JP2021164562A - Chair - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent a seat part from being locked again, even when operating an operating tool once in a release direction, and releasing a hand from the operating tool.SOLUTION: In a chair, a lock mechanism 19 for blocking rotation of a seat part 4 to a leg support 2 includes a switch member 55 for blocking engagement, with a recess 45, of a protrusion 47 released from the recess 45 in linkage with operation of an operation tool 20, and for allowing engagement of the protrusion 47 with the recess 45 after rotating the seat part 4 from the state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

The present invention relates to a chair.

In chairs, so-called swivel chairs, in which the seat portion is rotatably supported by a leg strut such as a gas cylinder that cannot rotate horizontally via a seat support, are widely used. In this type of chair, it is not desirable for the seat to rotate carelessly. Therefore, in many cases, a lock mechanism for preventing the horizontal rotation of the seat with respect to the leg support is provided in the seat holder so that the seat does not rotate horizontally unless the lock is released. An release lever is interlocked with the lock mechanism, and the lock is released when a person moves the release lever by hand (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a configuration of a lock mechanism in which an engaging pin is provided on the seat receiving side and an engaging hole is formed on the leg strut side. A release lever that moves the engagement pin in the release direction (direction of disengagement from the engagement hole) is interlocked and connected to the engagement pin. The engagement pin and the release lever are always urged by a spring in the locking direction (the direction in which the engagement pin is fitted into the engagement hole). The release lever penetrates the seat support and exposes the tip side to the outside.

When the seat in the free state is rotated horizontally to match the rotation phases of the engaging pin and the engaging hole (when the engaging pin faces the engaging hole), the engaging pin is subjected to the elastic urging force of the spring. It automatically fits into the engagement hole, and the seat is locked (locked) so that it cannot rotate horizontally with respect to the leg support.

Then, when the release lever is operated in the release direction, the engagement pin disengages from the engagement hole against the elasticity of the spring. If you release your hand from the release lever as it is, the engagement pin will automatically fit into the engagement hole by the elastic urging force of the spring and will be locked again. Rotate horizontally to shift the rotation phases of the engagement pin and the engagement hole. Then, the disengaged state of the engaging pin from the engaging hole is maintained, and the seat portion can rotate horizontally with respect to the leg strut until the engaging pin is subsequently fitted into the engaging hole.

Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration of a locking mechanism in which a locking member having a rectangular frame shape in a plan view is provided on the seat receiving side, and a regulating plate having a hexagon nut-shaped outer shape is provided on the leg strut side. The locking member has a structure that rotates up and down. A cam that rotates the locking member up and down is arranged below the locking member. An operation lever is interlocked and connected to the cam shaft of the cam. The operating lever penetrates the seat support and exposes the tip side to the outside.

In this case, when the operating lever is operated in the release direction, the locking member flips up and rotates to release the engagement between the opening of the locking member and the regulation plate. If you release your hand from the operating lever as it is, the locking member will rotate downward due to its own weight, and the regulation plate will automatically fit into the opening of the locking member and lock again. Then, the seat portion is rotated horizontally so that the seat portion can be rotated horizontally with respect to the leg support.

Japanese Patent No. 6356407 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-154876 Japanese Patent No. 3837615

However, in the configurations of Patent Documents 1 and 2, as described above, if the release lever is once operated in the release direction and then the release lever is released as it is, the seat portion is locked again. , It is necessary to perform a two-step operation of rotating the seat part horizontally while maintaining the release operation of the release lever, and there is a problem in terms of speed and smoothness of the operation.

Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 3, the seat portion cannot be horizontally rotated unless the release operation of the operation lever is continuously maintained in order to release the lock. In this respect as well, there was a problem in the speed and smoothness of operation. Further, in the configuration of Patent Document 3, the rotation shaft of the locking member and the cam shaft of the cam must be provided separately, which causes a problem that the structure is complicated.

It is a technical subject of the present invention to provide a chair which has been improved by examining the above-mentioned current situation.

The present invention prevents the legs, the seats rotatably supported with respect to the legs via the seats, and the seats arranged on the seats and prevented from rotating with respect to the legs. A chair provided with a locking mechanism and an operating tool for releasing the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism can engage and disengage an engaging body that rotates integrally with the seat holder and a convex portion of the engaging body. It is composed of a concave portion of the engaged body, and the operating tool is interlocked with the engaging body so as to separate the convex portion from the concave portion by a release operation, and the locking mechanism is the operating tool of the operating tool. While preventing the convex portion detached from the concave portion from engaging with the concave portion in conjunction with the operation, the convex portion is allowed to engage with the concave portion after the seat portion is rotated from that state. It is said that it is equipped with a switch member.

In the chair of the present invention, the switch member may be configured to be movable between a blocking position that closes at least a part of the recess and a retracted position that is retracted from the recess.

In the chair of the present invention, the switch member has a first inclined side portion that hits the convex portion when the seat portion is rotated in one direction while the switch member is in the blocking position, and the seat portion is moved in the other direction. It has a second inclined side portion that hits the convex portion when rotated, and the convex portion is the switch member regardless of which direction the seat portion is rotated by the action of each inclined side portion. May be configured to engage the recess by moving it to a retracted position.

According to the present invention, the lock mechanism that prevents the rotation of the seat with respect to the leg support prevents the convex portion that has separated from the concave portion from engaging with the concave portion in conjunction with the operation of the operating tool, while the seat is seated from that state. Since it is equipped with a switch member that allows the convex portion to engage with the concave portion after the portion is rotated, after operating the operating tool in the release direction, the seat portion is not rotated at all and is directly removed from the operating tool. Even if the hand is released, the switch member prevents the convex portion from engaging with the concave portion, and the seat portion is not locked again. That is, the state of being detached from the concave portion of the convex portion can be maintained only by operating the operating tool once in the release direction, the seat portion can be quickly and smoothly rotated (direction change), and the user friendliness is excellent.

It is an overall perspective view of the chair in an embodiment. It is the whole front view of a chair. It is a rear view of a chair. It is a left side view of a chair. It is a plan view of a chair. It is the whole perspective view of the chair seen from the bottom. It is the whole perspective view which looked at the chair supported by a plurality of branch arms from below. It is a perspective view which looked at the inner member integrated with a cushion material from the back side. It is a perspective view which looked at the outer member from the surface side. It is a back sectional view which shows the engaging state of the receiving claw and the locking claw. It is a side sectional view which shows the engaging state of a horizontally long hole and a horizontally long engaging claw. It is a side sectional view which shows the engaging state of the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess. It is a top view of the lock mechanism and the release lever. It is a perspective view which saw the lock mechanism and the release lever from the bottom side. It is a side sectional view of the lock mechanism in the locked state. It is a side sectional view of the lock mechanism in a free state in which a convex portion is brought into contact with a switch member. It is the bottom view of the lock mechanism and the release lever in the locked state. It is a bottom view of the lock mechanism and the release lever when the seat part is horizontally rotated in the free state. It is the bottom view of the chair which shows another example of a shock absorber. It is a bottom view of the seat body which shows another example of the connection structure of the front part of an inner member and the front part of an outer member. It is a side sectional view which shows another example of the engaging state of the engaging protrusion and the engaging recess. It is a top view which shows another example of a lock mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows another example of a lock mechanism.

Next, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is an application of the present invention to a swivel chair that is frequently used in offices. In the following explanation, words such as "front and back" and "left and right" are used to specify the direction, but these are defined based on the state seen from a person who normally sits on a chair. The front view is the direction facing the seated person in the chair. Of course, these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the chair of the embodiment has a leg portion 1 having a leg support 2 such as a gas cylinder, a seat portion 4 on which a person sits, a backrest portion 5 as an upper body support portion, and left and right armrests. It is provided with a part 6. The leg support 2 of the leg 1 is supported by a disk-shaped ground plate 7 in a plan view. The rod 8 of the leg support 2 can be expanded and contracted vertically with respect to the cylinder portion 9 and cannot be rotated horizontally. A seat support 10 made of a metal plate is mounted on the upper end of the rod 8 so as to be horizontally rotatable. The seat portion 4 is supported by the seat receiver 10 so as to be horizontally rotatable.

The backrest portion 5 is erected at the rear portion of the seat portion 4, while the left and right armrest portions 6 are erected on the left and right side portions of the seat portion 4. In the embodiment, the structure is such that not only the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 constituting the upper body support portion but also the seat portion 4 are integrally provided. That is, the seat body 3 is composed of the seat portion 4 and the upper body support portion (backrest portion 5 and armrest portion 6).

The seat body 3 (seat portion 4, backrest portion 5 and armrest portion 6) located on the leg portion 1 is composed of an inner member 11 made of synthetic resin, a cushion material 12 arranged on the surface side thereof, and an inner member 11. It is composed of an outer member 13 made of synthetic resin arranged on the back surface side.

The inner member 11 of the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5, and the armrest portion 6 is formed in a continuous form. Similarly, the outer member 13 of the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5, and the armrest portion 6 is also formed in a continuous form. As can be seen from FIGS. 4, 8 and 9, the inner member 11 and the outer member 13 extending to the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 are formed in a forward concave shell shape so as to wrap the waist of a person. Has been done.

A cushion material 12 is formed on the surface side of the inner member 11. The cushion material 12 of the embodiment is formed by foam molding the core layer 14 and the skin layer 15 formed on the surface of the core layer 14 to be integrally formed. In the embodiment, the inner member 11 is inserted into the mold and then foam-molded by, for example, an integral skin method, so that the cushion material 12 having the skin layer 15 on the surface (outer surface) is the inner member 11. It is integrally formed on the surface side of.

An outer member 13 is detachably attached to the back surface side of the inner member 11 so as to cover the inner member 11. In this case, the seat support 10 is fastened to the seat-corresponding portion on the back surface of the inner member 11. The rod 8 of the leg support 2 penetrates the seat-corresponding portion of the outer member 13. There is a space between the inner member 11 and the outer member 13. The seat receiver 10 is housed in the space. The seat holder 10 is covered with an outer member 13. Therefore, the seat body 3 located on the leg portion 1 is configured to be horizontally rotatable together with the seat support 10 with the rod 8 of the leg support 2 as a fulcrum.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11, a handle hole 16 opened rearward is formed on the back surface side of the backrest portion 5. An elevating handle 17 for controlling the expansion and contraction of the rod 8 on the leg support 2 is attached to the backrest-corresponding portion on the back surface of the inner member 11 so as to face the handle hole 16. The elevating handle 17 is housed so as to be vertically movable between the backrest-corresponding portion of the inner member 11 and the outer member 13.

One end side of a push-pull type connecting wire 18 capable of transmitting an operating force in both directions of pushing and pulling is connected to the elevating handle 17. Although detailed description is omitted here, the other end side of the connecting wire 18 is connected to an elevating unit in which a pressing button protruding from the upper end surface of the rod 8 can be operated. The connecting wire 18 is also covered with the outer member 13.

When the lifting handle 17 in the handle hole 16 is pulled up with the fingertips while grasping the upper end side of the backrest portion 5, the connecting wire 18 pulls the lifting unit backward, and the lifting unit pushes down the push button of the rod 8. As a result, the leg The support column 2 is in a free state where it can be expanded and contracted (a state in which the rod 8 can be raised and lowered with respect to the cylinder portion 9).

When the lifting operation of the lifting handle 17 is released, the pressing button of the rod 8 protrudes upward to return to the original state, and the leg support 2 is in a locked state in which it cannot be expanded or contracted. Here, the elevating unit returns to the original state, pulls the connecting wire 18 forward, and pulls down the elevating handle 17. As a result, the elevating handle 17 returns to the original state facing the handle hole 16.

As shown in detail in FIG. 11, the elevating handle 17 is arranged in the inner part of the handle hole 16 on the back surface side of the backrest portion 5, and the upper portion 16a of the inner wall of the handle hole 16 is such that a fingertip can be hooked. It has a depth (width). Therefore, for example, when carrying a chair, the chair can be easily lifted by hooking a fingertip on the upper portion 16a of the inner wall of the handle hole 16 and grasping the upper end side of the backrest portion 5 without touching the elevating handle 17. That is, the handle hole 16 also serves as a handle when carrying the chair, for example.

Since the structure itself for raising and lowering the leg support 2 is not directly related to the present invention, further details are omitted (if necessary, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-103676 regarding the basic structure). ).

As shown in FIG. 5, a lock mechanism 19 for preventing the horizontal rotation of the seat support 10 and the seat body 3 with respect to the leg support 2 is provided in the seat support 10. A release lever 20 for releasing the lock mechanism 19 in the seat holder 10 is housed between the seat-corresponding portion between the inner member 11 and the outer member 13.

In the embodiment, a pair of left and right operating portions 21 on the tip side of the release lever 20 are provided, and each operating portion 21 penetrates the seat-corresponding portion on the back surface of the outer member 13 to the left and right. Therefore, the pair of left and right operating portions 21 of the release lever 20 are exposed from both the left and right sides on the back surface of the seat portion 4. The pair of left and right operating units 21 are configured to release the lock mechanism 19 in conjunction with each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, a buffer 32 extending along the circumferential direction of the ground plate 7 is attached to the bottom surface side of the ground plate 7. The shock absorber 32 of the embodiment is a combination of a plurality of arcuate shock absorbers divided in the circumferential direction of the ground plate 7, and is fastened to the bottom surface side of the ground plate 7 with screws. Since the shock absorber 32 is divided into a plurality of parts in the circumferential direction of the ground plate 7, the mold can be miniaturized and is effective in cost reduction. Further, the small size of the shock absorber 32 can also contribute to cost reduction such as inventory management.

The upper body support portion is not limited to including both the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6, and may be only the backrest portion 5 or only the armrest portion 6. The seat portion 4 and the upper body support portion are not limited to being integrated, but may be separate bodies (each cushion material 12, inner member 11 and outer member 13 may be configured for each portion 4 to 6). Even when both the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 are provided, the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 can be separated from each other.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the leg support 2 of the leg portion 1 is not limited to being supported by the ground plate 7, but may be supported by a plurality of branch arms 33 that spread radially. A caster 34 is attached to the tip end side of each branch arm 33. Further, in a chair in which the lock mechanism 19 and the release lever 20 are omitted, if the through holes 35 for each operation portion 21 formed in the seat corresponding portion on the back surface of the outer member 13 are closed with the snap engagement type cap 36. Good (see Figure 7).

Further, the shock absorber 32 is not limited to the arc-shaped one of the embodiment, and may be a strip-shaped one along the circumferential direction of the ground plate 7 as shown in FIG. The buffer 32 of another example shown in FIG. 19 is arranged on the bottom surface side of the ground plate 7 at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction of the ground plate 7, and is fastened with screws 58. In this case, the boss portion 59 with a screw hole formed on the bottom surface side of the ground plate 7 is fitted with the screw 58 for fixing the cushioning body 32, but is contacted so as to easily secure the depth of the screw hole. It is formed radially inside the peripheral edge of the circle of the main plate 7. Therefore, the buffer 32 of another example shown in FIG. 19 has a substantially U-shaped strip shape, and a pair of overhanging portions of the buffer are screwed 58 to each boss portion 59.

As described above, the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5, and the inner member 11 of the armrest portion 6 have a continuous shape, and are formed in a forward-recessing concave shell shape so as to wrap the waist of a person. The cushion material 12 is integrally formed on the surface side of the inner member 11.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cushion material 12 of the embodiment covers the upper end portion of the inner member 11 (the upper end portion of the backrest corresponding portion and the upper end portion of the armrest corresponding portion) so as to be involved. Further, the front end portion of the cushion member 12 covers the front end portion (front end portion of the seat corresponding portion) of the inner member 11 so as to be involved. The upper end surface of the cushion material 12, that is, the upper end surface of the backrest-corresponding portion and the armrest-corresponding portion of the cushion material 12, is formed on a flat surface 22 on which a human palm can be placed.

In this case, an overhanging portion 23 overhanging toward the back surface side is formed at the upper end portion of the inner member 11 (the upper end portion of the backrest corresponding portion and the armrest corresponding portion) (see FIGS. 11 and 12). By covering the upper end portion of the cushion material 12 so as to wrap around the overhanging portion 23, the upper end surfaces of the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 are flat surfaces 22. The width dimension W of the flat surface 22 is preferably set to such that the upper end portion of the cushion material 12 can be grasped by, for example, an adult's hand, that is, about several cm to several several cm.

When the upper end portions of the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 are formed on the wide flat surface 22, the palm can be easily placed on the flat surface 22 (the hands can be easily placed). Therefore, when standing up or sitting down from the chair, the upper end portions of the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 can be easily supported without applying too much force, which is convenient.

Further, since the inner member 11 of the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 is continuous, and the cushion material 12 is integrally formed on the surface side of the inner member 11, the number of parts and the number of assembly steps are increased. It is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing cost, and by extension, the increase in manufacturing cost.

Further, as described above, the cushion material 12 is formed by foam-molding the core layer 14 and the skin layer 15 to integrally form the cushion material 12, and the presence of the skin layer 15 on the surface side having low water absorption makes the surface of the cushion material 12 It can be easily wiped with water or rubbing alcohol.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the left and right armrest portions 6 in the embodiment not only cover the front surface side (inner surface side) with the cushion material 12, but also cover the front portion of the back surface side (outer surface side) with the cushion material 12. Covering. That is, the cushion material 12 is exposed to the left and right outward on the front portion on the back surface side (outer surface side) of each armrest portion 6. In this case, the cushion material 12 covers the inner member 11 so as to wrap around the front portion of the armrest-corresponding portion. The skin layer 15 of the cushion material 12 is exposed outward on the left and right sides of the front portion of each armrest portion 6 on the back surface side (outer surface side). The front portion of the outer member 13 corresponding to the armrest is notched so as to expose the cushion material 12.

With this configuration, the front part of each armrest portion 6 that is easy for the user of the chair to grasp is covered with the cushion material 12, so that the front part of each armrest portion 6 is touched when standing up or sitting on the chair. You can improve your comfort. Since the skin layer 15 having low water absorption is exposed on the front portion of each armrest portion 6 on the back surface side (outer surface side), the portion can be easily wiped clean with water or rubbing alcohol. Since the skin layer of the cushion material is exposed in an easy-to-understand manner, it is easy to identify the part to be wiped with water or rubbing alcohol.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, in the embodiment, the outer member 13 of the seat portion 4, the backrest portion 5 and the armrest portion 6 is in a continuous form, and like the inner member 11, the person's waist is wrapped. It is formed in the shape of a forward-concave concave shell. In other words, the outer member 13 is formed in a rounded shape from the seat-corresponding portion to the backrest and armrest-corresponding portions, that is, a downwardly convex hemispherical shape.

When the outer shape of the outer member 13 is rounded in this way, a visually soft impression is given to the chair user and those around him, and an effect of relaxing can be obtained. Further, for example, when a hose, a tube, or the like is piped or a cord, a cable, or the like is wired around a chair in a medical facility, the possibility that these are caught on the outer member 13 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, a plurality of downward hook-shaped receiving claws 24 are provided side by side on the front portion of the back surface of the inner member 11 (the front portion of the back surface of the seat corresponding portion). In the embodiment, each receiving claw 24 and the inner member 11 are configured as separate bodies. Each receiving claw 24 is fastened to the front portion of the back surface of the inner member 11 with a screw.

A plurality of upward hook-shaped locking claws 25 that fit into each receiving claw 24 on the inner member 11 side from below are provided side by side on the front portion of the surface of the outer member 13 (the front portion of the surface of the seat corresponding portion). ing. In the embodiment, each of the locking claws 25 and the outer member 13 are formed separately as in the case of the combination of the receiving claws 24 and the inner member 11 described above. Each locking claw 25 is fastened to the front portion of the surface of the outer member 13 with a screw. Each locking claw 25 is configured to fit into the corresponding receiving claw 24 by deformation against elasticity.

The connection between the front part of the inner member 11 and the front part of the outer member 13 is not limited to the forced fitting of the receiving claw 24 and the locking claw 25 shown in the embodiment, but is not limited to the forced fitting of the receiving claw 24 and the locking claw 25 as shown in FIG. The screw 60 may be used to fasten the front portion of the inner member 11 and the front portion of the outer member 13 together. With this configuration, the workability of the work of removing the inner member 11 and the outer member 13 is improved (the inner member 11 and the outer member 13 can be easily separated). It also contributes to cost reduction.

As shown in FIG. 11, a horizontally long engaging claw 27 that engages with a horizontally long hole 26 provided on the upper end side of the base of the elevating handle 17 is formed above the handle hole 16 on the surface (inner surface) of the outer member 13. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the winding portion 28 on the upper end side of the cushion material 12 (the portion where the upper end portion (the upper end portion of the backrest corresponding portion and the armrest corresponding portion) of the inner member 11 is wound in the cushion material 12) , A plurality of downwardly convex engaging protrusions 29 are formed so as to be arranged at appropriate intervals in the left-right direction. At the upper end of the surface of the outer member 13 (the upper end of the surface of the backrest-corresponding portion and the armrest-corresponding portion), a plurality of upward concave engaging recesses 30 into which the engaging protrusions 29 on the inner member 11 side are fitted are arranged side by side. It is formed (see FIGS. 9 and 12).

In the embodiment, the rib 31 integrally formed with the upper end portion of the back surface of the inner member 11 is housed inside each engaging protrusion 29. That is, the upper end portion of the cushion material 12 covers each rib 31 integrally formed on the upper end portion of the back surface of the inner member 11, so that the engaging projection 29 whose circumference is covered with the cushion material 12 with each rib 31 as the core material is formed. It is formed.

In order to engage the engaging protrusion 29 covered with the cushion material 12 and the engaging recess 30 formed in the outer member 13 made of synthetic resin, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 are formed by the elastic cushion material 12. The engagement error with 30 can be absorbed. As a result, the three members including the cushion material 12, the inner member 11, and the outer member 13 can be connected without rattling.

Further, since the rib 31 forming the core material is provided in the engaging protrusion 29 covered with the cushion material 12, even if the elastic cushioning material 12 is used, the deformation of the engaging protrusion 29 is effective. The strength of the engaging projection 29 can be ensured.

As shown in FIG. 12, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 are formed with tapered surfaces 29a and 30a that are in contact with each other in an engaged state. In a state where the inner member 11 integrated with the cushion material 12 and the outer member 13 are connected, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 are tapered and engaged. That is, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 are in contact with each other on the tapered surfaces 29a and 30a in an engaged state. Therefore, rattling in the engaged state between the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 can be further suppressed.

As shown in FIGS. 8, 12 and 13, in the inner member 11, the engaging recess 30 is placed below each engaging protrusion 29 in the engaged state of the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 from below. Auxiliary claws 37 for engaging and supporting are formed so as to protrude. Due to the presence of the auxiliary claw 37, the engaged state of the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 is stably maintained.

In the above configuration, the seat support 10 with the leg support 2 is fastened to the seat compatible portion on the back surface of the inner member 11 integrated with the cushion material 12, the leg support 2 is inserted into the seat compatible portion of the outer member 13, and then horizontally elongated. While engaging the hole 26 with the horizontally long engaging claw 27, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 are engaged, and then the receiving claw 24 and the locking claw 25 are forcibly engaged by elastic deformation. As a result, the inner member 11 integrated with the cushion material 12 and the outer member 13 are connected.

In the embodiment, the engaging protrusion 29 is provided in the winding portion 28 of the cushion material 12, and the engaging recess 30 is provided in the outer member 13, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the engaging portion 28 of the cushion material 12 is engaged. The recess 30 may be provided, and the outer member 13 may be provided with the engaging protrusion 29. As in the embodiment, providing the engaging protrusion 29 in the winding portion 28 of the cushion material 12 has an advantage that it is easier to form than providing the engaging recess 30.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, a part of the rib 31 integrally formed on the upper end of the back surface of the inner member 11 is exposed from the tapered surface 29a of the engaging projection 29, and the exposed portion of the rib 31 is an engaging recess. It may be configured to abut (taper engagement) with the tapered surface 30a of 30. With such a configuration, the engaging protrusion 29 can be firmly positioned (aligned) with respect to the engaging recess 30, and it is more effective to suppress the deformation of the engaging protrusion 29. Therefore, the engaging protrusion 29 and the engaging recess 30 can be accurately engaged with each other.

As described above, the seat support 10 made of a metal plate is horizontally rotatably mounted on the upper end of the rod 8 in the leg support 2, and the seat 4 can be horizontally rotated by the seat support 10. It is supported.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a cylindrical rod holder 38 is fitted and fixed to the rod 8 of the leg support 2 in the embodiment. A lower flange 39 that projects outward in radius is formed in the lower part of the outer circumference of the rod holder 38. An annular washer 40 is fitted on the upper surface side of the lower flange 39.

A cylindrical guide holder 41 is fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral side of the rod holder 38. An upper flange 42 that projects outward in radius is formed on the upper part of the outer circumference of the guide holder 41. On the outer peripheral side of the guide holder 41, a cylindrical bearing bush 43 is rotatably fitted around the guide holder 41 (which may be called around 8 rods or 2 leg columns). The bearing bush 43 is sandwiched by the lower flange 39 and the upper flange 42 via the washer 40 so as not to come off vertically.

The rod 8 of the leg support 2 penetrates the bottom plate portion of the seat support 10, and the bottom plate portion of the seat support 10 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the bearing bush 43. The seat support 10 is formed in an upward opening box shape, and the upward opening side of the seat support 10 is fastened to the seat corresponding portion on the back surface of the inner member 11. Therefore, the seat support 10 and thus the seat portion 4 (seat body 3) are pivotally supported by the rod 8 of the leg support 2 via the bearing bush 43 so as to be horizontally rotatable. In other words, the seat support 10 and thus the seat portion 4 (seat body 3) can be horizontally rotated around the leg columns 2.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 13 and 15 to 18, a lock mechanism 19 is provided in the seat support 10 to prevent the seat support 10 and thus the seat body 3 from rotating horizontally with respect to the leg support 2. The lock mechanism 19 of the embodiment has a rotating arm as an engaging body that rotates integrally with the seat holder 10 in a recess 45 of a fixed disk 44 as an engaged body fixed to the upper end side of the rod 8 in the leg support 2. It is configured so that the convex portion 47 of the 46 can be disengaged.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a ring plate-shaped fixed disk 44 is attached to the upper end of the outer circumference of the rod holder 38 in the seat holder 10. The fixed disk 44 is sandwiched by the upper flange 42 of the rod holder 38 and the snap ring type retaining ring 48 so as not to be pulled out vertically. A notch-shaped recess 45 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the fixed disk 44 at a position facing the front plate portion 10a of the seat holder 10.

The rotating arm 46 as an engaging body is made of metal and is formed in a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. A left-right lateral rotation shaft 49 is fitted and fixed to the rear frame portion 46c of the rotation arm 46. The rotating shaft 49 penetrates both the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat support 10 and is rotatably supported by both the left and right side plate portions 10b.

Therefore, the rotating arm 46 rotates around the rotating shaft 49 and integrally rotates with the rotating shaft 49. The rotation shaft 49 of the embodiment is located on the rear side of the seat holder 10 (a portion closer to the rear plate portion 10c). The rotation shaft 49 does not necessarily have to penetrate both the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat support 10, and may be configured to penetrate one of the left and right side plate portions 10b. Further, one or both of the front and rear plate portions 10a and 10c of the seat support 10 may be configured so that the rotation shaft 49 penetrates therethrough.

The front portion of the rotating arm 46, that is, the front frame portion 46a of the rotating arm 46 is provided with a downwardly convex convex portion 47 that can be engaged with the concave portion 45 of the fixed disk 44. The convex portion 47 is located on the front portion side (a portion closer to the front plate portion 10a) in the seat support 10. If the rotation phase of the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 and the concave portion 45 of the fixed disk 44 match (the convex portion 47 faces the concave portion 45), the rotating arm 46 is rotated. By rotating it up and down around 49, it is possible to engage and disengage the convex portion 47 in the concave portion 45.

The lateral rotation shaft 49 of the rotation arm 46 penetrates the side plate portion 10b of the seat support 10 and is rotatably supported by the side plate portion 10b, and the release lever 20 rotates the rotation arm 46 around the rotation shaft 49. When the convex portion 47 is interlocked with the protruding end side of the rotating shaft 49 so as to be rotated up and down to engage and disengage the convex portion 47 from the concave portion 45, the rotating shaft 49 is supported by the side plate portion 10b of the seat support 10. It is only necessary to form a hole for the seat holder 10, and it is not necessary to form, for example, a large opening hole or a notch groove that allows the inside and outside of the seat holder 10 to be seen.

Therefore, when the lock mechanism 19 and the release lever 20 are interlocked and connected, the strength of the seat holder 10 can be sufficiently secured. Further, the release lever 20 and the rotating arm 46, which is an engaging body, are interlocked and connected by one rotating shaft 49, and has a simple structure in which the number of parts is suppressed.

Further, a rotating shaft 49 is provided at the rear portion of the seat holder 10, a convex portion 47 is provided at the front portion (front frame portion 46a) of the rotating arm 46, and the convex portion 47 is provided on the front portion side in the seat receiver 10. When it is positioned, a distance can be provided between the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 and the rotating shaft 49, and a large vertical rotation stroke of the rotating arm 46 (convex portion 47) can be obtained.

As described above, since the rotating arm 46 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view, the fixed disk 44 at the upper end side of the leg strut 2, that is, the leg strut 2 and the leg strut 2 are operated in a stretchable free state. The elevating unit 50 for this purpose is surrounded by a rotating arm 46 and a rotating shaft 49 in a plan view. Therefore, the rotating arm 46 can be arranged in the seat support 10 while avoiding the elevating unit 50 (part attached to the leg support 2), and the presence of the elevating unit 50 does not get in the way. The strength of the rotating arm 46 can also be ensured.

Synthetic resin that suppresses rattling of the rotating arm 46 by sliding at the corners of the front frame portion 46a and the left and right side frame portions 46b of the rotating arm 46 with the inner walls of the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat holder 10. A guide piece 51 made of plastic is attached. Each guide piece 51 is in contact with the inner bottom surface of the seat holder 10 in a state where the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 is engaged with the concave portion 45 of the fixed disk 44 to maintain the horizontal posture of the rotating arm 46. The contact leg 52 is formed so as to project downward.

The release lever 20 as an operating tool is interlocked with the left and right protruding ends of the rotating shaft 49 so as to rotate the rotating arm 46 up and down around the rotating shaft 49 to engage and disengage the convex portion 47 in the concave portion 45. It is connected.

That is, the release lever 20 has a pair of lever rods 53 extending along the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat support 10. The rear end portion of each lever rod 53 is connected to the left and right protruding end sides corresponding to each other on the rotation shaft 49. The front ends of both lever rods 53 are connected to each other by left and right horizontally long lever connecting rods 54 located outside the seat holder 10. The front plate portion 10a and the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat holder 10 are surrounded by a pair of left and right lever rods 53 and a lever connecting rod 54 constituting the release lever 20 in a plan view.

When the rear end portions of the pair of lever rods 53 extending along the left and right side plate portions 10b of the seat holder 10 are connected to the corresponding protruding end sides on the rotating shaft 49, the front end portions of the lever rods 53 are adopted. A distance can be provided between (the lever connecting rod 54 and thus the operating portion 21) and the rotating shaft 49, and the rotating arm 46 can be rotated up and down with a small operating force on the front end portion of each lever rod 53.

Further, since the front ends of both lever rods 53 are connected to each other by the left and right horizontally long lever connecting rods 54 located outside the seat holder 10, the release lever 20 including the rotating shaft 49 is formed into a rectangular frame in a plan view. It can be configured to ensure the strength of the release lever 20.

An operation unit 21 is provided on both the left and right tip sides of the lever connecting rod 54. As described above, each operation unit 21 penetrates the seat-corresponding portion on the back surface of the outer member 13 to the left and right. Therefore, the pair of left and right operating portions 21 of the release lever 20 are exposed from both the left and right sides on the back surface of the seat portion 4. As described above, if the operating portions 21 are provided on both the left and right tip sides of the lever connecting rod 54, there is an advantage that the left and right operating portions 21 can be interlocked with each other with a simple structure.

The lever connecting rod 54 is located inside the outer member 13, and is not exposed from the left and right sides of the back surface of the seat portion 4. Therefore, for example, when piping a hose, a tube, or the like or wiring a cord, a cable, or the like around a chair in a medical facility, it is possible to suppress the possibility that these will be caught by the release lever 20.

Further, although each operation unit 21 is exposed from the outer member, the end portion of each operation unit 21 near the release lever 20 is located inside the outer member 13 and is not exposed. As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer member 13 has a downwardly convex hemispherical shape, so that the outer shape of the outer member 13 and the lower surface of the operation unit 21 have an obtuse angle when viewed from the front or the back. However, the angle between the outer shape of the outer member 13 and the outer surface of the operation unit 21 is also obtuse. Therefore, for example, when the hose or cord is routed, the hose or cord is unlikely to be caught in the exposed portion of each operation unit 21 in combination with the roundness of the outer shape of the outer member 13.

In the embodiment, when the release operation for moving the operation unit 21 upward is performed, the lever connecting rod 54 and the pair of left and right lever rods 53 rotate upward with the rotation shaft 49 as a fulcrum, and the rotation arm 46 rotates upward around the rotation shaft 49. When the hand is released from the operation unit 21, the lever connecting rod 54 and the pair of left and right lever rods 53 rotate downward by their own weight with the rotation shaft 49 as a fulcrum, and the rotation arm 46 rotates on the rotation shaft 49. It rotates downward.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 to 18, the locking mechanism 19 engages with the concave portion 45 of the convex portion 47 unless the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated even if the convex portion 47 is separated from the concave portion 45. The switch member 55 is provided so as to prevent the convex portion 47 from being separated from the concave portion 45 and then allow the convex portion 47 to engage with the concave portion 45 after the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated.

The switch member 55 of the embodiment is arranged at a position facing the recess 45 on the upper surface of the fixed disk 44. The switch member 55 is covered with a switch cover 56 attached to the portion from above.

The switch cover 56 is formed with an opening toward the recess 45, and the switch member 55 is configured to move up and down from the opening. In other words, the switch member 55 can be moved between a blocking position that closes at least a part of the recess 45 (see FIGS. 16 and 18) and a retracted position retracted from the recess 45 (see FIGS. 15 and 17). It is configured.

The protruding end side of the switch member 55 is formed in the shape of a chevron in a plan view. A chevron-shaped portion of the switch member 55 moves in and out of the switch cover 56. The switch member 55 is a spring 57 housed in the switch cover 56 and is constantly urged toward the recess 45.

As can be seen from FIGS. 16 and 18, the blocking position of the switch member 55 is a state in which the chevron portion in a plan view is projected from the switch cover 56 by the elastic urging force of the spring 57, and the retracted position is the elasticity of the spring 57. In contrast to this, the plan-view chevron portion is housed in the switch cover 56. The switch member 55 is placed in the retracted position by being pushed into the switch cover 56 against the elasticity of the spring 57 by the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first inclined side corresponding to the convex portion 47 when the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated in one direction while the switch member 55 is in the blocking position. It has a portion 55a and a second inclined side portion 55b that hits a convex portion 47 when the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated in the other direction.

Then, by the action of the inclined side portions 55a and 55b, regardless of which direction the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated, the convex portion 47 moves the switch member 55 to the retracted position, and the convex portion 47 is moved to the concave portion 45. It is configured to engage.

That is, when the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated in one direction after the convex portion 47 is separated from the concave portion 45, the convex portion of the rotating arm 46 is formed on the first inclined side portion 55a of the switch member 55 at the blocking position. 47 hits.

Since the first inclined side portion 55a is inclined so as to intersect the traveling direction (rotation direction) of the convex portion 47, the convex portion 47 advances so as to slide relatively on the first inclined side portion 55a. Moving in the direction, the switch member 55 is pushed into the switch cover 56 by the convex portion 47 against the elasticity of the spring 57. As a result, the switch member 55 is immersive to the retracted position, and the convex portion 47 engages with the unobstructed concave portion 45.

Similarly, when the convex portion 47 is separated from the concave portion 45 and then the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated in the other direction, the rotating arm 46 is moved to the second inclined side portion 55b of the switch member 55 at the blocking position. The convex portion 47 abuts.

Like the first inclined side portion 55a, the second inclined side portion 55b is also inclined so as to intersect the traveling direction (rotation direction) of the convex portion 47, so that the convex portion 47 is the second inclined side portion. The switch member 55 moves in the traveling direction so as to slide relatively on the portion 55b, and the switch member 55 is pushed into the switch cover 56 by the convex portion 47 against the elasticity of the spring 57. As a result, the switch member 55 is immersive to the retracted position, and the convex portion 47 engages with the unobstructed concave portion 45.

As described above, adopting a structure in which the switch member 55 moves up and down with the two inclined side portions 55a and 55b has an advantage that the structure can be simplified. Further, the seat portion 4 can be locked by simply advancing the horizontal rotation of the seat portion 4, and the operability is good. The switch member 55 is not limited to the type that appears and disappears as in the embodiment, but can also be a type that rotates horizontally.

In the above configuration, when the release operation for moving the operation unit 21 upward is performed, the lever connecting rod 54 and the pair of left and right lever rods 53 rotate in conjunction with the upward rotation with the rotation shaft 49 as a fulcrum. The arm 46 rotates upward around the rotation shaft 49, and the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 is separated from the concave portion 45 of the fixed disk 44. Then, the switch member 55 that is no longer pressed protrudes from the switch cover 56 to a blocking position that closes at least a part of the recess 45 by the elastic urging force of the spring 57.

Here, when the seat portion 4 is not rotated horizontally at all (while the rotation phases of the concave portion 47 and the convex portion 45 are matched) and the hand is released from the operation portion 21, the lever connecting rod 54 and the pair of left and right levers are paired. As the lever rod 53 rotates downward by its own weight with the rotation shaft 49 as a fulcrum, the rotation arm 46 rotates downward around the rotation shaft 49. However, since the upper side of the concave portion 47 is closed by the switch member 55 at the blocking position, the convex portion 47 comes into contact with the switch member 55 and cannot engage with the concave portion 45.

That is, since the switch member 55 prevents the convex portion 47 from engaging with the concave portion 45 and the seat portion 4 is not locked again, the release lever 20 can be operated only once in the release direction of the convex portion 47. The state of being separated from the concave portion 45 can be maintained, and then the seat portion 4 can rotate horizontally with respect to the leg support 2 (becomes a free state) until the convex portion 47 engages with the concave portion 45.

Therefore, the horizontal rotation (direction change) of the seat portion 4 can be performed quickly and smoothly. It also has excellent user friendliness. In a state where the seat portion 4 can rotate horizontally with respect to the leg support 2, the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 is in contact with the upper surface of the fixed disk 44 and slides on the fixed disk 44. Become.

After that, when the seat portion 4 is horizontally rotated in any direction, the convex portion 47 of the rotating arm 46 abuts against each inclined side portion 55a (or 55b) of the switch member 55 at the blocking position, and the switch member The 55 is pushed into the switch cover 56 by the convex portion 47 against the elasticity of the spring 57. As a result, the switch member 55 is immersive to the retracted position, the convex portion 47 engages with the unobstructed concave portion 45, and the seat portion 4 is locked with respect to the leg support 2 so as not to rotate horizontally (in a locked state). Become).

The rotating arm 46 of the embodiment is made of metal, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating arm 46 may be made of synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the guide piece 51 can be integrally formed with the rotating arm 46 made of synthetic resin. In this case, the contact leg 52 of the guide piece 51 may also be integrally formed with the rotating arm 46. Since the convex portion 47 located on the front frame portion 46a of the rotating arm 46 requires high strength in terms of its function, it is preferable to configure it as a separate body. In FIGS. 22 and 23, a metal convex portion 47 is screwed to the front frame portion 46a of the rotating arm 46.

Further, in the embodiment, when the hand is released from the operation unit 21, the rotating arm 46 rotates downward by its own weight around the rotating shaft 49, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the own weight as shown in FIG. 23 is used. In addition, an urging spring 61 that urges the rotating arm 46 downward may be provided. An arm-side spring receiver 62a is formed so as to project forward on the front frame portion 46a of the rotating arm 46. On the inner surface side of the front plate portion 10a of the seat receiver 10, the seat support side spring receiver 62b is attached above the arm side spring receiver 62a. The urging spring 61 is sandwiched between both spring receivers 62a and 62b. In this case, when the release operation for moving the operation unit 21 upward is performed, the rotation arm 46 rotates upward around the rotation shaft 49 against the elasticity of the urging spring 61. When the hand is released from the operation unit 21, the rotating arm 46 rotates downward around the rotating shaft 49 due to its own weight and the elastic restoring force of the urging spring 61.

The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each operating portion 21 of the release lever 20 is configured as a flip type that rotates up and down, and the convex portion 47 of the engaging body engages and disengages with the concave portion 45 of the engaged body in conjunction with the flip operation of the operating portion 21. It may be.

1 Leg 2 Leg support 4 Seat 5 Backrest (upper body support)
6 Armrests (upper body support)
10 Seat support 11 Inner member 12 Cushion material 13 Outer member 14 Core layer 15 Skin layer 19 Lock mechanism 20 Release lever 21 Operation part 22 Flat surface 28 Engagement part 29 Engagement protrusion 30 Engagement recess 44 Fixed disk 45 Recess 46 Rotation Arm 47 Convex part 49 Rotating shaft 53 Lever rod 54 Lever connecting rod 55 Switch member

Claims (3)

A leg portion, a seat portion rotatably supported with respect to the leg portion via a seat support, a lock mechanism arranged on the seat support portion and preventing the seat portion from rotating with respect to the leg portion, and a lock mechanism. A chair equipped with an operating tool for releasing the lock mechanism.
The lock mechanism is composed of an engaging body that rotates integrally with the seat holder and a concave portion of the engaged body that can engage and disengage the convex portion of the engaging body.
The operating tool is interlocked and connected to the engaging body so as to separate the convex portion from the concave portion by a release operation.
The locking mechanism prevents the convex portion detached from the concave portion from engaging with the concave portion in conjunction with the operation of the operating tool, while the convex portion is rotated after the seat portion is rotated from that state. A switch member that allows engagement with the recess is provided.
Chair. The switch member is configured to be movable between a blocking position that closes at least a part of the recess and a retracted position that is retracted from the recess.
The chair according to claim 1. The switch member has a first inclined side portion that hits the convex portion when the seat portion is rotated in one direction while the switch member is in the blocking position, and the convex portion when the seat portion is rotated in the other direction. It has a second inclined side part that corresponds to the part,
By the action of each of the inclined side portions, the convex portion is configured to move the switch member to the retracted position and engage with the concave portion regardless of which direction the seat portion is rotated.
The chair according to claim 2.

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