EP2457466B1

EP2457466B1 - Multi-functional chair assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2457466B1
Application number: EP20110181134
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hyung Deuk Kim
Original assignee: Daeha Co Ltd
Current assignee: Daeha Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-30
Filing date: 2011-09-13
Publication date: 2014-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-13
Also published as: EP2457466A2; EP2457466A3; KR101028731B1

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-functional chair assembly, and more particularly to a multi-functional chair assembly which includes a seat plate capable of being forwardly tilted in accordance with the figure of the user or the working environment where the chair assembly is used, and a back plate having a subdivided-multi-stage locking function, a tilt limiting function, and an elasticity adjustment function, while being capable of achieving simple and convenient manipulation thereof using a cable (wire), thus achieving convenience in use and comfort.

Description of the Related Art

Generally, a chair assembly, which includes a seat plate, a back plate, and legs, is configured such that the level of the seat plate and the tilt of the back plate are adjustable, in order to achieve convenience in use and comfort.
Such a chair assembly also includes a lifting/lowering lever to actuate an opening/closing pin of a gas cylinder, and thus to raise or lower the seat plate to an appropriate level. A tilting lever is also provided to actuate a tilting device, and thus to appropriately adjust the tilt of the back plate.
Although such a conventional chair assembly is configured to have a free tilting function, in order to achieve convenience in use, it does not have a locking function to lock the back plate at a desired one of subdivided tilting angles. For this reason, it may be impossible to achieve multi-stage locking at various angles desired by the user. Also, there may often be an occasion that, when the chair assembly is tilted to a maximum tilting angle through the free tilting function, it falls backwards. For this reason, caution may be required upon using the free tilting function. Furthermore, there is no chair or chair assembly capable of simultaneously achieving a tilt limiting function to limit the free tilting angle and a locking function to lock a tiled state.
Conventional chairs have inconvenience in use because they do not have a seat plate capable of simultaneously achieving a locking function and a tilt limiting function. Conventional chairs also have a problem of inconvenience in use because they do not have a function to appropriately forwardly tilt a seat plate in accordance with the figure of the user or the working environment where the chairs are used.
Patent application WO 2006/094259 relates to a tilt control mechanism for an office chair, including a spring assembly for controlling the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional chair assembly which has a subdivided-multi-stage locking function, a tilt limiting function, and an elasticity adjustment function, to achieve limited tilting, multi-stage locking, and tilting angle adjustment of a back plate.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional chair assembly which includes a seat plate capable of being forwardly tilted in accordance with the figure of the user or the use environment (working environment) of the chair assembly.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional chair assembly which is capable of achieving simple and convenient manipulation thereof using a cable (wire), and thus achieving convenience in use and comfort.
Aspects of the present invention are as set out in the appended claims.
The chair assembly may achieve free tilting, limited tilting, and multi-stage locking of the back plate because it employs both the multi-stage locker for the back plate and the tilting limiter for the back plate, which may limit the free tilting angle of the back plate. Since the chair assembly also employs the seat plate tilter, it may be possible to forwardly tilt the seat plate in accordance with the figure of the user or the use environment or working environment of the chair assembly and thus to achieve more convenient use of the chair assembly
The multi-stage locker may have a locking angle subdivided into 5 to 10 locking stages, in order to lock the back plate at an optimal tilt angle, taking into consideration the figure of the user. The seat plate may be configured to be forwardly or backwardly slidable in accordance with the tilt of the back plate. Accordingly, convenience in use is achieved. Also, the adjusters may be simply and conveniently manipulated by cables, so that enhanced comfort and enhanced convenience in use may be achieved.
The elasticity adjuster may appropriately adjust the tilting strength of the back plate by appropriately adjusting the tensions of torsion springs as back plate springs, taking into consideration the fact that users have various figures.
The tilting limiter may function to limit the free tilting angle of the back plate to within an appropriate angle subdivided into multiple stages.
The seat plate may be forwardly tilted by the seat plate tilter in accordance with user manipulation, taking into consideration the figure of the user or the use environment or working environment of the chair assembly.
The chair assembly may be formed using a press. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the chair assembly may be formed using a die casting method, to provide a beautiful appearance, superior strength, and excellent moldability. In this case, it may be unnecessary to perform other subsequent tasks such as welding. Also, it may be possible to achieve simple and convenient assembly process and manufacture of high-quality products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a multi-functional chair assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a seat plate base and a frame included in the chair assembly are coupled;
FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an interior of the illustrated chair assembly;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the illustrated chair assembly, which illustrates operation of a tilting limiter;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the tilting limiter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the tilting limiter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a seat plate tilter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a locked state;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the seat plate tilter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a first-stage tilting state;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the seat plate tilter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a second-stage tilting state;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the multi-stage locker according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an unlocked state;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the multi-stage locker according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a locked state;
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating constituent elements of the chair assembly according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an elasticity adjuster according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an elasticity reduced state of torsion springs;
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the elasticity adjuster according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates an elasticity increased state of the torsion springs;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a tilting limiter and the multi-stage locker according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the multi-stage locker according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the seat plate tilter according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a side view illustrating a first-stage tilting state of the seat plate according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating a second-stage tilting state of the seat plate according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 20 to 23 are side views illustrating various tilting states of the back plate according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGS. 25 to 26 are side views illustrating various tilting states of the seat plate according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may obscure the subject matter of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-functional chair assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The multi-functional chair assembly, which is designated by reference numeral 1, includes a back plate 4 and a seat plate 7. The multi-functional chair assembly 1 also includes a plurality of adjusters, namely, a tilting limiter 28 for enabling the back plate 4 to be freely tilted within a predetermined angle range while limiting the free tilting angle of the back plate 4, a multi-stage locker 29 for locking the back plate 4 at a desired one of subdivided multiple tilting stages, an elasticity adjuster 30 for appropriately adjusting the tilting strength (elastic strength) of the back plate 4, taking into consideration the fact that users have various figures, a seat plate tilter 31 for forwardly tilting the seat plate 7, taking into consideration the use environment of the chair assembly or the figure of the user, a vertical level adjuster for adjusting a vertical level of the seat plate 4, and cables and levers for enabling the user to simply and conveniently manipulate the adjusters.
The chair assembly 1 of the illustrated embodiment may achieve free tilting, limited tilting, and multi-stage locking of the back plate 4 because it employs both the multi-stage locker 29 for the back plate 4 and the tilting limiter 28 for the back plate 4, which may limit the free tilting angle of the back plate 4. Since the chair assembly 1 also employs the seat plate tilter 31, it may be possible to forwardly tilt the seat plate 7 in accordance with the figure of the user or the use environment or working environment of the chair assembly 1, and thus to achieve more convenient use of the chair assembly 1.
The multi-stage locker 29 has a locking angle subdivided into 5 to 10 locking stages, in order to lock the back plate 4 at an optimal tilt angle, taking into consideration the figure of the user. The seat plate 7 is configured to be forwardly or backwardly slidable in accordance with the tilt of the back plate 4. Accordingly, convenience in use is achieved. Also, the adjusters are simply and conveniently manipulated by cables, so that enhanced comfort and enhanced convenience in use are achieved.
The elasticity adjuster 30 appropriately adjusts the tilting strength of the back plate 4 by appropriately adjusting the tensions of torsion springs 37 and 38 as back plate springs, taking into consideration the fact that users have various figures.
The tilting limiter 28 functions to limit the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 to within an appropriate angle subdivided into multiple stages.
The seat plate 6 is forwardly tilted by the seat plate tilter 31 in accordance with user manipulation, taking into consideration the figure of the user or the use environment or working environment of the chair assembly 1.
Thus, in the chair assembly 1 of the illustrated embodiment, the seat plate 6 may be forwardly tilted by the seat plate tilter 31. Also, the front end of the seat plate 7 is slidable when the back plate 4 or seat plate 7 is tilted, so as to be maintained at an appropriate tilt angle. It may also be possible to move and tilt the seat plate 6 through various manipulations in accordance with the tastes of the user. Thus, convenience in use and comfort are provided.
The chair assembly 1 may be formed using a press. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the chair assembly 1 is formed using a die casting method, to provide a beautiful appearance, superior strength, and excellent moldability. In this case, it may be unnecessary to perform other subsequent tasks such as welding. Also, it may be possible to achieve simple and convenient assembly process and manufacture of high-quality products.
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating the multi-functional chair assembly 1 according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a seat plate base 6 and a frame 3 are coupled. FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views illustrating an interior of the illustrated chair assembly 1. A coupling hole 3a is formed at a top of the frame 3, from which auxiliary frames 2 extend from opposite sides of the frame 3, respectively. The back plate 4 is coupled to the coupling hole 3a. The chair assembly 1 is journaled around opposite shaft portions 5 of the frame 3. The seat plate base 6 is slidably mounted on the chair assembly 1. The seat plate 7 is mounted on the seat plate base 6. A leg structure 10 is mounted to a lower surface of the chair assembly 1 at one side of the chair assembly 1. The leg structure 10 includes a plurality of casters 8 and a lifting/lowering cylinder 9. Armrests 11 are mounted to the auxiliary frames 2 extending from opposite sides of the frame 3, respectively.
In the chair assembly 1, the back plate 4 thereof achieves free tilting at an appropriate tilt angle, limited tilting and multi-stage locking as the frame 3 rotates about the shaft portions 5 to a desired angle in a normal or reverse direction. When the back plate 4 is tilted, the seat plate base 6, on which the seat plate 7 is mounted, is forwardly or backwardly moved while sliding about the shaft portions 5.
The seat plate 7 is firmly fixed to the seat plate base 6 by fastening members (not shown) fitted in through holes 18 of the seat plate base 6.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views illustrating a part of the chair assembly 1 according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The chair assembly 1 includes the torsion springs 37 and 38, which are installed within a body C to form lateral symmetrical structures, as back plate springs to maintain a desired tilting strength of the back plate 4. Also, the chair assembly 1 includes a plurality of adjusters, namely, the tilting limiter 28, which sets a free tilting angle of the back plate 4, the multi-stage locker 29, which locks a tilted state of the back plate 4 at a desired one of subdivided multiple stages, the elasticity adjuster 30, which adjusts the tilting strength (elastic strength) of the back plate 4, the seat plate tilter 31, which is mounted at a lower portion of the body C to forwardly tilt the seat plate 7, taking into consideration the use environment of the chair assembly 1 or the figure of the user, and the vertical level adjuster 19, which adjusts the level of the seat plate 4. The chair assembly 1 also includes manipulators 77, 88, 98, and 120, which include levers 78, 89, 99, and 119, and cables 76, 86, 97, and 114 each connected between a corresponding one of the levers and a corresponding one of the adjusters, in order to enable the user to simply and conveniently manipulate respective adjusters. The above-described configuration will be described in detail later.
As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, a tubular member 34 is fitted around an elongated hexagonal axial rod 32. Outer tubular members 124 and 125 are fitted around the tubular member 34 at opposite sides of the tubular member 34, respectively. Another outer tubular member 126 is fitted around the tubular member 34 between the outer tubular members 124 and 125. A link 39 is fitted around the outer tubular member 126 through an axial hole 40. The torsion springs 37 and 38 are symmetrically fitted around the outer tubular members 124 and 125, respectively.
Rims 124a and 125a are formed at outer ends of the outer tubular members 124 and 125, respectively. Outer end surfaces of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are in surface contact with the rims 124a and 125a. The rims 124a and 125a function to prevent the torsion springs 37 and 38 from being undesirably widened or from being worn due to frictional contact with end plates 23 and 24.
By virtue of the outer tubular members 124, 125, and 126, the strength of the tubular member 34 is enhanced. Also, strong elastic forces from the torsion springs 37 and 38, and the link 39 are not directly transmitted to the tubular member 34, but indirectly transmitted after being absorbed via the outer tubular members 124 and 125. Accordingly, smooth operation is achieved, and lifespan is extended.
The outer tubular members 124, 125, and 126 fitted around the tubular member 34 are rotatable around the tubular member 34 along with the torsion springs 37 and 38, and the link 39. The outer tubular members 124, 125, and 126 may be made of a synthetic resin material having excellent wear resistance and strength.
An actuator 41 extends from one side of the link 39. A groove 42 is formed at the actuator 41 in parallel with the axial rod 32, to receive a turn buckle 44. Engagement grooves 43 are formed at an inner surface of the actuator 41, to receive one-side ends 37a and 38a of the torsion springs 37 and 38, respectively. Thus, the link 39 is elastically supported by the torsion springs 37 and 38. Symmetrical curved surfaces 41a and 41b are formed at opposite sides of the actuator 41. Pressing members 45 and 46, which are included in the elasticity adjuster 30, are in surface contact with the curved surfaces 41a and 41b, respectively. In accordance with this structure, the actuator 41 may be rotated about the axial rod 32 in normal or reverse directions, so as to adjust the tilting strength of the back plate 4.
The axial rod 32 is coupled, at opposite ends thereof, with hexagonal coupling holes 25 and 26 formed at opposite sides of a housing 20, respectively. Accordingly, the axial rod 32 may be rotated in normal and reverse directions, along with the housing 20. Axial members 123 are fitted around the opposite ends of the axial rod 32 coupled to the housing 20, and axial pins 33a are then fitted in pin holes 33 formed at the axial rod 32, respectively, such that the axial members 123 are coupled with the axial rod 32. Accordingly, the axial rod 32 is prevented from moving axially.
A plurality of spline grooves is longitudinally formed at an inner surface of a through hole 35 of the tubular member 34. Since the axial rod 32, which is fitted in the through hole 35, has a hexagonal shape, the tubular member 34 is prevented from rotating unnecessarily in an idle state. As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft portions 5 of the frame 3, to which the back plate 4 is mounted, are coupled to the opposite ends of the axial rod 32. Accordingly, the frame 3 and back plate 4 may be tilted while rotating about the axial rod 32 in normal and reverse directions.
The housing 20 has an upwardly-opened structure formed with a receiving chamber 21 to receive the torsion springs 37 and 38. The housing 20 is provided with the hexagonal coupled holes 25 and 26 formed at the opposite end plates 23 and 24, so as to be coupled with the axial rod 32. The housing 20 is also provided, at an intermediate portion thereof, with an opening 27a and an opened groove 22. First and second engagement portions 61 and 61a included in the seat plate tilter 31 extend into or retract from the housing 20 through the opening 27a. The opened groove 22 allows the actuator 41 to operate smoothly. Other-side ends 37b and 38b of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are elastically supported by upper surface portions 20a of the housing 20 at one side of the housing, respectively. An engagement member 83, which is included in the tilting limiter 28, is protruded from an upper surface portion of the housing 20 at the other side of the housing 20.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the other-side ends 37b and 38b of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are elastically engaged with the upper surface portions 20a of the housing 20, and one-side ends 37a and 38a of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are elastically engaged with the engagement grooves 43 of the actuator 41, respectively. Accordingly, it may be possible to adjust the elastic forces of the torsion springs 37 and 38 by varying the position of the actuator 41 by use of the elasticity adjuster 30, thereby adjusting a pressing force applied to the other-side ends 37a and 38a of the torsion springs 37 and 38. Thus, it may be possible to appropriately adjust the tilting strength of the back plate 4, namely, the elastic strength of the back plate 4, in accordance with the tastes of the user.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating an initial state in which the back plate 4 is not tilted. As a stopper 117 extending from a bottom wall C1 of the body C extends into the opening 27a of the housing 20, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is determined.
That is, when clockwise rotation of the housing 20 and shaft portions 5 about the axial rod 32 is stopped as the stopper 117 comes into contact with an end of the opening 27a, the back plate 4 is in a maximally tilted state. In an unlocked state, the back plate 4 may be freely tilted within a maximum tilting angle θ.
The elasticity adjuster 30 may be configured as follows.
The elasticity adjuster 30 includes a case 54, an elasticity adjusting means installed in the case 54, and an elasticity adjusting lever 59 protruded through an axial hole 54a provided at one lateral end of the case 54.
The case 54 has a downwardly-opened structure. Another axial hole 54a is provided at the other lateral end of the case 54. A plurality of fixing holes is formed at each lateral end of the case 54. An access groove 54b is formed at a central portion of the case 54, to allow a connecting portion 39a of the link 39 to move vertically.
The turn buckle 44 is journaled in the axial holes 54a of the case 54.
The turn buckle 44 is formed with a left thread portion 44a and a right thread portion 44b at opposite sides of a central portion of the turn buckle 44, respectively. An axial rod 58 included in the lever 59 is welded or threadedly coupled to one end of the turn buckle 44 outwardly protruded from the case 54. Where the axial rod 58 is threadedly coupled to the turn buckle 44, an unfastening-preventing nut 55 and a thread member 57 welded to or formed at an end of the axial rod 58 are fastened to the thread portion of the turn buckle 44 outwardly protruded from the case 54, in order to connect the turn buckle 44 and the lever 59.
A washer or spring washer 56 is interposed between the unfastening-preventing nut 55 and the thread member 57 in order to prevent the fastened turn buckle 44 and lever 59 from being unfastened from each other when the lever 59 is rotated in a normal or reverse direction.
Pressing members 45 and 46 are symmetrically fastened to the thread portions 44a and 44b of the turn buckle 44 through thread holes 45b and 46b of the pressing member 45 and 46, respectively. When the turn buckle 44 rotates in a normal direction, the pressing members 45 and 46 are moved away from each other, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the elastic forces of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are reduced, thereby reducing the tilting strength of the back plate 4. On the other hand, when the turn buckle 44 rotates in a reverse direction, the pressing members 45 and 46 are moved toward each other, as shown in FIG. 14, so that the elastic forces of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are increased, thereby increasing the tilting strength of the back plate 4.
The turn buckle 44 is rotated in accordance with normal or reverse rotation of the lever 59 connected to the turn buckle 44. The rotated state of the turn buckle 44 is maintained due to rotation suppressing resistance, etc.
Curved surfaces 45d and 46d are formed at inner surfaces of the pressing members 45 and 46 contacting the curved surfaces 41a and 41b of the actuator 41, respectively. Accordingly, when the curved surfaces 41a and 41b of the actuator 41 are pressed, the actuator 41 is moved, as shown in FIG. 14, so that the elastic forces of the torsion springs 37 and 38 are increased. On the other hand, when the curved surfaces 41a and 41b of the actuator 41 are appropriately pressed to cause the actuator 41 to be disposed at an appropriate position, or when the actuator 41 is not pushed or is slightly pushed, as shown in FIG. 14, there is no increase in the elastic forces of the torsion springs 37 and 38. In this case, the back plate 4 is tilted by a general electric force.
A spring 47 is interposed between the curved surface 45d of the pressing member 45 and a support cap 49 at the side of the pressing member 45 opposite the actuator 41. Also, a spring 48 is interposed between the curved surface 46d of the pressing member 46 and a support cap 50 at the side of the pressing member 46 opposite the actuator 41. The springs 47 and 48 function to urge the pressing members 45 and 46 toward the actuator 41, respectively. Through holes 51 and 52 are formed through the support caps 49 and 50 to allow the turn buckle 44 to extend through the support caps 49 and 50, respectively. The support caps 49 and 50 are supported by the case 54.
Guide grooves 45c and 46c are formed at respective upper surfaces of the pressing members 45 and 46 in a longitudinal direction or in a movement direction (slide direction). A guide member 53 is received in the guide grooves 45c and 46c to enable the pressing members 45 and 46 to move smoothly in a longitudinal direction.
The multi-stage locker 29 is configured as follows.
The multi-stage locker 29 locks the back plate 4 at a tilt angle corresponding to one of the subdivided multiple tilting stages set taking into consideration the fact that there are various users. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the multi-stage locker 29. The multi-stage locker 29 includes a locking member 102. A plurality of locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122 is formed at one side of the locking member 102 while being spaced apart from one another by a certain distance. At the other side of the locking member 102, a fixing portion 101 is provided. The fixing portion 101 is fitted in a fitting groove 100 formed at the housing 20, and is then fixed to the housing 20 in accordance with a fixing method such as welding.
Thus, the locking member 102 is rotatable about the axial rod 32 along with the housing 20 (simultaneous rotation in an operatively-connected state). When the locking member 102 is prevented from moving by a stopper 109, the back plate 4 is locked.
The locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122 are positioned at different angles about the axial rod 32. For example, the uppermost locking groove 104 is positioned at an angle of 23°, the next locking groove 105 at an angle of 15°, the next locking groove 106 at an angle of 9°, the next locking groove 107 at an angle of 3°, the next locking groove 108 at an angle of -3°, and the next locking groove 122 at an angle of -9°. Of course, these angles are illustrated as an example, for better understanding of the present invention, and may be varied, taking into consideration user convenience.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with one of the locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122, the vertical tilt of the back plate 4 is fixed at an angle corresponding to the engaged locking groove.
For example, when the stopper 109 is engaged with the uppermost locking groove 104 to lock the back plate 4, as shown in FIG. 11, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted 23°.
That is, the shaft portions 5 are coupled to the opposite ends of the hexagonal axial rod 32, respectively, to rotate along with the hexagonal axial rod 32 in an operatively connected manner. Also, the axial rod 32 is coupled to the hexagonal coupling holes 25 and 26 formed at the housing 20, respectively, to rotate along with the housing 20 in an operatively connected manner. Accordingly, when the housing 20 is locked, the shaft portions 5, frame 3, and back plate 4 are locked, so that tilting of the back plate 4 is prevented. Of course, although the back plate 4 is in a locked state, very small tilting of the back plate 4 may occur due to assembly clearance or assembly tolerance.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with the next locking groove 105 to lock the back plate 4, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted 15°.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with the next locking groove 106 to lock the back plate 4, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted 9°.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with the next locking groove 107 to lock the back plate 4, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted 3°.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with the next locking groove 108 to lock the back plate 4, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted -3°, namely, forwardly tilted 3°.
When the stopper 109 is engaged with the next locking groove 122 to lock the back plate 4, the housing 20, axial rod 32, shaft portions 5, and frame 3 are prevented from rotating, so that the back plate 4 is locked in a state in which it is backwardly tilted -9°, namely, forwardly tilted 9°.
The locking angles of the back plate 4 are illustrated as an example for better understanding of the present invention.
The back plate 4 is coupled to the coupling hole 3a of the frame 3. The frame 3 is tilted while rotating about the shaft portion 5 and axial rod 32, and is then locked. The tilting is carried out within a predetermined angle range set by a tiling limiting function.
The locking member 102 may be formed by machining a stainless steel plate having a certain thickness. The locking member 102 may have a plurality of plates machined to have the same shape and riveted using a plurality of rivets 103 to be joined together. In this case, the strength of the locking member 102 is greatly enhanced.
An opening C2 is formed at the bottom wall C1 of the body C, to allow the locking member 102 to rotate about the axial rod 32. A support block 92, to which the cable 114 is connected, is mounted to an upper surface of the bottom wall C1. A guide member 110, to which the stopper 109 is coupled, is mounted to the upper surface of the bottom wall C1 at one side of the bottom wall C1 by a plurality of fastening members. The stopper 109 is loosely fitted in a guide hole 111 formed through the guide member 110 such that it is movable. A slot 112 is formed at an upper surface of the guide member 110. The stopper 109 is outwardly exposed from the guide member 110.
The stopper 109 has a thickness slightly smaller than the size of the locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122 so that it may freely extend into or retract from the locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122.
An actuating member 113, which has a structure including lower and upper horizontal portions and a vertical connecting portion, is pivotally mounted to the bottom wall C1 at the lower portion thereof by a pivot pin 116, to be pivotable in an arrow direction of FIG. 16 (clockwise or counterclockwise direction). A vertical hole is provided at an end of the upper horizontal portion of the actuating member 113. The upper horizontal portion of the actuating member 113 is arranged over the slot 112 of the guide member 110. A bolt 118 is fitted in the vertical hole of the upper horizontal portion such that it extends through the slot 112. The bolt 118 is fastened to the stopper 109, which is fitted in the guide hole 111. An end of the cable 114 connected to the support block 92 is mounted to the lower horizontal portion of the actuating member 113, for example, inside the pivot pin 116. A spring 115 is fitted around the cable 114 between the support block 92 and the actuating member 113, to elastically force the actuating member 113 to pivot about the pivot pin 116 in a direction opposite to the support block 92. Accordingly, the stopper 109 is in a state in which it is backwardly moved in a direction opposite to the locking grooves 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 122.
The manipulator 120 is mounted to the end of the cable 114, to adjust the locking angle. The lever 119 is mounted to one side of the manipulator 120. Several scale marks are indicated on a portion of the manipulator 120 at positions corresponding to different manipulation positions of the lever 119, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
Thus, the housing 20 and locking member 102 are simultaneously rotatable (in an operatively connected manner). When the locking member 102 is restrained so that it cannot move, the back plate 4 is locked.
The tilting limiter 28, which limits the free tilting range of the back plate 4), is configured as follows.
The tilting limiter 28 includes a selector 84 pivotally mounted to the bottom wall C1 of the body C by a pivot bolt 85, and a plurality of steps 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d formed at an upper surface of the selector 84 while having sequentially-higher levels, respectively. The engagement member 83 is also included in the tilting limiter 28. The engagement member 83 is protruded from the upper surface portion of the housing 20 at the other side of the housing 20. The engagement member 83 determines a rotation angle range of the housing 20 while contacting one of the steps 84a, 84b, 84c, and 84d. The tilting limiter 28 also includes a ring 84f formed at one side surface of the selector 84, a mounting member 121 mounted to the bottom wall C1 and formed with a head at an upper end thereof, and a spring 87 engaged with the ring 84f and mounting member 121, to urge the selector 84 toward the mounting member 121. The cable 86, manipulator 88, and lever 89 are also included in the tilting limiter 28. The cable 86 is connected to the other side surface of the selector 84. The lever 89 is installed at the manipulator 88 to allow the user to manipulate the selector 84. Scale marks are indicated on a surface of the manipulator 88, to enable the user to identify a manipulation position of the selector 84.
The selector 84 is maintained in a neutral state by the spring 87 urging the selector 84 toward the mounting member 121 and an engagement means (not shown) provided at the manipulator 88, so that it is disposed at a selected position. When the lever 89 is rotated to tense the cable 86, the selector 84 is rotated about the pivot bolt 85 toward the cable 86. On the other hand, when the lever 89 is rotated to loosen the cable 86, the selector 84 is rotated about the pivot bolt 85 toward the spring 87 by the resilience of the spring 87.
When the engagement member 83 comes into contact with the lowest step 84a in accordance with manipulation of the lever 89, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is limited to a range of 0 to 23°. On the other hand, when the engagement member 83 comes into contact with the step 84b, which has a slightly higher level than the lowest step 84a, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is limited to a range of 0 to 17°. When the engagement member 83 comes into contact with the step 84c, which has a slightly higher level than the step 84b, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is limited to a range of 0 to 12°. When the engagement member 83 comes into contact with the step 84d, which has a slightly higher level than the step 84c, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is limited to a range of 0 to 7°.
Here, the "free tilting state" means a state in which the back plate 4 can be freely tilted from a 0° state as the user pushes the back plate 4 using his back in a state of being seated on the seat plate 7.
The free tilting angles are illustrated as an example for convenience of description, and may be appropriately adjusted. FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the engagement member 83 is in contact with the lowest step 84a. FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the engagement member 83 is in contact with the highest step 84d.
The engagement member 83 may be provided by fixing a separate metal piece to the housing 20 through a fixing method such as welding. Of course, it is preferable that the engagement member 83 is integrated with the housing 20, in order to prevent degradation of the strength thereof.
The seat tilter 31, which functions to forwardly tilt the seat plate 7, is configured as follows.
FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the seat plate tilter 31. The seat plate tilter 31 includes a pair of laterally-spaced support members 65 and 66 fastened to a lower surface of the body C by fastening members 82, an actuating rod 71 journaled through axial holes 69 and 70 respectively formed at one-side ends of the support members 65 and 66, an arc portion 71a formed on the actuating rod 71 in a longitudinal direction, a first flat portion 71b formed on the actuating rod 71 in the longitudinal direction, and a second flat portion 71c formed on the actuating rod 71 in the longitudinal direction. The seat plate tilter 31 also includes an eccentric ring 72 joined or fixed to one end of the actuating rod 71 while being arranged outside the support member 65, a circular ring 73 joined or fixed to the other end of the actuating rod 71 while being arranged outside the support member 66, a spring 81 coupled to a hole 80 formed at the circular ring 73 while being coupled to a mounting member 79 fixed to the support member 66, and a wire 75 included in the cable 76 while being mounted to a mounting member 74 fixed to the eccentric ring 72. The cable 76 is also included in the seat plate tilter 31. The cable 76 is mounted to a bent portion 65a of the support member 65. The manipulator 77, which is also included in the seat plate tilter 31, is mounted to an end of the cable 76. The lever 78, which is also included in the seat plate tilter 31, is mounted to the manipulator 77. The seat plate tilter 31 further includes a stopper 60. The stopper 60 includes shaft portions 64 respectively journaled in axial holes 67 and 68 formed at substantially-intermediate portions of the support members 65 and 66, a first engagement portion 61 horizontally protruded from a central part of a connecting portion 62 to connect the shaft portions 64 and then vertically bent, to be engagable with the opening 27a of the housing 20, and a second engagement portion 61a formed at a free end of the first engagement portion 61 while being arranged at a lower level than the first engagement portion 61.
The actuating rod 71 has a circular cross-section. The first flat portion 71b formed on the actuating rod 71 extends in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rod 71. The second flat portion 71c formed on the actuating rod 71 extends in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rod 71 while neighboring the first flat portion 71b. The arc portion 71a is a portion of the actuating rod 71 other than the first and second flat portions 71b and 71c. The second flat portion 71c is formed to be closer to the center of the actuating rod 71, as compared to the first flat portion 71b. The second flat portion 71c also has a larger flat surface area than the first flat portion 71b.
The initial state of the seat plate tilter 31 is a state in which the arc portion 71a of the actuating rod 71 is in contact with a lower surface of the stopper 60, as shown in FIG. 7. When the first and second engagement portions 61 and 61a of the stopper 60 rotate about the shaft portions 64 to extend into one of portions of the opening 27a divided by the stopper 117. Accordingly, the housing 20 is prevented from being tilted about the axial rod 32 in a forward direction (counterclockwise direction).
When the wire 75 is not pulled from an initial position thereof, the arc portion 71a of the actuating rod 71 is in contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60 by a resilience of the spring 81. This state is the initial state.
A first tilting stage of the seat plate tilter 31 will be described. When the lever 78 is manipulated to be disposed at a first-stage position, the first flat portion 71b of the actuating rod 71 comes into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60, as shown in FIG. 8. This state is a first-stage tilt state of the seat plate tilter 31. As the first engagement portion 61 of the stopper 60 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the shaft portions 64, to be separated from the opening 27a, the second engagement portion 61a is left in one of the portions of the opening 27a divided by the stopper 117. As a result, there is a space formed due to the separation of the first engagement portion 61. Accordingly, the housing 20 is tilted about the axial rod 32 to a predetermined angle, for example, - 4.5°, (θ1 in FIG. 18), so that the back plate 4 is forwardly tilted to an angle of -4.5°. Thus, the free tilting angle is increased 4.5°. For example, if the seat plate tilter 31 is disposed at the first-stage tilting position when it is assumed that the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is 23° in an initial tilting state of the seat plate 7, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 becomes 27.5° because it is increased 4.5°.
At the first-stage tilting position, the wire 75 is slightly further pulled, so that the eccentric ring 74 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, thereby causing the first flat portion 71b of the actuating rod 71 to come into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60. The actuating rod 71 is in a state of being elastically supported by the spring 81. When the lever 78 is returned to an initial position thereof, the actuating rod 71 is rotated in a clockwise direction of FIG. 8 by a resilience of the spring 81, thereby causing the arc portion 71a to come into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60. As a result, the stopper 60 rotates about the shaft portions 64 in the clockwise direction, so that the first engagement portion 61 separated from the opening 27a again extends into the opening 27a, and the space disappears. Thus, the seat plate 7 returns to the initial state in which the seat plate 7 is not forwardly tilted.
A second tilting stage of the seat plate tilter 31 will be described. When the lever 78 is manipulated to be disposed at a second-stage position, the second flat portion 71c of the actuating rod 71 comes into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60, as shown in FIG. 9. As the first and second engagement portions 61 and 61a of the stopper 60 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction about the shaft portions 64, to be completely separated from the opening 27a. As a result, the housing 20 is tilted about the axial rod 32 to a predetermined angle, for example, -9°, (θ2 in FIG. 19), so that the back plate 4 is forwardly tilted to an angle of -9°. Thus, the free tilting angle is increased 9°. For example, if the seat plate tilter 31 is disposed at the second-stage tilting position when it is assumed that the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 is 23° in an initial tilting state of the seat plate 7, the free tilting angle of the back plate 4 becomes 31° because it is increased 9°.
At the second-stage tilting position, the wire 75 is further pulled, so that the eccentric ring 74 is further rotated in the counterclockwise direction, thereby causing the second flat portion 71c of the actuating rod 71 to come into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60. The actuating rod 71 is in a state of being elastically supported by the spring 81. When the lever 78 is returned to the initial position thereof, the actuating rod 71 is rotated in a clockwise direction of FIG. 9 by the resilience of the spring 81, thereby causing the arc portion 71a to come into contact with the lower surface of the stopper 60. As a result, the stopper 60 rotates about the shaft portions 64 in the clockwise direction, so that the first and second engagement portions 61 and 61a separated from the opening 27a again extend into the opening 27a, and there is no space in the opening 27a. Thus, the seat plate 7 returns to the initial state in which the seat plate 7 is not forwardly tilted.
Since the seat plate 4 may be forwardly tilted to an angle θ1 or θ2, the seat plate may be appropriately forwardly tilted in accordance with the figure of the user or the use environment or working environment of the chair assembly. Accordingly, the back plate 4 may be tilted, so that convenience in use and comfort may be achieved.
The vertical level adjuster 19 is configured as follows.
A support member 95 is mounted to the bottom wall C1 of the body C. A pressing member 94, which has an L-shaped structure including a horizontal pressing portion and a vertical portion, is pivotally mounted to the support member 95. A wire included in the cable 97 is mounted, at an end thereof, to the vertical portion of the pressing member 94. The cable 97 is mounted to a support block 91 fixed to the bottom wall C1 of the body C. A spring 96 is fitted around the wire between the vertical portion of the pressing member 94 and the support block 91. The horizontal pressing portion of the pressing member 94, which is elastically supported by the spring 96, is horizontally maintained, as shown in FIG. 7. The manipulator 98, which includes the lever 99, is mounted to an end of the cable 97 opposite the spring 96.
When the lever 99 is manipulated to pull the wire of the cable 97, and thus to adjust the vertical level of the seat plate 7, the horizontal pressing portion is rotated about the pivot pin 95a, thereby pressing an opening/closing pin 9a, as shown in FIG. 8. As a result, a gas cylinder 9 operates. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately adjust the vertical level of the seat plate 4. When the lever 99 is released after completion of level adjustment, the vertical portion of the pressing member 94 is vertically maintained, and the horizontal pressing portion of the pressing member 94 is horizontally maintained, by a resilience of the spring 96, as shown in FIG. 7. Thus, the operation of the gas cylinder 9 is completed, and the level adjustment of the seat plate 7 is completed.
FIG. 24 illustrates an initial state of the seat plate 7 in which the seat plate 7 is not tilted. FIGS. 18 and 25 illustrate a state in which the seat plate 7 is forwardly tilted to a first-stage tilting position (θ1). FIGS. 19 and 26 illustrate a state in which the seat plate 7 is forwardly tilted to a second-stage tilting position (θ2). FIG. 20 illustrates an initial state of the back plate 4 in which the back plate 4 is not tilted. FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the back plate 4 is tilted about 5° (θ3). FIG. 22 illustrates a state in which the back plate 4 is tilted about 10° (θ4). FIG. 23 illustrates a state in which the back plate 4 is tilted about 20° (θ5).
As is apparent from the above description, in accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, free tilting, limited tilting, and tilting locking of the back plate are achieved through subdivided multi-stage locking and tilting limitation. Accordingly, multiple functions may be achieved, so that convenience in use and comfort may be achieved.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the seat plate may be forwardly tilted to an optimal tilting angle in accordance with the figure of the user or the working environment of the chair assembly.
Convenience in use is achieved in that most manipulators are simply and conveniently operated using cables (wires). A large part of the chair assembly may be injection-molded using a die casting method. Accordingly, it may be possible to greatly reduce the manufacturing costs and to provide high-quality products.

Claims

A multi-functional chair assembly comprising a back plate (4) and a seat plate (7), further comprising:
a tilting limiter (28) for limiting a free tilting angle of the back plate;

a multi-stage locker (29) for locking a tilting state of the back plate;

an elasticity adjuster (30) for adjusting a tilting strength of the back plate;

a seat plate tilter (31) for forwardly tilting the seat plate; and

a vertical level adjuster for adjusting a vertical level of the seat plate, wherein

the multi-stage locker (29) comprises:

a housing (20);

a locking member (102) having a fixing portion (101) fixed to the housing (20);

a plurality of locking grooves (104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 122) formed at one side of the locking member (102) while being spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, characterised in that

an opening (C2) formed at a bottom wall of a body (C), to allow the locking member (102) to rotate about an axial rod (32);

a support block (92) mounted to an upper surface of the bottom wall (C1);

a cable (114) mounted to the support block (92);

a guide member (110) mounted to the upper surface of the bottom wall (C1) at one side of the bottom wall (C1);

a stopper (109) coupled to the guide member (110);

a guide hole (111) formed through the guide member (110) to loosely receive the stopper (109);

a slot (112) formed at an upper surface of the guide member (110);

an actuating member (113) pivotally mounted to the bottom wall (C1);

a vertical hole provided at an end of the actuating member (113);

a bolt (118) fitted in the vertical hole such that the bolt extends through the slot (112), and fastened to the stopper (109);

a cable (114) mounted to the actuating member (113), and elastically supported by a spring;

a manipulator (120) mounted to an end of the cable (114) opposite the actuating member (113), to adjust a locking angle; and

a lever (119) installed at the manipulator (120).
The multi-functional chair assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:
a body (C);

a tubular member (34) fitted around an elongated hexagonal axial rod mounted to the body;

outer tubular members (124, 125) fitted around the tubular member at opposite sides of the tubular member, respectively, each of the outer tubular members (124, 125) having, at an outer end thereof, a rim (124a, 125a);

another outer tubular member (126) fitted around the tubular member (34) between the outer tubular members (124, 125);

a link (39) fitted around the outer tubular member through an axial hole (15) formed through the link; and

torsion springs (37, 38) symmetrically fitted around the outer tubular members, respectively, to elastically support the chair assembly.
The multi-functional chair assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elasticity adjuster (30) comprises:
a case (54);

an elasticity adjusting means installed in the case;

an elasticity adjusting lever (59) protruded through an axial hole (54a) provided at one lateral end of the case (54);

another axial hole (54a) provided at the other lateral end of the case (54);

a plurality of fixing holes formed at each lateral end of the case (54);

an actuator provided at the link;

an access groove (54b) formed at a central portion of the case (54), to allow the actuator to move vertically;

a turn buckle (44) journaled in the axial holes (54a) of the case (54).

left and right thread portions (44a, 44b) formed at the turn buckle (44);

a lever (59) coupled to an end of the turn buckle (44) outwardly protruded from the case (54);

pressing members (45, 46) fastened to the thread portions;

curved surfaces (41a, 41b) formed at the actuator (41);

curved surfaces respectively formed at the pressing members (45, 46), to be in contact with the curved surfaces of the actuator;

springs (47, 48) arranged to urge the pressing members (45, 46) toward each other;

guide grooves (45c, 46c) respectively formed at upper surfaces of the pressing members (45, 46) in a longitudinal direction; and

a guide member (53) received in the guide grooves (45c, 46c).
The multi-functional chair assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tilting limiter (28) comprises:
a selector (84) pivotally mounted to the bottom wall (C1) of the body;

a plurality of steps (84a, 84b, 84c, 84d) formed at an upper surface of the selector (84) while having sequentially-higher levels, respectively;

an engagement member (83) to contact one of the steps;

a ring (84f) formed at one side surface of the selector (84);

a mounting member (121) mounted to the bottom wall (C1) and formed with a head at an upper end thereof;

a spring (87) engaged with the ring (84f) and the mounting member (121), to urge the selector (84) toward the mounting member (121);

a cable (86) connected to the other side surface of the selector (84);

a manipulator (88) mounted to an end of the cable (86) opposite the selector (84); and

a lever (89) installed at the manipulator (88) to allow the selector (84) to be manipulated.
The multi-functional chair assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the seat plate tilter (31) comprises:
a pair of laterally-spaced support members (65, 66) fastened to a lower surface of the body (C);

an actuating rod (71) journaled through axial holes (69, 70) respectively formed at one-side ends of the support members (65, 66);

an arc portion (71a) formed on the actuating rod (71) in a longitudinal direction;

a first flat portion (71b) formed on the actuating rod (71) in the longitudinal direction;

a second flat portion (71c) formed on the actuating rod (71) in the longitudinal direction;

an eccentric ring (72) fixed to one end of the actuating rod (71) while being arranged outside one of the support members (65, 66);

a circular ring (73) fixed to the other end of the actuating rod (71) while being arranged outside the other of the support members (65, 66);

a spring (81) for elastically supporting the circular ring (73);

a cable (76) mounted to the eccentric ring (72);

a manipulator (77) mounted to an end of the cable (76) opposite the eccentric ring (72);

a lever (78) installed at the manipulator (77);

axial holes (67, 68) respectively formed at the support members (65, 66);

a stopper (60) having shaft portions journaled in the axial holes;

a first engagement portion (61) horizontally protruded from an end of the stopper (60) and then vertically bent; and

a second engagement portion (61a) formed at a free end of the first engagement portion (61) while being arranged at a lower level than the first engagement portion (61).
The multi-functional chair assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vertical level adjuster (19) comprises:
a support member (95) mounted to the bottom wall (C1) of the body (C);

a pressing member (94) pivotally mounted to the support member (95) by a pivot pin (95a), the pressing member (94) having an L-shaped structure including a horizontal pressing portion and a vertical portion;

a cable (97) mounted to the vertical portion of the pressing member, and elastically supported by a spring (96); and

a manipulator (98) mounted to an end of the cable (97) opposite the pressing member (94), and provided with a lever (99).