TILT MECHANISM FOR A CHAIR AND CHAIR

Abstract

A tilt mechanism for a chair comprises a base, a first support configured to support a chair seat and mounted to the base, a second support configured to support a chair back and pivotably coupled to the base about the first pivot axis, a link element pivotably coupled to the second support about a second pivot axis, and a shaft attached to the first support. A first guide slot is provided at the base and a second guide slot is provided at the link element. The shaft is supported in the first guide slot and the second guide slot.

Claims

1-16. (canceled)

17. A tilt mechanism for a chair, configured to affect a coordinated movement of a chair seat and chair back, the tilt mechanism comprising: a base, a first support configured to support the chair seat and mounted to the base, a second support configured to support the chair back and pivotably coupled to the base about a first pivot axis, a link element pivotably coupled to the second support about a second pivot axis, and a shaft attached to the first support, wherein a first guide slot is provided at the base and a second guide slot is provided at the link element, wherein the shaft is supported in the first guide slot and the second guide slot such that pivoting the second support relative to the base causes the shaft to be displaced along the first and second guide slots.

18. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, wherein a longitudinal direction of the shaft is parallel to the first pivot axis.

19. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the second pivot axis is different from the first pivot axis.

20. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the first pivot axis is parallel to the second pivot axis.

21. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the first guide slot comprises a first linear guide slot and the second guide slot comprises a second linear guide slot.

22. The tilt mechanism according to claim 21, wherein the first linear guide slot and the second linear guide slot are arranged nonparallel such that, when the shaft is displaced along the first and second linear guide slots, an angle between a direction of the first linear guide slot and a direction of the second linear guide slot varies.

23. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, further comprising an energy storage mechanism including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a first attachment structure provided at the link element and the second end being coupled to a second attachment structure provided at the base, wherein an energy level stored in the energy storage mechanism depends on a distance between the first end and the second end.

24. The tilt mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the tilt mechanism is configured such that a distance between the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure varies upon pivoting the second support relative to the base.

25. The tilt mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the first attachment structure is provided at the second pivot axis.

26. The tilt mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the energy storage mechanism comprises a single tension spring.

27. The tilt mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the second support comprises a U-shaped section forming a central section, a first arm and a second arm, wherein a pin extends along the second pivot axis from the first arm to the second arm through an opening in the link element, wherein the pin includes a first end and a second end in its longitudinal direction, wherein the first attachment structure is arranged closer to the first end of the pin than to the second end of the pin.

28. The tilt mechanism according to claim 27, comprising a locking mechanism mounted at the base and configured to engage with a locking section provided at the link element for inhibiting a movement of the link element upon actuating the locking mechanism.

29. The tilt mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the locking section is arranged closer to the second end of the pin than to the first end of the pin.

30. The tilt mechanism according to claim 17, further comprising a further shaft attached to the first support and supported in a third guide slot provided at the base.

31. The tilt mechanism according to claim 30, wherein a longitudinal direction of the further shaft is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the shaft.

32. A chair, comprising a chair base assembly; a chair seat; a chair back; and a tilt mechanism configured to affect a coordinated movement of the chair seat and the chair back, the tilt mechanism comprising: a base attached to the chair base assembly, a first support attached to the chair seat and mounted to the base, the first support being configured to support the chair seat, a second support attached to the chair back and pivotably coupled to the base about a first pivot axis, the second support being configured to support the chair back, a link element pivotably coupled to the second support about a second pivot axis, and a shaft attached to the first support, wherein a first guide slot is provided at the base and a second guide slot is provided at the link element, wherein the shaft is supported in the first guide slot and the second guide slot such that pivoting the second support relative to the base causes the shaft to be displaced along the first and second guide slots.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a chair having a chair tilt mechanism according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a chair tilt mechanism according to an embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a full-tilted position.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a schematic partial perspective view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a partially tilted position.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a zero tilt position.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial perspective view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a zero tilt position.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a zero tilt position.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a full tilted position.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 showing an adjustment mechanism in more detail.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial perspective view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 in a partially tilted position.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a further schematic partial perspective view of the chair tilt mechanism of

[0039] FIG. 2 in a zero tilt position.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 showing a locking mechanism in more detail.

[0041] FIG. 13 is yet a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 showing the locking mechanism in more detail.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a schematic partial perspective view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 showing the locking mechanism in more detail.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a further schematic cross-sectional side view of the chair tilt mechanism of FIG. 2 showing some more details of the locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. While some embodiments will be described in the context of specific fields of application, such as in the context of an office type chair, the embodiments are not limited to this field of application. The features of the various embodiments may be combined with each other unless specifically noted otherwise. Same reference signs in the various drawings refer to similar or identical components.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a chair 101 which includes a tilt mechanism 100 of an embodiment. The chair 101 is illustrated to be an office-type chair having a chair base assembly 102 and a superstructure. The superstructure includes a chair seat 103, a chair back 104 and components to interconnect the seat 103 with the back 104. The components which will be described in more detail below, include a tilt mechanism 100 for effecting a coordinated motion of the back 104 and the seat 103. The base assembly 102 includes a pedestal column 107, a number of support legs 105 extending radially from the column 107 and a corresponding number of casters 106 supported on the outer ends of the support legs 105. Additionally, a gas cylinder 108 or other lifting mechanism may be supported by the column 107 to enable the height of the seat 103, and thus of the chair superstructure, to be adjusted by an occupant.

[0046] It is to be understood that the terms “forward”, “rearward” and “lateral”, as used herein, each have a particular meaning that is defined in relation to a flat support surface beneath the chair 101 (for example parallel to a floor on which the casters 106 rest) and in relation to an occupant of the chair. For example, the term “forward” refers to a direction moving away from the back 104 and in front of a chair occupant along an axis which extends parallel to such a flat support surface, while the term “rearward” refers to a direction opposite to the forward direction. The term “lateral” refers to a generally horizontal direction perpendicular to both the forward and rearward direction and extending parallel to the aforementioned flat support surface. The tilt mechanism also defines a rearward direction, to which the second support extends, and an opposing forward direction. The attachment between a base of the tilt mechanism 100 and the chair base assembly 102 also defines which plane of the tilt mechanism will be oriented horizontally in the installed date of the tilt mechanism.

[0047] The chair 101 includes the tilt mechanism 100. Generally, the tilt mechanism 100 is operated to implement a coordinated motion of the seat 103 and the back 104 when the back 104 is tilted. The tilt mechanism 100 includes a base 10 which, in the installed state of the tilt mechanism 100 in which the tilt mechanism 100 is incorporated into the chair 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1, is coupled to the pedestal column 107 via the lifting mechanism 108. The tilt mechanism 100 includes a seat support 11 which, in the installed state of the tilt mechanism 100, is directly coupled to the seat 103 and supports the seat 103 at a lower side thereof. The seat support 11 acts as first support which is connected to the base 10. The seat support 11 may be mounted to the base 10 such that it is displaceable with respect to the base 10.

[0048] The seat 103 may be fixedly coupled to the seat support 11, such that a translational or rotational motion of the seat support 11 causes the seat 103 to move jointly with the seat support 11 in a translational or rotational manner. The tilt mechanism 100 includes a back support 12 which, in the installed state of the tilt mechanism 100, is coupled to the back 104. The back 104 may be attached to the back support 12 using suitable connecting members, such as a bar 109 fixed to the back support 12. The bar 109 may be directly and rigidly attached to the back support 12. The back support 12 acts as a second support.

[0049] As will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 15, the tilt mechanism 100 is configured such that the back support 12 is pivotably coupled to the base 10, allowing the back support 12 to pivot relatively to the base 10. The tilt mechanism 100 has a coupling mechanism coupling both the seat support 11 and the back support 12 to the base 10. The coupling mechanism includes a link element pivotably coupled to the back support 12, a first guide slot provided at the base 10, a second guide slot provided at the link element, and a shaft attached to the seat support 11 can slide whilst being supported in the first guide slot and the second guide slot.

[0050] When the back 104 is tilted, the link element is moved in the rearward direction which drives the shaft along the second guide slot via a shear action. As the shaft is supported by the first and second guide slots, the shaft simultaneously moves along the first guide slot thus driving the seat support 11. When the back 104 is tilted, the seat support 11 is thereby displaced relative to the base 10 and, thus, relative to the chair base assembly 102.

[0051] As used herein, the term “guide slot” refers to a slot which may be formed as a cut-out, which means a through slot, or as a blind slot. The guide slots described herein may be linear guide slots, which means that the slots are extending in an essentially straight manner. The linear guide slot has a linear centre axis extending linearly from one end of the slot to the opposite end of the slot along the slot longitudinal axis.

[0052] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a perspective view and side view, respectively, of the tilt mechanism 100. The tilt mechanism 100 comprises a base 10, which may be coupled to the gas cylinder 108, a first support (seat support) 11 configured to support the chair seat 103 and connected to the base 10, a second support (back support) 12 configured to support the chair back 104 and pivotably coupled to the base 10 about a first pivot axis 13, a link element 14 pivotably coupled to the second support 12 about a second pivot axis 15, and a shaft 16 attached to the first support 11. A first guide slot 17 is provided at the base 10 and a second guide slot 18 is provided at the link element 14. The shaft 16 can slide whilst being supported in the first guide slot 17 and the second guide slot 18 such that pivoting the second support 12 relative to the base 10 causes the link element 14 to be moved in the rearward direction, which causes the shaft 16 to be displaced along the first guide slot 17 and the second guide slot 18.

[0053] The link element 14 may comprise an individual element which is not part of the first support 11, the second support 12 or the base 10. The link element 14 may be rotatable with respect to the second support 12 about the second pivot axis 15. Further, the link element 14 may be rotatable and displaceable in the front-rear and up-down directions with respect to the first support 11 and the base 10.

[0054] The tilt mechanism 100 may have a compact and simple construction, with the coupling between the first support 11 and the second support 12 implemented in a structure disposed below the chair seat. The tilt mechanism 100 may provide self-weighing characteristics.

[0055] The tilt mechanism 100 may include a biasing mechanism to bias the tilt mechanism 100 into a position in which the back 104 is in its foremost position. The biasing mechanism may be implemented by a spring 21, for example a tension spring or a compression spring.

[0056] The base 10 generally has a U-shaped cross section in a plane extending in the lateral direction of the tilt mechanism 100. The base 10 has a bottom wall, which may be coupled to the chair base assembly 102. From the bottom of the base 10 to side walls may extend in an upward and forward-backward direction of the tilt mechanism 100. Within this U-shaped cross section of the base 10, the link element 14 and the spring 21 as well as further components for controlling the tilt mechanism may be accommodated.

[0057] The first support (seat support) 11 may comprise two L-shaped profiles laterally spaced apart, wherein one leg of each of the L-shaped profiles may be coupled to the chair seat 103 and the other leg of each of the L-shaped profiles is indirectly mounted to the base 10 and displaceable with respect to the base 10. However, although not shown in the figures, the first support 11 may comprise a single element, for example, the first support may comprise a U shaped profile with a central section coupled to the chair seat 103 and side walls extending downwards and mounted indirectly to the base 10 like the legs of the L-shaped profiles. The side walls may be connected to the base 10 such that they are displaceable with respect to the base 10.

[0058] The second support (back support) 12 may have a U-shaped cross section forming a central section 27, a first arm 28 and a second arm 29 (see for example FIG. 10). The central section 27 may be coupled to the chair back 104. The first and second arms 28, 29 may be coupled pivotably to the side walls of the base 10 about the first pivot axis 13, for example via a pin extending along the first pivot axis 13 or via corresponding pivot bearings at each side wall of the base 10.

[0059] The link element 14 is accommodated between the sidewalls of the base 10. The link element 14 is pivotably coupled to the second support 12 about the second pivot axis 15, for example via a pin extending from the first arm 28 to the second arm 29 through a matching opening in the link element 14. The first pivot axis 13 and the second pivot axis 15 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other. Thus, the link element 14 is at least partially positively driven by a movement or rotation of the second support 12 when the chair back 104 is tilted.

[0060] The first guide slot 17 is provided at each of the sidewalls of the base 10. In the sectional side view shown in FIG. 3, a side view of one of the sidewalls of the base 10 is shown with the corresponding first guide slot 17. The first guide slot 17 may comprise a linear guide slot. In the link element 14 a second guide slot 18 is provided. The second guide slot 18 may also comprise a linear guide slot. A shaft 16 is attached to the first support 11 and extends through the first guide slot 17 of one side wall of the base 10, next through the second guide slot 18 of the link element 14 and further through the first guide slot 17 of the other side wall of the base 10. Both ends of the shaft 16 may be mounted at the first support 11. As indicated in FIG. 3, a longitudinal direction of the first guide slot 17 and a longitudinal direction of the second guide slot 18 are not parallel, but arranged angular, such that a positively driven arrangement of the first guide slot 17, the second guide slot 18 and the shaft 16 may be achieved. As the shaft 16 is mounted at the rearward end of the first support 11, the rearward end of the first support 11 is also positively driven by the arrangement of the link element 14, the base 10 and the shaft 16. As the link element 14 is coupled to the second support 12 and driven by tilting the second support 12, a coordinated movement between the tilting of the second support 12 and a movement of the first support 11 can be achieved. At the forward end of the first support 11, a further shaft 39 may be provided extending in parallel to the shaft 16. Furthermore, a third guide slot 40 may be provided at each of the sidewalls of the base 10 in a front area of the base 10 such that the further shaft 39 is extending through the third guide slots 40 and positively drives the front end of the first support 11. The first guide slot 17 and the third guide slot 40 may have a different angle of inclination with respect to the bottom wall of the base 10. Therefore, when the first support 11 is moved driven by shaft 16 in the front-and rear direction, a change of the height of the front side of the first support 11 is different compared to a change of the height of the rear side of the first support 11. Thus, the first support 11 and consequently the chair seat 103 may not only be moved in the front-rear direction, but also tilted when the chair back 104 is tilted.

[0061] At the base 10, a further shaft 19 may be provided which extends in parallel to the shaft 16. A fourth guide slot 20 may be provided in the link element 14 through which the further shaft 19 is extending. The further shaft 19 in combination with the fourth guide slot 20 provides a coordinated movement of the link element 14, when the link element 14 is driven via the second pivot axis 15 when the second support 12 is tilted.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows furthermore a handle 41 which may be operated by an occupant and which may actuate a locking mechanism of the tilt mechanism 100. The locking mechanism locks and unlocks the coordinated movement of the first support 11 and the second support 12. In a locked state of the locking mechanism, the first support 11 and the second support 12 are maintained in a fixed position with respect to the base 10. In an unlocked state of the locking mechanism, the first support 11 and the second support 12 may be moved in a coordinated manner with respect to the base 10. Details on the locking mechanism will be described in connection with FIGS. 10 to 15.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective partial sectional view of the tilt mechanism 100. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the link element 14 accommodated between the sidewalls of the base 10 and between the arms of the U-shaped second support 12.

[0064] In the following, the coordinated movement between the first support 11 and the second support 12 will be described in more detail. The tilt mechanism 100 may enable to move the chair back 104 between a zero tilt and a full tilt position. In the zero tilt position, the chair back may be arranged in an essentially perpendicular direction with respect to the surface on which the chair 101 is provided.

[0065] Consequently, the central section of the U shaped second support 12 may be arranged in the zero tilt position in an essentially perpendicular direction with respect to the surface on which the chair 101 is provided. In the full tilt position, the chair back 101 as well as the central section of the U-shaped second support 12 may be inclined in an angle from about 30° to about 50° from the zero tilt position. The full tilt position as well as the zero tilt position may be limited by the tilt mechanism 100. In the following, a position between the full tilt position and the zero tilt position will be called partially tilt position.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a sectional side view of the tilt mechanism 100 in the zero tilt position. The shaft 39 is located at the lowest and furthest forward position in the third guide slot 40. The shaft 16 is arranged at the uppermost position of the second guide slot 18 and at the furthest forward position of the first guide slot 17. The shaft 19 is arranged at the rearmost position of the fourth guide slot 20.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a perspective sectional view of the tilt mechanism 100 in this zero tilt position.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a further sectional side view of the tilt mechanism 100 in this zero tilt position. In particular, FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the spring 21 in this zero tilt position. The spring 21 has a first end 22 and a second end 23. The spring 21 may comprise a source of stored energy such that it may provide a restoring force when the distance between the first end 22 and the second end 23 is enlarged. The first end 22 is coupled to a corresponding first spring attachment structure 24 at the link element 14. The second end 23 of the spring 21 is coupled to a second spring attachment structure 25 at the base 10.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows the sectional side view of the tilt mechanism 100 of FIG. 7 in the full tilt position. The second support 12 is inclined into a backward direction by rotating about the first pivot axis 13 with respect to the base 10. Due to the rotating movement of the second support 12, the second pivot axis 15 is moved in a backward direction. Together with the pivot axis 15, the link element 14 is also moved in a backward direction urging the shaft 16 backwards. As the shaft 16 is coupled to the first support 11, the first support 11 is also moved backwards. Further, as the shaft 16 is also guided by the first guide slot 17 in the base 10, the shaft 16 is moved together with the rear part of the first support 11 in an upward direction. The shaft 39 is moved together with the first support 11 in a rearward and upward direction guided in the third guide slot 40. Thus, the first support 11 is moved as a whole together with the chair seat 103 in an upward and rearward direction and is tilted at the same time.

[0070] The chair back 104 and thus the second support 12 may be inclined from the zero tilt position in the full tilt position or in any partially tilt position between the zero tilt position and the full tilt position by an occupant sitting on the chair seat 103 and leaning back against the chair back 104. When the link element 14 is moved in the rearward direction, the spring 21 is enlarged and tensioned. Thus, the spring 21 provides a restoring force urging the tilt mechanism 100 back in the zero tilt position when the occupant does not apply a back-leaning force to the chair back 104.

[0071] FIG. 9 shows the second spring attachment structure 25 at the base 10 in more detail. The second spring attachment structure 25 may comprise an adjustment element 26, for example a screw, for adjusting a pre-tension of the spring 21. Thus, the restoring force of the spring 21 may be adjusted.

[0072] The tilt mechanism 100 may comprise a locking mechanism for mechanically locking the tilt mechanism in certain positions, for example in the full tilt position, in the zero tilt position and in at least some partially tilted positions. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the locking mechanism may comprise a male lock plate 32, a female engage plate 33, a spring element 37, and a coupling element 38. The female engage plate 33 is mounted at the second support 12. Thus, the female engage plate 33 is moving together with the second support 12. The female engage plate 33 comprises a plurality of recesses into which the male lock plate 32 may engage. The male lock plate 32 is arranged in a guidance which is mounted at the base 10. The male lock plate 32 can slide in the forward and backward direction between a front position and a rear position. In the front position, the male lock plate 32 is disengaged from the female engage plate 33 such that the second support 12 can be freely moved and rotated around the first pivot axis 13. In the rear position, the male lock plate 32 is engaged with one of the recesses at the female engage plate 33. Therefore, in the rear position of the male lock plate 32, the second support 12 cannot rotate about the first pivot axis 13. Thus, in the front position of the male lock plate 32, the tilt mechanism 100 is in the unlocked state and can be freely adjusted, whereas in the rear position of the male lock plate 32, the tilt mechanism 100 is in the locked state and the second support 12 is locked in a certain position.

[0073] FIGS. 10 and 12 show the locked state of the tilt mechanism 100 in a partially tilted position in a perspective view and the side view, respectively.

[0074] FIGS. 11 and 13 show the locked state of the tilt mechanism 100 in the zero tilt position in a perspective view and a side view, respectively.

[0075] The male lock plate 32 may be operated by the occupant with the handle 41. The handle 41 may be rotated around its longitudinal direction. For example, the handle 41 may be rotated in a clockwise direction for unlocking the tilt mechanism 100, and the handle 41 may be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction for locking the tilt mechanism 100.

[0076] FIGS. 14 and 15 show the elements for controlling the locking mechanism in more detail. The spring element 37 may be coupled to the handle 41 at a proximal end of the spring element 37 via a control element 35. The distal end of the spring element 37 may be engaged with the coupling element 38, which is coupled with the male lock plate 32.

[0077] When the handle 41 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the distal end of the spring element 37 urges the coupling element 38 together with the male lock plate 32 in the forward direction, thus unlocking the tilt mechanism 100.

[0078] When the handle 41 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction, the distal end of the spring element 37 urges the coupling element 38 together with the male lock plate 32 in the rearward direction. When the male lock plate 32 is facing one of the recesses of the female engage plate 33, the spring element 37 moves the male lock plate 32 into this recess of the female engage plate 33. However, when the male lock plate 32 does not face one of the recesses of the female engage plate 33, the spring element urges the male lock plate 32 against one of the teeth between the recesses of the female engage plate 33. The second support 12 is still moveable. However, when the second support 12 is moved, the male lock plate 32 will engage with one of the recesses of the female engage plate 33 as soon as possible, thus locking the tilt mechanism 100.

[0079] As further shown in figure FIG. 15, a detent element 36 may be provided at the handle 41 or the control element 35 for locking the handle 41 in the locking and unlocking position.

[0080] In particular FIGS. 10 and 11 show the arrangement of the locking mechanism in parallel to the spring 21 at the second support 12 and the link element 14, respectively. The second pivot axis 15 has a first end 31 and a second end 30. The spring 21 is mounted at the link element 14 near the first end 31, whereas the locking mechanism is arranged at the opposite side near the second and 30. This allows a compact design of the tilt mechanism 100.

[0081] While the tilt mechanism 100 has been described with linear guide slots 17, 18, 20 and 40, these guide slots may be formed as arced guide slots. Furthermore, at least some of the guide slots 17, 18, 20 and 40 may also be formed as blind slots.

[0082] Furthermore, the tilt mechanism 100 may comprise further components, for example two or more springs instead of the single spring 21, and a handle and a mechanism for the gas cylinder 108.

[0083] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the context of office-type chairs, the tilt mechanism 100 and the chair 101 according to embodiments of the invention are not limited to this particular application. Rather, embodiments of the invention may be employed to effect a coordinated motion of a chair back and the chair seat in a wide variety of chairs.