Connection structure for assembly-type furniture, and assembly-type furniture having connection structure

Abstract

To provide a connection structure for assembly-type furniture capable of being simply assembled, and the assembly-type furniture having the connection structure.SOLUTION: A connection structure for assembly-type furniture comprises a square tube-like member 2 having an insertion hole 21a, and a connection member 5 having a fitting part 51 for being fitted into the square tube-like member 2. The fitting part 51 is provided with an open part 57 that is opened toward the insertion hole 21a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure for prefabricated furniture and prefabricated furniture having the connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] In supermarkets, convenience stores, offices, libraries, warehouses, etc., prefabricated furniture on which articles are displayed, such as shelves, is used.

[0003] For example, the prefabricated furniture shown in Patent Document 1 includes a pair of left and right rectangular tube-shaped columns, a cross beam member, and a leg member. A fitting hole for inserting the cross beam member is formed in the lower side of the side wall of the column. Further, an engagement groove into which the leg member is fitted is formed at the lower end of the column. After inserting the cross beam member into the fitting holes of the respective columns and fitting each leg member into the engagement groove of the corresponding column, the prefabricated furniture can be assembled by connecting the cross beam member and each leg member with bolts and nuts.

[0004] In the prefabricated furniture of Patent Document 1, a large number of slit holes arranged in a row in the vertical direction are formed in each column. Each slit hole is formed so that a hook in the bracket can be inserted. By inserting the hook in the bracket into the slit hole and locking it to the column, the bracket is cantilever-supported by the column. By supporting a shelf board on a pair of brackets cantilever-supported by the column, one shelf unit can be configured. Further, by changing the slit hole into which the hook in the bracket is inserted, the height position of the shelf unit can be adjusted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In an assembled furniture such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, by inserting a cross beam member into each support column, the front-rear and vertical alignment of the support columns is achieved, making assembly easier.

[0007] On the other hand, a nut is provided on the portion of the cross beam member that is inserted into the support column. Further, a through hole through which a bolt is inserted is formed in the leg member. That is, in order to connect the cross beam member and the leg member with a bolt and nut, it is necessary to align the nut, which is inserted into the support column and difficult to visually recognize, with the through hole in the leg member.

[0008] The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a connection structure for an assembled furniture with easy assembly and an assembled furniture having the connection structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To solve the above problems, the connection structure of the assembled furniture of the present invention includes a square tubular member having an insertion hole, and a connection member having a fitting portion that fits into the square tubular member. The fitting portion is provided with an open portion that is open toward the insertion hole. According to this, the square tubular member and the connection member can be connected by a simple method of fitting the fitting portion of the connection member into the square tubular member. In addition, since other members inserted from the insertion hole can be inserted into the open portion, insertion and removal of other members through the insertion hole are possible.

[0010] The fitting portion has one piece and the other piece that are disposed opposite to each other with the open portion therebetween, and the one piece may be longer than the other piece. According to this, since the other piece is short and less likely to interfere with other members, insertion and removal of other members through the insertion hole become easier. In addition, it is possible to facilitate fitting of the fitting portion into the square tubular member.

[0011] The fitting portion may have an H-shaped cross-sectional shape. According to this, the structural strength of the fitting portion can be enhanced.

[0012] The fitting portion may be formed by fixing two constituent members having a U-shaped or J-shaped cross-sectional shape back to back. According to this, not only can the manufacturing of the fitting portion be simplified, but also the structural strength can be enhanced.

[0013] The fitting portion has an engaging portion that protrudes toward the square tubular member side, and the square tubular member may have an engaged portion with which the engaging portion is engaged. According to this, when fitting the fitting portion into the square tubular member, by engaging the engaging portion of the fitting portion with the engaged portion of the square tubular member, it is possible to restrict the fitting portion from coming out of the square tubular member.

[0014] The engaging portion may be provided on the corner side of the square tubular member. According to this, in a state where the square tubular member and the fitting portion are connected, the angle at which the fitting portion tilts with respect to the square tubular member can be reduced.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a prefabricated furniture provided with the connection structure of the present invention includes a square tubular member having an insertion hole, and a connecting member having a fitting portion fitted into the square tubular member, wherein the fitting portion is provided with an open portion that is open toward the insertion hole. According to this, the square tubular member and the connecting member can be connected by a simple method of fitting the fitting portion of the connecting member into the square tubular member. In addition, since other members inserted from the insertion hole can be inserted into the open portion, insertion and removal of other members through the insertion hole are possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The mode for carrying out the fall prevention device according to the present invention and the prefabricated furniture provided with the fall prevention device will be described below based on examples.

Examples

[0018] The connection structure of the prefabricated furniture according to the embodiment of the present invention and the prefabricated furniture provided with the connection structure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure will be described as the direction of the prefabricated furniture.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the prefabricated furniture 1 provided with the connecting structures 10, 10' of this embodiment is a merchandise display shelf on which merchandise is displayed in a supermarket, convenience store, or the like. Note that the prefabricated furniture 1 is not limited to a merchandise display shelf, and may be used as an article storage shelf for storing articles in a warehouse, office, or the like.

[0020] The prefabricated furniture 1 mainly includes columns 2, 2' as a pair of left and right rectangular tube-shaped members, horizontal connecting rods 3, 3 (see FIG. 1) provided in a pair above and below, a lattice-shaped back panel 4, leg members 5, 5' as a pair of left and right connecting members, and three sets of shelf units 6, 6, 7.

[0021] The columns 2 and 2' are symmetric in shape. The column 2 is arranged on the right side. The column 2' is arranged on the left side. Therefore, the right column 2 will be described as an example, and duplicate descriptions for the left column 2' will be simplified or omitted. The same applies to the leg members 5, 5' and the connecting structures 10, 10'. The right leg member 5 and the right connecting structure 10 will be described as examples, and duplicate descriptions for the left leg member 5' and the left connecting structure 10' will be simplified or omitted.

[0022] The column 2 is made of metal and is formed in a hollow rectangular tube shape (see FIG. 8) extending in the vertical direction.

[0023] The columns 2, 2' are such that the left wall 20 (see FIG. 4) of the opposing column 2 and the right wall 20' (see FIG. 1) of the column 2' are connected by the horizontal connecting rods 3, 3. The columns 2, 2' and the horizontal connecting rods 3, 3 together form a rectangular frame. The back panel 4 is fixed within this rectangular frame. The columns 2, 2', the horizontal connecting rods 3, 3, and the back panel 4 form one panel body. The panel body is erected by the leg members 5, 5' connected to the columns 2, 2'.

[0024] Note that the method of fixing the horizontal connecting rod 3 to the columns 2, 2' may be screwing, welding, fitting, or may be appropriately changed. The same applies to the method of fixing the back panel 4.

[0025] On the front wall 21 of the support column 2, a number of insertion holes 21a, 21a,... arranged in a single row in the vertical direction are provided. Each of the insertion holes 21a, 21a,... is provided slightly to the right of the center in the left - right direction on the front wall 21 (see Fig. 8). On the front wall 21' of the support column 2', each of the insertion holes 21a', 21a',... is provided slightly to the left of the center in the left - right direction.

[0026] One shelf unit 6 includes a pair of left - right brackets 60, 60 and a shelf board 61. For the sake of illustration, only the right - hand bracket 60 is shown in the figure, and the left - hand bracket 60 is omitted.

[0027] At the rear end of the bracket 60, a plurality of hooks 60a formed in a downward - hook shape (see Fig. 8) are provided. The hook 60a is inserted into the insertion hole 21a in the support column 2, and the bracket 60 is locked to the front wall 21. That is, the bracket 60 is cantilever - supported by the support column 2.

[0028] Both the left and right ends of the shelf board 61 are supported by the brackets 60, 60.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the lowermost shelf unit 7 includes a pair of left - right brackets 70, 70 and a shelf board 71 (see Fig. 1).

[0030] As shown in Fig. 3, at the rear end of the bracket 70, one rear piece 70a protruding rearward is provided. Also, at the lower end of the bracket 70, two lower pieces 70b, 70b protruding downward are provided.

[0031] The rear piece 70a is inserted into the insertion hole 21a in the support column 2. The lower pieces 70b, 70b are inserted into the slits 50b, 50b formed in the leg member 5.

[0032] Returning to Fig. 1, both the left and right ends of the shelf board 71 are supported by the brackets 70, 70.

[0033] Note that the shelf boards 61 and 71 are shelf boards with the same structure. Also, the shelf boards used for each shelf unit may have different front - rear dimensions, for example, and may be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the members supported by the brackets in each shelf unit are not limited to shelf boards, and may be wire shelves, boxes, or may be appropriately changed as long as they can accommodate articles.

[0034] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, a connecting structure 10 for connecting the support column 2 and the leg member 5 will be described.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, at the lower end of the left wall 20 of the support column 2, engaged portions 20a, 20a which are rectangular holes are formed. Each of the engaged portions 20a, 20a is aligned so as to be engageable with engaging portions 55a, 55a (see FIGS. 5 to 7) which are raised claws in the fitting portion 51 described later.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the leg member 5 includes a base portion 50 and a fitting portion 51.

[0037] The base portion 50 is made of metal and is formed in a hollow rectangular tube shape extending in the front - rear direction (see FIG. 9). Also, two casters 9, 9 are fixed to the base portion 50 so as to be rollable.

[0038] On the upper wall 50a of the base portion 50, slits 50b, 50b are formed one at the center in the front - rear direction and one at the front end, respectively.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, at the rear end of the upper wall 50a of the base portion 50, the lower end of the fitting portion 51 is fixed by welding. In FIGS. 5 to 9, the welded portions are shown by thick black lines.

[0040] The fitting portion 51 is made of metal and is formed in a long shape with a substantially H - shaped cross - section (see FIG. 5(b)) in which the right leg extending in the vertical direction is short, that is, in a so - called rib shape.

[0041] More specifically, the fitting portion 51 is formed by welding and fixing two constituent members 52 and 53.

[0042] The component member 52 and the component member 53 have a front-back symmetric shape. The component member 52 is disposed on the front side. The component member 53 is disposed on the rear side. Therefore, the component member 52 on the front side will be exemplified and described, and redundant descriptions for the component member 53 on the rear side will be simplified or omitted.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the component member 52 is an elongated member in the shape of an upside-down and left-right reversed J extending in the vertical direction, i.e., a so-called rib. The component member 52 has a flat connecting wall 54 extending in the left-right direction, a flat long wall 55 extending in the front-rear direction from the connecting wall 54, and a flat short wall 56 extending in the front-rear direction from the connecting wall 54. The long wall 55 and the short wall 56 are one piece and the other piece of the present invention.

[0044] The outer side of the connection portion between the long wall 55 and the connecting wall 54 has an R shape.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, on the lower side and the front side of the long wall 55, an engaging portion 55a protruding leftward from its left surface is formed.

[0046] The engaging portion 55a is a rectangular piece that is cut and raised with its upper end continuous with the main portion of the long wall 55. That is, the engaging portion 55a is in a state of being cantilever-supported by the main portion of the long wall 55, and extends downward from its upper end while inclining to the left side. The engaging portion 55a is formed by pressing a part of the main portion of the long wall 55.

[0047] On the long wall 55, two projections 55b, 55b protruding leftward from the left surface of its main portion are formed. Each projection 55b is formed in a hemispherical shape. Also, the maximum protruding dimension of the projection 55b protruding leftward from the main portion is shorter than the maximum protruding dimension of the engaging portion 55a in the natural state (see FIG. 5(a)).

[0048] The upper end portion and the front end portion of the long wall 55 are chamfered obliquely (see FIG. 6).

[0049] In addition, two abutting portions 55c and 55d that protrude forward are formed at the front end of the long wall 55.

[0050] The upper abutting portion 55c is formed below the chamfered portion of the long wall 55. The upper and lower ends of the upper abutting portion 55c are chamfered obliquely.

[0051] The lower abutting portion 55d extends from slightly above the engaging portion 55a to the lower edge of the long wall 55. The upper end of the lower abutting portion 55d is chamfered obliquely.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the short wall 56 extends substantially parallel to the long wall 55. The dimension of the short wall 56 in the front-rear direction is shorter than the dimension of the long wall 55 in the front-rear direction.

[0053] The upper end and front end portion of the short wall 56 are chamfered obliquely.

[0054] The front end of the short wall 56 is located behind the engaging portion 55a of the long wall 55. As a result, the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 can be inserted into the insertion hole 21a of the support column 2 (see FIG. 8). Furthermore, since the engaging portion 55a can be formed avoiding the short wall 56, the formation of the engaging portion 55a is simple.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, the connecting wall 54, the long wall 55, and the short wall 56 define an open portion 57 that is open toward the front side.

[0056] The component member 52 is welded and fixed to the upper wall 50a of the base 50 on the side of the open portion 57 at its lower end. That is, the front side of the connecting wall 54 is welded to the upper wall 50a. The right side of the long wall 55 is welded to the upper wall 50a. The left side of the short wall 56 is welded to the upper wall 50a.

[0057] Thereby, the beads generated by welding come out outside the component member 52, and interference with the support column 2 is prevented.

[0058] The component member 53 has a connecting wall 54', a long wall 55', and a short wall 56'. These define an open portion 57' that is open toward the rear side.

[0059] The component members 52 and 53 are welded and fixed in a state where the connecting wall 54 in the component member 52 and the connecting wall 54' in the component member 53 are back-to-back. Back-to-back means a state where the front end face of the connecting wall 54' and the rear end face of the connecting wall 54 are oppositely arranged and in contact.

[0060] More specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the component members 52 and 53 are welded and fixed at the rear end of the long wall 55 in the component member 52 and the front end of the long wall 55' in the component member 53. Due to the four projections 55b on the long wall 55, the beads generated by welding are prevented from protruding outside the four projections 55b and interfering with the support column 2.

[0061] Also, the butting portion of the long wall 55 and the long wall 55' forms a groove shape that extends in the vertical direction and is open to the left. Since a plurality of locations in this groove-shaped portion are welded, beads are prevented from interfering with the support column 2. Also, by making the welding location into a groove shape, the maximum protruding dimension of the projection 55b can be shortened. Note that the welding location is not limited to a groove shape and may be a concave shape or a hole shape, as long as it is a shape that is recessed in a direction away from the left wall 20 of the support column 2.

[0062] Regarding the fixing method of the component member 52 and the component member 53, it may be screwed, may be fitted, or may be appropriately changed. Also, if the component member 52 and the component member 53 are individually welded and fixed to the base 50, the component member 52 and the component member 53 do not necessarily have to be directly fixed to each other.

[0063] The left side of the long wall 55' in the component member 53 is aligned with the left side of the long wall 55 in the component member 52 on the same plane.

[0064] The short wall 56' in the constituent member 53 has its right end face aligned with the right end face of the short wall 56 in the constituent member 52 on the same plane.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, the support column 2 and the leg member 5 are connected with the fitting portion 51 fitted into the support column 2.

[0066] The outer dimension L1 of the fitting portion 51 in the left - right direction is slightly longer or the same as the inner dimension L2 of the support column 2 in the left - right direction. The outer dimension L1 of the fitting portion 51 is the dimension in the left - right direction from the left end face of the projection 55b (see FIG. 9) in the long wall 55 to the right end face of the short wall 56. Also, the inner dimension L2 of the support column 2 is the dimension in the left - right direction from the inner surface of the left wall 20 to the inner surface of the right wall.

[0067] Also, the outer dimension L3 of the fitting portion 51 in the front - rear direction is slightly longer or the same as the inner dimension L4 of the support column 2 in the front - rear direction. The outer dimension L3 of the fitting portion 51 is the dimension in the front - rear direction from the front end face of the contact portion 55d in the constituent member 52 to the rear end face of the contact portion 55d in the constituent member 53. Also, the inner dimension L4 of the support column 2 is the dimension in the front - rear direction from the inner surface of the front wall 21 to the inner surface of the rear wall.

[0068] That is, the long walls 55, 55' extend to the corner portions 2a, 2d which are the inner corner portions of the support column 2. Also, the short walls 56, 56' are separated from the corner portions 2b, 2c which are the inner corner portions of the support column 2.

[0069] Note that the corner portion 2a is the portion where the inner surface of the left wall 20 and the inner surface of the rear wall intersect. Also, the corner portion 2b is the portion where the inner surface of the rear wall and the inner surface of the right wall intersect. The corner portion 2c is the portion where the inner surface of the right wall and the inner surface of the front wall 21 intersect. The corner portion 2d is the portion where the inner surface of the front wall 21 and the inner surface of the left wall 20 intersect.

[0070] Next, the connection method between the support column 2 and the leg member 5 will be described. In this description, it is assumed that the support columns 2, 2', the horizontal connecting rods 3, 3, and the rear panel 4 are already configured in the panel body.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, first, the fitting portion 51 of the leg member 5 is inserted into the column 2 through the opening at the lower end of the column 2. Among the long walls 55, 55' of the fitting portion 51, the dimension in the front-rear direction of the portion above the upper contact portions 55c, 55c is shorter than the inner dimension L4 in the front-rear direction of the column 2. This makes it easier to insert into the column 2.

[0072] Also, since the upper end portions of the long walls 55, 55' are chamfered, when the chamfered portions contact the lower end edge of the column 2, it is guided so that the inclination with respect to the column 2 becomes smaller. This makes it even easier to insert into the column 2.

[0073] Further, the fitting portion 51 has the area of contact with the inner surface on the left side of the column 2 reduced by four projections 55b formed in a hemispherical shape. This makes it easier to insert the fitting portion 51 into the column 2.

[0074] Also, the fitting portion 51 has the short walls 56, 56' with dimensions in the front-rear direction shorter than those of the long walls 55, 55', and the area of contact with the inner surface on the right side of the column 2 is reduced. This makes it easier to insert the fitting portion 51 into the column 2.

[0075] Furthermore, since the short walls 56, 56' are separated from the corner portions 2b, 2c of the column 2, the area of contact with the front inner surface and the rear inner surface of the column 2 is reduced. This makes it easier to insert the fitting portion 51 into the column 2.

[0076] As the insertion of the fitting portion 51 into the column 2 progresses, when the chamfered portions of the upper contact portions 55c, 55c of the fitting portion 51 contact the lower end edge of the column 2, it is guided so that the inclination of the fitting portion 51 with respect to the column 2 becomes smaller.

[0077] Next, when the chamfered portions of the lower contact portions 55d, 55d of the fitting portion 51 contact the lower end edge of the column 2, it is guided so that the inclination of the fitting portion 51 with respect to the column 2 becomes even smaller.

[0078] Further, the fitting portion 51 has four abutting portions 55c, 55d, …, which reduce the area of contact with the inner surface of the front wall 21 and the inner surface of the rear wall in the support column 2. This makes it easier to fit the fitting portion 51 into the support column 2.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 9, after the chamfered portions of the lower abutting portions 55d, 55d are fitted into the support column 2, each engaging portion 55a, 55a in the fitting portion 51 abuts against the lower end edge of the support column 2. When the fitting portion 51 is further fitted into the support column 2 from this state, each engaging portion 55a, 55a elastically deforms so that the lower end side moves to the right side and is fitted into the support column 2. In FIG. 9, the horizontal connecting rod 3 is not shown.

[0080] When the fitting portion 51 is further fitted into the support column 2, each engaging portion 55a, 55a moves while sliding on the left inner surface of the support column 2. Then, when each engaging portion 55a, 55a reaches the corresponding engaged portion 20a, it elastically returns and is fitted into the engaged portion 20a, resulting in the state shown in FIG. 9. This completes the fitting of the fitting portion 51 into the support column 2, and the leg member 5 and the support column 2 are connected.

[0081] Also, when the upper wall 50a of the base portion 50 abuts against the lower end edge of the support column 2, the fitting of the fitting portion 51 into the support column 2 is restricted. That is, it is prevented that the fitting portion 51 further moves upward and each engaging portion 55a, 55a comes out of the engaged portions 20a, 20a.

[0082] Also, when trying to move the leg member 5 downward from the support column 2, each engaging portion 55a, 55a in the fitting portion 51 has its lower end abut against the edge defining the engaged portions 20a, 20a. That is, it is prevented that the fitting portion 51 comes out of the engaged portions 20a, 20a.

[0083] On the other hand, the fitting portion 51 can release the engaged state by pushing each engaging portion 55a, 55a fitted to the engaged portions 20a, 20a toward the right with a jig or the like and elastically deforming them. In this state, by moving the fitting portion 51 downward with respect to the support column 2, the fitting portion 51 can be easily pulled out from the support column 2.

[0084] Since it is the same as the above-described connection structure 10, the description of the connection structure 10' between the support column 2' and the leg member 5' will be simplified.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, when connecting the support column 2' and the leg member 5', the fitting portion 51' of the leg member 5' is inserted into the support column 2'. By engaging each engaging portion 55a', 55a' in the fitting portion 51' with the engaged portions 20a', 20a' of the right wall 20' of the support column 2', the support column 2' and the leg member 5' are connected.

[0086] As described above, the connection structure 10 of the present embodiment can connect the support column 2 and the leg member 5 by a simple method of inserting the fitting portion 51 of the leg member 5 into the support column 2.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, in the connection structure 10, the open portion 57 in the fitting portion 51 is open toward the insertion hole 21a in the support column 2.

[0088] With the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 inserted into the insertion hole 21a, a part of the rear piece 70a is inserted into the open portion 57. That is, contact between the rear piece 70a and the fitting portion 51 is prevented. From this, insertion and removal of the rear piece 70a through the insertion hole 21a are possible.

[0089] It should be noted that it is also possible to replace the lowermost shelf unit 7 with the structure of the shelf unit 6. In this case, in FIG. 8, instead of the bracket 70 and the rear piece 70a, brackets 60 and hooks 60a indicated by parentheses (60), (60a) are shown.

[0090] Also, in the connection structure 10, by providing an open portion 57 into which a part of the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 can be inserted, the outer dimension L3 in the front-rear direction of the fitting portion 51 and the inner dimension L4 in the front-rear direction of the support column 2 can be made substantially the same.

[0091] Further, the fitting portion 51 has a long wall 55 and a short wall 56 that are disposed opposite to each other with the open portion 57 therebetween. In addition, the short wall 56 is disposed at a position closer to the insertion hole 21a than the long wall 55 in the left - right direction.

[0092] As a result, in the fitting portion 51, it is less likely to come into contact with the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 in which the short wall 56 is inserted into the insertion hole 21a. Therefore, the insertion and removal of the rear piece 70a through the insertion hole 21a becomes easier. Furthermore, by disposing the short wall 56 at a position close to the insertion hole 21a, the outer dimension L1 in the left - right direction of the fitting portion 51 and the inner dimension L2 in the left - right direction of the support column 2 can be shortened. In addition, since the insertion hole 21a is provided slightly on the right side of the front wall 21 and the short wall 56 is also provided on the right side, the above - mentioned effects are more remarkable.

[0093] Note that as long as the configuration allows the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 to be inserted only through the open portion formed in the fitting portion, the cross - sectional shape of the component member may be formed in a U - shape.

[0094] Also, since the fitting portion 51 has an H - shaped cross - sectional shape, its structural strength is high.

[0095] Moreover, the fitting portion 51 is formed by fixing the connecting walls 54, 54' of two component members 52, 53 having a J - shaped cross - sectional shape back to back. This not only simplifies the manufacture of the fitting portion 51 but also enhances its structural strength.

[0096] Furthermore, for the leg member 5, since the fitting portion 51 formed by welding two component members 52, 53 is welded and fixed to the base portion 50, the manufacture is simplified.

[0097] Also, in the fitting portion 51, the lower contact portion 55d located at the most front side and the lower contact portion 55d located at the most rear side are each welded to the base portion 50, enhancing the connection strength with the base portion 50. From this, even when a force that causes the fitting portion 51 to swing in the front - rear direction acts on the support column 2, the standing state of the support column 2 can be stably maintained.

[0098] In addition, the long wall 55 has engaging portions 55a, 55a that protrude toward the strut 2 side. The strut 2 has engaged portions 20a, 20a. When fitting the fitting portion 51 of the leg member 5 into the strut 2, by engaging the engaging portions 55a, 55a with the engaged portions 20a, 20a, it is possible to prevent the fitting portion 51 from coming out of the strut 2.

[0099] In addition, the engaging portions 55a, 55a are provided near the corner portion 2a or the corner portion 2d of the strut 2. Thereby, in a state where the strut 2 and the fitting portion 51 are connected, the angle at which the fitting portion 51 tilts with respect to the strut 2 can be reduced. This is the same even when the lower contact portions 55d, 55d are slightly separated from the corner portion 2a or the corner portion 2d of the strut 2.

[0100] In addition, the prefabricated furniture 1 provided with the connecting structure 10 of the present embodiment can connect the strut 2 and the leg member 5 by a simple method of fitting the fitting portion 51 of the leg member 5 into the strut 2.

[0101] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, in the connecting structure 10, the open portion 57 of the fitting portion 51 is open toward the insertion hole 21a of the strut 2.

[0102] With the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 inserted into the insertion hole 21a, a part of the rear piece 70a is inserted into the open portion 57. That is, contact between the rear piece 70a and the fitting portion 51 is prevented. From this, insertion and removal of the rear piece 70a through the insertion hole 21a are possible.

[0103] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the engaged portions 20a', 20a' of the strut 2' are open toward the center in the left - right direction of the prefabricated furniture 1. The same applies to the engaged portions 20a, 20a of the strut 2 having a symmetric shape. As a result, the engaged portions 20a, 20a',... and the engaging portions 55a, 55a',... are less visible, and the aesthetic appearance of the prefabricated furniture 1 is enhanced.

[0104] Further, in the support column 2', the engaged portions 20a', 20a' are formed at the lower end of the support column 2'. The same applies to the engaged portions 20a, 20a on the support column 2 which are symmetric in shape. From this, the engaged portions 20a, 20a',... and the engaging portions 55a, 55a',... are made difficult to be visually recognized by the shelf units 6, 6 provided above the support column 2 (see Fig. 1).

[0105] Also, in the support column 2', the engaged portions 20a', 20a' are formed at substantially the same position in the vertical direction as the insertion holes 21a' into which the rear pieces 70a of the lowermost brackets 70 are locked. The same applies to the engaged portions 20a, 20a on the support column 2 which are symmetric in shape. From this, the engaged portions 20a, 20a',... and the engaging portions 55a, 55a',... are made difficult to be visually recognized by the shelf unit 7 provided at the lowermost stage (see Fig. 1).

[0106] In addition, for the assembled furniture 1, at the time of shipment, the support columns 2, 2', the horizontal connecting rods 3, 3, and the rear panel 4 already form a panel body, so that the assembly is completed only by connecting the leg members 5, 5' to the support columns 2, 2', and thus the assembly is simple.

Embodiment

[0107] Next, the connection structure of the assembled furniture according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the description of the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0108] In the connection structure 110 of this Embodiment 2, the shape of the fitting portion 151 is crank-shaped. The fitting portion 151 has a connection wall 154, a front wall 155, and a rear wall 156.

[0109] The front wall 155 extends forward substantially orthogonally to the left end of the connection wall 154. The connection wall 154 and the front wall 155 define an open portion 157 that is open toward the front and the right side.

[0110] The rear wall 156 extends rearward substantially orthogonally to the right end of the connecting wall 154. The connecting wall 154 and the rear wall 156 define an opening 157' that is open toward the rear and the left side.

[0111] Even in such a fitting portion 151, the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 is inserted into the opening 157. That is, it is possible to prevent the rear piece 70a from contacting the fitting portion 151.

[0112] Thus, if the structure is provided with an opening that is open toward the insertion hole 21a in the support column 2, the fitting portion is not limited to an H shape or a crank shape, and may be a U shape or an L shape, and the shape of the fitting portion may be appropriately changed.

Embodiment

[0113] Next, an assembled furniture provided with the connecting structure according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. Note that the description of the same configurations as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the assembled furniture 201 provided with the connecting structure 10 of the present Embodiment 3, in addition to the front wall 21 of the support column 202, a plurality of insertion holes 222a, 222a,... are also formed in the rear wall 222. That is, it is possible to attach the shelf units 6, 6, 7 not only to the front side but also to the rear side of the support column 202 (see FIG. 11).

[0115] The leg member 205 connected to the support column 202 has a fitting portion 51 welded and fixed at the center in the front-rear direction of the base portion 250. Thus, the position where the fitting portion is fixed to the base portion may be appropriately changed.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 12, the rear piece 70a of the bracket 70 inserted into the insertion hole 222a in the rear wall 222 is inserted into the opening 57' in the fitting portion 51. That is, it is possible to prevent the rear piece 70a from contacting the fitting portion 51.

[0117] The above has described the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are additions or changes within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, they are included in the present invention.

[0118] For example, in the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the square tube-shaped member is described as a support column and the connecting member is described as a leg member. However, it is not limited thereto. The square tube-shaped member may be a support column and the connecting member may be a horizontal connecting rod, or the square tube-shaped member may be a leg member and the connecting member may be a kick plate, and it may be appropriately changed. Here, the kick plate refers to a member installed from the front end of the left leg member to the front end of the right leg member.

[0119] In addition, if the square tube-shaped member is a leg member and the connecting member is a kick plate having a fitting portion inserted from the tip of the leg member, the slit provided in the upper wall of the leg member becomes the insertion hole of the present invention.

[0120] Also, in the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the insertion hole is described as a configuration in which a hook or a rear piece of a bracket, which is another member, is inserted. However, it is not limited thereto. A configuration in which a part of the cross member is inserted or a configuration in which a part of the fall prevention member is inserted may be used, and it may be appropriately changed.

[0121] Also, in the above-described Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, the fitting portion is described as being welded and fixed to the base. However, it is not limited thereto. It may be screwed or fitted, and the fixing method may be appropriately changed. In order to simplify the assembly of the on-site assembled furniture, in any fixing method including welding, it is preferable that the fitting portion is fixed to the base at the time of shipment.

[0122] Also, in the above-described Embodiment 1, the engaging portion is described as being in a single-piece shape. However, it is not limited thereto. It may be a hemispherical convex portion, a spring-biased ball, etc., and it may be appropriately changed.

[0123] In addition, in the above-described First Embodiment, the engaged portion has been described as a through-hole, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it may be a recessed portion or a stepped portion, and may be appropriately changed.

[0124] In addition, in the above-described First Embodiment, the engaging portion has been described as a raised claw, and the engaged portion has been described as a through-hole, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the engaging portion may be a through-hole and the engaged portion may be a raised claw, and may be appropriately changed.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0125] 1 Assembled furniture 2, 2' Support columns (corner cylindrical members) 2a to 2d Corners 5, 5' Leg members (connecting members) 10, 10' Connection structure 20a, 20a' Engaged portions 21a, 21a' Insertion holes 51, 51' Fitting portions 52, 53 Constituent members 55, 55' Long walls (one side) 55a, 55a' Engaging portions 56, 56' Short walls (the other side) 57, 57' Open portions 110 Connection structure 151 Fitting portion 157, 157' Open portions 201 Assembled furniture 202 Support columns (corner cylindrical members) 205 Leg members (connecting members) 222a Insertion hole

Claims

1. A connecting structure for an assembled furniture, comprising a square tubular member having an insertion hole and a connecting member having a fitting portion fitted into the square tubular member. The fitting portion is provided with an opening portion that is open toward the insertion hole.

2. The fitting portion has one piece and the other piece that are disposed opposite to each other with the opening portion therebetween, and the one piece is longer than the other piece. The connecting structure for an assembled furniture according to Claim 1.

3. The fitting portion has an H-shaped cross-sectional shape. The connecting structure for an assembled furniture according to Claim 2.

4. The fitting portion is formed by fixing two constituent members having a U-shaped or J-shaped cross-sectional shape back to back. The connecting structure for an assembled furniture according to Claim 3.

5. The fitting portion has an engaging portion that protrudes toward the square tubular member side. The square tubular member has an engaged portion with which the engaging portion is engaged. The connecting structure for an assembled furniture according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The engaging portion is provided on the corner side of the square tubular member. The connecting structure for an assembled furniture according to Claim 5.

7. An assembled furniture including a square tubular member having an insertion hole and a connecting member having a fitting portion fitted into the square tubular member. The fitting portion is provided with an opening portion that is open toward the insertion hole.

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