EP0309368B1 - Ergonomic chair - Google Patents

Ergonomic chair Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0309368B1
EP0309368B1 EP88440069A EP88440069A EP0309368B1 EP 0309368 B1 EP0309368 B1 EP 0309368B1 EP 88440069 A EP88440069 A EP 88440069A EP 88440069 A EP88440069 A EP 88440069A EP 0309368 B1 EP0309368 B1 EP 0309368B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seat
backrest
plate
chair according
chair
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP88440069A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0309368A1 (en
Inventor
Charles Heidmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Steelcase Strafor SA
Original Assignee
Steelcase Strafor SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Steelcase Strafor SA filed Critical Steelcase Strafor SA
Priority to AT88440069T priority Critical patent/ATE86450T1/en
Publication of EP0309368A1 publication Critical patent/EP0309368A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0309368B1 publication Critical patent/EP0309368B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A47C7/441—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame with adjustable elasticity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
    • A47C3/02—Rocking chairs
    • A47C3/025—Rocking chairs with seat, or seat and back-rest unit elastically or pivotally mounted in a rigid base frame
    • A47C3/026—Rocking chairs with seat, or seat and back-rest unit elastically or pivotally mounted in a rigid base frame with central column, e.g. rocking office chairs; Tilting chairs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
    • A47C7/36—Support for the head or the back
    • A47C7/40—Support for the head or the back for the back
    • A47C7/44—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame
    • A47C7/443—Support for the head or the back for the back with elastically-mounted back-rest or backrest-seat unit in the base frame with coil springs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new ergonomic chair, usable in particular as an office chair with exceptional characteristics of comfort and adaptability to the shape and positions of its occupant.
  • this armchair relate in particular to the constitution of the seat-back set and more particularly the combination of means making this set comfortable and permanently adaptable to the occupant in any position. It is understood that this assembly is itself mounted on a base which, in known manner may preferably include height adjustment means, but this base will not be described here, and is not part of the invention.
  • the essential characteristic of the armchairs according to the present invention is to include a seat-back assembly in one piece whose flexibility with respect to the fixed base results from the combination of mechanical means and the properties of the material used for its construction.
  • an anterior portion of the seat being fixedly mounted on the base, the assembly of the posterior portion of the seat and the backrest constitutes a single molded part, pivotally mounted on this anterior portion and comprising mechanical means ensuring the elastic tilting of this part, the portion of this part constituting the file having at the desired height as a function of the comfort of the seat a structure ensuring its controlled and limited deformation towards the rear.
  • a seat comprising a single molded part, mounted tilting with respect to the front portion of the seat, around a flexible zone and the backrest of which also has a flexible zone.
  • the aim is to maintain the back at the level of the lumbar vertebrae, at a constantly optimal angle, whatever the inclination of the seat, thanks to a constant modification of the inclination of the back under the effect of a very complicated linkage, which exerts a traction towards the rear of the whole of the backrest, according to the inclination of the whole of the seat.
  • WO-A-8704909 is described a seat in which a single molded part is mounted on an elastic metal frame, the front portion of the seat being fixed while its rear portion constitutes the only connection with the backrest, mechanical means, formed by the elbows of a metal frame which should allow elastic tilting of this rear portion.
  • said metal frame in fact only provides a certain suspension effect and not a real tilting with the feeling of comfort which would result therefrom.
  • the present invention relates to a seat of this general type but in which a much simpler construction provides much greater comfort.
  • the seat-back assembly thus constituting a single molded part, equipped with elastic tilting means which have just been described, the invention aims to combine, with these mechanical means, a back structure which allows the upper portion of this file to bend elastically backwards preferably at the height of the occupant's shoulders under the pressure of the body of this occupant.
  • a back structure is preferably of the type described in EP-0309369, patent filed jointly with the present application for "semi-rigid structure with controlled ability to unidirectional deformation, usable in particular in the construction of seats.
  • Such a structure comes by molding of said single molded part, and is present, in the zone concerned by the backrest, in the form of horizontal ribs, the portion located towards the back of the seat is thick. and rigid while the forward portion of the seat is thinned and rounded, in such a way that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest appears to include a series of very narrow gutters which can be crushed under the pressure of occupant, allowing a slight and limited flexion from the top of the backrest to the rear.
  • this configuration offers an additional advantage, allowing this seat to include another characteristic falling within the scope of the invention.
  • the metal structure with which the molded elements forming the seat and the back are associated is generally mounted in the axis of the seat.
  • this structure is transferred to the ribs, and is in the form of a bowl made of metal tubes, the substantially horizontal portion of which corresponds at the seat is located under the corresponding part of said molded part, while the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest until the bending zone is located in front of the corresponding part of the molded part, these tubes therefore passing through this molded part in the connection area between the seat and the backrest.
  • the armrests can thus easily be attached to this bowl.
  • the front portion of the "seat" part of the molded part described above is also associated with a shoe allowing it to slide back and forth relative to the casing containing the aforementioned mechanical means intended for its elastic tilting. This results in a displacement relative to the pivot axis around which this tilting occurs, this displacement operating itself according to the configuration and the weight of the user.
  • the seat according to the invention resting on a fixed base with adjustable height generally designated by 10, has the fundamental characteristic of comprising a single seat-back assembly in a single molded part, designated by the global reference 11, whose displacements and deformations caused relative to the base 10 by the configuration and the positions of the occupant result from the combination of mechanical means, designated by the global reference 12 and the properties of 'a structure molded with the part 11 and designated by the global reference 13.
  • the single molded part 11 comprises a substantially horizontal portion 14, constituting the largest part of the seat cushion, and a substantially vertical portion 15, constituting as a whole the seat back.
  • the portion 14 is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis 16, mounted at the rear of a fixed seat portion 17, integral with the base 10, and covering a casing 18, which encloses the part retaining mechanism 11 and in which is mounted the cylinder 19 allowing the height adjustment of the seat.
  • This portion 14 is rigidly secured to the portion 15, and the rearward flexing ability of the upper zone of the portion 15 is ensured by the structure 13.
  • FIGS. 2 to 4 there is shown the detail of the mechanism 12.
  • This mechanism consists of a support plate 20, permanently compressing the free ends 22 of two springs 21a and 21b, the other ends 23 of which are hooked to the front of the casing 18.
  • This plate 20 is integral in rotation with the pivoting axis 16, so that the tilting of the part 11 takes place in elastic opposition to the springs 21.
  • Means for adjusting the spring retaining force 21 are provided in the form of a screw 24, operated by a button 25, accessible by the occupant outside the casing 18.
  • This screw cooperates with a threaded housing of a bar 26 joining the ends 22 of the springs 21, so that its rotation determines the modification of the height of the point of application of the springs on the plate 20, and as a result of the force to be applied to these springs to tilt the Exhibit 11.
  • this point is situated towards the bottom of the plate 20, while in FIG. 2b, it is situated at the very top of the said plate, which makes the necessary effort, therefore the hardness of the mechanism, much higher.
  • a mechanism for locking the mechanism is also provided, in the form of a push rod 26, pivotally mounted on the axis 23 at its front end; and whose rear end 27 can immobilize the plate 20 against any forward movement.
  • the occupant has a lever 28 pivoting at 28 'acting by a finger 30 carried by an axis 29 on the height of inclination of the pusher 26.
  • a notched guide 31 defines a certain number of positions of the finger 30 , that is to say of possible limits to the degree of inclination of the plate 20, therefore of the part 11.
  • this structure which comes from molding with the whole part 11, preferably made of polypropylene, consists of rigid blocks 5, spaced from one another by ribs 6 and joined by gutters 7, made of thinner and / or more flexible material, which constitute the only deformable portions of the structure.
  • each gutter being small, when a force is exerted on the structure in the direction F, the overall direction of the structure will pass from ZZ 'to ZZ' ', the angle Z' Z Z '' being small , and according to the number of gutters.
  • ribs 8 in the interior of the gutters, or some of them are provided according to the invention. The control of the deformation of the structure therefore depends on two factors, which can be provided on request, namely the number of gutters 7 and the number of ribs 8.
  • the structure is deformable only in the direction F, and it is practically undeformable in the opposite direction.
  • This structure is original in itself, and is the subject of EP-0309369 mentioned above. Its combination with the mechanism illustrated in previous figures 2 to 4 is also original and it is this which constitutes the subject of the present application.
  • the upper part 15a of the backrest 15 can bend slightly and limited with respect to the lower part 15b, which ensures optimum comfort for the occupant.
  • this configuration of the single part 11 makes it possible to associate this part, or shell, 11, with a cradle or bowl in metal tube designated by the general reference 40 , and located entirely on the periphery of said shell.
  • this bowl comprises two horizontal tubes, namely the lower tube 41, which fits on the pivoting bar 16, and the upper tube 32, on which the lowest rib of the structure 13 hangs; it also comprises two bent side tubes 33a and 33b, the substantially horizontal portion of which is located under the seat 14, and the substantially vertical portion is located in front of the backrest 15, these lateral tubes therefore passing through the part 11 at 34a and 34b ( see figure 1 ').
  • This configuration of said bowl is also original and forms part of the invention. It is also thanks to this configuration that all the controls of this seat (button 25 - lever 28 - and dependent organs) can be housed in the casing 18, that is to say in the fixed part.
  • the different parts of the shell 11 are curved, as has been partially shown in Figure 1, and are intended in any case to be covered by the usual upholstery for this kind of seat.
  • the front seat area 17, instead of being fixed on the front portion of the casing 18, resting on the pivot axis 16, includes means allowing it to slide back and forth back on that portion.
  • These means consist of an intermediate piece 34 integral with the portion 17 and forming two lateral pads 35 (see FIG. 8), sliding on the lateral edges 36 of the casing 18.
  • the portion 17 is therefore movable from front to rear relative to the casing 18, and, consequently, relative to the axis 16, so that the tilting of the whole of the seat 14 takes place more or less at front or rear of the base 10, depending on the configuration of the weight of the user, who thus finds a third element of comfort.
  • the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8 still has an additional difference: while in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection between the front horizontal portion 17 and the rear horizontal portion 14 was on the axis 16, on the contrary, in the variant of FIG. 7, this connection is made at a certain vertical distance from the axis 16, which allows a certain flexibility in this connection , and consequently eliminates the "bar effect", detrimental to the comfort of the seat, which thus finds a fourth element of comfort by adapting to the co-training of the user.

Landscapes

  • Chairs Characterized By Structure (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
  • Control Of Throttle Valves Provided In The Intake System Or In The Exhaust System (AREA)

Abstract

Ergonomic chair comprising, mounted on a fixed base (10), optionally adjustable in terms of height, a seat/back assembly in a single piece (11), whose flexibility relative to the fixed base results from the combination of the mechanical means (12) and the properties of the material (13) used for its construction. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un nouveau fauteuil ergonomique, utilisable notamment comme fauteuil de bureau possédant des caractéristiques exceptionnelles de confort et d'adaptabilité à la conformation et aux positions de son occupant.The present invention relates to a new ergonomic chair, usable in particular as an office chair with exceptional characteristics of comfort and adaptability to the shape and positions of its occupant.

Les particularités de ce fauteuil portent notamment sur la constitution de l'ensemble assise-dossier et plus particulièrement la combinaison de moyens rendant cet ensemble confortable et adaptable en permanence à l'occupant en toute position. Il est bien entendu que cet ensemble est lui-même monté sur un piètement qui, de manière connue peut comporter de préférence des moyens de réglage en hauteur, mais ce piètement ne sera pas décrit ici, et ne fait pas partie de l'invention.The particularities of this armchair relate in particular to the constitution of the seat-back set and more particularly the combination of means making this set comfortable and permanently adaptable to the occupant in any position. It is understood that this assembly is itself mounted on a base which, in known manner may preferably include height adjustment means, but this base will not be described here, and is not part of the invention.

La caractéristique essentielle des fauteuils selon la présente invention est de comporter un ensemble assise-dossier en une seule pièce dont la flexibilité par rapport au piètement fixe résulte de la combinaison entre des moyens mécaniques et les propriétés du matériau utilisé pour sa construction.The essential characteristic of the armchairs according to the present invention is to include a seat-back assembly in one piece whose flexibility with respect to the fixed base results from the combination of mechanical means and the properties of the material used for its construction.

Plus spécialement, une portion antérieure de l'assise étant montée fixe sur le piétement, l'ensemble de la portion postérieure de l'assise et du dossier constitue une pièce moulée unique, montée pivotante sur cette portion antérieure et comportant des moyens mécaniques assurant le basculement élastique de cette pièce, la portion de cette pièce constituant le dossier possédant à la hauteur voulue en fonction du confort du siège une structure assurant sa déformation contrôlée et limitée vers l'arrière.More specifically, an anterior portion of the seat being fixedly mounted on the base, the assembly of the posterior portion of the seat and the backrest constitutes a single molded part, pivotally mounted on this anterior portion and comprising mechanical means ensuring the elastic tilting of this part, the portion of this part constituting the file having at the desired height as a function of the comfort of the seat a structure ensuring its controlled and limited deformation towards the rear.

Des sièges de ce type général ont déjà été proposés.Seats of this general type have already been proposed.

Ainsi dans EP-A-0.202.390 est décrit un siège comportant une seule pièce moulée, montée basculante par rapport à la portion antérieure de l'assise, autour d'une zone flexible et dont le dossier présente également une zone souple.Thus in EP-A-0.202.390, a seat is described comprising a single molded part, mounted tilting with respect to the front portion of the seat, around a flexible zone and the backrest of which also has a flexible zone.

Toutefois, ainsi qu'il est précisé dans la description de ce brevet européen, le but recherché est d'assurer le maintien du dos au niveau des vertèbres lombaires, sous un angle constamment optimal, quelle que soit l'inclinaison de l'assise, grâce à une modification constante de l'inclinaison du dos sous l'effet d'un embiellage très compliqué, qui exerce une traction vers l'arrière de l'ensemble du dossier, en fonction de l'inclinaison de l'ensemble du siège.However, as specified in the description of this European patent, the aim is to maintain the back at the level of the lumbar vertebrae, at a constantly optimal angle, whatever the inclination of the seat, thanks to a constant modification of the inclination of the back under the effect of a very complicated linkage, which exerts a traction towards the rear of the whole of the backrest, according to the inclination of the whole of the seat.

Par ailleurs, dans WO-A-8704909 est décrit un siège dans lequel une pièce moulée unique est montée sur une armature métallique élastique, la portion avant de l'assise étant fixe tandis que sa portion arrière constitue la seule liaison avec le dossier, des moyens mécaniques, formés par les coudes d'une armature métallique devant permettre le basculement élastique de cette portion arrière.Furthermore, in WO-A-8704909 is described a seat in which a single molded part is mounted on an elastic metal frame, the front portion of the seat being fixed while its rear portion constitutes the only connection with the backrest, mechanical means, formed by the elbows of a metal frame which should allow elastic tilting of this rear portion.

Toutefois, ainsi que le précise la description, ladite armature métallique n'assure en fait qu'un certain effet de suspension et non un véritable basculement avec la sensation de confort qui en résulterait.However, as the description clarifies, said metal frame in fact only provides a certain suspension effect and not a real tilting with the feeling of comfort which would result therefrom.

La présente invention vise un siège de ce type général mais dans lequel une construction beaucoup plus simple procure un confort très supérieur.The present invention relates to a seat of this general type but in which a much simpler construction provides much greater comfort.

A cet effet, l'invention vise un siège ergonomique du type comportant :

  • une assise ayant une portion avant et une portion arrière et un axe de pivotement horizontal, montée sur un piètement à hauteur réglable,
  • un dossier en une seule pièce ayant, à une certaine hauteur, une structure permettant sa déformation contrôlée vers l'arrière, cette structure ayant une flexibilité d'ensemble due à la fois à des moyens mécaniques et aux propriétés du matériau,
  • la portion avant de l'assise étant montée sur ledit piétement et la portion arrière étant moulée en une seule pièce avec le dossier et montée pivotante sur la portion avant,
       caractérisé en ce que :
  • les moyens mécaniques permettant le basculement souple du dossier comprennent une plaque montée pivotante sur l'axe de pivotement de l'assise et un ressort réuni à cette plaque de manière telle que quand le siège bascule vers l'arrière, ladite plaque pivote en comprimant le ressort, en créant dans le siège une rigidité s'opposant à la force exercée par la plaque,
  • un vis de réglage permettant de régler ladite rigidité,
  • et un curseur fixé audit ressort et comportant un filetage interne ladite vis de réglage coopérant avec ledit filetage de manière telle que quand la vis est tournée par l'usager, ledit curseur se déplace en modifiant le point de la plaque sur lequel le ressort exerce sa force.
To this end, the invention relates to an ergonomic seat of the type comprising:
  • a seat having a front portion and a rear portion and a horizontal pivot axis, mounted on a height-adjustable base,
  • a single piece backrest having, at a certain height, a structure allowing its controlled deformation towards the rear, this structure having an overall flexibility due both to mechanical means and to the properties of the material,
  • the front portion of the seat being mounted on said base and the rear portion being molded in one piece with the backrest and pivotally mounted on the front portion,
    characterized in that:
  • the mechanical means allowing the flexible tilting of the backrest include a plate pivotally mounted on the pivot axis of the seat and a spring joined to this plate so that when the seat tilts backwards, said plate pivots by compressing the spring, creating in the seat a rigidity opposing the force exerted by the plate,
  • an adjustment screw for adjusting said rigidity,
  • and a slider fixed to said spring and having an internal thread, said adjusting screw cooperating with said thread so that when the screw is turned by the user, said slider moves by modifying the point of the plate on which the spring exerts its strength.

D'autres caractéristiques du siège selon l'invention sont énumérées dans les sous-revendications.Other features of the seat according to the invention are listed in the subclaims.

L'ensemble assise-dossier constituant donc une pièce moulée unique, équipée de moyens de basculement élastique qui viennent d'être décrits, l'invention vise la combinaison, avec ces moyens mécaniques, d'une structure du dossier qui autorise la portion supérieure de ce dossier à s'infléchir élastiquement vers l'arrière de préférence à hauteur des épaules de l'occupant sous la pression du corps de cet occupant. Une telle structure est de préférence du type décrit dans le EP-0309369, brevet déposé conjointement à la présente demande pour "structure semi-rigide à aptitude contrôlée à la déformation unidirectionnelle, utilisable notamment dans la construction des sièges.The seat-back assembly thus constituting a single molded part, equipped with elastic tilting means which have just been described, the invention aims to combine, with these mechanical means, a back structure which allows the upper portion of this file to bend elastically backwards preferably at the height of the occupant's shoulders under the pressure of the body of this occupant. Such a structure is preferably of the type described in EP-0309369, patent filed jointly with the present application for "semi-rigid structure with controlled ability to unidirectional deformation, usable in particular in the construction of seats.

Une telle structure, telle qu'elle est décrite dans ce document, vient par moulage de ladite pièce moulée unique, et se présente, dans la zone concernée du dossier, sous forme de nervures horizontales dont la portion située vers le dos du siège est épaisse et rigide tandis que la portion située vers l'avant du siège est amincie et arrondie, de telle manière que, vue par l'arrière, cette zone du dossier apparait comporter une série de gouttières très étroites susceptibles de s'écraser sous la pression de l'occupant, en autorisant une flexion légère et limitée du haut du dossier vers l'arrière.Such a structure, as described in this document, comes by molding of said single molded part, and is present, in the zone concerned by the backrest, in the form of horizontal ribs, the portion located towards the back of the seat is thick. and rigid while the forward portion of the seat is thinned and rounded, in such a way that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest appears to include a series of very narrow gutters which can be crushed under the pressure of occupant, allowing a slight and limited flexion from the top of the backrest to the rear.

Des butée prévues à l'intérieur des gouttières permettant de imiter encore l'amplitude de cette flexion, qui, dans l'exemple figurant dans ladite demande conjointe est de l'ordre de 1° d'angle par gouttière.Stops provided inside the gutters making it possible to further imitate the amplitude of this bending, which, in the example appearing in said joint application, is of the order of 1 ° of angle per gutter.

Il convient de remarquer que cette configuration offre un avantage supplémentaire, permettant à ce siège de comporter une autre caractéristique rentrant dans le cadre de l'invention. En effet, dans les sièges antérieurs comparables, la structure métallique à laquelle sont associés les éléments moulés formant l'assise et le dossier est généralement montée dans l'axe du siège. Au contraire, selon l'invention, grâce au fait que l'ensemble assisedossier est en une seule pièce moulée, cette structure est reportée sur les côtes, et se présente sous forme d'une cuvette réalisée en tubes métalliques dont la portion sensiblement horizontale correspondant à l'assise est située sous la partie correspondante de ladite pièce moulée, tandis que la portion sensiblement verticale venant renforcer le dossier jusqu'à la zone de flexion est située devant la partie correspondante de la pièce moulée, ces tubes traversant donc cette pièce moulée dans la zone de raccordement entre l'assise et le dossier. Les accoudoirs peuvent ainsi aisément être fixés à cette cuvette.It should be noted that this configuration offers an additional advantage, allowing this seat to include another characteristic falling within the scope of the invention. In fact, in comparable front seats, the metal structure with which the molded elements forming the seat and the back are associated is generally mounted in the axis of the seat. On the contrary, according to the invention, thanks to the fact that the seat assembly is in a single molded part, this structure is transferred to the ribs, and is in the form of a bowl made of metal tubes, the substantially horizontal portion of which corresponds at the seat is located under the corresponding part of said molded part, while the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest until the bending zone is located in front of the corresponding part of the molded part, these tubes therefore passing through this molded part in the connection area between the seat and the backrest. The armrests can thus easily be attached to this bowl.

Enfin, on notera que toutes les commandes (réglage et blocage) sont incorporées dans la portion antérieure fixe de l'assise.Finally, it should be noted that all of the controls (adjustment and locking) are incorporated in the fixed front portion of the seat.

Selon une variante destinée à accroître le confort de ce siège, à la portion antérieure de la partie "assise" de la pièce moulée décrite ci-dessus est au surplus associé à un patin lui permettant de coulisser d'avant en arrière par rapport au carter renfermant les moyens mécaniques précités destinés à son basculement élastique. Il en résulte un déplacement par rapport à l'axe de pivotement autour duquel se produit ce basculement, ce déplacement s'opérant lui-même en fonction de la configuration et du poids de l'utilisateur.According to a variant intended to increase the comfort of this seat, the front portion of the "seat" part of the molded part described above is also associated with a shoe allowing it to slide back and forth relative to the casing containing the aforementioned mechanical means intended for its elastic tilting. This results in a displacement relative to the pivot axis around which this tilting occurs, this displacement operating itself according to the configuration and the weight of the user.

L'invention va maintenant être décrite plus en détail, dans un de ses modes de réalisation, correspondant au dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • La figure 1 est une coupe schématique par le plan de symétrie vertical du siège,
  • La figure 1' est un détail simplifié et agrandi de la figure 1,
  • Les figures 2a et 2b sont des coupes par le même plan du mécanisme de retenue élastique de l'ensemble assise-dossier,
  • Les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues de dessus du même mécanisme,
  • La figure 5 est une vue perspective faisant apparaître la structure tubulaire en cuvette du siège,
  • La figure 6 est une coupe schématique de la structure semi-rigide permettant la flexion contrôlée vers l'arrière du dossier.
  • La figure 7 est une coupe partielle semblable à la figure 1, illustrant la variante de l'invention comportant des moyens de coulissement de l'assise,
  • Et la figure 8 est une coupe schématique montrant la portion de patin de glissement sur le rebord du carter.
The invention will now be described in more detail, in one of its embodiments, corresponding to the attached drawing in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic section through the vertical plane of symmetry of the seat,
  • FIG. 1 ′ is a simplified and enlarged detail of FIG. 1,
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b are sections through the same plane of the elastic retaining mechanism of the seat-back assembly,
  • Figures 3 and 4 are top views of the same mechanism,
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the tubular structure in a bowl of the seat,
  • Figure 6 is a schematic section of the semi-rigid structure allowing controlled flexion towards the rear of the backrest.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial section similar to FIG. 1, illustrating the variant of the invention comprising means for sliding the seat,
  • And Figure 8 is a schematic section showing the portion of the sliding pad on the edge of the housing.

Dans toutes les figures, les mêmes éléments portent les mêmes références.In all the figures, the same elements have the same references.

En se référant tout d'abord à la figure 1, on voit que le siège selon l'invention, reposant sur un piètement fixe à hauteur réglable désigné globalement par 10, présente la caractéristique fondamentale de comporter un ensemble unique assise-dossier en une seule pièce moulée, désigné par la référence globale 11, dont les déplacements et déformations provoqués par rapport au piètement 10 par la configuration et les positions de l'occupant résultent de la combinaison entre des moyens mécaniques, désignés par la référence globale 12 et les propriétés d'une structure venue de moulage avec la pièce 11 et désignée par la référence globale 13.Referring firstly to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the seat according to the invention, resting on a fixed base with adjustable height generally designated by 10, has the fundamental characteristic of comprising a single seat-back assembly in a single molded part, designated by the global reference 11, whose displacements and deformations caused relative to the base 10 by the configuration and the positions of the occupant result from the combination of mechanical means, designated by the global reference 12 and the properties of 'a structure molded with the part 11 and designated by the global reference 13.

Plus particulièrement, la pièce moulée unique 11 comporte une portion sensiblement horizontale 14, constituant la plus grande partie de l'assise du siège, et une portion sensiblement verticale 15, constituant dans son ensemble le dossier du siège.More particularly, the single molded part 11 comprises a substantially horizontal portion 14, constituting the largest part of the seat cushion, and a substantially vertical portion 15, constituting as a whole the seat back.

La portion 14 est montée pivotante autour d'un axe horizontal 16, monté à l'arrière d'une portion d'assise fixe 17, solidaire du piètement 10, et recouvrant un carter 18, qui renferme le mécanisme de retenue de la pièce 11 et dans lequel vient se monter le vérin 19 permettant le réglage en hauteur du siège.The portion 14 is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis 16, mounted at the rear of a fixed seat portion 17, integral with the base 10, and covering a casing 18, which encloses the part retaining mechanism 11 and in which is mounted the cylinder 19 allowing the height adjustment of the seat.

Cette portion 14 est rigidement solidaire de la portion 15, et la faculté de fléchissement vers l'arrière de la zone supérieure de la portion 15 est assurée par la structure 13.This portion 14 is rigidly secured to the portion 15, and the rearward flexing ability of the upper zone of the portion 15 is ensured by the structure 13.

Si l'on se réfère maintenant aux figures 2 à 4, on y a représenté le détail du mécanisme 12.Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4, there is shown the detail of the mechanism 12.

Ce mécanisme se compose d'une plaque d'appui 20, comprimant en permanence les extrémités libres 22 de deux ressorts 21a et 21b, dont les autres extrémités 23 sont accrochées à l'avant du carter 18. Cette plaque 20 est solidaire en rotation de l'axe pivotant 16, de sorte que le basculement de la pièce 11 se fait en opposition élastique aux ressorts 21.This mechanism consists of a support plate 20, permanently compressing the free ends 22 of two springs 21a and 21b, the other ends 23 of which are hooked to the front of the casing 18. This plate 20 is integral in rotation with the pivoting axis 16, so that the tilting of the part 11 takes place in elastic opposition to the springs 21.

Des moyens de réglage de la force de retenue des ressorts 21 sont prévus sous forme d'une vis 24, manoeuvrée par une bouton 25, accessible par l'occupant à l'extérieur du carter 18. Cette vis coopère avec un logement fileté d'un barreau 26 réunissant les extrémités 22 des ressorts 21, de sorte que sa rotation détermine la modification de la hauteur du point d'application des ressorts sur la plaque 20, et par suite de l'effort à appliquer à ces ressorts pour faire basculer la pièce 11.Means for adjusting the spring retaining force 21 are provided in the form of a screw 24, operated by a button 25, accessible by the occupant outside the casing 18. This screw cooperates with a threaded housing of a bar 26 joining the ends 22 of the springs 21, so that its rotation determines the modification of the height of the point of application of the springs on the plate 20, and as a result of the force to be applied to these springs to tilt the Exhibit 11.

Ainsi, sur la figure 2a, ce point est situé vers le bas de la plaque 20, tandis que sur la figure 2b, il est situé tout en haut de ladite plaque, ce qui rend l'effort nécessaire, donc la dureté du mécanisme, beaucoup plus élevée.Thus, in FIG. 2a, this point is situated towards the bottom of the plate 20, while in FIG. 2b, it is situated at the very top of the said plate, which makes the necessary effort, therefore the hardness of the mechanism, much higher.

Par ailleurs, un mécanisme de blocage du mécanisme est également prévu, sous forme d'une bielle poussoir 26, montée pivotante sur l'axe 23 à son extrémité avant; et dont l'extrémité arrière 27 peut venir immobiliser la plaque 20 contre tout déplacement vers l'avant. A cet effet, l'occupant dispose d'un levier 28 pivotant en 28' agissant par un doigt 30 porté par un axe 29 sur la hauteur d'inclinaison du poussoir 26. Un guide cranté 31 définit un certain nombre de positions du doigt 30, c'est à dire de limites possibles au degré d'inclinaison de la plaque 20, donc de la pièce 11.Furthermore, a mechanism for locking the mechanism is also provided, in the form of a push rod 26, pivotally mounted on the axis 23 at its front end; and whose rear end 27 can immobilize the plate 20 against any forward movement. For this purpose, the occupant has a lever 28 pivoting at 28 'acting by a finger 30 carried by an axis 29 on the height of inclination of the pusher 26. A notched guide 31 defines a certain number of positions of the finger 30 , that is to say of possible limits to the degree of inclination of the plate 20, therefore of the part 11.

L'invention reposant sur la combinaison de ce mécanisme avec la structure 13, on se réfère maintenant aux figures 5 et 6 pour expliquer la configuration et le rôle de cette structure.The invention being based on the combination of this mechanism with the structure 13, reference is now made to FIGS. 5 and 6 to explain the configuration and the role of this structure.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 6, on voit que cette structure, venue de moulage avec toute la pièce 11, de préférence en polypropylène, se compose de blocs rigides 5, espacés les uns des autres par des nervures 6 et réunis par des gouttières 7, en matériau plus mince et/ou plus souple, qui constituent les seules portions déformables de la structure.As can be seen in FIG. 6, it can be seen that this structure, which comes from molding with the whole part 11, preferably made of polypropylene, consists of rigid blocks 5, spaced from one another by ribs 6 and joined by gutters 7, made of thinner and / or more flexible material, which constitute the only deformable portions of the structure.

L'épaisseur de chaque gouttière étant faible, quand un effort est exercé sur la structure dans la direction F, la direction d'ensemble de la structure passera de ZZ' à ZZ'', l'angle Z' Z Z'' étant faible, et fonction du nombre de gouttières. Au surplus, pour limiter à volonté cet angle, on prévoit selon l'invention, des nervures 8 dans l'intérieur des gouttières, ou de certaines d'entre elles. Le contrôle de la déformation de la structure dépend donc de deux facteurs, que l'on peut prévoir à la demande, à savoir le nombre de gouttières 7 et le nombre de nervures 8.The thickness of each gutter being small, when a force is exerted on the structure in the direction F, the overall direction of the structure will pass from ZZ 'to ZZ' ', the angle Z' Z Z '' being small , and according to the number of gutters. In addition, to limit this angle at will, there are provided according to the invention, ribs 8 in the interior of the gutters, or some of them. The control of the deformation of the structure therefore depends on two factors, which can be provided on request, namely the number of gutters 7 and the number of ribs 8.

Par ailleurs, par sa constitution même, la structure n'est déformable que dans la direction F, et elle est pratiquement indéformable dans la direction opposée. Cette structure est originale en elle-même, et fait l'objet du EP-0309369 mentionné plus haut. Sa combinaison avec le mécanisme illustré aux figures 2 à 4 précédentes est également originale et c'est elle qui constitue l'objet de la présente demande.Furthermore, by its very constitution, the structure is deformable only in the direction F, and it is practically undeformable in the opposite direction. This structure is original in itself, and is the subject of EP-0309369 mentioned above. Its combination with the mechanism illustrated in previous figures 2 to 4 is also original and it is this which constitutes the subject of the present application.

Comme on le voit sur la figure 5, c'est grâce à cette structure 13 que la partie supérieure 15a du dossier 15 peut s'infléchir de manière légère et limitée par rapport à la partie inférieure 15b, ce qui assure le confort optimum à l'occupant.As can be seen in FIG. 5, it is thanks to this structure 13 that the upper part 15a of the backrest 15 can bend slightly and limited with respect to the lower part 15b, which ensures optimum comfort for the occupant.

Dans le cas d'un fauteuil à dossier galbé au moins dans sa portion centrale, c'est dans cette portion centrale qu'est située la structure, les portions latérales étant planes, comme il est décrit et illustré à la figure 5 du EP-0309369 précité.In the case of an armchair with a curved backrest at least in its central portion, it is in this central portion that the structure is located, the lateral portions being flat, as described and illustrated in FIG. 5 of EP- 0309369 cited above.

Par ailleurs, comme on le voit également sur la figure 5 de la présente demande, cette configuration de la pièce unique 11 permet d'associer cette pièce, ou coque, 11, à un berceau ou cuvette en tube métallique désignée par la référence générale 40, et située entièrement sur la périphérie de ladite coque. Ainsi, cette cuvette comporte deux tubes horizontaux, à savoir le tube inférieur 41, venant s'adapter sur la barre pivotante 16, et le tube supérieur 32, sur lequel vient s'accrocher la nervure la plus basse de la structure 13 ; elle comporte par ailleurs deux tubes latéraux coudés 33a et 33b, dont la portion sensiblement horizontale est située sous l'assise 14, et la portion sensiblement verticale est située devant le dossier 15, ces tubes latéraux traversant donc la pièce 11 en 34a et 34b (voir figure 1'). Cette configuration de ladite cuvette est également originale et constitue une partie de l'invention. C'est également grâce à cette configuration que toutes les commandes de ce siège (bouton 25 - levier 28 - et organes en dépendant) peuvent être logées dans le carter 18, c'est à dire dans la partie fixe.Furthermore, as can also be seen in FIG. 5 of the present application, this configuration of the single part 11 makes it possible to associate this part, or shell, 11, with a cradle or bowl in metal tube designated by the general reference 40 , and located entirely on the periphery of said shell. Thus, this bowl comprises two horizontal tubes, namely the lower tube 41, which fits on the pivoting bar 16, and the upper tube 32, on which the lowest rib of the structure 13 hangs; it also comprises two bent side tubes 33a and 33b, the substantially horizontal portion of which is located under the seat 14, and the substantially vertical portion is located in front of the backrest 15, these lateral tubes therefore passing through the part 11 at 34a and 34b ( see figure 1 '). This configuration of said bowl is also original and forms part of the invention. It is also thanks to this configuration that all the controls of this seat (button 25 - lever 28 - and dependent organs) can be housed in the casing 18, that is to say in the fixed part.

Bien entendu, les différentes parties de la coque 11 sont galbées, comme on l'a fait en partie ressortir sur la figure 1, et sont destinées de toutes façons à être recouvertes par le capitonnage usuel pour ce genre de siège.Of course, the different parts of the shell 11 are curved, as has been partially shown in Figure 1, and are intended in any case to be covered by the usual upholstery for this kind of seat.

Si l'on se reporte enfin aux figures 7 et 8, on y retrouve l'axe horizontal 16 autour duquel est montée basculante la portion horizontale 14 de la pièce unique 11, et qui est porté par le carter 18 renfermant le mécanisme décrit à propos des figures 2 et 4.If we finally refer to Figures 7 and 8, there is the horizontal axis 16 around which is tiltably mounted the horizontal portion 14 of the single piece 11, and which is carried by the housing 18 containing the mechanism described above Figures 2 and 4.

Selon cette variante de l'invention, la zone d'assise avant 17, au lieu d'être fixe sur la portion avant du carter 18, en reposant sur l'axe de pivotement 16, comporte des moyens permettant son glissement d'avant en arrière sur cette portion.According to this variant of the invention, the front seat area 17, instead of being fixed on the front portion of the casing 18, resting on the pivot axis 16, includes means allowing it to slide back and forth back on that portion.

Ces moyens consistent en une pièce intermédiaire 34 solidaire de la portion 17 et formant deux patins latéraux 35 (voir figure 8), coulissant sur les rebords latéraux 36 du carter 18.These means consist of an intermediate piece 34 integral with the portion 17 and forming two lateral pads 35 (see FIG. 8), sliding on the lateral edges 36 of the casing 18.

La portion 17 est donc mobile d'avant en arrière par rapport au carter 18, et, par suite, par rapport à l'axe 16, de sorte que le basculement de l'ensemble de l'assise 14 se fait plus ou moins à l'avant ou à l'arrière du piètement 10, en fonction de la configuration du poids de l'utilisateur, qui y trouve ainsi un troisième élément de confort.The portion 17 is therefore movable from front to rear relative to the casing 18, and, consequently, relative to the axis 16, so that the tilting of the whole of the seat 14 takes place more or less at front or rear of the base 10, depending on the configuration of the weight of the user, who thus finds a third element of comfort.

Au surplus encore, il convient de remarquer que, par comparaison avec la réalisation de la figure 1, la variante des figures 7 et 8 présente encore une différence supplémentaire : alors que dans la réalisation de la figure 1, le raccordement entre la portion horizontale avant 17 et la portion horizontale arrière 14 se faisait sur l'axe 16, au contraire, dans la variante de la figure 7, ce raccordement se fait à une certaine distance verticale de l'axe 16, ce qui autorise une certaine souplesse à ce raccordement, et élimine par suite l'"effet de barre", préjudiciable au confort du siège, qui trouve ainsi un quatrième élément de confort par adaptation à la coformation de l'utilisateur.Furthermore, it should be noted that, in comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the variant of FIGS. 7 and 8 still has an additional difference: while in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the connection between the front horizontal portion 17 and the rear horizontal portion 14 was on the axis 16, on the contrary, in the variant of FIG. 7, this connection is made at a certain vertical distance from the axis 16, which allows a certain flexibility in this connection , and consequently eliminates the "bar effect", detrimental to the comfort of the seat, which thus finds a fourth element of comfort by adapting to the co-training of the user.

La description qui précède n'est donnée qu'à titre d'exemple de réalisation, et il est bien entendu que toutes les variantes qui pourront en être conçues entrent dans le cadre de la présente invention, tel qu'il est défini par les revendications ci-après; la structure semirigide à flexibilité unidirectionnelle contrôlée, bien que représentant le moyen préféré à cet effet, pourrait être remplacée par toute autre structure équivalente ; le polypropylène est également le matériau préféré pour la coque moulée, mais pourrait également être remplacé par tout matériau équivalent. Le siège possédant ces caractéristiques peut être muni ou non d'accoudoirs prenant appui sur la cuvette tubulaire, c'est à dire constituer une chaise ou un fauteuil, dont les caractéristiques demeurent les mêmes.The foregoing description is given only as an exemplary embodiment, and it is understood that all of the variants which may be conceived thereof fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. below; the semi-rigid structure with controlled unidirectional flexibility, although representing the preferred means for this purpose, could be replaced by any other equivalent structure; polypropylene is also the preferred material for the molded shell, but could also be replaced by any equivalent material. The seat having these characteristics may or may not be provided with armrests bearing on the tubular bowl, that is to say constitute a chair or an armchair, the characteristics of which remain the same.

Claims (9)

  1. Ergonomic chair, of the type comprising:
    - a seat having a front portion (17) and a rear portion (14) and a horizontal pivoting axis, mounted on a support (10), the height of which is adjustable,
    - a one-piece back rest (13) having, at a certain height, a structure allowing its controlled rearward deformation, this structure having an overall flexibility due both to mechanical means (12) and to the properties of the material (13),
    - the front portion (17) of the seat being mounted on the said support and the rear portion (14) being moulded in one piece with the backrest (13) and mounted pivotally on the front portion,
    characterised in that:
    - the mechanical means allowing the backrest to tilt flexibly comprise a plate (20) pivotally mounted on the pivoting axis (16) of the seat and a spring (21) connected to this plate so that, when the seat tilts towards the rear, the said plate pivots, compressing the spring, creating in the chair a rigidity opposing the force exerted by the plate,
    - an adjusting screw (24) enabling the said rigidity to be adjusted,
    - and a slider (26) fixed to the said spring and having an internal tapping, the said adjusting screw interacting with the said tapping so that when the screw is turned by the user the said slider moves, changing the point on the plate on which the spring exerts its force.
  2. Chair according to claim 1, characterised in that it includes a means of locking the moulded piece in any tilting position.
  3. Chair according to Claim 2, characterised in that the said locking means is a thrust rod (26') actuated by an external lever so that it comes to bear against the said plate.
  4. Chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it has, in combination with the said mechanical means, a backrest structure which allows the upper part of this backrest to curve elastically towards the rear, preferably at the height of the shoulders of the occupant, under the pressure of the body of this occupant.
  5. Chair according to Claim 4, characterised in that the said structure is, in the area of the backrest in question, in the form of horizontal ribs 5, of which the portion situated towards the back of the chair is thick and rigid whilst the portion 7 situated towards the front of the seat is thin and rounded, so that, seen from the rear, this area of the backrest is seen to have a series of very narrow channels able to be compressed under the pressure of the occupant, allowing a slight limited deflection of the top part of the backrest towards the rear.
  6. Chair according to Claims 4 and 5, characterised in that stops 8 provided inside the channels enable the amplitude of this deflection to be limited.
  7. Chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a metal structure is associated with the said single moulded piece, in the form of a bowl produced from metal tubes 33-34, the substantially horizontal portions of which, corresponding to the seat, are situated below the corresponding part of the said moulded piece, whilst the substantially vertical portion reinforcing the backrest as far as the area where deflection takes place is situated in front of the corresponding part of the moulded piece, these tubes therefore passing through this moulded piece in the area where the seat and backrest are connected.
  8. Seat according to Claim 7, characterised in that it has armrests fixed to the said metal structure.
  9. Chair according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the said single moulded piece is made from polypropylene.
EP88440069A 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 Ergonomic chair Expired - Lifetime EP0309368B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88440069T ATE86450T1 (en) 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 ERGONOMIC CHAIR.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8713248 1987-09-22
FR8713248A FR2620607B1 (en) 1987-09-22 1987-09-22 ERGONOMIC SEAT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0309368A1 EP0309368A1 (en) 1989-03-29
EP0309368B1 true EP0309368B1 (en) 1993-03-10

Family

ID=9355204

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88440069A Expired - Lifetime EP0309368B1 (en) 1987-09-22 1988-08-30 Ergonomic chair

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US4981326A (en)
EP (1) EP0309368B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE86450T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1285468C (en)
DE (1) DE3879062T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2039685T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2620607B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4981326A (en) 1991-01-01
DE3879062T2 (en) 1993-08-26
FR2620607B1 (en) 1991-03-15
EP0309368A1 (en) 1989-03-29
DE3879062D1 (en) 1993-04-15
CA1285468C (en) 1991-07-02
ATE86450T1 (en) 1993-03-15
FR2620607A1 (en) 1989-03-24
ES2039685T3 (en) 1993-10-01

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