Folding structure

Abstract

To provide a folding structure which excels in stability and foldable nature, as well as designability.SOLUTION: A folding structure is equipped with two structural bodies, and each of the two structural bodies is composed of a rectangular base part and two lug parts which extend from both side parts in a horizontal direction of an end part on one side in a vertical direction of the base part. Each of the two lug parts is provided with two rectangular tongue parts which are supported rotatably around a pivot facing the horizontal direction for the end part on one side in the vertical direction of the base part. In a developed state, between the two lug parts of one of the two structural bodies, there is arranged a horizontal intermediate part of the base part in the other of the two structural bodies. Also, between the two lug parts of the other structural bodies, there is arranged the horizontal intermediate part of the base part in one structural body in the combination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a folding structure. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Stools without a backrest can be configured compactly and are easy to carry, so they are widely used. If the stool can be folded, it is even easier to carry and is also advantageous in terms of ensuring storage. 【0003】 As an example of a foldable stool, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-187973 describes a stool including a first leg portion and a second leg portion rotatably coupled in a crossed state, and a belt-like member fixed to the upper portions of the first leg portion and the second leg portion and capable of being elastically deformed. The stool described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-187973 can be folded by rotating the upper ends and the lower ends of the first leg portion and the second leg portion closer to each other. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0004】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-187973 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0005】 An object of the present invention is to provide a folding structure having a structure different from the conventional structure. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention In the deployed state, a first structure having two first structural portions spaced apart in a first direction in the horizontal direction In the deployed state, the second structure has two second structural parts spaced apart in a second direction that intersects the first direction in the horizontal direction, and is supported by the first structure so as to be able to rotate about a pivot axis positioned in the vertical direction. It is equipped with. 【0007】 Each of the two first structural parts comprises a first upright part and two first oscillating parts, the upper ends of which are supported so as to be able to oscillate about a first pivot arranged in the first direction relative to the lower end of the first upright part. 【0008】 Each of the two second structural parts comprises a second upright part and two second oscillating parts, the lower ends of which are supported so as to be able to swing about a second pivot arranged in the second direction relative to the upper end of the second upright part. 【0009】 In one embodiment of the present invention, the first direction and the second direction can be made orthogonal. 【0010】 In a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention, the first structure may have a first intermediate connecting portion that connects the lower ends of the first upright portions of the two first structural parts, and a first upper connecting portion that connects the upper ends of the first upright portions of the two first structural parts, and the second structure may have a second intermediate connecting portion that connects the upper ends of the second upright portions of the two second structural parts, and a second lower connecting portion that connects the lower ends of the second upright portions of the two second structural parts. 【0011】 A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention may include a support shaft portion that extends in the vertical direction, and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the first intermediate connecting portion and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the first upper connecting portion, and / or the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion may be supported so as to be able to rotate with respect to the support shaft portion about the pivot axis. 【0012】 In one embodiment of the present invention, the first structure may have two first lower connecting parts that connect the lower ends of one of the two first swing parts of the two first structural parts, and the lower ends of the other of the two first swing parts of the two first structural parts. 【0013】 In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the two first structural parts may be provided with an auxiliary connecting part that connects the lower ends of the two first swinging parts, and the auxiliary connecting part may have two auxiliary connecting pieces, the ends of which are closer to each other are rotatably connected, and the ends of which are farther from each other are rotatably supported on the lower ends of the two first swinging parts. 【0014】 In this case, the first structure may include an auxiliary intermediate connecting portion that connects the intermediate portions of the auxiliary connecting portions of the two first structural parts. 【0015】 A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention may further comprise a foldable seat supported at the upper ends of the two second swinging parts of the two second structural parts. That is, a folding structure according to an aspect of the present invention can constitute a stool. 【0016】 A folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is It is equipped with two structures that are combined to enable relative rotation around a pivot axis oriented in the vertical direction, Each of the two structures comprises a rectangular base and two ear portions extending from the horizontal sides of the lower end of the base. Each of the two ear portions has two rectangular tongue-shaped portions that are supported so as to be able to rotate about a pivot that is oriented horizontally with respect to the lower end of the base, In the unfolded state, the horizontal middle portion of the base of the other structure is disposed between the two ear parts of one of the two structures, and the horizontal middle portion of the base of the one structure is disposed between the two ear parts of the other structure, and they are combined in such a manner. 【0017】 The folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention can further include two foldable seats supported by upper end portions of respective tongue portions of the one structure or the other structure. That is, the folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention can constitute a stool. 【Advantages of the Invention】 【0018】 According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a folding structure having a structure different from the conventional structure. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0019】 [Figure 1] FIGS. 1(A) to 1(D) are schematic views showing an example of a folding structure according to the prior invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a folding structure according to a first example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a stool according to a second example of an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the stool according to the second example with a panel removed in an unfolded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the stool according to the second example with a panel removed and folded. [Figure 6] FIGS. 6(A) to 6(D) are schematic views for explaining a procedure for folding the stool according to the second example, where (a) is a view seen from a first direction and (b) is a view seen from a second direction. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0020】 The folding structure of the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied, for example, to a stool without a backrest. Before describing the present invention, the inventors will explain the idea that led to the present invention. 【0021】 The folding structure of the present invention was conceived from the partitions used to divide the inside of confectionery boxes, boxed lunches, cardboard boxes, and the like. 【0022】 Figures 1(A) to 1(D) show an example of a prior invention relating to a folding structure conceived by the present inventors, inspired by a partition. As shown in Figure 1(A), the folding structure 100 in this example is made up of two rectangular flat plate-shaped structures 102a and 102b, each having a slit 101, which are combined in a cross shape in plan view. 【0023】 When folding the folding structure 100, first, as shown in Figure 1(A) → Figure 1(B), the two structures 102a and 102b are displaced in the vertical direction so that they are separated from each other. Next, as shown in Figure 1(B) → Figure 1(C), the two structures 102a and 102b are rotated relative to each other so that they are approximately parallel to each other. Then, as shown in Figure 1(C) → Figure 1(D), the two structures 102a and 102b are displaced in the vertical direction so that they are brought closer to each other. This folds the folding structure 100 into a nearly flat shape. 【0024】 [Example 1] A first example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2. 【0025】 The folding structure 100a in this example was completed by coming up with the idea to make the parts of the structures 102a and 102b on both sides of the slit 101 openable and closable, in order to improve stability when sitting on the first example of the folding structure 100 of the prior invention described above. 【0026】 The folding structure 100a in this example comprises two structures 102c and 102d. 【0027】 Each structure 102c and 102d has a rectangular base 103 and two ear portions 104 that protrude vertically from both sides of the horizontal (perpendicular to the vertical direction and the plate thickness direction) end of one of the vertical ends of the base 103. Each ear portion 104 has two rectangular tongue portions 105 that are supported so as to be able to rotate around a pivot that is oriented horizontally relative to the end of the base 103 on one of the vertical ends. 【0028】 More specifically, in this example, the base portion 103 is configured in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and the tongue portion 105 that constitutes the ear portion 104 is also configured in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. 【0029】 In use, i.e., in the unfolded or assembled state, one of the two structures 102c, 102d, structure 102c has a base 103 and two ears 104 projecting downward from both horizontal sides of the lower end of the base 103, and each ear 104 has two rectangular flat tongues 105 that are supported so as to be able to rotate about a pivot that is oriented horizontally relative to the lower end of the base 103. Therefore, when the two tongues 105 are opened, one of the structures 102c is configured in an inverted Y shape when viewed from the horizontal. 【0030】 In contrast, the other structure 102d has a base 103 and two ear portions 104 projecting upward from both horizontal sides of the upper end of the base 103, and each ear portion 104 has two rectangular flat tongue portions 105 that are supported so as to be able to rotate about a pivot that is oriented horizontally relative to the upper end of the base 103. Therefore, the other structure 102d is configured in a Y shape when viewed from the horizontal direction with the two tongue portions 105 open. 【0031】 In the unfolded state, the two structures 102c and 102d are assembled such that the horizontal middle portion of the base 103 of the other structure 102d is positioned between the two ear portions 104 of the other structure 102c (the slit), and the horizontal middle portion of the base 103 of the other structure 102c is positioned between the two ear portions 104 of the other structure 102d. In the unfolded state of the folding structure 100a, the bases 103 of the two structures 102c and 102d form a cross shape in plan view. 【0032】 The folding structure 100a can be folded in the same manner as the first example of the folding structure 100 of the prior invention after closing the ear portions 104 of each structure 102c, 102d. 【0033】 In other words, the folding structure 100a is configured to be foldable by rotating the two tongues 105 of the respective ears 104 of the two structures 102c and 102d toward each other to close the ears 104, then displacing the two structures 102c and 102d toward each other (vertical direction in the unfolded state), rotating the two structures 102c and 102d relative to each other so that they are approximately parallel, and then displacing the two structures 102c and 102d toward each other. 【0034】 The folding structure 100a in this example is excellent in terms of stability and folding ability, as well as in terms of design. 【0035】 In this example, each part of the two structures 102c and 102d is made of a rectangular flat plate-shaped member, such as a plate. However, the horizontal side edges of the two structures 102c and 102d in their unfolded state can also be taken out and constructed from pipes or rods. In addition to the horizontal side edges of the two structures 102c and 102d, the vertical side edges can also be taken out and constructed from pipes or rods. 【0036】 Furthermore, a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention can be applied to various foldable furniture and outdoor equipment such as stools and folding tables. 【0037】 [Example 2] A second example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. 【0038】 This example shows the application of the folding structure 100b to a folding stool 1. 【0039】 The first structure 2 comprises a rectangular base 103a and two ear portions 104a extending from both horizontal sides of one end of the base 103a in the vertical direction. Each ear portion 104a has two rectangular tongue portions 105a that are supported to allow rotation about a pivot that is horizontally oriented relative to one end of the base 103a in the vertical direction (the lower end). The second structure 3 comprises a rectangular base 103b and two ear portions 104b extending from both horizontal sides of one end of the base 103b in the vertical direction (the upper end). Each ear portion 104b has two rectangular tongue portions 105b that are supported to allow rotation about a pivot that is horizontally oriented relative to one end of the base 103b in the vertical direction. 【0040】 In the deployed state, the horizontal intermediate portion of the base 103b of the second structure 3 is positioned between the two ear portions 104a of the first structure 2, and the horizontal intermediate portion of the base 103a of the first structure 2 is positioned between the two ear portions 104b of the second structure 3, thus the structures are assembled. 【0041】 The folding structure 1 in this example is configured to be foldable by rotating the two tongues 105a of the first structure 2 to close the two ears 104a, and rotating the tongue 105b of the second structure 3 to close the two ears 104b, then displacing the first structure 2 and the second structure 3 in a direction away from each other, rotating the first structure 2 and the second structure 3 relative to each other so that they are substantially parallel to each other, and then displacing the first structure 2 and the second structure 3 in a direction towards each other. 【0042】 In other words, the folding structure 100 in this example comprises a first structure 2 having two first structural parts 4a and 4b spaced apart in a first horizontal direction when unfolded, and a second structure 3 having two second structural parts 13a and 13b spaced apart in a second horizontal direction intersecting the first direction when unfolded, and supported by the first structure 2 so as to be able to rotate about a pivot axis R positioned in the vertical direction. 【0043】 Each of the first structural parts 4a and 4b has a first upright part 5 and two first oscillating parts 6a and 6b, the upper ends of which are supported so as to be able to oscillate around a first pivot P1 which is arranged in a first direction relative to the lower end of the first upright part 5. 【0044】 Each of the second structural parts 13a and 13b has a second upright part 14 and two second oscillating parts 15a and 15b, the lower ends of which are supported so as to be able to swing about a second pivot P2 which is positioned in a second direction relative to the upper end of the second upright part 14. 【0045】 In other words, the folding structure 100b in this example was made by taking the elements necessary for a folding structure, namely the horizontal side portions of the two structural elements 102c and 102d, from the folding structure 100a in the first example. In the folding structure 100b in this example, if necessary, a structure can also be adopted in which the vertical side portions of the two structural elements 102c and 102d are taken from the folding structure 100a in the first example, in addition to the horizontal side portions. 【0046】 The following describes the configuration of each part of the folding stool 1 in its unfolded state, using the folding structure 100b of this example. 【0047】 In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the vertical and horizontal directions refer to the vertical and horizontal directions when Stool 1 is placed on the floor or ground. 【0048】 In this example, stool 1 comprises a first structure 2 and a second structure 3. 【0049】 The first structure 2 comprises two first structural parts 4a and 4b that are spaced apart in a first horizontal direction (the direction indicated by arrow α in Figures 3 and 4). 【0050】 Each of the first structural parts 4a and 4b has a first upright part 5 positioned on the upper side and two first oscillating parts 6a and 6b positioned on the lower side. 【0051】 The first upright section 5 extends in the vertical direction. 【0052】 Each of the first swinging parts 6a and 6b is supported at its upper end relative to the lower end of the first upright part 5, allowing it to swing around a first pivot P1 facing the first direction. In the unfolded state of the stool 1, the two first swinging parts 6a and 6b extend in a direction that moves them further apart from each other as they are viewed downwards from the first direction. In other words, in the unfolded state of the stool 1, the first structural parts 4a and 4b are configured in an inverted Y shape when viewed from the first direction. 【0053】 In this example, the first structure 2 further includes a first upper connecting portion 7 that connects the upper ends of the first upright portions 5 of each of the two first structural portions 4a and 4b, and a first intermediate connecting portion 8 that connects the lower ends of the first upright portions 5 of each of the two first structural portions 4a and 4b. The first upper connecting portion 7 and the first intermediate connecting portion 8 are arranged parallel to each other and extend in a first direction. 【0054】 In this example, the upper ends of the first oscillating parts 6a and 6b are rotatably supported with respect to the ends of the first intermediate connecting part 8 on both sides in the first direction. Specifically, the fitting cylinders provided at the upper ends of the first oscillating parts 6a and 6b are fitted onto the ends of the first intermediate connecting part 8 on both sides in the first direction so as to be rotatable relative to them. This allows the upper ends of the first oscillating parts 6a and 6b to swing with respect to the lower end of the first upright part 5 around the first pivot P1, which is the central axis of the first intermediate connecting part 8. 【0055】 Furthermore, in this example, the first structure 2 has a first lower connecting portion 9a that connects the lower ends of one of the two first swinging portions 6a, 6b that make up the two first structural parts 4a, 4b (one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first direction P1 (the second direction P2 in this example) (the left front side in Figures 3 and 4)), and a first lower connecting portion 9b that connects the lower ends of the other of the two first swinging portions 6a, 6b that make up the two first structural parts 4a, 4b (the other side in the direction perpendicular to the first direction P1 (the right rear side in Figures 3 and 4)). 【0056】 In other words, one first lower connecting portion 9a spans between the lower end of one first swinging portion 6a that constitutes one of the two first structural portions 4a and 4b (one side with respect to the first direction P1 (right front side in Figures 3 and 4)) and the lower end of one first swinging portion 6a that constitutes the other first structural portion 4b (the other side with respect to the first direction P1 (left rear side in Figures 3 and 4)). The other first lower connecting portion 9b spans between the lower end of the other first swinging portion 6b that constitutes one of the first structural portions 4a and the lower end of the other first swinging portion 6b that constitutes the other first structural portion 4b. 【0057】 In this example, the fitting cylinders provided at the lower ends of each first oscillating portion 6a, 6b are fitted onto the ends of the first lower connecting portions 9a, 9b on both sides in the first direction so as to be rotatable relative to each other. This supports the lower ends of each first oscillating portion 6a, 6b so as to allow them to oscillate with respect to the first lower connecting portions 9a, 9b about the central axis of the first lower connecting portions 9a, 9b. However, the lower ends of each first oscillating portion can also be connected and fixed to the ends of the first lower connecting portions on both sides in the first direction. 【0058】 In this example, each of the first structural parts 4a and 4b is equipped with auxiliary connecting parts 10a and 10b that connect the lower ends of the two first swinging parts 6a and 6b. 【0059】 Each auxiliary connecting portion 10a, 10b has two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a, 11b, the ends closest to each other (each tip) being rotatably connected, and the ends furthest from each other (each base) being rotatably supported on the lower ends of the two first swinging portions 6a, 6b. That is, of the two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a, 11b, the base end of one auxiliary connecting piece 11a is rotatably supported on the lower end of one first swinging portion 6a, and the base end of the other auxiliary connecting piece 11b is rotatably supported on the lower end of the other first swinging portion 6b. 【0060】 In this example, the fitting cylinders provided at the base ends of each auxiliary connecting piece 11a and 11b are fitted onto the ends of the first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b on both sides in the first direction so as to be rotatable relative to each other. This allows the base ends of each auxiliary connecting piece 11a and 11b to be supported relative to the first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b so as to pivot about the central axis of the first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b. However, in this example, if the lower ends of each first pivoting part are supported relative to the first lower connecting part so as to pivot about the central axis of the first lower connecting part, the base ends of each auxiliary connecting piece can also be joined and fixed to the ends of the first lower connecting part on both sides in the first direction. 【0061】 In this example, the first structure 2 further includes an auxiliary intermediate connecting part 12 that connects the intermediate parts of the auxiliary connecting parts 10a and 10b provided by the two first structural parts 4a and 4b. 【0062】 The auxiliary intermediate connecting section 12 is arranged parallel to the first lower connecting sections 9a and 9b. 【0063】 At one end of the auxiliary intermediate connecting portion 12 in the first direction, the tips of two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b that constitute one auxiliary connecting portion 10a are rotatably supported, and at the other end of the auxiliary intermediate connecting portion 12 in the first direction, the tips of two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b that constitute the other auxiliary connecting portion 10b are rotatably supported. 【0064】 Specifically, the fitting cylinders provided at the tips of the two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b that constitute one auxiliary connecting section 10a are fitted onto one end of the auxiliary intermediate connecting section 12 in the first direction so as to be rotatable relative to each other, and the fitting cylinders provided at the tips of the two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b that constitute the other auxiliary connecting section 10b are fitted onto the other end of the auxiliary intermediate connecting section 12 in the first direction so as to be rotatable relative to each other. In this way, the tips of the two auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b that constitute each auxiliary connecting section 10a and 10b are rotatably connected to each other, and the intermediate sections of the two auxiliary connecting sections 10a and 10b are connected to each other. 【0065】 The second structure 3 comprises two second structural parts 13a and 13b, which are spaced apart in a second direction (indicated by arrow β in Figures 3 and 4) that intersects the first direction in the horizontal direction, and is supported by the first structure 2 so as to enable rotation around a pivot axis R oriented in the vertical direction. In this example, the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal. 【0066】 Each of the second structural parts 13a and 13b has a second upright part 14 positioned on the lower side and two second swinging parts 15a and 15b positioned on the upper side. 【0067】 The second upright section 14 extends in the vertical direction. 【0068】 Each of the second swinging parts 15a and 15b is supported at its lower end relative to the upper end of the second upright part 14, allowing it to swing around a second pivot P2 facing the second direction. In the unfolded state of the stool 1, the two second swinging parts 15a and 15b extend in a direction that moves away from each other as they move upward when viewed from the second direction. That is, in the unfolded state of the stool 1, the second structural parts 13a and 13b are configured in a Y shape when viewed from the second direction. 【0069】 In this example, the second structure 3 further includes a second intermediate connecting portion 16 that connects the upper ends of the second upright portions 14 of the two second structural parts 13a and 13b, and a second lower connecting portion 17 that connects the lower ends of the second upright portions 14 of the two second structural parts 13a and 13b. 【0070】 The second intermediate connecting portion 16 is configured in a straight line that extends in the second direction. 【0071】 In this example, the lower ends of the second swinging parts 15a and 15b are rotatably supported with respect to the ends of the second intermediate connecting part 16 on both sides in the second direction. Specifically, the fitting cylinders provided at the lower ends of the second swinging parts 15a and 15b are fitted onto the ends of the second intermediate connecting part 16 on both sides in the second direction so as to be rotatable relative to them. This allows the lower ends of the second swinging parts 15a and 15b to swing with respect to the upper end of the second upright part 14, around the second pivot P2, which is the central axis of the second intermediate connecting part 16. 【0072】 The second lower connecting portion 17 is bent in an inverted V shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the second direction in the horizontal direction. 【0073】 Furthermore, in this example, the second structure 3 has a second upper connecting portion 18a that spans between the upper ends of one of the two second swinging portions 15a, 15b that constitute the two second structural parts 13a, 13b (one side in the horizontal direction with respect to the direction perpendicular to the second direction P2 (first direction P1 in this example) (right front side in Figures 3 and 4)), and a second upper connecting portion 18b that spans between the upper ends of the other of the two second swinging portions 15a, 15b that constitute the two second structural parts 13a, 13b (the other side with respect to the direction perpendicular to the second direction P2 (left rear side in Figures 3 and 4)). 【0074】 In other words, one second upper connecting portion 18a spans between the upper end of one second swinging portion 15a constituting one of the two second structural portions 13a, 13b (one side with respect to the second direction P2 (the left front side in Figures 3 and 4)) and the upper end of one second swinging portion 15a constituting the other second structural portion 13b (the other side with respect to the second direction P2 (the right rear side in Figures 3 and 4)). The other second upper connecting portion 18b spans between the upper end of the other second swinging portion 15b constituting one of the second structural portions 13a and the upper end of the other second swinging portion 15b constituting the other second structural portion 13b. 【0075】 In this example, the fitting cylinders provided at the upper ends of each second swing portion 15a, 15b are fitted onto the ends of the second upper connecting portions 18a, 18b on both sides in the second direction so as to be rotatable relative to each other. This allows the upper ends of each second swing portion 15a, 15b to be supported relative to the second upper connecting portions 18a, 18b, enabling them to swing about the central axis of the second upper connecting portions 18a, 18b. However, the fitting cylinders provided at the upper ends of each second swing portion can also be coupled and fixed to the ends of the second upper connecting portions on both sides in the second direction. 【0076】 The stool 1 in this example further includes a support shaft portion 19 that extends in the vertical direction. The extension-direction intermediate portion of the first intermediate connecting portion 8 and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the first upper connecting portion 7, which constitute the first structure 2, and / or the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion 16 and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion 17, which constitute the second structure 3, are supported with respect to the support shaft portion 19 so that they can rotate about the pivot axis R, which is the central axis of the support shaft portion 19. 【0077】 In this example, the extensional intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion 16 and the extensional intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion 17, which constitute the second structure 3, are supported by the support shaft portion 19 so as to be able to rotate about the pivot axis R, which is the central axis of the support shaft portion 19. 【0078】 Specifically, the extensional intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion 16 and the extensional intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion 17 are supported relative to the support shaft portion 19 so as to be able to rotate around the rotation axis R and to be displaced relative to each other in the vertical direction. For this purpose, the fitting cylinder portion provided in the extensional intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion 16 and the fitting cylinder portion provided in the extensional intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion 17 are externally fitted onto the support shaft portion 19 so as to be able to rotate relative to each other and to be displaced relative to each other in the vertical direction. 【0079】 In this example, the extensional intermediate portion of the first intermediate connecting portion 8 and the extensional intermediate portion of the first upper connecting portion 7 are supported so as to allow relative vertical displacement with respect to the support shaft portion 19. For this purpose, the fitting cylinder portion provided on the extensional intermediate portion of the first intermediate connecting portion 8 and the fitting cylinder portion provided on the extensional intermediate portion of the first upper connecting portion 7 are externally fitted onto the support shaft portion 19 so as to allow relative vertical displacement. 【0080】 In this example, the lower portion of the support shaft 19 is connected and fixed to the intermediate portion of the auxiliary intermediate connecting portion 12 in the extension direction. 【0081】 In this example, each part constituting the first structure 2, each part constituting the second structure 3, and the support shaft 19 are made of metal pipe or rod material with a circular cross-section. 【0082】 The stool 1 in this example further comprises a seat 20. The seat 20 is supported so as to span across the upper ends of the second rocking parts 15a and 15b, which constitute two second structural parts 13a and 13b. 【0083】 In this example, the seat portion 20 is configured to be foldable by rotatably connecting two rectangular plates 21a and 21b using hinges. One second upper connecting portion 18a is supported on the lower surface of one of the two rectangular plates 21a so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the first second upper connecting portion 18a, and the other second upper connecting portion 18b is supported on the lower surface of the other rectangular plate 21b so as to be able to rotate about the central axis of the other second upper connecting portion 18b. 【0084】 To this end, in this example, the second upper connecting portions 18a and 18b are fitted (inserted) into the cylindrical portions 22 provided on the lower surfaces of the respective rectangular plates 21a and 21b so as to be rotatable relative to each other. This supports the second upper connecting portions 18a and 18b so as to be able to rotate relative to the lower surfaces of the respective rectangular plates 21a and 21b, with respect to the central axis of the second upper connecting portions 18a and 18b. 【0085】 In this example, the seat portion 20 is constructed by combining two rectangular flat plates 21a and 21b, but it can also be constructed by stretching a cloth or multiple strip-shaped or string-shaped members between the second upper connecting portions of each. 【0086】 In this example, stool 1 further comprises multiple panels 23. 【0087】 In this example of stool 1, each panel 23 is installed in the area enclosed on three sides by the parts constituting the first structure 2, and in the area enclosed on three sides by the parts constituting the second structure 3. Panels can also be installed in the area enclosed by the auxiliary connecting pieces 11a, 11b, the auxiliary intermediate connecting part 12, and / or the first lower connecting parts 9a, 9b. However, some or all of the panels can be omitted. 【0088】 In this example of stool 1, panel 23 is made of metal, synthetic resin, or wooden board. However, instead of a panel, fabric or multiple strip-shaped or string-shaped members can be used. 【0089】 The stool 1 to which the folding structure 100b of this example is applied can be folded for storage or transport. In Figures 6(A) to 6(D), the support shaft portion 19, the seat portion 20, and the panel 23 are omitted to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the first structure 2 is shown with a solid line, while the second structure 3 is shown with a dashed line. 【0090】 When folding the stool 1 (folding structure 100b), first, as shown in Figure 6(A) → Figure 6(B), the two second upper connecting parts 18a and 18b are rotated upward and toward each other around the second pivot P2, and the seat 20 is folded in half. At this time, the second structure 3 is displaced upward relative to the support shaft 19. This prevents the seat 20 from interfering with the first upper connecting part 7 as the seat 20 is folded. 【0091】 Next, as shown in Figure 6(B) → Figure 6(C), the two first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b are rotated downward and toward each other around the first pivot P1, while the first intermediate connecting part 8 and the first upper connecting part 7 are displaced downward relative to the support shaft part 19. At this time, the auxiliary connecting parts 10a and 10b are folded by rotating the auxiliary intermediate connecting part 12, which supports the tips of the auxiliary connecting pieces 11a and 11b, toward upward. This allows the two first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b to rotate toward each other. 【0092】 Then, as shown in Figure 6(C) → Figure 6(D), the second structure 3 is rotated relative to the first structure 2 around the pivot axis R, which is the central axis of the support shaft portion 19. This causes the stool 1 (folding structure 100b) to be folded into a nearly flat shape. 【0093】 In contrast, when unfolding stool 1 (folding structure 100b), first, as shown in Figure 6(D) → Figure 6(C), the second structure 3 is rotated around the pivot axis R. 【0094】 Next, as shown in Figure 6(C) → Figure 6(B), the two first lower connecting parts 9a and 9b are rotated upward and away from each other around the first pivot P1, while the first intermediate connecting part 8 and the first upper connecting part 7 are displaced upward relative to the support shaft part 19. 【0095】 Then, as shown in Figure 6(B) → Figure 6(A), the two second upper connecting parts 18a and 18b are rotated downward and away from each other around the second pivot P2, and the seat part 20 is unfolded. Consequently, the second structure 3 is displaced downward relative to the support shaft part 19. This unfolds the stool 1 (folding structure 100b). 【0096】 Furthermore, the folding and unfolding procedures for Stool 1 can be any procedure, not limited to those described above, as long as they do not create any inconsistencies. In other words, the order of each step can be changed, or multiple steps can be performed simultaneously. 【0097】 The stool 1 to which the folding structure 100b of this example is applied has a folding structure different from conventional structures, offering superior stability and foldability, as well as excellent design. 【0098】 In this example, each part constituting the first structure 2, each part constituting the second structure 3, and the support shaft portion 19 are made of metal pipe material or rod material with a circular cross-section. However, when implementing a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention, each part constituting the first structure, each part constituting the second structure, and the support shaft portion are not particularly limited as long as the required strength can be secured. 【0099】 For example, each part constituting the first structure, each part constituting the second structure, and the support shaft can be constructed from pipes or rods made of wood or synthetic resin. 【0100】 Furthermore, a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention can also be constructed by combining plate materials, as shown in the second example of the prior invention in Figure 2. In this case, one structure 102c constitutes a first structure, and both horizontal sides of the one structure 102c constitute two first structural parts. The other structure 102d constitutes a second structure, and both horizontal sides of the other structure 102d constitute two second structural parts. 【0101】 In this example, an example of applying a folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention to a stool 1 has been described. However, the folding structure according to one aspect of the present invention is not limited to a stool 1, but can be applied to various furniture and outdoor goods such as folding tables. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0102】 1 stool 2 First structure 3 Second structure 4a, 4b 1st structure part 5 1st upright section 6a, 6b First oscillating part 7 1st upper connection part 8. First intermediate connecting section 9a, 9b 1st lower connection part 10a, 10b Auxiliary connection part 11a, 11b Auxiliary connection piece 12 Auxiliary intermediate connecting section 13a, 13b 2nd structure part 14 Second upright part 15a, 15b Second oscillating part 16. Second Intermediate Connection Section 17 2nd lower connection part 18a, 18b 2nd upper connection part 19 Support shaft part 20 Seat area 21a, 21b rectangular flat plate 22 Cylindrical part 23 panels 100, 100a, 100b Folding structures 101 Slit 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d structures 103, 103a, 103b base 104, 104a, 104b ears 105, 105a, 105b Tongue

Claims

[Claim 1] In the deployed state, the first structure has two first structural parts that are spaced apart in a first horizontal direction, In its deployed state, the second structure has two second structural parts spaced apart in a second direction that intersects the first direction in the horizontal direction, and is supported by the first structure so as to be able to rotate about a pivot axis facing vertically. Each of the two first structural parts has a first upright part and two first oscillating parts, the upper ends of which are supported so as to be able to swing about a first pivot facing the first direction relative to the lower end of the first upright part. The folding structure comprises two second structural parts, each having a second upright part and two second swinging parts, the lower ends of which are supported so as to be able to swing about a second pivot facing the second direction relative to the upper end of the second upright part. [Claim 2] The folding structure according to claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal. [Claim 3] The first structure has a first intermediate connecting portion that connects the lower ends of the first upright portions of the two first structural parts, and a first upper connecting portion that connects the upper ends of the first upright portions of the two first structural parts. The folding structure according to claim 1, wherein the second structure has a second intermediate connecting portion that connects the upper ends of the second upright portions of the two second structural parts, and a second lower connecting portion that connects the lower ends of the second upright portions of the two second structural parts. [Claim 4] It is equipped with a support shaft that extends in the vertical direction, The folding structure according to claim 3, wherein the extension-direction intermediate portion of the first intermediate connecting portion and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the first upper connecting portion, and / or the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second intermediate connecting portion and the extension-direction intermediate portion of the second lower connecting portion are supported so as to be able to rotate with respect to the support shaft portion about the pivot axis. [Claim 5] The folding structure according to claim 1, wherein the first structure has two first lower connecting parts that connect the lower ends of one of the two first swing parts of the two first structural parts, and the lower ends of the other of the two first swing parts of the two first structural parts. [Claim 6] Each of the two first structural parts is provided with an auxiliary connecting part that connects the lower ends of the two first swinging parts, The folding structure according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary connecting portion has two auxiliary connecting pieces, the ends of which are close to each other are rotatably connected, and the ends of which are far from each other are rotatably supported on the lower ends of the two first swinging portions. [Claim 7] The folding structure according to claim 6, wherein the first structure comprises an auxiliary intermediate connecting portion that connects the intermediate portions of the auxiliary connecting portions of the two first structural parts. [Claim 8] The folding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a foldable seat portion supported at the upper ends of the two second swing portions of the two second structural portions. [Claim 9] It is equipped with two structures that are combined to enable relative rotation around a pivot axis oriented in the vertical direction, Each of the two structures comprises a rectangular base and two ear portions extending from both horizontal portions of one end of the base in the vertical direction, Each of the two ear portions has two rectangular tongue-shaped portions that are supported so as to be able to rotate about a pivot that is oriented horizontally with respect to one end of the base portion in the vertical direction. In the unfolded state, the two structures are assembled such that the horizontal intermediate portion of the base of the other structure is positioned between the two ear portions of one of the two structures, and the horizontal intermediate portion of the base of the one structure is positioned between the two ear portions of the other structure. A folding structure.

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