Chair load support member and chair

Abstract

To provide a load-support member for a chair and a chair that is less prone to moire patterns caused by a seat upholstery material and a backrest upholstery material that can have a good appearance.SOLUTION: A load-support member for a chair includes a pair of main frame members 124, a first connecting frame 159, a perforated seat upholstery material 111 stretched toward the first connecting frame 159, and a porous sheet-like backrest upholstery material 112 stretched toward the first connection frame 159. A housing recess 176 is formed in the first connecting frame 159. The seat upholstery material 111 and backrest upholstery material 112 are assembled at the first connecting frame 159 and overlap to form a linear overlap 178. A portion of the seat upholstery material 111 and a portion of the backrest upholstery material 112 extend rearward from a linear overlap 178 and are accommodated in the housing recess 176.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load-bearing member for a chair and a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of chair includes a front crosspiece, a seat crosspiece, a back crosspiece, back webbing, and seat webbing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The seat webbing is stretched over the front crosspiece and the seat crosspiece. The back webbing is stretched over the back crosspiece and the seat crosspiece. The webbing is, for example, a mesh material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jikko No. 55-52854 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of the chair mentioned above, depending on the viewing angle, the webbing on the back and the webbing on the seat may overlap, causing the holes (mesh) in the webbing to interfere with each other, resulting in the appearance of a moiré pattern (interference fringes).Moiré patterns can detract from the appearance of the chair.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a load-supporting member for a chair and a chair that are less likely to produce moire patterns due to the seat upholstery and backrest upholstery, and that have a good appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A load-supporting member for a chair according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of main frame members having side rod portions that form the seat frame, which is the outer shell of the seat, and vertical rod portions that form the back frame, which is the outer shell of the backrest; a first connecting frame spanning the pair of main frame members; a perforated sheet-like seat upholstery stretched between the pair of side rod portions toward the first connecting frame; and a perforated sheet-like backrest upholstery stretched between the pair of vertical rod portions toward the first connecting frame, wherein a storage recess is formed in the first connecting frame, and the seat upholstery and the backrest upholstery are gathered in the first connecting frame and overlap to form a linear overlapping portion, and a portion of the seat upholstery and a portion of the backrest upholstery extend rearward from the linear overlapping portion and are stored in the storage recess.

[0007] According to this embodiment, the seat upholstery and backrest upholstery are assembled in the first connecting frame. Therefore, the portion of the seat upholstery from the front end to the linear overlapping portion and the portion of the backrest upholstery from the upper end to the linear overlapping portion do not overlap in front or rear views. Part of the backrest upholstery and part of the seat upholstery are housed within the storage recess. The upholstery within the storage recess cannot be seen from the outside, even if they are lined up front and back. Therefore, moire patterns (interference fringes) caused by the holes (mesh) in the backrest upholstery and seat upholstery are unlikely to appear. This results in a chair with a good appearance.

[0008] It is preferable that the storage recess is formed on the underside of the first connecting frame, opening downward, the backrest upholstery passes in front of the first connecting frame and wraps around underneath the first connecting frame to be stored in the storage recess, and the linear overlapping portion is formed by the seat upholstery being overlapped from below on the backrest upholstery under the first connecting frame.

[0009] According to this aspect, the storage recess is formed on the underside of the first connecting frame facing downward, so the backrest and seat upholstery in the storage recess are difficult to see from the outside, improving the appearance of the chair.

[0010] It is preferable that the first connecting frame comprises a main board portion and a front board portion hanging down from the main board portion, the storage recess is formed by the underside of the main board portion and the rear surface of the front board portion, and the linear overlap portion is formed by overlapping the backrest upholstery material and the seat upholstery material at the lower end of the front board portion.

[0011] According to this aspect, the first connecting frame has a simple structure because it includes a main plate portion and a front plate portion, and the first connecting frame can be made smaller (smaller in diameter), which is preferable in terms of the appearance of the chair.

[0012] It is preferable that the first connecting frame presses down the seat upholstery at the linear overlapping portion. According to this aspect, gaps are less likely to occur between the backrest upholstery material and the seat upholstery material, which is preferable in terms of improving the appearance of the chair.

[0013] It is preferable that the chair load support member further comprises a second connecting frame spanning the pair of main frame members, and the rear end of the seat upholstery is attached to the second connecting frame. According to this aspect, the seat upholstery can support the sitting load with sufficient strength.

[0014] The second connection frame may be disengaged from the accommodating recess. According to this aspect, the backrest upholstery is prevented from changing in shape due to the sitting load input to the seat upholstery, thereby providing a comfortable seating experience.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides a chair comprising the chair load-bearing member and a support structure supporting the chair load-bearing member. According to this embodiment, moire patterns (interference fringes) caused by the holes (mesh) in the backrest upholstery and seat upholstery are unlikely to appear, resulting in a chair with a good appearance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a load-supporting member for a chair and a chair that are less likely to produce moire patterns due to the upholstery material for the seat and the upholstery material for the backrest, and that have a good appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a chair according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair in a partially cross-sectional state according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chair body and the support base in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a chair body in a partially cross-sectional state according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a chair body in a partially cross-sectional state according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the chair according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view along the length direction of a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame in an embodiment, taken perpendicular to the length direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a chair according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame of the chair in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame of the chair in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a first connecting frame and a second connecting frame of the chair in the embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components will be designated by the same reference numerals, and their description may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a side view of the chair 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the chair 1 in a partially cross-sectional state. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chair 1 includes a support structure 2, a chair body 3, and armrests 4.

[0020] In the following explanation, directions such as front-to-back, up-down, left-to-right, etc. are defined based on a person (occupant) sitting in the correct posture on chair 1. In the diagram, the arrow UP indicates upward. The arrow FR indicates forward. The arrow RH indicates right. In chair 1, the side away from the center in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions is sometimes called the outside, and the side toward the center is sometimes called the inside. The left-to-right direction is the width direction of chair 1. A plan view means looking from the top-to-bottom direction. A side view means looking from the left-to-right direction. A front view means looking from the front. A rear view means looking from the rear.

[0021] <Support structure 2> As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 2 includes legs 11 and a support base 12 . The leg 11 includes a multi-leg 14 and a pedestal 15. Each leg of the multi-leg 14 is fitted with a caster 16 that can run on a floor surface F. The leg 11 is placed on the floor surface F.

[0022] The leg pillar 15 is erected at the center of the multi-legged leg 14. The leg pillar 15 houses a gas spring 17, which is a mechanism for raising and lowering the chair 1. The gas spring 17 is configured such that, for example, an inner cylinder 17a is supported so as to be able to rise and fall and to rotate relatively.

[0023] 3 is a perspective view of the chair body 3 and the support base 12. In FIG. 3, the upholstery materials 111 and 112 are omitted. As shown in Fig. 1, the support base 12 is fixed to the upper end of the pillar 15 (inner cylinder 17a). As shown in Fig. 3, the support base 12 includes a casing 21, a lifting operation mechanism 22, a tilting mechanism 23, and a tilt adjustment mechanism 24.

[0024] The casing 21 is formed in a box shape and includes a case main body 31, a pair of forward extending portions 32, and a rear case 33. The pair of forward extending portions 32 extend obliquely forward from both left and right end portions of the case body 31. The rear case 33 protrudes rearward from the center of the case body 31 in the left and right direction.

[0025] The lifting operation mechanism 22 includes an operation rod 142. The operation rod 142 protrudes from the case body 31. The lifting operation mechanism 22 can operate the gas spring 17 by means of the operation rod 142. The tilting mechanism 23 includes a backrest support shaft (not shown). The backrest support shaft is a shaft member that passes through the rear case 33 in the left-right direction. The tilt adjustment mechanism 24 includes an operating rod 62. By operating the operating rod 62, the tilt adjustment mechanism 24 can adjust the ease with which the backrest 101 can rotate.

[0026] <Chair body 3> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chair body 3 includes a seat 100 and a backrest 101. The seat 100 extends in the front-to-rear direction in a side view. A portion of the seat 100 is inclined downward toward the front. The upper surface of the seat 100 forms a seat surface 100a that supports the area from the buttocks to the thighs of the seated occupant from below. The seat surface 100a is a load-receiving surface that receives the weight of the seated occupant. The seat 100 is supported on the support base 12 so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction.

[0027] The backrest 101 extends generally upward from the rear end of the seat 100. In this embodiment, the backrest 101 has a gentle S-shape or Z-shape in a side view. The front surface of the backrest 101 forms a back support surface 101a that supports the lumbar and back of the seated person from behind. The back support surface 101a is a load-receiving surface that receives the weight of the seated person.

[0028] The backrest 101 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis O1 along the left-right direction relative to the seat 100. The backrest 101 is connected to the support base 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis O2 of the backrest support shaft of the tilting mechanism 23. The seat 100 can slide in the front-rear direction relative to the support base 12 as the backrest 101 rotates about the axis O2 relative to the support base 12 and as the backrest 101 rotates about the axis O1 relative to the seat 100.

[0029] The specific configuration of the chair body 3 will be described below. The chair body 3 includes a shell 110, a seat upholstery material 111 (first upholstery material), and a backrest upholstery material 112 (second upholstery material). The shell 110 is a frame-like member that forms the outer shell of the chair body 3. The shell 110 includes a seat frame 120 and a back frame 123.

[0030] The seat frame 120 forms the outer shell of the seat 100. The back frame 123 forms the outer shell of the backrest 101. The seat frame 120 and the back frame 123 are molded from, for example, a resin material. The chair body 3 is an example of a "chair load support member."

[0031] 3, the seat frame 120 is formed in a U-shape that opens rearward in a plan view. Specifically, the seat frame 120 includes a front rod portion 130 and a pair of side rod portions 131.

[0032] The front rod 130 extends in the left-right direction at the front end of the seat 100. The pair of side rods 131 extend rearward from both ends of the front rod 130. The pair of side rods 131 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0033] The back frame 123 includes a main body frame 151 and a support frame 152 . The main body frame 151 is formed in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the front. The main body frame 151 includes a pair of vertical rods 155, an upper rod 157, a first connecting frame 159, and a second connecting frame 158 (see FIG. 4).

[0034] The pair of vertical rods 155 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. Each vertical rod 155 includes a lower frame 150 and a main rod 153. The front end of the lower frame 150 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the side rod portion 131. The location where the side rod portion 131 and the lower frame 150 are connected is called a "connecting portion 122." In other words, the side rod portion 131 and the vertical rod portion 155 (more specifically, the lower frame 150) are connected at the connecting portion 122 so as to be rotatable around the axis O1.

[0035] The lower frame 150 is inclined upward toward the rear. A holding recess 154 (see FIG. 5) is formed on the inner surface (the inner surface in the left-right direction) of the rear end of the lower frame 150.

[0036] The main rod portion 153 extends upward from the rear end of the lower frame 150. Specifically, the main rod portion 153 includes a first portion 153a and a second portion 153b. The first portion 153a extends from the rear end of the lower frame 150 at an incline so as to advance upward. The second portion 153b extends from the upper end of the first portion 153a at an incline so as to retreat upward.

[0037] The side rods 131 of the seat frame 120 and the vertical rods 155 of the back frame 123 constitute main frame members 124 (first rods). The pair of main frame members 124 are arranged spaced apart in the left-right direction. The pair of main frame members 124 are arranged side by side facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0038] The upper rod portion 157 extends in the left-right direction and is bridged over the upper ends of the pair of vertical rod portions 155. The upper rod portion 157 connects the upper ends of the pair of vertical rod portions 155 together.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the chair body 3 in a partially sectional state. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the chair body 3 in a partially sectional state. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second connecting frame 158 is a rod extending in the left-right direction. A cross section of the second connecting frame 158 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, circular. The second connecting frame 158 is made of, for example, metal. The second connecting frame 158 spans the rear ends of the pair of lower frames 150. The second connecting frame 158 connects the rear ends of the pair of lower frames 150 together. The second connecting frame 158 is a separate member from the main frame member 124.

[0040] The second connecting frame 158 is elastically flexible and has bending characteristics such that, for example, when a force is applied to the second connecting frame 158 in a bending direction, the bending deformation can be visually confirmed. The second connecting frame 158 is provided at a position closer to the connecting portion 122 than the upper rod portion 157 (see FIG. 3).

[0041] 5, both ends of the second connecting frame 158 are connected to the vertical rod portions 155 via holders 40. That is, one end of the second connecting frame 158 is connected to one vertical rod portion 155 via a first holder 40. The other end of the second connecting frame 158 is connected to the other vertical rod portion 155 via a second holder 40.

[0042] Fig. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the chair 1. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting frame 159 and the second connecting frame 158 along the length direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder 40 includes a holder main body 41, a fastener 42 (bolt), and a receiving device 43 (nut). The holder main body 41 is formed in a block shape. The holder main body 41 has a first insertion hole 41a, a second insertion hole 41b, and a third insertion hole 41c. As shown in FIG. 7, the holder main body 41 is formed with a fitting recess 41d that holds the receiving device 43. The holder 40 fits into the holding recess 154 of the vertical rod portion 155.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the end of the second connection frame 158 is inserted into the first insertion hole 41a of the holder 40.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first connecting frame 159 includes a rod portion 171 and a cover body 172. The first connecting frame 159 is bridged over the pair of vertical rod portions 155 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the first connecting frame 159 is bridged over the rear ends of the pair of lower frames 150. The first connecting frame 159 connects the rear ends of the pair of lower frames 150 together.

[0045] The rod portion 171 is a rod body extending in the left-right direction. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rod portion 171 is, for example, circular. The rod portion 171 is made of, for example, metal. The rod portion 171 spans the pair of vertical rod portions 155. More specifically, the rod portion 171 spans the rear ends of the pair of lower frames 150. An end of the rod portion 171 is inserted into the second insertion hole 41b (see FIG. 6) of the holder 40. The rod portion 171 is capable of elastically bending and deforming. The rod portion 171 has bending characteristics such that, for example, when a force is applied to the rod portion 171 in a bending direction, bending deformation can be visually confirmed.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first connecting frame 159 and the second connecting frame 158 of the chair 1, taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the cover body 172 includes a front plate portion 173, a main plate portion 174, and a plurality of holding plates 175. The cover body 172 may be made of resin, metal, or the like. The cover body 172 is formed of an opaque material. Therefore, the cover body 172 does not allow the inside of the storage recess 176 to be seen through from the outside. The front plate portion 173 and the main plate portion 174 of the cover body 172 may have a transmittance of less than 50% for visible light (wavelengths of 380 nm to 780 nm) in the thickness direction over the entire wavelength range.

[0047] The main plate portion 174 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending in the left-right direction. The main plate portion 174 has a main portion 174A that slopes downward toward the rear. The main plate portion 174 can restrict rearward displacement of the second connecting frame 158.

[0048] The front plate portion 173 is formed in the shape of a long plate extending in the left-right direction. The front plate portion 173 hangs down from the lower surface of the main plate portion 174. The front plate portion 173 is formed in the shape of a plate that intersects with the front-rear direction. The front plate portion 173 may be formed in the shape of a plate that is approximately perpendicular to the front-rear direction, for example. The front plate portion 173 may be inclined so as to move forward or backward as it goes downward from the upper end portion.

[0049] 8, an accommodating recess 176 is formed on the underside of the cover body 172 by a rear surface 173a of the front plate portion 173 and a lower surface 174a of the main plate portion 174. The accommodating recess 176 is a recess that opens downward. A lower end 173b of the front plate portion 173 and a rear end 174b of the main plate portion 174 are located at approximately the same height.

[0050] The accommodating recess 176 accommodates at least a portion of the second connecting frame 158 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second connecting frame 158 (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, in FIG. 8, the second connecting frame 158 is located between the rear surface 173a of the front plate portion 173 and the lower surface 174a of the main plate portion 174. The second connecting frame 158 is located above a straight line connecting the lower end portion 173b and the rear end portion 174b. Therefore, the accommodating recess 176 accommodates the entire second connecting frame 158. The accommodating recess 176 may accommodate only a portion of the second connecting frame 158.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second connecting frame 158 engages with the accommodating recess 176 over at least a portion of its length. The second connecting frame 158 may engage with the accommodating recess 176 over a portion of its length (for example, only the center portion), or over the entire length. When the second connecting frame 158 engages with the accommodating recess 176, it is accommodated in the accommodating recess 176 in a state where its forward and rearward displacement is restricted by, for example, the front plate portion 173, the main plate portion 174, and the retaining plate 175. In this case, the accommodating recess is also referred to as an "engagement recess."

[0052] The second connecting frame 158 may be disengaged from the accommodating recess 176. That is, the second connecting frame 158 may not be engaged with the accommodating recess 176. For example, when the second connecting frame 158 is not in contact with the accommodating recess 176, the second connecting frame 158 is disengaged from the accommodating recess 176. When the second connecting frame 158 is not engaged with the accommodation recess 176, the backrest upholstery material 112 is prevented from changing shape due to the sitting load input to the seat upholstery material 111. Therefore, a comfortable sitting feeling can be obtained.

[0053] The holding plate 175 is formed in a plate shape that intersects with the left-right direction. For example, the holding plate 175 is formed in a plate shape that is perpendicular to the left-right direction. The holding plate 175 is formed from the rear surface 173a of the front plate portion 173 to the lower surface 174a of the main plate portion 174.

[0054] The rear edge of the holding plate 175 is inclined upward toward the rear, and is capable of restricting the second connecting frame 158 from being displaced forward. The plurality of holding plates 175 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction (the length direction of the cover body 172).

[0055] A recess 177 into which the rod portion 171 engages is formed in the holding plate 175. The recess 177 is formed in a concave shape extending diagonally rearward from the front edge of the holding plate 175. The rod portion 171 is disposed rearward of the front plate portion 173. The rod portion 171 engages with the recess 177 in a state in which its forward movement is restricted by the front plate portion 173.

[0056] The cover body 172 has the function of covering the first holding portion 113 of the seat upholstery 111, which will be described later. The cover body 172 makes it difficult to see at least a portion of the first holding portion 113 from the outside. For example, because the first holding portion 113 is located in a position covered by the cover body 172, when viewed from the front or rear, at least a portion of the first holding portion 113 cannot be seen due to the cover body 172 and the backrest upholstery 112 that covers it.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of chair 1. As shown in Fig. 9, main board portion 174 has a curved shape that is convex downward as a whole. The curved shape of main board portion 174 may be, for example, a circular arc or an elliptical arc. The closer to the center in the longitudinal direction of main board portion 174, the lower its position.

[0058] Because the main plate portion 174 is curved, the second connecting frame 158 can easily engage with the accommodating recess 176 at least at the center in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 172 (see FIG. 4). If the second connecting frame 158 is elastically deformable, it will assume a bent shape that follows the shape of the cover body 172. The second connecting frame 158 engages with the accommodating recess 176 due to its own elasticity in a state in which it is deformed so as to be convex downward.

[0059] 7, the fastener 42 is inserted into the third insertion hole 41c and then inserted into the hole of the receiver 43. The tip of the fastener 42 abuts against the innermost surface 154a of the holding recess 154. This restricts the left-right displacement of the holder 40, thereby positioning the holder 40 relative to the vertical rod portion 155.

[0060] The second connecting frame 158 and the first connecting frame 159 can be assembled to the main frame member 124 in the following manner. The holder 40 has the fasteners 42 retracted to shorten the length by which the fasteners 42 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the holder main body 41. The holders 40 are attached to both ends of the second connecting frame 158 and the rod portion 171. The second connecting frame 158 and the rod portion 171 with the holders 40 attached to both ends are referred to as a "frame with holders."

[0061] The cover body 172 is attached to the frame with holder. One end of the frame with holder is inserted deeply into the holding recess 154 of one of the vertical rod portions 155. Next, the frame with holder is moved in a direction approaching the other vertical rod portion 155, and the other end of the frame with holder is inserted into the holding recess 154 of the other vertical rod portion 155. This results in the frame with holder having both ends inserted into the holding recess 154.

[0062] The fasteners 42 of the holder 40 are advanced to increase the length by which the fasteners 42 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the holder main body 41. The tips of the fasteners 42 come into contact with the innermost surfaces 154a of the holding recesses 154. This restricts left-right displacement of the holder 40, and the holder-attached frame is positioned relative to the vertical rods 155.

[0063] The positioning structure of holder body 41 may be such that an insertion hole with a female thread is formed in the innermost part of holding recess 154, and fastener 42 is fastened to this insertion hole.The positioning structure of holder body 41 may be such that a receiving tool (nut) to which fastener 42 is fastened is embedded in the innermost part of holding recess 154 by insert molding or the like.

[0064] 3, the support frame 152 connects the lower frames 150 to each other. The support frame 152 spans the pair of lower frames 150. The support frame 152 includes a pair of connection frames 160 and a support base connecting portion 161. The connection frames 160 extend inward in the left-right direction from each lower frame 150. The support base connecting portion 161 connects the pair of connection frames 160 together.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the seat upholstery material 111 is fastened to the outer peripheral edge of the seat frame 120, thereby closing the opening of the seat frame 120 from above. More specifically, the seat upholstery material 111 is fastened to the outer peripheral edge of the seat frame 120 and the outer peripheral edge of the lower frame 150. The seat upholstery material 111 is fastened to the seat frame 120 and the lower frame 150, for example, by inserting plate-shaped edging material provided on the periphery of the seat upholstery material 111 into grooves formed in the seat frame 120 and the lower frame 150. The left and right side edges of the seat upholstery material 111 are fastened to the side rods 131 and the lower frame 150. The front edge (front end 111a) of the seat upholstery material 111 is fastened to the front rod 130.

[0066] The seat upholstery 111 forms the seat surface 100a. The seat upholstery 111 is stretched between the pair of side rods 131 and the pair of lower frames 150. The seat upholstery 111 is stretched from the front end of the seat frame 120 toward the first connecting frame 159.

[0067] The backrest upholstery material 112 is fastened to the outer peripheral edge of the back frame 123, thereby blocking the opening of the back frame 123 from the front. More specifically, the backrest upholstery material 112 is fastened to the back frame 123 by inserting plate-shaped edge materials provided on the periphery of the backrest upholstery material 112 into grooves formed in the back frame 123. The left and right side edges of the backrest upholstery material 112 are fastened to the main rod portion 153. The upper edge (upper end portion 112a) of the backrest upholstery material 112 is fastened to the upper rod portion 157. The backrest stretching material 112 constitutes the back support surface 101a. The backrest stretching material 112 is stretched between a pair of vertical rods 155 (more specifically, main rods 153). The backrest stretching material 112 is stretched from the upper end of the back frame 123 toward the first connecting frame 159.

[0068] The seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112 are perforated sheet-like upholstery materials. The seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112 are, for example, mesh materials formed by combining elastic synthetic resin fibers in a mesh pattern. The seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112 have numerous holes (mesh). The seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112 can deform in response to, for example, the rotation of the backrest 101 relative to the seat 100. The seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112 are see-through. That is, they are see-through in the thickness direction (the back side can be seen from one side). When two or more perforated sheet-like upholstery materials are positioned so as to overlap when viewed in the thickness direction, the holes (mesh) may interfere with each other, resulting in the appearance of a moiré pattern (interference fringes). In addition to mesh materials, examples of perforated sheet-like upholstery materials include punched materials with many through holes formed therein.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, the rear end of the seat upholstery material 111 forms a first retaining portion 113, where the seat upholstery material 111 is folded back into a loop around the second connecting frame 158. The folded and overlapping seat upholstery materials 111 are joined together at a joining portion 114 by sewing, welding, or the like. At the joining portion 114, the seat upholstery materials 111 are joined with the same sides overlapping each other. That is, at the joining portion 114, the front sides or back sides of the seat upholstery materials 111 are overlapping each other. In this embodiment, the joining portion 114 extends diagonally downward and forward from the tubular portion 113A.

[0070] The first retaining portion 113 includes a cylindrical portion 113A that surrounds the second connecting frame 158, and a joining portion 114. The second connecting frame 158 is inserted into the first retaining portion 113 (more specifically, the cylindrical portion 113A). The first retaining portion 113 is structured to attach the seat upholstery 111 to the second connecting frame 158. The first retaining portion 113 is an example of an "attachment portion" and a "retaining portion."

[0071] The first holding portion 113 and the second connecting frame 158 are covered by the cover body 172. In a side view, at least a portion of the first holding portion 113 is housed in the housing recess 176 of the cover body 172. In this embodiment, the first holding portion 113 and the second connecting frame 158 are entirely housed in the housing recess 176 in a side view. Therefore, the first holding portion 113 is difficult to see from the outside. The first holding portion 113 and the second connecting frame 158 are located in a position that is encompassed by the cover body 172 in a plan view, except for the portions inserted into the holding recess 154 (see FIG. 5).

[0072] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the first connecting frame 159 and the second connecting frame 158 of the chair 1. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the first connecting frame 159 and the second connecting frame 158 of the chair 1. 10 and 11, the lower end of the backrest upholstery material 112 is formed with a cylindrical second retaining portion 115, which surrounds the first connecting frame 159. The structure of the second retaining portion 115 is as follows. The backrest upholstery material 112 extends downward in front of the first connecting frame 159, passes through the lower end 173b of the front plate portion 173, wraps around under the first connecting frame 159, and enters the storage recess 176.

[0073] 8 and 11, part of the lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 extends further rearward than the linear overlapping portion 178 (described below) and is housed in the housing recess 176. Part of the lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 is located between the rear surface 173a of the front plate portion 173 and the lower surface 174a of the main plate portion 174, and is located above the straight line connecting the lower end portion 173b and the rear end portion 174b. The lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 is an example of "part of the backrest upholstery material."

[0074] In this embodiment, only a portion of the lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 176, but the entire lower end portion of the backrest upholstery material may be accommodated in the accommodation recess. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the lower end portion of the backrest upholstery material is accommodated in the accommodation recess.

[0075] The backrest upholstery material 112 passes between the inner surface of the accommodation recess 176 and the first holding portion 113, and goes around to the rear of the first connecting frame 159 via the rear end portion 174b of the main plate portion 174. The backrest upholstery material 112 advances along the upper surface of the main plate portion 174 and is overlapped on the rear surface of the backrest upholstery material 112 in front of the first connecting frame 159. The overlapped backrest upholstery materials 112 are joined together at the joining portion 116 by sewing, welding, or the like. At the joining portion 116, the backrest upholstery materials 112 are joined with their different surfaces (front and back surfaces) overlapping each other.

[0076] Within the accommodation recess 176, the backrest upholstery material 112 is raised by the second connecting frame 158. Therefore, the backrest upholstery material 112 abuts against the lower end 173b of the front plate portion 173 and the rear end 174b of the main plate portion 174.

[0077] The first connecting frame 159 is inserted into the second holding portion 115. The second holding portion 115 is a structure (attachment portion) that attaches the backrest upholstery material 112 to the first connecting frame 159.

[0078] The circumferential length of the second holding portion 115 may be constant. That is, the circumferential length of the second holding portion 115 may be the same at any position in the left-right direction. The second holding portion 115 may be formed so as to extend linearly in the left-right direction when the first connecting frame 159 is not inserted therethrough. If the second holding portion 115 has a linear shape, it is easier to manufacture than if it is curved in accordance with the curvature of the cover body 172. The linear second holding portion 115 also has the advantage of improving the appearance of the stitching at the joint portion 116.

[0079] The seat upholstery 111 abuts against the underside of the backrest upholstery 112 at the lower end 173b of the front plate 173 of the cover body 172. In other words, the seat upholstery 111 is overlapped from below on the backrest upholstery 112 under the cover body 172 (more specifically, the lower end 173b). The seat upholstery 111 may be pressed down by the lower end 173b of the front plate 173.

[0080] The area where the seat upholstery material 111 overlaps the backrest upholstery material 112 from below at the lower end portion 173b is called the "linear overlapping portion 178." The linear overlapping portion 178 is formed by the seat upholstery material 111 and the backrest upholstery material 112 overlapping linearly in the length direction of the first connecting frame 159 (more specifically, the cover body 172) when viewed from the front. At the linear overlapping portion 178, the seat upholstery material 111 and the backrest upholstery material 112 overlap vertically.

[0081] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, rear end portion 117 of seat upholstery 111 extends further rearward than linear overlapping portion 178 and is housed in storage recess 176. Rear end portion 117 of seat upholstery 111 is located between the rear surface 173a of front plate portion 173 and the lower surface 174a of main plate portion 174, and is located above the straight line connecting lower end portion 173b and rear end portion 174b. Rear end portion 117 of seat upholstery 111 is an example of "part of seat upholstery."

[0082] The backrest upholstery material 112 extends downward from an upper end 112a (see FIG. 2) attached to the upper rod portion 157 (see FIG. 3) to reach the linear overlapping portion 178. The seat upholstery material 111 extends rearward from a front end 111a (see FIG. 2) attached to the front rod portion 130 (see FIG. 3) to reach the linear overlapping portion 178.

[0083] The backrest upholstery material 112 and the seat upholstery material 111 are gathered together in the first connecting frame 159. There is no portion where the portion of the backrest upholstery material 112 from the upper end 112a to the linear overlapping portion 178 and the portion of the seat upholstery material 111 from the front end 111a to the linear overlapping portion 178 are arranged side by side front to back. Therefore, the portion of the backrest upholstery material 112 from the upper end 112a to the linear overlapping portion 178 and the portion of the seat upholstery material 111 from the front end 111a to the linear overlapping portion 178 are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the front or rear.

[0084] A portion of the lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 and the rear end portion 117 of the seat upholstery material 111 are housed in the storage recess 176. Because the cover body 172 is made of an opaque material, the upholstery materials 111, 112 in the storage recess 176 cannot be seen from the front or rear. Therefore, the upholstery materials 111, 112 in the storage recess 176 cannot be seen from the outside when viewed from the front or rear. In other words, the portion of the portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 and the portion 117 of the seat upholstery material 111 are housed in the storage recess 176 so as not to be seen from the outside when viewed from the front or rear. In this way, the backrest upholstery material 112 and the seat upholstery material 111 do not overlap in a manner visible from the outside when viewed from the front or rear, throughout the entire range from the upper end 112a or front end 111a to the inside of the storage recess 176.

[0085] Because seat upholstery 111 abuts against the lower end of second retaining portion 115, there is no gap or a very small gap between seat upholstery 111 and backrest upholstery 112. Therefore, when chair 1 is viewed from the front, seat upholstery 111 and backrest upholstery 112 appear to be continuous with no gap or to be adjacent to each other as a single unit. Therefore, chair 1 has a good appearance due to its structure in which seat upholstery 111 and backrest upholstery 112 are stretched between a pair of main frame members 124.

[0086] When the seat upholstery 111 is pressed down by the lower end 173b of the front plate 173, a gap is less likely to form between the seat upholstery 111 and the backrest upholstery 112. This is therefore preferable in terms of improving the appearance of the chair 1.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the first connecting frame 159 and the second connecting frame 158 of the chair 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the main plate portion 174 of the cover body 172 has a curved shape. Therefore, the closer to the longitudinal end of the main plate portion 174, the higher the position of the main plate portion 174. Therefore, in the region near the longitudinal end, the main plate portion 174 has a curved shape having a main portion 174A and an end plate portion 174B. The main portion 174A is inclined downward toward the rear. The end plate portion 174B hangs down from the rear end of the main portion 174A. The height dimension of the end plate portion 174B increases as it approaches the longitudinal end.

[0088] In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cover body 172, it is desirable that the perimeter of the circumscribed figure (closed figure) that passes through the front end of the main plate portion 174, the rear end of the main plate portion 174, the outer surface of the second connecting frame 158, and the lower end of the front plate portion 173 to the front end of the main plate portion 174 is constant regardless of the position in the longitudinal direction of the cover body 172.

[0089] When the main plate portion 174 has a main portion 174A and an end plate portion 174B, the circumscribing figure is a figure that passes through the front end portion of the main portion 174A, the rear end portion of the main portion 174A, the lower end portion of the end plate portion 174B, the outer surface of the second connecting frame 158, and the lower end portion of the front plate portion 173 to the front end portion of the main portion 174A.

[0090] In FIG. 12, the perimeter of the circumscribing figure S1, the perimeter of the circumscribing figure S2, and the perimeter of the circumscribing figure S3 are all equal. Circumscribing figure S1 is the circumscribing figure of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position P1 near the end of cover body 172. Circumscribing figure S2 is the circumscribing figure of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position P2 away from the end of cover body 172. Position P2 is closer to the center of the longitudinal direction of cover body 172 than position P1. Circumscribing figure S3 is the circumscribing figure of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position P3 further away from the end of cover body 172. Position P3 is closer to the center of the longitudinal direction of cover body 172 than position P2.

[0091] The main plate portion 174 at positions P1 and P2 has a main portion 174A and an end plate portion 174B. The height dimension of the end plate portion 174B at position P2 is smaller than the height dimension of the end plate portion 174B at position P1. The main plate portion 174 at position P3 does not have an end plate portion 174B.

[0092] If the circumscribing figure of cover body 172 has a constant perimeter, it is possible to make second holding portion 115 have a constant perimeter, which makes it easier to manufacture second holding portion 115.

[0093] <Armrest 4> 1 and 2, the armrests 4 extend from the connecting frame 160 to both the left and right sides, and then extend upward on both the left and right sides of the seat 100. The armrests 4 support the arms of the seated occupant from below.

[0094] (Effects of this embodiment) As shown in Figure 8, the seat upholstery material 111 and the backrest upholstery material 112 are gathered together in the first connecting frame 159. Therefore, the portion of the seat upholstery material 111 from its front end 111a (see Figure 2) to the linear overlapping portion 178 and the portion of the backrest upholstery material 112 from its upper end 112a (see Figure 2) to the linear overlapping portion 178 do not overlap in front or rear views. The rear end portion 117 of the seat upholstery material 111 and at least a part of the lower end portion 118 of the backrest upholstery material 112 extend rearward beyond the linear overlapping portion 178 and are housed in the storage recess 176. The upholstery materials 111, 112 inside the storage recess 176 cannot be seen from the outside, even though they are lined up front and back. Therefore, it is difficult for a moire pattern (interference fringe) to appear due to the holes (mesh) in the backrest upholstery material 112 and the seat upholstery material 111. This makes it possible to obtain a chair 1 with a good appearance.

[0095] The storage recess 176 is formed facing downward on the underside of the cover body 172. Therefore, the upholstery materials 111, 112 inside the storage recess 176 are difficult to see from the outside. This gives the chair 1 a good appearance.

[0096] The first connecting frame 159 has a simple structure because it includes the main plate portion 174 and the front plate portion 173, and it is possible to make the first connecting frame 159 smaller (reduced in diameter).This is therefore preferable in terms of the appearance of the chair 1.

[0097] When the first connecting frame 159 presses down the seat upholstery 111 at the linear overlapping portion 178, a gap is less likely to occur between the backrest upholstery 112 and the seat upholstery 111. This is therefore preferable in terms of improving the appearance of the chair 1.

[0098] The rear end of the seat upholstery 111 is attached to a second connecting frame 158 that spans between the main frame members 124. Therefore, the chair 1 can support the sitting load on the seat upholstery 111 with sufficient strength.

[0099] In chair 1, seat upholstery 111 of seat 100 and backrest upholstery 112 of backrest 101 are separate bodies, so the load received by seat 100 is less likely to affect backrest upholstery 112. The load received by backrest 101 is less likely to affect seat upholstery 111. Therefore, deformation of seat upholstery 111 and backrest upholstery 112 when sitting can be suppressed. This results in chair 1 that provides excellent seating comfort.

[0100] (Other variations) Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the second holding portion 115 of the backrest upholstery material 112 is cylindrical and surrounds the first connecting frame 159, but the structure by which the backrest upholstery material is attached to the first connecting frame is not particularly limited. For example, the backrest upholstery material may be attached to the first connecting frame by inserting a plate-shaped edging material provided on the peripheral edge of the upholstery material into a groove in the first connecting frame. The backrest upholstery material may also be attached to the first connecting frame with a stapler.

[0102] The first retaining portion 113 of the seat upholstery 111 is cylindrical and surrounds the second connecting frame 158, but the structure by which the seat upholstery is attached to the second connecting frame is not particularly limited. For example, the seat upholstery may be attached to the second connecting frame by inserting a plate-shaped edging material provided on the periphery of the seat upholstery into a groove in the second connecting frame. The seat upholstery may also be attached to the second connecting frame with a stapler. The rear end of the seat upholstery may be attached to the first connecting frame. There are no particular limitations on the structure by which the seat upholstery is attached to the first connecting frame. For example, the seat upholstery may be attached to the first connecting frame by inserting a plate-shaped edging material provided on the periphery of the upholstery into a groove in the first connecting frame.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the storage recess 176 is formed on the lower surface side of the cover body 172, but the structure of the storage recess is not particularly limited. The storage recess may be formed, for example, on the rear surface of the first connecting frame (more specifically, the cover body). In that case, the storage recess is formed to be open rearward. The storage recess may be formed on the upper surface of the first connecting frame (more specifically, the cover body). In that case, the storage recess is formed to be open upward. In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Chair 2...Support structure 3...Chair body (load support member for chair) 100…za 100a...Seat (load bearing surface) 101...backrest 111…Seating upholstery 112...Upholstery material for backrest 117...Rear end portion of seat upholstery (part of seat upholstery) 118...Lower end portion of backrest upholstery (part of backrest upholstery) 120...Seat frame 123...Back frame 124...Main frame member 131…Lateral rod part 155...Vertical rod 158...Second connecting frame 159...First connecting frame 173...Front plate part 173a…rear side 173b…lower end 174…Main plate part 174a…Bottom surface 176... Storage recess 178...Linear overlapping part

Claims

1. a pair of main frame members each having a side rod portion constituting a seat frame which is an outer shell of the seat, and a vertical rod portion constituting a back frame which is an outer shell of the backrest; a first connecting frame spanning the pair of main frame members; a perforated sheet-like seat upholstery stretched between the pair of side rod portions toward the first connecting frame; a perforated sheet-like backrest stretching material stretched toward the first connecting frame between the pair of vertical rod portions, An accommodating recess is formed in the first connecting frame, The seat upholstery material and the backrest upholstery material are gathered in the first connecting frame and overlap each other to form a linear overlapping portion, a portion of the seat upholstery material and a portion of the backrest upholstery material extend rearward from the linear overlapping portion and are accommodated in the accommodation recess; Further provided is a second connecting frame bridged between the pair of main frame members, The rear end of the seat upholstery is attached to the second connecting frame, The second connection frame is disengaged from the accommodating recess. Load-bearing member for chairs.

2. The accommodating recess is formed on a lower surface side of the first connecting frame and is open downward, The backrest upholstery material passes in front of the first connecting frame, wraps around under the first connecting frame, and is accommodated in the accommodation recess, 2. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 1, wherein the linear overlapping portion is formed by overlapping the seat upholstery material from below onto the backrest upholstery material below the first connecting frame.

3. The first connecting frame includes a main plate portion and a front plate portion hanging down from the main plate portion, the accommodating recess is formed by a lower surface of the main plate portion and a rear surface of the front plate portion, 3. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 2, wherein the linear overlapping portion is formed by overlapping the backrest upholstery material and the seat upholstery material at the lower end of the front plate portion.

4. 4. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 2, wherein the first connecting frame presses down the seat upholstery at the linear overlapping portion.

5. a pair of main frame members each having a side rod portion constituting a seat frame which is an outer shell of the seat, and a vertical rod portion constituting a back frame which is an outer shell of the backrest; a first connecting frame spanning the pair of main frame members; a second connecting frame bridged between the pair of main frame members; a perforated sheet-like seat upholstery stretched between the pair of side rods toward the first connecting frame and having a rear end attached to the second connecting frame; a perforated sheet-like backrest stretching material stretched between the pair of vertical rod portions toward the first connecting frame and attached to the first connecting frame; a receiving recess that opens downward is formed in the first connecting frame, The seat upholstery material and the backrest upholstery material are gathered in the first connecting frame and overlap each other to form a linear overlapping portion, a portion of the seat upholstery material including the rear end portion and a portion of the backrest upholstery material extend rearward from the linear overlapping portion and are accommodated in the accommodation recess, and the second connecting frame is allowed to bend downward; Load-bearing member for chairs.

6. The backrest upholstery material passes in front of the first connecting frame, wraps around under the first connecting frame, and is accommodated in the accommodation recess, 6. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 5, wherein the linear overlapping portion is formed by overlapping the seat upholstery material from below onto the backrest upholstery material below the first connecting frame.

7. The first connecting frame includes a main plate portion and a front plate portion hanging down from the main plate portion, the accommodating recess is formed by a lower surface of the main plate portion and a rear surface of the front plate portion, 7. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 6, wherein the linear overlapping portion is formed by overlapping the backrest upholstery material and the seat upholstery material at the lower end of the front plate portion.

8. 8. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting frame presses down the seat upholstery at the linear overlapping portion.

9. 9. The load-supporting member for a chair according to claim 5, wherein the second connecting frame is disengaged from the accommodation recess.

10. A load support member for a chair according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a support structure for supporting the chair load support member.

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