EP2833759B1 - Device in a chair, and chair - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a device for a chair according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a chair with a corresponding device.

STATE OF THE ART

Office chairs with tilting behavior back and forth have long been known. In order to allow a dynamic sitting in which the seat at least partially follows the body movements of the seated person, chairs have been developed in which the seat can tilt in different directions under the action of force.

In the WO 00/24295 an office chair is shown in which a tilt control mechanism is provided between the seat surface and the stem of a gas spring. The tilt control mechanism includes a receiving sleeve on the underside of the seat from which the shaft is received. There is a clearance between the receiving sleeve and the shaft, so that the receiving sleeve can tilt relative to the shaft by means of a ball joint. In the distance between the receiving sleeve and the shaft, an elastic ring is arranged concentrically around the shaft, which holds the receiving sleeve and thus the seat in a rest position. In an inclination of the seat, the rubber ring is compressed by the pressure of the receiving sleeve, so that a restoring force is created, which counteracts the inclination.

With an adjusting device, the rubber ring along the shaft, or within the receiving sleeve, can be adjusted. As a result, the distance between the rubber ring and ball joint and thus also the strength of the force acting on the ring at a tilt of the seat changes. To adjust the ring, a rotary sleeve is provided around the receiving sleeve, which is rotated about the receiving sleeve, but can not be moved on this. To the rubber ring, a bolt is fixed, which projects through an elongated opening in the receiving sleeve into a helical guide groove on the inside of the rotating sleeve. Upon rotation of the rotary sleeve, the bolt is displaced within the guide groove, whereby the rubber ring along the axis of the receiving sleeve is adjusted.

The DE 10 2006 021 439 A1 discloses an office chair and a hinge device therefor. It is provided in a housing therein and relative to this pivotally and rotatably mounted clapper element, which is guided in a damping element. The damping element is arranged vertically adjustable within the housing.

On the part of the applicant were in the WO 2011/144660 A1 already explained various versions of tilting devices, in which the tilting behavior can be adapted to the needs of the person sitting on the chair manually to improve the seating comfort. The WO 2011/144660 the applicant is fully referenced. The chair described therein has a damping element, with which the resistance of a tilting movement or tilting movement can be adjusted via a joint, ie it dampens the movements depending on its position. Often this is also referred to as adjusting the hardness.

Also in the other prior art described above are elements that dampen the tilt or pendulum movement of a seat surface of a chair relative to its support column. All of these are self-evident that they must be adjusted manually.

In particular, in office chairs that are used by several people alternately, for example, in part-time workplaces, the office chair must be adjusted each time to their needs and in particular to their body weight. If this is not done, the office chair can not fulfill its functions satisfactorily. Especially with so-called pendulum chairs, which allow so-called active sitting, any effect is lost if the chair is set too hard, so that a pendulum movement is difficult or impossible. To set the chair, however, must be at least in squat position usually go and you have to bend under the chair. It turned out in practice that most of the chair users are too comfortable for this and it seems to them to spend too much effort.

Object of the present invention is to allow automatic adjustment of at least one so-called seat mechanism of a chair by gravity. The hardness settings of the chair should automatically adapt to the body weight of the person sitting on it.

At least one of the objects is achieved by a device for a chair according to claim 1 and a chair according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments and further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

Both a forward-backward mobility of a chair and an all-round Mobility of a chair, also known as a pendulum mechanism, such as a so-called synchronous mechanism are summarized herein under the term "seat mechanisms of a chair". Furthermore, this also includes the mobility of the backrest and / or armrests, if available.

The invention can be used both in stool-like chairs and chairs with backrests.

According to the invention, the device for a chair on a damping element and a support column on which the damping element is arranged. It is movable along the longitudinal extent of the support column. Furthermore, the device has a joint. About this joint a movement of a surface is possible, for example, the seat of a chair. The distance between the damping element and the joint determines the degree of damping of the movement of the surface. Accordingly, the degree of damping is adjustable by changing this distance.

The surface also serves to receive the weight, which adjusted according to the present invention, the damping element, ie changed its distance from the joint. For this purpose, a first means is provided which tows the damping element by applying weight to the surface and thus changes the distance between the damping element and the joint. And a second means is provided for effecting recovery of the damping element upon reduction or removal of the applied weight force. Simply described this means that when a person with a weight of X kg sits on the surface, so the damping element is moved by an amount Y cm, due to the weight of the person on the surface opposite the joint. If another person with a body weight of X + Z kg sits on the same area of the same chair, then the damping element is moved further away from the joint. Conversely, if a person weighing XZ kg sits on the same surface, the damping element will be displaced less far from the joint. By the first means consequently the damping element is towed a certain distance along the supporting column, whereby this distance depends on the weight force introduced on the surface. In the case of an office chair according to the WO 2011/144660 A1 the damping element would be further removed from the joint at higher weight than at low weight. As a result, the person sitting on the chair always finds it easy or difficult to operate the pendulum mechanism or the tilting mechanism of the chair by movements of his body. In heavier person is accordingly set the chair harder and lighter in accordance with less hard, subjectively, however, it seems every person equally easy to succeed in moving the chair in motion.

The second means serves to restore the damping element. If the person sitting in the chair is on or a part of the weight is taken away, for example by the person sitting on it laying a load or by a person sitting on a first person second person gets up, there is an at least partial recovery of the damping element in the direction of the starting position of a unloaded chair.

As a second means, i. H. as a means for returning the damping element in reducing the applied weight, a spring, depending on the embodiment, a tension or a compression spring is preferably used. Alternatively, an elastomeric element, a pneumatic or hydraulic system such as a gas spring, and similar damping systems may also be used.

According to a preferred embodiment, a third means is provided which adjusts the resistance of the towing movement over a certain distance of the weight. With increasing weight, d. H. with increasing body weight or otherwise loading the surface, the resistance with which the damping element is dragged is increased. As a third means, for example, a spring may be provided, which may also be identical to a spring as a second means. The second and third means can, so to speak, be realized in one and the same spring. Thus, for example, be provided at the end of a support column over the joint, a compression spring. If the surface moves downward by seating a person or putting a load on the surface, d. H. towards the ground, so the compression spring is shortened. The more the compression spring is shortened, the stronger is its resistance to the shortening movement. At the same time, the compression spring will relax once the load has been removed from the surface or reduced to a lower weight. This has the consequence that the spring will return to its original position and in this way the damping element in the opposite direction, d. H. is dragged back in the direction of its starting position.

In a preferred embodiment is provided as a first means, ie as a means which tows by applying gravitational force to the surface of the damping element, a driver which is in communication with the surface. For example, if a person sits down on the surface of the chair, it moves downwards, following gravity. The downward movement of the surface is converted by the associated with the damping element driver into a corresponding movement of the damping element. The conversion can be done 1: 1, ie the distance by which the surface moves, and the distance by which the distance between the damping element and the joint changes, that is, around which the damping element is dragged, are identical. However, it can also be an implementation take place so that the two distances are in a 1: 1 deviating relationship to each other.

Preferably, a connection between the surface and connected to the damping element, in particular fastened thereto, driver via an intermediate element, which may have housing or cage shape. It is referred to herein as the first housing. Preferably, a plurality of first drivers are provided, which are evenly distributed around the circumference of the damping element around, which prevents tilting of the damping element during movement or greatly reduces the risk of jamming.

It is preferably provided a second housing, which receives the joint and the support column and in which moves the damping element. This second housing, which may also be formed like a cage, serves to guide the damping element. Furthermore, slides on the outside of the first housing, so that the second housing offers the first housing a guide. The second housing has a passage, for example a slot, for the first driver, in which passage the first driver can be moved. As a result, the length or the extent of the passage offers a stop for the mobility or mobility of the first driver and thus of the damping element. In the presented constellation of the first driver is thus firmly connected to the damping element and the first housing and moves in the passage of the second housing.

In an alternative embodiment, the third means provided as a friction surface on the second housing and / or on the inside of the first housing, the coefficient of friction over the height of the housing is different. The sliding of the two housings against each other is made more difficult by the friction surface as a function of the coefficient of friction. If, for example, the friction coefficient of a friction surface mounted on the outer surface of the second housing increases as the distance from the joint increases, the resistance which the first housing slides over it will increase with increasing movement of the first housing.

For actuating the second and / or third means may be provided in a preferred embodiment, a second driver, which is also controlled by weight control actuated. Preferably, the second driver is also firmly connected to the first housing. The movement of the surface due to weight force moves the first housing and moves the two drivers with it. The first driver drags the damping element. The second driver actuates the second and / or third means. For this purpose, an embodiment provides that the second driver acts on a lever on which at least one spring is attached as a second and / or third means. The lever is actuated, whereby, for example, in the case of a tension spring, the spring is stretched or in the case of a compression spring, the spring is shortened. If the area is relieved or the weight reduced, the lever moves back accordingly to its original position and the spring is relieved.

Office chairs, but also other chairs, often have backrests that are also tiltable. In a preferred embodiment, the tilting behavior of the backrest is automatically adjustable weight-dependent. For this purpose, a fourth means is provided, which can be actuated by applying weight to the surface. It is connected to a backrest of the chair and causes a damping of a mobility of the backrest.

In one embodiment, second, third and fourth means may be realized in a single spring.

Preferably, the fourth means comprises a lever with a damping body. The damping body is at least indirectly attached to the backrest. The lever is actuated by a driver, which in turn is movable by applying the weight to the surface. For this example, the second driver can be used. However, it can also be provided a third driver. As a damping body, a compression spring is preferably provided. However, it may also be a tension spring or any other damping body, such as hydraulic or pneumatic spring, or an elastomeric element may be used.

In the preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention for a chair, a lever is provided, one end of which is provided with a first end of a tension spring whose second end is connected to the surface. The other end of the lever is provided with the first end of a compression spring whose second end is connected to the backrest. The lever is actuated by a second driver, wherein the driver is preferably attached to the first housing. The lever itself is either mounted directly on the support column or, if present, on the second housing, which is not movable. If a person sits on the surface or if a weight is placed on it, the surface moves towards the ground. Parallel to this move the first housing and thus the second driver. This acts on the lever so that one of its ends moves towards the ground and the other end moves away from the ground. In this way, the tension spring connected to the surface is stretched and the compression spring connected to the backrest is compressed. By compressing the compression spring, the resistance of the backrest is increased against a tilting movement, ie it can be heavier tend. It can be seen that with higher weight applied to the surface, the lever is also correspondingly more strongly actuated, so that the resistance of the compression spring increases and so the backrest will be increasingly difficult to operate. At the same time the restoring force increases. A certain restoring force is already provided by the compression spring connected to the backrest. However, it turned out to be particularly favorable to provide a tension spring at the opposite end of the lever. If the surface is relieved, the tension spring moves the lever back to its original position, whereby the second driver and with it the surface moves upwards.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface is connected to the first housing via a base plate. The base plate and the first housing are firmly connected. The first surface is preferably mounted displaceably on the base plate. In addition, the backrest is preferably mounted on the base plate. This design allows a displacement of the surface in relation to the backrest, which allows an adaptation of the chair to different seat depths.

In an alternative embodiment, a locking device, such. As a locking means, a friction clamp or a screw provided with which the device according to the invention can be determined. If the user of the chair has determined that he is sitting comfortably, he can use the locking device to fix the weight setting. The locking device can engage, for example, on the first or second housing or on the damping element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figur 1 -

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Stuhls;

Figur 2 -

einen Schnitt durch ein Detail des Stuhls aus Figur 1 in schematischer Darstellung und bei verschiedenen Stellungen;

Figur 3 -

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in teilweise gebrochener Darstellung (Figur 3A) und im Schnitt (Figur 3B), jeweils in Seitenansicht;

Figur 4 -

die Vorrichtung der Figur 3 in einer zweiten Stellung und jeweils in Seitenansicht, wobei Figur 4B eine teilweise gebrochene Darstellung und Figur 4C eine Schnittdarstellung ist;

Figur 5 -

ein Einzelteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht (Figur 5A) und Aufsicht (Figur 5B), nämlich eine Basisplatte;

Figur 6 -

ein Einzelteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Rückansicht (Figur 6A), in geschnittener Darstellung (Figur 6B) und in Aufsicht (Figur 6C), nämlich ein erstes Gehäuse;

Figur 7 -

ein weiteres Einzelteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in verschiedenen Ansichten, nämlich ein Lager, wobei Figur 7A eine Seitenansicht, Figur 7B eine Aufsicht und Figur 7C eine Unteransicht zeigen;

Figur 8 -

noch ein weiteres Einzelteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Seitenansicht (Figur 8A) und Aufsicht (Figur 8B), nämlich einen Hebel;

Figur 9 -

ein weiteres Einzelteil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in zwei verschiedenen Seitenansichten, nämlich ein zweites Gehäuse;

Figur 10 -

eine alternative Ausführungsform des in Figur 9 dargestellten Einzelteils der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;

Figur 11 -

ein Gelenkelement der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in drei verschiedenen Ansichten;

Figur 12 -

ein Dämpfungselement der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in Aufsicht (Figur 12A) und Seitenansicht (Figur 12B) und

Figur 13 -

vier verschiedene alternative Ausführungsbeispiele eines Dämpfungselements, jeweils in Aufsicht und Seitenansicht.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting. Features of the invention which will become apparent from the drawings are to be considered individually and in any combination as belonging to the disclosure of the invention. In the drawings show:

FIG. 1 -

a schematic representation of a chair according to the invention;

FIG. 2 -

a section through a detail of the chair FIG. 1 in a schematic representation and at various positions;

FIG. 3 -

a device according to the invention in a partially broken representation ( FIG. 3A ) and on average ( FIG. 3B ), in each case in side view;

FIG. 4 -

the device of FIG. 3 in a second position and in each case in side view, wherein FIG. 4B a partially broken representation and FIG. 4C a Sectional view is;

FIG. 5 -

an item of the device according to the invention in side view ( FIG. 5A ) and supervision ( FIG. 5B ), namely a base plate;

FIG. 6 -

an item of the device according to the invention in rear view ( FIG. 6A ), in a sectional representation ( FIG. 6B ) and in supervision ( FIG. 6C ), namely a first housing;

FIG. 7 -

another item of the device according to the invention in different views, namely a bearing, wherein FIG. 7A a side view, FIG. 7B a supervision and FIG. 7C show a bottom view;

FIG. 8 -

still another item of the device according to the invention in side view ( Figure 8A ) and supervision ( FIG. 8B ), namely a lever;

FIG. 9

another item of the device according to the invention in two different side views, namely a second housing;

FIG. 10 -

an alternative embodiment of the in FIG. 9 shown item of the device according to the invention;

FIG. 11

a hinge element of the device according to the invention in three different views;

FIG. 12 -

a damping element of the device according to the invention in supervision ( FIG. 12A ) and side view ( FIG. 12B ) and

FIG. 13

four different alternative embodiments of a damping element, respectively in plan and side view.

FIG. 1 shows a chair 80 according to the invention in a highly schematic representation. The chair 80 has a surface 85, in the representation of FIG. 1 a seat. He also has a back 84 and two armrests 87. The in FIG. 1 shown chair also has a headrest 88. The chair stands with a stand device 81 on the ground. The in FIG. 1 shown chair has rollers 82, as is typical for office swivel chairs. Of course, an embodiment without rollers is also included in the present invention. In the standpipe 83, a support column 4 is added.

In addition to the support column 4, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a first housing 20, which is connected to the surface 85. The connection is made via the base plate 70. Furthermore, a lever 30 is provided whose function is determined by the Figures 3 ff. will be explained in more detail. Moreover, a tension spring 34 is provided, which fulfills the restoring and counterpressure function in the chair 80.

The in FIG. 1 and 2 shown chair 80 is a so-called pendulum chair, ie its surface 85 is tilted in relation to the standing device 81 in all sides, as indicated by the arrow 89. However, the invention also includes a chair and the device 1 is also equally applicable in a corresponding chair that does not permit all-round tilting movement, but only, for example, a tilting movement in the direction of the backrest 84 and the seat front edge 86, ie a chair, in Vor -Back direction is movable.

FIG. 2 shows a part of the device 1 in a sectional view. From the standpipe 83, the support column 4 is added. Typically, these are elements of a gas pressure spring 3. For adjusting the gas pressure spring 3, an actuating element 2 is provided. At the upper end 5 of the support column 4, that is, at the end 85 facing the surface, a hinge 50 is attached. The upper end 5 of the support column 4 is received in the hinge 50. The support column 4 is slightly conical at its upper end 5. Accordingly, the joint 50 has a conical receptacle for receiving the support column 4.

The support column 4 enveloping a region is a damping element 60 is arranged. As a damping element 60, a rubber bearing is used in the illustrated embodiment. The rubber bearing has metallic walls, in the interior of which an elastomer, in the present case a rubber, is vulcanized. By moving the damping element 60 along the supporting column 4, more precisely following the longitudinal axis A _T , the degree of damping of the mobility of the surface 85 over the joint is adjustable. The farther away the damping element 60 has been removed from the hinge 50, more specifically from its center Z, the harder the tilting movement is to be made. In FIG. 2 this circumstance is represented by the representation of the distance d, D. If the damping element 60 is arranged very close to the joint 50 above the support column 4, ie with (small) distance d, the surface 85 can be tilted with less force. The greater the distance, the more force must be applied for the tilting movement. In FIG. 2B the distance of the damping element 60 from the joint 50 is relatively large, represented by the (large) distance D. The degree of damping is correspondingly high, so that a tilting movement is possible only with greater effort and accordingly with the same application of force for a tilting movement is the deflection angle α, ie, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the support column A _T and the longitudinal axis of the joint A _G , according to have a smaller value, as can be seen from a comparison of the in the FIGS. 2A and 2B entered deflection angle α results.

The damping element 60 is received in a second housing 40, which in turn in the first housing 20 (see. FIG. 1 ) is recorded. As based on the presentation of the Figures 3 ff., the first housing 20 slides over the second housing 40.

The damping element 60 has two drivers 61, which the damping element 60th hauling. About the driver 61, the damping element 60 along the support column 4, more precisely, its longitudinal axis A _T , moves up and down. The damping element 60 moves in a gap, which is bounded by the second housing 40 on the one hand and the support column 4 on the other. The drivers 61 are the first means that by applying weight G (see. FIG. 3 ) on the surface 85, the damping element 60 drags and so the distance D, d between the damping element 60 and joint 50 changes.

The damping element 60 is controlled according to weight-controlled. Consequently, a person sits on the surface 85, the damping element 60 is automatically, ie brought due to the weight of this person in a position above the support column 4, which corresponds to the body weight of the person. If the person has a relatively low body weight, the damping element 60 is not displaced over the support column 4 at all or only along a small path along the longitudinal axis A _T. If the body weight is higher, then the distance of the damping element 60 to the joint 50 is increased over a certain amount. The distance d, D is in a specific relationship to the body weight of the person sitting on the chair 80. The adjustment of the damping element 60, more precisely the position of the damping element 60 along the axis A _T , does not have to be done manually, ie by the damping element 60 is moved manually using, for example, levers or screws, but by sitting a person on the surface 85 via the first housing 20 and the driver 61, the damping element 60 towed and accordingly over a distance that is in proportion to the body weight of the person.

The FIGS. 3 to 9, 1 and 12 show a device according to the invention or individual parts thereof in different views. Unless otherwise indicated, the following explanation refers, if appropriate, to all figures in which the element in question is depicted.

The FIGS. 3A and 3B show a device 100 in the unloaded state or in a loaded with only a slight weight G state. The device 100 has a surface 185, which is connected via a base plate 170 to a first housing 120. Housed in the first housing 120 is a second housing 140 and in turn accommodates a hinge 150 and a damping element 160 and a support column 104. The first housing 120 slides coaxially over the second housing 140, more precisely over its outer surface 141, as indicated by the Arrow 189. About the first driver 161, the up-down movement of the first housing 120 is converted into the corresponding up-down movement of the damping element 160. The first driver 161 mounted in the damping element 160 moves in the opening 142 for the passage of the first driver 161 in the second housing 140, in the embodiment of FIG Figures 3 ff. shown Embodiments a slot. The first driver is fixedly connected to the first housing 120. From a comparison in particular the FIGS. 3B and 4C It can be seen that the damping element 160 after applying a certain weight G on the seat surface 185 by a certain distance W (s. FIG. 4C ) has moved down.

By the movement of the first housing 120, a second driver 131 is actuated. The second driver 131 is like the first driver 161 fixedly connected to the first housing 120. If the first housing 120 moves, the second driver 131 is also moved accordingly. When moving in the direction of the ground (the direction of movement corresponds to the direction of the weight G, as shown by the arrow G), the second driver 131 presses on the lever 130. In this way, the lever 130 is deflected, as shown in the FIGS. 4 , The in the Figures 3 ff. illustrated embodiment thereby performs a rotation, so that the distance from the backrest 184 first end 132 is also moved downward, whereas the closer the backrest 184 second end 133 of the lever 130 upwards, ie in the direction of the surface 185th is moved. As lever 130, an L-shaped lever is provided, which is mounted about a horizontally arranged in the rest state parallel to the backrest pivot bearing 106. In the bearing 190, the bore 110 is provided for this purpose as a receptacle. On a rear side 128 of the first housing 120, an opening 127 is provided, into which the bearing 190 is inserted, so that the lever 130 can be mounted on the support column 104.

To the first end 132 of the lever 130, a tension spring 134 is connected. The tension spring 134 is a means for returning a damping element upon reduction of the applied weight G. If the surface 185 is relieved, i. H. taken away or reduced the weight G, the surface 185 moves accordingly upwards, d. H. against the weight G, and moves the first driver 161 and the second driver 131 also upwards. The tension spring 134 supports this return movement, since it has a tendency to return from the extended state to the relaxed state. As can be seen, the first end 135 of the tension spring 134 is connected to the base plate 170. The opposite end, the second end 136 of the tension spring 134 is connected to the lever 130, more precisely with its first end 132. To adjust the tensile force of the tension spring 134, an adjusting element 108 is provided.

The tension spring 134 is at the same time a means which adapts the resistance of the dragging movement to a strength of the weight G correspondingly. It thus serves both to return the damping element 160 and to provide counter-pressure, ie it counteracts the movement of the surface 185 in the direction of the weight G.

The second end 133 of the lever 130 is connected to a compression spring 137, more specifically to the first end 138 thereof. The second end 139 of the compression spring 137 is connected to the backrest 184. The spring force of the compression spring 137 is adjustable via the adjusting element 109, in this case an adjusting screw. As if from a comparison of Figures 3 and 4 can be seen, the application of weight G, the compression spring 137 is shortened, whereby the force is greater, which must be applied to deflect the backrest 184. If the backrest 184 deflected, ie inclined, it must be worked against the force of the compression spring 137.

Also, the compression spring 137, as well as the tension spring 134, is both a second means and a third means, i. it is both a means for restoring the damping element 160 upon reduction of the applied weight force (G) and a means which adjusts the drag resistance corresponding to a magnitude of the weight force (G).

Finally, the compression spring 137 is a fourth means in the sense of the claims, i. a means for damping the mobility of the backrest 184 relative to the surface 185.

Out FIG. 8 For example, the structure of lever 130, which may also be referred to as a spring lever, will be more fully understood. In supervision, it is U-shaped and engages around the first housing 120 around. The first end 132 of the lever 130 points forwards, ie towards the front of the chair 80 (cf. FIG. 1 ). Depending on a leg 112, 113 engage around the first housing 120 until they end in an L-shaped diffused second end 133 of the lever 130. Via the first bore 110, the connection with the bearing 190 takes place. Via the second bore 111, the compression spring 137 is connected.

Based on Figures 3 and 4 let the procedure of setting be explained. When applying weight G to the surface 185, for example by a person sitting on this surface, the first housing 120 moves on the second housing 140 in parallel downwards, ie towards the standpipe 183. By this movement, the damping element 160 of moved away from the joint 150. The farther the damping element 160 is away from the hinge 150, the greater the resistance to movability, ie, the greater the damping of the tilting motion of the surface 185. By loading the surface 185 with weight G, the lever 130 is rotated counterclockwise by being actuated by the second driver 131. This rotational movement triggers the compression of the compression spring 137 and the extension of the tension spring 134. The compression spring 137 passes the resistance to the seat back 184. The stronger the compression spring 137 is compressed, ie the greater the weight G and thus the distance W, the greater the resistance of the backrest 184 against a tilting movement, that is, the more force be used to tilt the backrest 184. The tension spring 134, which is usually provided in pairs, ie on each leg 112, 113 of the lever 130 is a respective tension spring 134 is provided to support the movement in the normal position (see. FIG. 3 Moreover, they function as a means that adjusts the drag resistance corresponding to a strength of the weight force. Moreover, a finer adjustment of the resistance and thus the damping of the tilting movement is achieved by the tension spring 134. By means of the adjustment elements 108 and 109 for the tension spring 134 and the compression spring 137, a general adjustment of the force to be applied independently of the weight force G for the tilting movement of both the surface 185 and the backrest 184 is to be set. By pressing the adjusting element 108, z. As a screw, the bias of the tension spring 134 can be increased. If the two springs 134, 137 set relatively hard, for example, from home, then each person sitting on the chair, regardless of their body weight, a comparatively higher force than when the two springs are set comparatively soft. Thus, a basic adjustment can be made so that each chair user has approximately the same feeling as how hard the chair is, ie how heavy or light the surface 185 and possibly the backrest 184 are to be moved. The automatic adjustment of the device 100 to the body weight of the person sitting on the surface 185 eliminates a manual adjustment of the mobility when the chair is used (compare chair 80 in FIG Fig. 1 ) by persons of different severity. The heavier the user, the greater the resistance of the mobility, that is, the more the tilting motion of the surface 185 is attenuated and the greater the backrest back pressure becomes. A setting of the chair on the body weight of the user is eliminated; only seat depth, seat height and possibly adjustments to the armrests and the backrest or from the headrests need to be made.

FIG. 5 shows a base plate 170. The surface 185 is mounted over the central plate 171 and it is preferably slidably mounted on it, so that a seat depth adjustment can be made. For this purpose, the central plate 171 at least one slot 172. The first housing 120 is fixedly connected to the base plate 170, in the illustrated embodiment by four screws (see. FIG. 6 , in particular 6C), for which correspondingly four holes 121 are provided in the first housing 120. The base plate 170 has two lateral legs 173 and 174, via the rear ends 175, 176 of the backrest 184 is connected (see. Figures 3 and 4 ).

FIG. 6 shows a first housing 120 in detail. With its first end 122 it is connected to the base plate 170, as explained above. In the region of the first end 122 is at least one bore 124 for the second driver 131 (see. FIG. 3 and 4 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the second driver 131 is provided twice, according to two holes 124 are attached. In this way, a second driver 131 presses on each leg 112, 113 of the lever 130. At the opposite end, the second end 123, more precisely in the region of the second end 123, there is at least one bore 125 for the attachment of the first driver 161 The illustrated embodiment, two first driver 161 are provided, correspondingly, two bores 125 are provided.

The inside 126 of the first housing 120 slides on the outside 141 of the second housing 140 (see FIG. Fig. 3B and Fig. 4C ). On one side of the first housing 120, designated as the rear side 128 (FIG. FIG. 6A ), an opening 127 is provided. Through the opening 127, the bearing 190 is screwed to the second housing 140.

FIG. 7 shows different views of the bearing 190, more specifically FIG. 7A shows a side view, FIG. 7B a supervision and FIG. 7C a bottom view. The rounded central part 191 is fastened to the second housing 140, for which purpose two bores 192 ', 192 "are provided, and the lever 130 is fastened via two lateral bores 193 via the corresponding first bores 110 of the lever 130 (cf. FIG. 8 ). Moreover, a guide 194 is provided in the manner of a through hole, in which an adjusting element (not shown), in particular a cable, is guided for adjusting the seat height of the chair. The adjusting element engages on the actuating element 2 (see Fig. 2 ) at.

In FIG. 9 the second housing 140 is shown. The second housing 140 has at least one opening 142, in the present embodiment a slot. Through the opening 142 of the first driver 161 engages. Are several first driver 161 provided in the in the Figures 3 ff. illustrated embodiment, two first driver 161 are present, so two openings 142 are correspondingly available.

The inside of the second housing 140 has an inwardly projecting shoulder 143, the z. B. can serve as a stop for the damping element 160. The damping element 160 can be pushed to the stop on the shoulder 143 within the second housing 140 in the direction of the surface 185.

In the second housing 140, two areas are provided, a joint receiving area 144 and a receiving area for the damping element 145. The two areas may be structurally distinguishable from each other, as in Fig. 9 represented by the one region has a smaller diameter than the other and a shoulder 143 is designed as a stop, or they can adjoin one another seamlessly. In the joint receiving portion 144, the joint 150 is received and in the receiving area for the damping element 145 the Damping element 160.

There are two holes 146, 147 provided, via which the connection of the bearing 190 (via the holes 192) and thus of the lever 130 takes place.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a second housing 240. It serves to receive a hemispherical joint (not shown) and correspondingly has a hinge receiving portion 244 with a convex surface portion 248, which adjoins a receiving portion for the damping element 245, in which a damping element (eg. the damping element 60, 160, 260, 360, 460 or 560) can be arranged. The convex surface area 248 is formed as a hemisphere, which closes the second housing 240 upwards. According to the in Fig. 9 shown second housing 140 and with the same function also has the second housing 240 over the surface area 248 two holes 246, 247 on. On the outer surface of the second housing 241 slides a first housing, such as a first housing 120. For reaching through at least one driver, such as the first driver 61 or 161, an opening 242 is provided.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a joint 150. This is a so-called ball joint. It can be accommodated in a second housing 140, as shown in FIG Figs. 3-9 described. Alternatively to the in Fig. 11 shown ball joint, for example, a joint in the manner of a rubber sleeve can be used. In the FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment of a second housing 140 serves to receive a rubber bearing (indicated, for example, in Fig. 3A ).

As in FIG. 11 As shown, the hinge 150 has a condyle 151 and an annular hinge support 152 which serves as a socket for the condyle 151 such that the condyle 151 is movably supported in the hinge support 152 in all directions. The condyle 151 has a concave surface area 153 on its outer periphery. The outer diameter of the joint mount 152 is matched to the inner diameter of the second housing 140, so that the joint mount 152 can be positively received in the housing 140, more precisely in its joint receiving area 144.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a damping element 160. It has on its outer periphery an outer seal ring 162 and on its inner circumference an inner seal ring 163. The slip rings 162 and 163 consist z. B. made of metal and z. B. with the elastic material 166, in particular a rubber between the two slip rings 162, 163 be vulcanized. As an alternative embodiment of an elastic material z. B. Suitable springs.

About two holes 164, 165 are two first driver 161 (see. Figs. 3 and 4 and Fig. 2 in relation to the damping element 60 and the two first drivers 61) can be connected to the damping element 160. The dimensions of the outer and inner diameters of the damping element 160 are matched to the inner diameter of the second housing 140 and the outer diameter of the support column 104, so that the damping element 160 can be accommodated in the intermediate space between the second housing 140 and the support column 104. Preferably, the damping element 160 bears against both the inner surface 149 of the second housing 140 and on the outer surface 107 of the support column 104.

FIG. 13 shows four further embodiments of damping elements 260, 360, 460, 560, each in two views. While Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of a damping element 160 whose elastic properties are the same in all radial areas, show the Figs. 13 Designs that have partially different elastic properties from each other.

From the basic structure, the damping elements 260, 360, 460, 560 are comparable to the damping element 160 and accordingly each have an outer sliding ring 262, 362, 462, 562, an inner sliding ring 263, 363, 463, 563 and bores 264, 265, 364 , 365, 464, 465, 564, 565 for receiving a driver (eg for receiving first drivers 61 or 161). Elastic material 266, 366, 466, 566 is received between the slip rings 262, 263, 362, 363, 462, 463, 562, 563.

In the FIGS. 13A and 13B For example, a damping element 260 is shown having four sectors 267a, 267b, 267c, and 267d each having different elastic properties, with the diagonally opposite sectors 267b and 267d having the same elastic properties.

Further preferred embodiments of damping elements show the Figures 13 CH , The damping elements 360 and 460 each have two sectors 367a, 367b and 467a, 467b with different elasticity. The damping element 560 has three such sectors 567a, 567b, 567c.

The Figures 13D, 13F, 13H each show side views of the damping elements 360, 460, 560. It can be seen that the damping elements 360, 460, 560 have regions with different heights H, h. The sector 367a or 467a of the damping element 360 and 460 is higher than the adjacent sector 367b and 467b, respectively. The damping element 560 has three regions of different height and thus different elasticity: the sector 567c is higher than the sector 567b, which in turn is higher than the sector 567a.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 100

contraption

2

actuator

3

Gas spring

4, 104

support column

5

the upper end of the support column

106

pivot bearing

107

Outside surface of the support column

108, 109

adjustment

110

first hole

111

second hole

112.113

leg

20, 120

first housing

121, 124, 125

drilling

122

the first end of the first housing

123

the second end of the first housing

126

inside

127

opening

128

back

30, 130

lever

131

second driver

132

first end of the lever

133

second end of the lever

34; 134

mainspring

135

first end of the tension spring

136

second end of the tension spring

137

compression spring

138

first end of the compression spring

139

second end of the compression spring

40, 140, 240

second housing

141, 241

Outer surface of the second housing

142, 242

opening

143

paragraph

144, 244

Joint reception area

145, 245

Receiving area for damping element

146,147,246,247

drilling

248

convex surface area

149.249

palm

50, 150

joint

151

Joint head element

152

joint holder

153

concave surface area

60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560

damping element

61, 161

first driver

162, 262, 362, 462, 562

outer slip ring

163, 263, 363, 463, 563

inner slip ring

164, 165, 264, 265, 364, 365,

drilling

464, 465, 564, 565 166, 266, 366, 466, 566

elastic material

267, 367, 467, 567

sectors

70, 170

baseplate

171

central plate

172

Long hole

173, 174

lateral thigh

175, 176

rear end of the lateral thigh

80

chair

81

stand equipment

82

role

83, 183

standpipe

84, 184

backrest

85, 185

area

86

Seat front edge

87

armrest

88

headrest

89, 189

arrow

190

camp

191

midsection

192

drilling

193

drilling

194

guide

A _T

Longitudinal axis of the support column

A _G

Longitudinal axis of the joint

α

angle of deflection

G

weight force

d, D

distance

W

path

Z

center

h, H

height

Claims (15)

1. Device (1, 100) for a chair (80)
   having a damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560),
   having a supporting column (4, 104) on which the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) is arranged and along the longitudinal extent of which the damping element is movable,
   and having a joint (50, 150),
   wherein by changing a distance (d, D) between the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and the joint (50, 150), a degree of damping of a movement of a surface (85, 185) that serves for receiving a weight (G) is adjustable above the joint (50, 150),
   characterized in that
   in the device (1, 100) the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) is adjustable in a weight-controlled manner,
   in that the device (1, 100) comprises a first means which with the weight (G) being applied on the surface (85, 185) drags the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) along and thus changes the distance (d, D) between damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) and joint (50, 150), and
   in that said device comprises a second means for resetting the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) upon reduction of the weight (G) applied.
2. The device (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a third means is provided, which adjusts the resistance of the drag motion corresponding to an amount of the weight (G).
3. The device (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that as a second and/or third means, at least one spring (134, 137) is provided, in particular a compression spring or a tension spring.
4. The device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized
   in that the first means is at least one catch (61, 161) connected to the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560), which is in communication with said surface (85, 185) for receiving the weight (G), in particular wherein the weight (G) is applied particularly by a person sitting down on the surface (85, 185).
5. The device (1, 100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface (85, 185) is connected to a first housing (20, 120), which is in communication with the damping element (60 , 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) via the first catch (61, 161).
6. The device (1, 100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) is arranged between supporting column (4, 104) and first housing (20, 120), in particular wherein a second housing (40, 140, 240) is provided, which receives the joint (50, 150) and the supporting column (4, 104) and over which the first housing (20, 120) slides, wherein the second housing (40, 140, 240) comprises at least one opening (142, 242) for the first catch (61, 161) to reach through.
7. The device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a second catch (131) is provided, which operates the second means and/or the third means, wherein the second catch (131) is moveable by the application of the weight (G),
   in particular in that the second catch acts in a weight-controlled manner on a lever (30, 130), on which at least one spring (134, 137) is attached as a second and/or third means, and actuates said lever.
8. The device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fourth means is provided, which is adapted to be actuated by the application of weight (G) to the surface (85, 185) and which is connected to a backrest (84, is 184) of the chair (80), wherein the fourth means effects a damping of a movability of the backrest (84, 184) relative to the surface (85, 185).
9. The device (1, 100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the fourth means includes a lever (30, 130), which comprises a damping body, in particular a compression spring (137), which in turn is at least indirectly attached to the backrest (84, 184), wherein the lever (30, 130) is adapted to be actuated by a second catch (131), which is moveable by the application of the weight (G) to the surface (85, 185).
10. The device (1, 100) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the surface (85, 185) is connected to the first housing (20, 120) via a base plate (70, 170), wherein the base plate (70, 170) and the first housing (20, 120) are firmly connected to one another, and in particular wherein the surface (85, 185) is supported on the base plate (70, 170) in a displaceable manner.
11. The device (1, 100) according to claim 10 in conjunction with claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the backrest (84, 184) is hinged on the base plate (70, 170), and in that the second catch (131) is provided on the first housing (20, 120) or on the base plate (70, 170).
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) is a disc-shaped element with an elastic material (166, 266, 366, 466, 566), wherein in particular the elastic material (166, 266, 366, 466, 566) is arranged between an inner slide ring (163, 263, 363, 463, 563), in particular made of metal, and an outer slide ring (162, 262, 362, 462, 562), in particular made of metal.
13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the damping element (60, 160, 260, 360, 460, 560) is divided into sectors (567 267, 367, 467), wherein the sectors comprise elastic material (166, 266, 366, 466, 566) with different elastic properties and/or different heights (h, H).
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (50, 150) is a ball joint or a rubber bearing.
15. A chair (80), in particular an office chair, having a device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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