EP2177132B1 - Device for adjusting seat angles and chair - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device for seat tilt adjustment of a chair, especially for office and swivel chairs or armchairs, and such a chair.

STATE OF THE ART

The present and its underlying problems will be explained below with reference to a modern office and swivel chair, but without limiting the invention to that effect. In modern office and swivel chairs there is a need for the greatest possible adjustability to increase the seating comfort. These include u. a. the adjustment of the seat height, the backrest and the armrest.

High-quality office chairs are often also equipped with a so-called synchronous mechanism, by means of which the seat and the backrest of a chair in a reclined seated person in a correlated movement together to pivot backwards and downwards. Such a chair is z. B. in the DE 196 40 564 A1 described. A seated person is referred here from a forward posture by shifting weight into a reclining posture guided, in which a more relaxed sitting is possible. In the forward position, the seated person typically assumes a nearly horizontal seating position so that the upper body forms a substantially right angle with respect to the thighs. The pelvis has the tendency to turn backwards in this sitting posture, so that the natural S-shape of the spine becomes a "round-back posture", which permanently burdens the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine.

For these reasons, modern office chairs are equipped with additional functionality, in which an adjustability of the basic inclination of the seat is possible. For this purpose, an adjusting mechanism is provided with which the seat between a horizontal position and a slightly forward inclined position can be adjusted by z. B. about usually simple mechanical elements, the rear seat edge by about 2 to 4 cm about a pivot point, which is typically located in the front region of the seat is raised. By means of this functionality of the seat tilt adjustment, the distance between the pelvis and lumbar support point is reduced, which relieves the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine as a whole.

This adjustment of the seat angle can be made in various ways:

In the German utility model DE 75 32 885 U1 is described a chair in which the seat tilt is adjusted by a gas spring, which acts in the rear part of the underside of the seat. The seat inclination is here via a simple hinge principle, which runs essentially in the front or middle part transversely under the seat, realized. Although this seat adjustment dispenses with complicated adjusting mechanisms, such a gas spring is comparatively expensive.

For this reason in particular, in modern office chairs, the adjustment of the seat inclination is realized by means of a spring acting substantially vertically from below against the seat. A corresponding Sitzneigungsverstellmechanismus is z. B. in the DE 20 2005 010 944 U1 described. Here, the seat in the rear third of the seat with a seat-mounted gear member is pivotally connected and operatively connected via a spring element which substantially unfolds an upward force on the seat, with the seat-supporting gear member. This adjustment mechanism allows the seat to be moved by an opposing force through an angle and thus adjust the seat angle.

In the seat reclining mechanisms mentioned above, the particular problem is that the adjusting mechanism, and in particular its (gas pressure) springs in the loaded state must absorb the entire load of a person sitting on the seat. For these reasons, the corresponding (gas pressure) springs must be sized accordingly large, on the one hand to be able to record a very large weight. On the other hand, these (gas pressure) springs may not lose or lose their spring characteristics over time. The special claim is therefore that the adjustment mechanisms and thus also the corresponding (gas pressure) springs are designed for the entire life of such a chair, without the elastic properties are significantly lost in this period.

For these reasons, oversized and therefore cost-intensive (gas pressure) springs are typically used in the above adjusting mechanisms, which meet the above requirements. As a result, however, the entire office chair is significantly more expensive. The seat reclining mechanism provides additional functionality in modern office chairs and swivel chairs that a potential buyer appreciates, especially for so-called high-end office chairs and swivel chairs, but for which he is not ready, a much higher compared to other adjustment functions Price to be accepted.

Against this background, the present invention has the object, in a chair, a simple and in particular the most cost-effective way to allow seat tilt adjustment.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention this object is achieved by an armrest with the features of claim 1 and / or by a chair having the features of claim 15.

Accordingly, it is provided:

A device for seat tilt adjustment of a chair, in particular for office and swivel chairs or chairs, with a spring-loaded guide lever having a resilient element which is fastened to a seat and which exerts a substantially vertical spring force in the tensioned state on the guide lever at least one attachable to the seat, vertically aligned guide rail having internally a substantially vertically extending toothed rail, with a gear which is coupled via an articulated connection with the guide lever such that a gear portion of the gear inside the guide rail is arranged to be vertically movable, so that at each seat inclination Always first teeth of the gear portion engage in second teeth of the toothed rail.

A chair, in particular office and swivel chair or armchair, comprising a chair support to which a seat support and a backrest are fastened, having a seat which is fastened to the seat support, with a seat reclining device according to the invention which is fixed to the seat and the seat post Seat support is attached and over which the seat in the vertical direction against the seat support is tilted.

The underlying realization of the present invention is that conventional (gas pressure) springs for adjusting the seat height have a dual function. This dual function includes on the one hand a return function, via which an inclined seat in the unloaded state is brought back to its original position. In addition, this (gas pressure) spring must be designed so that it can absorb the entire force acting on the seat even in the loaded state. The idea of the present invention is now to separate these two functions from each other. According to the invention, the return function is further provided by a resilient element. However, for this functionality of retrieving the seat to its initial position, it is not necessary to provide a very large, excessively sized spring. Rather, a resilient element with comparatively sufficient here low spring force. The second functionality, that is, the inclusion of the force acting on the seat in the loaded state, according to the invention is no longer collected on the elastic element, but rather on engaging in corresponding toothed rails gears. This toothed rail is provided according to the invention in a specially provided guide rail. A respective toothed wheel is here arranged to be movable vertically in a guide rail assigned to it, wherein the corresponding toothed rails likewise have a vertical orientation within these guide rails. In this way, a very effective and beyond a mechanically very stable seat tilt adjustment is possible.

In addition, this solution according to the invention is also cost-attractive, since on the one hand a resilient element can be provided with significantly lower spring force. In addition, the elements of the adjusting mechanism, for example, the guide lever, the gear, the gear rail and the like, for. B. made of plastic, which z. B. is very easy and inexpensive to produce by spraying. The solution according to the invention thus offers, on the one hand, a mechanically extremely stable and safe seat tilt adjustment and, on the other hand, a very cost-effective adjusting mechanism.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the gear is designed as a cam-like gear. This gear thus has a gear portion and a lever portion, wherein the lever portion protrudes in the form of a cam-shaped formation of the gear. At this lever portion a specially provided bore is provided, on which the guide lever is articulated via an articulated connection. In addition, it would also be conceivable that this guide lever is coupled to the axis of a circular gear, for example via an axial connection.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the guide lever has a rod-like shape. At one end of this guide lever, the resilient element via a fastening device, such as a pin, an eyelet or the like, attached. At the other end of the guide lever, this has a bore, over which the guide lever z. B. is coupled via the articulated connection to the gear or is coupled.

Preferably, the resilient element is designed as a spiral spring, coil spring, coil spring, conical spring or the like. This spring is preferably arranged within a sleeve-shaped or at least partially enclosed portion of the guide lever and thus protected from an external mechanical or otherwise damaging influence. Conceivable, of course, would be other types of elastic elements.

The spring force of the resilient element is dimensioned such that, for example, in a horizontal sitting position, the resilient element has a greater spring force than at a tilted relative to the horizontal seating position. For example, it can be provided that a maximum spring force in the horizontal sitting position of about 45 N caused by the resilient element, whereas this spring force at a z. B. by a few degrees inclined seating position only about half, for example, 25 N is.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient element is formed such that it has a maximum spring tension and thus a maximum spring force at maximum seat inclination. At a minimal seat angle, the z. B. corresponds to the initial position of the seat, the elastic element is not or only slightly stretched.

In a typical embodiment, the seat tilt adjustment is stepped. For this purpose, the guide lever on at least two locking holes, in which a corresponding pin of a locking device can be inserted for locking. When inserted pin so that the device for seat tilt adjustment is locked against the seat, so that a seat tilt adjustment is no longer possible. It is particularly preferred if three or four locking holes are provided, via which in addition to a maximum and minimum seat inclination adjustment and one or two middle seat inclinations are adjustable.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, an actuation device which can be attached to the seat is provided which, when actuated, makes possible an adjustment of the seat inclination. The actuating device further has a locking device which fixes the guide lever in the unactuated state against the seat and thus a movement of the guide lever in the horizontal direction prevented. The actuator typically has an actuation button (eg, a button, a lever, a knob, etc.). Preferably, the locking device further comprises a spring-loaded pin. This spring-loaded pin is z. B. coupled via a Bowden cable with the actuating button spring force. To lock this spring-loaded pin is inserted into corresponding Ärretierausnehmungen the seat and the guide lever at non-actuated button. Over this operation button, which is connected via a Bowden cable and a spring-loaded coupling with the locking pin, so that overload protection can be realized. In addition, it would also be conceivable to provide a locking device without such an overload protection, if the spring force coupling between the actuating button and locking pin is dispensed with.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to provide a stepless adjustment of the seat tilt. However, this stepless adjustment of the seat tilt is much more complex than the stepped seat tilt adjustment, since a greater effort in terms of the function of the locking device and the gear functionality must be made.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, a maximum adjustment of the seat tilt is predetermined via a first stop. In addition, a minimum stop of the seat inclination can be predetermined via a second stop. These attacks can z. B. within a respective guide rail can be provided by specially provided projections in the wall of this guide rail or can also by appropriate construction elements of the seat, and in particular the seat, to which the Device for seat tilt adjustment according to the invention is provided. Such stops are useful to prevent the guide lever and coupled with the guide lever gears can move uncontrollably inside the seat, which could eventually lead to damage of these elements in the long term.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, two guide rails are provided. Further, a further gear is provided in addition to the gear, wherein the two gears are formed such that they are vertically movable within a respective associated guide rail. The two gears are preferably coupled together via a transverse coupling device, so as to enable a synchronous toothing of the two gears with their respective associated toothed rails within the respective guide rails. This transverse coupling device is formed, for example, as a crossbar, which are fitted in specially provided for this purpose central recesses of the two gears. This crossbar ensures that a force acting on the seat on both sides of the cross bar of the respective gears is uniformly transmitted to the respective associated guide rails.

This crossbar, together with the corresponding gears in operation, the entire load. For this reason, it is advantageous if the crossbar consists of a particularly break and strain-resistant material, such as a glass-reinforced or glass fiber reinforced plastic material. Such a high-quality plastic, for example, a polyamide material, in which glass or Fiberglass material is added. It is particularly preferred if this plastic or the polyamide contains 30 to 50 percent by volume of glass or glass fiber material. In addition, it would also be conceivable if the crossbar consists of a break-resistant and stretch-resistant, aluminum-containing material, metal or steel.

In addition, it would also be conceivable if the crossbar is made of a metallic material or steel. It is particularly preferred if the gears and the guide rails are made of these materials. It is particularly preferred if a so-called Grivory material (for example GV-4H) is used for the transverse rod and / or the toothed wheels and the guide rails. Grivory is the generic term for a group of engineering thermoplastics manufactured and sold by EMS-Grivory. Grivory HT is z. PPA (PPA = Polyphtalamide) Grivory is characterized by a high-performance property profile, and injection molded parts made from this material are impressive in terms of dimensional stability even at high application temperatures.The property profile of Grivory extends far into the performance range of high-performance plastics. Further properties of Grivory are high rigidity and strength at elevated application temperatures, low influence on the properties due to water absorption, good dimensional stability and low tendency to warp, good chemical resistance, good surface quality and cost-effective, rational production.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for seat tilt adjustment, this device so coupled to the seat and arranged relative to the seat, that the seat in the rear third on the device for seat tilt adjustment is vertically adjustable. Alternatively, of course, an adjustment in the front third of the seat would be conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, the seat has a seat shell, which is made of a die-cast aluminum material or a plastic material.

The above refinements and developments of the invention can be combined with one another in any desired and suitable manner.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine Seitendarstellungen eines erfindungsgemäßen Stuhls;

Fig. 2

anhand einer Querschnittsdarstellung ein erstes, allgemeines Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Sitzneigungsverstellung;

Fig. 3

anhand einer perspektivische Darstellung ein zweites, bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Sitzneigungsverstellung;

Fig. 3A

eine Ausgestaltung des Führungshebels des Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3;

Fig. 3B

eine Ausgestaltung der Betätigungseinrichtung des Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3;

Fig. 3C

eine Ausgestaltung der Führungsschiene des Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3;

Fig. 3D, 3E

Ausgestaltungen der Zahnräder des Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3;

Fig. 4A, 4B

Querschnittsdarstellungen eines an einem Sitz angebrachten erfindungsgemäßen Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3 von hinten und von der Seite in einer ersten Verstellposition;

Fig. 5A, 5B

Querschnittsdarstellungen eines an einem Sitz angebrachten erfindungsgemäßen Verstellmechanismus entsprechend Fig. 3 von hinten und von der Seite in einer zweiten Verstellposition;

Fig. 6

eine Seitendarstellung des Sitzes von außen gesehen;

Fig. 7A, 7B

Seitendarstellungen eines erfindungsgemäßen Stuhls mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Verstellmechanismus.

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

Fig. 1

a side views of a chair according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a cross-sectional view of a first, general embodiment of a device according to the invention for seat tilt adjustment;

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a second, preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention for seat tilt adjustment;

Fig. 3A

an embodiment of the guide lever of the adjusting mechanism accordingly Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 3B

an embodiment of the actuating device of the adjusting mechanism accordingly Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 3C

an embodiment of the guide rail of the adjusting mechanism accordingly Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 3D, 3E

Embodiments of the gears of the adjustment accordingly Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 4A, 4B

Cross-sectional views of a mounted on a seat adjustment according to the invention accordingly Fig. 3 from behind and from the side in a first adjustment position;

Fig. 5A, 5B

Cross-sectional views of a mounted on a seat adjustment according to the invention accordingly Fig. 3 from behind and from the side in a second adjustment position;

Fig. 6

a side view of the seat seen from the outside;

Fig. 7A, 7B

Side views of a chair according to the invention with an adjusting mechanism according to the invention.

In all figures of the drawing, the same and functionally identical elements - unless otherwise indicated - have been given the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a chair according to the invention with a Sitzneigungsverstellmechanismus. The chair designated here by reference numeral 10 is designed as an office / swivel chair. The chair 10 includes a seat support 14 that supports the seat 11. Furthermore, a backrest 12 is provided, which is fastened via a backrest support 15 to an adjusting mechanism 16. The seat support 14 and the backrest support 15 are each attached to the adjustment mechanism 16, which rests on the pedestal 13. The chair 10 also has a z. B. equipped with rollers foot area (not shown here) on which the pedestal 13 is attached. The chair 10 further includes an inventive device for seat tilt adjustment, which will be explained in more detail below.

Fig. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of a first, general embodiment of an adjusting device according to the invention for seat tilt adjustment. In Fig. 2 is denoted by reference numeral 20 of the corresponding adjustment mechanism. The adjusting mechanism 20 according to the invention has in the simplest form a guide lever 21, a gear 22 and a guide rail 23.

The guide lever 21 is typically mounted under the seat of a seat, not shown here. The guide lever 21 has a first and a second end 24, 25. At the first end 24, a resilient element 26 is attached. On the other hand, this resilient element 26 is attached to the seat pan of a seat. Of the Guide lever 21 is arranged under the seat shell such that a directed, substantially horizontal movement of the guide lever in the horizontal direction X is possible. This horizontal direction X corresponds to the direction of a person sitting on the seat.

The gear 22 is formed here as a cam-shaped gear lever 22, which has a gear portion 27 and a lever portion 28 which projects in the form of a cam-shaped formation of the gear 22 has. The guide lever 21 is articulated via an articulated connection 29 with its second end 25 on this lever portion 28.

The guide rail 23 is over in Fig. 2 Not shown fastening sections, such as mounting straps, flanges or the like, attached to the seat of a seat and thus fixed there. The guide rail 23 is aligned substantially vertically and perpendicular to the alignment of the guide lever 21 and thus to the direction of movement X. The guide rail 23 is formed as an upwardly open, but otherwise substantially closed guide rail 23. The dimensioning of the guide rail 23 is selected such that the gear 22 is received in the interior 30 of the guide rail 23. On at least one wall of the guide rail 23, this has a toothed rail 31, which is designed such that the gear portion 27 of the gear 22 can engage in this toothed rail 31. In addition, the gear 22 in the interior 30 of the guide rail 23 via the guide lever 21 vertically in the direction Y can move up and down. The guide rail 23 thus provides a vertical movement in one direction.

In the unloaded state, the resilient element 26 pulls the guide lever 21 to the right, so that the coupled to this guide lever 21 gear 22 along the guide rail 23 is moved upward. If a force F is then applied in a vertical direction from above onto the seat (not shown here), then the guide lever 21 and thus also the gear 22 fastened thereto are pressed downwards in the direction Y, ie into the lower region of the guide rail 23. At the same time, the resilient element 26 stretches so that the guide lever 21 is also moved in the horizontal direction X in the direction of the guide rail 23. This realizes a seat tilt downwards. Is subsequently relieved of the seat, d. H. the force F deleted, then pulls the spring element 26, the guide lever 21 automatically by spring force again in the opposite horizontal direction X, so that the gear 22 is automatically moved within the guide rail 23 back up and the seat thus again in his z. B. horizontal starting position passes.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a second, preferred embodiment of an adjusting mechanism according to the invention for adjusting the seat angle. The inventive device for seat tilt adjustment is shown here without attached seat element.

The adjusting mechanism 20 has here analogous to the first embodiment Fig. 2 a spring-loaded guide lever 21, to which a gear lever 22 is coupled, which is vertically movable in a specially provided, provided internally with a toothed rail 31 guide rail 23. In addition, the Adjustment mechanism 20 also includes an actuator 32, a crossbar 33 and a second guide rail 23A.

Fig. 3A shows in detail an embodiment of the guide lever 21 of this adjustment mechanism. The guide lever 21 has at its first end 24 a provided in the interior of the guide lever 21 mounting pin 40 to which the resilient element 26 is attached, for example via an eyelet. The resilient element 26, which is formed, for example, as a coil spring, for example, housed in a sleeve-like, hollow recess in the interior of the guide lever 21 so as to be protected, inter alia, from external damage. Only a portion of the resilient element 26, to which in turn a fastening eyelet 41 is attached, protrudes from the sleeve-like end 24 of the guide lever 21 to be fastened via this fastening lug 41, for example, to a specially provided fastening pin on the seat shell. At the second end 25, the guide lever 21 has an angled region in which a bore 42 is provided. At this bore 42, the gear lever 22 can be fastened by means of a rotatable joint 29. In the middle region of the guide lever 21, in the example shown, it has three further bores 43-45. These holes 43-45 are part of a locking device, which will be explained in more detail below. About this locking holes 43 - 45 can be the guide lever 21 based on the seat lock and thus fix in a certain position. In these locking holes 43 - 45, for example, a latch pin an actuator engage. Each of these locking holes 43-45 is associated with a given seat inclination.

Fig. 3B shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the actuator 32. The actuator 32 has an actuating button 50 and two telescoping sleeves 51, 52 on. The inner sleeve 51 is connected via a Bowden cable 53 with the actuating button 50 and is thus on actuation of the actuating button 50 in the direction Z, ie laterally away from the seat, pulled. The inner sleeve 51 is also connected via a spring 55 with the outer sleeve 52. If the actuation button 50 is actuated, then it likewise pulls the inner sleeve 51 and, via the spring 55, also the outer sleeve 52 in the direction Z. On the side opposite the button 50, the outer sleeve 52 has a latching pin 56 (or a locking pin). on, which is part of the locking device and can lock in the locked state in corresponding locking holes 43-45 of the guide lever 21 and the seat pan. The diameter D of this Einrastpins 56 is dimensioned such that it is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the locking holes 43-45. About the spring force coupling of the spring 55 is a strain relief between the inner and the outer sleeve 51, 52 and thus the actuating button 50th realized. If z. B. the actuating button 50 is actuated and the Einrastpin 56 is still engaged in a corresponding locking hole 43 - 45, the compression spring 57 is first pressed together. The overload spring 55 is pulled apart and exerts a tensile force on the Einrastpin 56. The Einrastpin 56 is only then pulled out of the locking holes 43-45 when the force exerted by the overload spring 55 on the Einrastpin 56 spring force is greater than the frictional force or clamping force between the Einrastpin 56 and the corresponding locking hole 43-45. This allows for a better, more comfortable and elegant operation by the user and overload protection.

Fig. 3C shows the cam-shaped gear lever 22, which can be attached via a provided in the lever portion 28 bore 61 on the guide lever 21. In the gear portion 27, the gear lever 22 has a hexagonal, continuous recess 60, in which the crossbar 24, which also has a corresponding hexagonal cross-section as accurate as possible, can be inserted. Fig. 3D shows a corresponding gear 22A, which also has a hexagonal recess 60A for the crossbar 24.

Fig. 3E shows a guide rail 23, 23 A, as it can be used for both the gear lever 22 and the gear 22A. This guide rail 23, 23A has a housing 70, at the upper portion hook-shaped mounting portions 71 are provided, via which the housing 70 can be inserted into corresponding recesses of the seat and clipped there or otherwise secured. The guide rail 23, 23A has on a first side wall a tooth portion 72 in the form of a toothed rail. The teeth (and the tooth gaps) of this tooth portion 72 are dimensioned such that the mating teeth (and the tooth gaps) of the gears 22, 22A can engage in this tooth portion 72 to receive the force transmitted by the gears 22, 22A form-fitting manner , Preferably, at least two teeth of the toothed wheels 22, 22A are always in engagement with at least two teeth of a toothed portion 72. The point of engagement should roll as well as possible, so that little wear and the power is optimally absorbed can. Therefore, for example, the shape of the tooth flank of the teeth of the toothed wheels 22, 22A and the tooth portion 72 is similar to either an involute or a cycloid. Preferably, however, an involute toothing is used.

At the second wall opposite the tooth section 72, a stop 73 is provided in the lower region, which designates a lower boundary for a vertical movement of the toothed wheels 22, 22A in the interior 36 of the housing 70. The guide rail 23, 23A also has a substantially closed wall 74 on a rear side, in which an elongate recess 75 is provided. This elongated recess serves to pass the transverse rod 33 into the interior of the guide rail 23, 23A, so as to be inserted in an exact fit into the respective recess 60, 60A of the respective gear 22, 22A. The vertical length of this elongate recess 75 is dimensioned such that the cross bar 33 is freely movable vertically up and down, both at a maximum and a minimum deflection of the guide lever 21 and thus the gear 22 coupled thereto.

Fig. 3 shows in the perspective view in the Fig. 3A - 3E shown elements of the adjusting mechanism 20 in the mounted state. The arranged between the two gears 22, 22A crossbar 33 allows synchronous teeth by cross-coupling, thereby a load on the gears 22, 22A and the two guide rails 23, 23A is evenly distributed to the left and right side of the seat. It is effectively prevented by this uniform load distribution that tilts the seat in the seat tilt adjustment.

Especially the vertically extending gears 22, 22A allow a mechanically stable height adjustment. These gears 22, 22A take on the largest part of the load. The locking takes place via the specially provided locking device. When the guide lever 21 is locked, the entire load is thus applied to the meshing gears 22, 22A and not to the resilient return member 26. This resilient element 26 can be dimensioned in this way smaller and thus cheaper than is the case with known solutions.

The Fig. 4A, 4B 5A and 5B respectively show cross-sectional representations of an adjusting mechanism according to the invention Fig. 3 from behind and from the side to explain two different adjustment positions. Fig. 6 shows a side view of the seat seen from the outside. In these figures, the adjusting mechanism 20 according to the invention is shown in a state mounted on seat 11. The seat 11 has here a seat shell or seat plate 80, on which the seat cushion 81 is applied. The seat plate 80 has a box-like, frame-like construction, in the interior 82 of the adjusting mechanism 20 according to the invention is arranged. Only the actuator 32 projects laterally out of the interior 82 of the seat support 80 out (see Fig. 5A, 5B . 6 ). This actuator 32 is z. B. laterally under the seat 11 ( Fig. 6 ) or is embedded in a specially designed recess in the housing of the seat 11, so that a person sitting on the seat support 11 person can actuate this actuator 32 during use of the chair easily and conveniently. An adjustment of the seat tilt in height is here z. B. by Seat release with simultaneous lever actuation of the actuator 32. An adjustment of the seat tilt in depth is carried out by actuation of the actuator 32 while loading the seat in the vertical direction.

In the example in the Fig. 4A, 4B attacks z. B. the Einrastpin 56 in the first locking hole 43 of the guide lever 21 a. In this state, the gear lever 22 engages in the provided in the lower region of the guide rail 23 teeth of the toothed rail 31 and is applied to the stop 73, for example. This housing portion 73 also forms a stop 73 for defining a minimum seat tilt adjustment. In this in Fig. 4A shown position, a minimal seat tilt is realized. The spring 26, which is attached to the pin 83 on the seat shell is here minimally stretched.

In example in the Fig. 5A, 5B engages the Einrastpin 56 in the third and thus last locking hole 45. Here, the teeth of the gear lever 22 engage in the upper teeth of the toothed rail 31 a. A housing portion 84 of the seat shell 80 also forms a stop for the maximum seat tilt adjustment. In this state, a maximum adjustment of the seat tilt is realized. The spring 26 is maximally stretched here. In a solution of the lock, this spring 26, the guide lever 21 and thus the seat 11 back to the starting position, as in the Fig. 4A, 4B shown is bring.

In addition, a central seat tilt would be feasible, for example, when the Einrastpin 56 in the middle locking hole 44 engages (not shown in the figures).

The Fig. 7A . 7B show side views of a chair according to the invention with an adjusting mechanism according to the invention. In the Fig. 7A In this case, the adjusting mechanism 20 is shown in its initial position, ie the seat 11 is not tilted here, whereas in the example in FIG Fig. 7B the seat 11 is inclined forwards by 4 ° via the adjusting mechanism 20 according to the invention. The pivot axis, over which the seat is inclined here, is designated by reference numeral 85. The inclination of the seat 11 relative to the horizontal is denoted by α. The inclination angle is in the example in Fig. 7A α = 0 °, whereas in the example in Fig. 7B the inclination angle α = 4 °.

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

The present invention is not necessarily limited to the above construction of a seat reclining mechanism. Rather, it would also be conceivable to dispense with the crossbar and the provision of a second vertical guide rail, although this would be less advantageous, in particular for reasons of stability.

Although the lock on a spring-loaded locking pin by means of operation of a Bowden cable with or without overload protection is beneficial, of course, can also use a different locking option. in the Present embodiment, three different seat heights can be adjusted by a locking device of the guide lever is locked in each case at three different horizontal positions. Of course, only two adjustable seat inclinations or more than three adjustable seat inclinations would be conceivable. In addition, it would also be conceivable to realize a stepless seat tilt adjustment, if for the locking another than the above-described, Einrastpin-related locking is used.

Although the present invention has been described in the above embodiments essentially to the use of guide rails, gear levers and linear guide rails, a variation of these elements by the same effect elements would be conceivable.

The construction of the guide rails and the gears can of course vary without departing from the subject invention.

Also, the crossbar and the corresponding recesses in the gears need not necessarily be hexagonal, but may also be square, triangular, polygonal or about round or oval.

The specified materials, sizes and dimensions are to be understood as exemplary only.

Also, the invention does not necessarily relate to swivel chairs and / or office chairs, but can also be used advantageously in any other chairs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

chair

11

Seat

12

backrest

13

pedestal

14

seat support

15

Backrest support

16

adjustment mechanism

20

Adjustment mechanism, seat tilt adjustment device

21

guide lever

22

cam-shaped gear, gear lever

22A

gear

23, 23A

guide rails

24, 25

Ends of the guide lever

26

elastic element, spiral spring

27

gear portion

28

lever portion

29

articulated connection

30

Inside of the guide rail

31

Locking rails, gear section

32

actuator

33

crossbar

40

fixing spin

41

securing eye

42

drilling

43-45

fixing bores

50

actuating button

51

(inner) sleeve

52

(outer) sleeve

53

Bowden

55

Overload spring

56

Snap pin, locking pin

57

compression spring

60, 60A

Hexagonal recess for the crossbar

61

drilling

70

Housing of the guide rail

71

hook-shaped sections, fastening sections

72

tooth section

73

attack

74

rear wall

75

Recess for the crossbar

80

Seat shell, seat plate

81

pad

82

Inside of the seat shell

83

fixing spin

84

attack

85

Swivel axis, rotation axis

X

horizontal adjustment direction

Y

vertical adjustment direction

Z

operating direction

F

force

D

Diameter of the latch pin

α

tilt angle

Claims (15)

1. Device (20) for seat inclination adjustment of a chair (10), in particular for office and swivel chairs or armchairs (10),
   having a spring-loaded guide lever (21), which has a resiliently elastic element (26), which can be attached to a seat (11) and which when clamped exerts a substantially horizontally acting spring force on the guide lever (21),
   having at least one vertically oriented guide rail (23, 23A) which can be attached to the seat (11) and which on the inside (30) has a substantially vertically extending toothed rail (31),
   having a toothed wheel (22) which is coupled to the guide lever (21) via an articulated connection (29) in such a way that a toothed wheel portion (27) of the toothed wheel (22) is disposed in a vertically moveable manner on the inside (30) of the guide rail (23, 23A) and so upon each inclination of the seat, first teeth of the toothed wheel portion (27) always engage in second teeth of the toothed rail (31).
2. Device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the toothed wheel (22) is designed as a cam-like toothed wheel (22) which has a toothed wheel portion (27) and a lever portion (28) which protrudes from the toothed wheel (22) in the form of a cam-like formation and to which the guide lever (21) is articulated via the articulated connection (29).
3. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide lever (21) has a rod-like structure, at one end (24) of which the resiliently elastic element (26) is attached via an attachment device (40) and at the other end (25) of which a bore (42) is provided, via which the guide lever (21) can be coupled to the toothed wheel (22).
4. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   - the resiliently elastic element (26) is formed as a spiral spring, helical spring or helical tension spring (26) which in particular is disposed at least partially on the inside of the guide lever (21) and/or

   - that the resiliently elastic element (26) is under maximum tension when the seat is at maximum inclination, and is not under tension or is under minimum tension when the seat is at minimum inclination.
5. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the guide lever (21) has at least two and preferably three or four locking bores (43-45) in which a corresponding pin (56) can be inserted for locking purposes.
6. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an actuation device (32) which can be attached to a seat (11) is provided and upon actuation permits a displacement of the seat inclination and comprises a locking device which fixes the guide lever (21) against the seat (11) in the non-actuated state and therefore prevents movement of the guide lever (21) in the horizontal direction (X).
7. Device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the actuation device (32) has an actuation button (50) and that the locking device has a spring-loaded locking pin (55, 56, 57) which is coupled to the actuation button (50) via a Bowden cable (53) spring force [sic] and which can be introduced into corresponding locking apertures (43-45) of the seat (11) and of the guide lever (21) for locking purposes.
8. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that continuous adjustment of the seat inclination is provided.
9. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that maximum adjustment of the seat inclination is preset via a first stop (84) and/or minimum adjustment of the seat inclination is preset via a second stop (73).
10. Device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two guide rails (23, 23A) are provided and that a further toothed wheel (22A) is provided in addition to the toothed wheel (22), which are designed in such a way that each can move vertically within a guide rail (23, 23A) allocated thereto.
11. Device as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that a transverse coupling device (33) is provided which couples the two toothed wheels (22, 22A) to one another.
12. Device as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the transverse coupling device (33) is formed as a transverse rod (33) which is disposed in a precisely fitting manner in apertures (60, 60A) provided specifically for this purpose in the toothed wheels (22, 22A) and which ensures that a force acting on the seat (11) uniformly on both sides of the transverse rod (33) is transferred from the respective toothed wheels to the guide rails (23, 23A) allocated respectively thereto.
13. Device as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the transverse rod (33) comprises a break-proof, expansion-resistant, glass-reinforced or glass fibre-reinforced synthetic material or a break-proof and expansion-resistant, aluminium, metal or steel-containing material.
14. Chair (10), in particular an office and swivel chair or armchair (10),

    - having a chair support (13, 16), to which a seat support (14) and a backrest (12) are attached,

    - having a seat (11) which is attached to the seat support (14),

    - having a device (20) for adjusting seat inclination as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is attached to the seat (11) and to the seat support (14) and via which the seat (11) can be inclined in the vertical direction (y) with respect to the seat support (14).
15. Chair as claimed in claim 14, characterised in that the device (20) is coupled to the seat (11) and arranged with respect to the seat (11) such that the seat (11) can be vertically adjusted in the rear third.

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