PIECE OF SEATING FURNITURE AND FITTING FOR THE SAME

[0001] The invention relates to a piece of seating furniture, more particularly to an upholstered piece of furniture, comprising a substantially horizontal main segment, on the top surface of which a sitting surface is provided, and a leg segment, on the top surface of which a supporting surface is provided. The leg segment can be moved relatively to the main segment between a stowed position and a functional position in which the leg segment is disposed in front of a front edge of the main segment and is oriented such that the supporting surface extends substantially in a horizontal direction. In the stowed position, the leg segment is located at least in part underneath the main segment and is at an angle in relation to the functional position.

[0002] A generic piece of furniture is disclosed in DE 20104534 U1, for example. This piece of furniture comprises a panel-like supporting segment for the legs of a user, which can be swung, by means of a so-called scissor-like mechanism, from its initial, unused position beneath a sitting surface to a position in which it is disposed approximately at the level of the sitting surface. This supporting segment is swung through approximately 90° from the vertical to the horizontal.

[0003] This design suffers from the drawback that the scissor-like mechanism used is complicated and vulnerable, and in the extended state of the supporting segment, it additionally spoils the esthetic appeal of the piece of furniture to a significant extent.

[0004] A piece of seating furniture is disclosed in DE 3718645 C2, in which a first supporting element oriented toward the sitting surface is pivotable relatively to the sitting surface about a common pivot axis. Furthermore, a second supporting element, which is pivotable relatively to the first supporting portion about an additional pivot axis and is oriented away from the sitting surface, is connected to this first supporting region, which is closer to the sitting surface. The first supporting element is oriented approximately in a vertical direction in the unused state and approximately in a horizontal direction in the used state.

[0005] The disadvantage of this design is that direct pivoting of the supporting element relatively to the sitting surface is only possible in the case of comparatively thin supporting elements having a thin upholstery layer, since, in the unused state, the first supporting portion can be displaced only to a very limited extent, if at all, to beneath the sitting surface.

[0006] Furthermore, pieces of seating furniture are known from the prior art which comprise a fold-out supporting surface for the sitter's legs, and in which the movement of this supporting surface is accomplished by means of a parallelogram mechanism. The supporting surfaces are therefore oriented approximately in a horizontal direction both in the stowed state and in the functional state. The disadvantage of this mechanism is that here again, the thickness of the upholstery layer of the supporting elements is limited and that the corresponding connecting levers that connect the sitting surface to the extendable supporting element must necessarily be located at the side of the supporting surface or in such a way that they break through the top surface of the supporting portion. Both locations are considered to be esthetically detrimental.

[0007] As a variant of such seating furniture having a parallelogram displacement mechanism for the supporting element for the legs, it is known to pivot a supporting element oriented horizontally both in the stowed state and in the functional state about a horizontal pivot axis, in an intermediate state during the transition movement from the stowed state to the functional state, by means of an appropriate design of the levers in order to ensure that the supporting portion can be guided past a main portion comprising the sitting surface without the possibility of a collision taking place between the supporting element and the main element.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to develop a generic piece of seating furniture to the effect that heavily upholstered leg segments can also be used and/or that a mechanism effecting the transition movement between the stowed state and a functional state is better concealed than in the case of the pieces of furniture known in the prior art.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the leg segment is mounted on the main segment by means of a rigid connecting member which is pivotally connected to the main segment or to a base frame of the piece of furniture so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the main segment or to the base frame of the piece of seating furniture. Furthermore, the connecting member is pivotally connected to the leg segment so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the leg segment.

[0010] The basic idea of the invention underlying this design of the invention is that the leg segment is removed from its stowed position beneath the main segment to its functional position in front of the leg segment by means of a superimposed movement. In a particularly advantageous variant of this basic idea, the path of movement of the fixed pivot axis provided on the leg segment passes through an intermediate position in which the leg segment is temporarily lowered before it reaches the functional position. This path of movement preferably has the form of an arc of a circle.

[0011] The connecting member provided according to this first variant of the invention is movable in terms of a rotative degree of freedom relatively to the main segment or to a base frame, on which the main segment rests. The leg segment is in turn movable in terms of an additional rotative degree of freedom relatively to the intermediate segment. Together, these two degrees of freedom that allow the transition movement between the stowed position and the functional position of the leg segment to be configured such that the leg segment, even when provided with comparatively thick upholstery, can be guided past the main segment without the possibility of colliding with the same, and can be disposed in front of the main segment in its pivoted position. The two pivot axes, which always remain at a constant distance from each other due to the connecting member, are oriented in parallel relationship to each other. It is also possible to use a plurality of connecting members, of which the respective first and second pivot axes are congruent.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, the expression “piece of seating furniture” should be understood to mean an independently usable piece of seating furniture such as a sofa or an armchair or any furniture module that can be combined with other modules to form a sofa or a three-piece suite or the like. The piece of seating furniture has a sitting area, preferably upholstered, and the seat upholstery or the seat covering should be understood to mean the main segment, for the purposes of the invention. This main segment can be designed so as to be stationary so that it cannot be moved relatively to an external reference system such as the floor on which the piece of furniture stands. However, it is possible, if appropriate, for the main segment to be movable relatively to this reference system and to a base frame that is stationary in this reference system, this movability being preferably restricted to slight pivoting or shifting movements or superimposed shifting and pivotal movement of the main segment relatively to the base frame. The main segment extends substantially in the horizontal direction, at least as far as the sitting surface is concerned.

[0013] The expression “horizontal direction” should be understood to mean that the average deviation of the sitting surface from the horizontal does not exceed 25°. Unless otherwise stated, any reference to the horizontal or the vertical is made assuming that the floor beneath the piece of furniture is the reference system for the purposes of this invention. The expression “leg segment” should be understood to mean a component of the piece of furniture of the invention that comprises at least one supporting surface and any kind of articulating means providing rotatability about the second pivot axis.

[0014] The substantially horizontal orientation of the supporting surface of the leg segment in the functional position should be understood to mean that the average deviation of the supporting surface from the horizontal does not exceed 30°. In the stowed position, the supporting surface is at an angle to said orizontal orientation in the functional position. The angle between the stowed position and the functional position preferably ranges from 70° to 180°. It is particularly advantageous when the supporting surface is oriented substantially vertically in the stowed state, this signifying that a the normal to the supporting-surface is oriented relatively to the horizontal over a range covering a maximum of 10° above, to a maximum of 30° below, the horizontal.

[0015] The connecting member is a rigid component pivotally connected to the main segment or to the base frame at one end and to the leg segment at the other. The expression “rigid component” refers to one that ensures a constant distance between the first and second pivot axes. The connecting means comprise pivotal means such as articulation means that define the first and second pivot axes. For the purposes of this invention, the expression “axes” should be understood to mean rotation axes in the abstract sense. Thus “axis” merely describes relative rotatability about an imaginary stationary rotation axis. This includes all machine elements such as bolts, axle journals, roller-bearing connections, and the like that are known from the prior art and are suitable for this purpose.

[0016] For the purposes of this application, expressions such as, “in front of” and “behind” and corresponding expressions of direction mean that the leg segment is disposed in front of the main segment in its functional position and is displaced toward the back in the horizontal direction during the transfer thereof to its stowed position. For the purposes of this invention, the expression “front edge of the main segment” is accordingly to be understood to mean that terminating edge or terminating surface of the main segment which is oriented toward the knees.

[0017] In the functional position of the leg segment, the second pivot axis between the connecting member and the leg segment is preferably not disposed below the main segment and more particularly not below the sitting surface of the main segment. By contrast, in the stowed position of the leg segment the second pivot axis is preferably disposed below the main segment, at least below the sitting surface of the main segment in order to achieve a position of the leg segment in the stowed position in which the leg segment is disposed at least predominantly below the main segment and/or the sitting surface thereof. In the stowed position of the leg segment, the second pivot axis is preferably disposed to the rear of the front edge of the main segment by a distance, measured in the horizontal direction, which is equal to at least one half of the thickness of the leg segment.

[0018] In the functional position of the leg segment, the second pivot axis is disposed in front of the first pivot axis, as regarded in the horizontal direction. However, it is considered to be particularly advantageous when, in the stowed position, the second pivot axis is disposed behind the first pivot axis as regarded in the horizontal direction. As a result, during the transition movement from the stowed position to the functional position, temporary lowering of the second pivot axis is achieved, as regarded in the vertical direction, when the second pivot axis is disposed directly below the first pivot axis during the pivotal movement about the first pivot axis. This lowering of the second pivot axis is advantageous, since it makes it makes it very easy to eliminate the possibility of a collision between the leg segment and the main segment during the transfer of the leg segment to its functional position.

[0019] The angle between the vertical direction and the main direction of extension of the connecting member preferably ranges from 0 to 30° in the stowed position. The expression “main direction of extension” of the connecting member refers to a direction extending along a connecting line between the first and second pivot axes. It is particularly advantageous when the leg segment is pivotable between its stowed position and its functional position through an angle ranging from 60° to 150° and preferably from 75° to 120°. These range limits have proved to be particularly advantageous with regard to the fact that a minimum angle of 60° or 75° ensures sufficient movement of the leg segment in the horizontal direction relatively to the main segment, while if the maximum angle of 150° or 120°, respectively, is maintained, it is easy to actuate the movement mechanism by means of a substantially translatively moved thrust rod.

[0020] As regards the position of the first pivot axis, it is considered to be particularly advantageous when the latter is provided in the region of the front edge of the main segment as regarded in the horizontal direction and/or at the level of the bottom surface of the main segment as regarded in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, the pivot axis is preferably disposed in the foremost quarter of the main segment, more particularly at a distance of from 0 cm to 25 cm from the front edge. In the vertical direction, it is advantageous when the first pivot axis is provided in the lower third or the lower half of the main segment or even underneath the main segment. This position of the first pivot axis has proved to be particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to move the leg segment without the risk of collisions, with the connecting member being at the same time stable. It is particularly advantageous when the first pivot axis is provided in the region of a frame of the main segment or the base frame, since this region of the frame offers a particularly simple, stable, and reliable method of attaching appropriate articulation means to provide the first pivot axis. These articulation means are preferably attached to the rear surface or the bottom surface of a support for said frame or base frame, which support is provided on the front wall of the main segment.

[0021] In a development of the invention, the connecting member has a cranked or curved shape. Such a shape is used when there exists a free space, at least in part, along the main direction of extension of the connecting member, that is, along a connecting line between the first and second pivot axes, which free space is located away from the direction of the connecting member. One advantage of the curved or cranked shape of the connecting member is that in the stowed position it enables the connecting member to be disposed such that the leg segment is positioned, at least in part, in the region of the main direction of extension of the connecting member. In this case, the connecting member extends around the leg segment. The advantage of the curved shape of the connecting member in the functional position of the leg segment is that, when the connecting member is attached to a frame element of the main segment such that the first pivot axis is located at the back of a frame part, the curved shape of the connecting member allows the connecting member to extend around this frame part and to protrude toward the front as far as a region in front of the main segment. The curved or cranked portion is preferably such that the respective directions of extension of the connecting member form an angle ranging from 90° to 120° in the region of the pivot axes.

[0022] In a development of the invention, forced-guidance means are provided, by means of which each position of the connecting member relative to the main segment or to the base frame is associated with a defined position of the connecting member relative to the leg segment. The expression “forcedguidance means” in this context refers to a mechanical coupling which causes a defined state in terms of the position of the connecting member relative to the base frame or to the main segment to be created, which state automatically leads to a consequent position of the connecting member relative to the leg segment and/or vice versa. The advantage of this mechanical coupling is that it makes it easy to achieve, for example, operation by electricity using only one electric motor, which directly controls, for example, the position of the connecting member relative to the main segment and thus indirectly controls the position of the connecting member relative to the leg segment.

[0023] Such forced-guidance means can be achieved, for example, by means of a rigid forced-guidance member, which is pivotally connected to the main segment or to a base frame of the piece of seating furniture so as to be pivotable about a third pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the main segment or to the base frame of the piece of furniture and which is pivotally connected to the leg segment so as to be pivotable about a fourth pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the leg segment.

[0024] Thus, the forced-guidance member is pivotally connected, like the connecting member, firstly to the main segment or to the base frame so as to be pivotable in relation thereto and secondly to the leg segment so as to be pivotable in relation thereto. The third and fourth pivot axes are parallel to the first and second pivot axes and are each disposed at a distance from the same. Since the connecting member and the forced-guidance member are equivalent in terms of their rigid design and their articulation, their names are arbitrary.

[0025] It is considered to be particularly advantageous when the second and/or the fourth pivot axis is formed by articulation means provided on a bar extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the leg segment in the functional position of the leg segment. This bar gives rise to a particularly simple design of the second and/or fourth pivot axes since it can obviate the requirement of providing these pivot axes on an upholstered region of the leg segment. In a variant comprising a connecting member and a forced-guidance member, this is particularly advantageous on account of the two necessary pivot axes disposed at a distance from each other, that is to say, the second and fourth pivot axes.

[0026] Of particular advantage is a variant in which the third pivot axis is disposed behind the first pivot axis, the connecting member is pivoted through an angle ranging from 95° to 150° during the transition movement between the stowed position and the functional position, and the forced-guidance member is pivoted through an angle ranging from 130° to 180° during the transition movement between the stowed position and the functional position. These angles always relate to the angle enclosed by the respective end positions, and larger angles are conceivable during the transition movement. With regard to the connecting member, an angle ranging from 115° to 135° is considered to be particularly advantageous. With regard to the forced-guidance member, an angle ranging from 140° to 170° is considered to be particularly advantageous.

[0027] For the desired sequence of movements, there exist particularly preferred distance ratios between the pivot axes. The distances between the first and second pivot axes, between the third and fourth pivot axes, between the first and second pivot axes, and between the third and fourth pivot axes] are each unalterable due to the fact that elements are jointly articulated to the main segment, to the leg segment, to the connecting member, and to the forced-guidance member. It is considered to be particularly advantageous when the distance between the third pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis is greater than the distance of the first pivot axis from the third pivot axis by a factor of from 1.5 to 1.9, and when the distance between the first and second pivot axes is greater than the distance of the first pivot axis from the third pivot axis by a factor of from 2.9 to 3.3, and when the distance between the second and fourth pivot axes is greater than the distance of the first pivot axis from the third pivot axis by a factor of from 2.4 to 2.8.

[0028] Preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth pivot axes are disposed such that the direction of extension of the connecting member and the direction of extension of the forced-guidance member always form an angle of >15° during the transition movement of the leg segment from the stowed position to the functional position. The expression “direction of extension” refers to the direction of an imaginary straight line between the respective pivot axes of the members.

[0029] The concept of the invention mentioned above is also achieved by means of a generic piece of seating furniture in which the leg segment can be moved relatively to the main segment or to a base frame about a pivot axis that can be displaced relatively to the main segment or to the base frame by means of translational means comprising a guide track.

[0030] In such a variant, displacement of the pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the leg segment is achieved on account of the fact that this pivot axis can be displaced translatively along the guide track. The translational means provided for this purpose according to the invention are such that they enable the pivot axis to be displaced at least indirectly to follow the direction of the guide track. The guide track can be in the form of a physical rail, for example a U-profile. It can alternatively be in the form of a simple slot or an elongated groove in another component such as a frame of the main segment. Preferably, at least two guide tracks are provided that are parallel to each other and in a spaced relationship to each other.

[0031] In a first variant of this embodiment, the translational means comprise a slide that can be moved purely translatively by means of the guide track relatively to the base frame or the main segment. On this slide, articulation means are provided, by means of which the leg segment is pivotable relatively to the slide about the pivot axis. In this design, the slide is thus provided as an intermediate element between the guide track and the leg segment. The slide itself is not pivotable rotatively, but instead, during a transition movement of the leg segment to the functional position, it follows the direction of the guide track in terms of its position and optionally also its orientation. In this variant, a component that directly cooperates with the guide track in the manner described is provided in the form of a slide. The simplest form of a slide is achieved when an axial rod is provided as a slide in the guide track, relatively to which axial rod the leg segment is pivotable.

[0032] As an alternative to this variant comprising a slide as the intermediate element, an axle journal that is connected to the leg segment so as to be torsionally rigid and pivotable about the pivot axis can be capable of translative movement in the guide track. It is thus possible, in this variant, to dispense with an intermediate element since the axle journal(s) that are connected to the leg segment so as to be torsionally rigid both cooperate directly with the guide track(s) and ensure rotatability. This variant is particularly simple and cost-effective.

[0033] In the simplest case, the guide track is linear and, in particular, extends horizontally. Alternatively however, other non-linear variants of the guide track are possible. This consequently makes it possible for the leg segment to go through particularly advantageous sequences of movement. In special variants, the guide track is formed so as to be sloping downwardly in the forward direction or to be displaced downwardly in a central region. This at least partial lowering of the guide track results in a lowering of the pivot axis on the leg segment, at least in phases, during the sequence of movements leading from the stowed position to the functional position. Preferably, the guide track is in the form of an arc of a circle. The lowering of the guide track makes it possible, particularly in the case of a very thick upholstery layer, to guide the leg segment past the main segment without the risk of colliding therewith.

[0034] In a development of the invention, forced-guidance means are provided, by means of which each angular position of the leg segment in relation to the main segment or to the base frame I associated with a defined translational position of the leg segment relative to the main segment. As described above with reference to a connecting member having first and second pivot axes, it is sufficient, as a result, to directly control the translational movement or the pivotal movement by means of a motor or a manual actuator in order to thus indirectly also bring about the respective other movement. A variant of this forced coupling can one in which, for example, toothing is provided in the region of the guide track, in which toothing a pinion engages that is mounted on the slide-side and that controls the position of the leg segment relative to the slide preferably by means of a gear transmission.

[0035] In a development of the invention, a backrest segment is provided that is rotatable relatively to the main segment about a backrest axis and that is actively coupled to the leg segment by coupling means to the effect that each position of the backrest segment relative to the main segment or to the base frame is associated with a position of the leg segment relative to the main segment or to the base frame is assigned to. This coupling of the position of the backrest in relation to the position of the leg segment makes it possible to bring about a transfer of the leg segment to the functional position when a person reclines in the seating furniture. Preferably, the coupling means are formed such that they can be blocked by means of a manually operable handle in order to prevent accidental transfer of the leg segment to the functional position. This blocking of the coupling means can also be achieved by means of a design, in which the leg segment is allowed to move only when there is application of a predetermined minimum body weight.

[0036] Active coupling between the backrest segment and the leg segment can also be achieved indirectly by means of a slider that controls the movement of the leg segment by sliding or rolling on a control track that is force-coupled to the leg segment. The mode of operation of such a slider is explained below.

[0037] In a development of the invention, at least two rigid control members are provided, each of which comprises first articulation elements, the positions of which can be changed by means of electric motors and which are each pivotally connected by means of second articulation elements to the leg segment and/or to a rigid connecting member between the main segment and the leg segment and/or to a translatively movable slide. These control members make it possible to place the motors in a rear region of the piece of seating furniture, preferably below the main segment, and to control the position of the leg segment relatively to the main segment by means of a substantially translative movement of the control members.

[0038] The invention further relates, particularly as a development of the pieces of seating furniture described above, to a generic piece of seating furniture in which a rotary member is provided, which is formed so as to be rotatable about a rotary-member axis that is immovable relatively to the main segment or to a base frame of the piece of furniture. At least one rigid control member is provided that is pivotally connected to the rotary member by means of a respective first articulation element and that is pivotally connected by means of a respective second articulation element to the leg segment and/or to a rigid connecting member between the main segment and the leg segment and/or to a translatively movable slide and/or to an auxiliary member for indirectly moving the leg segment.

[0039] Preferably, at least two rigid control members are provided.

[0040] The rotary member is a component characterized in that it is rotatable about the rotary-member axis that is immovable relatively to the base frame and/or to the main segment. Furthermore, the rotary member is permanently connected to the articulation element that is disposed at a distance from the rotary-member axis in the radial direction. In particularly simple design variants of the rotary member, the latter is in the form of a rotatable disk or bent lever. The control member or control members are characterized in that they each comprise two articulation elements that are rigidly connected to each other. The control members are preferably rods, more particularly metal rods, at both ends of which the articulation elements are provided. The first articulation elements are pivotally connected to the rotary member, the point of articulation on the rotary member being immovable relatively to the rotary member. As a result, this point of articulation can be changed by rotating the rotary member about the rotary-member axis relatively to the main segment. If two control members are connected to the rotary member, they are moved concurrently with the rotation of the rotary member. The control members can be used for various purposes and the movement of the first articulation element brings about movement of the second articulation element that indirectly brings about a movement of the component on which the second articulation element is provided. The type of movement of the first articulation element and thus indirectly also of the second articulation element is governed by the angular position of the point of articulation of the respective articulation element and the distance of the point of articulation from the rotary-member axis.

[0041] In a variant of the rotary member, the articulation element is not provided permanently on the rotary member, but instead is guided by means of guide tracks on the rotary member and formed so as to be deflectable in the radial direction. In such a design, the rotation of the control member results in an inward or outward movement of the point of articulation that is preferably guided additionally in a guide track fixed to the main segment. This can be utilized, by means of a control member pivotally connected to the articulation element, for moving the segments relatively to each other.

[0042] One possibility arising from the use of the control members consists in causing both control members to be pivotally connected to the leg segment by means of their respective second articulation elements. As a result, the mechanical system, in which the leg segment has two degrees of freedom due to the first and second pivot axis or alternatively the pivot axis and the translational means, assumes a statically precisely defined state. In a design comprising a connecting member, the orientation of the connecting member results from the mechanical determinacy of the position of the leg segment, the position of which is entirely governed by the two control members and the connecting member.

[0043] Alternatively, a first control member can for this purpose be pivotally connected, by means of its second articulation element, to the connecting member and a second control member can be pivotally connected, by means of its second articulation element, to the leg segment. In this variant, the static determinacy of the position of the connecting member results from the fact that the single degree of freedom of the connecting member relative to the main segment or to the base frame no longer applies on account of the first control member. The position of the connecting member is thus entirely governed by the position of the first control member. Due to the fact that the connecting member is thus fixed in position, the degrees of freedom of the leg segment are also reduced to one degree of freedom, namely its rotatability about the second pivot axis. However, this degree of freedom is likewise no longer applicable due to the defined position of the second control member.

[0044] In a design variant, in which forced-guidance means of the type described above are provided, a single control member is sufficient for moving the leg segment. This also holds true when an end segment is provided in addition to the leg segment, the position of which end segment relative to the leg segment is actively coupled to the movement of the leg segment relatively to the main segment, for example by means of a slider system explained below. In such a design variant, it is sufficient when the single control member is pivotally connected to the end segment or to an auxiliary member of the slider system.

[0045] In a development of the invention, the rotary-member axis is oriented approximately in a vertical direction. The term “oriented approximately in a vertical direction” refers to an orientation according to which the rotary-member axis encloses an angle of not more than 30° with the vertical direction. This design of the rotary member that is rotatable about a vertical axis makes it possible to provide a particularly space-saving arrangement of the rotary member. While retaining the structure of a piece of furniture that is not specifically designed for the use of such a rotary member, said rotary member, which is preferably flat and approximately in the form of a disc, can be provided under the main segment of the piece of furniture. Apart from its flexibility in use, the flat shape of the rotary member resulting from the use of the vertical rotary-member axis also has esthetically advantageous results. The rotary member and a drive train optionally provided for driving the rotary member can be easily positioned in such a way that they cannot be seen when the piece of seating furniture is arranged as intended.

[0046] Preferably, the rotary member is actively coupled to an electric motor adapted to rotate the rotary member about the rotary-member axis. The electric motor can be a conventional electric motor that comprises a rotatable output drive shaft and causes the rotary member to rotate, for example by means of a gear transmission. The use of a linear actuator comprising a translatively driven actuator rod, which can in turn be pivotally connected to the rotary member so as to be pivotable in the same manner as the control members, is considered to be particularly advantageous.

[0047] In a design variant of the rotary member comprising an electric motor, it is considered to be particularly advantageous when the rotary member and the electric motor are in the form of a joint integral structural unit that comprises connecting elements adapted to fix said elements to the main segment and/or to a base frame of the piece of seating furniture. This integral structural unit is advantageous for the purposes of installation, since it can be completed as early as in the preassembly stage. In particular, such a design also makes it possible to use parts of the seating furniture both for pieces of seating furniture of the invention and for pieces of seating furniture not having a leg segment, since the adaptation of the main segment required for equipping a piece of seating furniture of the invention is reduced to a minimum.

[0048] As an alternative to operation carried out by means of an electric motor, the rotary member may be actively coupled to a manually operable handle adapted to rotate the rotary member about the rotarymember axis. The term “manually operable handle” refers to any actuating means not involving the use of an externally energized motor. Manual actuation is provided particularly when actuation is carried out by means of a reclining action on the part of the user resulting in the application of force to a backrest. In such a design variant, it can be advantageous to provide a rotary member with a horizontal rotary-member axis in order to greatly simplify the transformation of a movement of the backrest to a movement of the rotary member. The handle can also be adapted for manual operation, for example by providing the rotary member having a horizontal rotary-member axis with a shaft to which the rotary member is fixed. This shaft can then be turned together with the rotary member by means of an actuating lever provided on the shaft, which actuating lever is preferably disposed to the side of the main segment and is rotatable about the rotary-member axis.

[0049] Preferably, a gear transmission is provided both for actuation of the rotary member by means of an electric motor and for actuation using a manually operable handle. This gear transmission firstly makes it possible to cause rotation of the rotary member by means of a relatively weak electric motor or a particularly light touch handle. Secondly, the gear transmission can be used in order to allow a manually operable handle to be rotatable about a pivot axis that differs from the rotary-member axis. It is particularly advantageous when the rotary member bears against a stop member that restricts its rotational movement at least indirectly to an angular position in which the leg segment is in its functional position, and/or to an angular position in which the leg segment is in its stowed position. Such a stop member protects the mechanism of the piece of seating furniture, as it prevents the rotary member from being turned too far. It is particularly advantageous when the said stop member directly cooperates with the rotary member and is formed such that the rotary member bears directly against this stop in a rotational end position. In alternative design variants, the stop can be provided at any other location within a drive train used for driving the rotary member. The stop member is preferably disposed beyond a dead center at which the direction of movement of a control member connected to the rotary member is reversed, at least in terms of the main direction of movement of the control member. This ensures that the application of pressure puts the stop member into action without it forming an obstacle during the movement from the functional state to a stowed state.

[0050] It is further considered to be particularly advantageous that the rotary member and the first control member and/or the second control member are configured and disposed such that pressure acting on the first or second control member momentarily causes the rotary member to bear against the stop member in the functional position of the leg segment. As a result, the pressure that is exerted on the control members and is caused by the intrinsic weight of the leg segment and more particularly by the weight of the legs of the user is reliably absorbed by the appropriately configured rotary stop member.

[0051] In a particularly advantageous design variant, a backrest segment is provided that is pivotable relatively to the main segment and about a backrest axis. The backrest segment is actively coupled to the rotary member by coupling means to the effect that each position of the backrest segment relative to the main segment or to the base frame is associated with an angular position of the rotary member. As already described above, this mode of operation involving blocking, preferably by the use of blocking means, advantageously makes it possible for a user to move the leg segment by reclining on the seating furniture. According to this development of the invention, this movement of the leg segment is the result of the fact that the movement of the backrest causes rotation of the rotary member, for example, by means of a simple backrest-control member that is pivotally connected to the backrest at one end and to the rotary member at the other end. The rotation of the rotary member then leads to movement of the leg segment in the manner described above.

[0052] In a development of the invention, the piece of seating furniture comprises an end segment, on the top surface of which a supporting surface is provided. The end segment can be moved relatively to the leg segment between a stowed position and a functional position in which the end segment is disposed in front of a front edge of the leg segment.

[0053] Like the leg segment, the end segment is also used as a support for the legs. Depending on the size of the leg segment and the end segment, the end segment is primarily used as a support for the lower legs and/or the feet of a person seated on the piece of seating furniture.

[0054] The end segment is preferably configured so as to be pivotable relatively to the leg segment about a pivot axis of the end segment that is preferably formed so as to be immovable relatively to the end segment and relatively to the leg segment. This constitutes a particularly simple type of articulation. This structure results in a concatenated arrangement, in which the end segment is connected to the leg segment and the leg segment is pivotable relatively to the main segment. The pivot axis of the end segment is preferably provided on bars relevant to the end segment, which bars are permanently connected to an upholstered part of the end segment. On the leg segment side, the pivot axis of the end segment that is likewise configured so as to be immovable relatively to the leg segment is preferably disposed on the bottom surface of the leg segment.

[0055] In a development of the invention, the end segment, in its stowed position, is pivoted relatively to the leg segment at approximately an angle ranging from 50° to 130° and/or is approximately parallel to the main segment. The angles specified apply to the orientation of the sitting surface and/or the supporting surfaces, respectively.

[0056] There are various ways of jointly controlling the movement of the end segment relatively to the leg segment and the movement of the leg segment relatively to the main segment. One particularly advantageous possibility involves the use of a slider system comprising a slider that is actively coupled to the end segment by means of a rigid auxiliary member and that is in the form of a first control element for cooperating with a first control track, the position of which is force-coupled to the position of the leg segment.

[0057] By means of such a design variant it is possible to bring about both relative movements mentioned above by causing a movement of the auxiliary member or of the end segment. A transfer of the leg segment and the end segment to their respective functional positions can thus be achieved by means of a single control member that is pivotally connected to the slider itself, to the auxiliary member or to the end segment. Movement of the leg segment relative to the main segment is achieved by means of the first control element and a first control track. The first control element that is provided on the auxiliary member in a fixed position is force-guided for this purpose. This forced-guidance of the first control element is achieved, for example, by means of a second control track or by pivotally connecting the auxiliary member to the main segment via an intermediate member. This forcedguidance of the control element brings about a defined path of movement during the movement of the auxiliary member caused by the sole control member. This path followed by the moving control element together with a matching shape of the first control track brings about a movement of the leg segment relatively to the main segment.

[0058] One particular advantage of this design variant is that the design of the first control track makes it easy for the sequences of movement of the leg segment and of the end segment to take place independently of each other so that it is possible to keep the end segment in the stowed position or in a position deviating only slightly therefrom in relation to the leg segment until the leg segment has reached its functional position. It is particularly advantageous when the first control track is formed in the shape of an “L”.

[0059] It is particularly advantageous when the first control track and the slider are configured to match each other such that, during the transition movement of the leg segment and the end segment from the stowed position to the functional position in a first phase of motion, the leg segment is pivoted relatively to the main segment through at least 70° in the direction of the functional position, while the end segment is pivoted relatively to the leg segment through not more than 50° in the direction of the functional position, and the leg segment and the end segment each reach their functional positions in a second phase of motion. However, particular preference is given to a design variant in which the main segment is pivoted in the first phase through at least 80° or even 90°, while the end segment is pivoted relatively to the leg segment only through 40° at the most or even only 30°.

[0060] Movement in a number of phases, as made possible by the first control track, is ideal for moving the leg segment and the end segment, from the stowed state below the main segment to the functional state, without the risk of a collision of the segments, since the first phase can be used for overcoming the particularly critical movement in which the leg segment is pivoted through approximately 45° relatively to its stowed position. If the end segment remains in approximately its stowed position relative to the leg segment during this movement phase, that will prevent the end segment from hitting the floor underneath the piece of furniture.

[0061] The first control track is preferably provided on the forced-guidance member, on the connecting member or on the leg segment, that is to say, it is permanently connected to one of the said elements. It is likewise possible to provide the control track in or on the rotary member. In the simplest case, the first control track can be an edge of the corresponding component, along which the first control element slides, when a force is applied to the auxiliary member or to the end segment, or rolls, if the first control element is in the form of a roller. The control track can also be in the form of a closed motion link or an elongated hole.

[0062] The aforementioned forced guidance of the first control element serves to define the path of movement of the first control element. This forced guidance can be achieved in various ways. Preferably, a second control element that can be moved along a second control track preferably provided on the connecting member or the forced-guidance member is provided on the auxiliary member for this purpose. The second control element can be identical to the first control element and can slide along or roll on the first and second control tracks concurrently with the movement of an auxiliary member. The above description of the first control track also applies to the design variant comprising the second control track. As an alternative to the design variant comprising the second control track, the auxiliary member can be pivotally connected to the main segment or to a base frame of the seating furniture by means of an intermediate member that is pivotally connected to the auxiliary member.

[0063] In a design variant comprising two control tracks, two embodiments are preferred, in particular. In the first embodiment, the first control track is provided directly on the leg segment or a component that is immovable relatively to the leg segment, and the second control track is provided on the connecting member. In the second embodiment, the first control track is provided on the forced-guidance member and the second control track is provided on the connecting member.

[0064] In a development of the invention, a first control member of the end segment is provided on the rotary member. This first control member of the end segment is pivotally connected to the rotary member by means of a first articulation element and is actively coupled to the end segment such that a movement of the rotary member by means of the additional control member brings about a movement of the end segment relative to the leg segment. In the design variant comprising a slider system as described above, the control member of the end segment can be the sole control member on the rotary member. In a design variant not having a slider system, two or three first articulation elements of two or three rigid control members are disposed on the rotary member such that the first articulation elements are spaced apart and the control members are preferably also disposed at a distance from each other. By means of its displacement, the first control member of the end segment brings about a movement of the end segment. In the simplest case, the control member of the end segment can be directly pivotally connected to the end segment by means of a second articulation element for this purpose.

[0065] The first articulation elements are preferably pivotally connected to the rotary member such that the first articulation elements of the control members are pivotally connected, at least in part, to the rotary member in different angular positions relative to the rotary-member axis and/or are pivotally connected to the rotary member at a different distance from the rotary-member axis.

[0066] As a result of these two parameters—angular position and distance, it is possible for the rotation of the rotary member to control the different control members individually and depending on their function. It is particularly possible to determine, by specific selection of the angular position, in what phase of the transition movement from the stowed position to the functional position all control members are required to be moved to a greater or lesser extent. The rotation of the rotary member through a defined angle then results in only slight movement of a control member when the main direction of extension of the control member and an imaginary connecting line between the point of articulation and the rotary-member axis form a small angle. A particularly sharp reaction is achieved by rotation through the same defined angle when the main extension axis of the respective control member and the imaginary connecting line form an angle of approximately 90°. While the selection of the angular position of the point of articulation makes it possible to determine the phase during which the movement of the control member is very strongly influenced by the rotation of the rotary member, the distance from the rotation axis is suitable for proportionally reducing or increasing the effect of the complete rotational movement of the rotary member.

[0067] It is thus possible, for example, to provide two control members on the rotary member at the same angular position, but at different distances from the rotary-member axis, as a result of which that control member which is pivotally connected nearer to said axis is moved to a lesser extent over the entire sequence of movement than the control member which is pivotally connected in the region of the periphery. This differentiated movement of the control members can be implemented very advantageously for the purpose of controlling pivotal movements, particularly the pivotal movement of the leg segment.

[0068] In a development of the invention, a connecting line between the rotary-member axis and the first point of articulation of the first and/or second control members forms an angle of not more than 20° with a main direction of extension of the respective control member when the leg segment is in its functional position. As a result, a movement of the rotary member starting from the functional position results in a very slowly accelerating movement of the first and/or second control members and thus in a very slow acceleration of the leg segment during the transition movement from the functional position to the stowed position, when the first and/or second control members are used for controlling the position of the leg segment.

[0069] Furthermore, it is advantageous when a connecting line between the rotary-member axis and the first point of articulation of the third control member forms an angle ranging from 60° to 120° with a main direction of extension of the third control member when the leg segment is in its functional position. When the angle has a value ranging from 60° to 120°, more particularly a value of approximately 90°, the rotation of the rotary member during the transition movement from the functional state to the stowed state leads to a particularly rapid movement of the end segment relatively to the leg segment. The end segment can thus be prematurely pivoted relatively to the leg segment during the transition movement phase leading to the stowed state of the piece of furniture, and then moved together with the leg segment, while performing an even smaller relative movement, until it reaches the stowed position of the leg segment and is thus underneath the main segment.

[0070] The term “main direction of extension of a control member” is to be understood to mean a direction defined by the two points of articulation of the control member.

[0071] In a development of the invention, the first control member of the end segment is pivotally connected by means of its second articulation element to a second control member of the end segment, and the second control member of the end segment is pivotally connected to the first control member of the end segment by means of a first articulation element and to the end segment by means of a second articulation element. In this development, the rotary member is connected to the end segment by means of the first and second control members of the end segment, both of which are pivotable in relation to each other. The rotatability in relation to the additional control member can be achieved by means of a pivot joint having a defined axis or by means of a three-dimensionally effective ball joint or a mechanically equivalent machine element.

[0072] The first control member of the end segment is preferably guided by guiding means such as an eyelet fixed to the main segment, to a base frame of the piece of furniture, or to the leg segment or is forceguided as governed by the position of the leg segment relative to the main segment. As a result of this guidance, the second articulation element of the first control member of the end segment is at all times mechanically precisely defined in terms of its position. Since the second control member of the end segment is firstly pivotally connected to the end segment and secondly to the second articulation element of the third control member, this also ensures a mechanically precisely defined association of the end segment to an angular position of the rotary member. The guiding means are preferably rotatable about a vertical axis or are provided with a guide orifice that is large enough to make it possible to slidably guide the first control member of the end segment even in the case of a different orientation resulting from articulation thereof to the rotary member. As an alternative for such guiding means, it is possible to provide a secondary rotary member or a bent lever, which is mounted for displacement or, more particularly, rotation on the main segment or on the leg segment, and to which the first and second control members of the end segment are pivotally connected.

[0073] The particularly advantageous effect of the rotatability of the first and the second control members of the end segment relatively to each other is that fairly extensive decoupling takes place depending on the pivot angle. For this purpose, the main directions of extension of the first and second control members of the end segment preferably enclose an angle ranging from 70° to 110° in the stowed state of the piece of furniture, in which the leg segment and the end segment are in their respective stowed positions. As a result, rotation of the rotary member and thus translative movement of the first control member of the end segment causes no, or almost no, translative movement of the second control member of the end segment during the transition movement from the stowed state to the functional state. This can be specifically implemented for bringing about a movement of the leg segment as a result of the movement of the rotary member, starting from a stowed state, in which the leg segment and the end segment are each in their stowed position, while the end segment is scarcely moved relatively to the leg segment and/or relatively to the main segment.

[0074] In a development of the invention, the piece of seating furniture comprises a base frame, and the main segment is adapted to be movable relatively to this base frame. This firstly makes it possible to bring the sitting surface into a position that is comfortable for the user. The additional advantage of this movability of the main segment, with regard to the transfer of the leg segment from its stowed position to its functional position, is that the ease of pivoting and/or moving the main segment toward the rear makes it easy to guide the leg segment past the main segment without there being any possibility of a collision between the segments.

[0075] The invention further relates to a fitting for a piece of seating furniture, which fitting comprises first mounting means adapted for being fixed to a main segment or to a base frame of a piece of seating furniture and second mounting means adapted for being fixed to a leg segment of the piece of seating furniture. The fitting comprises translational means, by means of which the second fixing element can be moved relatively to the first fixing element along a guide track. Furthermore, the fitting has a pivot axis, by means of which the second fixing element is pivotable relatively to the first fixing element.

[0076] As an alternative to the design comprising translational means, the fitting can also be configured such that it comprises a rigid connecting member that is pivotally connected to the first fixing element so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the first fixing element. The connecting member is also pivotally connected to the second fixing element so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis that is immovable relatively to the second fixing element.

[0077] Preferred developments of the fittings of the invention include the features mentioned above with regard to the piece of seating furniture.

[0078] The fittings of the invention are preferably configured such that they are disposed centrally relative to a transverse direction of the piece of furniture and are used individually and not in pairs. Due to their architecture showing relatively few rotation axes, it is possible to use them and the consequent design variants of the piece of furniture by employing only one fitting. Preferably, arm-like elements are provided for this purpose, which elements are reliable means for making it possible to introduce laterally applied forces into the fitting. Furthermore, the different elements and rods in the fitting are preferably at least partially in the form of closed hollow profiles.

[0079] A fitting of the invention preferably takes up only a proportion of 30% of the width of the main segment and/or the leg segment in a piece of furniture of the invention so that said fitting is disposed inconspicuously at the center thereof. Thus, when viewed from the usual standpoints, the fitting itself is hardly visible in the functional state.

[0080] The fittings of the invention allow a particularly simple modular construction of a piece of seating furniture formed in the manner described above.

[0091] The figures show a total of five different embodiments of the piece of seating furniture of the invention and parts of this piece of seating furniture that are relevant to the invention. Unless otherwise stated, the modes of operation of these embodiments are the same in each case. With respect to the embodiments of the piece of seating furniture of the invention and parts of this piece of seating furniture that are relevant to the invention, components having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0092] FIG. 1 shows a part of a first embodiment of a piece of seating furniture of the invention. The seating furniture of the invention is an upholstered piece of furniture 110 comprising a main segment 20 disposed at a distance from a floor, a leg segment 40, and an end segment 60. Additional components of the piece of furniture are not shown here. Those components that are not shown include a base frame on which the main segment 20 immovably rests, armrests disposed at both sides of the main segment 20, and a backrest disposed at that end of the main segment 20 that is remote from the leg segment 40 and the end segment 60.

[0093] The three illustrated components—main segment 20, leg segment 40, and end segment 60 are disposed one behind the other in a concatenated manner forming a top surface in the functional state shown in FIG. 1, which top surface is formed by the three segments substantially aligned with each other and is broken only by small gaps between the segments. This top surface comprises a sitting surface 22 on the main segment 20 and supporting surfaces 42, 62 on the leg segment 40 and end segment 60 respectively.

[0094] The end segment 60 comprises an upholstered portion 64 and two metallic lugs 66 that are parallel to each other and permanently connected to the upholstered portion 64. By means of these lugs 66 and corresponding recesses (not illustrated) for the lugs in the leg segment 40, the end segment 60 can be pivoted about a pivot axis of the end segment 6 relatively to the leg segment 40.

[0095] The leg segment 40 is connected to the main segment 20 by means of connecting members 80 in the form of rigid metal elements that can be moved in relation to the leg segment and the main segment respectively about a second pivot axis 2 that is immovable relatively to the leg segment and a first pivot axis 1 to the main segment. As a result, the leg segment 40 is formed so as to be pivotable relatively to the main segment 20 both about the first pivot axis 1 and about the second pivot axis 2. The connecting members 80 are curved and they initially extend slightly downwardly, starting from the main segment in the functional state shown in FIG. 1, and then toward the front.

[0096] A rotary member 30 that is mounted for rotation about the rotation axis 5 and is in the form of an bent lever 30 is provided on the bottom surface of the main segment 20 for controlling the movements of the leg segment 40 and the end segment 60 relative to the main segment 20. The bent lever 30 comprises two arms 30a, 30b. The bent lever 30 is designed so as to be electrically rotatable about the axis 5 in a manner not shown in detail.

[0097] The arms 30a, 30b of the bent lever 30 are connected to control members 90, 91, 92. For this purpose, articulation elements are each provided at the ends of the rod-shaped control members 90, 91, 92, which articulation elements are connected to the bent lever 30 at different articulation points 32a, 32b, and 32c by means of three-dimensionally effective joints, preferably ball joints.

[0098] That end of the first control member 90 that is located opposite to the first articulation element is functionally connected to the connecting member 80. For this purpose, a three-dimensionally effective ball joint 80a is likewise provided on the connecting member 80. That end of the second control member 91 that is remote from the bent lever 30 is pivotally connected to the bottom surface of the leg segment 40. Here again, the articulation is effected by means of a ball joint 40a. The third control member 92 is guided through a guide eyelet 24 provided on the bottom surface of the main segment 20 and it ends in a ball joint 84, to which an articulation element of a fourth control member 93 is also pivotally connected, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to the end segment 60 by means of a ball joint 60a.

[0099] As a result of the geometry illustrated, the orientation of the connecting members 80, the leg segment 40, and the end segment 60 is governed by the orientation of the bent lever 30. This mechanical determinacy in terms of the connecting members 80 results from the fact that the position relative to the main segment 20 is fully determined by the position of the pivot axis 1 and the orientation of the first control member 90. The leg segment 40 is therefore no longer pivotable relatively to the main segment 20 about two different pivot axes 1, 2, but instead about only pivot axis 2. This degree of freedom likewise no longer applies due to the second control member 91.

[0100] The statically precisely defined position of the end segment results from its ability to pivot about the pivot axis of the end segment 6, which is immovable relatively to the main segment 20 due to the defined position of the leg segment 40 in the functional state illustrated. The static determinacy is achieved by means of the third and fourth control members 92, 93, and the position of the ball joint 84 disposed therebetween is determined by means of the guide eyelet 24, which results in a defined orientation of the control member 92.

[0101] It is thus evident that a defined position of the bent lever 30 leads to a resultant defined position of the leg segment 40 and of the end segment 60. The system illustrated is statically precisely defined in its entirety. There remain no degrees of freedom for a given position of the bent lever 30.

[0102] FIGS. 1a to 1d are side views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in different stages ranging from the stowed state to the functional state also shown in FIG. 1.

[0103] It is evident from FIG. 1 that, in the stowed state of the piece of furniture, the leg segment 40 is entirely or almost entirely below the main segment 20 and that the supporting surface 42 of the leg segment 40 is oriented in an approximately vertical direction in this position. In this stowed state, the bent lever 30 is in an angular position in which the articulation points 32a and 32b are located far back on the other side of the vertical rotary-member axis 5. Likewise, the articulation point 32c is disposed behind the rotary-member axis 5 in this initial position. The position of the leg segment 40 and of the end segment 60 necessarily results from the position of the articulation points 32a, 32b, 32c. The position of the first control member 90 and the position of the second control member 91 and thus the position of the connecting lever 80 and the position of the leg segment 40 are governed by the articulation points 32a, 32b. The third control member 92 is guided through the guide eyelet 24 rigidly attached to the main segment so that the position of the ball joint 84 between the third control member 92 and the fourth control member 93 is likewise governed by the position of the bent lever 30. In the initial position shown in FIG. 1a, the ball joint 84 is located in the region of the leg segment 40, which can include a corresponding recess (not illustrated) for this purpose. It is of particular importance that the fourth control member 93 disposed on the end segment 60 and the ball joint 84 prevents the end segment 60 from dropping.

[0104] Starting from this initial position, the bent lever 30 is pivoted about the rotary-member axis 5 in the counterclockwise direction with reference to FIG. 1. This bent lever 30 is pivoted by means of a motor drive or manual drive (not shown). With reference to the side view shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d, this movement results in the articulation points 32a, 32b of the control members 90, 91 being moved toward the front, that is to say, to the right in FIGS. 1a to 1d. By contrast, the third articulation point 32c of the third control member 92 is initially moved in the opposite direction, that is to say, to the left, with reference to the side view, and then to the right, likewise with reference to FIGS. 1a to 1b, only after reaching a rear apex.

[0105] As a result, the first and the second control members 90, 91 are initially moved to a greater extent than the third control member 92 so that first of all a movement of the leg segment 40 is carried out relatively to the main segment 20. In this first phase of the movement, the end segment 60 is moved only to a lesser extent, particularly due to the angle between the third and the fourth control members 92, 93 of about 90°, which results in a movement of the fourth control member 93 only to a lesser extent in the direction of its main dimension. Instead, the fourth control member 93 is first of all tilted without having any great influence on the position of the end segment 60.

[0106] FIG. 1c shows an intermediate state achieved when the bent lever 30 is rotated further. It is evident that the leg segment 60 is clearly moved in front of the main segment 20 by means of the connecting lever 80 without the angular position of the leg segment 40 having changed to any discernable extent. FIGS. 1b and 1c thus show particularly clearly that the connecting lever 80 causes, in a simple manner, displacement of the leg segment such that a collision between the leg segment and the main segment 20 is obviated. The additional effect of the displacement of the leg segment 40 toward the front is that movement of the third control member 92 increasingly influences the position of the end segment 60. The angle between the third control member 92 and the fourth control member 93 becomes increasingly smaller during the course of the transition movement from the position shown in FIG. 1b to that shown in FIG. 1d until the third and the fourth control members 92, 93 are oriented so as to be almost in line with each other. The result is that the end segment 60, which is initially moved only to a lesser extent during the transition movement to the functional state, is pivoted to an increasingly greater extent toward the end of the sequence of movements. The movement of the leg segment relative to the main segment and the movement of the end segment relatively to the leg segment take place concurrently as a result of the control members 90, 91, 92 being jointly pivotally connected to the bent lever 30. However, it is particularly the position of the leg segment 40 relative to the main segment 20 that is influenced in a first phase of motion and mainly the position of the end segment 60 relative to the leg segment 40 that is influenced in a second phase of motion. The advantage of these different phases is that the end segment 60 initially remains in a space-saving position when the leg segment 40 swings out, and thus does not rub against the floor.

[0107] As is evident from FIGS. 1 and 1d, a result of the mechanical design provided is that all elements functionally involved in the sequence of movements are scarcely visible in the functional state. This is achieved particularly by means of the horizontal orientation of the bent lever 30 and the use of elongated rods as control members 90, 91, 92, 93. The advantage of the curved shape of the connecting members 80 can be clearly seen in FIGS. 1a and 1d. As a result of the curved shape, the connecting members in the stowed state shown in FIG. 1a are, as it were, guided past the leg segment 40. In the functional state shown in FIG. 1d, the connecting members consequently do not collide with a frame 28 (shown in dotted lines) of the main segment.

[0108] In the functional state shown in FIGS. 1 and 1d, the bent lever 30 bears against a stop member 36 rigidly attached to the main segment. The stop member first of all prevents rotation of the bent lever 30 beyond the end position provided. Secondly, the stop member 36 serves to absorb forces acting upon the leg segment 40 and/or on the end segment 60 since these forces are transmitted in the form of thrust forces via the control members 90, 91, 92, 93 onto the bent lever 30 and thence to the stop member 36.

[0109] It is worthy of particular mention that it is clearly evident from the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 1d that the mode of operation can be achieved using leg segments 40 and end segments 60 that are upholstered, particularly with upholstery that is as thick as that of the main segment 20. The total area encompassing the sitting surface 22 of the main segment 20 and the supporting surfaces 42, 62 of the leg segment 40 and the end segment 60, respectively, will then have largely uniform properties with regard to comfort.

[0110] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a piece of furniture of the invention. This piece of furniture 110 likewise comprises a main segment 120, a leg segment 140 and an end segment 160. In terms of dimensions and the positions relative to each other in the functional state, these segments 120, 140, 160 are similar to the corresponding segments in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 1d. The connection of the end segment 160 to the leg segment 140 is likewise achieved in the same way. One special feature resides in the implementation of the leg segment 140 in relation to the main segment 120. For this purpose, curved lugs 144 are provided on the leg segment in this variant, which curved lugs 144 form a fixed component of the leg segment 140. The actual connection of the leg segment 140 to the main segment 120 is firstly carried out by means of connecting members 180, which are attached to the leg segment 140 so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 102 that is immovable relatively to the leg segment 140 as in the variant shown in FIG. 1 and which are pivotally connected to the main segment 120 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 101 that is immovable relatively to the main segment 120. The special feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is, in particular, that in addition to the connecting members 180, forced-guidance members 182 are provided that are pivotable about a fourth pivot axis 104 at the side of the leg segment 140 and about a third pivot axis 103 at the side of the main segment.

[0111] The four pivot axes 101, 102, 103, 104 are parallel to each other. They are disposed such that the leg segment 140 is force-guided thereby. In spite of the presence of more than one pivot axis, the leg segment 140 can therefore be moved only along a defined path of movement that guides the leg segment from a stowed position shown in FIG. 2a to its functional position shown in function 2.

[0112] For controlling the sequence of movements of the piece of furniture shown in FIG. 2, a bent lever 130, which can be rotated about a vertical rotation axis 105 and which comprises two lugs 130a and 130b, is provided as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The manual control of the end segment 160 is carried out as in the case of the variant shown in FIG. 1 by means of a third control member 192 and a fourth control member 193, which are interconnected by a ball joint 184. The control mechanism of the leg segment 140 differs from the variant shown in FIG. 1, since the path of movement dictated by the members 180, 182 necessitates only one control member 190 for this purpose. One end of this control member 190 is pivotally connected to the arm 130a of the bent lever 130 and its second end is pivotally connected to the leg segment 140, more precisely, to one of the lugs 144 of the leg segment 140. The control mechanism of the bent lever 130 is also evident from the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. For this purpose, a linear actuator 112 comprising an actuator rod 195 is provided that is connected to the bent lever 130 at an articulation point 132d.

[0113] The sequence of movements of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to that shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d except for the special feature relating to the kinematic coupling of the leg segment 140 to the main segment 120.

[0114] FIGS. 3a to 3d show, as side views, a third embodiment of a piece of furniture of the invention comparable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 with regard to the kinematic coupling of the leg segment 240 to the main segment 220. Here again, fixed lugs 244 are provided on the leg segment 140, on which lugs 244 a connecting member 280 and a force-control member 282 are mounted so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 202 and a fourth pivot axis 204, respectively. The connecting member 280 and the forced-guidance member 282 are mounted on the main segment 220 so as to be pivotable about pivot axes 201, 203 that are immovable relatively to the main segment. The path of movement of the leg segment 240 relatively to the main segment 220 is thus already precisely defined by the members 280, 282. The end segment 260 is pivotable relatively to the leg segment 240 about a pivot axis of the end segment 206 as in the previously described embodiments.

[0115] One significant difference of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 1d and 2 and 2a is that the rotary member 230 is not rotatable about a vertical axis, but instead about a horizontal rotation axis 205. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, again only three control members 290, 292, 293 are required since the path of movement of the leg segment 240 relatively to the main segment 220 is already defined by the connecting member 280 and the forcedguidance member 282.

[0116] The control member 290 in this embodiment is pivotally connected to the rotary member 230 in the form of a bent lever 230 as in the preceding embodiments. However, unlike the variant shown in FIG. 2, the opposite end of the control member 290 is not directly pivotally connected to the leg segment 240, but instead to the connecting member 280. This enables the connecting point of the control member 290 on the connecting member 280 to be located in relation to the pivot axis 202 on an opposite side thereof in relation to the pivot axis 204 so that a backward movement of the control member 290 can cause the leg segment 240 to swing out.

[0117] The use of a rotary member 230, which is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis 205, suffers from the drawback that a greater amount of space is required in the vertical direction. However, in the case of such pieces of furniture, in which this requirement of increased space presents no problems on account of the overall size of the piece of furniture, the advantage offered by a design having a horizontal rotary-member axis 205 is that the geometric conditions as regards the dimensions of the control members are simpler since a purely two-dimensional design is involved.

[0118] FIGS. 4 to 4c show a further embodiment of a piece of furniture of the invention. This piece of furniture 310 again comprises a main segment 320, a leg segment 340, and an end segment 360. The end segment 360 is in turn pivotable about a pivot axis of the end segment 306 relatively to the leg segment 340. The leg segment 340 in turn comprises lugs 344, at the ends of which in each case a bearing pin 346 is disposed that defines a pivot axis 302, which is provided on the leg segment 340 so as to be immovable and about which the leg segment 340 is pivotable relatively to the main segment 320. The bearing pins 346 are not mounted in a defined position on the main segment 320, but instead are each accommodated in a guide track 326, which is in the form of an arc of a circle. These guide tracks 326 can be provided, for example, in a rigid frame member 328 of the main segment 320. The guide tracks 326 and the bearing pins 346 jointly allow a translative movement and a rotative movement of the leg segment 340 relatively to the main segment 320.

[0119] For transferring the leg segment 340 of the seating furniture 310 illustrated into its functional state shown in FIG. 4c, a rotary member 330, which is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 305, is provided as in the preceding embodiments. Altogether three control members 390, 391, 392 are provided on this rotary member 330 at three articulation points 332a, 332b, 332c as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. That end of the third control member 392 that is remote from the rotary member 330 comprises a ball joint 84, to which a fourth control member 393 is connected. The design relating to the third and fourth control members 392, 393 is the same as that in the preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0120] Unlike the preceding exemplary embodiments, however, the first two control members 390, 391 are both pivotally connected to the leg segment. Together, they define the position and orientation of the leg segment 340 as being governed by the position of the articulation points 332a, 332b.

[0121] Starting from the situation shown in FIG. 3a, in which the seating furniture 310 is in the stowed state, the rotary member 330 is rotated about the rotation axis 305. The resulting displacement of the articulation points 332a, 332b brings about a displacement of the control members 390, 391. This results, on the one hand, in a pivotal movement of the leg segment 340 relatively to the main segment 320 and, on the other hand, in displacement of the axle journal 346 in the guide track 326. In doing so, the bearing pins 346 follow the arcuate orientation of the guide tracks 326, as a result of which they are initially lowered. This is of advantage, since it allows, as shown in FIG. 3, the leg segment 340 to pivot in good time without resulting in a collision between the leg segment 340 and the main segment 320.

[0122] As the rotary member 330 continues to move, the leg segment 340 initially reaches its end position or almost its end position. While a rotational movement of the rotary member 330 toward the end of the movement of the leg segment 340 only brings about a slow movement of the leg segment 340, since the articulation points 332a, 332b in this phase are already in the vicinity of their turning points, as seen in FIGS. 3a to 3c the end segment 360 is pivoted to a significantly greater extent especially in this last phase during the transfer movement to the functional state.

[0123] In the embodiments described, the control mechanism is achieved by means of a rotary member 30, 130, 230, 330. Alternatively, the embodiments can each be equipped with separate motors so that the coordination of the phases of movement is not carried out mechanically by way of the rotary member, but instead by means of a control unit.

[0124] Furthermore, it is also possible, in the embodiments illustrated, to provide coupling of the rotary members 30, 130, 230, 330 to a manual handle instead of employing adjustment by means of a motor. In particular, the rotary member 30, 130, 230, 330 can be mechanically coupled to a backrest so that a manual lowering of the backrest also results in a transition movement of the leg segment into its functional position.

[0125] FIGS. 5 and 5a to 5h show a further embodiment of a piece of seating furniture 410 of the invention, of which only the main segment 420, the leg segment 440 and the end segment 460 and the mechanics provided for the relative movements of these segments 420, 440, 460 are shown, as in the case of the preceding embodiments. The individual components of these mechanics are explained below with reference to FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b. Finally, the mode of operation during the transition movement from the stowed state shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b to the functional state shown in FIGS. 5g, 5h is explained.

[0126] The situations shown in FIGS. 5a to 5h include sectional illustrations 5a, 5c, 5e, 5g of the piece of seating furniture and perspective illustrations 5b, 5d, 5f, 5h of the mechanics. As is evident from the perspective illustrations, the mechanics are designed so as to be largely mirror-symmetrical. Components of which duplicates are present are thus referred to below in the singular, but such references should be understood to include both components.

[0127] As in the case of the preceding embodiments, the segments 420, 440, 460 in this embodiment are disposed one behind the other as concatenated elements, and the mechanics mentioned above are provided for coupling the segments and for coordinating the movements thereof.

[0128] The mechanical components are fixed to the main segment 420 by means of a screw connection to a square hollow profile 428, which is part of a base frame of the piece of seating furniture 410. On this profile 428 there is mounted a flanged block 428a, to which a connecting member 480 and a forcedguidance member 482 are pivotally connected so as to be pivotable about first and second pivot axes 401, 403, respectively, these being parallel to each other. Furthermore, the connecting member 480 and the forced-guidance member 482 are each mounted so as to be pivotable with the leg segment 440 about third and fourth pivot axes 402, 404 that are likewise parallel to each other. For this purpose, a mounting element 443 consisting of an L-shaped profile 445 and a bar-shaped bar 444 immovably connected thereto is provided on the bottom surface of the leg segment 440. This mounting element 443 is bolted to a wooden panel 41 which forms the support for the upholstery on the leg segment 440. The second pivot axis 402 is formed by an axle journal provided on the L-shaped profile 445. The fourth pivot axis 404 is formed by an axle journal disposed at the distal end of the bar 444.

[0129] In a manner similar to that used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d, the connecting member 480 and the forced-guidance member 482 jointly allow pivoting of the leg segment 440 relatively to the main segment 420, in which the leg segment 440 defines a path of movement that is determined by the distances between the pivot axes 401, 402, 403, 404 and is guided past the main segment 420 without the possibility of colliding therewith.

[0130] The main difference between the preceding embodiments and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 5a to 5h is that the movements of both the leg segment 440 and the end segment 460 are carried out by means of a common control member 492 which is shown in FIG. 5 and is explained below. In order to make it possible to achieve both the movement of the leg segment 440 relatively to the main segment 420 and the movement of the end segment 460 relatively to the leg segment 440 by means of this sole control member 492, mechanical active coupling of the end segment with the members 480, 482 is provided by way of a slider system. The end segment 460, which is pivotally connected to the leg segment 440 so as to be pivotable by way of an extension 466 as in the preceding embodiments, is controlled in terms of its position in relation to the leg segment 440 by means of an auxiliary member 470. This auxiliary member 470 is disposed at a distance from the pivot axis 406 of the end segment and is pivotally connected to the extension 466 on the end segment 460 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 407 of the auxiliary member.

[0131] At the opposite end of the auxiliary member 470, a roller element 476 is provided, which comprises an inner main roller 476a and an outer secondary roller 476b of smaller diameter, which rollers are mounted on the auxiliary member 470 so as to be rotatable about a common roller axle 408. The roller axle 408 is oriented such that it is parallel to the pivot axis 407 of the auxiliary member.

[0132] The roller unit 476 bears against both the connecting member 480 and the forced-guidance member 482. For this purpose, a guide track 480b, which is in the form of a curved slot, is provided in the connecting member 480, which curved slot extends approximately in the direction of extension of the connecting member 480. Furthermore, a first guide track 483 comprising a first guide-track path 483a and a second guide-track path 483b is provided on the forced-guidance member 482. The inner roller 476a of the roller unit 476 is assigned to the first guide track 483. The outer roller 476b of the roller unit 476 is assigned to the second guide track 480b.

[0133] By means of the roller unit 476 and the guide tracks 480b, 483, active coupling exists between the members 480, 482, for effecting movement of the leg segment 440, and the auxiliary member 470, for effecting movement of the end segment 460 and the leg segment 440.

[0134] The system described can be controlled only by means of the sole control member 492 mentioned above, which acts on the articulation point 472 of the auxiliary members 470. This control member 492 thrusts the articulation point 472 in the direction of the arrow 474 shown in FIG. 5a. This is carried out by means of the linear actuator 412 shown in FIG. 5. The result of this thrusting action, starting from the state shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, is that the leg segment 440 and the end segment 460 are transferred from their respective stowed state to their respective functional state as shown in FIGS. 5g and 5h.

[0135] In the initial situation shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the leg segment 440 is in a position which is rotated downwardly through approximately 90° in relation to that assumed in the functional state. The end segment 460 is likewise in a position which is rotated through approximately 90° in relation to the leg segment 440 and thus through approximately 180° in relation to its functional position. In this initial situation, the roller unit 476 is disposed on that end of the guide-track path 483a of the first guide track 483 that is oriented toward the third pivot axis 403 and is supported on this guide track 483 so that the end segment 460 cannot descend further. As regards the second guide track 480b, the roller unit 476 is disposed, in the initial situation shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, in an end region remote from the second pivot axis 402, but at a distance from upper stop surfaces of the guide tracks 480b. In this initial situation, the overall system is completely governed by the stationary control member 492 and is intrinsically immovable.

[0136] Movement of the leg segment 440 and of the end segment 460 is brought about only by means of a thrust applied to the auxiliary member 470 in the direction of the arrow 474. The result of the applied thrust is that the connecting member 480 is caused to pivot in the counterclockwise direction by means of the rollers 476b. This is also accompanied by a pivoting movement of the forced-guidance member 482 in the counterclockwise direction. In doing so, the roller unit 476 is pressed, due to the guidance thereof in the guide track 480b and its rolling movement on the first guide track 483, in the direction of the upper stop surface of the second guide tracks 480b. This results, as is evident from FIGS. 5c, 5d, in an enlargement of the angle between the leg segment 440 and the end segment 460 to approximately 135°. The end segment 460 consequently bears against the leg segment 440 to the closest extent possible. At the same time, the leg segment 440 and the end segment 460 are jointly swung out toward the front from below the main segment 420 as a result of the movement of the connecting member 480 and the forced-guidance member 482.

[0137] As a result of the shape of the first guide-track path 483a of the guide track 483, the roller unit 476 remains in the aforementioned end region of the second guide tracks 480b until the intermediate situation shown in FIGS. 5e and 5f is reached. Since the position of the roller unit 476 in the second guide track 480b at the same time governs the position of the end segment 460 relative to the leg segment 440, this relative position likewise remains largely unchanged. This makes it possible to prevent a collision between the end segment 460 and the floor (not illustrated in the figures) during the transition movement from the initial situation shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b to the intermediate situation shown in FIGS. 5e and 5f. The prevention of such a collision is assisted by the fact that the leg segment 440 is raised beyond its end position in the state shown in FIGS. 5f, 5g during the transition movement to its functional position.

[0138] When the intermediate situation shown in FIGS. 5e and 5f is reached, the roller 476a on the first guide track 483 reaches the border region between the first guide-track path 483a and the second guidetrack path 483b and thus completes a first phase of movement dominated by the relative movement between the main segment 420 and the leg segment 440. The second phase involving the movement of the end segment 460 starts when the roller goes beyond this border region. Since the effect of the first guide-track path 483a, which limits the movement of the position of the end segment 460 relative to the leg segment 440, no longer applies in this second phase, the roller unit 476 can leave the end region of the second guide track 480b and can be moved in the direction of the opposite end region. Since the guide tracks 480b, 483 are not yet completely parallel in the situation shown in FIGS. 5e and 5f, the movement of the roller unit 476 to the right with reference to FIG. 5e also results in a slight downward movement of the leg segment 440. However, the dominating movement in this second phase, which terminates when the functional state shown in FIGS. 5g, 5h is reached, is that concerning the end segment 460. As a result of the roller unit 476 being thrust to the right in the guide track 480b, the auxiliary member 470 also shifts its position to the right approximately in its direction of extension in this second phase and the end segment 460 is thus pivoted counterclockwise until it has reached the functional position shown in FIGS. 5g and 5h.

[0139] The piece of seating furniture shown in FIGS. 5a to 5i makes it possible, by means of the architecture of its mechanics, to carry out the entire sequence of movements leading from the stowed position of the leg segment 440 and of the end segment 460 to their functional positions by means of only one control member 492. The roller unit 476 acting as a slider is used in cooperation with the first guide track 483 to move the leg segment 440 in the first phase of movement whilst any movement of the end segment 460 relatively to the leg segment 440 is largely blocked. The end of this blocking action is achieved when the roller unit 476 goes beyond the border region between the guide-track paths 483a and 483b, since, from this point onward, any movement of the roller unit 476 in the second guide tracks 480b is no longer limited by the first guide track 483.

[0140] Once said border region has been passed, it is then possible, on the one hand, to achieve a relative movement of the end segment on account of the force acting on the auxiliary member 470. On the other hand, when said border region has been passed, there arises a blocking effect on the movement of the leg segment 440, since the latter is supported on the guide track 480b by means of the roller unit 476 due to the non-parallel orientation of the guide tracks 480b, 483b. This blocking effect prevents the leg segment 440 from being lowered from its functional position, even when subjected to load.