chair

Abstract

To provide a chair capable of enhancing the degree of freedom of design within an area between a pair of seat frame rods.SOLUTION: The chair comprises: a support structure having a grounding part to contact with a floor surface; and a seat supported by the support structure. The support structure comprises: a first seat frame rod and a second seat frame rod extending in a depth direction and separated in a width direction; a connection member which extends in the width direction at a predetermined position in the depth direction between the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod and connects the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod facing each other; a spacer element which holds the lower surface of the seat and the first and second seat frame rods to be spaced vertically; and a fixation element which fixes the lower surface of the seat and the first seat frame rod via the spacer element and connects the lower surface with the second seat frame rod.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chair on which a user sits. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a chair that includes a seat frame with a pair of seat frame rods that support the seat on which the user sits, and a pair of legs provided on both sides of the seat frame. In this chair, the pair of seat frame rods that extend in the depth direction are connected by a connecting member that runs along the width direction. A pair of leg frames, which are a pair of support structures, are arranged on the widthwise outer sides of the pair of seat frame rods. The seat (seat plate) on which the user sits is fixed with bolts at seat supports provided on the front side of the pair of seat frames in the depth direction. In this chair, a vertical portion of the lower part of the seat overlaps a vertical portion of the seat frame in the width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 51-129361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the chair described in Patent Document 1, the seat is fixed to the connecting member by a bolt screwed into the connecting member from below. Therefore, in this chair, the seat is directly supported by the upper part of a pair of seat frame rods, which places design constraints on the size and shape of the connecting member and the structure for improving the strength of the seat frame, potentially limiting the types of legs that can be applied to the seat frame. Furthermore, in the chair described in Patent Document 1, when viewed in cross section in the depth direction, the lower region of the seat frame is formed in a shape that slopes outward in the width direction from top to bottom, so the outer end of the connecting member in the width direction must also be formed in a similar shape, potentially increasing the processing costs for the connecting member.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a chair that can improve the degree of freedom in designing the area between a pair of seat frame rods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention is a chair comprising: a support structure having a contact portion that contacts the floor surface; and a seat supported by the support structure, wherein the support structure comprises: a first seat frame rod and a second seat frame rod that extend in the depth direction and are spaced apart in the width direction; a spacer element that extends in the width direction at a predetermined position in the depth direction between the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod and connects the opposing first seat frame rod and second seat frame rod, maintaining a vertical gap between the underside of the seat and the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod; and a fixing element that fixes the underside of the seat to the first seat frame rod via the spacer element and fixes the underside to the second seat frame rod.

[0007] According to the present invention, by providing a vertical gap between the seat and the seat frame, the connecting member, seat support member, and area for fixing the connecting member can be expanded vertically between the opposing first and second seat frame rods.

[0008] The seat is formed so as to cover the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod in the width direction when viewed from above, the spacer element comprises a connecting member and a seat support member that is provided on the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod and supports the seat, the seat is formed so as to cover the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod in the width direction and comprises a spacer portion that is positioned between the upper side of the first seat frame rod and the upper side of the second seat frame rod and is spaced apart in the vertical direction and supported by the seat support member, and the fixing element connects the seat support member and the spacer portion with a bolt inserted from below.

[0009] According to the present invention, the connection strength of the connecting member between the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod can be individually and appropriately set, and variations can be designed by changing the size and shape of the support structure while using a common seat frame.

[0010] In addition, the support structure of the present invention may include a second seat frame connecting member that connects the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod, and a back frame body provided on the rear side of the pair of first and second seat frame rods in the depth direction, and the back frame body may include a first back frame rod that stands up from the rear side of the first seat frame rod in the depth direction, a second back frame rod that stands up from the rear side of the second seat frame rod in the depth direction, and a back frame connecting member that connects the upper part of the first back frame rod and the upper part of the second back frame rod.

[0011] According to the present invention, the support structure has a back frame body that forms a loop with the back frame connecting member and the second seat frame connecting member, and the overall strength can be ensured to a specified standard regardless of the shape, size, or position of the first seat frame connecting member.

[0012] Furthermore, the seat support member of the present invention may connect a first inner surface of the first seat frame rod and a second inner surface of the second seat frame rod, and when viewed in cross section in the depth direction, the first inner surface may be formed to be convexly curved toward the inside in the width direction, and the second inner surface may be formed to be convexly curved toward the inside in the width direction.

[0013] According to the present invention, the weld beads formed on the first inner surface and the second inner surface are formed in positions that are difficult to see from the outside, so the step of polishing the weld beads to improve the appearance can be omitted.

[0014] Furthermore, the grounding portion of the present invention may include a first leg portion provided on a first outer surface of the first seat frame rod opposite the first inner surface in the width direction, and a second leg portion provided on a second outer surface of the second seat frame rod opposite the second inner surface in the width direction, wherein the upper side of the first leg portion is positioned away from the seat in the vertical direction, and the upper side of the second leg portion is positioned away from the seat in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to the present invention, the shape of the seat can be designed independently of the shapes of the first leg portion and the second leg portion.

[0016] The present invention is also characterized in that the grounding portion comprises a leg portion provided on the second seat frame connecting member, and the second seat frame connecting member comprises a connecting plate that connects the first inner surface and the second inner surface and supports the leg portion, a first upright plate that is provided on the front side of the connecting plate in the depth direction and supports the underside of the seat, and a second upright plate that is provided on the rear side of the connecting plate in the depth direction and supports the underside of the seat.

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to design variations in the size and shape of the support structure while using a common seat frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the area between a pair of seat frame rods that support the seat of a chair. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a chair according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a chair according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a seat frame and a back frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the space between the seat and the seat frame according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a chair according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a chair according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a seat frame and a back frame body according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A chair according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A chair is a piece of furniture on which a user sits. In the following description, when the chair is in use and the user is seated in a normal posture, the front side of the user will be referred to as the front side, and the back side of the user will be referred to as the rear side. Also, the direction along the left-right direction when looking at the chair from the front will be referred to as the width direction, and the direction along the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the depth direction. When looking at the chair from the front, the left side in the left-to-right direction will be referred to as one width side, and the left side will be referred to as the other width side. Also, the direction looking at the front along the front-to-back direction will be referred to as a front view, the direction looking at the bottom along the up-down direction will be referred to as a plan view, and the direction looking in the left-to-right direction will be referred to as a side view.

[0021] [First embodiment] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, chair 1 comprises a support structure 2 supported on the floor surface, and a seat 20 supported by the support structure 2. Chair 1 according to the first embodiment is designed to be stackable, for example, vertically. Support structure 2 comprises a frame-shaped seat frame 3 and a contact portion 40 that contacts the floor surface. Seat frame 3 supports seat 20. Seat frame 3 comprises a pair of first and second seat frame rods 4 and 5 that are spaced apart in the width direction.

[0022] The first seat frame rod 4 is a rod-shaped member formed to extend in the depth direction. The first seat frame rod 4 is formed, for example, from a metal circular pipe. The first seat frame rod 4 is divided in the center in the depth direction. The first seat frame rod 4 is formed by connecting a front first seat frame rod 4A on the front side and a rear first seat frame rod 4B on the rear side. The front first seat frame rod 4A and the rear first seat frame rod 4B are connected by a first connecting pipe 4C formed from a circular pipe.

[0023] The outer diameter of the first connecting pipe 4C is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front first seat frame rod 4A and the rear first seat frame rod 4B, for example. The first connecting pipe 4C is inserted into the front first seat frame rod 4A and the rear first seat frame rod 4B. The front first seat frame rod 4A and the first connecting pipe 4C are connected by welding, for example. The rear first seat frame rod 4B and the first connecting pipe 4C are connected by welding, for example.

[0024] The second seat frame rod 5 is a rod-shaped member extending in the depth direction. The second seat frame rod 5 is formed, for example, from a metal circular pipe. The second seat frame rod 5 is divided in the center in the depth direction. The second seat frame rod 5 is formed by connecting a front second seat frame rod 5A on the front side and a rear second seat frame rod 5B on the rear side. The front second seat frame rod 5A and the rear second seat frame rod 5B are connected by a second connecting pipe 5C formed from a circular pipe.

[0025] The outer diameter of the second connecting pipe 5C is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the front second seat frame rod 5A and the rear second seat frame rod 5B, for example. The second connecting pipe 5C is inserted into the front second seat frame rod 5A and the rear second seat frame rod 5B. The front second seat frame rod 5A and the second connecting pipe 5C are connected by welding, for example. The rear second seat frame rod 5B and the second connecting pipe 5C are connected by welding, for example.

[0026] The front end of the first seat frame rod 4 and the front end of the second seat frame rod 5 are connected by a connecting rod 6 extending in the width direction. The connecting rod 6 is a rod-shaped member formed from a circular pipe. The first seat frame rod 4, the connecting rod 6, and the second seat frame rod 5 are integrally formed by, for example, bending a circular pipe. The first seat frame rod 4, the connecting rod 6, and the second seat frame rod 5 are formed in a U-shape in plan view.

[0027] The rear depth side of the first seat frame rod 4 and the rear depth side of the second seat frame rod 5 are connected by a second seat frame connecting member 19. The second seat frame connecting member 19 is, for example, a rod-shaped member formed of a circular pipe. The second seat frame connecting member 19 may be formed of other members such as a plate as long as it can connect the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. The second seat frame connecting member 19 may connect not only between the rear depth side of the first seat frame rod 4 and the rear depth side of the second seat frame rod 5, but also at other positions between the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. The second seat frame connecting member 19 may connect not only the inner surfaces of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5, but also other positions such as the upper surfaces, lower surfaces, or outer surfaces of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. A frame-shaped back frame body 7 is provided on the rear side in the depth direction of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. The back frame body 7 supports the back panel 30.

[0028] The back frame body 7 includes, for example, a first back frame rod 8 standing upward from the rear depth side of the first seat frame rod 4, and a second back frame rod 9 standing upward from the rear depth side of the second seat frame rod 5. The first back frame rod 8 is, for example, a rod-shaped member formed from a circular pipe. The first back frame rod 8 is, for example, formed integrally with the rear first seat frame rod 4B. The second back frame rod 9 is, for example, a rod-shaped member formed from a circular pipe. The second back frame rod 9 is, for example, formed integrally with the rear second seat frame rod 5B.

[0029] The upper part of the first spine frame rod 8 and the upper part of the second spine frame rod are connected by a spine frame connecting member 10 extending in the width direction. The spine frame connecting member 10 is a rod-shaped member formed from a circular tube. The first spine frame rod, the spine frame connecting member, and the second spine frame rod are formed in a U-shape when viewed from the front. With the above configuration, the support structure 2 is formed by connecting the seat frame 3 and the spine frame body 7 and is an integrated loop-shaped frame body.

[0030] The back panel 30 is fixed to the front side of the chair 7 in the front-to-rear direction. The back panel is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate. The back panel 30 is formed, for example, from a resin material, a wood material such as molded plywood, or a composite material combining multiple materials. The back panel 30 is formed in a shape in which both sides in the width direction are curved forward. The back panel 30 is fixed to the back frame connecting member 10 with bolt B. The back panel 30 is fixed to the first back frame rod 8 with bolt B. The back panel 30 is fixed to the second back frame rod 9 with bolt B. Cushioning material may be provided on the front side of the back panel 30 as appropriate.

[0031] In the seat frame 3, the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5 are connected by a first seat frame connecting member 12. The first seat frame connecting member 12 extends in the width direction at a predetermined position in the depth direction between the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. The first seat frame connecting member 12 connects, for example, the first inner surface 4D of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second inner surface 5D of the second seat frame rod 5, which are opposed to each other, by welding. The first seat frame connecting member 12 may connect not only between the first inner surface 4D and the second inner surface 5D, but also at other positions, such as the upper surfaces, lower surfaces, or outer surfaces of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5, as long as it can connect the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5.

[0032] The first seat frame connecting member 12 is provided, for example, adjacent to the rear side of the connecting rod 6 in the front-to-rear direction. The first seat frame connecting member 12 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate. An upright piece 13 standing upward is provided at the rear end of the first seat frame connecting member 12 in the front-to-rear direction. The upper part of the upright piece 13 is formed, for example, to be curved downward to match the shape of the underside of the seat 20 when viewed from the front. The first seat frame connecting member 12 and the underside of the seat 20 are fixed, for example, by a bolt B inserted from below.

[0033] The first inner surface 4D is curved so as to bulge convexly inward in the width direction when viewed in cross section in the depth direction because the first seat frame rod 4 is formed of a circular pipe. The second inner surface 5D is curved so as to bulge convexly inward in the width direction when viewed in cross section in the depth direction because the second seat frame rod 5 is formed of a circular pipe.

[0034] With the above configuration, when the linear first contact portion between the first end face on the outer side in the width direction of the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the first inner side surface 4D is welded, a weld bead (not shown) is formed to cover the first contact portion. The weld bead is generally formed by melting the member and the metal electrode rod, and is wavy along the gap between the objects to be welded. The weld bead may be formed on either the upper side or the lower side of the first contact portion. The weld bead may be divided into multiple locations. The welding may be spot welding, in which multiple locations are welded.

[0035] Similarly, when welding the linear second contact portion between the second end face on the outer side in the width direction of the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the second inner surface 5D, a weld bead (not shown) is formed to cover the second contact portion. The weld bead may be formed above or below the second contact portion. Therefore, the formed weld bead is formed in a position that is difficult to see from the outside when covered by the seat 20, and the process of polishing the weld bead to improve the appearance can be omitted.

[0036] Between the first inner surface 4D and the second inner surface 5D, for example, a seat receiving member 14 that supports the seat 20 is provided. The seat receiving member 14 includes, for example, a first seat receiving member 15 provided on the first inner surface 4D and a second seat receiving member 11 provided on the second inner surface 5D. The seat receiving member 14 and the underside of the seat 20 are fixed together by, for example, a bolt B inserted from below.

[0037] With the above configuration, the support structure 2 has the back frame body 7 formed into a loop by the back frame connecting member 10 and the second seat frame connecting member 19, and the overall strength is guaranteed to be at a certain level or above regardless of the shape, size, or position of the first seat frame connecting member 12.

[0038] Ground contact portions 40 are provided on both sides of the seat frame 3. The ground contact portions 40 include a first leg portion 41 provided on a first outer surface 4E of the first seat frame rod 4 that is opposite the first inner surface 4D in the width direction. The ground contact portions 40 include a second leg portion 42 provided on a second outer surface 5E of the second seat frame rod 5 that is opposite the second inner surface 5D in the width direction. The first leg portion 41 includes, for example, a first leg support member 41A provided on the first outer surface 4E. The first leg support member 41A is fixed to the first outer surface 4E by welding.

[0039] The first leg support member 41A is formed of a circular pipe extending in the depth direction. The first leg support member 41A is formed, for example, of a circular pipe with the same outer diameter as the first seat frame rod 4. The center of the first leg support member 41A is fixed on the first outer surface 4E and offset upward from the center of the first seat frame rod 4. This makes it difficult to see the weld bead formed between the first leg support member 41A and the first outer surface 4E from the outside when covered by the seat 20, and eliminates the need for a process of polishing the weld bead to improve the appearance. The upper side of the first leg support member 41A is positioned away from the seat 20 in the vertical direction.

[0040] A front first leg 41B that is supported on the floor surface is provided hanging down from the front side of the first leg support member 41A in the depth direction. The front first leg 41B is a rod-shaped member that is formed to extend in the vertical direction. The front first leg 41B is formed of a circular pipe. The upper end of the front first leg 41B is connected to the first leg support member 41A. The lower end of the front first leg 41B abuts against the floor surface. An elastic member (not shown) that prevents the floor surface from being scratched is provided at the lower end of the front first leg 41B.

[0041] The front first leg 41B is formed continuously with the first leg support member 41A. The exterior of the front first leg 41B is covered with a cylindrical exterior member K. The exterior member K is made of wood, resin material, or the like. The exterior member K may be formed by coating with a resin material, or the like. The exterior member K also functions as a cushioning material to prevent scratches when the chairs 1 are stacked vertically, for example. A rear first leg 41C, which is supported on the floor surface, is provided hanging down from the rear side in the depth direction of the first leg support member 41A.

[0042] The first rear leg 41C is a rod-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. The first rear leg 41C is formed of a circular pipe. The upper end of the first rear leg 41C is connected to the first leg support member 41A. The lower end of the first rear leg 41C abuts against the floor surface. An elastic member (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the first rear leg 41C to prevent damage to the floor surface. The first rear leg 41C is formed continuously with the first leg support member 41A. The outside of the first rear leg 41C is covered by a cylindrical exterior member K.

[0043] With the above-described configuration, the first leg 41 is integrally formed in a U-shape in a side view by the front first leg 41B, the first leg support member 41A, and the rear first leg 41C. The first leg 41 is formed, for example, by bending a circular pipe.

[0044] The second leg portion 42 includes, for example, a second leg support member 42A provided on the second outer surface 5E. The second leg support member 42A is fixed to the second outer surface 5E by welding. The second leg support member 42A is formed of a circular pipe extending in the depth direction. The second leg support member 42A is formed of, for example, a circular pipe with the same outer diameter as the second seat frame rod 5. The center of the second leg support member 42A is fixed to the second outer surface 5E and offset upward from the center of the second seat frame rod 5. This makes it difficult to see the weld bead formed between the second leg support member 42A and the second outer surface 5E from the outside when the seat 20 is covered, and eliminates the need for a process of polishing the weld bead to improve the appearance.

[0045] An upper side of second leg support member 42A is disposed vertically spaced apart from seat 20. A front second leg 42B supported on the floor surface hangs down from the front side of second leg support member 42A in the depth direction.

[0046] The front second leg 42B is a rod-shaped member formed to extend in the up-down direction. The front second leg 42B is formed of a circular pipe. The upper end of the front second leg 42B is connected to the second leg support member 42A. The lower end of the front second leg 42B abuts against the floor surface. An elastic member (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the front second leg 42B to prevent damage to the floor surface. The front second leg 42B is formed continuously with the second leg support member 42A. The exterior of the front second leg 42B is covered by a cylindrical exterior member K. The exterior member K is made of wood, resin material, or the like. The rear second leg 42C, which is supported by the floor surface, is provided hanging down from the rear side in the depth direction of the second leg support member 42A.

[0047] The rear second leg 42C is a rod-shaped member formed to extend in the up-down direction. The rear second leg 42C is formed of a circular pipe. The upper end of the rear second leg 42C is connected to the second leg support member 42A. The lower end of the rear second leg 42C abuts against the floor surface. An elastic member (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the rear second leg 42C to prevent damage to the floor surface. The rear second leg 42C is formed continuously with the second leg support member 42A. The exterior of the rear second leg 42C is covered by a cylindrical exterior member K.

[0048] With the above configuration, the second leg 42 is integrally formed with the front second leg 42B, the second leg support member 42A, and the rear second leg 42C in a U-shape in side view. The second leg 42 is formed, for example, by bending a circular tube. The first leg 41 is bent to form a V-shape in which the distance between the front first leg 41B and the rear first leg 41C increases as it goes downward in side view. Similar to the first leg 41, the second leg 42 is bent to form a V-shape in which the distance between the front second leg 42B and the rear second leg 42C increases as it goes downward in side view. With the above configuration, the chairs 1 can be stacked vertically.

[0049] Next, the seat 20 will be described. The seat 20 is formed in a plate shape. The seat 20 is formed, for example, from a resin material, a wood material such as molded plywood, or a composite material combining multiple materials. A cushioning material may be provided on the upper surface of the seat 20 as appropriate. The seat 20 is formed so that its length in the width direction in plan view is longer than the width of the seat frame 3. The seat 20 is formed so that it covers the first leg portion 41 and the second leg portion 42 in the width direction in plan view. The seat 20 is formed with a dihedral angle that causes both sides in the width direction to spring upward. The underside of the seat 20 is provided with a spacer portion 21 that, when supported by the seat receiving member 14, vertically separates the upper side of the first seat frame rod 4 and the upper side of the second seat frame rod 5.

[0050] The spacer portion includes, for example, a first spacer 22 supported by a first seat support member and a second spacer 23 supported by a second seat support member. The first spacer 22 is, for example, integrally formed on the underside of the seat 20. On the upper surface of the first spacer 22, a first inclined surface 22A is formed that matches, for example, the first dihedral angle θ1 formed on the first seat frame rod 4 side on the underside of the seat 20 when viewed from the front. The first inclined surface 22A is formed so that its height in the up-down direction increases toward the outside in the width direction.

[0051] The underside of the first spacer 22 is supported by the first seat receiving member 15. For example, a nut (not shown) is embedded inside the first spacer 22. The first spacer 22 is fixed to the first seat receiving member 15 by a bolt B inserted from below. The first spacer 22 is formed in a shape that separates the underside of the seat 20 from the upper side of the first seat frame rod 4 and the upper side of the first leg support member 41A.

[0052] The second spacer 23 is formed, for example, integrally with the underside of the seat 20. On the upper surface of the second spacer 23, for example, a second inclined surface 23A is formed that matches the second dihedral angle θ2 formed on the second seat frame rod 5 side on the underside of the seat 20 when viewed from the front. The second inclined surface 23A is formed so that its height in the up-down direction increases toward the outside in the width direction.

[0053] The underside of the second spacer 23 is supported by the second seat receiving member 16. For example, a nut (not shown) is embedded inside the second spacer 23. The second spacer 23 is fixed to the second seat receiving member 16 by a bolt B inserted from below. The second spacer 23 is formed in a shape that separates the underside of the seat 20 from the upper surface of the second seat frame rod 5 and the upper surface of the second leg support member 42A. In this embodiment, the first seat receiving member 15 and the first spacer 22, and the second seat receiving member 16 and the second spacer 23 function as spacer elements of the present invention. It is not necessary to form spacer elements such as the first spacer 22 and the second spacer 23 that protrude from the underside of the seat 20, and the first seat support member 15 and the second seat support member 16 that are fixed to the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 3 may be made large in the vertical direction to an extent that a space spaced apart in the vertical direction can be formed between the seat 20 and the seat frame 3, and fixed to the underside of the seat 20. Also, the parts that protrude from the underside of the seat 20 such as the first spacer 22 and the second spacer 23 may be made large in the vertical direction to an extent that they face the first inner surface 4D of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second inner surface 5D between the second seat frames, and fixed to the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5.

[0054] Furthermore, the upright piece 13 provided on the first seat frame connecting member 12 also functions as a spacer element. Instead of the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the upright piece 13, a first seat support member 15 and a first spacer 22, and a second seat support member 16 and a second spacer 23 may be provided, and these may function as spacer elements. The spacer elements only need to be configured to maintain a gap between the underside of the seat 20 and the first and second seat frame rods 4 and 5 in the vertical direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, the bolt B inserted from below functions as a fixing element that fixes the seat receiving member 14 and the spacer portion 21. The fixing element fixes the underside of the seat 20 to the first seat frame rod 4 via the spacer element, and also fixes the underside to the second seat frame rod 5. The bolt B inserted from below also functions as a fixing element that fixes the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the upright piece 13 together.

[0056] In this embodiment, at least one of the connecting rod 6, the first seat frame connecting member 12, and the second seat frame connecting member 19 functions as a connecting member that connects the first seat frame rod 4 and the second seat frame rod 5. The connecting member may be composed of at least one of the connecting rod 6, the first seat frame connecting member 12, and the second seat frame connecting member 19, as long as the strength is maintained.

[0057] As described above, according to chair 1, seat 20 abuts against seat receiving member 14 via spacer portion 21, thereby forming a space spaced apart in the vertical direction between seat 20 and seat frame 3. According to chair 1, by being configured to create a space spaced apart in the vertical direction between seat 20 and seat frame 3, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing the area between first inner surface 4D of first seat frame rod 4 and second inner surface 5D of second seat frame rod 5.

[0058] According to chair 1, by configuring it so that a space spaced apart in the vertical direction is created between seat 20 and seat frame 3, it is possible to expand the area for fixing first seat frame connecting member 12, seat receiving member 14, and second seat frame connecting member 19 in the vertical direction between the opposing first inner surface 4D of first seat frame rod 4 and second inner surface 5D of second seat frame rod 5. According to chair 1, by configuring it so that a space spaced apart in the vertical direction is created between seat 20 and seat frame 3, it is possible to ensure the necessary strength, achieve weight reduction, and further make it possible to stack chairs vertically.

[0059] According to chair 1, by configuring the seat 20 and seat frame 3 to have a space spaced apart in the vertical direction, the shape of seat 20 can be freely formed regardless of the shape of support structure 2. According to chair 1, by configuring the seat 20 and seat frame 3 to have a space spaced apart in the vertical direction, the size and shape of first seat frame connecting member 12, seat 20, seat support member 14, and second seat frame connecting member 19 can be varied. According to chair 1, the connection strength of first seat frame connecting member 12 and second seat frame connecting member 19 between first seat frame rod 4 and second seat frame rod 5 can be individually set as appropriate, and it becomes possible to design variations by changing the size and shape of support structure 2 while using a common seat frame 3.

[0060] [Second embodiment] A chair according to the second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same names and symbols, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. The chair 1A according to the second embodiment has the same components as the chair 1 of the first embodiment, such as the seat frame 3, seat 20, and back panel 30, but the contact part that comes into contact with the floor surface has been changed.

[0061] 5 to 7, chair 1A includes a support structure 2 that is supported on the floor surface, and a seat 20 that is supported by support structure 2. Support structure 2 includes a seat frame 3 and a contact portion 50 that contacts the floor surface. Contact portion 50 includes a support column 51 that supports seat frame 3, and legs 52 that support support column 51.

[0062] The leg portion 52 includes, for example, five legs 53 supported on the floor surface. The five legs 53 are arranged so as to spread evenly radially from the support portion 51 in a plan view. One end of each leg 53 is provided with a caster 54 that can run on the floor surface. The other end of each leg 53 is connected to the lower end of the support portion 51. The support portion 51 is a rod-shaped member arranged along the vertical direction. The support portion 51 includes, for example, a gas spring mechanism that can expand and contract based on operation.

[0063] The upper end of the support pillar 51 is connected to a second seat frame connecting member 19A. The second seat frame connecting member 19A is formed, for example, by cutting and bending a metal plate. The second seat frame connecting member 19A includes, for example, a connecting plate 19B that connects the first inner surface 4D and the second inner surface 5D and supports the support pillar 51. Both ends of the connecting plate 19B are welded to the first inner surface 4D and the second inner surface 5D, respectively. The connecting plate 19B is formed by bending so that its cross section protrudes downward when viewed from the front. As a result, an accommodation space S is formed between the upper surface of the connecting plate 19B and the underside of the seat. The upper end of the support pillar 51 penetrates and protrudes into the accommodation space S.

[0064] An operating device Q for operating the extension and retraction of the support column 51 is provided in the storage space S. A button 51B for operating the extension and retraction is provided at the upper end of the support column 51. The operating device Q includes, for example, an operating lever Q1 for operating the button 51B, and a support plate Q2 for rotatably supporting the operating lever Q1. The operating lever Q1 is formed, for example, in the shape of a crank. One end of the operating lever Q1 is located above the button. The other end of the operating lever Q1 is exposed to the outside from the connecting plate. The operating device Q is configured so that when the other end of the operating lever Q1 is pulled upward, one end presses the button 51B.

[0065] When button 51B is pressed, for example, support column 51 is configured to be extendable and retractable. For example, a user operates operation lever Q1 while seated on seat 20 and presses button 51B. At this time, when the user applies their weight to seat 20, support column 51 contracts. When seat 20 reaches the desired height, the user releases operation lever Q1 and returns button 51B to its original state, and support column 51 is fixed. When operation lever Q1 is operated without applying the user's weight to seat 20, support column 51 extends. When seat 20 reaches the desired height, the user releases operation lever Q1 and returns button 51B to its original state, and support column 51 is fixed.

[0066] A first upright plate 19C that supports the underside of the seat 20 is provided on the front side of the connecting plate 19B in the depth direction. The first upright plate 19C is part of the second seat frame connecting member 19A and is formed integrally and continuously with the connecting plate 19B. The first upright plate 19C is formed from a plate-like member and is formed by bending upward from the front side of the connecting plate 19B in the depth direction. The first upright plate 19C may be a separate member from the connecting plate 19B, or may be welded or bolted to the connecting plate 19B. The first upright plate 19C is provided with an inclination that approaches the front as it extends upward. A first cutout portion 19C1 that curves downward to match the shape of the underside of the seat 20 is formed at the upper part of the first upright plate 19C. The first cutout portion 19C1 supports the underside of the seat 20.

[0067] Seat 20 is arranged so that, for example, before the user sits down, a gap is formed between first cutout portion 19C1 and the underside of seat 20, and when the user sits down, first cutout portion 19C1 and the underside of seat 20 come into contact. Seat 20 may also be arranged so that first cutout portion 19C1 and the underside of seat 20 come into contact before the user sits down.

[0068] A second upright plate 19D that supports the underside of the seat 20 is provided on the rear side of the connecting plate 19B in the depth direction. The second upright plate 19D is part of the second seat frame connecting member 19A and is formed integrally and continuously with the connecting plate 19B. The second upright plate 19D is formed from a plate-like member and is formed by bending upward from the rear side of the connecting plate 19B in the depth direction. The second upright plate 19D may be a separate member from the connecting plate 19B, or may be welded or bolted to the connecting plate 19B. A second cutout portion 19D1 that curves downward to match the shape of the underside of the seat 20 is formed on the upper part of the second upright plate 19D. The second cutout portion 19D1 supports the underside of the seat 20.

[0069] Seat 20 is arranged so that, for example, before the user sits down, a gap is formed between second cutout portion 19D1 and the underside of seat 20, and when the user sits down, second cutout portion 19D1 and the underside of seat 20 come into contact. Seat 20 may also be arranged so that second cutout portion 19D1 and the underside of seat 20 come into contact before the user sits down.

[0070] The lower surface of the first spacer 22 and the connecting plate 19B are fixed by a first fixing member R1. The first spacer 22 and the first fixing member R1 are fixed by, for example, a bolt. The first fixing member R1 is formed, for example, to restrict upward movement of the seat 20. The lower end of the first fixing member R1 is formed, for example, to protrude downward from a first through-hole H1 provided in the connecting plate 19B.

[0071] A first claw R1T having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first through-hole H1 is formed at the lower end of the first fixing member R1. The first claw R1T is formed to abut against the lower surface of the connecting plate 19B. The first claw R1T catches on the lower surface of the connecting plate 19B and restricts the upward movement of the seat 20.

[0072] The lower surface of the second spacer 23 and the connecting plate 19B are fixed by a second fixing member R2. The second spacer 23 and the second fixing member R2 are fixed by, for example, a bolt. The second fixing member R2 is formed, for example, to restrict upward movement of the seat 20.

[0073] The lower end of the second fixing member R2 is formed, for example, so as to protrude downward from a second through-hole H2 provided in the connecting plate 19B. A second claw portion R2T having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the second through-hole H2 is formed at the lower end of the second fixing member R2. The second claw portion R2T is formed so as to abut against the lower surface of the connecting plate 19B. The second claw portion R2T catches on the lower surface of the connecting plate 19B and restricts the upward movement of the seat 20.

[0074] The first fixing member portion and the second fixing member R2 are welded, for example, so as to support the load of the seat 20. The lower ends of the first fixing member portion and the second fixing member R2 may be formed so as to abut the upper surface of the connecting plate 19B without penetrating it. The first fixing member portion and the second fixing member R2 do not need to be welded to the connecting plate 19B if they are positioned or shaped so as not to support the load of the seat 20. In this embodiment, a portion of the width direction of the connecting plate 19B supported by being welded to the first inner surface 4D of the first seat frame rod 4 and the first fixing member R1, and a portion of the width direction of the connecting plate 19B supported by being welded to the second inner surface 5D of the second seat frame rod and the second fixing member R2 function as seat support members. The seat support members allow for the creation of a space of any desired height in the vertical direction.

[0075] In this embodiment, the first spacer 22, the first fixing member R1, and a portion of the connecting plate 19B in the width direction, and the second spacer 23, the second fixing member R2, and a portion of the connecting plate 19B in the width direction, function as spacer elements. The upright piece 13 provided on the first seat frame connecting member 12 also functions as a spacer element. Instead of the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the upright piece 13, the first seat support member 15, the first spacer 22, and the second seat support member 16, and the second spacer 23 of the first embodiment may be provided, and these may function as spacer elements. In this embodiment, at least one of the connecting rod 6, the first seat frame connecting member 12, and the connecting plate 19B functions as a connecting member.

[0076] In this embodiment, the bolt B inserted from below functions as a fixing element that fixes the seat receiving member and the spacer element. The fixing element fixes the underside of the seat 20 to the first seat frame rod 4 via the spacer element, and also fixes the underside to the second seat frame rod 5. The bolt B inserted from below also functions as a fixing element that fixes the first seat frame connecting member 12 and the upright piece 13 together.

[0077] The first fixing member R1 and the second fixing member R2 are, for example, metal castings formed by lost wax. The first claw portion R1T and the second claw portion R2T may be formed from a resin material.

[0078] As described above, chair 1A has the same configuration as chair 1 of the first embodiment, including the seat frame 3, seat 20, and back panel 30, but by changing the design of the contact portion 50, it is possible to provide variations that allow the use of common parts. Chair 1A separates the seat 20 and seat frame 3 downward and forms storage space S in second seat frame connecting member 19A, thereby improving the degree of freedom in designing the area between the first inner surface 4D of the first seat frame rod 4 and the second inner surface 5D of the second seat frame rod 5.

[0079] According to the chair 1A, since the accommodation space S is formed in the second seat frame connecting member 19A, an operating device Q for operating the extension and contraction of the support part 51 can be provided in the accommodation space S. According to chair 1A, by providing second seat frame connecting member 19A, it is possible to improve the strength with which the chair can bear the load of seat 20. According to chair 1A, by providing operating device Q in storage space S where it is difficult to see from the outside when covered by seat 20, it is possible to improve the design.

[0080] In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with known components as appropriate within the scope of the present invention, and the above-described modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate. For example, the components formed from the above-described metal materials may be formed from other materials, such as resin materials, wood, composite materials made by combining multiple materials, etc., as long as the strength is ensured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1, 1A chair, 2 support structure, 3 seat frame, 4 first seat frame rod, 4D first inner surface, 4E first outer surface, 5 second seat frame rod, 5D second inner surface, 5E second outer surface, 7 back frame body, 8 first back frame rod, 9 second back frame rod, 10 back frame connecting member, 12 first seat frame connecting member, 14 seat support member, 19 2nd seat frame connecting member, 19A 2nd seat frame connecting member, 19B connecting plate, 19C 1st standing plate, 19D 2nd standing plate, 20 seat, 21 spacer part, 40 grounding part, 41 1st leg part, 42 2nd leg part, 50 grounding part, 52 leg part, 53 leg

Claims

1. A chair comprising a support structure having a contact portion that contacts a floor surface, and a seat supported by the support structure, The support structure includes: a first seat frame rod and a second seat frame rod extending in a depth direction and spaced apart in a width direction; a connecting member extending in the width direction at a predetermined position in the depth direction between the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod, and connecting the opposing first seat frame rod and second seat frame rod; a spacer element that maintains a gap between the lower surface of the seat, the first seat frame rod, and the second seat frame rod in the up-down direction; a fixing element that fixes the lower surface of the seat to the first seat frame rod via the spacer element and fixes the lower surface to the second seat frame rod; Equipped with The spacer element comprises: a seat receiving member provided on the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod and supporting the seat; a spacer portion disposed between the upper side of the first seat frame rod and the upper side of the second seat frame rod and the lower surface of the seat in a vertical direction and supported on the lower surface by the seat receiving member; The spacer portion is formed such that the dimension in the width direction is larger than the dimension in the up-down direction when viewed from the depth direction, and The fixing element is A chair characterized in that the seat support member and the spacer portion are connected by a bolt that is inserted into the seat support member from below.

2. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat is formed so as to cover the first seat frame rod and the second seat frame rod in the width direction in a plan view.

3. The support structure includes: A back frame body is provided on the rear side of the pair of first seat frame rods and the second seat frame rods in the depth direction, The back frame body is a first back frame rod standing upright from the rear side of the first seat frame rod in the depth direction; a second back frame rod standing upright from the rear side of the second seat frame rod in the depth direction; The chair according to claim 2, further comprising a back frame connecting member that connects an upper portion of the first back frame rod and an upper portion of the second back frame rod.

4. The connecting member connects a first inner surface of the first seat frame rod and a second inner surface of the second seat frame rod, When viewed cross-sectionally in the depth direction, The first inner surface is formed to be convexly curved toward the inside in the width direction, The chair according to claim 3, wherein the second inner surface is formed to be convexly curved inward in the width direction.

5. The grounding portion is a first leg portion provided on a first outer surface of the first seat frame rod opposite to the first inner surface in the width direction; a second leg portion provided on a second outer surface of the second seat frame rod opposite to the second inner surface in the width direction, The first leg portion is disposed such that an upper side thereof is spaced apart from the seat in the vertical direction, The chair according to claim 4, wherein the second leg portion is disposed with an upper side spaced apart from the seat in the vertical direction.

6. the grounding portion includes a leg portion provided on the connecting member, The connecting member is a connecting plate that connects the first inner surface and the second inner surface and supports the leg portion; a first upright plate that is provided on a front side of the connecting plate in the depth direction and supports the lower surface of the seat; The chair according to claim 4, further comprising: a second upright plate provided on the rear side of the connecting plate in the depth direction and supporting the underside of the seat.

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