Combination chair

Abstract

Provided is a combination chair having a structure such that a fixed space is provided between right and left chairs and a member having the same chair shape is fitted in the space so that the right and left chairs can be easily connected. Due to this structure, the combination chair can be used as a long sofa. A combination chair 1 comprises: a chair 60 arranged on the left side; a chair 30 arranged on the right side; and a connection unit 2 for connecting the left and right chairs 30, 60. The connection unit 2 has substantially the same shape in a side projection view as the chair 60 disposed on the left side and the chair 30 disposed on the right side. The combination chair has a module structure in which the chair 60 disposed on the left side and the chair 30 disposed on the right side are integrally assembled by the connection unit 2.

Description

Composite chair

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a composite chair that can be connected to multiple chairs and used like a continuous, long sofa. This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2024-021159, filed February 15, 2024, and incorporates the entire content of said Japanese application by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, there are many chair-type massage machines whose backrests can be reclined in the front-rear direction. Such chair-type massage machines are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a stationary chair-type massage machine whose backrest can be reclined.

[0003] JP 2012-170554 A

[0004] A composite chair according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a chair positioned on the left side, a chair positioned on the right side, and a connecting unit that connects the left and right chairs, the connecting unit having approximately the same shape as the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side when viewed from the side, and the connecting unit assembles the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side into a modular structure.

[0005] 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a combined chair according to the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a connecting unit is inserted between a chair-type massage machine and a chair and connected to form a combined chair; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an outline of the modular structure of the combined chair according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main body of the connecting unit and the right connecting part that constitutes the connecting part; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connected state of the right front connecting part and the left front connecting part that constitute the connecting part, viewed from below; FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the connected state of the right rear connecting part and the left rear connecting part that constitute the connecting part, viewed from behind; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an outline of the attachment position and method of the side plate members; FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the combined chair in a state in which the second housing of the main body that constitutes the connecting unit has been tilted forward to form an armrest; FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the combined chair in a state in which the backrest of the chair-type massage machine has been reclined, and the right side plate member (side plate member) has moved forward together with the seat, and the footrest has been extended forward.

[0006] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> Conventionally, there are chair-type massage machines and chairs for one person, such as those described in Patent Document 1. Such chair-type massage machines and chairs have been used according to their respective purposes.

[0007] However, in recent years, users have expressed a desire to connect single-seater chair-type massage machines and chairs side by side to form a long, horizontal sofa.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a composite chair that can be used like a long sofa, with a structure that allows the left and right chairs to be easily connected by providing a certain space between them and fitting a member of the same chair shape into that space.

[0009] <Effects of the Present Disclosure> According to the composite chair of the present disclosure, a certain space is provided between the left and right chairs, and a member of the same chair shape is inserted into that space, allowing the left and right chairs to be easily connected, and the chairs can be used like a long sofa.

[0010] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions.

[0012] (1) The composite chair according to the present disclosure comprises a chair positioned on the left side, a chair positioned on the right side, and a connecting unit that connects the left and right chairs, the connecting unit having substantially the same shape as the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side in a side projection view, and the connecting unit assembles the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side into a single unit, forming a modular structure.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, the connecting unit may have a main body that is placed between the chair located on the left side and the chair located on the right side, and a connecting part that connects the chair located on the left side and the chair located on the right side to the main body.

[0014] (3) In (2) above, the connecting portion may have a left connecting portion that connects the chair located on the left side to the main body portion, and a right connecting portion that connects the chair located on the right side to the main body portion.

[0015] (4) In (2) above, the connecting portion may have an engagement pin provided on the side of the chair so as to protrude outward, and a groove portion provided on the main body portion at a position facing the engagement pin and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

[0016] (5) In the above (2), the main body may be a housing that is lightweight relative to the weight of the chair and strong enough for a user to sit on.

[0017] (6) In (2) or (5) above, the main body has substantially the same shape as the chair located on the left side and the chair located on the right side in a side projection view, is chair-shaped so that the user can sit on it, and has a first connecting member shaped to connect with the seats of the left and right chairs, and a second connecting member provided on the upper side of the first connecting member and shaped to connect with the backrests of the left and right chairs, and the second connecting member may have a switching function so that it becomes an armrest when tilted forward and becomes a backrest when flipped backward.

[0018] (7) In (2) above, the chair may have a reclining backrest, a seat that can move forward and backward with the reclining action, and armrests arranged on the left and right sides of the seat, and the connecting unit may have side panels that are attached in place of the armrests of the chair on the side facing the connecting unit.

[0019] (8) In (7) above, a recessed portion cut out inward from the main body portion may be provided at the rear of the side surface forming the main body portion, and the rear protrusion portion remaining after the armrest portion is removed may fit into the recessed portion.

[0020] (9) In (7) above, the connecting unit may be provided with a notched guide means for guiding the main body in the forward and backward directions, and the guide means may have a first rail provided on the main body and a second rail provided on the side plate material and guided along the first rail.

[0021] (10) In the above (1), at least one of the left and right chairs may be a chair-type massage machine.

[0022] (11) In the above (10), at least one of the left and right chairs is a chair-type massage machine, and the chair-type massage machine has a reclining backrest, a seat that can move forward and backward with the reclining action, and armrests arranged on the left and right sides of the seat, and the connecting unit is provided with a second connecting member that is shaped to be connected to the backrest of the chair-type massage machine, and the second connecting member has a switching function that turns it into an armrest when tilted forward and into a backrest when flipped backward, and when the chair-type massage machine is reclined, the backrest rises above the upper edge of the second connecting member in an upright position, and the backrest may tilt backward at the same time as the seat slides forward.

[0023] <Details of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0024] The embodiment described below is an example of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the configuration of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, some components are omitted or drawn using virtual lines, etc., for clarity.

[0025] In the following description, the directions shown in the drawings will be those when describing the combined chair 1 of the present disclosure. For example, the up-down, front-back, left-right, and other directions of the combined chair 1 are as shown in Figures 1 to 9. These directions correspond to the directions seen by a user seated on the combined chair 1.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a combined chair 1 in which a chair-type massage machine 30 and a chair 60 are connected by a connecting unit 2. As shown in FIG.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the state in which the connecting unit 2 is inserted between the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 and connected to form the combined chair 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing an outline of the modular structure of the composite chair 1 (each of which is a group of parts).

[0029] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a chair-type massage machine 30, which has a built-in massage mechanism (not shown) that massages the user's treatment area in the backrest 32 and / or seat 31, is placed on the right side, a connecting unit 2 is placed in the center, and a chair 60 is placed on the left side, and these are connected to form a combined chair 1. The massage mechanism may be a mechanical one or a pressure massage machine that uses the inflation and deflation of an airbag.

[0030] The combined chair 1 of this embodiment can connect a plurality of chair-type massage machines 30 and / or chairs 60 of the same shape by using the connecting unit 2. That is, in this embodiment, by sandwiching the connecting unit 2 between the chair-type massage machines 30 and / or chairs 60 of the same shape, at least two or more chair-type massage machines 30 and chairs 60 can be connected in the left-right direction to form the combined chair 1.

[0031] The composite chair 1 of this embodiment is a long horizontal sofa with multiple (two or more) chair-type massage machines 30 and / or chairs 60 connected to the left and right, and is equipped with a connecting unit 2 that is sandwiched between the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the left and the chair 60 located on the right, and connects the left and right chair-type massage machines 30 and chairs 60.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the combined chair 1 of this embodiment comprises a chair-type massage machine 30 arranged on the right side, a chair 60 arranged on the left side, and a connecting unit 2 that connects the chair-type massage machines 30 and chairs 60 on the left and right sides.

[0033] The connecting unit 2 of this embodiment has substantially the same shape (chair shape) as the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side and the chair 60 located on the left side in a side projection view. With this connecting unit 2, the combined chair 1 has a modular structure in which the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side and the chair 60 located on the left side can be assembled together (each being a group of components that can be assembled together).

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the main body 3 constituting the connecting unit 2 and the right connecting part 9 constituting the connecting part 4. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connecting unit 2 (connecting joint 2) of this embodiment has a roughly chair-shaped appearance. The connecting unit 2 is a hollow housing. The width of the connecting unit 2 of this embodiment is approximately one-third the width of the chair-type massage machine 30. The shape and dimensions of the connecting unit 2 can be set as desired.

[0036] In detail, the connecting unit 2 of this embodiment has a main body 3 that is installed between the chair-type massage machine 30 placed on the right side and the chair 60 placed on the left side, and a connecting part 4 that connects the chair-type massage machine 30, chair 60, and main body 3 placed on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0037] 1 to 4, the connecting unit 2 (main body 3 and connecting portion 4) is a housing that is lightweight compared to the weight of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60, and is strong enough for a user to sit on. In other words, the main body 3 is lightweight enough for the user to easily move it.

[0038] The reason is that the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 are heavy (especially the chair-type massage machine 30 is very heavy because it has a massage mechanism, etc.), and therefore cannot be moved easily. Therefore, the connecting unit 2 is made lightweight.

[0039] The width of the main body 3 of this embodiment is about one-third of the width of the chair-type massage machine 30. The shape and dimensions of the main body 3 can be set arbitrarily.

[0040] The main body 3 has substantially the same shape as the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side in a side projection view, and is shaped like a chair on which a user can sit.

[0041] That is, the plane of the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2, which serves as the seat, is connected flatly with the upper surface of the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the seat 61 of the chair 60 with almost no irregularities. Also, the front surface of the main body 3, which serves as the backrest, is connected flatly with the front surface of the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the backrest 62 of the chair 60 with almost no irregularities.

[0042] The main body 3 has a first connecting member 5 having a shape that connects to the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the seat 61 of the chair 60, and a second connecting member 6 that is provided above the first connecting member 5 and has a shape that connects to the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the backrest 62 of the chair 60.

[0043] The first connecting member 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as the first housing 5) is a member that can be placed on a floor surface F. The first housing 5 is a hollow housing that is lightweight enough for a user to easily move it and has a predetermined strength.

[0044] The top surface of the first housing 5 is approximately horizontal and is approximately flush with the top surface of the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the top surface of the seat 61 of the chair 60. The height of the first housing 5 from the floor F is approximately the same as the height of the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 from the floor F and the height of the seat 61 of the chair 60 from the floor F.

[0045] That is, the top surface of the first housing 5 forms a seat surface that is continuous with the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the seat 61 of the chair 60. In addition, the front wall surface of the first housing 5 is substantially flush with the front wall surface (the bottom surface of the footrest portion 34) of the chair-type massage machine 30 when the footrest portion 34 is stored.

[0046] That is, the first housing 5 (horizontal portion) has substantially the same shape as the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the seat 61 of the chair 60, although the width is different, and serves as a seat on which a user can sit. A small item holder may be provided inside the first housing 5 (main body 3). The upper surface of the first housing 5, which serves as the seat, may be covered with a cushioning material or the like.

[0047] The first housing 5 has step portions 7 (recesses 7) recessed inwardly to the left and right at a position slightly lower than the top surface. The recesses 7 are long recessed steps extending in the front-to-rear direction, and are provided at the top of each of the left and right side surfaces of the first housing 5. Due to the pair of recesses 7 provided on the left and right, the first housing 5 has a tapered shape that is narrower at the bottom than at the top when viewed from the front.

[0048] The recess 7 is adapted to fit (align) a protrusion 17 of the side plate 15, which will be described later, so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. This recess 7 is a first rail 7 that guides the main body 3 in the front-rear direction along the protrusion 17 provided on the side plate 15, which will be described later, when the main body 3 is moved in the front-rear direction. The first rail 7 (recess 7) constitutes a guide means 16, which will be described later.

[0049] The protrusions 17 provided on the side plates 15 are second rails 17 that constitute the guide means 16. The recesses 7 and protrusions 17 allow the main body 3 to move smoothly in the front-rear direction.

[0050] The recess 7 has a right recess 7a (first right rail 7a) that is provided on the upper left side surface of the first housing 5 and is recessed toward the left side, and a left recess 7b (first left rail 7b) that is provided on the upper right side surface of the first housing 5 and is recessed toward the right side.

[0051] The right recess 7a (first right rail 7a) guides the right protrusion 17a (second right rail 17a) of the right side plate 15a. The left recess 7b (first left rail 7b) guides the left protrusion 17b (second left rail 17b) of the left side plate 15b. The right recess 7a and the left recess 7b are arranged at the same height and parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction so as to form a left-right pair.

[0052] In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, of the pair of left and right side plate members 15, the right plate member 15a can move forward together with the forward movement of the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30. When the seat 31 moves forward, the right plate member 15a can move as the right convex portion 17a (second right rail 17a) is guided straight forward along the right concave portion 7a (first right rail 7a).

[0053] Furthermore, when the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 moves rearward, the second right rail 17a of the right side plate 15a is guided rearward along the first right rail 7a and is accommodated in the first housing 5. This allows the right side plate 15a to slide smoothly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0054] 1 to 4, the second connecting member 6 (hereinafter referred to as the second housing 6) is a member disposed on the upper part of the first housing 5. The second housing 6 is a hollow housing that is lightweight enough for the user to move it easily and has a predetermined strength.

[0055] The front surface of the second housing 6 is substantially flush with the front surface of the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the front surface of the backrest 62 of the chair 60. The height of the second housing 6 is substantially the same as the height of the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the height of the backrest 62 of the chair 60.

[0056] The front surface of the second housing 6 serves as a backrest surface that is connected to the backrest 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the backrest 62 of the chair 60. That is, the second housing 6 (vertical portion) has a shape that is substantially the same as the backrest 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the backrest 62 of the chair 60, although the width is different, and serves as a backrest against which the user can lean.

[0057] The second housing 6 is wider than the first housing 5 in a front view. The transition from the first housing 5 to the second housing 6 is a recessed portion 23, which will be described later.

[0058] As in this embodiment, it is preferable that the second housing 6 has a switching function that allows it to function as an armrest when tilted forward and as a backrest when flipped backward.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the combined chair 1 may be used with the second housing 6 flipped backward to serve as a backrest. Also, as shown in Fig. 8, the combined chair 1 may be used with the second housing 6 tilted forward to serve as an armrest.

[0060] That is, it is preferable to provide a hinge portion 8 at the joint between the first housing 5 and the second housing 6 so that the second housing 6 can swing freely in the front-to-rear direction. By providing the hinge portion 8 in this way, if the second housing 6 is tilted to a position where it overlaps with the first housing 5, it becomes a large armrest that can be used by two users.

[0061] Furthermore, if the second housing 6 is flipped up so that it is substantially flush with the front of the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 and the front of the backrest 62 of the chair 60, the second housing 6 becomes the backrest. In this way, when the second housing 6 is flipped up, the combined chair 1 becomes a sofa-like shape that is long from side to side and allows for naps. A small storage compartment may be provided inside the second housing 6 (main body 3). The second housing 6 may also be entirely covered with cushioning material or the like.

[0062] On the left and right sides of the first housing 5 (main body 3), there are provided connecting portions 4 that enable the main body 3 to be connected to a chair-type massage machine 30 and / or a chair 60 of the same shape.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a view from below showing the connected state of the right front connecting portion 9F and the left front connecting portion 10F that make up the connecting portion 4. Fig. 6 is a view from behind showing the connected state of the right rear connecting portion 9R and the left rear connecting portion 10R that make up the connecting portion 4.

[0064] 2 to 6, the connecting part 4 sandwiches the main body 3 between the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side and the chair 60 located on the left side, connecting and assembling them together so that they can be used as a combined chair 1. This combined chair 1 has a modular structure in which the connecting unit 2, chair-type massage machine 30, and chair 60 are assembled together into one unit.

[0065] The connecting part 4 can separate the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side, the chair 60 on the left side, and the main body 3, and separate them into a single component group, allowing the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 to be used independently.

[0066] The connecting portion 4 has a right connecting portion 9 that connects the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side to the main body portion 3, and a left connecting portion 10 that connects the chair 60 located on the left side to the main body portion 3.

[0067] The right connecting part 9 is provided at the lower right side of the first housing 5 (main body 3) and enables connection to the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side. The right connecting part 9 is provided at two locations, one on the front side and one on the rear side, between the main body 3 and the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0068] In other words, the right connecting portion 9 has a right front connecting portion 9F that connects the right front side of the main body portion 3 to the left front side of the chair-type massage machine 30, and a right rear connecting portion 9R that connects the right rear side of the main body portion 3 to the left rear side of the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the right front connecting portion 9F has a right front engagement pin 11F provided on the left front side of the chair-type massage machine 30, and a right front groove portion 12F provided on the right front side of the main body portion 3 and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

[0070] The right front engagement pin 11F fits into the right front groove 12F attached to the main body 3. The right front engagement pin 11F is provided in a position facing the right front groove 12F when the connecting unit 2 is connected. The right front engagement pin 11F is provided on the lower left front side of the fixed frame 39 that constitutes the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0071] More specifically, the right front engagement pin 11F is provided on the front side of the left bottom bar 39a that constitutes the fixed frame 39. The right front engagement pin 11F protrudes outward to the left from the front side of the left wall of the left bottom bar 39a.

[0072] A pin attachment hole 41 is provided on the front side of the left bottom bar 39a (the lower left front side of the fixed frame 39) to which the right front engagement pin 11F can be attached. The right front engagement pin 11F is designed to be attached to the pin attachment hole 41 when the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 and the chair-type massage machine 30 are connected to use as the combined chair 1.

[0073] The right front engagement pin 11F is designed to be removable from the left bottom bar 39a (fixed frame 39) when the chair-type massage machine 30 is used alone.

[0074] The right front groove 12F is a plate-like member having a U-shaped groove that is open at the rear. The right front groove 12F is provided on the front side of the right wall of the main body 3. In this embodiment, the right front groove 12F is secured to the lowermost part of the front side of the right wall of the main body 3 with a screw.

[0075] The right front groove 12F is an engagement groove into which the right front engagement pin 11F attached to the front side of the left bottom bar 39a fits along a U-shape. The right front groove 12F is located in a position facing the right front engagement pin 11F when the connecting units 2 are connected.

[0076] A space is provided behind the portion of the right wall of the main body 3 where the right front groove 12F is attached. This space is large enough for the head of the right front engagement pin 11F to fit into.

[0077] Regarding the right front connecting portion 9F, when connecting the connecting unit 2 and the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side, the main body 3 is moved backward toward the space between the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the left chair 60. At this time, in the right front connecting portion 9F, the rearward movement of the main body 3 causes the right front groove portion 12F to move horizontally backward.

[0078] The right front engagement pin 11F fixed to the left bottom bar 39a (fixed frame 39) fits into the opening of the right front groove 12F moving rearward along the U-shape. The right front connecting part 9F connects the right front side of the main body 3 and the left front side of the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side.

[0079] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the right rear connecting portion 9R has a right rear engagement pin 11R provided on the left rear side of the chair-type massage machine 30, and a right rear groove portion 12R provided on the right rear side of the main body portion 3 and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

[0080] The right rear engagement pin 11R fits into the right rear groove 12R attached to the main body 3. The right rear engagement pin 11R is provided in a position facing the right rear groove 12R when the connecting unit 2 is connected. The right rear engagement pin 11R is provided on the lower left rear side of the fixed frame 39 that constitutes the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0081] More specifically, the right rear engagement pin 11R is provided at the vertical midpoint of the left rear vertical bar 39b (a bar erected from the rear end side of the left bottom bar 39a) that constitutes the fixed frame 39. The right rear engagement pin 11R is provided so as to protrude outward to the left from the left wall of the rear vertical bar 39b.

[0082] A pin mounting rear hole 42 into which the right rear engagement pin 11R can be attached is provided on the front side of the left rear vertical bar 39b (the lower left rear side of the fixed frame 39). The right rear engagement pin 11R is designed to be attached to the pin mounting rear hole 42 when the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 and the chair-type massage machine 30 are connected to use as the combined chair 1.

[0083] The right rear engagement pin 11R is designed to be detachable from the left rear vertical bar 39b (fixed frame 39) when the chair-type massage machine 30 is used alone.

[0084] The right rear groove 12R is a plate-like member having a U-shaped groove that is open at the rear. The right rear groove 12R is provided on the rear side of the right wall of the main body 3. In this embodiment, the right rear groove 12R is secured to the main body 3 by a screw below the center of the rear side of the right wall.

[0085] The right rear groove 12R is an engagement groove into which the right rear engagement pin 11R attached to the left rear vertical bar 39b fits along a U-shape. The right rear groove 12R is provided in a position facing the right rear engagement pin 11R when the connecting unit 2 is connected.

[0086] A space is provided behind the portion of the right wall of the main body 3 where the right rear groove portion 12R is attached. This space is large enough for the head of the right rear engagement pin 11R to fit into.

[0087] Regarding the right rear coupling portion 9R, when connecting the coupling unit 2 to the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side, the main body 3 is moved rearward toward the space between the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side. At this time, in the right rear coupling portion 9R, the rearward movement of the main body 3 causes the right rear groove portion 12R to move horizontally rearward. The entrance of the right rear groove portion 12R is flared toward the end to make it easier for the right rear engagement pin 11R to enter. The entrance of the right front groove portion 12F is also flared toward the end (triangular).

[0088] The right rear engagement pin 11R fixed to the left rear vertical bar 39b (fixed frame 39) fits into the opening of the right rear groove 12R moving rearward along the U-shape. The right rear side of the main body 3 and the left rear side of the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side are connected by the right rear connecting part 9R.

[0089] Next, we will explain the left connecting part 10 that connects the chair 60 located on the left side to the main body part 3. This left connecting part 10 has the same configuration as the right connecting part 9 (a mirror image configuration), so we will only explain the main points.

[0090] The left connecting part 10 is provided at the bottom of the left side of the first housing 5 (main body 3) and enables connection to a chair 60 placed on the left side. The left connecting part 10 is provided in two places, one on the front side and one on the rear side, between the main body 3 and the chair 60.

[0091] In other words, the left connecting portion 10 has a left front connecting portion 10F that connects the left front side of the main body portion 3 to the right front side of the chair 60, and a left rear connecting portion 10R that connects the left rear side of the main body portion 3 to the right rear side of the chair 60.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5, the left front connecting portion 10F has a left front engagement pin 13F provided on the right front side of the chair 60, and a left front groove portion 14F provided on the left front side of the main body portion 3 and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

[0093] The left front engagement pin 13F fits into the left front groove 14F attached to the main body 3. The left front engagement pin 13F is provided so as to protrude from the right front side of the chair 60 toward the right outside. The left front engagement pin 13F is provided in a position that faces the left front groove 14F when the connecting units 2 are connected.

[0094] A pin attachment hole 64 into which the left front engagement pin 13F can be attached is provided on the right front side of the chair 60. The left front engagement pin 13F is set to be attached to the pin attachment hole 64 when the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 and the chair 60 are connected to be used as a combined chair 1.

[0095] The left front groove 14F is a plate-like member having a U-shaped groove that is open at the rear. The left front groove 12R is screwed to the lowermost part of the front side of the left wall of the main body 3. The left front groove 14F is an engagement groove into which the left front engagement pin 13F attached to the front side of the chair 60 fits along the U-shape.

[0096] Regarding the left front connecting portion 10F, when connecting the connecting unit 2 to the left chair 60, the main body 3 is moved backward toward the space between the left chair 60 and the right chair-type massage machine 30. At this time, in the left front connecting portion 10F, the rearward movement of the main body 3 causes the left front groove portion 14F to move horizontally backward.

[0097] The left front engagement pin 13F fixed to the right front side of the chair 60 fits along the U-shape from the opening of the left front groove 14F moving rearward. The left front connecting part 10F connects the right front side of the left chair 60 and the left front side of the main body 3.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, the left rear connecting portion 10R has a left rear engagement pin 13R provided on the right rear side of the chair 60, and a left rear groove portion 14R provided on the left rear side of the main body portion 3 and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

[0099] The left rear engagement pin 13R fits into the left rear groove 14R attached to the main body 3. The left rear engagement pin 13R is provided so as to protrude outward to the right from the right rear side of the chair 60. The left rear engagement pin 13R is provided in a position that faces the left rear groove 14R when the connecting units 2 are connected.

[0100] A pin mounting hole 65 into which the left rear engagement pin 13R can be attached is provided on the right rear side of the chair 60. The left rear engagement pin 13R is set to be attached to the pin mounting hole 65 when the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 and the chair 60 are connected to be used as a combined chair 1.

[0101] The left rear groove 14R is a plate-like member with a U-shaped groove that is open at the rear. The left rear groove 14R is screwed below the center of the rear side of the left wall of the main body 3. The left rear groove 14R is an engagement groove into which the left rear engagement pin 13R attached to the rear side of the chair 60 fits along the U-shape. The entrance of the left rear groove 14R also flares out to make it easier for the left rear engagement pin 13R to fit in. The entrance of the left front groove 14F is also flared (triangular) in a similar manner.

[0102] Regarding the left rear connecting part 10R, when connecting the connecting unit 2 to the left chair 60, the main body 3 is moved rearward toward the space between the left chair 60 and the right chair-type massage machine 30. At this time, in the left rear connecting part 10R, the rearward movement of the main body 3 causes the left rear groove part 14R to move horizontally rearward.

[0103] The left rear engagement pin 13R fixed to the right rear side of the chair 60 fits along the U-shape from the opening of the left rear groove 14R moving rearward. The left rear connecting part 10R connects the right rear side of the left chair 60 and the left rear side of the main body 3.

[0104] As explained in detail above, the connecting unit 2 has the main body 3 sandwiched between the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side, and connects the main body 3 to the chair-type massage machine 30 located on the right side via the right connecting part 9 (right front connecting part 9F and right rear connecting part 9R), and connects the main body 3 to the chair 60 located on the left side via the left connecting part 10 (left front connecting part 10F and left rear connecting part 10R).

[0105] After connecting the main body 3 to the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 by the connecting parts 4 (right connecting part 9 and left connecting part 10), the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 is fixed to the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 by screws, respectively. This allows the combined chair 1 to be used.

[0106] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an outline of the position and method for attaching the side plate 15 (right side plate 15a).

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the connecting unit 2 has side panels 15 that are attached in place of armrests provided on the chair-type massage machine 30 or the chair 60.

[0108] The side plate members 15 are provided in a pair on the left and right. The side plate members 15 include a right plate member 15a that is attached in place of the armrest portion on the connecting unit 2 side of the pair of armrest portions 33 provided on the chair-type massage machine 30, and a left plate member 15b that is attached in place of the armrest portion on the connecting unit 2 side of the pair of armrest portions 63 provided on the chair 60.

[0109] The right side plate member 15a is attached to the left side of the chair-type massage machine 30. The right side plate member 15a is also disposed on the right side of the first housing 5. In other words, when the main body 3 and the chair-type massage machine 30 are connected, the right side plate member 15a is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first housing 5 and the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0110] As shown in Figure 7, the right side plate member 15a is attached to the left side surface (front / rear bar member 40a) of the movable frame 40, replacing the armrest portion (not shown) located on the left side of the left and right armrest portions 33 of the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0111] Specifically, the front hole 20 provided in the right side plate 15a is aligned with the front mounting hole 43 of the moving frame 40 and screwed in. Similarly, the rear hole 21 provided in the right side plate 15a is aligned with the rear mounting hole 44 of the moving frame 40 and screwed in.

[0112] In this way, the right side plate member 15a is supported and attached to the front and rear ends of the left front and rear bar member 40a that constitutes the moving frame 40. The right side plate member 15a is also disposed on the front side of the rear case body 45 that constitutes the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0113] In addition, the upper edge of the right side plate member 15a in this embodiment is at the same height as the upper surface of the seat portion 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 or is positioned lower than the upper surface of the seat portion 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30. In other words, the right side plate member 15a is positioned so as not to exceed the upper surface of the seat portion 31.

[0114] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the right side plate member 15a is substantially flush with the upper surface of the seat portion 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30. In other words, the height of the right side plate member 15a from the floor surface F is the same as the height of the seat portion 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 from the floor surface F.

[0115] As a result, the connecting unit 2, the chair-type massage machine 30, and the chair 60 have a flat seat surface when assembled into the combined chair 1. The front wall surface of the right side plate member 15a is flush with the front wall surface (the bottom surface of the footrest portion 34) of the chair-type massage machine 30 when the footrest portion 34 is stored.

[0116] In this embodiment, the right side plate member 15a is slidable in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the front-rear movement of the movable frame 40 (the seat portion 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30). The amount of forward sliding of the right side plate member 15a is the same as the amount of forward sliding of the armrest portion 33 of the chair-type massage machine 30.

[0117] The left side plate member 15b has the same configuration as the right side plate member 15a (a mirror image of the configuration), so only the main points will be explained.

[0118] 3, the left side plate 15b is attached to the right side of the chair 60. The left side plate 15b is also disposed on the left side of the first housing 5. In other words, the left side plate 15b is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first housing 5 and the chair 60 when the main body 3 and the chair 60 are connected.

[0119] The left side plate 15b replaces the armrest (not shown) provided on the right side of the chair 60, of the left and right armrests 63 of the chair 60. The left side plate 15b is fixed to the chair 60 via a mounting fixture 22 and does not slide in the front-to-rear direction.

[0120] In addition, the upper edge of the left side plate member 15b in this embodiment is at the same height as the upper surface of the seat portion 63 of the chair 60 or is positioned lower than the upper surface of the seat portion 63 of the chair 60. In other words, the left side plate member 15b is positioned so as not to exceed the upper surface of the seat portion 63.

[0121] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the connecting unit 2 is provided with a notched guide means 16 for smoothly guiding the main body 3 in the front-rear direction.

[0122] The guide means 16 is also capable of guiding the right side plate material 15a (side plate material 15) in the front-to-rear direction when the backrest portion 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 is reclined backward and the seat portion 31 moves forward with the reclining action.

[0123] The guide means 16 has a first rail 7 provided on the main body 3 (first housing 5 ) and a second rail 17 provided on the side plate material 15 and guided along the first rail 7 .

[0124] The first rail 7 is provided at a position slightly lower than the top surface of the first housing 5. The first rail 7 is a stepped portion 7 (recess 7) recessed inward, and is provided at the top of each of the left and right side surfaces of the first housing 5. The first rail 7 has a recessed shape.

[0125] The first rails 7 are steps that are long in the front-to-rear direction and guide the side plate materials 15 to slide freely. The first housing 5 has a tapered shape that is narrower at the bottom than at the top when viewed from the front, due to the pair of first rails 7 (recesses 7) provided on the left and right.

[0126] The first rail 7 (recess 7) fits (matches) with the second rail 17 (protrusion 17) of the side plate 15 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The first rail 7 is guided in the front-rear direction along the second rail 17 of the side plate 15, allowing the main body 3 to move smoothly in the front-rear direction.

[0127] The first rail 7 in this embodiment has a first right rail 7a that is provided on the upper right side of the first housing 5 and is long in the front-to-back direction, and a first left rail 7b that is provided on the upper left side of the first housing 5 and is long in the front-to-back direction.

[0128] The first right rail 7a (right recess 7a) is a step recessed toward the left on the right side surface of the first housing 5 in a front view. The first left rail 7b (left recess 7b) is a step recessed toward the right on the left side surface of the first housing 5 in a front view.

[0129] In this embodiment, the first right rail 7a and the first left rail 7b are arranged at the same height and parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction so as to form a left-right pair. However, the first right rail 7a and the first left rail 7b may be at different heights (e.g., at different levels).

[0130] When the main body 3 is moved, the first right rail 7a is guided by the second right rail 17a provided on the right plate 15a. When the main body 3 is moved, the first left rail 7b is guided by the second left rail 17b provided on the left plate 15b.

[0131] The second rail 17 is provided at a position slightly lower than the upper edge of the side plate material 15. The second rail 17 is a stepped portion 17 (convex portion 17) that protrudes outward, and is provided at the upper part of the side plate material 15. The second rail 17 has a protruding shape.

[0132] The second rail 17 is a step that is long in the front-rear direction and allows the main body 3 to move freely in the front-rear direction.

[0133] The second rail 17 (protrusion 17) is adapted to fit (match) freely in the front-rear direction with the first rail 7 (recess 7) provided on the first housing 5. The second rail 17 guides the first rail 7 of the first housing 5 in the front-rear direction, allowing the main body 3 to move smoothly in the front-rear direction.

[0134] The second rail 17 in this embodiment has a second right rail 17a that is provided on the upper left side of the right plate material 15a and is long in the front-to-back direction, and a second left rail 17b (left convex portion 17b) that is provided on the upper right side of the left plate material 15b and is long in the front-to-back direction.

[0135] The second right rail 17a (right protrusion 17a) is a step that protrudes leftward (outward left) from the left side surface of the right plate material 15a in a front view. The second left rail 17b (left protrusion 17b) is a step that protrudes rightward (outward right) from the right side surface of the left plate material 15b in a front view.

[0136] In this embodiment, the second right rail 17a and the second left rail 17b are arranged at the same height and parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction so as to form a left-right pair. Note that if the first right rail 7a and the first left rail 7b are at different heights, the second right rail 17a and the second left rail 17b should be arranged at the same height as the first right rail 7a and the first left rail 7b.

[0137] When the main body 3 is moved, the first right rail 7a of the main body 3 is guided in the front-to-rear direction by the second right rail 17a of the right plate member 15a (the chair-type massage machine 30 side), and at the same time, the first left rail 7b of the main body 3 is guided in the front-to-rear direction by the first left rail 7b of the left plate member 15b (the chair 60 side). This allows the main body 3 to move smoothly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0138] In this embodiment, of the pair of left and right side plate members 15, the right plate member 15a is movable together with the forward movement of the seat portion 31 (movable frame 40) of the chair-type massage machine 30. When the movable frame 40 moves forward, the second right rail 17a of the right plate member 15a is guided straight forward along the first right rail 7a, and the right plate member 15a becomes movable.

[0139] Furthermore, when the seat 31 of the chair-type massage machine 30 moves rearward, the second right rail 17a of the right side plate member 15a is guided rearward along the first right rail 7a and is accommodated in the first housing 5. This allows the right side plate member 15a to slide smoothly in the front-to-rear direction.

[0140] A cutout 18 is provided in the lower part of the right side plate member 15a. The cutout 18 is provided to avoid the front right front engagement pin 11F and the right rear engagement pin 11R that constitute the right connecting part 9 when the right side plate member 15a slides in the front-rear direction. The cutout 18 is formed from the midpoint in the front-rear direction toward the rear. The cutout 18 allows the right side plate member 15a to move smoothly in the front-rear direction.

[0141] 2 to 4, a recess 23 is provided at the rear of the side surface forming the main body 3, cut inward of the main body 3. In the main body 3 of this embodiment, the second housing 6 is wider than the first housing 5 in a front view. The recess 23 is located at the transition point from the first housing 5 to the second housing 6.

[0142] The recessed portion 23 is a step that is long in the front-to-rear direction and guides the rear projection of the chair-type massage machine 30 or the chair 60 to slide freely. The pair of recessed portions 23 provided on the left and right give the main body 3 a tapered shape that is narrower at the bottom than at the top when viewed from the front.

[0143] The recess 23 is fitted with the rear protrusion that remains after the armrest 34 is removed. In the case of the chair-type massage machine 30, the rear protrusion is the rear case body 45. In the case of the chair 60, the rear protrusion is the rear case body 66.

[0144] The right recess 23a is a step recessed toward the left on the right side surface of the main body 3 in a front view. The left recess 23b is a step recessed toward the right on the left side surface of the main body 3 in a front view. In this embodiment, the right recess 23a and the left recess 23b are arranged at the same height and parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction so as to form a left-right pair.

[0145] The rear case body 45 (rear protrusion) of the chair-type massage machine 30 is fitted into the right recessed portion 23a, and the rear case body 66 (rear protrusion) of the chair 60 is fitted into the left recessed portion 23b.

[0146] The rear case body 45 (rear projection) is guided into and fitted into the right recess 23a, thereby positioning the connecting unit 2, and the connecting unit 2 and the chair-type massage machine 30 can be connected simply and with a good appearance.

[0147] Similarly, the rear case body 66 (rear protrusion) is guided into and fits into the left recess 23b, thereby positioning the connecting unit 2 and allowing the connecting unit 2 and chair 60 to be connected simply and with a good appearance.

[0148] Next, a method for attaching the connecting unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0149] 3 and 4, remove the left armrest (not shown) of the left and right armrests 33 provided on the chair-type massage machine 30. Remove the cover (not shown) that covers the pin mounting hole 42 for the right rear engagement pin 11R, which is attached to the left side of the chair-type massage machine 30 (rear case body 45).

[0150] As shown in Figure 7, the right side plate 15a constituting the connecting unit 2 is attached to the left side of the moving frame 40 of the chair-type massage machine 30. More specifically, the front hole 20 provided on the right side plate 15a is aligned with the front mounting holes 43 provided on the front and rear rods 40a of the moving frame 40 and screwed in place.

[0151] Similarly, the rear hole 21 formed in the right side plate 15a is aligned with the rear mounting hole 44 formed in the front and rear bars 40a of the moving frame 40 and screwed in. In this way, the right side plate 15a is fixed to the moving frame 40.

[0152] 4 and 5, the right front engagement pin 11F is attached to a front pin attachment hole 41 provided in the bottom bar 39a of the fixed frame 39. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the right rear engagement pin 11R is attached to a rear pin attachment hole 42 provided in the rear vertical bar 39b of the fixed frame 39.

[0153] As shown in Figure 3, of the left and right armrests 63 provided on the chair 60, the right armrest (not shown) is removed. The attachment tool 22 to which the left plate member 15b can be attached is attached to the right side of the chair 60. The left plate member 15b that constitutes the connecting unit 2 is fixed to the right side of the chair 60 via the attachment tool 22 with screws.

[0154] As shown in Figure 5, the left front engagement pin 13F is attached to a front pin attachment hole 64 provided on the front right side of the chair 60. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the left rear engagement pin 13R is attached to a rear pin attachment hole 65 provided on the rear right side of the chair 60.

[0155] 2, for example, the chair-type massage machine 30 is placed on the right side, and the chair 60 is placed on the left side, leaving a space for the main body 3 constituting the connecting unit 2 to be sandwiched therebetween. The main body 3 is moved backward toward the space provided between the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side.

[0156] 5, the right front groove 12F moves horizontally rearward as the main body 3 moves rearward. As a result, the right front engagement pin 11F attached to the fixed frame 39 fits into the opening of the right front groove 12F moving rearward along the U-shape.

[0157] At the same time, the left front groove 14F moves horizontally backward due to the rearward movement of the main body 3. Then, the left front engagement pin 13F attached to the chair 60 fits into the opening of the rearward moving left front groove 14F along the U-shape.

[0158] 6, the right rear groove 12R moves horizontally rearward as the main body 3 moves rearward. As a result, the right rear engagement pin 11R attached to the fixed frame 39 fits into the opening of the right rear groove 12R moving rearward along the U-shape.

[0159] At the same time, the left rear groove 14R moves horizontally backward due to the rearward movement of the main body 3. Then, the left rear engagement pin 13R attached to the chair 60 fits into the opening of the rearward moving left rear groove 14R along the U-shape.

[0160] In addition, the position of the connecting unit 2 is determined by the rear case body 45 (rear protrusion) being guided and fitted into the right recess 23a, and the rear case body 66 (rear protrusion) being guided and fitted into the left recess 23b.

[0161] In this way, the right connecting part 9 connects the right side of the main body part 3 to the left side of the chair-type massage machine 30, and the left connecting part 10 connects the left side of the main body part 3 to the right side of the chair 60.

[0162] The main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 is inserted between the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60, and the main body 3 and the chair-type massage machine 30 are connected by the right connecting part 9 (connecting part 4), and the main body 3 and the chair 60 are connected by the left connecting part 10 (connecting part 4), and then the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the main body 3, and the main body 3 and the chair 60 on the left side are fixed by screws, respectively.

[0163] The connecting unit 2 constituting the combined chair 1 of this embodiment can be easily fitted into the space between the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 when connecting the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60. After the connecting unit 2 is connected, it is configured so that it will not easily come off the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60.

[0164] As a result, the main body 3 of the connecting unit 2 is sandwiched between the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side, and the right connecting part 9 connects the main body 3 to the chair-type massage machine 30, and the left connecting part 10 connects the main body 3 to the chair 60.

[0165] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the composite chair 1 in a state where the second housing 6 of the main body 3 constituting the connecting unit 2 is tilted forward to serve as an armrest.

[0166] 8, in the combined chair 1 of this embodiment, the second housing 6 can be tilted forward about the hinge portion 8 to form an armrest on which the elbow can be placed. The main body 3 is provided with the hinge portion 8 (movable portion 8) at the portion where the first housing 5 and the second housing 6 are joined so that the second housing 6 can swing freely in the front-to-rear direction.

[0167] That is, the main body 3 may have a switching function that allows it to become an armrest when the second housing 6 is tilted forward around the hinge portion 8, and to become a backrest when it is flipped backward. In this way, if the second housing 6 is tilted forward to a position where it overlaps with the first housing 5, it becomes a large armrest that can be used by two users sitting on the combined chair 1.

[0168] Preferably, a cup holder 19 is provided on the back of the second housing 6, and can be used when the second housing 6 is tilted forward. The user can place a cup containing a drink in the cup holder 19 and use the composite chair 1 in a relaxed state.

[0169] FIG. 9 shows the combined chair 1 in a state where the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 is reclined, the right side plate member 15a moves forward together with the seat 31, and the footrest 34 is extended forward.

[0170] 9, the combined chair 1 of this embodiment can tilt the backrest 32 of the chair-type massage machine 30 backward and move the seat 31 forward to place the footrest 34 forward. At this time, the right side panel 15a (side panel 15) moves forward together with the seat 31.

[0171] At this time, the second housing 6 may be tilted forward and used as an armrest. The user can receive a massage from the chair-type massage machine 30 while sitting in the combined chair 1 and relaxing.

[0172] According to the composite chair 1 of the present disclosure, a certain space is provided between the left and right chair-type massage machines 30 and the chair 60, and the connecting unit 2 of the same chair shape as described above is inserted into that space, allowing the left and right chair-type massage machines 30 and the chair 60 to be easily connected, and the chair can be used like a long sofa that can also be used for massage.

[0173] [Variations] As described in this embodiment, for example, it is also possible to prepare one chair-type massage machine 30 and one chair 60 of the same shape as the chair-type massage machine 30, and connect the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 by sandwiching the connecting unit 2 between them.

[0174] Alternatively, for example, two chair-type massage machines 30 may be prepared and connected by sandwiching the connecting unit 2 between them.

[0175] It is also possible to use two connecting units 2. For example, three chair-type massage machines 30 can be prepared and connected with a connecting unit 2 sandwiched between each of the chair-type massage machines 30 to form a composite chair 1 like a longer sofa.

[0176] Also, two chair-type massage machines 30 and one chair 60 of the same shape as the chair-type massage machines 30 can be prepared, the chair 60 can be placed between the two chair-type massage machines 30, and they can be connected with a connecting unit 2 to form a compound chair 1 like a longer sofa.

[0177] In this way, by using the connecting unit 2 described above in detail, it is possible to connect at least two or more chair-type massage machines 30 and chairs 60 in the left-right direction, thereby realizing a composite chair 1 of the desired size (length) (a sofa-shaped chair 1 that is long in the left-right direction).

[0178] The right rear connecting portion 9R and the left rear connecting portion 10R may have the following shapes: However, the right front connecting portion 9F and the left front connecting portion 10F should have the same configuration as described above (the left and right front groove portions 12F, 14F are U-shaped).

[0179] The right rear connecting portion 9R may have, for example, a right rear groove portion 12R that is provided on the right rear side of the main body portion 3 and has a "V" shape with an open rear side, and a right rear engagement pin 11R that is provided on the left rear side of the chair-type massage machine 30 and fits into the "V" shaped right rear groove portion 12R.

[0180] In addition, the left rear connecting portion 10R may be configured to be symmetrical with the right rear connecting portion 9R, and may have a left rear groove portion 14R that is provided on the left rear side of the main body 3 and is shaped like the letter "V" with an open rear side, and a left rear engagement pin 13R that is provided on the right rear side of the chair 60 and fits into the left rear groove portion 14R that is shaped like the letter "V".

[0181] When the above-described example of the connecting unit 2 is used to connect the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side to the chair 60 on the left side, if the main body 3 is moved backward, the right front groove portion 12F and the left front groove portion 14F also move backward.

[0182] The right front engagement pin 11F fits horizontally along the U-shaped portion of the moving right front groove 12F. At the same time, the left front engagement pin 13F fits horizontally along the U-shaped portion of the moving left front groove 14F.

[0183] The right rear groove 12R and the left rear groove 14R also move rearward. The right rear engagement pin 11R moves upward along the V-shaped groove of the moving right rear groove 12R, then moves downward to fit in. At the same time, the left rear engagement pin 13R moves upward along the V-shaped groove of the moving left rear groove 14R, then moves downward to fit in.

[0184] That is, in the connecting unit 2 of this example, at the right rear connecting portion 9R, the right rear engagement pin 11R rides up along the "V"-shaped right rear groove portion 12R, and at the left rear connecting portion 10R, the left rear engagement pin 13R rides up and enters along the "V"-shaped left rear groove portion 14R.

[0185] Then, before the chair-type massage machine 30 on the right side and the chair 60 on the left side are connected, the rear of the main body 3 moves slightly upward, and after climbing up, the right rear engagement pin 11R descends and fits into the right rear groove 12R. At the same time, the left rear engagement pin 13R descends and fits into the left rear groove 14R. This allows the connection unit 2 to be configured so that the left and right rear connection parts 9R, 10R are locked.

[0186] Finally, the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 that constitute the combined chair 1 of this embodiment will be briefly described. The chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60 are not limited to those exemplified in this embodiment, and design changes are possible as appropriate. The connecting unit 2 is also made to fit the chair-type massage machine 30 and the chair 60.

[0187] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the chair-type massage machine 30 has a seat 31 on which a user can sit, a backrest 32 that incorporates a massage mechanism (not shown) that performs a massage action on the user's back, and armrests 33 arranged on the left and right sides of the seat 31.

[0188] The chair-type massage machine 30 of this embodiment is also provided with a footrest 34. The footrest 34 incorporates a foot massage mechanism that massages the user's lower legs. The footrest 34 can be moved forward and backward.

[0189] The backrest 32 can be reclined and raised by a reclining mechanism 35. The seat 31 can be moved forward and backward by a sliding mechanism 36 in conjunction with the reclining movement of the backrest 32.

[0190] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the chair-type massage machine 30 of this embodiment has a reclining mechanism 35 that raises the backrest portion 32 and reclines the raised backrest portion 32, a sliding mechanism 36 that slides the seat portion 31 (moving frame 40) in the forward and backward directions, and an interlocking mechanism 37 that interlocks the reclining mechanism 35 and the sliding mechanism 36.

[0191] The seat 31 and the backrest 32 are supported by legs 38. The legs 38 have a fixed frame 39 that is installed on the floor F, and a movable frame 40 on which the seat 31 and the backrest 32 are mounted and which is movable in the front-to-rear direction relative to the fixed frame 39.

[0192] In addition, the chair-type massage machine 30 of this embodiment is configured so that the backrest frame of the backrest portion 32 is mounted on a movable frame 40, and the reclining mechanism 35 and the sliding mechanism 36 are linked by a linkage mechanism 37.

[0193] Before the chair-type massage machine 30 is reclined, the backrest 32 is approximately flush with the upper edge of the second housing 6 in the upright position (see FIG. 1). When the backrest 32 is reclined, the interlocking mechanism 37 diverts the driving force of the reclining mechanism 35 to the sliding mechanism 36, causing the moving frame 40 to slide forward, and as the moving frame 40 slides, the backrest frame (backrest 32) moves forward while reclining.

[0194] In other words, when the chair-type massage machine 30 is reclined, the backrest portion 32 rises above the upper edge of the second housing 6 (connection unit 2) in the upright state, and as the seat portion 31 slides forward, the backrest portion 32 tilts backward.

[0195] In this way, when the backrest 32 is reclined, the backrest 32 moves forward in conjunction with the forward sliding movement of the seat 31 by the interlocking mechanism 37, and as a result of this interlocking movement, the backrest 32 descends without coming into contact with the wall of the room.

[0196] For example, when installing the chair-type massage machine 30, even if the distance between the wall of the room and the back of the backrest 32 is only a few centimeters, the backrest 32 can be smoothly reclined. Also, the seat 31, armrest 33, and right side panel 15a can be slid forward and backward.

[0197] In other words, the chair-type massage machine 30 smoothly links the reclining movement of the backrest 32 by the reclining mechanism 35 with the sliding movement of the seat 31 in the forward and backward directions by the sliding mechanism 36 via the interlocking mechanism 37, so that when the machine is installed close to a wall in a room, the backrest 32 can be smoothly reclined even if the distance between the wall of the room and the back of the backrest 32 is small.

[0198] In this embodiment, the moving frame 40 is configured to move diagonally upward and forward. Therefore, when the backrest 32 is tilted backward during reclining, the seat 31 moves slightly upward as it moves forward. The user does not feel gravity during the reclining motion, and is able to relax.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chair-type massage machine 30 also functions as an ottoman. That is, the footrest portion 34 in this embodiment is rotatable about an axis in the left-right direction. When the footrest portion 34 is rotated so that the bottom surface faces up, it becomes an ottoman on which the legs of a user seated on the chair-type massage machine 30 can be placed. This allows the user to further relax.

[0200] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the chair 60 has approximately the same shape as the chair-type massage machine 30, and has a seat 61, a backrest 62, and armrests 63 arranged on the left and right sides of the seat 61.

[0201] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. In particular, matters not explicitly stated in the embodiments disclosed herein, such as operating conditions or control conditions, dimensions and weights of components, etc., are within the scope of ordinary skill in the art and are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art. Although not shown, for example, the length of the massaging arms provided in the massage mechanism built into the chair-type massage machine 30, the inclination angle of the massaging arms relative to the rotation drive shaft, and the distance between the left and right massaging arms can be appropriately changed in consideration of the treatment range.

[0202] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Composite chair 2 Connecting unit 3 Main body 4 Connecting portion 5 First connecting member (first housing) 6 Second connecting member (second housing) 7a First right rail 7b First left rail 9F Right front connecting portion 9R Right rear connecting portion 10F Left front connecting portion 10R Left rear connecting portion 11F Right front engaging pin 11R Right rear engaging pin 12F Right front groove portion 12R Right rear groove portion 13F Left front engaging pin 13R Left rear engaging pin 14F Left front groove portion 14R Left rear groove portion 15a Right side plate material 15b Left side plate material 17a Second right rail 17b Second left rail 30 Chair-type massage machine 31 Seat portion 32 Backrest portion 33 Armrest portion 39 Fixed frame 39a Bottom bar material 39b Rear vertical bar 40: Moving frame 40a: Front and rear bars 60: Chair 61: Seat 62: Backrest 63: Armrest F: Floor surface

Claims

1. A composite chair comprising a chair positioned on the left side, a chair positioned on the right side, and a connecting unit that connects the left and right chairs, wherein the connecting unit has substantially the same shape as the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side in a side projection view, and wherein the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side are assembled together by the connecting unit, forming a modular structure.

2. The composite chair according to claim 1, wherein the connecting unit has a main body that is placed between the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side, and a connecting part that connects the chair positioned on the left side and the chair positioned on the right side to the main body.

3. A composite chair as described in claim 2, wherein the connecting portion comprises a left connecting portion that connects the chair located on the left side to the main body portion, and a right connecting portion that connects the chair located on the right side to the main body portion.

4. A composite chair as described in claim 2, wherein the connecting portion has an engagement pin provided on the side of the chair so as to protrude outward, and a groove portion provided on the main body portion at a position facing the engagement pin and formed in a U-shape with an open rear side.

5. A composite chair according to claim 2, wherein the main body is a housing that is lightweight relative to the weight of the chair and strong enough for a user to sit on.

6. A composite chair as claimed in claim 2 or 5, wherein the main body has substantially the same shape as the chair located on the left side and the chair located on the right side in a side projection view, is shaped like a chair on which the user can sit, and has a first connecting member shaped to connect with the seats of the left and right chairs, and a second connecting member provided on the upper side of the first connecting member and shaped to connect with the backrests of the left and right chairs, and the second connecting member has a switching function that allows it to become an armrest when tilted forward and a backrest when flipped backward.

7. A composite chair as described in claim 2, wherein the chair has a reclining backrest, a seat that can move forward and backward with the reclining action, and armrests arranged on the left and right sides of the seat, and the connecting unit has side panels that are attached in place of the armrests of the chair on the side facing the connecting unit.

8. A composite chair as claimed in claim 7, wherein a recess cut inward from the main body is provided at the rear of the side surface forming the main body, and the rear protrusion remaining after the armrest is removed fits into the recess.

9. A composite chair as described in claim 7, wherein the connecting unit is provided with a notched guide means for guiding the main body in the forward and backward directions, the guide means comprising a first rail provided on the main body and a second rail provided on the side panel material and guided along the first rail.

10. The composite chair according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the left and right chairs is a chair-type massage machine.

11. The composite chair according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the left and right chairs is a chair-type massage machine, the chair-type massage machine having a reclining backrest, a seat that can move forward and backward as the chair is reclined, and armrests arranged on the left and right sides of the seat; the connecting unit is provided with a second connecting member that is shaped to be connected to the backrest of the chair-type massage machine, and the second connecting member has a switching function that turns it into an armrest when tilted forward and into a backrest when flipped up backward; and when the chair-type massage machine is reclined, the backrest rises above the upper edge of the second connecting member in an upright position, and the seat slides forward and the backrest simultaneously tilts backward.

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