furniture

Abstract

To provide a fixture that can suppress misalignment of the operating unit relative to the functional components. [Solution] A fixture according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a support structure supported on an installation surface, a functional member facing the support structure in a first direction, an extension / retraction mechanism that extends and retracts in the first direction to support the functional member so that it can move in the first direction relative to the support structure, and an operating unit for operating the extension / retraction mechanism. The operating unit comprises a lever that extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and is rotatably supported on the functional member, and a linking part that rotates with the lever to move a release pin in the first direction. The linking part includes a restricting part that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the receiving part to restrict movement of the receiving part in a third direction intersecting the second direction when viewed from the first direction, and in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to furniture.

Background Art

[0002] Some furniture such as chairs and desks are provided with a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a seat or a top plate. As this type of furniture, for example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a pad, a gas pressure rod provided on the lower surface of the pad, a control valve fitted into the gas pressure rod, and a control rod inserted into the gas pressure rod through a hole formed in the gas pressure rod. The control rod is supported on the inner peripheral edge of the hole via a convex portion formed on the control rod so as to be swingable in the vertical direction.

[0003] According to this configuration, by pushing up the portion of the control rod located outside the gas pressure rod, the portion of the control rod located inside the gas pressure rod is displaced downward. As a result, the support rod of the control valve is pushed in, so that the control valve becomes vertically extendable and retractable. As a result, the height of the pad can be adjusted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional technology described above still had room for improvement in suppressing the misalignment of the control rod relative to the pressure rod in a direction that intersects it vertically. If misalignment of the control rod relative to the pressure rod were to occur, it could result in the support rod not being able to be operated with the desired load, or an excessive load being applied to the control rod.

[0006] The present invention provides a fixture that can suppress misalignment of the operating unit relative to the functional components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following embodiments. (1) A fixture according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a support structure supported on an installation surface, a load support portion for supporting a load, and a receiving portion fixed to the load support portion, a functional member facing the support structure in a first direction, a telescopic mechanism connecting the support structure and the functional member, and extending and retracting in the first direction to support the functional member so as to be movable in the first direction relative to the support structure, and an operating unit provided on the receiving portion for operating the telescopic mechanism, wherein the telescopic mechanism extends in a first direction and is filled with gas, a piston that divides the inside of the cylinder into a first space and a second space and is fitted into the cylinder so as to be movable in the first direction, a piston rod extending from the piston in the first direction so as to protrude from the cylinder, and a member provided so as to protrude in the first direction from one of the members of the cylinder and the piston rod, and moves in the first direction relative to the one member The telescopic mechanism comprises a release pin that, when moved, switches the communication between the first space and the second space and blocks communication between them, wherein one of the cylinder and the piston rod is fitted into a housing formed in the receiving portion, and the other of the cylinder and the piston rod is supported by the support structure, and the operating unit has an outer portion located outside the housing portion and an inner portion located inside the housing portion, extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and is rotatably supported by the functional member, and a linking portion attached to the inner portion so as to face the release pin in the first direction within the housing portion and rotates together with the lever to move the release pin in the first direction, wherein the linking portion has a restricting portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion and restricts movement of the receiving portion in a third direction intersecting the second direction when viewed from the first direction and in the second direction.

[0008] According to this embodiment, the movement of the operating unit in the second and third directions relative to the functional member can be restricted simply by attaching the linking part to the inside of the lever. In this case, the positional displacement of the operating unit can be suppressed by the linking part itself, so the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when a restricting part is provided separately from the linking part. In addition, since there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the receiving part with recesses or protrusions, the processability can also be improved.

[0009] (2) In the fixture according to the embodiment of (1) above, it is preferable that the lever is rotatably supported on the functional member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the third direction. According to this embodiment, it is easier to secure the moment acting during rotational operation compared to, for example, when the lever rotates around its axis. Therefore, operability can be improved.

[0010] (3) In the fixture according to the embodiment of (2) above, it is preferable that the receiving portion has a communication hole that penetrates the receiving portion in the second direction and connects the inside and outside of the housing portion, and that the lever penetrates the receiving portion through the communication hole and is rotatably supported by the opening edge of the communication hole. According to this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which the lever is rotatably supported by a separate shaft member or the like, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of parts and make the area around the receiving part more compact. Also, compared to a configuration in which the lever is supported inside the receiving part, it is easier to secure the distance from the fulcrum to the linking part (point of application). Therefore, it is easier to secure the amount of displacement of the linking part in relation to the amount of operation of the outer part.

[0011] (4) In the fixture according to the embodiment of (2) or (3) above, it is preferable that a relief portion is formed at the outer end of the connecting portion that is away from the pivot point of the operating unit to avoid interference with the inner surface of the receiving portion. According to this embodiment, the misalignment of the operating unit relative to the receiving portion is performed by the linking portion itself, and interference between the linking portion and the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion can be suppressed.

[0012] (5) In a fixture according to any of the embodiments of (1) to (4) above, it is preferable that the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion includes at least a portion of the receiving side arc when viewed from the first direction, and the outer circumferential surface of the restricting portion extends in accordance with the receiving side arc and is capable of contacting the receiving side arc in the second and third directions. According to this embodiment, by forming the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion and the outer circumferential surface of the restricting portion in an arc shape, the movement of the operating unit relative to the receiving portion in the second and third directions can be restricted. In this case, there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion with recesses or protrusions, so the processability can also be improved.

[0013] (6) In a fixture relating to any of the embodiments described in (1) to (5) above, the functional member is preferably a seat on which one can sit. According to this embodiment, since displacement of the operating unit relative to the receiving part can be suppressed, the telescopic mechanism can be reliably operated via the operating unit even when the seated person operates the operating unit without visually checking it while seated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to each of the above embodiments, misalignment of the operating unit relative to the functional member can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the chair 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the chair 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged perspective view of the chair 1 according to the first embodiment, showing the chair with the seat body 42 removed. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of the control unit 5. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7]It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the VII-VII line of Figure 5. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged perspective view of the operation unit 5 viewed from below. [Figure 9] It is an enlarged perspective view of the chair 1 according to the second embodiment showing a state where the seat main body 42 is removed. [Figure 10] It is a plan view of the operation unit 5. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XI-XI line of Figure 10. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XII-XII line of Figure 10. [Figure 13] It is an enlarged perspective view of the operation unit 5 viewed from below. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the chair 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an enlarged perspective view of the chair 1 according to the third embodiment showing a state where the seat 4 is removed. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XVI-XVI line of Figure 15. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the XVII-XVII line of Figure 15. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0016] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In the embodiments and modified examples described below, corresponding configurations may be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", and "coaxial" not only strictly represent such arrangements, but also represent states of relative displacement at angles and distances to the extent that tolerances and the same functions can be obtained. Further, in the present embodiment, "facing each other" not only includes the case where the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of two surfaces coincide with each other, but also includes the case where the orthogonal directions intersect each other.

[0017] (First Embodiment) [Chair] Figure 1 is a perspective view of chair 1 from the front. Figure 2 is a perspective view of chair 1 from below. The chair (fixture) 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is installed at the cash register counter in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. Chair 1 is used, for example, for the cash register counter staff (seated person) to perform their duties in a seated position. However, chair 1 can be used for various purposes in various facilities other than stores. In the following explanation, directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are the same as the direction of a person seated in chair 1 in a normal posture. In this case, the arrow UP in the figures indicates upward, the arrow FR indicates forward, and LH indicates left. Also, in the following explanation, in the front, back, up, down, and left, the side away from the center of chair 1 is sometimes referred to as the outside, and the side towards the center of chair 1 is sometimes referred to as the inside.

[0018] The chair 1 comprises a support structure 2, an extension mechanism 3, a seat 4, and an operating unit 5. In this embodiment, the chair 1 is positioned so that the seat 4 is tilted downwards as it moves forward.

[0019] <Support structure 2> The support structure 2 is installed on the mounting surface F. The support structure 2 comprises a base leg 10 and a leg support column 11.

[0020] The base leg 10 is constructed by assembling rod-shaped members. The base leg 10 comprises a pair of left and right leg frames 15 and a connecting frame 16. The pair of leg frames 15 are positioned facing each other in the left-right direction. Each leg frame 15 has a symmetrical configuration. Therefore, the details of the leg frame 15 will be explained below using one (right) leg frame 15 as an example.

[0021] The leg frame 15 is formed in a triangular frame shape when viewed from the left or right side by bending a rod-shaped member. Specifically, the leg frame 15 comprises a front-to-rear extending portion 15a, a front upright portion 15b, and a rear upright portion 15c. The front and rear extensions 15a extend in the front-rear direction parallel to the installation surface F. The front and rear extensions 15a are in contact with the installation surface F via grounding members 17 provided at both ends in the front-rear direction. The front and rear extensions 15a may be in direct contact with the installation surface F, or they may be indirectly in contact with the installation surface F via adjusters, casters, etc. The connecting frame 16 may also be directly or indirectly grounded. In other words, the support structure 2 only needs to be installed on the installation surface F at appropriate points on the base legs 10.

[0022] The front upright portion 15b extends upward from the front end of the front-rear extending portion 15a. Specifically, the front upright portion 15b extends inclined inward and backward in the left-right direction as it extends upward. The rear upright portion 15c extends upward from the rear end of the front-rear extending portion 15a. Specifically, the rear upright portion 15c extends inclined inward and forward in the left-right direction as it extends upward. In the illustrated example, the upper end of the rear upright portion 15c is located below the upper end of the front upright portion 15b.

[0023] The connecting frame 16 connects the front and rear extending portions 15a of each leg frame 15. The left and right ends of the connecting frame 16 are fixed to the corresponding front and rear extending portions 15a by welding or the like. In this embodiment, one connecting frame 16 is provided for each pair of left and right leg frames 15, but multiple connecting frames may be provided at intervals in the front and rear direction FR. In particular, as mentioned above, when the connecting frame 16 is grounded, it is desirable to provide multiple connecting frames along the front and rear direction FR.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line III-III in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the leg support 11 is fixed to the base leg 10. The leg support 11 comprises a leg body 21, a lower cover portion 22, and an upper cap 23. The leg body 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the lifting axis O1. The internal space of the leg body 21 constitutes the lower housing section 21a. The upper ends of the front upright section 15b and the rear upright section 15c of each leg frame 15 are fixed to the lower part of the leg body 21 by welding or the like. As a result, in a side view, the leg body 21 is supported by the leg frames 15 in a state where it is inclined forward as the lifting axis O1 moves upward, and protrudes upward relative to the leg frames 15. In a side view, the angle between the lifting axis O1 and the installation surface F is set to, for example, 75° to 90°. Note that the leg body 21 is not limited to a cylindrical shape but may also be rectangular or other shapes. Furthermore, the leg body 21 is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it has a lower housing section 21a that opens upward.

[0025] The lower cover portion 22 is provided at the lower end of the lower housing portion 21a inside the leg body 21. The lower cover portion 22 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. The outer circumferential surface of the lower cover portion 22 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing portion 21a by welding or the like. This closes the lower end opening of the leg body 21.

[0026] The upper cap 23 is fitted into the upper end of the script body 21 (lower housing portion 21a). The upper cap 23 comprises a cylindrical portion 23a, a plurality of press-fit ribs 23b, and a flange portion 23c. The cylindrical portion 23a is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. The cylindrical portion 23a is inserted into the screen body 21 through the upper end opening of the screen body 21.

[0027] The press-fit ribs 23b extend radially from the cylindrical portion 23a with respect to the lifting axis O1. That is, each press-fit rib 23b is spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the lifting axis O1. Each press-fit rib 23b extends radially outward from the lifting axis O1 and also extends vertically along the entire length of the cylindrical portion 23a. When the cylindrical portion 23a is inserted into the lower housing portion 21a, the press-fit ribs 23b are pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the lower housing portion 21a. The flange portion 23c protrudes radially outward from the upper opening edge of the cylindrical portion 23a. When the cylindrical portion 23a is inserted into the lower housing portion 21a, the flange portion 23c contacts the upper opening edge of the baton body 21 from above.

[0028] <Extension mechanism 3> As shown in Figure 3, the telescopic mechanism 3 connects the support structure 2 and the seat 4, and supports the seat 4 so that it can be raised and lowered relative to the support structure 2. The telescopic mechanism 3 is a so-called gas spring. The telescopic mechanism 3 comprises a cylinder 31, a piston rod 32, a piston 33, and a release pin 34. The cylinder 31 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 23a, protruding upward from the leg body 21 through the upper end opening of the leg body 21. The cylinder 31 is configured to move up and down relative to the leg support 11 while sliding along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 23a. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, is sealed inside the cylinder 31.

[0029] The piston rod 32 is formed in a rod shape and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. The lower end of the piston rod 32 is fixed to the lower cover portion 22. Therefore, the piston rod 32 extends vertically within the lower housing portion 21a. The piston rod 32 is inserted into the cylinder 31, protruding downward through the lower end opening of the cylinder 31.

[0030] The piston 33 is fixed to the upper end of the piston rod 32 within the cylinder 31. The piston 33 is formed in a disc shape and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. The piston 33 divides the inside of the cylinder 31 vertically into an upper space S1 located above the piston 33 and a lower space S2 located below the piston 33. The cylinder 31 is movable vertically relative to the piston rod 32 and the piston 33. That is, as the cylinder 31 moves vertically, the ratio of the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 occupying the inside of the cylinder 31 changes.

[0031] The release pin 34 switches between communication and disconnection between the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 through a connecting circuit (not shown) that connects the upper space S1 and the lower space S2. Specifically, the release pin 34 is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. The release pin 34 is provided so as to penetrate the top wall of the cylinder 31 in the vertical direction. The release pin 34 is configured to be vertically movable relative to the cylinder 31, for example, when biased upward by the pressure of the upper space S1. The release pin 34 is displaced vertically between a disconnected position and a connected position. The disconnected position is the position that blocks communication between the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 through the connecting passage. The connected position is a position displaced downward from the disconnected position, and is the position that connects the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 through the connecting passage.

[0032] <Location 4> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the seat 4 is a functional member that supports the seated person's buttocks from below. The seat 4 comprises a seat support member 41 and a seat body 42. The seat support member 41 is the part that connects the seat body 42 and the telescopic mechanism 3. The seat support member 41 comprises a connecting cylindrical portion 45 and a seat support plate 46.

[0033] Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the chair 1 with the seat body 42 removed. Figure 5 is a plan view of the operating unit 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed as an arc surface (receiving arc portion) with a uniform radius of curvature over its entire circumference. Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed as a smooth surface without any recesses or protrusions. In the illustrated example, the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed to have the same diameter as the leg body 21. However, the connecting cylinder portion 45 may be formed to have a different diameter from the leg body 21.

[0034] The inside of the connecting cylinder portion 45 forms an upper housing portion 45a that opens downward. A cylinder 31 is fitted into the upper housing portion 45a via a bearing 48. Therefore, the seat 4 is supported by the support structure 2 so as to be rotatable around the lifting axis O1 via the telescopic mechanism 3. The cylinder 31 enters the upper housing portion 45a such that the release pin 34 protrudes above the bearing 48. The seat 4 may also be connected to the telescopic mechanism 3 in a way that prevents rotation. The connecting cylindrical portion 45 corresponds to the receiving portion of the present invention. By forming the receiving portion with a cylindrical member, the receiving portion can be easily formed by cutting a commercially available tubular member to an appropriate length. Furthermore, when the receiving portion is constructed using a cylindrical member, a space for accommodating an article such as a cylinder 31 can be formed without requiring any additional processing.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the seat support plate 46 extends radially outward from the upper edge of the connecting cylinder portion 45. The wide surface of the seat support plate 46 extends in a direction perpendicular to the lifting axis O1 and is oriented along the lifting axis O1. In other words, the seat support plate 46 is positioned with its wide surface tilted forward at a predetermined angle relative to the installation surface F. Alternatively, the leg body 21 (lifting axis O1) may extend perpendicular to the installation surface F, while the seat support plate 46 (wide surface) may be positioned at an inclination relative to the lifting axis O1. In this case as well, the seat support plate 46 is positioned with its wide surface tilted forward at a predetermined angle relative to the installation surface F. Furthermore, the lifting axis O1 may extend at an inclination relative to the installation surface F, while the seat support plate 46 (wide surface) may be positioned parallel to the installation surface F.

[0036] The seat body 42 functions as a load-bearing member that receives the seating load. The seat body 42 is constructed by covering a seat plate 42a and cushioning material 42b with a surface material 42c. The seat body 42 is formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. The upper surface (seat surface) of the seat body 42 is inclined downward toward the outer circumference when viewed from the side. The seat body 42 is fixed to the seat support plate 46 by screws or the like that that penetrate the seat support plate 46 from below while it is resting on the seat support plate 46. The seat body 42 is configured to be rotatable relative to the telescopic mechanism 3 in conjunction with the seat support member 41, and is also configured to be able to move up and down in accordance with the telescopic movement of the telescopic mechanism 3.

[0037] <Operation Unit 5> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VI-VI in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VII-VII in Figure 5. Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating unit 5 seen from below. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the operating unit 5 operates the telescopic mechanism 3 from the outside of the upper housing 45a. The operating unit 5 includes a lever 51 and a linkage part 52.

[0038] The lever 51 comprises a rod-shaped portion 55 and a gripping portion 56. In a plan view, the rod-shaped portion 55 extends with its axis in the left-right direction. The rod-shaped portion 55 is inserted into the connecting cylinder portion 45 through a communication hole 45b formed in the connecting cylinder portion 45. Of the rod-shaped portion 55, the portion located inside the connecting cylinder portion 45 constitutes the inner portion 55a, and the portion located outside the connecting cylinder portion 45 constitutes the outer portion 55b. The inner portion 55a is located in the operating space S3 above the telescopic mechanism 3 within the upper housing portion 45a.

[0039] The rod-shaped portion 55 is rotatably supported by the connecting cylinder portion 45, with the opening edge of the communication hole 45b (for example, the upper opening edge) acting as a pivot point, as the boundary portion 55c of the inner portion 55a and the outer portion 55b is supported by the opening edge of the communication hole 45b. Therefore, in a side view, the operating unit 5 is configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction about the operating axis O2 which is perpendicular to the lifting axis O1. In the initial position (non-operating position) of the operating unit 5, the rod-shaped portion 55 is supported by the connecting cylinder portion 45 in a state where it is inclined downward from the inner portion 55a to the outer portion 55b. Note that the left-right position of the boundary portion 55c (the portion of the rod-shaped portion 55 supported by the communication hole 45b) may vary depending on the allowable amount of left-right displacement of the rod-shaped portion 55 due to the restriction in the restricting section described later.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the gripping portion 56 is the part that is gripped by the seated person when the operating unit 5 is being operated. The gripping portion 56 is connected to the tip of the outer portion 55b. The gripping portion 56 is formed in an arc shape coaxial with the lifting axis O1. In a plan view, the gripping portion 56 is located radially inward with respect to the outer edge of the seat body 42.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the linking section 52 pushes in the release pin 34 as the lever 51 rotates, and also positions the operating unit 5 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions relative to the connecting cylinder section 45. The linking section 52 is integrally formed from a synthetic resin material or the like. The linking section 52 is attached to the inner section 55a within the upper housing section 45a, so that it overlaps with the release pin 34 in a plan view. Specifically, the linking section 52 has an insertion opening 52a. The insertion opening 52a opens on the right end face of the linking section 52 and extends in the axial direction (left-to-right direction) of the rod-shaped section 55. The rod-shaped section 55 is assembled to the linking section 52 by screws inserted from above, with the inner section 55a being inserted into the insertion opening 52a. As a result, the connecting part 52 is fixed to the lever 51 so that it cannot be displaced relative to it in any direction, including vertical, horizontal, or front-to-back. Therefore, as the lever 51 rotates vertically, the operating space S3 is displaced vertically around the operating axis O2. Note that the method of fixing the connecting part 52 and the rod-shaped part 55 may be other than screws, such as adhesive or press-fitting.

[0042] The connecting portion 52 is formed in a T-shape in plan view. The connecting portion 52 includes a mounting portion 61, a front projection portion 62, a rear projection portion 63, and a downward projection portion 64.

[0043] The mounting portion 61 is the part to which the inner portion 55a is attached. As shown in Figure 6, the mounting portion 61 extends along the axial direction of the rod-shaped portion 55, inclined upward as it moves to the left. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the mounting portion 61 comprises a pressing base portion 65 and a base projection portion 66. The pressing base 65 is formed in a disc shape and positioned to coincide with the vertical axis O1 in a plan view. The lower surface of the pressing base 65 is in contact with the release pin 34 from above. As the operating unit 5 rotates, the pressing base 65 is displaced downward from its initial position, thereby pushing the release pin 34 downward. The pressing base 65 may not be circular as long as it has an outer shape larger than the release pin 34 in a plan view.

[0044] A tip relief portion 65a is formed at the left end of the pressing base portion 65 (the end opposite to the lever 51). The tip relief portion 65a is a flat surface that extends linearly in the front-rear direction at a position radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. The tip relief portion 65a is formed to such an extent that no other members overlap the rotation trajectory of the tip relief portion 65a when the operating unit 5 is rotated.

[0045] An upward restricting portion 65b is formed on the left end of the upper surface of the pressing base portion 65. The upward restricting portion 65b is formed to be a flat surface perpendicular to the vertical direction in the initial position of the operating unit 5. The upward restricting portion 65b is close to or in contact with the lower surface of the seat body 42 from below. By contacting the lower surface of the seat body 42, the upward restricting portion 65b restricts the upward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45.

[0046] The base projection 66 protrudes to the right from the pressing base 65. The right end face of the base projection 66 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. The contact of the right end face of the base projection 66 with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 restricts the movement of the operating unit 5 to the right relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45. In the illustrated example, the right end face of the base projection 66 is formed as a convex arc surface towards the left when viewed from the front. The base projection 66 also bulges downward relative to the pressing base 65.

[0047] The aforementioned insertion opening 52a opens at the right end face of the base projection 66 and extends across the base projection 66 and the pressing base 65. In the illustrated example, the insertion opening 52a reaches a position where it overlaps with the release pin 34 in a plan view. Therefore, the inner portion 55a overlaps with the release pin 34 in a plan view via the pressing base 65.

[0048] The front projection 62 protrudes forward from the pressing base 65. Specifically, in a side view, the front projection 62 is tapered, with its thickness gradually decreasing in the vertical direction as it extends forward. The front end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the front projection 62 is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 in front of the mounting portion 61. The front projection 62 restricts the forward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by its front end surface contacting the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 from the rear. In a side view, the front end surface of the front projection 62 is formed in a forward-projecting arc shape.

[0049] The front end surface of the front projection 62 extends in accordance with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 in a plan view and is formed as a convex arc surface toward the front. In this embodiment, "extending in accordance with" means that the direction of bulging of the arc surface is the same, and is not necessarily limited to the case where the radius of curvature is equal to that of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. In the illustrated example, the radius of curvature of the front end surface of the front projection 62 is smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. However, the radius of curvature of the front end surface of the front projection 62 may be the same as the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45, or it may be larger than the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45.

[0050] The rear projection 63 protrudes rearward from the pressing base 65. The rear projection 63 has a front-to-back symmetrical configuration with the front projection 62. Therefore, the rear end surface of the rear projection 63 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 behind the mounting portion 61. The rear projection 63 restricts the rearward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by the rear end surface (outer circumferential surface) contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 from the front.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the central portions in the left-right direction of the front end surface of the front projection 62 and the rear end surface of the rear projection 63 are the parts of the connecting portion 52 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction, respectively (the outermost front portion 62a and the outermost rear portion 63a). On the other hand, the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction (left-right direction) around the lifting axis O1 relative to the portion facing the outermost front portion 62a constitute the front engaging portions 71a and 71b. The front engaging portions 71a and 71b are located inward in the front-rear direction relative to the outermost front portion 62a. The front engaging portions 71a and 71b face the portions of the front projection 62 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction relative to the outermost front portion 62a. In addition, the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction around the lifting axis O1 relative to the portion facing the outermost rear portion 63a constitute the rear engaging portions 72a and 72b. The rear engaging portions 72a and 72b are located inward in the front-rear direction relative to the rear outermost part 63a. The rear engaging portions 72a and 72b face the portions of the rear projection 63 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction relative to the rear outermost part 63a.

[0052] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the downward projection 64 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the pressing base 65, excluding the tip relief portion 65a.

[0053] <Height adjustment operation for seat 4> Next, the operation of raising and lowering the seat 4 as an action of chair 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the seat 4 of chair 1 can be raised and lowered by rotating the operating unit 5. In the initial position, the operating unit 5 is held in the connecting cylinder 45 by the release pin 34 contacting the lower surface of the pressing base 65 and the upper surface of the rod-shaped portion 55 (boundary portion 55c) contacting the opening edge of the communication hole 45b. However, in the initial position, the operating unit 5 may also be held in the connecting cylinder 45 by the upper surface of the pressing base 65 contacting the lower surface of the seat body 42 or by the lower surface of the rod-shaped portion 55 contacting the opening edge of the communication hole 45b. The position of the lower surface of the pressing base 65 along the thickness direction of the pressing base 65 is kept to such an extent that it does not press the release pin 34 when the boundary portion 55c is in contact with the opening edge of the communication hole 45b.

[0054] When raising the seat 4, the operating unit 5 is rotated without applying any load to the seat 4. Specifically, the operating unit 5 is pulled up while gripping the gripping part 56. As a result, the operating unit 5 rotates around the operating axis O2 as a pivot point, causing the linking part 52 to be displaced downward in the operating space S3. This pushes the release pin 34 downward. When the release pin 34 is pushed in, it moves from the closed position to the open position. With no load applied to the seat 4, the pressure in the lower space S2 is higher than the pressure in the upper space S1. As a result, the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 communicate through the connecting passage, and the gas in the lower space S2 flows into the upper space S1 through the connecting passage. This expands the volume of the upper space S1, causing the cylinder 31 to move upward relative to the piston 33 and piston rod 32. Consequently, the seat 4 rises relative to the support structure 2.

[0055] When lowering the seat 4, the operating unit 5 is pulled up while a load is applied to the seat 4. This pushes in the release pin 34, causing it to move from the closed position to the open position. With a load applied to the seat 4, the pressure in the upper space S1 is higher than the pressure in the lower space S2. As a result, the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 communicate through the connecting passage, and the gas in the upper space S1 flows into the lower space S2 through the connecting passage. This expands the volume of the lower space S2, causing the cylinder 31 to move downward relative to the piston 33 and piston rod 32. Consequently, the seat 4 descends relative to the support structure 2.

[0056] Here, the operating unit 5's movement in the left-right and front-back directions relative to the seat 4 is restricted by the contact of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 52 with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. Specifically, when the operating unit 5 attempts to displace in the front-back direction, the outermost 62a, 63a of either of the protruding portions 62, 63 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. This restricts the front-back displacement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45.

[0057] For example, when the operating unit 5 attempts to displace to the left relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45, the front outermost part 62a contacts the front engaging portion 71a, or the rear outermost part 63a contacts the rear engaging portion 72a. This restricts the leftward displacement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45. Similarly, when the operating unit 5 attempts to displace to the right relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45, the front outermost part 62a contacts the front engaging portion 71b, or the rear outermost part 63a contacts the rear engaging portion 72b. This restricts the rightward displacement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45. Alternatively, the operating unit 5 may be restricted from moving to the right relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by the base projection 66 contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45.

[0058] Incidentally, when the operating unit 5 attempts to displace around the lifting axis O1, for example, the rod-shaped portion 55 comes into contact with the opening edge of the communication hole 45b, thereby restricting the rotation of the operating unit 5 around the lifting axis O1 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45. The pressing base portion 65 is positioned to coincide with the lifting axis O1. Therefore, even if the operating unit 5 is displaced around the lifting axis O1, the linking portion 52 will not shift relative to the release pin 34.

[0059] As described above, the chair (fixture) 1 of this embodiment comprises a support structure 2 supported on an installation surface F, a seat (functional member) 4 having a seat body (load support part) 42 on which a load is supported, and a seat receiving member (receiving part) 41 fixed to the seat body 42, facing the support structure 2 in the vertical direction (first direction), an extension mechanism 3 connecting the support structure 2 and the seat 4 and extending and contracting in the vertical direction to support the seat 4 so that it can move vertically relative to the support structure 2, and an operating unit 5 provided on the seat receiving member 41 for operating the extension mechanism 3. The telescopic mechanism 3 includes a cylinder 31 that extends vertically and is filled with gas, a piston 33 that divides the inside of the cylinder 31 into an upper space (first space) S1 and a lower space (second space) S2 and is fitted into the cylinder 31 so as to be movable vertically, a piston rod 32 that extends vertically from the piston 33 so as to protrude from the cylinder 31, and a release pin 34 that is provided so as to protrude vertically from the cylinder (one member) 31 and switches the communication and blocking of the upper space S1 and the lower space S2 by moving vertically relative to the cylinder 31. In the telescopic mechanism 3, the cylinder 31 is fitted into the upper housing portion (housing portion) 45a of the connecting cylinder portion 45, and the piston rod (the other member) 33 is supported by the support structure 2. The operating unit 5 has an outer part 55b located outside the connecting cylinder part 45 and an inner part 55a located inside the connecting cylinder part 45, and includes a lever 51 that extends in the left-right direction (second direction) and is rotatably supported by the seating member 41, and a linking part 52 that is attached to the inner part 55a so as to face the release pin 34 in the vertical direction within the connecting cylinder part 45 and rotates together with the lever 51 to move the release pin 34 in the vertical direction. The linking part 52 has protruding parts (restricting parts) 62, 63 that contact the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder part 45 and restrict movement in the left-right direction and the front-back direction (third direction) relative to the seating member 41. With this configuration, by simply attaching the linking part 52 to the inner part 55a of the lever 51 located in the operating space S3, the movement of the operating unit 5 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction relative to the seating member 41 can be restricted. In this case, the linking part 52 itself can suppress the misalignment of the operating unit 5, so the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when a restricting part is provided separately from the linking part 52. In addition, since there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder part 45 with recesses or protrusions, the processability can also be improved.

[0060] In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the lever 51 is supported on the seat 4 so as to be rotatable around an operating axis O2 that runs along the front-rear direction. This configuration makes it easier to secure the moment acting on the linkage part 52 during rotational operation, compared to, for example, when the lever 51 rotates around its axis. Therefore, operability can be improved.

[0061] In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the connecting cylinder portion 45 has a communication hole 45b that penetrates the connecting cylinder portion 45 in the left-right direction and connects the inside and outside of the upper housing portion 45a, and the rod-shaped portion 55 penetrates the connecting cylinder portion 45 through the communication hole 45b and is rotatably supported by the connecting cylinder portion 45 by the opening edge of the communication hole 45b. This configuration allows for a reduction in the number of parts and a more compact design around the connecting cylinder portion 45 compared to a configuration in which the rod-shaped portion 55 is rotatably supported by a separate shaft member or the like. Furthermore, it makes it easier to secure the distance from the fulcrum to the connecting portion 52 (point of application) compared to a configuration in which the rod-shaped portion 55 is supported inside the connecting cylinder portion 45. As a result, it is easier to secure the amount of displacement of the connecting portion 52 in response to the amount of operation of the outer portion 55b.

[0062] In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the outer end (left end) of the connecting portion 52, which is away from the pivot point of the operating unit 5, has a tip relief portion (relief portion) 65a formed to avoid interference with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. With this configuration, the interlocking part 52 itself can correct the misalignment of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45, and interference between the interlocking part 52 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 can be suppressed.

[0063] In the chair 1 of this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface (receiving arc portion) of the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed in an arc shape in a plan view, and the outer circumferential surfaces (regulating arc portions) of the protruding portions 62 and 63 extend in accordance with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 and are capable of contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 in the left-right and front-back directions. With this configuration, the movement of the operating unit 5 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction relative to the seating member 41 can be restricted by forming the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 and the outer circumferential surfaces of the protrusions 62 and 63 in an arc shape. In this case, there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 with recesses or protrusions, so the processability can also be improved.

[0064] In this embodiment, seat 4 is used as a functional component. With this configuration, misalignment of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 can be suppressed, so that even when a person sits on the seat 4 and operates the operating unit 5 without looking at it, the telescopic mechanism 3 can be reliably operated via the operating unit 5.

[0065] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of chair 1 with the seat body 42 removed. Figure 10 is a plan view of the operating unit 5. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line XI-XI in Figure 10. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line XII-XII in Figure 10. Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating unit 5 from below. As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the operating unit 5 of this embodiment, the linking portion 110 is formed in a D shape in plan view. Specifically, the linking portion 110 includes a mounting portion 111, a front projection (regulating portion) 112, and a rear projection (regulating portion) 113.

[0066] The mounting portion 111 has an insertion opening 111a into which the inner portion 55a is inserted. The mounting portion 111 includes a pressing base portion 115 and a base projection portion 116. The pressing base 115 is formed in a disc shape and is positioned to coincide with the lifting axis O1 in a plan view. The pressing base 115 coincides with the release pin 34 in a plan view. In the initial position of the operating unit 5, the lower surface of the pressing base 115 is in contact with the release pin 34 from above.

[0067] A tip relief portion 115a is formed at the left end of the pressing base portion 115 (the end opposite to the lever 51). The tip relief portion 115a extends linearly in the front-rear direction at a position separated to the right of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. An upward restricting portion 115b is formed on the left end of the upper surface of the pressing base portion 115. The upward restricting portion 115b is formed to be a flat surface perpendicular to the vertical direction in the initial position of the operating unit 5. The upward restricting portion 115b is close to or in contact with the lower surface of the seat body 42 from below. By contacting the lower surface of the seat body 42, the upward restricting portion 115b restricts the upward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45.

[0068] The base projection 116 protrudes to the right from the pressing base 115. In a plan view, the base projection 116 is formed in a semicircular shape that follows the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. The right end face of the base projection 116 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. The base projection (restricting portion) 116 restricts the movement of the operating unit 5 to the right relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by the contact of its right end face with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. In the illustrated example, the base projection 116 protrudes outward in the front-rear direction relative to the pressing base 115.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the front projection 112 protrudes forward from the pressing base 115. Specifically, the front end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the front projection 112 is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 in front of the mounting portion 111. The front projection 112 restricts the forward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by its front end surface contacting the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 from the rear. In a plan view, the front end surface of the front projection 112 extends in accordance with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 and is formed as a convex arc surface toward the front. Furthermore, in a side view as shown in Figure 12, the front end surface of the front projection 112 is formed as a protruding arc shape toward the front.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, the rear projection 113 protrudes rearward from the pressing base 115. The rear projection 113 is symmetrical to the front projection 112. Therefore, the rear end surface of the rear projection 113 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 behind the mounting portion 111. The rear projection 113 restricts the rearward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 45 by the rear end surface (outer circumferential surface) contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 from the front. Furthermore, in the side view shown in Figure 12, the rear end surface of the rear projection 113 is formed in the shape of a curved projection to the rear.

[0071] Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the front projection 112 and the rear projection 113 are flush with the lower surface of the pressing base 115. In addition, the front end surface of the front projection 112 and the rear end surface of the rear projection 113 are smoothly connected to the outer circumferential surface of the base projection 116.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, the central portions in the left-right direction of the front end surface of the front projection 112 and the rear end surface of the rear projection 113 are the portions of the connecting portion 110 that protrude outward in the front-rear direction, respectively (the outermost front portion 112a and the outermost rear portion 113a). On the other hand, the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction (left-right direction) around the lifting axis O1 relative to the portion facing the outermost front portion 112a constitute the front engaging portions 121a and 121b. The front engaging portions 121a and 121b are located inward in the front-rear direction relative to the outermost front portion 112a. The front engaging portions 121a and 121b face the portions of the front projection 112 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction relative to the outermost front portion 112a. Furthermore, the portions of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction around the lifting axis O1 with respect to the portion facing the rear outermost 113a constitute the rear engaging portions 122a and 122b. The rear engaging portions 122a and 122b are located inward in the front-rear direction relative to the rear outermost 113a. The rear engaging portions 122a and 122b face the portions of the rear projection 113 that are located on both sides in the circumferential direction relative to the rear outermost 113a.

[0073] In this embodiment as well, the linking portion 110 restricts movement in the left-right and front-back directions relative to the seating member 41 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45. Therefore, by simply attaching the linking portion 110 to the inner portion 55a of the rod-shaped portion 55 located in the operating space S3, movement of the operating unit 5 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction relative to the seating member 41 can be restricted. In this case, the linking portion 210 itself can suppress misalignment of the operating unit 5, thus reducing the number of parts compared to the case where a separate restricting portion is provided in addition to the linking portion 110. Furthermore, since there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 with recesses or protrusions, machinability can also be improved.

[0074] (Third embodiment) Figure 14 is a perspective view of the chair 1 according to the third embodiment. The chair 1 of this embodiment differs from the embodiment described above in that the seat body 42 and the connecting cylinder portion 200 are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. In the chair 1 shown in Figure 14, the seat body 42 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Specifically, the seat body 42 is formed in a rectangular shape with the front-to-back direction as the longitudinal direction and the left-to-right direction as the short direction.

[0075] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the chair 1 according to the third embodiment, showing the seat 4 removed. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line XVI-XVI in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line XVII-XVII in Figure 13. As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the connecting cylinder portion 200 is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube and is arranged coaxially with the lifting axis O1. In this embodiment, the connecting cylinder portion 200 is formed in the shape of a square in plan view. Of the operating unit 5, the inner portion 55a of the rod-shaped portion 55 enters the operating space S3 through a communication hole 201 formed in the right side wall 200a of the connecting cylinder portion 200.

[0076] The connecting portion 210 is formed in a T-shape in plan view. The connecting portion 210 includes a mounting portion 211, a front projection (regulating portion) 212, and a rear projection (regulating portion) 213. The mounting portion 211 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that extends in the left-right direction when viewed from above. The mounting portion 211 has an insertion opening 211a into which the inner portion 55a is inserted.

[0077] The mounting portion 211 includes a pressing base portion 215 and a base projection portion 216. The pressing base 215 is positioned to coincide with the vertical axis O1 in a plan view. The central part of the pressing base 215 in the left-right direction coincides with the release pin 34 in a plan view. In the initial position of the operating unit 5, the lower surface of the mounting portion 211 is in contact with the release pin 34 from above.

[0078] A tip relief portion 215a is formed at the left end of the pressing base portion 215 (the end opposite to the lever 51). The tip relief portion 215a extends linearly in the front-rear direction at a position separated to the right of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 (left side wall 200b). The left end surface of the tip relief portion 215a is formed in a convex arc shape towards the left in the front view shown in Figure 16. An upward restricting portion 215b is formed on the left end of the upper surface of the pressing base portion 215. The upward restricting portion 215b is formed to be a flat surface perpendicular to the vertical direction in the initial position of the operating unit 5. The upward restricting portion 215b is close to or in contact with the lower surface of the seat body 42 from below. By contacting the lower surface of the seat body 42, the upward restricting portion 215b restricts the upward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 200.

[0079] The base projection 216 protrudes to the right from the pressing base 215. The right end face of the base projection 216 is close to or in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 (right side wall 200a). The base projection (restricting portion) 216 restricts the movement of the operating unit 5 to the right relative to the connecting cylinder portion 200 by the contact of its right end face with the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200. In a front view, the right end face of the base projection 216 is formed as a convex arc surface directed to the left.

[0080] The base projection 216 has a bulge 216a that bulges downward relative to the pressing base 215. The bulge 216a contacts the release pin 34 from the right side, thereby restricting the movement of the operating unit 5 to the left relative to the connecting cylinder 200.

[0081] The front projection 212 protrudes forward from the right end (root projection 216) of the mounting portion 211. The front end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the front projection 212 is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 in front of the mounting portion 211. The front projection 212 restricts the forward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 200 by having its front end surface contact the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 (front wall portion 200c) from the rear.

[0082] The rear projection 213 protrudes rearward from the right end (root projection 216) of the mounting portion 211. The rear end surface (outer peripheral surface) of the rear projection 213 is close to or in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 (rear wall 200d) at the rear of the mounting portion 211. The front end surface of the rear projection 213 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 from the front, thereby restricting the rearward movement of the operating unit 5 relative to the connecting cylinder portion 200. The right end surfaces of the front projection 212 and the rear projection 213, as well as the right end surface of the root projection 216, are arranged flush with each other. However, the front projection 212 and the rear projection 213 can be provided at any position in the left-right direction on the mounting portion 211.

[0083] In this embodiment as well, the linking portion 210 restricts movement in the left-right and front-back directions relative to the seating member 41 by contacting the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200. Therefore, by simply attaching the linking portion 210 to the inner portion 55a of the rod-shaped portion 55 located in the operating space S3, movement of the operating unit 5 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction relative to the seating member 41 can be restricted. In this case, the linking portion 210 itself can suppress misalignment of the operating unit 5, thus reducing the number of parts compared to the case where a separate restricting portion is provided in addition to the linking portion 210. Furthermore, since there is no need to process the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 200 with recesses or protrusions, machinability can also be improved.

[0084] (Other variations) While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but only by the appended claims. In the embodiments described above, a chair 1 was used as an example of the fixture according to the present invention, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the present invention may be applied to fixtures with tops such as desks, tables, shelves, and cart devices. In the embodiments described above, the base leg 10 was described as being formed by a combination of rod-shaped members, but the configuration is not limited to this. The base leg 10 may be, for example, a plate that directly or indirectly contacts the installation surface F.

[0085] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the piston rod 32 is connected to the support structure 2 and the cylinder 31 is connected to the seat 4 (functional member), but the configuration is not limited to this. A configuration in which the piston rod 32 is connected to the seat 4 (functional member) and the cylinder 31 is connected to the support structure 2 is also possible. In the embodiments described above, the first direction was described as the vertical direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. The first direction may also be the left-right direction or the front-back direction. In other words, the telescopic mechanism 3 may be configured to extend and retract in the left-right direction or the front-back direction.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the rod-shaped portion 55 rotates in the front-rear direction around the operating axis O2, but the configuration is not limited to this. The rod-shaped portion 55 may also be configured to rotate around its axis. In the embodiments described above, configurations in which the plan view shape of the connecting portion is formed in a T-shape or D-shape were explained, but the configuration is not limited to these. The connecting portion may be circular or the like. Furthermore, the plan view shape of the connecting portion may be a similar shape that is slightly smaller than the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder, as long as interference with the connecting cylinder is avoided when the connecting portion rotates.

[0087] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the release pin 34 is moved by a pushing operation of the linkage part, but the configuration is not limited to this. A configuration in which the release pin 34 is moved by a pulling operation of the linkage part is also possible. In the embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which the lever 51 is rotatably supported on the connecting cylinder portion, but the configuration is not limited to this. The lever 51 may be rotatably supported at any position on the seat 4. For example, the lever 51 may be supported via a bracket extending from the seat body 42.

[0088] In the embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the upper surface of the lever 51 (boundary portion 55c) is supported by, for example, the connecting cylinder portion 45, but the configuration is not limited to this. The lower surface of the lever 51 (boundary portion 55c) may also be supported by, for example, the connecting cylinder portion 45. In this case, for example, the communication hole 45b may be formed in a U-shape that opens upward, and the lever 51 (boundary portion 55c) may be supported at the lower end edge of the communication hole 45b. In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the lever and the linking part are formed separately as the operating unit was explained, but the configuration is not limited to this. The lever and the linking part may be formed as an integral part of the operating unit. For example, if the communication hole 45b is formed in a U shape as described above, the operating unit can be inserted into the communication hole 45b through the upper end opening of the communication hole 45b. Alternatively, the communication hole 45b may be U-shaped with an opening downwards.

[0089] In the first and second embodiments described above, a configuration was described in which the inner circumferential surface of the connecting cylinder portion 45 is formed in an arc shape over its entire circumference, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the connecting cylinder portion is formed to be uniform throughout the entire circumference, resulting in a configuration in which the inner and outer shapes of the receiving portion in a plan view are the same. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The outer and inner shapes of the receiving portion in a plan view may be different. In this case, for example, the outer shape of the receiving portion may be rectangular and the inner shape may be circular. In the embodiments described above, a configuration in which the receiving portion is integrally formed as a connecting cylindrical portion was described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The receiving portion may also be a configuration in which divided parts are combined, divided in directions (up and down or front and back) that intersect the extending direction of the rod-shaped portion 55. In this case, the lever 51 may be rotatably supported by sandwiching the rod-shaped portion 55 (boundary portion 55c) between the divided parts.

[0090] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the embodiments described above can be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the modifications described above can be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 1: Chair (fixture) 2: Support structure 3: Telescopic mechanism 4: Za 5: Operation Unit 31: Cylinder (one component, the other component) 32: Piston 33: Piston rod (the other component, the other component) 34: Release pin 45: Connecting cylinder part (receiving part) 45b: Communication hole 51: Lever 52: Coordination Department 55a: Inner part 55b:Outer part 62: Front protrusion (regulating part) 63: Rear protrusion (regulating part) 66: Root protrusion (regulatory part) 110: Coordination Department 112: Front protrusion (regulating part) 113: Rear protrusion (regulating part) 116: Root protrusion (regulatory part) 200: Connecting cylinder part (receiving part) 201:Communication hole 210: Coordination Section 212: Front protrusion (regulating part) 213: Rear protrusion (regulating part) 216: Root protrusion (regulatory part) F: Installation surface

Claims

1. A support structure supported on the mounting surface, A functional member having a load-supporting portion that supports a load, and a receiving portion fixed to the load-supporting portion, and facing the support structure in a first direction, A telescopic mechanism connects the support structure and the functional member, and extends and retracts in the first direction to support the functional member so that it can move in the first direction relative to the support structure, The receiving portion is provided with an operating unit for operating the telescopic mechanism, The aforementioned telescoping mechanism is A cylinder extending in the first direction and filled with gas, The cylinder is divided into a first space and a second space, and a piston is fitted to the cylinder so as to be movable in the first direction, A piston rod extending from the piston in the first direction so as to protrude from the cylinder, The cylinder and the piston rod are provided with a release pin that protrudes from one of the members in the first direction, and which moves relative to the one member in the first direction to switch between communication and isolation of the first space and the second space, The telescopic mechanism is such that one of the cylinder and piston rod is fitted into a housing formed in the receiving portion, and the other of the cylinder and piston rod is supported by the support structure. The aforementioned operating unit is A lever having an outer portion located outside the housing and an inner portion located inside the housing, extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and rotatably supported by the functional member, The housing includes a linkage part which is attached to the inner part of the housing so as to face the release pin in the first direction, and which rotates together with the lever to move the release pin in the first direction, The connecting portion is a fixture that includes a restricting portion that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion, thereby restricting movement of the receiving portion in a third direction that intersects the second direction when viewed from the first direction, and in the second direction.

2. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the lever is rotatably supported on the functional member so as to be rotatable about an axis along the third direction.

3. The receiving portion has a communication hole that penetrates the receiving portion in the second direction and connects the inside and outside of the housing portion. The fixture according to claim 2, wherein the lever penetrates the receiving portion through the communication hole and is rotatably supported by the opening edge of the communication hole.

4. The fixture according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a relief portion is formed at the outer end of the connecting portion, away from the pivot point of the operating unit, to avoid interference with the inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion.

5. The inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion includes, at least a portion of, a receiving-side arc when viewed from the first direction. The fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the restricting portion extends in accordance with the receiving arc portion and is capable of contacting the receiving arc portion in the second and third directions.

6. The fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional member is a seat on which one can sit.

Images