阅读说明：本技术 座椅、特别是用于电子游戏的座椅以及用于其中的铰链 (Seat, in particular for electronic games, and hinge for use therein ) 是由 费尔南多·斯米特 于 2019-12-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种座椅(101),特别是用于电子游戏的座椅(101),包括承载座椅表面(109)和靠背(104)的可折叠框架(102)。框架(102)包括承载靠背(104)的第一部分(103)和构造成承载方向盘(117)或操纵杆的控制台(107)的第二部分(105),方向盘(117)或操纵杆用于控制电子游戏。这些部分通过铰链(108)彼此可枢转地连接。根据本发明的第一方面,铰链(108)包括安装有第一框架部分(103)的第一承载体和安装有第二框架部分(105)的第二承载体。根据本发明的第二方面,铰链(108)具有用于将第一框架部分(103)和第二框架部分(105)相对于彼此固定在期望位置的锁定装置。本发明还涉及一种应用于这种座椅中的铰链(108)。(The invention relates to a seat (101), in particular a seat (101) for electronic games, comprising a foldable frame (102) carrying a seat surface (109) and a backrest (104). The frame (102) comprises a first part (103) carrying the backrest (104) and a second part (105) configured to carry a console (107) of a steering wheel (117) or joystick, the steering wheel (117) or joystick being used to control the electronic game. The sections are pivotably connected to each other by a hinge (108). According to a first aspect of the invention, the hinge (108) comprises a first carrier body to which the first frame part (103) is mounted and a second carrier body to which the second frame part (105) is mounted. According to a second aspect of the invention, the hinge (108) has a locking means for fixing the first frame part (103) and the second frame part (105) in a desired position relative to each other. The invention also relates to a hinge (108) for use in such a seat.)

1. A seat, in particular for electronic games, comprising a foldable frame carrying a seat surface and a backrest, wherein the frame comprises a first part carrying the backrest and a second part configured to carry a console for a steering wheel or joystick for controlling an electronic game, the first part and the second part being pivotably connected to each other by a hinge, characterized in that the hinge comprises a first carrier body mounting a first frame part and a second carrier body mounting a second frame part, and each carrier hinge body has at least two points for mounting the first frame part or the second frame part, substantially opposite each other.

2. The seat of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least four frame portions mounted on the hinge.

3. The seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first frame portion and the second frame portion each comprise a plurality of interconnected tubular elements.

4. A seat according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the frame portions each comprise three tubes assembled into a generally U-shaped frame portion by two corner pieces.

5. Seat according to any of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the hinge has a locking device for fixing the first frame part and the second frame part in a desired position relative to each other.

6. The seat of claim 5, wherein the locking device is configured to secure the first frame portion and the second frame portion in different positions.

7. Seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking means are form-fitting.

8. Seat according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the hinge comprises two hinge parts which are rotatable relative to each other and the locking device comprises two locking parts, each locking part being connected to one of the hinge parts, wherein one of the locking parts comprises a plurality of recesses and the other locking part comprises at least one protrusion engaging in a recess.

9. The seat of claim 8, wherein one of said locking portions is integral with said first load bearing hinge body and the other of said locking portions is integral with said second load bearing hinge body.

10. Seat according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking portions displaceable relative to each other are each provided with a toothing.

11. Seat according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the teeth runs at least partially circumferentially and the locking parts are rotatable relative to each other.

12. Seat according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the locking portions are movable between a first position in which they are engaged with each other and a second position in which they are displaceable relative to each other, wherein the locking device further comprises at least one fastening member for fixing the displaceable locking portions in the first position.

13. The seat according to claim 12, wherein at least one of said fastening members comprises an eccentric.

14. Seat according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface and/or the backrest are made of a flexible material.

15. A hinge evidently intended for use in a seat as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a seat, in particular for electronic games, comprising a foldable frame carrying a seat surface and a backrest, wherein the frame comprises a first part carrying the backrest and a second part configured to carry a console for controlling a steering wheel or a joystick of an electronic game, the first and second parts being pivotally connected to each other by a hinge. Such seats are known, for example, from EP2702902a 1.

Background

The known seat 1 has a scissor-like structure and has a frame 2, the frame 2 having a relatively long tubular frame part 3 and a shorter frame part 5, the frame part 3 being covered with a backrest 4, the frame part 5 carrying at its upper end 6a sub-frame 16 (see fig. 1, 2) having a console 7 for a steering wheel and/or a joystick (not shown here). The two frame parts 3, 5 are pivotally connected to each other by means of a hinge 8 and form an X-shape in side view in the unfolded position. The seat surface 9 is tensioned between the two frame parts 3, 5 above the hinge 8. The seating surface 9 is integral with the backrest 4. The degree of deployment of the known seat 1 is defined by two straps 10, which straps 10 are tensioned between the two frame parts 3, 5 and form two armrests in the deployed position. A support 11 for a pedal device (not shown here) can be mounted on the underside of the longer frame part 3 carrying the backrest 4. The pedal support 11 may be pivotally connected to the frame part 3 by means of spacers 12.

A disadvantage of the known seat 1 is that its unfolded position is determined by the size of the straps 10 and the position of their mounting points 14, 15 on the two frame parts 3, 5. To change this position, the length of the belt must therefore be adjusted, but it is difficult to keep them exactly the same. The object of the present invention is to improve a seat of the above-mentioned type such that said disadvantages do not occur, or at least do not occur to a lesser extent.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, this is achieved in a seat as described in the preamble in that the hinge comprises a first carrier on which the first frame part can be mounted and a second carrier on which the second frame part can be mounted, and that each carrying hinge body has at least two points for mounting the first frame part or the second frame part, which points are substantially opposite to each other. The implementation of the hinge as a load-bearing or structural component, for example as a light metal casting comprising a first load-bearing hinge body and a second load-bearing hinge body, enables the remaining structure of the seat to take a lighter and simpler form. In contrast to known scissor seats, in which each frame part extends on either side of the hinge, the hinge of the invention allows such a frame part to be subdivided into two sections which are arranged on either side of the hinge and which are connected to each other by a carrying hinge. This results in smaller parts and therefore smaller packages that can be more easily sold in stores.

The frame may here for example comprise at least four parts mounted on hinges. In this way, the frame portion of a conventional scissor-fold seat can thus be split into two, which makes them easier to package.

According to an embodiment of the seat, the first frame part and the second frame part each comprise a plurality of interconnected tubular elements. By not constructing the frame parts as a whole, but from different elements, they can be broken down into smaller parts so that they can be packaged more easily.

In one embodiment of the seat, at least some of the frame portions each comprise three tubes assembled into a generally U-shaped frame portion by two corner pieces.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the seat as described above, the hinge may have a locking means for fixing the first frame part and the second frame part in a desired position relative to each other. Due to the presence of these locking means, the frame part can be fixed without the need for a belt to be used as a handrail. The absence of such a strap greatly simplifies the process of ingress and egress to and from the seat.

The locking device may be configured to fix the first frame part and the second frame part in different positions. Thus, the user may select and set a desired position of the backrest relative to the seating surface, without being limited to a position determined by the length of the belt used as an armrest.

The locking means may be form-fitting, thereby ensuring a stable fixation of the frame part.

In one embodiment of the seat, the hinge may comprise two hinge parts rotatable relative to each other, and the locking arrangement may comprise two locking parts, each connected to one of the hinge parts, wherein one of the locking parts may comprise a plurality of recesses, and the other locking part may comprise at least one protrusion engaging in the recess. By having the male part engage in one of the female parts as desired, a desired relative position of the frame parts can be set.

One of the locking portions may here be integral with the first load-bearing hinge body, while the other locking portion may be integral with the second load-bearing hinge body. A compact, strong and rigid structure is thus obtained.

In order to achieve a large number of different positions, each locking portion, which is displaceable relative to each other, may have a toothing. Moving the locking part by means of the toothed segment in each case makes it possible to achieve a relatively small movement step, making it possible to adjust the relative position precisely.

A compact construction is obtained when each tooth runs at least partially circumferentially and the locking parts are rotatable relative to each other.

In one embodiment of the seat, the locking portions are movable between a first position in which they engage each other and a second position in which they are displaceable relative to each other, wherein the locking device may further comprise at least one fastening member for fixing the displaceable locking portions in the first position. After they have been displaced to the desired position, the locking portions can thus be fastened or fixed relative to each other, whereby the mutual distance of the frame portions is also fixed.

The at least one fastening member may here comprise an eccentric. With such an eccentric, which may be formed, for example, at the end of the rod, the locking parts can be fastened in a determined position relative to each other in a quick and simple manner.

In addition, it is also conceivable that the frame parts are connected by a hinge with a ratchet function. Such a hinge is structurally simple, allowing a stepwise movement in one direction until the end position has been passed, after which the hinge can be moved back to the starting position in the opposite direction.

In order to be able to fold the seat very compactly and pack it in a small package, it is preferred to manufacture the seat surface and/or the backrest from a flexible material. The material of the seat surface and/or the backrest may be, for example, cloth. The seat and backrest may be integrally formed.

The invention also relates to a load-bearing hinge, which is evidently intended for use in a seat as described above.

Drawings

The invention will now be explained based on an embodiment compared to a conventional seat. Reference is made herein to the accompanying drawings in which corresponding parts are designated by reference numerals increased by 100 and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a prior art seat in the deployed position, but prior to installation of a console for a steering wheel or joystick and a bracket for a pedal set;

FIG. 2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the known seat in a deployed and fully installed state;

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of a prior art seat in a folded position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a seat according to the present invention in a deployed position;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a lockable hinge having exploded portions;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view in perspective of the hinge of the seat of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the hinge showing the locked and unlocked positions;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the hinge of FIG. 6 in a folded position;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge of FIG. 8 taken along line IX-IX;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the hinge of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a side view with an exploded portion of the seat of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a package of seats according to the present invention compared to a package of conventional seats.

Detailed Description

In the prior art seat 1 which has been briefly described above, the relatively long tubular portion 3 of the frame 2 covered by the backrest 4 and the shorter frame portion 5 carrying the console 7 for the steering wheel or joystick are pivotably connected to each other by means of a hinge 8. The known seat 1 is thus movable between a folded position (fig. 3), in which the seat 1 can be stored, and a deployed position (fig. 2), in which it can be used. In this seat 1, the console 7 and the pedal support 11 also take a pivotable form by respectively mounting the console 7 on the sub-frame 16 by inserting simple brackets 13 and by inserting spacers 12. In the known seat 1, the deployed position of use is defined by two straps 10 tensioned between the frame parts 3, 5, and in the deployed position two armrests are formed. The deployed position of use is determined by adjusting the length of the straps 10.

A seat 101 for playing a video game according to the present invention comprises a collapsible frame 102, the frame 102 carrying a seat surface 109 and a backrest 104 (fig. 4). In this embodiment, the seating surface 109 and the backrest 104 are integrally formed from a flexible material, such as fabric. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 102 includes a plurality of individual frame sections that are interconnected by intervening hinges 108. The first frame portion 103 carries the backrest 104 and the second frame portion 105 carries a separate sub-frame 116, with the console 107 on the sub-frame 116, and in the embodiment shown the racing car steering wheel 117 is mounted on the console 107. Instead of the steering wheel 117, the joystick may also be mounted on the console 107 of the subframe 116. To simplify ingress and egress to the seat, subframe 116 may be detachably connected on one side and pivotably connected on the other side to frame portion 105 so that it may be detached and folded to one side.

The forward foot end of the frame 102 carries a pivotable spacer 112, which spacer 112 has supports 111 for individual pedal sets 118. The steering wheel 117 (or alternatively a joystick) and the set of pedals 118 are connected to a gaming computer (not shown here). The seat 101 may be placed in front of a screen (also not shown here) after which the user may sit on the seat 101 and control the game using hands and feet via a steering wheel 117 (or joystick) and a set of pedals 118.

According to one aspect of the invention, the seat 101 shown in fig. 4 differs from the seat 1 known from fig. 1 to 3 in that the hinge 108 itself can be locked, whereby the frame parts can be fixed relative to each other without the use of tensioning straps. This greatly simplifies access.

For this purpose, the hinge 108 is provided with a locking device 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking means enable the frame portions to be fixed in different positions relative to each other, whereby the seat 101 can be adjusted according to various postures of the player. The locking device may be force-locking, i.e. operate, for example, according to the principle of friction, but this requires that under all conditions (relatively large) forces act on the hinge, which requires heavy construction or requires a continuous energy supply. In the example shown, the locking means 119 are thus form-fitting; they work on the principle of partial interengagement.

In the embodiment shown, the hinge 108 comprises two hinge parts 133, 134 which are rotatable relative to each other. The locking device 119 here comprises two locking parts 120, 121, in particular two rotatable locking parts, which are displaceable relative to one another and are each connected to one of the hinge parts 133, 134. Each locking portion 120, 121 is provided with a circumferentially running toothing 122, 123. The locking portions 120, 121 are movable between a first position shown in solid lines in fig. 7, in which the teeth 122, 123 are engaged with each other and the locking portions 120, 121 are blocked, and a second position (in which the reference numerals are emphasized) shown in broken lines, in which the teeth 122, 123' remain spaced from each other. In the second position, the locking portions 120, 121 'and the hinge portions 133, 134' connected thereto are rotatable relative to each other, so that the relative position of the frame portions can be changed and reset.

The locking device 119 here comprises a fastening member 124, by means of which fastening member 124 the locking portions 120, 121 can be fixed in their first position, and by means of which fastening member 124 the teeth 122, 123 can also be fixed in a locking position in which they engage with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening member 124 includes an eccentric 125. The eccentric 125 forms part of a handle 126, the handle 126 being pivotable about an axis 127. The shaft 127 is arranged on a lever 128, which lever 128 projects outwardly from the first locking portion 120 through a central opening 129 in the second locking portion 121. The eccentric 125 has a segment 130 with a relatively small radius R1 and a segment 131 with a relatively large radius R2.

When the handle 126 is pivoted to its first position, in which it extends substantially parallel to the second locking portion 121, the segment 131 having the relatively large radius R2 is in contact with the outer surface 132 of the second locking portion 121, whereby the shaft 127 is located further from this outer surface 132, and the lever 128 is thus pulled into the second locking portion 121 on the opposite side. The teeth 122, 123 are thereby pushed into engagement with each other, so that the two locking portions 120, 121 are blocked with respect to each other.

When the frame 102 has to be placed in different positions, the hinge parts 133, 134 and thus also the locking parts 120, 121 have to be rotated to different relative positions. For this purpose, the handle 126 is pivoted through about 180 ° to a second position in which the handle extends substantially parallel to the second locking portion 121, the second locking portion 121 being substantially on the other side of the shaft 127. In this position of the handle 126', the segment 130' having the relatively smaller radius R1 is in contact with the outer surface 132 'of the second locking portion 121'. The shaft 127 is thus located closer to this outer surface 132', and the lever 128 may thus extend on the opposite side of the outside of the second locking portion 121'. Thereby a distance D is created between the two locking portions 120, 121', whereby the teeth 122, 123' are disengaged and the locking portions 120, 121' can be displaced, e.g. rotated, relative to each other. In order to push the locking portions 120, 121' apart in this case so that they can be displaced unhindered, a spring 133 (only schematically shown) can be provided therebetween.

The locking parts 120, 121 or the hinge parts 133, 134 may additionally also be provided with co-acting stop means (not shown here) for limiting the relative rotation.

In this way, the hinge parts 133, 134 and the frame parts connected thereto can thus be placed in the desired relative position quickly and easily and be fixed in this position in a reliable manner. The number of possible positions is limited here only by the number of teeth of the teeth 122, 123. In the embodiment shown, the teeth 122, 123 each have 60 teeth, whereby the angle between the frame parts can be adjusted in steps of 6 °. The hinge parts 133, 134 may also be provided with further markings (not shown here) by means of which a plurality of preferred settings are indicated. Thus, the two hinges 108 on both sides of the frame 102 can be placed in the same position in a simple manner.

When less precise adjustment is required, it is sufficient to use a simpler locking device. Fig. 5 schematically shows a hinge 208 connecting the two frame parts 203, 205 to each other. The hinge 208 comprises two hinge parts 233, 234 which are rotatably connected to each other by a centre pin 228 and an opening 229. In this embodiment, the locking portion 220 connected to the hinge portion 233 has only three recesses 222A for setting the backrest angle and an additional recess 222B for fixing the frame in the folded position. The other locking portion 221, which is connected to the hinge portion 234, is here provided with a single protrusion, such as a spring loaded pin 223. By pulling the pin 223 from one of the recesses 222 against the force of a spring (not shown), the hinge 208 is unlocked and the locking portions 220, 221 can be rotated relative to each other until the pin 223 is aligned with the other recess 222. The pin 223 may then be inserted into the recess 222 to again block the locking portions 220, 221 relative to each other. In this embodiment, the frame portions 203, 205 are additionally mounted on the outside of the respective hinge portions 233, 234 and run on the axis defined by the pin 228 and the bore 229.

Other locking means are also conceivable, for example in the form of a hinge with ratchet function.

According to a main aspect of the invention, the seat 101 differs from the known seat 1 of fig. 1 to 3 in that the hinge 108 in the seat 101 is embodied as a structural component and consists of two load-bearing hinge parts or bodies 133, 134. Each bearing hinge body 133, 134 here comprises a central portion 135, 136, the central portions 135, 136 bearing the teeth 122, 123 of the respective locking portion 120, 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the central portions 135, 136 are cylindrical. Each hinge body 133, 134 also includes two spacers, 137A, 137B and 138A, 138B, respectively, that extend in substantially opposite directions from the central portion 135, 136. The central portions 135, 136 and the spacers 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B may be made of the same material or different materials. Materials that can be envisaged are steel, light metals and plastics, optionally fibre-reinforced plastics. In the embodiment shown here, each central portion 135, 136 is integrally cast from aluminum with the respective spacer 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B.

In the embodiment shown, spacers 137A, 137B and 138A, 138B are mounted on the central portions 135, 136 staggered in each case relative to one another, so that the frame portions are adjacent to one another in the folded position (fig. 8). In order to still ensure an optimum transmission of forces between the spacers 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B and the central parts 135, 136, in the embodiment shown the spacers are provided with an essentially Y-shaped outer end, whereby a support 149A, 149B, 150A, 150B is formed in each case. Each support 149, 150 extends from a position substantially on the central axis of the associated spacer 137, 138 to a position in the centre of the central portion 135, 136, whereby the support 149, 150 extends slightly obliquely in top view (fig. 10). In order to create sufficient space for these supports 149, 150 to be present when the frame 102 is folded, the Y-shaped outer ends of the spacers 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B are provided with a flat inner surface in the embodiment shown, wherein only the inner surfaces 151A, 151B of the spacers 137A, 137B are visible here. In other embodiments of the load-bearing hinge, the spacers can also extend purely radially, viewed from the central axis of the hinge, so that they are thus arranged in pairs in a line in each case.

Each spacer 137A, 137B and 138A, 138B has a mounting point at its free outer end, 139A, 139B and 140A, 140B, respectively, by means of which the frame part can be mounted on the carrying hinge 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting point 139A, 139B, 140A, 140B includes a narrowed end portion of the associated spacer 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B, upon which a tubular frame portion may be placed. The diameter of the narrowed portion matches the inner diameter of the tubular frame portion so that the frame portion can slide over it with a tight fit, thereby fixedly clamping to the hinge 108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer ends of the spacers 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B are also provided with a mechanism for securing the frame tubes placed thereon. A hole 152A, 152B, 153A, 153B is formed in each end portion in a hollow form, and a pressing member 154A, 154B, 157 (fig. 9) is disposed in the hole. Each pressing member 154A, 154B, 157 is pushed outwards by a flexible spring 155A, 155B, 156A, 156B accommodated in the hollow end portion and then engages in a recess or groove on the inside of the tubular frame portion. Thus, the frame portion is securely mounted on the load-bearing hinge 108 without play, but still in an easily releasable manner.

The spacers 137, 138 both take a slightly curved form so that the mounting points 139, 140 at their free outer ends all lie in the same plane, which is defined by the teeth 122, 123 of the locking portions 120, 121.

The tubular frame portions may also be made of the same material or of different materials. Materials that can be envisaged are again steel, light metals and (optionally fibre-reinforced) plastics.

Because the hinge 108 is embodied as a load-bearing structure and the frame portion can be mounted thereon, the frame portion can also take a smaller form than in the prior art seat 1. Although the frame parts 3, 5 of the known seat 1 still extend on either side of the hinge 8, and the hinge 8 thus actually protrudes through the frame parts 3, 5, this is different from the seat 101 of the invention. The frame parts are now interrupted at the location of the hinge 108, whereby their height is almost halved.

As can be seen in fig. 11, the frame 102 of the seat 101 may be assembled by mounting the frame portions 103, 105, 141 and 142 from four sides on four spacers 137A, 137B, 138A, 138B of the hinge 108. The seat 101 here comprises two such hinges 108, so that the substantially U-shaped frame parts 103, 105, 141, 142 are connected to each other in an X-shape on either side of the seat 101. After the frame parts 103, 105, 141, 142 are thus connected to each other, the backrest 104 may be arranged on the first frame part 103 and the seat surface 109 may be tensioned between the first frame part 103 and the second frame part 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest 104 and the seat surface 109 are integrally formed from a textile material here.

Since the seat 101 according to the invention comprises four frame parts 103, 105, 141, 142 instead of two frame parts 3, 5 of the known seat 1, it can be stored or packed smaller in the disassembled state.

In order to enable the seat 101 to be packaged smaller, the frame parts 103, 105, 141, 142 themselves may also be broken down into smaller parts. Thus, each frame section may be formed of three tubes which are interconnected by two corner pieces to form a U-shaped frame section. This can be seen in fig. 4 for the lower frame part 141 located at the rear side of the seat 101, the lower frame part 141 being constituted by two tubes 143 mounted on the hinges 108 and a transverse tube 144 extending parallel to the connecting line between the hinges 108. The tubes 143, 144 are connected to each other by corner pieces 145, the corner pieces 145 also acting as feet, which stabilizes the seat 101. The lower frame part 142 at the front side of the seat 101 has a similar structure, while the first frame part 103 and the second frame part 105 in the embodiment shown are also composed of tubes detachably connected to each other. In the case of the first frame part 103, the transverse tube has here a U-shape per se, and each leg of the transverse tube is connected to another tube at the location of a bend 146 in the first frame part 103.

The option of assembling the seat 101 from a plurality of relatively short tube sections connected in a stable unitary body by load-bearing hinges 108 enables the seat 101 to be stored or packaged and transported in a relatively small space. Thus, for seat 101, a package 147 approximately half the size of package 148 of conventional seat 1 is sufficient (fig. 12).

The invention thus provides a seat which provides improved functionality and which furthermore can be packaged smaller than known seats. It should also be noted that all the above-mentioned novel features of the seat according to the invention may in themselves form the essential parts of the invention, which parts may be applied in different combinations. Thus, the load bearing hinge described herein may also be used without locking in conjunction with a seat having a deployed position determined by a strap/armrest, while on the other hand, locking of the hinge may also be applied to a conventional seat having two different frame portions, as shown in fig. 1-3.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.