EP2622991B1 - Lumbar support, backrest, chair and method of adjusting a lumbar support - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lumbar support, a backrest, a chair and a method for adjusting a lumbar support

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The lordosis is the natural bauchwärtige curvature of the lumbar spine. A lumbar support is an element on a chair that supports the lumbar spine of a person sitting on the chair. When lumbar spine muscles become tired during long periods of sitting, lice support helps to maintain the natural posture with lordosis.

Lordosenstützen therefore find particular use in such chairs on which people often sit for a long time at a stretch, such as office chairs. Such a lumbar support is in the DE 20 2004 018 266 U1 described. Therein, the lumbar support is formed with a support and, a backrest acting on the outside, supporting element. The support member is mounted by means of an adjusting screw in the carrier or rotatable, whereby the distance of the support member from the carrier can be changed. Such a lumbar support is rigid and consists of a high number of parts.

This is a condition to be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide an improved and simplified lumbar support and a backrest, a chair and a method for adjusting a lumbar support available.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a lumbar support with the features of claim 1 and / or by a backrest according to claim 14 and / or by a chair according to claim 18 and / or by a method having the features of claim 19.

• Eine Lordosenstütze für eine Rückenlehne eines Stuhls, insbesondere Netzlehne eines Bürostuhls, mit einem Rahmen, welcher eine Ausnehmung aufweist, welcher zumindest zwei innerhalb der Ausnehmung gegenüberliegende Lagereinrichtungen aufweist und mit zumindest zwei mit dem Rahmen verbundenen Verankerungsfortsätzen zur lösbaren Verankerung an der Rückenlehne, mit einer in den Lagereinrichtungen gelagerten Stützeinrichtung, welche relativ zum Rahmen um eine Längsachse durch die Lagereinrichtungen drehbar ausgebildet ist.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• A lumbar support for a backrest of a chair, in particular a mesh backrest of an office chair, with a frame having a recess which has at least two bearing arrangements located opposite within the recess and with at least two anchoring extensions connected to the frame for releasable anchoring to the backrest, with an in the bearing means mounted support means which is rotatable relative to the frame about a longitudinal axis formed by the bearing means.

A backrest, in particular the backrest of an office chair, with such a lumbar support, which is provided adjustable in height on the backrest.

Office chair, in particular office swivel chair, with such a backrest and / or with such a lumbar support. A method of adjusting a lumbar support for a backrest of a chair, a lumbar support of a backrest or a lumbar support of an office chair, comprising the steps of: releasing the anchoring extensions from the backrest; Moving the lumbar support in the vertical direction; Attaching the anchoring extensions to the backrest; Rotating the support means about a longitudinal axis passing through the bearing means.

The knowledge / idea underlying the present invention consists in that the adjustable lumbar support essentially has only four parts, namely a frame, two anchoring extensions and a support device, wherein the support device can be turned over easily without loosening by hand and thus two different and easily adjustable lumbar support levels are provided.

The anchoring extensions and the frame can also be integrally formed with each other. In this case, the lumbar support has essentially only two parts.

By releasing the anchoring extensions, it is to be understood that the anchoring extensions are set in a state in which they are displaceable in the vertical direction. The anchoring processes do not have to be completely loose. Instead, it is also sufficient if the one translational degree of freedom in which the vertical displacement occurs is not fixed. Fastening is to be understood as defining all degrees of freedom. The loosening and fastening can be done by hand, for example surmountable resistance. This may in particular be a clamping and / or latching resistance, which is generated by extending in serrations locking lugs. In this case, loosening means manually overcoming the resistance so that the lumbar support is displaced by hand. Fastening in this case simply means letting go of the lumbar support, so that it remains in its position due to the resistance.

Vertical is to be understood here as essentially along the vertical direction of the backrest. This is generally also applicable to swivel backrests, so that in a pivotable backrest under the vertical direction is essentially to understand the direction of a swivel angle.

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

In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring extensions for height adjustment of the position of the lumbar support are formed on the backrest. The height adjustment of the position of the lumbar support on the backrest is the ergonomic adjustment and is to be understood as a displacement of the entire lumbar support along the vertical direction of the backrest. This can be done, for example, along a frame of the backrest. The anchoring extensions and / or the backrest, in particular a frame of the backrest, can for this purpose with guide devices and / or locking devices and / or clamping devices and / or locking devices and / or may be provided, which are designed such that a height adjustment is easily carried out by hand.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the frame and / or the recess and / or the support device in the plan view has a shape which contains two parallel edges and two rounded portions connecting the two edges at their respective ends. Edges in the frame are to be understood as outer edges between outer curves. In the recess edges are to be understood as inner edges of the frame between inner curves of the frame at the edge of the recess. In the support means edges are to be understood as outer edges between outer curves. The rounding may include a semi-circular shape and / or a semi-elliptical shape and / or two rounded corners and / or the like. The frame, the recess and the support means have in the direction of the edges on a longitudinal axis which extends between the two edges. Thus, a support over the entire width of a person's back and in the height direction targeted only in the lumbar spine area of a person can be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the support means and the recess with respect to their dimensions are formed so that the support means is disposed within the recess. This applies in principle to any geometry of the recess and the frame, wherein the recess and the frame may also have a different geometry. Thus, in at least one position, the support device can be completely or partially recessed flush with the frame and / or in the frame and / or protruding in front of the frame. In case the recess and frame have a geometry with two have parallel edges and two edges connecting the two edges at their respective ends rounded portions, while the edges of the support means are shorter and formed at a smaller distance from each other than the edges of the recess.

In a preferred embodiment, the support means has a first surface and an opposite second surface which have a different surface shape. Thus, by reversing the support means, a different degree of lumbar support can be set. By surface form is meant the three-dimensional configuration of the respective side of the support device. Different pages can thus be different, for example, with regard to the height of a pad of the support device. But it can also be a different width and / or height and / or depth and / or a different relief and / or a different outer contour and / or any other geometric property of the pages to be different. It can also be one of the two surfaces formed flat. In particular, a knobbed surface may also be provided on one side.

In a preferred embodiment, the support means on the first surface on at least partially convex shape in the axial direction. That is, the support means provides the greatest support at this side in the longitudinal center by the convex shape.

In a further preferred embodiment, the support means on the second surface on at least partially concave in the axial direction on the shape. That is, the support means provides on this side in the longitudinal center by the concave shape the least support. In addition, the frame is preferably designed so that a harmonious transition to the concave shape of the support means is provided.

In a further preferred embodiment, the support means on both surfaces on a transversely at least partially convex shape. Thus, an ergonomic shape, in particular with a lordosis corresponding curvature in the transverse direction of the support element can be provided. In addition, a harmonious transition between supporting device and frame is made possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring extensions extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame and are each arranged opposite one another at the level of the middle of a rounded section. Thus, the anchoring extensions can be aligned on the extended longitudinal axis of the frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the support device and / or the anchoring extensions are designed to compensate for tolerances and / or flexibly and / or in particular to provide supporting force. The anchoring extensions can be configured flexibly for tensile and torsional loads. The support member may be resilient to punctiform and / or surface pressure loads. The loads are usually predominantly perpendicular to the Backrest surface due to the person reclining. The support means and the anchoring processes can thus adapt to varying loads, for example by movements of a person using the lumbar support. Therefore, a comfortable and ergonomic support of the lumbar spine is also ensured during movements or posture changes of a person or even when using the lumbar support of different people.

In a preferred embodiment, the support means polyurethane foam and / or a wire insert and / or the anchoring extensions and a plastic, in particular polyamide 6. The materials mentioned provide sufficient stability while ensuring the other preferred mechanical properties, such as flexibility and Abstützkraftnachgiebigkeit. Of course, it is also possible to use alternative materials that a person skilled in the art can interpret differently. In particular, at least two different materials with different properties can also be contained simultaneously in the support element. For example, one side of the support element may thereby be padded harder than the other side. The wire insert may include a metal and, alternatively or additionally, another solid and / or elastically deformable material.

In a preferred embodiment of a backrest, the lumbar support is provided adjustable by means of rotation of the support device with regard to the degree of its lordosis support. For example, a lumbar support may be provided in a first position in a second position, or at least to a lesser extent.

In a further preferred embodiment of a backrest, at least two fastening means are provided for fastening the lumbar support to the backrest. Fixing means may be, for example, guide rails and / or sliding devices and / or latching devices and / or clip devices and / or clamping devices and / or screwing devices and / or the like. Preferably, these are oriented vertically on the backrest and / or multiple present and vertically distributed to the backrest in an area in which the lumbar spine may be located.

In a further preferred embodiment of a backrest, a securing device is provided, which is provided on a side facing away from the seat of a chair side of the lumbar support for supporting the lumbar support and for securing the lumbar support against excessive deflection.

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. 1

eine Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Lordosenstütze;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Lordosenstütze;

Fig. 3a

eine Längsschnittansicht durch eine erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne und Lordosenstütze;

Fig. 3b

eine Längsschnittansicht durch eine erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne und Lordosenstütze;

Fig. 4

eine isometrische Ansicht einer Stützeinrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Rahmens mit Verankerungsfortsätzen;

Fig. 6

eine isometrische Detailansicht des Bereichs A aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7a

eine isometrische Ansicht eines Drahteinlegers;

Fig. 7b

eine isometrische Ansicht einer Stützeinrichtung ohne Drahteinleger;

Fig. 8

ein Querschnittsprofil einer Stützeinrichtung;

Fig. 9

eine isometrische Ansicht von Befestigungsmitteln;

Fig. 10a

eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine erfindungsgemäße Rückenlehne und Lordosenstütze in einer ersten Stellung der Stützeinrichtung;

Fig. 10b

die Querschnittsansicht aus Fig. 10a in einer zweiten Stellung der Stützeinrichtung;

Fig. 11

einen erfindungsgemäßen Bürostuhl.

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

Fig. 1

a front view of a lumbar support according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a plan view of a lumbar support according to the invention;

Fig. 3a

a longitudinal sectional view through a backrest according to the invention and lumbar support;

Fig. 3b

a longitudinal sectional view through a backrest according to the invention and lumbar support;

Fig. 4

an isometric view of a support device;

Fig. 5

an isometric view of a frame with anchoring processes;

Fig. 6

an isometric detail view of the area A from Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7a

an isometric view of a wire inserter;

Fig. 7b

an isometric view of a support device without wire insert;

Fig. 8

a cross-sectional profile of a support device;

Fig. 9

an isometric view of fasteners;

Fig. 10a

a cross-sectional view through a backrest according to the invention and lumbar support in a first position of the support means;

Fig. 10b

the cross-sectional view Fig. 10a in a second position of the support means;

Fig. 11

an office chair according to the invention.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to convey a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawing are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

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

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

• Fig. 1 shows a front view of a lumbar support 1 according to the invention. This has a frame 4 with a recess 5. Anchoring projections 7 are connected to the frame 4. The recess 5 contains two storage facilities 6, in which a support means 8 is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis 9 by the bearing means 6. The frame 4, the recess 5 and the support means 8 have in the illustrated plan view of a shape, which in each case two parallel edges 10; 10 '; 10 "and the two edges at their respective ends connecting rounded sections 11, 11 ', 11" contains.
• Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a lumbar support 1 according to the invention. Therein, a first surface 12 and a second surface 13 of the support device 8 is shown. The first surface 12 has a slightly concave shape in the longitudinal direction of the support means 8. The second surface 13 has, in the longitudinal direction of the support device 8, a convex shape with a curvature that is variable in the course of the second surface 13. Furthermore, a wave-like contour of the anchoring extensions 7 is shown. The wave-like contour of the anchoring processes 7 serves the flexibility and Abstützkraftnachgiebigkeit the lumbar support
• Fig. 3a shows a longitudinal sectional view through a backrest according to the invention 2 and lumbar support 1. The backrest 2 is designed as a mesh back and accordingly has a frame 19 and a network 18. The net 18 is stretched over the frame 19 and serves as a flexible support surface on which a person can lean against the backrest 2. When a person inserts a supporting force into the net 18 on the backrest 2 by leaning on, this supporting force in the area of the lordosis is essentially absorbed by the lumbar support 1. In response to the introduced supporting force, the lumbar support 1 deforms elastic, in particular in the region of the support device 5 and on the anchoring extensions 7.
• Fig. 3b also shows a longitudinal sectional view through a backrest according to the invention 2. Here, a securing device 16 is provided, which is connected to the frame 19 and which serves the back support of the lumbar support 1, when a high support force is received. Furthermore, the securing device 16 serves to secure the lumbar support 1 against excessive stress and / or against undesirably large deformations. The lumbar support 1 is anchored on the anchoring extensions 7 in the frame 19. For elastically deforming the lumbar support 1, a region D between the lumbar support 1 in the unloaded state and the securing device 16 is provided. The lumbar support 1 can deform elastically in the region D until it is present at the securing device 16.
• Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of a support means 8. The support means is formed with two parallel edges 10 and two edges 11 connecting the two edges. The support means includes a polyurethane foam with wire insert 14. The wire insert 14 protrudes at both ends of the support means 8 at the center of the rounded portions 11. At this board of the wire inserter, the support device is mounted in the storage facilities of the frame 4.
• Fig. 5 shows an isometric view of a frame 4 with anchoring projections 7. The frame 4 has a recess 5 and 6 storage facilities. The frame 4 and the recess 5 are each with two parallel edges 10 '; 10 "and two rounded edges 11 'connecting the two edges 10', 10"; 11 "shaped.
• Fig. 6 shows an isometric detail view of the area A from Fig. 5 , Therein an anchoring extension 7 is shown enlarged. The anchoring extension 7 has fastening means 15 '. These can be engaged with attachment means of the backrest or the frame of the backrest for anchoring the lumbar support to the backrest.
• Fig. 7a shows an isometric view of a wire inserter 14. It has two ends 14 ', 14 "each forming a shelf of the wire insert 14 on the support means 8. The wire insert 14 has a multi-arched shape, resulting in increased flexibility and elastic deformability of the wire insert 14 is used.
• Fig. 7b shows an isometric view of a support means 8 with openings 20 and without the wire insert 14. Accordingly, no projections of the wire insert 14 but only the openings 20 for supporting the support means in the frame 4 are provided. In this embodiment, as an alternative to a wire insert 14, it is conceivable that the bearing devices 6 have an extension which engages in openings 20 of the support device 8 and the support device 8 is thus mounted in the frame 4.
• Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional profile of a support means 8. This has a first surface 12 and a second Surface 13 on. Both surfaces 12, 13 are convexly shaped in the transverse direction of the support device 8, the shape of the second surface 13 having a greater convex curvature in the transverse direction than the shape of the first surface 12.
• Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of fasteners 15, 15 '. The fastening means 15, 15 'are provided on the anchoring extensions 7 of the lumbar support 1 and on the frame 19 of the backrest 2. The fastening means 15 on the frame 19 contain guide grooves and notches. The guide grooves extend in a vertical direction V. The fastening means 15 'of the anchoring extensions contain sliding lugs and latching lugs, wherein the slide lugs are provided for sliding in the guide grooves and wherein the latching lugs are provided for latching in the notches. The locking lugs are provided flexibly. The sliding lugs and locking lugs can thus be moved to adjust the height of the lumbar support 1 within the guide grooves. In this case, a resistance by a spring resistance of the locking lugs is present at each notch. This resistance can be overcome by hand, but sufficiently high to hold the lumbar support 1 in the locking lugs when the lumbar support 1 is not adjusted.
• Fig. 10a shows a cross-sectional view through a backrest 2 according to the invention and lumbar support 1 in a first position of the support means 8. The net 18 is stretched over the frame 19 of the backrest 2. In the first position, the net 18 faces the longitudinally concave shaped first side 12 of the support means 8. The support device 8 is not available in front of the frame 4, but essentially continues its cross-sectional contour. In this first position, a low degree of lumbar support is provided.
• Fig. 10b shows the cross-sectional view Fig. 10a in a second position of the support means 8. In the second position, the network 18, the longitudinally convex shaped second side 13 of the support means 8 faces. The support device 8 is now clearly before the net 18 in front of the frame 4. In this second position, a high degree of lumbar support is provided.
• Fig. 11 shows an office chair according to the invention 3. This is designed as an office swivel chair with a seat 17 and a mesh backrest 2, which has a lumbar support 1 executed.

To adjust the lumbar support 1 are in the chair 3 off FIG. 11 or at the backrest 2 off Fig. 3 . Figure 9 . Fig.10a and Fig.10b the anchoring extensions 7 are released in a first step from the backrest 2 by a manual force in the vertical direction V is introduced to the lumbar support 1, which acts on the fastening means 15, 15 '. With this manual force, the spring force of the locking lugs on the fastening means 15 'is overcome and the lumbar support 1 is released in the vertical direction V. In a second step, the lumbar support 1 is moved in the vertical direction V to a correct height. This correct height depends on the body dimensions of each person and is usually set individually. In a third step, the anchoring extensions 7 are fastened to the backrest 2 by leaving the latching lugs in a position are in which they are preferably located at two anchoring extensions 7 at the same height in a notch of the fasteners 15. In a fourth step, which is independent of the first three steps, the support device 8 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 9 extending through the bearing devices 6. This is done by hand, by the, from the net 18 side facing away from the backrest 2 easily accessible, support member 8 is directly grasped and rotated.

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

Thus, the backrest is not limited to a mesh back, but may include any type of backrest, such as a fabric-covered, fixed backrest, the lumbar support according to the invention may be arranged in front of the fabric or under the fabric. Accordingly, it is accessible from the front or the back of the backrest.

For rotating the support means are conceivable, such as a laterally operable on the backrest and coupled to the support device rotary lever or knob or the like. It is also a motor actuation for rotating the support means, for. B. by an electric motor, conceivable.

The principle of operation of the lumbar support with a rotatable support element can be applied to any other geometric design. For example, the frame can not Have recess and only like a bow on one side of the support device. Alternatively, the frame is also conceivable as a closed shell with a depression, within which the support device can be provided rotatable or reversible.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

lumbar support

2

backrest

3

chair

4

frame

5

recess

6

Storage facility

7

Anchoring extension

8th

support means

9

longitudinal axis

10; 10 '; 10 "

parallel edge

11; 11 ', 11 "

rounded section

12

first surface

13

second surface

14

wire depositors

14 '; 14 "

Ends of the wire insert

15, 15 '

fastener

16

safety device

17

seat

18

network

19

frame

20

openings

A

Area of detail view

D

distance

V

vertical direction

Claims (15)

1. Lumbar support (1) for a backrest (2) of a chair (3), in particular a net support for an office chair (3),
   having a frame (4) which has an aperture (5) and has at least two opposing bearing devices (6) within the aperture (5), and having at least two anchoring projections (7) connected to the frame (4) for releasable anchoring to the backrest (2)
   having a support device (8) mounted in the bearing devices (6) and being rotatable relative to the frame (4) about a longitudinal axis (9) through the bearing devices (6).
2. Lumbar support as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the anchoring projections (7) are designed for adjustment of the height of the position of the lumbar support (1) on the backrest (2).
3. Lumber support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, when seen in plan view, the frame (4) and/or the aperture (5) and/or the support device (8) has (have) a shape which contains two parallel edges (10; 10'; 10") and two rounded portions (11; 11'; 11") which connect the two edges at their respective ends.
4. Lumber support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (8) and the aperture (5) are dimensioned such that the support device (8) is disposed within the aperture (5) and/or the bearing devices (6) are disposed in an opposing manner in each case in the middle of a rounded portion (11; 11', 11") of the aperture (5).
5. Lumber support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (8) has a first surface (12) and an opposing second surface (13) which have a different surface shape.
6. Lumber support as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that one of the two surfaces (12; 13) is flat and/or, on the first surface (12), the support device (8) has a convex shape at least in portions in the axial direction and/or, on the second surface (13), the support device (8) has a concave shape at least in portions in the axial direction.
7. Lumber support as claimed in any one of claims 5 or 6, characterised in that, on both surfaces (12, 13), the support device (8) has a convex shape at least in portions in the transverse direction.
8. Lumber support as claimed in any one of claims 2-7, characterised in that the anchoring projections (7) extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame (4) and are each formed at the level of the middle of a rounded portion (11; 11'; 11"), disposed in a mutually opposing manner and/or that the support device (8) and/or the anchoring projections (7) are designed in a tolerance-compensating manner and/or flexibly and/or in particular so as to yield to bracing forces.
9. Lumber support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support device (8) contains polyurethane foam and/or a wire insert (14) and/or the frame (4) and/or the anchoring projections (7) contain a synthetic material, in particular polyamide 6.
10. Backrest (2), in particular a net support for an office chair (3), having a lumbar support (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, which is provided in a height-adjustable manner on the backrest (2).
11. Backrest as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the lumbar support (1) is provided such that, by means of rotation of the support device (8), the degree of its lumbar-supporting effect can be adjusted.
12. Backrest as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that at least two attachment means (15, 15') are provided to attach the lumbar support (1) to the backrest (2).
13. Backrest as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that a securing device (16) is provided which, on a side of the lumbar support (1) remote from the seat surface (17) of a chair (3), is provided to brace the lumbar support (1) and to protect the lumbar support (1) against excessive bending.
14. Office chair (3), in particular an office swivel chair (3), having a backrest (2) as claimed in any one of claims 10-13 or having a lumbar support (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.
15. Method for adjusting a lumbar support (1) for a backrest (2) of a chair (3), either a lumbar support (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9 or a lumbar support (1) of a backrest (2) as claimed in any one of claims 10-13 or a lumbar support (1) of an office chair (3) as claimed in claim 14, comprising the steps of:

    - releasing the anchoring projections (7) from the backrest (2);

    - displacing the lumbar support (1) in the vertical direction (V);

    - attaching the anchoring projections (7) on the backrest (2);

    - rotating the support device (8) about a longitudinal axis (9) extending through the bearing devices (6).

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