ES2820505T3 - Electrically adjustable sun lounger powered by solar energy - Google Patents

Abstract

Electrically adjustable sun lounger, with a frame (2) and a surface to lie down (4) a person fixed to the frame, where the frame has lateral longitudinal elements (6), where the surface to lie down comprises at least one upper part ( 8), a central part (10) and a lower part (12), wherein the lower part is pivotally attached to the central part by a lower side (14) of the central part and the upper part by an upper side (16) of the central part, where the lying surface can be adjusted within a range of positions, presenting at least a first position for a position with the person lying down and a second position for a position with the person sitting, in where the lounger is configured in such a way that, when moving from the first position to the second position, the upper part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (β) between the two parts is reduced by the upper side of the lounger and the lower part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (α) between the two parts is reduced on the lower side of the lounger, where the frame is equipped with a first, a second and a third axis of rotation (A, B, C), which are mutually arranged in parallel transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lounger, where the first axis of rotation is attached to the lower part, the second rotation axis is attached to the central part and the third rotation axis is attached to the upper part, and wherein the sun lounger has a regulation device (18) that can be operated electrically, to adjust a desired position within the aforementioned range , where the lounger has at least one solar module (22), which is capable of supplying energy to a rechargeable electric accumulator (20) of the regulating device, and where the lounger is configured as weather resistant, in do nde the regulating device is shielded against environmental influences, characterized in that at least all the bearings (24) present are also shielded against environmental influences, where the regulating device also has a length-adjustable element (26) between a position of introduction and another of extraction, which is articulated with its first end (28) to the frame and with its second end (30) to a part of the surface to lie down, and where the ability to regulate the surface to lie down is guaranteed by the following connections: - the lower part (12) is articulated to a one-piece tilting element (32), which is arranged so that it can be tilted around the first axis of rotation (A) of the frame, - the central part (10 ) has lateral longitudinal grooves (34), in which the second axis of rotation (B) of the frame is rotatably and movably housed, and - the upper part (8) is di It is positioned so that it can tilt around the third axis of rotation (C) of the frame; and - the second end (30) of the length-adjustable element (26) is attached to the upper part through an angled tilting element (36).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Electrically adjustable sun lounger powered by solar energy

Technical field

The present invention relates to an electrically adjustable lounger according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Adjustable sun loungers are basically known in many embodiments.

Document DE 202008 003844 U1 describes a furniture for turmbing to be used outdoors, with at least one backrest adjustable in an angle of inclination and an adjustment mechanism to modify the angle of inclination. The regulating mechanism comprises a hydraulic and / or pneumatic regulating unit and a pressure generator set connected to it, for the actuation of which an electric motor and an appropriate accumulator are available for supplying current to it. In this way it is possible to use the furniture to lie down in the open air, even at a great distance from the stationary current networks.

In WO 98/37791 a lying furniture with improved comfort for lying down and sitting is described. It comprises a frame with a surface attached to it for lying down a person, wherein the frame has lateral longitudinal elements and the surface for lying down comprises at least an upper part, a central part and a lower part. The lower part is pivotally connected to the central part by a lower side of the central part and the upper part by an upper side of the central part. The lying surface can be adjusted within a range of positions, featuring at least a first position for a lying person position and a second position for a sitting position. To change the position, a regulating device is provided that can be operated electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.

Document DE 202014005056 U1 describes a transportable seating furniture, designated as a "lounger", for outdoor use. It comprises a relatively simply shaped lounger with a seating surface and a backrest, where the latter can be adjusted purely mechanically. In addition to this, the lounger has a solar roof, which is equipped with several photovoltaic modules. The lounger is designed among other things to be easy to transport and can be used for example as a bicycle trailer. The electrical energy supplied by the sunroof can be used to charge a battery. Finally, it is intended to make possible, on the one hand, the supply or charging of low-voltage electronic devices.

Other devices are described in FR 2846208 A1 and DE 8608278 U1.

In the document DE 202009015230 U1 a device of the aforementioned type is further described.

Despite the known devices, there is also a demand for electrically adjustable sun loungers with greater comfort and wider utility.

Representation of the invention

The task of the invention is therefore to disclose an improved electrically adjustable lounger. This task is solved by the electrically adjustable lounger defined in claim 1.

The deck chair according to the invention has a frame and a surface fixed to the frame for lying down a person, wherein the frame has lateral longitudinal elements, wherein the surface for lying down comprises at least an upper part, a central part and a lower part , wherein the lower part is pivotally attached to the central part by a lower side of the central part and the upper part by an upper side of the central part, where the lying surface can be adjusted within a range of positions , which have at least a first position for a position with the person lying down and a second position for a position with the person sitting.

The deck chair is configured in such a way that, when moving from the first to the second position, the upper part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part that the angle (p) between the two parts is reduced on the side. upper part of the lounger and the lower part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (a) between the two parts is reduced on the lower side of the lounger, where the frame is equipped with a first , a second and a third axis of rotation, which are mutually arranged in parallel transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lounger, wherein the first axis of rotation is attached to the lower part, the second axis of rotation is attached to the portion center and the third axis of rotation is attached to the upper part, and where the sun lounger has an adjustment device that can be operated electrically to adjust a desired position within the aforementioned range.

In addition to this, the lounger has at least one solar module, which is capable of supplying energy to a rechargeable electric accumulator of the regulating device, and the lounger is also configured as weather resistant so that the regulation is shielded against environmental influences.

According to the invention, at least also all the bearings present are shielded against environmental influences. In addition to this, according to the invention, the adjustment device also has an element adjustable in length between an insertion position and an extraction position, which is articulated with its first end to the frame and with its second end to a part of the surface. to lie down. By combining with suitable pivot shafts and articulated elements, the desired coordinated adjustment of the lower part, the central part and the upper part can thus be obtained from a simple linear movement. In this regard, the ability to adjust the lying surface is guaranteed by the following connections:

- the lower part is articulated to a one-piece tilting element, which is arranged in such a way that it can be tilted around the first axis of rotation of the frame,

- the central part has lateral longitudinal grooves, in which the second axis of rotation of the frame is rotatably and movably housed, and

- the upper part is arranged so that it can pivot around the third axis of rotation of the frame; Y

- the second end of the length-adjustable element is attached to the upper part through an angled tilting element.

By the term "deck chair" is to be understood in the present context a lounging piece of furniture that can be used outdoors, that is, under solar radiation. According to the invention, the sun lounger is also designed "weather resistant", that is to say, all the materials used for construction must be chosen basically in such a way that even after several years in the open air there are no color variations or variations. damage to the material such as brittleness, rust spots, etc. It is understood that the lounger is not essential to have to be carried indoors or indoors, not when it starts to rain or in the event of a storm or at night. To ensure these advantageous characteristics, the entire lounger is made of high-value, weather-resistant materials such as suitable steels (stainless steel), aluminum, suitable types of wood, textiles and synthetics. These materials must be equipped, according to technical knowledge, with protective layers, impregnations and similar elements if necessary. Furthermore, all the bearings present as well as the regulating devices are shielded against environmental influences.

In the present context the term "tilting" or "tilting" is to be expressly understood also as angular variations around a horizontal axis of rotation, that is to say, by a tilting movement in particular variations of the angle of inclination are to be understood as well.

The lying surface comprises at least an upper part, a central part and a lower part, where these designations designate as usual those sections on which, in a normal case of an adult person, the head, the trunk come to be placed. , lower legs and feet. The lying surface can be adjusted to choice within a whole range of positions, wherein those positions comprise at least a first position for a lounger person and a second position for a seated person. The first position therefore corresponds to an arrangement, in which the upper, middle and lower parts are essentially parallel to each other and in total lie largely in one plane. However, it is understood that the individual parts of the lying surface do not have to be flat in a strictly geometric sense and can be deformed, especially on the basis of a certain flexibility. In the second position the upper part is straightened, where the three parts assume an S-shaped configuration, as viewed from the side. As can be seen below also based on the drawings, when passing from the first to the second position the upper part is tilted relative to the central part in such a way that the angle (p) between the two parts is reduced by the upper side of the lounger and the lower part are tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (a) between the two parts is reduced at the lower side of the lounger. To make this adjustability possible, the frame is equipped with a first, a second and a third axis of rotation, which are mutually arranged in parallel transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lounger. In this regard, the first axis of rotation is connected to the lower part, the second axis of rotation is connected to the central part, and the third axis of rotation is connected to the upper part. The term "joined" is not limited to rigid joints, but especially also encompasses joints that are formed through intermediate element and joints.

By means of the electrically operable regulating device, the desired position of the lounger can preferably be adjusted continuously, but at least in small angular distances, such as those which are practical for the user.

Thanks to a plurality of equipment and configuration possibilities, the sun lounger according to the invention can be used in the most diverse ways. In addition to pure relaxation, for which the advantageous mechanical configuration of the lounger is responsible in the first place, the electrical supply by solar energy offers numerous possibilities, ranging from entertainment (audio, video, games) to the work activity of " home office ”with laptops and similar equipment. However, it is also the cooperation between mechanical flexibility, resistance to weathering and electrical supply by means of solar energy that produces a maximum dimension in terms of comfort and usability.

The invention is based on the use of a solar module, that is to say, of a flat arrangement of photovoltaic elements. These modules are basically known and can be obtained commercially. The weather-resistant embodiments can be obtained inter alia for maritime navigation. Instead of or in addition to a solar module, basically another type of module could also be provided, such as, for example, a module that obtains energy from air or water.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Depending on the need, the sun lounger can be equipped with just one or with several solar modules. From now on, the singular quantity "the solar module" will be used in general, where by this logically you may also want to refer to several solar modules. The solar module can be fixed at different points on the sun lounger, for example laterally to the frame, where the most different fixing principles can be used. In this regard, it is desirable that the guaranteed electrical connection between the solar module and the rechargeable accumulator (also called accumulator or "battery") is available in a suitable, weather-resistant embodiment. According to one embodiment (claim 2), the solar module is hinged to the top. In this way, on the one hand the user can orient it comfortably according to the position of the sun and, in addition to this, it can be used to provide shade. Preferably the solar module can be adjusted manually or electrically in its position or orientation. In one embodiment, the orientation of the electrically adjustable solar module can be automatically adapted, by means of a control device, to the position of the sun, in particular also to compensate for a movement, rotation or inclination of the sun lounger. In addition to this, it is advantageous (claim 3) that the solar module can be removed, where this should be advantageously possible without a tool, to operate in this way for example electronic devices external to the sun lounger, or at least to be able to charge your battery.

With the combination of a suitable solar module and a battery, a sufficient supply autonomy can be ensured in a normal case. However, it may be expedient (claim 4) to additionally equip the electric accumulator with an alternating voltage charging device. In this way, in particular, rapid charging or recharging of the battery can be achieved if necessary.

It is further advantageous (claim 5) that the electrical accumulator not only supplies the regulating device, but also other electrical connections. These include, without being limited to, for example different connection points and / or outputs, such as USBs and other connections to operate accessories such as fans, speakers, lighting, elements that provide shade and elements that protect the view. . In addition to this, the electric accumulator can also be used to power an electric drive to move the lounger.

Devices for regulating the inclination of deckchairs and other similar furniture are basically known. In the case of an advantageous embodiment of the invention (claim 6), the regulating device has a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic regulating unit and an associated pressure generating group. For example, in this way a controlled, steerable linear motion can be generated which fulfills the desired purpose of regulation. In this connection, it is expedient (claim 7) that the regulating device cooperates with a remote control. Different embodiments come into question here. In this way the remote control can be cable-based, where conveniently the necessary cable is arranged in the frame and the remote control is embedded in the frame or can be attached to the frame. However, as an alternative, wireless remote controls with signal transmission via radiotelephony, "bluetooth" or infrared can also be used. In certain embodiments, the remote control can also be used to control the orientation of the solar module.

The regulating device could be basically positioned at different points on the lounger. In this connection it is advantageous (claim 8), for weight reasons but also in relation to weather protection, that the adjusting device is attached to the frame below the lying surface.

According to an advantageous embodiment (claim 9), the frame has at least one pair of axially spaced foot rollers which, with the frame raised on one side, make contact with the supporting floor and, with the frame not raised, they do not have any contact with the ground. In this way, on the one hand, by means of a relatively small application of force, a displacement of the lounger can be obtained and, on the other hand, an undesired roll-out in the raised state is nevertheless avoided. The size and material of the rollers are based on the desired field of application and the characteristics of the floor.

For additional elevation, especially for comfortable reading activity, it is advantageous (claim 10) that the upper part is configured in two parts, wherein a section of the upper part at one end can be adjusted in inclination with respect to the remaining part of the upper part.

According to the invention, the adjustment device has an element adjustable in length between an insertion position and an extraction position, which is articulated with its first end to the frame and with its second end to a part of the surface for lying down. By combining with suitable pivot shafts and articulated elements, the desired coordinated adjustment of the lower part, the central part and the upper part can thus be obtained from a simple linear movement. The regulating ability of the lying surface is guaranteed by the following connections:

- the lower part is articulated to a one-piece tilting element, which is arranged in such a way that it can be tilted around the first axis of rotation of the frame,

- the central part has lateral longitudinal grooves, in which the second axis of rotation of the frame is rotatably and movably housed, and

- the upper part is arranged so that it can pivot around the third axis of rotation of the frame; and - the second end of the length-adjustable element is attached to the upper part through an angled tilting element.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the lounger (claim 11), there is at least one armrest articulated laterally to the upper part, which can be folded around a folding axis between an unfolded and a folded position and has a free end , away from the folding axis. The armrests are preferably present in pairs, where independent folding ability is preferable. In the following, however, the singular form is used and should be understood logically in the case where there are two armrests. It is particularly advantageous, in the embodiment mentioned here, that the armrest in the unfolded position is directed independently of the position of the lounger, that is, from the lying position to the sitting position, always essentially parallel to the ground. . In this way the person is not unnecessarily hindered on the lounger and the person can especially move the legs laterally under the unfolded armrest. In the folded position, the armrest is further directed essentially parallel to the top from the folding axis to the free end of the top; In any case, it is directed in such a way that it does not hinder the person's exit and entry from and to the lounger laterally.

In an advantageous embodiment (claim 12), both the deployed and folded positions of the armrest are defined by abutting lateral projections of the armrest against corresponding abutment surfaces. The latter can optionally be adjusted, for example in the form of adjusting screws.

Brief description of the drawings

Some examples of embodiment of the invention are described in more detail below based on the drawings, where they show:

fig. 1 an electrically adjustable lounger in the lying position, in a perspective view from above; fig. 2 the lounger of fig. 1 in a partially straightened position, in a perspective view from above; fig. 3 the lounger of fig. 1 in a sitting position, with the armrests folded down, in a perspective view from above;

fig. 4 the lounger of fig. 3 with armrests unfolded, in a perspective view from above;

fig. 5 a fragmentary view of a lounger in a lying position, in a side view;

fig. 6 a fragmentary view of a lounger in a sitting position, in a side view;

fig. 7 the lounger of fig. 4, in a perspective view from below;

fig. 8 the lounger of fig. 1, in a perspective view from below;

fig. 9 a fragmentary view of fig. 7, in an enlarged representation;

fig. 10 a detailed representation of the deck chair of FIG. 9, with armrests in the folded position, in a side view; Y

fig. 11 a lower part of a deck chair, in a perspective view from below.

Ways of carrying out the invention

The figures show an example of embodiment of the invention. For a better overview, individual components do not have reference symbols in all figures.

The electrically adjustable lounger, represented in the figures, comprises a frame 2 and a surface for a person to lie down 4 fixed to the frame. The frame has lateral longitudinal elements 6. The lying surface comprises at least an upper part 8, a central part 10 and a lower part 12, wherein the lower part it is pivotally connected to the central part by a lower side 14 of the central part and the upper part by an upper side 16 of the central part.

The lying surface can be adjusted within a range of positions, which have at least a first position, from now on also "lying position", for a position with the person lying down and a second position, from now on "position of sitting ”, for a position with the person seated. The lounger is configured in such a way that, when moving from the lying position to the sitting position, the upper part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part that the angle (p) between the two parts is reduced on the upper side of the lounger and the lower part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (a) between the two parts is reduced on the lower side of the lounger.

The frame is equipped with a first axis of rotation A, a second axis of rotation B and a third axis of rotation C, which are mutually arranged in parallel transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lounger, where the first axis of rotation is Attached to the bottom, the second axis of rotation is attached to the central portion, and the third axis of rotation is attached to the top.

The lounger is equipped with a regulating device 18 that can be electrically operated, to adjust a desired position within the aforementioned range. The regulating device comprises a rechargeable electric accumulator 20, hereinafter also called "battery". In the example shown, the regulating device is attached to the frame below the lying surface. Likewise, the lounger comprises at least one solar module 22, which is capable of supplying energy to the battery. The deck chair is designed to be weather resistant, whereby at least the adjustment device, but also all the bearings present, some of which have been marked with the reference symbol 24 by way of example, are shielded against environmental influences.

In the example shown, the solar module 22 is hinged to the upper part 8 and can thus be adjusted in relation to its inclination. In certain embodiments, the solar module can also be completely reversed. The solar module is preferably electrically connected to a supply line leading to a battery via plug connections not shown.

As can be seen especially in figs. 5 and 6, the adjustment device 18 has an element 26 adjustable in length between an insertion position and an extraction position, which is articulated with its first end 28 to the frame and with its second end 30 to a part of the surface for lie down.

As can be seen in figs. 7 and 8, the adjustability of the lying surface is guaranteed according to the invention by the following connections:

- the lower part 12 is articulated to a one-piece tilting element 32, which is arranged so that it can be tilted around the first axis of rotation A of the frame,

- the central part 10 has lateral longitudinal grooves 34, in which the second axis of rotation B of the frame is rotatably and movably housed, and

- the upper part 8 is arranged so that it can be tilted around the third axis of rotation C of the frame; Y

the second end 30 of the longitudinally adjustable element 26 is connected to the upper part through an angled pivoting element 36.

As can be clearly seen also in figs. 5 and 6, to the upper part an armrest is articulated laterally in each case. Each armrest can be folded around a folding axis D between an unfolded and a folded position. Each armrest has a free end 40, remote from the folding axis, where the armrest in the unfolded position, regardless of the position of the lounger, is always fundamentally parallel to the ground. This is achieved in the present example by the following arrangement:

a fourth axis of rotation E is rigidly arranged in the frame, in such a way that the third axis of rotation C and the fourth axis of rotation E are oriented at a defined angle with respect to the horizontal;

- on the fourth axis of rotation E there is arranged a pivoting element 42 in two parts with a fifth axis of rotation F, which is fixed to the folding axis D in the upper part;

- the set is configured in such a way that the CD and EF connections have the same length, so that the CE and DF connections are always parallel.

Both the deployed and folded positions of the armrest are defined in section DF, as can be clearly seen in figs. 10 and 11, by abutting lateral projections 44a, 44b of the armrest against corresponding abutment surfaces (46a, 46b) which, if necessary, can be adjusted.

Advantageously, the frame has at least one pair of foot rollers 48 axially spaced. As can be seen in fig. 11 each standing roller, with the frame raised on one side, comes into contact with the ground and thus establishes a supporting contact with the ground. This is understood to aid the rolling movement of the lounger. In contrast, the roller, with the frame not raised, does not have any contact with the ground, which improves the stability against unwanted slipping of the lounger.

Claims (12)

1. - Electrically adjustable sun lounger, with a frame (2) and a surface to lie down (4) a person fixed to the frame, where the frame has longitudinal elements (6) on the side, where the surface to lie down comprises at least one upper part (8), a central part (10) and a lower part (12), wherein the lower part is pivotally attached to the central part by a lower side (14) of the central part and the upper part by an upper side (16) of the central part, where the lying surface can be adjusted within a range of positions, presenting at least a first position for a lying position and a second position for a person position sitting, where the deck chair is configured in such a way that, when moving from the first position to the second position, the upper part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (p) between the two parts is reduced on the upper side of the lounger and the lower part is tilted in such a way relative to the central part, that the angle (a) between the two parts is reduced on the lower side of the lounger, where the frame is equipped with a first, a second and a third axis of rotation (A, B, C), which are mutually arranged in parallel transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lounger, where the first axis of rotation is attached to the lower part, the second axis of rotation is attached to the central part and the third axis of rotation is attached to the upper part, and where the sun lounger has an adjustment device (18) that can be operated electrically, to adjust a desired position within the cited range, where the lounger has at least one solar module (22), which is capable of supplying energy to a rechargeable electric accumulator (20) of the regulation device, and where the lounger is configured as weather resistant, wherein the regulating device is shielded against environmental influences, characterized in that at least all the bearings (24) present are also shielded against environmental influences, where the regulating device also has a length-adjustable element (26) between a position of introduction and another of extraction, which is articulated with its first end (28) to the frame and with its second end (30) to a part of the surface to lie down, and where the ability to regulate the surface to lie down is guaranteed by the following connections: - the lower part (12) is articulated to a one-piece tilting element (32), which is arranged so that it can be tilted around the first axis of rotation (A) of the frame, - the central part (10) has lateral longitudinal grooves (34), in which the second axis of rotation (B) of the frame is rotatably and movably housed, and - the upper part (8) is arranged so that it can be tilted around the third axis of rotation (C) of the frame; Y - the second end (30) of the length-adjustable element (26) is attached to the upper part through a bent tilting element (36). 2. - Deckchair according to claim 1, wherein the solar module is hinged to the top. 3. - Deckchair according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the solar module can be removed. 4. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electric accumulator is additionally equipped with an alternating voltage charging device. 5. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electric accumulator feeds other electrical connections. 6. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the regulation device has a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic regulation unit, and an associated pressure generator group. 7. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the regulating device cooperates with a remote control. 8. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the regulating device is fixed to the frame below the surface to lie down. 9. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frame has at least one pair of axially spaced foot rollers (48) which, with the frame raised on one side, establish contact with the supporting ground and, with the frame not raised, they have no contact with the ground. 10. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper part is configured in two parts, wherein a section of the upper part at one end can be adjusted in terms of inclination with respect to the remaining part of the part higher. 11. - Deckchair according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein there is at least one armrest (38) articulated laterally to the upper part, which can be folded around a folding axis (D) between an unfolded and a folded position and it has a free end (40), away from the folding axis, where the armrest, in the unfolded position, regardless of the position of the lounger, is always fundamentally parallel to the ground. 12.- Deckchair according to claim 11, wherein both the deployed and folded positions of the armrest are defined by abutting some lateral projections (44a, 44b) of the armrest against corresponding abutment surfaces (46a, 46b) which, given the case, they can be adjusted.