EP0309368A1 - Ergonomic chair - Google Patents

Ergonomic chair Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0309368A1
EP0309368A1 EP88440069A EP88440069A EP0309368A1 EP 0309368 A1 EP0309368 A1 EP 0309368A1 EP 88440069 A EP88440069 A EP 88440069A EP 88440069 A EP88440069 A EP 88440069A EP 0309368 A1 EP0309368 A1 EP 0309368A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seat
seat according
backrest
molded part
occupant
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP88440069A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0309368B1 (en
Inventor
Charles Heidmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Steelcase Strafor SA
Original Assignee
Strafor SA
Steelcase Strafor SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Strafor SA, Steelcase Strafor SA filed Critical Strafor SA
Priority to AT88440069T priority Critical patent/ATE86450T1/en
Publication of EP0309368A1 publication Critical patent/EP0309368A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0309368B1 publication Critical patent/EP0309368B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A47C7/441—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame with adjustable elasticity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/02—Rocking chairs
    • A47C3/025—Rocking chairs with seat, or seat and back-rest unit elastically or pivotally mounted in a rigid base frame
    • A47C3/026—Rocking chairs with seat, or seat and back-rest unit elastically or pivotally mounted in a rigid base frame with central column, e.g. rocking office chairs; Tilting chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A47C7/443—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame with coil springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new ergonomic chair, usable in particular as an office chair having exceptional characteristics of comfort and adaptability to the conformation and positions of its occupant.
  • this armchair relate in particular to the constitution of the seat-back set and more particularly the combination of means making this set comfortable and permanently adaptable to the occupant in any position. It is understood that this assembly is itself mounted on a base which, in known manner may preferably include height adjustment means, but this base will not be described here, and is not part of the invention.
  • the essential characteristic of the armchairs according to the present invention is to include a seat-back assembly in one piece whose flexibility with respect to the fixed base results from the combination of mechanical means and the properties of the material used for its construction.
  • an anterior portion of the seat being fixedly mounted on the base, the whole of the rear portion of the seat and of the backrest constitutes a single molded part, pivotally mounted on this front portion and comprising mechanical means ensuring the elastic tilting of this part, the portion of this part constituting the file having at the desired height according to the comfort of the seat a structure ensuring its controlled and limited deformation towards the rear.
  • Said mechanical means consist of the combination of a plate integral with the pivot axis of said molded part with at least one spring undergoing the pressure of this plate when said part rocks backwards under the effect of the weight of the occupying.
  • the hardness of the mechanism can be controlled by modifying the point of application of the pressure of the plate on the spring; for this purpose an adjusting screw allows to vertically move the end of the spring undergoing the action of the plate. Finally, in order to allow the blocking of said part in any tilting position, a lever accessible by the occupant can immobilize said plate at will.
  • the seat-back assembly thus constituting a single molded part, equipped with elastic tilting means which have just been described, the invention aims to combine, with these mechanical means, a back structure which allows the upper portion of this file to bend elastically backwards preferably at the height of the occupant's shoulders under the pressure of the body of this occupant.
  • a back structure is preferably of the type described in the patent application filed jointly with the present application for "semi-rigid structure with controlled ability to unidirectional deformation, usable in particular in the construction of ergonomic seats".
  • Such a structure comes by molding of said single molded part, and is, in the area concerned of the backrest, in the form of horizontal ribs, the portion of which is towards the back of the cork is thick and rigid while the portion located towards the front of the seat is thinned and rounded, in such a way that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest appears to include a series of very narrow gutters liable to crush under pressure of the occupant, allowing a slight and limited bending from the top of the backrest to the rear.
  • this configuration offers an additional advantage, allowing this seat to include another characteristic falling within the scope of the invention.
  • the metal structure with which the molded elements forming the seat and the back are associated is generally mounted in the axis of the seat.
  • this structure is transferred to the sides, and is in the form of a bowl made of metal tubes, the portion of which is substantially horizontal corresponding to the seat is located under the corresponding part of said molded part, while the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest up to the bending zone is located in front of the corresponding part of the molded part, these tubes therefore passing through this molded part in the connection area between the seat and the backrest.
  • the armrests can thus easily be attached to this bowl.
  • the front portion of the "seat" part of the molded part described above is also associated with a shoe allowing it to slide back and forth relative to the casing containing the aforementioned mechanical means intended for its elastic tilting. This results in a displacement relative to the pivot axis around which this tilting occurs, this displacement operating itself according to the configuration and the weight of the user.
  • the seat according to the invention resting on a fixed base with adjustable height generally designated by 10, has the fundamental characteristic of comprising a single seat-back assembly in a single molded part, designated by the global reference 11, whose displacements and deformations caused relative to the base 10 by the configuration and the positions of the occupant result from the combination of mechanical means, designated by the global reference 12 and the properties of 'a structure molded with the part 11 and designated by the global reference 13.
  • the single molded part 11 comprises a substantially horizontal portion 14, constituting the largest part of the seat cushion, and a substantially vertical portion 15, constituting as a whole the seat back.
  • the portion 14 is pivotally mounted around a horizontal axis 16, mounted at the rear of a fixed seat portion 17, integral with the base 10, and covering a casing 18, which encloses the part retaining mechanism 11 and in which is mounted the cylinder 19 allowing the height adjustment of the seat.
  • This portion 14 is rigidly secured to the portion 15, and the rearward flexing ability of the upper zone of the portion 15 is ensured by the structure 13.
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 there is shown the detail of the mechanism 12.
  • This mechanism consists of a support plate 20, permanently compressing the free ends 22 of two springs 21 a and 21 b , the other ends 23 of which are hooked to the front of the casing 18.
  • This plate 20 is integral in rotation with the pivoting axis 16, so that the tilting of the part 11 takes place in elastic opposition to springs 21.
  • Means for adjusting the spring retaining force 21 are provided in the form of a screw 24, operated by a button 25, accessible by the occupant outside the casing 18.
  • This screw cooperates with a threaded housing of a bar 26 joining the ends 22 of the springs 21, so that its rotation determines the modification of the height of the point of application of the springs on the plate 20, and as a result of the force to be applied to these springs to tilt the Exhibit 11.
  • a mechanism for blocking the mechanism is also provided, in the form of a push rod 26, pivotally mounted on the axis 23 at its front end, and the rear end 27 of which can immobilize the plate 20 against any displacement. forward.
  • the occupant has a lever 28 pivoting at 28 ′ acting by a finger 30 carried by an axis 29 on the height of inclination of the pusher 26.
  • a notched guide 31 defines a certain number of positions of the finger 30 , that is to say possible limits to the degree of inclination of the plate 20, therefore of the part 11.
  • this structure which comes from molding with the whole part 11, preferably made of polypropylene, consists of rigid blocks 5, spaced from one another by ribs 6 and joined by gutters 7, made of thinner and / or more flexible material, which constitute the only deformable portions of the structure.
  • each gutter being small, when a force is exerted on the structure in the direction F, the overall direction of the structure will pass from ZZ ′ to ZZ ⁇ , the angle Z′ZZ ⁇ being small, and function the number of gutters.
  • ribs 8 in the interior of the gutters, or some of them are provided, according to the invention. The control of the deformation of the structure therefore depends on two factors, which can be provided on request, namely the number of gutters 7 and the number of ribs 8.
  • the structure is deformable only in the direction F, and it is practically undeformable in the opposite direction.
  • This structure is original in itself, and is the subject of the joint patent application mentioned above. Its combination with the mechanism illustrated in previous figures 2 to 4 is also original and it is this which constitutes the subject of the present application.
  • the upper part 15 a of the backrest 15 can bend in a slight and limited fashion relative to the lower part 15 b , which ensures optimum comfort to the occupier.
  • this configuration of the single part 11 makes it possible to associate this part, or shell, 11, with a cradle or bowl in metal tube designated by the general reference 40 , and located entirely on the periphery of said shell.
  • this bowl comprises two horizontal tubes, namely the lower tube 41, which fits on the pivoting bar 16, and the upper tube 32, on which the lowest rib of the structure 13 hangs; it also comprises two bent side tubes 33 a and 33 b , the substantially horizontal portion of which is located under the seat 14, and the substantially vertical portion is situated in front of the backrest 15, these side tubes therefore passing through the part 11 at 34 a and 34 b (see Figure 1 ′).
  • This configuration of said bowl is also original and forms part of the invention. It is also thanks to this configuration that all the controls of this seat (button 25-lever 28- and dependent organs) can be housed in the casing 18, that is to say in the fixed part.
  • the different parts of the shell 11 are curved, as has been shown in part in Figure 1, and are intended in any case to be covered by the usual padding for this kind of seat.
  • the front seat area 17, instead of being fixed on the front portion of the casing 18, resting on the pivot axis 16, includes means allowing it to slide back and forth back on that portion.
  • These means consist of an intermediate piece 34 integral with the portion 17 and forming two lateral pads 35 (see FIG. 8), sliding on the lateral edges 36 of the casing 18.
  • the portion 17 is therefore movable from front to rear relative to the casing 18, and, consequently, relative to the axis 16, so that the tilting of the whole of the seat 14 takes place more or less at front or rear of the base 10, depending on the configuration of the weight of the user, who thus finds a third element of comfort.
  • the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8 still has an additional difference: while in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection between the front horizontal portion 17 and the rear horizontal portion 14 was on the axis 16, on the contrary, in the variant of FIG. 7, this connection is made at a certain vertical distance from the axis 16, which allows a certain flexibility for this connection , and consequently eliminates the "bar effect", detrimental to the comfort of the seat, which thus finds a fourth element of comfort by adaptation to the conformation of the user.

Abstract

Ergonomic chair comprising, mounted on a fixed base (10), optionally adjustable in terms of height, a seat/back assembly in a single piece (11), whose flexibility relative to the fixed base results from the combination of the mechanical means (12) and the properties of the material (13) used for its construction. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un nouveau fauteuil ergonomique, utilisable notamment comme fauteuil de bureau possédant des caractéristiques exceptionnelles de confort et d'adaptabilité à la conformation et aux positions de son occupant.The present invention relates to a new ergonomic chair, usable in particular as an office chair having exceptional characteristics of comfort and adaptability to the conformation and positions of its occupant.

Les particularités de ce fauteuil portent notamment sur la constitution de l'ensemble assise-dossier et plus particulièrement la combinaison de moyens rendant cet ensemble confortable et adaptable en permanence à l'occupant en toute position. Il est bien entendu que cet ensemble est lui-même monté sur un piètement qui, de manière connue peut comporter de préférence des moyens de réglage en hauteur, mais ce piètement ne sera pas décrit ici, et ne fait pas partie de l'invention.The particularities of this armchair relate in particular to the constitution of the seat-back set and more particularly the combination of means making this set comfortable and permanently adaptable to the occupant in any position. It is understood that this assembly is itself mounted on a base which, in known manner may preferably include height adjustment means, but this base will not be described here, and is not part of the invention.

La caractéristique essentielle des fauteuils selon la présente invention est de comporter un ensemble assise-dossier en une seule pièce dont la flexibilité par rapport au piètement fixe résulte de la combinaison entre des moyens mécaniques et les propriétés du matériau utilisé pour sa construction.The essential characteristic of the armchairs according to the present invention is to include a seat-back assembly in one piece whose flexibility with respect to the fixed base results from the combination of mechanical means and the properties of the material used for its construction.

Plus spécialement, une portion antérieure de l'assise étant montée fixe sur le piètement, l'ensemble de la portion postérieure de l'assise et du dossier constitue une pièce moulée unique, montée pivotante sur cette portion antérieure et comportant des moyens mécaniques assurant le basculement élastique de cette pièce, la portion de cette pièce constituant le dossier possédant à la hauteur voulue en fonction du confort du siège une structure assurant sa déformation contrôlée et limitée vers l'arrière.More specifically, an anterior portion of the seat being fixedly mounted on the base, the whole of the rear portion of the seat and of the backrest constitutes a single molded part, pivotally mounted on this front portion and comprising mechanical means ensuring the elastic tilting of this part, the portion of this part constituting the file having at the desired height according to the comfort of the seat a structure ensuring its controlled and limited deformation towards the rear.

Lesdits moyens mécaniques consistent en la combinaison d'une plaque solidaire de l'axe de pivotement de ladite pièce moulée avec au moins un ressort subissant la pression de cette plaque quand ladite pièce bascule vers l'arrière sous l'effet du poids de l'occupant.Said mechanical means consist of the combination of a plate integral with the pivot axis of said molded part with at least one spring undergoing the pressure of this plate when said part rocks backwards under the effect of the weight of the occupying.

La dureté du mécanisme peut être contrôlée par modification du point d'application de la pression de la plaque sur le ressort ; à cet effet une vis de réglage permet de déplacer verticalement l'extrémité du ressort subissant l'action de la plaque. Enfin, en vue de permettre le blocage de ladite pièce en toute position de basculement, un levier accessible par l'occupant peut immobiliser à volonté ladite plaque.The hardness of the mechanism can be controlled by modifying the point of application of the pressure of the plate on the spring; for this purpose an adjusting screw allows to vertically move the end of the spring undergoing the action of the plate. Finally, in order to allow the blocking of said part in any tilting position, a lever accessible by the occupant can immobilize said plate at will.

L'ensemble assise-dossier constituant donc une pièce moulée unique, équipée de moyens de basculement élastique qui viennent d'être décrits, l'invention vise la combinaison, avec ces moyens mécaniques, d'une structure du dossier qui autorise la portion supérieure de ce dossier à s'infléchir élastiquement vers l'arrière de préférence à hauteur des épaules de l'occupant sous la pression du corps de cet occupant. Une telle structure est de préférence du type décrit dans la demande de brevet déposée conjointement à la présente demande pour "structure semi-rigide à aptitude contrôlée à la déformation unidirectionnelle, utilisable notamment dans la construction des sièges ergonomiques".The seat-back assembly thus constituting a single molded part, equipped with elastic tilting means which have just been described, the invention aims to combine, with these mechanical means, a back structure which allows the upper portion of this file to bend elastically backwards preferably at the height of the occupant's shoulders under the pressure of the body of this occupant. Such a structure is preferably of the type described in the patent application filed jointly with the present application for "semi-rigid structure with controlled ability to unidirectional deformation, usable in particular in the construction of ergonomic seats".

Une telle structure, telle qu'elle est décrite dans ladite demande conjointe, vient par moulage de ladite pièce moulée unique, et se présente, dans la zone concernée du dossier, sous forme de nervures horizontales dont la portion située vers le dos du diège est épaisse et rigide tandis que la portion située vers l'avant du siège est amincie et arrondie, de telle manière que, vue par l'arrière, cette zone du dossier apparait comporter une série de gouttières très étroites susceptibles de s'écraser sous la pression de l'occupant, en autorisant une flexion légère et limitée du haut du dossier vers l'arrière.Such a structure, as described in said joint application, comes by molding of said single molded part, and is, in the area concerned of the backrest, in the form of horizontal ribs, the portion of which is towards the back of the cork is thick and rigid while the portion located towards the front of the seat is thinned and rounded, in such a way that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest appears to include a series of very narrow gutters liable to crush under pressure of the occupant, allowing a slight and limited bending from the top of the backrest to the rear.

Des butées prévues à l'intérieur des gouttières permettant de limiter encore l'amplitude de cette flexion, qui, dans l'exemple figurant dans ladite demande conjointe est de l'ordre de 1° d'angle par gouttière.Stops provided inside the gutters making it possible to further limit the amplitude of this bending, which, in the example appearing in said joint application, is of the order of 1 ° of angle per gutter.

Il convient de remarquer que cette configuration offre un avantage supplémentaire, permettant à ce siège de comporter une autre caractéristique rentrant dans le cadre de l'invention. En effet, dans les sièges antérieurs comparables, la structure métallique à laquelle sont associés les éléments moulés formant l'assise et le dossier est généralement montée dans l'axe du siège. Au contraire, selon l'invention, grâce au fait que l'ensemble assise-dossier est en une seule pièce moulée, cette structure est reportée sur les côtés, et se présente sous forme d'une cuvette réalisée en tubes métalliques dont la portion sensiblement horizontale correspondant à l'assise est située sous la partie correspondante de ladite pièce moulée, tandis que la portion sensiblement verticale venant renforcer le dossier jusqu'à la zone de flexion est située devant la partie correspondante de la pièce moulée, ces tubes traversant donc cette pièce moulée dans la zone de raccordement entre l'assise et le dossier. Les accoudoirs peuvent ainsi aisément être fixés à cette cuvette.It should be noted that this configuration offers an additional advantage, allowing this seat to include another characteristic falling within the scope of the invention. In fact, in comparable front seats, the metal structure with which the molded elements forming the seat and the back are associated is generally mounted in the axis of the seat. On the contrary, according to the invention, thanks to the fact that the seat-back assembly is in a single molded part, this structure is transferred to the sides, and is in the form of a bowl made of metal tubes, the portion of which is substantially horizontal corresponding to the seat is located under the corresponding part of said molded part, while the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest up to the bending zone is located in front of the corresponding part of the molded part, these tubes therefore passing through this molded part in the connection area between the seat and the backrest. The armrests can thus easily be attached to this bowl.

Enfin, on notera que toutes les commandes (réglage et blocage) sont incorporées dans la portion antérieure fixe de l'assise.Finally, it should be noted that all of the controls (adjustment and locking) are incorporated in the fixed front portion of the seat.

Selon une variante destinée à accroître le confort de ce siège, à la portion antérieure de la partie "assise" de la pièce moulée décrite ci-dessus est au surplus associé à un patin lui permettant de coulisser d'avant en arrière par rapport au carter renfermant les moyens mécaniques précités destinés à son basculement élastique. Il en résulte un déplacement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement autour duquel se produit ce basculement, ce déplacement s'opérant lui-même en fonction de la configuration et du poids de l'utilisateur.According to a variant intended to increase the comfort of this seat, the front portion of the "seat" part of the molded part described above is also associated with a shoe allowing it to slide back and forth relative to the casing containing the aforementioned mechanical means intended for its elastic tilting. This results in a displacement relative to the pivot axis around which this tilting occurs, this displacement operating itself according to the configuration and the weight of the user.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite plus en détail, dans un de ses modes de réalisation, correspondant au dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • - La figure 1 est une coupe schématique par le plan de symétrie vertical du siège.
  • - La figure 1′ est un détail simplifié et agrandi de la figure 1.
  • - Les figures 2a et 2b sont des coupes par le même plan du mécanisme de retenue élastique de l'ensemble assise-dossier.
  • - Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues de dessus du même mécanisme.
  • - La figure 5 est une vue perspective faisant apparaître la structure tubulaire en cuvette du siège,
  • - La figure 6 est une coupe schématique de la structure semi-rigide permettant la flexion contrôlée vers l'arrière du dossier.
  • - La figure 7 est une coupe partielle semblable à la figure 1, illustrant la variante de l'invention comportant des moyens de coulissement de l'assise.
  • - Et la figure 8 est une coupe schématique montrant la portion de patin de glissement sur le rebord du carter.
Dans toutes les figures, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références.The invention will now be described in more detail, in one of its embodiments, corresponding to the attached drawing in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a schematic section through the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat.
  • - Figure 1 ′ is a simplified and enlarged detail of Figure 1.
  • - Figures 2 a and 2 b are sections through the same plane of the elastic retaining mechanism of the seat-back.
  • - Figures 3 and 4 are top views of the same mechanism.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tubular structure in a bowl of the seat,
  • - Figure 6 is a schematic section of the semi-rigid structure allowing controlled flexion towards the rear of the backrest.
  • - Figure 7 is a partial section similar to Figure 1, illustrating the variant of the invention comprising means for sliding the seat.
  • - And Figure 8 is a schematic section showing the portion of sliding pad on the edge of the housing.
In all the figures, the same elements have the same references.

En se référant tout d'abord à la figure 1, on voit que le siège selon l'invention, reposant sur un piètement fixe à hauteur réglable désigné globalement par 10, présente la caractéristique fondamentale de comporter un ensemble unique assise-dossier en une seule pièce moulée, désigné par la référence globale 11, dont les déplacements et déformations provoqués par rapport au piètement 10 par la configuration et les positions de l'occupant résultent de la combinaison entre des moyens mécaniques, désignés par la référence globale 12 et les propriétés d'une structure venue de moulage avec la pièce 11 et désignée par la référence globale 13.Referring firstly to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the seat according to the invention, resting on a fixed base with adjustable height generally designated by 10, has the fundamental characteristic of comprising a single seat-back assembly in a single molded part, designated by the global reference 11, whose displacements and deformations caused relative to the base 10 by the configuration and the positions of the occupant result from the combination of mechanical means, designated by the global reference 12 and the properties of 'a structure molded with the part 11 and designated by the global reference 13.

Plus particulièrement, la pièce moulée unique 11 comporte une portion sensiblement horizontale 14, constituant la plus grande partie de l'assise du siège, et une portion sensiblement verticale 15, constituant dans son ensemble le dossier du siège.More particularly, the single molded part 11 comprises a substantially horizontal portion 14, constituting the largest part of the seat cushion, and a substantially vertical portion 15, constituting as a whole the seat back.

La portion 14 est montée pivotante autour d'un axe horizontal 16, monté à l'arrière d'une portion d'assise fixe 17, solidaire du piètement 10, et recouvrant un carter 18, qui renferme le mécanisme de retenue de la pièce 11 et dans lequel vient se monter le vérin 19 permettant le réglage en hauteur du siège.The portion 14 is pivotally mounted around a horizontal axis 16, mounted at the rear of a fixed seat portion 17, integral with the base 10, and covering a casing 18, which encloses the part retaining mechanism 11 and in which is mounted the cylinder 19 allowing the height adjustment of the seat.

Cette portion 14 est rigidement solidaire de la portion 15, et la faculté de fléchissement vers l'arrière de la zone supérieure de la portion 15 est assurée par la structure 13.This portion 14 is rigidly secured to the portion 15, and the rearward flexing ability of the upper zone of the portion 15 is ensured by the structure 13.

Si l'on se réfère maintenant aux figures 2 à 4, on y a représenté le détail du mécanisme 12.Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4, there is shown the detail of the mechanism 12.

Ce mécanisme se compose d'une plaque d'appui 20, comprimant en permanence les extrémités libres 22 de deux ressorts 21a et 21b, dont les autres extrémités 23 sont accrochées à l'avant du carter 18. Cette plaque 20 est solidaire en rotation de l'axe pivotant 16, de sorte que le basculement de la pièce 11 se fait en oppposition élastique aux ressorts 21.This mechanism consists of a support plate 20, permanently compressing the free ends 22 of two springs 21 a and 21 b , the other ends 23 of which are hooked to the front of the casing 18. This plate 20 is integral in rotation with the pivoting axis 16, so that the tilting of the part 11 takes place in elastic opposition to springs 21.

Des moyens de réglage de la force de retenue des ressorts 21 sont prévus sous forme d'une vis 24, manoeuvrée par un bouton 25, accessible par l'occupant à l'extérieur du carter 18. Cette vis coopère avec un logement fileté d'un barreau 26 réunissant les extrémités 22 des ressorts 21, de sorte que sa rotation détermine la modification de la hauteur du point d'application des ressorts sur la plaque 20, et par suite de l'effort à appliquer à ces ressorts pour faire basculer la pièce 11.Means for adjusting the spring retaining force 21 are provided in the form of a screw 24, operated by a button 25, accessible by the occupant outside the casing 18. This screw cooperates with a threaded housing of a bar 26 joining the ends 22 of the springs 21, so that its rotation determines the modification of the height of the point of application of the springs on the plate 20, and as a result of the force to be applied to these springs to tilt the Exhibit 11.

Ainsi, sur la figure 2a, ce point est situé vers le bas de la plaque 20, tandis que sur la figure 2b, il est situé tout en haut de ladite plaque, ce qui rend l'effort nécessaire, dont la dureté du mécanisme beaucoup plus élevée.Thus, in Figure 2a, this point is located toward the bottom of the plate 20, while in Figure 2b, it is located at the top of said plate, making the force required, the hardness of much higher mechanism.

Par ailleurs, un mécanisme de blocage du mécanisme est également prévu, sous forme d'une bielle poussoir 26, montée pivotante sur l'axe 23 à son extrémité avant, et dont l'extrémité arrière 27 peut venir immobiliser la plaque 20 contre tout déplacement vers l'avant. A cet effet, l'occupant dispose d'un levier 28 pivotant en 28′ agissant par un doigt 30 porté par un axe 29 sur la hauteur d'inclinaison du poussoir 26. Un guide cranté 31 définit un certain nombre de positions du doigt 30, c'est-à-dire de limites possibles au degré d'inclinaison de la plaque 20, donc de la pièce 11.Furthermore, a mechanism for blocking the mechanism is also provided, in the form of a push rod 26, pivotally mounted on the axis 23 at its front end, and the rear end 27 of which can immobilize the plate 20 against any displacement. forward. For this purpose, the occupant has a lever 28 pivoting at 28 ′ acting by a finger 30 carried by an axis 29 on the height of inclination of the pusher 26. A notched guide 31 defines a certain number of positions of the finger 30 , that is to say possible limits to the degree of inclination of the plate 20, therefore of the part 11.

L'invention reposant sur la combinaison de ce mécanisme avec la structure 13, on se réfère maintenant aux figures 5 et 6 pour expliquer la configuration et le rôle de cette structure.The invention being based on the combination of this mechanism with the structure 13, reference is now made to FIGS. 5 and 6 to explain the configuration and the role of this structure.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 6, on voit que cette structure, venue de moulage avec toute la pièce 11, de préférence en polypropylène, se compose de blocs rigides 5, espacés les uns des autres par des nervures 6 et réunis par des gouttières 7, en matériau plus mince et/ou plus souple, qui constituent les seules portions déformables de la structure.As can be seen in FIG. 6, it can be seen that this structure, which comes from molding with the whole part 11, preferably made of polypropylene, consists of rigid blocks 5, spaced from one another by ribs 6 and joined by gutters 7, made of thinner and / or more flexible material, which constitute the only deformable portions of the structure.

L'épaisseur de chaque gouttière étant faible, quand un effort est exercé sur la structure dans la direction F, la direction d'ensemble de la structure passera de ZZ′ à ZZ˝, l'angle Z′Z Z˝ étant faible, et fonction du nombre de gout­tières. Au surplus, pour limiter à volonté cet angle, on prévoit, selon l'invention, des nervures 8 dans l'intérieur des gouttières, ou de certaines d'entre elles. Le contrôle de la déformation de la structure dépend donc de deux facteurs, que l'on peut prévoir à la demande, à savoir le nombre de gouttières 7 et le nombre de nervures 8.The thickness of each gutter being small, when a force is exerted on the structure in the direction F, the overall direction of the structure will pass from ZZ ′ to ZZ˝, the angle Z′ZZ˝ being small, and function the number of gutters. In addition, to limit this angle at will, there are provided, according to the invention, ribs 8 in the interior of the gutters, or some of them. The control of the deformation of the structure therefore depends on two factors, which can be provided on request, namely the number of gutters 7 and the number of ribs 8.

Par ailleurs, par sa constitution même, la structure n'est déformable que dans la direction F, et elle est pratiquement indéformable dans la direction opposée. Cette structure est originale en elle-même, et fait l'object de la demande de brevet conjointe mentionée plus haut. Sa combinaison avec le mécanisme illustré aux figures 2 à 4 précédentes est également originale et c'est elle qui constitue l'objet de la présente demande.Furthermore, by its very constitution, the structure is deformable only in the direction F, and it is practically undeformable in the opposite direction. This structure is original in itself, and is the subject of the joint patent application mentioned above. Its combination with the mechanism illustrated in previous figures 2 to 4 is also original and it is this which constitutes the subject of the present application.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 5, c'est grâce à cette structure 13 que la partie supérieure 15a du dossier 15 peut s'infléchir de manière légère et limitée par rapport à la partie inférieure 15b, ce qui assure le confort optimum à l'occupant.As can be seen in FIG. 5, it is thanks to this structure 13 that the upper part 15 a of the backrest 15 can bend in a slight and limited fashion relative to the lower part 15 b , which ensures optimum comfort to the occupier.

Dans le cas d'un fauteuil à dossier galbé au moins dans sa portion centrale, c'est dans cette portion centrale qu'est située la structure, les portions latérales étant planes, comme il est décrit et illustré à la figure 5 de la demande conjointe précitée.In the case of an armchair with a curved backrest at least in its central portion, it is in this central portion that the structure is located, the lateral portions being flat, as described and illustrated in FIG. 5 of the joint request cited above.

Par ailleurs, comme on le voit également sur la figure 5 de la présente Demande, cette configuration de la pièce unique 11 permet d'associer cette pièce, ou coque, 11, à un berceau ou cuvette en tube métallique désignée par la référence générale 40, et située entièrement sur la périphérie de ladite coque. Ainsi, cette cuvette comporte deux tubes horizontaux, à savoir le tube inférieur 41, venant s'adapter sur la barre pivotante 16, et le tube supérieure 32, sur lequel vient s'accrocher la nervure la plus basse de la structure 13 ; elle comporte par ailleurs deux tubes latéraux coudés 33a et 33b, dont la portion sensiblement horizontale est située sous l'assise 14, et la portion sensiblement verticale est située devant le dossier 15, ces tubes latéraux traversant donc la pièce 11 en 34a et 34b (voir figure 1′). Cette configuration de ladite cuvette est également originale et constitue une partie de l'invention. C'est également grâce à cette configuration que toutes les commandes de ce siège (bouton 25-levier 28- et organes en dépendant) peuvent être logées dans le carter 18, c'est-à-dire dans la partie fixe.Furthermore, as can also be seen in FIG. 5 of the present Application, this configuration of the single part 11 makes it possible to associate this part, or shell, 11, with a cradle or bowl in metal tube designated by the general reference 40 , and located entirely on the periphery of said shell. Thus, this bowl comprises two horizontal tubes, namely the lower tube 41, which fits on the pivoting bar 16, and the upper tube 32, on which the lowest rib of the structure 13 hangs; it also comprises two bent side tubes 33 a and 33 b , the substantially horizontal portion of which is located under the seat 14, and the substantially vertical portion is situated in front of the backrest 15, these side tubes therefore passing through the part 11 at 34 a and 34 b (see Figure 1 ′). This configuration of said bowl is also original and forms part of the invention. It is also thanks to this configuration that all the controls of this seat (button 25-lever 28- and dependent organs) can be housed in the casing 18, that is to say in the fixed part.

Bien entendu, les différentes parties de la coque 11 sont galbées, comme on l'a fait en partie ressortir sur la figure 1, et sont destinées de toutes façons à être recouvertes par le capitonage usuel pour ce genre de siège.Of course, the different parts of the shell 11 are curved, as has been shown in part in Figure 1, and are intended in any case to be covered by the usual padding for this kind of seat.

Si l'on se reporte enfin aux figures 7 et 8, ony retrouve l'axe horizontal 16 autour duquel est montée basculante la portion horizontale 14 de la pièce unique 11, et qui est porté par le carte 18 renfermant le mécanisme décrit à propos des figures 2 et 4.If we finally refer to Figures 7 and 8, we find the horizontal axis 16 around which is tiltably mounted the horizontal portion 14 of the single piece 11, and which is carried by the card 18 containing the mechanism described in connection with Figures 2 and 4.

Selon cette variante de l'invention, la zone d'assise avant 17, au lieu d'être fixe sur la portion avant du carter 18, en reposant sur l'axe de pivotement 16, comporte des moyens permettant son glissement d'avant en arrière sur cette portion.According to this variant of the invention, the front seat area 17, instead of being fixed on the front portion of the casing 18, resting on the pivot axis 16, includes means allowing it to slide back and forth back on that portion.

Ces moyens consistent en une pièce intermédiaire 34 solidaire de la portion 17 et formant deux patins latéraux 35 (voir figure 8), coulissant sur les rebords latéraux 36 du carter 18.These means consist of an intermediate piece 34 integral with the portion 17 and forming two lateral pads 35 (see FIG. 8), sliding on the lateral edges 36 of the casing 18.

La portion 17 est donc mobile d'avant en arrière par rapport au carter 18, et, par suite, par rapport à l'axe 16, de sorte que le basculement de l'ensemble de l'assise 14 se fait plus ou moins à l'avant ou à l'arrière du piètement 10, en fonction de la configuration du poids de l'utilisateur, qui y trouve ainsi un troisième élément de confort.The portion 17 is therefore movable from front to rear relative to the casing 18, and, consequently, relative to the axis 16, so that the tilting of the whole of the seat 14 takes place more or less at front or rear of the base 10, depending on the configuration of the weight of the user, who thus finds a third element of comfort.

Au surplus encore, il convient de remarquer que, par comparaison avec la réalisation de la figure 1, la variante des figures 7 et 8 présente encore une différence supplémentaire : alors que dans la réalisation de la figure 1, le raccordement entre la portion horizontale avant 17 et la portion horizontale arrière 14 se faisait sur l'axe 16, au contraire, dans la variante de la figure 7, ce raccordement se fait à une certaine distance verticale de l'axe 16, ce qui autorise une certaine souplesse à ce raccordement, et élimine par suite l'"effet de barre", préjudiciable au confort du siège, qui trouve ainsi un quatrième élément de confort par adaptation à la conformation de l'utilisateur.Furthermore, it should be noted that, in comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8 still has an additional difference: while in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection between the front horizontal portion 17 and the rear horizontal portion 14 was on the axis 16, on the contrary, in the variant of FIG. 7, this connection is made at a certain vertical distance from the axis 16, which allows a certain flexibility for this connection , and consequently eliminates the "bar effect", detrimental to the comfort of the seat, which thus finds a fourth element of comfort by adaptation to the conformation of the user.

La description qui précède n'est donnée qu'à titre d'exemple de réalisation, et il est bien entendu que toutes les variantes qui pourront en être conçues entrent dans le cadre de la présente invention, tel qu'il est défini par les revendications ci-après, et dont le concept fondamentale réside dans la combinaison entre les moyens mécaniques et la flexibilité de la matière pour assurer le caractère ergonomique optimal du siège. Le mécanisme décrit ne représente donc pas une limitation ; la structure semi-rigide à flexibilité unidirectionnelle contrôlée, bien que représentant le moyen préféré à cet effet, pourrait être remplacée par toute autre structure équivalente ; le polypropylène est également le matériau préféré pour la coque moulée, mais pourrait également être remplacé par tout matériau équivalent. Le siège possédant ces caractéristiques peut être muni ou non d'accoudoirs prenant appui sur la cuvette tubulaire, c'est-à-dire constituer une chaise ou un fauteuil, dont les caractéristiques demeurent les mêmes.The foregoing description is given only as an exemplary embodiment, and it is understood that all of the variants which may be conceived thereof fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. below, and whose fundamental concept lies in the combination of mechanical means and the flexibility of the material to ensure the optimal ergonomic character of the seat. The mechanism described therefore does not represent a limitation; the structure semi-rigid with controlled unidirectional flexibility, although representing the preferred means for this purpose, could be replaced by any other equivalent structure; polypropylene is also the preferred material for the molded shell, but could also be replaced by any equivalent material. The seat having these characteristics may or may not be provided with armrests bearing on the tubular bowl, that is to say constitute a chair or an armchair, the characteristics of which remain the same.

Claims (12)

1. Siège ergonomique, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, monté sur un piètement fixe 10, éventuellement réglable en hauteur, un ensemble assise-dossier en une seule pièce 11 dont la flexibilité par rapport au piètement fixe résulte de la combinaison entre des moyens mécaniques 12 et les propriétés du matériau 13 utilisé pour sa construction.1. Ergonomic seat, characterized in that it comprises, mounted on a fixed base 10, optionally adjustable in height, a seat-back assembly in one piece 11 whose flexibility with respect to the fixed base results from the combination of means mechanical properties 12 and the properties of the material 13 used for its construction. 2. Siège selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'une portion antérieure 17 de l'assise étant montée fixe sur le piètement 10, l'ensemble de la portion postérieure 14 de l'assise et du dossier 13 constitue une pièce moulée unique, montée pivotante sur cette portion antérieure et comportant des moyens mécaniques 12 assurant le basculement élastique de cette pièce, la portion de cette pièce constituant le dossier possédant à la hauteur voulue en fonction du confort du siège une structure 13 assurant sa déformation contrôlée et limitée vers l'arrière.2. Seat according to claim 1, characterized in that a front portion 17 of the seat being fixedly mounted on the base 10, the assembly of the rear portion 14 of the seat and the back 13 constitutes a single molded part , pivotally mounted on this front portion and comprising mechanical means 12 ensuring the elastic tilting of this part, the portion of this part constituting the backrest having at the desired height depending on the comfort of the seat a structure 13 ensuring its controlled and limited deformation towards the back. 3. Siège selon les revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens mécaniques 12 consistent en la combinaison d'une plaque solidaire 20 de l'axe de pivotement 16 de ladite pièce moulée avec au moins un ressort 21 subissant la pression de cette plaque quand ladite pièce bascule vers l'arrière sous l'effet du poids de l'occupant.3. Seat according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said mechanical means 12 consist of the combination of a plate secured to the pivot axis 16 of said molded part with at least one spring 21 undergoing the pressure of this plate when said part tips backwards due to the weight of the occupant. 4. Siège selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte une vis de réglage 24 de la dureté dudit mécanisme, sa rotation, en coopération avec un filetage pratiqué dans une pièce 26 fixée à l'extrémité du ressort subissant l'action de ladite plaque, déterminant le déplacement vertical du point d'application de la pression du ressort sur la plaque.4. Seat according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a screw 24 for adjusting the hardness of said mechanism, its rotation, in cooperation with a thread formed in a part 26 fixed to the end of the spring undergoing the action of said plate, determining the vertical displacement of the point of application of the pressure of the spring on the plate. 5. Siège selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un moyen de blocage de la pièce moulée en toute position de basculement.5. Seat according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a means for blocking the molded part in any tilting position. 6. Siège selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit moyen de blocage est une bielle-poussoir 26′ actionnée par un levier extérieur pour venir buter contre ladite plaque.6. Seat according to claim 5, characterized in that said locking means is a push rod 26 'actuated by an external lever to abut against said plate. 7. Siège selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte, en combinaison avec lesdits moyens mécaniques, une structure du dossier qui autorise la portion supérieure de ce dossier à s'infléchir élastiquement vers l'arrière de préférence à hauteur des épaules de l'occupant sous la pression du corps de cet occupant.7. Seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises, in combination with said mechanical means, a structure of the backrest which allows the upper portion of this backrest to bend elastically towards the rear preferably at shoulder level of the occupant under pressure from the body of the occupant. 8. Siège selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que ladite structure se présente, dans la zone concernée du dossier, sous forme de nervures horizontales 5 dont la portion située vers le dos du siège est épaisse et rigide tandis que la portion 7 située vers l'avant du siège est amincie et arrondie, de telle manière que, vue par l'arrière, cette zone du dossier apparait comporter une série de gouttières très étroites susceptibles de s'écraser sous la pression de l'occupant, en autorisant une flexion légère et limitée du haut du dossier vers l'arrière.8. Seat according to claim 7, characterized in that said structure is present, in the area of the backrest, in the form of horizontal ribs 5, the portion located towards the back of the seat is thick and rigid while the portion 7 located towards the front of the seat is thinned and rounded, in such a way that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest appears to include a series of very narrow gutters liable to be crushed under the pressure of the occupant, allowing flexion light and limited from the top of the back to the back. 9. Siège selon les revendication 7 et 8, caractérisé en ce que des butées 8 prévues à l'intérieur des gouttières permettent de limiter l'amplitude de cette flexion.9. Seat according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that stops 8 provided inside the gutters limit the amplitude of this bending. 10. Siège selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, caractérisé en ce que, à ladite pièce moulée unique est associée une structure métallique se présentant sous forme d'une cuvette réalisée en tubes métalliques 33-34 dont la portion sensiblement horizontale correspondant à l'assise est située sous la partie correspondante de ladite pièce moulée, tandis que la portion sensiblement verticale venant renforcer le dossier jusqu'à la zone de flexion est située devant la partie correspondante de la pièce moulée, ces tubes traversant donc cette pièce moulée dans la zone de raccordement entre l'assise et le dossier.10. Seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, with said single molded part is associated a metal structure in the form of a bowl made of metal tubes 33-34 whose substantially horizontal portion corresponding at the seat is located under the corresponding part of said molded part, while the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest until the bending zone is located in front of the corresponding part of the molded part, these tubes therefore passing through this molded part in the connection zone between the seat and the backrest. 11. Siège selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des accoudoirs fixés à ladite structure métallique.11. Seat according to claim 10, characterized in that it includes armrests fixed to said metal structure. 12. Siège selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 11, caractérisé en ce que ladite pièce moulée unique est en polypropylène.12. Seat according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said single molded part is made of polypropylene.
EP88440069A 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 Ergonomic chair Expired - Lifetime EP0309368B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88440069T ATE86450T1 (en) 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 ERGONOMIC CHAIR.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8713248A FR2620607B1 (en) 1987-09-22 1987-09-22 ERGONOMIC SEAT
FR8713248 1987-09-22

Publications (2)

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EP0309368A1 true EP0309368A1 (en) 1989-03-29
EP0309368B1 EP0309368B1 (en) 1993-03-10

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EP88440069A Expired - Lifetime EP0309368B1 (en) 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 Ergonomic chair

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US (1) US4981326A (en)
EP (1) EP0309368B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE86450T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1285468C (en)
DE (1) DE3879062T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2039685T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2620607B1 (en)

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US10427762B1 (en) * 2018-04-25 2019-10-01 Matthew Gregory Mosher Boat seat
IT202100014576A1 (en) * 2021-06-04 2022-12-04 Pro Cord Spa Chair with flexible backrest

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Cited By (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0512194A1 (en) * 1991-05-08 1992-11-11 SIFA Sitzfabrik GmbH Tilt adjustment device for seats, in particular rotatable office chairs
EP0763338A1 (en) * 1995-09-13 1997-03-19 Paolo Favaretto A chair with a pivoting backrest
US5697673A (en) * 1995-09-13 1997-12-16 Favaretto; Paolo Chair with a pivoting backrest
NL1002523C2 (en) * 1996-03-04 1997-09-05 Rudimec B V Tilting office chair.
EP0793929A1 (en) * 1996-03-04 1997-09-10 Rudimec B.V. Adjustable office chair
EP2110051A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-21 Pro-Cord S.P.A. Chair
WO2014036043A1 (en) * 2012-08-29 2014-03-06 Hni Technologies, Inc. Resilient chair incorporating multiple flex zones
US8820835B2 (en) 2012-08-29 2014-09-02 Hni Technologies Inc. Resilient chair incorporating multiple flex zones
US10799028B2 (en) 2017-08-10 2020-10-13 NHI Corporation Chairs including flexible frames

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3879062T2 (en) 1993-08-26
ATE86450T1 (en) 1993-03-15
DE3879062D1 (en) 1993-04-15
FR2620607B1 (en) 1991-03-15
US4981326A (en) 1991-01-01
FR2620607A1 (en) 1989-03-24
EP0309368B1 (en) 1993-03-10
CA1285468C (en) 1991-07-02
ES2039685T3 (en) 1993-10-01

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