JP2017136172A - Chair - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure an adjustment width of a reactive force without increasing the number of unit energization means in a chair that can selectively impart a reactive force to a load support member displaceable to a support structure from a plurality of unit energization means.SOLUTION: A chair includes: energization means 20 which imparts to a backrest an energization force for restoring an initial position before displacement; and energization force adjustment means 40 adjusting strength of the energization force of the energization means 20. The energization means 20 can be divided into a plurality of unit energization means 21a, 21b, 21c generating unit energization force. The energization force adjustment means 40 can switch the respective plurality of unit energization means 21a, 21b, 21c to an operation state and to a non-operation state that cannot generate the unit energization force so that at least one of the plurality of unit energization means 21a, 21b, 21c can generate the unit energization force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a chair.

  Conventionally, a support structure (chair body) and a load support member (backrest) that is pivotally supported by the support structure about a horizontal axis and tilted about the axis by a load input from a seated person's body. ), And a biasing means for biasing the load support member in a return direction to an initial position at a tilting position about the pivot, and a biasing force adjusting means for adjusting a biasing force stored in the biasing means For example, those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 below are well known.

  In these chairs, as an urging means for the load support member, the outer cylinder through which the pivot shaft is inserted and the inner circumferential space of the outer cylinder are filled and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the outer circumferential surface of the pivot shaft. A torsion rubber unit, and a rubber torsion unit. Since the outer cylinder is not rotatable relative to the support structure, the torsion rubber is twisted when the pivot is rotated integrally with the backrest, and the outer cylinder is pivoted between the outer cylinder and the pivot. The return force to the initial position is accumulated. This restoring force is transmitted as a reaction force to the back of the seated person who tilts the backrest, and the seated person can safely tilt the backrest, and senses a moderate reaction force as a good seating feeling. be able to.

  By the way, since the size and muscular strength of the user sitting on the chair are various, it is desirable that the reaction force is appropriately adjusted. In the chairs disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in the rubber torsion unit, a plurality of unit urging means are constituted by a plurality of outer cylinders and a plurality of torsion rubbers respectively corresponding thereto, The size of the reaction force to be generated can be adjusted by appropriately selecting unit urging means that cannot be rotated relative to the support structure after having different axial sizes or the like. Yes.

Japanese Patent No. 4133072 European Patent No. 2347676

  Here, since the backrest is a member that supports the load of the seated person, a predetermined return force needs to be applied even in the initial state before tilting. In the chairs disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, by returning one of the plurality of unit urging means to the support structure at all times so as not to rotate, the restoring force in the initial state against the backrest is obtained. Has been granted. With such a configuration, the seated person can safely tilt the backrest, but on the other hand, the range of reaction force adjustment is reduced. That is, since the reaction force adjustment is performed by switching the operation state of the remaining unit urging means except for the always-actuated unit urging means, the combination pattern of the reaction force is reduced with respect to the number of unit urging means. On the other hand, although it is conceivable to increase the number of unit urging means, the reaction force generating unit is increased in size, which is difficult to employ.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a chair capable of selectively applying a reaction force from a plurality of unit urging means to a load support member displaceable with respect to the support structure, the unit urging The object is to ensure a wide range of reaction force adjustment without increasing the number of means.

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a support structure, a load support member that is supported by the support structure and is displaced with respect to the support structure by a load input from a seated person, and the load support member Urging means for applying an urging force for returning to the initial position before the displacement, and an urging force adjusting means for adjusting the magnitude of the urging force of the urging means, wherein the urging means is a unit urging force. Divided into a plurality of unit urging means, and the urging force adjusting means is configured such that at least one of the plurality of unit urging means is in an operating state in which the unit urging force can be generated. Provided is a chair in which each of the unit urging means can be switched between the operating state and a non-operating state in which the unit urging force cannot be generated.
According to this configuration, the urging force adjusting means can switch all of the plurality of unit urging means between the operating state in which the urging force can be generated and the non-operating state in which the urging force cannot be generated. There is no unit urging means that is always operating. Therefore, especially when multiple unit urging means with different urging forces are installed, it is possible to select a combination pattern of urging forces according to the number of unit urging means and expand the reaction force adjustment range. can do.

In the present invention, the urging force adjusting means includes an operation member capable of adjusting the magnitude of the urging force, and the operation member includes a plurality of units that make at least one of the plurality of unit urging means in the operating state. At least one of the plurality of unit urging means is maintained in the operating state when it can be operated to the urging force generation position of the step and is at an intermediate position between a pair of adjacent urging force generation positions. It is good also as a structure.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the reaction force from becoming zero when the operation member of the reaction force adjusting means reaches the intermediate position between the reaction force generation positions adjacent to each other in stages. . The “intermediate position” is not limited to the center between the pair of biasing force generation positions, and indicates a range having a width including the center.

In the present invention, the load support member is pivotally supported by the support structure so as to be tiltable about a horizontal axis, and each of the plurality of unit urging means includes the load support member and the support structure. The first member that is supported by disabling relative rotation around the axis and the other of the load support member and the support structure are switched to enable / disable relative rotation around the axis. A second member that can be provided, and a reaction force generating member that is provided between the first member and the second member and generates a reaction force against relative rotation of the first member and the second member. The urging force adjusting means selectively engages at least one second member of the plurality of unit urging means so that the engaged second member is connected to the load support member and the support structure. Relative rotation with respect to the other side of the body Engaging member to ability, and the operating member selectively engaging said engagement member to said second member may be configured to and a.
According to this configuration, the engagement member engages with at least one second member of the plurality of unit urging means by operating the operation member of the urging force adjusting means, so that the engaged second member becomes the load. Relative rotation with respect to the other of the support member and the support structure becomes impossible. Accordingly, when the load support member tilts around the shaft support, the first member supported so as not to rotate relative to one of the load support member and the support structure and the second member engaged with the engagement member. Relative rotation occurs between the member and the reaction force generating member between the first member and the second member generates a reaction force against the relative rotation, thereby causing the load supporting member to return to the initial state before tilting. Can be granted.

In the present invention, the plurality of unit urging means are arranged side by side in one direction, the operation member extends in an axial direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of unit urging means, and the axial direction An extending portion that faces each unit urging means in the orthogonal radial direction is provided, and the engaging member corresponds to each unit urging means between the extending portion and each unit urging means. A plurality of configurations may be provided.
In this case, the engagement member can be selectively engaged with each unit urging means by appropriately operating the operation member.

In this invention, the said operation member is provided with the press member supported by the said extension part, and while the said press member is provided with two or more corresponding to each engagement member, the cam engaged with each said engagement member It is good also as a structure in which the surface is formed.
In this case, by operating the operation member, a pressing member having a different cam surface is operated for each unit urging unit, and the engagement member is operated according to the pattern of the cam surface, and a plurality of unit urging units are operated. The unit biasing means can be selectively activated by selectively engaging at least one.

In this invention, the said operation member is good also as a structure provided with the said press member supported by the said extension part so that relative rotation is impossible so that rotation operation is possible centering | focusing on the said extension part.
In this case, by rotating the operation member around the extended portion, the pressing member having a different cam surface for each unit urging unit rotates, and the engagement member is operated according to the cam surface pattern. Thus, the unit urging means can be selectively activated by selectively engaging with at least one of the plurality of unit urging means.

In this invention, it is good also as a structure provided with the pivot member which pivotally supports the said load support member to the said support structure so that tilting is possible, and the said several unit urging means is using the said pivot member as said 1st member.
In this case, the relative positions in the axial direction of the plurality of unit urging means can be easily defined. Therefore, it becomes easy to design the distance to the engaging member equally, and a reliable reaction force adjustment operation can be performed. Moreover, the assembly of the reaction force generating unit can be facilitated by integrating the plurality of unit biasing means via the pivot member. Moreover, the number of parts can be reduced by the structure in which the pivot member also serves as the first member of the unit urging means.

In the present invention, a pivot member for pivotally supporting the load support member on the support structure is provided, and the plurality of unit urging means fit the pivot member into the first member so as not to be relatively rotatable. It is good also as composition which has.
In this case, the relative positions in the axial direction of the plurality of unit urging means can be easily defined. Therefore, it becomes easy to design the distance to the engaging member equally, and a reliable reaction force adjustment operation can be performed. Moreover, the assembly of the reaction force generating unit can be facilitated by integrating the plurality of unit biasing means via the pivot member. In addition, the configuration in which the pivot member is fitted into the first member allows the unit urging means to be attached and detached and can be recombined, increasing the degree of freedom of setting the urging force and facilitating the manufacture of each unit urging means. .

  According to the present invention, in a chair capable of selectively applying a reaction force from a plurality of unit urging means to a load support member that can be displaced with respect to the support structure, the reaction force can be increased without increasing the number of unit urging means. A wide adjustment range of the force can be secured.

It is a side view of the chair in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the reaction force generation unit of the chair. It is a disassembled perspective view of the urging means of the reaction force generating unit. It is a 1st perspective view in the middle of the assembly | attachment of the said urging means. It is a 2nd perspective view in the middle of the assembly | attachment of the said urging means. It is a perspective view after the assembly | attachment of the said biasing means. It is a disassembled perspective view of the said reaction force generation unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the reaction force generation | occurrence | production position of the multistage of the said reaction force generation unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the reaction force generation | occurrence | production position and intermediate position of several steps of the said reaction force generation unit. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st effect | action of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 2nd effect | action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is a 3rd effect | action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is a 4th operation explanatory view of the reaction force generation unit. It is a 5th operation explanatory view of the reaction force generation unit. It is 6th effect | action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 7th effect | action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 8th action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 9th action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 10th action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit. It is 11th effect | action explanatory drawing of the said reaction force generation unit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front / rear, up / down, left / right, etc. directions are defined as “front” on the front side of the seated person seated in a normal posture on the chair 1 and “rear” on the opposite side. Same as direction. In the figure, the arrow UP indicates upward, the arrow FR indicates forward, and the arrow LH indicates leftward.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the chair 1 includes a leg body 2 having a plurality of (five) leg rods 2a arranged radially in a plan view. A caster 2b is provided at the tip of each leg rod 2a. In the center of the leg 2, a telescopic leg column 3 having a built-in gas spring is erected. A rear portion of the support base 4 is fixed to the upper end of the pedestal 3. The chair body 1B including the leg body 2, the pedestal 3 and the support base 4 supports the backrest structure 5B including the backrest 5 so as to be capable of being tilted and displaced. The backrest 5 is supported on the front side of a pair of left and right backrest support rods 6 having a substantially L shape in side view. In the figure, reference numeral 8 denotes a pivot member that is a tilting axis of the backrest 5, reference numeral C1 denotes an axial center (center axis) of the pivot member 8, reference numeral 9a denotes a headrest provided at an upper end portion of the backrest 5, and reference numeral 9b denotes left and right backs. The armrests that stand up from the middle of the lower part facing forward in the drooping support bar 6 are respectively shown.

Between the front end 6a and the armrest 9b of the left and right back support rod 6, a pair of left and right seat support rods 6b extending upward are integrally provided. The rear end portions of the pair of left and right guide rails 11 facing the front-rear direction are respectively pivotally supported on the upper end portions of the left and right seat support rods 6b. The front end portions of the left and right guide rails 11 are pivotally supported by the upper end portions of a pair of left and right support links 12 that face in the vertical direction. The lower ends of the left and right support links 12 are pivotally supported by the front portions of the left and right side walls 7 a of the casing 7 of the support base 4. A pair of left and right movable rails 13 facing in the front-rear direction are mounted on the left and right guide rails 11 so that their positions can be adjusted in the front-rear direction. A seat 14 forming a seating surface is supported on the left and right movable rails 13.
As a result, when the backrest 5, the backrest support rod 6 and the seat support rod 6b tilt about the pivot member 8, the support link 12 swings via the guide rail 11 and the movable rail 13, and the guide rail 11 and the movable The seat 14 moves together with the rail 13 so as to move in parallel.

Referring to FIG. 2, the front end portion 6 a of the left and right back support rod 6 is fixedly attached to the left and right end portions 8 a of the pivot member 8 that protrudes left and right from the left and right side walls 7 a of the casing 7 of the support base 4. Yes.
The chair 1 is returned to the chair body 1B, the backrest 5 supported by the chair body 1B and displaced with respect to the chair body 1B by a load input from a seated person, and the backrest 5 to the initial position before the displacement. The urging means 20 for applying the urging force and the urging force adjusting means 40 for adjusting the magnitude of the urging force of the urging means 20 are provided.

The urging means 20 is divided into a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of unit urging means 21 that generates a unit urging force.
3 and 4 together, each unit urging means 21 includes, for example, a core member 22 formed of a part of the pivot member 8, and a cylindrical outer cylinder 23 surrounding the core member 22 with a space therebetween. And an elastic member 24 filled between and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the core member 22 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 23. The elastic member 24 is elastically deformed by the relative rotation of the core member 22 and the outer cylinder 23 about the pivot member 8, and tries to return the core member 22 and the outer cylinder 23 to the initial state before the elastic deformation. Applying urging force (returning power). The elastic member 24 is a cylindrical elastic body made of synthetic rubber or soft synthetic resin material. The plurality of unit urging means 21 are arranged in the left-right direction (axial direction of the pivot member 8) so as to be coaxial with each other.

  Hereinafter, the three unit urging means 21 may be referred to as a first unit urging means 21a, a second unit urging means 21b, and a third unit urging means 21c in order from the left side. In addition, “a”, “b”, and “c” may be added to the reference numerals of the core member 22 and the outer cylinder 23 of each unit urging means 21 to distinguish them.

  The pivot member 8 constituting the core members 22a, 22b and 22c of the unit urging means 21a, 21b and 21c integrally connects the unit urging means 21a, 21b and 21c in the axial direction. The pivot member 8 has, for example, a portion penetrating each unit urging means 21 formed in a columnar shape. A portion of the pivot member 8 formed in a columnar shape protrudes by a predetermined amount outward from the left and right ends of a biasing unit 20B including the biasing means 20 to be described later.

  Referring also to FIG. 7, the cylindrical portion of the pivot member 8 that protrudes to the left and right sides of the urging unit 20 </ b> B is rotated around a pair of left and right bearings 7 b provided inside the left and right side walls 7 a of the casing 7 of the support base 4. The shaft support portion 8b is movably supported. The casing 7 can be divided into, for example, left and right side walls 7a, an upper front wall 7c, a lower wall 7d, and a rear wall 7e. The rear wall 7e has a block shape so that the upper end portion of the pedestal 3 is fitted.

  The left and right end portions 8a located on the left and right outer sides of the columnar portion of the pivot member 8 have a prismatic shape, for example. The left and right end portions 8 a of the pivot member 8 are respectively fitted into the front end portions 6 a of the left and right back support rods 6. As a result, the pivot member 8 (the core member 22 of each unit urging means 21) is connected to the backrest support rod 6 while disabling relative rotation about the axis C1.

2 to 4, the outer cylinder 23 is supported on the core member 22 of each unit urging means 21 via an elastic member 24.
Each outer cylinder 23 is integrally formed with a pair of upper and lower first protrusions 25 and 26 that protrude radially outward at positions opposite to each other in the radial direction. Each outer cylinder 23 is integrally formed with a single second protrusion 27 protruding outward in the radial direction at a position on the front side avoiding the pair of first protrusions 25 and 26. Each of the protrusions 25 to 27 has a prismatic shape extending in the axial direction, and is provided over the entire axial width of each outer cylinder 23.

The outer cylinder 23 of each unit urging means 21 can be switched by the operation of the urging force adjusting means 40 located in front of each unit urging means 21 to enable or disable relative rotation around the axis C1 with respect to the chair body 1B. Has been.
The urging force adjusting means 40 selectively engages at least one outer cylinder 23 of the plurality of unit urging means 21, thereby making the engaged outer cylinder 23 unrotatable relative to the chair body 1B. An engagement member 41 and an operation member 42 for selectively engaging the engagement member 41 with the outer cylinder 23 are provided. A plurality of engaging members 41 are provided corresponding to each unit urging means 21. Hereinafter, “a”, “b”, and “c” may be added to the reference numerals of the engaging members 41 corresponding to the unit urging means 21 to distinguish them.

  The operation member 42 can adjust the magnitude of the urging force of the urging means 20 (the reclining reaction force of the backrest 5) by the operation of the seated person. By operating the operation member 42, each of the plurality of unit urging means 21 can be switched between an operating state in which the urging force can be generated and a non-operating state in which the urging force cannot be generated. The operating member 42 can be operated to a plurality of stages of urging force generation positions p1 to p6 (see FIG. 8) that activates at least one of the plurality of unit urging means 21.

  The operating member 42 is extended to the left and right of the plurality of unit urging means 21 and extends in the left-right direction. And a gripping portion 44 projecting in the direction. The extending portion 43 is opposed to each unit urging means 21 with a gap in the radial direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

  A plurality of engaging members 41 are provided between the extending portion 43 and each unit urging means 21. Each engaging member 41 is urged toward the extending portion 43 by, for example, a return spring 41s (see FIG. 7). Each engaging member 41 is moved forward and backward in the radial direction with respect to the corresponding unit urging means 21 by rotating the operation member 42 about the extending portion 43, so that the outer side of the corresponding unit urging means 21. The engagement state is switched with respect to the cylinder 23. Each engaging member 41 engages so that the tip on the unit urging means 21 side comes into contact with the second protrusion 27 of the outer cylinder 23 from above when it moves forward with respect to the corresponding unit urging means 21. The rotation of the outer cylinder 23 in the reverse direction is restricted. The lower side of the distal end portion of the engagement member 41 has a tapered shape that makes it easy to engage the second protrusion 27. In the present embodiment, the movement of the engagement member 41 toward the extended portion 43 (forward) by the biasing force of the return spring 41s is referred to as “retraction” of the engagement member 41, and the engagement member 41 returns to the return spring 41s. The movement toward the unit urging means 21 side (rearward) against the urging force is referred to as “advance” of the engaging member 41.

In a state where the engagement of the engaging member 41 with the second protrusion 27 is released, the unit urging means 21 rotates as a whole in accordance with the rotation of the pivot member 8. At this time, the elastic member 24 of the unit urging means 21 is not elastically deformed, so that no unit urging force is generated, and no reclining reaction force is applied to the pivot member 8 and thus the backrest 5.
On the other hand, in the state in which the engagement member 41 is engaged with the second protrusion 27, the unit urging means 21 is restricted from rotating in the reverse direction of the outer cylinder 23. In response to the movement, the elastic member 24 is elastically deformed so as to be twisted to generate a unit urging force, and a reclining reaction force is applied to the pivot member 8 and thus the backrest 5.

  The unit urging means 21 is narrowed in the left-right width in the order of, for example, the left first unit urging means 21a to the right third unit urging means 21c. Thus, the urging force of the unit urging means 21 is weakened in the order of the first unit urging means 21a to the third unit urging means 21c. The unit urging means 21 has different urging forces by making the left and right widths different from each other. However, for example, the size in the radial direction may be different or the material of the elastic member 24 may be different. The “unit” does not mean that the member configuration and the urging force are all the same, but only shows that the urging means 20 is divided into individual elements. The member configuration and urging force are the same as in the present embodiment only in the former and the latter is individually different, the former is individually different but the latter is the same, and all the cases are the same in the former and the latter. Is included.

  2 and 6, each unit urging means 21 is integrally connected by a retainer 28 in addition to the pivot member 8. The retainer 28 is sandwiched between a pair of left and right end plates 29 arranged so as to sandwich the biasing means 20 from both sides in the axial direction, and the first unit biasing means 21a and the second unit biasing means 21b, for example. And the upper and lower rods 31 and 32 that extend in the axial direction of the urging means 20 and are supported through the upper and lower sides of the intermediate plate 30.

The plates 29 and 30 have rhombus shapes that overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction, and upper and lower rod insertion holes 31a and 32a through which the upper and lower rods 31 and 32 are inserted are formed at both ends thereof. Each of the plates 29 and 30 is fixed to the pivot member 8 so that the pivot member 8 passes through the central portion of the plates 29 and 30 so as to be integrally rotatable.
In a state where the upper and lower rods 31 and 32 are inserted into and held integrally with the upper and lower rod insertion holes 31 a and 32 a of the plates 29 and 30, the upper rod 31 is the upper part of the outer cylinder 23 of each unit urging means 21. The lower rod 32 is brought into contact with and engaged with the lower first protrusion 26 of the outer cylinder 23 of each unit urging means 21 from the front.

  Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the urging means 20 is configured so that the upper and lower first protrusions 25 and 26 are more predetermined than the rod insertion positions r1 and r2 before the upper and lower rods 31 and 32 of the retainer 28 are attached. It is in a position shifted in the backward direction by the rotation angle. From this state, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer cylinder 23 of each unit urging means 21 is rotated forward by a predetermined angle so that the upper and lower first protrusions 25 and 26 are moved forward from the rod insertion positions r1 and r2, respectively. When the upper and lower rods 31 and 32 are attached in the reached state, an integral urging unit 20B in a state in which the elastic member 24 of each unit urging means 21 is previously twisted and deformed is configured.

  The urging unit 20 </ b> B generates an initial urging force in each unit urging means 21 by causing torsional deformation in advance to the elastic member 24 of each unit urging means 21. Thereby, even when the backrest 5 starts to recline from the most upright position before reclining, the reclining initial reaction force based on the initial urging force is applied to the backrest 5.

  On the rear side of the intermediate plate 30, a sector gear 30a having a fan-shaped side view is integrally formed. The sector gear 30a can be engaged with a lock gear (not shown) provided on the support base 4. By engaging the sector gear 30a and the lock gear by a predetermined locking operation, the backrest 5 can be tilted at an arbitrary reclining position. It can be locked with.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the operation member 42 includes a pressing member 45 that can be rotated around the extending portion 43 and is supported by the extending portion 43 so as not to be relatively rotatable. .
A plurality of pressing members 45 are provided corresponding to each unit urging means 21 and each engaging member 41. Each pressing member 45 is divided into a pair of left and right plate cams 46 spaced apart in the axial direction. The plate cam 46 of each pressing member 45 has a cam surface 47 that follows the outer peripheral shape when viewed in the axial direction, and this cam surface 47 is engaged with the base end side of the corresponding engagement member 41. The plate cams 46 of the pressing members 45 are formed in different shapes as viewed in the axial direction, and the engagement members 41 are individually advanced and retracted according to these cam patterns (cam profiles). Selectively engages and disengages from the biasing means 21; Hereinafter, “a”, “b”, and “c” may be attached to the reference numerals of the pressing members 45 corresponding to the unit urging means 21 to distinguish them.

  The front part of each engagement member 41 is formed as a narrow part 48 having a narrow left and right width with respect to the rear part. Between the left and right plate cams 46, the corresponding narrow part 48 of the engagement member 41 is formed. It is slidably sandwiched. Thereby, the displacement and the fall of the engaging member 41 when the engaging member 41 is pressed in the forward direction by the pressing member 45 are suppressed. The narrow portion 48 is formed with an oval shaft insertion hole 48a through which the pivot member 8 is inserted and the engagement member 41 can be moved forward and backward with respect to the pivot member 8.

  The first side surface 49a of the engagement member 41 closer to the biasing means 20 than the pressing member 45 is connected to the second side surface 49b on both sides of the narrow portion 48 via a vertical surface 49c along the axial direction. Yes. The vertical surface 49 c is curved in a convex arc shape on the pressing member 45 side inside the engaging member 41 in the vertical width direction. Thereby, the semicircular slipper convex part 51 convex on the pressing member 45 side in the axial view is formed on the biasing means 20 side of the second side surface 49b on both sides of the narrow part 48.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, each pressing member 45 rotates from the state at the first urging force generation position p <b> 1 (the state of FIG. 10), for example, by about 50 degrees in the backward direction, -Sixth urging force generation positions p2 to p6 are sequentially switched. The sliding surfaces 51a of the left and right slipper convex portions 51 formed on both sides of the narrow portion 48 of the engaging member 41 are in sliding contact with the cam surfaces 47 of the left and right plate cams 46, respectively. Lines k1 to k6 in FIG. 10 indicate reference lines that extend from the axis C1 of the pivot member 8 toward the top of the slipper convex portion 51 when the biasing force generation positions p1 to p6 are present.

  The cam surface 47 of each pressing member 45 has an outer peripheral base surface 52a that is in a perfect circle shape in the axial direction, and a concave curved surface 53a that forms a cam recess 53 into which the slipper convex portion 51 of the corresponding engagement member 41 is inserted. , Including. When the sliding surface 51 a of the slipper convex portion 51 is slidably contacted with the outer peripheral base surface 52 a of the pressing member 45, the engaging member 41 moves to a forward position where the tip end portion is engaged with the unit urging means 21. . When the slipper convex portion 51 is inserted into the cam concave portion 53 of the pressing member 45, the engaging member 41 moves to the retracted position where the engagement with the unit urging means 21 is released.

  In the first to fifth urging force generation positions p1 to p5, any slipper convex portion 51 of each engagement member 41 is set to enter the cam concave portion 53 of the corresponding pressing member 45, and each operation member 42 is attached to each of the operation members 42. A click feeling is created at the power generation positions p1 to p6. At the sixth urging force generation position p6, the slipper convex portion 51 of any engagement member 41 does not enter the cam concave portion 53 of the pressing member 45. For example, the operation member 42 rotates at the sixth urging force generation position p6. By providing a stopper or the like for stopping the operation, the operation at the sixth urging force generation position p6 is suppressed while preventing the short-circuiting operation from the sixth urging force generation position p6 to the first urging force generation position p1. The moderation feeling of the member 42 can be created.

Due to the cam pattern of the pressing member 45, the operation member 42 is operated to a plurality of stages (six stages in this embodiment) of urging force generation positions p <b> 1 to p <b> 6 where at least one of the plurality of unit urging means 21 is in the operating state. Is possible.
Specifically, the operating member 42 can be operated stepwise from the first biasing force generation position p1 to the sixth biasing force generation position p6, and is added each time the number of steps is increased from the first biasing force generation position p1. It is possible to gradually increase the urging force generated by the urging means 20 (or to gradually decrease the urging force generated by the urging means 20 every time the number of steps is decreased from the sixth urging force generation position p6).

  Further, when the operation member 42 is at an intermediate position t1 to t5 between a pair of urging force generation positions adjacent to each other in stages, at least one of the plurality of unit urging means 21 (in the present embodiment, all unit attachments). The biasing means 21) can be maintained in the operating state. Hereinafter, an intermediate position between the first and second urging force generation positions p1, p2 is defined as the first intermediate position t1, and an intermediate position between the second and third urging force generation positions p2, p3 is defined as the second position. The intermediate position between the intermediate position t2, the third and fourth biasing force generation positions p3, p4 is the third intermediate position t3, and the intermediate position between the fourth and fifth biasing force generation positions p4, p5 is the first. The intermediate position between the fourth intermediate position t4 and the fifth and sixth biasing force generation positions p5 and p6 is referred to as a fifth intermediate position t5. Each of the intermediate positions t1 to t5 is not limited to the center between a pair of adjacent urging force generation positions, but is a range having a width including the center.

  When the cam pattern of each pressing member 45 is in each of the intermediate positions t1 to t5, all the engaging members 41 are advanced to engage them with the outer cylinders 23 of all the unit urging means 21, respectively. Thereby, even if the seated person adjusts the reclining reaction force, the reclining reaction force is prevented from becoming unintentionally between adjacent urging force generation positions even if the operation member 42 is rotated. The

  Referring to FIG. 10, when the operation member 42 is at the first biasing force generation position p1, the first and third engagement members 41a, 41 are inserted into the cam recesses 53 of the first and third pressing members 45a, 45c. When the slipper convex portion 51 of 41c enters, the first and third engaging members 41a and 41c move backward to engage the outer cylinders 23a and 23c of the first and third unit urging means 21a and 21c. Is released, and the first and third unit urging means 21a, 21c are deactivated. On the other hand, when the operating member 42 is at the first biasing force generation position p1, the slipper convex portion 51 of the second engaging member 41b rides on the cam peak portion of the second pressing member 45b, thereby The combined member 41b moves forward and engages with the outer cylinder 23b of the second unit urging means 21b, and the second unit actuating member is brought into an operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the second unit urging means 21 b is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 11, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the first biasing force generation position p1 and displaced to the first intermediate position t1, the inside of the cam recess 53 of the first and third pressing members 45a and 45c. The first and third engagement members 41a and 41c are disengaged from the slipper protrusion 51 and run on the cam peaks of the first and third pressing members 45a and 45c. 41a and 41c move forward and engage with the outer cylinders 23a and 23c of the first and third unit urging means 21a and 21c, and the first and third unit urging means 21a and 21c are put into an operating state. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the first biasing force generation position p1 to the first intermediate position t1, the slipper convex portion 51 of the second engagement member 41b is not the cam peak portion of the second pressing member 45b. It only slides on and keeps the second unit actuating member in an actuated state. As a result, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 12, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the first intermediate position t1 and displaced to the second urging force generation position p2, the inside of the cam recess 53 of the second and third pressing members 45b and 45c. When the slipper convex portions 51 of the second and third engaging members 41b and 41c enter the second and third engaging members 41b and 41c, the second and third unit urging means 21b retreat. , 21c are disengaged from the outer cylinders 23b, 23c, and the second and third unit urging means 21b, 21c are deactivated. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the first intermediate position t1 to the second urging force generation position p2, the slipper convex portion 51 of the first engagement member 41a is the cam peak portion of the first pressing member 45a. It only slides over and maintains the first unit actuating member in the actuated state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the first unit urging means 21 a is applied to the backrest 5. This reclining reaction force is larger than the reclining reaction force at the first urging force generation position p1 by an amount based on the difference between the urging forces of the first and second unit urging means 21a and 21b.

  Referring to FIG. 13, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the second urging force generation position p2 and displaced to the second intermediate position t2, the inside of the cam recess 53 of the second and third pressing members 45b and 45c. The slipper convex portions 51 of the second and third engaging members 41b and 41c are separated from each other and ride on the cam peaks of the second and third pressing members 45b and 45c. 41b and 41c move forward and engage with the outer cylinders 23b and 23c of the second and third unit urging means 21b and 21c, and the second and third unit urging means 21b and 21c are put into an operating state. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the second urging force generation position p2 to the second intermediate position t2, the slipper convex portion 51 of the first engagement member 41a remains on the cam peak portion of the first pressing member 45a. It only slides over and maintains the first unit actuating member in the actuated state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by all the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 14, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the second intermediate position t2 and is displaced to the third biasing force generation position p3, the first engagement is placed in the cam recess 53 of the first pressing member 45a. When the slipper convex portion 51 of the joint member 41a enters, the first engagement member 41a moves backward to release the engagement with the outer cylinder 23a of the first unit biasing means 21a, and the first unit biasing The means 21a is deactivated. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the second intermediate position t2 to the third urging force generation position p3, the slipper convex portions 51 of the second and third engagement members 41b and 41c are the second and third. It only slides on the cam crests of the pressing members 45b and 45c, and maintains the second and third unit actuating members in the operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the second and third unit urging means 21 b and 21 c is applied to the backrest 5. This reclining reaction force is compared with the reclining reaction force at the second urging force generation position p2, and the total urging force of the first unit urging means 21a and the second and third unit urging means 21b and 21c. It becomes larger by the difference based on the biasing force.

  Referring to FIG. 15, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the third biasing force generation position p3 and displaced to the third intermediate position t3, the first engagement member 53a is displaced from the cam recess 53 of the first pressing member 45a. When the slipper convex part 51 of the joint member 41a is detached and rides on the cam crest of the first pressing member 45a, the first engaging member 41a moves forward to the outer cylinder 23a of the first unit urging means 21a. The first unit urging means 21a is engaged by engaging. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the third biasing force generation position p3 to the third intermediate position t3, the slipper convex portions 51 of the second and third engagement members 41b and 41c are It only slides on the cam crests of the pressing members 45b and 45c, and maintains the second and third unit actuating members in the operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by all the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the third intermediate position t3 and displaced to the fourth urging force generation position p4, the second engagement is placed in the cam recess 53 of the second pressing member 45b. When the slipper convex portion 51 of the combined member 41b enters, the second engagement member 41b moves backward to release the engagement with the outer cylinder 23b of the second unit biasing means 21b, and the second unit biasing. The means 21b is deactivated. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the third intermediate position t3 to the fourth biasing force generation position p4, the slipper convex portions 51 of the first and third engagement members 41a and 41c are It only slides on the cam crests of the pressing members 45a and 45c, and maintains the first and third unit actuating members in the operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the first and third unit urging means 21 a and 21 c is applied to the backrest 5. This reclining reaction force is compared with the reclining reaction force at the third urging force generation position p3, and the total urging force of the second and third unit urging means 21b and 21c and the first and third unit urging forces. It increases by the amount based on the difference from the total urging force of the means 21a, 21c.

  Referring to FIG. 17, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the fourth urging force generation position p4 and displaced to the fourth intermediate position t4, the second engagement is made from within the cam recess 53 of the second pressing member 45b. When the slipper convex part 51 of the joint member 41b is detached and rides on the cam crest of the second pressing member 45b, the second engaging member 41b moves forward and moves to the outer cylinder 23b of the second unit urging means 21b. The second unit urging means 21b is activated by engaging. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the fourth biasing force generation position p4 to the fourth intermediate position t4, the slipper convex portions 51 of the first and third engagement members 41a and 41c are It only slides on the cam crests of the pressing members 45a and 45c, and maintains the first and third unit operating members in the operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by all the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 18, when the operating member 42 is rotated from the fourth intermediate position t4 and displaced to the fifth urging force generating position p5, the third engagement is placed in the cam recess 53 of the third pressing member 45c. When the slipper convex portion 51 of the joint member 41c enters, the third engagement member 41c moves backward to release the engagement with the outer cylinder 23c of the third unit biasing means 21c, and the third unit biasing The means 21c is deactivated. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the fourth intermediate position t4 to the fifth biasing force generation position p5, the slipper convex portions 51 of the first and second engagement members 41a and 41b are not the first and second. It only slides on the cam crest of the pressing member, and the first and second unit actuating members are maintained in the actuated state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by the first and second unit urging means 21 a and 21 b is applied to the backrest 5. Compared with the reclining reaction force at the fourth urging force generation position p4, the reclining reaction force is the total urging force of the first and third unit urging means 21a, 21c and the first and second unit urging forces. It increases by the amount based on the difference from the total urging force of the means 21a, 21b.

  Referring to FIG. 19, when the operation member 42 is rotated from the fifth biasing force generation position p5 and displaced to the fifth intermediate position t5, the third engagement member is inserted from the cam recess 53 of the third pressing member 45c. When the slipper convex part 51 of the joint member 41c is disengaged and rides on the cam crest of the third pressing member 45c, the third engagement member 41c moves forward to the outer cylinder 23c of the third unit urging means 21c. The third unit urging means 21c is activated by engaging. On the other hand, even if the operation member 42 is displaced from the fifth biasing force generation position p5 to the fifth intermediate position t5, the slipper convex portions 51 of the first and second engagement members 41a and 41b are not the first and second. It only slides on the cam crests of the pressing members 45a and 45b, and maintains the first and second unit operating members in the operating state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by all the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5.

  Referring to FIG. 20, even when the operation member 42 rotates from the fifth intermediate position t5 and is displaced to the sixth urging force generation position p6, the slipper convex portions 51 of all the engagement members 41 are correspondingly pressed. It only slides on the cam crest of the member 45 and maintains all unit actuating members in the actuated state. Thereby, the reclining reaction force based on the urging force generated by all the unit urging means 21 is applied to the backrest 5. This reclining reaction force is larger than the reclining reaction force at the fifth urging force generation position p5 by an amount based on the urging force of the third unit urging means 21c.

  In this way, it is possible to switch stepwise between the three unit urging means 21 having different urging forces according to the rotational position of the operation member 42, and the reclining reaction in the backrest 5. The magnitude of the force can be adjusted. Moreover, the reclining reaction force does not become unintentionally zero at an intermediate position between adjacent urging force generation positions, and the burden on the seated person when adjusting the reclining reaction force is reduced.

As described above, in the chair 1 in the above-described embodiment, the chair body 1B, the backrest 5 supported by the chair body 1B and displaced with respect to the chair body 1B by a load input from a seated person, A biasing means 20 for applying a biasing force for returning the backrest 5 to the initial position before displacement; and a biasing force adjusting means 40 for adjusting the magnitude of the biasing force of the biasing means 20. The means 20 is divided into a plurality of unit urging means 21 for generating unit urging forces, and the urging force adjusting means 40 is an operating state in which the plurality of unit urging means 21 can generate unit urging forces. And the unit urging force can be switched to a non-operating state incapable of being generated.
According to this configuration, the urging force adjusting unit 40 can switch all of the plurality of unit urging units 21 between an operating state in which the urging force can be generated and a non-operating state in which the urging force cannot be generated. None of the unit urging means 21 is always in operation. Therefore, when a plurality of unit urging means 21 having different urging forces to be generated are installed, it becomes possible to select a combination pattern of urging forces according to the number of unit urging means 21, and the reaction force adjustment range is expanded. can do.

Moreover, in the chair 1 in the said embodiment, the said urging | biasing force adjustment means 40 is provided with the operation member 42 which can adjust the magnitude | size of the said urging | biasing force, and the said operation member 42 is the said several unit urging means 21. When it is possible to operate at a plurality of urging force generation positions p1 to p6 in which at least one of them is in the operating state and at intermediate positions t1 to t5 between a pair of urging force generation positions adjacent in stages The at least one of the plurality of unit urging means 21 is maintained in the operating state.
According to this configuration, when the operation member 42 of the urging force adjusting means 40 reaches an intermediate position between the urging force generation positions adjacent to each other in stages, the reaction force is prevented from becoming zero. Can do.

Further, in the chair 1 in the above embodiment, the backrest 5 is pivotally supported by the chair body 1B so as to be tiltable about a horizontal axis C1, and each of the plurality of unit urging means 21 includes The core 22 supported by disabling relative rotation around the axis C1 with respect to one of the back 5 and the chair body 1B, and the axis with respect to the other of the back 5 and the chair body 1B. A reaction force against the relative rotation of the core member 22 and the outer tube 23 provided between the outer tube 23 provided to be able to switch whether relative rotation around the C1 is possible, and the core member 22 and the outer tube 23. The urging force adjusting means 40 is selectively engaged with at least one of the outer cylinders 23 of the plurality of unit urging means 21 to thereby engage the outer member. The tube 23 is connected to the backrest 5 and Serial and engaging member 41 to rotationally relative to the other of the chair main body 1B, and a, an operation member 42 for selectively engaged with the engaging member 41 to the outer cylinder 23.
According to this configuration, the engaging member 41 is engaged with at least one outer cylinder 23 of the plurality of unit urging means 21 by the operation of the operation member 42 of the urging force adjusting means 40, thereby engaging the outer cylinder. 23 cannot rotate relative to the other of the backrest 5 and the chair body 1B. As a result, when the backrest 5 tilts around the axis C1, the core member 22 supported so as not to rotate relative to one of the backrest 5 and the chair body 1B engages with the engaging member 41. A relative rotation occurs between the outer cylinder 23 and the elastic member 24 between the core member 22 and the outer cylinder 23 generates a reaction force against the relative rotation, so that the backrest 5 is returned to the initial state before tilting. Power can be granted.

In the chair 1 in the above embodiment, the plurality of unit urging means 21 are arranged side by side in one direction, and the operation member 42 is an axial direction parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of unit urging means 21. And extending portions 43 facing the unit urging means 21 in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and the engaging member 41 includes the extending portions 43 and the unit urging means 21. Are provided corresponding to the unit urging means 21.
In this case, by appropriately operating the operation member 42, the engagement member 41 can be selectively engaged with each unit biasing means 21.

Moreover, in the chair 1 in the said embodiment, the said operation member 42 can be rotated about the said extension part 43, and the pressing member 45 supported by the said extension part 43 so that relative rotation is impossible. A plurality of the pressing members 45 are provided corresponding to the respective engaging members 41, and cam surfaces 47 that engage with the respective engaging members 41 are formed.
In this case, by rotating the operation member 42 around the extended portion 43, the pressing member 45 including the cam surface 47 that is different for each unit urging unit 21 is rotated, and according to the pattern of the cam surface 47. The engaging member 41 can be operated to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of unit urging means 21 so that the unit urging means 21 can be selectively activated.

Moreover, the chair 1 in the embodiment includes the pivot member 8 that pivotally supports the backrest 5 on the chair body 1B so that the backrest 5 can tilt, and the plurality of unit urging means 21 includes the pivot member 8 as the core member. 22 may be adopted.
In this case, the relative positions of the unit urging means 21 in the direction of the axis C1 can be easily defined. Therefore, it becomes easy to design the distance to the engaging member 41 equally, and a reliable reaction force adjustment operation can be performed. Further, by integrating the plurality of unit urging means 21 via the pivot member 8, the assembly of the reaction force generating unit can be facilitated. Further, the configuration in which the pivot member 8 also serves as the core material 22 of the unit urging means 21 can reduce the number of parts.

In addition, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, For example, the several unit urging means 21 is provided with a core material separately from the pivot member 8, and the pivot member 8 cannot be rotated relative to this core member. It is good also as a structure to insert. In this case, the unit urging means 21 can be detached and recombined to increase the degree of freedom of setting the urging force, and the unit urging means 21 can be easily manufactured.
The number of unit urging means 21 is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more. The number of steps of the urging force generation position and the intermediate position is not limited to the number in the above embodiment. The unit urging means to be activated when the operation member is at the intermediate position may be a part of the unit urging means. The biasing force of each unit biasing means may be common. The operation member 42 is not limited to the dial type, but may be a lever type or a slide type that strokes the extended portion. The cam surface of each pressing member is not limited to a configuration having a concave curved surface that is recessed in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral base surface, but has a configuration having a convex curved surface that protrudes in the radial direction with respect to the outer peripheral base surface. Also good.
The configuration in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as the load supporting member returning to the initial position may be a seat instead of a backrest. It is.

1 Chair 1B Chair body (support structure)
5 Backrest (load support member)
8 pivot member 20 urging means 21 unit urging means 22 core material (first member)
23 Outer cylinder (second member)
24 Elastic member (Reaction force generating member)
40 urging force adjusting means 41 engaging member 42 operating member 43 extending portion 45 pressing member 47 cam surface 52a outer peripheral base surface (arc surface)
53a Concave curved surface (curved surface)
p1 to p6 biasing force generation position t1 to t5 intermediate position C1 axis

Claims (8)

A support structure;
A load support member supported by the support structure and displaced with respect to the support structure by a load input from a seated person;
An urging means for applying an urging force for returning the load supporting member to an initial position before displacement;
Biasing force adjusting means for adjusting the magnitude of the biasing force of the biasing means,
The urging means is divided into a plurality of unit urging means for generating unit urging forces,
The urging force adjusting means sets each of the plurality of unit urging means to the operation state and the unit urging force so that at least one of the plurality of unit urging means is in an operation state in which the unit urging force can be generated. The chair is supposed to be switchable to a non-operable state that cannot be generated. The urging force adjusting means includes an operation member that can adjust the urging force.
The operation member can be operated to a plurality of stages of urging force generation positions where at least one of the plurality of unit urging means is in the operating state, and is intermediate between a pair of adjacent urging force generation positions. The chair according to claim 1, wherein when in position, at least one of the plurality of unit biasing means is maintained in the activated state. The load support member is pivotally supported by the support structure so as to be tiltable about a horizontal axis,
Each of the plurality of unit urging means is
A first member which is supported by disabling relative rotation about the axis with respect to one of the load support member and the support structure;
A second member provided so as to be able to switch the relative rotation about the axis with respect to the other of the load support member and the support structure;
A reaction force generating member provided between the first member and the second member, and generating a reaction force against relative rotation of the first member and the second member;
The biasing force adjusting means is
By selectively engaging at least one second member of the plurality of unit urging means, the engaged second member is rotated relative to the other of the load support member and the support structure. An engaging member to be disabled;
The chair according to claim 1, further comprising an operation member that selectively engages the engagement member with the second member. The plurality of unit biasing means are arranged in one direction,
The operation member includes an extending portion that extends in an axial direction parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of unit urging means and faces each unit urging means in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
4. The chair according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the engaging members are provided between the extended portion and the unit urging units in correspondence with the unit urging units. The operation member includes a pressing member supported by the extended portion,
The chair according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of the pressing members are provided corresponding to the respective engaging members, and cam surfaces that are engaged with the respective engaging members are formed. The operation member includes the pressing member that can be rotated around the extended portion and is supported by the extended portion so as not to be relatively rotatable.
The chair according to claim 5, wherein the cam surface has an arc surface centered on the extending portion and a curved surface protruding or recessed in a radial direction with respect to the arc surface. A pivot member that pivotably supports the load support member to the support structure;
The chair according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the plurality of unit urging means use the pivot member as the first member. A pivot member that pivotably supports the load support member to the support structure;
The chair according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the plurality of unit urging means are configured to fit the pivot member into the first member so as not to be relatively rotatable.

Images