JP7894792B2 - chair - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a chair used in offices and the like.

Various types of chairs suitable for use in offices and other similar settings have been known for some time. Some of these chairs have a reaction spring to generate a counterforce against the backward tilting motion of the backrest, and a rotating lever for adjusting the reaction force of the reaction spring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, most conventional rotary levers were designed in which the lever body, made of synthetic resin and enclosed in an outer casing, was fixed to the metal lever shaft, which served as the core material, with screws.

Therefore, conventional chairs often suffered from an unattractive appearance due to the presence of screw heads and screw holes used to secure the lever body.

In other words, conventional chairs had limitations on the design freedom required to reduce the number of parts that make up the operating lever or to create a desirable appearance for the operating lever.

Furthermore, the above circumstances are not limited to operating levers for adjusting reaction force, but also apply to operating levers that are rotatably supported on various components of a chair.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-022082

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a chair that not only reduces the number of parts constituting the operating lever but also offers excellent design freedom, enabling the formation of a desirable appearance for the operating lever.

In other words, the chair of this invention has the following configuration:

The invention described in claim 1 is a chair comprising a support base and a back support rotatably supported on the support base, wherein an operating lever is rotatably supported on the back support, the back support comprising a back support base having left and right arms that are in the shape of an upright wall and extend in the front-rear direction, and a back support body connected to the rear of the back support base and operating integrally with the back support base, the operating lever comprising a lever shaft portion that extends in the left-right direction and is pivotally supported in shaft holes provided in the left and right arms, and a lever body that is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the lever shaft portion without the use of fasteners and has a portion that can be grasped by the user, the lever body comprising a cylindrical portion having a housing hole formed inside in which the lever shaft portion is disposed, and a flange portion integrally formed at the base end of the cylindrical portion, the flange portion disposed between one of the left or right arms and the back support body, and the movement of the lever shaft portion in the left-right direction is restricted.

The invention described in claim 2 is the chair according to claim 1, wherein the back support body is provided with left and right side walls that are aligned with the outer portions of the left and right arms, and the flange is disposed between one of the left or right arms and the side wall.

The invention described in claim 3 is the chair according to claim 2, wherein notched holes are provided in the front portions of the left and right side walls, into which the base end of the cylindrical portion can engage.

The invention described in claim 4 is the chair according to claim 1, wherein the lever body does not have a screw insertion hole formed therein.

The invention described in claim 5 is the chair according to claim 1, wherein the lever shaft portion is provided with a projection that protrudes in a direction intersecting the axis, and the housing hole is provided with a keyway portion that can engage with the projection portion.

The invention described in claim 6 is the chair according to claim 1, wherein the operating lever constitutes a reclining degree setting mechanism that allows the user to select from two or more reclining degrees of the backrest supported by the back support.

The invention described in claim 7 is the chair according to claim 1, wherein the back support base is rotatably supported relative to the support base via a main shaft, and the left and right arms are provided with main shaft insertion holes through which the main shaft is inserted.

As described above, the present invention provides a chair that not only reduces the number of parts constituting the operating lever but also offers excellent design freedom, enabling the creation of a desirable appearance for the operating lever.

A perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention. Front view of the same embodiment. Right side view of the same embodiment. Right side view of the same embodiment. Right side view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. A perspective view of the same embodiment. Front view of the same embodiment. Rear view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. An exploded front view of the same embodiment. An exploded rear view of the same embodiment. Right side view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. An exploded side view of the same embodiment. Cross-sectional view along line A-A in Figure 8. Cross-sectional view along line B-B in Figure 8. Cross-sectional view along line C-C in Figure 8. A cross-sectional view of the backward-tilted position corresponding to the cutting point in Figure 18. Front view of the same embodiment. Rear view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. Cross-sectional view along line D-D in Figure 3. End view of the line E-E in Figure 2. A right side view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. A front view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. A front view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. A front view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. A front view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. Cross-sectional view of the mounting position corresponding to the cutting point in Figure 18. A front view illustrating the assembly in the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the same embodiment.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 35.

The chair comprises legs A, a support base B rotatably supported relative to legs A, a seat C positioned on the support base B, and a backrest E rotatably supported relative to the support base B via a back support D.

The chair is equipped with a tilt adjustment mechanism I between the support base B and the back support D, which allows the user to adjust the tilt of the backrest E using a tilt adjustment lever 5.

The following details the components of the chair in this embodiment.

<<Leg A>>
Leg A comprises a plurality of leg blades a1 arranged radially, each having a caster at its tip, and a leg support column a2 erected at the base end of the leg blades a1 and capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction.

<<Support base B>>
The support base B is mounted on top of leg A. The support base B is made of a material with excellent rigidity. For example, the support base B is integrally molded from metal or synthetic resin. The support base B has a box shape that is open upwards.

The support base B is provided with a main shaft j1 extending in the left-right direction for rotatably supporting the back support D. A reaction spring F is installed in the space within the support base B to provide a reaction force against the backward tilting movement of the back support D.

The space within the support base B houses the receiving shaft j4 that receives the rear end of the reaction spring F, the receiving shaft support member m3 that supports the receiving shaft j4, and the base end of the reaction force adjustment lever G that acts on the front end of the reaction spring F.

＜＜Location C＞＞
The seat C is mounted on the support base B. The seat C comprises a seat support c1 and a seat body c2 having a seating surface that contacts the occupant and is positioned so as to be able to change its front-to-back position relative to the seat support c1.

The front portion of seat C is supported via a front axis j2, allowing it to move vertically relative to the support base B. The middle portion of seat C in the front-rear direction is supported by a seat engagement axis j3 provided on the back support D.

<<Back support D>>
The back support D is interposed between the support base B and the backrest E. The back support D is capable of supporting the backrest E in a tiltable manner.

The back support D is composed of a back support base M and a lower frame p1, which form the lower part of the back support. The back support base M and the lower frame p1, which constitute the lower part of the back support, are fixed to each other. The lower part of the back support is supported so as to be rotatable around the main axis j1 relative to the support base B, between the initial state (N) and the reclined state (H).

As shown in Figure 5, the upper frame p2 constituting the back support D is supported by the lower part of the back support D so as to be able to tilt between an upright position (ps) and a reclined position (pr).

The back support D is constantly biased in a direction that allows the backrest E to assume its initial state (N) by a reaction spring F provided on the support base B. A tilt adjustment lever 5, which allows for selective adjustment of the degree of tilt of the backrest E, is rotatably supported on the back support D.

The back support D comprises a back support base M rotatably supported on the support base B via a main shaft j1, and a back support body P connected to the rear of the back support base M.

<Back support base M>
The back support base M is a metal structure interposed between the support base B and the backrest E, and between the support base B and the seat C.

The back support base M comprises left and right arms m1 arranged in pairs on the left and right sides and rotatably supported relative to the support base B via a main shaft j1; a connecting member m2 connecting the rear ends of the left and right arms m1; a seat engagement shaft j3 supported at the front ends of the left and right arms m1; left and right receiving shaft support members m3 arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, with their upper ends connected to the seat engagement shaft j3; and a receiving shaft j4 connected between the lower ends of the left and right receiving shaft support members m3.

The lower part of the back support base M is covered and concealed by a front cover body 6 made of synthetic resin.

[Left and right arms m1]
The left and right arms m1 are in the shape of upright plates extending in the front-to-back direction. The left and right arms m1 are positioned outside the support base B.

The left and right arms m1 extend in the front-rear direction and consist of left and right arm bodies m4 capable of supporting the main shaft j1 at their front ends. They also consist of left and right front arm portions m5 that extend integrally from the front of the left and right arm bodies m4 diagonally upward and forward, supporting the seat engagement shaft j3 at their upper ends. Between the left and right arm bodies m4 and the left and right front arm portions m5, there are main shaft insertion holes (not shown) that penetrate in the left-right direction and can hold the main shaft j1.

The rear ends of the left and right arm bodies m4 are rigidly connected by a connecting member m2. The left and right arm bodies m4 are provided with rearward protruding portions mt that extend further back than the connecting member m2. These left and right rearward protruding portions mt are designed to fit into fitting holes 111 of the back support base connecting portion 11, which is located at the base end (front end) of the lower frame p1 that constitutes the back support body P.

[Coupling member m2]
The connecting member m2 is shaped like an upright plate extending in the left-right direction. Both the left and right ends of the connecting member m2 are welded to the inner parts of the left and right arm bodies m4. The connecting member m2 is provided with a pair of nut portions n1 on the left and right sides, to which screws v1 for attaching the lower frame p1 are screwed.

The connecting member m2 engages with the back support base connecting portion 11, which has a screw insertion hole h1. The lower frame p1 is then fixed to the back support base M by screwing the screw v1, which is inserted through the screw insertion hole h1, into the nut portion n1 of the connecting member m2.

[Seat engagement axis j3]
The seat engagement shaft j3 extends in the left-right direction and is capable of engaging with the seat C. The seat engagement shaft j3 is positioned in front of and above the main shaft j1. The seat engagement shaft j3 extends in the left-right direction and is held by a shaft holding portion (not shown) provided on the seat receiver c1.

[Support member m3]
The receiving shaft support members m3 are arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, inside the left and right front arm portions m5. The receiving shaft support members m3 are in the shape of upright plates extending in the front-rear and up-down directions. The upper part of the receiving shaft support member m3 is connected to the seat engagement shaft j3. The receiving shaft j4 is connected to the lower part of the receiving shaft support member m3.

[Receiving axis j4]
The support shaft j4 is positioned in front of and below the main shaft j1. The support shaft j4 is biased towards the rear by a reaction spring F.

<Back support body P>
The back support body P supports the backrest E. The back support body P is connected to the upper and lower parts of the center in the left-right direction of the backrest E. In a side view, the back support body P and the backrest E are spaced apart, except for the upper connection part, the backrest engagement part 32, and the lower connection part, the backrest connecting part 22a.

The back support body P comprises a lower frame p1 having a shaft portion J, an upper frame p2 having a bearing portion K that receives the shaft portion J and being rotatably supported in the front-rear direction between an upright position (ps) and a reclined position (pr) relative to the lower frame p1, a coil spring V which is a biasing member interposed between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2, and an intermediate member S interposed between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2.

In this embodiment, the lower part of the back support is composed of a back support base M and a lower frame p1. The lower part of the back support is rotatable relative to the support base B between the initial state (N) shown in Figure 2 and the reclined state (H) shown in Figure 4, and, as shown in Figure 5, can rotatably support the upper frame p2 so that it can assume both an upright position (ps) and a reclined position (pr).

[Bottom frame p1]
The lower frame p1 is fixed to the back support base M. In other words, the lower frame p1 operates integrally with the back support base M.

The lower frame p1 is attached to the back support base M by screws v1. The lower frame p1 is fixed to the back support base M. The lower frame p1 can support the upper frame p2 so that it can rotate in the front-to-back direction. The lower frame p1 is connected to the lower part of the backrest E.

The lower frame p1 comprises a base structure 1 with a back support base connecting portion 11 at its front, which connects to the back support base M, and an upper frame engaging portion 2 provided at the rear of the base structure 1.

(Foundation structure part 1)
The base structure 1 comprises a back support base connecting portion 11 facing forward, and left and right side wall portions 12 extending linearly forward from both the left and right sides of the back support base connecting portion 11.

The back support base connecting portion 11 comprises a pair of left and right fitting holes 111 that are open to the front and fit into the left and right rearward protruding portions mt that protrude from the rear end of the back support base M; a connecting wall 112 disposed between the pair of left and right fitting holes 111 and attached to the connecting member m2 of the back support base M; and an arm engaging wall 113 that extends forward from the outer sides of each of the left and right fitting holes 111 and has portions that engage with the upper and lower edges of the left and right arm bodies m4.

The connecting wall 112 is provided with a pair of screw insertion holes h1 on the left and right sides, extending in the front-to-back direction. The lower frame p1 is fixed to the back support base M by screwing a screw v1, inserted from the rear through the screw insertion holes h1 of the connecting wall 112, into a nut n1 provided on the connecting member m2.

The left and right side walls 12 are positioned in an upright position and are provided at the left and right front ends of the lower frame p1. The left and right side walls 12 are arranged along the outer rear portions of the left and right arm bodies m4. The front portions of the left and right side walls 12 are provided with forward-opening notches 121.

The notch 121 has a partially circular shape (C-shaped in side view) with an end face into which the base end (near the flange portion 523) of the cylindrical portion 521 of the rearward tilt setting lever 5 can engage. The flange portion 523 of the lever body 52 engages with the inner peripheral edge of the notch 121 in the left and right side wall portions 12.

(Upper frame engagement part 2)
The upper frame engagement portion 2 is connected to the rear of the foundation structure portion 1. The upper frame engagement portion 2 extends vertically as a whole. The upper frame engagement portion 2 is formed to be positioned gradually upward toward the rear as a whole.

The upper frame engagement portion 2 comprises a lower frame base portion 21 with a front spring receiving portion 211 provided in the center in the left-right direction, left and right support arms 22 extending in pairs in the vertical direction from the left and right sides of the lower frame base portion 21, a horizontal frame portion 23 including a shaft portion J, which is installed between the vertical center portions of the left and right support arms 22, and a restricting portion 24 that engages with the attitude deformation portion s2 of the intermediate member S attached to the upper frame p2 and is provided protruding from the inner side of the left and right support arms 22.

The lower frame base 21 is interposed between the foundation structure 1 and the left and right support arms 22. The front spring support portion 211 receives the front portion of the coil spring V. The front spring support portion 211 faces rearward, overlooking the space sp between the base ends of the left and right support arms 22 where the coil spring V is positioned.

The left and right support arms 22 are rectangular columnar shapes formed such that their front-to-back dimensions gradually decrease towards the top. Each left and right support arm 22 has an engaging portion 221 with a forward-facing surface 22m that engages with the upper frame p2, which is located at the top and forms a reclined position (pr), and a backrest connecting portion 22a disposed below the engaging portion 221, to which the lower part of the center of the backrest E in the left-right direction is connected.

Between the left support arm 22 and the right support arm 22, a mounting space sp is formed where a bearing recess 4, which is a lower frame engagement portion projecting downward from the upper frame p2, can be installed.

The engaging portion 221 is positioned above the shaft portion J. The engaging portion 221 can position the upper frame p2 in a backward-tilted position (pr). The front wall portion 311, which constitutes the recessed portion 31 of the upper frame p2 in the backward-tilted position (pr), abuts against the front-facing surface 22m of the engaging portion 221.

The lower part of the backrest base e1, which constitutes the backrest E, is screwed into the backrest connecting portion 22a. The backrest connecting portion 22a protrudes forward of the engaging portion 221. A nut n2 (not shown) is provided on the backrest connecting portion 22a, into which a screw (not shown) that has passed through a screw insertion hole (not shown) in the backrest base e1 is screwed.

The horizontal frame section 23 is positioned below the backrest connecting section 22a. The horizontal frame section 23 comprises left and right shaft sections J, each arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, with their outer portions integrally connected to the inner portions of the left and right support arms 22, and a connecting section 231 that integrally connects the lower parts of the left and right shaft sections J.

A recessed area 232 is formed in the center of the horizontal section 23, recessed downwards to avoid the reinforcing connecting portion 44, which is provided in a rib-like manner in the bearing recess 4.

The shaft portion J has an axial curved surface jm extending in the left-right direction. A partially cylindrical axial curved surface jm is formed on the upper part of the shaft portion J. That is, the shaft portion J has an axial curved surface jm that can indirectly engage with the bearing portion K of the upper frame p2 via the bearing cover portion s4 of the intermediate member S, which is another component.

The axial curved surface jm formed on the upper part of the shaft portion J engages with the bearing portion K via the bearing cover portion s4 of the intermediate member S.

The shaft portion J has a shape that is longer in the vertical direction than in the front-to-back width dimension. The front-to-back width dimension of the shaft portion J (the thickness dimension wj of the shaft portion J) is shorter than the vertical width dimension. The entire lower frame p1, including the shaft portion J, is integrally formed from synthetic resin.

The restricting portion 24 is located adjacent to the shaft portion J. The restricting portion 24 is provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right support arms 22. The restricting portion 24 forms a part that can engage with the attitude deformation portion s2 of the intermediate member S. The restricting portion 24 is a block-shaped component provided on the front and lower parts of each of the left and right shaft portions J.

The regulating portion 24 comprises a forward-facing surface 242 and an inner surface 241 located behind the forward-facing surface 242 and facing inward.

An inclined surface portion km is provided on the upper part of the inward-facing inner surface 241, gradually sloping downwards towards the left-right central part of the lower frame p1 (gradually approaching the direction of the base portion s1 of the intermediate member S). The inclined surface portion km is located at the front of the shaft portion J. The portion of the inner surface 241 below the inclined surface km extends approximately vertically.

The forward-facing surface 242 of the restricting portion 24 is positioned such that the posture deformation portion s2, which forms the second posture (Y) of the intermediate member S, contacts the upper frame p2 when it is in the upright posture (ps).

The inner surface 241 of the restricting portion 24 engages with the attitude deformation portion s2 of the intermediate member S. The attitude deformation portion s2 deforms from the second attitude (Y) to the first attitude (X) as the upper frame p2 in the mounting attitude (T) approaches the lower frame p1.

In other words, as the bearing portion K of the upper frame p2 approaches the shaft portion J of the lower frame p1, which is the assembly target, the posture-deforming portion s2 of the intermediate member S is guided by the inner surface 241 having an inclined surface portion km, and its tip portion s22 approaches the base portion s1, that is, it elastically deforms from the second posture (Y) to the first posture (X).

The upper and lower parts of the lower frame p1, which has the above configuration, are covered by an upper cover body 7 and a lower cover body 8, which are made of synthetic resin.

[Upper frame p2]
The upper frame p2 is supported so as to be rotatable around the shaft J relative to the lower frame p1. The upper frame p2 is provided with a bearing portion K configured to indirectly receive the shaft J of the lower frame p1 via the bearing cover portion s4 of the intermediate member S. The upper frame p2 is a single column extending in the vertical direction and is positioned behind the left-right intermediate portion of the backrest E.

The upper frame p2 is configured to rotate around the shaft J so that it can assume an assembled position (T) in which a coil spring V can be attached between it and the lower frame p1, and a normal position (U) that is different from the assembled position (T).

The assembly position (T) is a position that can only be adopted when attaching and detaching the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1. The assembly position (T) of the upper frame p2 is set to a more forward-leaning position than the normal position (U).

The assembly position (T) of the upper frame p2 can only be adopted during the process of attaching it to the lower frame p1 and during the process of detaching it from the lower frame p1.

In other words, the upper frame p2 is configured such that, after transitioning from the assembled position (T) to the normal position (U) (after the assembly of the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1 is completed), it cannot return to the assembled position (T) unless a special operating force for disassembly is applied to the positional deformation portion s2 of the intermediate member S.

The upper frame p2 is configured to be tiltable (capable of tilting) between the upright position (ps) and the reclined position (pr), which is more reclined than the upright position (ps), in the normal position (U).

The upper frame p2 consists of an upper frame body 3 that extends vertically and constitutes a portion visible to the user, and a downward projection (base end structure) disposed below the upper frame body 3, which includes a bearing portion K and comprises a bearing recess 4 that is open downward and outward.

(Upper frame main body 3)
The lower part of the upper frame body 3 is provided with recessed portions 31 that are open downwards on both the left and right sides. The upper part of the upper frame body 3 is provided with a backrest engagement portion 32 that can engage with the backrest E in a manner that allows for vertical movement.

The upper parts of the left and right support arms 22, which are provided on the lower frame p1, are positioned inside the left and right recessed portions 31. The front wall portion 311 constituting the recessed portion 31 engages with the forward-facing surfaces 22m of the engaging portions 221 provided on the left and right support arms 22, thereby defining the rearward tilt (pr) of the upper frame p2.

(Bearing recess 4)
The bearing recess 4 is located at the lower part of the upper frame p2. The bearing recess 4 is positioned so as to protrude downward relative to the upper frame body 3 when viewed from the front and rear. In other words, the left-right dimension of the bearing recess 4 when viewed from the front and rear is set to be shorter than the left-right dimension of the upper frame body 3.

The bearing recess 4 comprises a front wall portion 41, a rear wall portion 42 positioned behind the front wall portion 41, and a connecting portion 43 that connects the upper parts of the front wall portion 41 and the rear wall portion 42.

The front wall portion 41 is a wall-like structure that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

A rear spring support portion 411 is provided on the lower front side of the front wall portion 41. The rear spring support portion 411 faces forward, overlooking the space sp where the coil spring V (tilt spring), located between the base ends of the left and right support arms 22, is installed.

The lower end of the front wall portion 41 is provided with a lower mounting portion 412 to which the front mounting portion s3 of the intermediate member S is attached. The lower mounting portion 412 has multiple protrusions extending downward at different vertical positions. The lower mounting portion 412 has a central protrusion 41a and left and right side protrusions 41b located above this central protrusion 41a. The front mounting portion s3 of the intermediate member S is fitted onto the lower mounting portion 412.

On the rear side (rearward-facing side) of the front wall portion 41, multiple positioning ribs 413 are provided, extending vertically and positioned horizontally relative to the base portion s1 of the intermediate member S.

The rear wall portion 42 is a wall-like structure extending in the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear wall portion 42 is set to have a width approximately equal to or shorter than the horizontal distance between the left and right support arms 22. The rear wall portion 42 has approximately the same horizontal width as the front wall portion 41. The rear wall portion 42 is shorter vertically than the front wall portion 41. The rear wall portion 42, as a whole (excluding the forward-projecting portion 42b), is arranged to gradually move away from the front wall portion 41 downwards.

The rear wall portion 42 is provided with a rear mounting portion 421 to which the rear mounting portion s5 of the intermediate member S is attached. The rear mounting portion 421 of the rear wall portion 42 comprises a projection engagement portion 42a that can engage with a plurality (four) of engagement projections s51 arranged in parallel on the rear mounting portion s5 of the intermediate member S, and a forward projection portion 42b that fits into a fitting recess s52 provided on the rear mounting portion s5 of the intermediate member S.

The protruding engagement portion 42a is provided in through holes that extend in the front-to-back direction and are arranged in a row (four) in the left-to-right direction.

The forward-projecting portion 42b is provided to protrude forward from the left-right center of the lower end of the rear wall portion 42.

The connecting portion 43 connects the upper parts of the front wall portion 41 and the rear wall portion 42 in the front-rear direction. The bearing recess 4 is open downwards and outwards due to the front wall portion 41, the rear wall portion 42, and the connecting portion 43.

Furthermore, a reinforcing connecting portion 44 is provided in the left-right intermediate portion below the connecting portion 43 in the bearing recess 4, connecting the upper parts of the front wall portion 41 and the rear wall portion 42.

The bearing recess 4 is provided with left and right bearing sections K that receive the shaft J of the lower frame p1. The bearing sections K are parts that engage with the shaft J so as to be rotatable relative to it. The bearing sections K have a downward-facing C-shape, comprising a front wall section 41, a rear wall section 42, and a connecting section 43. The left and right bearing sections K are provided on the left and right sides of the reinforcing connecting section 44.

The bearing recess 4 is provided with an axial passage Z that allows the shaft portion J of the lower frame p1 to enter toward the bearing portion K, but only in the assembled position (T).

In this embodiment, the size of the axial passage Z, i.e., the passage width wz, is defined by the cooperation of the front wall portion 41 of the bearing recess 4 having the positioning rib 413, and the base portion s1 and rear mounting portion s5 (forward protrusion portion/horizontal portion retaining portion) of the intermediate member S disposed in the bearing recess 4.

[Coil spring V (biasing member)]
The coil spring V biases the upper frame p2 in the direction of the upright position (ps). The coil spring V is a compression spring type. The coil spring V generates a reaction force to return the upper frame p2 from the reclined position (pr) to the upright position (ps).

The front portion of the coil spring V is supported by a front spring support portion 211 provided on the lower frame p1, so as to be located below the shaft portion J and the bearing portion K.

The rear portion of the coil spring V is supported by a rear spring support portion 411 provided on the upper frame p2, so as to be located below the shaft portion J and the bearing portion K.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 32, the coil spring V is configured to be positioned between the front spring support portion 211 and the rear spring support portion 411 only when the upper frame p2 is in the assembled position (T).

In other words, the worker can easily position the coil spring V in the designated location using only their fingers, without the need for any tools.

In other words, in this embodiment, the back support body P is configured such that the distance between the rear spring support portion 411 on the upper frame p2 and the front spring support portion 211 on the lower frame p1 is greater in the front-rear direction than in the normal orientation (U).

[Intermediate member S]
The intermediate member S is positioned between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2. The intermediate member S is attached to the bearing recess 4 of the upper frame p2. Specifically, the main part of the intermediate member S is attached to the inner surfaces of the front wall portion 41, the rear wall portion 42, and the connecting portion 43 that constitute the bearing recess 4.

The intermediate member S is formed from polyoxymethylene (POM) resin, which has superior rigidity and sliding properties compared to the upper frame p2.

The intermediate member S is designed to improve sliding properties with respect to the shaft J. Furthermore, the intermediate member S can restrict the rotation of the upper frame p2, preventing it from returning to the assembled position (T) after being changed from the assembled position (T) to the normal position (U).

The intermediate member S comprises a base portion s1 positioned in the center in the left-right direction, a posture deformation portion s2 extending in a cantilevered arm shape in pairs to the left and right of the base portion s1, a front mounting portion s3 extending below the base portion s1 and fitting onto the lower mounting portion 412 of the front wall portion 41, a bearing cover portion s4 connected to the base portion s1 and covering the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion K while adhering to it, and a rear mounting portion s5 extending downward from the rear end of the bearing cover portion s4 and mounted on the front side (inner side) of the rear wall portion 42.

The intermediate member S, in a side view, has a V-shape with its vertical direction reversed. Specifically, the intermediate member S comprises a front portion Sf including a base portion s1, a posture deformation portion s2, and a front mounting portion s3; a rear portion Sr including a rear mounting portion s5; and an upper portion Su including a bearing cover portion s4.

The intermediate member S, which has an inverted V-shape in side view, can temporarily undergo elastic deformation so that its front portion Sf and rear portion Sr come together when mounted in the bearing recess 4 of the upper frame p2.

In this embodiment, the temporary movement of the front portion Sf and the rear portion Sr toward each other is primarily achieved by the elastic deformation of the ends of the vertically elongated connecting arm portions s12, i.e., the portions near the bearing cover portion s4.

(base s1)
The base portion s1 is attached to the inner surface of the front wall portion 41 in the bearing recess 4. The base portion s1 comprises a base body s11 which is substantially rectangular in front and rear views, and left and right connecting arm portions s12 which extend integrally upward from the upper parts of both the left and right sides of the base body s11, with their extended ends continuous with the bearing cover portion s4.

The base body s11 has a pair of reinforcing ribs rv extending vertically in the left-right direction at the center of the front side. These reinforcing ribs rv are connected between the base body s11 and the front mounting portion s3 to increase the overall rigidity of the front portion Sf.

The reinforcing rib rv engages with the positioning rib 413 provided on the front wall portion 41 of the bearing recess 4, and also performs a positioning function in the left-right direction relative to the front wall portion 41.

The left and right connecting arm portions s12, except for the portion near the bearing cover portion s4, are thin, plate-like structures extending in the vertical direction. Only the portion of the left and right connecting arm portions s12 near the bearing cover portion s4 is a relatively thin, columnar shape that is easily elastically deformable in the front-to-back direction.

(Posture deformation part s2)
The posture deformation section s2 extends outward from both the left and right sides of the lower end of the base body s11.

The posture deformation section s2 comprises a base end portion s21 extending outward from both the left and right sides of the base portion s1, and a tip portion s22 connected to the upper end of the base end portion s21, which is a block-like or solid-shaped portion with a larger width dimension than the base end portion s21.

The base portion s21 is a plate-like shape that is easily elastically deformable. The base portion s21 extends diagonally from both the left and right sides of the lower part of the base portion s1, gradually moving upward outwards.

The base portion s21 is the main part that undergoes elastic deformation in the left-right direction when the attitude deformation portion s2 engages with the restricting portion 24 during the assembly process of the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2.

The posture deformation section s2 is configured to adopt a first posture (X) in the assembled posture (T) and a second posture (Y) different from the first posture (X) in the normal posture (U).

In other words, in the first posture (X), the posture deformation portion s2 engages with the inner surface 241 of the restricting portion 24 provided on the inner side of the left and right support arms 22, causing the tip portion s22 to be elastically deformed in a direction that brings it closer to the base portion s1.

Furthermore, the posture deformation section s2 is positioned in the second posture (Y) at a location where it can engage with the forward-facing surface 242 of the restricting section 24, which is provided on the inner side of the left and right support arms 22.

In other words, the tip portion s22 of the attitude deformation section s2 is positioned in front of the restricting section 24 in the second attitude (Y). The attitude deformation section s2 can restrict the rearward rotation range of the portion of the upper frame p2 below the bearing section K (the lower part of the front wall section 41) in order to define the upright attitude (ps) of the upper frame p2 in the second attitude (Y).

In the second posture (Y), the attitude deformation section s2 is configured to release the engagement relationship with the inner surface 241 of the restricting section 24, which was in effect in the first posture (X).

As the upper frame p2 transitions from the assembled position (T) to the normal position (U), the posture deformation section s2 transitions from the first position (X) to the second position (Y). At this time, the tip portion s22 of the posture deformation section s2 elastically returns to a position away from the base portion s1 in the left-right direction due to the elastic deformation of the base portion s21, and is positioned at a location (in front of the restricting section 24) where it can engage with the forward-facing surface 242 of the restricting section 24.

The posture deformation section s2, which forms the second posture (Y), is positioned forward and separated from the forward-facing surface 242 of the restricting section 24 in the reclined posture (pr), and contacts the forward-facing surface 242 of the restricting section 24 in the upright posture (ps).

In other words, the posture deformation section s2, which assumes the second posture (Y), is designed to intersect (support) the regulating section 24 and the front wall section 41 when the upper frame p2 assumes the upright posture (ps).

(Front mounting part s3)
The front mounting portion s3 includes a central fitting recess s31 located in the center in the left-right direction, and side fitting recesses s32 provided to the left and right of the central fitting recess s31 so as to be located above the central fitting recess s31.

The central fitting recess s31 is designed to accommodate the central protrusion 41a of the lower mounting portion 412 on the front wall portion 41. The left and right side protrusions 41b of the lower mounting portion 412 on the front wall portion 41 are designed to accommodate the side fitting recess s32.

(Bearing cover part s4)
The bearing cover portion s4 is a partially cylindrical shape attached to each of the left and right bearing portions K. The bearing cover portion s4 is interposed between the shaft portion J provided on the lower frame p1 and the bearing portion K provided on the upper frame p2.

The bearing cover portion s4 is supported by a backing on the bearing portion K. The bearing cover portion s4 is in direct contact with the shaft portion J and is capable of sliding in conjunction with the rotation of the upper frame p2.

The entire intermediate member S, including the bearing cover portion s4, is made of polyoxymethylene resin (POM), which has excellent sliding properties and rigidity. Therefore, by interposing the bearing cover portion s4 between the shaft portion J and the bearing portion K, the upper frame p2 can rotate smoothly without the need to apply grease or other lubricants to the lower frame p1.

Furthermore, the bearing portion K and the shaft portion J may be configured to directly engage with each other without interposing a bearing cover portion s4 between them.

(Rear mounting part s5)
The rear mounting portion s5 comprises a wall-like portion sw extending in the vertical and horizontal directions, an engaging projection s51 projecting rearward from the lower part of the wall-like portion sw, a fitting recess s52 provided on the rear side of the lower part of the wall-like portion sw so as to be recessed forward, and a protruding portion st projecting forward from the lower part of the wall-like portion sw, i.e., in the direction of the base portion s1, and capable of engaging with the horizontal frame portion 23.

The wall-like portion sw is integrally connected to the rear end of the bearing cover portion s4. Flanges sg are integrally provided on the outer ends of both the bearing cover portion s4 and the wall-like portion sw to improve the connection strength. A notch sk is provided in the left-right center of both the bearing cover portion s4 and the wall-like portion sw to avoid interference with the reinforcing connection portion 44.

Multiple (four) engaging projections s51 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. The engaging projections s51 are designed to engage with the engaging projections 42a provided in the through-holes of the rear wall portion 42 of the upper frame p2.

The fitting recess s52 is provided on the rear side of the central part in the left-right direction of the wall-like portion sw. The forward projection 42b, which protrudes from the rear wall portion 42 of the upper frame p2, engages with the fitting recess s52.

The protruding portion st is projected forward from the lower part of the wall-like portion sw. The protruding portion st is projected forward, approximately perpendicular to the wall-like portion sw.

The protruding portion st, in cooperation with the base portion s1 and the positioning rib 413, defines the passage width wz of the axial passage Z through which the horizontal portion 23 of the lower frame p1 can pass toward the bearing portion K.

In other words, when the upper frame p2 is in the assembled position (T), the horizontal section 23 of the lower frame p1 can pass through the axial passage Z, which includes the protruding section st, and reach the bearing section K (bearing cover section s4).

The protruding portion st is positioned to prevent the horizontal section 23 from disengaging from the bearing section K when the upper frame p2 is in its normal position (U). That is, when the upper frame p2 is in its normal position (U), the protruding portion st is positioned to engage with the lower edge of the horizontal section 23.

In other words, the protruding portion st engages with the lower frame p1, thereby preventing the upper frame p2 from detaching (moving upward) in its normal position (U).

<<Rear tilt setting mechanism I>>
The reclining degree setting mechanism I is configured to allow the user to select one of two or more (four reclining degrees in this embodiment) reclining degrees from a backrest E that is supported on a support base B via a back support D so as to be able to tilt backward, by rotating the reclining degree setting lever 5.

The rearward tilt setting mechanism I comprises a rearward tilt setting lever 5 rotatably supported on the back support D, a rotating member Q integrally rotatably attached to the rearward tilt setting lever 5, a damper member (not shown) disposed on the support base B and into which the rotating member Q can abut, and a stopper engagement member R attached to the back support D and capable of stopper engagement with the rotating member Q.

<Lean adjustment lever 5 (operating lever)>
The backward tilt setting lever 5 comprises a lever shaft portion 51 that extends in the left-right direction and is pivotally supported in shaft holes ma provided in the left and right arm bodies m4, and a lever body 52 that is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the lever shaft portion 51 without the use of fasteners and has a portion that can be gripped by the user.

[Lever shaft portion 51]
The lever shaft portion 51 is made of metal. The lever shaft portion 51 is a cylindrical shaft that extends in the left-right direction as a whole. A projection 511 is provided at the protruding end of the lever shaft portion 51, projecting in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

The lever shaft portion 51 is provided with a disc-shaped (donut-shaped) positioning plate 512, whose inner surface is in contact with the outer surface of the right arm body m4. The positioning plate 512 is welded to the lever shaft portion 51.

The positioning plate 512, provided on the lever shaft 51, contacts the outer surface of the right arm body m4, thereby restricting the leftward movement of the lever shaft 51 relative to the right arm body m4.

Furthermore, the flange portion 523 on the lever body 52 abuts against the outer surface of the positioning plate 512 provided on the lever shaft portion 51. In other words, the positioning plate 512 is interposed between the left arm body m4 and the flange portion 523 of the lever body 52.

[Lever body 52]
The lever body 52 is made of synthetic resin. In this embodiment, the lever body 52 does not have a screw insertion hole for fixing it to the lever shaft portion 51.

The lever body 52 comprises a cylindrical portion 521 extending in the left-right direction and having a housing hole 52a in which the lever shaft portion 51 is disposed; a flange portion 523 integrally formed at the base end of the cylindrical portion 521; and a lever piece 522 cantilevered outward from the cylindrical portion 521.

The cylindrical portion 521 is provided with a housing hole 52a into which the lever shaft portion 51 is fitted. The housing hole 52a is provided with a keyway portion 52b that can engage with the projection 511 provided on the lever shaft portion 51.

The flange portion 523 extends outward from the base end of the cylindrical portion 521. The flange portion 523 is positioned between the right arm body m4 on the back support base M and the side wall portion 12 of the lower frame p1 on the back support body P.

The flange portion 523 is provided around the entire circumference of the base end of the cylindrical portion 521. Within its entire circumference, only a specific portion of the flange portion 523 extends significantly outward, corresponding to the rotation range of the rearward tilt setting lever 5. Specifically, only the rear upper portion 52c of the flange portion 523, which can particularly engage with the peripheral edge of the notched hole 121 in the side wall portion 12, protrudes significantly outward.

In other words, in this embodiment, since the lever body 52 is fitted onto the lever shaft 51 without using a fastener, the relative movement of the lever body 52 in the axial direction (left-right direction) relative to the lever shaft 51 is restricted by the flange portion 523 provided on the lever body 52 directly or indirectly engaging with the components of the back support D.

The flange portion 523 is positioned between the right arm body m4 on the back support base M and the side wall portion 12 on the lower frame p1 in a manner that prevents lateral displacement, thereby ensuring that the lever body 52 is favorably supported relative to the lever shaft portion 51.

In this embodiment, the flange portion 523 is indirectly engaged with the right arm body m3, which is a component of the back support base M, via the positioning plate 512.

In other words, the flange portion 523 is positioned by being sandwiched between the positioning plate 512 of the lever shaft portion 51, which is in contact with the outer surface of the right arm body m4, and the peripheral portion of the notched hole 121 in the side wall portion 12 of the lower frame p1.

The lever piece 522 is projected from the tip of the cylindrical portion 521 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 521. The lever piece 522 is a protruding piece designed to make it easier for the user's fingers to grip it.

<Rotating member Q>
The rotating member Q is made of synthetic resin and is configured to rotate integrally with the rearward tilt setting lever 5. The rotating member Q is positioned between the left and right arm bodies m4 on the back support base M. The rotating member Q is biased by a spring qs in the direction of the joint engagement member R attached to the inner surface of the right arm body m4.

<<Backrest E>>
The backrest E is supported by the back support D. The backrest E comprises a shell-shaped backrest base e1 disposed on the back side and a backrest body e2 attached to the front side of the backrest base e1.

The lower part of the backrest base e1 is screwed to the upper part of the lower frame p1. The upper part of the backrest base e1 is supported so as to be able to move relative to the upper frame p2 in the vertical direction.

The backrest body e2 has an inner shell and a back cushion (not shown), which are covered with a surface material.

<<Regarding the attachment of the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1>>
In this embodiment, the back support body P is configured such that the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2 can be assembled in a one-touch manner and cannot be separated, after manually positioning the coil spring V between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2.

In other words, although the back support body P requires the interposition of a coil spring V between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2, it is designed to be easily assembled by providing an intermediate member S that can restrict the rotational range of the upper frame p2 relative to the lower frame p1.

An example of the process of assembling the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1 will be explained primarily with reference to Figures 27 to 32. Note that in Figures 28 to 31 and 33, the upper frame p2 is omitted for the sake of clearly illustrating the operation of the intermediate member S. Furthermore, a portion (the lower part) of the intermediate member S is also omitted from the illustration.

<Preparation process>
First, the lower frame p1, coil spring V, upper frame p2, and intermediate member S that constitute the back support body P are prepared. The process of assembling the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1 can be performed by hand only, without the use of any tools.

Furthermore, there is no need to prepare grease. Since the intermediate member S is made of polyoxymethylene (POM) resin, which has excellent sliding and lubricity as well as high rigidity, assembly can proceed without applying grease between the members.

<Attachment of intermediate member S to upper frame p2>
Next, the intermediate member S is attached to the bearing recess 4 of the upper frame p2. The mounting structure of the intermediate member S to the bearing recess 4 has already been explained, so it will be omitted here.

In this explanation of the process of assembling the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1, for the sake of clarity, the upper frame p2 with the intermediate member S attached may sometimes be simply referred to as "upper frame p2."

<Movement of upper frame p2 etc. in the assembled position (T)>
Next, as shown in Figure 27, the upper frame p2 and the intermediate member S are changed to an assembled position (T) that is tilted forward by approximately 15° compared to the normal position (U) relative to the lower frame p1 [tilted forward by approximately 15° relative to the upright position (ps)].

Then, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the upper frame p2 and lower frame p1 are moved relative to each other so that the horizontal portion 23 (shaft portion J) of the lower frame p1 is positioned within the bearing recess 4 of the upper frame p2 in a predetermined assembly position (T).

When the upper frame p2 assumes the assembled position (T), the axial passage Z of the bearing recess 4, which is set to a passage width wz that is approximately the same as or slightly longer than the thickness dimension (short side thickness dimension) of the lateral section 23 (shaft section J), is configured so that the lateral section 23 (shaft section J) of the lower frame p1 can move from the outside towards the bearing section K.

As shown in Figure 29, in the initial stage in which the horizontal section 23 (shaft section J) moves toward the back of the bearing recess 4 where the bearing section K is provided (towards the bearing section K), the outer surface of the base end portion s21 of the posture deformation section s2 forming the second posture (Y) provided on the intermediate member S comes into contact with the inner surface 241 of the restricting section 24 protruding from the lower frame p1.

As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the base end portion s21 of the attitude deformation portion s2, which abuts against the inner surface 241 of the regulating portion 24, is pressed inward due to its interaction with the inner surface 241 of the regulating portion 24, which is fixed to the lower frame p1. This gradually changes the attitude from the second attitude (Y) to the first attitude (X).

An inclined surface portion km is provided on the upper part of the inner surface 241 of the regulating portion 24. Therefore, the base end portion s21 of the attitude deformation portion s2 in the intermediate member S is guided by the inclined surface portion km in the initial stage, allowing for smooth and effortless attitude deformation from the second attitude (Y) to the first attitude (X).

As shown in Figure 31, when the horizontal section 23 (shaft section J) advances into the inner part of the bearing recess 4 (bearing section K) and finally reaches the position where it is supported by the bearing section K (bearing cover section s4), the upper frame p2 becomes rotatable around the shaft section J relative to the lower frame p1. Furthermore, the posture deformation section s2 adopts a first posture (X) that is elastically deformed by the inner edge 241 of the regulating section 24 to approach the base section s1.

<Placement of coil spring V>
At this stage, as shown in Figure 32, while maintaining the assembled position (T) of the upper frame p2, the coil spring V is positioned between the front spring support portion 211 on the lower frame p1 and the rear spring support portion 411 on the upper frame p2.

When the upper frame p2 is in the assembled position (T), the space sp between the front spring support portion 211 and the rear spring support portion 411 provides sufficient front-to-back spacing to allow the coil spring V to be positioned in the correct position solely by manual work.

<Changing the posture of the upper frame p2 to the normal posture (U)>
Subsequently, after the coil spring V is positioned between the front spring support portion 211 and the rear spring support portion 411, the upper frame p2 is rotated around the shaft portion J (tilting the upper frame p2 backward) in order to change the orientation of the upper frame p2 from the assembled position (T) to the normal position (U).

As shown in Figure 33 (Figures 18 and 20), when the upper frame p2 is rotated from the assembled position (T) to the normal position (U), the position deformation section s2, which was in the first position (X), moves forward relative to the restricting section 24. As a result, the elastic engagement with the inner surface 241 of the restricting section 24 is released, and the s2 becomes positioned on the forward-facing surface 242 side of the restricting section 24.

In other words, the attitude deformation section s2, which was in the first attitude (X), moves outward due to elastic deformation (elastic return) as a result of the engagement relationship with the inner surface 241 of the restricting section 24 being released, and its attitude changes to the second attitude (Y).

The tip portion s22 of the posture deformation section s2, which forms the second posture (Y), is positioned to engage with or be in close proximity to the inner surfaces of the left and right support arms 22. As a result, the tip portion s22 of the posture deformation section s2 in the second posture (Y) is positioned in front of the regulating section 24.

In other words, the posture deformation section s2 in the second posture (Y) is positioned to intersect (support) between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2. As the upper frame p2 changes its posture from the assembled posture (T) to the normal posture (U), the posture deformation section s2 automatically changes its posture from the first posture (X) to the second posture (Y).

Furthermore, in the second posture (Y), the posture deformation section s2 is positioned to move forward and away from the restricting section 24 when the upper frame p2 is in a reclined posture (pr). On the other hand, when the upper frame p2 is in an upright posture (ps), the posture deformation section s2 in the second posture (Y) is positioned to rest (support) between the front wall section 41 and the restricting section 24.

In other words, the upper frame p2 is configured such that when it assumes an upright posture (ps), it is obstructed by the posture deformation section s2 of the second posture (Y), preventing it from leaning forward any further relative to the lower frame p1.

The upper frame p2 is designed so that, in the normal position (U), it cannot rotate backward by the thickness dimension in the front-to-back direction of the tip portion s22 of the posture deformation section s2.

In the normal position (U), the upper frame p2 cannot return to the assembly position (T) where the lateral section 23 can be disengaged from the bearing recess 4 unless a special operating force is applied to the posture deformation section s2 of the second position (Y), which is an obstructing member.

In other words, when the upper frame p2 is in its normal position (U), the protruding portion st of the intermediate member S cannot escape the positional relationship in which it can engage with the lower edge of the horizontal section 23 (it is located below the horizontal section 23), and therefore the upper frame p2 cannot detach from the lower frame p1.

After completing the above steps, the attachment of the upper frame p2 to the lower frame p1 is complete.

Furthermore, when removing the upper frame p2 from the lower frame p1, the posture deformation section s2 in the second posture (Y) can be forcibly changed to the first posture (X) using fingers, a rod-shaped member, or the like.

In this embodiment, the coil spring V constantly biases the front wall portion 41, which constitutes the bearing recess 4, toward the rear. Therefore, by forcibly changing the posture deformation portion s2 in the second posture (Y) to the first posture (X) using fingers or a rod-shaped member, the upper frame p2 can be changed from the normal posture (U) to the assembled posture (T) relatively easily.

In other words, in this embodiment, the back support body P, in its normal position (U), always has the coil spring V biasing the upper frame p2 in the assembled position (T) direction (the direction that tends to tilt it forward).

Therefore, by forcibly moving the posture deformation section s2, which is interfering (supporting) between the restricting section 24 of the lower frame p1 and the front wall section 41 of the upper frame p2, from the second posture (Y) to the first posture (X), the coil spring V assists the rotation so that the upper frame p2 can transition to the assembled posture (T).

In the embodiment described above, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which the upper frame p2 is rotatably supported by the lower frame p1 without using a conventional single steel shaft.

Therefore, with this embodiment of the chair, not only is it easier to design in a way that contributes to improved aesthetics, but it also offers excellent design flexibility in rotatably supporting the upper frame p2 relative to the lower frame p1.

In the embodiment described above, even if it is necessary to interpose a biasing member, such as a coil spring V, between the lower frame p1 and the upper frame p2 of the back support D, which is the second member and is configured to be rotatable relative to the lower frame p1 of the back support D, a suitable configuration can be provided.

The above-described embodiment not only reduces the number of parts constituting the tilt angle setting lever 5, which is the operating lever, but also provides a chair with excellent design flexibility that allows for a desirable appearance of the tilt angle setting lever 5.

As described in detail above, the chair of this embodiment comprises a support base B and a back support D rotatably supported on the support base B, with a rear tilt setting lever 5, which is an operating lever, rotatably supported on the back support D.

Furthermore, the back support D comprises a back support base M, which has upright wall-like structures and is provided with left and right arms extending in the front-to-back direction, and a back support body P, which is connected to the rear of the back support base M and operates integrally with the support base M.

The tilt adjustment lever 5 comprises a lever shaft portion 51 that extends in the left-right direction and is pivotally supported in shaft holes ma provided in the left and right arms m1, and a lever body 52 that is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the lever shaft portion 51 without the use of fasteners, and has a portion that can be gripped by the user.

The lever body 52 comprises a cylindrical portion 521 with a housing hole 52a in which the lever shaft portion 51 is disposed, and a flange portion 523 integrally formed at the base end of the cylindrical portion 521. The flange portion 523 is positioned between either the left or right arm m1 and the back support body P, restricting lateral movement of the lever shaft portion 51 in the chair.

Therefore, this embodiment not only reduces the number of parts constituting the tilt angle setting lever 5, but also provides a chair with excellent design flexibility that allows for a desirable appearance of the tilt angle setting lever 5.

In other words, the flange portion 523 of the lever body 52 engages with the back support body P, thereby preventing the lever body 52 from coming loose from the back support body P. To put it another way, the flange portion 523 of the lever body 52 can act as a retaining mechanism for the lever shaft portion 51, replacing fasteners such as screws.

Therefore, a configuration is preferably achieved in which the lever body 52 is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the lever shaft 51 without using fasteners such as screws. In this embodiment, the shape of the fastener and the shape for arranging the fastener are not visible externally to the lever body 52, thus suitably achieving the intended objective.

The back support body P is provided with left and right side walls 12 that are aligned with the outer edges of the left and right arms m1. The flange 523 of the lever body 52 is positioned between one of the left or right arms m1 and the side wall 12.

Therefore, the flange portion 523 of the lever body 52 is positioned appropriately between either of the left or right arms m1 constituting the back support base M and the side wall portion 12 provided on the back support body P.

Notched holes 121 are provided in the front portions of the left and right side walls 12, into which the base end of the cylindrical portion 521 can engage.

Therefore, the base end of the cylindrical portion 521 adjacent to the flange portion 523 engages with the notch portion 121, allowing it to be positioned appropriately and rotated.

The lever body 52 does not have a screw insertion hole.

Therefore, since the lever body 52 is positioned without being screwed to the lever shaft 51, the lever body 52 does not have any visible screw holes that could detract from its appearance.

The lever shaft portion 51 is provided with a projection 511 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The lever body 52 has a housing hole 52a provided with a keyway portion 52b that can engage with the projection 511.

Therefore, by engaging the protruding portion 511 of the lever shaft portion 51 with the keyway portion 52b provided in the housing hole 52a of the lever body 52, the rotational displacement of the lever body 52 relative to the lever shaft portion 51 is effectively suppressed.

The reclining degree setting lever 5 constitutes a reclining degree setting mechanism I that allows the user to select from two or more reclining degrees for the backrest E, which is supported by the back support D.

Therefore, the tilt adjustment lever 5 is designed to minimize the number of parts and minimize the visibility of aesthetically unpleasing areas such as screw insertion holes.

The back support base M is rotatably supported relative to the support base B via the main shaft j1, and the left and right arms m1 are provided with main shaft insertion holes (not shown) through which the main shaft j1 is inserted.

Therefore, the back support D, which is configured to be rotatable relative to the support base B, is equipped with a lever 5 for setting the degree of backward tilt.

In other words, the tilt adjustment lever D can rotate integrally with the back support D. Therefore, because it operates in conjunction with the back support D, it is easier to design the tilt adjustment lever D, which is easily visible from the outside, to have a suitable appearance.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

It goes without saying that the control lever is not limited to the tilt angle setting lever.

The lever body may have any configuration as long as it is attached to the lever shaft without the use of fasteners.

For example, the lever body may have holes that are not intended for inserting fasteners.

The lever body only needs to be mounted in a way that prevents it from rotating relative to the lever shaft.

For example, the lever body and the lever shaft may be firmly fitted together to prevent relative rotation.

The lever body only needs to have a portion that the user can grasp, and its shape can be set to an appropriate shape.

For example, the lever body may be configured without a protruding lever piece.

Other components, such as retaining rings, may be interposed between the flange and the back support body, and between the flange and the back support base.

It goes without saying that the shape of the notch is not limited to those shown in the embodiments described above.

Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

B...Support base D...Back support 5...Rear tilt setting lever (operating lever)
M...Back support base m1...Left and right arms P...Back support body ma...Axle hole 51...Lever shaft 52...Lever body 52a...Housing hole 523...Groove

Claims (7)

A chair comprising a support base and a back support rotatably supported with respect to the support base, wherein an operating lever is rotatably supported on the back support,
The aforementioned back support comprises a back support base having upright wall-like structures and left and right arms extending in the front-rear direction, and a back support body connected to the rear of the back support base and operating integrally with the back support base.
The aforementioned operating lever comprises a lever shaft portion that extends in the left-right direction and is pivotally supported in shaft holes provided in the left and right arms, and a lever body that is mounted so as not to rotate relative to the lever shaft portion without the use of fasteners and has a portion that can be grasped by the user.
The lever body comprises a cylindrical portion having a housing hole formed inside in which the lever shaft portion is disposed, and a flange portion integrally formed at the base end of the cylindrical portion.
A chair in which the flange portion is disposed between one of the left or right arms and the back support body, thereby restricting its movement in the left-right direction relative to the lever shaft portion. The back support body is provided with left and right side walls that are aligned with the outer parts of the left and right arms.
The chair according to claim 1, wherein the flange portion is disposed between one of the left or right arms and the side wall portion. The chair according to claim 2, wherein a notch is provided in the front portion of the left and right side walls, into which the base end of the cylindrical portion can engage. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the lever body does not have a screw insertion hole. The lever shaft portion is provided with a projection that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axis,
The chair according to claim 1, wherein the receiving hole is provided with a keyway that can engage with the protruding portion. The chair according to claim 1, wherein the operating lever constitutes a tilt-back setting mechanism that allows the user to select from two or more tilt-back settings for the backrest supported by the back support. The back support base is rotatably supported with respect to the support base via a main shaft.
The chair according to claim 1, wherein the left and right arms are provided with spindle insertion holes through which the spindle is inserted.