pressure spring arranged between the connecting element and an articulated arm, characterized in that it has a star (3) which is located in an opening (8) of the movable arm (2). is stored and from a sleeve (3a) and a Umf the plate (3b) projects beyond the side parts (5) of the star (3), the star (3) evenly distributed teeth (4) on the circumference of the plate (3b) ), wherein the teeth (4) of the star (3) each have a longer edge (9), which merges via a back (10) in a shorter edge (11), wherein the seats (13), in which the clamping elements (14) are spaces represented by shorter flanks (11) of the teeth (4), longer flanks (9) of the teeth (4) and portions of the edge (12) of the opening (8) of the movable arm (2 ) are limited, wherein the Andrückunterlagen (6) and the friction pads (7) on the side parts (5) from both sides of the star (3) are arranged. Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that the star (3) in the locked state presses the clamping elements (14) against the edge (12) of the opening (8) in the movable arm (2). Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sleeve (3a) and the plate (3b) are not detachable from each other and form a solid element. Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that the sleeve (3a) and the plate (3b) are detachable from each other. Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that on the star (3), the friction pads (7) supported by Andrückunterlagen (6). Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that the star (3) - preferably releasably - with the Andrückunterlagen (6) is connected, in such a way that the star (3) and the Andrückunterlagen (6) are fixed against each other. Joint after Claim 1 , characterized in that the star (3) is rotatably mounted on a connecting element (18), preferably on a screw (19).

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