EP3400836B1 - Angle adjustment tool and furniture empoying it - Google Patents

Angle adjustment tool and furniture empoying it Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3400836B1
EP3400836B1 EP18171804.0A EP18171804A EP3400836B1 EP 3400836 B1 EP3400836 B1 EP 3400836B1 EP 18171804 A EP18171804 A EP 18171804A EP 3400836 B1 EP3400836 B1 EP 3400836B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arm
wedge
floating
wedge member
adjustment tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18171804.0A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3400836A1 (en
Inventor
Youichi Nagatani
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koyo Germany GmbH
Koyo Giken KK
Original Assignee
Koyo Germany GmbH
Koyo Giken KK
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koyo Germany GmbH, Koyo Giken KK filed Critical Koyo Germany GmbH
Publication of EP3400836A1 publication Critical patent/EP3400836A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3400836B1 publication Critical patent/EP3400836B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
    • A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
    • A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
    • A47C1/024—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination
    • A47C1/026—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts, being the back-rest, or the back-rest and seat unit, having adjustable and lockable inclination by means of peg-and-notch or pawl-and-ratchet mechanism
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/04—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds
    • A47C17/12—Seating furniture, e.g. sofas, couches, settees, or the like, with movable parts changeable to beds; Chair beds changeable to beds by tilting or extending the arm-rests
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C17/00—Sofas; Couches; Beds
    • A47C17/86—Parts or details for beds, sofas or couches only not fully covered in a single one of the sub-groups A47C17/02, A47C17/04, A47C17/38, A47C17/52, A47C17/64, or A47C17/84; Drawers in or under beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C20/00—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like
    • A47C20/04—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination
    • A47C20/043—Head -, foot -, or like rests for beds, sofas or the like with adjustable inclination by means of peg-and-notch or pawl-and-ratchet mechanism
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/16—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats of legless type, e.g. with seat directly resting on the floor; Hassocks; Pouffes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/402—Support for the head or the back for the back adjustable in height
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
    • E05D11/00—Additional features or accessories of hinges
    • E05D11/10—Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts
    • E05D11/1007—Devices for preventing movement between relatively-movable hinge parts with positive locking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an angle adjustment tool, in particular to angle adjustment tools employed in furniture such as sofas.
  • angle adjustment tools equipped with a first arm 1 providing a case means 3, and a second arm 2 not only provided pivotally connected in a swingable manner about a first axial center C 1 and the first arm 1 on said case means 3, but also provides gear means 4, a wedge-shaped window means 5 formed on the case means 3 of the first arm 1, and the floating wedge member 6 having the toothed surface 7 meshing with said gear means 4, disposed in a displaceable manner in the wedge-shaped window means 5.
  • Patent reference 1 Japanese laid open unexamined patent publication 2005-76735
  • the gear means 4 (reference numbers from patent reference) is formed in a circular arc shape centered on the first axis C 1 .
  • the wedge surface 8 is formed in a circular arc shape centered on the second axis C 2 which is off-center to the first axis C 1 .
  • the contact surface 9 of the floating wedge member 6 contacting the contact surface of said wedge surface 8 is also formed in a circular arc shape.
  • EP 3 058 850 A1 A further state of the art, from which the present invention starts, is known from EP 3 058 850 A1 .
  • the present invention is conceived of in consideration of these problems, and has as its object the provision of an angle adjustment tool which can be designed and manufactured with ease, and has remarkably more stable operational characteristics.
  • the angle adjustment tool of the present invention should resolve the earlier described issues, and configures a first arm providing a wedge-shaped window means having a wedge surface of a linear shape, and a second arm supported in a swingable manner about the axial center with respect to the first arm, in addition to providing a circular arc-shaped gear means, and a floating wedge member having a linear shaped contact surface on one side surface contacting the linear shaped wedge surface positioned outside of said wedge-shaped window means, and having a toothed surface meshing with said gear means on the other surface thereof, which is displaceably stored in the wedge-shaped space not covering the gear means, of the earlier described wedge-shaped window means, and a linear shaped contact surface slidably displaced along the linear shaped wedge surface, and by the toothed surface meshing with the gear means, the swinging of the second arm to the deployed direction with respect to the first arm is regulated.
  • the linear wedge surface does preferably enclose an angle with a middle axis of the respective arm, the first arm, in the assembled state, between 80° and 30°, more preferably between 65° and 50° and even more preferably about 57°.
  • the longitudinal extension a of the linear wedge surface can be in relation of the respective extension of the respective linear extension b at the floating wedge member be between 1.4 to 2.2 times this extension, more precisely between 1.6 and 2.0 times and even more precisely preferably about 1.83 times.
  • the linear shaped contact surface of the floating wedge member is slidably displaced along the linear shaped wedge surface.
  • the wedge surface of the wedge shaped window means provided on the first arm may be designed and manufactured according to a linear standard.
  • the linear shaped contact surface of the floating wedge member is slidably displaced along the linear shaped wedge surface of the wedge-shaped window means.
  • the formation of a parallel linear guide surface with respect to said wedge surface, positioned opposite to the wedge surface of said wedge-shaped window means is also possible.
  • the floating wedge member may be slidably displaced along the parallel two surfaces of the wedge surface and the guide surface. With this, the operational characteristics of the floating wedge member are remarkably stabilized.
  • the contact surface may be formed in parallel with said contact surface, on the edge means of the toothed surface of said floating wedge member.
  • the slidable displacement of the floating wedge member in the wedge-shaped window means is enabled, via the two parallel contact surfaces of the floating wedge member. With this, the operational characteristics of the floating wedge member are remarkably improved.
  • the floating wedge member may form a pair of linear shaped contact surfaces with mirrored surface shapes.
  • Yet another embodiment of the present invention may form a circular arc surface between a pair of linear shaped contact surfaces.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention may provide, on the occasion of the swinging of the second arm, a non-contacted free-floating holding means holding the toothed surface of said floating wedge member and the gear means of the second arm freely in non-contact.
  • said non-contacted free-floating holding means provides a wedge operational plate revolved in a small angle by means of the entrained friction force with said second arm, and by the swinging of said second arm in one direction with respect to said first arm, said wedge operating plate causes said toothed surface of said floating wedge member to be free and non-contacting with said gear means in a non-contacted free floating state, furthermore, by swinging to the other direction of said small angle, pressing said floating wedge member between the linear wedge surface formed on said first arm side and said gear means, with said toothed surface of said floating wedge member and said gear means in a meshed state, a configuration regulating the relative swinging to said other direction of said second arm with respect to said first arm is enabled by means of the wedge effect of said floating wedge member.
  • said toothed surface of said floating wedge member adopts a non-contacted free-floating state maintaining freedom thereof from said gear means.
  • a biasing spring may be provided generating an impact noise on the occasion of the locked state of the meshing together of the gear means with the toothed surface of the floating wedge member.
  • the floating wedge member biased by the spring force of the biasing spring generates an impact noise only on the occasion of the locked state on meshing together of the gear means with the toothed surface of the floating wedge member.
  • one terminal means may be locked on the pivot disposed in the axial center, and the other terminal means may be locked to the second arm, providing an anti-clockwise revolution suppression spring suppressing swinging to the upright direction of the second arm by means of the spring force of a spiral shaped spring member.
  • the furniture of the present invention configure the assembly of the earlier described angle adjustment tool in order to resolve the earlier described issues.
  • the angle adjustment tool of the first embodiment is graphically represented in figures 1 ⁇ 20 .
  • the angle adjustment tool of the first embodiment as illustrated in figures 3 and 4 , provides the first arm 10, the second arm 20, the non-contacted free-floating holding means 30, the floating wedge member 40, the first and second covers 50 and 52. Then, the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 are integrated in the swingable manner centered on the axial center L, via the pivot 56.
  • the first arm 10 provides the attachment means 11, and a pair of parallel opposed wall means 12 and 13 sandwiching one terminal means of said attachment means 11. Said opposed wall means 12 and 13 are caulk fixed to one terminal means of said attachment means 11 by two rivets 14 and 14.
  • the method of fixing is not limited to the above described caulked fixation, and for example, may be fixed using a bolt and nut or welded.
  • a fit-on protrusion is provided by protrusion processing to any one of the attachment means 11 or the opposing wall means 12 and 13, and a fitting-on hole may be provided in the other one for the integration thereof.
  • opposing wall means 12 and 13 are formed preferably in mirror symmetry.
  • opposing wall means 13, as illustrated in figure 5 may not only provide an axial hole 15 in one side thereof, but also provide the position control pin 17 facing the inner surface on the other side thereof. Then, combined with the hole 15 and/or the pin 17, or without such combination concerning both or one of these features, the opposing wall means 13 may provide the wedge-shaped window means 18 between the earlier described axial hole 15 and the position regulating pin 17.
  • the above described position regulating pin 17 may be formed by protrusion machining, or may be formed by attaching another metallic pin.
  • the position of the position regulating pin 17 may be modified as required, in order to enable e.g. locking to the later described leaf spring piece 36.
  • the above described position regulating pin 17 and 17, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4 are each preferably each provided so as to be positioned on the same axial line facing inwards on a pair of opposing wall means 12 and 13. Then, the positioning of the earlier described wedge operating plate 31 to a specific position is enabled by locking the leaf spring piece 36 of the later described wedge operating plate 31 to the earlier described position regulating pin 17. Moreover, the prevention of the generation of a loud metallic noise by the wedge operating plate 31 is enabled by means of the earlier described position regulating pin 17 being in contact with the leaf spring piece 36 of the later described wedge operating plate 31 or by having a minute gap with respect there to.
  • the earlier described wedge-shaped window means 18 may have a linear shaped wedge surface 18a. That wedge surface 18amay be inclined (See figures 12 to 14 ) so as to be progressively more proximal to the gear means 26 of the later described second arm 20.
  • the linear wedge surface 18a may enclose an angle ⁇ with a middle axis M as shown in figure 5 between 80° and 30°, more preferably between 65° and 50° and most preferably about 57°.
  • that wedge-shaped window means 18 may have a guide surface 18b opposite and this surface may be parallel to the earlier described wedge surface 18a.
  • the wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b have guiding functions in order to slidably displace the floating wedge member 40.
  • wedge surface 18a and guide surface 18b are joined via the preferably inclined surface 18c.
  • the inclination of the preferably also straight surface 18c may be - only mirror like - with the same angles as described concerning 18a.
  • the wedge surface 18a and the inclined surface 18c have preferably almost the same angle of inclination as the first contact surface 41 and/or the second contact surface 42 of the floating wedge member 40. Then, the above described wedge surface 18a, the guide surface 18b and the inclined surface 18c form a retraction space enabling the storage of the floating wedge member 40, when the floating wedge member 40 is separated from the gear means 26 ( Figure 12 ).
  • the earlier described wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b may be connected via a preferably circular arc surface 18d formed preferably in a concentric circular-shape to the axial hole 15.
  • a wedge-shaped space is formed which grows smaller in the clockwise revolving direction.
  • the later described floating wedge member 40 can be displaceably fitted in to said wedge-shaped space.
  • opposing wall means 12 and 13 may be formed in mirror symmetry, they have the same reference numerals applied to the same parts thereof and the further explanation thereof is omitted here.
  • the second arm 20, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4 provides an attachment means 21, and a parallel but opposed pair of gear plate means 22 and 23, in addition to sandwiching one terminal means of the earlier described attachment means 21.
  • the earlier described gear plate means 22 and 23 are tightly fixed using e.g. two rivets 24 and 24 to the earlier described attachment means 21.
  • the method of fixing is not limited to the above described tight fixing, and for example, may be fixed using a bolt and nut or welded.
  • a fit-on protrusion is provided by protrusion processing to any one of the attachment means 21 or the opposing wall means 22 and 23, and a fitting-on hole may be provided in the other one for the integration thereof.
  • the earlier described gear plate means 22 and 23 are preferably formed in mirror symmetry to each other, and each may have the axial holes 25 and 25 for further perforation there through of the pivot 56. Furthermore, the earlier described gear plate means 22 and 23 preferably each form a gear means 26 and 26, for example, in a range of 100° to 120° of the center angle, on the circular arc-shaped outer peripheral edge means of one terminal side thereof. Furthermore, there is the provision of a first protrusion means 27 on the initial terminal means of said gear means 26. In addition, there can be provision of a second projection means 28 on the final terminal means of said gear means 26. Then, the gear plate means 22 and 23 provide one or the locking pins 29 and 29 protruding to the inner facing surface thereof.
  • the two plate means 22 and 23 of the second arm 20 are inserted between the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the earlier described first arm 10, to be connected in a swingable manner via the pivot 56.
  • the earlier described first arm 10 and the second arm 20 overlay and match the constitutive parts which are two plates formed in mirror symmetry, and may be formed integrally.
  • the integration method may employ welding, crimping, bolt-and-nut, or a fit-on protrusion.
  • the non-contacted free-swinging holding means 30, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4 provides a wedge operating plate 31 revolving through a limited angle centered on the axial center L, by means of the drag-around friction force with the second arm 20.
  • the wedge operating plate 31, as illustrated in figure 6 may be one plate of preferably a metallic sheet which can be punched-out by press processing, and can be formed by folding over. Then, that wedge operating plate 31 has the axial hole 32 provided on one side thereof, and one or a pair of leaf spring pieces 36 and 36 provided on the other side thereof, and the aperture window means 37 provided between that axial hole 32 and the earlier described leaf spring pieces 36 and 36. Then, the wedge operating plate 31 is supported in a swingable manner together with the second arm 20 in a state wherein it is inserted between the gear plate means 22 and 23. Now, there can be the formation of a locking arc means 35 in the angular means positioned adjacent to the earlier described axial hole 32.
  • This locking arc means 35 may regulate the position of the wedge operating plate 31 by means of locking to the locking pin 29 of the earlier described gear plates 22 and 23. Now, because of the relationship with the position regulating pin 17, the leaf spring piece 36 may be provided in the lower vicinity or the upper vicinity of the wedge operating plate 31.
  • the axial hole 32 has a diameter enabling preferably fitting in to the annular rib 25a provided on the aperture edge means of the axial hole 25 of the gear plate means 22 and 23 ( Figure 3 , figure 4 ). Moreover, the axial hole 32 may have a ring-shaped sliding contact means 33 formed on the peripheral edge means thereof. Then, the ring-shaped sliding contact means 33 may be connected to the wedge operating plate 31 via preferably a wave-shaped spring means 34.
  • Said ring-shaped sliding contact means 33 and the wave-shaped spring means 34 after forming multiple discontinuous circular arc-shaped slits in a concentric circular-shaped in the periphery of the axial hole 32, simultaneously form the circular-shaped sliding contact means 33 and the wave-shaped spring means 34 by means of pushing out the earlier described circle shaped sliding contact means 33 to the plate thickness direction.
  • the circular-shaped sliding contact means 33 is elastically pressed into contact with the inner facing surface of the gear plate means 22 and 23 of the second arm 20, by means of elastic deformation of the earlier described wave-shaped spring 34. With that, an appropriate drag-around friction force is generated between the wedge operating plate 31 and the second arm 20. As a result, the wedge operating plate 31 and the second arm 20 are caused to revolve together by means of that drag-around friction force.
  • the earlier described wave spring means 34 is reinforced, and not only is longevity increased, there is also the benefit that the swinging operation is smoother and more stable.
  • the earlier described wedge operating plate 31 need only have the wave-shaped spring means 34 provided in the periphery of the axial hole 32.
  • the earlier described leaf spring pieces 36 and 36 may have a long slit provided along the other direction side peripheral means of the earlier described wedge operating plate 31, forming a substantially perpendicular bent upwards means on the other side edge which are left after cutting. With that, both terminal means of the long direction of the leaf spring piece 36 are integrally connected to the wedge operating plate 31.
  • the earlier described leaf spring piece 36 may have an outwardly protruding protrusion means 36a in the center means of the long direction thereof. Then, the earlier described leaf spring piece 36 may form a recessed means 36b for use in locking-in the basal means of one side of that protrusion means 36a.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 is positioned regulated so as not to be revolved by means of the drag-around friction force with the second arm 20 ( Figures 10 and 11 ).
  • the earlier described leaf spring piece 36 may form a recessed means 36c for use in guidance in the other side of the earlier described protrusion means 36a.
  • the position regulating pin 17 may be positioned in that recessed means 36c for use in guidance, and when guided, the wedge operating plate 31 revolves together with the second arm 20 as a result of the drag-around friction force.
  • the earlier described position regulating pin 17 may be in contact with the recessed means 36c for use in guidance described above, or may have a minute gap there with.
  • the earlier described aperture window means 37 displaces the later described floating wedge member 42 to a specific position, in addition to having a shape enabling the holding thereof without generating a harsh metallic noise.
  • the earlier described aperture window means 37 has the upper and lower pair of first supporting means 37a and second supporting means 37b.
  • the first supporting means 37a and the second supporting means 37b face off from each other at a distance enabling the contact and support to the upper terminal edge means and the lower terminal edge means of the later described floating wedge member 40 (See figures 10 , 11 ).
  • the first supporting means 37a and the second supporting means 37b are connected to the first connecting means 37c and the second connecting means 37d.
  • the earlier described first connecting means 37c has a circular arc surface which is concentric with the earlier described axial hole 32.
  • the second connection means 37d has a curved surface which does not contact with the floating wedge member 40.
  • the floating wedge member 40 as illustrated in figures 7 and 8 , are formed in mirror symmetry. With that, because the assembly direction of the floating wedge member 40 is limited to one direction, the assembly operation is facilitated.
  • the floating wedge member 40 not only has the first contact surface 41 and the second contact surface 42 on one side thereof, but also forms the toothed surface 43 on the other side thereof.
  • the earlier described first contact surface 41 and the second contact surface 42 are both flat surfaces.
  • the angle between the first contact surface 41 and the second contact surface 42 is almost the same as the angle between the wedge surface 18a and the inclined surface 18c provided in the opposing wall means 12 and 13 (See figures 9 and 12 ).
  • This angle can be, as outlined above, two times the angle a, between 160° and 60°, with further narrower ranges as also described, and most preferably be about 114°.
  • the third contact surface 44 and the fourth contact surface 45 which are parallel with the earlier described first contact surface 41 and the second contact surface 42, are provided on the upper and lower edge means of the earlier described toothed surface 43.
  • the earlier described third contact surface 44 and the fourth contact surface 45 are both flat surfaces.
  • the circular arc surfaces 46 and 47 which have identical curvatures are formed between the first contact surface 41 and the second contact surface 42.
  • the circular arched surface 48 having a different curvature to the circular arched surfaces 46 and 47 is formed between the circular arc surfaces 46 and 47.
  • toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40 multiple teeth are formed in the toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40.
  • This toothed surface 43 and the gear means 26 and 26 mesh at two locations in the left and right horizontal direction, in addition to all of the teeth of the toothed surface 43 simultaneously meshing with the gear means 26 and 26 ( figure 14 ).
  • the first and/or second covers 50 and 52 may be provided for in order to prevent the drop-off of the earlier described floating wedge member 40.
  • the first and second covers 50 and 52 have an elevated shape covering each of the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the earlier described first arm, in addition to providing each of the axial hole 51 and 53.
  • the first and second covers 50 and 52 may be mutually joined and unified via preferably a pair of e.g. elastic clasps 54 and 54 provided in the second cover 52.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 is preliminarily assembled between the gear plates means 22 and 23 of the second arm, and integrated with the second arm 20 by being tightly fixed by the rivet 24. Then, the earlier described gear plate means 22 and 23 and the wedge operating plate 31 are inserted and positioned between the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the integrated first arm 10. In addition, after positioning the second cover 52 on the earlier described opposing wall means 13, the pivot 56 is inserted through the axial holes 53, 15, 25, 32, 25 and 15 and is provisionally fixed therein. Next, the floating wedge member 40 is inserted from the wedge-shaped window means 18 of the opposing wall means 12, and is inserted to the aperture window means 37 and the wedge-shaped window means 18 of the opposing wall means 13.
  • the toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40 adopts a meshed state with the gear means 26.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is formed between the linear shaped wedge surface 18a and the gear means 26, in addition to being pushed into the wedge-shaped space which grows progressively narrower along the clockwise revolving direction. With that, the floating wedge member 40 regulates the swinging of the second arm 20 to the direction A, by means of the wedge effect, sustaining the angle of inclination of the first arm 10 with respect to the second arm 20 (held fixed).
  • the floating wedge member 40 In the retracted state, the floating wedge member 40 is stored in the retracted space, in addition to the recessed means 36b for use in locking of the leaf spring piece 36 locking to the position regulating pin 17. With that, even if the second arm 20 is swung to the direction of A, as a result of the spring force of the leaf spring piece 36 locked to the position regulating pin 17, the non-meshing of the gear means 26 and the toothed surface 43 in the non-contacted free-floating state is held. As a result, the wedge operating plate 31 does not revolve in unison, and only the second arm 20 swings freely to the direction A ( Figure 19 ).
  • the second support means 37 of the wedge operating plate 31 presses of the lower terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40, displacing the floating wedge member 40 which is in the retracted state upwards.
  • the upper terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40 is in contact with the first support means 37a of the wedge operating plate 31, there is no generation of a harsh metallic noise by the floating wedge member 40.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 revolves in unison there with.
  • the floating wedge means 40 is displaceably slid to the upper part of the wedge-shaped window means 18 (the wedge-shaped space) along the linear wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b, and the toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40 and the gear means 26 adopt the meshed state.
  • the final deployed position of the second arm 20 in respect of the first arm 10 is a linear state (180°), but there is no necessary limitation there to.
  • a final deployed position wherein the angle formed by the second arm 20 in respect of the first arm 10 may be 120° by appropriate selection of the range of the center angle provided for the gear means 26.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 begins to revolve in unison with the second arm 20 as a result of the drag-around friction force resulting from the spring force of the wave-shaped spring means 34. Then, the first support means 37 a of the wedge operating plate 31 presses down on the upper terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40. With that, the floating wedge member 40 is displaceably slid along the wedge surface 18a of the wedge-shaped window means 18 and the guide surface 18 be, in a small displacement separating away from the gear means 26.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is formed between the wedge surface 18a and the gear means 26, in addition to being pushed into a wedge-shaped space which grows successively narrower along the clockwise direction ( figure 15 ). With that, the floating wedge member 40 regulates the swinging of the second arm 20 to the direction A, as a result of the wedge effect, and the angle of inclination between the first arm 10 on the second arm 20 is sustained (held fixed).
  • the second embodiment as illustrated in figures 21 to 37 , has almost the same configuration as that of the earlier described first embodiment.
  • the points of difference are the assembly of a biasing spring 60 wherein a bar shaped spring material is folded in a substantially gate shape.
  • the object of that is that there is absolutely no generation of a harsh metallic noise during operation, but it resolves the unease of the user by the generation of an impact noise only after initiating operation of the second arm and immediately after termination of operation.
  • the second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, and provides a first arm 10, a second arm 20, a non-contacted free-floating holding means 30, a floating wedge member 40, first and second covers 50 and 52, and the biasing spring 60.
  • the first arm 10 is almost the same as in the first embodiment, but the configuration thereof is different from the first embodiment in order to attach the later described biasing spring 60.
  • the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the second embodiment are almost the same as the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the first embodiment. The points of difference are that the shape of the wedge-shaped window means 18, and the configuration in order to attach the later described biasing spring 60.
  • the wedge-shaped window means 18 a of the opposing wall means 13, as illustrated in figure 25 not only has the mutually parallel wedge surface 18 and the guide surface 18b, but also has the inclined surface 18c, and the circular arc surface 18d.
  • the wedge-shaped window means 18 provides a cut-out means 18a in the substantial center of said guide surface 18b.
  • the opposing wall means 13 provides both the vertical locking hole 19a of the earlier described wedge-shaped window means 18 and the contact pin 19b.
  • the wedge operating plate 31, as illustrated in figure 26 is almost the same as the wedge operating plate 31 of the first embodiment, and the point of difference are the shape of the aperture window means 37. That aperture window means 37, just as in the first embodiment, displaces the later described floating wedge member 40 to a specific position, in addition to having a shape which enables the holding thereof so as not to generate a harsh metallic noise.
  • the earlier described aperture window means 37 has the upward and downward opposed first supporting member 37a and the second supporting member 37b.
  • the first supporting member 37a and the second supporting member 37b are opposed at a distance enabling contact and support of the upper terminal edge means and the lower terminal edge means, respectively, of the later described floating wedge member 40.
  • a one-step lower than the second supporting means 37b stepped means 37e is formed in the substantial right side half of the second supporting means 37b.
  • the opposed gap distance of the first supporting means 37a and the second supporting means 37e is a distance so as to not enable simultaneous contact with the upper terminal surface and the lower terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40.
  • the biasing spring 60 as illustrated in figures 23 and 24 , bends a linear spring material into a substantial gate shape. Then, the biasing spring 60 provides the locking terminal means 61 and 61 wherein each are bent to the outer direction of both terminal means, as well as along the same straight line.
  • the second arm 20 is integrated by securely fixing by means of the rivets 24 and 24.
  • the biasing spring 60 is inserted between the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the integrated first arm 10.
  • the locking terminal means 61 and 61 of the biasing spring 60 are respectively locked to the locking holes 19a and 19a of the opposing wall means 12 and 13.
  • the earlier described gear plate means 22 and 23 and the wedge operating plate 31 are not only inserted between the opposing wall means 12 and 13 of the integrated first arm 10, but also the wedge operating plate 31 is inserted to the substantially gate shaped biasing spring 60.
  • the pivot 56 is inserted through and temporarily fixed to the axial holes 53, 15, 25, 32, 25, 15.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is inserted from the wedge-shaped window means 18a of the opposing wall means 12 to be inserted to the aperture window means 37 and the wedge-shaped window means 18a of the opposing wall means 13.
  • the axial hole 51 of the first cover 50 is fitted on to the pivot 56, preventing the drop-off of the earlier described floating wedge member 40.
  • the metal washer 55 is fitted on to the pivot 56, and the earlier described constituent of parts are joined and integrated by means of a clasp on one terminal means of the protruding pivot 56.
  • the lower terminal means of the floating wedge member 40 falls into the cut-out means 18e of the wedge-shaped window means 18.
  • a minute gap is generated between the toothed surface 43 and the gear means 26, and the floating wedge member 40 adopts a non-contact free-floating state.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is biased to the pivot 56 side by means of the biasing spring 60. With that, the floating wedge member 40 is supported on the three locations of the cut-out means 18e, the first support means 37a of the wedge operating plate 31, and the biasing spring 60.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is stored in the retraction space, in addition to the recessed means 36b for use in locking of the leaf spring piece 36 locking to the position regulating pin 17.
  • the state wherein the gear means 26 and the toothed surface 43 are not meshed is sustained by the spring force of the leaf spring 36 locked to the position regulating pin 17.
  • the free swinging of only the second arm 20 to the direction A is enabled without generating a harsh metallic noise and without swinging in tandem with the wedge operating plate 31.
  • the second support means 37b of the wedge operating plate 31 pushes up the lower terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40, and the floating wedge member 40 which is in the recessed state is displaced upwards.
  • the upper terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40 also contacts with the first support means 37a of the wedge operating plate 31, no harsh metallic noise is generated by the floating wedge member 40.
  • both revolve in unison With that, the floating wedge member 40 which is biased by the biasing spring 60 is displaceably slid to the upper part of the wedge-shaped window means 18 (the wedge-shaped space) along the linear wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b.
  • the final deployed position of the second arm 20 in respect of the first arm 10 is a linear state (180°), but there is no limitation there to.
  • a final deployed position wherein the angle formed by the second arm 20 in respect of the first arm 10 may be 120° is enabled by appropriate selection of the range of the center angle provided for the gear means 26.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 begins to revolve in unison together with the second arm 20 as a result of the drag-around friction force resulting from the spring force of the wave-shaped spring means 34. Then, the upper terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40 presses the first support means 37a of the wedge operating plate 31. With that, the floating wedge member 40 is slidably displaced along the linear wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b, and is slightly displaced in a direction separating from the gear means 26. Next, the lower terminal means of the floating wedge member 40 falls into the cut-out means 18e.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is formed between the wedge surface 18a and the gear means 26, in addition to being pushed into the wedge-shaped space which grows successively narrower along the clockwise revolving direction. With that, the floating wedge member 40 regulates the swinging of the second arm 20 to the direction A, and the inclined angle between the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 is sustained (held fixed) ( Figure 32 ) .
  • the third embodiment as illustrated in figures 38 to 51 , is almost the same as the earlier described first embodiment, and the points of difference is the point that there is the assembly of a reverse revolution suppression coiled spring 70.
  • the angle adjustment tool of this invention for example, when adapted to the headrest of a sofa, regulates the swinging to the inclined direction of the second arm 20 which is buried in the headrest in multiple stages, and is a configuration which holds the position of the reclining locations. With that, the second arm 20 may be extremely lightly swung to the upright direction.
  • the object is to resolve those earlier described inconveniences.
  • the third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, and as illustrated in figures 40 and 41 , there is the provision of the first arm 10, the second arm 20, the non-contacted free-floating holding means 30, the floating wedge member 40, the first and second covers 50 and 52, and the reverse revolution suppression spring 70. Then, the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 are integrated in a swingable manner centered on the axial center L, via the pivot 57.
  • Points of difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment are the opposing wall means 13 of the first arm 10, the second arm 20, the reverse revolution suppression spring 70, the pivot 57, and the auxiliary pin 58.
  • the same reference numerals are applied to the same parts and the further explanation thereof is abbreviated here.
  • the axial hole 15 of the opposing wall means 13 is not round but a hexagonal shaped hole. This is so that there is prevention of unnecessary revolution of the later described pivot 57.
  • the axial hole 15 is not limited to a hexagonal shape, and may be a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape.
  • the axial hole 15 may be a mainly round shape, with a revolution stoppage function provided thereto by a substantially letter D shape.
  • the second arm 20 has the opposite attachment position to that of the first embodiment of the gear plate means 22 and 23 with respect to the attachment means 21, but is different from the second arm 20 of the first embodiment.
  • the pivot 57 is almost the same as the pivot 56 in the first embodiment.
  • the point of difference of the pivot 57 compared with the pivot 56 is that the basal means of the axis means has a hexagonal shaped annular rib 57a, as well as the provision of a locking groove 57b in the head part thereof.
  • the above described annular rib 57a is so as to prevent the free turning of the pivot 57.
  • the annular rib 57a may be a polygonal shape such as a triangular shape or a quadrangular shape and the like which fits in to the earlier described axial hole 15.
  • the annular rib 57a may be a mainly round shape, in addition to having a substantially letter D shape providing a revolution stopping function.
  • the auxiliary pin 58 is for locking to the terminal means of the later described reverse revolution suppression spring 70, and is firmly fastened to the gear plate means 22 and 23 of the second arm 20.
  • the reverse revolution suppression spring 70 has a shape formed by means of winding a band spring material into a coiled shape, and forms the locking terminal means 71 and 72 by folding both termini thereof.
  • the floating wedge member 40 adopts the non-contacted free-floating state.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is supported on the four locations of the wedge surface 18a of the wedge-shaped window means 18, the guide surface 18b, the first and second support means 37a and 37b of the wedge operating plate 31. Then, in the non-contacted and free-floating state, because there is no contact between the floating wedge member 40 and the gear means 26, there is no generation of the ear jarring metallic noise, and the second arm 20 can be swung silently in the direction of arrow B.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is held without generating a harsh metallic noise, holding the non-contacted state between the toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40 and the gear means 26.
  • the floating wedge member 40 In the retracted state, the floating wedge member 40 is stored in the retracted space, in addition to the recessed means 36b for use in locking of the leaf spring piece 36 locking to the position regulating pin 17. With that, even if the second arm 20 is swung to the direction B, by means of the spring force of the leaf spring piece 36 locking on to the position regulating pin 17, the gear means 26 and the toothed surface 43 are held in a state where they are not meshed. As a result, the wedge operating plate 31 does not revolve in tandem, and only the second arm 20 swings freely in the direction A.
  • the second support means 37b of the wedge operating plate 31 pushes up the lower terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40, and the floating wedge member 40 which is in the recessed state is displaced upwards.
  • the floating wedge member 40 does not generate a harsh metallic noise. Then, as a result of the drag-around friction force generated between the wedge operating plate 31 and the first arm 10, both revolve in tandem.
  • the floating wedge member 40 is slidably displaced to the upper part of the wedge-shaped window means 18 (wedge-shaped space) along the linear wedge surface 18a and the guide surface 18b, and the toothed surface 43 of the floating wedge member 40 and the gear means 26 adopt the meshed state ( Figure 51 ).
  • the position where the second arm 20 is in a right angle state (90°) with respect to the first arm 10 is the final deployed position, but it is not necessarily limited to that.
  • the second arm 20 may have a position forming a 120° angle with respect to the first arm 10, as the final deployed position thereof.
  • the wedge operating plate 31 begins to revolve in tandem together with the second arm 20 as a result of the drag-around friction force of the spring force of the wave - shaped spring means 34. Then, the first support means 37a of the wedge operating plate 31 presses on the upper terminal surface of the floating wedge member 40. With this, the floating wedge member 40 is displaceably slid along the wedge surface 18a of the wedge-shaped window means 18 and the guide surface 18b, slightly displacing away from the direction of the gear means 26.
  • the first arm 10 is fixed and the second arm is swung, but there is no limitation to this.
  • the second arm 20 may be fixed and the first arm 10may be swung.
  • the angle adjustment tool of the present invention may, of course, combine features of the third embodiment in the second embodiment. With that, not only is there the generation of an impact noise on locking, an angle adjustment tool may be derived which enables suppression of the swinging of the second arm to the upright direction by a sofa.
  • the angle adjustment tool of the present invention may be employed in seating chairs, so files, headrests, footrests and the like. In addition, for example, it may also be adapted to shelves with doors which swing open and closed.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
EP18171804.0A 2017-05-11 2018-05-11 Angle adjustment tool and furniture empoying it Active EP3400836B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017094967A JP6404400B1 (ja) 2017-05-11 2017-05-11 角度調整金具およびこれを用いた家具

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3400836A1 EP3400836A1 (en) 2018-11-14
EP3400836B1 true EP3400836B1 (en) 2021-06-30

Family

ID=60725331

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18171804.0A Active EP3400836B1 (en) 2017-05-11 2018-05-11 Angle adjustment tool and furniture empoying it

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3400836B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP6404400B1 (ja)
CN (2) CN107510280B (ja)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6404400B1 (ja) * 2017-05-11 2018-10-10 向陽技研株式会社 角度調整金具およびこれを用いた家具
CN110037483B (zh) * 2019-04-04 2024-01-12 敏华家具制造(惠州)有限公司 一种头枕调节装置
CN210902243U (zh) * 2019-09-09 2020-07-03 东莞市伟宏智能家居科技有限公司 头枕角度调节器

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1510150B1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2006-10-04 Tadanobu Yamashita Angle-adjustable hinge

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5413507U (ja) * 1977-06-29 1979-01-29
US5802640A (en) * 1992-04-03 1998-09-08 Hill-Rom, Inc. Patient care system
JP4418382B2 (ja) * 2005-02-25 2010-02-17 直伸 山下 角度調整金具
JP4296223B1 (ja) * 2008-05-23 2009-07-15 直伸 山下 角度調整金具
JP4418519B1 (ja) * 2009-05-22 2010-02-17 直伸 山下 角度調整金具
JP4551478B2 (ja) * 2009-08-05 2010-09-29 直伸 山下 角度調整金具
JP4624479B1 (ja) * 2010-05-26 2011-02-02 直伸 山下 角度調整金具
JP5584087B2 (ja) * 2010-10-19 2014-09-03 向陽技研株式会社 座イス用角度調整金具及び座イス用連結構造
JP5410573B2 (ja) * 2012-07-10 2014-02-05 直伸 山下 角度調整方法
JP5611416B1 (ja) * 2013-05-20 2014-10-22 山下　直伸 角度調整金具
CN203418107U (zh) * 2013-09-03 2014-02-05 深圳市鑫灏源电子科技实业有限公司 一种模具抽芯机构
CN104172793B (zh) * 2014-08-14 2016-07-06 东莞市伟宏五金塑胶制品有限公司 多功能升降架
JP6105102B2 (ja) * 2015-02-23 2017-03-29 向陽技研株式会社 角度調整金具及びソファー
PL3058850T3 (pl) * 2015-02-23 2022-06-27 Koyo Giken Kabushiki Kaisha Narzędzie do regulacji kąta i sofa
JP2016165452A (ja) * 2015-03-06 2016-09-15 株式会社ヒカリ 角度調節装置及びリクライニング椅子
JP6404400B1 (ja) * 2017-05-11 2018-10-10 向陽技研株式会社 角度調整金具およびこれを用いた家具

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1510150B1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2006-10-04 Tadanobu Yamashita Angle-adjustable hinge

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN107510280B (zh) 2023-10-13
JP6404400B1 (ja) 2018-10-10
CN107510280A (zh) 2017-12-26
CN208807931U (zh) 2019-05-03
JP2018187286A (ja) 2018-11-29
EP3400836A1 (en) 2018-11-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3400836B1 (en) Angle adjustment tool and furniture empoying it
EP2253246B1 (en) Angle-adjustable hinge
JP4305571B2 (ja) リクライニング装置
US6926363B2 (en) Angle-adjustable hinge
EP2389839B1 (en) Angle-adjustable hinge
JP6682300B2 (ja) シートリクライニング装置
EP2532275B1 (en) Angle-adjustable hinge
JP5465410B2 (ja) 角度調節金具
US10836282B2 (en) Reclining device for vehicle seat
EP3058850B1 (en) Angular adjustment tool and sofa
JP2013185671A (ja) 角度調節金具
EP2805849B1 (en) Vehicle seat reclining device
JP6105102B2 (ja) 角度調整金具及びソファー
JP2009039340A (ja) リクライニング装置
EP3262985A1 (en) Angle adjustment device and sofa with the same
JP4607672B2 (ja) 関節金具および座椅子
JP5687781B2 (ja) 角度調節金具
JP5908999B2 (ja) 角度調節金具
JP2013244253A (ja) 椅子
EP1757483A1 (en) Recliner adjuster having main and auxiliary lock gears
TWI755311B (zh) 易扣合組裝的椅扶手
KR20240088247A (ko) 리클라이너 체결 구조
JP2015231490A (ja) 角度調節器
TWM614108U (zh) 易扣合組裝的椅扶手
JP6154234B2 (ja) リクライニング機構

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190513

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210219

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1405530

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018019199

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1405530

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210930

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211001

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20211102

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018019199

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220531

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20220511

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220511

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220511

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220511

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220531

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230615

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180511

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210630