Armrest and chair

Abstract

To provide an armrest and a chair capable of suppressing deterioration of exterior appearance while blocking a part where a fastening member is inserted.SOLUTION: An armrest 5 comprises: an armrest support member 80 in which a support pillar insertion hole 88 that penetrates vertically is formed and which can be attached to a chair body 1A; and an armrest body 90 which has an armrest support pillar 93 that is inserted into the support pillar insertion hole 88 and is held to be movable vertically relative to the armrest support member 80. In the armrest support member 80, a fastening member penetration hole 86h which has a penetration hole aperture 86k that opens to the inner peripheral surface of the support pillar insertion hole 88, and into which a bolt 61 for fixing the armrest support member 80 to the chair body 1A can be inserted is formed. In the support pillar insertion hole 88, a sleeve member 70 for blocking the penetration hole aperture 86k is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest and a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which armrests are attached via fastening members (bolts) to both the left and right sides of the lower part of a frame member constituting the backrest of a chair. In this configuration, a recess is provided on the left and right outer side of the armrest, with a through hole formed therein for inserting the fastening member. The opening of this recess is closed by a cover plate attached to the left and right outer side of the armrest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6765182 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cover plates for closing the openings of the recesses are exposed on the outer sides of the armrests in the left-right direction, which may mar the appearance of the chair. An object of the present invention is to provide an armrest and a chair that can block the portion through which a fastening member is inserted while preventing damage to the appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) An armrest in one embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer tube member attached to a chair body and having a pillar insertion hole passing through in the vertical direction, and an armrest body supported on the outer tube member so as to be movable up and down, the armrest body having an armrest pillar inserted into the pillar insertion hole, the outer tube member having an insertion hole opening that opens into the inner surface of the pillar insertion hole and a fastening member insertion hole formed therein through which a fastening member can be inserted for fixing the outer tube member to the chair body, and a shielding member for shielding the insertion hole opening is provided within the pillar insertion hole. According to this aspect, since the insertion hole opening is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the support insertion hole, unlike the conventional configuration in which a recess is exposed on the outer surface of the armrest, there is no need to provide a cover plate on the outer surface of the armrest. Furthermore, since the insertion hole opening is shielded by the shielding member inside the support insertion hole, in a configuration in which the armrest body moves up and down relative to the armrest support member, the insertion hole opening can be prevented from being exposed to the outside regardless of the height of the armrest body. As a result, the appearance of the armrest can be improved.

[0006] (2) In the armrest of the above aspect (1), it is preferable that the shielding member is a sleeve member that surrounds the armrest support within the support insertion hole to support the armrest support so that it can move up and down, and is immovable relative to the outer tube member. According to this aspect, by using the sleeve member that supports the armrest body so that it can move up and down as the shielding member, there is no need to prepare a dedicated shielding member (there is no need to prepare the shielding member and the sleeve member separately), which reduces the number of parts and contributes to reducing the cost of the armrest and the number of assembly steps.

[0007] (3) In the armrest of the above aspect (2), the lower end surface of the outer tube member extends downward as it approaches a first side in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction that approaches the center of the chair body, and is provided with an outer tube inclined surface into which the lower end opening of the pillar insertion hole opens, and it is preferable that the insertion hole opening is provided in a position that allows an operator to access it through the lower end opening. According to this aspect, the insertion hole opening is configured to be accessible by an operator through a lower end opening provided on the outer tube inclined surface formed on the lower end surface of the outer tube member, thereby allowing an operator to easily access the fastening member inserted into the fastening member insertion hole with fingers, tools, or the like from the insertion hole opening, improving operability.

[0008] (4) In the armrest according to the above aspect (3), it is preferable that the insertion hole opening is arranged so as to be visible from the outside in the left-right direction through the lower end opening. According to this aspect, the through-hole opening is configured to be visible from the outside in the left-right direction through the lower end opening. This makes it easier for an operator to see the through-hole opening when accessing it, improving workability. Meanwhile, the lower end opening is formed on the lower end surface of the outer tube member as an outer tube inclined surface that extends downward toward a first side that approaches the center of the chair body in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction. Therefore, when viewed from diagonally above, the through-hole opening and the shielding member that blocks the through-hole opening are difficult to see through the lower end opening, and this prevents the appearance from being impaired.

[0009] (5) In an armrest relating to any one of the above aspects (1) to (4), it is preferable that a bolt is inserted into the fastening member insertion hole from the inside in the left-right direction, and a nut to be fastened to the bolt is accommodated in the insertion hole opening. According to this aspect, the through-hole opening is configured to receive a nut to be fastened to the bolt inserted through the fastening member through-hole. With this, when attaching the armrest to the chair body, it is only necessary to receive the nut through the through-hole opening through the lower end opening, which makes the work easier than when a bolt longer than the nut is received through the through-hole opening.

[0010] (6) A chair according to one aspect of the present invention includes an armrest according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (5). According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a chair equipped with armrests that can block the portion through which the fastening member is inserted while preventing damage to the appearance. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to block the portion through which the fastening member is inserted while preventing damage to the appearance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left rear. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the chair according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a back frame according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the armrest according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a lower end portion of an armrest support member according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed diagonally from below. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of an armrest body and a sleeve member according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside in the left-right direction. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of an armrest body and a sleeve member according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside in the left-right direction. [Figure 10] 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the joint between the armrest support member and the armrest attachment portion according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing a connection portion of an armrest support member according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of an insertion hole opening of an armrest support member according to an embodiment, viewed diagonally from below. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, the same reference numerals may be used to designate corresponding configurations, and the description may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state in which the two surfaces are relatively displaced with an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. In this embodiment, "facing" does not only mean a case in which the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of the two surfaces are aligned with each other, but also includes a case in which the orthogonal directions intersect with each other.

[0014] [Chair 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the chair 1 as seen from the rear left. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the chair 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, chair 1 has a chair body 1A and armrests 5. Chair body 1A has a support structure 2, a seat 3, and a backrest 4. In the following description, the directions of front / back, up / down, left / right, etc. are the same as the directions of a person (seater) sitting in the chair 1 in a normal posture. In this case, arrow UP in the figures indicates upward, arrow FR indicates forward, and arrow LH indicates left. In the following description, the side away from the center of chair 1 in the front / back, up / down, and left / right directions may be referred to as the outside, and the side toward the center of chair 1 may be referred to as the inside.

[0015] <Support structure 2> The support structure 2 includes a leg body 11 and a support base 12 . The leg body 11 includes a multi-pronged leg 13 and a leg column 14 . A caster 15 capable of running on a floor surface F is attached to each leg of the multi-legged stand 13.

[0016] The leg pillar 14 extends upward from the center of the multi-leg 13. A gas spring 16, which is a lifting mechanism for the chair 1, is built into the leg pillar 14. The gas spring 16 is configured such that an inner cylinder 16a is supported so as to be liftable and rotatable relative to an outer cylinder (not shown) provided within the leg pillar 14, for example.

[0017] The support base 12 is connected to the upper end of the leg pillar 14 (inner cylinder 16a). The support base 12 supports the seat 3 from below. The support base 12 supports the backrest 4 so that it can tilt.

[0018] <Location 3> The seat 3 is formed in a downwardly convex arc shape when viewed from the front, and supports the portion of the seated person from the buttocks to the thighs from below. As shown in Figure 1, the seat 3 includes a seat shell 30 and a seat body 31. The seat shell 30 is a resin-molded plate-like member that forms the framework of the seat 3. The seat shell 30 is attached to the support base 12 in a state in which it covers the entire support base 12 from above. The seat main body 31 is supported from below by the seat shell 30. The seat main body 31 includes a cushioning material that is placed on the upper surface of the seat shell 30, and a skin material that covers the cushioning material from above.

[0019] <Backrest 4> The backrest 4 supports the seated occupant's lower back and back from behind. The backrest 4 is connected to the support base 12 so as to be tiltable about an axis along the left-right direction. However, the backrest 4 may also be connected to the support base 12 so as not to be tiltable.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back frame 41 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the backrest 4 includes a back frame 41 and a covering material 42. The back frame 41 is a strength member that constitutes the outer shape of the backrest 4. The back frame 41 is integrally molded from a resin material or the like. The back frame 41 is formed in a circular arc shape that convex backward in a plan view, and in an S-shape in a side view. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the back frame 41 is formed in an 8 shape in a front view with the upper frame portion 41A and the lower frame portion 41B connected in the up-down direction. Specifically, the back frame 41 includes a pair of side frame members 43, a first connecting portion 51, a second connecting portion 52, a third connecting portion 53, a support connecting portion 56 (see Fig. 3), and an armrest mounting portion 57.

[0021] Each of the pair of side frame members 43 has an upper side frame portion 44 and a lower side frame portion 45 . The upper side frame portion 44 has a first side frame portion 46 and a second side frame portion 47. The first side frame portion 46 constitutes the upper portion of the side frame member 43 and extends in the up-down direction. The first side frame portion 46 extends diagonally forward from the upper end toward the lower end in a side view. The second side frame portion 47 extends downward from the lower end of the first side frame portion 46. The second side frame portion 47 extends diagonally backward from the upper end toward the lower end in a side view. 2 and 3, the first side frame portion 46 extends downward and outward in the left-right direction. The second side frame portion 47 extends downward and inward in the left-right direction from a lower end portion of the first side frame portion 46.

[0022] The lower frame portion 45 extends downward from the lower end of the upper frame portion 44. In side view, the lower frame portion 45 extends downward and forward from the lower end of the second frame portion 47. In other words, the lower frame portion 45 extends obliquely forward from the upper end to the lower end. As a result, in side view, the connection portion between the lower end of the second frame portion 47 and the upper end of the lower frame portion 45 is bent so as to protrude rearward. The lower side frame portions 45 extend downward and outward in the left-right direction from the lower ends of the second side frame portions 47. As a result, the left-right distance between the pair of lower side frame portions 45 gradually increases downward in a front view. 1 and 2, the vertical middle portion of the lower frame portion 45 overlaps with the outer left-right end portion of the seat 3 in a front view. The lower end portion of the lower frame portion 45 is located below the seat 3. The front end portion of the lower frame portion 45 is located forward of the bent portion of the upper frame portion 44.

[0023] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the first connecting portion 51 constitutes the upper end portion of the back frame 41. The first connecting portion 51 connects the upper ends of the first side frame portions 46. The first connecting portion 51 extends in the left-right direction in an arc shape that convex rearward in a plan view. The second connecting portion 52 connects the boundary portions between the lower end portion of the second side frame portion 47 and the lower side frame portion 45. The second connecting portion 52 extends in the left-right direction in an arc shape that convex rearward in a plan view. An upper frame portion 41A is configured by the first connecting portion 51, the upper side frame portion 44, and the second connecting portion 52. The upper frame portion 41A has an opening 41p that opens in the front-rear direction.

[0024] The third connecting portion 53 extends in the left-right direction and connects the lower ends of the lower side frame portions 45 together. The third connecting portion 53 is formed in a downwardly convex arc shape in a front view. The third connecting portion 53 is located forward of the second connecting portion 52 in a side view. As shown in FIG. 3, the thickness of the third connecting portion 53 in the vertical direction gradually increases from the rear to the front. The upper surface 53t of the third connecting portion 53 is formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the front. On the other hand, the lower surface 53d of the third connecting portion 53 is formed so that it slopes downward toward the front, and the vertical distance between the lower surface 53d and the upper surface 53t gradually increases toward the front.

[0025] The third connecting portion 53 has a forward recess 53a formed on the front end surface of the third connecting portion 53. The forward recess 53a is formed in the third connecting portion 53 to improve moldability and reduce weight. Specifically, the front end opening of the forward recess 53a opens diagonally downward toward the front. The forward recess 53a is formed in a triangular shape whose vertical dimension gradually decreases toward the rear in a side view. In this embodiment, the forward recess 53a is formed on both sides of the third connecting portion 53 except for the central portion in the left-right direction.

[0026] A plurality of vertical ribs 59 are formed on the inside of the forward recess 53a. The vertical ribs 59 are provided at intervals in the left-right direction in each forward recess 53a. Each vertical rib 59 connects the inner surfaces of the forward recess 53a that face each other in the up-down direction. The vertical ribs 59 extend over the entire length of the forward recess 53a in the front-rear direction. The third connecting portion 53 in which the forward recess 53a is formed is reinforced by the plurality of vertical ribs 59.

[0027] The base connecting portion 56 is provided in the left-right center of the third connecting portion 53. The base connecting portion 56 is formed integrally with the third connecting portion 53. The base connecting portion 56 is connected to the base 12. The base connecting portion 56 protrudes upward from the third connecting portion 53 and is formed in a box shape that opens forward. The inside of the base connecting portion 56 forms an insertion groove 56a into which a part of the base 12 is inserted.

[0028] The armrest attachment portion 57 is provided on the lower end portion of the lower side frame portion 45. The armrest attachment portion 57 protrudes from the third connecting portion 53 on both the left and right sides.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the upholstery material 42 forms a load-bearing surface that supports the upper body of a seated person, specifically, the seated person's waist to back. The upholstery material 42 is provided so as to cover the opening 41p of the upper frame portion 41A from the front. The upholstery material 42 is configured to be elastically deformable, for example, by a membrane-like member such as mesh or cloth. The outer peripheral portion of the upholstery material 42 is fixed to the outer surface of the upper frame portion 41A (the first connecting portion 51, the upper side frame portion 44, and the second connecting portion 52) so as to wrap the upper frame portion 41A. Note that the backrest 4 may be configured so that the back frame 41 is covered with a cushion and a skin material instead of the upholstery material 42.

[0030] <Lumbar Support 100> A lumbar support 100 for supporting the lower back of a seated person is provided in the center of the second connecting portion 52 in the left-right direction. The lumbar support 100 protrudes upward from the second connecting portion 52 so as to be visible inside the upper frame portion 41A. Note that the lumbar support 100 is not an essential component of the chair 1 of this embodiment, and the lumbar support 100 may be omitted. The chair 1 includes a lumbar support main body 101 and an attachment portion 130.

[0031] The lumbar support body 101 abuts against the back of the seated occupant through the upholstery 42, and supports the weight of the seated occupant from behind. The attachment part 130 is a member that attaches the lumbar support body 101 to the chair body 1A. The attachment part 130 is attached to the center of the second connecting part 52 in the left-right direction.

[0032] <Armrest 5> As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the armrests 5 are attached to the armrest attachment parts 57 on both the left and right sides of the back frame 41. Each armrest 5 supports the portion of the seated occupant's elbow through to his or her forearm from below. Both the left and right armrests 5 have the same configuration. Therefore, the following will explain the details of the armrest 5 using the left armrest 5 as an example.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a side view of the armrest 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in Fig. 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the armrest 5 comprises an armrest support member (outer cylinder member) 80, an armrest main body 90, and a sleeve member (shielding member) 70. The armrest support member 80 is a member that connects the armrest attachment part 57 and the armrest main body 90, and functions as a strength member of the armrest 5. The armrest support member 80 integrally comprises a support tube 85 that supports the armrest main body 90 so that it can be raised and lowered, and a connection part 86 that is provided at the lower end of the support tube 85 and connects the support tube 85 to the armrest attachment part 57.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, the support tube 85 extends upward from a connection portion 86 attached to the armrest attachment portion 57. In the illustrated example, the support tube 85 protrudes upward beyond the seat 3 on the outer side in the left-right direction relative to the seat 3. In this embodiment, the support tube 85 is disposed in a state inclined forward as it extends upward. The support tube 85 may also be inclined backward as it extends upward. Moreover, the support tube 85 may extend vertically upward in a side view.

[0035] The support tube 85 is formed into a cylindrical shape that is flattened in the left-right direction in a plan view (or an oval shape) and extends in the up-down direction. That is, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a post insertion hole 88 that passes through the support tube 85 in the up-down direction is formed on the inside of the support tube 85. An armrest post 93 of the armrest main body 90 is inserted into the post insertion hole 88.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower end portion of the armrest support member 80 as viewed obliquely from below. 5 and 6, the lower end surface (outer cylinder inclined surface) of the support cylinder 85 is formed as an outer cylinder inclined surface 85f that extends downward toward the inside (first side) in the left-right direction (first direction intersecting the up-down direction). A lower end opening 88h of the post insertion hole 88 opens into the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f. The lower end opening 88h is open toward the lower side and toward the outside in the left-right direction at the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f.

[0037] 5, an upper engagement recess 88a is formed at the upper end of the support insertion hole 88. The upper engagement recess 88a is formed recessed with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the support insertion hole 88 so that the inner diameter is larger than the other portion (the central portion in the up-down direction) of the support insertion hole 88. The upper engagement recess 88a extends around the entire circumference of the support insertion hole 88 and is open on the upper end surface of the support tube 85.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 7, a lower engagement recess 88b and a lower engagement protrusion 88c are formed at the lower end of the post insertion hole 88. The lower engagement recess 88b is formed recessed inward in the left-right direction with respect to the inner surface facing outward in the left-right direction of the inner circumferential surface of the post insertion hole 88. The lower engagement recess 88b is open on the lower end surface of the support tube 85. Of the inner surface of the lower engagement recess 88b, the downward surface facing downward is formed into a flat surface. The lower engagement protrusion 88c protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the inner circumferential surface of the post insertion hole 88 facing inward in the left-right direction. The lower engagement protrusion 88c is formed in a triangular or trapezoidal shape that gradually increases in the amount of protrusion from the inner surface of the post insertion hole 88 going downward. A plurality of lower engagement protrusions 88c (for example, two) are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the lower surface of the lower engagement protrusion 88c is located below the downward surface of the lower engagement recess 88b.

[0039] 4 and 5, the armrest main body 90 is supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the support cylinder 85. Specifically, the armrest main body 90 includes an armrest base 91 and an elbow rest portion 92. The armrest base 91 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side. The armrest base 91 is configured such that an armrest support 93 and an armrest mounting portion 94 are integrally formed.

[0040] The armrest support 93 is formed into a vertically extending cylindrical shape that is rectangular (or elliptical) in plan view and is slightly smaller than the inner shape of the support insertion hole 88. Specifically, the armrest support 93 extends at an angle forward as it extends upward, similar to the support cylinder 85. The elbow rest attachment portion 94 extends forward from the upper end portion of the armrest support 93. The elbow rest attachment portion 94 is formed in a box shape that opens upward.

[0041] The elbow rest portion 92 is disposed above the elbow rest attachment portion 94. The elbow rest portion 92 is formed, for example, by covering a shell and padding material with a covering material. The upper surface of the elbow rest portion 92 forms an elbow rest surface that supports the elbows of the seated occupant. The elbow rest portion 92 covers the elbow rest attachment portion 94 from above, and is attached to the elbow rest attachment portion 94 in a state in which it protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the elbow rest attachment portion 94.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the armrest main body 90 and the sleeve member 70 as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the armrest main body 90 and the sleeve member 70 as viewed from the outside in the left-right direction. 4, 8 and 9, guide holes 93a are formed in portions facing each other in the left-right direction at the lower end of the armrest support 93. The guide holes 93a are formed in the shape of a slit that penetrates the armrest support 93 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-rear direction. An engagement pin 95 is provided in the guide hole 93a. The engagement pin 95 extends in the left-right direction at the lower end of the armrest support 93. The engagement pin 95 passes through a pair of guide holes 93a (see FIG. 2) formed in the armrest support 93, and protrudes outward in the left-right direction relative to the armrest support 93. The engagement pin 95 is configured to be movable back and forth relative to the armrest support 93 along the guide hole 93a. As shown in Fig. 4, an operating lever 98 is provided on the underside of the armrest attachment portion 94. When a seated person operates the operating lever 98, an appropriate operating mechanism moves the engagement pin 95 in the front-rear direction within the guide hole 93a.

[0043] 4, 5, 8 and 9, the sleeve member 70 is provided in the post insertion hole 88 so as to surround the armrest post 93 and be immovable up and down relative to the support tube 85. The sleeve member 70 is intended to improve the sliding performance between the armrest post 93 and the support tube 85. As shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the sleeve member 70 includes a base cylinder portion 74, an upper engaging protrusion 75, a lower engaging protrusion 76, a lower engaging recess 77, and a guide groove 78.

[0044] 5, the base tube portion 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending over the entire length of the post insertion hole 88. In this case, the upper end surface of the sleeve member 70 is disposed flush with the upper end surface of the support tube 85. That is, the upper end surface of the sleeve member 70 is formed as a flat surface extending in the front-rear direction in a side view. On the other hand, the lower end surface of the sleeve member 70 is disposed flush with the lower end surface of the support tube 85. That is, the lower end surface of the sleeve member 70 is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) extending downward toward the inside (first side) in the left-right direction in a front view.

[0045] The outer surface shape of the base cylinder portion 74 in plan view is formed to follow the inner surface shape of the pillar insertion hole 88 in plan view. The inner surface shape of the base cylinder portion 74 in plan view is formed to follow the outer surface shape of the armrest pillar 93 in plan view. Therefore, when the armrest main body 90 is raised or lowered relative to the armrest support member 80, the outer surface of the armrest pillar 93 comes into sliding contact with the inner surface of the base cylinder portion 74.

[0046] The upper engagement protrusion 75 protrudes in a flange shape from the upper end of the base tube portion 74. When the sleeve member 70 is inserted into the support insertion hole 88, the lower surface of the upper engagement protrusion 75 engages with the upward surface of the upper engagement recess 88a from above, thereby restricting downward movement of the sleeve member 70 relative to the armrest support member 80. The upper end surface of the upper engagement protrusion 75 is disposed flush with the upper end surface of the base tube portion 74. Therefore, the upper end surface of the sleeve member 70 and the upper end surface of the support tube 85 are smoothly connected.

[0047] 7 and 8, a plurality of (e.g., two) lower engagement protrusions 76 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction at the lower end of the base tube portion 74. The lower engagement protrusions 76 are ridges that protrude inward in the left-right direction from the base tube portion 74 and extend in the up-down direction. When the sleeve member 70 is inserted into the post insertion hole 88, the upper end surface of the lower engagement protrusion 76 engages with the downward surface of the lower engagement recess 88b from below, thereby restricting upward movement of the sleeve member 70 relative to the armrest support member 80.

[0048] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, a plurality of (e.g., two) lower engagement recesses 77 are formed at the lower end of the base tube portion 74 at intervals in the front-rear direction. The lower engagement recesses 77 are through holes that penetrate the base tube portion 74 in the left-right direction. A lower engagement protrusion 88c is housed in the lower engagement recesses 77. When the sleeve member 70 is inserted into the pillar insertion hole 88, the upward surface of the lower engagement recess 77 engages with the downward surface of the lower engagement recess 77 from below, thereby restricting upward movement of the sleeve member 70 relative to the armrest support member 80.

[0049] 7 and 9, the guide grooves 78 are formed in portions of the base tube portion 74 that face each other in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 78 penetrate the left and right wall portions of the base tube portion 74 in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 78 extend in the up-down direction. In the example shown, the guide grooves 78 extend in the extension direction of the base tube portion 74, gradually inclining forward as they extend upward. A plurality of engagement grooves 79 are formed in the guide groove 78 and extend forward from the guide groove 78. The plurality of engagement grooves 79 are formed at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0050] The above-mentioned engagement pins 95 are housed in the guide grooves 78. That is, the engagement pin 95 moves between a locked position where it selectively engages with one of the multiple engagement grooves 79, and a retracted position where it retracts from the engagement groove 79 and is positioned within the guide groove 78. That is, in the locked position, the engagement pin 95 engages with the engagement groove 79, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the armrest main body 90 relative to the armrest support member 80 (and the sleeve member 70). On the other hand, in the retracted position, the engagement pin 95 retracts from within the engagement groove 79 into the guide groove 78, thereby allowing the vertical movement of the armrest main body 90 relative to the armrest support member 80.

[0051] 8 and 9, the sleeve member 70 includes a first sleeve piece 71A and a second sleeve piece 71B each having a halved shape. The sleeve member 70 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole by combining the first sleeve piece 71A and the second sleeve piece 71B in the left-right direction. The first sleeve piece 71A constitutes an inner portion in the left-right direction of the sleeve member 70. In other words, the first sleeve piece 71A is provided on the inner side in the left-right direction with respect to the armrest support 93. The first sleeve piece 71A is formed in a C-shape that opens outward in the left-right direction in a plan view. The second sleeve piece 71B constitutes an outer portion in the left-right direction of the sleeve member 70. In other words, the second sleeve piece 71B is provided on the outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the armrest support 93. The second sleeve piece 71B is formed in a C-shape that opens inward in the left-right direction in a plan view.

[0052] Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a joint between the armrest support member 80 according to the embodiment and the armrest attachment portion 57. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a connection portion 86 of the armrest support member 80 according to the embodiment. 5, 10 and 11, the connection part 86 is formed on the inside in the left-right direction at the lower end part of the support tube 85. The connection part 86 protrudes on the inside in the left-right direction from the lower end part of the support tube 85. The connection part 86 is coupled to the armrest attachment part 57.

[0053] 3, 5, and 10, the armrest attachment part 57 to which the connection part 86 is connected has an outward surface 57f facing outward in the left-right direction. The armrest attachment part 57 has a connection recess 57d on the inner periphery of the outward surface 57f that is recessed inward in the left-right direction relative to the outward surface 57f. The connection recess 57d is formed in a polygonal shape when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 10, a convex portion 57t is formed in the center of the connection recess 57d, protruding outward in the left-right direction from the bottom surface of the connection recess 57d. The tip surface of the convex portion 57t is located inside in the left-right direction from the outward surface 57f. The convex portion 57t is formed with a bolt accommodating portion 57k that is recessed outward in the left-right direction from the side frame portion surface 45f that faces inward in the left-right direction in the lower side frame portion 45. The armrest attachment portion 57 is formed with a main body insertion hole 57h that penetrates the bottom surface of the bolt accommodating portion 57k and the tip surface of the convex portion 57t.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5, 10, and 11, the connection portion 86 has a coupling surface 86f facing inward in the left-right direction. The coupling surface 86f contacts the outward surface 57f of the armrest mounting portion 57, which faces outward in the left-right direction. The connection portion 86 has a connection protrusion 86d that protrudes outward in the left-right direction on the inner periphery of the coupling surface 86f. The connection protrusion 86d is formed in a polygonal shape corresponding to the connection recess 57d when viewed from the inside in the left-right direction. The connection protrusion 86d is inserted into the connection recess 57d. When the connection protrusion 86d is inserted into the connection recess 57d, the coupling surface 86f abuts against the outward surface 57f. Since the connection recess 57d and the connection protrusion 86d are polygonal when viewed from the left-right direction, the armrest support member 80 is restrained from swinging in the front-rear direction relative to the armrest mounting portion 57 by inserting the connection protrusion 86d into the connection recess 57d.

[0055] 10 and 11, the connection protrusion 86d has a recess 86g that is recessed inward in the left-right direction from a protrusion tip surface 86t that faces inward in the left-right direction of the connection protrusion 86d. The protrusion 57t is inserted into the recess 86g.

[0056] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the insertion hole opening 86k of the armrest support member 80 as viewed obliquely from below. As shown in Figs. 10 and 12, an insertion hole opening 86k is formed in the connection portion 86. The insertion hole opening 86k opens to an outward inner peripheral surface 88f facing outward in the left-right direction on the inner peripheral surface of the post insertion hole 88 (lower engagement recess 88b). The insertion hole opening 86k is formed so as to be recessed inward in the left-right direction from the outward inner peripheral surface 88f. The insertion hole opening 86k accommodates a nut 62 described below. The insertion hole opening 86k is a recess formed to have a hexagonal cross section corresponding to the external shape of the nut 62 when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction. The insertion hole opening 86k is formed in the lower end surface (outer cylinder inclined surface 85f) of the support cylinder 85 lower in the up-down direction than the outer lower end 85p located on the left-right outer side of the lower end opening 88h. The insertion hole opening 86k is open downward and toward the left-right outer side on the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f. Thus, the insertion hole opening 86k is provided so as to be visible through the lower end opening 88h when viewed from the outside in the left-right direction.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the connection portion 86 further has a fastening member insertion hole 86h. The fastening member insertion hole 86h extends in the left-right direction and is formed so as to penetrate through the recess 86g and the insertion hole opening 86k. That is, the fastening member insertion hole 86h has the insertion hole opening 86k at the outer end in the left-right direction. The fastening member insertion hole 86h is formed so as to communicate with the main body insertion hole 57h when the connection protrusion 86d is inserted into the connection recess 57d and the protrusion 57t is inserted into the recess 86g.

[0058] When the armrest body 90 strokes in the up-down direction, the lower end of the armrest support 93 is located below the insertion hole opening 86k at the lowest position of the armrest 5. Also, at the highest position of the armrest 5, the lower end of the armrest support 93 is located above the insertion hole opening 86k.

[0059] The armrest 5 is fixed to the armrest attachment part 57 by a bolt 61 and a nut 62 as fastening members. The bolt 61 is inserted from the inside in the left-right direction into the main body insertion hole 57h and the fastening member insertion hole 86h with the connection protrusion 86d inserted into the connection recess 57d. The bolt 61 has a shaft portion 61s inserted into the main body insertion hole 57h and the fastening member insertion hole 86h, and a head portion 61b accommodated in the bolt accommodating part 57k. The nut 62 is received in the insertion hole opening 86k from the outside in the left-right direction and is fastened to the shaft portion 61s of the bolt 61. 5, by attaching the sleeve member 70 inside the support tube 85's post insertion hole 88, the insertion hole opening 86k in which the nut 62 is housed is blocked by the sleeve member 70. In other words, the sleeve member 70 provided along the inner circumferential surface of the post insertion hole 88 functions as a blocking member that blocks the insertion hole opening 86k.

[0060] Here, when attaching the armrest 5 of this embodiment to the armrest attachment portion 57, as shown in Figs. 10 and 12, the sleeve member 70 is not attached to the column insertion hole 88. As a result, the insertion hole opening 86k is exposed to the inner peripheral surface of the column insertion hole 88. In this state, the worker places (sets) the nut 62 in the insertion hole opening 86k as shown in Fig. 10. The insertion hole opening 86k is visible from the outside in the left and right direction through the lower end opening 88h, and the worker can access it with his fingers or a tool through the lower end opening 88h. This allows the worker to easily place the nut 62 in the insertion hole opening 86k. Here, the insertion hole opening 86k may be located above the lower end opening 88h as long as it is visible from the outside in the left and right direction through the lower end opening 88h and the worker can access it with his fingers or a tool through the lower end opening 88h. Thereafter, the worker inserts the bolt 61 from the inner bolt accommodating portion 57k in the left-right direction into the main body insertion hole 57h and the fastening member insertion hole 86h, and fastens it to the nut 62 accommodated in the insertion hole opening 86k. At this time, since the fastening member accommodating portion 85k has a hexagonal shape when viewed from the left-right direction, the nut 62 accommodated in the fastening member accommodating portion 85k does not rotate together with the bolt 61 when the bolt 61 is tightened, and the tightening operation of the bolt 61 can be easily performed.

[0061] After the armrest support member 80 is attached to the armrest mounting portion 57 in this manner with the bolts 61 and nuts 62, the sleeve member 70 is inserted into the pillar insertion hole 88 as shown in Fig. 5. To do this, a pre-assembly of the armrest main body 90 and the sleeve member 70 is formed by assembling the sleeve pieces 71A, 71B in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the armrest pillar 93 therebetween as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Next, as shown in Fig. 5, the pre-assembly body is fitted into the support cylinder 85 through the upper opening of the post insertion hole 88. At this time, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, the upper engagement recess 88a and the upper engagement protrusion 75 are engaged with each other, the lower engagement recess 88b and the lower engagement protrusion 76 are engaged with each other, and the lower engagement protrusion 88c and the lower engagement recess 77 are engaged with each other in the vertical direction. As a result, the sleeve member 70 is assembled to the armrest support member 80 so as not to be able to move up and down, and the armrest body 90 is supported by the armrest support member 80 so as to be able to move up and down, completing the installation of the armrest 5. In this state, the fastening member accommodating portion 85k is covered by the sleeve member 70.

[0062] Thus, in this embodiment, the armrest support member 80 is formed with a fastening member insertion hole 86h into which the bolt 61 for fixing the armrest support member 80 to the chair body 1A can be inserted. The fastening member insertion hole 86h has an insertion hole opening 86k that opens into the inner circumferential surface of the pillar insertion hole 88. A sleeve member 70 is provided within the pillar insertion hole 88 to cover the insertion hole opening 86k. According to this configuration, because the insertion hole opening 86k is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the pillar insertion hole 88, unlike the conventional configuration in which a recess is exposed on the outer surface of the armrest 5, there is no need to provide a cover plate on the outer surface of the armrest 5. Furthermore, because the insertion hole opening 86k is shielded by the sleeve member 70 inside the pillar insertion hole 88, in a configuration in which the armrest main body 90 moves up and down relative to the armrest support member 80, the insertion hole opening 86k can be prevented from being exposed to the outside, regardless of the height of the armrest main body 90. As a result, the appearance of the armrest 5 can be improved.

[0063] In this embodiment, the shielding member is a sleeve member 70 that surrounds the armrest support 93 within the support insertion hole 88 and supports the armrest support 93 so that it can move up and down. According to this configuration, by using the sleeve member 70 that supports the armrest main body 90 so that it can move up and down as a shielding member, there is no need to prepare a dedicated shielding member (there is no need to prepare the shielding member and the sleeve member 70 separately). This reduces the number of parts, which contributes to reducing the cost of the armrest 5 and the number of assembly steps.

[0064] In this embodiment, the insertion hole opening 86k is configured to be accessible to an operator through a lower end opening 88h provided in an outer cylinder inclined surface 85f formed on the lower end surface of the armrest support member 80. According to this configuration, the worker can easily access the nut 62 housed in the insertion hole opening 86k with his / her fingers, a tool, or the like, improving workability.

[0065] In this embodiment, the insertion hole opening 86k is configured to be visible from the outside in the left-right direction through the lower end opening 88h. According to this configuration, when an operator accesses the insertion hole opening 86k, the insertion hole opening 86k can be easily seen, improving workability. Meanwhile, the lower end opening 88h is formed on the outer tube inclined surface 85f that extends downward toward the inside in the left-right direction at the lower end surface of the armrest support member 80. Therefore, when viewed from diagonally above, it is difficult to see the insertion hole opening 86k and the sleeve member 70 that closes the insertion hole opening 86k through the lower end opening 88h, which can prevent the appearance from being impaired.

[0066] In this embodiment, the insertion hole opening 86k is configured to receive a nut 62 that is fastened to the tip end of a bolt 61 that is inserted through the fastening member insertion hole 86h. According to this configuration, when attaching the armrest 5 to the chair body 1A, it is only necessary to insert the nut 62 into the insertion hole opening 86k through the lower end opening 88h, which makes the work easier than when a bolt 61, which is longer than the nut 62, is inserted into the insertion hole opening 86k.

[0067] In this embodiment, the chair 1 is configured to include the armrests 5 as described above. According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a chair 1 having an armrest 5 that can block the portion through which the nut 62 is inserted while preventing damage to the appearance.

[0068] (Other embodiments)

[0069] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sleeve member 70 is used as the shielding member, but the specific configuration of the sleeve member 70 can be appropriately changed. For example, the sleeve member 70 is configured to be immovable up and down relative to the support tube 85 by the upper engaging protrusions 75, the lower engaging protrusions 76, and the lower engaging recesses 77, but the configuration of the sleeve member 70 to be provided so as not to require up and down movement relative to the support tube 85 can be appropriately changed. In the above embodiment, the sleeve member 70 is used as the shielding member, but a dedicated shielding member that closes only the insertion hole opening 86k may be used separately from the sleeve member 70. The shielding member may be provided so as to fit along the inner circumferential surface of the post insertion hole, or may be attached so as to be fitted into the insertion hole opening 86k. The sleeve member 70 may be provided with an abutment portion that abuts against the nut 62 housed in the insertion hole opening 86k from the outer side in the left-right direction, and restricts the displacement of the nut 62 outward in the left-right direction.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the nut 62 is accommodated in the insertion hole opening 86k, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bolt 61 may be inserted from the insertion hole opening 86k into the fastener insertion hole 86h, and the head 61b of the bolt 61 may be accommodated in the insertion hole opening 86k. In this case, the nut 62 fastened to the bolt 61 is accommodated in the bolt accommodating portion 57k.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f where the lower end opening 88h is open is configured to extend downward as it approaches the center of the chair body 1A in the left-right direction inward, but is not limited to this. For example, when the armrest support member 80 is disposed at a position shifted in the front-rear direction from the center of the chair body 1A, the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f may be formed to extend downward as it approaches the first side that approaches the center of the chair body 1A in a first direction intersecting the up-down direction. In the above embodiment, the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f is configured to extend downward toward the first side approaching the center of the chair body 1A in the first direction intersecting the vertical direction, but is not limited to this. For example, the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f may be configured to extend downward toward the rear or front in the front-rear direction in the first direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the armrests 5 are provided on the backrest 4 as the chair main body 1A, but the armrests 5 may also be provided on either the support structure 2 or the seat 3 as the chair main body 1A. In the above embodiment, the insertion hole opening 86k is configured to be accessible to the operator through the lower end opening 88h formed in the outer cylinder inclined surface 85f and to be visible outward in the left and right directions, but is not limited to this. For example, the lower end opening 88h may be formed in the lower end surface of the armrest support member 80 that faces vertically downward. Furthermore, the insertion hole opening 86k is not limited to being the lower end opening 88h, but may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the post insertion hole 88 so as to be accessible and visible from the upper end opening of the post insertion hole 88. In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Chair 1A: Chair body 5: Armrest 61: Bolt (fastening member) 62: Nut (fastening member) 70: Sleeve material 81: Armrest body 82: Sleeve material 85f: External cylinder inclined surface 86h: Fastening member insertion hole 86k: Through hole opening 88: Support insertion hole 88h: Bottom opening 90: Armrest body 93: Armrest support

Claims

1. An outer cylinder member having a column insertion hole extending vertically therethrough and attached to a chair body; An armrest body having an armrest support inserted into the support insertion hole and supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the outer tube member, The outer tube member has an insertion hole opening that opens to an inner circumferential surface of the support insertion hole, and a fastening member insertion hole is formed into which a fastening member for fixing the outer tube member to the chair body can be inserted, A shielding member for shielding the opening of the support hole is provided in the support hole. Armrest.

2. The shielding member is a sleeve member that surrounds the armrest support in the support insertion hole to support the armrest support so as to be vertically movable, and is provided so as not to be vertically movable relative to the outer tube member. The armrest of claim 1.

3. The lower end surface of the outer tube member extends downward toward a first side approaching the center of the chair body in a first direction intersecting the up-down direction, and includes an outer tube inclined surface on which a lower end opening of the column insertion hole opens, The insertion hole opening is provided at a position where an operator can access the insertion hole opening through the lower end opening. An armrest as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The insertion hole opening is provided so as to be visible from the outside in the left and right direction through the lower end opening. The armrest according to claim 3.

5. A bolt is inserted into the fastening member insertion hole from the inside in the left-right direction, and a nut to be fastened to the bolt is accommodated in the insertion hole opening. An armrest as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

6. A chair comprising an armrest according to claim 1 or 2.

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