PIVOTAL FITTING AND SITTING OR LYING DEVICE

Abstract

A pivotal fitting includes a bearing element on which a first pivot lever and a second pivot lever are rotatably mounted about spaced-apart axes, the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever engaging one another on the side facing one another and being rotatable together, a movable locking element being provided on the bearing element which is movable between a position locking the first and second pivot levers and a position unlocking the first and second pivot levers, in which the pivot levers are rotatable. The locking element is manually movable by an operating element from the locking position into the unlocking position. As a result, the pivotal fitting can be used to mount a seat part and a back part on a piece of furniture so that they can pivot relative to one another.

Description

The present invention relates to a pivotal fitting having a bearing member on which a first pivot lever and a second pivot lever are rotatably mounted about spaced axes, the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever engaging on the side facing each other and being rotatable together.

DE 23 55 251 B2 discloses a reclining piece of furniture with two pivoting side parts that can be fixed in different angular positions via locking plates and locking elements. The assembly and manufacture of the individual parts is relatively complex, and in addition the holding forces must be provided via a single locking tooth.

DE 10 2009 014 141 A1 discloses a frame with two supporting elements that can be fixed to each other in different angular positions by means of a locking device. The locking device can be moved into a release position by means of an actuating element. This fitting also consists of a large number of individual parts which have to be mounted separately on the furniture.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a pivotal fitting which, with a compact design, allows reliable guidance and locking of two pivot levers and which can be easily mounted on a sitting or lying device.

This object is solved with a pivotal fitting having the features of claim 1.

The pivotal fitting according to the invention includes a bearing element on which a first pivot lever and a second pivot lever are rotatably mounted about spaced-apart axes, the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever engaging one another on the side facing one another and being rotatable together, a movable locking element being provided on the bearing element, which is movable between a position locking the first and second pivot levers and a position unlocking the first and second pivot levers, in which the pivot levers are rotatable, and the locking element is manually movable by an operating element from the locked position into the unlocked position. In the process, the locking element can be brought into engagement with the first pivot lever or/and second pivot lever for locking via one or more locking sections. The locking element can be formed in one or more parts. As a result, the pivotal fitting according to the invention can be mounted as a pre-assembled unit on a sitting or lying device, since the individual parts are mounted or guided on the bearing element. In addition, a compact design results because the two pivot levers engage directly with each other and can be rotated together after unlocking. Manual unlocking via an operating element by means of which the locking element can be moved eliminates the need for an electric drive.

Depending on the application, the distance between the axes of the two pivot levers can enable advantageous use of the pivotal fitting, for example, in the case of upholstered furniture, the area in which the upholstery is compressed can be enlarged, thereby reducing a load on the upholstery in this area.

Preferably, the locking element is mounted on the bearing element so that it can be displaced and/or pivoted. For this purpose, for example, elongated holes, guide webs or other guide elements can be provided to guide the locking element on the bearing element. Alternatively, the locking element can also be mounted on the bearing element so that it can only pivot.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking element comprises a first locking section that can be engaged with the first pivot lever for locking, and a second locking section that can be engaged with the second pivot lever for locking. As a result, two spaced locking sections on a single locking element can each be used to directly lock one of the two pivot levers so that high holding forces can be provided, which is particularly advantageous for installation in a piece of sitting and lying furniture. The direct locking of both pivot levers via a single locking element also avoids the addition of tolerances during a locking process.

The operating element is preferably pretensioned into a locking starting position. The operating element can be designed as a pivot lever, which can be moved from the locking starting position in one or two directions of rotation in order to move the locking element into an unlocking position. Preferably, the pivot lever is rotatable from the initial position in both directions, i.e., in opposite directions, to move the locking element into the unlocking position. This allows the pivotal fitting to be flexibly adapted to the installation situation and to be used for right or left sides, or to be operated by pushing or pulling, since the direction of rotation for unlocking is indifferent. However, it is also possible, instead of using the operating element, to pretension the locking element into a locking position or to hold it in a locking initial position by gravity.

Various aids, such as an operating rod or a flexible loop, can be attached to the operating element and used for operation of the operating element by the user. In addition, the operating element can also be designed as a slider that can be moved along a guide.

The operating element is preferably connected to a coupling element which is rotatably mounted in a recess of the locking element. The coupling element, e.g. an eccentric, can thereby move the locking element by a rotary movement along a cam guide at the edge of the recess. Other mechanisms are also conceivable which convert a pivoting of the operating element into a translation and/or rotation of the locking element.

In another embodiment, a Bowden cable can also be used as an operating element. By pulling the Bowden cable, the locking element can be pivoted into an unlocking position or moved linearly.

In another embodiment, the coupling element is designed as a slider and locks the locking element via an inclined plane.

To prevent faulty actuation, a stop can be provided on the pivotal fitting by means of which the rotary movement of one of the two pivot levers is limited. Preferably, two stops can be provided, one for each pivot lever, which defines the angle of rotation of the pivot lever. Such a stop can be formed, for example, by a pin that engages through an arcuate recess within the pivot lever. Other stops can also be used, for example projections.

For a particularly flat design of the pivotal fitting, the bearing element includes two plates, for example metallic plates, between which the pivot levers are arranged. This allows the pivot levers and other components to be arranged and guided in a stable manner between the two plates.

For reliable functionality, the operating element can be pretensioned via a spring, for example a spiral spring. Such a spring can optionally be relaxed in a center position of the operating element in order to be tensioned by the operating element regardless of the direction of rotation. Alternatively, the spiral spring can also pretension the operating element to an initial end position.

In another embodiment, the operating element may be latched in the locking or/and unlocking position by an undercut to secure the operating element in one or both of the end positions. The undercut can be used without an additional spring on the operating element or locking element, or in combination therewith.

To absorb high holding forces by the pivotal fitting, the first pivot lever and the second pivot lever can be coupled to each other via toothing, in particular ring-shaped or ring-segment-shaped toothing in each case. Further toothing is preferably also used on the locking element, which can be brought into engagement with the toothing on the pivot levers via preferably two spaced locking sections with toothing. The toothing on the locking element can be formed on a curved or straight edge.

The pivotal fitting according to the invention is preferably used in a sitting or lying device, which can be designed as furniture. For example, in the case of the furniture, a seat part and a back part are connected to one another via the pivotal fitting, so that the seat part and back part can be pivoted relative to one another. Preferably, the sitting or lying device comprises two pivotal fittings that are synchronized with each other via a synchronization means, for example a rod. Alternatively, the two pivotal fittings can also be brought simultaneously into an unlocking position via Bowden cables, which is combined on one side of the sitting or lying device. Such a sitting or lying device can be designed, for example, as a bed with a slatted frame, as upholstered furniture or as garden furniture. The seat part within the meaning of the present application may also be configured as a lying part and, in the installed position, is oriented substantially horizontally, while the back part is pivotable from a horizontal orientation toward a vertical orientation. Further, the back part may optionally also be configured as an armrest or headrest.

The invention is explained in more detail below by means of several embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show two views of a pivotal fitting according to the invention in the assembled position;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the pivotal fitting of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the pivotal fitting in the assembled position;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the pivotal fitting of FIG. 3 in a sectional view;

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the pivotal fitting in the unlocked position;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a slatted frame with a pivotal fitting according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a view of the slatted frame of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a view of the slatted frame in a pivoted installation position;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the slatted frame of FIG. 7 in a functional position;

FIGS. 10A and 10B show two views of the slatted frame of FIG. 7 in different positions;

FIGS. 11A and 11B show two views of an upholstered piece of furniture with a pivotal fitting according to the invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B show two views of a further piece of furniture with a pivotal fitting according to the invention, and

FIGS. 13A and 13B show two views of a car seat with a pivotal fitting according to the invention.

A pivotal fitting 1 includes a bearing element 2, on which a first pivot lever 3 is rotatably mounted about an axis 5. At a distance from the first pivot lever 3, a second pivot lever 4 is rotatably mounted on the bearing element 2 about an axis 6, the axes 5 and 6 being spaced apart. The two pivot levers 3 and 4 can be locked in various angular positions, and an operating element 7 in the form of a pivotably mounted lever is provided for releasing such a locked position. The operating element 7 is rotatably mounted about an axle bolt 8 which engages through the bearing element 2.

The bearing element 2 includes two plates 2a and 2b, between which a section of the first pivot lever 3 and the second pivot lever 4 is arranged, each of which protrudes over the bearing element 2 with a web-shaped section. Pins 9 are provided on the protruding section of the pivot levers 3 and 4, to which a piece of furniture can be fixed in each case. Instead of the pins 9, other fastening means can also be provided to connect one of the pivot levers 3 or 4 to a furniture part.

Stops 10 and 11 are also provided on the bearing element 2 to limit the pivot range of the pivot levers 3 and 4.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the pivotal fitting 1. The first pivot lever 3 includes an opening 15 through which the axis 5 is passed. The second pivot lever 4 includes an opening 16 through which the axis 6 is passed. The first pivot lever 3 comprises, on the side facing the second pivot lever 4, a toothing 19 which engages with a toothing 20 on the second pivot lever 4, the toothings 19 and 20 being arranged in the form of a ring segment around the openings 15 and 16. The toothing 19 and 20 have the effect that the pivot levers 3 and 4 can only be moved together in opposite directions.

To lock the pivot levers 3 and 4, a locking element 14 is provided which is displaceably mounted between the plates 2a and 2b of the bearing element 2. For this purpose, the locking element 14 includes protruding guide pins 23, each of which is guided in an elongated hole 13 on the plates 2a and 2b. Furthermore, two spaced-apart locking sections 21 are formed on the locking element 14, which can be brought into engagement with the toothing 19 on the first pivot lever 3 and the toothing 20 on the second pivot lever 4.

For moving the locking element 14, a recess 22 is provided in the locking element 14 in which an eccentric 30 is arranged. The eccentric 30 includes an opening 31 which is in engagement with the axle bolt 8, so that the eccentric 30 can be rotated via the operating element 7. A guide cam 32 is provided on each of opposite sides of the eccentric 30, which rests against the edge of the recess 22.

The operating element 7 is rotatably mounted on the bearing element 2 on the plate 2b via the axle bolt 8, which is axially secured via a washer 29. The operating element 7 is pretensioned into an initial position via a spring 40, in particular a spiral spring, one end 41 of the spring 40 being supported on a tab 27, which is integrally formed with the plate 2b, and the opposite end being secured to the axle bolt 8.

The two plates 2a and 2b of the bearing element 2 are further penetrated by stops 10 and 11, which are bolt-shaped. The stop 10 engages through an arcuate elongated hole 18 on the second pivot lever 4, and the stop 11 engages through an arcuate elongated hole 17 on the pivot lever 3, so that due to the length of the arcuate elongated holes 17 and 18, the pivoting range in connection with the stops 10 and 11 is limited.

In FIG. 3, the pivotal fitting 1 is shown in an assembled position looking at the operating element 7. The operating element 7 can be turned clockwise against the force of the spring 40 to effect unlocking of the pivot levers 3 and 4. In this case, the spring 40 is designed as a spiral spring and is in a relaxed state in the initial position shown, whereby the spring 40 is tensioned by turning the operating element 7, since the end of the spring 40 opposite to the end 41 is fixed to the axle bolt 8. The operating element 7 can optionally also be installed rotated by 180°, for example to be mounted on the opposite side of a piece of furniture for better operability. This makes it possible to operate the operating element 7 counterclockwise.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the pivotal fitting in which the plate 2b of the bearing element 2 has been omitted. This shows the two pivot levers 3 and 4, which are linearly aligned in the position shown, since the longitudinal directions of the pivot levers 3 and 4 are aligned. The pivot levers 3 and 4 are coupled together by the toothings 19 and 20, and the locking element 14 is in a locked position in which the two locking sections 21 are in engagement with the toothings 19 and 20 respectively. In order to be able to rotate the pivot levers 3 and 4, the locking element 14 is manually moved to an unlocking position. For this purpose, the operating element 7 is turned in a direction so that the guide cam 32 in the recess 22 on the locking element 14 ensures displacement of the locking element 14, which is guided linearly via the two guide pins 23 in the elongated holes 13.

In FIG. 5, by turning the operating element 7 and the eccentric 30, the locking element 14 has been moved into an unlocking position in which the locking sections 21 are out of engagement with the toothings 19 and 20. In this unlocking position, the first pivot lever 3 can now be rotated relative to the second pivot lever 4, insofar as this is made possible by the stops 10 and 11 in the arcuate elongated holes 17 and 18. After the desired angular position has been reached, the operating element 7 can then be released, which is moved back into the starting position by the spring 40, so that the eccentric 30 rotates back again and the locking element 14 is pressed back onto the toothings 19 and 20 by the guide cams 32. The design of the eccentric 30 with the guide cam 32 and the recess 22 can optionally also be designed in such a way that the locking element 14 is moved into the unlocking position independently of the direction of movement of the operating element 7, counterclockwise or clockwise.

The pivotal fitting 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 can be used with various sitting or lying devices, in particular with furniture, as will be explained below.

FIG. 6 shows a bed frame 55 on which a slatted frame 50 can be supported. The slatted frame 50 includes a seat part 51 or foot part and a back part 52. The seat part 51 and the back part 52 are connected to one another by two pivot levers 1, which are arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the slatted frame 50. The first pivot lever 3 is connected in each case to the seat part 51 and the second pivot lever 4 is connected in each case to the back part 52. Via the two pivotal fittings 1, the seat part 51 and back part 52 can be pivoted relative to one another and locked in the desired angular position. Support elements 53 are fixed to the seat part 51 on opposite longitudinal sides and can be supported on a bearing block 54 on a side part of the bed frame 55. In this case, a flat plane side of the bearing block 54 is directed upwards, so that the support elements 53 are supported in the form of a sliding bearing and can be moved in the longitudinal direction. Further support elements 53 are provided on the back part 52 on opposite sides, each of which is supported on a further bearing block 54 on a side part of the bed frame 55. The bearing block 54 for the support elements 53 on the back part 52 is mounted rotated so that one or more upwardly open receptacles 56 are provided, into which the peg-shaped support element 53 can be inserted. As a result, the back part 52 is rotatably supported on the bearing block 54 about the support element 53, but is not displaceable.

FIG. 7 shows the slatted frame 50 with the seat part 51 and the back part 52 in a lying position. The frame members arranged in the longitudinal direction on the seat part 51 and the back part 52 are connected to one another by a rod 59. The first pivot lever 3 and the second pivot lever 4 are aligned so that a flat lying surface is formed. An operating element 7 in the form of a pivotable lever is arranged on opposite longitudinal sides of the slatted frame 50, which can be pivoted to release the locked position of the two pivot levers 3 and 4 and thus enable the back part 52 to be pivoted relative to the seat part 51. Such pivoting can be done purely manually without motor drive, in particular by weight forces which can also be applied from the lying or sitting position.

The two pivotal fittings 1 on opposite longitudinal sides of the slatted frame 50 are also synchronized via a rod 57, which is attached to the axle bolts 8 on the operating element 7, so that the pivotal fitting 1 is unlocked by moving one of the two operating elements 7, since the other operating element 7 is automatically moved as well. In this case, the rod 57 is coupled to the two axle bolts 8, and thus to the two operating elements 7 directly or indirectly in a rotationally fixed manner. In the configuration with the rod 57 for synchronization, one of the two operating elements 7 can be dispensed with on one side.

Synchronization of the two pivotal fittings 1 can also be established by other mechanical means, such as a cable pull.

In FIG. 8, the slatted frame 50 is shown with a mattress 58 on which a person can lie in a more seated position. The first pivot lever 3 and the second pivot lever 4 are no longer arranged in a 180° orientation, but in a range between 100 and 160°. The back part 52 is supported via the support elements 53 in the receptacles 56 on the two bearing blocks 54 on the side parts of the bed frame 55, while the seat part 51 is supported via the support elements 53 on the flat section on the two bearing blocks 54, wherein the angular orientation of the back part 52 relative to the seat part 51 means that the distance between the two support elements 53 on the slatted frame 50 is changed and the position of the pivotal fitting 1 dips further into the bed frame 55. By rotating the operating element 7, the locking element 14 can be moved to an unlocking position so that the user resting on the mattress 58 can then move the back part 52 relative to the seat part 51 to the desired position by shifting the weight forces.

FIG. 9 shows another functional position of the bed, in which the slatted frame 50 is pivoted on the bed frame 55 around the support elements 53, which are attached to the back part 52. In this position, the user can fill or empty the storage space below the slatted frame 50.

The slatted frame 50 is held in the elongated position by the two pivotal fittings 1.

In FIG. 10A, the slatted frame 50 is shown in an elongated position in which the two pivot levers 3 and 4 are arranged at a 180° angle. If the slatted frame 50 is to be folded for transport, it is possible to move the locking element 14 to an unlocking position via the operating element 7 and to fold the back part 52 onto the seat part 51, as shown in FIG. 10B. It is possible to extend the pivoting angle between the first pivot lever 3 and the second pivot lever 4 to 180°, so that they can be pivoted to a folded position on top of each other by about 180°, so that the slatted frame 50 can be transported and stored folded.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show a modified embodiment of a piece of furniture designed as a sitting or lying device, which is designed as an upholstered piece of furniture, for example as a sofa or armchair. The furniture 60 includes a seat part 61, on which a back part 62 is pivotally mounted via one or more pivotal fittings 1. The first pivot lever 3 is fixed to the seat part 61, while the second pivot lever 4 is fixed to the back part 62, wherein the back part 62 can optionally also be designed as an armrest or headrest. In all other respects, the pivotal fitting 1 is designed as described above and serves to adjust the back part 62 relative to the seat part 61. In this embodiment, the pivoting can also be supported by a gas pressure spring, for example.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a further embodiment of a piece of garden furniture 70 designed as a sitting or lying device, in which the pivotal fitting 1 according to the invention is used. The garden furniture includes a frame 74, for example made of metal or plastic, on which a seat part 71 and a back part 72 are provided, which are held pivotably against one another on opposite longitudinal sides via two pivotal fittings 1. The first pivot lever 3 is connected to the seat part 71 and the second pivot lever 4 is connected to the back part 72, a cushion 73 being placed on the seat part 71 and the back part 72. Bearing blocks may be provided on the frame 74, as has already been described in connection with the bed frame 55.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a further embodiment of a car seat 80 in which the pivotal fitting 1 according to the invention is used. The car seat consists of a seat part 81 and a back part 82, which are pivotably held to one another on opposite longitudinal sides via two pivotal fittings 1. The first pivot lever 3 is connected to the seat part 81 and the second pivot lever 4 to the back part 82. The pivotal fittings 1 can be brought into an unlocked position via the operating lever 7 and the back part 82 can be adjusted relative to the seat part 81.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 1 Pivotal fitting
  • 2 Bearing element
  • 2 a, 2b Plate
  • 3 Pivot lever
  • 4 Pivot lever
  • 5 Axis
  • 6 Axis
  • 7 Operating element
  • 8 Axle bolt
  • 9 Pin
  • 10 Stop
  • 11 Stop
  • 13 Elongated hole
  • 14 Locking element
  • 15 Opening
  • 16 Opening
  • 17 Elongated hole
  • 18 Elongated hole
  • 19 Toothing
  • 20 Toothing
  • 21 Locking section
  • 22 Recess
  • 23 Guide pin
  • 27 Tab
  • 29 Washer
  • 30 Eccentric
  • 31 Opening
  • 32 Guide cams
  • 40 Spring
  • 41 End
  • 50 Slatted frame
  • 51 Seat part
  • 52 Back part
  • 53 Support element
  • 54 Bearing block
  • 55 Bed frame
  • 56 Receptacle
  • 57 Rod
  • 58 Mattress
  • 59 Rod
  • 60 Furniture
  • 61 Seat part
  • 62 Back part
  • 70 Garden furniture
  • 71 Seat part
  • 72 Back part
  • 73 Cushion
  • 74 Frame
  • 80 Car seat
  • 81 Seat part
  • 82 Back part

Claims

1: A pivotal fitting (1) with a bearing element (2) on which a first pivot lever (3) and a second pivot lever (4) are rotatably mounted about axes (5, 6) spaced apart from one another, the first pivot lever (3) and the second pivot lever (4) engaging in one another on a side facing one another and being rotatable together, wherein a movable locking element (14) is provided on the bearing element (2) which is movable between a locking position that locks the first and second pivot levers (3, 4) and an unlocking position that unlocks the first and second pivot levers (3, 4), in which the pivot levers (3, 4) are rotatable, and the locking element (14) is manually movable by an operating element (7) from the locking position into the unlocking position.

2: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (14) is mounted on the bearing element (2) displaceably and/or pivotably.

3: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (14) comprises a first locking section (21) engageable with the first pivot lever (3) for locking, and a second locking section (21) engageable with the second pivot lever (4) for locking.

4: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (7) is pretensioned into a locking starting position.

5: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the operating element (7) is designed as a pivotable lever.

6: The pivotal fitting according to claim 5, wherein the pivotable lever is rotatable in both directions from an initial position to move the locking element (14) to the unlocked position.

7: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein an eccentric (30) is rotatably mounted on the locking element (14) in a recess (22) and is movable along a cam guide for moving the locking element (14).

8: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein at least one stop (10, 11) is provided to limit the rotational movement of one of the two pivot levers (3, 4).

9: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the bearing element (2) comprises two plates (2a, 2b) between which the pivot levers (3, 4) are arranged.

10: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein a spring (40) is provided for pretensioning the operating element (7).

11: The pivotal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first pivot lever (3) and the second pivot lever (4) are coupled to one another via toothing (19, 20).

12: The pivotal fitting according to claim 11, wherein the toothings (19, 20) are each arranged in the form of a ring segment around the openings (15, 16) of the first pivot lever (3) and the second pivot lever (4).

13: The pivotal fitting according to claim 11, wherein the locking element (14) comprises two locking sections (21) having a toothing engageable with the toothing (19, 20) of the first and second pivot levers (3, 4).

14: A sitting or lying device (50, 60, 70, 80) comprising a seat part (51, 61, 71, 81) and a back part (52, 62, 72, 82) which are connected to one another via at least one pivotal fitting (1) according to claim 1.

15: The sitting or lying device according to claim 14, wherein the seat part (51, 61, 71, 81) and the back part (52, 62, 72, 82) are connected to each other via two of the pivotal fittings (1) which are synchronized with each other via a rod (57).

16: The sitting or lying device according to claim 15, wherein the rod (57) is coupled to the two operating elements (7) in a rotationally fixed manner.