EP3574805B1 - Seating device with a guide spring - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present disclosure relates to a seat device with a spring device and to a spring-loaded seat device that includes one or more guide springs.

BACKGROUND

Suspension seat devices, such as rocking chairs, ideally ensure the axial movement of a seat. Such a seat device is for example from DE202016000382U known. In some cases an additional lateral shift of the seat is desirable.

Mechanisms that allow axial and possibly lateral movement of a seat have traditionally been complex and require many different parts. Such mechanisms are prone to friction, which can cause noise as the seat moves. Because of their complexity, known mechanisms have been relatively expensive.

The noiseless, sprung, and vertical movement of a seat was a particularly difficult problem to solve. Height-adjustable chairs can make noise when they are adjusted, which is acceptable as the adjustment is temporary. In the case of suspension seat devices, the vertical movement of the seat coincides with even slight changes in the posture of the user and is therefore a common phenomenon. Trouble-free operation is therefore very important.

It is the object of the present disclosure to provide an improved suspension seat device, for example a stool, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, eliminates or at least greatly reduces friction, is quiet and is not subject to wear.

SUMMARY

A seat device with a spring device for an improved seat device is based on a seat post that can move axially relative to a base body. Two guide springs are provided to secure the perch so that it can move in the base body. A lower guide spring has a first inner section which is fixedly connected to the seat post and a second outer section which is fixedly connected to the base body. The first inner section is connected to the second outer section by a spirally wound section. An upper guide spring also has a first inner section which is fixedly connected to the seat post and a second outer section which is fixedly connected to the base body. Here, too, the first inner section is connected to the second outer section by means of a spirally wound section.

The seat device with spring device further comprises a plurality of stabilizing bars which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the seat post and connect the spiral-wound portion of the lower guide spring with the spiral-wound portion of the upper guide spring. The stabilizing bars can be arranged parallel to the perch. The stabilizing bars can be connected through openings in the spirally wound sections of the lower guide spring and the upper guide spring.

The seat device with spring device can furthermore have a lower intermediate guide spring with a first inner section which is fixedly connected to the seat post and a second outer section which is fixedly connected to the base body. The inner section is preferably connected to the outer section by a spirally wound section which rotates in the opposite direction to the spirally wound section of the lower guide spring. Likewise, an upper intermediate guide spring can be provided with a first inner section, which is firmly connected to the seat post, and a second outer section, which is firmly connected to the base body, the first inner section being connected to the second outer section by a spirally wound section, which rotates in the opposite direction to the helically wound portion of the upper guide spring.

In use, when a load is applied to the seat assembly, the perch moves axially to the base so that the guide springs deform from a flat spiral shape to a conical spiral shape with axial movement of the perch to the base. The guide springs can be arranged to be normally flat or normally conical. A normally flat guide spring can be placed within the tapered seat assembly.

The guide springs can be made of steel, fiber-reinforced plastic or another similar elastic material. The guide springs can have a cross-section at their spirally wound sections with a ratio of width to height of more than 2: 1. Width to height ratios of up to 5: 1 or even 10: 1 can be used. The guide springs can be cut or punched from a steel sheet, in particular from a spring sheet.

Inevitably, there are gaps in the turns of the spirally wound part of the lower guide spring and / or the upper guide spring. These gaps can be filled with an elastomer.

While the guide springs can be able to absorb an axial force, it is more advantageous if the seat device with the spring device further includes a load spring which counteracts the axial movement of the seat post relative to the base body. The load spring can be a compression spring or a tension spring.

An improved seat device includes a base with a body, a seat, a seat post fixedly connected to the seat, a lower guide spring and an upper guide spring. The lower guide spring has a first inner section that is fixed to the seat post and a second outer section that is fixed to the base body. The The first inner section of the lower guide spring is connected to its second outer section by a spirally wound section. Likewise, the upper guide spring has a first inner section that is firmly connected to the seat post and a second outer section that is firmly connected to the base body. Here, too, the first inner section of the upper guide spring is connected to its second outer section by a spiral-shaped section. The spirally wound sections can have two or more turns. An elastomer, which fills a gap between the two spiral folds, can be arranged between the two or more turns.

The seat assembly with spring assembly may use a load spring to counteract the axial movement of the seat post with respect to the base. The load spring can be a compression spring, a tension spring or a combined compression and tension spring. The use of compression springs is preferred because they provide an inherent stop at full pressure and cannot be overloaded. The load spring may be a compression spring disposed between a lower end of the seat post and the base. The load spring can also be a compression spring which is arranged around the perch between the seat and the base.

The seat device with spring device may have a plurality of stabilizing bars which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the seat post and connect the spiral-wound portion of the lower guide spring with the spiral-wound portion of the upper guide spring.

The connection of the stabilizing rods in the openings of the spirally wound sections is advantageously carried out via elastic compensating elements, for example made of natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomer, a plastic bushing or a metallic spring element, which are fastened between a stabilizing rod and a spirally wound section of the lower and / or the upper guide spring is arranged.

Furthermore, an optional connection of the lower guide spring and / or the upper guide spring via elastic compensating elements, for example made of natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomer, a plastic bushing or a metallic spring element, is provided, which via fastening means between the perch or a hollow cylindrical spacer element and an inner section of the lower and / or the upper guide spring is arranged.

The seat device according to the invention with spring device advantageously has an inexpensive, stable maximum vertical mobility, without friction arising from roller or ball bearings and a slippstick effect, i.e. jerking during the up and down movement associated with an unpleasant noise.

The person skilled in the art recognizes that this type of stabilization can also be used advantageously when adjusting the height of tables.

The main body of the seat device with the spring device can be formed by a plurality of arms which each extend from a lower end to an upper end. The upper guide spring can sit on the upper ends of the arms forming the base body.

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or in the following detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1 eine Seitenansicht einer Führungsfeder aus Runddraht mit einem konischen Druckfederabschnitt und einem zylindrischen inneren Federgewindeabschnitt,
• Fig. 2 eine Seitenansicht einer normal konischen Führungsfeder aus Draht mit allgemein rechteckigem Querschnitt,
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine normal flache Spiralfeder mit einem Verhältnis von Breite zu Höhe von 3:1, um eine verbesserte Seitenführung zu ermöglichen.
• Fig. 4 eine alternative Führungsfeder,
• Fig. 5 eine weitere normalerweise flache Führungsfeder,
• Fig. 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht der normalerweise flachen Führungsfeder, die aus Federstahl lasergeschnitten oder aus glasfaserverstärktem Kunststoff geformt werden kann,
• wobei die Führungsfeder radial vorstehende Befestigungsverlängerungen beinhaltet,
• Fig. 7 eine Führungsfeder für eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung .
• Fig. 8 einen perspektivischen Querschnitt durch eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 9 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung im Normalzustand,
• Fig. 9a die Anordnung einer Vielzahl von Stabilisierungsstäben, die in Umfangrichtung um die Sitzstange herum beabstandet sind mit ersten und zweiten elastischen Ausgleichselementen,
• Fig. 9b als Schnittbild die Einzelheit B der Verbindung der Sitzstange oder eines hohlzylindrischen Distanzelements mit einem Innenabschnitt einer Führungsfeder über ein erstes elastisches Ausgleichselement,
• Fig. 9c als Schnittbild die Einzelheit B der Verbindung der Sitzstange oder eines hohlzylindrischen Distanzelements mit einem Innenabschnitt einer Führungsfeder über ein zweites elastisches Ausgleichselement,
• Fig. 10 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung in einem belasteten Zustand,
• Fig. 11 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit höhenverstellbarer Sitzstange,
• Fig. 12 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit Gewindesitzstange,
• Fig. 13 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit konischem Grundkörper,
• Fig. 14 eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit zylindrischem Grundkörper,
• Fig. 15 eine Draufsicht auf eine Basis einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 16 eine Seitenansicht der Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit der Basis wie in Fig. 15,
• Fig. 17 eine perspektivische Ansicht der Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung wie in Fig. 16,
• Fig. 18 die Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung wie in Fig. 17 mit einer zusätzlichen Druckfeder,
• Fig. 19 eine Seitenansicht einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit Rollen,
• Fig. 20 einen Querschnitt durch eine Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit einem konischen Sitzkörper,
• Fig. 21 einen Querschnitt durch eine hochdynamische Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 22 einen Querschnitt durch eine alternative Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 23 eine teilweise geschnittene Ansicht einer weiteren Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 24 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit einer unteren Führungsfeder, die integral in einer Basis ausgebildet ist,
• Fig. 25 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit einer oberen Führungsfeder, die an einem Boden eines Sitzes befestigt ist,
• Fig. 26 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit einer unteren Führungsfeder, die integral in einer Basis ohne sichtbare Spalten ausgebildet ist,
• Fig. 27 einen Querschnitt durch die Führungsfeder wie in Abb. 26 mit elastomergefülltem Spiralabschnitt,
• Fig. 28 eine teilweise aufgeschnittene Ansicht einer Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung mit zwei verdeckten Führungsfedern und einer sichtbaren Lastfeder,
• Fig. 29 eine teilweise aufgeschnittene Seitenansicht einer anderen Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung,
• Fig. 30 eine teilweise geschnittene perspektivische Ansicht der Sitzvorrichtung mit Federvorrichtung wie in Fig. 29.

Show it

• Fig. 1 a side view of a guide spring made of round wire with a conical compression spring section and a cylindrical inner spring thread section,
• Fig. 2 a side view of a normally conical guide spring made of wire with a generally rectangular cross-section,
• Fig. 3 shows a normal flat coil spring with a width to height ratio of 3: 1 to enable improved lateral guidance.
• Fig. 4 an alternative guide spring,
• Fig. 5 another normally flat guide spring,
• Fig. 6 a perspective view of the normally flat guide spring, which can be laser cut from spring steel or molded from glass fiber reinforced plastic,
• wherein the guide spring includes radially protruding attachment extensions,
• Fig. 7 a guide spring for a seat device with a spring device.
• Fig. 8 a perspective cross-section through a seat device with a spring device,
• Fig. 9 a seat device with a spring device in the normal state,
• Figure 9a the arrangement of a plurality of stabilizing rods, which are spaced in the circumferential direction around the perch with first and second elastic compensating elements,
• Figure 9b as a sectional view, the detail B of the connection of the perch or a hollow cylindrical spacer element with an inner section of a guide spring via a first elastic compensating element,
• Figure 9c as a sectional view, detail B of the connection of the perch or a hollow cylindrical spacer element with an inner section of a guide spring via a second elastic compensating element,
• Fig. 10 a seat device with a spring device in a loaded state,
• Fig. 11 a seat device with a spring device with a height-adjustable perch,
• Fig. 12 a seat device with a spring device with a threaded seat rod,
• Fig. 13 a seat device with a spring device with a conical base body,
• Fig. 14 a seat device with a spring device with a cylindrical base body,
• Fig. 15 a plan view of a base of a seat device with a spring device,
• Fig. 16 a side view of the seat device with spring device with the base as in FIG Fig. 15 ,
• Fig. 17 a perspective view of the seat device with spring device as in FIG Fig. 16 ,
• Fig. 18 the seat device with spring device as in Fig. 17 with an additional compression spring,
• Fig. 19 a side view of a seat device with a spring device with rollers,
• Fig. 20 a cross section through a seat device with a spring device with a conical seat body,
• Fig. 21 a cross section through a highly dynamic seat device with a spring device,
• Fig. 22 a cross section through an alternative seat device with spring device,
• Fig. 23 a partially sectioned view of a further seat device with a spring device,
• Fig. 24 a perspective view of a seat device with spring device with a lower guide spring which is integrally formed in a base,
• Fig. 25 a perspective view of a seat device with a spring device with an upper guide spring which is attached to a bottom of a seat,
• Fig. 26 a perspective view of a seat device with spring device with a lower guide spring which is integrally formed in a base with no visible gaps,
• Fig. 27 a cross section through the guide spring as in Fig. 26 with elastomer-filled spiral section,
• Fig. 28 a partially cut-away view of a seat device with a spring device with two concealed guide springs and a visible load spring,
• Fig. 29 a partially cut-away side view of another seat device with a spring device,
• Fig. 30 a partially sectioned perspective view of the seat device with spring device as in FIG Fig. 29 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved seat device 300 with a spring device and its spring mechanism are based on one or more guide springs 100, 101, 102, examples of which in FIG FIGS. 1 to 6 are shown. Additional intermediate guide springs 103 and 104 are shown, for example, in FIG Fig. 7 shown. The guide springs 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can normally be flat, such as in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown. Alternatively, guide springs 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can have a normal conical shape, as in FIG Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown.

The guide springs 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 extend from a first inner section 110 to a second outer section 130. A spirally wound section 120 connects the first inner section 110 with the second outer section 130. The first inner section 110 can be axially opposite the second outer section 130 move and provides an axial force that counteracts an axial deflection. The first inner section 110 can also move laterally (radially) with respect to the second outer section 130. Normally, the first inner section 110 can be arranged concentrically with the second outer section 130. The guide spring 100 generates a lateral (radial) force which counteracts a lateral (radial) deflection of the first inner section 110 with respect to the second outer section 130.

For use in seat applications, the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can be configured to enable axial movement of the first inner portion 110 with respect to the second outer portion 130. The maximum axial displacement of the first inner section from its normal position can be up to 10 cm to 13 cm, or even up to 15 cm. Side movement (maximum side shift) can be limited to 1 cm or less. In a preferred embodiment, the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 has an outer diameter of approximately 200 mm on its second outer section 130. The outside diameter is (preferably between 100 mm and 300 mm, more preferably between 150 mm and 250 mm). The inner diameter of the first inner section 110 is approximately 40 mm. The inner diameter is preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm and more preferably between 30 mm and 50 mm).

The behavior of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 in terms of transverse and axial deflection can be adjusted using different design parameters. For example, the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can consist of different materials. The guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can normally be flat and of a flat one Sheet steel to be cut. An essential feature of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 is the cross-sectional shape of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 on its spiral-wound section 120.

It is advantageous that the cross-sectional shape of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 at its spirally wound section 120 can have a maximum height and a maximum width with a ratio of width to height of more than two. The cross-sectional shape of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can be generally rectangular with a width to height ratio between 2: 1 and 5: 1. A width to height ratio of up to 10: 1 or more is possible. A guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 with a width to height ratio of 10: 1 or more is practically immovable laterally. By selecting these design parameters, the general ease of use and the "feel" of a seat device 300 in which the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 is used, can be selected.

With reference to Fig. 1 For example, a first exemplary guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 is formed by a conical compression spring section 140, the inner end of which extends into a cylindrical tension spring section 150. The guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 extends between a second outer section 130 at an upper end of the conical spring section 140 and a first inner section 110 at a lower end of the cylindrical tension spring section 150. The first inner section 110 of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 and the second outer section 130 of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 are connected by a spiral-wound section 120. The guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, as in Fig. 1 shown, can consist of coiled spring steel wire with a round cross-section. The cylindrical tension spring portion 150 can be used to engage the threads of a perch. The guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 can be used for lateral guidance and an axial loading force at the same time.

Exemplary seat devices 300 incorporating guide spring 100 as shown in FIG Fig. 1 are shown as guide spring 101, 102 in Fig. 12 , Figures 13 and 14 shown. The Seat device 300 as in Fig. 12 As shown, includes a base 310 having a generally cylindrical body 320. The base 310 includes a plurality of arms 312 that protrude outwardly from a lower end of the cylindrical body 320. Castors or wheeled supports 314 are attached to the distal ends of the arms 312 to support the base 310 and allow rolling movement of the base 310 on a support surface (eg, the floor).

A seat 350 is attached to a perch 200. The perch 200 is held coaxially within the cylindrical base body 320 by a lower guide spring 101 and an upper guide spring 102. The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 are from in Fig. 1 shown type. The lower guide spring 101 is aligned such that the conical compression spring section 140 is supported on the lower end of the cylindrical base body 320. The upper guide spring 102 is arranged oppositely. The conical compression spring section 140 of the upper guide spring 102 is attached to an upper end of the cylindrical base body 320.

The first inner section 110 of the lower guide spring 101 is attached to the seat post 200 in an axially immovable manner in the form of a threaded connection. As shown, an outer surface of the perch 200 includes a thread 201 into which the cylindrical compression spring portion 150 extends. The first inner section 110 of the upper guide spring 102 is fastened axially immovably to the perch 200 in the same way.

The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 fulfill two different functions: On the one hand, the guide springs act as compression springs against a weight applied to the seat 350 and thus form a sprung seat arrangement. When a weight is placed on the seat 350, the lower guide spring 101 is compressed, resulting in a thrust force that opposes the weight. The upper guide spring 102 is extended, creating a tensile force that counteracts the weight. Second, the guide springs 101, 102 ensure that the perch 200 is laterally guided within the base body 320.

The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 are elastically deformable both in the axial and in the radial direction. A configuration with a coiled round wire spring element, as in Fig. 1 shown, is preferably used in seating devices 300 where lateral movement of the seat 350 is desirable. Such an active seating configuration can mimic the benefits of sitting on an exercise ball. Lateral movement of the seat 350 causes the inner portion of the upper guide spring 102 to deflect in the same direction as the seat 350. The first inner section 110 of the lower guide spring 101 is deflected in the opposite direction. The lateral deflection of the inner parts of the guide springs 101, 102 causes a stabilizing force which acts to return the inclined seat post 200 to an upright orientation and thereby press the seat 350 into its normal position.

A generally conically shaped body 324, as shown in FIG Fig. 13 shown, allows increased transverse movement of the seat 350 or greater angles of inclination of the seat bar 200. The base body 324 can be placed directly on a floor without mobile supports and thus prevents movement of the base, even if the seat 350 is deflected to the side. The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 may be of the same type or of different types. For example, the lower guide spring 101 can be selected so that it has a larger outer diameter than the upper guide spring 102. The height of the seat 350 is adjustable by rotating the seat rod 200 with a thread within the inner compression spring sections of the guide springs. A standard, unthreaded perch can be used to build a non-reclining seat.

Fig. 14 shows a construction similar to that in Fig. 12 with another base 310. As shown, the cylindrical base body 320 is placed on the arms 312. The seat 350 can be adjusted in height relative to the guide springs 101, 102 by rotating the threaded seat post 200.

Fig. 11 FIG. 13 shows a configuration of a seat device 300 having a height-adjustable seat post 205 supported by a lower guide spring 101 and an upper guide spring 102, as in FIG Fig. 2 shown. The height-adjustable perch 205 consists of a hollow cylindrical rod 203 which receives a coaxial inner rod 202. The inner rod 202 can move axially within the hollow cylindrical rod 203 when a release lever 220 is pulled. The hollow cylindrical rod 203 is held in the cylindrical base body 320 of the seat device 300. The inner section of the lower conical guide spring 101 is firmly connected to a lower end of the hollow cylindrical rod 203. The outer section of the lower conical guide spring 101 rests on or is attached to a lower end of the cylindrical base body 320. The lower inner end of the upper guide spring 102 is secured in an upper region of the hollow cylindrical rod 203 with a holder 230. The upper outer part of the upper guide spring 102 is fastened to an upper end of the cylindrical base body 320.

The inner rod 202 extends upwards through an opening 321 of the cylindrical base body 320. The size of the opening 321 in relation to the outer diameter of the inner rod 202 and the outer diameter of the hollow cylindrical rod 203 in relation to the inner diameter of the cylindrical base body 320 determine a maximum transverse deflection of the Seat 350. The maximum lateral deflection of the seat 350 can be further controlled by an adjustment mechanism (not shown) for controlling the diameter of the openings 321.

The conical guide spring 102, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 and in the in Fig. 11 The seat assembly 300 illustrated has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width and a height. The ratio of width to height of the spirally wound section of the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 determines the behavior of the guide spring 101, 102 to transverse and axial forces. A guide spring 101, 102 with a larger width / height ratio is easier to deflect axially and is more resistant to transverse deflection than a guide spring with the same cross-sectional area but a smaller width / height ratio.

In the in Figures 11-14 The seat devices 300 shown, the seat post 200 is firmly connected to the seat 350 and moves axially and laterally within a base body 320, 324. The base body 320, 324 in these embodiments is firmly connected to a base. The base can be equipped with wheels to enable movement with respect to a floor. An alternative configuration is in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 shown. Here a base rod 206 is firmly connected to a base 310. The seat 350 in this configuration comprises a hollow conical seat body 351 in which a lower guide spring 101 and an upper guide spring 102 are arranged. In Fig. 20 an embodiment with the guide spring is shown as in Fig. 1 shown. A threaded outer surface of the base rod 206 engages the interior of the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102. The outer portion of the upper guide spring 102 is attached to an upper end of the seat body 351. The outer portion of the lower guide spring 101 is fixed around an opening at the lower end of the seat body 351. The seat 350 can be adjusted in height relative to the base rod 206 by rotating the seat 350 and thus the lower and upper guide springs 101, 102. The conical shape of the seat body 351 provides a large range of tilting movement of the seat 350. The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 absorb axial forces acting on the seat 350 by compressing the lower guide spring 101 and extending the upper guide spring 102. The guide springs also serve to guide the seat body 351 laterally and generate a restoring force which, when deflected sideways, presses the seat 350 into a normal position coaxial with the base rod 206.

In the Fig. 21 The exemplary seat assembly 300 illustrated uses the same conical seat body 351 as in FIG Fig. 20 and guide springs having a generally rectangular cross-section as in FIG Fig. 2 shown. The lower part of the base, which rests on the floor, is designed as a spherical cap 311. The base 310 and thus the base rod 206 can thus be pivoted about the lower base section. In addition, the seat 350 can move axially and pivot with respect to the base rod 206. The use of normally conical guide springs enables a large vertical displacement. The high degree of Mobility of seat 350, as in Fig. 21 typically requires some practice and / or training in order for a user to be able to operate it comfortably.

With reference to the Fig. 16 and 17th a seat device 300 is shown in a side view and a perspective view. A top view of the base 310 of the seating device 300 is shown in FIG Fig. 15 shown. The base 310 comprises a plurality of five arms 312 which are connected to one another at their upper ends. More precisely, the upper ends of the arms 312 are fixedly connected to an outer section 130 of an upper guide spring 102. The guide spring 102 is of the normally flat type, as in FIG Fig. 6 shown. The outer section 130 of the guide spring 102 has radial extensions 131 with a central bore 132. The upper end of the arms 312 can be attached to the guide spring 102 with screws that extend through the bores 132 to engage a corresponding thread in the upper part of the arms 312.

The guide spring 100, as shown in FIG Fig. 15 and Fig. 6 shown, consists of an outer section 130 which is shaped as a closed ring and from which the radial extensions 131 protrude outward. An inner section 110 is also shaped as a closed ring concentrically to the outer section 130. A spirally wound section 120 extends between the inner section 110 and the outer section 130 in approximately 1¼ turns.

The guide spring 100 is made of an elastic material. The guide spring 100 can, for example, be cut out of a flat sheet of spring steel. The guide spring 100 can be cut from a steel sheet or punched from a steel sheet with a laser or a water jet. Alternatively, the guide spring 100 can be overmolded, e.g. from plastic with a large fiber content.

Below the upper guide spring 102, a lower guide spring 101 is arranged axially spaced apart. The lower guide spring is fixedly connected to the arms 312. In particular, the radial extensions 131 of the lower guide spring 101 can be screwed into a lateral fastening extension 315 which is formed on the arms 312. A perch 200 is firmly connected to a seat 350. The perch 200 is fixedly connected to the inner parts 110 of the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102.

When no weight is placed on seat 350, lower guide spring 101 and upper guide spring 102 maintain their generally flat normal orientation. In this orientation, the inner portion 110, the outer portion 130, and the helically wound portion 120 are generally disposed within a common plane. The inner section 110 of the guide spring is concentric with the outer section.

When a weight is placed on the seat 350, as indicated by a bold arrow in Fig. 10 indicated, the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 deform. The inner portion 110 of the springs moves downward under the outer portion 130. The flat spiral shape of the spirally wound portion 120 becomes a conical spiral shape.

The helically wound portion of 120 of the guide springs 101, 102 is wider than it is high. The height of the spirally wound portion 120 is determined by the thickness of the sheet metal from which it is cut. The width of the spiral section is determined by the design of the shape that will be cut from the steel. Due to its ratio of width to height, the guide spring 100 resists the lateral deflection of its inner section 110 more than the axial deflection of its inner section 110. A preferably width-to-height ratio of the coiled section of the guide spring 100 in this configuration is 3: 1.

The lower and upper guide springs 101, 102 in the seat device 300, as in FIG Fig. 17 shown, must be strong enough to support the weight of a user with a maximum weight, for example 200 kg. Therefore, the height of the guide spring must be selected accordingly.

With reference to the Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 an alternative design is now shown, which enables significantly thinner guide springs 101, 102. Here, the guide springs 101, 102 are primarily provided for laterally guiding the perch 200. The weight of a user is borne by a separate load 370, which can be of conventional coiled wire design. A lower end of the load spring 370 rests on a base plate 316 which is arranged above the lower guide spring 101. The base plate 316 is attached to the base 310 together with the lower guide spring 101. An upper end of the load spring 370 is arranged below the upper guide spring 102. When a weight is placed on the seat, the inner portion 110 of the upper guide spring 102 is now supported by the upper end of the load spring 370, which transmits the compressive force through the base plate 316 to the base 310.

Another improved embodiment of a seating device 300 is shown in FIG Figures 9 and 10 shown. The seat device 300 consists of a base plate 313 with three vertical arms 318. The base plate 313 and the vertical arms 318 form a base body 320. The outer region 130 of an upper guide spring 102 is located on an upper end of the vertical arms 318. The outer section 130 of the guide spring 102 may have fastening holes through which the guide spring 102 is screwed to the arms 312.

A parallel lower guide spring 101 is arranged axially below the upper guide spring 102. An outer section 130 of the lower guide spring 101 is fixedly connected to the vertical arms 318. The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 are arranged coaxially. A perch 200 is fixedly connected to the inner parts 110 of the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102. A seat 350 is fixedly attached to an upper end of the perch 200. Between the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102, a plurality of stabilizing rods 400 are spaced in the circumferential direction around the perch 200 and connect the spiral-wound section 120 of the lower guide spring 101 to the spiral-wound section 120 of the upper guide spring 102.

Figure 9a FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of a plurality of stabilizing rods 400, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the perch 200.

The connection of the stabilizing bars 400 in the openings 122 (shown in FIG Fig. 7 and Figure 9b ) of the spirally wound sections 120 of the upper guide spring 102 and the lower guide spring 101 takes place via first elastic compensating elements 410, 410 ', for example made of natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomer, a plastic bushing or a metallic spring element, which are fastened via first fastening means 401, 402 ( shown in Figure 9b ) is arranged between a stabilizing rod 400 and a spirally wound section 120 of the lower and / or the upper guide spring 101, 102 within an opening for fastening a stabilizing rod 122.

This arrangement is also shown in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 7 in the version with a second upper guide spring 104 and a second lower guide spring 103 possible.

As a result, in the seat device 300 with spring device, at least one of the stabilizing rods 400 is arranged via at least one first elastic compensating element 410, 410 'between the spirally wound section 120 of the lower guide spring 101, 103 and the spirally wound section 120 of the upper guide spring 102, 104.

Also shows Figure 9a an optional connection of the lower guide spring 101 and / or the upper guide spring 102 via second elastic compensating elements 420, 420 ', for example made of natural or synthetic rubber, an elastomer, a plastic bushing or a metallic spring element, which is mounted between the perch 200 via second fastening means 403, 404 or a hollow cylindrical spacer element 210 and an inner section 110 of the lower and / or the upper guide spring 101, 102 is arranged. This arrangement is also shown in the exemplary embodiment Fig. 7 in the version with a second upper guide spring 104 and a second lower guide spring 103 possible.

As a result, at least one second elastic compensating element 420, 420 'is optionally arranged in the seat device 300 with spring device between the seat post 200 and the inner section 120 of at least one guide spring 101, 102, 103, 104.

Figure 9a shows as a sectional view the detail A of the connection of a stabilizing rod 400 to a spiral-wound section 120 of a guide spring 101, 102, 103 or 104 via a first elastic compensating element 410, 410 '. The first elastic compensating element 410, 410 ′ is connected via first connecting means 401, 402 within an opening 122 for fastening the stabilizing rod (for example shown in FIG Fig. 7 ) so arranged between the stabilizing rod 400 and a guide spring 101, 102, 103, 104 that the stabilizing rod 400 can be moved relative to the spiral-wound section 120 of a guide spring 101, 102, 103, 104 within a defined modulus of elasticity of the first elastic compensating element 410, 410 ' is.

Figure 9c shows as a sectional view the detail B of the connection of the perch 200 or a hollow cylindrical spacer element 210 with an inner section 110 of a guide spring 101, 102, 103 or 104 via a second elastic compensating element 420, 420 '. The second elastic compensating element 420, 420 'is arranged via second connecting means 403, 404 between the seat post 200 or the hollow cylindrical spacer element 210 and the inner section 110 of a guide spring 101, 102, 103, 104 that the inner section 110 of a guide spring 101, 102, 103, 104 can be moved relative to the perch 200 or to the hollow cylindrical spacer element 210 within the framework of a defined modulus of elasticity of the second elastic compensating element 420, 420 ′.

A conical load spring 370 is arranged between a lower end of the perch 200 and the base plate 313. In use, the conical load spring 370 creates a counterforce to any weight placed on the seat 350. The weight is indicated by a bold arrow in Fig. 10 displayed.

The upper and lower guide springs are primarily configured in such a way that they laterally guide the perch 200 within the base body 320 and introduce little axial force. In order to maintain the rigidity of the guide spring against lateral deflection even with axial deflection of the guide spring, as in Fig. 10 To reinforce shown, circumferentially arranged stabilizing rods 400 are provided. The stabilizing bars 400 are arranged symmetrically along the spiral-wound portion of the lower and upper guide springs, which ensures that the lower and upper guide springs must deflect symmetrically. As in Fig. 9 As shown, three stabilizing bars 400 can be used. However, two or more than three stabilizing bars 400 can also be provided. The use of stabilizing bars 400 has proven itself in tests and reduces the transverse deflection of the guide springs 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 with the same transverse force to less than 25% of the deflection without stabilizing bars. The additional stabilizing bars 400 can quadruple the transverse stiffness of the guide spring arrangement.

The stabilizing rods 400 extend parallel to the perch 200. The stabilizing rods 400 can be designed as threaded rods which extend through openings in the spirally wound sections of the lower and upper guide springs. In such a configuration, the spirally wound sections can be attached to the stabilizing bars between two nuts. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are alternative mounting configurations. The stabilizing bars 400 prevent the spirally wound portion from twisting in sections when it is bent from a flat shape to a conical shape, whereby the rigidity is increased.

Due to the inevitably asymmetrical nature of a coil, the use of a single upper guide spring 102 and a single lower guide spring 101 can result in asymmetrical forces and bias the seat 350 in one direction when a weight is placed on it.

In order to counteract such an asymmetry, a mechanism for a seat device 300, as in FIG Fig. 7 shown, can be used. The individual upper guide spring 101 is replaced by a pair of oppositely arranged upper guide springs 102, 104. The single lower guide spring 101 is replaced with a pair of oppositely arranged lower guide springs 101, 103. Within each pair of oppositely arranged guide springs, a guide spring is arranged with its helically wound portion 120 in the clockwise direction, the adjacent guide spring having a helical helix portion in the counterclockwise direction. To simplify the representation, in Fig. 7 only the openings 122 for attaching stabilizing rods are shown, but not the stabilizing rods themselves Fig. 7 Use the four-spring configuration shown between the individual guide springs 101,103,102,102,104 stabilizing rods.

As in Fig. 7 As shown, the central rod can consist of a solid inner seat rod 200 and outer hollow cylindrical spacer elements 210. The inner sections of the guide springs can be clamped between two outer hollow cylindrical spacer elements 210, whereby the axial alignment of the inner section of the guide spring is ensured.

With reference to Fig. 8 a seat device 300 is shown in a perspective cross-section. The seat assembly 300 uses a base 310 as shown in FIG U.S. Patent 9,894,998 which is hereby incorporated by reference. The base 310 enables a tilting movement of the seat device 300. A generally cylindrical base body 320 secures the outer parts of a lower guide spring 101 and an upper guide spring 102. The upper and lower guide springs provide for the axial movement of a perch 200. The ratio of width to height of the The spirally wound part of the guide springs is approx. 20mm to 3mm. In this ratio, the guide springs are very inelastic in terms of transverse movement and act as frictionless thrust bearings. In use, the force of the user's weight is measured from the seat 350 via the seat post 200 and a load spring 370 in a baseplate 316 of the base 310 is transferred. The main body 320 is hidden from the outside view within a bellows-shaped outer body 327.

Referring now to FIG Fig. 22 a base body 320 in the form of a spherical segment 322 is provided. An outer section 130 of an upper guide spring 102 rests on an upper opening of the spherical section 322. A lower guide spring 101 is arranged in the base body and is securely held in the base body by the inner fastening arms 323.

An embodiment based on two oppositely pretensioned guide springs 101, 102 is shown in FIG Fig. 23 shown. The outer section 130 of both the lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 is fixedly connected to an annular locking ring 380 which is arranged at an upper end of a generally cylindrical base body 320. The upper guide spring 102 is a normally flat spring that is biased into a conical shape. The inner portion 110 of the upper guide spring 102 is disposed over its outer portion 130. The lower guide spring 101 is biased in the opposite direction, with its outer section 130 being arranged above its inner section 110. The lower guide spring 101 and the upper guide spring 102 thus form two coaxial cones with near bases and distant nodes. This arrangement differs significantly from that in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 illustrated arrangement in which two conical guide springs are arranged coaxially with their vertices facing each other.

1. 1) Der vertikale Abstand zwischen der oberen Führungsfeder 102, 104 und der unteren Führungsfeder 101, 103. Je weiter auseinander die Führungsfedern 101, 102, 103, 104 angeordnet sind, desto besser widerstehen sie Querkräften.
2. 2) Der vertikale Abstand des äußeren Abschnitts 130 der Führungsfeder 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. zum inneren Abschnitt 110 der Führungsfeder 100,101, 102, 103, 104. Je näher der Innen- und Außenbereich einer Führungsfeder 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 an einer gemeinsamen Ebene liegen, desto besser widersteht sie Querkräften.
3. 3) Die Konstruktion der Führungsfeder 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, insbesondere das Verhältnis von Breite zu Höhe ihres spiralgewickelten Abschnitts. Je größer das Verhältnis von Breite zu Höhe, desto besser widersteht die Führungsfeder Querkräften.

The dynamic behavior of a seat, especially its resistance to lateral movements, can be influenced by several factors:

1. 1) The vertical distance between the upper guide spring 102, 104 and the lower guide spring 101, 103. The further apart the guide springs 101, 102, 103, 104 are arranged, the better they withstand transverse forces.
2. 2) The vertical distance of the outer section 130 of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. to the inner section 110 of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. Each The closer the inner and outer areas of a guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104 are to a common plane, the better it withstands transverse forces.
3. 3) The construction of the guide spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, particularly the ratio of width to height of its spiral wound section. The greater the ratio of width to height, the better the guide spring withstands lateral forces.

With reference to Fig. 4 shows a spiral spring with a rectangular profile in a normal conical arrangement. The spring increases in circumference. The upper end leads to the middle and serves to accommodate the perch. This has the advantage that a free space is created and the active part of the spring (the spring oscillates with its main weight on its outer diameter) can be covered in order to avoid injuries.

With reference to Fig. 5 shows a spiral spring in a normal flat arrangement made of round steel wire. It serves as a tension spring / compression spring and at the same time as a lateral guide spring. The use of spring wire is inexpensive, but requires a larger vertical distance between the springs so that the lateral recovery takes place with sufficient strength.

With reference to Figs. 24 and 25 a stool is shown in which the lower guide spring 101 is integrally formed in a base body. The base body 320 can be produced by injection molding and consists of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The upper guide spring is a normally conical spiral spring, the upper outer part of which is screwed directly onto an underside of the seat 350.

Another beneficial enhancement of the stool as in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 is in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 shown. Here, the base body 320 also includes an integrated lower guide spring that includes a helically wound portion 120 that extends more than one turn between an inner portion and an outer portion. The spirally wound section is made of an elastic material, for example (spring) steel or glass fiber reinforced plastic. The spirally wound portion can elastically deform under the action of an external force. In the previously discussed embodiments, a gap is formed between the turns of the spirally wound portion 120. In the in Figs. 26 and 27 In the illustrated embodiment, this gap is filled with an elastic material 124. The elastic material can be an elastomer, in particular rubber. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the guide spring is made of steel or fiber-reinforced plastic (a first material) and the gaps between the turns of the spiral-wound part of the guide spring are filled with rubber (a second material) which is bonded to the steel or plastic by vulcanization. The elastomer-filled guide spring offers an aesthetic design when no visible openings are desired. In addition, a possible accumulation of dirt which penetrates into the floor through the lower guide spring, as well as a possible impairment of the seat device 300 by jamming of external objects within the lower guide spring are prevented. A gap-free guide spring can prevent crushing accidents and may be necessary to comply with the safety guidelines if the guide spring is accessible from the outside.

The guide spring filled with elastomer can be formed by overmolding or vulcanizing an elastomer around a previously formed guide spring. Alternatively, an elastomer layer can be clamped between two guide springs, for example between an upper guide spring and a lower intermediate guide spring, as in FIG Fig. 7 shown.

The elastomer is chosen to be highly elastic so that the deformation of the guide spring between a flat and a conical shape is not affected. In use, the elastomer that fills the gaps in the helical section of the guide spring deforms along with the steel section of the guide spring.

Another alternative seating device 300 is shown in FIG Fig. 28 shown. Here the load spring 370 is above the upper guide spring 102 between the seat 350 and the base body 320 arranged. The guide springs 101, 102 are invisible inside the base body 320, while the load spring 370 is visible from the outside. In further embodiments, both the guide springs and the tension spring are hidden in a base (see e.g. Fig. 8 ) or all feathers are visible (see e.g. Fig. 18 ).

Figs. 29 and 30 show an arrangement of a seat device 300 with a lower guide spring 101 and an upper guide spring 102 within a generally cylindrical base body without the use of a separate tension spring.

Although the present disclosure relates to seat assemblies 300, it should be understood that the disclosed guide springs can be used to advantage in many different applications beyond seat assemblies 300 where smooth axial movement of an object in a range of axial displacement is desirable. Although the present invention has therefore been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed or illustrated embodiments, but on the contrary numerous other modifications, substitutions, variations and broadly equivalent equivalents intended to cover that fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. Seat device (300) with spring device, comprising:

   a seat bar (200) axially movable relative to a base body (320, 324),

   a lower guide spring (101) having a first inner portion (110) fixedly connected to the seat bar (200) and a second outer portion (130) fixedly connected to the base body (320, 324), the first inner portion (110) being connected to the second outer portion (130) by a spirally wound portion (120),

   and an upper guide spring (102) having a first inner portion (110) fixedly connected to the seat bar (200) and a second outer portion (130) fixedly connected to the base body (320, 324), the first inner portion (110) being connected to the second outer portion (130) through a spirally wound portion (120),

   and a plurality of stabilizing rods (400) circumferentially spaced around the seat bar (200) and connecting the spirally wound portion (120) of the lower guide spring (101) to the spirally wound portion (120) of the upper guide spring (102).
2. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing rods (400) are arranged parallel to the seat bar (200).
3. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizing rods (400) are connected through openings (122) in the spirally wound sections (120) of the lower guide spring (101) and the upper guide spring (102).
4. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the stabilizing rods (400) is arranged between the spirally wound portion (120) of the lower guide spring (101, 103) and the spirally wound portion 120 of the upper guide spring (102, 104) via at least a first elastic compensation element (410, 410').
5. Seat device (300) with spring device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second elastic compensation element (420, 420') is arranged between the seat bar (200) and the inner portion (120) and at least one guide spring (101, 102, 103, 104).
6. Seat device (300) with spring device of claim 1, further comprising:

   a lower intermediate guide spring (103) having a first inner portion (110) fixedly connected to the seat bar (200) and a second outer portion (130) fixedly connected to the base body (320, 324), the first inner portion (110) being connected to the second outer portion (130) by a spirally wound portion (120) that rotates in the opposite direction to the spirally wound portion (120) of the lower guide spring (101); and

   an upper intermediate guide spring (104) having a first inner portion (110) fixedly connected to the seat bar (200) and a second outer portion (130) fixedly connected to the base body (320, 324), wherein the first inner portion (110) is connected to the second outer portion (130) by a spirally wound portion (120) that rotates in the opposite direction to the spirally wound portion (120) of the upper guide spring (102).
7. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the seat bar (200) moves axially relative to the base body (320, 324) when a load is applied to the seat device, and wherein the guide springs (101, 102) deform from a flat spiral shape to a conical spiral shape with axial movement of the seat bar (200) relative to the base body (320, 324).
8. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein gaps formed between turns of the spirally wound portion (120) of the lower guide spring (101) and/or the upper guide spring (102) are filled with an elastomer.
9. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, further comprising a load spring (370) that opposes an axial movement of the seat bar (200) with respect to the base body (320, 324).
10. Seat device (300) having the spring device of claim 1, further comprising a load spring (370) that opposes axial movement of the rod relative to the base.
11. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 10, wherein the load spring (370) is a compression spring disposed between a lower end of the seat bar (200) and the base (310).
12. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 10, wherein the load spring (370) is a compression spring arranged around the seat bar (200) between the seat (350) and the base (310).
13. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the base body (320, 324) is formed by a plurality of arms (312) each extending from a lower end to an upper end, and wherein the upper guide spring (102, 104) is seated on the upper ends of the arms forming the base body (320, 324).
14. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the lower guide spring (101, 103) is integrally formed in the base (310).
15. Seat device (300) with spring device according to claim 1, wherein the connection of the stabilizing rods (400) in the openings of the spirally wound portions (120) is formed via elastic compensation elements (410, 420), which is arranged via fastening means between a stabilizing rod and a spirally wound portion of the lower guide spring (101) and/or the upper guide spring (102).

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