TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to chairs, in particular swivel chairs.

BACKGROUND

Chairs, in particular swivel chairs, are sufficiently known from the prior art. In particular, the present invention relates to chairs which comprise a transmission with which a pivoting movement of a backrest element is coupled with a displacement movement of a seat element (so-called synchronous mechanism). Such a transmission, for example in the form of a kinematic chain, allows the seat element to be shifted with a predetermined path of motions correlated to the movement of the backrest element when the backrest element is “tilted backwards”. Such a mechanism is known, for example, from DE 20 2012 012 606 U1 or from EP 3 622 860 A1. In particular, the translations described here are specified by the fact that they ensure, via an elastic storage element, that a restoring movement is realized for the coupled movement sequence, whereby a return to an initial position for the backrest and seat element is possible when the backrest or chair is no longer loaded, i.e. is no longer used.

By coupling the displacement movement (in the following also displacing movement) of the seat element and the pivoting movement of the backrest element, it is advantageously possible, for example, for the seat element to follow the movement when the backrest element is moved backwards or “tilted backwards”, thus ensuring a lifting movement, at least in the rear section of the seat element. This raises the person sitting on the chair in such a way that, for example, pulling a shirt out of pants can be counteracted.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Based on this prior art, the present invention makes it its task to integrate further functionalities into a chair, in particular a swivel chair, without increasing the complexity.

In particular, it should be possible to integrate further functionalities into the chair by using as few components as possible without having to take measures that influence the aesthetic impression that the chair gives.

A chair, in particular swivel chair, is provided, 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, in particular a cardan joint or a joint head, is preferably integrated in the rear pivot point.

Compared to the prior art, it is provided that by means of the joint a further functionality, namely a lateral tilting with a tilting movement for the seat element is made possible. The integration of this joint into the rear pivot point means that no additional components need to be installed on the underside of the seat element, in particular on its outer side. In particular, the rear pivot point and especially the joint are here integrated into an underside of the seat element. As a result, the component responsible for the tilting movement can be integrated into the seat element together with the rear pivot point in such a way that it is not visible or recognizable from the outside. For example, an additional, externally located hinge or joint can be avoided.

In particular, the chair is a swivel chair used, for example, in the office sector. Such chairs preferably have a seat carrier that allows the seat element to be tilted with the backrest element. Furthermore, the seat carrier preferably has a foot area with rolls, which makes it possible to move the chair. In this case, the seating position can be adapted as freely and flexibly as possible to a desk in order to be able to adopt a seating position that is as ergonomic as possible. The term “front” refers in particular to areas that are further away from the backrest than the “rear” areas, in particular along a horizontal direction.

It is further conceivable that the seat element comprises an upholstered portion and/or a seat surface portion on which a user of the chair can sit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the backrest element also comprises a cushion and/or leaning area which is held, for example, via a backrest support of the backrest element. In this case, the leaning area or the cushion can be designed to be deformable or non-deformable. In this context, the person skilled in the art understands “deformable” to mean that the upholstered part or the leaning area can be adapted to the shape of the respective back of a person sitting on the chair. In addition to foam-filled upholstery parts, woven or braided fabrics are also conceivable here. For example, it is also conceivable that a corresponding adjustment mechanism can be used, for example, to adjust an initial position of the leaning surface relative to the seat surface, in particular to adjust the initial position variably.

Preferably, the displacement movement is a lifting movement, in particular a movement along a substantially vertical direction, to provide for raising or lowering of the seat element when the backrest element is pivoted. In particular, the rear portion of the chair element is lifted and moved rearwardly. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the chair can be adjusted in height, for example by means of a corresponding telescopic mechanism in the seat carrier, independently of the coupled lifting movement.

In particular, a kinematic chain is to be understood as an arrangement of several swing elements, which are articulated to each other in order to define a certain path of motions.

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that a single joint is provided for the lateral tilting movement, in particular only a single joint in the rear pivot point, and preferably an elasticity of the storage element supports a tilting and/or a return to the initial position for the seat element. In other words, there is no need for a joint in the front area of the seat element, and the storage elements, which are preferably formed in two, are hinged at the front pivot point via hinges. These hinges allow the storage element to be shifted relative to the seat element about an axis which is parallel to the first axis, but not parallel to the second axis. In particular, it is provided that the hinge in the front pivot point for the storage element has a width which—measured in a direction given by the first axis—is greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm.

Due to the elasticity of the storage element, in particular in the case of a deformation of the storage element caused by torsion, the storage element(s) thus support(s) the return or repatriation of the seat element to the initial position in the event of a deflection caused by the tilting movement. Thus, in addition to returning the backrest element and the seat element to the initial position, the storage element also returns the seat element when it has been tilted laterally about the second axis.

It is further provided that the second axis is substantially determined by the course of the seat element. In particular, this takes into account that tilting can also occur when the seat element is inclined in a corresponding manner by the coupled motion sequence.

Preferably, the transmission is connected to the chair support at a connection point and the rear pivot is arranged essentially above the connection point. Essentially above means that the rear pivot is offset by no more than 10 cm to the front or rear in a horizontal direction. This makes it possible to ensure, in particular, that when the backrest element is shifted, there is essentially only a lifting movement and no forward or rearward pivoting movement for the seat element. In other words: a comparatively small deflection is also provided for the seat element, sufficient to ensure appropriate tracking of the seated person when the backrest is deflected. In addition, the articulation point is substantially below a rear portion of the seat element. This also provides increased leg-room (to the rear) for the seated person. In particular, it is provided that the rear swing arm is comparatively short, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the seat surface, and is for example no longer than 20 cm.

Preferably, it is provided that the joint is a ball joint. In this way, a corresponding pivotable bearing in the rear pivot point, which is required for the movement sequence and which is specified by the kinematic chain or the transmission ratio, can be ensured at the same time with a single component. Furthermore, a joint or a ball joint can be integrated comparatively easily into the lower side of the seat element. Alternatively, however, an elastic plate or a “power joint” is also suitable for implementing the joint. A “power joint” is an elastomeric rubber joint that can be pivoted in all directions relative to the vertical.

Furthermore, the transmission comprises a rear swing element which connects a backrest pivot point, about which the backrest element is pivotable about the first axis, to the rear pivot point on the seat element, wherein the backrest element and the rear swing element are rigidly connected to one another or are formed integrally with one another. As a result, when the backrest element, in particular a backrest support, is shifted about the first axis, a movement of the rear swing element is simultaneously caused, thereby ensuring a direct coupling between the backrest element and the seat element and carrying out the lifting movement. In particular, it is provided that the rear swing element forms a lower portion of the backrest element.

Preferably, it is provided that the rear swing element is formed in an arcuate shape, in particular in a section that runs parallel to the first axis, and in particular that the joint is formed substantially at an apex of the arcuate course. For example, the arcuate course has a trapezoidal shape.

In particular, it is provided that two kinematic chains substantially parallel to each other are formed as a transmission underneath the seat element, the front section of the kinematic chain each providing an elastic storage element, while in the rear section of the respective kinematic chain a common rear swing element is formed extending substantially transversely underneath the seat surface, in particular a rear section of the seat surface. This makes it possible, in an advantageous manner, for only a single joint to be used for both kinematic chains in the rear pivot in which the joint is integrated, as a result of which the number of components required for carrying out all movement sequences, i.e. for the pivoting movement, for the tilting movement and for the displacement movement, is reduced or remains reduced.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the storage element has an elasticity varying over its longitudinal extension. This makes it advantageously possible to realize a desired deformation, which is required in particular when the articulation point or the connection point of the seat carrier to the base element is arranged in a rear region of the seat element.

Preferably, it is provided that an adjustment mechanism is formed on the storage element with which the elasticity of the storage element can be adjusted. For example, it is conceivable that the elasticity or deflection of the storage element can be influenced by a rigid body that can be displaceably arranged on the storage element and, for example, grips around the storage element. For example, this could be a clamp-like structure made of plastic that extends over and surrounds a certain longitudinal area of the storage element. In this case, the rigid body has an elasticity that is smaller than that of the storage element. Depending on the position of this adjustment mechanism or the rigid body, there is then no or less deformation in this area, thus influencing the elasticity of the storage element.

Preferably, it is provided that an inclination of the transmission is adjustable. For example, it is conceivable that the base element to which the transmission and the backrest are attached is not fixed relative to the seat carrier and instead allows, for example, a displacement or a tilting of the entire seat base element or base element in order to adjust the inclination of the entire seat carrier within a certain range.

Preferably, the seat element comprises a return mechanism for the lateral tilting movement. For example, it is also conceivable that, in addition to the restoring force of the storage element, a further mechanism is integrated in the second pivot point, which is provided for returning the seat element when it is deflected by a tilting movement, for example an additional spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

It shows:

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 the joints from FIG. 3 in a pivoted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.