Chair

Abstract

To provide a chair that can be shifted to a standing position easily without impairing safety from a state where a seat is located at a high position.SOLUTION: A chair 3 includes: an extension leg 10 extensible and contractable in a vertical direction; and a seat 20 supported by the extension leg 10 and having a depth of seating that decreases as the extension leg 10 becomes high and increases as the extension leg 10 becomes low.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a lifting mechanism that can adjust the height of a lifting base such as a seat and stop it at an optimum height. This lifting mechanism includes a support column that stands on its own in a position that extends vertically, a slide base that is connected to the support column so that it can move up and down, and a lifting base that is connected to the slide base via a cam shaft so that it can tilt from a horizontal position to a folded position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5511164 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, an increasing number of companies have introduced standing meetings, where participants hold meetings and discussions while standing, in order to reduce meeting space and improve meeting efficiency. This has led to a demand for chairs with adjustable heights, allowing people to easily transition from a low, deep seated position to a high, shallow seated position to a standing position.

[0005] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the support pillars are tilted backward, and the higher the platform is positioned, the further backward the platform moves. However, the seating depth of the platform remains unchanged, so in order to easily transition to a standing position, the occupant must adjust the position of their buttocks so that they sit shallowly. Furthermore, in this state, a load is applied to the tip of the platform, which may in some cases impair the stability of the lifting mechanism.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a chair that allows a user to easily transition from a high seat position to a standing position without compromising safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A chair according to one aspect of the present invention comprises telescopic legs that can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction, and a seat that is supported by the telescopic legs and has a seating depth that decreases as the telescopic legs become higher and increases as the telescopic legs become lower.

[0008] According to this aspect, the higher the seat position, the smaller the seat depth, allowing the seated person to easily transition to a standing position. Also, because the seat depth is small, even when the seat position is high and the buttocks are placed on the seat, the load is not concentrated on the tip of the seat, preventing damage to the seat and the chair tipping over.

[0009] (2) In the chair according to the aspect (1) above, the seat may comprise a fixed seat portion fixed to the telescopic legs, a movable seat portion movable in the forward and backward directions relative to the fixed seat portion, and a drive unit that moves the movable seat portion in the forward and backward directions relative to the fixed seat portion, and may also comprise a control device that controls the drive unit based on the height of the telescopic legs. According to this aspect, the depth of the seat can be automatically adjusted by electronic control in accordance with the height of the extendable legs.

[0010] (3) The chair according to the above aspect (1) or (2) may include a cover member that covers at least the telescopic legs and is extendable and contractible in the vertical direction together with the telescopic legs. According to this aspect, the telescopic legs are covered by the telescopic cover member, thereby improving the appearance and safety of the chair.

[0011] (4) In the chair according to the aspect (3) above, the cover member may further cover the seat and be extendable in the front-rear direction together with the seat. According to this aspect, by further shielding the seat with an expandable cover member, all of the movable parts of the chair are shielded, further improving the appearance and safety of the chair.

[0012] (5) The chair according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (4) may further include an upright wall that stands behind the seat. According to this aspect, the upright wall can support the occupant's waist and back from behind, allowing the occupant to sit stably even when the seat is in a high position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to each of the above aspects, a chair can be provided that allows the user to easily transition from a high seat position to a standing position without compromising safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a space-forming fixture equipped with a chair according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chair according to the embodiment when the seat is in a low position. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the chair according to the embodiment when the seat is in a high position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the chair according to the present embodiment when the seat is in a low position. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the chair according to the present embodiment when the seat is in a high position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow FR in the drawing, which indicates the front of a person seated in a normal posture in a chair, will be referred to as "front," and the opposite direction will be referred to as "rear."

[0016] Furthermore, with regard to "up," "down," "left," and "right," the direction indicated by the arrow UP in the diagram above a person sitting in a chair in the normal posture is referred to as "up," and the opposite direction is referred to as "down." The direction indicated by the arrow LH in the diagram to the left of a person sitting in a chair in the normal posture is referred to as "left," and the opposite direction is referred to as "right."

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a space-forming fixture 1 equipped with a chair 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the space-forming fixture 1 includes a base 2, a chair 3, and a wall 4. This space-forming fixture 1 is used in work spaces such as offices and public facilities, for example.

[0018] The base 2 comprises a base body 2A that supports the chair 3 and a ring portion 2B that supports the wall portion 4. The base body 2A is formed in a disk shape. A running portion that can run on the floor surface is provided at the bottom of the base body 2A. This allows the user of the space-forming fixture 1 to move to any location while sitting in the chair 3.

[0019] The ring portion 2B is formed in an annular shape and is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the base body 2A. The ring portion 2B is rotatable so as to switch the arrangement of the wall portion 4 between a first mode in which the wall portion 4 is arranged in front of the chair 3 and a second mode in which the wall portion 4 is arranged behind the chair 3.

[0020] In the first mode, the wall 4 blocks off the space in front of the chair 3, creating a space for one person to work. In the second mode, the wall 4 blocks off the space behind the chair 3 and opens up the space in front of it, creating a space for multiple people to work together and communicate with each other.

[0021] The wall 4 is formed in the shape of a plate curved in an arc along the ring portion 2B in a plan view. The wall 4 is formed, for example, within a range of 180° from the center of the base 2 in a plan view. The wall 4 includes a wall main body 5, a speaker 6, and a camera 7.

[0022] The wall main body 5 has a display function. For example, the entire wall main body is formed from a transmissive EL (electro-luminescence) display. A touch panel is provided inside the transmissive EL display as an operation unit. The wall main body 5 may also be a partition wall that does not transmit light, and a display with a touch panel function may be provided inside the partition wall.

[0023] The speakers 6 are provided in pairs on the left and right sides of the upper end of the wall main body 5. The camera 7 is provided in the center of the upper end of the wall main body 5. The camera 7 is not only used during remote meetings, but also for, for example, capturing the motion of the user, allowing the image displayed on the wall main body 5 to be manipulated by the motion capture.

[0024] The space-forming fixture 1 configured as described above is equipped with a system having, for example, an input unit that can input the user's meeting schedule (time and location), a memory unit that can store the meeting schedule, a transmitter unit that can send instructions to move to the meeting location when the meeting time arrives, and a power unit that moves the running unit based on the instructions of the transmitter unit, so that when the meeting time arrives, the space-forming fixture 1 can automatically move to the meeting location.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the seat 20 of the chair 3 according to this embodiment when it is in a low position. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the seat 20 of the chair 3 according to this embodiment when it is in a high position. Note that in Figs. 2 and 3, the wall portion 4 has been removed to improve visibility. The same applies to Figs. 4 and 5 described below. As shown in these figures, the chair 3 of this embodiment includes extendable legs 10, a seat 20, and an upright wall 30.

[0026] The telescopic legs 10 are provided in pairs on the upper surface of the base body 2A, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The seat 20 is supported by the telescopic legs 10 and can be moved up and down by the telescopic legs 10. The upright wall 30 stands upright behind the seat 20. The upright wall 30 is supported by the telescopic legs 10 together with the seat 20 and can be moved up and down by the telescopic legs 10.

[0027] The extendable legs 10, seat 20, and upright wall 30 are entirely covered by an extendable cover member 8. The cover member 8 is made of, for example, a woven fabric made of a stretch material, an extendable net-like knitted fabric, or an extendable sheet. The cover member 8 is made by combining a first cover member 8A and a second cover member 8B of different color tones, and adjusts the appearance of the chair 3.

[0028] 2 and 3, the seating depth of the seat 20 decreases as the extendable legs 10 become higher, and increases as the extendable legs 10 become lower. Here, the seating depth refers to the effective depth of the seating surface of the seat 20. Alternatively, the seating depth refers to the dimension in the front-to-rear direction from the front end of the seat 20 to the upright wall 30.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, when the seat 20 is in a low position, the seatable depth is large. The height of the seat 20 in this state is designated H1. The depth of the seat 20 in this state is designated D1.

[0030] 3, when the seat 20 is in a high position, the seatable depth is small. The height of the seat 20 in this state is designated H2. The depth of the seat 20 in this state is designated D2.

[0031] H1, H2, D1, and D2 have the following relationships (1) and (2). H1 <h2 …(1) d1>D2 …(2)

[0032] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the chair 3 according to this embodiment when the seat 20 is in a low position. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the chair 3 according to this embodiment when the seat 20 is in a high position. As shown in these figures, the chair 3 of this embodiment is configured so that the higher the position of the seat 20, the smaller the depth of the seat 20.

[0033] The telescopic leg 10 includes a leg fixing portion 11 fixed to the base portion 2 and a leg extension portion 12 extending upward from the leg fixing portion 11. The leg extension portion 12 has, for example, a telescopic structure and is capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The leg fixing portion 11 is provided with a leg driving portion that causes the leg extension portion 12 to extend and retract in the vertical direction. The leg driving portion has a driving source such as a motor and is controlled by the control device 50.

[0034] A load support structure 40 is fixed to the upper end of the telescopic leg 10. The load support structure 40 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin in the shape of a shell integrally comprising a fixed seat portion 21 and a fixed peripheral wall portion 31. The fixed seat portion 21 forms part of the seat 20. The fixed seat portion 21 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape in a plan view. A cushioning material (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the fixed seat portion 21.

[0035] The fixed peripheral wall portion 31 forms an upright wall 30. The fixed peripheral wall portion 31 is formed in a generally U-shape in plan view along the outer periphery of the fixed seat portion 21. A pair of front end portions of the fixed peripheral wall portion 31 protrude forward beyond the front end portion of the fixed seat portion 21. In addition, the upper end of the fixed peripheral wall portion 31 slopes or curves downward and becomes lower as it moves forward.

[0036] The fixed peripheral wall portion 31 located at the rear of the seat 20 functions as a backrest and lumbar support. The fixed peripheral wall portions 31 located on the left and right sides of the seat 20 function as armrests. Cushioning material (not shown) is also provided on the inner surface of the fixed peripheral wall portion 31.

[0037] The seat 20 comprises a fixed seat portion 21 fixed to the telescopic legs 10, a movable seat portion 22 that is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed seat portion 21, and a drive unit 23 that moves the movable seat portion 22 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed seat portion 21. The amount that the movable seat portion 22 protrudes forward from the front end of the fixed seat portion 21 is adjustable. A cushioning material (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the movable seat portion 22. The cover member 8 covers both the cushioning material provided on the upper surface of the movable seat portion 22 and the cushioning material provided on the inner surface of the fixed peripheral wall portion 31.

[0038] The drive unit 23 includes, for example, a first guide portion 23A and a second guide portion 23B provided on opposite walls that face each other on the left and right of the fixed peripheral wall portion 31. The first guide portion 23A guides both the left and right sides of the front end portion 22a of the movable seat portion 22 in the front-rear direction. The second guide portion 23B guides both the left and right sides of the rear end portion 22b of the movable seat portion 22 in the front-rear direction.

[0039] The first guide portion 23A and the second guide portion 23B are formed of, for example, slide rails. The drive portion 23 has a drive source such as a motor and is controlled by the control device 50. The drive portion 23 moves the movable seat portion 22 in the front-rear direction via, for example, a ball screw mechanism, a belt mechanism, a chain mechanism, a cylinder mechanism, or the like. The drive portion 23 including the first guide portion 23A and the second guide portion 23B is covered by a cover member 8 and is not visible from the outside or directly touchable with hands.

[0040] The control device 50 is provided, for example, inside the base 2. The control device 50 controls the vertical extension and contraction of the extendable legs 10 and the front-to-rear movement of the movable seat 22. The control device 50 is also electrically connected to the wall main body 5, speaker 6, camera 7, and other electronic devices (not shown) shown in FIG. 1, and controls the overall operation of the space-forming fixture 1.

[0041] For example, in a first mode in which the wall 4 is arranged in front of the chair 3 to form a space for one person to work, the control device 50 lowers the seat 20 to increase the seatable depth of the seat 20 (see FIG. 2). In a second mode in which the wall 4 is arranged behind the chair 3 to form a space for multiple people to work, the control device 50 raises the seat 20 to decrease the seatable depth of the seat 20 (see FIG. 3).

[0042] The control device 50 may also control the extension and retraction of the extendable legs 10 and the depth of the seat 20 at a timing of the user's choosing based on the operation of the touch panel on the wall main body 5. The control device 50 may also control the extension and retraction of the extendable legs 10 and the depth of the seat 20 based on the user's scheduled meeting time. For example, when it is time for a standing meeting, the extendable legs 10 may automatically extend and the depth of the seat 20 may decrease, allowing the user to easily transition to a standing position.

[0043] As described above, the chair 3 according to the present embodiment includes the telescopic legs 10 that can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction, and the seat 20 that is supported by the telescopic legs 10 and whose seating depth decreases as the telescopic legs 10 become higher and increases as the telescopic legs 10 become lower. With this configuration, the seat 20's depth decreases as the position of the seat 20 increases, allowing the seated person to easily transition to a standing position. Furthermore, because the seat 20's depth is reduced, even when the seat 20 is positioned high and the buttocks are placed on the seat 20, damage to the seat 20 and the chair 3 tipping over can be prevented. Furthermore, because the seat 20's depth is reduced, the buttocks and heels of the seated person are closer together in a plan view. This makes it easier to apply force (weight) to the heels, which can then be easily converted into a force that lifts the buttocks, making it easier for the seated person to stand up.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seat 20 comprises a fixed seat section 21 fixed to the telescopic legs 10, a movable seat section 22 that is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed seat section 21, and a drive section 23 that moves the movable seat section 22 in the front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed seat section 21, and is equipped with a control device 50 that controls the drive section 23 based on the height of the telescopic legs 10. With this configuration, the depth of the seat 20 can be automatically adjusted according to the height of the telescopic legs 10 through electronic control.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cover member 8 is provided that covers at least the telescopic legs 10 and is extendable and contractible in the vertical direction together with the telescopic legs 10. With this configuration, by shielding the telescopic legs 10 with the extendable cover member 8, the appearance and safety of the chair 3 are improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover member 8 also covers the seat 20 and is extendable in the front-to-rear direction together with the seat 20. According to this configuration, by further shielding the seat 20 with the extendable cover member 8, all of the movable parts of the chair 3 are shielded, further improving the appearance and safety of the chair 3.

[0047] Furthermore, this embodiment is provided with an upright wall 30 that stands behind the seat 20. With this configuration, the upright wall 30 can support the waist and back of the seated person from behind, allowing the seated person to sit stably even when the seat 20 is in a high position.

[0048] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a chair 3 that can be easily shifted to a standing position without compromising safety when the seat 20 is in a high position.

[0049] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0050] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the depth of the seat 20 changes as the movable seat portion 22 moves in the front-rear direction relative to the front end of the fixed seat portion 21, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the depth of the seat 20 may change as the movable seat portion 22 moves in the front-rear direction relative to the rear end of the fixed seat portion 21, or the depth of the seat 20 may change as the upright wall 30 moves in the front-rear direction relative to the seat 20.

[0051] 7 and 8 of JP 2023-68583 A, the depth of the seat 20 may be changed by folding back the tip of the seat 20 toward the underside of the seat 20. Other known mechanisms can be used to change the depth of the seat 20.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the depth of seat 20 is changed by electronic control, but the depth of seat 20 may also be changed mechanically in conjunction with the extension and retraction of telescopic legs 10. For example, a gear may be provided on fixed seat portion 21 of seat 20, and a rack with which said gear meshes may be provided on movable seat portion 22, with a pulley or belt attached so that said gear rotates as telescopic legs 10 are extended or retracted.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the cover member 8 covers the entirety of the extendable legs 10, the seat 20, and the standing wall 30, but it is sufficient that it covers at least the extendable legs 10.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the standing wall 30 is provided, but the standing wall 30 may be omitted.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of the above embodiment can be applied to fixtures other than the space-forming fixture 1, and may also be applied to the chair 3 alone. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Space-forming fixtures 2 base 2A Base body 2B Ring section 3 chairs 4 Wall section 5 Wall body 6 speakers 7. Camera 8 Cover member 8A First cover member 8B Second cover member 10 telescopic legs 11 Leg fixing part 12 Leg extensions 20 seats 21 Fixed seat 22 Movable seat 22a Front end 22b Rear end 23 Drive unit 23A 1st information section 23B 2nd guide section 30 Standing wall 31 Fixed peripheral wall part 40 Load bearing structure 50 Control device< / h2>

Claims

1. Telescopic legs that can be extended and retracted in the vertical direction, a seat that is supported by the telescopic legs, and whose seating depth decreases as the telescopic legs become higher and increases as the telescopic legs become lower; chair.

2. The locus is a fixed seat portion fixed to the telescopic leg; a movable seat portion that is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the fixed seat portion; a drive unit that moves the movable seat portion in a front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed seat portion, a control device that controls the drive unit based on the height of the telescopic legs; The chair of claim 1.

3. a cover member that covers at least the telescopic legs and is extendable and contractible in the vertical direction together with the telescopic legs; 3. A chair according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The cover member further covers the seat and is extendable in the front-rear direction together with the seat.

4. The chair of claim 3.

5. A standing wall is provided behind the seat.

3. A chair according to claim 1 or 2.

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