SUPPORT FORCE ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY AND CHAIR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202420620767.3, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on Mar. 27, 2024, titled “SUPPORT FORCE ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY AND CHAIR”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of seating furniture, and in particular, relate to a support force adjustment assembly and a chair.

BACKGROUND

In existing household or office seating, mesh fabric is typically employed to provide appropriate cushioning and support for the user's hips, waist, back, and neck, thereby enhancing seating comfort. However, once manufactured, the elasticity of the mesh fabric is fixed, making it hard to accommodate different support requirements of different users, which negatively impacts the overall seating experience.

SUMMARY

In view of the above problem, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a support force adjustment assembly and a chair. When a user is seated in the chair, a support force to the user may be adjusted, such that different user demands are satisfied, and user seating experience is enhanced.

According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a support force adjustment assembly is provided. The support force adjustment assembly is applicable to a chair, and includes: a frame; a first tensioning member and a second tensioning member, wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are oppositely arranged on both sides of the frame; an adjustment mechanism, movably connected to the frame; and a flexible support member, wherein a first end of the flexible member is secured to the first tensioning member, and a second end of the flexible support member passes around the second tensioning member and is secured to the adjustment mechanism; wherein a portion, positioned between the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member, of the flexible support member is configured to supply a support force; the adjustment mechanism is configured to, in response to moving relative to the frame, drive the flexible support member to deform to adjust the support force supplied by the flexible support member; and the adjustment mechanism is further configured to, in response to being secured relative to the frame, maintain a deformed state of the flexible support member.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a rotation rod, wherein the rotation rod is rotatably connected to the frame, and the flexible support member is securely connected to the rotation rod; wherein the rotation rod is configured to, in response to rotating, wind the flexible support member around the rotation rod or release the flexible support member wound around the rotation rod to allow the flexible support member to be tightened or loosened.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism further includes a drive member, wherein the drive member is secured to the frame, and an output shaft of the drive member is securely connected to the rotation rod to drive the rotation rod to rotate.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism further includes a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft is secured to the frame, a worm is arranged on the drive shaft, a worm gear is arranged on the rotation rod, and the drive shaft and the rotation rod are engaged in transmission via the worm and the worm gear, such that the drive shaft drives the rotation rod to rotate during rotation.

In some embodiments, a limiting chamber is arranged in the frame, wherein a limiting block is arranged in the limiting chamber, the drive shaft is inserted through the limiting chamber and is engaged with threads of the limiting block at a portion of the limiting chamber where the drive shaft is positioned, and the limiting block is configured to move with rotation of the drive shaft and restrict rotation of the drive shaft in response to moving to abut against an inner wall of the limiting chamber; and/or a first protrusion is arranged on a side wall of the rotation rod, and a second protrusion is arranged on the frame, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be abutted against the first protrusion with respect to outer walls on both sides thereof in response to rotation of the rotation rod, to restrict a rotation stroke of the rotation rod.

In some embodiments, a first end of the drive shaft protrudes from the frame to form a force-receiving portion, an accommodation recess around the force-receiving portion is arranged in the frame, and a handle is rotatably connected to the force-receiving portion; wherein the handle is configured to, in response to rotating to be parallel with the drive shaft, at least partially protrudes from the accommodation recess, and receive a force and drive the drive shaft to rotate; and the handle is further configured to, in response to rotating to be perpendicular to the drive shaft, be at least partially accommodated in the accommodation recess.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a slide rod, wherein the slide rod is slidably connected to the frame, and the flexible support member is securely connected to the slide rod; wherein the slide rod is configured to, in response to sliding relative to the frame, drive the flexible support member to stretch or contract.

In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism includes a camshaft and a cam, wherein the camshaft is rotatably connected to the frame, the cam is fitted and secured to the camshaft, and an outer edge of the cam is abutted against a side face of the slide rod; wherein the cam is configured to, in response to rotating with the camshaft, drive the slide rod to slide within a predetermined range.

In some embodiments, the support force adjustment assembly further includes a first mesh fabric, wherein the first mesh fabric is securely capped over a front face of the frame; wherein the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member are oppositely arranged on inner edges of the frame, and the flexible support member is arranged on a back face of the first mesh fabric.

In some embodiments, the flexible support member includes one or more a second mesh fabric, an elastic sheet, an elastic band, or an elastic rod.

According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chair is provided. The chair includes the support force adjustment assembly as described above.

In the support force adjustment assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first tensioning member and the second tensioning member tensions the flexible support member therebetween to provide reliable buffering and support effects to a user. In addition, the adjustment mechanism adjusts tensioning degree of the flexible support member, such that the support force adjustment assembly is capable of providing desired buffering and support effects to corresponding body parts for different users in the case that the support force adjustment assembly is applied to different positions of the chair. In this way, different user demands are satisfied, seating comfort is improved, and user experience is enhanced.

The above description only summarizes the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter to better and clearer understand the technical solutions of the present disclosure, to practice the technical solutions based on the disclosure of the specification, and to make the above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent and understandable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments hereinafter, various other advantages and beneficial effects become clear and apparent for persons of ordinary skill in the art. The accompanying drawings are merely for illustrating the preferred embodiments, but shall not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In all the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded structural view of a frame and a first tensioning member in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded structural view of a drive mechanism in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic exploded structural view of a first mesh fabric in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view of parts of the support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural view of a rotation rod in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of connection between a drive member and a rotation rod in the support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of a situation where a drive shaft is engaged with a frame in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural view of a situation where a drive rod is engaged with a frame in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural view of a handle in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a schematic partial sectional view of a situation where a handle is opened in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11B is a schematic local sectional view of a situation where a handle is locked in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic structural view of a slide rod in the support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic structural view of a situation where a cam is engaged with the slide rod and a flexible support member is in a tensioned state in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic structural view of a situation where a cam is engaged with a slide rod and a flexible support member is in a released state in a support force adjustment assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic structural block view of a chair according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Reference numerals in the embodiments and denotations thereof:

• • 100—support force adjustment assembly
  • 110—frame; 111—limit chamber; 112—limit block; 113—second protrusion; 114—accommodation recess; 115—slideway;
  • 120—first tensioning member;
  • 130—second tensioning member;
  • 140—flexible support member;
  • 150—adjustment mechanism; 1501—protective casing; 151—rotation rod; 1511—snap-fit groove; 1512—first protrusion; 152—drive member; 1521—output shaft; 153—reducer; 154—drive shaft; 1541—force-receiving portion; 155—worm; 156—worm gear; 157—handle; 158—slide rod; 1581—lock member; 1591—cam; 1592—camshaft;
  • 160—first mesh fabric;
  • 171—first connection rod; 172—second connection rod;
  • 200—chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments containing the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments hereinafter are only used to clearly describe the technical solutions of the present disclosure. Therefore, these embodiments are only used as examples, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms used herein in the specification of present disclosure are only intended to illustrate the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, instead of limiting the present disclosure. The terms “comprise,” “include,” and any variations thereof in the specification, claims, and the description of the drawings of the present disclosure are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion.

In the description of the present disclosure, the terms “first,” “second,” and the like are only used for distinguishing different objects, but shall not be understood as indication or implication of relative importance or implicit indication of the number of the specific technical features, the specific sequence or priorities. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “multiple” or “a plurality of” signifies at least two, unless otherwise specified.

The terms “example” and “embodiment” in this specification signify that the specific characteristic, structures or features described with reference to the embodiments may be covered in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. This term, when appearing in various parts of the specification, neither indicates the same embodiment, nor indicates an independent or optional embodiment that is exclusive of the other embodiments. A person skilled in the art would implicitly or explicitly understand that the embodiments described in this specification may be incorporated with other embodiments.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “and/or” is merely an association relationship for describing associated objects, which represents that there may exist three types of relationships. For example, the phrase “A and/or B” may indicate (A), (B), or (A and B). In addition, the forward-slash symbol “/” generally represents an “or” relationship between associated objects before and after the symbol.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term “multiple” or “a plurality of” signifies more than two (including two), unless otherwise specified. Likewise, the term “a plurality of groups” or “multiple groups” signifies more than two groups (including two groups), and the term “a plurality of pieces” or “multiple pieces” signifies more than two pieces (including two pieces).

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms “central,” “transversal,” “longitudinal,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” “circumferential,” and the like indicate orientations and position relationships which are based on the illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and these terms are merely for ease and brevity of the description, instead of indicating or implying that the devices or elements shall have a particular orientation and shall be structured and operated based on the particular orientation. Accordingly, these terms shall not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise specified and defined, the terms “mounted,” “coupled,” “connected,” “secured,” and derivative forms thereof shall be understood in a broad sense, which, for example, may be understood as secured connection, detachable connection or integral connection; may be understood as mechanical connection or electrical connection, or understood as direct connection, indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or communication between the interiors of two elements or interactions between two elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure according to the actual circumstances and contexts.

Most of the household or office chairs provide cushioning and support to user's hips, waist, back, neck, and the like by covering and securing mesh fabric over a molded hollow frame. Once assembled, the elasticity of the mesh fabric is determined by its material properties and cannot be adjusted afterwards. This results in an inability to offer appropriate support to users with different support requirements, which negatively impacts user experience and reduces the product's competitiveness.

Furthermore, as the lifespan of the chair extends, the mesh fabric is subjected to prolonged and frequent stretching, which prevents it from returning to its original dimensions. This leads to a reduction in the cushioning effect, thereby causing a decline in user comfort over long periods of use.

In view of the above problem, according to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a support force adjustment assembly applicable to a seat is provided. By configuring an adjustable flexible support member on the frame, the adjustment of the support force is achieved. Specifically, two tensioning members are arranged on opposite sides of the frame to tension the flexible support member, and one end of the flexible support member is fixed to an adjustment mechanism movably arranged on the frame after being wound around one of the tensioning members. The flexible support member can be tightened or loosened via the adjustment mechanism, thereby adjusting the support force supplied by the flexible support member.

The support force adjustment assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure includes, but is not limited to, a cushion support, a backrest support, a waist support, a neck support, or a head support for use in a chair. In the embodiments and accompanying drawings hereinafter, description is given using a scenario where the support force adjustment assembly is applicable to cushion support, which does not constitute any limitation to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, a structure of a support force adjustment assembly 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the support force adjustment assembly 100 includes a frame 110, a first tensioning member 120, a second tensioning member 130, a flexible support member 140, and an adjustment mechanism 150. The first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130 are oppositely arranged on both sides of the frame 110. The adjustment mechanism 150 is movably connected to the frame 110. One end of the flexible support member 140 is secured to the first tensioning member 120, and the other end of the flexible support member 140 passes around the second tensioning member 130 and is secured to the adjustment mechanism 150. A portion, positioned between the first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130, of the flexible support member 140 is configured to supply a support force. The adjustment mechanism 150 is configured to, in response to moving relative to the frame 110, drive the flexible support member 140 to deform to adjust the support force supplied by the flexible support member 140. The adjustment mechanism 150 is further configured to, in response to rotating relative to the frame 110, maintain a deformation state of the flexible support member 140.

The frame 110 is a main part of the support force adjustment assembly 100, and is configured to supply a carrier for mounting various components and is further configured to be assembled with other components in the chair to form a complete chair. In a specific embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame 110 is a framework of the cushion in the chair. It may be understood that in the case that the support force adjustment assembly 100 is applied to backrest support, the frame 110 serves as a framework of the backrest. Other application scenarios are similar, which are not described herein any further.

As illustrated in an exploded view of the first tensioning member 120 in FIG. 2, the first tensioning member 120 and the frame 110 may be designed to a split structure, and one end of the flexible support member 140 is clamped and secured between the first tensioning member 120 and the frame 110, and the first tensioning member 120 is secured and connected to the frame 110 via a threaded fastener to secure one end of the flexible support member 140. Further, to enhance securing reliability of the end of the flexible support member 140, a rigid snap-fit strip may be secured to the end of the flexible support member 140 by means of bonding or the like, and the rigid snap-fit strip is riveted, snap-fitted, or clamped into a gap formed between the first tensioning member 120 and the frame 110, such that the flexible support member 140 is reliably secured at the end.

In addition, the first tensioning member 120 and the frame 110 may also be designed to an integral structure, and one end of the flexible support member 140 may be directly connected and secured to the first tensioning member 120 by means of a threaded fastener, bonding or the like. Alternatively, a gap may be formed between the first tensioning member 120 and the frame 110, and one end of the flexible support member 140 is placed into the gap by the rigid snap-fit strip and then secured.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded structure of the adjustment mechanism 150 is illustrated. In a specific embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second tensioning member 130 is a support rod with two ends secured to the frame 110, a gap is formed between the second tensioning member 130 and the frame 110, and the flexible support member 140 passes around the gap and is secured and connected to the adjustment mechanism 150. The second tensioning member 130 may be also integrally formed with the frame 110, which is not limited herein.

The adjustment mechanism 150 may adjust the flexible support member 140 by rotating to wind and tension or loosen the flexible support member 140, or by sliding to tighten or loosen the flexible support member 140. Specific implementation of the adjustment mechanism is described in detail hereinafter, which is not described herein any further.

Further, the adjustment mechanism 150 may employ a mechanical transmission mechanism having a reverse self-locking function, such as a worm gear mechanism, a planetary gear system, or similar configurations, such that the adjustment mechanism 150, in response to running, drives the flexible support member 140 to undergo deformation. However, in the case that the flexible support member 140 is subjected to pressure and transmits the pressure to the adjustment mechanism 150, the adjustment mechanism 150 does not move accordingly. In addition, a lock member may also be arranged on the adjustment mechanism 150. The lock member may be a rotatably arranged stop block. In the case that the adjustment mechanism 150 moves to a desired position, the stop block is rotated to a state of being snap-fitted to the frame 110, such that movement of the adjustment mechanism 150 is restricted. Further, the lock member may also be a bolt passing through the frame 110. In a default state, the bolt is tightened and a tail end of the bolt is abutted against a surface of the adjustment mechanism 150 to tightly clamp the adjustment mechanism 150 and restrict movement of the adjustment mechanism 150. Where the adjustment mechanism 150 needs to be adjusted, the bolt is loosened, and in this case, restriction on movement of the adjustment mechanism 150 is released and the adjustment mechanism 150 may be normally adjusted. Where the adjustment mechanism 150 is adjusted properly, the bolt is tightened, such that the adjustment mechanism 150 is maintained at a current state. In this way, the flexible support member 140 is maintained at a current deformation state, and a desired support effect is supplied to the user.

To enhance seating comfort and the aesthetic appeal of the chair, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the support force adjustment assembly 100 further includes a first mesh fabric 160. The first mesh fabric 160 covers and is secured to a front face of the frame 110 (an upper surface illustrated in FIG. 4). With further reference to FIG. 1, the first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130 are oppositely arranged on an inner edge of the frame 110, and the flexible support member 140 is arranged on a back face of the first mesh fabric 160.

The first mesh fabric 160 is assembled with the frame 110 to form a structure identical to that of a conventional mesh fabric chair. Once assembled, elasticity of the first mesh fabric 160 is fixed, and the first mesh fabric 160 supplies a first the user with a first level of support to the user. During adjustment of the flexible support member 140 to induce deformation, the magnitude of the support force exerted by the flexible support member 140 on the back face of the first mesh fabric 160 changes accordingly, thereby indirectly adjusting the support force of the first mesh fabric 160 on the human body. Meanwhile, since the first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130 are disposed at an inner edge of the frame 110, and the flexible support member 140 is positioned on the back face of the first mesh fabric 160, the first tensioning member 120, the second tensioning member 130, and the flexible support member 140 are all covered by the first mesh fabric 160 when viewed from the front, ensuring that the overall appearance of the chair using the support force adjustment assembly 100 remains neat.

In some other embodiments, the first mesh fabric 160 may not be provided, allowing the flexible support member 140 to directly provide support to the human body. Furthermore, based on this design, in the case that the frame 110 is configured as an ergonomic curved shape, a plurality of support force adjustment assemblies 100 may be arranged in segments on the frame 110 to accommodate the curvature of the frame 110. Each flexible support member 140 within the support force adjustment assembly 100 may be individually adjusted in terms of a support force magnitude, allowing different users to customize the support effect in various areas according to their specific needs. In these embodiments, the first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130 may be arranged either at the inner side edge of the frame 110 or at an outer side edge of the frame 110, without any specific limitations on the arrangement.

The flexible support member 140 may be implemented using one or a combination of several materials, such as a second mesh fabric, an elastic sheet, an elastic bands, or an elastic rope, to achieve an adjustable support force and provide cushioning for the user's seating and leaning comfort.

In summary, in the support force adjustment assembly 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first tensioning member 120 and the second tensioning member 130 tension the flexible support member 140 therebetween to provide reliable buffering and support effects to a user. In addition, the adjustment mechanism 150 adjusts tensioning degree of the flexible support member 140, such that the support force adjustment assembly 100 is capable of providing desired buffering and support effects to corresponding body parts for different users in the case that the support force adjustment assembly 100 is applied to different positions of the chair. In this way, different user demands are satisfied, seating comfort is improved, and user experience is enhanced.

Regarding the structure of the adjustment mechanism 150 that adjusts the flexible support member 140 by rotation, the present disclosure presents an embodiment, with further reference to FIG. 3, and in combination with FIG. 5 which shows a partial structure of the support force adjustment assembly 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the adjustment mechanism 150 includes a rotation rod 151. The rotation rod 151 is connected to the frame 110. The flexible support member 140 is secured to the rotation rod 151. The rotation rod 151 is configured to, in response to rotating, wind the flexible support member 140 around the rotation rod 151 or release the flexible support member 140 wound around the rotation rod 151 to allow the flexible support member 140 to be tightened or loosened.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a side wall of the rotation rod 151 may be equipped with a snap-fit groove 1511. One end of the flexible support member 140 may be snap-fitted and secured into the snap-fit groove 1511 by a rigid snap-fit strip. In addition, the flexible support member 140 may also be secured to the rotation rod 151 by means of such as bonding, a threaded fastener, or rivet connection.

In order to reduce the production cost of the support force adjustment assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the support force adjustment assembly 100 also includes a first connection rod 171 and a second connection rod 172, with the first connection rod 171 and the second connection rod 172 being arranged oppositely. The second tensioning member 130 is connected between one ends of the first connection rod 171 and the second connection rod 172, while the rotation rod 151 is rotatably connected between the other ends of the first connection rod 171 and the second connection rod 172. The first connection rod 171, the second connection rod 172, the second tensioning member 130, and the rotation rod 151 together form a mounting module, which is assembled and secured to the frame 110. Specifically, the mounting module may be secured to the frame 110 by means of a threaded fastener, a rivet, or the like.

By the above method, the structural complexity of the frame 110 may be minimized, thereby reducing the mold cost of the frame 110. During assembly, the first connection rod 171, the second connection rod 172, the second tensioning member 130, and the rotation rod 151 are first assembled to form the mounting module, which is then secured to the frame 110. This facilitates the assembly operation of the support force adjustment assembly 100 and improves the assembly efficiency.

Furthermore, to ensure overall aesthetics and smooth operation of the various components, as illustrated in the exploded view in FIG. 3, each component of the adjustment mechanism 150 is covered with a protective casing 1501. The protective casing 1501 provides a reliable environment for the operation of the adjustment mechanism 150.

The rotation rod 151 may be driven manually. For example, a handle may be attached to one end of the rotation rod 151. The user can rotate the handle to drive the rotation rod 151, thereby tightening or loosening the flexible support member 140 and adjusting the amount of support force supplied to the user.

Additionally, the rotation rod 151 may also be driven electrically. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustment mechanism 150 may include a drive unit 152 (such as a motor). The drive unit 152 is secured to the frame 110, and an output shaft 1521 of the drive unit 152 is securely connected to the rotation rod 151 to drive the rotation of the rotation rod 151. Correspondingly, a control button (not shown) may be arranged on the frame to be electrically connected to the drive unit 152, thereby allowing for control of the operation of the drive unit 152.

Furthermore, to ensure the reliability of the drive unit 152, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a reducer 153 having a reverse self-locking function may be connected between the output shaft 1521 of the drive unit 152 and the rotation rod 151, thereby achieving the purposes of speed reduction, increased torque, and reverse self-locking.

To facilitate easy and effortless adjustment, and to make operation convenient, the present disclosure further provides an embodiment. For details, reference may be made to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 again. As illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the adjustment mechanism 150 further includes a drive shaft 154, which is rotatably connected to the frame 110. A worm gear 156 is set on the drive shaft 154, and a worm 155 is arranged on the rotation rod 151. The drive shaft 154 and the rotation rod 151 are engaged with each other by the worm 155 and worm gear 156 in a transmission coupling, such that when the drive shaft 154 rotates, the rotation rod 151 is driven to rotate.

Engagement between the drive shaft 154 and the rotation rod 151 via transmission coupling between the worm 155 and worm gear 156 means that an axial direction of the drive shaft 154 is perpendicular to an axial direction of the rotation rod 151. This arrangement changes the direction of drive compared to directly rotating the rotation rod 151, thereby facilitating the optimization of structural layout and making the adjustment of the flexible support member 140 more convenient. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible support member 140 is stretched or contracted in a lateral direction while the user is seated to change the support force. In this case, an extension direction of the rotation rod 151 is in an anterior-posterior direction. Where manual adjustment is to be made conveniently, the rotation rod 151 needs to extend to a front end of the frame 110, which may interfere with the user's legs. However, with the drive shaft 154, the drive shaft 154 may extend to one side of the frame 110 in a left-right direction, such that the user is allowed to conveniently make adjustment from that side without causing any interference with the user's legs.

Additionally, the transmission coupling between the worm gear 155 and the worm 156 achieves a labor-saving effect. Compared to directly rotating the rotation rod 151, adjusting via the drive shaft 154 is much easier. Furthermore, the transmission method of the worm gear 155 and the worm 156 has a stable and reliable self-locking function. When the flexible support member 140 is subjected to human pressure and transmits the pressure to the rotation rod 151, the self-locking effect of the worm gear 155 and the worm 156 restricts the rotation of the rotation rod 151. This ensures that the flexible support member 140 remains in a state of supplying a desired support force to the user.

Considering the fatigue strength characteristics of the tensile strength of the material of the flexible support member 140, to prevent excessive stretching of the flexible support member 140 and frequent significant stretching of the flexible support member 140, the present disclosure further provides an embodiment, specifically as illustrated in FIG. 8, which shows a structure of a junction between the drive shaft 154 and the frame 110. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the frame 110 is equipped with a limit chamber 111. A limit block 112 is arranged in the limit chamber 111. The drive shaft 154 passes through the limit chamber 111, and a portion of the drive shaft 154 positioned within the limit chamber 111 is in threaded engagement with the limit block 112. The limit block 112 moves in accordance with the rotation of the drive shaft 154 and restricts the rotation of the drive shaft 154 in response to moving to be in contact with an inner wall of the limit chamber 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the drive shaft 154 forms a lead screw module with the limit block 112. In response to rotation of the drive shaft 154, the limit block 112 moves axially along the drive shaft 154. When the limit block 112 moves to be in contact with the inner wall of one end of the limit chamber 111, the drive shaft 154 can no longer continue rotating in the current direction. This effectively limits the rotation stroke of the drive shaft 154, thereby restricting the adjustable range of the flexible support member 140 and preventing the flexible support member 140 from being overstretched. This ensures that the flexible support member 140 still supplies reliable support and cushioning effects subsequent to a prolonged stress.

To limit the adjustable range of the flexible support member 140, the present disclosure also provides an embodiment, specifically illustrated in FIG. 9, which shows a structure where the rotation rod 151 is engaged with the frame 110. As illustrated in FIG. 8, a first protrusion 1512 is arranged on the side wall of the rotation rod 151, and a second protrusion 113 is arranged on the frame 110. The second protrusion 113 is configured to be abutted against the first protrusion 1512 with respect to outer walls on both sides thereof in response to rotation of the rotation rod 151, to restrict a rotation stroke of the rotation rod 151.

This method also effectively achieves a limitation on the adjustable range of the flexible support member 140. Additionally, it should be noted that to ensure the reliability of the adjustable range limitation for the flexible support member 140, both of the aforementioned methods can be employed simultaneously to provide dual stroke limits for the movement of the adjustment mechanism 150.

To enhance the aesthetic appeal while allowing for manual adjustment of the support force, the present disclosure further provides an embodiment, specifically as illustrated in FIG. 10, which shows a structure at an outer end of the drive shaft 154. As illustrated in FIG. 10, one end of the drive shaft 154 protrudes from the frame 110 to form a force-receiving portion 1541. The frame 110 has an accommodation recess 114 surrounding the force-receiving portion 1541, and a handle 157 is rotatably connected to the force-receiving portion 1541. As illustrated in a partial sectional view in FIG. 11A, the handle 157 is configured to, in response to rotating to be parallel with the drive shaft 154, at least partially protrudes from the accommodation recess 114, and receive a force and drive the drive shaft 154 to rotate. As illustrated in a partial sectional view in FIG. 11B, the handle 157 is further configured to, in response to rotating to be perpendicular to the drive shaft 154, be at least partially accommodated in the accommodation recess 114.

By arranging an accommodation recess 114 in the frame 110 and rotating a rotatable handle 157 to be parallel with the drive shaft 154 and at least partially protruding from the accommodation recess 114, a user is capable of easily applying a force to the handle 157 with their hands to drive the rotation of the drive shaft 154, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the support force supplied by the flexible support member 140. Furthermore, in the case that the handle 157 is rotated to be perpendicular to the drive shaft 154 and is at least partially received within the accommodation recess 114, an inner wall of the accommodation recess 114 may limit the rotation of the handle 157, such that the handle 157 is in a locked state. This ensures that the flexible support member 140 maintains its current deformation state, thereby supplying stable and reliable support to the user. Additionally, with the handle 157 received within the accommodation recess 114, an overall exterior surface of the frame 110 remains clean and neat, thereby enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Regarding the structure for sliding adjustment, the present disclosure provides an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the adjusting mechanism 150 includes a slide rod 158. The slide rod 158 is slidably connected to the frame 110, and the flexible support member 140 is fixedly connected to the slide rod 158. The slide rod 158 is used to slide in the direction indicated by the linear arrow in FIG. 12 relative to the frame 110, thereby causing the flexible support member 140 to stretch or contract, such that the magnitude of support force supplied by the flexible support member 140 is adjusted.

It should be noted that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 illustrates the slide rod 158 moving horizontally. In other embodiments, the slide rod 158 may also slide in an inclined or vertical direction, which is not limited herein.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the frame 110 may be equipped with a corresponding slideway 115. The slide rod 158 is slidably connected within the slideway 115, and the slideway 115 guides the slide rod 158 to slide. Furthermore, both ends of the slideway 115 may be fitted with sealed interfaces or limit stops to restrict a slide stroke of the slide rod 158, such that the deformation degree of the flexible support member 140 is limited and the flexible support member 140 is protected. Additionally, a lock mechanism 1581 may be arranged at the slideway 115, such as a multi-position pin as illustrated in FIG. 2. The lock mechanism 1581 locks the slide rod 158 in place when the slide rod 158 slides to the corresponding position, such that the deformation state of the flexible support member 140 is maintained.

The slide rod 158 may be driven manually or by automated means such as cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or electric telescopic mechanisms.

In view of the case where the adjustment range of the flexible support member 140 is relatively small, the present disclosure provides a method for driving the slide rod 158. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the adjustment mechanism 150 also includes a cam 1591 and a camshaft 1592. The camshaft 1592 is rotatably connected to the frame 110, and the cam 1591 is adjustably secured to the cam shaft 1592. An outer edge of the cam 1591 is in contact with a side of the sliding rod 158, such that the cam 1591, in response to rotating with the cam shaft 1592, causes the slide rod 158 to slide within a predetermined range.

In the case that the cam 1591 rotates to the state illustrated in FIG. 13, a raised portion thereon pushes the slide rod 158 to move leftwards, such that the slide rod 158 tensions the flexible support member 140 and the support force is correspondingly increased. Due to an inherent tendency of the flexible support member 140 to restore its deformation, based on the state as illustrated in FIG. 13, in the case that the cam rotates to the position shown in FIG. 14, the slide rod 158 may slide to the right under an elastic force of the flexible support member 140. This action allows the flexible support member 140 to relax, such that the support force is correspondingly decreased. The camshaft 1592 may be driven using any of the above rotation drive approaches, which is not described herein any further. Additionally, during implementation, the frame 110 needs to be appropriately equipped with a track to provide sliding guidance for the slide rod 158, although this is not depicted in the accompanying drawings.

According to another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a chair 200 is provided. The chair 200 includes the support force adjustment assembly 100 as described in any one of the above embodiments. Specifically, the support force adjustment assembly 100 may be applicable to one or more of a cushion support, a backrest support, a waist support, a neck support, or a head support of the chair 200.

The chair 200 according to the present disclosure, equipped with the support force adjustment assembly 100 according to any of the above embodiments, is capable of offering the required cushioning and support effects tailored to different users, thereby meeting various user needs, enhancing seating comfort, and improving the overall user experience.

It should be finally noted that the above-described embodiments are merely for illustration of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to these embodiments, a person skilled in the art may also make various modifications to the technical solutions disclosed in the embodiments, or make equivalent replacements to a part of or all technical features contained therein. Such modifications or replacement, made without departing from the principles of the present disclosure, shall fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Especially, various technical features mentioned in various embodiments may be combined in any fashion as long as there is no structural conflict.