Chair

Abstract

To provide a chair capable of making seating feeling good by making it possible to flexibly receive weight near a user's hip.SOLUTION: A chair includes: a first chair width extension part 40; a second chair width extension part 41; and a plurality of weight receiving belt parts 42. The first chair width extension part 40 extends in a chair width direction. The second chair width extension part 41 extends in the chair width direction below the first chair width extension part 40. The weight receiving belt parts 42 connect the first chair width extension part 40 and the second chair width extension part 41, and each of them is disposed separately in the chair width direction. At least one of the weight receiving belt parts 42 is provided with a vertical extension area 43, a back and forth extension area 44, and an L-shaped connection area 45. Length from an upper end of the vertical extension area 43 to a front end of the back and forth extension area 44 via the L-shaped connection area 45 is longer than the shortest distance from the first chair width extension part 40 to the second chair width extension part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair having a seat and a backrest. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A chair having a seat and a backrest is known in which the backrest is formed from a resin plate material and has a plurality of slits extending in the vertical direction in part of the backrest (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The chair described in Patent Document 1 has a backrest made of a resin plate with multiple slits extending in the vertical direction formed in part of it, thereby providing multiple load-receiving bands spaced apart in the width direction of the chair on part of the backrest. Each of the multiple load-receiving bands extends in the vertical direction, with their upper and lower extending ends connected to an upper chair width extension and a lower chair width extension. The multiple load-receiving bands consist of a resilient portion that linearly connects the upper and lower chair width extensions and a base portion that curves backward and is connected to the upper and lower chair width extensions, and these are arranged alternately in the width direction of the chair.

[0004] In the chair described in Patent Document 1, the load-receiving band, which is the elastic part, receives a load from the user's back and flexes and deforms backward, and the load-receiving band, which is the base part, has high rigidity so that it can withstand excessive load input from the user's back. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5452996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The chair described in Patent Document 1 has multiple load-receiving bands formed on a portion of the backrest, and the load-receiving bands, which are elastic parts, deform, allowing the chair to flexibly support the weight of the user. However, the chair described in Patent Document 1 has multiple load-receiving bands only on the portion of the upper region of the backrest that extends substantially in the vertical direction. For this reason, the chair described in Patent Document 1 has difficulty flexibly supporting the weight near the user's buttocks.

[0007] In recent years, many chairs have been developed that have a mechanism for tilting the rear area of ​​the seat downward (reclining mechanism). In particular, in such chairs, it is desirable for the load-bearing surface of the chair to more flexibly support the area around the user's buttocks.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a chair that can more flexibly support the load around the user's buttocks, thereby providing a comfortable seating experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the chair according to the present invention employs the following configuration. A chair according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first chair width extension portion extending in the chair width direction, a second chair width extension portion extending in the chair width direction below the first chair width extension portion, and a plurality of load-receiving band portions connecting the first chair width extension portion and the second chair width extension portion and spaced apart in the chair width direction, wherein at least one of the load-receiving band portions has a thickness direction in the front-to-rear direction and comprises: an upper-lower extending region extending downward from the first chair width extension portion to function as part of the backrest; a lower-lower extending region extending rearward from the second chair width extension portion to function as part of the seat; and an L-shaped connecting region that is L-shaped in a side view and connects the upper-lower extending region and the front-to-rear extending region, wherein the length from the upper end of the upper-lower extending region, via the L-shaped connecting region, to the front end of the front-to-rear extending region is greater than the shortest distance from the first chair width extension portion to the second chair width extension.

[0010] In this chair, at least one load-receiving strap portion includes an L-shaped connection region that connects the vertical extension region and the front-rear extension region. When a load is received from a user, the L-shaped connection region can deform so that its L-shape widens or narrows, and can also deform so that the distance between the L-shaped connection regions of adjacent load-receiving strap portions increases. In this case, the area near the user's buttocks is more likely to abut against the L-shaped connection region over a wide area. As a result, the load near the user's buttocks is flexibly received by the multiple load-receiving strap portions.

[0011] A chair according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the chair according to the first aspect, the multiple load-receiving band portions comprise a pair of end load-receiving band portions arranged at both ends of the chair in the width direction, and at least one inner load-receiving band portion arranged inside the pair of end load-receiving band portions in the chair width direction, the inner load-receiving band portion having the L-shaped connection area, and the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the inner load-receiving band portion being located rearward of the front and rear surfaces of the corresponding area of ​​the end load-receiving band portion at the same height.

[0012] In this case, at least the L-shaped connection region of the inner load-receiving band portion is located further rearward than the corresponding height position of the end load-receiving band portion, so that the L-shape of the L-shaped connection region is more likely to deform so as to expand over a wider area in the inner region in the chair width direction, and the L-shaped connection region is more likely to displace in the chair width direction when subjected to load. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to more flexibly receive loads near the user's buttocks.

[0013] A chair according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the chair according to the second aspect, the inner load-receiving band portions are arranged in multiple positions between a pair of the end load-receiving band portions, and the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the inner load-receiving band portions arranged toward the center of the chair width direction are located further rearward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the inner load-receiving band portions arranged toward the outside of the chair width direction.

[0014] In this case, the L-shaped connection regions of the inner load-receiving bands located closer to the center of the chair width direction tend to expand over a wider area and are more likely to displace in the chair width direction. This makes it possible to prevent the multiple inner load-receiving bands from sinking uniformly when receiving a load near the user's buttocks. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the L-shaped connection regions of the multiple inner load-receiving bands can bend more toward the center of the chair width direction, improving the user's seating comfort.

[0015] A chair according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the chair according to the second or third aspect, the end load-receiving band portion has an L-shaped connection area, and the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the end load-receiving band portion are located further forward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the inner load-receiving band portion.

[0016] In this case, the end load-receiving bands also undergo deformation such that the L-shape of the L-shaped connection region expands when subjected to a load from the user, and the L-shaped connection region also displaces in the chair width direction. However, because the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region of the end load-receiving bands are positioned further forward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region of the inner load-receiving bands, the expansion of the L-shape of the L-shaped connection region and the displacement in the chair width direction are smaller than those of the inner load-receiving bands. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the pair of end load-receiving bands ensures the rigidity of the seat and backrest, while suppressing the gap in the amount of flexural deformation between the end load-receiving bands and the inner load-receiving bands on the inside in the chair width direction.

[0017] A chair according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the chair according to the first aspect, a strength member is arranged on the back side of the load-receiving band portion, which is connected to the first chair width extension portion and the second chair width extension portion.

[0018] In this case, if a large load is applied to the load-receiving strap by the user, causing the load-receiving strap to stretch significantly, the load is absorbed by the strength member of the back. Therefore, even if the main part of the load-receiving strap is made of a relatively soft material, it is possible to prevent the main part of the load-receiving strap from being excessively stretched and deformed, resulting in deterioration.

[0019] A chair according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the chair according to the first aspect, the strength member is a reinforcing layer made of a high-strength material and placed on the back of each of the load-receiving band portions.

[0020] In this case, the backside of the multiple load-receiving band parts can be made thin and lightweight, and it is possible to ensure a space between the multiple load-receiving band parts including the reinforcing layer, which improves the breathability of the backrest and seat and also makes cleaning easier.

[0021] A chair according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the chair according to the first aspect, characterized in that the load-receiving band portion has a plurality of deformation-tolerant spaces arranged inside to allow deformation of the surface layer.

[0022] In this case, the multiple deformation spaces arranged inside the load-receiving band allow the surface layer of the load-receiving band to flexibly deform, thereby improving the user's seating comfort. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] As described above, in the chair according to the present invention, at least one load-receiving band includes an L-shaped connection region that connects the vertical extending region and the front-rear extending region. The length from the upper end of the vertical extending region to the front end of the front-rear extending region via the L-shaped connection region is greater than the shortest distance from the first chair width extension to the second chair width extension. Therefore, when the chair according to the present invention is used, the L-shaped connection region of the load-receiving band can flexibly deform to more flexibly receive the load near the user's buttocks, providing a comfortable seating experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a first usage form of the furniture unit of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a second usage form of the furniture unit of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a second usage form of the furniture unit of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a third usage form of the furniture unit of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the chair of the embodiment seen from another direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the chair according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, a chair 10 according to the embodiment is employed in a furniture unit 1.

[0026] <Furniture unit> 1 to 4 are vertical cross-sectional views of the furniture unit 1. Each of FIGS. 1 to 4 shows a different usage form of the furniture unit 1. The furniture unit 1 of this embodiment comprises a chair 10 on which a user m can sit, a lower booth 11 having a bottom wall 11b on which the soles of the feet of the user m seated on the chair 10 are placed and continuously covering the front and both left and right sides of the lower part of the knees k of the user m, and an upper booth 12 connected to the upper part of the lower booth 11. The chair 10 and the lower booth 11 are supported by a substantially circular base plate 13 fixedly installed on the floor F. A movable mechanism 14 is installed approximately in the center of the upper surface of the base plate 13, which allows the lower booth 11 and chair 10 to tilt (recline) and to rotate the lower booth 11 and chair 10 individually. The lower booth 11 and the upper booth 12 may be collectively referred to as "booth 8."

[0027] The movable mechanism 14 includes a movable block 15 that is tiltable about a tilt center o and rotatable about a vertical axis v passing through the tilt center o, and a leg support base 16 that is rotatably supported on the movable block 15. The base of the bottom wall 11b of the lower booth 11 is connected to the movable block 15, and the legs 30 of the chair 10 are connected to the leg support base 16. A frusto-conical casing 17 of the movable mechanism 14 protrudes from approximately the center of the upper surface of the base plate 13. The casing 17 holds the movable block 15 in a state that allows it to rotate about the vertical axis v and tilt about the tilt center o. The top side of the casing 17 is open upward, and a portion of the movable block 15 is exposed to the outside through the opening in the top surface of the casing 17.

[0028] A conical recess 18 is formed in a portion of the movable block 15 that is exposed upward from the casing 17. A boss 18a protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 18. The leg support base 16 is rotatably supported on the boss 18a via a support rod 19. A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided between the movable block 15 and the leg support base 16. The locking mechanism restricts the rotation of the leg support base 16 relative to the movable block 15. The locking mechanism releases the lock on the leg support base 16 only when the lower booth 11 connected to the movable block 15 is in a reference position (described later) and locks the rotation of the leg support base 16 in other states. Therefore, the chair 10 supported by the leg support base 16 is rotatable relative to the booth 8 only when the booth 8 is in the reference position.

[0029] The movable mechanism 14 is also provided with a motor 20 for tilting the movable block 15 and a motor (not shown) for rotating the movable block 15 (booth 8) to any position around the vertical axis v when the booth 8 is in the reference position. These motors can be operated by the user m by operating a switch or the like. In this embodiment, the chair 10 is configured to be rotated manually when the booth 8 is in the reference position. However, the chair 10 may also be rotated by an actuator such as a motor. 1 denotes a warning light installed around the casing 17 of the movable mechanism 14. This warning light 22 is for notifying people around of danger when, for example, the booth 8 or the chair 10 is operated by power. The warning light 22 may be turned on to notify people around that a user m is working or performing other tasks facing the booth 8.

[0030] <How the fixture unit is used> The furniture unit 1 of this embodiment can be used in a variety of forms as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The forms of use shown in Figures 1 to 4 are only examples of a variety of forms of use, and the forms of use of the furniture unit 1 are not limited to these. The reference position for the booth 8 refers to a position in which the base of the bottom wall 11b of the lower booth 11 is horizontal. The reference position for the chair 10 refers to a position in which the front of the backrest 32 of the chair 10 faces the booth 8 when the booth 8 is in the reference position.

[0031] 1 shows a first usage mode in which the booth 8 is in the standard posture and the chair 10 is also in the standard posture. In this first usage mode, a user m sitting in the chair 10 in a normal posture can face the booth 8 and perform work, video conference (web conference), etc.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a second usage mode in which the booth 8 is in the standard position and the chair 10 is rotated 180° from the standard position. Fig. 3 shows two furniture units 1 installed next to each other on floor F being used in the same second usage mode. In this usage mode, for example, users m of adjacent furniture units 1 can reverse the orientation of their chairs 10 to have a direct conversation, etc.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a third usage mode in which the booth 8 and chair 10 are tilted (reclined) backward by a predetermined angle from the standard position. In this third usage mode, a user m seated in the chair 10 can work or hold a video conference (web conference) while facing the booth 8 in a backward-leaning position. The tilt angle of the booth 8 and chair 10 can be adjusted to any angle by the user m operating a switch or the like.

[0034] <Booth> 5 and 6 are perspective views of the furniture unit 1. Fig. 5 is a view of the chair 10 facing the booth 8 as seen from the rear, and Fig. 6 is a view of the chair 10 rotated a predetermined angle relative to the booth 8 as seen from the front. 1, 5, and 6, the lower booth 11 includes a bottom wall 11b that is generally fan-shaped in plan view, an upright wall 11c that is arc-shaped in plan view and rises upward from the arc-shaped edge of the bottom wall 11b, and an upper flange wall 11d that projects from the upper edge of the upright wall 11c to the inside of the arc of the upright wall 11c. An arc-shaped block 11a that is generally arc-shaped in plan view is connected to the inner edge of the upper flange wall 11d. The lower end of the upper booth 12 is connected to the outer arc surface of the arc-shaped block 11a.

[0035] Sensors s1 and s2 are installed on the arc-shaped block 11a to detect the movements of a user m seated on the chair 10. These sensors s1 and s2 detect the movements of the user m and transmit the detection signals to a controller. The controller receives the detection signals and controls the furniture unit 1 and other devices in accordance with the signals.

[0036] Additionally, a table 23 having a substantially arc-shaped plan view is supported on the underside of the arc-shaped block 11a so as to be slidable in the horizontal direction. The table 23 has a shape in plan view that substantially matches the shape of the arc-shaped block 11a. The arc-shaped shape of the table 23 is formed so that a user m seated in the chair 10 facing the table 23 is positioned approximately at the center of the arc of the table 23. Therefore, the user m facing the table 23 can use the upper surfaces of the side edges of the table 23 that protrude in an arc shape from the left and right sides as armrests.

[0037] The sliding direction of the table 23 is a direction facing the user m seated in the chair 10 in the standard position. The table 23 is slidable between a forward position close to the user m and a backward position away from the user m. The table 23 is operated to move forward and backward by a motor (not shown). When the booth 8 is in the standard position, the table 23 moves to a backward position away from the user m when the backrest 32 of the chair 10 rotates from a rotation position facing the booth 8 to another rotation position. When the backrest 32 of the chair 10 is in a position facing the booth 8, the table 23 moves to the forward position close to the user m.

[0038] A sensor (not shown) is installed on the top surface of the table 23 to detect the movement of the fingers of the user m who is close to the top surface. This sensor detects the movement of the fingers of the user m and transmits the detection signal to the controller. The controller, which receives the detection signal, controls the furniture unit 1 and other devices in accordance with the signal.

[0039] A refrigerant circulation passage 24 is installed in the upright wall 11c of the lower booth 11. By flowing a cooled refrigerant or a heated refrigerant through this circulation passage 24, the inner space of the lower booth 11 can be cooled or heated. In addition, reference numeral 25 in the drawing denotes a recessed foot rest portion provided on the bottom wall 11b of the lower booth 11 at the rear side.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the upper booth 12 is provided with an upright wall 26 that is arc-shaped in plan view. The lower end of the upright wall 26 is connected to the arc-shaped block 11a on the lower booth 11 side so as to wrap around the curved outer surface of the arc-shaped block 11a. The arc-shaped block 11a is disposed below and inside the upright wall 26 so as to fit along the inner surface of the arc-shaped upright wall 26. The arc shape of the upright wall 26 has a central angle of approximately 160° centered near the center of the plane of the movable mechanism 14. A display device is incorporated into the curved inner surface 26a of the upright wall 26 facing the chair 10. The display device is capable of projecting computer output and other images.

[0041] <Chair> FIG. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the chair 10. 1 and 5 to 7, chair 10 includes legs 30 connected to leg support base 16 of movable mechanism 14, a load support member 33 formed integrally with seat 31 and backrest 32, and a shielding member 34 that is substantially U-shaped in plan view and attached to the upper part of backrest 32 of load support member 33. Sound devices 35 such as speakers are built into left and right side walls 34s of shielding member 34. In the following description of the chair 10, the side of the seat 31 connected to the backrest 32 will be referred to as the "rear" side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the "front" side.

[0042] The leg 30 has a semicircular annular shape. The annular shape of the leg 30 has a semicircular arc facing downward. The leg 30 extends from the upper surface of the leg support base 16 of the movable mechanism 14 at an angle toward the front and upward. However, since the leg support base 16 tilts in the same direction and angle as the movable block 15 as the movable block 15 tilts, the angle of inclination of the leg 30 changes as the movable block 15 tilts. Therefore, the seat 31 and backrest 32 of the load support member 33 supported by the leg 30 can be tilted (reclined) by the operation of the movable block 15.

[0043] The load support member 33 is integrally formed with a backrest 32 that supports the waist and back of the user m, connected to the rear of the seat 31 on which the user m sits. The upper ends of the legs 30 are connected to the underside of the front end of the seat 31 of the load support member 33 by bolting or the like.

[0044] The load support member 33 comprises a first chair width extension 40 extending in the chair width direction at the upper end of the backrest 32, a second chair width extension 41 extending in the chair width direction at the front end of the seat 31, and five (plural) load-receiving band portions 42 connecting the first chair width extension 40 and the second chair width extension 41. The five load-receiving band portions 42 are spaced apart from one another in the chair width direction. The first chair width extension 40, the second chair width extension 41, and the load-receiving band portions 42 are integrally formed from resin. The five load-receiving band portions 42 consist of a pair of end load-receiving band portions 42E arranged at both ends of the chair width direction, and three inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, 42c arranged inside the pair of end load-receiving band portions 42E in the chair width direction.

[0045] Each load-receiving band portion 42 has a thickness direction in the front-to-rear direction and includes a vertical extending region 43 that extends downward from the first chair width extending portion 40 and functions as part of the backrest 32, a vertical extending region 44 that has a thickness direction in the front-to-rear direction and extends rearward from the second chair width extending portion 41 and functions as part of the seat 31, and an L-shaped connecting region 45 that connects the vertical extending region 43 and the vertical extending region 44. The L-shaped connecting region 45 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the side in the chair width direction.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7, the length of each load-receiving band portion 42 from the upper end of the vertical extension region 43 via the L-shaped connection region 45 to the front end of the front-to-rear extension region 44 is greater than the shortest distance SD from the first chair width extension portion 40 to the second chair width extension portion 41. Hereinafter, the length from the upper end of the vertical extending region 43 to the front end of the front-rear extending region 44 via the L-shaped connection region 45 will be referred to as the "total length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45." The total length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45 is not the same for all of the load-receiving band portions 42 (end load-receiving band portion 42E, inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, 42c) and is set as follows.

[0047] The left and right end load-receiving band portions 42E are set to have the shortest overall length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45, and the central inner load-receiving band portion 42b in the chair width direction is set to have the longest overall length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45. The overall length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45 of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42c on both the left and right sides in the chair width direction is set to be longer than the overall length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45 of the left and right end load-receiving band portions 42E, but shorter than the overall length passing through the L-shaped connection region 45 of the central inner load-receiving band portion 42b.

[0048] The longitudinal positional relationship between the front and rear surfaces of the vertical wall portions (portions continuing to the upper and lower extending regions 43) of the L-shaped connecting regions 45 of each load-receiving band portion 42 is set as follows. The front and rear surfaces of the vertical wall portions of the L-shaped connection region 45 are positioned so that the left and right end load-receiving band portions 42E are positioned most forward, and the central inner load-receiving band portion 42b in the chair width direction is positioned most rearward. The front and rear surfaces of the vertical wall portions (L-shaped connection regions 45) of the left and right inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42c are positioned more forward than the front and rear surfaces of the vertical wall portion of the central inner load-receiving band portion 42b and more rearward than the front and rear surfaces of the vertical wall portions of the left and right end load-receiving band portions 42E. In other words, the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region 45 are positioned as rearward as the load-receiving band portion 42 positioned more centrally in the chair width direction. For the multiple load-receiving band portions 42 arranged in this manner, an imaginary line connecting the front surfaces of each L-shaped connection region 45 in a plan view forms a curved shape concave toward the rear. In the chair of this embodiment, the upper and lower surfaces of the lateral wall portion (the portion continuing from the front-to-back extending region 44) of the L-shaped connecting region 45 connected to the front-to-back extending region 44 are positioned approximately below the load-receiving band portion 42, which is positioned in the center of the chair width direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first chair width extension 40 on the upper rear side and the second chair width extension 41 on the lower front side are connected by five load-receiving bands 42, but the number of load-receiving bands 42 connecting the first chair width extension 40 and the second chair width extension 41 is not limited to five. The number of load-receiving bands 42 may be three, four, six or more as long as it is two or more. Furthermore, in the load support member 33 of this embodiment, all of the multiple load-receiving band portions 42 have the L-shaped connection region 45, but it is sufficient if there is at least one load-receiving band portion 42 that has the L-shaped connection region 45.

[0050] In the chair 10 of this embodiment, the load-receiving band portions 42 are provided with L-shaped connection regions 45 that connect the up-down extending region 43 and the front-rear extending region 44. Therefore, when the sitting load of a user seated on the chair 10 acts on the load-receiving band portions 42, the L-shape of the L-shaped connection regions 45 deforms to widen, and the distance between the L-shaped connection regions 45 of adjacent load-receiving band portions 42 also deforms to increase. At this time, the L-shaped connection regions 45 flexibly deform in three dimensions to follow the shape of the area near the buttocks of the user m, and the load near the buttocks of the user m is flexibly received by the multiple load-receiving band portions 42.

[0051] In addition, one surface in the thickness direction of each load-receiving band portion 42 is a load-receiving surface. Specifically, the upper surface of the seat 31 portion is a load-receiving surface, and the front surface of the backrest 32 portion is a load-receiving portion. As shown in Figure 7, each load-receiving band portion 42 includes a first layer 50 constituting a load-receiving surface, a second layer 51 arranged on the other side of the first layer 50 in the thickness direction at a distance, and a plurality of connecting walls 52 connecting the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 in the thickness direction. The connecting walls 52 are arranged at a distance in the extension direction of the load-receiving band portion 42. The connecting walls 52 form a plurality of deformation-allowing spaces 53 between the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 that allow deformation of the first layer 50 (surface layer). Furthermore, by extending between the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 in the thickness direction, the connecting walls 52 provide resistance to displacement in a direction in which the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 approach each other. In this embodiment, the deformation-allowing spaces 53 formed between the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 are formed so that the elliptical spatial cross section continues in the width direction of the chair. In this embodiment, each deformation-allowing space 53 is open to at least one side of the load-receiving band portion 42 in the width direction of the chair. Therefore, the deformation-allowing spaces 53 always communicate with the outside, and deformation of the first layer 50 is not inhibited by pressure within the deformation-allowing spaces 53.

[0052] Here, the reaction force (resistance force when the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 are displaced in a direction toward each other) by the connecting wall 52 when the first layer 50 (load-receiving surface) is pressed by the load of the user m, etc., is set and adjusted by changing the number of load-receiving belt portions 42 installed per unit length in the extension direction, or by changing the thickness (thickness in the direction intersecting the load input direction) and shape of the connecting wall 52.

[0053] 7, a first layer 50, a second layer 51, and a plurality of connecting walls 52 connecting these layers are integrally formed by injection molding, molding with a 3D printer, etc. In this case, the thickness and shape of the connecting walls 52 can be changed for each portion, and the number of connecting walls 52 installed per unit length in the extension direction of the load-receiving band portion 42 can also be changed as desired.

[0054] In this embodiment, the load-receiving band portion 42 has a third layer 54 made of a material stronger than the second layer 51 joined to the back side of the second layer 51 (the side away from the first layer 50). The third layer 54 can be formed, for example, from a fiber-reinforced resin. When a fiber-reinforced resin or the like is used as the material for the third layer 54, even if the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 are formed from a relatively soft resin material, the third layer 54 can suppress excessive elongation and deformation of the first layer 50 and the second layer 51. The three-phase structure made up of the first layer 50, the second layer 51, and the third layer 54 extends to the first chair width extension 40 and the second chair width extension 41. In this embodiment, the legs 30, which are the support structure of the chair 10, are connected to the third layer 54 of the second chair width extension 41 at the front and below the seat 31 of the load-bearing member 33. In addition, the above-mentioned third layer 54, which constitutes part of each load-receiving band portion 42, can also be said to be a reinforcing layer or strength member that is arranged on the back side of the second layer 51 and connects the first chair width extension portion 40 and the second chair width extension portion 41.

[0055] In the load-receiving band portion 42 of this embodiment, the first layer 50 and the second layer 51 are formed from a relatively soft resin, and a strong third layer 54 is joined to the back side of the second layer 51. However, it is also possible to form the second layer 51 from a material stronger than the first layer 50, such as fiber-reinforced resin, and eliminate the third layer 54. In this case, the legs 30 (support structure) of the chair 10 are connected to the second layer 51 at the front and below the seat 31 of the load-bearing member 33. In addition, in this embodiment, the load-receiving belt portion 42 has the third layer 54 joined to the back side of the second layer 51, but a separate strength member connected to the first chair width extension portion 40 and the second chair width extension portion 41 may also be arranged on the back side of the multiple load-receiving belt portions 42.

[0056] <Effects of the chair of the embodiment> In the chair 10 of this embodiment, the load-receiving band portion 42 includes an L-shaped connection region 45 that connects the vertical extending region 43 and the front-to-rear extending region 44. The length from the upper end of the vertical extending region 43 via the L-shaped connection region 45 to the front end of the front-to-rear extending region 44 is greater than the shortest distance SD from the first chair width extending portion 40 to the second chair width extending portion 41. Therefore, when the chair 10 of this embodiment is adopted, the flexible deformation of the L-shaped connection region 45 of the load-receiving belt portion 42 allows the load near the buttocks of the user m to be more flexibly received, resulting in a comfortable seating experience.

[0057] Furthermore, the chair 10 of this embodiment includes a pair of end load-receiving band portions 42E located at both ends in the chair width direction, and inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, and 42c located inside the pair of end load-receiving band portions 42E in the chair width direction. The front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection regions 45 of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, and 42c are located further rearward than the front and rear surfaces of the corresponding regions (L-shaped connection regions 45) of the end load-receiving band portions 42E at the same height. Therefore, in the inner region in the chair width direction of the load support member 33, the L-shape of the L-shaped connection regions 45 is more likely to deform so as to expand over a wider range, and the L-shaped connection regions 45 are more likely to displace in the chair width direction when subjected to a load. Therefore, when the chair 10 of this embodiment is adopted, it becomes possible to more flexibly receive the load near the buttocks of the user m.

[0058] Furthermore, in the chair 10 of this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region 45 of the inner load-receiving band portion 42b, which is positioned toward the center in the chair width direction, are located further rearward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection regions 45 of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42c, which are positioned toward the outside in the chair width direction. Therefore, the L-shape of the L-shaped connection region 45 of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, 42c, which are positioned toward the center in the chair width direction, tends to expand over a wider range, and the L-shaped connection region 45 tends to displace more easily in the chair width direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the multiple inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, 42c from sinking uniformly when receiving a load near the buttocks of the user m. Therefore, when the chair 10 of this embodiment is adopted, the L-shaped connection regions 45 of the multiple inner load-receiving belt portions 42a, 42b, 42c can bend more toward the center of the chair width, making it possible to improve the seating comfort of the user m.

[0059] Furthermore, in the chair 10 of this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region 45 of the end load-receiving band portion 42E are located further forward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection regions 45 of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, and 42c. Therefore, when the seated weight of the user m is input, the L-shape of the L-shaped connection region 45 of the end load-receiving band portion 42E expands and the displacement of the L-shaped connection region 45 in the chair width direction is smaller than those of the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, and 42c. Therefore, the pair of end load-receiving band portions 42E ensures the rigidity of the outer frame portions of the seat 31 and the backrest 32, while suppressing the gap in the amount of flexural deformation between the end load-receiving band portion 42E and the inner load-receiving band portions 42a, 42b, and 42c. Therefore, when the chair 10 of this embodiment is adopted, the sense of stability when sitting on the chair 10 can be increased, and the seating comfort can be maintained more comfortably.

[0060] Furthermore, in the chair 10 of this embodiment, a third layer 54 that functions as a strength member and is connected to the first chair width extension 40 and the second chair width extension 41 is disposed on the back side of the load-receiving band 42. Therefore, when the load-receiving band 42 receives a large seating load and attempts to stretch and deform significantly, the load is received by the third layer 54 (strength member) of the back. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, even if the main parts of the load-receiving belt portion 42 (first layer 50, second layer 51, connecting wall 52) are formed from a relatively soft material, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the load-receiving belt portion 42 from being excessively stretched, deformed, and deteriorated.

[0061] In particular, in the chair 10 of this embodiment, the third layer 54, which is a reinforcing layer made of a high-strength material, is formed as the layer on the back side of each load-receiving band portion 42. This allows the back sides of the multiple load-receiving band portions 42 to have a thin, lightweight structure. Furthermore, when this configuration is adopted, a space can be secured between the multiple load-receiving band portions 42, including the third layer 54, which is the reinforcing layer, thereby improving the breathability of the backrest 32 and seat 31 and making cleaning easier.

[0062] Furthermore, in the chair 10 of this embodiment, a plurality of deformation allowance spaces 53 that allow deformation of the surface layer (first layer 50) are formed inside the load-receiving band portion 42. Therefore, the plurality of deformation allowance spaces 53 formed inside the load-receiving band portion 42 allows flexible deformation of the surface layer (first layer 50) of the load-receiving band portion 42. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to improve the seating comfort of the user.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the chair 10 in the above-described embodiment is a chair equipped with a mechanism for tilting the seat 31 and backrest 32 of the load support member 33, but the chair does not necessarily have to be equipped with a mechanism for tilting the seat and backrest.

[0064] In addition, in the above embodiment, an L-shaped connection region 45 is provided in the end load-receiving belt portion 42E, which is positioned on the outside of the chair width direction, but it is not necessary to provide an L-shaped connection region 45 in the end load-receiving belt portion 42E.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front-to-rear extending region 44 of each load-receiving band portion 42 extends to the vicinity of the front end of the seat 31, but the front extension position of the front-to-rear extending region 44 of the load-receiving band portion 42 does not necessarily have to extend to the vicinity of the front end of the seat 31. The front-to-rear extending region 44 of the load-receiving band portion 42 may extend to the vicinity of the center position of the seat 31 in the front-to-rear direction, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the vertical extension region 43 of each load-receiving band portion 42 extends to the vicinity of the upper end of the backrest 32, but the upper extension position of the load-receiving band portion 42 does not necessarily have to extend to the vicinity of the upper end of the backrest 32. The vertical extension region 43 of the load-receiving band portion 42 may extend to the vicinity of the center position of the backrest 32 in the vertical direction, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10...Chair 31…za 32...backrest 40…1st chair width extension part 41…Second chair width extension part 42...Load-receiving band 42E...End load bearing band 42a, 42b, 42c...Inner load-receiving band 43...Vertical extension area 44…Anteroposterior extension area 45…L-shaped connection area 50…1st layer (surface layer) 53...Deformation allowance space 54...Third layer (reinforcing member, reinforcing layer) SD: Shortest distance

Claims

1. a first chair width extension portion extending in the chair width direction; a second chair width extension portion extending in the chair width direction below the first chair width extension portion; a plurality of load-receiving bands that connect the first chair width extension and the second chair width extension and are spaced apart in the chair width direction; At least one of the load-receiving band portions has a thickness direction in the front-to-back direction and comprises an upper-lower extending region that extends downward from the first chair width extension portion and functions as part of the backrest, an upper-lower extending region that extends downward from the second chair width extension portion and functions as part of the seat, and an L-shaped connecting region that is L-shaped in a side view and connects the upper-lower extending region and the front-to-rear extending region, wherein the length from the upper end of the upper-lower extending region via the L-shaped connecting region to the front end of the front-to-rear extending region is greater than the shortest distance from the first chair width extension portion to the second chair width extension portion.

2. The plurality of load bearing bands include: A pair of end load-receiving band portions disposed at both ends in the chair width direction; and at least one inner load-receiving band portion disposed on the inner side of the pair of end load-receiving band portions in the chair width direction, the inner load-receiving band has the L-shaped connection region; The chair of claim 1, wherein the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region of the inner load-receiving band portion are located rearward of the front and rear surfaces of the corresponding region of the end load-receiving band portion at the same height.

3. A plurality of the inner load-receiving band portions are disposed between the pair of the end load-receiving band portions, The chair of claim 2, characterized in that the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region of the inner load-receiving band portion located closer to the center of the chair width direction are located further rearward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection region of the inner load-receiving band portion located closer to the outside of the chair width direction.

4. A chair as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the end load-receiving band portion has the L-shaped connection area, and the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the end load-receiving band portion are located further forward than the front and rear surfaces of the L-shaped connection area of ​​the inner load-receiving band portion.

5. 2. The chair according to claim 1, wherein a strength member is disposed on the back side of the load-receiving band portion, the strength member being connected to the first chair width extension and the second chair width extension.

6. 6. The chair of claim 5, wherein the strength member is a reinforcing layer of high strength material disposed on the back of each of the load-bearing bands.

7. 2. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the load-receiving band portion has a plurality of deformation-allowing spaces arranged therein to allow deformation of the surface layer.

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