CHAIR, IN PARTICULAR SWIVEL CHAIR

Abstract

Chair, in particular swivel chair, including a seat element displaceable by a displacement movement, backrest element pivotable with a pivoting movement about a first axis, and a transmission coupling the displacement movement to the pivoting movement, wherein the transmission includes a kinematic chain which has at least one elastic storage element with a restoring force which returns the backrest element and seat element to a initial position, and is pivotably connected to the seat element in each case via a front pivot point and a rear pivot point, where the seat element is pivotable about a second axis via a joint for a lateral tilting movement formed in addition to the displacement movement, where the second axis extends obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first axis, and where the joint is integrated in particular in the rear pivot point.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A chair, in particular swivel chair, comprising a seat element, which can be shifted by a displacement movement, a backrest element, which can be pivoted about a first axis with a pivoting movement, and a transmission, which couples the displacement movement to the pivoting movement, wherein the transmission comprises a kinematic chain which has at least one elastic storage element having a restoring force, which returns the backrest element and seat element to an initial position, and is pivotably connected to the seat element via a front pivot point and a rear pivot point respectively, wherein the seat element is pivotable about a second axis by a joint for a lateral tilting movement realized in addition to the displacement movement, wherein the second axis extends slanted, in particular perpendicularly, to the first axis, and wherein the joint is integrated in the rear pivot point, characterized in that the joint is a a cardan joint or a ball joint.

12. The chair according to claim 11, wherein a single joint is provided for the lateral tilting movement on the chair and an elasticity of the storage element supports a tilting and/or a return to the initial position.

13. The chair according to claim 11, wherein the transmission is connected to a chair support at a connection point and the rear pivot point is located substantially above the connection point.

14. The chair according to claim 11, wherein the translation comprises a rear swing element connecting a backrest pivot point, about which the backrest element is pivotable about the first axis, to the rear pivot on the seat element, the backrest element and the rear swing element being rigidly connected or integrally formed with each other.

15. The chair according to claim 14, wherein the rear swing element is arcuate, in particular in a portion parallel to the first axis, and/or connects a kinematic chain on a left side of the chair to a kinematic chain on a right side of the chair.

16. The chair according to claim 11, wherein the storage element has an elasticity varying along its longitudinal extension.

17. The chair according to claim 11, wherein an adjustment mechanism is provided on the storage element to adjust the elasticity of the storage element.

18. The chair according to claim 11, wherein an inclination of the transmission with respect to the seat carrier is adjustable.

19. The chair according to claim 11, wherein the seat element comprises a return mechanism for the lateral tilting movement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantages and features result from the following description of preferred embodiments of the object according to the invention with reference to the attached figures. Individual features of the individual embodiment can thereby be combined with each other within the scope of the invention.

[0033] It shows:

[0034] FIG. 1: a chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] FIG. 2 a detailed view of the chair from FIG. 1,

[0036] FIG. 3 joints in a chair according to further exemplary embodiments of the present invention

[0037] FIG. 4 the joints of FIG. 3 in an initial position and

[0038] FIG. 5 the joints from FIG. 3 in a pivoted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a chair 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the chair 1 is a swivel chair, in particular an office swivel chair. Such chairs have a backrest element 20 and a seat element 30. In order to realize the most comfortable sitting possible, it is provided here that the backrest element 20 is pivotably mounted about a first axis A1, for example, in order to follow a leaning to the rear of a user's back. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is provided that the seat element 30 can be with a displacement movement VB. In this regard, the displacement movement VB is preferably a substantially vertical movement that ensures that a seat height is adjusted, in particular adapted to a degree of inclination of the backrest element 20. It is also conceivable that only a rear portion of the seat element 30 performs this displacement movement VB, or that the rear portion of the seat element 30 performs a larger displacement movement VB than the front portion of the seat element 30. In particular, it is provided that the chair 1 comprises a transmission 40 with which the pivoting movement SB of the backrest element 20 is coupled or mechanically coupled to the displacement movement VB of the seat element 30, so that a movement sequence for the seat element 30 is established when the backrest element 20 is pivoted. In particular, it is provided that-during a displacement movement VB of the backrest element 20 towards the rear-the seat element 30 or at least the rear portion of the seat element 30 performs a movement towards the top. In this way, it can be prevented, for example, that a person sitting on the chair 1 and pivoting the backrest backwards by a corresponding movement has to fear that an upper part, for example a shirt, is pulled upwards.

[0040] Here, the front sections are understood to be those sections that are further spaced or distant from the backrest element compared to the rear sections.

[0041] The transmission 40, through which the displacement movement VB is coupled to the pivoting movement SB, comprises a kinematic chain. Such kinematic chains are designed to define motion sequences, in particular by coupling a plurality of links, preferably swinging elements, to each other via a plurality of pivot points. The translation 40 as well as the backrest element 30 are thereby connected to a base element 18, which in turn is supported by a seat carrier 4. For this purpose, the base element 18 is mounted on the upper side of the seat carrier 4. Further components of the seat carrier 4 are a foot area 7, which is equipped, for example, with rolls 9, with which it is possible to move the swivel chair or the chair 1. Furthermore, the seat carrier 4 comprises a pivot rod 5 about which it is preferably possible to rotate the seat element 30 about a substantially vertically extending axis. This makes it possible to orient the seat element 30 in the desired orientation, for example such that the chair 1 is oriented with respect to a table for comfortable sitting. In particular, it is provided that the base element 18 is mounted to the upper end of the pivot rod 5 via a connection point 6.

[0042] The backrest element 20 preferably has an upholstery part 23 arranged on an upper portion of a backrest element carrier 21. The upholstery part 23 can, for example, be connected to the backrest element carrier 21 in a height-adjustable manner or be rigidly connected to the backrest element carrier 21. By upholstery part 23, the skilled person also understands in particular an elastic mesh that adapts to the shape of the respective back or deforms accordingly.

[0043] The backrest element 20 is preferably rigidly connected to a rear swing element 20 of the kinematic chain. In particular, it is provided that the rear swing element 22 and the backrest element 20, in particular the backrest element carrier 21, form an integral, i.e. one-piece, component. By one-piece it is to be understood in particular that the component cannot be disassembled into further partial components without being destroyed. In this context, the backrest element 20, preferably together with the rear swing element 22, is mounted in the base element 18 so as to be pivotable about a first axis A1. Furthermore, the rear swing element 22 is pivotally mounted on the seat element 30 with its section facing the seat element 30 via a rear pivot point D2. Actuating or tilting backwards the backrest element in particular ensures that the seat element 30, in particular its rear region of the seat element 30, is shifted upwards via the rear swing element 22.

[0044] Furthermore, the embodiment of FIG. 1 provides that an elastic storage element 8 is part of the kinematic chain. In particular, the storage element 8 connects the base element 18 to a front portion of the seat element 30. In particular, the elastic storage element 8 is pivotally supported at a front pivot point D1 on the seat element 30. Furthermore, it is envisaged that a hinge-like component having a hinge axis extending parallel to the first axis is used for pivotally supporting the storage element 8 at the front pivot point D1. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the elastic storage element 8 is rigidly mounted on the seat element 30, for example, and/or is connected to the base or to the base element 18 via a connection point D3. Thereby, the connection point D3 can be rigidly connected, for example, in the front region of the base element 18. Preferably, however, the storage element 8 extends to the backrest pivot point D4 or to the first axis A1 (concealed from the base element 18 in the illustration). In this case, the storage element 8 is rigidly mounted or fastened in the region of the first axis A1 or the backrest pivot point D4 (i.e. free of rotation), preferably to the base element 18. In other words: While the front end of the storage element 8 is hinged to the seat element 30, the rear end is rigidly attached. It is also conceivable that the storage element 8 is rigidly mounted to the seat element 30 with both the front end and the rear end

[0045] In particular, the elasticity of the storage element 8 ensures that the chair 1 returns to an initial position when the seat member 30 and/or the backrest element 20 are not loaded. In other words, the elastic storage element 8 ensures a return movement of the seat element 30 and backrest element 20 to the initial position after the chair 1 has left its initial position by using the coupled movement mechanism.

[0046] In particular, it is provided that the elastic storage element 8 is arcuate at least in sections in the initial position, in particular runs arcuate in a front section, i.e. in the front third. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the elastic storage element 8 is substantially strip-shaped. Furthermore, two storage elements 8 extending parallel to each other are provided, which extend substantially along the lateral edges of the seat element 30 below the seat element 30. Conceivably, the elasticity of the storage element 8 changes along its longitudinal direction, which is substantially determined by the direction of the seat element 30 or the course of the seat element 30. It is also conceivable that an adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the elasticity, for example to control the restoring movement. In particular, it is envisaged that the base element 18 supports both the backrest element 20 and the translation 40, and thus the seat element 30. In this regard, it is provided that the base element 18 is arranged substantially below a rear portion of the seat element 30, as viewed in a vertical direction. In other words, the base element 18 is not centered below the center of the seat element 30.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the connection point 6 is arranged substantially below the rear pivot point D2 when the chair 1 is in the initial position or starting position. It is further provided that the rear swing element 22 is arcuately shaped in a portion extending parallel to the first axis A1, and in particular is integrally shaped to provide legs for translation on the left and right sides respectively, each serving as the rear swing element 22. In other words: While individual storage links 8 are used for the respective kinematic chains on the left and right sides under the seat element 40, the same component, in particular an arcuate section, or a section extending in a trapezoidal shape, is used for the rear section of the kinematic chains on the left and right sides.

[0048] Furthermore, it is provided that the seat element 30 is designed to perform, in addition to a displacement movement VB, at least one tilting movement KB towards the side about a second axis A2. For this purpose, the chair 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 provides that a joint 15 is formed in the rear pivot point D2 that enables the tilting to the side, in particular about a second axis A2, which extends slanted to the first axis A1, preferably perpendicularly to the second axis A2. In particular, it is provided that the second axis A2 substantially follows the general course or orientation of the seat element 30, being perpendicular to the first axis A1. In particular, it is provided that a mechanism is provided in the rear pivot point D2 which allows both a lateral tilting movement KB and the rotatable support of the rear seat element section and thus of the whole seat element 30.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the arcuately shaped rear swing element 22. In particular, the illustration shows the integration of the joint 15 into the rear pivot point D2, allowing a lateral tilting movement KB of the seat element 30 is provided in addition to the orientation of the rear swing element 20 to the orientation of the seat element 30 for realizing the displacement movement VB. For example, the integration of the joint 15 in the rear pivot point D2 is a pivotable hinge joint, i.e. a pivotably mounted hinge joint. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a ball joint is implemented in the rear pivot point D2. In this case, the joint 15 and the rear pivot point D2 are preferably integrated into the seat element 30.

[0050] In particular, it is preferred that for the lateral tilting movement KB the joint 15 is provided exclusively, which is integrated in the rear pivot point D2. In other words: In particular, it is provided that no joint is provided in the region of the front pivot point D1 or in the front pivot point D1 or that this is dispensed with. Due to the elastic design of the storage element 8, it is nevertheless possible that the tilting movement KB is also possible for the front section of the seat element 30, in particular a rigid seat element 30. In particular, it is provided that, due to the restoring forces present in the storage elements 8, the storage elements 8 additionally ensure that a return movement into an initial position for the seat element 30 occurs when a tilting movement KB has tilted the seat element 30 out of its initial position. In this regard, it is particularly intended that the storage elements 8 cause a corresponding restoring force when they are, for example, twisted or subject to torsion. In this case, it proves advantageous, for example, to use strip-shaped or ribbon-shaped storage elements 8, since they provide the geometric prerequisites for providing such a restoring force directed against the torsion. At their front end, the strip-like storage elements end in the hinge, which preferably extends over the entire width of the strip-like storage element 8.

[0051] The tilting movement KB can be realized by a ball bearing, for example. It is also conceivable that two mutually inclined swivel axes are used to cause a lateral swivel movement. In this case, the tilting movement KB can, for example, be designed in such a way that it takes place about at least two axes. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a power joint is used or a rubber element. It would also be conceivable that two plates are pivotally connected to each other and are rigidly connected to the seat element 30 and the base element 18, respectively. It is also conceivable that a plurality of hinge-like elements could be combined to cause the desired tilting motion. For example, the bearing can also be implemented using springs, in particular one or more leaf springs, which allow a tilting movement.

[0052] Furthermore, it is conceivable (not shown) that, for example, via an articulated connection of the base element 18 to the seat carrier 4, the transmission 40 can be pivoted with the backrest element 20 in order to be able to set a preferred initial position for the user. In other words, the transmission 40 is not fixed in its position with respect to the seat carrier 4. Furthermore, it is preferably provided when the kinematic chain is free of a linkage. It is also conceivable that in the rear pivot point D2, in addition to the integration of the joint, a linkage guide is provided by means of which, for example, the hinge and the rear pivot can be moved forward or backward, in particular together. It is also conceivable that an additional damping member is integrated into the rear pivot point D2 and/or the joint 15 in order to prevent a hard stop when performing the tilting movement KB.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, two different joints 15 which can be used in a chair 1 within the meaning of the present invention. In particular, it is provided that the joint 15 in the rear pivot point D2 is designed in such a way that both a lateral tilting about the second axis A2 and a change in the inclination of the seat element 30 by a pivoting about the first axis A1 or about an axis running parallel to the first axis A1 are possible. In particular, a joint 15 is provided that allows tilting movement and pivoting movement simultaneously. For example, a cardan joint (left) or a rod end (right) is used as the joint 15 for this purpose. In particular, the universal joint provides for a first portion that is attached to the seat element 30. In particular, the first portion of the universal joint is pivotally integrated within the seat element 30. In this regard, the first portion is pivotally disposed within the seat element 30 about the second axis A2. Preferably, the seat element 30 has a corresponding recess on its underside, into which the first section of the universal joint is pivotably integrated or recessed. The rear swing element 22 as the second section of the universal joint is hinged to the first section so as to be pivotable about the first axis A1, so as to ensure not only the lateral tilting movement KB but also a change in the inclination of the seat element 30 via the pivoting movement. Thus, the universal joint is designed to support or cause both the lateral tilting movement KB and the tilting movement of the seat surface or the seat element 30.

[0054] As an alternative to the universal joint, it is also conceivable to use a joint head that is integrated into the seat element 30, in particular into the underside of the seat element 30. Such a rod end has, for example, a housing section in which a through hole is let in. A bearing shell is arranged on the inside of this through-bore, which in turn supports an inner ring, whereby a pivoting movement adjusting the inclination of the seat element 30 is possible via the rod end. At the same time, the mounting of the inner ring on the bearing shell permits a lateral tilting movement about the second axis A2.

[0055] In FIG. 4, the joints 15 described in more detail in FIG. 3 are shown in an initial position. In this position, the seat element 30 or the seat surface runs essentially horizontally or parallel to the floor surface. In this situation, there is preferably neither a displacement of the seat element 30 by an adjustment of the inclination of the seat element 30 about the first axis A1 nor a lateral tilting by a tilting movement KB about the second axis A2.

[0056] In FIG. 5, the two joints 15 of FIGS. 3 and 4 are shown in such a position in which the seat element 30 is tilted laterally by a tilting movement about the second axis A2.