Component mounting structure

The member mounting structure simplifies the attachment process by enabling the nut to change positions with screw rotation, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional methods and reducing the work required for assembly.

JP2026043967APending Publication Date: 2026-03-12KOKUYO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-29
Publication Date
2026-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional member mounting structures using screws and nuts are cumbersome due to the difficulty in reducing the amount of work required for attaching nuts, leading to inefficient assembly processes.

Method used

A member mounting structure featuring a nut holding portion with a nut insertion portion and an extension portion accommodating portion, allowing the nut to change positions as a screw is threaded, reducing the need for separate fasteners by utilizing a T-nut with a cylindrical portion and extension portions that can rotate into different positions.

Benefits of technology

This structure simplifies the attachment process by allowing the nut to change positions with screw rotation, thereby reducing the amount of work needed to mount members, enhancing efficiency and ease of assembly.

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Abstract

A member mounting structure that contributes to reducing the number of work steps when mounting a first member and a second member using screws and nuts is provided. [Solution] This is an attachment structure for a member in which a second unit member d2 is attached to a first member, the seat shell body 1, and the arrangement of the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt to the extension portion accommodating portion p2 of the nut holding portion P provided on the seat shell body 1 is carried out by threading a screw v2 inserted through a screw insertion hole h2 into the T-nut nt in a first position (L1) after being inserted into the nut insertion portion p1, and changing the position of the T-nut nt from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) as the screw v2 rotates.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for a member. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A structure has been known in the past in which one member is attached to another member by threading a screw into a nut (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Generally, the component on which the nut is attached has a suitable structure to prevent the nut from slipping out or coming off easily, which makes the work of attaching the nut cumbersome in conventional systems.

[0004] In other words, in the conventional structure, in the process of attaching the first member and the second member using screws and nuts, it was difficult to reduce the amount of work required to attach the nuts to the first member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-57825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a member mounting structure that contributes to reducing the amount of work required when attaching a first member and a second member using at least screws and nuts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] That is, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a member mounting structure for a chair, which comprises a first member formed with a nut holding portion for holding a nut, and a second member formed with a screw insertion hole through which a screw is inserted, and the second member is mounted to the first member by threading the screw inserted into the screw insertion hole into the nut, wherein the nut comprises a cylindrical portion formed with an internal thread groove and an extension portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and is capable of adopting at least a first position and a second position different from the first position. The nut holding portion is provided with a nut insertion portion into which only the nut in the first position can be inserted, and an extension portion accommodating portion connected to the nut insertion portion and capable of accommodating at least a portion of the extension portion of the nut in the second position, and the arrangement of the extension portion in the extension portion accommodating portion is performed by threading the screw inserted through the screw insertion hole into the nut in the first position after it has been inserted into the nut insertion portion, and changing the position of the nut from the first position to the second position as the screw rotates.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is the mounting structure for a member according to the first aspect, wherein the extension has an outer shape with a part cut out from a circle.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention provides the mounting structure for a member according to the first aspect, wherein the second posture is rotated around the axis from the first posture within a range of 5° to 90°.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a mounting structure for a component described in claim 1, in which the nut insertion portion is provided with a first positioning portion against which the end portion of the nut inserted in the first posture in the insertion direction can abut.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a mounting structure for a member described in claim 1, in which the extension portion accommodating portion is provided with a second positioning portion against which the extension portion of the nut in the second position can abut.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the mounting structure for a member described in claim 1, wherein the direction in which the nut is inserted into the nut insertion portion is the same as the direction in which the screw threaded into the nut advances.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the member mounting structure according to the first aspect, wherein the first member and the second member are formed by resin injection molding.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the mounting structure for a member according to the first aspect, wherein the first member constitutes a seat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a member mounting structure that contributes to reducing the amount of work required to mount a first member and a second member using at least screws and nuts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged bottom view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged bottom view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged bottom view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating a mounting manner of a nut and a screw in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The chair comprises a leg body C, a seat support structure B arranged above the leg body C and integrally comprising a seat E, a backrest R and armrests S, and a tilting unit D interposed between the leg body C and the seat support structure B.

[0020] In this embodiment, the legs C and the tilting unit D constitute a support A that supports an occupant support structure B including a seat E.

[0021] The chair of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0022] <<Leg body C>> The leg body C includes four legs extending in the vertical direction, namely, left and right front legs c1 and rear legs c1, and a base c2 supported by the left and right front legs c1 and rear legs c1.

[0023] The base c2 includes a metal base body c3 in the form of a horizontal plate on which the tilting unit D is placed and which has screw insertion holes h1 penetrating in the vertical direction, and a synthetic resin protective frame member c4 which is detachably attached to the base body c3 and surrounds the outer periphery of the tilting unit D. The base body c3 is rigidly connected to the front legs c1 and the rear legs c2 by welding.

[0024] <<Tilting Unit D>> The tilting unit D is interposed between the base c2 of the leg C and the seat shell body 1 which is the seat base of the seat E.

[0025] The tilting unit D supports an occupant support structure B including a seat E so that the occupant support structure B can tilt forward and backward relative to the legs C. The occupant support structure B is supported by the legs C via the tilting unit D.

[0026] The tilting unit D comprises a first unit member d1 fixed to the leg body C by a screw v1 inserted through a screw insertion hole h1, and a second unit member d2 rotatably supported on the first unit member d1 via a support shaft dj and fixed by a screw v2 to a seat shell body 1 of the seat E which holds a T-nut nt, which is a nut.

[0027] <First unit member d1> The first unit member d1 has an overall rectangular box shape that is open at the top.

[0028] The first unit member d1 includes a bottom wall portion d3 having a generally rectangular shape elongated in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from the bottom, and a lower peripheral wall portion d4 erected on the peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion d3.

[0029] The bottom wall portion d3 is provided with a nut portion n1 into which a screw v1 for fastening to the base portion c2 of the leg C is screwed.

[0030] <Second unit member d2> The second unit member d2 is supported rotatably in the front-rear direction relative to the first unit member d1 via a support shaft dj extending in the left-right direction.

[0031] The second unit member d2 includes a top wall portion d5 having a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and an upper peripheral wall portion d6 suspended from the top wall portion d5.

[0032] The top surface of the top wall portion d5 abuts against the underside of the seat shell body 1. The top wall portion d5 is disposed in the tilting unit disposing portion 11, which is the central portion provided in the central portion of the underside of the seat shell body 1.

[0033] The top wall d5 is provided with left and right extending portions d7 that extend outward in a flange-like shape from the upper peripheral wall d6. A plurality of screw insertion holes h2 are formed in the left and right extending portions d7 in the vertical direction, through which a plurality of screws v2 are inserted for fastening to the seat shell body 1. The second unit member d2 of the tilting unit D is fixed to the seat shell body 1, which holds the T-nuts nt, by the screws v2.

[0034] <<About seated occupant support structure B>> The occupant support structure B comprises a seat E with a seating surface 2m above it, a backrest R erected at the rear of the seat E, and left and right armrests S erected on both the left and right sides of the seat E.

[0035] The occupant support structure B comprises a seat E having a seat shell body 1 connected to a tilting unit D, a support shell body F attached to the seat shell body 1 and integrally comprising a backrest main body portion r1 constituting the backrest R and an armrest main body portion s1 constituting the armrest S, and a cover body G covering the support shell body F.

[0036] <<Location E>> The seat E comprises a seat body 2, which is the upper part of the seat having a seating surface 2m, and a seat shell body 1, which is the seat base attached to the underside of the seat body 2. The seat E comprises the seat shell body 1 and the seat body 2, which is disposed on the seat shell body 1.

[0037] The seat E is supported by a support A comprising legs c1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the seat E is provided with an attachment / detachment mechanism I between the seat shell body 1 and the seat main body 2, which attaches and detaches the seat main body 2 to and from the seat shell body 1 without using fasteners such as screws.

[0039] The seat E in this embodiment is also provided with a bounce-up suppression means J that suppresses the rear portion of the seat body 2 from bouncing up due to the seating load of the seated person.

[0040] The seat E in this embodiment is provided with a fall-off prevention means K that prevents the seat body 2 from falling off from the seat shell body 1.

[0041] The seat E in this embodiment is also provided with a positioning mechanism M that positions the seat body 2 relative to the seat shell body 1 when the seat body 2 is attached to the seat shell body 1.

[0042] <Seat body 2 (upper part of seat)> The seat body 2 comprises a seat cushion 21 having cushioning properties, a seat upholstery 22 covering the upper and outer periphery of the seat cushion 21, and a seat inner shell 23 which is a base member of the seat body 2 attached below the seat cushion 21.

[0043] [Seating area 22] The seat upholstery 22 constitutes the surface layer of the seat E. The seat upholstery 22 comprises a seat upholstery main body 221, which is fabric with a foam sheet material attached to its inner surface, and an edge portion 222 provided at the edge of the seat upholstery main body 221. The seat upholstery 22 covers the upper and outer periphery of the seat cushion 21 and the peripheral edge of the seat inner shell 23. The seat upholstery 22 is bag-shaped and opens downward.

[0044] The edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 is generally annular and disposed on the underside of the seat inner shell 23. The edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 has a single string-like member h and a string-passing portion ht that is tunnel-shaped and has an insertion passage through which the string-like member h is inserted. The outer edge side of the string-passing portion ht is sewn to the seat upholstery main body 221.

[0045] The edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 is contracted into a purse shape by an operator tying one end and the other end of a single string-like member h.

[0046] The edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 is provided with cutouts partially provided in the string-passing portion ht so that part of the string-like member h is exposed through the cutouts. The exposed part of the string-like member h is adapted to be anchored to first and second anchoring portions Q1 and Q2, which are multiple anchoring portions protruding from the periphery of the seat inner shell 23.

[0047] [Seat inner shell 23] The seat inner shell 23 is made of synthetic resin and has a shell shape. The seat inner shell 23 constitutes the lowermost part of the seat body 2, that is, the base part.

[0048] The seat inner shell 23 comprises a top wall portion 231 forming the base, a support wall 232 provided so as to hang down from the outer peripheral edge of the top wall portion 231, an upright wall portion 233 arranged inside the support wall 232 and extending in the vertical direction, and first and second mooring portions Q1 and Q2 extending from the lower part of the upright wall portion 233 and mooring the edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22.

[0049] The support wall 232 is capable of supporting the seat cushion 21 that contacts the outer surface side. The edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 is accommodated between the support wall 232 and the upright wall portion 233.

[0050] The first and second anchoring portions Q1, Q2 are used to fasten the edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 to the peripheral portion on the underside of the seat inner shell 23. The first and second anchoring portions Q1, Q2 are provided on the outward facing surface side of the standing wall portion 233 provided on the seat inner shell 23. The first and second anchoring portions Q1, Q2 are disposed between the support wall 232 and the standing wall portion 233 that constitute the seat inner shell 23.

[0051] The first mooring portions Q1 are disposed at two locations, one on the left and one on the front side of the seat inner shell 23, and the other on the left and one on the rear side of the seat inner shell 23.

[0052] The second mooring portions Q2 are disposed at the four corners of the seat inner shell 23 and at the center in the front-rear direction of both left and right edge portions.

[0053] The first mooring portion Q1 comprises a base end extension portion q11 extending cantilever-like from the upright wall portion 233 of the seat inner shell 23, and a tip end extension portion q12 continuing from the tip of the base end extension portion q11 and extending toward the center of the seat inner shell 23.

[0054] The base end extension portion q11 comprises an outward extending portion q13 extending outward from the lower end of the upright wall portion 233, and an upward extending portion q14 extending upward from the tip of the outward extending portion q13 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the outward extending portion q13.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first anchoring portions Q1, which are upper contact portions provided at two locations on the left and right sides of the front part of the seat inner shell 23, constitute the bounce-up suppression means J.

[0056] The tip extension q12 is provided at the upper end, which is the tip of the upward extension q14, and extends approximately horizontally in an inward direction approximately perpendicular to the upward extension q14. The tip extension q12 is a roughly triangular protrusion that gradually narrows from the base end toward the tip.

[0057] In this embodiment, the seat inner shell 23 is provided with an elastic engagement portion i1, an engagement protrusion i3, and a side elastic engagement portion i5 that constitute the attachment / detachment mechanism I, a first anchoring portion Q1 that is an upper abutment portion that constitutes the bounce-up suppression means J, a protruding engagement portion k2 that constitutes the detachment suppression means K, and a positioning protrusion m1 that constitutes the positioning mechanism M. These will be described in detail later.

[0058] <Seat shell body 1 (seat base)> The seat shell body 1 supports the seat main body 2. The seat shell body 1 is separate from the support shell body F. The seat shell body 1 is supported by the tilting unit D.

[0059] The seat shell body 1 has a tilting unit arrangement portion 11, which is a central portion provided on the underside of the center portion in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and a peripheral portion 12 arranged outside the tilting unit arrangement portion 11.

[0060] [Tilt unit arrangement section 11 (center section)] The second unit member d2 of the tilting unit D is arranged in the tilting unit arrangement portion 11. The tilting unit arrangement portion 11 is provided with a T-nut nt onto which the screw v2 inserted into the screw insertion hole h2 of the second unit member d2 is screwed.

[0061] In this embodiment, the tilting unit installation portion 11 is provided with a lower engagement portion k1 that constitutes the falling-off prevention means K. The lower engagement portion k1 will be described in detail later.

[0062] [Periphery 12] The peripheral edge 12 has portions to which the rear mounting portion r2 and side mounting portion s2 of the support shell body F are attached. The rear mounting portion r2 and side mounting portion s2 of the support shell body F are attached by screws v3 to the seat shell body 1 holding the T-nut nt, in a manner such that they are in contact with the underside of the peripheral edge 12.

[0063] A T-nut nt is disposed at the rear edge of the peripheral portion 12, onto which a screw v3 inserted through a screw insertion hole h3 of the rear mounting portion r2 of the support shell body F is threaded. T-nuts nt are disposed at the left and right side edge portions of the peripheral portion 12, onto which the screw v3 inserted through a screw insertion hole h3 of the side mounting portion s2 of the support shell body F is threaded.

[0064] On the upper surface side of the peripheral edge 12, a standing edge wall 121 is provided along the peripheral edge of the seat shell body 1, at a position more inward than the peripheral edge of the seat shell body 1. In addition, a flange-like portion 122 extending horizontally is formed on the peripheral edge of the seat shell body 1 more outer than the standing edge wall 121. On the central side of the standing edge wall 121, a plurality of ribs are provided that rise in the same way as the standing edge wall 121 and extend in the front-rear and left-right directions.

[0065] In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1 is provided with a first engaged portion i2, a second engaged portion i4, and a side engaged portion i6 that constitute the attachment / detachment mechanism I. The peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1 is also provided with a lower support portion j1 ​​that constitutes the jump-up suppression means J. The peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1 is also provided with a lower engaging portion k1 that constitutes the detachment suppression means K. The peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1 is also provided with a positioning recess m2 that constitutes the positioning mechanism M. These will be described in detail later.

[0066] <Regarding the mounting structure of a component using the nut holding portion P provided on the seat shell body 1 and the T-nut nt held by the nut holding portion P> The chair of this embodiment comprises a seat E, and a seat shell body 1, which is a first member formed by resin injection molding, has a nut holding portion P formed therein to hold a T-nut nt, which is a nut.

[0067] On the other hand, the chair of this embodiment is equipped with a second unit member d2, which is a second member formed by resin injection molding and has a screw insertion hole h2 through which a screw v2 that is screwed into the T-nut nt is inserted, and a support shell body F, which is a second member formed by resin injection molding and has a screw insertion hole h3 through which a screw v3 that is screwed into the T-nut nt is inserted.

[0068] Thus, the chair is provided with an attachment structure for a member in which the second unit member d2 is attached to the seat shell body 1 by threading the screw v2 inserted into the screw insertion hole h2 of the second unit member d2 into the T-nut nt, and an attachment structure for a member in which the support shell body F is attached to the seat shell body 1 by threading the screw v3 inserted into the screw insertion hole h3 of the support shell body F into the T-nut nt.

[0069] The T-nut nt has a known configuration and is roughly T-shaped overall. The T-nut nt includes a cylindrical portion nt1 with an internal thread groove formed therein, and an extension portion nt2 extending from one end of the cylindrical portion nt1 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion nt1. The extension portion nt2 has an outer shape with a portion of a circle cut out. The extension portions nt2 are arranged in pairs in opposite directions with the cylindrical portion nt1 as their base end. In other words, the pair of extension portions nt2 extend in opposite directions with the cylindrical portion nt1, which is positioned so as to be sandwiched between them, as their base end.

[0070] The T-nut NT of this embodiment can take a first position (L1), which is the position taken when inserting it into the nut insertion portion p1 of the nut holding portion P, and a second position (L2), which is a different position from the first position (L1) by rotating around the axis of the tubular portion nt1.

[0071] Although the details will be described later, the second posture (L2) is obtained by rotating the cylindrical portion nt1 around the axis of the cylindrical portion nt1 within a range of 5° to 90° relative to the first posture (L1).

[0072] 18 to 23, the structure of each of the nut holding portions P provided at multiple locations on the central portion 11 and peripheral portion 12 of the seat shell body 1 will be described. Note that the basic structure of each of the nut holding portions P provided on the seat shell body 1 is the same. Figures 18 to 23 are enlarged views of portions V and W enclosed in dashed rectangular frames in Figures 9 and 10.

[0073] The nut holding portion P comprises a nut insertion portion p1 into which only a T-nut nt in a first position (L1) can be inserted, and an extension portion accommodating portion p2 connected to the nut insertion portion p1 and capable of accommodating at least a portion of the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt in a second position (L2).

[0074] The nut insertion portion p1 is provided with a first positioning portion p11 that can abut against the end portion in the insertion direction of the T-nut nt inserted in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion nt1 in the first position (L1), i.e., the surface of the extension portion nt2 facing the insertion direction. The first positioning portion p11 is wall-shaped and defines the limit position in the insertion direction of the T-nut nt in the first position (L1).

[0075] The extension portion accommodating portion p2 is provided with a second positioning portion p21 to which one end of the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) can abut in the rotational direction. In this embodiment, the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) is rotated 75° around the axis of the cylindrical portion nt1 with respect to the first position (L1).

[0076] In other words, when the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt abuts against the second positioning portion p21 of the extension portion accommodating portion p2, the T-nut nt adopts a second position (L2) rotated 75° around the axis of the tubular portion nt1 relative to the first position (L1).

[0077] The extension portion accommodating portion p2 is capable of accommodating a portion of the extension portion nt2 so as to prevent the T-nut nt from slipping out in the axial direction of the tubular portion nt1, in order to prevent the T-nut nt from slipping out when it is in the second position (L2).

[0078] In this embodiment, the extension portion nt2 provided on the T-nut nt is disposed in the extension portion accommodating portion p2 as follows.

[0079] First, as shown in Figures 18-19 and 21-22, an operator inserts the T-nut nt into the nut insertion part p1 in a first position (L1). The movement of the T-nut nt in the insertion direction is restricted by the first positioning part p11, and the T-nut nt is positioned at a predetermined position.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figures 20 and 23, the screw v2 inserted through the screw insertion hole h2 of the second unit member d2 is screwed into the T-nut nt in the first position (L1) positioned at the nut insertion portion p1.

[0081] In more detail, the worker uses a tool or the like to connect the screw v2 to the cylindrical portion nt1 having an internal thread groove, and then applies a rotational force to the screw v2 to screw it in.

[0082] At this time, the T-nut nt in the first position (L1) is in a state in which it can rotate around the axis of the cylindrical portion nt1, and therefore the T-nut nt changes position from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) in accordance with the rotation of the screw v2 to which a rotational force is applied by the user.

[0083] Furthermore, since the second position (L2) of the T-nut nt is determined by the second positioning portion p21, once the second position (L2) of the T-nut nt is established, the screw v2 can be properly screwed into the nut nt.

[0084] The mounting structure of the component in this embodiment is such that the insertion direction of the T-nut nt inserted into the nut insertion portion p1 is the same as the advancement direction of the screw v2 that is screwed into the T-nut nt for tightening (the advancement direction along the axial direction of the tubular portion nt1).

[0085] <Detachable mechanism I> The attachment / detachment mechanism I allows a user holding the seat body 2 to complete attachment of the seat body 2 to the seat shell body 1 simply by engaging a predetermined location on the seat body 2 with a predetermined location on the seat shell body 1, and also allows a user holding the seat body 2 attached to the seat shell body 1 to detach the seat body 2 from the seat shell body 1 simply by moving the seat body 2 in a predetermined direction relative to the seat shell body 1.

[0086] In other words, the attachment / detachment mechanism does not require the use of a separate fastener such as a screw between the seat shell body 1 and the seat main body 2; the seat main body 2 can be attached to or detached from the seat shell body 1 simply by moving the seat main body 2 held by the user toward or away from the seat shell body 1.

[0087] The attachment / detachment mechanism I comprises an elastic engagement portion i1 protruding downward from the rear portion of the seat inner shell 23 of the seat main body 2, a first engaged portion i2 provided on the seat shell body 1 and with which the elastic engagement portion i1 engages and disengages, and also comprises an engagement protrusion i3 protruding rearward from the front portion of the seat inner shell 23 of the seat main body 2, and a second engaged portion i4 provided on the seat shell body 1 and with which the engagement protrusion i3 engages and disengages.

[0088] Furthermore, the attachment / detachment mechanism I is provided with side elastic engagement portions i5 protruding downward on each of the left and right sides of the seat inner shell 23 of the seat main body 2, and side engaged portions i6 provided on the seat shell body 1 with which the side elastic engagement portions i5 engage and detach.

[0089] Each part constituting the attachment / detachment mechanism I will be explained below in order.

[0090] [Elastic engagement portion i1] The elastic engagement portion i1 is disposed in the center of the rear portion of the seat inner shell 23 in the left-right direction. The elastic engagement portion i1 protrudes downward. The elastic engagement portion i1 is an elastically deformable cantilever that extends downward from its upper end as a base end. The elastic engagement portion i1 includes a hanging portion i11 that hangs down from the top wall portion 231 and an engagement protrusion i12 that protrudes forward from the lower end of the hanging portion i11.

[0091] [First engaged part i2] The first engaged portion i2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the elastic engaging portion i1 provided on the seat inner shell 23, i.e., at the center in the left-right direction of the rear portion of the peripheral edge portion 12 of the seat shell body 1. The first engaged portion i2 is provided so as to face the insertion space of the elastic engaging portion i1 provided adjacent to it at its rear portion. The first engaged portion i2 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction to correspond to the engaging protrusion i12 of the elastic engaging portion i1. The back and bottom surfaces of the first engaged portion i2 are configured so that the vicinity of the tip of the hanging portion i11 of the elastic engaging portion i1 and the engaging protrusion i12 can engage with the back and bottom surfaces thereof.

[0092] In this embodiment, the shape and positional relationship of the elastic engaging portion i1 and the first engaged portion i2 are set so that the engagement between the elastic engaging portion i1 and the first engaged portion i2 will not be released unless the user holding the seat body 2 pulls the elastic engaging portion i1 upward in a direction that is approximately vertical to the first engaged portion i11.

[0093] [Engagement protrusion i3] The engaging protrusions i3 are provided so as to protrude rearward at three locations, namely the center, left, and right portions of the front part of the seat inner shell 23. The engaging protrusions i3 are provided so as to protrude rearward from the lower part of the upright wall portion 233 formed in the front part of the seat inner shell 23.

[0094] [Second engaged part i4] The second engaged portions i4 are disposed at positions corresponding to the engaging protrusions i3 provided on the seat inner shell 23, i.e., at three locations: the center, left, and right of the front portion of the peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1. The second engaged portions i4 are provided so as to penetrate or be recessed in the front-to-rear direction in the upright edge wall 121 of the seat shell body 1. The engaging protrusions i3 are inserted into the second engaged portions i4 from the front to the rear, and are configured to be able to engage with the upper edge portions of the second engaged portions i4.

[0095] In this embodiment, when attaching the seat body 2 to the seat shell body 1, the engaging protrusion i3 provided on the front of the seat body 2 is engaged with the second engaged portion i4 provided on the front of the seat shell body 1, and then the elastic engaging portion i1 provided on the rear of the seat body 2 is engaged with the first engaged portion i2 provided on the rear of the seat shell body 1, and this procedure allows the seat body 2 to be suitably attached to the seat shell body 1, and when removing the seat body 2 from the seat shell body 1, this can be suitably carried out by following the reverse procedure described above.

[0096] [Side elastic engagement part i5] The side elastic engagement portions i5 are disposed on the left and right sides of the rear of the seat inner shell 23. The side elastic engagement portions i5 are disposed forward of the elastic engagement portion i1, which is provided at only one location. The side elastic engagement portions i5 protrude downward. The side elastic engagement portions i5 are formed in the shape of elastically deformable cantilevers that extend downward from their upper ends as base ends. The side elastic engagement portions i5 include a hanging portion i51 that hangs down from the top wall portion 231 and an engagement protrusion i52 that protrudes forward from the lower end of the hanging portion i51.

[0097] [Side engaged part i6] The side engaged portions i6 are disposed at positions corresponding to the side elastic engaging portions i5 provided on the seat inner shell 23, i.e., on the left and right rear portions of the peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1. The side engaged portions i6 are provided so as to face the insertion space of the side elastic engaging portion i5 provided adjacent to its rear portion. The side engaged portions i6 extend in the left-right direction so as to correspond to the engaging protrusions i52 of the side elastic engaging portion i5. Although not shown in detail, similar to the first engaged portion i2, the back and bottom surfaces of the side engaged portions i6 are configured so that the vicinity of the tip of the hanging portion i51 of the side elastic engaging portion i5 and the engaging protrusions i52 can engage with each other.

[0098] In this embodiment, the shape and positional relationship of the side elastic engaging portion i5 and the side engaged portion i6 are set so that the engagement between the side elastic engaging portion i5 and the side engaged portion i6 will not be released unless the user holding the seat body 2 pulls the side elastic engaging portion i5 upward in a direction approximately vertical to the side engaged portion i6.

[0099] <Jumping suppression means J> The bounce-up suppression means J is provided ahead of the engaging protrusion i3 and the second engaged portion i4 that constitute the attachment / detachment mechanism I. The bounce-up suppression means J is capable of restricting downward movement of the front end portion of the seat body 2 so that, when the seating weight of a seated person acts, the seat body 2 does not easily rotate forward with the upright edge wall 121 erected at the front part of the seat shell body 1 or its vicinity as a fulcrum (center of rotation).

[0100] The bounce-up suppression means J comprises a lower support portion j1 ​​arranged on the seat shell body 1 and a first mooring portion Q1 which is an upper abutment portion arranged on the seat inner shell 23 of the seat main body 2 and abuts against the lower support portion j1.

[0101] [Lower receiving part j1] The lower support portions j1 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides of the flange-shaped portion 122 of the peripheral edge portion 12 located at the front of the seat shell body 1. The lower support portions j1 are integrally formed on the upper surface side of the flange-shaped portion 122. The lower support portions j1 are composed of upright wall-like ribs arranged approximately parallel to the left and right sides.

[0102] [First mooring part Q1 (upper contact part)] The upper contact portion is constituted by a first anchoring portion Q1, which is an anchoring portion to which the edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 forming the surface layer of the seat E is anchored.

[0103] In other words, the first mooring portion Q1 is provided on the seat inner shell 23 and has both the function of mooring the edge portion 222 of the seat upholstery 22 and the function of engaging with the lower support portion j1 ​​as a bounce-up suppression means J.

[0104] More specifically, the outward extending portion q13 of the base end extension portion q11 of the first mooring portion Q1 provided on the seat inner shell 23 abuts against the lower support portion j1 ​​arranged on the seat shell body 1 from above.

[0105] <Falling prevention means K> The fall prevention means K can restrict the movement of the seat body 2 at least forward, more specifically, forward and diagonally forward and upward, when the seat body 2 moves along a predetermined detachment trajectory that allows it to detach from the seat shell body 1, i.e., when the seat body 2 moves along a trajectory that is different from the vertical upward direction relative to the seat shell body 1.

[0106] In other words, the fall-off prevention means K restricts the movement of the seat body 2 so that the seat body 2 and the occupant seated on the seat body 2 are prevented from sliding forward, particularly in the event that the seat body 2, which has been attached to the seat shell body 1 by the attachment / detachment mechanism I, becomes detached from the seat shell body 1 (the engagement state is released) due to an unexpected cause.

[0107] The falling-off prevention means K is provided behind the engaging protrusion i3 and the second engaged portion i4, and ahead of the elastic engaging portion i1 and the first engaged portion i2.

[0108] The fall-off prevention means K comprises a lower engagement portion k1 provided on the seat shell body 1 and a protruding engagement portion k2 that protrudes downward from the seat inner shell 23 of the seat main body 2 and abuts against the lower engagement portion k1.

[0109] [Lower engaging part k1] The lower engagement portion k1 is disposed at a position corresponding to the protruding engagement portion k2 provided on the seat inner shell 23, i.e., in the center of the seat shell body 1. The lower engagement portion k1 extends in the left-right direction to correspond to the engagement protrusion k22 of the protruding engagement portion k2. The lower engagement portion k1 is provided so as to face the insertion space of the protruding engagement portion k2 provided adjacent to its rear portion. The lower engagement portion k1 is configured so that the vicinity of the tip of the hanging portion k21 of the protruding engagement portion k2 and the engagement protrusion k22 can engage with its back and bottom surfaces.

[0110] [Protruding engagement part k2] The protruding engagement portion k2 is disposed in the center of the top wall portion 231 of the seat inner shell 23. The protruding engagement portion k2 protrudes downward. The protruding engagement portion k2 is cantilevered and extends downward from its upper end as a base end. The protruding engagement portion k2 includes a hanging portion k21 that hangs down from the top wall portion 231 and an engagement protrusion k22 that protrudes forward from the lower end of the hanging portion k21.

[0111] <Positioning mechanism M> The positioning mechanism M comprises a positioning protrusion m1 that protrudes downward in a pillar-like manner from the seat main body 2, and a positioning recess m2 that is provided in the seat shell body 1 and into which the tip of the positioning protrusion m1 is guided.

[0112] [Positioning protrusion m1] The positioning protrusions m1 are disposed on the left and right sides of the rear of the seat inner shell 23. The positioning protrusions m1 are disposed adjacent to and in front of the side elastic engagement portions i5. The positioning protrusions m1 are shaped like square pillars that protrude downward.

[0113] [Positioning recess m2] The positioning recesses m2 are disposed at positions corresponding to the positioning protrusions m1 provided on the seat inner shell 23, i.e., on the left and right rear portions of the peripheral edge 12 of the seat shell body 1. The positioning recesses m2 are adjacent to the front of the side engaged portions i6. The positioning recesses m2 are shaped to be recessed so as to be able to guide the protruding ends of the positioning protrusions m1.

[0114] <Supporting shell body F> The support shell body F is an integrally molded synthetic resin part erected on the peripheral edge 12 of the seat E. The support shell body F is integrally equipped with a backrest R and armrests S. The support shell body F is attached to the seat shell body 1, which holds the T-nut nt, via a fastener screw v3.

[0115] The support shell body F comprises a backrest main body r1 mainly composed of an upright wall-like portion, armrest main body portions s1 mainly composed of the upright wall-like portion and extending integrally forward from both the left and right sides of the backrest main body r1, with their upper ends serving as armrests for the seated person, rear mounting portions r2 extending forward from the lower end of the backrest main body r1 and attached to the underside of the seat shell body 1, and side mounting portions s2 extending inward from the respective lower ends of the left and right armrest main bodies s1 and attached to the underside of the seat shell body 1. The support shell body F is formed integrally from synthetic resin with the backrest main body r1, the left and right armrest main body portions s1, rear mounting portions r2, and side mounting portions s2.

[0116] [Backrest body r1] The backrest main body r1 is mainly composed of an upright wall-like portion extending in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0117] [Left and right armrest body s1] The left and right armrest main body portions s1 are mainly composed of upright wall-like portions extending in the vertical and front-to-back directions. The upper ends of the left and right armrest main body portions s1 function as elbow rests for the seated occupant.

[0118] The left and right armrest body portions s1 have through-holes s3 at the bottom thereof that penetrate in the left-right direction. Left and right connecting piece portions g2 provided on a cover body G that covers the upper part of a support shell body F are inserted into the left and right through-holes s3.

[0119] [Rear mounting part r2] The rear mounting portion r2 is provided with a screw insertion hole h3 through which a screw v3 for connecting to the seat shell body 1 is inserted.

[0120] [Side mounting part s2] The left and right side mounting portions s2 are provided with screw insertion holes h3 through which screws v3 for connecting to the seat shell body 1 are inserted.

[0121] <Cover body G> The cover body G covers the support shell body F. The cover body G is a sewn product made of fabric. The cover body G is mainly made of fabric with a foam sheet material attached to the inner surface.

[0122] The cover body G is bag-shaped and open downward. It includes a cover body g1 that covers the backrest body r1 and the armrest body s1, and left and right connecting piece portions g2 that are connected to the cover body g1 and inserted into through-holes s3 provided in both the left and right armrest bodies s1, with the inserted ends fastened to the outer surface of the cover body g1.

[0123] As described above, the mounting structure of the components in the chair of this embodiment includes the seat shell body 1, which is a first component having a nut holding portion P formed therein for holding the T-nut nt, the second unit member d2, which is a second component having screw insertion holes h2, h3 through which the screws v2, v3 are inserted, and the support shell body F.

[0124] The mounting structure of the components in the chair is such that the second unit member d2 and the support shell body F are attached to the seat shell body 1 by threading the screws v2 and v3 inserted into the screw insertion holes h2 and h3 into the T-nut nt.

[0125] The T-nut nt has a cylindrical portion nt1 with a female screw groove formed therein, and an extension portion nt2 extending from one end of the cylindrical portion nt1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion nt1. The T-nut nt can take at least a first position (L1) and a second position (L2) that is different from the first position (L1).

[0126] The nut holding portion P has a nut insertion portion p1 into which only the T-nut nt in the first position (L1) can be inserted, and an extension portion accommodating portion p2 connected to the nut insertion portion p1 and capable of accommodating at least a portion of the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt in the second position (L2).

[0127] The arrangement of the extension portion nt2 relative to the extension portion accommodating portion p2 is performed by screwing the screws v2 and v3 inserted through the screw insertion holes h2 and h3 into the T-nut nt, which is in a first position (L1) after being inserted into the nut insertion portion p1, and changing the position of the T-nut nt from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) as the screws v2 and v3 rotate.

[0128] In the member mounting structure of this embodiment, the extension portion nt2 is disposed in the extension portion accommodating portion p2 by screwing the screws v2, v3 inserted through the screw insertion holes h2, h3 into the T-nut nt, which is in a first position (L1) after being inserted into the nut insertion portion p1, and changing the position of the T-nut nt from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) as the screws v2, v3 rotate. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the second position (L2), which is the final position of the T-nut nt when the second unit member d2 and the support shell body F are attached to the seat shell body 1, in advance before screwing the screws v2, v3 into the T-nut nt.

[0129] Therefore, there is no need to perform the work of setting the T-nut nt in advance to its final position, the second position (L2), and the T-nut nt is changed from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) in conjunction with the work of threading the screws v2 and v3 into the T-nut nt, which contributes to smooth work when attaching the second unit member d2 and the support shell body F to the seat shell body 1, i.e., reduces the amount of work required.

[0130] The extension portion nt2 has an outer shape of a circle with a portion cut out. Therefore, in the member mounting structure of this embodiment, the extension portion n2, which is a structural part extending in a cantilevered manner from the cylindrical portion nt1, can be suitably used to mount the second unit member d2 and the support shell body F to the seat shell body 1.

[0131] The second posture (L2) is obtained by rotating the first posture (L1) around the axis within a range of 5° to 90°.

[0132] Therefore, it is possible to suitably provide an engaging portion with the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) in the nut holding portion P of the seat shell body 1. In other words, the nut holding portion P is configured so that the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) is rotated within a range of 5° to 90° around the axis relative to the first position (L1). Therefore, the nut holding portion P suitably ensures a relatively wide area for the engaging portion with the extension portion n2 of the T-nut nt in the second position (L2), and can suitably exhibit the function of preventing the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) from coming off.

[0133] The nut insertion portion p1 is provided with a first positioning portion p11 against which an end portion in the insertion direction of the T-nut nt inserted in the first attitude (L1) can abut.

[0134] Therefore, the nut holding portion P is capable of appropriately positioning the T-nut nt inserted in the first posture (L1) by the first positioning portion p11.

[0135] The extension-portion accommodating portion p2 is provided with a second positioning portion p21 against which the extension portion nt2 of the T-nut nt in the second position (L2) can come into contact.

[0136] Therefore, the nut holding portion P can appropriately position the T-nut nt that rotates from the first position (L1) to the second position (L2) by the second positioning portion p21.

[0137] The direction in which the T-nut nt is inserted into the nut insertion portion p1 is the same as the direction in which the screws v2 and v3 that screw into the T-nut nt advance.

[0138] This allows the worker to advance the T-nut nt and screws v2 and v3 in the same direction to proceed with the installation work of the second unit member d2 and the support shell body F to the seat shell body 1, resulting in excellent workability.

[0139] The seat shell body 1, the second unit member d2, and the support shell body F are formed by resin injection molding.

[0140] Therefore, the seat shell body 1, the second unit member d2, and the support shell body F can be suitably formed by resin injection molding. In particular, the nut holding portion P of the seat shell body 1, which holds the T-nut nt, is configured to have no sliding portion in the injection molding die. Therefore, the design of the seat shell body 1 in this embodiment also contributes to reducing costs at the stage of preparing the injection molding die.

[0141] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0142] The first member and the second member may be any member that constitutes a chair, and are not limited to those shown in the above-described embodiment.

[0143] The nut is not necessarily limited to a T-nut, and the shape of the extension provided on the nut may be a configuration that does not belong to the T-nut category.

[0144] The second position of the nut may be any position different from the first position, and is not limited to that shown in the above-described embodiment.

[0145] It goes without saying that the first member and the second member may not be formed by resin injection molding.

[0146] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1... Seat shell body (first member) P... Nut holding part nt...nut (T-nut) d2...Second unit member (second member) F...Support shell body (second member) v2, v3...Screw h2, h3...Screw insertion holes (L1)…First posture (L2)…Second posture

Claims

1. A member mounting structure for a chair, comprising: a first member formed with a nut holding portion for holding a nut; and a second member formed with a screw insertion hole through which a screw is inserted, wherein the second member is mounted to the first member by threading the screw inserted into the screw insertion hole into the nut, the nut comprises a cylindrical portion having an internal thread groove formed therein, and an extension portion extending from one end of the cylindrical portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical portion, and is capable of taking at least a first position and a second position which is a position different from the first position, the nut holding portion includes a nut insertion portion into which only the nut in the first position can be inserted, and an extension portion accommodating portion connected to the nut insertion portion and capable of accommodating at least a portion of the extension portion of the nut in the second position, An attachment structure for a member in which the arrangement of the extension portion relative to the extension portion accommodating portion is performed by threading the screw inserted through the screw insertion hole onto the nut in the first position after it has been inserted into the nut insertion portion, and changing the position of the nut from the first position to the second position as the screw rotates.

2. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension has an outer shape with a part cut out from a circle.

3. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the second position is rotated around the axis from the first position by an angle ranging from 5° to 90°.

4. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the nut insertion portion is provided with a first positioning portion against which an end portion of the nut inserted in the first position in the insertion direction can abut.

5. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the extension-portion-accommodating portion is provided with a second positioning portion against which the extension portion of the nut in the second position can abut.

6. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the nut is inserted into the nut insertion portion is the same as the direction in which the screw threads into the nut.

7. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are formed by resin injection molding.

8. 2. The member mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the first member constitutes a seat.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Chair

    JP2022057825A