EP2000056A1 - Flexible backrest for a work chair - Google Patents

Abstract

Two springs (2,3) spiraling lengthwise parallel to each other and with a mutual clearance from each other extend over the whole vertical length of a backrest. A system (10) of connecting rods consists of three linking points (18,20) on each spring. These linking points define four separate sections (6-9) of the springs. The system of connecting rods includes an upper connecting-rod triangle/wishbone with its connecting-rod arms interlinked in a torque-proof manner and their base designed as a pivot bearing fitted on a free front end of a spring (15).

Description

The invention relates to a flexible backrest for a work chair according to the preamble of claim 1.

With the subject of DE 10 2004 032 765 A1 an office chair with a flexible back has become known, wherein the back has a plastic profile with a plurality of chambers which are arranged horizontally extending in the backrest and wherein the backrest with the chair frame about a horizontal axis below the vertical center of the back, from but the lower end of the back is spaced, stored.

With the formation of hollow chambers, it is possible to form the flexible back approximately double-S-shaped, in order to adapt them in an optimal manner to the human spine.

In this document DE 10 2004 032 765 A1 and also in the EP 1 619 072 A2 In addition, an air chamber system is described, which allows the hardness of the flexible backrest is adjustable. With such an arrangement, however, it is not possible to dynamically exert a certain pressure distribution on the spinal column when changing the human spine during sitting. In particular, it is not possible to counteract a so-called round back, which is characterized by the fact that the lumbar spine in the area of the iliac crest tilts back and thereby the. Thoracic spine falls arcuately forward. Such a posture is ergonomically unfavorable and should be avoided. The cited documents provide no measures to avoid such an unphysiological attitude.

The US 2006/0181126 A1 also describes a flexible backrest, are installed in the horizontal slats, which may also be bendable. Even with these flexible blades, however, it is not possible to counteract an undesirable tilting back of the iliac crest when changing the sitting posture.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a flexible backrest for a work chair of the type mentioned so that a non-physiological sitting posture is prevented in forming a round back and associated with rearward tilting of the iliac crest.

To solve the problem, the invention is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 1.

An essential feature of the invention is that at least one longitudinally extending longitudinal spiral spring is arranged in the region of the backrest, which is pivotably articulated to a backrest support via an associated linkage system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred if there are a total of two parallel to each other and a mutual distance from each other engaging longitudinal bending springs, with the longitudinal bending springs in their length preferably to adapt to the entire length of the spine to be supported.

With the given technical teaching, therefore, there is the significant advantage that it is now possible for the first time dynamically replicate the double-S shape of the spine - regardless of the sitting position of the back - and always a constant pressure on the spine with the help of said longitudinal torsion springs exercise.

According to the invention, the longitudinal torsion springs are supported by a handlebar system, there is the further essential feature that it is now possible due to the formation of the handlebar system to counteract Nachhintenkippen the iliac crest by the handlebar system is designed so that in a tilting back iliac crest the Longitudinal spring creates a strong back pressure against the iliac crest so that the user feels the backrest against the back tilting iliac crest is created a strong back pressure and he is taught that this posture is unphysiological and undesirable.

As it were, there is a "silent training" of the user, who feels that the sitting posture is unphysiological and undesirable in the case of an increasing pressure of the longitudinal torsion springs on the iliac crest. He then has the opportunity to correct this posture.

It is therefore an unconscious training of the user, which counteracts a round back.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the link system consists of three articulation points on the longitudinal spiral spring, wherein the three articulation points define a total of four separate sections of the longitudinal bending spring.

More specifically, the link system consists of an upper wishbone, the link arms are rotatably connected to each other and whose base is formed as a pivot bearing, which is arranged at the free front end of a leaf spring.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the formation of a leaf spring. Instead of a leaf spring, all other power storage can be used, such. As elastomeric springs, gas springs, coil springs, torsion springs, coil springs and the like.

It is important that the wishbone is rigid and that the pivot bearing is located in the region of the bendable end of the leaf spring in order to avoid a too rigid seat impression in the area of the thoracic spine.

Here, therefore, the longitudinal bending spring in the direction of the backrest support is resilient, so that the posture is maintained upright and does not push the thoracic spine forward and is tilted.

Furthermore, it is essential that at the distance from the above-mentioned wishbone another, simple handlebar connects, which defines a further section in the region of the longitudinal bending spring. This section is very important because this wishbone defines a lordosis area and a subsequent iliac crest area of the respective longitudinal spring.

If the upper wishbone is actuated by a pressure in the area of the thoracic vertebrae, the longitudinal bending spring therefore pivots in the direction of the backrest support, namely in the upper area of the wishbone at the same time. This presses the upper portion of the longitudinal spring in the neck area and upper thoracic area against the upper neck area and thoracic area. This creates a supporting effect in the shoulder area.

In the lordosis area and in the iliac crest area, the longitudinal bending spring turns outward, d. H. she moves away from the backrest and presses against the iliac crest of the spine.

It is important that, in the case of a desired physiological attitude, the longitudinal bending spring first of all adapts to the human spinal column in an absolutely positive manner and exerts a uniform contact force on the spinal column over the entire back and pelvic area.

With the Nachvornnippen the thoracic vertebrae area (formation of the round back) tends to tilt the iliac crest backwards and thus presses on the lower handlebar in the lordosis area of the longitudinal bending spring (iliac crest area) and generates an "excessive" back pressure on this iliac crest area.

The user may find this uncomfortable and then directs his pelvis back into the physiologically correct posture, namely tilts the iliac crest area forward, so as to avoid the rounded back.

1. 1. Es ist nicht lösungsnotwendig, nur eine einzige oder auch zwei Längsbiegefedern zu verwenden, sondern es können auch mehr als zwei Längsbiegefedern verwendet werden.
2. 2. Die Längsbiegefedern können in einem Polsterträger integriert werden, welcher Polsterträger eine flexible Schale für die Aufnahme eines Rückenpolsters darstellt.
3. 3. Die Längsbiegefedern können aus Kunststoff ausgebildet sein, aus einem glasfaserverstärkten Kunststoff, welches gegebenenfalls sogar durch Grafit verstärkt ist oder auch aus einfachen Blattfedern aus Stahl bestehen.

So important are the following features in the formation of longitudinal spring.

1. 1. It is not necessary to use only a single or two longitudinal torsion springs, but it can also be used more than two longitudinal torsion springs.
2. 2. The longitudinal torsion springs can be integrated in a cushion support, which cushion support is a flexible shell for receiving a back cushion.
3. 3. The longitudinal torsion springs may be formed of plastic, made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic, which may even be reinforced by graphite or consist of simple leaf springs made of steel.

Of course, it is also possible to produce such longitudinal torsion springs made of composite materials, such as. As laminated wood or plastic wood combinations and the like.

1. 1. Die Rückenlehne eines Arbeitsstuhles wird nur durch die Längsfeder(n) gebildet, wobei die Längsfedern möglicherweise in einem Polster eingebaut sind.
2. 2. Die Längsfedern sind in einem Polsterträger integriert, d. h. sie sind integrierter Bestandteil eines Polsterträgers, der z. B. aus einem Kunststoffmaterial, eine Holzmaterial oder einem Stahlmaterial oder einem Kombinationswerkstoff besteht.
3. 3. Die Längsfedern sind hinter einem Polsterträger angeordnet, der jedoch so flexibel ausgebildet ist, dass die Längsfedern ihr Federvermögen und ihre Anpassung an die menschliche Wirbelsäule auch durch den flexiblen Polsterträger hindurch erbringen können.

Incidentally, the invention provides several components, namely, there are various embodiments which are carried out as follows:

1. 1. The backrest of a work chair is formed only by the longitudinal spring (s), the longitudinal springs possibly being built into a cushion.
2. 2. The longitudinal springs are integrated in a cushion support, ie they are an integral part of a cushion support, the z. B. consists of a plastic material, a wood material or a steel material or a combination material.
3. 3. The longitudinal springs are arranged behind a cushion support, however, is designed so flexible that the longitudinal springs their spring capacity and their adaptation to the human spine can provide through the flexible cushion support through.

Incidentally, the flexible backrest is completely independent of the mechanics of the work chair. Therefore, it may be provided that the flexible backrest is combined with a synchronous mechanism or the synchronizing mechanism is eliminated.

The flexible backrest can also be installed in rigid conference chairs, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The subject of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial design shown in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

Figur 1:

schematisiert eine flexible Rückenlehne in zwei verschiedenen Arbeitspositionen im Schnitt

Figur 2:

schematisiert die Draufsicht auf die Anordnung nach Figur 1

Figur 3:

eine zweite Ausführungsform der Ausführung einer flexiblen Rückenlehne bei Integration der Längsbiegefedern in einen Polsterträger

Figur 4:

die Draufsicht auf die Anordnung nach Figur 3

Figur 5:

die Ansicht von oben auf die Anordnung nach Figur 3

Show it:

FIG. 1:

schematized a flexible backrest in two different working positions in the section

FIG. 2:

schematizes the top view of the arrangement FIG. 1

FIG. 3:

a second embodiment of the embodiment of a flexible backrest upon integration of the longitudinal bending springs in a cushion support

FIG. 4:

the top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 3

FIG. 5:

the view from above on the arrangement FIG. 3

In the FIGS. 1 to 5 is generally a backrest support 1 shown, which may be formed either as a straight or curved plate. Of course, the invention also provides that the backrest support 1 is partially bendable or divided into bending sections.

The backrest support 1 is connected at its lower portion with a mounting plate 33 to which either a seat is attached or which is usually articulated directly to a synchronizing mechanism.

It is important that in the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 2 in front of the backrest support 1 two spaced apart and extending in the vertical longitudinal direction longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 are arranged, which are bendable in itself and consist for example of a glass fiber reinforced plastic.

In principle, one can imagine the shape of the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 and their resilience as the plastic material of a bow, as used in archery.

The longitudinal torsion springs 2, 3 are thus formed bendable over its entire length and have a high mechanical resilience.

The later to be described handlebar system 10 thus divides each longitudinal spiral spring 2, 3 in different sections. There is an upper portion 6 approximately defining the neck region of the human spine, an adjoining portion 7 approximately corresponding to the thoracic region, an adjoining portion 8 approximately corresponding to the lordosis region of the human spine and an adjoining one Section 9, which is assigned to the iliac crest area.

Here, it is assumed that a seat cushion 4 is used, the seat surface 5 extends below the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3, so as to allow a physiologically acceptable conditioning of the human spine to the shape of the longitudinal bending spring 2, 3.

In the rest position shown, that is, when the human spine does not rest against the respective longitudinal spiral spring 2, 3, the result is an approximately slightly curved C-shaped shaping of the longitudinal compression springs 2, 3.

In this case, the lower section 8, 9 is slightly more curved than the upper sections 6, 7.

In this rest position, the human spinal column is now to be pressed against the thus formed, weakly C-shaped longitudinal bending springs 2, 3, the essential back pressure of these longitudinally bending springs 2, 3 being created in the lordosis region 8 and in the iliac crest region 9.

The longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 deform in physiologically perfect sitting position only a little and adapt to the double-S shape of the spine in an ideal manner, because just the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 are divided into the aforementioned sections 6 to 9.

For this purpose, the invention according to FIGS. 1 and 2 that the handlebar system 10 consists of an upper wishbone 11, wherein the two mutually angled handlebar levers 12, 17 are rigidly connected together and are summarized here in a pivot bearing 16, which is arranged at the front bendable end of a leaf spring 15. The leaf spring 15 is arranged with its other side on the rigid backrest support 1.

It is important that the upper link lever 12 is held in a pivot bearing 13 at the back of the respective longitudinal spiral spring 2, 3, said pivot bearing 13 is preferably also designed as a sliding bearing, which is displaceable in the arrow directions 14 in the vertical direction.

The design of this pivot bearing as sliding bearing with possibility of movement in the direction of arrows 14 ensures a shoulder blade system, which ensures that the upper portion 6 (neck area) is deformed and this adapts to the shoulder area.

The lower link lever 17 is in this case held in a lower pivot bearing 18 at the rear of the longitudinal torsion springs 2, 3. This pivot bearing 18 defines in connection with the upper pivot bearing 13, the section 7th

At a distance from the pivot bearing 18, a further link lever 19 is arranged, which is inclined obliquely in the region of a downwardly directed slope 23 against the surface of the longitudinal spring 2 and wherein this link lever 19 received in a pivot bearing 20 at the back of the respective longitudinal spiral spring 2, 3 is, while the opposite, stationary pivot bearing 21 is arranged in the region of a holding block 22 of the backrest support 1.

Of course, the holding block 22 can be omitted and the pivot bearing 21 can be integrated directly on the backrest support 1.

The rotary bearing 20 defines, in the direction of the lower region of the longitudinally extending springs 2, 3 exposed there, the section 9 which is associated with the iliac crest region.

In the deformed (training position) of the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3, the back presses with a tilted back to the iliac crest preferably into the region of the pivot bearing 20 into it, which thus pivots down and the position 20 'occupies. This also works the handlebar lever 19 in a clockwise direction away down, and there is a transformation of this section 9 of the longitudinal spring. The longitudinal bending spring was approximately convex in this area, and it now turns into a concave position so as to produce a corresponding counter-supporting effect on the backward tilting iliac crest of the user. This envelope movement is perceived as unpleasant, and the user then knows that he has taken a non-physiological posture.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the fact that the previously formed in this area convex portion 9 of the longitudinal bending springs is transformed into a concave portion. It is enough in this area a very generate strong back pressure, which is done by means of the downward link lever 19.

At the same time moves in this unphysiological sitting posture, the pivot bearing 18 down to the position 18 ', and the entire longitudinal spiral spring 2, 3 is also converted in this area in a concave shape cross-section.

To set the Umschwenkbewegung or Umklappbewegung the handlebar lever 19 may be provided, moreover, that the housing-fixed pivot bearing 21 is adjustable or adjustable in the direction of arrows 24.

The FIG. 2 shows the parallel arrangement of the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 with the aforementioned sections.

The FIGS. 3 to 5 now show the integration of said longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 in a cushion support 25, wherein the longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 are material integral with the material of the cushion support 25.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cushion support 25 therefore consists of a plastic body, which is bordered by a peripheral side edge 31 delimited and forms an inner support surface 34, which is formed essentially by external and parallel to each other arranged plastic springs 30.

The plastic springs 30 are bendable plastic sections, between which there is air and which are connected to a central region. The connection takes place here in the region of the vertical longitudinal spiral springs 2, 3 arranged parallel to one another, which therefore also form part of the support surface 34.

Thus, the longitudinal torsion springs 2, 3 are formed of the same material as the plastic springs 30 and also form an integral plastic component with the other portions of the cushion support 25.

However, the invention is not limited thereto. As explained in the general description, there are two other possibilities.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion support 25 has a continuous sheet-like plastic cross-section in the upper region, in which a holder 26 is integrated, which receives the upper pivot bearing 13 on its rear side.

This holder 26 is followed by an approximately over the width of the cushion support 25 extending bending slot 27, which thus forms an upper bendable portion 6 (associated with the neck region).

At this bending slot 27, a central, central longitudinal recess 32 connects, which is bounded laterally by the two longitudinal spiral springs 2, 3. The two longitudinal torsion springs 2, 3 are connected in the region of this longitudinal recess 32 by flexible connecting webs 28, which consist of the same material as the plastic material of the cushion support 25 as a whole.

As already stated above, the plastic springs 30 are located in the region of recesses 29, which are introduced into the material of the cushion support 25.

Thus can be easily by comparing the FIG. 3 with the FIG. 4 recognize that the entire cushion support 25 now performs the training as a longitudinal spring 2, 3, ie it deforms in the previously with reference to the Figures 1 and 2 described way.

In a third, unspecified embodiment, it may also be provided that a total of the cushion support 25 consists of such a pliable material, which are arranged in the back region of such a cushion support the previously described longitudinal bending springs 2, 3 and work through this limp cushion support therethrough.

Of course, the plastic springs 30 can be omitted, which only a certain back pressure for the cushioning material (not shown in the drawing) should offer. The plastic springs can also be replaced by other elements or completely eliminated.

drawing Legend

1

backrest support

2

Longitudinal bending spring

3

Longitudinal bending spring

4

seat cushion

5

seat

6

Section (neck area)

7

Section (thoracic area)

8th

Section (lordosis area)

9

Section (iliac crest area)

10

link system

11

wishbone

12

handlebar lever

13

Pivot bearing (or sliding bearing)

14

arrow

15

leaf spring

16

Pivot bearing (leaf spring 15)

17

handlebar lever

18

Swivel bearing (below) 18 '

19

handlebar lever

20

Pivot bearing 20 '

21

pivot bearing

22

holding block

23

slope

24

arrow

25

cushion support

26

holder

27

bending slot

28

connecting web

29

recess

30

Plastic spring

31

margin

32

longitudinal recess

33

mounting plate

34

support surface

Claims (15)

Flexible backrest for a work chair with seat (5), wherein the backrest includes a backrest support (1) and in the region of the backrest at least one vertically extending longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) is arranged, via an associated linkage system (10) on the Backrest support (1) is pivotally hinged, characterized in that the backrest is formed only by the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3), which is optionally installed in a cushion. Flexible backrest for a work chair with seat (5), wherein the backrest includes a backrest support (1) and in the region of the backrest at least one vertically extending longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) is arranged, via an associated linkage system (10) on the Backrest support (1) is pivotally hinged, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3) behind a cushion support (25) is arranged, but which is designed so flexible that the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3) their spring capacity and their adaptation to the human spine also through the flexible padding support (25) passes therethrough. Flexible backrest for a work chair with seat (5), wherein the backrest includes a backrest support (1) and in the region of the backrest at least one vertically extending longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) is arranged, via an associated linkage system (10) on the Backrest support (1) is articulated pivotally, wherein the linkage system (10) consists of three articulation points (13, 18, 20) on each longitudinal bending spring (2, 3), wherein the three articulation points (13, 18, 20) a total of four separate sections (6, 7, 8, 9) of the longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) define, characterized in that the handlebar system (10) includes an upper wishbone (11) whose arm arms (12, 17) are rotatably connected to each other and their basis as Pivot bearing (16) is formed, which at the free front end of a Spring (15) is arranged and the handlebar system (10) further includes a simple lower steering lever (19) and that the upper wishbone (11) defines a thoracic vertebrae region (7) of the respective longitudinal bending spring (2, 3), at the upwards a neck region (6) and at the bottom a lordosis region (8) of the respective longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) adjoins and that the lower steering lever (19) defines this lordosis region (8) and a downwardly adjoining thereto iliac crest region (9) the respective longitudinal bending spring (2, 3). Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that two mutually parallel and a mutual distance from each other engaging longitudinal bending springs (2, 3) are present, which extend over the entire vertical length of the backrest. Flexible backrest according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that the linkage system (10) consists of three articulation points (13, 18, 20) on each longitudinal bending spring (2, 3), wherein the three articulation points (13, 18, 20) a total of four separate sections (6, 7, 8, 9) of the longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) define. Flexible backrest according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that the handlebar system (10) includes an upper wishbone (11), the arm arms (12, 17) are rotatably connected to each other and whose base is formed as a pivot bearing (16) , which is arranged at the free front end of a spring (15) and the linkage system (10) further includes a simple lower steering lever (19). Flexible backrest according to claim 3, 4 or 6, characterized in that the spring (15) for the pivot bearing (16) as a leaf spring, elastomeric spring, gas spring, coil spring, leg spring or coil springs is formed. Flexible backrest according to claim 1 or 2 and 4 to 7, characterized in that the upper wishbone (11) defines a thoracic vertebra region (7) of the respective longitudinal bending spring (2, 3), against which a neck region (6) and towards the top below a lordosis region (8) of the respective longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) connects and that the lower steering lever (19) defines this Lordosebereich (8), and a downwardly adjoining the iliac crest region (9) of the respective longitudinal spiral spring (2, 3 ). Flexible backrest according to claim 8, characterized in that in the lordosis region (8) and in the iliac crest region (9) the at least one longitudinal compression spring (2, 3) presses outward from the backrest support (1) in the direction of the iliac crest region of the user's spine. Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in a desired physiological attitude, the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3) adapts absolutely positively to the human spine and they relatively even over the entire back and pelvic area a uniform contact pressure on the Spine of the user exercises. Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) made of steel or optionally glass fiber or graphite reinforced plastic, or combinations thereof. Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal bending spring (2, 3) in a cushion support (25) is integrated, which is a flexible shell for receiving a back cushion. Flexible backrest according to one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that the backrest of the work chair is formed only by the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3), which is optionally installed in a cushion. Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 13, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3) behind a cushion support (25) is arranged, which is formed so flexible that the at least one longitudinal spring (2, 3 ) also provide their resilience and adaptation to the human spine through the flexible cushion support (25). Flexible backrest according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the flexible backrest is coupled to a synchronizing mechanism of the work chair.

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