Conference system

Abstract

To provide a conference system that can be arranged at a location where conference participants can easily move around table devices and they can easily visually recognize equipment to use in a conference.SOLUTION: A conference system (100) includes a plurality of table devices (10) having top plates (3), backrest parts (4a), and a first seat parts (4b). The plurality of table devices (10) are arranged so that conference participants seated on the first seat parts (4b) in postures leaning against the backrest parts (4a) face each other and there are provided gaps (S1 to S3) between the adjacent table devices (10), and one of the gaps (S3) is wider than the rest of the gaps (S1, S2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conference system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a large conference room, one large table device capable of accommodating many conference participants may be placed, or multiple small table devices may be linked together. Linking multiple small table devices together allows for a high degree of freedom in use, allowing the entire conference room or only a portion of it to be used depending on the number of conference participants. Patent documents 1 and 2 describe an arrangement in which multiple conference tables are linked together in a circle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jpn. Jpn. Published No. 54-36801 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-167506 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when multiple table devices are connected for use, it may be difficult for conference participants to move freely around the table devices. Also, when a display or whiteboard is used during a conference, it may be difficult for some conference participants to see it.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a conference system that, when using multiple table devices, allows conference participants to easily move around the table devices and allows the equipment used in the conference to be positioned so that it is easy to see. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a conference system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of table devices each having a table top, a backrest portion extending along a first edge, which is one of the edges of the table top, and a first seat portion connected to the backrest portion and extending in a direction away from the first edge, and the plurality of table devices are arranged so that conference participants seated in the first seat portion with their backs leaned against the backrest portion face each other, and so that a gap is provided between adjacent table devices, one of the gaps being wider than all of the other gaps. Effect of the Invention

[0007] A conference system according to one aspect of the present invention, when using multiple table devices, allows conference participants to easily move around the table devices and place them in positions where the equipment used in the conference is easily visible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view showing a configuration of a conference system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the conference system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the conference system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a table device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the table device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a conference system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a top view showing a configuration of a conference system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a side view showing a configuration of the conference system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the conference system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows the conference system 100 as seen from the gap S3 side. Fig. 3 shows the conference system 100 as seen from diagonally above the gap S2 side. For convenience of explanation, Figs. 2 and 3 show a state in which the display device 2 is omitted.

[0010] The conference system 100 includes a plurality of table devices 10 each having a table top 3 and a sofa 4 having a backrest 4a and a seat (first seat) 4b. The conference system 100 is for arranging conference participants on each of the plurality of table devices 10 and for holding a conference.

[0011] The conference system 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes three table devices 10. The table devices 10 included in the conference system 100 may have different longitudinal lengths of the table top 3 and sofa 4, which may result in a difference in the number of conference participants that can be accommodated on each table device 10. As shown in Figure 2, in the table device 10, the table top 3 is provided with legs 32 that extend downward from its underside, and the table top 3 is supported from below.

[0012] In the table device 10, the sofa 4 is provided on a first edge 31a side, which is one of the edges 31 of the table top 3. The table top 3 and the sofa 4 may be integrally formed, or may be formed independently. In other words, the table top 3 and the sofa 4 may be structurally separate.

[0013] In the sofa 4, the backrest 4a is provided so as to extend along the first edge 31a. The backrest 4a may be connected to the first edge 31a, or may have a gap between the backrest 4a and the first edge 31a in a plan view. The backrest 4a extends downward from the top plate 3 and functions as a backrest against which the conference participants lean when they are seated on the sofa 4. The backrest 4a is made of a base material and a cushioning material that are covered with upholstery. The backrest 4a may also be made of a plate-like body, and an independent cushioning body may be placed on the plate-like body.

[0014] In the sofa 4, the seat 4b is connected to the backrest 4a and extends in a direction away from the first edge 31a. The seat 4b extends from the lower end of the backrest 4a in a direction away from the first edge 31a and has a seat surface on which the conference participants sit. The seat surface of the seat 4b may be a bench extending along the first edge 31a, and a cushioning material may be placed thereon.

[0015] In this way, since the table device 10 has the table top 3 behind the conference participant seated on the sofa 4, it is also possible to use the table device 10 from the opposite side of the sofa 4 across the table top 3. Also, by turning around while seated on the sofa 4, the conference participant can use the top of the table top 3 or talk to the person on the opposite side across the table top 3. Furthermore, since the front of the conference participant seated on the sofa 4 is open, it is easy for the conference participant to stand up and sit down.

[0016] The upper surface of the top plate 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a may be configured so that their positions in the height direction coincide with each other, or so that there is a step between the upper surface of the top plate 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a within a predetermined dimension. The position in the height direction coincides with each other, meaning that there is no step between the upper surface of the top plate 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a, and they are flat. On the other hand, there may be a step of a predetermined dimension between the upper surface of the top plate 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a, and in one example, the upper end of the backrest 4a may be configured to be 20 mm higher than the upper surface of the top plate 3. In this case, the height difference is not limited to 20 mm, and may be a difference exceeding 20 mm. If the step between the upper surface of the table top 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a within a specified dimension is 30 mm or less, when a conference participant seated on the sofa 4 turns around to face the table top 3, the boundary between the table top 3 and the backrest 4a does not get in the way, making it easy to converse with a conference participant on the opposite side of the table top 3.

[0017] Moreover, by providing such a step so that the upper end of the backrest portion 4a is higher than the upper surface of the top plate 3, writing implements used on the top plate 3 and the like can be made less likely to fall onto the sofa 4 side.

[0018] The step within the above-mentioned predetermined dimension is not limited to a step within 30 mm. As another example, a relatively large step may be provided between the upper surface of the tabletop 3 and the upper end of the backrest 4a to function as a partition between the tabletop 3 and the backrest 4a. Another example of providing a relatively large step between the tabletop 3 and the backrest 4a will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a table device 10' of another example. Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the step portion of the table device 10' cut vertically. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, in the table device 10', a step of about 100 mm is provided between the tabletop 3 and the backrest 4a so that the upper end of the backrest 4a is higher than the upper surface of the tabletop 3, and the step functions as a partition between the tabletop 3 and the backrest 4a.

[0019] The table device 10' includes a power supply unit 33, such as an outlet or USB, on the surface of the backrest 4a facing the top plate 3, at a position above the upper surface of the top plate 3. A plurality of power supply units 33 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 3. A cable for supplying power to the power supply unit 33 is connected to the power supply unit 33. A front panel 34 extending downward from the lower surface of the top plate 3 is provided below the first edge 31a side of the top plate 3, and a space capable of accommodating the cable connected to the power supply unit 33 exists between the front panel 34 and the backrest 4a. A part of the front panel 34 is configured to be removable as an inspection panel for maintenance of the power supply unit 33 and the cable connected to the power supply unit 33.

[0020] 1 and 3, the table devices 10 are arranged so that the conference participants seated on the seats 4b with their backs leaning against the backrests 4a face each other. The table devices 10 are arranged so that the sofa 4 sides face each other. This allows the conference participants seated on the sofas 4 of each table device 10 to face each other, making it easier for them to make eye contact and facilitate the conference.

[0021] 1, the table devices 10 are arranged in a circle, with the seats 4b located inside the circle. This allows the conference participants seated on the seats 4b to be closer to each other, making it easier for them to meet each other's eyes. The table devices 10 can be arranged in a circle, ellipse, sector, or other shape, along an imaginary line.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper surface of the table top 3 is formed to extend in an arc shape, and a seat portion 4b is provided on the inside of the table top 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the upper surface of the table top 3 is curved so that the first edge 31a faces inward, forming an arc shape. Therefore, conference participants seated on the same table device 10 can easily face each other and make eye contact.

[0023] In the conference system 100, the table devices 10 are arranged such that gaps S1 to S3 are provided between adjacent table devices 10. One gap S3 is wider than all the other gaps S1 and S2. By arranging the table devices 10 with gaps S1 to S3 between them, the conference participants can easily move through the gaps S1 to S3. The gaps S1 to S3 can be of a width that allows the conference participants to move. In particular, when the table devices 10 are arranged in a circle, it is easy to move between the inside and outside of the circle, and the conference participants can easily move between the table devices 10.

[0024] Since the gap S3 is wider than the gaps S1 and S2, devices used in the conference, such as a display and a whiteboard, can be placed therein. The gap S3 can be wide enough to accommodate devices used in the conference. By placing the devices used in the conference in the gap S3, the devices can be easily seen by all of the conference participants placed on the table device 10. The devices used in the conference may be fixed to the wall or partition on the gap S3 side, or may be movable with casters. If the devices used in the conference are movable, they can be moved through the gap S3 to the central space inside the circle shape in which the table device 10 is placed, and placed in the central space for use. Furthermore, it is also possible to hold a conference with a small number of people using the devices placed in the central space and only one table device 10. In this way, it is possible to hold a conference with a high degree of freedom according to the number of participants and the purpose.

[0025] The conference system 100 further includes a display device 2, which is a device used in a conference, and is arranged on the side of the gap S3, which is wider than all the other gaps S1 and S2. This allows the display device 2 to be easily seen by all the conference participants, and makes it easy for the conference participants to see the display device 2 even when they are seated in their seats. The display device 2 may be provided in the gap S3, or may be provided on a wall or partition on the gap S3 side.

[0026] In this way, in the conference system 100, multiple table devices 10 can be arranged so that conference participants seated on sofas 4 face each other, making it easy for them to make eye contact, and the table devices 10 can be positioned so that the conference participants can easily move around them and easily see the equipment used in the conference.

[0027] Furthermore, in the conference system 100, each table device 10 further has a seat (second seat) 5 on which conference participants can be placed, on the side of the second edge 31b opposite the first edge 31a. This allows the conference participants to be seated on both sides of the tabletop 3. The seat 5 may be configured by arranging multiple chairs on which the conference participants can be seated individually, or may be configured by a bench with connected seat surfaces, similar to the seat 4b.

[0028] [Additional Note 1] A conference system according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a plurality of table devices each having a table top, a backrest portion extending along a first edge which is one of the edges of the table top, and a first seat portion connected to the backrest portion and extending in a direction away from the first edge, wherein the table devices are arranged so that conference participants seated in the first seat portion with their backs leaned against the backrest portion face each other, and such that a gap is provided between adjacent table devices, one of the gaps being wider than all of the other gaps.

[0029] According to the above-mentioned aspect 1, the conference participants seated in the first seating portion can participate in the conference while facing each other, and can easily move around through the gaps between the table devices. In addition, by placing equipment to be used in the conference, such as a display or whiteboard, in a gap that is wider than all other gaps, the conference participants can easily see it.

[0030] The conference system according to a second aspect of the present invention may be the same as the first aspect, further comprising equipment used in the conference, arranged on the side of the gap that is wider than all of the other gaps.

[0031] According to the second aspect, the conference participants can easily view the devices used in the conference while seated in the first seat portion.

[0032] A conference system according to a third aspect of the present invention is configured in such a manner that, in the first or second aspect, the plurality of table devices are arranged in a circle, and the first seat portion is arranged inside the circle.

[0033] According to the third aspect, the conference participants seated in the first seats are close to each other and can easily make eye contact.

[0034] The conference system of aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3, may be configured such that the upper surface of the table top and the upper end of the backrest are aligned in the height direction, or there is a step between the upper surface of the table top and the upper end of the backrest, the step being within a predetermined dimension.

[0035] According to the fourth aspect, when a conference participant seated in the first seat turns back toward the top plate, the boundary between the top plate and the backrest does not get in the way, making it easy to converse with a conference participant on the other side of the top plate.

[0036] A conference system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the upper surface of the tabletop is formed to extend in an arc shape, and the first seat portion is provided on the inside of the tabletop.

[0037] According to the fifth aspect, conference participants seated on the same table device can easily face each other.

[0038] A conference system according to aspect 6 of the present invention is any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the table device further has a second seat portion on a second edge side opposite the first edge, in which conference participants can be seated.

[0039] According to the sixth aspect, conference participants can be seated on either side of the tabletop.

[0040] [Additional Note 2] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 2 Display device 3. Tabletop 10, 10' Table Equipment 31 Edge 31a 1st edge 31b 2nd edge 4a Backrest 4b Seat (1st seat) 5 Seat (second seat) 100 Conference System S1~S3 void

Claims

1. The present invention provides a method for making a seating arrangement comprising the steps of: providing a seating arrangement in which a seating position is provided on a seating surface of a seating area of ​​a seating area of ​​a seating area; the plurality of table devices are arranged so that the conference participants seated in the first seat portions with their backs leaning against the backrest portions face each other, and a gap is provided between adjacent table devices; one of the voids is wider than all of the other voids; A conference system comprising:

2. 2. The conference system according to claim 1, further comprising equipment used in the conference, the equipment being arranged on a side of the gap that is wider than all of the other gaps.

3. 3. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of table devices are arranged in a circle, and the first seat portion is arranged inside the circle.

4. 3. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the tabletop and the upper end of the backrest are aligned in the height direction, or there is a step between the upper surface of the tabletop and the upper end of the backrest within a predetermined dimension.

5. 3. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the tabletop is formed to extend in an arc shape, and the first seat portion is provided on an inner side of the tabletop.

6. 3. The conference system according to claim 1, wherein the table device further comprises a second seat portion on a second edge side opposite to the first edge, the second seat portion being capable of seating conference participants.

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