Connecting structure and assembly stool

Abstract

This invention provides a connection structure that allows cylindrical members to be easily connected to each other without the need for separate components or tools. [Solution] The connection structure according to the present disclosure comprises: a first cylindrical member formed in a cylindrical shape and having an insertion hole formed on its side surface, a first receiving portion formed on the side surface opposite to the insertion hole, and a second receiving portion formed on the edge of the insertion hole; and a second cylindrical member formed in a cylindrical shape and having a claw portion projecting longitudinally from the tip edge of its tip, and a locking piece formed so as to be elastically deformable by cutting and bending a part of its side surface, wherein when inserted into the insertion hole of the first cylindrical member from the side of the claw portion, the claw portion is received by the first receiving portion and the locking piece locks into the second receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connection structure and an assemble-type stool.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pipe connection structure. According to the connection structure, a pair of connected cylindrical pipes can be smoothly disassembled.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the connection structure described in Patent Document 1 requires a sleeve member separate from the pipes. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the number of components.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connection structure and an assemble-type stool that can easily connect cylindrical members to each other without using separate members or tools.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The connection structure according to this disclosure comprises: a first cylindrical member formed in a cylindrical shape and having an insertion hole formed on its side surface, a first receiving portion formed on the side surface opposite to the insertion hole, and a second receiving portion formed on the edge of the insertion hole; and a second cylindrical member formed in a cylindrical shape and having a claw portion projecting longitudinally from the tip edge of its tip, and a locking piece formed so as to be elastically deformable by cutting and bending a part of its side surface, wherein when inserted into the insertion hole of the first cylindrical member from the side of the claw portion, the claw portion is received by the first receiving portion and the locking piece locks into the second receiving portion.

[0007] The assembly stool according to this disclosure comprises: a first cylindrical member which forms a seat surface and is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a plurality of insertion holes formed on its side surface, a plurality of first receiving portions formed at positions opposite to each of the plurality of insertion holes, and a plurality of second receiving portions formed at the edge of each of the plurality of insertion holes; and a plurality of second cylindrical members which forms a leg portion and has claw portions that protrude longitudinally from the tip edge of the tip portion, and a locking piece formed so as to be elastically deformable by cutting and bending a part of the side surface, and when inserted into the plurality of insertion holes from the side of the claw portion, the claw portions are received by the plurality of first receiving portions and the locking pieces are locked by the plurality of second receiving portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, cylindrical members can be easily connected to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of multiple modular stools equipped with the connecting structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of multiple modular stools equipped with the connecting structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of multiple modular stools equipped with the connecting structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]This is a perspective view of a desk equipped with the connection structure according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the multiple first cylindrical members and second cylindrical members that realize the connection structure in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This shows a plan view of the first cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1, and an enlarged view of the two main parts. [Figure 7] These are a plan view and an enlarged view of the main part of the second cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a protective member attached to the lower end of the second cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the process of inserting the second cylindrical member into the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the process of inserting the second cylindrical member into the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second cylindrical member in Embodiment 1 is locked to the first cylindrical member. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the state in which the second cylindrical member in Embodiment 1 is locked to the first cylindrical member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation of such parts will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of multiple modular stools equipped with a connecting structure according to Embodiment 1.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the knock-down stool 100 includes a first cylindrical member 10, a plurality of second cylindrical members 20, and a plurality of protective members 30. The first cylindrical member 10 serves as a seat surface. Each of the plurality of second cylindrical members 20 serves as a leg portion. The first cylindrical member 10 and each of the second cylindrical members 20 are connected to each other by a connection structure without using fastening members such as bolts and nuts.

[0013] The first cylindrical member 10 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the first cylindrical member 10 is formed of an aluminum cylindrical pipe. The upper portion of the side surface of the first cylindrical member 10 is used as a seat surface. That is, in the knock-down stool 100, the cylindrical member itself functions as a seat surface without separately providing a plate member or the like constituting the seat surface.

[0014] The plurality of second cylindrical members 20 are members formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the plurality of second cylindrical members 20 are formed of aluminum cylindrical pipes. The outer diameter of each second cylindrical member 20 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical member 10. A distal end portion 21 of each second cylindrical member 20 is connected to the first cylindrical member 10 and extends obliquely downward from the first cylindrical member 10. As a result, each second cylindrical member 20 supports the first cylindrical member 10 as a leg portion.

[0015] For example, the plurality of protective members 30 are formed of resin. The plurality of protective members 30 are respectively attached to lower end portions of the plurality of second cylindrical members 20. The protective member 30 closes an opening at the lower end portion. The protective member 30 prevents damage to the floor surface.

[0016] Figure 1 shows three knock-down stools 100. In the three knock-down stools 100 of Figure 1, the lengths of the second cylindrical members 20 are equal to each other. In the three knock-down stools 100 of Figure 1, the lengths of the first cylindrical members 10 are different from each other. The longer the first cylindrical member 10 is, the longer the seat surface becomes. That is, the number of people that can be seated is determined by the length of the first cylindrical member 10.

[0017] Figures 2 and 3 also show three assembly stools 100, respectively. In both the three assembly stools 100 in Figure 2 and the three assembly stools 100 in Figure 3, the lengths of the first cylindrical members 10 are different from each other.

[0018] In contrast, the length of the second cylindrical member 20 differs from figure to figure. The second cylindrical member 20 in Figure 2 is longer than the second cylindrical member 20 in Figure 1. The second cylindrical member 20 in Figure 3 is longer than the second cylindrical member 20 in Figure 2. The longer the second cylindrical member 20, the higher the seat surface becomes. In other words, the height of the seat surface is determined by the length of the second cylindrical member 20.

[0019] Next, we will explain an example of the application of the connection structure using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a desk equipped with the connection structure according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the connection structure can also be applied to a desk 200. The desk 200 comprises two first cylindrical members 10, a plurality of second cylindrical members 20, a plurality of protective members 30, and a tabletop 210. The plurality of second cylindrical members 20 are connected to each of the first cylindrical members 10. The plurality of protective members 30 are attached to the lower ends of the plurality of second cylindrical members 20, respectively. The tabletop 210 rests on the two first cylindrical members 10. Each first cylindrical member 10 supports the tabletop 210. That is, each first cylindrical member 10 functions as a horizontal member. Each second cylindrical member 20 functions as a leg. Thus, the connection structure is not limited to stools. The connection structure can be applied to various articles.

[0021] Next, the first cylindrical member and the second cylindrical member will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the multiple first cylindrical members and second cylindrical members that realize the connection structure in Embodiment 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, multiple types of the first cylindrical member 10 may be available. These multiple types of first cylindrical members 10 have different lengths. Multiple types of the second cylindrical member 20 may also be available. These multiple types of second cylindrical members 20 have different lengths. The user or manufacturer selects the first cylindrical member 10 from among these. The user or manufacturer also selects the second cylindrical member 20 from among these. These selections are made according to the application.

[0023] Next, the details of the first cylindrical member 10 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 shows a plan view of the first cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1, and an enlarged view of the two main parts.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, the first cylindrical member 10 has a plurality of insertion holes 11. The plurality of insertion holes 11 are formed on the side surface 10a. For example, the plurality of insertion holes 11 are circular holes. For example, the inner diameter of the plurality of insertion holes 11 is about 30 mm in diameter.

[0025] The first cylindrical member 10 has a plurality of first receiving portions 12. The plurality of first receiving portions 12 are formed on the side surface 10a. The positions of the plurality of first receiving portions 12 are opposite to the plurality of insertion holes 11. That is, each of the plurality of first receiving portions 12 is formed on the opposite side of the internal space from each of the plurality of insertion holes 11. Each of the plurality of first receiving portions 12 has a plurality of receiving structures. For example, the plurality of receiving structures are slit-shaped holes 12a, 12b, respectively.

[0026] The first cylindrical member 10 has a plurality of second receiving portions 13. Each of the plurality of second receiving portions 13 is formed on the edge of the insertion hole 11. For example, each of the plurality of second receiving portions 13 is a notch. The notch is formed on the longitudinal center side of the first cylindrical member 10 with respect to the corresponding insertion hole 11. The notch is formed by cutting out a part of the edge of the corresponding insertion hole 11 radially outward. For example, the width of the second receiving portion 13 is about 6 mm. For example, the depth of the second receiving portion 13 is about 3.5 mm.

[0027] Next, the details of the second cylindrical member 20 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a plan view and an enlarged view of the main part of the second cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the second cylindrical member 20 has a claw portion 22. The claw portion 22 is formed on the tip edge 21a of the tip portion 21. The claw portion 22 protrudes longitudinally from the tip edge 21a. The claw portion 22 has a plurality of protrusions 23a, 23b. For example, the plurality of protrusions 23a, 23b are formed by cutting the tip portion 21. This cutting is performed while leaving a portion of the tip edge 21a in the circumferential direction.

[0029] The second cylindrical member 20 has a locking piece 24. The locking piece 24 is formed by cutting and bending a portion of the side surface 20a. The locking piece 24 has a base and a tip. The base of the locking piece 24 is connected to the side surface 20a. This base serves as the fulcrum of the locking piece 24. The locking piece 24 is raised radially outward using the base as the fulcrum. For example, the amount the locking piece 24 is raised is about 5 mm.

[0030] The locking piece 24 has a pair of notches 25a and 25b on both sides of its tip. The pair of notches 25a and 25b narrow the width of the locking piece 24 at its tip. The width of the locking piece 24 is wider than the width of the second receiving portion 13 (not shown in Figure 7). The width of the portion corresponding to the pair of notches 25a and 25b is narrower than the width of the second receiving portion 13. The locking piece 24 is a cantilevered portion. Therefore, the locking piece 24 can be elastically deformed in the radial direction.

[0031] Next, the protective member 30 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a protective member attached to the lower end of the second cylindrical member that realizes the connection structure in Embodiment 1.

[0032] As shown in Figure 8, the protective member 30 has a shaft portion and a hemispherical portion. The shaft portion is inserted into the inside of the second cylindrical member 20 (not shown in Figure 8). The hemispherical portion has a larger diameter than the shaft portion. The hemispherical portion contacts the end face of the lower end of the second cylindrical member 20. This contact stops the insertion of the protective member 30.

[0033] Next, the connection between the first cylindrical member 10 and the second cylindrical member 20 will be explained using Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion process of the second cylindrical member into the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the insertion process of the second cylindrical member into the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the second cylindrical member is locked to the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the state in which the second cylindrical member is locked to the first cylindrical member in Embodiment 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 9, the second cylindrical member 20 is inserted into the insertion hole 11. This insertion is performed from the side of the claw portion 22. As shown in Figure 10, during this insertion process, the tip of the locking piece 24 is pressed radially inward by the user. This pressure causes the locking piece 24 to elastically deform radially inward. Therefore, the locking piece 24 does not hinder insertion. As a result, the second cylindrical member 20 is smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 11.

[0035] As shown in Figure 11, the second cylindrical member 20 is further inserted. This insertion causes the projections 23a and 23b of the claw portion 22 to be received in the holes 12a and 12b of the first receiving portion 12, respectively. Also, as shown in Figure 12, this insertion causes the portions corresponding to the pair of notches 25a and 25b to reach the second receiving portion 13. In this state, when the user releases the pressure on the tip of the locking piece 24, the locking piece 24 elastically returns to its original position. The portions corresponding to the pair of notches 25a and 25b are received in the second receiving portion 13, and the locking piece 24 locks into the second receiving portion 13.

[0036] In this state, the second cylindrical member 20 is supported at two points. The first point is the first receiving portion 12. The first receiving portion 12 supports the tip side of the second cylindrical member 20. The second point is the insertion hole 11. The insertion hole 11 supports the base end side of the second cylindrical member 20. These two points are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the connection structure stably connects the first cylindrical member 10 and the second cylindrical member 20. No fastening members are used for this connection. In addition, the locking piece 24 locks into the second receiving portion 13. This locking restricts the movement of the second cylindrical member 20 in the direction of withdrawal. Furthermore, the projections 23a and 23b are received into the holes 12a and 12b, respectively. This receiving restricts the rotation of the second cylindrical member 20 around its axis.

[0037] The modular stool 100 can be disassembled. When disassembling, the locking piece 24 is first pushed radially inward. This releases the locking between the locking piece 24 and the second receiving part 13. In this state, the second cylindrical member 20 is pulled out from the insertion hole 11. In this way, the modular stool 100 can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.

[0038] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the second cylindrical member 20 is inserted into the through hole 11 from the side of the claw portion 22. The inserted claw portion 22 is received by the first receiving portion 12. The locking piece 24 is locked to the second receiving portion 13. As a result, the second cylindrical member 20 is supported by the first cylindrical member 10 at two points. These two points are separated from each other. No fastening members such as bolts and nuts are required for this support. No tools are required either. Therefore, the cylindrical members can be connected to each other easily and stably. No other components such as joint fittings are required either. As a result, the number of parts can be reduced. The appearance of the connection part is also simplified.

[0039] Furthermore, the claw portion 22 has multiple protrusions 23a and 23b. These multiple protrusions 23a and 23b are each received by multiple receiving structures. As a result, the second cylindrical member 20 does not rotate around its axis. Therefore, the posture of the second cylindrical member 20 after connection is stable. Also, the load is distributed among the multiple protrusions 23a and 23b. Therefore, the durability of the connection portion can be increased.

[0040] Furthermore, the multiple receiving structures are slit-shaped holes 12a and 12b, respectively. The multiple protrusions 23a and 23b fit into the slit-shaped holes 12a and 12b, respectively. As a result, the second cylindrical member 20 is precisely positioned in the circumferential direction. In addition, the slit-shaped holes 12a and 12b can be formed by simple machining of the side surface 10a. Therefore, a simple configuration can achieve both rotation restriction and ease of manufacturing.

[0041] Furthermore, the second receiving portion 13 is a notch. The notch is formed on the edge of the insertion hole 11. The notch is continuous with the insertion hole 11. Therefore, the second receiving portion 13 can be formed in conjunction with the machining of the insertion hole 11. Thus, a structure for receiving the locking piece 24 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0042] Furthermore, the locking piece 24 has a pair of notches 25a and 25b on both sides of its tip end. The pair of notches 25a and 25b narrow the width of the locking piece 24 at its tip end. This narrower portion is received by the second receiving portion 13. As a result, the locking piece 24 is locked in a position that is circumferentially positioned. Therefore, the reliability of the locking can be increased.

[0043] Furthermore, even without user intervention, the locking piece 24 elastically deforms when the second cylindrical member 20 is inserted. The portions of the locking piece 24 corresponding to the pair of notches 25a and 25b reach the second receiving portion 13. As a result, the locking piece 24 elastically returns to its original shape. The elastically returned locking piece 24 locks into the second receiving portion 13. Therefore, locking is completed without the user having to perform any additional operation for locking. Consequently, the ease of assembly can be improved.

[0044] Furthermore, in the modular stool 100, the seat is the first cylindrical member 10 itself. No separate board material or other material is needed for the seat. This reduces the number of parts, making it possible to create a stool with a simple structure. Also, the modular stool 100 can be assembled without tools. Disassembly can also be done without tools. Therefore, the modular stool 100 can be transported and stored in a disassembled state. Thus, it is possible to create a stool with excellent transportability and storage capabilities. Moreover, the connection structure is common. While maintaining this common connection structure, the lengths of the first cylindrical member 10 and the second cylindrical member 20 can be changed. Therefore, stools of various sizes can be easily assembled. Note that the number of legs is not limited to four.

[0045] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples of the present disclosure. The articles to which the connecting structure is applied are not limited to stools and desks. For example, the connecting structure can also be applied to tables, shelves, lighting fixtures, umbrella stands, partitions, etc. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the first cylindrical member 10 and the second cylindrical member 20 are not limited to circles. The cross-sectional shapes may be elliptical, polygonal, etc. The material is not limited to aluminum. The material may be steel, stainless steel, resin, etc. The receiving structure of the first receiving portion 12 is not limited to a hole penetrating the side surface 10a. The receiving structure may be a recess formed on the inner surface of the side surface 10a. The second receiving portion 13 may also be a hole or recess near the edge of the insertion hole 11 instead of a notch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 10 First cylindrical member, 10a side surface, 11 insertion hole, 12 First receiving part, 12a, 12b slit-shaped holes, 13 Second receiving part, 20 Second cylindrical member, 20a side surface, 21 Tip, 21a Tip edge, 22 Claw part, 23a, 23b projection, 24 Locking piece, 25a, 25b notch, 30 Protective member, 100 Assembled stool, 200 Desk, 210 Tabletop

Claims

1. A first cylindrical member having a cylindrical shape, an insertion hole formed on its side, a first receiving portion formed on the side opposite to the insertion hole, and a second receiving portion formed on the edge of the insertion hole, It is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a claw portion that protrudes longitudinally from the tip edge of the tip, and has a locking piece that is formed so that it can be elastically deformed by cutting and bending a part of the side surface, When inserted into the insertion hole of the first cylindrical member from the side of the claw portion, the claw portion is received by the first receiving portion and the locking piece locks into the second receiving portion of the second cylindrical member, A connection structure equipped with [the following features].

2. The first receiving portion has a plurality of receiving structures, The connection structure according to claim 1, wherein the claw portion has a plurality of protrusions that are each received by the plurality of receiving structures.

3. The connection structure according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of receiving structures is a slit-shaped hole.

4. The connection structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second receiving portion is a notch formed on the edge of the insertion hole.

5. The locking piece has a pair of notches on both sides thereof. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cylindrical member, when the claw portion is received by the first receiving portion, is received by the second receiving portion, and the portion corresponding to the pair of notches is received by the second receiving portion, thereby locking the locking piece to the second receiving portion.

6. The connection structure according to claim 5, wherein the locking piece elastically deforms when the second cylindrical member is inserted into the through hole, and elastically returns to its original shape when it reaches the second receiving portion to lock into the second receiving portion.

7. A first cylindrical member that is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a plurality of insertion holes formed on its side surface, a plurality of first receiving portions formed at positions opposite each of the plurality of insertion holes, a plurality of second receiving portions formed at the edge of each of the plurality of insertion holes, and which serves as a seating surface, A plurality of second cylindrical members are formed in a cylindrical shape, each having a claw portion that protrudes longitudinally from the tip edge of the tip, and each having a locking piece formed so as to be elastically deformable by cutting and bending a part of the side surface, and when inserted into the plurality of insertion holes from the side of the claw portion, the claw portion is received by the plurality of first receiving portions, and the locking piece is locked into the plurality of second receiving portions, forming a plurality of second cylindrical members that form legs, A collapsible stool equipped with [features / equipment].

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