EP2921077B1 - Office chair - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an office chair.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Modern office chairs often have facilities that should allow the so-called movable seats. When sitting permanently, it is advantageous from an ergonomic point of view to provide a seat movable. This was already in the German patent application DE 35 13 985 A1 tried to solve. It is proposed to provide for a stool, the storage of the seat about a central seating area tiltable by the seat surface on a arranged in the middle seating area tennis ball tilts. Centering springs are provided at the edges of the seat. By this arrangement, the upper body of the user should always be in a mobile, unstable state, so that the back muscles is constantly operated by balancing. The disadvantage here is that this movable storage of the seat is not adaptable without much effort. However, this is necessary in office chairs, which generally require flexible ergonomic adaptability to a wide variety of physical conditions.

There are also industrial rotary stools which have a spring joint between a seat and a foot of the stool. Such an industrial stool is in the German utility model DE 20 2012 010 417 U1 described. Such industrial swivel stool is preferably provided for muscle-powered sitting without back or armrests.

In contrast, there are high demands on seating comfort in office chairs. For this purpose, office chairs often comfort-oriented adjustment mechanisms, in particular so-called synchronous mechanisms, which allow, for example, the comfort-optimized reclining in the office chair. Such a synchronous mechanism is exemplary in the DE 42 19 599 C2 described. However, such mechanisms allow only a very specific movement of the recline. Lateral pivoting movements of the seat are not provided. Another office chair is out of the DE29908599U1 known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention seeks to provide an improved office chair.

According to the invention this object is achieved by an office chair with the features of claim 1.

• Ein Bürostuhl, insbesondere Bürodrehstuhl, mit einem Fuß und einem Sitz, der einen Sitzträger, eine Sitzfläche, und eine Rückenlehne, aufweist, mit einer Synchronmechanik, welche an dem Sitzträger gelagert ist und die Rückenlehne mit der Sitzfläche kinematisch koppelt, mit einem Federgelenkmodul, das einen Sitzträgerkoppelabschnitt und einen Fußkoppelabschnitt aufweist, die jeweils entlang einer Hauptachse angeordnet sind und miteinander über ein Federgelenk federelastisch senkrecht zur Hauptachse verkippbar verbunden sind, wobei das Federgelenk ein elastisches Element und ein damit zusammenwirkendes Stellteil aufweist, welche derart ausgebildet und angeordnet sind, dass sie zueinander eine erste Stellung, in welcher das Federgelenk blockiert ist, und eine zweite Stellung, in der das Federgelenk flexibel verkippbar ist, aufweisen, wobei der Sitzträger und der Fuß über das Federgelenkmodul miteinander gekoppelt sind.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• An office chair, in particular an office swivel chair, with a foot and a seat, which has a seat support, a seat, and a backrest, with a synchronizing mechanism, which is mounted on the seat support and kinematically couples the backrest with the seat, with a spring-joint module, the a seat carrier coupling portion and a Fußkoppelabschnitt, each of which is arranged along a major axis and spring elastically connected to each other via a spring joint tilted perpendicular to the main axis, wherein the spring joint has an elastic member and a co-operating control part, which are designed and arranged such that they each other a first position in which blocks the spring joint is, and a second position in which the spring joint is tilted in a flexible manner, wherein the seat support and the foot are coupled together via the spring joint module.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a spring joint on an office chair, which has a synchronous mechanism, in such a way that it can easily be blocked and flexibility is provided upon adjustment, in particular during rotation, of the setting part. When rotating the spring characteristic of the spring joint is changed by moving provided on the control part contact points relative to stationary power support points for the elastic element. In the first position there is no or only a slight flexibility realized by compression deformation of the elastic element. When twisting the flexibility increases, because the elastic element can then flex flexibly. The spring joint may include an axial securing and optionally or additionally a pivot bearing, which is pivotable in particular about all axes transverse to the main axis.

Thus, the spring joint can be advantageously blocked and provide when releasing the blocking one, in particular all-round, flexibility. In an office chair so that a movable in all directions seat is created, the all-round mobility can be blocked if necessary, regardless of the synchronous mechanism. Furthermore, the synchronizing mechanism can also be locked if required. Thus, according to the invention, the ergonomically advantageous functionalities of the spring joint and the ergonomic and comfort-oriented functionalities of a synchronous mechanism be used on the office chair both together and independently.

The elastic element is arranged stationary on the spring joint module. This is to be understood in such a way that there is a force support for the elastic element that is stationary on the spring joint module, for example in the form of stationary bearing elements. The actuator is rotatable relative to these bearing elements.

The elastic element may be attached to the bearing elements, but this is not absolutely necessary. That is, in one embodiment of the invention, the elastic element could, for example, also be rotatable with the setting part. Furthermore, the elastic element, in particular if it is rotationally symmetrical, can be provided as a further alternative without a rotational fixing with another element. However, the force support for the elastic element is always provided stationary on the spring joint module.

The spring joint module is, according to the requirements of an office chair, with the adjustable or rotatable control part particularly ergonomic and reliable blocking and releasable.

It is also conceivable variability of the spring characteristic of the elastic element. For example, different materials or material thicknesses could be provided for this purpose on the elastic element, with the contact points being brought into operative contact with the various materials or material thicknesses during rotation.

Furthermore, the provision of a backdrop for the control part is conceivable, so that one or more predefined levels of flexibility are adjustable.

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 an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element is arranged stationary and the adjusting part provided rotatable relative to the elastic element. Alternatively or additionally, the flexibility of the spring joint between the first and the second position is infinitely adjustable. For example, a distance between bearing points of the elastic element and contact points is set to the control part during rotation of the actuator. The elastic element is provided resiliently within a predetermined range at different locations and the displacement occurs along this predetermined area. Thus, the spring characteristic of the spring joint in terms of their slope, so the differential quotient of spring force and tilt angle, be changed. The spring joint module can be adapted for example to different body weights, different preferences or different office situations.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is rotationally symmetrical. In particular, it is designed as a spring ring. Thus, the elastic element is also simple and robust and thus very reliable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating part is designed as a projection provided with projections. This is in particular rotatable about the main axis. Thus, the control part is simple and robust and thus very reliable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element is mounted on one side at least three bearing points spaced from the seat carrier coupling portion and is on the other side at least three contact points defined by the extensions in contact with the actuating part. The first side is the side facing the seat carrier coupling section. The support points can be realized for example with support cylinders, which space the elastic element from the seat carrier coupling portion. Three bearing points and contact points represent a minimum number in this embodiment. This is particularly preferred, because at the same time a stable force support and a maximum adjustment are possible. Thus, the spring characteristic is variable in a wide adjustment range. Alternatively, however, a higher number, for example of four bearing points, could be provided, which would increase the stability but at the same time reduce the adjustment path.

In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic element abuts the bearing points in line contact. Optionally or additionally, the elastic element bears against the contact points of the extensions in line contact. Thus, a defined contact and at the same time a maximum flexibility are provided. The line contact is made for example with support cylinders and / or with roller bearings.

In preferred embodiments, the line contact is in each case aligned radially to the main axis. Thus, one is ensures uniform deformation of the elastic element during tilting.

Particularly preferably, the bearing points and the contact points are each arranged uniformly around the circumference of the spring element in one embodiment. The bearing points are arranged directly opposite the contact points in the first position. In the second position, the contact points are arranged at a distance from the bearing points. This allows at the same time a uniform, stable power support and a maximum adjustment.

In one embodiment, the contact points are arranged in the second position in each case in the middle between two bearing points. Thus, the maximum adjustment is advantageously used.

In preferred embodiments, securing extensions for radially securing the elastic element are provided at the bearing points and / or at the contact points. Thus, the elastic element, even when deformed, can not be detached from the bearing points and / or contact points, whereby the functional reliability is ensured.

In advantageous embodiments, the actuating part has roller bearings provided on the extensions which are designed to roll on the flexible element and to produce the line contact. Thus, the frictional resistance during rotation of the actuator is reduced, which improves operability. A roller bearing has, for example, two bolt holders, a bolt arranged radially to the main axis and a roller mounted on the bolt. The radially inner stud holder is lower formed as the position of the line contact is arranged. The radially outer stud holder is preferably provided higher than the position of the line contact and thus forms an outer securing extension.

In one embodiment, the bearing points are formed with bearing cylinders, wherein a secant-like, the bearing point forming recess is provided on the support cylinder. The contact on the support surface forms with the recess a narrow surface contact strip. This is also to be understood in terms of the above embodiments as a line contact. Thus, this embodiment can be combined with the above embodiments, which contain a line contact.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess extends from one end of the support cylinder to a shoulder. This paragraph preferably forms an inner backup extension.

In a preferred embodiment, the seat carrier coupling portion has a hollow chamber with an undercut. The Fußkoppelabschnitt has an engaging in the undercut Axialsicherungsabschnitt, which extends into the hollow chamber. Thus, the spring joint module is axially held together by an axial securing of the seat carrier coupling portion with the Fußkoppelabschnitt even with a tensile stress, such as a lifting of the office chair on the seat.

In a preferred embodiment, the Axialsicherungsabschnitt is formed as a tube extension, which engages with an attachable thereto attachment in the undercut. Furthermore, the hollow chamber, for example, with a collar sleeve and the undercut formed, for example, with an attached to the seat carrier coupling portion annular disc. Thus, the axial securing is particularly easy to manufacture.

In an advantageous embodiment, the attachment has a lower part and a top part rotatable about the main axis. This is a simple and robust way a rotation of the seat carrier coupling portion allows relative to the Fußkoppelabschnitt, which is advantageous in an office chair, especially in an office swivel chair.

Preferably, a thread is provided on the tube extension and the upper part is screwed therein. For example, the thread may be an external thread and the upper part may be formed as a threaded nut. Thus, the essay is easy to attach.

In preferred embodiments, the axial securing portion extends through a central opening of the spring ring. Thus, advantageously, a symmetrical arrangement can be provided, which allows, for example, the use of many rotationally symmetrical, turned parts. These are easy to manufacture and can be installed regardless of their orientation, which reduces the manufacturing and assembly costs.

In an advantageous embodiment of an industrial chair, the foot has a foot pillar, wherein the foot pillar is connectable or connected to the foot coupling portion. Furthermore, the seat has a seat carrier which is connectable or connected to the seat carrier coupling portion. Thus, the spring joint module is simple Can be integrated into a variety of office chair types, especially in office swivel chairs.

To connect the individual elements are provided, for example, screwed together. For this purpose, for example, external threads can be provided directly on the column and on a socket-like seat carrier coupling section, which can be screwed into corresponding internal threads on the foot coupling section and on the seat carrier. Alternatively, additional fastening means for connecting, in particular additional fastening screws may be provided. Preferably, however, the compound is made with a positive connection.

In preferred embodiments, the seat is spring-tiltable about all lying in the horizontal plane pivot axes. Thus ergonomically advantageous all-round mobility of the office chair is provided.

Furthermore, in advantageous embodiments, a lever is attached to the actuating part, by means of which the actuating part can be rotated by manual operation relative to the elastic element. Thus, the control part is advantageous to operate easily and with little effort. Preferably, the lever is arranged such that it is manually accessible and operable manually by a person sitting on the office chair. Thus, the flexibility of the office chair can be comfortably and easily changed while sitting on the office chair.

In an advantageous embodiment, a form-locking conical connection is provided between the seat carrier and the seat carrier coupling section and optionally or additionally between the foot coupling section and the foot column.

This is in each case formed with an inner cone on one part and an outer cone on the other part. Thus, a centering by the cone shape and a self-reinforcing with the seat force friction between the lateral surfaces are provided at the same time advantageous. Furthermore, the individual modules of the office chair, i. the seat, the spring joint module and the foot are easily separable and interchangeable with this connection. In addition, other fastening means may be provided.

In one embodiment, at least one axial pressure pin is provided in the spring joint module. This is designed to transmit a compressive force from the seat support to the foot column, which serves to trigger a seat height adjustment provided on the foot. The pressure pin has a pivotable with the spring joint training. In particular, the pressure pin is linearly guided and formed in two parts, wherein a convex punch is provided at the division point. The seat height adjustment is preferably designed as a gas spring, but other height adjustment devices are conceivable. Thus, the seat height adjustment can be operated from the seat support of the seat, in particular by a person sitting on the chair, without the all-round pivotability is impaired. Advantageously, an operating element, preferably a height adjustment lever, is provided on the seat carrier.

In an advantageous embodiment, an adjusting device for pivoting the backrest and / or for adjusting the backrest inclination is provided, by means of which the backrest, in particular in terms of their inclination, independently of the synchronizing mechanism is pivotable and / or adjustable. Thus, the backrest is advantageous Also individually pivotable relative to the seat and / or adjustable, without that the seat must move. Thus, a pivotability of the backrest can be provided, which forms a so-called asynchronous mechanism together with the inclination adjustment of the synchronous mechanism. That is, both the seat and the backrest can be pivoted independently. Alternatively or additionally, advantageously a desired inclination of the backrest can be preset independently of other adjustment options, in particular independently of the synchronizing mechanism, on the office chair. Ie. It is possible to use the synchronous mechanism with different preset angles of inclination of the backrest relative to the synchronous mechanism. The adjusting device can be locked in a desired position. Preferably, the adjustment is attached to the backrest support of the backrest. Alternatively, the adjusting device can also be attached directly to the backrest.

In a preferred embodiment, an actuating element is further provided, by means of which the adjusting device can be unlocked and locked in a desired position of the backrest again. In the unlocked state while pivoting the backrest is given. In the locked state, the backrest is fixed relative to the synchronizing mechanism in position, but can still be moved together with the synchronizing mechanism. Thus, the desired inclination of the backrest can be preset by means of locking the actuating element. The actuating element is preferably arranged such that it can be reached and actuated by a person sitting on the office chair. For example, it may be attached to a backrest support on the seat support of the office chair.

A tilt adjustment of the seat is basically provided by the synchronous mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, an actuating part for unlocking and locking the synchronizing mechanism is provided, by means of which the synchronizing mechanism and thus also the seat can be unlocked and locked again in a desired inclination of the seat. When unlocking the synchronizing mechanism and unlocking the adjustment of the backrest, an asynchronous mechanism can be realized in which the seat and the backrest are independently pivotable.

• m1) Fixiert, d.h. alle drei verschwenkbare Einheiten sind blockiert bzw. verriegelt;
• m2) Allseitig verschwenkbar, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind verriegelt;
• m3) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit Synchronmechanik, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik ist entriegelt, während die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne verriegelt ist;
• m4) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit Asynchronmechanik, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind entriegelt;
• m5) Allseitig verschwenkbar mit verstellbarer Rückenlehne, d. h. das Federgelenk ist freigegeben und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne ist entriegelt, während die Synchronmechanik verriegelt ist;
• m6) Nur mit Synchronmechanik, d.h. die Synchronmechanik ist entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne verriegelt ist;
• m7) Nur mit Asynchronmechanik, d.h. die Synchronmechanik und die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne sind entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist;
• m8) Nur mit verstellbarer Rückenlehne, d. h. die Verstellvorrichtung der Rückenlehne ist entriegelt, während das Federgelenk blockiert ist und die Synchronmechanik verriegelt ist.

The office chair according to the invention, in the form of the universal tiltability of the spring joint of the spring joint module, allows for additional functionality that can be switched on or off. Overall, therefore, three pivotal units, namely the synchronous mechanism, the all-round pivoting spring joint and the adjustment of the backrest can be combined together in an office chair, each of these units is independent of the other lockable or lockable. Thus, a very high flexibility for the use of the office chair according to the invention in a variety of usage modes is created. For example, the office chair can be used in at least eight different usage modes:

• m1) Fixed, ie all three pivoting units are blocked or locked;
• m2) pivotable on all sides, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronous mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are locked;
• m3) pivotable on all sides with synchronous mechanism, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronizing mechanism is unlocked while the adjustment of the backrest is locked;
• m4) pivotable on all sides with asynchronous mechanism, ie the spring joint is released and the synchronous mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are unlocked;
• m5) pivotable on all sides with adjustable backrest, ie the spring joint is released and the adjustment of the backrest is unlocked while the synchronizing mechanism is locked;
• m6) Only with synchronous mechanism, ie the synchronizing mechanism is unlocked, while the spring joint is blocked and the adjustment of the backrest is locked;
• m7) Only with asynchronous mechanism, ie the synchronizing mechanism and the adjustment of the backrest are unlocked while the spring joint is blocked;
• m8) Only with adjustable backrest, ie the adjustment of the backrest is unlocked, while the spring joint is blocked and the synchronizing mechanism is locked.

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

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine Explosionszeichnung der Module eines Bürostuhls mit Synchronmechanik und einem Federgelenkmodul in einer ersten Stellung;

Fig. 2

den Bürostuhl aus Fig. 1. mit dem Federgelenkmodul in einer zweiten Stellung;

Fig. 3

eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine Ausführungsform eines Federgelenkmoduls;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Bürostuhls mit freigegebenem Federgelenkmodul;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Bürostuhls mit entriegelter Synchronmechanik;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Bürostuhls mit entriegelter unabhängiger Rückenlehnenverstellung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Bürostuhls mit entriegelter Rückenlehnenverstellung und freigegebenem Federgelenkmodul;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Seitendarstellung eines Bürostuhls mit entriegelter unabhängiger Rückenlehnenverstellung und mit entriegelter Synchronmechanik;

Fig. 9

eine perspektivische Einzeldarstellung eines Sitzträgers;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht eines Sitzträgers gemäß Figur 9, wobei zwei unterschiedliche Stellungen der Synchronmechanik überlagert dargestellt sind

Fig. 11A

eine Seitendarstellung eines Sitzes mit unabhängiger Rückenlehnenverstellung;

Fig. 11B

eine Seitendarstellung eines Sitzes mit Synchronmechanik.

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

Fig. 1

an exploded view of the modules of an office chair with synchronous mechanism and a spring joint module in a first position;

Fig. 2

the office chair off Fig. 1 , with the spring joint module in a second position;

Fig. 3

a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a spring joint module;

Fig. 4

a schematic side view of an office chair with released spring joint module;

Fig. 5

a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked synchronous mechanism;

Fig. 6

a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked independent backrest adjustment;

Fig. 7

a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked backrest adjustment and released spring joint module;

Fig. 8

a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked independent backrest adjustment and with unlocked synchronous mechanism;

Fig. 9

an individual perspective view of a seat support;

Fig. 10

a side view of a seat support according to FIG. 9 , wherein two different positions of the synchronous mechanism are shown superimposed

Fig. 11A

a side view of a seat with independent backrest adjustment;

Fig. 11B

a side view of a seat with synchronous mechanism.

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

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

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an office swivel chair 10 with a spring joint module 1 in a first position A. The office swivel chair 10 has as modules an incompletely illustrated foot 12, a seat 11 and a spring joint module 1 arranged therebetween.

The foot 12 has at the end, not shown, a standing device, for example, a base cross on. Further, a foot pillar 13 is provided at the foot 12.

The spring joint module 1 includes a seat carrier coupling section 2 which can be positively connected to the seat carrier 14, a spring joint 5 and a foot coupling section 3 which can be positively connected to the foot column 13.

The seat 12 has a seat support 14, a seat surface 16 and a backrest support 17. These are kinematically coupled to each other via a synchronous mechanism not shown in detail. Furthermore, the seat 12 has a backrest 18 attached to the backrest support 17 and armrests 19 mounted laterally on the seat support 14.

Synchronous mechanisms are generally known to a person skilled in the field of office seating furniture. It is therefore not discussed in detail on the internal structure of the synchronous mechanism. On the interpretation of the synchronous mechanism will be later in relation to the Figures 5 . 10 and 11B discussed in more detail.

It is further noted that in the present case, the backrest 18 is preferably not connected to the seat surface 16, so that the free mobility of the seat surface 16 is ensured.

The individual modules of the office chair 10, namely the foot 12, the spring joint module 1 and the seat 11 are here separated from each other, but shown according to their assembly arrangement. The present description thus also applies to a fully assembled office chair in which the modules are connected to each other.

The spring joint 5 has a rotatably mounted on Fußkoppelabschnitt 3 adjusting ring 7 with three evenly distributed over the circumference of the adjusting ring 7 radial roller bearings 9. The roller bearings 9 are at contact points 26 with the elastic element in line contact. Further, the spring joint 5 on the seat coupling portion 2 on three evenly on the circumference of the spring ring 6 radially arranged support cylinder 8, at which support points 27 are provided for the elastic element. Again, created by the cylindrical shape of the support cylinder 8 line contact. Between the roller bearings 9 and the support cylinders 8 of the spring ring 6 is arranged. The support cylinder 8 store the spring ring 6 from the seat coupling portion 2 spaced. The roller bearings 9 ensure a sufficient distance of the spring ring 6 to the adjusting ring 7 in the areas between the roller bearings 9. Thus, the spring ring 6 in both directions, d. H. to the seat carrier coupling portion 2 and the adjusting ring 7 out, flexible deformable.

The seat carrier coupling portion 2 and the Fußkoppelabschnitt 3 are through the central openings of the spring ring 6 and the adjusting ring 7 through each other z. B. ball joint connected. Alternatively, a universal joint or another pivotable about the axes of the horizontal plane hinge or bearing may be provided. Preferably, a connection with an axial securing portion and a lock nut is provided, with reference to Fig. 3 will be discussed in more detail.

In the illustrated position A, the roller bearings 9 and the support cylinder 8 are arranged on the spring ring 6 directly opposite. Thus, in this position A and their line contacts coincide with the spring ring 6. When a force in the seat 11, the force is thus transmitted from the support cylinders 8 without deformation of the spring ring 6 or with a merely compressible deformation of the spring ring 6 on the roller bearing. The spring joint 5 is blocked in this position A against tilting.

On the adjusting ring 7, a lever 15 is attached. By means of this lever 15, the adjusting ring 7 is rotated manually relative to the remaining components. A twisted position B of the adjusting ring 7 is in FIG. 2 shown, wherein the Verdrehwinkelpfeil 23 symbolizes the rotation. The adjusting ring 7 is rotated in the second position B by 60 ° to the first position A, so that the roller bearings 9 are each shifted in the middle between two support cylinder 8. In this position, a maximum flexibility of the spring joint 5 is provided, since the distance between the support cylinder 8 and roller bearing 9 is the largest. The spring ring 6 thus builds up a higher bending moment than at a smaller distance. This flexible deformation of the spring ring 6 is achieved even at low force. Furthermore, the deflection is higher with the same force.

The spring ring 6 can deform flexibly in this position B for seat support coupling portion 2 and the adjusting ring 7 out. The seat 11 is characterized relative to the foot 12 to all axes transverse to the main axis, for example, about the normal horizontal axes 21 and 22, tilted flexible. This is indicated by the Verkipppfeilen 24 and 25.

The resistance of the spring joint 5 is continuously adjustable between a blockage in the first position A and a maximum flexibility in the second position B in the illustrated embodiment. For example, a Verkippbarkeit with higher Verkippwiderstand, ie with a higher spring stiffness or a steeper course of the spring characteristic of the spring joint 5 at a twist angle of the adjusting ring 7 of z. B. 30 ° can be adjusted. As a result, the distance between the bearing points formed with the support cylinders 8 27 and the contact points 26 of the roller bearings 9 is lower, so that there is a lower bending moment on the spring ring 6 with the same force.

In this way, the spring joint module 1 can be adapted, for example, to different types of office chairs. Furthermore, an office chair can thus be adapted to different body weights of persons, different preferences of persons or different office requirements.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view through an embodiment of a spring joint module 1. In the seat carrier coupling portion 2 is formed with an outer cone 34 and the Fußkoppelabschnitt 3 with an inner cone 35. Through the center of the cones 34, 35 extend to trigger a gas spring provided pressure pins 36 in the axial direction.

The pressure pins 36 are axially guided and formed divided to ensure pivoting. Thus, the height adjustment with the gas spring is always operable, a pressure pin 36 has a convex shaped punch 51 which can press in each Verkippstellung on a flat surface of the other pressure pin 36. A gas spring is preferably arranged in the assembled state within the foot 12, not shown here. The cones 34, 35 are designed for positive connection with corresponding cones of a seat 11 and a foot 12.

The seat carrier coupling section 2 has an axial securing section formed with a tubular extension 37. This extends through the central opening of the spring ring 6 into a formed on the seat carrier coupling portion 2 with a collar sleeve 48 hollow chamber 38. The hollow chamber 38 has an undercut 39 which is formed with a bolted to the seat support coupling portion 2 ring plate 40. To an external thread 41 of the tube extension 37, a threaded nut 33 is screwed, which engages in the undercut 39 and thus forms the axial securing of the Fußkoppelabschnitts 3 to the seat carrier coupling portion 2.

On the rotatable adjusting part 7 roller bearings 9 are provided, which are designed to roll on the spring ring 6. As a result, a line contact is made to the spring ring 6. A roller bearing 9 has in each case two bolt holders 44, 45, a bolt 46 arranged radially to the main shaft 4 and a roller 47 mounted on the bolt 46. The radially inner stud holder 44 is formed lower than the position of the line contact is arranged at the contact point 26. The radially outer stud holder 45 is preferred formed higher than the position of the line contact and thus forms an outer securing extension 32.

The bearing points 27 are formed with radially arranged bearing cylinders 8, wherein a secant-like, the bearing point 27 forming recess 50 is provided on the support cylinder 8. The recess 50 extends from the radially outer end of the support cylinder 8 to a paragraph. This paragraph forms the inner securing extension 31. The securing extensions 31, 32 are used for radial securing of the spring ring 6, so that the elastic element 6 can not be detached from the bearing points 27 or the contact points 26 when deformed or twisted.

A rotatability of the seat carrier coupling portion 2 relative to the Fußkoppelabschnitt 3 about the main axis 4 is realized with the washers 42, 43, which are formed for example of plastic and have a low frictional resistance to each other. Thus, the spring joint module 1 is easily rotatable and can thus be advantageously used as a swivel in an office swivel chair.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with released spring joint module 1. The seat 11 is in the released state B of the spring joint module 1 on all sides about the spring joint flexibly pivotable, which is indicated by the dashed lines. The all-round pivotability is, as in relation to the previous one FIGS. 1 to 3 described, by means of the not shown for clarity lever 15 of the spring joint module 1 releasable and blockable. In addition, the effective spring rate is infinitely adjustable. The office chair 10 also has a synchronizing mechanism 66, not shown here for clarity, and also not shown adjustment device 67 for the backrest 18, which are respectively locked in the illustrated use mode m2 and thus are not active.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with unlocked synchronizing mechanism 66. In this case, the backrest 18 is kinematically coupled to the seat surface 16 kinematically via the not shown individually for better clarity seat support 14, wherein both are pivotable in different inclinations. The kinematics of the synchronous mechanism 66 is designed such that an inclination of the backrest 18 preferably causes a slightly lower inclination of the seat surface 16, for example in a ratio between 3: 1 and 1.5: 1, preferably between 2: 1 and 1 , 5: 1, particularly preferably with a ratio of 1.8: 1. The synchronous mechanism 66 can be activated or blocked by means of an actuating member 62, also not shown here. The spring joint module 1 is blocked in the illustrated use mode m6. Furthermore, the adjusting device 67, not shown, is locked for the backrest 18.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of an office chair 10 with released independent backrest adjustment. For the independent adjustment of the backrest 18, in particular for the independent adjustment of the inclination of the backrest 18 relative to the synchronizing mechanism 66, an adjusting device 67 is provided on the backrest 18. The adjusting device 67 can be unlocked and locked again in a desired position of the backrest. In the illustrated use mode m8 the adjusting device 67 is unlocked and pivoted into a position corresponding to the lines indicated by dashed lines. In the illustrated In use mode m8, the spring joint 1 is blocked and the synchronizing mechanism 66 is locked.

For locking and unlocking the adjusting device 67 is not shown for clarity, actuator 61 is provided.

The adjusting device 67 preferably has a return spring, not shown, which returns the backrest 18 in the unlocked state to a starting position, if no adjusting or holding force is introduced into the backrest 18.

For example, the adjusting device 67 may be formed as a spring hinge, which in an upright position of the backrest 18 has a stop and a pivoting of the backrest 18 against a spring force permits to the rear. A first fitting of the spring hinge is fixedly coupled to the synchronizing mechanism, while a second fitting of the spring hinge is fixedly coupled to the backrest.

The spring hinge can be locked either directly or indirectly by actuation of the actuating element 61. For example, a locking bolt in different positions of the spring hinge in locking recesses of the spring hinge on or executable upon actuation of the actuating element.

Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that upon actuation of the actuating element, for example, a clamping coupling between the first and second fitting is opened or closed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting device 67 is arranged on a backrest support 65 of the synchronizing mechanism 66.

Preference can be given to all those in relation to the FIGS. 4 to 6 functionalities described a spring preload be preset and / or also changed as desired or adapted to the body weight. In the spring joint module this is done in relation to the FIGS. 1 to 3 way described by a corresponding lever position. For the synchronizing mechanism 66, an adjusting screw, which is preferably designed as a hand wheel, may be provided for adjusting the bias of a return spring. For the adjusting device 67 are also provided, in particular preset, return springs.

According to the adjustment and movement functions of the spring joint module according to FIG. 4 , the synchronous mechanism according to FIG. 5 and the independent backrest adjustment according to FIG. 6 integrated together in an office chair or office swivel chair.

The individual mobilities can be combined with each other. This means that when the synchronizing mechanism is activated, an all-round mobility by the spring-joint module can additionally be activated. Furthermore, the independent backrest adjustment can also be activated by means of the adjusting device in addition to the spring joint module and / or the synchronizing mechanism. Furthermore, it is also possible, any other combination of three in the 4 to 6 provided functionalities or all at the same time to activate.

Thus, for example, eight different operating modes m1 to m8 of the office chair are possible, in particular the operating modes m1: fixed; m2: swiveling on all sides; m3: swiveling on all sides with synchronous mechanism; m4: pivotable on all sides with asynchronous mechanism; m5: swiveling on all sides with adjustable backrest; m6: only with synchronous mechanism; m7: only with asynchronous mechanism; m8: only with adjustable backrest.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked backrest adjustment and released spring joint module 1. In this embodiment, in which the use of m5 mode is illustrated, which is not shown here for clarity clarity synchronous mechanism 66 is locked. The unlocked adjusting device 67 is also not shown for clarity. In the illustration, the dashed lines and movement arrows symbolizing the pivotability are a superposition of the FIGS. 4 and 6 , That is, the entire seat 11 is pivotable together with the backrest 18 to the spring joint. In addition, the backrest 18 is independently pivotable relative to the seat 11. Thus, the backrest is pivotable here in two ways, once to the spring joint of the spring joint module 1 together with the entire seat 11 and also to the adjustment 67th

Fig. 8 shows a schematic side view of an office chair with unlocked synchronous mechanism 66, which allows a tilt adjustment of the seat, and with unlocked adjustment 67, which allows independent backrest adjustment. The fact that the backrest adjustment is independent of the tilt adjustment of the seat, the seat and the backrest are independent pivoted from each other, as indicated by the dashed lines and the movement arrows. Thus, this combination represents a so-called asynchronous mechanism. In the illustration, the dashed lines and movement arrows symbolizing the pivotability are a superposition of the Figures 5 and 6 ,

For locking and unlocking the adjusting device 67, an actuating element 61, not shown here, is provided. By means of this adjustment device 67 can be unlocked for free gifting of the backrest or for adjusting the backrest inclination and locked again in a desired position of the backrest. Further, the synchronous mechanism and thus the tilt adjustment with a likewise not shown actuating member 62 can be unlocked and / or locked in a desired position of the seat surface 16 again. Thus, when unlocking with the actuator 61 and the actuator 62, the asynchronous mechanism can be activated.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective detailed view of an exemplary seat support 14. This has a support plate 64 and a backrest support 65. The support plate 64 is provided for mounting a seat surface 16. The backrest support 65 is provided for receiving a backrest support 17. The carrier plate 64 and the backrest support receptacle 65 are kinematically coupled via a synchronous mechanism 66, which in the illustration is partially concealed by the support plate 64. The synchronizing mechanism 66 can be blocked or released by means of an actuating part 62 provided for this purpose.

Furthermore, the backrest support 65 can also be moved independently of the synchronizing mechanism 66. She can do that be unlocked by means of an actuating element 61. This is possible regardless of whether the synchronous mechanism 66 is blocked or released. It is thus a seat support 14, which for an office chair according to a combination of the functionalities of FIGS. 4 to 6 is provided.

Furthermore, a height adjustment lever 63 is also provided. This is with reference to FIG. 3 with the pressure pin 36 for triggering a provided in the foot portion of the office chair gas spring operatively, so that the gas spring on the height adjustment lever 63 for height adjustment of the office chair is actuated.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of a seat support 14 according to FIG. 9 , wherein two different positions of the synchronous mechanism 66 of the seat support 14 are shown superimposed. In a first, upright position, the carrier plate relative to a horizontal angle slightly inclined forward α1. Preferably, α1 is about 3 °. The backrest support 65 is in an angular position β1 relative to the horizontal, which is provided such that the backrest is substantially vertical. Preferably, the angular position β1 relative to the horizontal is about 36 °

Furthermore, superimposed on a pivoted position of the synchronous mechanism is shown. In this pivoted position, the support plate has an angular position α2 relative to the horizontal, which is slightly inclined backwards and is preferably about -6 °. The corresponding angular position β2 of the backrest support is in one larger dimensions inclined backwards than the support plate. Preferably, β2 is about 20 °.

The seat is thus tilted by a total of Δα = α1-α2, which corresponds to about 9 ° in the preferred example.

The backrest is pivoted by a larger angle of Δβ = β1-β2, which corresponds to about 16 ° in the preferred example. In the preferred example, this results in a transmission ratio of the synchronous mechanism 66 between seat 16 and backrest 18 of Δα: Δβ of 1: 1.8.

Fig. 11A shows a side view of a seat 11 with independent backrest adjustment. Fig. 11B shows a side view of a seat with synchronous mechanism. Preferably, each is the same seat, which is shown from opposite sides. The seat has a seat support 14, a seat surface 16 and a backrest 18. The seat support 14 is designed according to Figure 1 to 3 to be attached to a spring joint module 1.

The seat support 14 has a backrest support 65, in which the backrest support 17 is received. In the area of the backrest support 65, an adjusting device 67 formed with a hinge is provided. Furthermore, an actuating element 61 designed as an actuating lever is provided, by means of which the adjusting device 67 can be locked and unlocked.

The backrest 18 is shown superimposed in a shaded representation in a pivoted position, which the pivotability of the backrest in the unlocked state the adjusting device 67 illustrated. The pivotability is further indicated by a movement arrow.

The in the Figure 11A In particular, a specific embodiment for the in FIG. 6 schematically illustrated adjustability of the backrest 18 is.

In FIG. 11B are by means of superimposed shaded representation in relation to FIG. 10 illustrated different positions of the synchronous mechanism 66 to a specific embodiment of a seat 11 illustrated. Accordingly, the seat surface 16 and the backrest 18 each pivoting Δα and Δβ, which are in a transmission ratio to each other.

The in the FIG. 11B illustrated embodiment provides in particular a concrete embodiment of the in FIG. 5 schematically illustrated adjustability of the synchronous mechanism 18 is.

The in the Figures 11A and 11B shown mobilities can be used with simultaneous unlocking of the synchronizing mechanism 66 and the adjusting device 67 in the described with reference to the preceding figures as an asynchronous mechanism.

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

For example, it would be conceivable that the spring element is designed as a solid ring which is elastically mounted with springs on the seat carrier coupling portion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Spring hinge module

2

Seat support coupling section

3

Fußkoppelabschnitt

4

main axis

5

spring joint

6

Spring element, spring washer

7

Control part, adjusting ring

8th

support cylinders

9

roller bearing

10

Office chair, office swivel chair

11

Seat

12

foot

13

foot column

14

seat support

15

lever

16

seat

17

backrest support

18

backrest

19

armrest

21

axis

22

axis

23

Verdrehwinkelpfeil

24

Verkipppfeil

25

Verkipppfeil

26

contact point

27

bearing point

31

inner securing extension

32

outer securing extension

33

threaded nut

34

outer cone

35

inner cone

36

pushpin

37

Tubular extension

38

hollow

39

undercut

40

washer

41

external thread

42, 43

washer

44.45

Bolzenhalter

46

bolt

47

role

48

collar sleeve

49

central opening

50

recess

51

convex stamp

61

jig

62

actuating member

63

height adjustment lever

64

support plate

65

Backrest support recording

66

synchronous mechanism

67

adjustment

A

first position

B

second position

α1, α2

Angular position of the carrier plate

β1, β2

Angular position of the backrest support

Claims (15)

1. Office chair (10), in particular rotating office chair (10),
   having a base (12) and a seat (11) that comprises a seat carrier (14), a seating surface (16) and a backrest (18),
   having a synchronising mechanism (65) that is mounted on the seat carrier (14) and couples the backrest (18) in a kinematic manner to the seating surface (11),
   having a resilient joint module (1) that comprises a seat carrier coupling section (2) and a base coupling section (3) that are arranged in each case along a main axis (4) and are connected to one another via a resilient joint (5) so that they may tilt in a resilient elastic manner perpendicular to the main axis (4),
   wherein the resilient joint (5) comprises an elastic element (6) and an adjusting part (7), which cooperates with said elastic element,
   and said elastic element and adjusting part are configured and arranged in such a manner that they comprise with respect to one another a first position (A), in which the resilient joint (5) is blocked, and a second position (B), in which the resilient joint (5) may tilt in a flexible manner,
   wherein the seat carrier (14) and the base (12) are coupled to one another via the resilient joint module (5) .
2. Office chair according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the elastic element (6) is arranged in a stationary manner and the adjusting part (7) is provided in such a manner that it may rotate relative to the elastic element (6) and/or the flexibility of the resilient joint (5) may be adjusted between the first and the second position (A; B) in an infinitely variable manner.
3. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the elastic element (6) is configured in a rotationally-symmetrical manner and/or as a spring washer (6).
4. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the adjusting part (7) is configured as an adjusting ring (7) that is provided with projections (9) and said adjusting ring may be rotated in particular about the main axis (4).
5. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the elastic element (6) is mounted on one side at a distance from the seat carrier coupling section on at least three supporting sites (27) and on the other side is in physical contact with the adjusting part (7) on at least three contact sites (26) that are defined by means of the projections (9).
6. Office chair according to claim 5,
   characterised in that
   the elastic element (6) lies against the supporting sites (27) in linear contact or on the contact sites (26) of the projections (9) in linear contact, in particular radially with respect to the main axis (4).
7. Office chair according to any one of claims 5 or 6,
   characterised in that
   the supporting sites (27) and the contact sites (26) are arranged in each case uniformly around the circumference of the elastic element (6), wherein the supporting sites (27) in the first position (A) are arranged directly opposite the contact sites (26) and in the second position (B) the contact sites (26) are arranged at a distance from the supporting sites (27).
8. Office chair according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
   characterised in that
   securing projections (31; 32) are provided on the supporting sites (27) and/or on the contact sites (26) so as to radially secure the elastic element (6) and/or that the projections (9) are configured as roller bearings (9) that are provided so as to roll on the elastic element (6) and to produce the linear contacting arrangement and/or that the supporting sites (27) are formed using supporting cylinders (8), wherein a secant-shaped recess (50) that forms the supporting site (27) is provided on the supporting cylinder (8).
9. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the recess (50) extends from one end of the supporting cylinder (8) to a shoulder that forms the securing projection (31).
10. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the seat carrier coupling section (2) comprises a hollow chamber (38) having an indentation (39) and the base coupling section (2) comprises an axial securing section (37, 33, 42, 43) that engages into the indentation (39) and said axial securing section extends into the hollow chamber (38).
11. Office chair according to claim 10,
    characterised in that
    the axial securing section (37, 33, 42, 43) is provided as a tubular projection (37) that engages in the indentation (39) with an attachment (33, 42, 43) that may be fastened to said tubular projection and/or that extends through a central opening (49) of the spring washer (6).
12. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the seat carrier (11) may tilt relative to the base (12) by means of the resilient joint (5) in a resilient elastic manner about all pivot axes (21; 22) that are present in the horizontal plane.
13. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised by

    - a lever (15) that is attached to the adjusting part (7) and the adjusting part (7) may be rotated relative to the elastic element (6) by means of a manual operation of said lever, and/or

    - a positive-locking conical connection between the seat carrier (14) and the seat coupling section (2) and/or between the base coupling section (3) and the base column (13) and/or

    - at least one axial pressure pin (36) in the resilient joint module (1) and said pressure pin is configured so as to transfer a pressure force from the seat carrier (14) to the base column (13) so as to trigger a seat height control that is provided on the base (12) and said pressure pin comprises a configuration that may pivot with the resilient joint.
14. Office chair according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    an adjusting device (67) is provided so as to pivot the backrest and/or to adjust the backrest incline, and the backrest (18) may be pivoted and/or adjusted, in particular with regards to its incline, by means of said adjusting device independently of the synchronising mechanism (66).
15. Office chair according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    an actuating element (61) is provided and the adjusting device (67) may be unlocked by means of said actuating element and may be re-locked in a desired position of the backrest (18).

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