EP2380460B1 - Back rest with neck support for an office chair and office chair - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a backrest of an office chair which is adjustable with respect to the backrest inclination angle. The present invention further relates to an office chair.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Although applicable to any chair having a backrest reclining movable backrest and neckrests attached thereto, the present invention and the problem underlying it are described below with reference to an office chair having a neckrest attached thereto.

In particular, in office activities it is important that a user of an office chair has the opportunity to repeatedly relax from the sitting position occupied during his work. For this reason, modern office chairs now have a standard backrest adjustment mechanism, which realizes a tilt of the backrest during use. For the disc relief such a Rückenlehnenverstellmechanik is advantageous. However, it is problematic for the neck muscles, as a user of an office chair with a backrest inclined backwards must spend more force to the back tilted head weight over a longer period to keep. This results in prolonged sitting in the reclined position to neck tension in the user.

Modern office chairs therefore generally have a head and / or neck support in addition to the backrest adjustment mechanism (hereafter referred to as neck support). This neck support offers the head or neck a relaxation, since the head or the neck can lean against the neck support or can rest on it.

A problem arises, however, if the user of an office chair works in an at least partially reclined position of the backrest, for example, over a long period on a monitor of a computer. In this case, the head or the neck will not rest on the respective neck support, but be lifted by muscle power forward. This leads to prolonged sitting in this forward tilted posture inevitably neck tension. Modern office chairs therefore additionally have a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the neck support, via which the neck support can be adapted to the needs and sitting habits of the respective user and adjusted accordingly.

Such neck supports with corresponding adjustable neck support functionality are in the EP 1 393 659 B1 , of the EP 1 186 257 B1 and the EP 1 192 880 A2 described. The neck support is attached there directly or via a connecting part to the backrest and pivotally mounted via a corresponding articulated connection between neck support and backrest. To adjust the neck support, a user must manually or by means of a corresponding actuating lever pivot the neck support into the corresponding desired position and then lock it. If the user wishes to make the adjustment while sitting on the office chair, this requires some acrobatic skill to sit behind him while sitting Bring neck rest in the appropriate position and lock. Alternatively, the user may also adjust the neck support when not sitting on the seat. Although this is easier then, but this sometimes requires a multiple adjustment to just adjust the neck support exactly to the desired seating position. Overall, in the solutions mentioned the adjustment and adjustment of the neck support is not very comfortable.

The above headrests are manually adjustable, but after their adjustment and locking during use of the office chair rigidly connected to the backrest. However, a user of an office chair will change his sitting position more frequently, for example, in the case of an automatic seat tilt adjustment. The above-mentioned adjustable neck rests would then have to be set manually again at each new seating position or the neck rests would remain rigid at the last set tilt position and the user would have to accept a not optimally adjusted neck support in each case.

The publication NO 313365 describes a chair with adjustable backrest, wherein rods between the chair seat and a fastener are provided so that a change in the angular position of the backrest leads to a change in the position of the fastener relative to the backrest.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simpler and more comfortable way of adjusting a neck support in an office chair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a backrest having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by means of a Office chair solved with the features of claim 12.

The underlying realization of the present invention is that all manually adjustable neck rests provide the user with limited comfort, especially when a user changes his sitting position very often. The idea underlying the present invention is to provide an automatically adjustable, so-called autoadaptive neck support. This autoadaptive neck support is brought via the coupling with the backrest by the backrest in accordance with the optimal neck support position, the backrest here, so to speak, forms the actuator for the adjustment.

The adjustment mechanism according to the present invention includes a mechanism based solely on a weight transfer of the upper body of a person sitting on the office chair and thus completely manages manual adjustment mechanisms for the neck support. In a (front) sitting position, the person sitting on the office chair exerts a relatively small force on the backrest, since in this case the upper body of the seated person is generally aligned substantially vertically. The force vectors acting on the office chair by the person are here substantially perpendicular and hardly directed in a horizontal direction against the backrest.

If the person sitting on the office chair leans backwards in a so-called rest or relaxation position, then the weight portion of the upper body increases and the horizontal force vector, which is introduced into the backrest, becomes larger. Through a corresponding coupling mechanism of this horizontal force vector is through the back Move the backrest via the coupling with the neck support also introduced into the neck support. This neck support is firmly coupled to the backrest and is pivoted in a backward movement of the backrest about the first pivot axis. The respective forces acting on the backrest forces are received on a corresponding support frame, which is connected to both the backrest and the neck support.

The lower part of the neck support is moved in this movement over the backrest in the same direction of force application to the rear, whereby the upper part of the neck support thereby moves around the second axis of rotation in the opposite direction to the front and thus moves automatically and autonomously forward , The upper part of the neck support, so the support area is brought by the person on the office chair barely perceptible in direct contact with the head. This allows the greatest possible comfort through the self-adjustable Nackenstützenverstellmechanismus and thus nachführbar designed neck support.

Overall, therefore, a backward movement of the backrest always results in an opposite movement of the neck support, that is to a forward movement of that part of the neck support on which the head of a person should rest. This adjusts an adjustment of the neck support, which comes largely independent of the size and weight of the person sitting on the office chair person.

This neck support requires no manual tracking, adjustment or the like and yet represents a greater comfort and a greater Verstellgenauigkeit, as was the case with previous Nackenstützenverstellmechanismen. The special advantage is also that on specially provided lever or manual adjustment mechanisms For adjusting and locking the neck support can be completely dispensed with and yet an optimal neck support adjustment is possible. The present invention also comes without specially provided cables or Bowden cables for manual adjustment of the neck support. Especially for those groups of people who want maximum comfort without large adjusting mechanisms, an extremely comfortable adjusting mechanism for the neck support in connection with the backrest is provided here.

Also from an ergonomic point of view, the automatic adjusting mechanism according to the invention takes a new approach. Since the spine of a person sitting on the office chair is not movable in all areas, the autoadaptive adjustment mechanism according to the invention specifically exploits the possibilities of movement of the cervical vertebrae.

Since the range of motion of the neckrest in the normal sitting position and in the reclined position is not chosen too large, the neck area is not additionally and excessively stressed. Rather, the neck support, as it is always located at the expected position for the user, always be used intuitively immediately. This also results in a noticeable relief of the shoulder and neck area even when sitting long on the office chair.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the other dependent claims in conjunction with the figures of the drawing.

In a preferred embodiment, the first coupling means on the coupling region provided on cam. Typically, these cams are laterally mounted or secured to the docking area and protrude laterally, for example, from a frame of the neckrest. About this cam, the neck support is rotatably supported by a first articulated connection to the support frame of the office chair. Typically, a cam is provided on the left and right of the neck support each, which together with a corresponding bush or a bearing housing in the support frame of the backrest form a pivot bearing and thus first articulated connections. Instead of a cam, a pin-like structure, a pin or the like could be provided. These cams represent a very simple and very easy to install and still very safe in operation coupling of the neck support to a support frame.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the second coupling means have at least one second articulated connection. This second articulated connection may for example be a hinge or a pivot bearing. As a hinge comes, for example, a film hinge, for example made of plastic, in question. This second articulated connection is typically provided in the lower region of the coupling region at a location at which the coupling region is coupled and connected in the mounted state to a backrest frame of the backrest.

Typically, the neck support in the view from the side, so in a lateral projection, in an approximately S-shaped or wavy. The neck support thus has an S-shaped or wavy cross-section viewed from the side, whose upper region, which forms the support region, is directed forwards and whose lower region, which forms the coupling region, is directed towards the rear. Thus, the upper support area is always directed to a head of a person sitting on the office chair and thus allows a comfortable sitting with at the same time resting on the headrest neck.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the upper bearing area is offset from the lower coupling area offset to the front, in particular by 50-80 mm and particularly preferably offset by 70 mm offset to the front. In ergonomic terms, this corresponds to a projected distance that a head (in the normal sitting position) is inclined forward relative to the body area. A person sitting on the office chair person can thus equally lean on the back of the backrest and at the same time lean the head of the projecting neck support, without having to tense up and without spending a corresponding muscle power for it.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the backrest, the neck support is connected to one another via the second coupling means such that the neck support is arranged in an initial position in alignment with the backrest frame in an aligned manner. This starting position is determined by a front seat position in which a person sitting on the chair vertically more or less upright sitting on the chair and thus exerts no or little force against the backrest frame over his upper body. Typically, an angle between the backrest frame and the neck support (or its coupling region) at about 0 °. It would be conceivable, depending on the construction of the neck support, of course, a deviating angle not equal to 0 ° and thus a corresponding non-aligned arrangement of neck support and backrest frame.

In a likewise preferred refinement, the neck support and the backrest frame are connected to one another via the second coupling means in such a way that the neck support strikes the backrest frame through the upper body of a person sitting on the chair at a maximum angle in the range of 35 ° to 15 ° Backrest frame is pivotable. It is particularly preferred if the neck support is designed to be pivotable against the backrest frame at a maximum angle in the range of 30 ° to 20 ° and in particular particularly preferably in a maximum angle of 26 °.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one first articulated connection is provided. Such a first articulated connection has in each case laterally on a frame of the neck support protruding cams or pins and in each case a corresponding in or on the support frame provided bearing housing. In this bearing housing, a respective cam or pin is rotatably mounted, wherein the axes of rotation of the cam set the first horizontal axis of rotation. Cams and bearing housings thus form a bearing. The bearing is preferably a pivot bearing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first articulated connection is designed as a bearing and in particular as a rotary slide bearing, which has a length compensation device. This length compensation device is expedient to enable any movement of the backrest frame in the direction of the force application and a corresponding movement of the neck support fastened to the support frame via the first articulated connection. It would of course also be conceivable to realize such a length compensation device in the lower region of the backrest, on which the backrest is fastened to the support frame, although this is more complicated in terms of assembly and construction. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length compensation device is designed as a longitudinal slot provided in the carrier frame or in the pivot bearing. This longitudinal slot is aligned so as to allow movement of a respective cam disposed therein along this longitudinal slot and thus in the longitudinal direction of the support frame.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the first articulated connection has at least one noise damping element. This noise damping element is arranged in the first articulated connection and designed to be corresponding to a rotation of a cam in the bearing housing acoustically attenuate noise generated by this rotation and / or mechanically dampen movement. In particular, for example, a noise generated by a movement of the backrest frame relative to the neck support is damped and preferably completely eliminated.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, at least one stop element is provided, which limits pivoting of the backrest frame relative to the neck support to a maximum deflection. This stop element is typically attached to the first articulated connection and in particular to the corresponding bearing housing or on the support frame. This stop element is preferably also a protection of the second articulated connection, which may be formed, for example, as a film hinge. In a very frequent and / or heavy use of this second articulated connection this could be damaged without further protective measures and break or tear in the case of a plastic film hinge under certain circumstances. The stop element according to the invention prevents this in an effective manner by defining a maximum pivoting over the stop element, as a result of which the second articulated connection is not affected over an extended period of time and in the case of high loads. Preferably, a starting position of the Rückenlehnrahmens and / or the neck support is determined by the stop element.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, at least one spring element is provided, via which, after a relieving of a backrest frame pivoted to the rear, it can be moved back into its starting position or at least in the direction of its starting position by spring force of the spring element. This spring element thus enables the backrest to be effectively brought back into the normal sitting position, as long as no more force is exerted on the backrest. typically, this spring element is provided within the first articulated connection and in particular within the bearing. This spring element coupled in this case the cam and the support frame or the bearing housing resiliently together so that the aforementioned return function of the backrest is realized.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the backrest has means for adjusting the height of the neck support. Preferably, the neck support can be up to 100 mm and in particular to move 60-80 mm against the backrest frame up, without thereby the auto-adaptive pivoting of the neck support is impaired. Thus, the neck support can also be adjusted specifically with regard to the size of a person sitting on the seat.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the backrest frame and / or a frame of the neck support are formed as deformed wood panels, preferably plywood panels. This represents a very simple and cost-effective implementation and yet allows a long-term stable and a robust frame for these parts. It would also be conceivable, however, for the backrest frame and / or the frame of the neck support to be made of plastic as injection-molded parts, which is simple in terms of manufacture, but more tool-intensive in comparison to the (barrier) wooden plates.

In a typical embodiment, the backrest has at least one upholstery device which has a pad and a cover. The pad is disposed on a front side of the backrest both on the backrest frame and preferably also on a frame of the neckrest and is preferably attached directly thereto. The fixation of the pad on the backrest frame and neck support frame is typically done via the cover, the upholstery and preferably also the support frame, the backrest frame and completely covers the neck support frame. The cover is typically drawn around the outer edges of the seat back frame and / or the neck support frame and around the support frame and attached to the back side thereof on the frame of the backrest and the neck support. Typically, the pad is formed as a PE or PUR material and coated with a cover, in particular made of a plastic, leather, fabric and the like.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the cushioning device has a one-piece pad. This one-piece pad is provided on the front of the backrest on both the backrest frame and the neck support coupled thereto. This pad is also completely covered by a one-piece cover, so that the backrest from the outside gives the impression of a uniform and one-piece backrest with neck support, which is particularly attractive and advantageous for design-technical reasons. Nevertheless, this outwardly having a one-piece construction backrest on the auto-adaptive adjustment mechanism for the neck support.

In order to enable the adjustment of the neck pieces against the seat back frame and also to avoid when using the chair considered unsightly material projections that can occur without further action during pivoting of the neck support against the backrest frame due to compressed cushioning material, has in a particularly preferred Design the cushion in the region of the second axis of rotation a corresponding material thinning and in particular at least one incision. It would also be conceivable, here slot-shaped recesses, to provide an area of lesser material density and / or a region of greater material elasticity. This embodiment of the pad is particularly advantageous if the neck support has a height-adjustable functionality.

In a likewise preferred embodiment, the padding device in the region of the second axis of rotation to a padding tension, which is to ensure that the reference always taut when pivoting the neck support against the backrest and in the starting position both in the neck support and in the backrest frame rests against the pad and preferably in all seating positions.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1A, 1B

Nackenstützen in Querschnittdarstellungen zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des erfindungsgemäßen Verschwenkmechanismus;

Fig. 2A

eine erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne im montierten Zustand;

Fig. 2B

die erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne aus Fig. 2A in einer Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig. 3

einen Ausschnitt der in Fig. 2A dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Rückenlehne im Bereich der ersten gelenkigen Verbindung;

Fig. 4A, 4B

Ausschnitte einer erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne, bei der das Zusammenspiel zwischen Nackenstütze, Rückenlehnenrahmen und Trägergestell deutlich wird;

Fig. 5A, 5B

erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehnen zur Erläuterung der Funktionsweise des Verschwenkmechanismus;

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Stuhls.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments specified in the figures of the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1A, 1B

Neck supports in cross-sectional views to explain the operation of the pivoting mechanism according to the invention;

Fig. 2A

a backrest according to the invention in the assembled state;

Fig. 2B

the backrest according to the invention Fig. 2A in an exploded view;

Fig. 3

a section of in Fig. 2A illustrated backrest according to the invention in the region of the first articulated connection;

Fig. 4A, 4B

Cutouts of a backrest according to the invention, in which the interaction between the neck support, backrest frame and support frame becomes clear;

Fig. 5A, 5B

backrests according to the invention for explaining the operation of the pivoting mechanism;

Fig. 6

a perspective view of a chair according to the invention.

In the figures of the drawing are identical and functionally identical elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The Fig. 1A and 1B shows a neck support in a cross-sectional view from the side to explain the operation of the pivoting mechanism. The neck support is designated by reference numeral 10 here. The neck support 10, in which only the frame 13 without cushion is shown here, has an upper support region 11 and a lower coupling region 12.

The support region 11 and the coupling region 12 are each both part of the frame 13 and thus preferably formed as a one-piece part of the neck support 10. The support area 11 serves the purpose that a head or a neck of a person sitting on a chair can be supported against a protruding support surface 11a of the support area 11.

The coupling region 12, however, serves to couple the neck support 10 to a backrest, not shown here, and in particular to its backrest frame. For this purpose, the coupling region 12 has first and second coupling means 14, 15, which are shown here only schematically. About this coupling means 14, 15, the neck support 10 with the backrest or the backrest frame is coupled and in particular there pivotally fastened. The first coupling means 14 can be attached to a likewise not shown here support frame of the backrest and rotatably support and thus define a first horizontally extending axis of rotation 16. The second coupling means 15 are based on the first coupling means 14 and based on the support area 11 in the lower region of the Coupling region 12 and in particular arranged below the first axis of rotation 16. Via the second coupling means 15, the neck support 10 can be pivotally attached to a backrest frame of the backrest. The second coupling means 15 thus define a second horizontal axis of rotation 19.

• In Fig. 1A befindet sich die Nackenstütze 10 in einer Ausgangsposition, die einer normalen Sitzposition einer aufrecht auf dem Stuhl sitzenden Person entspricht. Bei einem nach hinten Verschwenken einer Rückenlehne zieht das mit einem Rückenlehnenrahmen gekoppelte zweite Kopplungsmittel 15 den Ankopplungsbereich 12 unterhalb der ersten Drehachse 16 nach hinten in Richtung 17a. Dadurch wird der Auflagebereich 11 gleichsam in die entgegengesetzte Richtung 17b nach vorne verschwenkt. Es erfolgt somit eine Drehbewegung der Nackenstütze 10 um die durch das erste Kopplungsmittel 14 festgelegte erste Drehachse 16, welche Drehbewegung in Fig. 1B mit Bezugszeichen 17c bezeichnet ist.

Hereinafter, the operation of the neckrest 10 will be explained.

• In Fig. 1A is the neck support 10 in a starting position corresponding to a normal sitting position of a person sitting upright on the chair. When a backrest is pivoted backwards, the second coupling means 15, which is coupled to a backrest frame, pulls the coupling region 12 below the first rotation axis 16 backwards in the direction 17a. As a result, the support area 11 is pivoted as it were in the opposite direction 17b forward. There is thus a rotational movement of the neck support 10 about the first coupling means 14 fixed by the first axis of rotation 16, which rotational movement in Fig. 1B designated by reference numeral 17c.

The Fig. 2A and 2 B show a backrest according to the invention, in the assembled state ( Fig. 2A ) and in an exploded view ( Fig. 2B ). It should be noted that the backrest according to the invention and the neck support 10 in the Fig. 2A . 2 B each without cushion, cushion cover and frame cover is shown in order to represent the functionality of the invention better and more vividly.

The backrest is here designated by reference numeral 20. The backrest 20 according to the invention essentially consists of a backrest frame 21, a support frame 22, a backrest support 23 and the neck support 10. The support frame 22 serves for the stability and the hold of the backrest 10 and the provision of an adjustment functionality of the backrest 20 and the neck support 10. In this case, a respective lower region 21a of the backrest frame 21 and a lower region 22a of the support frame 22 are arranged in the backrest support 23 and fixed there by fastening means (not shown). The support frame 22 is in the lower portion 21 a U-shaped and preferably in the present case even double-U-shaped to accommodate the high forces that are transmitted in the load case of the back frame 21 and the support frame 22.

The neck support 10 is pivotally attached to the seat back frame 21 via two hinges 26. This hinge 26 is part of the second coupling means 15 from the Fig. 1A and 1B , These film hinges 26 may be formed, for example, as plastic film hinges. In the present case, the hinges 26 for assembly reasons, not part of the back frame 21 and the neck support 10. The film hinges 26 each have two mounting portions laterally, which are designed as mounting plates 26 a to the film hinges 26 to the respective frame of the neck support 10 and backrest frame 21 to attach. For attachment, the neck support 10 and the backrest frame 21 each have recesses 21b formed in the respective frame mounting areas, in which the corresponding mounting plates 26a of the hinge 26 can be inserted positively and flush and fixed there.

In the present case, two hinges 26 are provided, which are fastened on both sides to the neck support 10 or the backrest frame 21. The neck support 10 is pivotable about the hinges 26 against the backrest frame 21, wherein the two film hinges 26 define the second axis of rotation 19. Instead of using exactly two film hinges 26, it would also be conceivable to provide only one film hinge, which is arranged centrally between the neck support 10 and the backrest frame 21. Also conceivable would be more than two hinges 26 per chair.

The neck support 10 also has a first coupling means 14 which is formed here in the form of attachable to the neck support 10 plates 27. These plates 27 each have laterally projecting pins or cams 27a, whose function will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG Fig. 3 is explained. These laterally projecting cams 27a define the first axis of rotation 16. These projecting cams 27 a are adapted to be inserted into a corresponding bearing housing 28 to a rotational movement of the neck support 10 corresponding to the above with respect to the. By the rotation of these cams 27 a in the respective bearing housing 28 Fig. 1A and 1B To allow described operation.

In the example shown the Fig. 2A and 2 B The bearing housing 28 has a bolt region 28a, via which the bearing housing 28 can be inserted into the upwardly open tubular ends 22b of the support frame 22. These bearing housing 28 can be about corresponding fasteners 29 via fasten respective springs 35 in these tube ends 22b and fix them there. Within the bearing housing 28, a damping element, typically a rubber plug 33 is also provided. It would also be conceivable if these bearing housings 28 are part of the support frame 22, although this would make manufacturing technology much more complex. It would also be conceivable if these bearing housings 28 are already part of the neck support 10 and, for example, are part of the first coupling means 14 fastened to the neck support 10.

A respective bearing housing 28 further has a continuous recess 28b, which is formed in the example shown as a longitudinal slot 28b. In this longitudinal slot 28b, the cams 27a of the first coupling means 15 can be inserted so as to allow an articulated connection between neck support 10 and support frame 22. The cams 27 a and the bearing housing 28 thus form a rotary slide bearing, as with reference to Fig. 3 will be explained in detail.

Fig. 3 shows a section of the in Fig. 2A illustrated backrest 20. Fig. 3 shows here in detail as a first articulated connection 30 formed rotary slide bearing 30, in which the cam 27a (not visible here) is inserted into the longitudinal slot 28b of the bearing housing 28. For fixing in the longitudinal slot 28b, a respective cam 27a is connected at its end to a double-anchor-shaped end piece 36, which externally causes a Gegenkonterung against the longitudinal slot 28b and thus provides an axial fixation of the cam 27a in the longitudinal slot 28b. This embodiment especially facilitates the assembly and assembly of the articulated connection 30.

The housing 28 also has two stops 31, 32. In the example shown in Fig. 3 is the mounting plate 27 at a first stop 31 on the housing 28 of the bearing 30 at. This position corresponds to a normal seating position of Backrest 20, in which this is oriented substantially vertically. The second stop 32 is the first stop 31 arranged more or less opposite and should set a maximum forward pivoting of the neck support 10. The purpose of this second stop 32 is firstly to define a maximum deflection of the neck support 10 and in particular the protection of the film hinge 26. This could be damaged in an excessive forward pivoting of the neck support 10 (without such a stop 32) over time. This second stop 32 effectively prevents this.

Within the bearing housing 28 is also a damping device 33 (not to be seen here) arranged. This damping device 33 is intended to effectively suppress a rattling caused by pivoting in the bearing 30 and thus noise. Such noise may arise during operation and in particular during pivoting of the backrest 20 according to the invention due to manufacturing tolerances.

The pivot bearing 30 also has a longitudinal slot 28b. The cam 27a is arranged and supported in this longitudinal slot 28b such that it can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal slot 28b in the direction 34 and thus in the axial direction 34 of the carrier frame 22. The slot length A defines a maximum deflection of the neck support 10 and the backrest frame 21, since the cam 27a can only move within this longitudinal slot 28b, whereby the maximum deflection of the backrest frame 21 and the neck support 10 is limited. The prerequisite for this is of course that the backrest frame 21 is fixed at its lower portion 21a fixed to the chair and in particular to the backrest support 23.

Further, a spring element 35 is provided within the first articulated connection 30, which in Fig. 3 only partial is shown. By means of this spring element 35, after relieving a backrest frame 21 pivoted backwards, it can be moved by spring force back into its starting position or at least in the direction of its starting position. Typically, this spring element 35 is resiliently disposed between the cam 27a and the bearing housing 28 or between the cam 27a and the support frame 22.

The FIGS. 4A and 4B show a section of a backrest 20 according to the invention, in which the interaction between neck support 10, backrest frame 21 and support frame 22 is clear. In the example in Fig. 4A the backrest 20 is in a starting position. In this case, the neck support 10 and the seat back frame 21 are aligned with each other, at least as far as the lower portion of the neck support 10 is concerned. If the backrest frame 21 is pushed backwards, then this backrest frame 21 pulls the lower region of the neck support 10 backwards (in the direction 17a) via the two film hinges 26 attached thereto. The upper region of the neck support 10 is thereby pivoted about the first axis of rotation 16 so that the support region 11 can move forward in the direction 17b. This is possible because the first articulated connection 30 arranged at the upper open end 22b of the support frame 22 functions as the first axis of rotation 146 about which the neck support 10 is pivoted due to the rearward movement of the backrest frame 21.

The Figs. 5A and 5B show once again the operation of a backrest 20 according to the invention, being here on the horizontally extending axes of rotation 16, 19, 51 is turned off. The backrest 20 here has a cushioning device 50. The upholstery device 50 consists of a cushion and a pad covering the cover.

The backrest 20 according to the invention has a total of three horizontally extending axes of rotation 16, 19, 51. The first and second rotation axis 16, 19 were already with respect to the embodiment in the Fig. 1A and 1B explained, wherein the first axis of rotation 16 by the first coupling means 14 and the second axis of rotation 19 by the second coupling means 15 and here in particular by the film hinge 26 are realized. These two horizontally extending axes of rotation 16, 19 are not stationary, ie in the case of a pivoting of the backrest 20, these change relative to the chair their relative position. In addition, there is a third horizontal axis of rotation 51, which denotes the coupling of the backrest to the chair and on which the backrest 20 is attached to a support of the chair (which is not shown here). This third axis of rotation 51 is stationary with respect to the chair.

In Fig. 5A is the backrest 20 in the starting position, in which both the back frame 21 and the neck support 10, which are not shown separately here, are arranged in alignment with each other. About a dashed line 54 in the Figs. 5A and 5B the demarcation of the neck support 10 and backrest frame 21 located inside the upholstery devices were identified. If, via the upper body of a person sitting on the chair, a force F is then coupled in the direction 52 against the backrest 20 and here in particular against the backrest frame 21 ( Fig. 5B ), then due to the pivotable coupling of neck support 10 and back frame 21, the lower portion of the coupling portion 12 in the direction 17a pulled back, causing the neck support 10 to rotate about the first axis of rotation 16 in the direction of rotation 17c. The upper support area 11 of the neck support 10 is thereby automatically moved forward in the direction 17b. Furthermore, the lower region of the backrest 20 or the backrest frame 21 rotates about the third axis of rotation 51 in the direction of rotation 53, ie opposite to the direction of rotation 17c.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a chair according to the invention. The chair designated here by reference numeral 60 comprises a seat support 61 which supports the seat 62. Furthermore, a backrest 20 according to the invention is provided which is fastened to the seat support 61 via the backrest support. Further, a tilting mechanism housing is provided which is fixed to the seat support 61 and to the pedestal 65. The chair 60 further includes a footed portion 67 provided with rollers on which the pedestal 65 is mounted. The chair 60 further includes armrests 64 secured to a base of the chair 60 thereon.

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

In the present patent application is always talked of an office swivel chair. However, the invention does not relate exclusively to swivel chairs and / or office chairs, but can also be used advantageously in any other chairs with inventive backrest or neck support.

With regard to the specific design of the first and second coupling means, these could of course be implemented in any manner, provided that the corresponding functionality is still met. In particular, for example, the film hinge could also be formed in other ways, for example as a conventional mechanical hinge, bearings or the like, even if a plastic film hinge from a manufacturing point of view and for cost reasons is preferable. The special design of the rotary slide bearing could also be realized in other ways, for example by a functional separation of the pivot bearing of the sliding mechanism.

In the present embodiment, the backrest according to the invention has been shown to explain the functionality mostly without back pad and cover. It goes without saying, however, that a backrest according to the invention typically has such a padding device, but does not necessarily have to have it.

The figures and dimensions given are only for better understanding, but should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Also, a neck rest was always addressed in the above description. It goes without saying that a neck support also includes a headrest or a head / neck support. Also, it goes without saying that the neck support is designed both for supporting the head and the neck. If in the description and in the claims so of neck support is mentioned, this term is always in terms of neck support, headrest or head / neck support to support a head and / or neck to read.

The terms "front" and "back" refer throughout the patent application always on the front of the chair on which the user sits, or on the back of the chair, which faces away from the front.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

headrest

11

(upper) support area

11a

Support surface of the neck support

12

(lower) docking area

13

Frame of the neck support

14

first coupling agent

15

second coupling agent

16

first axis of rotation

17a

Direction (backwards)

17b

(opposite) direction (forward)

17c

direction of rotation

19

second axis of rotation

20

backrest

21

Backrest frame

21a

lower area of the backrest frame

21b

recessed areas in the backrest frame

22

support frame

22a

lower area of the support frame

22b

upper, tubular open area of the support frame

23

Backrest support

26

Hinge, movie hinge

26a

Mounting plates of the hinge

27

mounting plate

27a

Cams, spigots

28

Bearing housing, housing of a rotary slide bearing

28a

fastening pins

28b

slot-shaped recess, longitudinal slot

29

fastener

30

first articulated connection, swivel bearing, bearing

31

first stop

32

second stop

33

damping device

34

axial direction

35

spring element

36

double anchor shaped end piece, counter

50

Upholstery of the backrest frame

51

third axis of rotation

52

Direction of force application

53

direction of rotation

54

Projected dividing line between neck support and backrest frame

60

Office / swivel chair

61

seat support

62

Seat

64

armrests

65

pedestal

67

footer

F

force

A

slot length

Claims (12)

1. Back rest (20) for an office chair (60) which is formed so as to be adjustable in terms of the angle of inclination of the rest,

   - comprising a carrying framework (22),

   - comprising a back rest frame (21), which is fixed movably to the carrying framework (22) for adjusting the inclination of the rest,

   - comprising a neck support (10), which has an upper resting region (11) for resting the head or neck and a lower coupling region (12), formed integrally with the resting region, for coupling the neck support (10) to a back rest (20),

   wherein the coupling region (12) comprises first coupling means (14) to a carrying framework (22), which establish a first axis of rotation (16), and pivotable second coupling means (15) to a back rest frame (21), the coupling means (14, 15) being formed in such a way that the neck support (10) automatically rotates about the first axis of rotation (16) when a force (F) is introduced against the back rest (20), resulting in the coupling region (12) pivoting backwards in substantially the same direction (17a) as the introduction of force (F) and the resting region (11) pivoting forwards in a direction (17b) substantially counter to the introduction of force (F), wherein the second coupling means (15) is fixed to the back rest frame (21),
   wherein a first articulated connection (30) is provided which has cams (27a) projecting on the side of a frame of the neck support (10) in each case and a bearing box (28) provided in or on the support framework (22) in each case, in which bearing box a respective cam (27a) is rotatably mounted and fixed, the axes of rotation of the cams (27a) establishing the first axis of rotation (16).
2. Back rest according to claim 1, characterised in that the second coupling means (15) comprise a second articulated connection (26), in particular a hinge (26), which are arranged in a lower region of the coupling region, at which the coupling region is connected to a back rest frame (21) after assembly.
3. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the neck support (10) has an S-shaped or wave-shaped cross-section as viewed from the side and/or in that the upper resting region (11) is formed offset forwards with respect to the lower coupling region (12), in particular formed offset forwards by 50-80 mm and preferably by 70 mm.
4. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the neck support (10) and the back rest frame (21) are interconnected via the second coupling means (15), in such a way that in an initial position, in which only a small force (F) or none at all is exerted on the back rest frame (21), the neck support (10) is arranged flush in the direct extension of the back rest frame (21), and/or when a force is introduced against the back rest (20), the neck support (10) is pivotable with respect to the back rest frame (21) with a maximum angle in the range of 35° to 15° and in particular with a maximum angle in the range of 30° to 20° and particularly preferably with a maximum angle of 26°.
5. Back rest according to claim 1, characterised in that the first articulated connection (30) is formed as a rotary floating bearing (30) which has a length compensation means (28b) and/or in that the articulated connection (30) has at least one noise damping element (33) for damping a noise when the articulated connection (30) moves.
6. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one stop (31, 32) is provided, and delimits pivoting of the back rest frame (21) with respect to the neck support (10), and/or in that at least one spring element (35) is provided, by means of which, after a back rest (20) which has been pivoted backwards is unloaded, it can be moved back into the initial position thereof, or at least towards the initial position thereof, by this spring force.
7. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the back rest (20) has means for adjusting the height of the neck support (10) with respect to the back rest frame (21).
8. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the back rest frame (21) and/or a frame (13) of the neck support (10) are formed as plastics material injection-moulded parts or as deformed particle boards.
9. Back rest according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the back rest (20) has at least one cushion means (50), which has a cushion and a cover which covers the cushion, the cushion means (50) in particular having a single-piece cushion, which is provided on and preferably fixed to the front face of the back rest (20) on the back rest frame (21) and a frame of the neck support (10).
10. Back rest according to claim 9, characterised in that, in the region of the second axis of rotation (19), the cushion has a material thinning, at least one incision, a slot-shaped recess, a region of lower material density and/or a region of higher material resilience.
11. Back rest according to either claim 9 or claim 10, characterised in that, in the region of the second axis of rotation (19), the cushion means (50) has a cushion restraint, which ensures that the cover is always positioned tightly on the cushion both in the region of the neck support (10) and in the region of the back rest frame (21).
12. Office chair, in particular a rotating office chair (60), comprising a back rest (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 which has a neck support (10):

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