US20140333099A1 - Linkage mechanism and reclining chair having same - Google Patents

Linkage mechanism and reclining chair having same Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140333099A1
US20140333099A1 US14/104,997 US201314104997A US2014333099A1 US 20140333099 A1 US20140333099 A1 US 20140333099A1 US 201314104997 A US201314104997 A US 201314104997A US 2014333099 A1 US2014333099 A1 US 2014333099A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
link
end portion
footrest
pivotally connected
linkage
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Abandoned
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US14/104,997
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English (en)
Inventor
Guo-Qiu Lu
Hai-Gang Sheng
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HHC Changzhou Corp
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HHC Changzhou Corp
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Priority to US14/104,997 priority Critical patent/US20140333099A1/en
Assigned to HHC CHANGZHOU INC reassignment HHC CHANGZHOU INC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LU, Guo-qiu, SHENG, Hai-gang
Publication of US20140333099A1 publication Critical patent/US20140333099A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • A47C1/031—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts
    • A47C1/034—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts including a leg-rest or foot-rest
    • A47C1/035—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts including a leg-rest or foot-rest in combination with movably coupled seat and back-rest, i.e. the seat and back-rest being movably coupled in such a way that the extension mechanism of the foot-rest is actuated at least by the relative movements of seat and backrest
    • A47C1/0355—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts including a leg-rest or foot-rest in combination with movably coupled seat and back-rest, i.e. the seat and back-rest being movably coupled in such a way that the extension mechanism of the foot-rest is actuated at least by the relative movements of seat and backrest actuated by linkages, e.g. lazy-tongs mechanisms
    • 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
    • A47C1/031—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts
    • A47C1/034—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts including a leg-rest or foot-rest
    • A47C1/035—Reclining or easy chairs having coupled concurrently adjustable supporting parts the parts including a leg-rest or foot-rest in combination with movably coupled seat and back-rest, i.e. the seat and back-rest being movably coupled in such a way that the extension mechanism of the foot-rest is actuated at least by the relative movements of seat and backrest

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to a reclining chair, and more particular to a linkage mechanism and a reclining chair having the linkage mechanism.
  • a reclining chair usually has a seat, a backrest, a pair of footrests and a pair of linkage mechanisms operably moveable among three positions, a fully upright position, a TV position and a fully reclined position. In the TV position, the seat and backrest are partially reclined and the footrest extended, while in the fully reclined position, the seat and backrest are fully reclined and the footrest extended.
  • a conventional linkage mechanism includes a motor bellcrank having one end pivotally connected to a lift link that is in turn pivotally connected to a base mounting plate, the other end pivotally connected to a motor pivot bracket coupled to the motor, and a middle portion pivotally connected to a front lift link to define a fulcrum pivot therein.
  • the fulcrum pivot moves when the linkage mechanism is driven from one position to another position, which may cause the linkage mechanism to flex and fatigue during the operation and also the rear motor drive pivots upward to move close to the reclining chair when cycled.
  • the invention in one aspect, relates to a linkage mechanism used in a reclining chair having an upright position, a TV position, and a fully reclined position.
  • the linkage mechanism includes a base mounting plate for fixedly mounting the linkage mechanism onto a base assembly of the reclining chair; a backrest mounting bracket pivotally coupled to the base mounting plate; a seat mounting link having a front end portion and a rear end portion pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, and disposed movably relative to the base mounting plate; a footrest linkage pivotally coupled to the seat mounting link, a footrest drive mechanism pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, the base mounting plate and the backrest mounting bracket for driving the footrest linkage operably between a retracted position and an TV position; and a reclining drive mechanism pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, the base mounting plate and the footrest drive mechanism, for driving the reclining chair to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of the upright position, the TV position, and the fully reclined position.
  • the reclining drive mechanism has a reclining link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the backrest mounting bracket; a front pivot link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the second end portion of the reclining link and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the base mounting plate; a lever link having a first end portion and a second end portion defining a middle portion therebetween, wherein the middle portion of the lever link is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate to define a fulcrum pivot therein, wherein the fulcrum pivot is operably non-movable relative to the base mounting plate; a connecting link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the reclining link at a position between the first and second end portions of the reclining link of the lever link, and a second end portion pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever link; and a rear motor drive bracket having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first end portion of the lever link, and a second end portion fixedly coupled to a linear actuator assembly for driving the lever link rot
  • the footrest linkage comprises a scissor-type linkage.
  • the footrest linkage comprises a first front footrest link, a second front footrest link, a first rear footrest link, a second rear footrest link and a footrest mounting bracket, each footrest link having a first end portion and a second end, wherein the first end portions of the first and second front footrest links and are pivotally connected to the footrest mounting bracket, and the second end portions of the first and second front footrest links and are pivotally connected to the first end portions of the first and second rear footrest links and, respectively, wherein the second front footrest link is pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link, wherein the second end portion of the first rear footrest link is pivotally connected to the front end portion of the seat mounting link, and wherein the second end portion of the second rear footrest link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting link at a position proximate to the front end portion of the seat mounting link.
  • the footrest drive mechanism comprises: a footrest drive link having a first end portion pivotally connected to pivotally connected to the second rear footrest link at a position proximate to the second end portion of the second rear footrest link, and a second end portion; a rear stop link having a first end portion fixed mounted to the backrest mounting bracket, a second end portion and a guide slot formed at the second end portion; a rear pivot plate pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, a second end portion of the base mounting plate, a second end portion of the footrest drive link via the guide slot of the rear stop link; a wheel link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the rear pivot plate; and a wheel control link having a first end portion and a second end portion pivotally connected to the base mounting plate and the wheel link, respectively.
  • the linkage mechanism further comprises a front motor drive bracket having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link at a position between the first and second end portions of the first rear footrest link, and a second end portion fixedly coupled to the linear actuator assembly.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a reclining chair comprising the reclining chair frame as disclosed above.
  • the invention in yet another aspect, relates to a reclining chair.
  • the reclining chair includes a base assembly; a pair of linkage mechanisms coupled to the base assembly, wherein the pair of linkage mechanisms is disposed on either side of the reclining chair, and is substantially identical and mirror images of one another, and is interconnected to one another; and a linear actuator assembly coupled to the pair of linkage mechanisms for operably driving the reclining chair to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of an upright position, a TV position, and a fully reclined position,
  • Each linkage mechanism includes a base mounting plate for fixedly mounting the linkage mechanism onto a base assembly of the reclining chair; a backrest mounting bracket pivotally coupled to the base mounting plate; a seat mounting link having a front end portion and a rear end portion pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, and disposed movably relative to the base mounting plate; a footrest linkage pivotally coupled to the seat mounting link, a footrest drive mechanism pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, the base mounting plate and the backrest mounting bracket for driving the footrest linkage operably between a retracted position and an TV position; and a reclining drive mechanism pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, the base mounting plate and the footrest drive mechanism, for driving the reclining chair to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of the upright position, the TV position, and the fully reclined position.
  • the reclining drive mechanism has a reclining link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the backrest mounting bracket; a front pivot link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the second end portion of the reclining link and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the base mounting plate; a lever link having a first end portion and a second end portion defining a middle portion therebetween, wherein the middle portion of the lever link is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate to define a fulcrum pivot therein, wherein the fulcrum pivot is operably non-movable relative to the base mounting plate; a connecting link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the reclining link at a position between the first and second end portions of the reclining link of the lever link, and a second end portion pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever link; and a rear motor drive bracket having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first end portion of the lever link, and a second end portion fixedly coupled to a linear actuator assembly for driving the lever link rot
  • the footrest linkage comprises a scissor-type linkage.
  • the footrest linkage comprises a first front footrest link, a second front footrest link, a first rear footrest link, a second rear footrest link and a footrest mounting bracket, each footrest link having a first end portion and a second end, wherein the first end portions of the first and second front footrest links and are pivotally connected to the footrest mounting bracket, and the second end portions of the first and second front footrest links and are pivotally connected to the first end portions of the first and second rear footrest links and, respectively, wherein the second front footrest link is pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link, wherein the second end portion of the first rear footrest link is pivotally connected to the front end portion of the seat mounting link, and wherein the second end portion of the second rear footrest link is pivotally connected to the seat mounting link at a position proximate to the front end portion of the seat mounting link.
  • the footrest drive mechanism comprises: a footrest drive link having a first end portion pivotally connected to pivotally connected to the second rear footrest link at a position proximate to the second end portion of the second rear footrest link, and a second end portion; a rear stop link having a first end portion fixed mounted to the backrest mounting bracket, a second end portion and a guide slot formed at the second end portion; a rear pivot plate pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket, a second end portion of the base mounting plate, a second end portion of the footrest drive link via the guide slot of the rear stop link; a wheel link having a first end portion pivotally connected to the rear pivot plate; and a wheel control link having a first end portion and a second end portion pivotally connected to the base mounting plate and the wheel link, respectively.
  • the linkage mechanism further comprises a front motor drive bracket having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link at a position between the first and second end portions of the first rear footrest link, and a second end portion fixedly coupled to the linear actuator assembly.
  • the linear actuator assembly comprises: a front motor drive tube having a first end and a second end rigidly attached to the second end portions of the front motor drive brackets of the pair of linkage mechanisms, respectively; a rear motor drive tube having a first end and a second end rigidly attached to the second end portions of the rear motor drive brackets of the pair of linkage mechanisms, respectively; a front motor pivot bracket pivotally attached to a middle portion of the front motor drive tube; a rear motor attaching bracket rigidly attached to a middle portion of the rear motor drive tube; an actuator housing disposed between the front motor pivot bracket and the rear motor attaching bracket; an actuator yoke rigidly attached to the rear motor attaching bracket; and a linear actuator, wherein the linear actuator and the actuator yoke are slidably connected via the actuator housing.
  • the base assembly comprises: a pair of support frames disposed the lateral sides of the reclining chair in parallel; and a pair of rockers, wherein each rocker is mounted to a respective support frame, and has a mounting plate onto which the base mounting plate of the linkage mechanism is rigidly mounted.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically a perspective view of a reclining chair having a pair of linkage mechanisms according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2A shows a side-view of the linkage mechanism utilized in the reclining chair in an upright position shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 2B shows a side-view of a reclining drive mechanism of the linkage mechanism in the upright position shown in FIG. 2A .
  • FIG. 2C shows a side-view of the reclining chair shown in FIG. 1 having the linkage mechanism in the upright position.
  • FIG. 3A shows a side-view of the linkage mechanism utilized in the reclining chair in a TV position shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3B shows a side-view of a reclining drive mechanism of the linkage mechanism in the TV position shown in FIG. 3A .
  • FIG. 3C shows a side-view of the reclining chair shown in FIG. 1 having the linkage mechanism in the TV position.
  • FIG. 4A shows a side-view of the linkage mechanism utilized in the reclining chair in a fully reclined position shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4B shows a side-view of a reclining drive mechanism of the linkage mechanism in the fully reclined position shown in FIG. 4A .
  • FIG. 4C shows a side-view of the reclining chair shown in FIG. 1 having the linkage mechanism in the fully reclined position.
  • first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the invention.
  • relative terms such as “lower” or “bottom” and “upper” or “top,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower”, can therefore, encompasses both an orientation of “lower” and “upper,” depending of the particular orientation of the figure.
  • “around”, “about”, “substantially” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the term “around”, “about” “substantially” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.
  • this invention in one aspect, relates to a linkage mechanism and a reclining chair having the linkage mechanism.
  • the reclining chair operably has an upright position, a TV position and a fully reclined position.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 includes a base mounting plate 130 , a backrest mounting bracket 140 , a seat mounting link 120 , a footrest linkage, and a footrest drive mechanism, and a reclining drive mechanism.
  • the base mounting plate 130 is adapted for fixedly (or rigidly) mounting (or attaching) the linkage mechanism 100 onto a base assembly of the reclining chair.
  • the backrest mounting bracket 140 is pivotally coupled to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the seat mounting link 120 has a front end portion and a rear end portion, and is disposed movably relative to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 is pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, while the rear end portion of the seat mounting link 120 is pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 .
  • the footrest linkage is pivotally coupled to the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the footrest linkage is a scissor-type linkage.
  • the footrest linkage comprises a first front footrest link 104 , a second front footrest link 106 , a first rear footrest link 104 , a second rear footrest link 104 and a footrest mounting bracket 102 .
  • Each footrest link has a first end portion and a second end. The first end portions of the first and second front footrest links 104 and 106 are pivotally connected to the footrest mounting bracket 102 .
  • the second end portions of the first and second front footrest links 104 and 106 are pivotally connected to the first end portions of the first and second rear footrest links 108 and 110 , respectively.
  • the second front footrest link 106 is pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link 108 .
  • the second end portion of the first rear footrest link 108 is pivotally connected to the front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the second end portion of the second rear footrest link 110 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting link 120 at a position proximate to the front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the footrest drive mechanism is pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, the base mounting plate 130 and the backrest mounting bracket 140 for driving the footrest linkage operably between a retracted position and a TV position.
  • the footrest drive mechanism in this exemplary embodiment includes a footrest drive link 122 having a first end portion pivotally connected to pivotally connected to the second rear footrest link 110 at a position proximate to the second end portion of the second rear footrest link 110 , and a second end portion; a rear stop link 144 having a first end portion fixed mounted to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , a second end portion and a guide slot 144 a formed at the second end portion; a rear pivot plate 142 pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , a second end portion of the base mounting plate 130 , a second end portion of the footrest drive link 122 via the guide slot 144 a of the rear stop link 144 ; a wheel link 146 having a first end portion pivotally connected to the rear pivot plate 142 ; and
  • the reclining drive mechanism is pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , the base mounting plate 130 and the footrest drive mechanism, for driving the reclining chair to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of the upright position, the TV position, and the fully reclined position.
  • the reclining drive mechanism has a reclining link 132 , a front pivot link 134 , a lever link 136 , a connecting link 138 , and a rear motor drive bracket 160 .
  • the reclining link 132 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the front pivot link 134 .
  • the front pivot link 134 has the first end portion pivotally connected to the second end portion of the reclining link 132 and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the lever link 136 has a first end portion and a second end portion defining a middle portion therebetween.
  • the middle portion of the lever link 136 is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate 130 to define a fulcrum pivot 136 c therein.
  • the fulcrum pivot 136 c is operably non-movable relative to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the connecting link 138 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the reclining link 132 at a position 138 a between the first and second end portions of the reclining link 132 of the lever link 136 , and a second end portion pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever link 136 .
  • the rear motor drive bracket 160 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the first end portion of the lever link 136 , and a second end portion fixedly coupled to a linear actuator assembly for driving the lever link 136 rotatably around the fulcrum pivot 136 c , so as to drive the reclining chair to be in the desired position.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 also includes a front motor drive bracket 150 having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link 108 at a position between the first and second end portions of the first rear footrest link 108 , and a second end portion fixedly coupled to the linear actuator assembly.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 is made from durable materials such as steel, alloy, plastic, wood, or any combination of them, as known to people skilled in the art.
  • FIGS. 1 , 2 A- 2 C, 3 A- 3 C and 4 A- 4 C a reclining chair or seating unit 10 is schematically shown according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • the reclining chair 10 includes a base assembly placed on a floor, a pair of linkage mechanisms 100 coupled to the base assembly, a backrest 196 , a seat 198 and a footrest 102 supported by the linkage mechanism 100 , armrests 194 mounted onto the base assembly, and a linear actuator assembly coupled to the pair of linkage mechanisms for operably driving the reclining chair 10 to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of an upright or close position, a semi-reclined or TV position, and a fully reclined position.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 has a scissor-type footrest linkage assembly that is operably movable in a retracted position and an extended position, and is configured such that the seat 198 , the backrest 196 and the footrest 102 are movable among the upright position, the TV position, and the fully reclined position.
  • the closed position is generally a normal non-reclined sitting position with the seat 198 in a generally horizontal position and the backrest 196 generally upright and in a substantial, perpendicular-biased relation to the seat 198 .
  • the scissor-type footrest linkage and the footrests 102 are in a refracted position.
  • the footrest linkage and the footrests 102 are extended forward and disposed generally horizontal, while the backrest 196 remains substantially perpendicular to the seat 198 .
  • the backrest 196 and the seat 198 define an angle, a, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C .
  • the scissor-type footrest linkage and the footrests 102 are in an extended position.
  • the backrest 196 is rotated rearward by the linkage mechanism 100 and biased in a rearward inclination angle, ⁇ , in relation to the seat 198 , where ⁇ > ⁇ , as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C .
  • the scissor-type footrest linkage and the footrests 102 are also in the extended position.
  • the base assembly includes a pair of support frames 190 parallel-placed on a floor at two lateral sides of the reclining chair 10 , and a pair of rockers 180 .
  • Each rocker 180 is mounted onto a respective support frame 190 , and has a mounting plate 182 onto which the base mounting plate 130 of the linkage mechanism 100 is rigidly mounted.
  • the pair of linkage mechanisms 100 is located on opposite sides of the reclining chair 10 and interconnected by appropriate cross pieces, as necessary, for example, a front motor drive tube 152 and a rear motor drive tube 162 . Since the pair of linkage mechanisms 100 on either side of the reclining chair are substantially identical and mirror images of one another, as shown in FIG. 1 , only one linkage mechanism 100 is described herein for the purposes of simplicity.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 includes a base mounting plate 130 , a backrest mounting bracket 140 , a seat mounting link 120 , a footrest linkage, and a footrest drive mechanism, and a reclining drive mechanism.
  • the base mounting plate 130 is fixedly (or rigidly) mounted (or attached) onto the mounting plate 182 of the rocker 180 of the base assembly of the reclining chair 10 .
  • the backrest mounting bracket 140 is adapted for supporting and holding the backrest 196 and pivotally coupled to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the seat mounting link 120 is adapted for supporting the seat 198 , and disposed movably relative to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the seat mounting link 120 has a front end portion and a rear end portion. The front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 is pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, while the rear end portion of the seat mounting link 120 is pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 .
  • the footrest linkage is pivotally coupled to the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the footrest linkage is a scissor-type linkage.
  • the footrest linkage comprises a first front footrest link 104 , a second front footrest link 106 , a first rear footrest link 104 , a second rear footrest link 104 and a footrest mounting bracket 102 .
  • Each footrest link has a first end portion and a second end. The first end portions of the first and second front footrest links 104 and 106 are pivotally connected to the footrest mounting bracket 102 .
  • the second end portions of the first and second front footrest links 104 and 106 are pivotally connected to the first end portions of the first and second rear footrest links 108 and 110 , respectively.
  • the second front footrest link 106 is pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link 108 .
  • the second end portion of the first rear footrest link 108 is pivotally connected to the front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the second end portion of the second rear footrest link 110 is pivotally connected to the seat mounting link 120 at a position proximate to the front end portion of the seat mounting link 120 .
  • the footrest drive mechanism is pivotally coupled to the footrest linkage, the base mounting plate 130 and the backrest mounting bracket 140 for driving the footrest linkage operably between a retracted position and a TV position.
  • the footrest drive mechanism in this exemplary embodiment includes a footrest drive link 122 having a first end portion pivotally connected to pivotally connected to the second rear footrest link 110 at a position proximate to the second end portion of the second rear footrest link 110 , and a second end portion; a rear stop link 144 having a first end portion fixed mounted to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , a second end portion and a guide slot 144 a formed at the second end portion; a rear pivot plate 142 pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , a second end portion of the base mounting plate 130 , a second end portion of the footrest drive link 122 via the guide slot 144 a of the rear stop link 144 ; a wheel link 146 having a first end portion pivotally connected to the rear pivot plate 142 ; and
  • the reclining drive mechanism is pivotally coupled to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , the base mounting plate 130 and the footrest drive mechanism, for driving the reclining chair to be in a desired position that is corresponding to one of the upright position, the TV position, and the fully reclined position.
  • the reclining drive mechanism has a reclining link 132 , a front pivot link 134 , a lever link 136 , a connecting link 138 , and a rear motor drive bracket 160 .
  • the reclining link 132 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the backrest mounting bracket 140 , and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the front pivot link 134 .
  • the front pivot link 134 has the first end portion pivotally connected to the second end portion of the reclining link 132 and a second end portion pivotally connected to a first end portion of the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the lever link 136 has a first end portion and a second end portion defining a middle portion therebetween.
  • the middle portion of the lever link 136 is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate 130 to define a fulcrum pivot 136 c therein.
  • the fulcrum pivot 136 c is operably non-movable relative to the base mounting plate 130 .
  • the connecting link 138 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the reclining link 132 at a position 138 a between the first and second end portions of the reclining link 132 of the lever link 136 , and a second end portion pivotally connected to the second portion of the lever link 136 .
  • the rear motor drive bracket 160 has a first end portion pivotally connected to the first end portion of the lever link 136 , and a second end portion fixedly attached to a linear actuator assembly via the rear motor drive tube 162 , for driving the lever link 136 rotatably around the fulcrum pivot 136 c , so as to drive the reclining chair to be in the desired position.
  • the linkage mechanism 100 also includes a front motor drive bracket 150 having a first end portion pivotally connected to the first rear footrest link 108 at a position between the first and second end portions of the first rear footrest link 108 , and a second end portion fixedly attached to the linear actuator assembly via the front motor drive tube 152 .
  • the linear actuator assembly includes a front motor drive tube 152 having a first end and a second end rigidly attached to the second end portions of the front motor drive brackets 150 of the pair of linkage mechanisms, respectively; a rear motor drive tube 162 having a first end and a second end rigidly attached to the second end portions of the rear motor drive brackets 160 of the pair of linkage mechanisms, respectively; a front motor pivot bracket 172 pivotally attached to a middle portion of the front motor drive tube 152 ; a rear motor attaching bracket 174 rigidly attached to a middle portion of the rear motor drive tube 162 ; an actuator housing 178 disposed between the front motor pivot bracket 172 and the rear motor attaching bracket 174 ; an actuator yoke 176 rigidly attached to the rear motor attaching bracket 174 ; and a linear actuator 170 .
  • the linear actuator 170 and the actuator yoke 176 are slidably connected via the actuator housing 178 .
  • the linear actuator assembly also has with electronic control meaning for adjusting positions of the
  • the reclining chair 10 can be moved forward and rearward in a rocking motion in a closed position. Movements to the TV and full reclined positions are restricted by the linear actuator 170 .
  • the linear actuator 170 contains a threaded screw shaft that when rotated causes a matching threaded actuator yoke 176 to move forward or rearward over the actuator housing 178 .
  • the linear actuator 170 has a pivoting connection 172 to the front motor drive tube 152 that is rigidly attached to the first rear footrest link 108 though the front motor drive bracket 150 . Such an attachment arrangement allows the front motor drive tube 152 to supply adequate torque resistance between left and right hand footrest assemblies and maintains a mirrored movement of the assemblies while maintaining freedom of movement through pivoting connection 172 .
  • the moveable actuator yoke 176 is rigidly attached to the rear motor attach bracket 174 at an attachment point 175 .
  • the rear motor attach bracket 174 is solidly welded to the rear motor drive tube 162 , so as to creates a ridged assembly of the actuator yoke 176 , the rear motor attach bracket 174 and the rear motor drive tube 162 .
  • the rear motor drive bracket 160 is rigidly connected to the end of the rear motor drive tube 162 and has a pivoting connection to the first end portion of the lever link 136 at the lever link pivot 136 a .
  • the lever link pivot 136 a allows freedom for the rear of the linear actuator assembly to pivot up and down during cycling.
  • the lever link 136 has the first end portion pivotally connected to the rear motor drive bracket 160 at the lever link pivot 136 a , the second end portion pivotally connected to the connecting link 138 at a pivot 136 b , and the middle portion pivotally connected to the base mounting bracket 136 at the fulcrum pivot attachment point 136 c .
  • the connecting link 138 is pivotally connected to the reclining link 132 at lift link upper pivot 138 a .
  • the fulcrum pivot attachment point 136 c is operably non-movable, that is, the fulcrum pivot attachment point 136 c is still when the linkage mechanism 100 is driven from one position to another position of the reclining chair 10 , so that the operation stability of the reclining chair 10 is improved.
  • the movement of the reclining chair from one position to another position is activated by the movement of the linear actuator yoke 176 via an electronic control.
  • the movement of the linear actuator yoke 176 causes the distance between the lever link pivot (fulcrum pivot) 136 c and the front motor pivot 172 to increase or decrease dependent on a motor direction.
  • the length of the movement is controlled at each end by limit switches contained in the actuator housing 178 .
  • the movement may be stopped also at any time via the electronic controller.
  • the distance between the fulcrum pivot 136 c and the front motor pivot 172 is at the shortest limit.
  • Activating of the controller moves the linear actuator yoke 176 rearward along the actuator housing 178 , thereby, moving the rear motor attach bracket 174 , the rear motor drive tube 162 and the rear motor drive bracket 160 rearward simultaneously as on unit.
  • the footrest 102 moves out and up. This movement continues until the first rear footrest link 108 reaches an interference position against a TV stop 105 and the TV position is attained.
  • the interference position of the first rear footrest link 108 against the TV stop 105 stops the forward movement of the front motor pivot 172 , so if the user of the reclining chair 10 continues to engage the electronic control, the linear actuator yoke 176 is forced to move rearward along with the rear motor attach bracket 174 , the rear motor drive tube 162 and the rear motor drive bracket 160 and the lever link 136 .
  • the rearward movement of the linear actuator yoke 176 causes a counterclockwise rotation of the lever link 136 around the fulcrum pivot 136 c that is not movable.
  • the rotation of the lever link 136 also causes a counterclockwise rotation of the pivot 136 b where the connecting link 138 is pivotally attached to the lever link 136 .
  • the counterclockwise rotation of the pivot 136 b is more or less in an upward direction, which this movement forces the connecting link 138 to move more or less upward and drive the reclining link 132 upward through the pivotally attached location of the pivot 138 a .
  • the upward movement of the recline link 132 causes the back of the reclining chair 10 to move rearward until the extended position limit switch of the linear actuator 170 is reached.
  • a rear linear actuator attachment position to the lever that operably maintains the relative position of the rear of the linear actuator away from the seat as the reclining chair is moved to the full reclined position.
  • the movement from the full reclined position to the TV position and then to the closed position is achieved by reversing the linear actuator 170 with the electronic controller that causes the distance between the fulcrum pivot 136 c and the front motor pivot 172 to be reduced, thereby, causing first the clockwise rotation of the lever link 136 around the fulcrum pivot 136 c , which results in the lowering of the connecting link 138 and the reclining link 132 until the TV position is reached. Then continuously retracting of the linear actuator 170 brings the fulcrum point 136 c and the front motor pivot 172 closer together causes the clockwise rotation of the first rear footrest link 108 until the contracted limit switch is reached and the reclining chair is fully closed.
  • the linkage mechanism has a forward mounting pivot for attaching the actuator to the footrest linkage and a rearward mounting unit for attaching the actuator to the lever link.
  • the lever link is pivotally connected to the base mounting plate at the fulcrum pivot point.
  • the fulcrum pivot attachment point is operably non-movable, i.e., the fulcrum pivot attachment point is still when the linkage mechanism is driven from one position to another position of the reclining chair, so that the operation stability of the reclining chair is improved.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Chairs For Special Purposes, Such As Reclining Chairs (AREA)
US14/104,997 2013-05-10 2013-12-12 Linkage mechanism and reclining chair having same Abandoned US20140333099A1 (en)

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CN2013202576793U CN203314484U (zh) 2013-05-10 2013-05-10 电动多连杆摇摆铁架
CN201320257679.3 2013-05-10
US201361845002P 2013-07-11 2013-07-11
US14/104,997 US20140333099A1 (en) 2013-05-10 2013-12-12 Linkage mechanism and reclining chair having same

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Cited By (25)

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US20150076883A1 (en) * 2013-09-19 2015-03-19 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member power mechanism with zero gravity and rear tilt positions
CN104886965A (zh) * 2015-07-01 2015-09-09 泰州市奥德家具配件有限公司 一种沙发自动伸展装置
US9332844B2 (en) * 2014-10-08 2016-05-10 Aminach Bedding & Furniture Manufacturing Ltd. Electrically controlled recliner with independent rocker-limiting mechanism
WO2016148983A1 (en) * 2015-03-17 2016-09-22 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall proximity furniture member reclining mechanism
US9751631B2 (en) 2015-04-23 2017-09-05 PAC Seating Systems, Inc. Reduced profile legrest for a seat
US10092106B2 (en) 2015-07-14 2018-10-09 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Recliner and legrest mechanism for a furniture member
US10258158B2 (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-04-16 Haining Meihui Machinery LLC Dual motor lift chair for the elderly
US10299597B1 (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-05-28 L&P Property Management Company High-leg hidden ottoman recliner seating mechanism
WO2019183048A1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2019-09-26 L&P Property Management Company Low-profile, zero gravity, all-linkage seat mechanism with added back recline
US10485719B2 (en) 2016-12-12 2019-11-26 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Power-assisted reclining lift chair with split seat
US10524574B2 (en) 2018-05-18 2020-01-07 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with powered wall-proximity mechanism
US10524575B2 (en) 2018-04-16 2020-01-07 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with foldable pawl and ratchet assembly
US10537178B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2020-01-21 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having flexible seatback
US10568428B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2020-02-25 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having flexible seatback
US10709246B2 (en) * 2017-01-26 2020-07-14 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining high-leg seating unit
US10779653B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2020-09-22 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having legrest mechanism
CN111839052A (zh) * 2020-06-11 2020-10-30 永艺家具股份有限公司 一种电动机械伸展装置
US10820708B2 (en) 2018-05-18 2020-11-03 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with wall-proximity mechanism and locking trigger
US10842274B1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-24 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US20200367652A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US11065996B2 (en) * 2019-01-16 2021-07-20 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US20210289939A1 (en) * 2020-03-17 2021-09-23 Ciar S.P.A. Piece of Seating and Reclining Furniture and Method for Adjusting a Piece of Seating and Reclining Furniture
US11134778B2 (en) 2019-05-09 2021-10-05 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Reclining chaise
US11197549B1 (en) 2020-09-28 2021-12-14 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall-proximity furniture member having sync mechanism
US20220225771A1 (en) * 2019-10-08 2022-07-21 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining seating unit with wall-proximity capability

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CN108634653B (zh) * 2018-05-15 2020-11-20 北京伟森盛业家具有限公司 多位姿调节座椅
CN216166367U (zh) 2021-10-08 2022-04-05 江苏正川智能家居制造有限公司 一种电动摇椅的伸展装置

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Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150076883A1 (en) * 2013-09-19 2015-03-19 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member power mechanism with zero gravity and rear tilt positions
US9326606B2 (en) * 2013-09-19 2016-05-03 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member power mechanism with zero gravity and rear tilt positions
US9332844B2 (en) * 2014-10-08 2016-05-10 Aminach Bedding & Furniture Manufacturing Ltd. Electrically controlled recliner with independent rocker-limiting mechanism
WO2016148983A1 (en) * 2015-03-17 2016-09-22 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall proximity furniture member reclining mechanism
US9655450B2 (en) 2015-03-17 2017-05-23 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall proximity furniture member reclining mechanism
US9751631B2 (en) 2015-04-23 2017-09-05 PAC Seating Systems, Inc. Reduced profile legrest for a seat
CN104886965A (zh) * 2015-07-01 2015-09-09 泰州市奥德家具配件有限公司 一种沙发自动伸展装置
US10512332B2 (en) 2015-07-14 2019-12-24 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Recliner and legrest mechanism for a furniture member
US10092106B2 (en) 2015-07-14 2018-10-09 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Recliner and legrest mechanism for a furniture member
US10779653B2 (en) 2016-09-22 2020-09-22 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having legrest mechanism
US10485719B2 (en) 2016-12-12 2019-11-26 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Power-assisted reclining lift chair with split seat
US11241094B2 (en) 2017-01-26 2022-02-08 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining high-leg seating unit
US10709246B2 (en) * 2017-01-26 2020-07-14 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining high-leg seating unit
US10568428B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2020-02-25 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having flexible seatback
US10750870B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2020-08-25 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having flexible seatback
US10537178B2 (en) 2017-04-07 2020-01-21 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member having flexible seatback
US10258158B2 (en) * 2017-06-19 2019-04-16 Haining Meihui Machinery LLC Dual motor lift chair for the elderly
US10299597B1 (en) * 2018-02-13 2019-05-28 L&P Property Management Company High-leg hidden ottoman recliner seating mechanism
US10512333B2 (en) 2018-03-22 2019-12-24 L&P Property Management Company Low-profile, zero gravity, all-linkage seat mechanism with added back recline
WO2019183048A1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2019-09-26 L&P Property Management Company Low-profile, zero gravity, all-linkage seat mechanism with added back recline
US10524575B2 (en) 2018-04-16 2020-01-07 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with foldable pawl and ratchet assembly
US10524574B2 (en) 2018-05-18 2020-01-07 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with powered wall-proximity mechanism
US10820708B2 (en) 2018-05-18 2020-11-03 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Furniture member with wall-proximity mechanism and locking trigger
US11065996B2 (en) * 2019-01-16 2021-07-20 Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle seat
US11134778B2 (en) 2019-05-09 2021-10-05 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Reclining chaise
US10932570B2 (en) * 2019-05-20 2021-03-02 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US20200367651A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US20200367652A1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-26 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US10842274B1 (en) * 2019-05-20 2020-11-24 L&P Property Management Company Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism with power seat drive
US20220225771A1 (en) * 2019-10-08 2022-07-21 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining seating unit with wall-proximity capability
US11744369B2 (en) * 2019-10-08 2023-09-05 Ultra-Mek, Inc. Reclining seating unit with wall-proximity capability
US20210289939A1 (en) * 2020-03-17 2021-09-23 Ciar S.P.A. Piece of Seating and Reclining Furniture and Method for Adjusting a Piece of Seating and Reclining Furniture
US11583084B2 (en) * 2020-03-17 2023-02-21 Ciar S.P.A. Piece of seating and reclining furniture and method for adjusting a piece of seating and reclining furniture
CN111839052A (zh) * 2020-06-11 2020-10-30 永艺家具股份有限公司 一种电动机械伸展装置
US11197549B1 (en) 2020-09-28 2021-12-14 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall-proximity furniture member having sync mechanism
US11622629B2 (en) 2020-09-28 2023-04-11 La-Z-Boy Incorporated Wall-proximity furniture member having sync mechanism

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Effective date: 20131202

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