Furniture system and conference system

Abstract

To provide a furniture system allowing a large number of persons to be seated on it and allowing the persons to spend time comfortably without their views being blocked by persons seated in the front row.SOLUTION: A furniture system (1A) includes a first seat (12), a first top plate (11) disposed on a rear side of the first seat (12), and a second seat (22) disposed on a rear side of the first top plate (11). A first seat surface (12b) of the first seat (12) is located at a position lower than a seat surface (31) of a first chair (30) disposed between the first top plate (11) and the second seat (22), and a seat surface (22b) of the second seat (22) is located at a position higher than the seat surface (31) of the first chair (30).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a large conference room, one large table that can accommodate many conference participants may be placed, or multiple small tables may be connected together. By connecting and arranging multiple small tables, the conference room can be used in its entirety or in part depending on the number of conference participants, allowing for greater flexibility in use. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe an arrangement in which multiple conference tables are connected and arranged in a circle.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a seating system in which people in the front row sit behind people in a standing position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 54-36801 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-167506 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-077620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When considering a layout of tables and chairs in a large room where many people can sit facing a specific direction, such as the center of the room or where the monitor is located, it is possible to consider a configuration where people can be seated in both the front and back rows, as in Patent Document 3.

[0006] However, in Patent Document 3, people in the back row stand, so if you try to arrange people in the row even further back, the people in the back row will have their view blocked by the standing people and will feel uncomfortable.

[0007] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a furniture system that can seat a large number of people and allows them to sit comfortably without the view of people in the back row being obstructed by people sitting in the front row. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a furniture system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first seat having a first backrest portion, a first tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first seat and having a first front edge at its front edge that extends along the upper part of the first backrest portion, and a second seat arranged on the rear side of the first tabletop and on which a person can sit facing forward, wherein the seat surface of the first seat is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop and the second seat, and the seat surface of the second seat is higher than the seat surface of the first chair.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a furniture system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a first seat having a first backrest portion, a first tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first seat, the first tabletop having a first front edge at its front edge that extends along the upper part of the first backrest portion, and a second tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first tabletop and spaced apart from the first tabletop, wherein the seat surface of the first seat is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop and the second tabletop, and the upper surface of the second tabletop is higher than the upper surface of the first tabletop.

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, a conference system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a conference system including the furniture system of the above embodiment, and includes a first tabletop connecting body that connects multiple first tabletops so that the top surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous, a first seat connecting body that connects multiple first seats so that the seat surfaces of the first seats are continuous, and a second seat connecting body that connects multiple second seats so that the seat surfaces of the second seats are continuous, wherein the seat surface of the first seat connecting body is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop connecting body and the second seat connecting body, and the seat surface of the second seat connecting body is higher than the seat surface of the first chair.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, a conference system according to another aspect of the present invention is a conference system that includes the furniture system of the other aspect described above, and includes a first tabletop connecting body that connects multiple first tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous, a first seat connecting body that connects multiple first seats so that the seat surfaces of the first seat sections are continuous, and a second tabletop connecting body that connects multiple second tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the second tabletops are continuous, wherein the seat surface of the first seat connecting body is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop connecting body and the second tabletop connecting body, and the upper surface of the second tabletop connecting body is higher than the upper surface of the first tabletop connecting body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a furniture system and a conference system that can seat a large number of people and allow them to sit comfortably without their view being obstructed by people sitting in the front row. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a fixture system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a portion of the fixture system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fixture system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing types of modules. [Figure 10] 1 is a partial plan view showing an example of a fixture system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, realized by connecting modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [Embodiment 1] A furniture system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the furniture system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance of a portion of the furniture system according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in Fig. 3.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the furniture system 1A of this embodiment includes a first furniture 10 and a second furniture 20. In the furniture system 1A, the first furniture 10 is disposed in front of the second furniture 20. As will be described later, each of the first furniture 10 and the second furniture 20 is configured to allow multiple people to sit and use it. The seated people generally face a specific location further forward than the first furniture 10. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the seated people face a display 800 located in front of them.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the first fixture 10 has a U-shape in plan view. The middle part of this U-shape, i.e., the curved part, has an arc-like shape in plan view along the circumference of a roughly semicircular circle. In addition, in plan view, the first fixture 10 has straight parts extending from both ends of the curved part.

[0017] The second fixture 20 is arranged behind a portion of the curved U-shaped portion of the first fixture 10. In this embodiment, the second fixture 20 is provided only in a portion of the curved portion of the first fixture 10, and is not arranged behind the other portion, for example, behind the straight portion of the U-shape. However, in one aspect of the present invention, the second fixture 20 may be arranged not only in the curved portion of the first fixture 10 shown in FIG. 1, but also, for example, behind the straight portion of the U-shape.

[0018] In the furniture system 1A, the first furniture 10 and the second furniture 20 are separated by a predetermined distance, and a first chair 30 is placed in this space. The first chair 30 can be a movable chair, and is placed between the first furniture 10 and the second furniture 20 as needed. Therefore, the first chair 30 is not a required component of the furniture system 1A.

[0019] The above is an overview of the overall configuration of the furniture system 1 A. Below, the first furniture 10, the second furniture 20, and the first chair 30 will be described.

[0020] <First fixture 10> As shown in FIG. 2, the first furniture 10 includes a first tabletop 11 and a first seat 12.

[0021] The first tabletop 11 is disposed behind the first seat portion 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the first seat portion 12 is provided to extend along a first front edge 11a, which is one of the edges of the first tabletop 11.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 2, a person can sit on the first seat portion 12. Specifically, a person sitting on the first seat portion 12 sits on the first seat surface 12b. The first seat portion 12 also has a first backrest portion 12a. A person sitting on the first seat portion 12 can use the first backrest portion 12a as a backrest.

[0023] The first backrest 12a is disposed at the rear end of the first seat 12, standing upright from the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12. As an example, the first backrest 12a is connected to the rear edge of the first seat surface 12b. In other words, the first seat surface 12b is connected to the first backrest 12a and extends in a direction (forward) away from the first front edge 11a, starting from the connection point with the first backrest 12a. Note that the first backrest 12a and the first seat surface 12b are not limited to being connected.

[0024] In this specification, the first seat 12 is located on the front side of the first furniture 10, and the first tabletop 11 is located on the rear side. Looking at the first seat 12 alone, the side where the first backrest 12a is located is the rear side, and the opposite side is the front side. In other words, when a person is seated on the first seat 12 (first seat surface 12b), the front side is the side in front of the person, and the back side of the person (the side of the back of the head) is the rear side.

[0025] The first backrest portion 12a is provided to extend along the first front edge 11a. The first backrest portion 12a may be connected to the first front edge 11a, or may have a gap between the first backrest portion 12a and the first front edge 11a in a plan view.

[0026] As mentioned above, the first fixture 10 has a U-shape in plan view, and the curved portion of the U-shape has an arc-like shape that follows the circumference of a roughly semicircular circle. The first backrest 12a is also arc-shaped along this arc-like shape, and the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 is also arc-shaped. The further forward side of the first seat 12 is an open space to make it easy for people to stand up and sit down.

[0027] The first seat portion 12 can be constructed by covering a base material and a cushioning material with upholstery. Alternatively, the first seat portion 12 may be constructed by a plate-like body with an independent cushioning body placed on the plate-like body. The first seat portion 12 may be, for example, a sofa, and more specifically, a so-called low sofa in which the first seating surface 12b is close to the floor 50.

[0028] The first tabletop 11 includes an upper surface 11c, a first front edge 11a located on the front side of the edges of the upper surface 11c, and a first rear edge 11b located on the rear side. As shown in Fig. 1, the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 extends in an arc shape in a plan view. Accordingly, both the first front edge 11a and the first rear edge 11b also extend in an arc shape in a plan view, and the first front edge 11a and the first rear edge 11b are approximately parallel in a plan view.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and the upper end of the first backrest 12a may be configured to have a step of within a predetermined dimension. For example, the upper end of the first backrest 12a may be configured to be 20 mm higher than the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11. In this case, the height difference is not limited to 20 mm and may be greater than 20 mm. If the step of within the predetermined dimension between the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and the upper end of the first backrest 12a is within 30 mm, when a person seated on the first seat 12 turns back toward the first tabletop 11, the boundary between the first tabletop 11 and the first backrest 12a does not get in the way, creating an environment that makes it easy to converse with someone on the other side of the first tabletop 11.

[0030] In addition, by designing the upper end of the first backrest portion 12a to be higher than the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11, writing implements and the like used on the first tabletop 11 are less likely to fall onto the first seat portion 12 side.

[0031] The step within the predetermined dimension described above is not limited to a step within 30 mm. As another example, a relatively large step can be provided between the upper surface of first table top 11 and the upper end of first backrest portion 12a. As shown in Fig. 3, a step of approximately 100 mm can be provided between first table top 11 and first backrest portion 12a so that the upper end of first backrest portion 12a is higher than the upper surface of first table top 11, and power supply portion 13 such as an outlet or USB can be provided on the surface of first backrest portion 12a facing first table top 11, at a position higher than the upper surface of first table top 11.

[0032] A plurality of power supply units 13 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of first top panel 11. A cable for supplying power to power supply unit 13 is connected to power supply unit 13. A back panel 14 extending downward from the underside of first top panel 11 is provided below first front edge 11a of first top panel 11, and as shown in FIG. 4, a space capable of accommodating the cable connected to power supply unit 13 exists between back panel 14 and first backrest portion 12a. A portion of back panel 14 is configured to be removable and serves as an inspection panel for maintenance of power supply unit 13 and the cable connected to power supply unit 13.

[0033] In addition, the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and the upper end of the first backrest portion 12a may be positioned at the same height, or the upper end of the first backrest portion 12a may be positioned lower than the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11.

[0034] The first furniture 10 further has a first tabletop support 15 that supports the first tabletop 11. The first tabletop support 15 is placed on a horizontal floor 50 along the XY plane shown in Figure 2. The first tabletop support 15 may be integral with the legs of the first seat 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first tabletop 11 and the first seat portion 12 are described as being integrated together. However, the first tabletop 11 and the first seat portion 12 may not be integrated, and may be realized as separate, independent components that are structurally separated.

[0036] <Second fixture 20> As shown in Figure 1, the second fixture 20 has an arc shape in plan view, following the curved U-shape of the first fixture 10. In other words, the second fixture 20 has a fan shape in plan view. As shown in Figure 2, the second fixture 20 is configured to be placed on the floor 50 on which the first fixture 10 is placed. This will be described later.

[0037] The second furniture 20 includes a second tabletop 21 and a second seat 22. As with the first furniture 10, the second seat 22 is located on the front side of the second furniture 20, and the second tabletop 21 is located on the rear side. Looking at the second seat 22 alone, the side where the second backrest 22a is located is the rear side, and the opposite side is the front side. In other words, when a person is seated on the second seat 22 (second seat surface 22b), the front side is the side in front of the person, and the back side of the person (the side of the back of the head) is the rear side.

[0038] The second tabletop 21 is disposed behind the second seat portion 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the second seat portion 22 is provided to extend along a second front edge 21a, which is one of the edges of the second tabletop 21.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, a person can sit on the second seat portion 22. Specifically, a person sitting on the second seat portion 22 sits on the second seat surface 22b. The second seat portion 22 also has a second backrest portion 22a. A person sitting on the second seat portion 22 can use the second backrest portion 22a as a backrest.

[0040] The second backrest portion 22a is arranged at the rear end of the second seat portion 22 so as to stand upright from the second seating surface 22b of the second seat portion 22. As an example, the second backrest portion 22a is connected to the rear edge of the second seating surface 22b, and the second seating surface 22b extends in a direction (forward) away from the second front end edge 21a from the connection point with the second backrest portion 22a. Note that the second backrest portion 22a and the second seating surface 22b are not limited to being connected.

[0041] The second backrest portion 22a is provided to extend along the second front edge 21a. The second backrest portion 22a may be connected to the second front edge 21a, or may have a gap between the second backrest portion 22a and the second front edge 21a in plan view.

[0042] The second seat 22 may be a sofa, like the first seat 12, or may be configured as a chair other than a sofa. The inclination angle of the second backrest 22a may be shallower than the inclination angle of the first backrest 12a. The inclination angle of the second backrest 22a here refers to the angle between the second seat surface 22b, which is a substantially horizontal plane, and the front surface of the second backrest 22a. The inclination angle of the first backrest 12a refers to the angle between the first seat surface 12b, which is a substantially horizontal plane, and the front surface of the first backrest 12a. When the inclination angle is designed in this way, a person sitting in the second seat 22 in the rear row will be seated with a more upright back than a person sitting in the first seat 12 in the front row, allowing them to maintain a higher line of sight. In other words, a person seated in the first seat portion 12 in the front row will be in a more backward position than a person seated in the second seat portion 22 in the rear row, and will be able to lower their line of sight.

[0043] The second tabletop 21 includes an upper surface 21c, a second front edge 21a located on the front side of the edges of the upper surface 21c, and a second rear edge 21b located on the rear side. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 extends in an arc shape in a plan view. Accordingly, both the second front edge 21a and the second rear edge 21b also extend in an arc shape in a plan view, and the second front edge 21a and the second rear edge 21b are substantially parallel in a plan view. The step between the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 and the upper end of the second backrest portion 22a can be designed as the step between the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and the upper end of the first backrest portion 12a shown in FIG. 3. The configuration of the back panel 14 and the power supply unit 13 shown in FIG. 4 can also be used as the configuration of the second furniture 20.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 2, the second furniture 20 further has a second tabletop support 25 that supports the second tabletop 21. The second tabletop support 25 is placed on a horizontal floor 50 along the XY plane shown in Fig. 2. The second tabletop support 25 may be integral with the legs of the second seat 22.

[0045] In this embodiment, the second tabletop 21 and the second seat portion 22 are described as being integrated together. However, the second tabletop 21 and the second seat portion 22 may not be integrated together, and may be realized as separate, independent components that are structurally separated.

[0046] <1st Chair 30> As described above, the first chair 30 is disposed between the first furniture 10 and the second furniture 20. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first chair 30 is disposed between the first rear edge 11b of the first tabletop 11 and the second seat portion 22.

[0047] A person can sit on the first chair 30, and the front of the person sitting on the first chair 30 faces forward as described above. The seat surface 31 of the first chair 30 is at a height such that the legs of the person sitting on the first chair 30 fit into the gap between the first tabletop 11 and the floor surface 50. Therefore, the person sitting on the first chair 30 can use the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the person sitting on the first chair 30 can read documents placed on the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 or write on the documents using a writing implement.

[0048] The first chair 30 may be a single-seater chair such as an office chair, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be a bench or sofa-type chair that extends along an arc like the first seat portion 12 and second seat portion 22 described above and can seat multiple people.

[0049] <Height Relationship Between First Seat 12b, Second Seat 22b, and First Chair 30> In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the first seat surface 12b of the first seat portion 12 is located at a lower position than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30. The second seat surface 22b of the second seat portion 22 is located at a higher position than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30. In Fig. 2, the height of each seat surface is indicated by a dashed line.

[0050] The height of each seat from the floor 50 can be configured as follows, for example: Height from floor 50 to first seat surface 12b of first seat portion 12: 300 to 380 mm (350 mm in the illustrated example) Height from floor 50 to seat 31 of first chair 30: 430 to 550 mm (450 mm in the illustrated example) Height from floor 50 to second seat surface 22b of second seat portion 22: 580 to 750 mm (630 mm in the illustrated example).

[0051] Because the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 is positioned lower than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, the line of sight of the person sitting in the first chair 30 is higher than the line of sight of the person sitting in the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 in the row in front of the first chair 30. This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the field of view of the person sitting in the first chair 30 in the rear row is less likely to be obstructed by the person sitting in the first seat 12 in the front row. This allows the person sitting in the first chair 30 in the rear row to feel comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the first seat 12 in the front row does not need to forcibly change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the field of view of the person sitting in the first chair 30 in the rear row. This means that a comfortable environment is provided even for the person sitting in the first seat 12 in the front row.

[0052] Furthermore, because the second seat surface 22b of the second seat 22 is positioned higher than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, the line of sight of a person sitting in the second seat 22, which corresponds to the rear row, is higher than the line of sight of a person sitting in the first chair 30, which is in the row in front of the second seat 22. This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the field of view of a person sitting in the second seat 22 in the rear row is less likely to be obstructed by a person sitting in the first chair 30 in the front row. This makes the person sitting in the second seat 22 in the rear row feel comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the first chair 30 in the front row does not need to forcibly change their sitting posture, such as by leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the field of view of a person sitting in the second seat 22 in the rear row. This can be said to provide a comfortable environment for the person sitting in the first chair 30 in the front row.

[0053] Furthermore, since the first seat surface 12b of the first seat portion 12 is located at a lower position than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, the line of sight of a person sitting on the second seat surface 22b of the second seat portion 22 is naturally not blocked by a person sitting on the first seat surface 12b.

[0054] <Height Relationship Between the Top Surface 11c of the First Top Panel 11 and the Top Surface 21c of the Second Top Panel 21> The upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is higher than the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11. As a result, the line of sight of a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is higher than that of a person using the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and a person seated on the second seat portion 22. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 uses the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 while standing. In other words, the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 can be used as a standing desk. Note that the height of each upper surface is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2.

[0055] To achieve this height between the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 and the top surface 21c of the second tabletop 21, the first tabletop support portion 15 and the second tabletop support portion 25 placed on the floor 50 are configured so that the second tabletop support portion 25 is longer in the vertical direction than the first tabletop support portion 15. As an example, the height from the floor 50 to the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11 can be 650 to 770 mm (720 mm in the illustrated example). Also, the height from the floor 50 to the top surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 can be 850 to 1100 mm (1000 mm in the illustrated example).

[0056] In this embodiment, the first chair 30 is configured as a separate body from the first fixture 10, but this is not limited to this, and for example, a part of the first chair 30 may be connected to the first tabletop 11, the back panel 14 or the first tabletop support part 15.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the furniture system 1A of the first embodiment described above may be provided with a side table that can be used, for example, to place an object on the first seat 12 when the person sitting in the first seat 12 is seated. The side table is located forward of the first seat 12. The side table may be located above the seat surface of the first seat 12. The side table may be movable or may be fixed to the floor 50 or the first seat 12. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, a side table that can be used, for example, to place an object on the second seat 22 when the person sitting in the second seat 22 is seated may be provided. This side table is located between the second seat 22 and the first chair 30 and may be movable or may be fixed to the floor 50 or the second seat 22. The side table may also be located above the second seat surface 22b of the second seat 22.

[0058] [Variation 1] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the present embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 2 of the first embodiment. Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 2, a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 uses the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 in a standing position. However, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0059] 5, a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 may sit on a second chair 40 disposed behind the second tabletop 21. In the case of this first modification, the second chair 40 has a seat surface 41 at a position higher than the second seat surface 22b of the second seat portion 22.

[0060] The second chair 40 may be a desk chair, like the first chair, or a bench, or may have a structure that allows a person to sit comfortably, like a high chair. The second chair 40 may also be connected to a part of the second furniture 20, like the modified first chair 30 described above.

[0061] The height of the seat surface 41 of the second chair 40 from the floor 50 can be set to, for example, 600 to 850 mm (730 mm in the illustrated example).

[0062] [Variation 2] In the above-described first embodiment, the second furniture 20 has a table portion including the second tabletop 21 and the second tabletop support portion 25, and a seat portion including the second backrest portion 22a and the second seat portion 22, which are provided so as to extend along the second front edge 21a, which is one of the edges of the second tabletop 21. However, one aspect of the present invention is not limited to this, and may have only the seat portion without the table portion. This second variation is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 of the above-described first embodiment.

[0063] The furniture system 1A'' of this variant example 2 shown in Figure 6 comprises a first seat 12 having a first backrest portion 12a, a first tabletop 11 arranged on the rear side of the first seat 12 and having a first front edge 11a at its front edge that extends along the upper part of the first backrest portion 12a, and a second seat 22 arranged on the rear side of the first tabletop 11 and on which a person can sit facing forward.

[0064] In the furniture system 1A'', similar to the first embodiment, the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 is located lower than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30 arranged between the first tabletop 11 and the second seat 22. In addition, the second seat surface 22b of the second seat 22 is located higher than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30.

[0065] In the furniture system 1A'' of this modified example 2, as in the first embodiment, the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 is located at a lower position than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, so that the line of sight of a person sitting on the first chair 30 is higher than the line of sight of a person sitting on the first seat surface 12b of the first seat 12 in the row in front of the first chair 30. Also, the second seat surface 22b of the second seat 22 is located at a higher position than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, so that the line of sight of a person sitting on the second seat 22 in the rear row is higher than the line of sight of a person sitting on the first chair 30 in the row in front of the second seat 22.

[0066] Therefore, as in the first embodiment, a furniture system can be provided that can seat a large number of people and allows people in the back rows to sit comfortably without their view being obstructed by people in the front rows.

[0067] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0068] Fig. 7 is a plan view of the furniture system 1B of this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' in Fig. 7. Furniture system 1B includes a second furniture 20B having a different configuration, instead of the second furniture 20 included in furniture system 1A of the first embodiment described above.

[0069] Specifically, second fixture 20B does not have a second seat portion that is provided in second fixture 20 of embodiment 1. That is, fixture system 1B comprises: a first seat portion 12 having a first backrest portion 12a; a first tabletop 11 arranged on the rear side of first seat portion 12 and having, at its front edge, a first front edge 11a that is provided so as to extend along the upper part of first backrest portion 12a; and a second tabletop 21 arranged on the rear side of first tabletop 11 and spaced apart from first tabletop 11.

[0070] In the furniture system 1B, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the first seat surface 12b of the first seat portion 12 is located lower than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30 disposed between the first tabletop 11 and the second tabletop 21. The upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is located higher than the upper surface 11c of the first tabletop 11.

[0071] In furniture system 1B, the separation distance between first table top 11 and second table top 21 can be set appropriately. For example, this separation distance can be set to the minimum distance that allows a person using first chair 30 to pass through, with second table top 21 being relatively close to first table top 11. In another example, this separation distance can be set to be sufficiently wide. An example of setting the separation distance to be sufficiently wide is an embodiment in which, when a person is seated in first chair 30, there is enough space between first chair 30 and second table top 21 for a person to pass through comfortably as an aisle.

[0072] In the configuration of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the top surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is higher than the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11. As a result, the line of sight of a person using the top surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is higher than that of a person using the top surface 11c of the first tabletop 11. Therefore, the field of view of a person using the top surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 is not obstructed by a person in front of them, and they can spend their time in a comfortable environment.

[0073] Incidentally, in this embodiment, as in embodiment 1, the second fixture 20B is placed behind a portion of the first fixture 10, rather than the entire area of ​​the first fixture 10. However, this is not limiting, and the second fixture 20B may be placed behind the entire area of ​​the first fixture 10.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first fixture 10 is roughly divided into three parts, as shown in Fig. 7. The multiple first fixtures 10 are arranged so that the first seat portions 12 of each fixture face each other. This means that people seated on the first seat portions 12 of each first fixture 10 face each other, making it easier for them to make eye contact and have conversations.

[0075] 7, the first fixtures 10 are arranged in a circle, with the first seats 12 located inside the circle. This allows people seated on the first seats 12 to be closer to each other, making it easier for them to make eye contact. The first fixtures 10 can be arranged in a circle, including circles, ellipses, and sectors, on an imaginary line.

[0076] The multiple first fixtures 10 are arranged so that gaps S1 to S3 are provided between adjacent first fixtures 10. One of the gaps S3 is wider than all of the other gaps S1 and S2. By arranging the multiple first fixtures 10 with gaps S1 to S3 provided between them, people can easily move through the gaps S1 to S3. The gaps S1 to S3 can be wide enough for people to move through. In particular, when the first fixtures 10 are arranged in a circle, it is easy to move between the inside and outside of the circle, and people can easily move between the first fixtures 10.

[0077] Furthermore, because gap S3 is wider than gaps S1 and S2, it is convenient for placing display 800, and display 800 is easily visible to people seated on first fixture 10. Note that the object to be placed in gap S3 is not limited to display 800, and it may also be equipment used in meetings, such as a whiteboard. Furthermore, the object to be placed in gap S3 may be fixed to a wall or partition on the side of gap S3, or may be a movable object equipped with casters.

[0078] 7, display 800 is visible to everyone seated at first fixture 10 and second fixture 20B. However, when using a device such as a movable display, the display may be positioned facing one of the three first fixtures 10 arranged in a circle, allowing people seated at the facing first fixture 10 and the second fixture 20B behind it to see it. Even in small-scale meetings like this, people in the back row can enjoy a comfortable experience without their view being obstructed by people in the front row.

[0079] [Variation 3] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 uses the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 while standing. However, as a modification of the present embodiment, as shown in the first modification described above, a person using the upper surface 21c of the second tabletop 21 may sit on a second chair (second chair 40 shown in FIG. 5) disposed behind the second tabletop 21. In this modification, the second chair has a seat (seat 41 shown in FIG. 5) located higher than the seat 31 of the first chair 30. Such a second chair may be a desk chair-type chair, like the first chair, or a bench-type chair, or may have a structure that allows a person to sit comfortably, such as a high chair. Furthermore, as in the modification of the first chair described above, the second chair may also have a portion connected to a portion of the second furniture 20B.

[0080] [Embodiment 3] The first fixture 10 described in each of the above-described embodiments and examples may be a connected assembly in which a plurality of modules are connected together. The following describes the configuration of the connected assembly with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0081] For example, while the first fixture 10 shown in FIG. 1 has been described as being U-shaped in plan view, this U-shape does not need to be an integral configuration, and may be realized by connecting multiple modular first fixtures 10 along the longitudinal direction of the U-shape. FIG. 1 shows a state in which multiple modular first fixtures 10 are combined. This is also true for the first fixture 10 in FIG. 7. Multiple modular first fixtures 10 are combined for each of the sections of first fixture 10 between voids S1 and S3, between voids S3 and S2, and between voids S2 and S1 in FIG. 7.

[0082] In short, in this embodiment, the first fixture 10, which is U-shaped in plan view as shown in Figure 1, includes a first tabletop connecting body that connects multiple first tabletops 11 so that the upper surfaces 11c of the first tabletops 11 are continuous, and a first seat connecting body (U-shaped first fixture 10) that connects multiple first seats 12 so that the first seat surfaces 12b of the first seats 12 are continuous.

[0083] The second fixture 20 shown in embodiment 1 may also be configured as a connected body as described above. That is, the second fixture 20 shown in embodiment 1 may be configured as a second seat connected body in which a plurality of second seats 22 are connected so that the second seat surfaces 22b of the second seats 22 are continuous. Then, a first chair 30 is arranged between the first fixture 10 and the second fixture 20.

[0084] The furniture system realized in this manner can be said to be an innovative conference system that can be varied in a conference room by combining various connecting members in accordance with the size, number of people, and accommodation configuration of the room. As mentioned above, the first seat surface 12b of the first seat portion 12 is configured lower than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30, and the second seat surface 22b of the second seat portion 22 is configured higher than the seat surface 31 of the first chair 30. This prevents people in the back row from having their view blocked by people in the front row, creating a comfortable conference environment.

[0085] Fig. 9 shows a table showing the types of modules, and the modules shown in rows i and ii, columns A to F in the table are modules with curved first seat portions. For example, a first connected body in which the modules in row i and column A in the table of Fig. 9 are connected so that the first seating surfaces 12b of the first seat portions 12 are continuous is configured as shown in Fig. 10.

[0086] Furthermore, the modules shown in columns E, F, and G of row iii in the table of Figure 9 are modules with linear first seating sections. By appropriately combining curved modules and linear modules, it is possible to realize first fixtures 10 with various shapes in plan view. The same is true for second fixtures 20.

[0087] Here, line ii of Fig. 9 shows a state where the first tabletop is not provided, i.e., a module consisting of a first seat. It is also possible to combine a module with a first tabletop and a module without a first tabletop.

[0088] Just as second fixture 20 can be realized by connecting a plurality of modules as described above, second fixture 20B consisting only of second tabletop 21 as shown in Figure 7 of the second embodiment described above can also be realized by connecting a plurality of modular second fixtures 20B. Even in this case, the upper surfaces of the connected modular second tabletops 21 are configured to be continuous at the same height, and the upper surface of second tabletop 21 as the connected second tabletop connected body is located at a higher position than the upper surface of first tabletop 11.

[0089] [Appendix 1] The furniture system of aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a first seat having a first backrest portion, a first tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first seat and having a first front edge at its front edge that extends along the upper part of the first backrest portion, and a second seat arranged on the rear side of the first tabletop and on which a person can sit facing forward, wherein the seat surface of the first seat is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop and the second seat, and the seat surface of the second seat is higher than the seat surface of the first chair.

[0090] According to the configuration of aspect 1, a furniture system can be provided that can seat a large number of people and allows people in the front row to sit comfortably without blocking the view of people in the back row.

[0091] That is, according to the configuration of Aspect 1, the seat surface of the first seat is lower than the seat surface of the first chair, so the line of sight of the person sitting in the back row (first chair) is higher than the line of sight of the person sitting in the front row (first seat). Therefore, a configuration can be realized in which the view of the person sitting in the back row (first chair) is less likely to be blocked by the person sitting in the front row (first seat), and the person sitting in the back row (first chair) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the front row (first seat) does not need to forcefully change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid blocking the view of the person sitting in the back row (first chair), so the person sitting in the front row (first seat) can also enjoy a comfortable seating experience.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the configuration of Aspect 1, the seat surface of the second seat is located higher than the seat surface of the first chair, so the line of sight of the person sitting in the back row (second seat) is higher than that of the person sitting in the front row (first chair). This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the field of view of the person sitting in the back row (second seat) is less likely to be obstructed by the person sitting in the front row (first chair), and the person sitting in the back row (second seat) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the front row (first chair) does not need to forcefully change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the field of view of the person sitting in the back row (second seat), so the person sitting in the front row (first chair) can also enjoy a comfortable seating experience.

[0093] The furniture system of aspect 2 of the present invention comprises a first seat having a first backrest portion, a first tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first seat, the first tabletop having a first front edge at its front edge that extends along the upper part of the first backrest portion, and a second tabletop arranged on the rear side of the first tabletop and spaced apart from the first tabletop, wherein the seat surface of the first seat is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop and the second tabletop, and the upper surface of the second tabletop is higher than the upper surface of the first tabletop.

[0094] According to the configuration of aspect 2, it is possible to provide a furniture system that can seat a large number of people and allows people in the front row to sit comfortably without blocking the view of people in the back row.

[0095] That is, according to the configuration of aspect 2, the line of sight of a person seated in the back row (first chair) is higher than that of a person seated in the front row (first seat), so a configuration can be realized in which the view of the person seated in the back row (first chair) is less likely to be obstructed by the person seated in the front row (first seat). As a result, the person seated in the back row (first chair) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the person seated in the front row (first seat) does not need to forcibly change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the view of the person seated in the back row (first chair), so the person seated in the front row (first seat) can also enjoy a comfortable seating experience.

[0096] Furthermore, according to the configuration of Aspect 2, the position of the top surface of the second tabletop is higher than the position of the top surface of the first tabletop, so the line of sight of a person behind the second tabletop who uses the top surface of the second tabletop can be made higher than that of a person using the top surface of the first tabletop. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable environment for a person behind the second tabletop who uses the top surface of the second tabletop.

[0097] The furniture system of aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1, further comprising a second tabletop arranged rearward of the first tabletop at a distance from the first tabletop, wherein the second seat portion has a second backrest portion extending along a second front edge, which is one of the edges of the second tabletop, and the upper surface of the second tabletop is at a higher position than the upper surface of the first tabletop.

[0098] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the position of the top surface of the second tabletop is higher than the position of the top surface of the first tabletop, so the line of sight of a person behind the second tabletop who uses the top surface of the second tabletop can be made higher than that of a person using the top surface of the first tabletop, i.e., higher than that of a person seated in the first chair. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable environment for a person behind the second tabletop who uses the top surface of the second tabletop.

[0099] The furniture system of aspect 4 of the present invention is similar to aspect 2 above, and further comprises a second seat portion having a second backrest portion extending along a second front edge, which is one of the edges of the second tabletop, and in which a person can sit facing forward, and the seat surface of the second seat portion may be located at a higher position than the seat surface of the first chair.

[0100] According to the configuration of Aspect 4, the seat of the second seat is positioned higher than the seat of the first chair, so the line of sight of the person sitting in the back row (second seat) is higher than that of the person sitting in the front row (first chair). This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the field of view of the person sitting in the back row (second seat) is less likely to be obstructed by the person sitting in the front row (first chair), and the person sitting in the back row (second seat) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the front row (first chair) does not need to forcefully change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the field of view of the person sitting in the back row (second seat), so the person sitting in the front row (first chair) can also enjoy a comfortable seating experience.

[0101] A furniture system according to aspect 5 of the present invention is such that, in the above-mentioned aspects 3 or 4, the seat surface of the second seat portion may be located at a lower position than the seat surface of the second chair arranged on the side of the second rear edge opposite the second front edge of the second tabletop.

[0102] According to the configuration of aspect 5, the seat surface of the second seat is lower than the seat surface of the second chair, so the line of sight of the person sitting in the back row (second chair) is higher than the line of sight of the person sitting in the front row (second seat). This makes it possible to realize a configuration in which the view of the person sitting in the back row (second chair) is less likely to be obstructed by the person sitting in the front row (second seat), and the person sitting in the back row (second chair) feels comfortable. Furthermore, the person sitting in the front row (second seat) does not need to forcefully change their sitting posture, such as leaning forward, to avoid obstructing the view of the person sitting in the back row (second chair), so the person sitting in the front row (second seat) can also enjoy a comfortable seating experience.

[0103] The fixture system of aspect 6 of the present invention may be configured such that, in the above-mentioned aspects 3 or 4, the first front edge of the first tabletop extends in an arc shape when viewed in a plane, and the second front edge of the second tabletop extends in an arc shape when viewed in a plane.

[0104] According to the configuration of aspect 6, it is possible to realize a furniture system in an arc shape. Taking the first seat as an example, the distance from each of multiple people sitting on the first seat to the center of the arc-shaped circle can be made substantially equal, providing a more comfortable environment.

[0105] The furniture system of aspect 7 of the present invention is configured such that, in the above-mentioned aspects 3 or 4, the first tabletop is supported by a first tabletop support portion, the second tabletop is supported by a second tabletop support portion, the first tabletop support portion and the second tabletop support portion are placed on the same horizontal floor, and the second tabletop support portion has a longer vertical length than the first tabletop support portion.

[0106] A conference system according to aspect 8 of the present invention is a conference system including the furniture system of aspect 1 or 3 described above, and includes a first tabletop connecting body connecting a plurality of the first tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous, a first seat connecting body connecting a plurality of the first seats so that the seat surfaces of the first seats are continuous, and a second seat connecting body connecting a plurality of the second seats so that the seat surfaces of the second seats are continuous, wherein the seat surface of the first seat connecting body is lower than the seat surface of a first chair arranged between the first tabletop connecting body and the second seat connecting body, and the seat surface of the second seat connecting body is higher than the seat surface of the first chair.

[0107] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the same effects as the fixture system of the first aspect are achieved.

[0108] A conference system according to aspect 9 of the present invention is a conference system including the furniture system of aspect 2 or 4 described above, and includes a first tabletop connecting body connecting a plurality of the first tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous, a first seat connecting body connecting a plurality of the first seats so that the seat surfaces of the first seats are continuous, and a second tabletop connecting body connecting a plurality of the second tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the second tabletops are continuous, wherein the seat surface of the first seat connecting body is lower than the seat surface of the first chair arranged between the first tabletop connecting body and the second tabletop connecting body, and the upper surface of the second tabletop connecting body is higher than the upper surface of the first tabletop connecting body.

[0109] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the same effects as the fixture system of the first aspect are achieved.

[0110] [Appendix 2] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1A, 1A´, 1A´´, 1B Fixture System 10 First fixture (first connected body) 11 First top plate 11a First front edge 11b First rear edge 11c Top side 12 1st seat 12a First backrest 12b First seat (first seat) 13 Power supply unit 14 Curtain board 15 First top plate support 20, 20B Second fixture (second connected body) 21 Second top plate 21a 2nd front edge 21b Second rear edge 21c top surface 22 2nd seat 22a Second backrest 22b Second seat (seat of the second seat) 25 Second top plate support 30 Chair 1 31 Seat (first chair seat) 40 Second Chair 41 Seat (second chair seat) 50 floor

Claims

1. a first seat portion having a first backrest portion; a first tabletop disposed on the rear side of the first seat portion, the first tabletop having a first front edge at its front edge that is provided so as to extend along an upper portion of the first backrest portion; a second seat portion disposed on the rear side of the first tabletop and capable of being seated facing forward; Equipped with The seat surface of the first seat portion is located lower than the seat surface of a first chair disposed between the first tabletop and the second seat portion, The seat surface of the second seat portion is located at a higher position than the seat surface of the first chair. Fixture system.

2. a first seat portion having a first backrest portion; a first tabletop disposed on the rear side of the first seat portion, the first tabletop having a first front edge at its front edge that is provided so as to extend along an upper portion of the first backrest portion; a second tabletop disposed on the rear side of the first tabletop and spaced apart from the first tabletop; Equipped with a seat surface of the first seat portion is located lower than a seat surface of a first chair disposed between the first tabletop and the second tabletop; The upper surface of the second top plate is located higher than the upper surface of the first top plate. Fixture system.

3. Further provided is a second tabletop disposed on the rear side of the first tabletop at a distance from the first tabletop, The second seat portion has a second backrest portion provided so as to extend along a second front edge which is one of the edges of the second tabletop, The upper surface of the second top plate is located higher than the upper surface of the first top plate. The fixture system of claim 1 .

4. The second tabletop further includes a second seat portion having a second backrest portion extending along a second front edge, which is one of the edges of the second tabletop, and on which a person can sit facing forward; The seat surface of the second seat portion is located at a higher position than the seat surface of the first chair. The fixture system of claim 2.

5. The seat surface of the second seat portion is located at a lower position than the seat surface of a second chair arranged on the side of a second rear edge of the second tabletop opposite to the second front edge. A fixture system according to claim 3 or 4.

6. the first front edge of the first tabletop extends in an arc shape in a plan view, The second front edge of the second tabletop extends in an arc shape in a plan view. A fixture system according to claim 3 or 4.

7. the first top plate is supported by a first top plate support portion, The second top plate is supported by a second top plate support portion, the first tabletop support portion and the second tabletop support portion are configured to be placed on the same horizontal floor, The second tabletop support portion has a vertical length longer than that of the first tabletop support portion. A fixture system according to claim 3 or 4.

8. A conference system including the fixture system according to claim 1, a first tabletop connecting body connecting a plurality of the first tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous; a first seat portion connecting body connecting a plurality of the first seat portions so that the seat surfaces of the first seat portions are continuous; a second seat portion connecting body connecting a plurality of the second seat portions so that the seat surfaces of the second seat portions are continuous; Including, The seat surface of the first seat connector is lower than the seat surface of a first chair disposed between the first tabletop connector and the second seat connector, The seat surface of the second seat portion connector is higher than the seat surface of the first chair. Conference system.

9. A conference system including the fixture system according to claim 2, a first tabletop connecting body connecting a plurality of the first tabletops so that the upper surfaces of the first tabletops are continuous; a first seat portion connecting body connecting a plurality of the first seat portions so that the seat surfaces of the first seat portions are continuous; a second top plate connecting body connecting the plurality of second top plates so that the upper surfaces of the second top plates are continuous; Including, The seat surface of the first seat section connector is lower than the seat surface of a first chair disposed between the first tabletop connector and the second tabletop connector, The upper surface of the second tabletop connecting body is located at a higher position than the upper surface of the first tabletop connecting body. Conference system.

Images