ES3050058T3 - Connecting device for a seat, seat and backrest - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connecting device for a seating piece, comprising: a first part (3) and a second part (4), wherein the first part (3) is provided and designed to be connected to a backrest (101) of a seating piece (100), and the second part (4) is provided and designed to be connected to a body (102) of the seating piece (100). The connecting device further comprises a detachable connection between the first part (3) and the second part (4). This detachable connection comprises: a locking mechanism (7, 8) for a positive locking connection between the first part (3) and the second part (4), and a pivot mechanism (33, 43, 5) in which the first part (3) and the second part (4) are connected to each other by means of a pivot shaft (5). The pivot mechanism (33, 43, 5) is designed and configured such that the first piece (3) can only be separated from the second piece (4) after pivoting to a pivot position, and the detachable connection is designed and configured such that the first piece (3) can only pivot and pivot to the pivot position to separate from the second piece (4) after unlocking the locking mechanism (7, 8). The invention further relates to a seat and backrest unit with said connecting device.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Connection device for a seat, seat and backrest

[0005] The invention relates to a connection device for a seat, as well as to a seat and a backrest with said connection device.

[0007] Seating furniture consists of pieces of furniture designed for people to sit on, such as armchairs and sofas. However, these pieces are often heavy and difficult to handle, making assembly and transport laborious. This is especially true for armchairs and sofas.

[0009] US Patent 2018/045234 A1 discloses a device for connecting furniture elements. The device consists of a first and a second part. Both parts are configured to connect to a furniture element, respectively. The first part has two parallel shafts, and the second part has housings for these shafts. The second part can be mounted on the first shaft and rotated around it, such that the second shaft engages in its housing in the second part, and the parts are secured together.

[0011] Document EP 2 796 074 B1 relates to a seat backrest. It provides for a connecting device by which the backrest is attached to the seat at two points. A first connection allows for the positioning and articulation of the backrest. A second connection constitutes an interlocking joint, in which a spring mechanism is activated when the backrest is rotated and locks it in place.

[0013] The invention aims to provide a seat and seat components that facilitate handling and transport.

[0015] This objective is achieved by means of a connection device with the characteristics of claim 1, a seat with the characteristics of claim 12 and a backrest with the characteristics of claim 13. Other embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to a first aspect, the invention comprises a connecting device for a seat with a first part and a second part. The first part is provided and configured to connect with a seat back. The second part is provided and configured to connect with a seat frame. The connecting device features a detachable joint between the first and second parts.

[0019] The detachable joint comprises a locking mechanism and a hinge mechanism. The locking mechanism provides a snap-fit connection between the first and second parts. In the hinge mechanism, the first and second parts are rotatably connected by a hinge shaft, such that the first part can only be separated from the second part by rotating it to a hinge position (i.e., only when the hinge position is reached can the first part be separated from the second). The detachable joint is designed and configured so that only after unlocking the locking mechanism can the first part be hinged and moved to the hinge position to separate from the second part.

[0021] The connecting device allows the backrest to be attached to and detached from the frame. Thanks to this detachable design, the backrest can be easily removed from the rest of the seat for transport. This means that a piece of furniture like a sofa doesn't need to be transported as a whole, but can be divided into individual components (one or more backrests and the frame), which can then be transported separately. Transporting a seat is considerably simplified.

[0023] The connecting device can adopt different states: locked or unlocked by the locking mechanism, and not hinged or hinged by the hinge mechanism. The hinge position is particularly relevant, since only from this position can the parts be separated from each other.

[0025] The connecting device thus provides an easy-to-operate yet secure connection between the backrest and the rest of the seat. The locking mechanism ensures that the parts cannot come loose on their own. Furthermore, the combination with the articulation mechanism provides additional safety: if, for example, the locking mechanism of a piece of furniture is accidentally unlocked and a person leans against the backrest, it remains attached to the rest of the furniture and will not detach unless it is also moved to the articulation position.

[0027] When mounted on a seat, to separate the backrest from the rest of the furniture, the locking mechanism must first be released. The backrest, together with the first part, can then be tilted to the hinged position, at which point the backrest can be detached from the seat frame. The connecting device is typically configured so that the backrest must tilt towards the seat surface to be removed.

[0029] [0013]According to the invention, the connecting device has a foot, configured in an articulated manner. The foot comprises an upper end, by which it is joined to the second part, and a lower end, by which the connection with the frame is established. When the first and second parts are joined, the articulated foot allows both parts to rotate together around the lower end of the foot.

[0031] In this way, the second part can tilt, via the articulated foot, from a first position to a second position, the second position being higher vertically than the first. This can be achieved, for example, by positioning the foot at an angle in the first position and vertically in the second. Thus, in the assembled state, the backrest can be easily raised, facilitating the user's access to and operation of the locking mechanism, as well as performing the articulation movement without interference from the padding. In the assembled state, the first position can be the one in which the backrest is normally found when the user is seated.

[0033] In one embodiment, the backrest is a rear support. Backrests are often particularly heavy components of a seat, so their removal and independent transport is especially useful.

[0035] In another embodiment, one part has projections and the other part has corresponding openings. The projections are designed and configured to engage the openings until the articulation position is reached, thereby preventing relative displacement of the parts in a radial direction about the articulation axis. This ensures a coupling that prevents displacement until articulation occurs. It is irrelevant which of the two parts has the openings or the projections. Instead of projections, elements such as bolts may also be provided, firmly attached to one part and configured to engage with corresponding openings in the other part.

[0037] The articulation position can be achieved, for example, by rotating the parts an angle of 10°, 15°, 20°, 30° or 45°.

[0039] In another variant, one of the parts has a radial housing for receiving the articulation shaft. The radial housing is designed and configured so that the part can be removed from the shaft in a radial direction. For example, the second part may be fixed to the articulation shaft, and the first part may have the radial housings. In this case, the first part slides onto the shaft by means of these housings for connection and can also be removed. Alternatively, the first part may be fixed to the articulation shaft and be removable, along with the shaft, from the second part, which in this case has the radial housings.

[0041] Particularly advantageous can be the combination with the variant mentioned above, in which corresponding projections and openings are provided. Thus, these projections and openings can be configured so that, in the non-articulated state, they prevent relative displacement of the parts radially from the axis. At the same time, the parts can only be separated if one of them slides radially off the axis. The displacement to separate the parts is therefore prevented in the non-articulated state by the interaction between the projections and openings.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, one of the two parts comprises a slider, which is provided and configured to engage with the other part in the locked state. To unlock the locking mechanism, the slider can be withdrawn from the engagement. The slider can be arranged so that it is easy to operate, for example, protruding from the connecting device, so that even when mounted on a seat it can be easily reached by a user.

[0045] It may also be foreseen that the other piece comprises a hook, which is provided and arranged to engage with the slider when it is closed.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism comprises an interlocking mechanism. This mechanism allows the interlocking connection between the first and second parts to occur automatically when both are moved towards each other. In the state mounted on a seat, it can be foreseen, for example, that the backrest slides against the frame and, by means of the interlocking mechanism, the connection is engaged. This interlocking can be audible to the user, so that they know that there is a secure connection between the backrest and the rest of the furniture.

[0049] If the connecting device comprises a hook and a slider, it may be arranged so that, upon closing, the hook engages with the slider. For this purpose, the hook may be configured so that, when the first part is moved toward the second, the hook first pushes the slider outward until it passes it, and finally the slider engages with the hook. In this locked position, the hook and slider prevent the separation of the first and second parts and constitute the interlock. In alternative embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, the hook may be omitted, and the slider may be arranged to engage directly into an opening in the other part.

[0051] [0024] For interlocking, the interlocking mechanism may comprise a spring, which provides a return force to the slider and is provided and configured to move the slider to an interlocking position, in which it engages with the other part. It is not strictly necessary that there be an actual mechanical spring attached to the slider; alternatively, the lever may be provided to be slightly flexible and to possess within itself a return force that pushes the slider into the interlocking position. Alternatively, the hook, instead of the lever, may be provided to have a return force for the interlocking mechanism.

[0052] In one variant of the invention, the first piece and the second piece are each made of sheet metal.

[0053] Alternatively, the parts may be made of other materials, such as durable plastic.

[0054] The first piece may be arranged to rest on the second piece in the unarticulated state. For support, one of the two pieces may have at least one folded lateral surface on which the first piece rests.

[0055] It can also be foreseen that both pieces have folded side surfaces arranged so that, in the non-articulated state, relative displacement of the pieces in an axial direction with respect to the articulation axis is prevented.

[0056] The foot may be provided and configured so that, when mounted on a seat, the second position is further from the seating surface than the first. In the case of a backrest, the second position would therefore be offset backwards towards the seat. This also allows the connection device to be easily operated from the rear of the furniture.

[0057] It may be arranged so that, by means of the articulated foot, the second part moves parallel to the first position as it passes from the first to the second, so that the spatial orientation of the second part remains unchanged during the articulation. For this purpose, the foot may have, for example, two or more parallel bars, each of which is rotatably mounted at its upper and lower ends.

[0058] It should be noted that connecting the second part of the connecting device to a fixed or articulated foot is only one embodiment. Alternatively, the second part can be connected directly to the frame, for example, by attaching it to a structure integrated into the frame (e.g., screwed in).

[0059] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a seat comprising a frame, at least one backrest, and a connecting device according to the invention for a detachable connection between the frame and the backrest.

[0060] Another aspect of the invention relates to a backrest, intended and configured for a seat, comprising a connecting device according to the invention for attaching it to the furniture frame. The backrest may be, in particular, a rear backrest.

[0061] The invention will be explained in more detail below, with reference to the figures in the drawing and to an example embodiment:

[0062] Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, an example of the realization of a first piece of a connection device.

[0063] Figure 2 shows the first piece of Figure 1 in another rotated perspective view, in which a hook for interlocking is visible.

[0064] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second part of a connecting device.

[0065] Figure 4 shows an axis that can be fixed to the first piece so that the second piece can be articulated with respect to the first.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a pin that can be fixed to the second piece to fit into openings in the first piece and prevent displacement between the two pieces.

[0067] Figure 6 shows a connecting device with the first and second pieces according to Figures 1-3 for joining a frame and a seat back, the pieces being articulated with each other.

[0068] Figure 7 shows the connection device of Figure 6, with the parts hinged together.

[0069] Figure 8 shows the connection device of Figure 6 in another perspective view.

[0070] Figures 9-10 show a connecting device according to Figures 6-8 arranged on an articulated foot, which can be attached to a seat frame.

[0071] Figures 11-14 show a seat with a connecting device according to Figures 6-8 for joining a backrest to the frame, showing different positions of the backrest during its attachment to the frame by means of the connecting device.

[0072] Figures 1 and 2 show, in perspective view, a first part 3 of a connecting device according to the invention. The device can be used in a seat to detachably connect a backrest to a frame.

[0073] The complete assembly of the connection device is described in more detail in Figures 6-10, and its integration into a seat is illustrated in Figures 11-14.

[0075] The first part 3 is intended to be attached to a backrest not shown. In the example shown, it is made of sheet metal. In a central area, a hook 8 projects perpendicularly outwards from the sheet metal. The hook 8 engages with a second part 4, as explained in Figure 6. This hook is obtained by cutting or stamping the sheet metal and then bending it. It has an inclined front surface 81 and a sub-cut 82 at its end. The hook 8, together with a slider (not shown) attached to the second part, forms a locking mechanism, in which the interaction of the hook 8 and the slider creates a fit that ensures a firm connection between the first part 3 and the second part.

[0077] The plate comprises holes 31 which serve to allow corresponding projections of the second piece or elements fixed to the second piece to protrude into said holes 31. In the present embodiment, the holes 31 are perforations, although in principle any form of cutout is possible.

[0079] At the lateral ends of the first part 3 are a first folded side surface 35 and a second folded side surface 32, both folded at a 90° angle. The two surfaces 32, 35 are separated by a groove and extend in the same direction. In the case of the first surface 35, the sheet metal is folded further inward, so that the surfaces are not aligned in the same plane. The first surface 35 also has a radial seat 33. This seat 33 is a circular cutout that allows the first part 3 to fit onto an axis shown in Figure 4, around which it can pivot. This pivoting movement between the first part 3 and the second part (not shown) constitutes a hinge mechanism.

[0081] Figure 3 shows the second part 4 of the connecting device. The second part 4 is also a sheet metal piece. In its central area, it has a 45 arc, formed by partially releasing a strip of the sheet metal and bending it upwards. A slider (not shown) can be placed in this 45 arc. The second part 4 also has a fixing opening 44, in which a pin 6, as shown in Figure 5, can be fastened.

[0083] Laterally, the sheet metal is bent so that a lateral surface 42 is formed on each side, perpendicular to the rest of the sheet metal. Two opposing holes 43 are located on these lateral surfaces 42. The axle shown in Figure 4 can be fixed to these holes, so that the first piece can pivot around it (see Figure 8).

[0085] Figure 4 shows shaft 5. This has an end 51 with a relatively thin diameter, which can be inserted into the corresponding hole 43 of the second piece 4. In a relatively wider area 52, the radial seat 33 can be rotatably engaged with shaft 5.

[0087] The radial seat 33 of part 3, the hole 43 of part 4 and the shaft 5 thus constitute an articulation mechanism.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a pin 6, whose function is to prevent relative displacement between the first and second pieces. The pin 6 can be anchored, at its thin lower end 61, in the second piece 4. The upper part 62 of the pin has a diameter that corresponds to the holes 31 of the first piece 3, into which the pin 6 can protrude when the pieces are not pivoted, that is, when they are overlapped.

[0091] Figures 6 to 8 show the components explained in the previous figures assembled into a connecting device.

[0093] Figures 6 to 8 depict the connecting device 1, in which the first part 3 and the second part 4 are overlapped. A slider 7 is fixed to the second part, passing through the arc 45. The slider 7 is configured as an elongated pin and has a gripping surface at one end for user operation. The slider 7 and the hook 8 mesh together, locking the slider 7 into the sub-cut 82 of the hook 8. Thus, the slider 7 and the hook 8 form a snap-fit, ensuring the locking mechanism they create.

[0095] Slider 7 is flexible so that it can be moved manually. At the same time, it has a spring force that always acts to move slider 7 towards the sub-cut 82 of hook 8 when the pieces are overlapped. In other variants not shown, an independent spring with its own return force acting on slider 7 may be provided, or, instead of slider 7, hook 8 itself may be flexible and have a spring force.

[0097] In Figures 6 to 8, the second part 4 has shafts 5 fixed in the holes 43 of the side surfaces 42, as shown in Figure 4, providing a pivot joint or articulation axis between the first part 3 and the second part 4. In addition, two pins 6 corresponding to Figure 5 are inserted into the second part 4. In the non-pivoted state of the connecting device 1 shown, the pins protrude through the holes 31. This prevents the first part 3 and the second part 4 from moving relative to each other.

[0098] Additional stability is achieved by the overlapping lateral surfaces 32, 42 in the non-pivoted state. These lateral surfaces can absorb, in particular, forces in the axial direction of the articulation axis.

[0100] Figure 7 shows the connecting device 1 in a pivoted position. In this state, the locking mechanism is unlocked, so the hook 8 and the slider 7 do not engage. The first part 3 and the second part 4 are hinged to each other and joined only by the shafts 5. In this position, the pins 6 fixed in the second part 4 no longer protrude into the corresponding holes 31 in the first part 3. Furthermore, in this example, the side surfaces 32, 42 do not overlap. As described in Figure 10, in this pivoted position the first part 3 can be separated from the second part 4.

[0102] The locking mechanism further comprises an interlocking mechanism, whereby the slider 7 automatically engages the hook 8. The hook 8 has a prong with an inclined surface 81. When the hook 8 is pushed toward the slider 7, this inclined surface 81 pushes the slider 7 to one side against its spring force, until the surface ends and the slider 7 engages in the sub-cut 82 by means of the spring force. In this locked position, to separate parts 3 and 4, the user must first move the slider 7 out of the sub-cut 82 (to the right in Figures 6 and 9) and then lift the first part 3 with the hook 8. Therefore, the articulation mechanism can only be actuated once the lock has been released.

[0104] In the example shown, the slider 7 for actuating the locking mechanism moves laterally in order to release or engage the hook 8. However, variants may be provided in which the slider 7 is rotatably fixed at its inner end within the arrangement (not shown). In other variants, the slider is firmly fixed at its inner end and can only be flexed laterally to release the hook, returning thereafter to its initial position. In further variants, the slider 7 may not be permanently fixed in the locking mechanism and may be completely removed from the mechanism to release the hook 8.

[0106] Figure 9 shows the connecting device 1 of Figures 6 to 8, wherein the connecting device further comprises a movable foot 9 with two parallel bars 93. The foot 9 has a lower end 91. The lower end 91 is formed by angles by which the connecting device can be attached to a seat body. Likewise, at an upper end 92, angles are arranged that connect the foot 9 to the second part 4. The bars 93 are rotatably mounted at both the lower end 91 and the upper end 92, so that the second part 4, when pivoting about the lower end 91, always moves parallel to the orientation of said lower end 91. This means that, when pivoting about the lower end 91, the second part 4 always maintains the same spatial orientation. If the connecting device 1 is incorporated into a seat, this implies that the backrest attached to the first part can move parallel to it.

[0108] The other elements shown in Figure 9 correspond to those in Figure 8. Thus, the locking mechanism is unlocked, so that the hook 8 and the slider 7 are not engaged. Furthermore, the connecting device is in the rotating position, in which the pins 6 do not protrude into the corresponding holes 31. In this embodiment, the two side surfaces 32, 42 still partially overlap.

[0110] Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 9, showing a rear view of the connecting device, in which the first piece 3 has been separated from the second piece 4. The radial cavities 33 of the first side surfaces 35 of the first piece 3 have been removed from the shaft 5.

[0112] Figures 11 to 14 show a sofa-shaped seat 100 with two backrests 101, one of which is attached to the seat body 102 by means of a connecting device 1. The body 102 is considered to be both the seat portion (not shown in detail) and the underside of the seat. The other backrest can also be attached to the body 102 by means of a connecting device 1, although this is not shown in the figures.

[0114] The connecting device 1 is attached at a lower end of the backrest 101 to the latter. According to the representations in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting device 1 comprises a movable foot 9, which is fixed to a lower part of the body 102. By means of the movable foot 9, the backrest 101 can pivot with respect to the body 102 to bring it to a position in which the backrest can be detached from or fixed to the body 102.

[0116] Figure 11 shows the fully assembled state, in which the seat 100 can be used by a user, who can sit on it. The connecting device 1 is locked and not pivoted, so that the backrest 101 cannot be removed from the body 102. The backrest 101 rests on the corresponding elements of the body 102. The leg 9 is in a first position, in which the upper end 92 of the leg 9 is slightly inclined forward towards a seating surface (not shown) of the furniture.

[0118] Figures 12 to 14 show different steps for removing or, in reverse order, attaching the backrest 101 to the body 102 using the connecting device of Figures 6 to 8.

[0120] [0058]In the state depicted in Figure 12, the backrest 101 together with the connecting device 1 is pushed backward, i.e., away from the unrepresented seating surface of the furniture 100. In this way, the upper end 92 of the leg 9 with parts 3, 4 is moved to a second position, in which the leg 9 is upright. Consequently, the second position is higher vertically than the first. In the second position, the backrest 101 no longer rests on the body 102.

[0122] Figure 13 shows a state in which the locking mechanism has been unlocked by activating slider 7 and the rotation mechanism has been actuated so that the first part 3 has been placed in the rotation position. Thus, after unlocking, the backrest 101 together with the first part 3 has tilted forward.

[0124] As shown in Figure 14, the backrest 101 can now be separated from the body 102. The joint between the first piece 3 and the second piece 4 has been released. The backrest 101 is attached to the body 102 in the opposite direction.

[0126] The connection device 1 according to the invention allows, in a simple way, to fix or remove a specially configured backrest 101 in the body 102 of a seat.

[0128] Alternatively, although not in accordance with the invention, the connecting device 1 of Figures 6 to 8 may be attached to a non-pivoting foot, which is permanently fixed to the body, or it may be directly attached to the body, for example to a frame thereof. The method of attaching or removing a specially configured backrest 101 by means of the connecting device according to the invention remains unchanged.

[0130] The invention is not limited in its embodiment to the examples shown, which are to be understood as illustrative only. For example, the same principle of the connecting device can also be applied to another type of backrest, such as an armrest of a seat. In this case, it may be provided, for example, that the armrest is fixed to one side of the seat.

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS 1. Connection device for a seat, comprising: - a first piece (3), - a second piece (4), - wherein the first piece (3) is intended and configured to be attached to a support (101) of a seat (100), and the second piece (4) is intended and configured to be attached to a body (102) of the seat (100), - a releasable connection between the first piece (3) and the second piece (4), - where the releasable connection comprises: or a locking mechanism (7, 8) for a positive snap-fit connection between the first piece (3) and the second piece (4), or a pivoting mechanism (33, 43, 5), wherein the first piece (3) and the second piece (4) are pivotally joined to each other by means of a pivot axis (5), the pivoting mechanism (33, 43, 5) being intended and configured so that the first piece (3) can only be released from the second piece (4) after pivoting to a pivoting position, or where the releasable connection is intended and configured in such a way that only after unlocking the locking mechanism (7, 8) does the first piece (3) become pivotable and can be pivoted to the rotating position to separate from the second piece (4), - a foot (9) with an upper end (92) and a lower end (91), wherein the foot (9) is joined at the upper end (92) to the second piece (4), and the lower end (91) is intended and configured to provide a connection with the body (102), characterized in that the foot (9) is a pivoting foot, wherein the lower end (91) of the foot (9) is intended and configured to provide a swivel connection with the body (102). 2. Connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support (101) is a backrest. 3. Connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one of the pieces (3, 4) has protrusions (6) and the other piece (3, 4) has corresponding openings (31), wherein the protrusions (6) are intended and configured to be inserted into the openings (31) until pivoting in the rotating position, thus blocking the mutual displacement of the pieces (3, 4) in a radial direction to the rotating axis (5). 4. Connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two pieces (3, 4) has a radial cavity (33) to accommodate the pivot axis (5), which is intended and configured so that the piece (3, 4) can be withdrawn radially with respect to the pivot axis (5). 5. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two pieces (3, 4) comprises a slider (7), which is intended and configured to couple with the other piece (3, 4) in a locked state, and which can be removed from the coupling to unlock the locking mechanism of the slider (7). 6. Connection device according to claim (5), characterized in that the other piece (3, 4) comprises a hook (8), which is intended and arranged in such a way that, when closed, the slider (7) locks into the hook (8). 7. Connection device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises an interlocking mechanism. 8. Connecting device according to claim (7), insofar as it refers to claim (5), characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a spring, which provides a restoring force for the slider (7) and is intended and configured to move the slider (7) to a locking position in which the slider (7) is engaged with the other piece (3, 4). 9. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting foot (9) is intended and configured to displace the second piece (4) in parallel during pivoting from the first position to the second position, such that the spatial orientation of the second piece (4) remains unchanged during pivoting. 10. Connecting device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first piece (3) rests on the second piece (4) in a non-pivoted state, wherein one of the pieces comprises at least one folded lateral surface (42), on which the first piece (3) rests. 11. Connecting device according to claim 10, characterized in that both pieces (3, 4) comprise folded side surfaces (32, 35, 42), and the folded side surfaces (32, 35, 42) are arranged such that, in the In the non-pivoted state, they block the mutual displacement of the parts (3, 4) in an axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation (5). 12. Seating furniture comprising: - a body (102), - at least one support (101), - a connection device according to any of the preceding claims for a releasable connection between the body (102) and the support (101). 13. Support (101), intended and configured for a seat (100), comprising a connection device according to any of claims 1 to 11 to be attached to a body (102) of the seat (100).