Display fixture with tabletop

Abstract

To provide a fixture with a top plate that can suppress abnormal noises and mitigate impacts when a user's foot comes into contact with a support structure having a support column and a shielding portion. [Solution] The fixture with a top plate comprises a top plate and a support structure having a ground contact portion that contacts the floor surface and supports the top plate from below. The support structure has a support column portion that stands upright on the floor surface with the ground contact portion and supports the top plate, and a shielding portion that covers the support column portion. When the shielding portion covers the support column portion, a gap is formed between the shielding portion and the support column portion in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, and the shielding portion has a deformation-tolerant portion that can be deformed toward the gap in response to an external force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture with a top plate.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a furniture with a top plate, which includes a top plate and a support structure that supports the top plate from below. This support structure has a column portion (reference numeral 61) that stands on the floor surface and supports the top plate, and a shielding portion (reference numeral 63) that covers the column portion.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the support structure described in Patent Document 1, the edge portion of the shielding portion is bent along the column portion. Therefore, there is no gap between the shielding portion and the column portion, and the shielding portion and the column portion are in contact with each other. Here, when the user's foot abuts on the bent portion of the shielding portion, it is conceivable that the deformation of the shielding portion is inhibited by the column portion, resulting in a louder abnormal noise or a stronger impact on the foot.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a furniture with a top plate capable of suppressing abnormal noise and cushioning impact when the user's foot abuts on a support structure having a column portion and a shielding portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) In order to solve the above problems, the furniture with a top plate according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a top plate and a support structure having a ground contact portion that contacts the floor surface and supports the top plate from below, wherein the support structure has a support column portion that stands upright on the floor surface having the ground contact portion and supports the top plate and a shielding portion that covers the support column portion, wherein when the shielding portion covers the support column portion, a gap is formed between the shielding portion and the support column portion in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, and the shielding portion has a deformation-allowing portion that can be deformed toward the gap in response to an external force.

[0007] According to aspect 1 of the present invention, a fixture with a top plate can be realized that can suppress abnormal noise and mitigate impact when a user's foot comes into contact with a support structure having a support column and a shielding portion.

[0008] (2) Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, in the fixture with a top plate of the first aspect of the present invention, the deformation-allowable portion is a tapered portion whose outer surface tapers as it moves away from the support portion in the first direction that intersects the vertical direction.

[0009] According to aspect 2 of the present invention, the volume of the deformation-allowable portion can be reduced, thereby decreasing the possibility of the support structure and the user's foot coming into contact.

[0010] (3) Furthermore, in the third aspect of the present invention, in the fixture with a top plate of the second aspect, the shielding portion has a pair of unit shielding portions that abut each other in a second direction intersecting both the vertical direction and the first direction, and that can separate from each other in the second direction, and the tip of the tapered portion is formed by abutting the ends of the pair of unit shielding portions in the first direction together.

[0011] According to aspect 3 of the present invention, the shielding portion is divided into a pair of parts (unit shielding portions), making assembly of the shielding portion easier. Furthermore, since the boundary line (butt line) between the pair of unit shielding portions is located at the tip of the tapered portion, the boundary line is less visible to the user. Therefore, the aesthetic design of the shielding portion can be enhanced.

[0012] (4) Furthermore, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fixture with a top plate of the third aspect, the support column has a support portion that supports the pair of unit shielding portions, and the support portion is provided on the surface of the support column that faces outward from the fixture with a top plate.

[0013] According to aspect 4 of the present invention, the visibility of the support portion can be improved compared to a configuration in which the support portion is provided on the side or inner surface of the support column. This makes it easier for the user to support a pair of unit shielding portions with the support portion.

[0014] (5) Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a fixture with a top plate according to aspect 3 or aspect 4, the unit shielding portion has a first portion that shields the surface of the support column that faces the second direction, a second portion that extends from the end of the first portion in the first direction and forms the tapered portion, and a supported portion that is supported by the support column, wherein the supported portion is located at the boundary between the first portion and the second portion.

[0015] According to aspect 5 of the present invention, for example, compared to a configuration in which the supported portion is located at a portion of the first part that is far from the boundary, the distance between the supported portion and the tip of the tapered portion is shortened. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the tip of the tapered portion when a pair of unit shielding portions are supported by the support column.

[0016] (6) Furthermore, aspect 6 of the present invention is a fixture with a top plate in any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the top plate extends in the width direction and the depth direction, the dimensions of the top plate in the width direction are greater than the dimensions of the top plate in the depth direction, the deformation-tolerant portion is located in the part of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column in the depth direction, and the deformation-tolerant portion is not provided in the part of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column in the width direction.

[0017] When the longitudinal direction of the top plate coincides with the width direction, users who use the top plate accessory often position themselves adjacent to each other in the depth direction with respect to the top plate accessory. Therefore, when the dimension of the shielding portion in the width direction is large, it is likely that the user's foot will come into contact with the shielding portion. According to Aspect 6 of the present invention, by not arranging the deformation allowance portion at the portion of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column portion in the width direction, it becomes easier to reduce the dimension of the shielding portion in the width direction. Thereby, the possibility that the user's foot comes into contact with the shielding portion can be further reduced.

[0018] (7) Further, in Aspect 7 of the present invention, in any one of the top plate accessories according to Aspects 1 to 6, the support structure is partitioned by the support column portion and has a plurality of wiring spaces into which wiring can be inserted, and at least one of the plurality of wiring spaces is the gap.

[0019] According to Aspect 7 of the present invention, for example, it becomes possible to distribute wirings of different systems to a plurality of wiring spaces, and a user-friendly wiring space can be realized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a top plate accessory capable of suppressing abnormal noise and cushioning impact when the user's foot comes into contact with the support structure having the support column portion and the shielding portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a top plate accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a connection portion between an outer peripheral frame and an outer leg according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an exploded view showing a connection portion between an outer peripheral frame and an intermediate leg according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view showing an intermediate leg according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] It is an exploded view showing the first footrest unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is an exploded view showing the periphery of the connection mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is an exploded view showing the footrest support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. <了 [Figure 13] It is an exploded view showing the connecting portion between the reinforcing member and the connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 1.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the top plate fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0023] <Top plate fixture> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a top plate fixture 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the top plate fixture 100 according to the present embodiment includes a top plate 1 and a support structure 2. The top plate fixture 100 is, for example, a table (high table) placed on the floor surface F of an office or a conference room in a public facility and used.

[0024] In the following explanation, the direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the floor surface F is referred to as the vertical direction Z. The vertical direction Z may be, for example, parallel to gravity (i.e., vertical) or inclined with respect to the vertical direction. One direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z is referred to as the width direction X. The direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) both the vertical direction Z and the width direction X is referred to as the depth direction Y. The width direction X and the depth direction Y may be perpendicular to gravity (i.e., horizontal) or inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Along the vertical direction Z, the direction moving away from the floor surface F towards the top-mounted fixture 100 is referred to as upward, and is represented by the +Z direction in the diagram. The direction opposite to upward is referred to as downward, and is represented by the -Z direction in the diagram. One direction along the width direction X is referred to as rightward, and is represented by the +X direction in the diagram. The direction opposite to the right is called the left, and is represented by the -X direction in the diagram. One direction along the depth direction Y is called the rear or far side, and is represented by the +Y direction in the diagram. The direction opposite to the rear is called the front or near side, and is represented by the -Y direction in the diagram. Viewing from the vertical direction Z is called a plan view. In the width direction X, the direction toward the center O in the plan view of the top plate 1 is sometimes called the "inside of width direction X," and the direction away from the center O is sometimes called the "outside of width direction X." Similarly, in the depth direction Y, the direction toward the center O in the plan view of the top plate 1 is sometimes called the "inside of depth direction Y," and the direction away from the center O is sometimes called the "outside of depth direction Y." In addition, a direction that intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z is called the intersecting direction. The above-mentioned width direction X and depth direction Y are examples of intersecting directions. In the direction of intersection, the direction toward the center O may be referred to as "inside the intersection" or "inside the top-mounted fixture 100." In the direction of intersection, the direction away from the center O may be referred to as "outside the intersection" or "outside the top-mounted fixture 100."

[0025] <Tabletop> The tabletop 1 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. In this embodiment, the tabletop 1 has a rectangular shape in plan view. Hereinafter, each member will be described assuming that the longer side of the tabletop 1 extends in the width direction X and the shorter side of the tabletop 1 extends in the depth direction Y. The dimension of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X is longer than the dimension of the tabletop 1 in the depth direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 1 coincides with the width direction X, and the shorter direction of the tabletop 1 coincides with the depth direction Y. The dimension dX of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X may be, for example, about 4800 mm. The dimension dY of the tabletop 1 in the depth direction Y may be, for example, about 900 mm to 1200 mm. The ratio of dimension dY to dimension dX (dY / dX) may be, for example, about 1 / 4 to 3 / 8. Furthermore, the distance between the top surface of the tabletop 1 and the floor surface F in the vertical direction Z (i.e., the dimensions of the tabletop-equipped fixture 100 in the vertical direction Z) may be approximately 1000 mm.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the top plate 1 according to this embodiment has a wiring insertion hole 1a formed therein that guides the wiring of electronic equipment placed on the top plate 1 to the bottom of the top plate 1. The wiring insertion hole 1a may be configured to be openable and closable by a wiring cover (not shown). In addition, a wiring duct (not shown) or the like may be provided below the top plate 1 to cover the wiring insertion hole 1a from below.

[0027] In the illustrated example, two boards 1A and 1B are placed adjacent to each other in the width direction X to form a single tabletop 1. Specifically, board 1A forms the right half of tabletop 1, and board 1B forms the left half of tabletop 1. The two boards 1A and 1B may be connected to each other by any method. However, the size and shape of tabletop 1 in plan view can be changed as appropriate. For example, tabletop 1 may be made of a single board. Alternatively, tabletop 1 may be made by butting together three or more boards.

[0028] <Support structure> Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a support structure 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the support structure 2 has a plurality of ground contact parts CT that contact the floor surface F. The support structure 2 supports the top plate 1 from below. The support structure 2 according to this embodiment comprises an outer frame 10, a pair of outer legs 20, an intermediate leg 30, a footrest 40, at least one (two in the illustrated example) footrest legs 50, and at least one (four in the illustrated example) connecting mechanism 60. Some or all of the plurality of ground contact parts CT may be adjusters that can adjust their dimensions in the vertical direction Z according to user operation, etc.

[0029] <Outer frame> The outer frame 10 is formed in a frame shape that is slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the top plate 1. The outer frame 10 is fixed to the underside of the top plate 1 by fastening members (not shown) in the portion located inside the outer edge of the top plate 1.

[0030] The outer perimeter frame 10 in this embodiment includes a first outer perimeter frame 10A and a second outer perimeter frame 10B. The first outer perimeter frame 10A is fixed to the right side of the center O of the top plate 1 (i.e., the plate material 1A). The second outer perimeter frame 10B is fixed to the left side of the center O of the top plate 1 (i.e., the plate material 1B).

[0031] The first outer frame 10A and the second outer frame 10B have a shape that is mirror-image symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the description of the second outer frame 10B is omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the first outer frame 10A will be used in place of the description of the second outer frame 10B.

[0032] The first outer periphery frame 10A (second outer periphery frame 10B) according to this embodiment has a pair of horizontal frames 11 and vertical frames 12.

[0033] Each of the pair of horizontal frames 11 extends in the width direction X. The pair of horizontal frames 11 are spaced apart in the depth direction Y. Each horizontal frame 11 extends along the long side of the top plate 1.

[0034] The vertical frame 12 extends in the depth direction Y. The vertical frame 12 extends along the short side of the top panel 1.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the connection portion between the outer peripheral frame 10 (first outer peripheral frame 10A) and the outer leg portion 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the horizontal frame 11 according to this embodiment has a hat-shaped cross-section that opens upward. That is, the horizontal frame 11 has a U-shaped section 11a that opens upward and a pair of flange sections 11b connected to the upper end of the U-shaped section 11a. Similarly, the vertical frame 12 according to this embodiment has a hat-shaped cross-section that opens upward. That is, the vertical frame 12 has a U-shaped section 12a that opens upward and a pair of flange sections 12b connected to the upper end of the U-shaped section 12a.

[0036] A plate-shaped connecting member 13 is provided at the outer end of the horizontal frame 11 in the width direction X (the +X side in Figure 3) for connecting the horizontal frame 11 to the outer leg portion 20. The connecting member 13 of the horizontal frame 11 is housed in the U-shaped portion 11a. A hole 13h is formed in this connecting member 13 that penetrates the connecting member 13 in the width direction X. The specific method of connecting the horizontal frame 11 to the outer leg portion 20 will be described later.

[0037] A plate-shaped connecting member 13 is provided at the outer end of the vertical frame 12 in the depth direction Y (the -Y side in Figure 3) for connecting the vertical frame 12 to the outer leg portion 20. The connecting member 13 of the vertical frame 12 is housed in the U-shaped portion 12a. A hole 13h is formed in this connecting member 13 that penetrates the connecting member 13 in the depth direction Y. The specific method of connecting the vertical frame 12 to the outer leg portion 20 will be described later.

[0038] Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the connection portion between the outer frame 10 and the intermediate leg portion 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 4, a plate-shaped connecting member 14 is provided at the inner end of the horizontal frame 11 in the width direction X, for connecting the horizontal frame 11 and the intermediate leg portion 30. The connecting member 14 is fixed to the inner end of the horizontal frame 11 in the width direction X by any fixing means (for example, welding).

[0039] The connecting member 14 has a pair of sickle-shaped portions 14a (only one is shown in Figure 4). The pair of sickle-shaped portions 14a are located outside the U-shaped portion 11a in the depth direction Y. The sickle-shaped portion 14a has a notch 14b that opens downwards. The notch 14b penetrates the connecting member 14 (sickle-shaped portion 14a) in the width direction X. The specific method of connecting the horizontal frame 11 and the intermediate leg portion 30 will be described later.

[0040] <Outer leg> As shown in Figure 2, the pair of outer legs 20 support both ends of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X. Hereinafter, the outer leg 20 that supports the right end of the tabletop 1 will be referred to as the first outer leg 20A, and the outer leg 20 that supports the left end of the tabletop 1 will be referred to as the second outer leg 20B. The first outer leg 20A and the second outer leg 20B have a shape that is mirror-image symmetric with respect to a plane that passes through the center O and is parallel to the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the description of the second outer leg 20B will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the first outer leg 20A will be used in place of the description of the second outer leg 20B.

[0041] The first outer leg portion 20A (second outer leg portion 20B) in this embodiment includes a pair of outer leg units 20U. The pair of outer leg units 20U support both ends of the tabletop 1 in the depth direction Y at the ends in the width direction X of the tabletop 1. In other words, each outer leg unit 20U supports the corners of the tabletop 1. That is, the support structure 2 in this embodiment comprises four outer leg units 20U in total, including the two outer leg units 20U of the first outer leg portion 20A and the two outer leg units 20U of the second outer leg portion 20B.

[0042] In each of the outer leg sections 20A and 20B, the pair of outer leg units 20U have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the outer leg unit 20U located at the rear (+Y side) will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the outer leg unit 20U located at the front (-Y side) will be substituted for the description of the outer leg unit 20U located at the rear (+Y side).

[0043] The outer leg unit 20U according to this embodiment has a leg 21 and a bracket 22.

[0044] The legs 21 are provided with a contact portion CT at their lower ends and stand upright on the floor surface F. The legs 21 in this embodiment extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the legs 21 in this embodiment are inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z so that they move inward (towards the center O) in both the width direction X and the depth direction Y as they extend upward.

[0045] Bracket 22 is provided at the upper end of leg 21. Bracket 22 is fixed to the underside of top plate 1 by fastening member (not shown).

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, recesses 23 are formed in the bracket 22 in the portions adjacent to the horizontal frame 11 and the vertical frame 12, opening to the upper surface of the bracket 22. In addition, holes 23h are formed in the portions of the recesses 23 adjacent to the horizontal frame 11 and the portions adjacent to the vertical frame 12, opening to the inner surface of the recess 23 and penetrating to the outer surface of the bracket 22. In the illustrated example, each hole 23h also opens to the upper surface of the bracket 22.

[0047] Two bolts BT are provided in the recess 23. Additionally, one nut NT is provided on each of the connecting members 13 of the horizontal frame 11 and the vertical frame 12.

[0048] One of the two bolts BT is screwed through holes 13h and 23h into a nut NT provided on the connecting member 13 of the horizontal frame 11. This connects and secures the outer leg unit 20U to the horizontal frame 11. The other of the two bolts BT is screwed through holes 13h and 23h into a nut NT provided on the connecting member 13 of the vertical frame 12. This connects and secures the outer leg unit 20U to the vertical frame 12. In this embodiment, such connections and securing are performed for all four outer leg units 20U, thereby connecting and securing the pair of outer leg portions 20 to the outer perimeter frame 10 (see also Figure 2).

[0049] <Intermediate leg section> As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate leg portion 30 supports the middle portion of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X. Specifically, the intermediate leg portion 30 according to this embodiment supports the central portion (the portion including the center O) of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X.

[0050] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing the intermediate leg portion 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII shown in Figure 5. In Figures 6 and 7, the pair of covers 32 are shown attached to the base portion 31 (i.e., the pair of covers 32 cover the base portion 31; details will be described later). As shown in Figure 5, the intermediate leg portion 30 according to this embodiment has a base portion 31, a pair of covers 32, and a pair of brackets 33. The base portion 31 has a head portion 34, a pair of support portions 35, and two beam portions 36.

[0051] The head section 34 has a columnar shape extending in the depth direction Y. The upper surface of the head section 34 is fixed to the lower surface of the top plate 1 by a fastening member (not shown) at the center of the top plate 1 in the width direction X.

[0052] The head 34 has two sides facing outward in the width direction X (only the right side is shown in Figure 4). Four holes 34h are formed on each side. Two of the four holes 34h are located at the front end (front side) of the head 34, and the remaining two are located at the rear end (back side) of the head 34. At both the front and rear ends of the head 34, the two holes 34h are spaced apart in the depth direction Y.

[0053] The hole 34h is configured to connect the outer perimeter frame 10 (horizontal frame 11) and the intermediate leg portion 30. The head portion 34 according to this embodiment has a hollow shape, and a nut NT is provided in the internal space of the head portion 34 at a position corresponding to the hole 34h (see also Figure 6). A bolt BT is screwed into the nut NT through the notch 14b and the hole 34h (see Figure 4). This connects and fixes the horizontal frame 11 and the head portion 34. In other words, the outer perimeter frame 10 and the intermediate leg portion 30 are connected and fixed. In the connected and fixed state of the outer perimeter frame 10 and the head portion 34, the head portion 34 and the connecting member 14 are in surface contact.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the support column 35 has a ground contact portion CT at its lower end and stands upright on the floor surface F. In this embodiment, the support column 35 extends in the vertical direction Z. The pair of support columns 35 are spaced apart in the depth direction Y. The upper end of each support column 35 is connected to the lower surface of the head 34. Each support column 35 supports the top plate 1 via the head 34. In this embodiment, the pair of support columns 35 are located inward in the depth direction Y than both ends of the head 34 in the depth direction Y.

[0055] In this embodiment, the pair of support columns 35 have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the support column 35 located at the rear (+Y side) will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the support column 35 located at the front (-Y side) will be substituted for the description of the support column 35 located at the rear (+Y side).

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the support column 35 according to this embodiment has an outer portion 35b, a pair of first intersecting portions 35c, a pair of inner portions 35d, and a pair of second intersecting portions 35e. The outer portion 35b, the pair of first intersecting portions 35c, the pair of inner portions 35d, and the pair of second intersecting portions 35e may be formed integrally. For example, the support column 35 having portions 35b to 35e may be formed by bending a single sheet of metal. The support column 35 may be, for example, a so-called rectangular tube. Each portion 35b to 35e may extend over the entire length of the support column 35 in the vertical direction Z.

[0057] The outer portion 35b is a plate-like portion that extends in the width direction X and the vertical direction Z.

[0058] The first intersection portion 35c is a plate-like portion that extends in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The pair of first intersection portions 35c extend inward in the depth direction Y from both ends of the outer portion 35b in the width direction X.

[0059] The inner portion 35d is a plate-like portion that extends in the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. A pair of first intersecting portions 35c correspond one-to-one with a pair of inner portions 35d. The inner portion 35d extends inward in the width direction X from the inner end in the depth direction Y (i.e., the end opposite to the outer portion 35b) of the corresponding first intersecting portion 35c.

[0060] The second intersection portion 35e is a plate-like portion extending in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. A pair of second intersection portions 35e correspond one-to-one with a pair of inner portions 35d. The second intersection portion 35e extends from the inner end in the width direction X of the corresponding inner portion 35d (i.e., the end opposite to the first intersection portion 35c) outward in the depth direction Y (i.e., toward the outer portion 35b). The inner surfaces of the pair of second intersection portions 35e in the width direction X may abut against the beam portion 36.

[0061] The support column 35 has a surface (hereinafter referred to as the outer surface) that faces outward (outward in the intersecting direction) of the top-mounted fixture 100. In this embodiment, the outer portion 35b constitutes the outer surface of the support column 35 that faces outward in the depth direction Y. More specifically, the surface of the outer portion 35b that faces outward in the depth direction Y corresponds to the outer surface of the support column 35.

[0062] The support column 35 has a surface (hereinafter referred to as the inner surface) that faces inward (inward in the intersecting direction) of the top-mounted fixture 100. In this embodiment, a pair of inner parts 35d constitute the inner surface of the support column 35 that faces inward in the depth direction Y. More specifically, the surface of the inner part 35d that faces inward in the depth direction Y corresponds to the inner surface of the support column 35.

[0063] The support column 35 has sides facing in a direction that intersects (for example, perpendicular to) the direction in which the outer surface and / or inner surface of the support column 35 face (the intersecting direction). In this embodiment, a pair of first intersecting portions 35c constitute a pair of sides of the support column 35 facing in the width direction X. More specifically, the outward-facing surfaces of the first intersecting portions 35c in the width direction X correspond to the sides of the support column 35. The pair of sides of the support column 35 connect both ends of the outer surface of the support column 35 in the width direction X and both ends of the inner surface of the support column 35 in the width direction X.

[0064] The support column 35 has an internal space IS formed inside the support column 35. In this embodiment, the space enclosed by parts 35b to 35e corresponds to the internal space IS. The internal space IS has an opening ISa facing inward in the depth direction Y. In this embodiment, a pair of second intersection parts 35e are provided spaced apart in the width direction X. As a result, the area sandwiched between the pair of second intersection parts 35e in the width direction X constitutes the opening ISa. In the width direction X, the dimensions of the opening ISa (the distance between the pair of second intersection parts 35e in the illustrated example) are smaller than the dimensions of the internal space IS (the distance between the pair of first intersection parts 35c in the illustrated example). The opening ISa communicates with a wiring space CS sandwiched between the inner parts 35d of the pair of support column 35 in the depth direction Y.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, at least one projection 35a is provided on the outer surface (outer portion 35b) of each support column 35. Each support column 35 protrudes outward in the depth direction Y from its outer surface.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 5, six protrusions 35a are provided on each outer surface of the support column 35. Three of the six protrusions 35a are arranged along the right edge of the outer surface of the support column 35, spaced apart in the vertical direction Z. The remaining three protrusions 35a are arranged along the left edge of the outer surface of the support column 35, spaced apart in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, at least one (six in the illustrated example) of these protrusions 35a functions as a support for a pair of covers 32A, 32B (a pair of unit shielding parts described later). The protrusions 35a may be pins or the like fixed to the support column 35.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the two beam sections 36 are spaced apart in the vertical direction Z. Each beam section 36 is connected to a pair of support sections 35. In other words, the beam section 36 spans between the pair of support sections 35. The beam section 36 extends in the depth direction Y. The beam section 36 serves to improve the strength of the intermediate leg section 30.

[0068] The pair of covers 32 cover at least a portion of the base 31 from both sides in the width direction X. In the illustrated example, the pair of covers 32 cover a portion of the support column 35 and the upper of the two beams 36. The pair of covers 32 that cover at least a portion of the support column 35 are also referred to as shielding portions. As will be described in detail later, the pair of covers 32 are configured to be removable from the base 31.

[0069] Hereinafter, of the pair of covers 32, the one that covers the base 31 from the right side will be referred to as the first cover 32A, and the one that covers the base 31 from the left side will be referred to as the second cover 32B. Each of the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B is also referred to as a unit shielding section. In other words, the shielding section according to this embodiment has a pair of unit shielding sections.

[0070] The first cover 32A and the second cover 32B (a pair of unit shielding sections) have a shape that is mirror-image symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the description of the first cover 32A is omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the second cover 32B will be used in place of the description of the first cover 32A.

[0071] The second cover 32B (first cover 32A) according to this embodiment includes a cover body 32c and a pair of latching members 32a. The cover body 32c includes a first portion 32c1 and a pair of second portions 32c2.

[0072] The first part 32c1 is a plate-shaped part that extends in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 6, the first part 32c1 shields the side of the support column 35 (first intersection part 35c) from the outside in the width direction X. Specifically, the first part 32c1 of the first cover 32A shields both the right side (+X side) of the support column 35 located at the rear (+Y side) and the right side (+X side) of the support column 35 located at the front. On the other hand, the first part 32c1 of the second cover 32B shields both the left side (-X side) of the support column 35 located at the rear (+Y side) and the left side (-X side) of the support column 35 located at the front. In other words, in this embodiment, each first portion 32c1 is spanned across the pair of support columns 35 such that on the right and left sides of each of the pair of support columns 35, the first portion 32c1 shields both sides of the pair of support columns 35. Note that the first portion 32c1 may shield only a part of the side of the support column 35, or it may shield the entire side of the support column 35 as shown in the illustrated example.

[0073] The pair of second parts 32c2 are connected to both ends of the first part 32c1 in the depth direction Y. In other words, the pair of second parts 32c2 correspond one-to-one with both ends of the first part 32c1 in the depth direction Y, and each second part 32c2 extends from the corresponding end of the first part 32c1.

[0074] In this embodiment, each second portion 32c2 has an oblique portion 32e and a bent portion 32f. The oblique portion 32e is a plate-shaped portion extending in the vertical direction Z. The oblique portion 32e is inclined with respect to the first portion 32c1 such that it approaches the inside in the width direction X as it moves outward in the depth direction Y. The bent portion 32f is provided at the tip of the oblique portion 32e (the end on the outside in the depth direction Y). The bent portion 32f includes a first bent portion 32f1 and a second bent portion 32f2. The first bent portion 32f1 extends inward in the width direction X from the tip of the oblique portion 32e. The second bent portion 32f2 extends inward in the depth direction Y from the tip of the first bent portion 32f1 (the end on the inside in the width direction X).

[0075] The first portion 32c1 and the second portion 32c2 described above may be formed from a single piece of material. In this embodiment, for example, the cover body 32c including the above-mentioned portions 32c1 and 32c2 is manufactured by bending a single sheet of metal at both ends in the depth direction Y. Furthermore, the second portion 32c2 including the above-mentioned portions 32e and 32f is manufactured by bending the tip of the second portion 32c2.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, a pair of latching members 32a are provided near both ends of the cover body 32c in the depth direction Y. Each latching member 32a extends in the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the latching members 32a according to this embodiment are arranged along a fold line extending in the vertical direction Z between parts 32c1 and 32c2. As a result, the latching members 32a are located at the boundary BD between the first part 32c1 and the second part 32c2 (see Figure 6). The latching members 32a function as supported parts supported by the support column 35 (projection 35a).

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the latching member 32a according to this embodiment has a fixing portion 32a1 and a latching portion 32a2. The latching member 32a having portions 32a1 and 32a2 has an L-shape in plan view.

[0078] The fixing portion 32a1 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The fixing portion 32a1 is fixed to the cover body 32c (first portion 32c1) by any method such as welding.

[0079] The latching portion 32a2 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. The latching portion 32a2 extends from the outer end in the depth direction Y of the fixing portion 32a1 toward the inside in the width direction X.

[0080] The aforementioned fixing portion 32a1 and latching portion 32a2 may be formed from a single integrated member. In this embodiment, for example, the latching member 32a, including the above-mentioned portions 32a1 and 32a2, is manufactured by bending a single sheet of metal. Furthermore, the latching member 32a is fixed to the cover body 32c such that the bend line between portions 32a1 and 32a2 aligns with the bend line between portions 32c1 and 32c2 of the cover body 32c.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, each latching member 32a has a plurality of notches 32b spaced apart in the vertical direction Z. As shown in Figure 7, each notch 32b is formed in the latching portion 32a2 of the latching member 32a. Each notch 32b opens inward in the width direction X. In the illustrated example, each latching member 32a is provided with three notches 32b. That is, each latching member 32a is provided with the same number of notches 32b as the projections 35a provided on each side edge of each outer surface of the support column 35. In the vertical direction Z, the positions of the notches 32b correspond to the positions of the projections 35a.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, each notch 32b has an L-shape when viewed from the depth direction Y. That is, each notch 32b has a shape that extends outward in the width direction X from the inner edge of the latching member 32a (latching portion 32a2) in the width direction X, and then extends upward.

[0083] Then, the latching members 32a of each cover 32A and 32B are latched onto the projection 35a so that the projection 35a is positioned at the tip of the notch 32b. In this way, the pair of covers 32 are attached to the base 31.

[0084] As shown in Figure 6, when the pair of covers 32 are attached to the base 31 (i.e., the pair of covers 32, which are shielding parts, cover the support column 35), the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B abut each other in the width direction X. Specifically, the bent portions 32f (second bent portions 32f2) of the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B abut each other. In other words, the bent portions 32f come into contact with each other. The inward displacement of the bent portions 32f in the width direction X is restricted because the second bent portions 32f2 of each bent portion 32f come into contact with each other in the width direction X, but the outward displacement in the width direction X is not restricted. In this way, the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B are configured to be able to separate from each other in the width direction X.

[0085] Hereinafter, the direction in which the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B are abutted together may be referred to as the "second direction." The second direction intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) both the vertical direction Z and the first direction, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the second direction coincides with the width direction X. The second direction is also the direction in which the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B are attached to the support column 35.

[0086] When the pair of covers 32 are attached to the base 31, a gap GP is formed between the pair of covers 32 and the support column 35 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction Z. Specifically in this embodiment, a gap GP is formed between the outer surface (outer portion 35b) of the support column 35 and the pair of second portions 32c2 of the pair of covers 32 in the depth direction Y. One gap GP is formed on each side of the pair of support column 35 in the depth direction Y. That is, two gaps GP are formed in the intermediate leg portion 30 (support structure 2) in this embodiment.

[0087] Here, the portion of the pair of covers 32 facing the gap GP functions as a deformation-allowing portion that can deform toward the gap GP in response to an external force. In this embodiment, the second portion 32c2 of the cover 32 functions as such a deformation-allowing portion. More specifically, a pair of second portions 32c2 are abutted together in the width direction X to form a single deformation-allowing portion.

[0088] The second deformation-allowing portion 32c2 is located in the cover 32 in the depth direction Y, adjacent to the support column 35. In other words, the second deformation-allowing portion 32c2 is located in the cover 32 in the portion facing the outer surface (outer portion 35b) of the support column 35. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the portion of the cover 32 adjacent to the support column 35 in the width direction X is not provided with the deformation-allowing portion described above. In other words, the portion of the cover 32 facing the side surface (first intersection portion 35c) of the support column 35 is not provided with the deformation-allowing portion. Similarly, the portion of the cover 32 facing the inner surface (inner portion 35d) of the support column 35 is not provided with the deformation-allowing portion.

[0089] The pair of second portions 32c2, which serve as deformation-allowing portions, have a shape in which their outer surfaces taper as they move away from the support portion 35 in the depth direction Y, as shown in Figure 6. The pair of second portions 32c2 are also referred to as tapered portions TP. The aforementioned gap GP faces the inner surface of the tapered portions TP. The tip of the tapered portion TP (the outer end in the depth direction Y) is formed by the abutting of the ends (bent portions 32f) of the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B in the depth direction Y.

[0090] Hereinafter, the direction in which the tapered portion TP tapers (i.e., the direction in which the tapered portion TP protrudes from the outer surface of the support portion 35) may be referred to as the "first direction." The first direction intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment, the first direction coincides with the depth direction Y.

[0091] The first cover 32A and the second cover 32B are configured to be able to separate from each other in the second direction (width direction X) described above. Specifically, by moving the cover 32 so that the projection 35a exits the notch 32b, the first cover 32A and the second cover 32B separate in the width direction X. As a result, the cover 32 is removed from the base 31.

[0092] When the cover 32 is attached to the base 31, the space enclosed by the pair of covers 32 may be used as a wiring space CS for housing the wiring of electronic equipment placed on the top plate 1. In this embodiment, the two gaps GP described above and the space located between the pair of support columns 35 in the depth direction Y can each be used as a wiring space CS through which wiring can be inserted. Thus, the intermediate leg 30 (support structure 2) according to this embodiment has a plurality of wiring spaces CS separated by the support columns 35 (three in the illustrated example). Of the plurality of wiring spaces CS, at least one (two in the illustrated example) corresponds to the gap GP described above. The internal space IS of the support column 35 described above can also function as a wiring space CS. In this case, the intermediate leg 30 (support structure 2) according to this embodiment has a total of five wiring spaces CS, including the three wiring spaces CS and the two internal spaces IS described above.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5, a wiring insertion recess 32d may be formed on the upper edge of each cover 32A, 32B for drawing wiring into the wiring space CS. The wiring insertion recess 32d opens to the upper edge of the cover body 32c (first portion 32c1) and penetrates the cover body 32c (first portion 32c1) in the width direction X. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the dimension of the beam portion 36 in the width direction X may be smaller than the dimension of the support portion 35 in the width direction X. This makes it possible to provide a gap in the width direction X between the beam portion 36 and the cover body 32c through which wiring can be inserted.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5, a pair of brackets 33 are fixed to a pair of support columns 35. Each bracket 33 includes a pair of side plates 33a, a top plate 33b, and an upright plate 33c. The brackets 33 are formed, for example, from sheet metal.

[0095] The pair of side plates 33a are spaced apart in the width direction X. Each side plate 33a has a plate-like shape that extends in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The pair of side plates 33a are fixed to the pair of sides of the support column 35 that face outward in the width direction X by any method such as screws.

[0096] The top plate 33b connects the upper edges of a pair of side plates 33a. The top plate 33b has a plate-like shape that extends in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. The top plate 33b has two fixing holes 33bh that are spaced apart in the width direction X (see Figure 9). Each fixing hole 33bh penetrates the top plate 33b in the vertical direction Z (see Figure 9).

[0097] The upright plate 33c rises upward from the outer side edge of the upper plate 33b, which is located in the depth direction Y. The upright plate 33c has a plate-like shape that extends in the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. The upright plate 33c has two fixing holes 33ch that are spaced apart in the width direction X. Each fixing hole 33ch penetrates the upright plate 33c in the depth direction Y.

[0098] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the intermediate leg portion 30 may further have an auxiliary cover (small cover). The auxiliary cover may cover at least a portion of the base portion 31 located below the bracket 33 from both sides in the width direction X. The auxiliary cover may have the same shape as the pair of covers 32 in a plan view. The auxiliary cover may be detachably attached to the support column portion 35 by an engagement structure similar to that of the cover 32. That is, the auxiliary cover may have a notch (not shown) similar to the notch 32b described above, and a projection (not shown) similar to the projection 35a described above may be provided on the portion of the support column portion 35 located below the bracket 33.

[0099] <Footrest area> As shown in Figure 1, the footrest 40 is connected to a pair of outer legs 20. The footrest 40 also extends in the width direction X between the pair of outer legs 20 in the width direction X. In other words, the footrest 40 is spanned between the pair of outer legs 20 in the width direction X. The user's feet are placed on the upper part of the footrest 40 (for example, the footrest surface 41s, which will be described later). That is, a storage space SP capable of accommodating the user's feet is formed between the footrest 40 and the tabletop 1 in the vertical direction Z. In the vertical direction Z, the footrest 40 is separated from the floor surface F.

[0100] The footrest section 40 according to this embodiment includes two footrest units 40U. One footrest unit 40U is located on the right side and the other on the left side of the center O. Hereinafter, the footrest unit 40U located on the right side of the center O (i.e., below the plate material 1A) will be referred to as the first footrest unit 40UA, and the footrest unit 40U located on the left side of the center O (i.e., below the plate material 1B) will be referred to as the second footrest unit 40UB. Furthermore, of the storage space SP, the portion on the right side of the center O (i.e., located between the first footrest unit 40UA and the plate material 1A) will be referred to as the first storage space SPA, and the portion on the left side of the center O (i.e., located between the second footrest unit 40UB and the plate material 1B) will be referred to as the second storage space SPB.

[0101] In this embodiment, nothing is placed in the storage space SP. For example, the storage space SP is not provided with any components that connect the footrest 40 and the top plate 1. In other words, there are no components that extend over the entire range of the storage space SP in the vertical direction Z. In this embodiment in particular, the entire area above the footrest legs 50, between the footrest 40 and the top plate 1, constitutes the storage space SP, and there are no components that connect the footrest 40 and the outer frame 10. However, a predetermined optional member, such as a wiring duct, which is attached to the underside of the top plate 1 and not supported by the footrest 40, may occupy a certain range in the vertical direction Z from the underside of the top plate 1, that is, a part of the storage space SP in the vertical direction Z.

[0102] The first footrest unit 40UA and the second footrest unit 40UB have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the description of the second footrest unit 40UB is omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the first footrest unit 40UA will be used in place of the description of the second footrest unit 40UB.

[0103] Figure 8 is an exploded view showing the first footrest unit 40UA according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the first footrest unit 40UA (second footrest unit 40UB) according to this embodiment has a plate-like portion 41, a thin plate portion 42, a plurality of reinforcing members 43, and a frame 44.

[0104] The plate-like portion 41 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. In this embodiment, the plate-like portion 41 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The longer side of the plate-like portion 41 extends in the width direction X, and the shorter side of the plate-like portion 41 extends in the depth direction Y.

[0105] The plate-shaped portion 41 has a footrest surface 41s that faces upward and is in contact with the accommodation space SP (see Figure 1). In other words, the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 41 is the footrest surface 41s that is in contact with the accommodation space SP. At least the portion of the plate-shaped portion 41 including the footrest surface 41s may be made of a flexible material (for example, felt) for the purpose of shock absorption and noise suppression. The entire plate-shaped portion 41 may be made of the flexible material.

[0106] The distance between the footrest surface 41s and the floor surface F in the vertical direction Z (i.e., the height of the footrest surface 41s) is preferably a height that makes it easy for the user to place their feet. For example, the height of the footrest surface 41s may be about 250 mm ± 20 mm. The distance between the footrest surface 41s and the top surface of the tabletop 1 in the vertical direction Z may be about 760 mm ± 20 mm.

[0107] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped portion 41 has a wiring insertion hole 41h that penetrates the plate-shaped portion 41 in the vertical direction Z. The wiring insertion hole 41h is located in a position that overlaps with the footrest leg portion 50 in a plan view (see also Figure 1). Note that the wiring insertion hole 41h may be omitted.

[0108] In the illustrated example, the plate-like portion 41 is constructed by arranging a first divided plate 41a and a second divided plate 41b adjacent to each other in the width direction X. Specifically, the first divided plate 41a constitutes the outer half of the plate-like portion 41 in the width direction X (the +X side in Figure 8), and the second divided plate 41b constitutes the inner half of the plate-like portion 41 in the width direction X (the -X side in Figure 8). The upper surfaces of the first divided plate 41a and the second divided plate 41b both constitute the footrest surface 41s. The aforementioned wiring insertion hole 41h is formed by bringing recesses formed on the side edges of the divided plates 41a and 41b into contact with each other. However, the size and shape of the plate-like portion 41 in plan view can be changed as appropriate. For example, the plate-like portion 41 may be made from a single plate material. Alternatively, the plate-like portion 41 may be made by butting together three or more plate materials.

[0109] The thin plate portion 42 supports the plate-like portion 41 from below. In other words, the plate-like portion 41 rests on the upper surface of the thin plate portion 42. The thin plate portion 42 is formed of, for example, sheet metal. The thin plate portion 42 includes a thin plate body 42c, a pair of first bent portions 42a, a pair of second bent portions 42b, and a third bent portion 42e.

[0110] The thin plate body 42c is a thin plate-shaped portion extending in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. The plate-like portion 41 described above is placed on the upper surface of the thin plate body 42c. In a plan view, a wiring insertion hole 42h is formed in the center of the thin plate body 42c, penetrating the thin plate body 42c in the vertical direction Z. The wiring insertion hole 42h is located in a position that overlaps with the wiring insertion hole 41h and the footrest leg portion 50 in a plan view. In a configuration in which the wiring insertion hole 41h is not formed in the plate-like portion 41, the wiring insertion hole 42h may also be omitted.

[0111] The thin plate body 42c has a recess 42d that opens on the inner edge of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X (the -X side edge in the example of Figure 8). The recess 42d penetrates the thin plate body 42c in the vertical direction Z. The inner shape of the recess 42d corresponds to the outer shape of the intermediate leg portion 30 (specifically, the cover 32) (see also Figure 1). The formation of the recess 42d in the thin plate body 42c prevents interference between the footrest portion 40 and the intermediate leg portion 30 in the plane in which the thin plate body 42c exists.

[0112] The pair of first bent portions 42a are located on both sides of the thin sheet metal body 42c in the depth direction Y. Specifically, the pair of first bent portions 42a are formed by bending both sides of the thin sheet metal body 42c in the depth direction Y.

[0113] The pair of first bent portions 42a have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the first bent portion 42a located at the rear (+Y side) will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the first bent portion 42a located at the front (-Y side) will be substituted for the description of the first bent portion 42a located at the rear (+Y side).

[0114] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 9, the first bent portion 42a includes a first portion 42a1, a second portion 42a2, and a third portion 42a3. The first portion 42a1 extends downward from the outer edge of the thin plate body 42c in the depth direction Y. The second portion 42a2 extends inward (towards +Y in Figure 9) in the depth direction Y from the lower edge of the first portion 42a1. The third portion 42a3 extends upward from the leading edge of the second portion 42a2.

[0115] As shown in Figure 8, one fixing hole 42ah is formed at each end of the first portion 42a1 in the width direction X, penetrating the first portion 42a1 in the depth direction Y. Of the two fixing holes 42ah, the fixing hole 42ah located on the inside in the width direction X (the -X side in Figure 8) is configured to fix the thin plate portion 42 (first portion 42a1) to the upright plate 33c of the bracket 33 (see Figure 5). Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this embodiment, a bolt and nut are screwed through the fixing hole 42ah of the first portion 42a1 and the fixing hole 33ch of the bracket 33. This connects and fixes the first portion 42a1 and the upright plate 33c. That is, the footrest portion 40 and the intermediate leg portion 30 are connected and fixed. Of the two fixing holes 42ah, the fixing hole 42ah located on the outer side in the width direction X (the +X side in Figure 8) is configured to fix the thin plate portion 42 (first portion 42a1) to the connecting mechanism 60 (see Figure 1).

[0116] As shown in Figure 8, the pair of second bent portions 42b are located on the inner side of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X (the -X side in the example of Figure 8). Specifically, each second bent portion 42b is a part formed by bending the inner side of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X. The pair of second bent portions 42b are arranged so as to sandwich a recess 42d in the depth direction Y. That is, one of the pair of second bent portions 42b is located in front of the recess 42d (-Y side), and the other is located behind the recess 42d (+Y side).

[0117] The pair of second bent portions 42b have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the second bent portion 42b located at the rear (+Y side) will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the second bent portion 42b located at the front (-Y side) will be used in place of the description of the second bent portion 42b located at the rear (+Y side).

[0118] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line XX shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 10, the second bent portion 42b includes a first portion 42b1, a second portion 42b2, and a third portion 42b3. The first portion 42b1 extends downward from the inner edge of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X. The second portion 42b2 extends outward in the width direction X from the lower edge of the first portion 42b1. The third portion 42b3 extends upward from the leading edge of the second portion 42b2.

[0119] The second portion 42b2 is placed on the upper surface of the upper plate 33b of the bracket 33. The second portion 42b2 has a fixing hole 42bh that penetrates the second portion 42b2 in the vertical direction Z. The fixing hole 42bh is configured to fix the thin plate portion 42 (second portion 42b2) to the upper plate 33b of the bracket 33. As shown in Figure 10, in this embodiment, a bolt BT and a nut NT are screwed through the fixing hole 42bh of the second portion 42b2 and the fixing hole 33bh of the bracket 33. This connects and fixes the second portion 42b2 and the upper plate 33b. In other words, the footrest portion 40 and the intermediate leg portion 30 are connected and fixed.

[0120] As shown in Figure 8, the third bent portion 42e is located on the outer side of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X (the +X side in the example of Figure 8). Specifically, the third bent portion 42e is a portion formed by bending the inner side of the thin plate body 42c in the width direction X. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the third bent portion 42e may have the same shape as the other bent portions 42a and 42b (i.e., a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion). At both ends of the third bent portion 42e in the depth direction Y, one fixing hole 42eh is formed, penetrating the third bent portion 42e in the width direction X. The fixing holes 42eh are configured for fixing the thin plate portion 42 to the connecting mechanism 60 (see Figure 1).

[0121] Multiple reinforcing members 43 are positioned below the thin plate portion 42. Each reinforcing member 43 may be fixed to the lower surface of the thin plate portion 42 by any method such as welding. The multiple reinforcing members 43 are spaced apart in the depth direction Y. Each reinforcing member 43 extends in the width direction X. The reinforcing members 43 have the role of increasing the rigidity of the thin plate portion 42 (footrest portion 40). At positions where the reinforcing member 43 overlaps with the wiring insertion holes 41h and 42h in the vertical direction Z, the reinforcing member 43 is interrupted in the width direction X, and a gap GP2 is provided. In configurations where wiring insertion holes 41h and 42h are not formed in the plate-like portion 41 and the thin plate portion 42, the reinforcing member 43 may not be interrupted in the width direction X, and a gap GP2 may not be provided.

[0122] The reinforcing member 43 may be formed of sheet metal. As shown in Figure 9, each of the reinforcing members 43 according to this embodiment has a hat-shaped cross-section. That is, each reinforcing member 43 has a U-shaped U-section 43a that opens upward and a pair of flange sections 43b connected to the upper end of the U-section 43a. The upper surface of each flange section 43b may be fixed to the lower surface of the thin plate section 42 by any method such as welding.

[0123] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the frame 44 covers the plate-like portion 41 and the thin plate portion 42 from the outside in the width direction X and the depth direction Y. As shown in Figure 8, the frame 44 according to this embodiment includes a pair of horizontal frames 44a and a vertical frame 44b.

[0124] A pair of horizontal frames 44a are attached to both sides of the plate-like portion 41 in the depth direction Y and to both sides of the thin plate portion 42 in the depth direction Y (i.e., a pair of first bent portions 42a).

[0125] The pair of horizontal frames 44a have a shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane passing through the center O and parallel to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the horizontal frame 44a located at the rear (+Y side) of the pair will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the horizontal frame 44a located at the front (-Y side) will be substituted for the description of the horizontal frame 44a located at the rear (+Y side).

[0126] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each horizontal frame 44a has a U-shaped cross-section that opens inward in the depth direction Y. The horizontal frames 44a are formed, for example, from sheet metal. Specifically, each horizontal frame 44a has an upper plate 44a1, a side plate 44a2, and a lower plate 44a3.

[0127] As shown in Figure 9, the upper plate 44a1 is located above the plate-like portion 41. Specifically, the lower surface of the upper plate 44a1 is in contact with the upper surface of the plate-like portion 41. When the horizontal frame 44a is attached to the plate-like portion 41 and the thin plate portion 42, the plate-like portion 41 is sandwiched in the vertical direction Z by the upper plate 44a1 and the thin plate portion 42 (thin plate body 42c).

[0128] The side plate 44a2 extends downward from the outer edge of the top plate 44a1 in the depth direction Y (the -Y side edge in the example of Figure 9). The side plate 44a2 may be located outward in the depth direction Y from the upright plate 33c of the bracket 33.

[0129] The bottom plate 44a3 extends inward in the depth direction Y (towards +Y in the example of Figure 9) from the lower end of the side plate 44a2. The bottom plate 44a3 may be connected to and fixed to the second portion 42a2 of the first bent portion 42a by any method such as screw fastening.

[0130] As shown in Figure 8, the vertical frame 44b is attached to the outer part of the plate-like portion 41 in the width direction X (the +X side in the example of Figure 8) and the outer part of the thin plate portion 42 in the width direction X (the +X side in the example of Figure 8, i.e., the third bent portion 42e). Although not shown in detail, the vertical frame 44b has a U-shaped cross-section that opens inward in the width direction X. The vertical frame 44b is formed, for example, from sheet metal. The vertical frame 44b may have the same shape as the horizontal frame 44a (i.e., top plate, side plate and bottom plate).

[0131] The dimension d0 shown in Figure 2 represents the distance between the peripheral edge of the intermediate leg portion 30 (cover 32) and the peripheral edge of the foot portion 40 (frame 44) in the depth direction Y, measured on the upper surface (footrest surface 41s) of the footrest portion 40. Dimension d0 may be, for example, approximately 10 mm to 100 mm. Also, the dimension of the intermediate leg portion 30 (cover 32) in the depth direction Y, measured on the footrest surface 41s, may be approximately 480 mm.

[0132] <Connection mechanism> As shown in Figure 2, both ends of the footrest 40 in the width direction X are connected to a pair of outer legs 20 by multiple connecting mechanisms 60. Specifically, the four corners of the footrest 40 are connected to the four legs 21 by four connecting mechanisms 60.

[0133] The four connecting mechanisms 60 have a symmetrical shape with respect to the center O. Therefore, in the following description, the descriptions of the four connecting mechanisms 60 other than the one located on the front right will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the connecting mechanism 60 located on the front right will be replaced by the description of the other three connecting mechanisms 60.

[0134] Figure 11 is an exploded view showing the periphery of the connection mechanism 60 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The connecting mechanism 60 according to this embodiment has an L-shaped portion 61, an extended portion 62, and a plate-shaped portion 63. The L-shaped portion 61, the extended portion 62, and the plate-shaped portion 63 are fixed to each other by any method such as welding. The L-shaped portion 61, the extended portion 62, and the plate-shaped portion 63 are arranged in this order in the direction from the footrest portion 40 toward the leg 21.

[0135] The L-shaped portion 61 is a plate-shaped component having an L-shape in a plan view. Specifically, the L-shaped portion 61 includes a first plate portion 61a and a second plate portion 61b. The first plate portion 61a is a plate-shaped portion extending in the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. The second plate portion 61b is a plate-shaped portion extending in the depth direction Y and the vertical direction Z. The first plate portion 61a has a fixing hole 61h formed therein that penetrates the first plate portion 61a in the depth direction Y. Similarly, the second plate portion 61b has a fixing hole 61h formed therein that penetrates the second plate portion 61b in the width direction X.

[0136] The extended portion 62 is a rod-shaped component. The extended portion 62 extends so as to connect the corner of the footrest portion 40 with the leg 21 adjacent to the said corner.

[0137] The plate-like portion 63 is a plate-shaped part provided at the end of the extended portion 62. The plate-like portion 63 is provided so that one surface of the plate-like portion 63 faces the leg 21. Two fixing holes 63h are formed on this one surface of the plate-like portion 63, penetrating the plate-like portion 63 in the thickness direction of the plate-like portion 63. The two fixing holes 63h are spaced apart in the vertical direction Z. Two fixing holes 21h are formed on the part of the leg 21 that faces the two fixing holes 63h, opening to the outer surface of the leg 21.

[0138] The L-shaped section 61 is connected to the footrest section 40. Specifically, when connecting the L-shaped section 61 and the footrest section 40, two bolts BT and two nuts (not shown) provided in fixing holes 42ah and 42eh are used. That is, the bolts BT and nuts are screwed through the fixing hole 42ah and the fixing hole 61h of the first plate section 61a, and the bolts BT and nuts are screwed through the fixing hole 42eh and the fixing hole 61h of the second plate section 61b, thereby connecting and fixing the L-shaped section 61 and the thin plate section 42 (footrest section 40).

[0139] The plate-shaped portion 63 is connected to the outer leg portion 20. Specifically, when connecting the plate-shaped portion 63 and the outer leg portion 20, two bolts BT and two nuts (not shown) provided in two fixing holes 21h are used. That is, the plate-shaped portion 63 and the leg 21 (outer leg portion 20) are connected and fixed by screwing the bolts BT and nuts through each set of fixing holes 21h, 63h.

[0140] As described above, the L-shaped portion 61 is connected to the footrest portion 40, and the plate-shaped portion 63 is connected to the outer leg portion 20, thereby connecting and fixing the footrest portion 40 and the outer leg portion 20 via the connecting mechanism 60.

[0141] <Footrest support section> As shown in Figure 2, the footrest legs 50 support the footrest 40 from below. In this embodiment, one of the two footrest legs 50 supports the central part of the first footrest unit 40UA in the width direction X, and the other supports the central part of the second footrest unit 40UB in the width direction X. Each footrest leg 50 is located between the intermediate leg 30 and the outer leg 20 in the width direction X. Viewed from the depth direction Y, each footrest leg 50 is located below the storage space SP. In this embodiment, each footrest leg 50 is located in a position that overlaps the storage space SP in the vertical direction Z.

[0142] The two footrest legs 50 have the same shape. Therefore, in the following description, the description of the footrest leg 50 that supports the second footrest unit 40UB will be omitted, and unless otherwise specified, the description of the footrest leg 50 that supports the first footrest unit 40UA will be replaced with the description of the footrest leg 50 that supports the second footrest unit 40UB.

[0143] Figure 12 is an exploded view showing a footrest leg portion 50 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 12, the footrest leg portion 50 according to this embodiment has an upper member 51, a first wall portion 52, a second wall portion 53, and a lower member 54.

[0144] The upper member 51 extends in the depth direction Y and has a hat-shaped cross-section. Specifically, the upper member 51 has a U-shaped portion 51a that opens upward and a pair of flange portions 51b connected to the upper end of the U-shaped portion 51a. The upper member 51 is located at the upper end of the footrest leg portion 50 and is the part that contacts the reinforcing member 43 of the footrest portion 40 (see also Figure 14). In the center of the U-shaped portion 51a in the depth direction Y, a wiring insertion hole 51h is formed that penetrates the U-shaped portion 51a in the vertical direction Z.

[0145] Each pair of flange portions 51b has at least one (four in the illustrated example) fixing hole 51bh formed therein. Specifically, each of the pair of flange portions 51b has two fixing holes 51bh formed therein. In each flange portion 51b, the two fixing holes 51bh are spaced apart in the depth direction Y. Each fixing hole 51bh penetrates the flange portion 51b in the vertical direction Z.

[0146] The first wall portion 52 and the second wall portion 53 are combined to form a cylindrical wall portion 50W. The U-shaped portion 51a of the upper member 51 is fitted to the upper end of the wall portion 50W. At this time, the lower surface of the flange portion 51b abuts against the upper end of the wall portion 50W. In a plan view, the first wall portion 52 has a C-shape that opens to the right. The second wall portion 53 connects the opening edges of the first wall portion 52.

[0147] The space enclosed by the wall portion 50W may be used as a wiring space for housing wiring. The wiring insertion hole 51h described above is in communication with this wiring space. Wiring can be drawn into the wiring space within the wall portion 50W through the wiring insertion holes 41h, 42h and gap GP2 (see Figure 8) formed in the footrest portion 40, and through the wiring insertion hole 51h. Also, as shown in Figure 12, a wiring insertion recess 52a for drawing wiring into the wiring space may be formed at the lower edge of the first wall portion 52. The wiring insertion recess 52a opens at the lower edge of the first wall portion 52 and penetrates the first wall portion 52 in the width direction X. Similarly, a wiring insertion recess 53a for drawing wiring into the wiring space may be formed at the lower edge of the second wall portion 53. The wiring insertion recess 53a opens at the lower edge of the second wall portion 53 and penetrates the second wall portion 53 in the width direction X.

[0148] The lower member 54 is a member having a U-shaped cross-section that extends in the depth direction Y and opens upward. That is, the lower member 54 has a bottom plate 54a and a pair of side plates 54b that rise from both ends of the bottom plate 54a in the width direction X. One ground contact portion CT is provided at each end of the bottom plate 54a in the depth direction Y. The pair of side plates 54b are fitted to the lower end of the wall portion 50W. Specifically, the side plates 54b are fitted to the wall portion 50W such that the outer surfaces of the pair of side plates 54b are in contact with the inner surface of the wall portion 50W.

[0149] As shown in Figure 12, a wiring insertion recess 54c may be formed at the lower edge of each side plate 54b for drawing wiring into the wiring space enclosed by the wall portion 50W. The wiring insertion recess 54c opens at the lower edge of the side plate 54b and penetrates the side plate 54b in the width direction X. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the bottom plate 54a may be divided into two parts, one on the front side and the other on the back side of the wiring insertion recess 54c.

[0150] The dimensions of the footrest legs 50 in the width direction X may be shorter than the dimensions of the footrest legs 50 in the depth direction Y. In particular, the dimensions of the wall section 50W in the width direction X may be shorter than the dimensions of the wall section 50W in the depth direction Y.

[0151] The footrest legs 50, configured as described above, are fixed to the footrest section 40. Specifically, the footrest legs 50 according to this embodiment are fixed to the reinforcing member 43 of the footrest section 40.

[0152] Figure 13 is an exploded view showing the connection portion between the reinforcing member 43 and the connecting member 70 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in this embodiment, at least one (four in the illustrated example) connecting member 70 is used to connect the reinforcing member 43 and the footrest leg portion 50. The connecting member 70 has a bottom portion 71 and a peripheral wall portion 72 erected on the periphery of the bottom portion 71.

[0153] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, elastic pieces 72a are formed on both sides of the peripheral wall portion 72 in the depth direction Y. The elastic pieces 72a are configured to allow elastic displacement in the depth direction Y. In this embodiment, elastic displacement of the elastic pieces 72a is made possible by forming slits on both sides of the elastic pieces 72a in the width direction X of the peripheral wall portion 72. On the outer surface of the elastic piece 72a in the depth direction Y, a projection 72b is formed that protrudes in the depth direction Y from the outer surface.

[0154] As shown in Figure 13, at least one of the multiple reinforcing members 43 has a connecting hole 43h for connecting the connecting member 70. In the illustrated example, the connecting holes 43h are formed in the two reinforcing members 43 that are the second from the outside in the depth direction Y. Specifically, at each connection position between the reinforcing member 43 and the connecting member 70, one connecting hole 43h is formed in each of the two side plates of the U-shaped portion 43a of the reinforcing member 43. Each connecting hole 43h penetrates the side plate of the U-shaped portion 43a in the depth direction Y.

[0155] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, when connecting the connecting member 70 to the reinforcing member 43, the projection 72b is inserted into the connecting hole 43h. More specifically, by inserting the connecting member 70 into the reinforcing member 43 from above, the projection 72b comes into contact with the inner surface of the U-shaped portion 43a, and the elastic piece 72a elastically deforms inward in the depth direction Y of the connecting member 70. As the insertion of the connecting member 70 continues and the projection 72b reaches the connecting hole 43h, the elastic restoring force of the elastic piece 72a releases the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 72a, and the elastic piece 72a returns to its initial state. In this state, the projection 72b is inserted into the connecting hole 43h, and the connecting hole 43h and the projection 72b engage. When the projection 72b is inserted into the connecting hole 43h (the connecting hole 43h and the projection 72b engage), the connecting member 70 and the reinforcing member 43 are connected, and the relative movement of the connecting member 70 with respect to the reinforcing member 43 is restricted.

[0156] As shown in Figure 14, a recessed receiving area 71a is formed in the bottom 71 of the connecting member 70, which is recessed upward. The nut NT is housed in the receiving area 71a. In addition, a fixing hole (not shown) is formed in the portion of the reinforcing member 43 (U-shaped portion 43a) that overlaps with the nut NT in the vertical direction Z, and the fixing hole penetrates the reinforcing member 43 (U-shaped portion 43a) in the vertical direction Z. The bolt BT is then screwed into the nut NT housed in the receiving area 71a through the fixing hole in the reinforcing member 43 and the fixing hole 51bh in the upper member 51 (see also Figure 11). This connects and fixes the upper member 51 to the reinforcing member 43. In other words, the footrest portion 40 and the footrest leg portion 50 are connected and fixed.

[0157] Furthermore, a through hole 71b may be formed at the top of the housing recess 71a through which the body of the bolt BT is inserted. The through hole 71b penetrates the top of the housing recess 71a in the vertical direction Z. This prevents interference between the bolt BT and the housing recess 71a.

[0158] As shown in Figure 14, with the footrest legs 50 fixed to the footrest 40, the upper surface of the upper member 51 is in contact with the lower surface of each reinforcing member 43. In particular, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the upper member 51 is in contact with at least a portion of the lower surface of the reinforcing member 43 located furthest out in the depth direction Y (towards -Y in Figure 14). As a result, the footrest legs 50 in this embodiment support both ends of the footrest 40 in the depth direction Y.

[0159] The dimension d1 shown in Figure 14 represents the distance in the depth direction Y between the periphery of the footrest portion 40 (frame 44) and the periphery of the footrest leg portion 50 (wall portion 50W). Dimension d1 may be, for example, about 50 mm, about 150 mm, or about 200 mm. Dimension d1 may also be smaller than the dimension d0 described above (see also Figure 2).

[0160] <effect> Next, we will explain the operation of the tabletop-equipped fixture 100 configured as described above.

[0161] Conventionally, in furniture with a tabletop and a support structure, a configuration is known in which the support structure has a support column and a shielding portion that covers the support column (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the support structure of Patent Document 1, the edge of the shielding portion is bent along the support column. As a result, there is no gap between the shielding portion and the support column, and the shielding portion and the support column are in contact with each other. Here, when a user's foot comes into contact with the bent portion of the shielding portion, the deformation of the shielding portion is hindered by the support column, which may result in louder noises or a stronger impact on the foot.

[0162] To solve the above problems, in the fixture with a top plate 100 according to this embodiment, a gap GP is formed between a pair of covers 32 (shielding parts) and a support column 35. The pair of covers 32 have a deformable part (second part 32c2) that can be deformed toward the gap GP in response to an external force. With this configuration, when a user's foot comes into contact with the second part 32c2, which is the deformable part, the second part 32c2 deforms toward the gap GP in response to the external force applied by the user's foot. This suppresses abnormal noise caused by the user's foot coming into contact with the cover 32 and mitigates the impact that the cover 32 has on the user's foot.

[0163] <Summary> As described above, the fixture with a top plate 100 according to this embodiment comprises a top plate 1 and a support structure 2 that has a ground contact portion CT that contacts the floor surface F and supports the top plate 1 from below. The support structure 2 has a support column portion 35 that stands upright on the floor surface F with a ground contact portion CT and supports the top plate 1, and a shielding portion (a pair of covers 32) that covers the support column portion 35. When the shielding portion covers the support column portion 35, a gap GP is formed between the shielding portion and the support column portion 35 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction Z (depth direction Y), and the shielding portion has a deformation-allowing portion (second portion 32c2) that can deform toward the gap GP in response to an external force. With this configuration, a fixture with a top plate 100 can be realized that can suppress abnormal noise and mitigate impact when a user's foot comes into contact with the support structure 2 having the support column portion 35 and the shielding portion.

[0164] Furthermore, the deformation-allowable portion is a tapered portion TP whose outer surface narrows as it moves away from the support column 35 in the first direction (depth direction Y) intersecting the vertical direction Z. This configuration reduces the volume of the deformation-allowable portion, thereby reducing the possibility of the deformation-allowable portion (support structure 2) coming into contact with the user's foot. In addition, when the user views the shielding portion from the first direction (depth direction Y), the size (width) of the shielding portion is more likely to appear smaller. This also makes it possible to enhance the aesthetic design of the shielding portion.

[0165] Furthermore, the shielding portion has a pair of unit shielding portions (first cover 32A and second cover 32B) that abut each other in a second direction (width direction X) that intersects both the vertical direction Z and the first direction, and are able to separate from each other in the second direction, and the tip of the tapered portion TP is formed by abutting the ends of the pair of unit shielding portions in the first direction. With this configuration, the shielding portion is divided into a pair of parts (unit shielding portions), making it easier to assemble the shielding portion. Also, since the boundary line (butt line) between the pair of unit shielding portions is located at the tip of the tapered portion TP, the boundary line is less visible to the user. Therefore, the design of the shielding portion can be enhanced. In this embodiment, the bent portions 32f, which are the ends of the unit shielding portions in the first direction, are only abutted in the width direction X, and no further fixing means such as bolt fixing is provided, so the unit shielding portions can move relative to each other easily. Therefore, it is less likely that there will be a localized concentration of load when the user's foot comes into contact with it.

[0166] Furthermore, the support column 35 has a support portion (projection 35a) that supports a pair of unit shielding units, and the support portion is provided on the surface of the support column 35 that faces outward from the top-mounted fixture 100 (outer portion 35b). This configuration improves the visibility of the support portion compared to a configuration in which the support portion (projection 35a) is provided on the side or inner surface of the support column 35. This makes it easier for the user to support the pair of unit shielding units with the support portion. However, in this embodiment, the work of providing the support portion (projection 35a) on the inner surface of the support column 35 is difficult because it is interfered with by the beam portion 36 and the other support column 35, etc. Also, in this embodiment, the inner surface of the support column 35 corresponds to the inner portion 35d, and since the inner portion 35d has a small dimension in the width direction X, from this viewpoint as well, the work of providing the support portion (projection 35a) on the inner surface of the support column 35 is difficult. By providing a support portion (projection 35a) on the outer surface of the support column 35, it is not necessary to provide a support portion (projection 35a) on the inner surface of the support column 35, thus avoiding the complexity of the work described above.

[0167] Furthermore, each unit shielding section has a first section 32c1 that shields the surface of the support column 35 facing the second direction (first intersection section 35c), a second section 32c2 that extends from the end of the first section 32c1 in the first direction and forms a tapered section TP, and a supported section (hooking member 32a) supported by the support column 35, the supported section being located at the boundary BD between the first section 32c1 and the second section 32c2. With this configuration, for example, compared to a configuration where the supported section (hooking member 32a) is located at a part of the first section 32c1 that is far from the boundary BD, the distance in the depth direction Y between the supported section and the tip of the tapered section TP is shortened. This makes it possible to suppress misalignment of the tip of the tapered section TP when a pair of unit shielding sections are supported by the support column 35.

[0168] Furthermore, the tabletop 1 extends in the width direction X and the depth direction Y, and the dimensions of the tabletop 1 in the width direction X are larger than the dimensions of the tabletop 1 in the depth direction Y. The deformation-tolerant portion is located in the part of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column 35 in the depth direction Y, and no deformation-tolerant portion is provided in the part of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column 35 in the width direction X. When the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 1 coincides with the width direction X, users of the tabletop-equipped fixture 100 are often positioned adjacent to the tabletop-equipped fixture 100 in the depth direction Y. Therefore, if the dimensions of the shielding portion in the width direction X are large, the user's feet are more likely to come into contact with the shielding portion. By not placing a deformation-tolerant portion (air gap GP) in the part of the shielding portion adjacent to the support column 35 in the width direction X, it becomes easier to reduce the dimensions of the shielding portion in the width direction X. This further reduces the possibility of the user's feet coming into contact with the shielding portion.

[0169] Furthermore, the support structure 2 is divided by support columns 35, each having multiple wiring spaces CS through which wiring can be inserted, and at least one of the multiple wiring spaces CS is an air gap GP. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to distribute wiring of different systems into multiple wiring spaces CS, thereby realizing user-friendly wiring spaces CS.

[0170] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0171] For example, although the above embodiment described that the air gap GP functions as a wiring space CS, the air gap GP does not necessarily have to function as a wiring space CS.

[0172] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the shielding portion as being supported by the support column 35, the shielding portion does not necessarily have to be supported by the support column 35. In this case, the shielding portion may be supported by a component other than the support column 35 (for example, the top plate 1). Also, the support column 35 may be a single column instead of a pair.

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first direction (the direction in which the tapered portion TP tapers) coincided with the width direction X, and the second direction (the direction in which the pair of unit shielding portions abut) coincided with the depth direction Y, but the first and second directions are not limited to these. For example, the first direction may be inclined with respect to the width direction X, and the second direction may be inclined with respect to the depth direction Y. The first direction can be changed as appropriate as long as it intersects with the vertical direction Z. Similarly, the second direction can be changed as appropriate as long as it intersects with both the vertical direction Z and the first direction.

[0174] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the shielding portion as being removable from the support column 35, the shielding portion may be configured so as not to be removable from the support column 35.

[0175] Furthermore, the pair of shading portions do not necessarily have to be symmetrical in plan view. For example, the boundary line between the unit shading portions may be formed at the end of one of the unit shading portions in the width direction X. In other words, the boundary line between the pair of unit shading portions may be shifted to the right or left with respect to the center of the pair of unit shading portions (center O in the example of Figure 6).

[0176] Furthermore, although the shielding portion in the above embodiment had a pair of unit shielding portions that could be separated from each other, the configuration of the shielding portion is not limited to this. For example, the shielding portion may consist of a continuous member.

[0177] Furthermore, the shape of the deformation-tolerant portion (tapered portion TP) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the deformation-tolerant portion may have an outer surface that is arc-shaped or the like in a plan view. Also, the outer surface of the deformation-tolerant portion does not have to have a tapered shape. In other words, the deformation-tolerant portion does not have to be a tapered portion TP; for example, it may be rectangular or square in a plan view.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support column 35 and the gap GP (deformation-allowing portion) were adjacent in the depth direction Y, but the positional relationship between the support column 35 and the gap GP (deformation-allowing portion) is not limited to this. The support column 35 and the gap GP (deformation-allowing portion) may be adjacent in the width direction X, or they may be adjacent in a direction inclined with respect to both the width direction X and the depth direction Y. Alternatively, the gap GP (deformation-allowing portion) may be arranged to surround the support column 35 from the width direction X and the depth direction Y. In this case, one shielding portion may be provided for each of the pair of support column 35. As long as a gap GP is formed between the shielding portion and the support column in a direction intersecting the vertical direction Z (i.e., the intersecting direction), the positional relationship between the support column 35 and the gap GP (deformation-allowing portion) can be changed as appropriate.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the intermediate leg portion 30 had a support portion 35 and a shielding portion, but in addition to (or instead of) this, the footrest portion 40 may also have a support portion and a shielding portion. In addition, the air gap GP described above may be formed in the footrest portion 40, and the shielding portion of the footrest portion 40 may have the deformation-permissible portion described above.

[0180] Furthermore, the configurations and shapes of the top plate 1 and support structure 2 described above are all examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the configurations and shapes of the shielding part and the support column part 35 can be changed as appropriate. Also, the footrest legs 50 may have a box shape or a column shape, etc. The footrest legs 50 do not have to support both ends of the footrest part 40 in the depth direction Y, but may support one point in the central part in the depth direction Y. Also, the support structure 2 does not have an intermediate leg part 30. In the configuration in which the support structure 2 does not have an intermediate leg part 30, it is desirable to give the outer leg part 20 a wiring insertion function by guiding the wiring along the outer surface of the outer leg part 20 or inserting the wiring through the inner space of the outer leg part 20. The support structure 2 does not have a connection mechanism 60, and the footrest legs 50 may be directly connected to the outer leg part 20. The support structure 2 does not have a footrest part 40. In this case, the support structure 2 does not have a footrest leg part 50.

[0181] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0182] 100…Furniture with top plate 1…Top plate 2…Support structure 32…Cover (shielding part) 32A…First cover (unit shielding part) 32B…Second cover (unit shielding part) 32a…Latching member (supported part) 32c1…First part 32c2…Second part (deformable part) 35…Column part 35a…Protrusion (support part) BD…Boundary part CS…Wiring space CT…Grounding part GP…Gap TP…Tapered part X…Width direction (second direction) Y…Depth direction (first direction) Z…Vertical direction

Claims

1. The tabletop and It comprises a support structure having a contact portion that contacts the floor surface and supporting the top plate from below, The aforementioned support structure is A support column having the aforementioned contact portion and standing upright on the floor surface, supporting the top plate, It has a shielding portion that covers the support column portion, When the shielding portion covers the support column portion, a gap is formed between the shielding portion and the support column portion in a direction that intersects the vertical direction. The shielding portion has a deformation-permissible portion that can be deformed toward the gap in response to an external force. Display unit with a tabletop.

2. The deformation-allowing portion is a tapered portion whose outer surface tapers as it moves away from the support portion in the first direction intersecting the vertical direction. The fixture with a tabletop as described in claim 1.

3. The shielding portion has a pair of unit shielding portions that abut each other in a second direction intersecting both the vertical direction and the first direction, and that can move away from each other in the second direction. The tip of the tapered portion is formed when the ends of the pair of unit shielding portions in the first direction are brought together. The fixture with a tabletop as described in claim 2.

4. The support column has a support portion that supports the pair of unit shielding portions, The support portion is provided on the surface of the support column that faces outward from the top plate of the fixture. The fixture with a tabletop as described in claim 3.

5. The aforementioned unit shielding portion is The first portion of the support column that shields the surface facing the second direction, A second portion extending from the end of the first portion in the first direction and forming the tapered portion, The supported portion is supported by the aforementioned support column, It has, The supported portion is located at the boundary between the first portion and the second portion. The fixture with a top plate according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The aforementioned top plate extends in the width direction and the depth direction, The dimensions of the tabletop in the width direction are greater than the dimensions of the tabletop in the depth direction. The deformation-allowing portion is located in the shielding portion, in the depth direction, adjacent to the support column portion. In the shielding portion, the portion adjacent to the support column in the width direction is not provided with the deformation-allowing portion. A fixture with a tabletop according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The support structure is divided by the support columns and each has a plurality of wiring spaces through which wiring can be inserted. At least one of the aforementioned plurality of wiring spaces is the aforementioned void. A fixture with a tabletop according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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