EP2868230B1 - Height adjustment device and chair with such a height adjustment device - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a chair and a chair, in particular a swivel chair or office chair, with such a height adjustment device.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

In height-adjustable chairs so far a gas grid is used, as in the neck in Fig. 1 is shown. The gas grid has an intermediate tube, on which outside a coil spring for suspension and inside a gas spring is arranged. As a guide while a metallic guide or a metal tube is used. The metal tube must be honed for reasons of roundness and surface finish. Honing, however, is a very expensive manufacturing process. Furthermore, a double-sided pipe surface treatment is necessary.

This is a condition to be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the invention is based on the object of providing a height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a chair, in particular a swivel chair or office chair, which does not require honing the guide.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a height adjustment device having the features of patent claim 1 and / or by a chair having the features of claim 20.

• Gemäß der Erfindung wird eine Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung vorgesehen für einen Stuhl, insbesondere einen Drehstuhl oder einen Büro-Stuhl, aufweisend:
  • eine Gasfedereinrichtung, welche mit einem Sitz des Stuhls koppelbar ist zur Höhenverstellung des Sitzes;
  • eine erste Führungsrohreinrichtung, in welcher die Gasfedereinrichtung in Längsrichtung verschieblich geführt ist, wobei die erste Führungsrohreinrichtung mit einem Zwischenrohrelement als Träger verbunden ist, und wobei die erste Führungsrohreinrichtung aus Kunststoff hergestellt und mit Führungsringen zur Führung der Gasfedereinrichtung versehen ist oder an der Innenseite jeweils an einem oberen und unteren Ende Auflageabschnitte aufweist, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung eine zweite Führungsrohreinrichtung aufweist, in welcher das Zwischenrohrelement in Längsrichtung verschieblich geführt ist, wobei die zweite Führungsrohreinrichtung mit einem Standrohrelement als Träger verbunden ist.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• According to the invention, a height adjustment device is provided for a chair, in particular a swivel chair or an office chair, comprising:
  • a gas spring device which can be coupled to a seat of the chair for height adjustment of the seat;
  • a first guide tube device, in which the gas spring device is displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction, the first guide tube device being connected to an intermediate tube element as carrier, and wherein the first guide tube device is made of plastic and provided with guide rings for guiding the gas spring device or on the inside in each case at one having upper and lower end support portions, wherein the height adjustment device comprises a second guide tube means, in which the intermediate tube element is displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second guide tube means is connected to a standpipe element as a carrier.

The height adjustment device has the advantage that the first guide tube means made of plastic does not require honing, such as a metallic guide, and no double-sided pipe surface treatment. Further, unlike a guide made entirely of a sintered metal, only guide rings made of a sintered metal may be provided in the guide tube means. Furthermore, a chair is provided with such a height adjustment device.

The knowledge / idea on which the present invention is based is to produce the guide tube device of the gas spring device instead of metal, in particular a sintered metal, from plastic. Only guide rings of the guide tube means can e.g. be used from a sintered metal or other suitable material. The guide rings can be injected into the guide tube means made of plastic or preferably in associated recesses of the longitudinally divided into at least two shell elements guide tube means. As a result, the use of expensive sintered metal can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the plastic guide tube means does not require honing.

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 one embodiment of the invention, the first guide tube means is formed longitudinally divided into at least two shell elements, which are fastened to each other. As a result, a respective guide ring can be inserted particularly easily into corresponding recesses of the shell elements.

In another embodiment, the second guide tube device is made of plastic and provided with guide rings for guiding the gas spring device. In this case, the second guide tube means may be formed longitudinally divided into at least two shell elements, which are fastened to each other. As a result, the guide rings can be used particularly easily in the guide tube device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each of the shell elements of the first and second guide tube means at least one recess, wherein the recesses of the shell elements of the first and second guide tube means together each form a circumferential recess in which the respective guide ring is receivable. The shell elements can be formed with the recesses or the recesses can be provided by a rotary operation in the shell elements.

In another embodiment of the invention, the at least two shell elements of the first and second guide tube means are formed plugged together. For this purpose, the shell elements each have at least one projection which can be inserted into a corresponding opening of the other shell element. Such a connector is particularly simple and inexpensive to implement.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular element can be fastened to the first or second guide device by means of screwing. For example, grub screws can be used for this purpose.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the intermediate tube element has a bottom. The floor is for example formed as a separate bottom element, which is inserted between two retaining rings, which are received in recesses on the inside of the intermediate tube element. The recesses can be produced by a turning operation and the intermediate pipe element can be made as a whole as a rotating part or exclusively as a turned part, which is inexpensive to manufacture.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the intermediate tube element is connected to the gas spring device. As soon as the gas spring device is pressed downwards in the longitudinal direction, the intermediate tube element moves with the gas spring device and, for example, presses with the common bottom against an underlying spring element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a spring holder device is provided on the outside of the intermediate tube element. The spring holder device is fastened to the intermediate tube element, for example welded or screwed on, etc., or bears against a stop of the intermediate tube element. The intermediate pipe element may be formed, for example, as a rotating part with the stop in the form of a projection.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a centering sleeve is provided on the outside of the intermediate tube element for centering a spring, in particular a spiral spring. The spring, in particular spiral spring, is provided between the spring holder device and the centering sleeve. Furthermore, the spring holder device and the centering sleeve provided between the first slide bearing sleeve and the second slide bearing sleeve.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a thrust bearing is provided between the centering sleeve and the second slide bearing sleeve or an upper side of the second slide bearing sleeve is designed as a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing facilitates rotation of the chair about its longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment of the invention, a spacer sleeve is provided between the first slide bearing sleeve and the spring holder device. By means of the spacer sleeve, the spring, in particular coil spring, are biased.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a receiving element for receiving the intermediate tube element and the gas spring device is provided on a bottom of the standpipe element. The receiving element is formed for example as a pot with a flange portion. The receiving element has the advantage that it can be used as a strainer and Klemmstellenbeseitiger.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a spring element is arranged between the bottom of the intermediate tube element and a bottom of the standpipe element. The spring element is made of foam and in particular of a foam made of a polyurethane elastomer. Such a foam has the advantage that it requires little space and provides a high travel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the standpipe element is formed, for example, as a separate floor element. The bottom element is for example from the inside to an inwardly bent end of the standpipe element.

In another embodiment, at least one of the shell elements of the first and second guide means has on its outer side a shoulder at its upper end for positioning the pipe element in the longitudinal direction of the guide means. The paragraph prevents unwanted slippage of the guide tube device, if this is not yet attached to the tubular element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate tube element has on its outer side at its lower end a shoulder on which rests the second guide tube means in a Ausgans position in which the gas spring means is unloaded in the longitudinal direction. The second guide tube device can be designed in this way. that it biases the spring element in this starting position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the gas spring device in the first guide tube device is guided displaceably and rotatably in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the seat of a chair provided with the height-adjusting device can not only be moved up and down in the longitudinal direction, but also rotated.

In another embodiment of the invention, the gas spring device is a rigid-blockable gas spring device. In this case, for example, a rigid-blockable gas spring device type 2 or type 3 can be used.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

ein Ausschnitt eines Gasrasters in einer geschnittenen Darstellung;

Fig. 2

eine Teilschnittansicht der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung ausgefahren und unbelastet dargestellt ist;

Fig. 3

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

eine Teilschnittansicht der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung ausgefahren und unter Vollbelastung dargestellt ist;

Fig. 5

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

eine Teilschnittansicht der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 2, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung eingefahren und unbelastet dargestellt ist;

Fig. 7

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

eine Teilschnittansicht der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 6, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung eingefahren und unter Vollbelastung dargestellt ist;

Fig. 9

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 8;

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf ein Schalenelement;

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht des Schalenelements gemäß Fig. 10;

Fig. 12

eine Schnittansicht A-A des Schalenelements gemäß Fig. 10;

Fig. 13

ein Ausschnitt B des Schalenelements gemäß Fig. 12;

Fig. 14

eine Perspektivansicht des Schalenelements gemäß Fig. 10;

Fig. 15

eine Teilschnittansicht einer Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung ausgefahren und unbelastet dargestellt ist;

Fig. 16

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 15;

Fig. 17

eine Teilschnittansicht der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 15, wobei die Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung eingefahren und belastet dargestellt ist;

Fig. 18

ein Ausschnitt B der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß Fig. 17;

Fig. 19

eine Draufsicht auf ein Schalenelement, welches bei der Höhenverstellungsvorrichtung gemäß der Fig. 15-18 eingesetzt ist; und

Fig. 20

eine Perspektivansicht des Schalenelements gemäß Fig. 19.

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

Fig. 1

a section of a gas grid in a sectional view;

Fig. 2

a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the height adjustment device is shown extended and unloaded;

Fig. 3

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 4

a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 2 wherein the height adjustment device is extended and shown under full load;

Fig. 5

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 2 wherein the height adjustment device is shown retracted and unloaded;

Fig. 7

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 8

a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 6 wherein the height adjustment device is retracted and shown under full load;

Fig. 9

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 10

a plan view of a shell element;

Fig. 11

a side view of the shell element according to Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 12

a sectional view AA of the shell element according to Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 13

a section B of the shell element according to Fig. 12 ;

Fig. 14

a perspective view of the shell element according to Fig. 10 ;

Fig. 15

a partial sectional view of a height adjustment device according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the height adjustment device is shown extended and unloaded;

Fig. 16

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 15 ;

Fig. 17

a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 15 wherein the height adjustment device is shown retracted and loaded;

Fig. 18

a section B of the height adjustment device according to Fig. 17 ;

Fig. 19

a plan view of a shell element, which in the height adjustment device according to the Fig. 15-18 is used; and

Fig. 20

a perspective view of the shell element according to Fig. 19 ,

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide 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 drawings 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 gas grid 100 for a height-adjustable chair. The gas grid 100 in this case has the intermediate tube 101, on which outside the coil spring 102 for suspension and inside the gas spring 103 is arranged. As a guide while the metal tube 104 is used. The metal tube 104 is honed in this case. Furthermore, a double-sided pipe surface treatment is provided.

In Fig. 2 Fig. 2 is a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The height adjustment device 1 is shown extended and unloaded. Fig. 3 in this case shows a section B of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 2 ,

Such a height adjustment device 1 is used in chairs, especially office chairs or swivel chairs to adjust these in height and feathers. An office chair 2 is in Fig. 2 greatly simplified and indicated purely schematically with a dashed line. Office chairs 2 are normally chair chairs with a seat 3 and a backrest, and a foot 4, which has the chair castors. In addition, the office chair can also be designed to be rotatable. Office chairs are adapted for use at a desk and are height adjustable for ergonomic purposes. According to the invention, the height adjustment device 1 is provided for height adjustment of such a chair.

As in the embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown, the height adjustment device 1 for height adjustment on a gas spring device 5. The Gasferdereinrichtung 5 is coupled to the seat 3 of the chair 2 in order to adjust this in height, and received in the foot of the chair 2. As described above, the seat 3 of the chair 2 can preferably not only be adjusted in height but also rotated. This also allows the height adjustment device 1 according to the invention.

The gas spring device 5 is, for example, a rigidly-lockable gas spring device. As a rigid-blockable gas spring means, for example, a rigid-blockable gas spring device type 2 can be used, in which the gas chamber of the spring is in the upper region of the gas spring device. Likewise, for example, a rigid-lockable type 3 gas spring device can be used, in which the gas chamber of the spring is located in the lower region of the gas spring device. The gas spring device 5 has a gas spring arrangement 6, as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown, which is arranged in a jacket tube element 7.

The jacket tube element 7, for example a metal tube, the gas spring device 5 is guided in a first guide tube device 8 and rotatable about its longitudinal axis 9. The first guide tube device 8 is formed in two parts in the longitudinal direction and has two shell elements or half-shell elements 10, 11, which are fastened to each other. One of the shell elements 10 is exemplary in the Following in the 10 to 14 shown and described. As in the embodiment in Fig. 2 is shown, the two shell elements 10 and 11 in a region of its upper and lower end on the inside each have a recess 13, for example a groove which, when the shell elements 10 and 11 are fastened together, forms a circumferential or annular recess. In the circumferential or annular recess, such as a circumferential groove, a guide ring 14 or sleeve bearing ring is receivable. The guide ring 14 or slide bearing ring is made for example of a sintered material and / or plastic. Such guide or sliding bearing rings 14 are sold for example as iglidur® plastic plain bearings by the company IGUS.

The two shell elements 10, 11 are preferably made of plastic, for example by injection molding. The shell elements 10 and 11 made of plastic replace expensive guides made of solid material, in particular metallic guides made of a sintered material. Instead, only guide the gas spring means 5, guide or plain bearing rings 14, e.g. from a sintered material, inserted into the recesses 13 of the shell elements 10, 11.

Furthermore, the height adjustment device 1 has an intermediate tube element 15, which is placed externally on the first guide tube device 8 and connected thereto. For this purpose, the intermediate tube element 15 is attached to the first guide tube device 8, for example by means of screws as fastening means. As screws, for example, grub screws 16 can be used to the To attach intermediate pipe element 15, for example, at the upper end of the first guide tube means 8.

The two shell elements 10, 11 may each optionally have an additional shoulder 37 on the outside at its upper end, as in FIG FIGS. 2 and 3 which prevents unintentional slipping of the shell elements 10 against the associated intermediate tube element 15 and facilitates the positioning of the shell elements 10, 11 for attachment to the intermediate tube element 15.

At the lower end, the intermediate pipe element 15 is formed with a bottom 17. For this purpose, two circumferential recesses 18, 19 are provided at the lower end of the intermediate tube member 15 on the inside, for insertion of a locking ring 20 or snap ring in the respective recess 18 and 19. The recesses 18, 19 are made for example as recesses by means of turning , Between the retaining rings 20 and snap rings, a bottom element 21, for example a bottom plate or a bottom plate, is used as the bottom 17 of the intermediate tube element 15. The bottom element 21 may in this case be, for example, a metal or plastic disk or a metal and / or plastic disk. Furthermore, to the bottom element 21, as in the embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown, the gas spring assembly 6 to be attached. For this purpose, the bottom member 21, for example, an opening 22 with a thread into which one end of the gas spring assembly 6 is screwed to secure it to the ground. But it can also be provided any other type of attachment which is suitable to attach the gas spring assembly to the bottom 17 of the intermediate tube member 15.

Furthermore, a second guide tube device 23 is provided, which has the same structure as the first guide tube device 8, of which the first shell element 10 in the following 10 to 14 shown and described. The second guide tube device 23 is provided for guiding the intermediate tube element 15. In this case, the intermediate tube element 15 is arranged and guided displaceably in the longitudinal direction in the second guide tube device 23.

As in the embodiment in Fig. 2 and the enlarged section in Fig. 3 is shown, the intermediate tube member 15 on its outer side in a region of its lower end a recess 28 in which a locking ring 20 or snap ring is inserted. This circlip 20 or snap ring serves to bias the first guide tube device 8 a spring element 32, which will be described in more detail below. The recess 28 is made for example as a recess by means of turning.

The second guide tube device 23 is also formed in two parts in the longitudinal direction and has two shell elements or half-shell elements 24 and 25, which are fastened to each other. The two shell elements 24, 25 have in a region of their upper and lower ends on the inside in each case a recess 26, for example a groove which, when the shell elements 24, 25 are fastened together, forms a circumferential or annular recess. In the circumferential or annular recess, such as a circumferential groove, a guide ring or sleeve bearing ring 14 is receivable. The guide ring 14 or slide bearing ring is, for example, off a sintered material and / or plastic produced Such guide or sliding bearing rings 14, as described above, for example, as iglidur® plastic plain bearings sold by the company IGUS.

The two shell elements 24, 25 are also preferably made of plastic, for example by injection molding.

Next, the height adjustment device 1, a standpipe member 27 which is externally mounted on the second guide tube means 23 and connected thereto. For this purpose, the standpipe element 27 is attached to the second guide tube device 23, for example by means of screws as fastening means. For example, grub screws 16 can also be used as screws in order to fasten the standpipe element 27, for example, to the upper end of the second guide tube device 23. The two shell elements 24, 25 may each optionally have an additional shoulder 37 on the outside at its upper end, as in FIG FIGS. 2 and 3 which prevents unintentional sliding down of the shell elements 24, 25 on the associated standpipe element 27 and simplifies the positioning of the shell elements 24, 25 for attachment to the standpipe element 27.

At the lower end, the standpipe member 27 is formed with a bottom 29. For this purpose, the lower end of the standpipe element 27 is, for example, bent over in order to form a support section 30 for a floor element 31. The bottom member 31 is, for example, as a metal or plastic disc or, as in the embodiment in Fig. 2 is shown formed as a metal or plastic plate.

Between the bottom 17 of the intermediate tube member 15 and the bottom 29 of the standpipe member 27, a spring element 32 is arranged. The spring element 32 can, as described above, optionally be additionally prestressed on the outer side of the first guide tube device 8 via the securing ring 20.

The spring element 21 is made of an elastic material or an elastic material combination, in particular of a polyurethane (PUR) elastomer or polyurethane (PUR) elastomer foam. Such a spring element 32 made of a polyurethane (PUR) elastomer or polyurethane (PUR) elastomeric foam is available, for example, under the name Cellasto® from BASF and provides a deep suspension, wherein it enables a high travel in a very small space. In order to obtain a high guide length, the intermediate tube element 15 is used, which springs in with the depth suspension. Thus, high guide lengths are achieved at low height. For cost reasons, the intermediate pipe element 15 is preferably constructed so that it can be manufactured as a pure machined part. It can only be ground on the outside to ensure a particularly high quality of leadership. The internal machining is not necessary due to the shell elements 10, 11, which are made of plastic, for example. Furthermore, punctures can be introduced into the intermediate tube element 15 for the retaining rings 20 or snap rings, for example, with which the bottom 17 or the bottom element 17 is fixed to the intermediate tube element 15. This allows for welding and / or flaring be waived. In principle, however, welding operations and / or crimping operations are also conceivable for fastening the bottom element 17 to the intermediate tube element 15 or for fixing the intermediate tube element 15.

In the in FIGS. 2 and 3 shown fully extended and unloaded position of the height adjustment device 1, the gas spring device 5 is set in its maximum height and there is no force on the height adjustment device 1. This means that such a built-in a chair 2 height adjustment device 1, the chair 2 positioned in its uppermost position and no weight is applied to the chair 2, since, for example, nobody sits on the chair 2. Accordingly, the spring element 32 is biased in its Ausgans position and optionally additionally.

In Fig. 4 is now a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 2 shown, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is extended and shown under full load. This shows Fig. 5 an enlarged detail B of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 4 ,

In the in 4 and 5 shown fully extended and fully loaded position of the height adjustment device 1, the gas spring device 5 is set in its maximum height and it acts a force on the height adjustment device 1. The force is sufficiently large to the spring element 32 in the in 4 and 5 shown embodiment, to be compressed maximum.

That is, such a height adjustment device 1 incorporated in a chair, positions the chair in its uppermost position, and applies a weight to the chair, e.g. a person has taken a seat in the chair. Accordingly, the spring element 32 is now compressed.

Thus, if a force is applied downward in the longitudinal direction of the height adjustment device 1, then the gas spring device 5 moves in the form of a rigidly-lockable gas spring device in the embodiment in 4 and 5 in the direction of the spring element 32 together with the intermediate tube element 15 along the second guide tube means 23. The gas spring device 5 presses the intermediate tube element 15 with its bottom 17 and bottom element 21 against the spring element 32, so that the spring element 32 is compressed or compressed, as in 4 and 5 is shown. By contrast, the standpipe element 27 and the second guide tube device 23 remain fixed and do not move in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the lower end of the second guide tube means 23 moves away from the lock ring 20 on the outside of the intermediate tube member 15 as shown in FIG 4 and 5 is shown.

In Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 2 shown, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is shown this time retracted and unloaded. Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section B of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 6 ,

In the in 6 and 7 shown completely retracted and unloaded position of the height adjustment device 1, the gas spring device 5 is set, for example, in its minimum height and there is no force on the height adjustment device 1. This means that such a built-in chair height adjustment device 1, the chair positioned in its lowest position and no weight is applied to the chair, as, for example, nobody is sitting on the chair. Accordingly, the spring element 32 is biased in its Ausgans position and optionally additionally, as previously also in the FIGS. 2 and 3 is shown.

Furthermore, in Fig. 8 a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 2 shown, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is retracted here and shown under full load. Fig. 9 This shows an enlarged detail B of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 8 ,

In the in 8 and 9 shown fully retracted position of the height adjustment device 1, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is under full load, the gas spring device 5 is set in its minimum height and there is a force on the height adjustment device. 1

The force is sufficiently large to the spring element 32 in the in 8 and 9 shown embodiment, to be compressed maximum.

This means that such a built-in height adjustment device 1, the chair in its lowest Positioned and a weight is applied to the chair, for example, as a person has taken on the chair. Accordingly, the spring element 32 is compressed.

As before with reference to the 4 and 5 has been described, a force is applied downward in the longitudinal direction of the height adjustment device 1. This force causes the gas spring device 5 in the form of the rigidly-lockable gas spring device to move along the second guide tube device 23 in the direction of the spring element 32 together with the intermediate tube element 15. The gas spring device 5 presses the intermediate tube element 15 with its bottom 17 or bottom element 21 against the spring element 32, so that the spring element 32 is compressed or compressed, as in 8 and 9 is shown. By contrast, the standpipe element 27 and the second guide tube device 23 remain fixed and do not move in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the lower end of the second guide tube means 23 moves away from the lock ring 20 on the outside of the intermediate tube member 15 as shown in FIG 8 and 9 is shown.

Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a shell member 10 of the first guide tube means for guiding the intermediate tube element described above and Fig. 11 a side view of the shell member 10. The other shell member which is connected to the shell member 10 is formed as the shell member 10, but it has an opening where the shell member has projections and vice versa to zusammenzustecken the two shell elements.

Furthermore, the shell elements, not shown, of the second guide tube device are constructed like the shell elements of the first guide tube device, so that the explanations regarding the shell element of the first guide tube device also apply correspondingly to the shell elements of the second guide tube device and therefore will not be repeated. The shell elements of the second guide tube device are merely dimensioned such that the jacket tube element can be guided therein.

Further shows Fig. 12 a sectional view AA of the shell member 10 according to Fig. 10, Fig. 13 a section B of the shell member 10 and Fig. 14 a perspective view of the shell element 10th

The shell element 10 has a semicircular cross section, such as in Fig. 11 and 14 is shown. To attach the shell member 10 to the other associated and not shown shell element, the two shell elements 10, for example, can be plugged together and optionally additionally formed locked together. For this purpose, the shell element 10, as in the Fig. 10, 11, 12th and 14 is shown, on the side where it is connected or mated with the other shell member, a plurality of projections 33 and a plurality of recesses 34, for example, two projections 33 and two recesses 34 at each end. The shell element 10 is inserted with its projections 34 in corresponding recesses of the other shell element and in its recesses 34 corresponding projections of the other shell element are inserted. The projections 33 and the recesses 34 corresponding thereto may optionally be additionally latched to each other. The invention is to the fastening the shell elements 10 by plugging together and optionally lock not limited. There may be provided any other type of attachment of the shell elements 10, which connects the shell elements 10 suitably together, so that they can not unintentionally separate from each other. For example, the shell elements 10 in addition to the mating or locking additionally or alternatively glued together, welded, bolted and / or pinned, etc., to name just a few more examples of mounting options.

Furthermore, the shell element 10 for guiding a pipe element inserted into the shell elements 10, such as the intermediate pipe element, on its inside at its upper and lower end on a support portion 35 with the recess 13, for example a groove which, when the shell elements 10 to each other are fixed, forms a circumferential or annular recess. In the circumferential or annular recess, for example, a circumferential groove, a guide ring or plain bearing ring is received, which rests on the tubular element and this leads.

The shell element 10 is fastened to the tubular element, ie, here fastened to the intermediate tubular element, for example by screwing. For this purpose, the shell element 10, as in FIGS. 12 and 13 shown on its outside with at least one bore 36 provided with a thread for screwing the shell member 10 with the tubular element, for example by means of a grub screw. However, the invention is not limited to this attachment of the shell elements 10 to the pipe element, here the intermediate pipe element. There may be provided any type of attachment that is suitable, the shell elements To connect with the associated pipe element, so that they do not unintentionally detach from each other.

Optionally, at least one or both shell elements 10 may be provided at their upper end with a shoulder 37 on the outside, which prevents unwanted slipping of the shell elements 10 on the associated tubular element and simplifies the positioning of the shell elements for attachment to the tubular element. As before with reference to the FIGS. 2 and 3 described, the shell elements are preferably made of plastic and in particular by injection molding.

The two shell elements 10 are also preferably made of plastic, for example by injection molding.

In Fig. 15 is shown a partial sectional view of a height adjustment device 1 according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is shown extended and unloaded. Fig. 16 shows a section of a spacer sleeve 44 of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 15 ,

The height adjustment device 1 according to the FIGS. 15 and 16 and subsequent ones Fig. 17-20 , Has substantially the same structure as the height adjustment device according to the Fig. 2-13 , so on this to the description of the Fig. 2-13 is referenced. The height adjustment device 1 according to the Fig. 15, 16 and the following ones Fig. 17-20 is different from the previous one with regard to the Fig. 2-13 described embodiment essentially in that a coil spring 38 instead of a spring element 21 from a polyurethane (PUR) elastomer is provided for suspension and the height adjustment device 1 further comprises a one-piece plastic guide between the intermediate tube member 15 and the standpipe member 27 instead of a guide in the form of two shell elements.

The height adjustment device 1, as in FIGS. 15 and 16 , as well as subsequent Fig. 17-20 is shown as an example, is used in chairs, especially office chairs or swivel chairs to adjust these in height and feathers. An office chair 2 with its seat 3 is in Fig. 15 greatly simplified and indicated purely schematically with a dashed line.

In the embodiment in FIGS. 15 and 16 , the height adjustment device 1 for height adjustment, a gas spring device 5. The Gasferdereinrichtung 5 is coupled to the seat 3 of the chair 2 in order to adjust this in height, and received in the foot of the chair 2. The height adjustment device 1 preferably allows an additional turning of the seat 3 of the chair 2, as will be explained below, about the longitudinal axis 9 of the chair 2.

The gas spring device 5 is, for example, a rigidly-lockable gas spring device, in particular, for example, a rigid-blockable gas spring device of the type 2 or of the type 3. The gas spring device 5 has a gas spring arrangement 6, as in the exemplary embodiment in FIG FIGS. 15 and 16 is shown, which is arranged in a jacket tube element 7.

The jacket tube element 7, for example a metal tube, the gas spring device 5 is guided in a first guide tube device 8 and rotatable about its longitudinal axis 9. The first guide tube device 8 is formed in two parts in the longitudinal direction and has two shell elements or half-shell elements 10, 11 which are fastened to each other, for example, be plugged together, latched, screwed, pinned, glued and / or welded, etc .. One of the shell elements 10 is exemplary in the Following in the FIGS. 19 and 20 shown and described. The two shell elements 10, 11 are preferably made of plastic, etc., for example by injection molding.

The height adjustment device 1 also has an intermediate tube element 15, which is placed externally on the first guide tube device 8 and connected thereto. For this purpose, the intermediate pipe element 15 can be attached to the first guide tube device 8, for example, be pressed into it or by means of screws as fastening means, as previously in FIGS. 2 and 3 For example, grub screws may be used as screws to fix the intermediate pipe member 15 to the upper end of the first guide tube means 8, for example.

The two shell elements 10, 11 may each optionally have an additional shoulder 37 on the outside at its upper end, as in FIG Fig. 15 which prevents unintentional slipping of the shell elements 10, 11 against the associated intermediate tube element 15 and facilitates the positioning of the shell elements 10, 11 for attachment to the intermediate tube element 15.

At the lower end, the intermediate pipe element 15 is formed with a bottom 17. For this purpose, two circumferential recesses 18, 19 are provided at the lower end of the intermediate tube member 15 on the inside, for insertion of a locking ring 20 or snap ring in the respective recess 18 and 19. The recesses 18, 19 are made for example as recesses by means of turning , Between the retaining rings 20 and snap rings, a bottom element 21, for example a bottom plate or a bottom plate, is used as the bottom 17 of the intermediate tube element 15. The bottom element 21 may in this case be, for example, a metal or plastic disk or alternatively a metal and / or plastic disk. Furthermore, to the bottom element 21, as in the embodiment in Fig. 15 is shown, the gas spring assembly 6 to be attached. For this purpose, the bottom member 21, for example, an opening 22 with a thread into which one end of the gas spring assembly 6 is screwed to secure it to the ground. But it can also be provided any other type of attachment which is suitable to attach the gas spring assembly to the bottom 17 of the intermediate tube member 15.

As before with respect to the Fig. 2-13 has been described, the intermediate pipe element 15 is preferably constructed so that it can be produced as a pure turned-machined part. It can only be ground on the outside to ensure a particularly high quality of leadership. The internal machining is not necessary due to the shell elements 10, 11.

Furthermore, a second guide tube device 39 is provided for guiding the intermediate tube element 15. The second guide tube device 39 has in the in Fig. 15 shown embodiment, a first or upper plain bearing sleeve 40 and a second or lower sleeve bearing sleeve 41. The intermediate tube element 15 is arranged and guided in the second guide tube device 39 and the two plain bearing sleeves 40, 41 in the longitudinal direction and guided. The two plain bearing sleeves 40, 41 are made of metal and / or plastic, for example. As a metal, for example, a sintered metal can be provided. The first or upper plain bearing sleeve 40 is in the in Fig. 15 shown embodiment in the standpipe member 27 and additionally attached to the standpipe member 27, for example screwed. For this purpose, for example, at least one grub screw or another suitable screw can be provided. However, the invention is not limited to a screwing for securing the plain bearing sleeve 40 to the standpipe member 27. There may be any other type of attachment, in particular releasable attachment, the plain bearing sleeve 40 are provided on the standpipe member 27. As in the embodiment in Fig. 15 is shown, the first or upper plain bearing sleeve 40 optionally on its outer side a shoulder 43, as a support on the end of the standpipe member 27. This can prevent accidental slipping of the plain bearing sleeve 40 between the standpipe member 27 and the intermediate tube member 15.

The second or lower plain bearing sleeve 41 has, as in the embodiment in Fig. 15 is shown, for example, a cylindrical shape.

As described above, the in Fig. 15 shown embodiment of the height adjustment device 1, the coil spring 38 for suspension. This is on the outside of the Zwischenrohrelements 15 a spring holder device 42 is provided. This spring holder device 42 is fastened to the outside of the intermediate tube element 15 in the longitudinal direction, for example welded to the intermediate tube element 15. Likewise, the intermediate pipe element 15 with a stop 53, for example, a projection, such as a wedge-shaped projection as in Fig. 16 and 18 is shown, formed on which the spring holder device 42 abuts. However, the invention is not limited to the welding of the spring holder means 42 and the projection 53 as a fastening.

The spring holder device 42 has, for example, the shape of a sleeve 12 with a flange portion 52, which on the one hand forms a support for the upper end of the coil spring 38 and on the other hand a support for a spacer sleeve 44. Between the spring holder means 42 and the first or upper sleeve sleeve 40 may optionally the additional spacer sleeve 44 may be provided, as in FIG FIGS. 15 and 16 is shown.

The spacer sleeve 44 in FIGS. 15 and 16 has such a thickness that the spacer sleeve 44 rests only on the wedge-shaped projection 53. The spacer sleeve 44 may be formed at the spring holder means 42 opposite end with a bevel 54, as in the FIGS. 15 and 16 is shown. The chamfer 54 prevents the collision of the spacer sleeve 44 and the spring holder means 42, so that the wedge-shaped projection 53 experiences a maximum contact surface.

By means of the spacer sleeve 44, the coil spring 38 in the unloaded state of the chair 2, as in FIGS. 15 and 16 shown is additionally biased.

Furthermore, a centering sleeve 45 can additionally be provided on the outside of the intermediate tube element 15, which centers the spiral spring 38. The centering sleeve 45 causes the coil spring 38 does not rest directly on the intermediate tube element 15. Furthermore, the centering sleeve 45, as in the in FIGS. 15 and 16 shown embodiment, an additional flange 48 as a support for the lower end of the coil spring 28 have. The centering sleeve 45 is made of plastic and / or metal, for example.

Between the centering sleeve 45 and the second or lower plain bearing sleeve 41 may optionally additionally a thrust bearing 46, for example, a thrust roller bearing, an axial needle bearing, as in Fig. 15 , or a Axialgleitlager etc., be provided for rotating the associated with the gas spring device 5 chair and its seat 3, about the longitudinal axis. 9

It is also conceivable instead of an additional thrust bearing 46, the slide bearing sleeve 41 with a sliding bearing surface on the top 47 form.

In the in Fig. 15 In the embodiment shown, the standpipe element 27 is formed with a bottom 29. For this purpose, the lower end of the standpipe member 27 is bent, for example, to a support portion 30 for a receiving element 49, as in Fig. 15 , or alternatively a bottom element 31, as previously in Fig. 2 is shown to form.

The receiving element 49, for example, made of metal and / or plastic, for example, as a pot 51 is formed with a flange portion 50 which rests on the support portion 30 of the standpipe member 27. The receiving element 49 or the pot 51 can accommodate the intermediate tube element 15 with the gas spring device 5 when the chair 2 is loaded, as in the following example Fig. 17 is shown. The intermediate tube member 15 slides only when the chair is loaded in the receiving element 49, since the coil spring 38 is compressed. The intermediate tube element 15 is held in any other position via the spring holder device 42. The receiving element 49 can serve as a strainer and Klemmstellenbeseitiger.

In the in FIGS. 15 and 16 shown fully extended and unloaded position of the height adjustment device 1, the gas spring device 5 is set in its maximum height and there is no force on the height adjustment device 1. This means that such a built-in a chair 2 height adjustment device 1, the chair 2 positioned in its uppermost position and no weight is applied to the chair 2, since, for example, nobody sits on the chair 2. Accordingly, the coil spring 38 is preloaded in its initial position and optionally additionally.

In Fig. 17 is a partial sectional view of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 15 shown, wherein the height adjustment device 1 is shown fully retracted and loaded. Fig. 18 shows a section B of the height adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 17 , In the height adjustment device 1 according to FIGS. 17 and 18 is unlike in the FIGS. 15 and 16 shown height adjustment device 1, the spring device 42 welded to the intermediate tube member 15 and another spacer sleeve 44 is provided. The spacer sleeve 44 in FIGS. 17 and 18 has a width such that the spacer sleeve rests on the sleeve 12 and at least partially or completely on the flange portion 52.

Furthermore, in Fig. 19 a plan view of a shell element 10, which in the height adjustment device 1 according to the Fig. 15-18 is used. Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of the shell member 10 according to Fig. 19 , The shell member 10 has openings (not shown) for receiving corresponding protrusions and / or protrusions for insertion into corresponding openings for connection to the other shell elements. An example of such openings and protrusions is in the previous ones Fig. 10 to 13 shown.

The other shell member, which is connected to the shell member 10, is formed as the shell member 10, but it has opening where the shell member has projections and vice versa, to assemble the two shell elements.

Likewise, instead of in FIGS. 19 and 20 shown shell member 10 but also the previously with reference to the Fig. 10 to 13 described shell member 10 in the height adjustment device 1 according to the Fig. 15-18 and the respective corresponding shell element can be used.

The shell element 10 has, for example, a semicircular cross-section, as in FIG FIGS. 19 and 20 is shown. To fortify of the shell member 10 on the other associated and not shown shell element, the two shell elements 10, for example, can be plugged together and optionally additionally formed locked together. Likewise, the shell elements 10 in addition to the mating or locking additionally or alternatively glued together, welded, bolted and / or pinned, etc., to name just a few more examples of mounting options.

Furthermore, the shell element 10 for guiding a tube element inserted into the shell elements 10, such as the intermediate tube element, has a support section 35 on its inner side, in each case at its upper and lower end.

Optionally, at least one or both shell elements 10 may be provided at their upper end with a shoulder 37 on the outside, which prevents unwanted slipping of the shell elements 10 on the associated tubular element and simplifies the positioning of the shell elements for attachment to the tubular element. As before with reference to the FIGS. 2 and 3 described, the shell elements 10 are preferably made of plastic, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), etc., and in particular by injection molding.

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

The height adjustment is applicable to any type of chair, which provides a height adjustment of the seat. An office chair can also be designed as a swivel chair.

The previously with respect to the Fig. 2 to 14 For example, the shell elements of the first and second guide means described may be made of a plastic such as a thermoset or thermoplastic (e.g., PA6 GF30, polyoxymethylene (POM), etc.).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Height adjustment device

2

office chair

3

Seat

4

foot

5

Gas spring means

6

A gas spring assembly

7

Casing element

8th

first guide tube device

9

longitudinal axis

10

first shell element

11

second shell element

12

Sleeve (spring holder device)

13

Recess (shell element)

14

guide ring

15

Intermediate pipe element

16

grub screw

17

Bottom (intermediate pipe element)

18

first recess

19

second recess

20

circlip

21

floor element

22

Opening (floor element)

23

second guide tube means

24

first shell element

25

second shell element

26

Recess (shell element)

27

Standpipe element

28

recess

29

Floor (standpipe element)

30

bearing section

31

floor element

32

spring element

33

head Start

34

deepening

35

bearing section

36

drilling

37

paragraph

38

spiral spring

39

second guide tube means

40

first or upper plain bearing sleeve

41

second or lower plain bearing sleeve

42

Spring retainer means

43

paragraph

44

Stand Off

45

centering

46

thrust

47

Upper side (plain bearing sleeve)

48

flange

49

receiving element

50

flange

51

pot

52

Flange section (spring holder device)

53

wedge-shaped projection

54

bevel

100

gas grid

101

intermediate pipe

102

spiral spring

103

gas spring

104

metal pipe

Claims (15)

1. Height-adjustment device (1) for a chair, in particular a swivel chair or an office chair, comprising:

   a gas spring device (5) which can be coupled to a seat of the chair in order to adjust the height of the seat;

   a first guide pipe device (8) in which the gas spring device (5) is displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first guide pipe device (8) is connected to an intermediate pipe element (15) as a support, and wherein the first guide pipe device (8) is produced from synthetic material and is provided with guide rings (14) to guide the gas spring device (5) or, on the inside, has contact portions at each of an upper and lower end, wherein the height-adjustment device (1) has a second guide pipe device (23, 39) in which the intermediate pipe element (15) is displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second guide pipe device (23) is connected to a stanchion element (27) as a support.
2. Height-adjustment device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that
   the first guide pipe device (8) is divided in the longitudinal direction into at least two shell elements (10, 11) which can be attached to one another.
3. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the second guide pipe device (39) comprises a first slide bearing sleeve (40) and a second slide bearing sleeve (41), or
   wherein the second guide pipe device (27) is produced from synthetic material and is provided with the guide rings (14) to guide the gas spring device (5), wherein the second guide pipe device (23) is divided in the longitudinal direction preferably into at least two shell elements (24, 25) which can be attached to one another.
4. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   each of the shell elements (10, 11; 24, 25) of the first and second guide pipe device (8; 23) has at least one aperture (13; 26), wherein the apertures (13; 26) of the shell elements of the first and second guide pipe device together form in each case a peripheral aperture in which the respective guide ring (14) can be received.
5. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the at least two shell elements (10, 11; 24, 25) of the first and second guide pipe device (8; 23) can be fitted together and the shell elements (10, 11; 24, 25) each have at least one protrusion (33) which can be inserted into a corresponding depression (34) in the other shell element.
6. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the pipe element (15; 27) can be attached to the first and second guide device (8; 23; 39) by screwing.
7. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the intermediate pipe element (15) has a base (17), wherein the base (17) is formed in particular as a separate base element (21) which is inserted between two securing rings (20) which are received in apertures (18, 19) on the inside of the intermediate pipe element (15).
8. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7,
   characterised in that,
   on the outside of the intermediate pipe element (15) a spring holding device (42) is provided, wherein the spring holding device (42) is attached to the intermediate pipe element (15) or lies against a stop (53) on the intermediate pipe element (15).
9. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a receiving element (49) to receive the intermediate pipe element (15) and the gas spring device (5) on a base (29) of the stanchion element (27) is provided, wherein the receiving element (49) preferably has a pot (51) with a flange portion (50).
10. Height-adjustment device as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that
    a spring element (32) is disposed between the base (17) of the intermediate pipe element (15) and a base (29) of the stanchion element (27), wherein the spring element (32) is in particular made from a foamed material consisting of polyurethane elastomer.
11. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one of the shell elements (10, 11; 24, 25) of the first and second guide device (8; 23; 39) has, on its outside, a shoulder (37) on its upper end for positioning of the pipe element (15; 27) in the longitudinal direction of the guide device (8; 23).
12. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of claims 1-7 and 10 or 11,
    characterised in that
    the intermediate pipe element (15) has, on its outside at its lower end, a shoulder against which the second guide pipe device (23) lies in a starting position in which the gas spring device (5) is unloaded in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the second guide device (23) preferably pretensions the spring element (32).
13. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the gas spring device (5) is guided in the first guide pipe device (8) so as to be rotatable and displaceable in the longitudinal direction.
14. Height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the gas spring device (5) is a rigid-locking gas spring device.
15. Chair (2) having a height-adjustment device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Images