EP3620082B1 - Locking device for a pivotable seating furniture, seating furniture - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a locking device for a pivotable piece of furniture, in particular for an office or conference chair, as well as a corresponding piece of furniture, in particular an office or conference chair.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Pivotable seating furniture is usually designed to be lockable in an upright position. For example, so-called office swivel chairs are often equipped with a synchronous mechanism that allows the backrest and the seat to be pivoted. The synchronous mechanism can usually be deactivated by locking the backrest in an upright position.

A lock known internally to the applicant is designed, for example, with a pin which is mounted in a seat support and can be inserted laterally into a recess provided for this purpose in a support or link of the synchronizing mechanism. The pin has a return spring and can be inserted into the recess by means of a rotary link, whereby the return spring is tensioned. The rotary link has an over-center position in which the spring force of the return spring holds the link and thus the pin in a locked position. If the rotary link is manually reset from the over-center position, the return spring ensures that the pin is pulled out of the recess. On the one hand, however, such a lock is prone to operating errors, since it is difficult for a user to see whether the locked or unlocked position of the rotary link has just been assumed. The examples of such locking devices are from US6488336B1 , EP2745740A1 and GB2405086A known. In addition, turning is a comparatively uncomfortable actuation for locking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of specifying a locking device and a corresponding pivotable piece of furniture with improved operability.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a locking device with the features of claim 1 and / or by a piece of seating furniture with the features of claim 6.

The idea on which the present invention is based consists in providing a guide element of a locking device such that it can be displaced through a pivotable carrier arrangement, preferably transversely, and a locking element is provided thereon, spring-mounted, movable in both directions. In this way, on the one hand, very simple operability is made possible only by lateral displacement of the guide element and, on the other hand, automatic adjustment of the locking element relative to the guide element in both directions is ensured by the two springs. Thus, in spite of the very simple operability, the locking element is only adjusted if this is provided by the pivotable carrier arrangement. In addition, the ease of use is increased because all that is required for adjustment is a lateral pressure to move the guide element, without the need for a rotary movement.

Advantageous refinements and developments emerge from the further subclaims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

According to the invention, a first actuation section is arranged on a first end of the guide element and a second actuation section is arranged on a second end of the guide element opposite the first end. The guide element is in the first position and through by actuating the first actuating section Actuation of the second actuation section adjustable in the second position. The locking device thus has two actuating sections on opposite sides, a first actuating section being provided exclusively for the locking function and the second actuating section being provided exclusively for releasing. In this way, a very intuitive operating logic is provided and operating errors are effectively avoided.

The locking device is preferably arranged in such a way that the first actuation section and the second actuation section can be actuated manually by a person sitting on the seating furniture. The actuation sections are thus advantageously easily accessible for operation.

According to a further development, the first actuation section and the second actuation section are mounted displaceably together with the guide element in the carrier arrangement. For example, it can be keys received in the carrier arrangement. In this way, the actuation sections can be integrated into the carrier arrangement, which on the one hand reduces the often confusing number of operating levers on a piece of furniture, especially office or conference chairs, and on the other hand is particularly advantageous from a design point of view.

According to one embodiment, the first actuation section and the second actuation section have latching means which are designed for reversible non-positive latching with counter latching means provided on the carrier arrangement in the first position or in the second position. As an alternative or in addition to the actuating sections in FIG. 3, the guide element can also have corresponding latching elements. In this way, the guide element is advantageously automatically held in the respective position which is taken by operating an operating portion.

According to an advantageous development, the latching means and counter-latching means are designed such that a latching force higher than a spring force that builds up when the guide element is moved is provided and can be overcome by manual actuation of the first or second actuation section. Thus, an easy-to-use and intuitively functioning manner of operation is provided.

According to the invention, the carrier arrangement has recesses in the region of the guide element, into which the first actuation section in the first position and the second actuation section in the second position can, at least essentially, be sunk. In this way, the actuation section that is actuated is sunk with the actuation. Incorrect operation is advantageously excluded as a result of the countersinking, since the respective actuating section is countersunk in a position in which it is not intended to be operated and thus cannot be actuated. In a position in which the respective actuating section is intended to be operated, it protrudes from the recess and can be actuated. In this way, an intuitive and safe operating concept is provided.

According to one embodiment, the carrier arrangement has a release recess for releasing the locking element in the released position. In this way, the locking element can move freely in the predetermined manner in the released position. When the guide element is moved into a first position provided for locking, the locking element is correspondingly spring-preloaded so that it automatically engages when a pivot position of the carrier arrangement provided for locking is reached. For example, the locking element can latch onto a locking edge of a carrier and thus block the pivotability of the carrier. In a further embodiment, it would also be conceivable to provide a locking recess for locking the locking element in a carrier of the carrier arrangement.

According to one embodiment of a chair, the locking device has a release recess for releasing the locking element in the released position, the carrier arrangement having a pivotable backrest support, and the release recess and the locking element being designed such that when the guide element is moved from the first position to the second position the locking element is held non-positively in the locked position against the spring force when the backrest support is loaded, and is released for release when the backrest support is relieved, so that it can be moved into the release recess. In this way, regardless of the operation of the locking device, it is ensured that the locking element is only displaced in a situation in which this is provided by the carrier arrangement. In this way, safe operation of the chair is guaranteed.

According to a further development, the release recess is arranged in such a way that the locking element can only be locked in a position of the backrest carrier that is required for the upright position of a backrest provided on the backrest carrier. Thus, the seating furniture can either be blocked in the upright position or released for pivoting.

The above configurations and developments can be combined with one another as desired, provided that it makes sense. Further possible configurations, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention that are not explicitly mentioned above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1A

eine schematische Darstellung einer Arretierungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 1B

die Arretierungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1A mit verschobenem Führungselement;

Fig. 1C

die Arretierungsvorrichtung nach Fig. 1B mit verstelltem Sperrelement;

Fig. 2

eine Querschnittdarstellung einer Arretierungsvorrichtung für einen Büro- oder Konferenzstuhl;

Fig. 3

einen Bürodrehstuhl mit einer Schwenkmechanik;

Fig. 4

eine Querschnittdarstellung einer Schwenkmechanik des Bürodrehstuhls nach Fig. 3; und

Fig. 5

eine Längsschnittdarstellung der Schwenkmechanik nach Fig. 4.

The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments specified in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1A

a schematic representation of a locking device;

Figure 1B

the locking device according to Figure 1A with displaced guide element;

Figure 1C

the locking device according to Figure 1B with adjusted locking element;

Fig. 2

a cross-sectional view of a locking device for an office or conference chair;

Fig. 3

an office swivel chair with a swivel mechanism;

Fig. 4

a cross-sectional view of a swivel mechanism of the office swivel chair Fig. 3 ; and

Fig. 5

a longitudinal sectional view of the pivot mechanism according to Fig. 4 .

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned emerge with a view to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale with one another.

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

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a locking device 1.

It is a locking device 1 for a pivotable piece of furniture. The locking device 1 has a pivotable carrier arrangement 2.

The carrier arrangement 2 can be part of a pivot mechanism for pivotable seating furniture. In the embodiment shown, the carrier arrangement comprises, for example, a first carrier 2A, which has a left and a right arm, which are shown here in cross section. In addition, a second carrier 2B is provided, which is coupled to the first carrier 2A so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 16.

A guide element 3, which is slidably received therein, extends through the carrier arrangement 2. A locking element 4 is again movable on the guide element mounted between a first spring 5 and a second spring 6. The springs 5, 6 are arranged on opposite sides of the locking element 4 and are each supported on the guide element 3 at their end facing away from the locking element 4. The guide element 3 is mounted displaceably in the carrier arrangement 2 and has two end positions. In a first position, the first spring 5 presses the locking element 4 into a position that locks the carrier arrangement 2 through its support on the guide element 3. In a second position, the second spring 6, by being supported on the guide element 3, presses the locking element 4 into a position released from the carrier arrangement 2.

The locking device is shown here in a state in which the locking element is arranged centrally between the springs 5, 6, so that a predetermined pretensioning of the springs 5, 6 here mutually cancel one another. The guide element 3 is in the second position here. The locking element 4 is already in the released position and is therefore free of force. In the embodiment shown, for this purpose it is arranged in a release recess 15 so that the carriers 2A, 2B can be pivoted relative to one another.

On the left-hand side in the illustration, a first actuating section 7 of the guide element is provided at a first end thereof. A second end of the guide element 3 opposite the first end has a second actuation section 8. The actuating sections are mounted in the carrier arrangement 2 so as to be displaceable together with the guide element 3.

From the arrangement shown, the guide element 3 is removed by actuating the first actuating section 7, ie by pressing the first actuating section 7, which moves the guide element 3 in the longitudinal direction, adjustable in the first position. The blocking element 4, which is embodied in the manner of a sleeve and is threaded onto the guide element, follows the adjustment by the forces transmitted via the springs 5, 6, provided that the position of the carrier arrangement 2 allows this.

Figure 1B shows the locking device Figure 1A with displaced guide element 3.

By moving the guide element 3, the first spring 5 is tensioned and the second spring 6 is relaxed. A force pressing the blocking element 4 in a direction pointing to the right in the illustration thus acts on the blocking element 4. In this direction, a locking edge 17 of the carrier arrangement 2 is provided, in which the blocking element 4 can engage in a position of the carrier arrangement 2 provided for this purpose. In the embodiment shown, this is, for example, a predetermined pivoting position of the first carrier 2A relative to the second carrier 2B, in which the locking element can engage on the locking edge 17.

As in Figure 1B the first carrier 2A and the second carrier 2B are thus initially still freely pivoted with respect to one another. Once the predetermined position has been reached, the locking element 4 automatically engages on the locking edge 17 due to the spring preload of the first spring 5.

Figure 1C shows the locking device Figure 1B with adjusted locking element 4.

Correspondingly, the locking element 4 is in engagement with the locking edge 17 and thus locks the carrier arrangement 2 or the carriers 2A and 2B with respect to one another.

The locking can be released again by actuating the second actuating section 8, here by pressing the actuating section 8, so that the guide element 3 returns to the second position according to FIG Figure 1A is moved. In this way, the second spring 6 is tensioned and the first spring 5 is relaxed.

A movement of the locking element 4 back into the release recess 15 can be inhibited by friction with the locking edge 17, provided that a moment is exerted on the pivotable carrier arrangement 2. However, if the carrier arrangement is moment-free, the locking element 4 can be pressed back into the release recess 15 by the spring preload.

In the embodiment shown, the guide element 3 is, purely by way of example, a round bolt mounted displaceably in the carrier arrangement 2. This is received in two lateral bores provided in the first carrier 2A. In further embodiments, other cross-sections and geometries of the guide element and its mounting in the carrier arrangement 2 are possible. For example, the guide element 3 can be provided as a profile rail and a bearing in the carrier arrangement that is shaped in accordance with the profile.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a locking device 1 for an office or conference chair.

The locking device 1 is based on the same functional principle as with reference to FIG Figures 1A to 1C described. In contrast to Figures 1A to 1C However, the actuation sections 7, 8 here have a button-like shape adapted to the carrier arrangement 2 and are also designed to be continued into the carrier arrangement 2. The actuating sections 7, 8 are thus here at the same time a mounting of the guide element 3 in the carrier arrangement 2.

In addition to the button-like shape of the actuating sections 7 and 8, these are thus designed as a sleeve closed on one side, in which the guide element 3 is received with its ends. An open end of the sleeve remains inserted into the carrier arrangement 2 in every position of the guide element 3.

The actuating sections 7 and 8 are also provided with latching means 9, 10 in the area of the open end of the sleeve. The locking means 9, 10 are used for reversible non-positive locking with the corresponding counter-locking means 11, 12 provided on the carrier arrangement 2 the locking means 10 of the second confirmation section 8 are locked with the corresponding counter-locking means 11, as can be seen in the illustration on the left side of the locking device 1.

The latching means 9, 10 and counter-latching means 11, 12 are arranged and dimensioned in such a way that a latching force is higher than a spring force that builds up when the guide element 3 is displaced. The latching force can, however, be overcome by manual actuation of the first or second actuation section 7, 8. There are thus 2 defined operating positions which can be assumed by pressing the actuating sections 7, 8 in the manner of a button.

In addition, the latching means 9, 10 in the present embodiment also have a further function as a stopper. These therefore serve the additional purpose that an actuating element 7, 8 cannot fall out of the carrier arrangement 2. For this purpose, an opening or bore in the first carrier 2A is formed with a diameter corresponding to the sleeve of the first actuating element 7, while the latching means 9 of the first actuating element 7 protrude radially beyond it. In this way, the first actuating element 7 is held in the illustrated second position in the first carrier 2A. In the same way, the second actuating element 8 is held in the first carrier 2a in the first position.

The actuating sections 7, 8 are designed here with their button-like shape in such a way that, in an actuated position, they fit into the geometry of the first carrier 2A. For this purpose, the carrier arrangement 2 has recesses 13, 14 provided in the region of the guide element 3, into which the first actuating section 7 can be lowered in the first position and the second actuating section 8 in the second position. In the embodiment shown, they are thus approximately flush with the first carrier 2A, as in FIG Fig. 2 can be seen on the left-hand side by means of the recessed second actuation section 8.

For this purpose, the recesses 13, 14 are designed here, for example, as pockets in the first carrier 2A that are shaped to correspond to the shape of the actuating sections 7, 8. Since the first carrier 2A has an outer surface running obliquely to the guide element 3 in cross section, an outer surface of the actuating sections 7, 8 is also designed obliquely.

As with Figures 1A to 1C described, carrier arrangement 2 has a release recess 15 for releasing the locking element 4 in the released position. This is provided in the second carrier 2B and allows the Locking element 4 has sufficient freedom of movement for pivoting the supports 2A, 2B with respect to one another. In addition, a locking edge 17 is also provided here for locking, which however does not require any special shaping in the second carrier 2B, but here represents an outer edge of the carrier 2B. In addition, the locking element 4 is designed asymmetrically here with a locking section 18 and a sliding section 19. The locking section 18 is supported in a locked position on the locking edge 17 and thus locks the first carrier 2A relative to the second carrier 2B. In the released position shown, the locking section 18 is located in the release recess 15. The sliding section 19 slides along an inner surface of the first carrier 2A when adjusted and is provided for defining a range of motion of the locking element 4, as well as a given by two stop lugs provided on the inner surface To prevent rotation of the locking element 4.

Such a locking device 1 is designed for integration into a swivel mechanism of an office or conference chair, for example an office swivel chair.

Fig. 3 shows an office swivel chair 20 with a swivel mechanism 21.

Of course, the principle described here can be transferred to different types of seating furniture, in particular different types of swiveling office or conference chairs.

The pivot mechanism 21 has a locking device 1, as it is in relation to Fig. 2 is described.

The office swivel chair 20 also has a seat surface 24 and a backrest 23, which via the swivel mechanism 21 are pivotably coupled to one another. The office swivel chair 20 also has a swivel base 25 and two side armrests 26.

The backrest 23 is coupled to the swivel mechanism 21 via a backrest support 22, which is connected to the first support 2A of the locking device 1. The second carrier 2B is arranged on a base section 27 of the pivot mechanism 21 connected to the swivel base 25.

The locking device 1 is arranged below the seat surface 24. Due to the relatively wide configuration of the first carrier 2A, the first actuation section 7 and the second actuation section 8 can be manually actuated by a person sitting on the seat surface 24.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a swivel mechanism 21 of an office swivel chair Fig. 3 .

As can be seen clearly in this view, the backrest support 22 is connected in one piece to the first support 2A of the locking device 1. The first carrier 2A is in turn pivotably coupled to the second carrier 2B embodied as part of the seat base 27 via two bearing bolts 28. Furthermore, the first carrier 2A is pivotably coupled via two further bearing bolts 29 to a seat carrier 30 which carries the seat surface 24. In addition to a seat cushion, the seat surface 24 also has a seat shell 31 coupled to the seat support. Furthermore, the armrest supports 32 attached to the side are connected to the seat support 30.

Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the pivot mechanism 21 according to FIG Fig. 4 .

The locking function of the pivot mechanism 21 can be clearly seen in this longitudinal sectional view.

The release recess 15 and the locking element 4 are designed in such a way that when the guide element 3 is moved from the first position to the second position, the locking element 4 is held in the locking position in a force-locking manner against the spring force, when the backrest support 22 is loaded, and for releasing is released when the backrest support 22 is relieved, so that it can be displaced into the release recess. Furthermore, the release recess 15 is arranged in such a way that the locking element 4 can only be locked in a position of the backrest support 22 required for the upright position of a backrest 23 provided on the backrest support 22.

This functionality is made possible by the geometry shown here of the locking element 4 with the locking section 18 and the sliding section 19 as well as the second carrier 2B with the release recess 15 and the locking edge 17. The non-positive holding of the locking element 4 in the locking position against the spring force is provided by frictional contact between the locking section 18 and the locking edge 17 when the backrest support 22 is loaded. Once the locking element 4 is in the release recess, a return to the locked position of the locking element 4 is blocked by the locking edge 17 as long as the backrest 23 is not upright. The sliding section 19 always ensures that the locking element 4 does not tilt between the supports 2A, 2B.

Furthermore, different types of profiles, rods or other longitudinally displaceable elements would be conceivable as guide element 3, for example, in further embodiments in another area, for example in a central section, has a different configuration, for example a differently shaped cross-section.

In addition, the mounting in the carrier arrangement 2 can also be configured in various ways. In particular, a recess in the support arrangement 2 for mounting is designed to be adapted to the cross-sectional profile of the guide element 3. Furthermore, additional bearing elements adapted to the geometry of the guide element 3 can be provided in the carrier arrangement 2, for example in the form of plain bearing bushes or the like.

List of reference symbols

1

Locking device

2

Carrier arrangement

3

Guide element

4th

Locking element

5

first spring

6th

second spring

7th

first operating section

8th

second operating section

9

Locking means

10

Locking means

11

Counter-locking means

12th

Counter-locking means

13th

Recess

14th

Recess

15th

Release recess

16

Swivel axis

17th

Barrier edge

18th

Locking section

19th

Sliding section

20th

Seating

21

Swivel mechanism

22nd

Backrest

23

backrest

24

Seat

25th

Swivel base

26th

armrest

27

Base section

28

Bearing pin

29

Bearing pin

30th

Seat support

31

Seat shell

32

Armrest supports

Claims (8)

1. Locking device (1) for a pivotable piece of seating furniture, in particular for an office or conference chair, comprising:

   a pivotable carrier arrangement (2);

   a guide element (3) extending displaceably through the carrier arrangement (2);

   a blocking element (4) movably mounted on the guide element (3); and

   a first spring (5) and a second spring (6), which are arranged on opposite faces of the blocking element (4) and are each braced on the guide element (3) at an end remote from the blocking element (4),

   the guide element (3) being mounted displaceably in the carrier arrangement (2) so as to be displaceable into a first position, in which the first spring (5) presses the blocking element (4) into a position locking the carrier arrangement (2), and into a second position, in which the second spring (6) presses the blocking element (4) into a position detached from the carrier arrangement (2), a first actuation portion (7) being arranged at a first end of the guide element (3) and a second actuation portion (8) being arranged at a second end of the guide element (3) opposite the first end, the guide element (3) being adjustable into the first position by actuating the first actuation portion (7) and into the second position by actuating the second actuation portion (8), characterised in that the carrier arrangement (2) has, in the region of the guide element (3), recesses (13, 14) in which the first actuation portion (7), in the first position, and the second actuation portion (8), in the second position, can be at least substantially lowered and non-actuable.
2. Device according to claim 1,
   wherein the first actuation portion (7) and the second actuation portion (8) are mounted displacebly in the carrier arrangement (2) together with the guide element (3).
3. Device according to either claim 1 or claim 2,
   wherein the guide element (3) and/or the first actuation portion (7) and the second actuation portion (8) have latch means (9, 10), which are formed for reversible non-positive latching to counter latch means (11, 12), provided on the carrier arrangement (2), in the first position or in the second position.
4. Device according to claim 3,
   wherein the latch means (9, 10) and counter latch means (11, 12) are configured in such a way that a latch force higher than a spring force built up by displacing the guide element (3) is provided and can be overcome by manual actuation of the first or second actuation portion (7, 8).
5. Device according to any of the preceding claims,
   wherein the carrier arrangement (2) has a release recess (15) for releasing the blocking element (4) in the detached position.
6. Piece of seating furniture (20), in particular office or conference chair, comprising a pivot mechanism (21) which has a locking device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.
7. Piece of seating furniture according to claim 6,
   wherein the locking device (1) according to claim 5 is formed, wherein the carrier arrangement (2) has a pivotable backrest carrier (22), and wherein the release arrangement (15) and the blocking element (4) are formed in such a way that, when the guide element (3) is displaced from the first position into the second position, the blocking element (4) is held in the locking position in a non-positive fit counter to the spring force when the backrest (22) is loaded, and is released for detachment, so as to be displaceable into the release recess, when the backrest (22) is unloaded.
8. Piece of seating furniture according to claim 7,
   wherein the release recess (15) is arranged in such a way that locking of the blocking element (4) is only enabled in a position of the backrest carrier (22) required for upright positioning of a backrest (23) provided on the backrest carrier (22).

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