chair

Abstract

The present invention provides a chair having an operating lever arranged at a suitable position close to a seat surface and easy for a user to operate. The chair comprises a seat having a seat frame (S), the seat frame (S) comprising a frame-shaped seat frame body (M), and a front axle frame (T) as a bridge frame extending in the left-right direction and capable of supporting the seat frame body (M) from below, and an operating lever (V) is arranged on the side of the front axle frame (T). With such a structure, a chair having an operating lever (V) arranged at a suitable position close to a seat surface and easy for a user to operate can be provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair suitable for use in offices and the like. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various chairs including a seat having a seat frame are known as this type of chair (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] There are various chairs provided with an operation lever operated by a user.

[0004] However, in conventional seats having a seat frame, there is often no suitable area for arranging various operating levers, and the operating levers are often arranged at locations such as the support base that are far from the seat surface.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-83114 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and provides a chair in which an operation lever is arranged at an appropriate position close to a seat surface and easy for a user to operate.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0012] The invention described in technical solution 1 relates to a chair, which has a seat with a seat frame, the seat frame has a frame-shaped seat frame body, and a bridge frame extending in the left-right direction and capable of supporting the seat frame body from below, and an operating rod is arranged on the side of the bridge frame.

[0013] Based on the chair described in Technical Solution 1, in the invention described in Technical Solution 2, the bridge frame comprises: a curved portion, which is curved in a convex manner toward the bottom when viewed from the front; and left and right upright walls, which extend upward from the left and right ends of the curved portion and the upper ends are connected to the seat frame body, and the operating rod is arranged on both sides or either side of the left and right upright walls.

[0014] In the invention described in claim 3 based on the chair described in claim 2, the seat frame body and the bridge frame are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

[0015] In the invention described in claim 4 based on the chair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an operation rod support portion capable of supporting the operation rod is provided on the bridge frame.

[0016] In the invention described in claim 5 based on the chair described in claim 4, the operation rod support portion includes a rod holding member capable of supporting the operation rod so as to be operable.

[0017] In the invention described in claim 6 based on the chair according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the bridge frame includes a through hole penetrating in the left-right direction, and the operating rod has an operating end protruding outward through the through hole.

[0018] Based on the chair described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 6, in the invention described in technical solution 7, the seat frame is supported to be rotatable relative to a support base installed at the upper end of the leg, and the line that can work through the operating rod is arranged on the bridge frame and the support base.

[0019] In the invention described in claim 8 based on the chair according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the operating lever is an operating lever for seat raising and lowering that can raise and lower the seat relative to the legs.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a chair in which the operation lever is arranged at an appropriate position close to the seat surface and easy for the user to operate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a front view of this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a rear view of this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a left side view of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a right side view of this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 is a top view of this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a bottom view of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 9 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0031] Fig.10 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0032] Fig.11 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0033] Fig.12 It is an exploded right side view of this embodiment.

[0034] Fig.13 This is a rear view of the embodiment with the backrest removed.

[0035] Fig.14 It is a partially enlarged front view of the backrest of this embodiment.

[0036] Fig.15 yes Figure 4 XX line section view.

[0037] Fig.16 yes Figure 2 YY line section view in.

[0038] Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0039] Fig.18 is a top view of this embodiment.

[0040] Fig.19 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 20 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0042] Fig.21 is a top view of this embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 22 It is a partially enlarged stereoscopic view of this embodiment.

[0044] Fig.23 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0045] Fig.24 It is an exploded perspective view of this embodiment.

[0046] Fig.25 It is a partially enlarged stereoscopic view of this embodiment.

[0047] Fig.26 It is an enlarged left side view of the support base of this embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 27 It is an enlarged right side view of the support base of this embodiment.

[0049] Description of Reference Numerals

[0050] 3…rear axle frame body;

[0051] 4…spindle holding portion;

[0052] 5…front axle frame body;

[0053] 6…front axle retaining portion;

[0054] C…support body;

[0055] J…Rear axle frame;

[0056] M…seat frame body;

[0057] S…Seat frame;

[0058] T…Front axle frame (bridge frame);

[0059] V…operating lever;

[0060] Z...Rod holding member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 27 An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0062] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an office swivel chair (hereinafter simply referred to as a “chair”) suitable for use in an office or the like.

[0063] The chair comprises: legs A; a support base B mounted on the upper end of the legs A; a support body C supported so as to be rotatable in the forward and backward directions relative to the support base B; a seat D, the front portion of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support base B and the rear portion of which is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the support body C; a backrest E supported on the support body C; and an armrest F supported on the support body C.

[0064] The chair is provided with a locking mechanism Rc configured to enable the backrest E, seat D, and armrests F to move between a normal posture in an unloaded state and a rearwardly tilted posture (not shown) tilted rearwardly than the normal posture.

[0065] Hereinafter, each component of the chair will be described in detail.

[0066] <<Leg A>>

[0067] The leg A includes a plurality of leg blades a1 having casters a11 at the top ends thereof and arranged radially, and a leg support a2 provided upright at the base ends of the leg blades a1.

[0068] A gas spring a3 is provided inside the leg support a2 so as to be able to extend and retract in the vertical direction. The leg support a2 is configured to be able to extend and retract in the vertical direction by the gas spring a3, and the vertical position of the support base B attached to the upper end portion can be changed to an appropriate position.

[0069] <<Support base B>>

[0070] The support base B is supported by the leg A and is configured to be rotatable. The support base B includes: a support base body 1 fixed to the upper end of the leg support a2; and a connecting member 2 rotatably supported at the front end of the support base body 1 via a rear connecting shaft j3 as a rear shaft.

[0071] <Support base body 1>

[0072] The support base body 1 is box-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction, and has a reaction spring arrangement space formed therein for arranging the reaction spring 13. A cylindrical leg connection part 11 is provided at the rear of the support base body 1 to which the upper end of the gas spring a3 is connected.

[0073] The support base body 1 is provided with a spindle j1 for rotatably supporting the support body C. Specifically, a pair of left and right spindle support parts 12 capable of supporting both ends of the spindle j1 extending in the left-right direction are protruding upward from the rear of the support base body 1 .

[0074] The reaction spring 13 is interposed between the support base B and the support body C. The reaction spring 13 generates a reaction force that enables the backrest E and the seat D to return to the normal posture by applying force to the support body C. The front end of the reaction spring 13 is engaged with the rear connecting shaft j3 connecting the support base body 1 and the connecting member 2 via the cam member 13d, and the rear end is rotatably connected to the pressed shaft j5 arranged at the lower end of the support body C.

[0075] The rear connecting shaft j3 also serves as a rotation shaft j7 of a reaction force operating lever 14 capable of operating the reaction force spring 13. The pressed shaft j5 is held by a pair of holding arms 42 extending downward and forward from the main shaft support portion 12.

[0076] The reaction force operation lever 14 includes a lever body 141 exposed to the outside of the support base body 1 , and a rotation shaft j7 integrally attached to the lever body 141 .

[0077] A cam member 13d is provided on the rotation axis j7 to directly engage with the top end of the reaction force adjustment pin 13c in the reaction force spring 13. The reaction force adjustment pin 13c constitutes the axis of the reaction force spring 13. The reaction force adjustment pin 13c is configured to be able to protrude and retract relative to the front mounting portion 13b disposed at the front end of the spring body 13a of the reaction force spring 13. In addition, by rotating the reaction force operating lever 14, the cam member 13d is rotated, and the reaction force adjustment pin 13c is protruded and retracted, so that the elastic rebound force (Japanese: anti-rebound force) of the reaction force spring 13 can be changed.

[0078] In this embodiment, the reaction force operating lever 14 is rotatably operated so as to be able to take three postures that can change the engagement between the cam member 13 d and the reaction force adjustment pin 13 c .

[0079] That is, by the reaction force operating rod 14 taking three postures, the chair can select a reclining locked state in which the backrest E and the seat D do not recline, a strong reaction force reclining state in which the backrest E and the seat D have a strong reaction force and can recline (not shown), and a weak reaction force reclining state in which the backrest E and the seat D have a weak reaction force and can recline (not shown).

[0080] <Connection member 2>

[0081] The connecting member 2 is configured to be rotatable relative to the support base body 1. That is, the connecting member 2 is supported to be rotatable relative to the support base body 1 between a normal posture extending in a length direction substantially consistent with the length direction of the support base body 1 when viewed from the side, and an upright posture (not shown) in which the front end portion is moved upward compared to the normal posture in conjunction with the rearward tilting movement of the backrest E and the seat D.

[0082] The connecting member 2 has a base end portion pivotally connected to the supporting base body 1 and a top end portion pivotally connected to the seat frame S. The front portion of the connecting member 2 is connected to the seat D via a front connecting shaft j2 as a front shaft, and the rear portion of the connecting member 2 is connected to the supporting base body 1 via a rear connecting shaft j3. The rear end edge and the front end edge of the connecting member 2 are partially circular in shape when viewed from the side. Both sides of the front end edge of the supporting base body 1 are partially circularly recessed to match the shape of the rear end edge of the connecting member 2.

[0083] The connecting member 2 is configured so that both ends of the front connecting shaft j2 extending in the left-right direction and one end of the rear connecting shaft j3 (the opposite side of the end to which the rod body 141 is mounted) are not exposed to the outside. Specifically, the connecting member 2 supports both ends of the front connecting shaft j2 by a left connecting piece 2a and a right connecting piece 2b that are divided into left and right parts and are approximately half-split (Japanese: half-cut) shapes.

[0084] The support base B having the above-described structure has a suitable appearance that can give a smooth impression to the user by means of the support base body 1 and the connection member 2 .

[0085] That is, Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown, the support base body 1 includes a first upper edge u1 and a first lower edge s1 that are gradually separated from each other and are straight in a side view. Similarly, the connecting member 2 includes a second upper edge u2 and a second lower edge s2 that are gradually separated from each other and are straight in a side view.

[0086] The supporting base B sets the relative positions of the supporting base body 1 and the connecting member 2 in such a way that a first imaginary middle line c1 and a second imaginary middle line c2 are located on the same straight line, wherein the first imaginary middle line c1 is located in the middle of the first upper edge u1 and the first lower edge s1 of the supporting base body 1, and the second imaginary middle line c2 is located in the middle of the second upper edge u2 and the second lower edge s2 of the connecting member 2 in a normal posture.

[0087] In addition, the support base B is configured such that the left and right outer side surfaces 15 of the support base body 1 and the left and right outer side surfaces 21 of the connection member 2 are substantially flush with each other.

[0088] Furthermore, the support base B is set so that the upper surface portion 16 corresponding to the first upper edge portion u1 of the support base body 1 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface portion 22 corresponding to the second upper edge portion u2 of the connection member 2 in the normal posture. Similarly, the support base B is set so that the lower surface portion 17 corresponding to the first lower edge portion s1 of the support base body 1 is substantially coplanar with the lower surface portion 23 corresponding to the second lower edge portion s2 of the connection member 2 in the normal posture.

[0089] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the chair has a substantially rectangular outline extending in the front-rear direction formed by the outer edge of the support base body 1, the outer edge of the connecting member 2 and the outer edge of the front axle holding portion 6 constituting the seat frame S when viewed from below.

[0090] <<Support Body C>>

[0091] The support body C can cooperate with the support base B to support the seat D. The support body C is interposed between the support base B and the backrest E and between the support base B and the armrest F. In other words, the support body C can support the backrest E and the seat D. The support body C is provided with backrest mounting portions k1 and L1 to which the backrest E can be mounted, and an armrest mounting portion 32 to which the armrest F can be mounted. The support body C is set to take a posture that is generally tilted forward relative to the horizontal in a normal posture.

[0092] The support body C includes a rear axle frame J as a first axle frame having a portion extending in the left-right direction, left and right side frames K extending rearward from left and right side portions of the rear axle frame J, and a rear frame L connecting rear end portions of the left and right side frames K. The support body C includes an annular frame portion w1 that is continuous in an annular shape.

[0093] In this embodiment, the rear axle frame J, the left and right side frames K, and the rear frame L are integrally formed of metal. The support body C is supported via a main shaft j1 at the rear of the support base B mounted at the upper end of the leg A so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction. The support body C can support the seat frame S arranged on the support body C in a manner that allows rotation in the front-rear direction.

[0094] <Rear axle frame J>

[0095] The rear axle frame J is disposed under the seat D. The rear axle frame J includes: a rear axle frame body 3 as a first axle frame body that is curved in a convex manner downward when viewed from the front; and a spindle holding portion 4 that protrudes downward from a left-right central portion of the rear axle frame body 3 and is capable of holding a spindle j1 supported by a support base B.

[0096] [Rear axle frame body 3]

[0097] The rear axle frame body 3 is long in the left-right direction, and its left-right width dimension is set to be substantially the same as the left-right width dimension of the seat frame body M. The rear axle frame body 3 as a whole is in the form of a strip-shaped plate extending in the left-right direction and bent so that the middle portion is located lower than both end portions. In other words, the rear axle frame body 3 is in an inverted arch shape when viewed from the front.

[0098] The rear axle frame body 3 is configured so that its upper surface faces obliquely upward when the support body C takes a normal posture. That is, the rear axle frame body 3 is configured so that when the backrest E is tilted backward, the support seat support axis j4 can be located above the main axis j1 compared to the normal posture.

[0099] The rear axle frame body 3 comprises: a main body central portion 3a, which is located on the inner side of the frame-shaped portion w2 of the seat frame body M when viewed from above and has a substantially uniform thickness dimension throughout the left-right direction; and main body end portions 3b, which extend outward from both end portions of the main body central portion 3a and have a front-to-rear width and thickness dimension set larger than the main body central portion 3a.

[0100] The rear axle frame body 3 is curved downwardly convexly as a whole, and the upper portion of the body center portion 3a is recessed downwardly compared to the body end portions 3b to expand the space sp that allows the seat body P to bend downward.

[0101] A spindle holding portion 4 is integrally provided on the main body central portion 3a so as to protrude downward from a middle portion in the left-right direction.

[0102] The rear axle frame body 3 can support the seat frame S rotatably via the seat support shaft j4 at both left and right ends. That is, the rear axle frame body 3 is provided with first shaft holding portions 31 protruding upward at both left and right sides, respectively, so that the seat support shaft j4 of the pivot support seat D is held by each shaft holding portion 31.

[0103] In other words, the first shaft holding portion 31 capable of supporting the seat D rotatably via the seat support shaft j4 is raised at both end portions 3b of the main body. In addition, the seat support shaft j4 is set to be located above the main shaft j1 and in front of the main shaft j1 when viewed from the side in order to constitute a weight-sensing locking mechanism Rc.

[0104] The rear axle frame body 3 has an armrest mounting portion 32 at both ends to which the armrest F can be mounted. The armrest mounting portion 32 has a recess b1 open to the outside, and the base end f21 of the armrest F or the cover member G can be inserted into the recess b1. The armrest mounting portion 32 is formed at both end portions 3b of the rear axle frame body 3.

[0105] The recess b1 is composed of an upper wall b12, a lower wall b13, a front wall b14, a rear wall b15, and an inner wall b16, forming an insertion space b11 surrounded by them. The base end f21 of the handrail F is inserted into the insertion space b11, and the base end f21 of the handrail F is embedded in the recess b1. A guide recess b17 extending along the insertion and removal direction of the base end f21 of the handrail F and nut parts n1 provided on both sides of the guide recess b17 are provided on the inner surface side of the upper wall b12.

[0106] The guide recess b17 can engage with the positioning protrusion f22 provided at the base end f21 of the handrail F to position the base end f21 of the handrail F. The handrail F is mounted on the support body C by inserting a screw v1 through a screw insertion hole h1 provided at the base end f21 of the handrail F and then screwing the screw v1 into the nut n1.

[0107] In addition, in the case where the chair of this embodiment is not equipped with armrests F, Fig. 20 As shown, in order to prevent the recessed portion b1 from being exposed to the outside, the cover member G may be fitted into the recessed portion b1.

[0108] [Spindle holding portion 4]

[0109] The spindle holding portion 4 is provided to protrude downward from the left-right central portion of the rear axle frame body 3 and is capable of holding the spindle j1 disposed on the support base B.

[0110] The spindle holding portion 4 is provided with a spindle insertion hole 41 extending in the left-right direction for holding the spindle j1. The spindle holding portion 4 is sized to be disposed between the spindle supporting portions 12 provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the support base B in the form of upright walls.

[0111] In the spindle holding portion 4, a pair of left and right holding arms 42 are provided extending toward the front and downward at a position lower than the spindle insertion hole 41. The pressed shaft j5 connected to the rear end of the reaction spring 13 is supported between the top ends of the holding arms 42. That is, the support body C is set so that the pressed shaft j5 located below the spindle j1 is pressed backward by the reaction spring 13, so that it can take a normal posture in a no-load state.

[0112] <Left and right side frames K>

[0113] The left and right side frames K extend substantially linearly toward the rear from the inner side portions of the main body both end portions 3b of the rear axle frame body 3. The left and right side frames K are provided with backrest mounting portions k1 to which the backrest E is mounted on the left and right outer sides.

[0114] The backrest mounting portion k1 provided on the left and right side frames K includes a fitting portion as a portion fitted into the backrest E, and a screw insertion hole h2 extending in the left-right direction through which a screw v2 screwed to the backrest E is inserted. More specifically, the fitting portion of the backrest mounting portion k1 is mainly composed of a positioning protrusion k11 protruding outward from a middle portion in the vertical direction of the outer side portion of the left and right side frames K.

[0115] <Rear frame L>

[0116] The rear frame L is mounted between the rear ends of the left and right side frames K. The rear frame L is curved in a convex shape toward the rear as a whole. The rear frame L is provided with a backrest mounting portion L1 to which the backrest E is mounted at the outer side, that is, the rear portion.

[0117] The backrest mounting portion L1 provided on the rear frame L includes a fitting portion as a portion fitted into the backrest E, and a screw insertion hole h3 penetrating in the front-rear direction through which a screw v3 screwed to the backrest E is inserted. More specifically, the fitting portion of the backrest mounting portion L1 is mainly composed of a positioning protrusion L11 provided to protrude outward from a middle portion of the outer side of the rear frame L in the vertical direction.

[0118] <Annular frame part w1>

[0119] The support body C includes an annular frame portion w1 having a fitting portion that can fit into the connecting portion 8 of the backrest body Q. The annular frame portion w1 is composed of a frame-shaped portion that is continuous in an annular shape.

[0120] Specifically, the annular frame portion w1 is composed of the rear axle frame J, the left and right side frames K, and the rear frame L. The annular frame portion w1 is substantially U-shaped when viewed from above. In addition, a fitting portion that can be fitted with the backrest E is provided on the outer side portions of the left and right side frames K and the rear side portion of the rear frame L constituting the annular frame portion w1.

[0121] The fitting portions provided on the outer sides of the left and right side frames K and the rear frame L are mainly composed of positioning protrusions k11 and L11 fitted in the backrest E.

[0122] In addition, if Fig.18 As shown, with respect to this chair, in order to appropriately ensure the downward deflection of the seat body P, the positions of the seat frame S and the support body C are set so that the space w2s surrounded by the frame-like portion w2 of the seat frame body M overlaps with the space w1s surrounded by the annular frame portion w1 of the support body C when viewed from above.

[0123] In addition, the annular frame portion w1 is set so as to take a posture leaning forward with respect to the horizontal as a whole in the normal posture.

[0124] <<Seat D>>

[0125] The seat D includes a seat frame S formed of a frame-shaped member that is continuous in an annular shape, and a seat body P that has a seating surface and is attached to the seat frame S.

[0126] <Seat frame S>

[0127] The seat frame S includes a frame-shaped seat frame body M and a front axle frame T as a second axle frame provided in a bridge shape to connect the left and right ends of the seat frame body M. The seat frame body M and the front axle frame T are integrally formed of synthetic resin. The seat frame S has a frame-shaped portion w2 that is continuous in an annular shape.

[0128] [Seat frame body M]

[0129] The seat frame body M forms a frame-shaped portion w2 that is continuous in an annular shape, and specifically, has a substantially square frame shape in a plan view. The seat frame body M can support the peripheral edge portion of the seat body P from below.

[0130] The seat frame body M includes left and right seat side frame parts m1 extending in the front-rear direction, a seat front frame part m2 connecting the front ends of the left and right seat side frame parts m1, and a seat rear frame part m3 connecting the rear ends of the left and right seat side frame parts m1. In other words, the seat frame body M is composed of the left and right seat side frame parts m1, the seat front frame part m2, and the seat rear frame part m3, which form a frame-shaped part w2 that is continuous in a rectangular ring shape.

[0131] The seat frame body M is supported from below by the rear axle frame J constituting the support body C and the front axle frame T integral with the seat frame body M. The seat frame body M is provided with a plurality of screw insertion holes h4 penetrating in the vertical direction through which screws v4 screwed to the seat body P are inserted. A plurality of ribs rv are provided on the upper surface side of the seat frame body M along the longitudinal direction.

[0132] The left and right seat side frame parts m1 extend in a substantially straight line in the front-rear direction. The left and right seat side frame parts m1 are provided with a second shaft holding part m11 which can hold the seat support shaft j4 protruding downward from the inner edge of the rear part. That is, the seat support shaft j4 is held by the second shaft holding part m11 provided on the seat frame S and the first shaft holding part 31 provided on the support body C, so that the seat frame S can rotate in the front-rear direction relative to the support body C.

[0133] The seat front frame portion m2 extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction, and the seat rear frame portion m3 is curved so as to be convex toward the rear as a whole.

[0134] [Front axle frame T]

[0135] The front axle frame T extends in the left-right direction and can support from below the seat frame body M. The front axle frame T is supported at the front portion of the support base B so as to be rotatable relative to the support base B in the front-rear direction.

[0136] The front axle frame T comprises: a front axle frame body 5, which is a second axle frame body having a curved portion 5a that is curved in a convex manner downward when viewed from the front; and a front axle retaining portion 6, which is protruding downward from the central portion in the left-right direction of the front axle frame body 5 and is capable of retaining a front connecting shaft j2 as a front axle set on a supporting base B.

[0137] On the left side portion of the front axle frame T, an operating lever V for seat raising and lowering that can raise and lower the seat D relative to the leg A is provided.

[0138] (Front axle frame body 5)

[0139] The front axle frame body 5 includes a curved portion 5a curved convexly downward when viewed from the front, and left and right rising walls 5b, 5c extending upward from left and right ends of the curved portion 5a and connected at upper ends to left and right seat side frame portions m1 of the seat frame body M.

[0140] The front axle frame body 5 is provided with an operation lever support portion 51 capable of supporting an operation lever V for seat lifting and lowering.

[0141] The curved portion 5a is inverted arched when viewed from the front. The curved portion 5a extends substantially linearly in the left-right direction when viewed from above and below. The curved portion 5a has substantially the same thickness dimension when viewed from the front and extends in the left-right direction.

[0142] The left and right upright walls 5b and 5c connect the seat frame body M and the curved portion 5a. The upper ends of the left and right upright walls 5b and 5c are connected to the front ends of the left and right seat side frame parts m1. In this embodiment, the operating rod V is arranged on the left upright wall 5b. The width dimension of the left upright wall 5b in the front-to-back direction is set to be larger than the width dimension of the right upright wall 5c in the front-to-back direction.

[0143] The left upright wall 5b includes a rectangular through hole 5d that penetrates in the left-right direction. An operating lever holding member Z that can rotatably support the operating lever V is attached to the inner surface of the left upright wall 5b.

[0144] The operating rod V is supported by the operating rod support portion 51. The operating rod V includes: an operating end tn protruding outward through a through hole 5d formed in the left upright wall 5b; a rod shaft j6 protruding from the base end va and pivotally supported by the rod holding member Z and extending forward and backward; and a wire support portion ws disposed below the rod shaft j6 in the base end va. The wire support portion ws can support an end wyt of a wire wy that transmits an operating force to a gas spring a3 provided on the leg A.

[0145] The operating rod support portion 51 includes a rod holding member Z which is attached to the inner side surface of the left upright wall 5b and the left end of the curved portion 5a and can support the operating end tn of the operating rod V so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

[0146] The rod holding member Z includes: an axis support portion z1 that can rotatably support the rod axis j6 disposed at the base end portion va of the operating rod V; a wire connecting passage z2 that allows the wire wy to connect in the left-right direction; a screw insertion hole h5 that penetrates the inner portion and is threaded with a screw v5 that is screwed to the curved portion 5a; and a screw insertion hole h6 that penetrates the outer portion and is threaded with a screw v6 that is screwed to the upper portion of the left upright wall 5b. A storage space za that can store the base end portion va of the operating rod V is formed in the rod holding member Z.

[0147] When the operation end tn is moved upward by the operation based on the finger of the user, the operation lever V pulls the end wyt of the wire wy supported by the wire support part ws toward the operation end tn. In addition, the wire wy operated by the operation lever V can rotate the pressing member ps pivotally supported at the rear end of the support base B and can press the operating pin of the gas spring a3 downward through the pressing member ps.

[0148] In this embodiment, since the wire wy that can be operated by the operating rod V is arranged above the bent portion 5a of the front axle frame T and the support base B, it is not easily noticeable from the outside.

[0149] (Front axle holding portion 6)

[0150] The front axle holding portion 6 is arranged to droop downward from the central portion in the left - right direction of the bent portion 5a. An axle insertion hole 61 extending in the left - right direction is provided in the front axle holding portion 6.

[0151] In a state where the front connecting shaft j2 is inserted into the axle insertion hole 61 of the front axle holding portion 6, both end portions thereof are clamped by the left connecting member 2a and the right connecting member 2b of the connecting member 2. That is, the front axle holding portion 6 is disposed between the left connecting member 2a and the right connecting member 2b. In other words, the left - right width dimension of the front axle holding portion 6 is set smaller than the left - right width dimension of the connecting member 2.

[0152] <Seat main body P>

[0153] The seat main body P includes: a seat intermediate frame p1 disposed on the seat frame main body M; a seat cushion p2 disposed on the seat intermediate frame p1; and a seat tension fabric p3 which is an exterior material covering the upper surface side and the side surface side of the seat intermediate frame p1 and the seat cushion p2.

[0154] The seat intermediate frame p1 includes an outer frame portion p11 having substantially the same shape as the seat frame main body M in plan view, and a flexible net - like tension member p12 tensioned inside the outer frame portion p11. In addition, Fig.18 herein, in order to facilitate the description of other parts using reference numerals, the tension member p12 is shown as a thick mesh.

[0155] The seat cushion p2 is formed of a foaming material such as urethane into a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and has a known structure capable of exerting a predetermined cushioning property. The central portion of the seat cushion p2 is supported from below by the stretchable tension member p12 of the seat intermediate frame p1.

[0156] The seat tension fabric p3 is sewn from cloth. The end portion, i.e., the peripheral edge of the seat tension fabric p3, can be accommodated in the lower surface side of the outer frame portion p11 of the seat intermediate frame p1 and can be clamped by the outer frame portion p11 of the seat intermediate frame p1 and the seat frame main body M of the seat frame S.

[0157] When a downward load is applied by a seated person, the center of the seat tensioning fabric p3 and the seat cushion p2 is pressed downward with respect to the seat body P, and as a result, the tensioning member p12 of the seat intermediate frame p1 is bent and deformed downward. The seat frame body M disposed under the seat intermediate frame p1 is in a frame shape corresponding to the outer frame portion p11, and the front axle frame T and the rear axle frame J supporting the seat frame body M are each curved in a convex manner toward the downward direction.

[0158] Therefore, even when the center portion of the seat body P is greatly bent downward due to the load of the seated person, the seat frame body M can cooperate with the seat intermediate frame body p1 provided with the tensioner p12 to allow the bending of the center portion of the seat body P within a certain range and can appropriately support the peripheral portion of the seat body P. Furthermore, the front axle frame T and the rear axle frame J that are bent downward are each in an appropriate form that is unlikely to interfere with the seat body P that is bent downward.

[0159] <<Backrest E>>

[0160] The backrest E includes a backrest body Q formed of a synthetic resin and a tension fabric R as an exterior material covering the backrest body Q. The backrest E is supported via a support body C with respect to a support base B so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction.

[0161] <Backrest body Q>

[0162] The backrest body Q comprises: a backrest base 7, which is located on the back side of the seated person and has a shape capable of supporting the back of the seated person from the rear side; and a connecting portion 8, which is arranged under the backrest base 7 and is roughly U-shaped when viewed from above and above and is connected to the support body C.

[0163] The connecting portion 8 includes left and right side connecting portions 81 that form a pair and extend in the front-rear direction, and a rear connecting portion 82 that connects the rear ends of the left and right side connecting portions 81. The inner side portions of the left and right side connecting portions 81 can be fitted to the outer side portions of the side frames of the support body C, and the front portion of the rear connecting portion 82 can be fitted to the rear side portion of the rear frame L of the support body C.

[0164] The connection portion 8 of the backrest E is guided by a rail-shaped positioning protrusion k11 provided on the side of the support body C and extending in the front-rear direction, and is inserted into the rear portion of the support body C while being slidably mounted.

[0165] The connection part 8 is generally U-shaped in plan view by the left and right side connection parts 81 and the rear connection part 82. The connection part 8 can be fitted from the outside to the rear part of the support body C which is generally convex in plan view and is composed of the left and right side frames K and the rear frame L.

[0166] In other words, the backrest body Q is provided with outer fitting portions 81a, 82a on the inner side portions of the left and right side connection portions 81 and the front portion of the rear connection portion 82, and the outer fitting portions 81a, 82a can be externally fitted to the fitting portion provided on the support body C for backrest mounting.

[0167] The outer fitting part 81a of the left and right side connecting parts 81 includes: a recessed part 81b, which is provided in the middle part in the vertical direction and can be fitted with the positioning protrusions k11 formed at the left and right side frames K of the support body C; a tensioning material holding part 81c, which is provided above and below the recessed part 81b and can hold the end of the tensioning material R; and a nut part n2, which is screwed with the screw v2 after passing through the screw insertion hole h2 of the positioning protrusion k11. For example, the end of the tensioning material R to which a strip-shaped member (not shown) made of synthetic resin is sewn is pressed into the tensioning material holding part 81c.

[0168] In addition, a tension fabric end storage space 81d capable of storing the end of the tension fabric R is formed at the front end of the left and right side connecting parts 81. A notch 81e is formed at the outer edge of the front end of the left and right side connecting parts 81 to facilitate the introduction of the end of the tension fabric R into the tension fabric end storage space 81d.

[0169] The outer fitting portion 82a of the rear connecting part 82 includes: a recessed portion 82b, which is provided in the middle portion in the vertical direction and can be fitted with a positioning protrusion L11 formed at the rear frame L of the support body C; a tension fabric holding portion 82c, which is provided above and below the recessed portion 82b and can hold the end of the tension fabric R; and a nut portion n3, which is screwed with a screw v3 that has passed through the screw insertion hole h3 of the positioning protrusion L11. For example, the end of the tension fabric R to which a strip-shaped member (not shown) made of synthetic resin is sewn is pressed into the tension fabric holding portion 82c.

[0170] In addition, in this embodiment, the backrest body Q is composed of a central member q1 constituting a main part of the backrest base 7, and left and right side members q2 fixedly mounted on the left and right side portions of the central member q1. The inner side portion of the side member q2 is fixed to the central member q1 by screws v7 in a state of being embedded in the outer side portion of the central member q1. The central member q1 is formed of a synthetic resin having better flexibility than the side member q2. The side member q2 is a member including left and right side connecting portions 81 protruding forward, and is therefore formed of a synthetic resin having better strength than the central member q1.

[0171] <Tension fabric R>

[0172] The tension fabric R is a bag-shaped member capable of covering substantially the entirety of the backrest body Q, and is made of a fabric with a sheet-shaped cushioning material (not shown) attached to the inside.

[0173] In addition, an appropriate structure can be adopted for the tension fabric R. As the tension fabric R, for example, a structure in which a material having a cushioning property is arranged between two fabrics and then quilted can be cited.

[0174] The outer fitting parts 81a, 82a of the backrest body Q and the fitting parts of the support body C are fitted in a state where the end of the tension fabric R, that is, the vicinity of the lower end which becomes the open end, is sandwiched between the backrest body Q and the support body C. In addition, the left and right side end parts of the lower end edge of the tension fabric R are accommodated in the tension fabric end accommodating space 81d which is a space formed at the front end parts of the left and right side connecting parts 81 of the backrest body Q, and are closed by the back surface of the main body end parts 3b of the rear axle frame body 3 constituting the support body C.

[0175] <<Handrail F>>

[0176] The armrest F includes an armrest body f1 which is rectangular in side view and has an upwardly directed elbow rest f11 at its upper end, and an armrest arm f2 which extends downward from the front of the lower end of the armrest body f1.

[0177] The base end f21 of the armrest arm f2, which is the lower end, is connected to the armrest mounting portion 32 provided on the rear axle frame J. The base end f21 of the armrest arm f2 is fitted into the recessed portion b1 of the rear axle frame J.

[0178] The base end f21 of the armrest f2 has a positioning protrusion f22 protruding from the upper surface and extending in the left-right direction, and a screw insertion hole h1 penetrating in the up-down direction and provided in front and behind the positioning protrusion f22. The positioning protrusion f22 of the base end f21 can be engaged with a guide recess b17 formed at the upper wall b12 of the recess b1 of the rear axle frame J.

[0179] <<Locking mechanism Rc>>

[0180] The locking mechanism Rc is used to synchronize the tilting motions of the seat D and the backrest E.

[0181] The locking mechanism Rc provided on the chair is constructed with a supporting base B, a supporting body C, a seat D and a backrest E as the main body, the supporting body C being supported on the supporting base B via a main shaft j1, the seat D being supported on a connecting member 2 pivotally supported on the supporting base main body 1 via a front connecting shaft j2 and being supported on the supporting body C via a seat supporting shaft j4, and the backrest E being mounted on the supporting body C.

[0182] The locking mechanism Rc of this embodiment has a seat support shaft j4 disposed in front of the main shaft j1, and a connecting member 2 disposed in front of the main shaft j1, and the connecting member 2 is supported via a rear connecting shaft j3 so as to be rotatable relative to the supporting base body 1. Therefore, the locking mechanism Rc is a so-called weight sensing mechanism, and is configured so that when the backrest E is tilted backward from the normal position, the seat D moves backward while rising as a whole.

[0183] In addition, since the backrest E is fitted in the support body C and firmly integrated with the support body C, it can rotate relative to the support base B together with the support body C.

[0184] The chair of the present embodiment is configured so that a frame-shaped seat frame body M can be supported from below by a front axle frame T extending in the left-right direction and a rear axle frame J extending in the left-right direction.

[0185] Therefore, the design freedom for forming the space sp in which the seat body P having the seat surface can bend downward is excellent. The front axle frame T and the rear axle frame J extend substantially linearly in the left-right direction in plan view, so it is easy to design to ensure strength without complicating the shape.

[0186] Furthermore, a front axle holding portion 6 is provided in the left-right middle portion of the front axle frame T extending in the left-right direction, and a main shaft holding portion 4 is provided in the left-right middle portion of the rear axle frame J. Therefore, the chair is excellent in the degree of freedom of design for arranging the front axle holding portion 6 and the main shaft holding portion 4 partially in the left-right middle portion while maintaining the strength capable of holding the front connecting shaft j2 and the main shaft j1.

[0187] That is, the front axle holding part 6 and the main axle holding part 4 are partially unified in the middle part in the left-right direction. Therefore, the width dimension of the front axle holding part 6 and the main axle holding part 4 in the left-right direction can be easily designed to be short.

[0188] As a result, the width of the support base B that can support the front shaft holding portion 6 and the main shaft holding portion 4 can be designed to be as small as possible. With this structure, it is easy to design the support base B to give a suitable appearance that can give a slender and smooth impression.

[0189] In particular, since the front axle holding portion 6 and the main axle holding portion 4 are arranged in a single block shape in the middle portion in the left-right direction, the support base body 1 adopts a structure in which the front axle supporting portion 12 is provided on both sides of the main axle holding portion 4 in a single block shape, and the connecting member 2 adopts a structure in which the left and right connecting members 2a and 2b are provided on both sides of the front axle holding portion 6 in a single block shape. Therefore, the support base B as a whole is not likely to be complicated and a relatively simple form can be easily realized.

[0190] In addition, the chair of this embodiment is provided with the armrest mounting portion 32 on the rear axle frame J that supports the seat D so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, so that the armrest F can be supported at an appropriate position with excellent strength.

[0191] The chair of this embodiment has a structure in which the backrest E is fitted to the support body C having the annular frame portion w1. Therefore, by using the support body C having the annular frame portion w1, a chair having excellent freedom of design for obtaining an excellent lightweight structure and a suitable appearance can be provided while maintaining strength capable of supporting the backrest E.

[0192] The chair of this embodiment has an operation lever V disposed on the side of the front axle frame T extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, a chair can be provided in which the operation lever V is disposed at an appropriate position close to the seat surface of the seat body P and easy for the user to operate.

[0193] As described above, the chair according to the present embodiment includes a seat D having a seat frame S. The seat frame S includes a frame-shaped seat frame body M and a front axle frame T as a bridge frame extending in the left-right direction and capable of supporting the seat frame body M from below. An operating lever V is provided on the left side portion of the front axle frame T as a side portion.

[0194] Therefore, in the chair according to the present embodiment, the operation lever V is disposed at an appropriate position close to the seat surface and easy for the user to operate.

[0195] That is, the seat frame S has a front axle frame T capable of supporting the seat frame body M from below, and an operating lever V is disposed on the side of the front axle frame T. Therefore, the seat frame S not only has a suitable structure capable of supporting the seat body P while allowing the seat body P to bend downward, but also has an operating lever V disposed at a position close to the seat surface and easily accessible to the user's hand.

[0196] The front axle frame T includes a curved portion 5a that curves in a convex manner downward when viewed from the front, and left and right upright walls 5b and 5c that extend upward from left and right ends of the curved portion 5a and whose upper ends are connected to the seat frame body M. The operating lever V is disposed on the left upright wall 5b of the left and right upright walls 5b and 5c.

[0197] Therefore, by arranging the left and right upright walls 5 b and 5 c on the front axle frame T, the operating rod V can be rationally mounted.

[0198] The seat frame body M and the front axle frame T are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

[0199] Therefore, the seat frame body M and the front axle frame T as a whole can easily become a structure with excellent strength, and it is easy to ensure a strength suitable for arranging the operating lever V.

[0200] The front axle frame T is provided with an operation lever support portion 51 capable of supporting the operation lever V.

[0201] Therefore, the operation rod V can be supported by the front axle frame T having an appropriate shape that can avoid interference with the seat body P.

[0202] The operating lever support portion 51 includes a lever holding member Z that is attached to the front axle frame T and that can support the operating lever V in an operable manner.

[0203] Therefore, by attaching the rod holding member Z to the front axle frame T, the operation rod V can be appropriately supported.

[0204] The front axle frame T includes a through hole 5d that penetrates in the left-right direction, and the operating lever V includes an operating end tn that protrudes outward through the through hole 5d.

[0205] Therefore, by causing the operating end tn of the operating lever V to protrude outward through the through hole 5d provided in the front axle frame T, it is possible to provide a structure that is easy for the user to operate.

[0206] The seat frame S is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction relative to a support base B attached to the upper end of the leg A. A wire wy operable by an operating lever V is disposed on the front axle frame T and the support base B.

[0207] Therefore, the line wy ​​is positioned on the front axle frame T and the support base B, thereby maintaining a suitable appearance.

[0208] The operating lever V is an operating lever V for seat raising and lowering that can raise and lower the seat D relative to the legs A in the vertical direction.

[0209] Therefore, by operating the operating lever V disposed at an appropriate position, the up-and-down position of the seat D can be appropriately set.

[0210] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

[0211] The object operated by the operating lever can be set to various members, and is not limited to the above-mentioned member for seat lifting and lowering.

[0212] The operating lever may be, for example, an operating lever for operating a reclining locking mechanism, an operating lever for adjusting the reaction force of a backrest, an operating lever for tilting a seat forward, an operating lever for locking the rotation of a seat, an operating lever for operating the forward and backward sliding movement of a seat body, or an operating lever capable of performing other functions.

[0213] The operating lever is not limited to a member supported so as to be rotatable. For example, the operating lever may be a structure that is pulled by the user.

[0214] The shape of the bridge frame can be various and is not limited to the shape shown in the above embodiment.

[0215] The operating lever may be disposed on either one of the left and right upright walls, or may be disposed on both of them.

[0216] The operating lever may also be supported so as to be rotatable relative to the upright wall of the bridge frame.

[0217] The seat frame body and the bridge frame are not necessarily formed integrally with synthetic resin, and may be formed of separate components.

[0218] The rod holding member may be any member that is mounted on the bridge frame, and the mounting position thereof may be appropriately set.

[0219] In addition, the specific structure of each part is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chair comprising a seat having a seat frame, characterized in that: The seat frame includes a frame-shaped seat frame body and a bridge frame extending in the left-right direction and capable of supporting the seat frame body from below. An operating lever is provided on the side of the bridge frame. The bridge frame includes left and right upright walls connected to the seat frame body. Both or either of the left and right upright walls have a through hole penetrating in the left-right direction. The operating rod has an operating end protruding outward through the through hole.

2. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bridge frame has a curved portion that is curved in a convex manner downward when viewed from the front. The left and right upright walls extend upward from both left and right ends of the curved portion, and upper ends thereof are connected to the seat frame body.

3. The chair according to claim 2, characterized in that: The seat frame body and the bridge frame are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

4. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that The bridge frame is provided with an operation rod support portion capable of supporting the operation rod.

5. The chair according to claim 4, characterized in that: The operation lever support portion includes a lever holding member capable of supporting the operation lever so as to be operable.

6. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat frame is supported to be rotatable relative to a support base mounted at the upper end of the leg, A wire operable by the operating lever is disposed on the bridge frame and the support base.

7. The chair according to claim 1, characterized in that The operating lever is an operating lever for seat raising and lowering that can raise and lower the seat relative to the legs.

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