Armrest and chair

Abstract

To provide an armrest and a chair capable of mitigating a sitting person's discomfort when a lower end face of a sleeve member is touched.SOLUTION: An armrest according to one embodiment of the invention includes: an outer cylinder member in which an insertion hole that penetrates vertically is formed and which can be attached to a chair body; an armrest body which is inserted into the insertion hole and is supported to be movable vertically relative to the outer cylinder member; and a sleeve member surrounding the periphery of the armrest body in the insertion hole. The sleeve member includes: a first sleeve piece provided on a first side in a first direction relative to the armrest body; and a second sleeve piece which is provided on a second side in the first direction relative to the armrest body and constitutes the sleeve member with the first sleeve piece. A part located at the lower end of the sleeve member tilts so that an angle formed by a sleeve inclined plane and a second mating surface at is larger than an angle formed by the sleeve inclined plane and a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A known configuration for a chair armrest is one that has an insertion hole penetrating in the vertical direction, an outer tube member attached to the chair body, and an armrest body supported by the outer tube member through the insertion hole so as to be movable up and down. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an armrest of this type that has an intermediate tube that surrounds the armrest body within the insertion hole. The intermediate tube is used to improve the sliding properties between the armrest body and the outer tube member. Therefore, it is considered preferable that the intermediate tube be provided over the entire vertical length of the insertion hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-106630 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, the intermediate tube is generally formed by butting two half pieces divided into left and right halves together to improve the ease of assembly. Meanwhile, the lower end surface of the outer tube member is formed as an inclined surface that extends upward toward the outside in the left-right direction, following the underside of the chair. Therefore, if the lower end surface of the intermediate tube is formed as an inclined surface following the lower end surface of the outer tube member, the corner between the lower end edge of the half piece located on the outside and the mating surface is formed at an acute angle. In this case, for example, if a seated person touches the corner between the lower end edge of the half piece and the mating surface through the lower end opening of the insertion hole, it may cause discomfort.

[0005] The present invention provides an armrest and a chair that can reduce the discomfort felt by a seated occupant even when the occupant touches the lower end surface of a sleeve member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) An armrest according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an outer tube member having an insertion hole penetrating in a vertical direction and attached to a chair body, an armrest body inserted into the insertion hole and supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the outer tube member, and a sleeve member surrounding the armrest body within the insertion hole and immovable relative to the outer tube member, wherein a lower end surface of the outer tube member extends downward as it approaches a first side in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, the first side being closer to the center of the chair body, and comprises an outer tube inclined surface through which the insertion hole opens, and the lower end surface of the sleeve member extends downward as it approaches the first side in the first direction, following the outer tube inclined surface. the sleeve member has a first mating surface facing a second side in the first direction and arranged on the first side of the first direction relative to the armrest body in the first direction; and a second sleeve piece having a second mating surface facing the first side in the first direction and superimposed on the first mating surface in the first direction, arranged on the second side of the first direction relative to the armrest body in the first direction and constituting the sleeve member together with the first sleeve piece, and at least in a portion located at the lower end of the sleeve member, an angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the second mating surface is inclined so as to be greater than the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the vertical direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, even though the sleeve inclined surface is formed as an inclined surface extending downward toward the first side in the first direction, the angle between the second mating surface and the sleeve inclined surface can be made larger than the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the up-down direction, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the seated occupant even when the seated occupant touches the sleeve inclined surface. Furthermore, in this form, since the insertion hole penetrates the support tube in the vertical direction, the lowest position of the armrest body can be set to a position where the lower end of the armrest body protrudes from the lower end opening of the insertion hole. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable armrest while ensuring the stroke amount of the armrest body.

[0008] (2) In the armrest according to the above aspect (1), it is preferable that the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the first mating surface, and the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the second mating surface are each a right angle. According to this aspect, it is easier to reduce the discomfort felt by the seated occupant compared to when the angle between the second mating surface and the inclined sleeve surface is an acute angle. Moreover, by making the angle between the second mating surface and the inclined sleeve surface a right angle, the angle between the first mating surface overlapping the second mating surface and the inclined sleeve surface can also be maintained at a right angle. This reduces the discomfort felt by the seated occupant when touching either the corner between the second mating surface and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece or the corner between the first mating surface and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece.

[0009] (3) In the armrest according to the above-mentioned (1) or (2), it is preferable that a chamfer is formed at a corner of the sleeve inclined surface between the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece and the first mating surface, and at a corner of the sleeve inclined surface between the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece and the second mating surface. According to this aspect, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be further reduced when the occupant touches either the corner formed by the second mating surface and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece, or the corner formed by the first mating surface and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece.

[0010] (4) In an armrest according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (3), it is preferable that the second mating surface has a straight portion extending linearly in the vertical direction and a bent portion at the lower end of the sleeve member that connects the straight portion and the sleeve inclined surface and extends downward toward the second side in the first direction. According to this aspect, compared to a configuration in which the entire second mating surface is inclined, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in design and the efficiency of production.

[0011] (5) In an armrest relating to any one of the above aspects (1) to (4), it is preferable that the first sleeve piece has a first engagement portion that engages with the outer tube member in the vertical direction, and the second sleeve piece has a second engagement portion that engages with the outer tube member in the vertical direction. According to this aspect, even if the sleeve member is formed in half, rattling of the sleeve member in the up-down direction relative to the outer tube member can be suppressed.

[0012] (6) The chair according to this aspect has an armrest according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (5). According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a chair that is comfortable to use while ensuring the stroke amount of the armrest body. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to each of the above aspects, even when the seated occupant touches the lower end surface of the sleeve member, the discomfort felt by the seated occupant can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chair according to the embodiment, seen from the left front. [Diagram 2] 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II in FIG. 4. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a seat receiving member and a cover member according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the armrest according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 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 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 outside in the left-right direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the armrest according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] 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.

[0016] [Chair 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair 1 as seen from the front left. As shown in Fig. 1, chair 1 has a support structure 2, a backrest 3, a seat 4, and armrests 5. In the following description, the directions of front, back, up, down, left and right, etc. are the same as the directions of a person (seater) sitting in the correct posture on chair 1. In this case, the arrow UP in the figure indicates upward, the arrow FR indicates forward, and the 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.

[0017] <Support structure 2> The support structure 2 includes a leg body 11, a support base 12, a seat receiving member 20 (see FIG. 2), and a cover member 21. 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 4 from below and also supports the backrest 4 so that it can tilt. The support base 12 is equipped with a lifting operation unit (not shown) that operates the gas spring 16, a tilting operation unit that tilts the backrest 4, and the like.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 2, the seat receiving member 20 is attached to the support base 12 from above. The seat receiving member 20 is a member that tilts backward together with the seat 4 relative to the support base 12 in conjunction with the backward tilt of the backrest 3 relative to the support base 12. The seat receiving member 20 is a strength member made of a metal material such as a drawn sheet metal or aluminum die casting, and has a saucer shape that opens upward.

[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the seat receiving member 20 and the cover member 21. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat receiving member 20 includes a seat mounting portion 24 and an armrest mounting portion 25. The seat receiving member 20 includes a seat mounting portion 24 and an armrest mounting portion 25. As shown in FIG. The seat attachment portion 24 is a portion that is rectangular in plan view and is located in the left-right center of the seat receiving member 20. The seat attachment portion 24 supports the seat 4 from below. The armrest attachment portion 25 is a portion of the seat receiving member 20 that protrudes outward in the left-right direction relative to the seat attachment portion 24.

[0022] The cover members 21 are attached to the seat receiving member 20 from both the left and right sides. Each cover member 21 has the same configuration. Therefore, the following will explain the details of the cover member 21 by taking the left cover member 21 as an example.

[0023] The cover member 21 includes a cover main body 26 and an eave portion 27 . The cover body 26 covers the portion of the seat mounting portion 24 from the outer surface to the underside. An insertion hole 26a is formed in the portion of the cover body 26 that overlaps with the armrest mounting portion 22 when viewed from the left-right direction. The armrest mounting portion 22 penetrates the insertion hole 26a from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction. Therefore, the armrest mounting portion 22 protrudes outward in the left-right direction relative to the cover body 26. The eaves portion 27 extends outward in the left-right direction from a portion of the cover body 26 that is located above the insertion hole 26a. The eaves portion 27 covers the armrest attachment portion 22 from above.

[0024] <Backrest 3> As shown in Fig. 1, the backrest 3 is formed in a circular arc shape protruding backward in a plan view and in an S-shape in a side view, and supports the seated person's lower back to the back from behind. The backrest 3 is connected to the rear end of the support base 12 so as to be able to tilt. The backrest 3 may be configured not to be able to tilt with respect to the support base 12.

[0025] <Location 4> The seat 4 is formed in a downwardly protruding 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 FIG. 2, the seat 4 includes a seat plate 30 and a seat body 31. The seat plate 30 is a resin-molded plate-like member that forms the framework of the seat 4. The seat plate 30 is attached to the seat attachment portion 24 while covering the entire seat receiving member 20 from above. In the illustrated example, the lower surface of the seat plate 30 is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) that extends upward toward the outside in the left-right direction. The lower surface of the seat receiving member 20 is also formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) that extends upward toward the outside in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the vertical gap between the seat plate 30 and the armrest attachment portion 22 gradually expands toward the outside in the left-right direction. However, the vertical gap between the seat plate 30 and the armrest attachment portion 22 may be uniform throughout the entire left-right direction, or may be configured to have no gap.

[0026] The seat body 31 is supported from above by the seat plate 30. The seat body 31 includes a cushion material placed on the upper surface of the seat plate 30, and a cover material that covers the cushion material from above.

[0027] <Armrest 5> FIG. 4 is a side view of the armrest 5. 1 and 4, the armrests 5 are attached to the armrest attachment parts (chair body) 22 and support the portion of the seated person's elbow to forearm from below. Each armrest 5 has the same configuration. Therefore, the following will explain the details of the armrest 5 using the left armrest 5 as an example.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the armrest 5 comprises an armrest support member (outer cylinder member) 50, an armrest main body 51, and a sleeve member 52. The armrest support member 50 is a member that connects the armrest attachment portion 22 and the armrest main body 51, and functions as a strength member of the armrest 5. The armrest support member 50 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the front. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the armrest support member 50 includes a protruding portion 55 and a support tube 56.

[0029] The overhanging portion 55 is attached to the armrest mounting portion 22. Specifically, the overhanging portion 55 extends from the armrest mounting portion 22 toward the outside in the left-right direction. The overhanging portion 55 has a portion to be attached to the armrest mounting portion 22. In this embodiment, a recess 55a that opens upward and toward the inside in the left-right direction is formed as the portion to be attached. However, the armrest mounting portion 22 may be concave and the portion to be attached may be convex. The overhanging portion 55 is attached to the armrest mounting portion 22 by fastening the armrest mounting portion 22 in the up-down direction with a screw or the like while the armrest mounting portion 22 is fitted into the recess 55a. The lower surface of the overhanging portion 55 is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) that extends upward as it moves toward the outside in the left-right direction following the lower surface of the seat 4.

[0030] The support tube 56 extends upward from the outer end of the protruding portion 55 in the left-right direction. In the illustrated example, the support tube 56 is disposed in a state inclined forward as it goes upward. The support tube 56 protrudes upward from the seat 4 on the outer side in the left-right direction relative to the seat 4. The support tube 56 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, the inside of the support tube 56 is formed as an insertion hole 58 that penetrates the support tube 56 in the up-down direction. The lower end surface (outer tube inclined surface) of the support tube 56 is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) that extends upward as it goes outward in the left-right direction following the lower surface of the protruding portion 55. Therefore, the lower end opening of the insertion hole 58 is opened downward and outward in the left-right direction.

[0031] An upper engagement recess 58a is formed at the upper end of the insertion hole 58. The upper engagement recess 58a is recessed relative to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 58 so that the inner diameter is larger than the other portion (the central portion in the vertical direction) of the insertion hole 58. The upper engagement recess 58a extends around the entire circumference of the insertion hole 58 and is open on the upper end surface of the support tube 56. Of the inner surface of the upper engagement recess 58a, the upward facing surface is formed as a flat surface.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 6, a lower engagement recess 58b and a lower engagement protrusion 58c are formed at the lower end of the insertion hole 58. The lower engagement recess 58b is formed recessed inward in the left-right direction with respect to the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 58. The lower engagement recess 58b is open on the lower end surface of the support tube 56. Of the inner surface of the lower engagement recess 58b, the downward surface facing downward is formed into a flat surface. The lower engaging protrusions 58c protrude inward in the left-right direction from the inner surface of the insertion hole 58. The lower engaging protrusions 58c are formed in a triangular or trapezoidal shape in which the amount of protrusion from the inner surface of the insertion hole 58 gradually increases as they extend downward. A plurality of lower engaging protrusions 58c (for example, two) are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the lower surface of the lower engaging protrusions 58c is located lower than the downward surface of the lower engaging recess 58b.

[0033] 2 and 5, the armrest body 51 is supported so as to be vertically movable relative to the support cylinder 56. Specifically, the armrest body 51 includes an armrest base 60, an elbow rest 61, and an operating mechanism 62. The armrest base 60 is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side. The armrest base 60 is configured such that an armrest support 66 and an armrest mounting portion 67 are integrally formed.

[0034] The armrest support 66 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction and has a rectangular (or oval) shape that is slightly smaller than the inner shape of the insertion hole 58 in a plan view. Specifically, like the support tube 56, the armrest support 66 is inclined forward as it extends upward. Guide holes 66a are formed in the lower end of the armrest support 66 in parts facing each other in the left-right direction. The guide holes 66a are formed like slits that penetrate the armrest support 66 in the left-right direction and extend in the front-rear direction.

[0035] The elbow rest attachment portion 67 extends forward from the upper end of the armrest support 66. The elbow rest attachment portion 67 is formed in a box shape that opens upward. The rear end of the elbow rest attachment portion 67 communicates with the inside of the armrest support 66. As shown in Figure 4, a lever exposure hole 67a is formed in the rear part of the bottom wall of the elbow rest attachment portion 67. The lever exposure hole 67a is formed in the shape of a slit that extends in the front-rear direction.

[0036] The elbow rest 61 is disposed above the elbow rest attachment 67. The elbow rest 61 is formed, for example, by covering a shell and padding material with a skin material. The upper surface of the elbow rest 61 forms an elbow rest surface that supports the elbows of the seated occupant. The elbow rest 61 covers the elbow rest attachment 67 from above, and is attached to the elbow rest attachment 67 in a state where it protrudes in the front-rear and left-right directions relative to the elbow rest attachment 67.

[0037] 2 and 4, the operating mechanism 62 is housed in the armrest base 60. The operating mechanism 62 includes a lever 70, an engagement pin 71, and a link member 72. As shown in Fig. 4, lever 70 extends in the front-rear direction inside elbow rest attachment portion 67. The front end of lever 70 protrudes forward and downward from the bottom wall of elbow rest attachment portion 67 through lever exposure hole 67a. Lever 70 is supported by elbow rest attachment portion 67 so as to be rotatable about an axis that extends in the left-right direction. The engagement pin 71 extends in the left-right direction at the lower end of the armrest support 66. The engagement pin 71 passes through a pair of guide holes 66a (see FIG. 2) formed in the armrest support 66, and protrudes outward in the left-right direction relative to the armrest support 66. The engagement pin 71 is configured to be movable back and forth relative to the armrest support 66 along the inside of the guide holes 66a.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2, the link member 72 connects the lever 70 and the engagement pin 71. The link member 72 extends in the up-down direction inside the armrest support 66. The link member 72 is supported by the armrest support 66 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the left-right direction. When the lever 70 is rotated, the link member 72 rotates inside the armrest support 66, thereby moving the engagement pin 71 rearward. The engagement pin 71 is urged forward by a urging member (not shown) or the like.

[0039] 4 and 5, the sleeve member 52 is provided in the insertion hole 58 so as to surround the armrest support pillar 66 and not to be able to move up and down relative to the support cylinder 56. The sleeve member 52 is intended to improve the sliding property between the armrest support pillar 66 and the support cylinder 56.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the armrest main body 51 and the sleeve member 52 as viewed from the inside in the left-right direction. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the armrest main body 51 and the sleeve member 52 as viewed from the outside in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the sleeve member 52 has a base tube portion 74, an upper engagement protrusion portion (first engagement portion, second engagement portion) 75, a lower engagement protrusion portion (first engagement portion) 76, and a lower engagement recess portion (second engagement portion) 77.

[0041] The base tube portion 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending over the entire length of the insertion hole 58. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper end surface of the sleeve member 52 is disposed flush with the upper end surface of the support tube 56. That is, the upper end surface of the sleeve member 52 is formed as a flat surface extending in the front-rear direction in a side view. As shown in Fig. 6, the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is disposed flush with the lower end surface of the support tube 56. That is, the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is formed as an inclined surface (curved surface) extending downward toward the inside (first side) in the left-right direction in a front view.

[0042] The outer surface shape of the base cylinder portion 74 in plan view is formed to follow the inner surface shape of the insertion hole 58 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 support pillar 66 in plan view. Therefore, when the armrest main body 51 is raised or lowered relative to the armrest support member 50, the outer surface of the armrest support pillar 66 comes into sliding contact with the inner surface of the base cylinder portion 74.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, the base tubular portion 74 includes an inner main wall portion 80, an outer main wall portion 81, a front wall portion 82, and a rear wall portion 83. As shown in FIG. The inner main wall portion 80 extends in the up-down direction on the inside in the left-right direction relative to the armrest support pillar 66. The inner main wall portion 80 covers the armrest support pillar 66 from the inside in the left-right direction. The outer main wall portion 81 extends in the up-down direction on the outer side in the left-right direction of the armrest support 66. The outer main wall portion 81 covers the armrest support 66 from the outer side in the left-right direction.

[0044] 7 and 8, guide grooves 85 are formed in portions of each of the main wall portions 80, 81 that face each other in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 85 penetrate each of the main wall portions 80, 81 in the left-right direction. The guide grooves 85 include a communication groove 86 and an engagement groove 87. The communication groove 86 extends in the up-down direction in each of the main wall portions 80, 81. In the illustrated example, the communication groove 86 extends while gradually inclining forward as it extends upward along the extension direction of each of the main wall portions 80, 81. The engagement groove 87 extends forward from the communication groove 86. A plurality of engagement grooves 87 are formed at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0045] The above-mentioned engagement pins 71 are housed in the guide grooves 85. That is, the engagement pins 71 move in accordance with the swinging of the link member 72 between a locked position where they selectively engage with one of the engagement grooves 87 and a retracted position where they retract from the engagement grooves 87 and are positioned within the communicating grooves 86. That is, in the locked position, the engagement pins 71 engage with the engagement grooves 87, thereby restricting the vertical movement of the armrest main body 51 relative to the armrest support member 50 (and the sleeve member 52). On the other hand, in the retracted position, the engagement pins 71 retract from the engagement grooves 87 into the communicating grooves 86, thereby allowing the vertical movement of the armrest main body 51 relative to the armrest support member 50.

[0046] The front wall portion 82 connects the front ends of the inner main wall portion 80 and the outer main wall portion 81 over the entire length in the vertical direction. The front wall portion 82 covers the armrest support 66 from the front. The rear wall portion 83 connects the rear ends of the inner main wall portion 80 and the outer main wall portion 81 over the entire vertical length. The rear wall portion 83 covers the armrest support 66 from the rear.

[0047] 2 and 7, the upper engagement protrusion 75 protrudes in a flange shape from the upper end of the base tube portion 74. When the sleeve member 52 is inserted into the insertion hole 58, the lower surface of the upper engagement protrusion 75 engages with the upward surface of the upper engagement recess 58a from above, thereby restricting downward movement of the sleeve member 52 relative to the armrest support member 50. 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 52 and the upper end surface of the support tube 56 are smoothly connected.

[0048] 6 and 7, a plurality of (e.g., two) lower engagement protrusions 76 are formed at the lower end of the inner main wall portion 80 at intervals in the front-rear direction. The lower engagement protrusions 76 are ridges that protrude inward in the left-right direction from the inner main wall portion 80 and extend in the up-down direction. When the sleeve member 52 is inserted into the insertion hole 58, the upper end surface of the lower engagement protrusion 76 engages with the downward surface of the lower engagement recess 58b from below, thereby restricting upward movement of the sleeve member 52 relative to the armrest support member 50.

[0049] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, a plurality of (e.g., two) lower engagement recesses 77 are formed at the lower end of the outer main wall portion 81 at intervals in the front-rear direction. The lower engagement recesses 77 are through holes that penetrate the outer main wall portion 81 in the left-right direction. The lower engagement protrusions 58c are housed in the lower engagement recesses 77. When the sleeve member 52 is inserted into the insertion hole 58, 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 52 relative to the armrest support member 50.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, a spacer portion 84 is formed at the lower end of the inner main wall portion 80 in a portion located below the lower engaging protrusion 76. The spacer portion 84 extends in the front-rear direction along the lower end edge of the inner main wall portion 80 and protrudes inward in the left-right direction relative to the inner main wall portion 80. The lower end edge of the lower engaging protrusion 76 is continuous with the spacer portion 84. The outer peripheral surface of the spacer portion 84 is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lower engaging recess 58b. This allows the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 and the lower end surface of the support tube 56 to be smoothly continuous with each other.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the sleeve member 52 is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole by combining a first half of a sleeve piece 90 and a second half of a sleeve piece 91 in the left-right direction. The first sleeve piece 90 constitutes an inner portion in the left-right direction of the sleeve member 52. In other words, the first sleeve piece 90 is provided on the inner side in the left-right direction relative to the armrest support 66. The first sleeve piece 90 is formed in a C-shape that opens outward in the left-right direction in a plan view.

[0052] The first sleeve piece 90 comprises an inner main wall portion 80 , a first front wall portion 93 and a first rear wall portion 94 . The first front wall portion 93 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the front end portion of the inner main wall portion 80. The first front wall portion 93 constitutes an inner portion of the front wall portion 82 in the left-right direction. The first rear wall portion 94 protrudes outward in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of the inner main wall portion 80. The first rear wall portion 94 constitutes an inner portion of the rear wall portion 83 in the left-right direction.

[0053] The second sleeve piece 91 constitutes the outer portion in the left-right direction of the sleeve member 52. In other words, the second sleeve piece 91 is provided on the outer side in the left-right direction with respect to the armrest support 66. The second sleeve piece 91 is formed in a C-shape that opens inward in the left-right direction in a plan view.

[0054] The second sleeve piece 91 includes an outer main wall portion 81 , a second front wall portion 95 , and a second rear wall portion 96 . The second front wall portion 95 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the front end portion of the outer main wall portion 81. The second front wall portion 95 constitutes an outer portion in the left-right direction of the front wall portion 82. A surface of the second front wall portion 95 facing inward in the left-right direction (second front mating surface 95a) abuts against a surface of the first front wall portion 93 facing outward in the left-right direction (first front mating surface 93a). In other words, the front mating surfaces 93a, 95a abut against each other in the left-right direction to constitute the front wall portion 82.

[0055] The second rear wall portion 96 protrudes inward in the left-right direction from the rear end portion of the outer main wall portion 81. The second rear wall portion 96 constitutes an inner portion in the left-right direction of the rear wall portion 83. A surface of the second rear wall portion 96 facing inward in the left-right direction (second rear mating surface 96a) abuts against a surface of the first rear wall portion 94 facing outward in the left-right direction (first rear mating surface 94a). In other words, the rear mating surfaces 94a, 96a abut against each other in the left-right direction to constitute the rear wall portion 83.

[0056] Next, the details of the mating surfaces of the sleeve pieces 90, 91 will be described using the front mating surfaces 93a, 95a as an example. As shown in FIG. 9, the first front mating surface (first mating surface) 93a includes a first straight portion 93a1 and a first bent portion 93a2. The first straight portion 93a1 is a portion of the first front mating surface 93a other than the lower end. The first straight portion 93a1 extends linearly in the extension direction (up-down direction) of the sleeve member 52 in a front view. The upper end of the first straight portion 93a1 reaches the upper end of the sleeve member 52.

[0057] The first bent portion 93a2 is connected downward from the first straight portion 93a1 between the upper end surface of the lower engaging protrusion 76 and the upper end surface of the spacer portion 84. The first bent portion 93a2 extends downward and inclined outward in the left-right direction. The lower end of the first bent portion 93a2 reaches the lower end of the sleeve member 52.

[0058] Here, the angle between an imaginary line L1 extending in the vertical direction along the boundary between the first straight portion 93a1 and the second straight portion 95a1 and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is defined as θa on the superior angle side and θb on the inferior angle side. In this case, the first bent portion 93a2 is bent so that the angle θ1 between the lower end surface of the first front wall portion 93 is smaller than the angle θa and larger than the angle θb. In this embodiment, the angle θ1 is preferably set in the range of 90°±10°, and more preferably 90°.

[0059] The second front mating surface (second mating surface) 95a includes a second straight portion (straight portion) 95a1 and a second bent portion (mating surface) 95a2. The second straight portion 95a1 is a portion of the second front mating surface 95a other than the lower end portion. The second straight portion 95a1 has the same dimensions as the first straight portion 93a1 and extends linearly in the extension direction (up-down direction) of the sleeve member 52. That is, the first straight portion 93a1 and the second straight portion 95a1 butt against each other in the left-right direction over the entire length in the up-down direction.

[0060] The second bent portion 95a2 is connected downward from the second straight portion 95a1. The second bent portion 95a2 extends parallel to the first bent portion 93a2, and is inclined toward the outside in the left-right direction as it extends downward. The lower end of the second bent portion 95a2 reaches the lower end of the sleeve member 52. In this case, the second bent portion 95a2 is bent so that the angle θ2 between the second bent portion 95a1 and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is smaller than the angle θa and larger than the angle θb. In this embodiment, the angle θ2 is preferably set in the range of 90°±10°, and more preferably 90°.

[0061] A chamfered portion 101 is formed at a first front corner 100 formed by the first bent portion 93a2 and the lower end surface of the first front wall portion 93. Meanwhile, a chamfered portion 106 is formed at a second front corner 105 formed by the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the second front wall portion 95. The chamfered portions 101, 106 are, for example, rounded chamfers. Therefore, a gap is formed between the lower end surfaces of the first front wall portion 93 and the second front wall portion 95 by the chamfered portions 101, 106. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the chamfered portions 101, 106 are smaller than the dimensions of the bent portions 93a2, 95a2 in the extension direction. The front corners 100, 105 may be configured such that the chamfered portions 101, 106 are not formed. 7 and 8, a corner formed by an upper end surface of the first front wall portion 93 and the first straight portion 93a1, and a corner formed by an upper end surface of the second front wall portion 95 and the second straight portion 95a1 are not chamfered. Therefore, the upper end surfaces of the first front wall portion 93 and the second front wall portion 95 are smoothly connected to each other.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, when manufacturing the armrest 5 of this embodiment, the sleeve pieces 90, 91 are first assembled in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the armrest support 66, thereby forming a pre-assembly of the armrest main body 51 and the sleeve member 52. Specifically, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 are brought close to each other in the left-right direction so that the first front mating surface 93a of the first sleeve piece 90 and the first front mating surface 95a of the second sleeve piece 91 butt against each other in the left-right direction. At this time, in this embodiment, the normal directions of the first front mating surface 93a (first bent portion 93a2) and the first front mating surface 95a (second bent portion 95a2) each have a vertical component. Therefore, by butting the first bent portion 93a2 and the second bent portion 95a2 against each other, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 can be positioned in the up-down direction. This makes it easy to maintain the pre-assembled state without joining the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 together, etc. However, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 may be joined together in the pre-assembled state.

[0063] Next, the pre-assembly body is fitted into the support cylinder 56 through the upper opening of the insertion hole 58. At this time, the upper engaging recess 58a and the upper engaging protrusion 75 are engaged with each other, the lower engaging recess 58b and the lower engaging protrusion 76 are engaged with each other, and the lower engaging protrusion 58c and the lower engaging recess 77 are engaged with each other in the vertical direction. As a result, the armrest 5 is completed with the sleeve member 52 assembled to the armrest support member 50 so as not to be able to move up and down, and the armrest main body 51 supported on the armrest support member 50 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, when raising or lowering the armrest body 51, the lever 70 is grasped together with the armrest portion 61 to move the engagement pin 71 to the retracted position. In this state, the armrest body 51 can be raised or lowered relative to the armrest support member 50 by moving it up or down. In this embodiment, when the armrest body 51 is in the lowest position, the armrest support post 66 protrudes downward from the lower end surface of the support tube 56 through the lower opening of the insertion hole 58. This makes it easy to ensure the stroke amount of the armrest body 51.

[0065] In this manner, in this embodiment, at least in the portion of the boundary between the first front mating surface 93a and the first front mating surface 95a located at the lower end of the sleeve member 52, the angle θ2 between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is inclined so as to be greater than the angle θb between the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 and the vertical direction. According to this configuration, even though the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is formed as an inclined surface extending downward toward the inside in the left-right direction, the angle θ2 between the first front mating surface 95a (second bent portion 95a2) and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 can be made larger than the angle θb between the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 and the up-down direction. As a result, even if the seated occupant touches the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52, the discomfort felt by the seated occupant can be reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the insertion hole 58 penetrates the support tube 56 in the vertical direction, the lowest position of the armrest main body 51 can be set to a position where the lower end of the armrest main body 51 (armrest support 66) protrudes from the lower end opening of the insertion hole 58. This makes it possible to provide an armrest 5 that is comfortable to use while ensuring the stroke amount of the armrest body 51.

[0066] In the armrest 5 of this embodiment, the angle θ1 between the first bent portion 93a2 and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece 90, and the angle θ2 between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece 91 are formed as right angles. According to this configuration, it is easier to reduce the discomfort felt by the seated person compared to when the angle θ2 between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 is formed as an acute angle. Moreover, by making the angle θ2 between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 a right angle, the angle θ1 between the first bent portion 93a2, which abuts against the second bent portion 95a2, and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 can also be maintained at a right angle. As a result, the discomfort felt by the seated person can be reduced even when the seated person touches either the corner between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece 91 or the corner between the first bent portion 93a2 and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece 90.

[0067] In the armrest 5 of this embodiment, chamfered portions 101, 106 are formed at the corner formed by the first front mating surface 93a and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece 90, and at the corner formed by the first front mating surface 95a and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece 91, respectively. With this configuration, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be further reduced when the occupant touches either the corner between the second bent portion 95a2 and the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece 91, or the corner between the first bent portion 93a2 and the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece 90.

[0068] In the armrest 5 of this embodiment, the first front mating surface 95a includes a second straight portion 95a1 and a second bent portion 95a2 that extends downward and then outward in the left-right direction. This configuration allows for greater freedom in design and improved manufacturing efficiency compared to a configuration in which the entire first front mating surface 95a is inclined.

[0069] In the armrest 5 of this embodiment, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 are configured to include an upper engagement protrusion 75 that engages from above with the upper engagement recess 58a of the support tube 56, and a lower engagement protrusion 76 and a lower engagement recess 77 that engage from below with the lower engagement recess 58b and the lower engagement protrusion 58c of the support tube 56, respectively. According to this configuration, even if the sleeve member 52 is formed in half, rattling of the sleeve member 52 relative to the support tube 56 in the up-down direction can be suppressed.

[0070] Since the chair 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the armrest 5 described above, it is possible to provide a chair 1 that is comfortable to use while ensuring the stroke amount of the armrest main body 51.

[0071] (Other variations) 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. In the above-described embodiment, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 are assembled to each other in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 may be assembled to each other in the front-rear direction. In the above embodiment, the first sleeve piece 90 and the second sleeve piece 91 are mutually formed in a C-shape, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first sleeve piece 90 may be C-shaped having the inner main wall portion 80, the front wall portion 82, and the rear wall portion 83, and the second sleeve piece 91 may be flat plate-shaped having only the outer main wall portion 81.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which only the bent portions 93a2, 95a2 of the first front mating surface 93a and the first front mating surface 95a are inclined has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first front mating surface 93a and the first front mating surface 95a may be entirely inclined. In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the sleeve member 52 is engaged with the support tube 56 in the vertical direction inside the insertion hole 58 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The sleeve member 52 may be press-fitted into the insertion hole 58 or fixed via an adhesive or the like. In the above embodiment, the lower end surface of the support tube 56 (outer tube inclined surface) and the lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 (sleeve inclined surface) are flush with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The lower end surface of the sleeve member 52 may be located above or below the lower end surface of the support tube 56.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the first bent portion 93a2 and the second bent portion 95a2 extend parallel to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first bent portion 93a2 and the second bent portion 95a2 may extend non-parallel to each other. In the above embodiment, the first front mating surface 93a and the second front mating surface 95a, and the first rear mating surface 94a and the second rear mating surface 96a, have the same configuration, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The first front mating surface 93a and the second front mating surface 95a, and the first rear mating surface 94a and the second rear mating surface 96a may have different configurations. For example, the angles θ1 and θ2 may be different between the first front mating surface 93a and the second front mating surface 95a, and between the first rear mating surface 94a and the second rear mating surface 96a.

[0074] 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]

[0075] 1: Chair 51: Armrest body 52: Sleeve material 58: Insertion hole 75: Upper engagement convex part (first engagement part, second engagement part) 76: Lower engagement convex part (first engagement part) 77: Lower engagement recess (second engagement portion) 90: First sleeve piece 91: Second sleeve piece 93a: First front mating surface (first mating surface) 94a: First rear mating surface (first mating surface) 95a: Second front mating surface (second mating surface) 95a1: 2nd straight part (straight part) 95a2: 2nd bending part (bending part) 96a: Second rear mating surface (second mating surface) 101: First chamfered part (chamfered part) 106: Second chamfered part (chamfered part)

Claims

1. An outer cylinder member having an insertion hole penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction and attached to the chair body; An armrest body that is inserted into the insertion hole and supported so as to be movable up and down relative to the outer tube member; A sleeve member that surrounds the armrest body within the insertion hole and is provided so as not to be movable up and down relative to the outer tube member, 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 the insertion hole opens, a lower end surface of the sleeve member including a sleeve inclined surface extending downward toward the first side in the first direction and following the outer cylinder inclined surface; The sleeve member is A first sleeve piece having a first mating surface facing a second side in the first direction and disposed on a first side in the first direction relative to the armrest body; A second sleeve piece facing a first side in the first direction and having a second mating surface that is superimposed on the first mating surface in the first direction, and disposed on a second side in the first direction relative to the armrest body in the first direction to constitute the sleeve member together with the first sleeve piece; An armrest inclined so that, at least in the portion located at the lower end of the sleeve member, the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the second mating surface is greater than the angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the vertical direction.

2. The armrest according to claim 1 , wherein an angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the first mating surface, and an angle between the sleeve inclined surface and the second mating surface are each a right angle.

3. An armrest as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a chamfer is formed at a corner portion of the sleeve inclined surface formed by the lower end surface of the first sleeve piece and the first mating surface, and at a corner portion of the sleeve inclined surface formed by the lower end surface of the second sleeve piece and the second mating surface.

4. The second mating surface is A straight portion extending straight in the vertical direction; An armrest as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a bent portion at the lower end of the sleeve member that connects the straight portion and the sleeve inclined surface and extends downward toward the second side in the first direction.

5. the first sleeve piece includes a first engagement portion that engages with the outer tube member in a vertical direction, 3. The armrest according to claim 1, wherein the second sleeve piece has a second engagement portion that vertically engages with the outer tube member.

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

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