EP0049758B1 - Device for gradually adjusting the distance between two chair-parts - Google Patents

Abstract

Mechanism for stepwise adjustment of the distance between a primary element, attached to one part of a chair, and a secondary element attached to another part, characterized by: (a) two stop slides mounted on the primary element to slide in the direction perpendicular to the adjustment direction, between an opening position and a locking position, (b) a number of stop recesses in each stop slide, one above another in the adjustment direction, placed on a first side of each stop slide which faces the other stop slide, and open to the first side, with the stop recesses of the two stop slides lying opposite one another in pairs, (c) an elastic element for pushing the stop slides into the locking position, (d) a bolt passing between the stop slides, perpendicular to the adjustment direction and to the direction of displacement of the stop slides attached to the secondary element, and (e) a spreader mechanism with a mover mounted on the primary element such that it can be shifted parallel to the adjustment direction to displace the stop slides out of the locking position into an opening position with the paired stop recesses of the stop slides in the locking position engaging the bolt from both sides, while in the opening position the bolt can be moved parallel to the adjustment direction between the stop slides.

Description

The invention relates to a device for gradually adjusting the distance of a first element held on one chair part from a second element held on another chair part.

A number of different devices are already known for adjusting the distance between different chair parts, for example for adjusting the height of a seat back relative to the seat surface. Most of these devices require considerable design expenditure and take up a large amount of space, so that it is difficult to design such adjusting devices in an elegant and yet simple manner and with reliable functions (FR-A-2 322 569).

From DE-C-333 629 a chair adjustment is known in which sawtooth-shaped locking recesses in a locking slide interact with a correspondingly shaped edge of a guide sleeve A on a second chair part. The catches are accessible from the outside, so that there is a risk of injury and contamination.

The invention is based on the object of improving an adjusting device of the generic type in such a way that increased safety and still a small space requirement can be achieved with little design effort.

This object is achieved according to the invention in an adjusting device of the type described in the introduction in that a second latching slide is provided with latching recesses arranged one above the other, that both latching slides are slidably mounted on the first element transversely to the adjustment direction, that the latching recesses in each latching slide are on the other latching slide facing side of each locking slide and are open to this side, the locking recesses of the two locking slides opposite each other in pairs, that between the two locking slides perpendicular to the direction of adjustment and perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the locking slider, connected to the second element is arranged and that the wedge drive is provided with a slide which is displaceable parallel to the direction of adjustment on the first element, the locking recesses of the locking slide arranged in pairs locking the bolt in the locking position reach around from both sides, while in the open position between the locking slides it can be moved parallel to the adjustment direction.

The adjustment device according to the invention consists of a few parts, namely a first element connected to a chair part, two latching slides, a slider connecting them, an elastic force accumulator and a bolt passing between the latching slides, which is connected to the second element. The structure is therefore extremely simple, although the advantageous interaction of these few parts enables a safe and simple grid adjustment. For the adjustment it is sufficient to move the slide, whereby the two locking slides are moved from the locking to the open position. In this position the bolt can be moved between the two locking slides, so the distance between the two elements can be adjusted. When the slide is released, the locking slides are moved back into the locking position under the action of the elastic force accumulator, the locking recesses open on one side engaging around the bolt in the desired position from both sides and thus fixing the distance between the two elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the slide of the wedge drive carries two drivers arranged at a distance in the adjustment direction, the inclined guideways of which rest on the two locking slides; the guideways are preferably formed by the long sides of elongated holes arranged in locking slides through which the drivers pass.

This results in a defined displacement along their guidance for the two latching slides, which are displaceable transversely to the adjustment direction on the first element, when the slider, which is displaceable perpendicularly thereto, is actuated.

The drivers preferably penetrate elongated holes in the first element that run parallel to the adjustment direction, so that guiding the slide on the first element is thereby ensured at the same time.

It is also advantageous if the elastic energy accumulator is a compression spring which is supported on the one hand on the slide and on the other hand on the first element. This compression spring always shifts the slide into the position corresponding to the locking position, whereby by guiding the slide drivers on the guideways of the two locking slides, they are pushed indirectly into the locking position.

To mount the locking slide, slots extending perpendicular to the direction of adjustment can be provided therein, through which pins fixed on the first element pass, which preferably also pass through slots in the slide extending parallel to the direction of adjustment. These pins also contribute to guiding the slide on the first element.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first element has the shape of an elongated plate with an elongated elongated hole, that the two latching elements are also designed as elongated plates, which lie flat on opposite sides of the first element, the locking position projections arranged between the latching recesses partially cover the elongated hole in the first element, and that the slide is constructed in a U-shape with two arms formed by elongated plates which lie flat against the latching slides from the outside, which each have an elongated hole aligned with the elongated hole in the first element.

This configuration enables a particularly compact structure of the device and also allows a very economical production of the individual parts of the device.

It is advantageous if the locking slides have elongated holes, one long side of which carries the recesses which are open on one side.

The locking slides are preferably constructed identically and built into the device in mirror image.

The production of the parts is particularly advantageous if the first element and the locking slides are flat stamped parts.

The slide can advantageously also be constructed from stamped parts which form its two arms. The arms are cranked at one end and joined together along the cranked ends.

In the web of the slide connecting the two arms, a centering mandrel projecting into the interior can advantageously be used for a compression spring supported on the first element. In addition, on its side facing the web, the first element can carry lateral tabs which fix the compression spring supported on the first element transversely to the adjustment direction. The compression spring is fixed in the direction perpendicular to it by the arms of the slide.

The slide carries an actuating element.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the projections arranged between the latching recesses have at their end a region running perpendicular to the adjustment direction and that the latching slides in the locking position are at such a distance from one another that the opening formed by the two latching recesses extends perpendicular to the adjustment direction Areas is limited.

For example, the recesses can have a semicircular cross section, with rectilinear regions extending perpendicular to the adjustment direction adjoining the semicircle to the edge of the locking slide. This advantageous arrangement ensures that the bolt of the locking position which is encompassed by the recesses rests on regions of the latching slide which are arranged perpendicular to the adjustment direction, so that the bolt cannot exert any force displacing the latching slide in the open position on the latching slide when it is loaded . This ensures that the distance lock is retained even under heavy loads.

It is particularly advantageous if the assembly consisting of the first element, locking slide and slide is located inside a pipe section and is fixed in this by a fixed connection of the first element to the pipe section, when in the pipe section opposing longitudinal slots for those passing between the locking slides Bolts are provided and if the pipe section is telescopically displaceable in the second element, which is also made of pipe. This results in a particularly favorable arrangement of the device inside the pipe section, which in turn is guided telescopically in a pipe. The entire device is thus arranged in the interior of the two telescoping tubes, parts protruding outwards are not necessary.

A pin which extends through mutually opposite bores in the tube piece and through a bore in the first element can be provided for fastening the first element. It is advantageous if the pipe section on the side facing away from the second element is open, so that the slide can be actuated by the open end.

In a preferred embodiment, a chair back can be attached directly or indirectly to the first element, while the second element is attached directly or indirectly to a chair. The device then serves to adjust the height of the chair back relative to the seat.

• Fig. 1 eine Ansicht eines Stuhles mit einer erfindungsgemässen Verstellvorrichtung zur Höhenverstellung der Sitzlehne;
• Fig. 2 eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Höhenverstellvorrichtung mit den Rastschiebern in Verriegelungsstellung;
• Fig. 3 eine Ansicht ähnlich Fig. 2 mit den Rastschiebern in Öffnungsstellung;
• Fig. 4 eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 4-4 in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 5 eine Schnittansicht längs Linie 5-5 in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 6 eine Draufsicht auf einen Arm des Schiebers der in den Fig. 2 bis 5 dargestellten Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 7 eine Draufsicht auf einen Rastschieber der in den Fig. 2 bis 5 dargestellten Vorrichtung;
• Fig. 8 eine Draufsicht auf das erste Element der in den Fig. 2 bis 5 dargestellten Vorrichtung.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawing for a more detailed explanation. Show it:

• Figure 1 is a view of a chair with an inventive adjustment device for height adjustment of the seat back.
• 2 shows a view of a height adjustment device according to the invention with the locking slides in the locking position;
• Fig. 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 with the locking slide in the open position.
• Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 2;
• Fig. 6 is a plan view of an arm of the slider of the device shown in Figs. 2 to 5;
• 7 shows a plan view of a locking slide of the device shown in FIGS. 2 to 5;
• Fig. 8 is a plan view of the first element of the device shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

A preferred embodiment of the adjusting device according to the invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. This comprises an elongated, plate-shaped first element 1, two likewise elongated, plate-shaped locking slides 2 and 3, which lie flat on opposite sides of the first element 1, and a U-shaped slider 4 with likewise elongated, plate-shaped arms 5 and 6, which lie flat with their inside on the outside of the two locking slides 2 and 3 (Fig. 4). The design of the arms of the U-shaped slide, the locking slide and the first element results from FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 respectively.

The first element 1 has an elongated elongated hole 7 in its central region, on both sides of the same each have a bore 8 or 9 and at an even greater distance from the elongated hole 7 on both sides each also a longitudinally extending elongated hole 10 or 11, the elongated holes and bores being arranged symmetrically to the center line of the first element.

At one end, a bore 12 is also arranged on the center line of the first element.

At the opposite end, the first element is provided with two upwardly projecting tabs 13 and 14, the distance from which corresponds to the outside diameter of a compression spring described in more detail below.

The locking slides 2 and 3 also have an elongated hole 15 which has on one longitudinal edge towards the elongated hole 15 open recesses 16 which are arranged at a distance from one another, while the opposite side of the elongated hole passes straight through. The locking recesses have a substantially semicircular cross section, the center of the locking recesses being a small distance from the elongated hole side. A region 17 running perpendicular to the elongated hole side adjoins the semicircular contour of the recesses 16. There are therefore projections 18 between adjacent latching recesses, the contour of which in the area near the slot extends perpendicular to the expansion of the slot.

The length of the elongated hole 15 corresponds to the length of the elongated hole 7 in the first element 1.

On both sides of the elongated hole 15 there are elongated holes 19 and 20 running transversely to the longitudinal extent of the elongated hole 15, the spacing from one another being the mutual spacing. corresponds to the holes 8 and 9 in the first element 1.

Furthermore, parallel, oblique slots 21 and 22 are provided in the two end regions of the locking slide, the meaning of which will be explained in more detail.

The two locking slides 2 and 3 are constructed identically, both the first element 1 and the locking slides 2 and 3 are flat stamped parts.

The arms 5 and 6 of the slide 4 are stamped parts which are cranked at one end; in this area the laterally offset end areas 23 and 24 lie flat against one another and are welded together, for example. These end areas form the web of the U-shaped slide.

The end regions 23 and 24 of the arms are punched out in the middle, so that an opening is created in the web of the slide, through which a centering mandrel 25 is inserted. The centering mandrel is welded to the slide such that a conical end 26 passes through the web into the space between the two arms 5 and 6, while the opposite end 27 of the centering mandrel 25 extends beyond the end regions 23 and 24 of the slide 4 (Fig. 4). Both arms 5 and 6 of the slide have an elongated hole 28 running along their center line, which is formed wider in its central region 29 than in its two end parts 30 and 31. The central region 29 is somewhat longer than the elongated holes 7 and 15 in first element or in the locking slides.

On both sides of the elongated hole 28 there is a bore 32 or 33, the center points of which also lie on the center line of the arms.

The individual parts described in detail above are combined to form a structural unit in the manner shown in FIGS. 2 to 5. For this purpose, the two locking slides of the same design are arranged on the opposite side of the first element, the package made up of the first element and the two locking slides is inserted between the arms of the slide, the spacing of which corresponds exactly to the package thickness.

For the mutual fixation of these parts serve first two pins 34 and 35, which through the end parts 30 and 31 of the elongated hole 28 of the two arms, through the transverse elongated holes 19 and 20 of the two locking slides and through the bores 8 and 9 of the first Element. These pins can be rivets, for example.

These two pins ensure that the two locking slides on the first element are held displaceably transversely to their longitudinal extent, while the slider is displaceable relative to the first element parallel to the longitudinal extent.

Between the web of the U-shaped slider and the end face of the first element 1 facing it, a compression spring 36 is inserted, which surrounds the conical end 26 of the centering mandrel 25 on one side and abuts the end face of the first element on the other side. Lateral displacement of the compression spring 36 is avoided on the one hand by the tabs 13 and 14 and on the other hand by the inside of the arms 5 and 6 (cf. FIGS. 2 and 4).

Through the holes 32 and 33 of the arms, the oblique slots 21 and 22 of the locking slide and the slots 10 and 11 of the first element driving pins 37 and 38 are also inserted, which could also be formed by rivets. These driver pins 37 and 38, which are fixed in the bores 32 and 33 of the slide, can be displaced when the slide is moved along the elongated holes 10 and 11 of the first element. In addition, they move along the oblique slots 21 and 22 of the locking slide, which are inevitably displaced perpendicular to their longitudinal extent. The elongated holes 21 and 22 are arranged in the latching slides in such a way that the latching slides are in a so-called locking position when the slider is not displaced, i.e. when the compression spring 36 is relaxed, in which the projections 18 arranged between the latching recesses 16 define the elongated holes 7 and 28 in the first element or partially cover the arms of the slide. The exact position will be through the slots 19 and 20 in the locking slides true, which act as stops against the pins 34 and 35. In the locking position, the sides of the two locking slides provided with locking recesses only move so far that the openings formed by the locking recesses arranged in pairs have areas running perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the elongated hole 18. In other words, the locking slides do not approach so far that the arcuate contours of the locking recesses directly overlap.

When the slide is moved against the action of the compression spring 36, the locking slides are pushed apart by the driving pins 37 and 38 running in the oblique elongated holes 21 and 22, to the extent that a gap running parallel to the elongated hole 15 is formed between the projections 18. This gap preferably has the same width as the elongated hole 7 of the first element.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing, the structural unit described in detail up to now is arranged inside a pipe piece 39. For this purpose, a holding pin 42 is inserted through two mutually opposite bores 40 and 41 in the pipe section 39 and through the bore 12 in the first element, which fixes the structural unit in the axial section in the pipe section. The pipe section 39 has two mutually opposite longitudinal slots 43 and 44 which are aligned with the longitudinal slot 7 in the first element and have at least the same length.

The pipe section 39 slides telescopically in a pipe 45 which carries a bolt 46 held in the two walls and diametrically penetrating the pipe. This protrudes through the longitudinal slots 43 and 44 in the pipe section 39, through the elongated holes 29 in the two arms of the slide, through the elongated holes 15 in the two locking slides and through the elongated hole 7 in the first element.

The tube 45 provided with the bolt 46 is also referred to below as the «second element», the distance of which from the «first element 1» can be adjusted by the device described above.

The pipe section 39 is open at its end 47 facing away from the pipe 45. The slider 4 can be actuated through this opening. For this purpose, he preferably carries an actuating button 48 pushed onto the projecting end 27 of the centering mandrel 25, which either. protrudes from the pipe section 39 or is arranged in this in such a way that it is arranged in the locking position with its actuating surface a little below the edge of the pipe section. The latter arrangement has the advantage that the slide cannot be operated unintentionally.

As shown in Fig. 1, the pipe section 39 can support the seat back of a chair, while the tube 45 is designed as a seat back support and is connected to the seat surface or the lower part of the chair.

During operation of the adjustment device according to the invention, the slide 4 is displaced under the influence of the compression spring 36 in such a way that the two locking slides are in the locking position in which two locking recesses of the two locking slides, which are located opposite one another in pairs, grip the bolt from both sides and thus its position relatively fix to the first element.

In order to change the mutual distance between the first and the second element, the slide 4 is displaced against the force of the compression spring 36. As a result, the two locking slides are pushed apart by the drive pins 37 and 38 forming a wedge drive and the oblique elongated holes 21 and 22 in the locking slides until the gap between them enables the bolt 46 to be freely moved along the elongated holes 7, 15 and 28. As soon as the desired position of the bolt 46 has been determined, the slide 4 is released, which, under the influence of the compression spring 36, reaches its starting position and in the process also moves the two locking slides towards one another again. Corresponding to the new position of the bolt 46, other locking recesses lying opposite one another in pairs now grip the bolt and fix it in the new position.

Due to the fact that the openings formed by mutually opposite latching recesses have areas running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated holes 15 (adjustment direction), the bolt 46 will rest on these areas running perpendicular to the adjustment direction. He can therefore not exert a force pushing the two locking slides apart on them, so that these areas which run perpendicular to the direction of adjustment ensure that the distance between the two elements cannot be inadvertently brought about under load.

The manufacture of the device according to the invention is extremely simple, as is the assembly.

All essential parts can be produced as stamped parts, the slide being easily produced from two stamped parts and the centering mandrel by welding.

For assembly, all that is required is to place the parts in the correct arrangement, with the compression spring inserted between the centering mandrel and the first element. The pins 34 and 35 and the driver pins 37 and 38 are then inserted and fixed, which is particularly simple when using rivets.

The unit obtained is then inserted into the pipe section and fixed by inserting the retaining pin 42. The tube piece with the adjusting device arranged therein is then pushed into the outer tube 45 and the entire device is assembled by inserting the bolt 46, which can then be permanently connected to the outer tube 45, for example by riveting.

The device described has the advantage that it is completely tele inside the two There is room for scoping tubes, the device is not visible from the outside. This applies in particular when the bolt 46 is riveted to the tube 45, since this can be done flush with the outer surface of the tube.

The actuation is extremely easy, it is sufficient to move the slide by pressing the actuation button 48 and to release it after the adjustment. The device also has the necessary security, since an unintentional adjustment of the distance between the two elements is not possible because of the contour of the openings surrounding the bolt 46 which is perpendicular to the adjustment direction.

Claims (19)

1. Apparatus for the stepwise adjustment of the distance of a first element (1) held on one part of a chair from a second element (2) held on another part of the chair, having a notched slide (2 or 3) which is mounted on the first element (1) so as to be displaceable between an open position and a locking position an which comprises a plurality of notch recesses (16) arranged one above the other in the adjustment direction, and having a resilient power reservoir (36) for the displacement of the notched slide (2 or 3) into the locking position and having a wedge drive for the displacement of the notched slide (2 or 3) from the locking position into an opening position, characterized in that a second notched slide (3 or 2) with notch recesses (16) arranged one above the other is provided, both notched slides (2 and 3) are mounted on the first element (1) so as to be displaceable transversely to the adjustment direction, the notch recesses (16) in each notched slide (2 and 3) are arranged on the side of each notched slide facing the other notched slide in each case and are open towards this side, the notch recesses (16) of the two notched slides (2 and 3) lying opposite one another in pairs, a pin (46), which passes through between the two notched slides (2 and 3) perpendicular to the adjustment direction and perpendicular to the displacement direction of the notched slides (2 and 3) and which is joined to the second element (45), is provided, and the wedge drive is provided with a slide (4) mounted on the first element (1) so as to be displaceable parallel to the adjustment direction, the notch recesses (16) of the notched slides arranged in pairs embracing the pin (46) from both sides in the locking position, while it is displaceable parallel to the adjustment direction between the notched slides (2 and 3) in the open position.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide (4) of the wedge drive is provided with entrainment members (37, 38) which are arranged at a distance in the adjustment direction and which rest on obliquely extending guide paths (21, 22) on the two notched slides (2, 3).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide paths are formed by the longitudinal sides of elongate holes (21, 22) which are arranged in the notched slides (2, 3) and through which pass the entrainment members (37, 38).

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the entrainment members (37,38) at the same time pass through elongate holes (10, 11) in the first element (1) which extend parallel to the adjustment direction.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the resilient power reservoir is a compression spring (36) supported on the slide (4) on the one hand and on the first element (1) on the other hand.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to mount the notched slides (2, 3), elongate holes (19, 20), which extend perpendicular to the adjustment direction and through which pass pins (34, 35) fixed to the first element (1), are provided in the said notched slides (2, 3).

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the pins (34, 35) also pass through elongate holes (30, 31 ) in the slide (4) which extend parallel to the adjustment direction.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first element (1) is in the form of an elongate plate with an elongate hole (7) extending longitudinally, the two notched slides (2, 3) are likewise formed as elongate plates which rest flat on the first element (1) on opposite sides thereof, the projections (18) interposed between the notch recesses (16) partially covering the elongate hole (7) in the first element (1) in the locking position, and the slide (4) is made U-shaped with two arms (5, 6), which are formed by elongate plates and rest flat on the notched slides (2, 3) from the outside and each have an elongate hole (28) in alignment with the elongate hole (7) in the first element (1).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the notched slides (2, 3) have elongate holes (15) which extend longitudinally and one longitudinal side of which is provided with the recesses (16) open on one side.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notched slides (2, 3) are designed in a similar manner and are inserted in the apparatus in a mirror-inverted manner.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first element (1) and the notched slides (2, 3) are flat stamped parts.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a centring mandrel (25) projecting into the inside for the compression spring (36) supported on the first element (1) is inserted into the cross-member of the slide (4) connecting the two arms (5, 6).

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that on its side facing the cross-member the first element (1) has lateral lugs (13, 14) which fix the compression springs (36) supported on the first element (1) transversely to the adjustment direction.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slide (4) supports an actuating element (48).

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projections (18) disposed between the notch recesses (16) are provided at their end with an area (17) extending perpendicular to the adjustment direction, and the notched slides (2, 3) are at such a distance away from one another in the locking position that the opening formed by the two notch recesses (16) is bounded by these areas extending perpendicular to the adjustment direction.

16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structural unit comprising the first element (1), the notched slides (2, 3) and the slide (4) is disposed in the interior of a tube section (39) and is fixed therein by a firm connexion of the first element (1) to the tube section (39), elongate slots (43, 44) opposite one another for the pin (46) passing through between the notched slides (2, 3) are provided in the tube section (39), and the tube section (39) is telescopically displaceable in the second element, likewise formed as a tube (45).

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that a pin (42) inserted through bores (40, 41) disposed opposite one other in the tube section (39) and through a bore (12) in the first element (1) is provided for securing the first element (1).

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube section (39) is open on the side remote from the second element (tube 45), so that the slide (4) is actuable through the open end.

19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a back rest is secured directly or indirectly to the first element (1), while the second element (45) is secured directly or indirectly to a chair.

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