JPH1156527A - Chair with armrest - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an armrest chair where an armrest part is adjusted by a user without a time and burden. SOLUTION: The armrest chair is provided with the armrest part 1 by which the user places an arm in a sitting state. A pressure detecting part 4 for detecting pressure by loading to be added to the armrest part 1 is provided inside the armrest part 1, a pressure juding part 5 for outputting a detecting signal corresponding to a pressure value detected by the pressure detecting part 4 is provided by connection to the pressure detecting part 4 and an armrest moving part 6 for moving the armrest part 1 in accordance with the detecting signal after receiving the detecting signal from the pressure judging part 5 is provided in the armrest part.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an armchair capable of adjusting the position of an armrest.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an armchair having an armrest on which a user can rest while sitting, most armchairs have an armrest fixed to the chair body. The position of the armrest could not be adjusted according to the physique and preference of the elderly.

[0003] Therefore, there is an armchair with an armrest provided with a vertical adjustment mechanism to adjust the vertical position of the armrest. In this case, the vertical position of the armrest can be appropriately adjusted according to the user's physique and the like, so that the user can sit more comfortably.

[0004]

However, in the armchair having the above-described vertical adjustment mechanism, the vertical position of the armrest is manually adjusted, and specifically, for example, by the user. And the like operate the vertical adjustment mechanism provided on the armrest portion, located on the side of the armchair.

[0005] Therefore, it is difficult to adjust the vertical position of the armrest portion while the user is seated, and the user repeats the work of temporarily adjusting, temporarily sitting, and then adjusting again. There is a problem that an operation of adjusting the part to an optimum vertical position is required, and the adjustment requires time and effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an armchair in which a user can adjust an armrest without any trouble. .

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, there is provided an armrest portion on which an elbow can be placed while a user is seated. In the armchair having a pressure detection unit for detecting a pressure due to a load applied to the armrest unit is provided inside the armrest unit, and the pressure detection unit for outputting a detection signal corresponding to a pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit is a pressure detection unit. Connected to the
An armrest moving part for moving the armrest in response to the detection signal when the detection signal is received from the pressure judging part is provided in the armrest.

In the invention according to claim 2, the pressure judging section outputs an overload detection signal when the pressure value detected by the pressure detecting section is larger than a predetermined range, and outputs the overload detection signal. Is smaller than a predetermined range, outputs an underload detection signal, and the armrest moving unit moves the armrest downward when receiving the overload detection signal, and raises the armrest when receiving the underload detection signal. It is characterized by being moved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the pressure detector detects a position of a load applied to the upper surface of the armrest, and the pressure determiner determines that the position of the load is an outer portion of the upper surface of the armrest. If it is, outputs an outer load detection signal.If the position of the load is inside the upper surface of the armrest, outputs an inner load detection signal.When the armrest moving unit receives the outer load detection signal, the armrests move together. It is characterized in that the armrests are moved in a direction approaching each other when they are moved away from each other and an inner load detection signal is received.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plurality of expansion / contraction pressure detectors inside the armrest for detecting pressure due to a load applied to the armrest. An expansion / contraction pressure that outputs an overload detection signal when each of the detected pressure values is larger than a predetermined range, and outputs an underload detection signal when the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range. A judging unit is provided connected to the inflating / contracting pressure detecting unit, and a plurality of inflatable / contractible inflating / contracting units are provided near the upper surface of the armrest in correspondence with the positions of the inflating / contracting pressure detecting units, The expansion / contraction control section for contracting the corresponding expansion / contraction section in response to the overload detection signal output from the expansion / contraction pressure detection section and expanding the corresponding expansion / contraction section in response to the underload detection signal. It is characterized in that it is provided connected to the determination unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first switch for permitting or restricting the movement of the armrest by the armrest moving part.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second switch for permitting or restricting expansion and contraction of the expansion / contraction section by the expansion / contraction control section.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first embodiment of the armchair according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, and the third embodiment will be described. FIG.
1, will be described with reference to FIG.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a structural view of an armchair. FIG. 2 is a front view of the armchair. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the armchair for explaining the arrangement of the pressure detection unit. FIG. 4 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrest moves upward. FIG. 5 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrest moves downward. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the armchair for explaining a state in which the armrest moves in another manner.

1 and 2, the armchair comprises armrests 1, 1, a seat 2, a backrest 3, and pressure detectors 4, 4.
…, Pressure judgment section 5, armrest moving section 6, first switch 7
Is configured.

The pressure detectors 4, 4,... Are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 5 columns inside the armrest 1 and near the upper surface 1a of the armrest 1, as shown in FIG. The pressure detectors 4, 4,... Detect pressure due to a load applied to the armrest 1 from above. Each of the pressure detectors 4, 4,... Outputs the detected pressure to the pressure determiner 5 as a pressure value S1.

The pressure judging unit 5 receives the pressure value S1 from each of the pressure detecting units 4, 4,..., Determines a representative value S2 from the plurality of pressure values S1, and determines whether or not the representative value S2 is within a predetermined range A. Judge. The representative value S2 is one value representing the plurality of pressure values S1, and may be the maximum value or the average value of the plurality of pressure values S1. When the representative value S2 is larger than the predetermined range A, the pressure judging section 5 outputs an excessive load detection signal S3.
If it is smaller than the above, an underload detection signal S4 is output. Further, if the representative value S2 is within the predetermined range A, the pressure determination unit 5 does not output a signal.

The armrest moving section 6 moves the armrest section 1 downward when receiving the excessive load detection signal S3, and moves the armrest section 1 upward when receiving the underload detection signal S4. Specifically, it is constituted by an electric motor and a gear, or a hydraulic damper or an air damper.

The first switch 7 is provided in the armrest unit 1 and permits or restricts the movement of the armrest units 1 and 1 by the armrest moving unit 6. That is, when the first switch 7 is turned on, the armrest moving unit 6
The position of the armrests 1, 1 is not adjusted by the armrest moving unit 6 when the position of the armrests 1, 1 is adjusted and the first switch 7 is turned off. Therefore, when the user does not want to adjust the position of the armrests 1, 1, the first switch 7 may be turned off.

The armchair constructed as described above operates as follows. Assuming that the user sits on the seating portion 2 and positions the arm above the armrests 1, 1, if the user has a large handle, is the arm slightly away from the armrests 1, 1? Or, the wrist portion is placed on the armrests 1, 1 but the elbow portion is not placed. In this case, since the load applied to the armrests 1, 1 is small, the pressure detected by the pressure detection units 4, 4,... Is also small, and the pressure determination unit 5 outputs the underload detection signal S4. Therefore, the armrest moving unit 6 outputs the underload detection signal S
4 and the armrest 1 is moved upward.

When this operation is repeated one or more times,
The armrests 1, 1 gradually move upward, so that the arm including the user's wrist and elbows comes into contact with the armrests 1, 1, and the load applied to the armrests 1, 1 also increases. come. When the pressure due to the load increases and the representative value S2 of the pressure determination unit 5 falls within the predetermined range A, the pressure determination unit 5 stops outputting a signal, so that the armrest moving unit 6 controls the movement of the armrest units 1, 1. finish. By this operation, the armrests 1, 1 are positioned at the height of the armrests 1 'indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 4, and are adjusted to be suitable for large users.

On the other hand, when the user is small, when the user sits on the armchair, the arm including the wrist and the elbow of the user is in contact with the armrests 1, 1 and Slightly angry shoulders. In this case,
Since the load applied to the armrests 1, 1 is large, the pressure detected by the pressure detection units 4, 4,... Is also large, and the pressure determination unit 5 outputs the excessive load detection signal S3. Accordingly, the armrest moving unit 6 receives the excessive load detection signal S3 and moves the armrest 1 downward.

When this operation is repeated one or more times,
The armrests 1,1 are gradually moved downward to release the anger of the user's shoulder, and the load applied to the armrests 1,1 becomes small. When the pressure due to the load decreases and the representative value S2 in the pressure determination unit 5 falls within the predetermined range A, the pressure determination unit 5 stops outputting a signal, so that the armrest moving unit 6 controls the movement of the armrest units 1 and 1. finish. By this operation, the armrests 1, 1 are positioned at the height of the armrest 1 'indicated by the imaginary line in FIG. 5, and are adjusted to be appropriate for a small user.

Since the armchair adjusts the position of the armrests 1, 1 as described above, the user only needs to sit down and place his / her arms on the armrests 1, 1 without any trouble. Adjustments are possible.

In this embodiment, the permission or the restriction of the movement of the armrest by the armrest moving unit 6 is selected by the first switch 7 provided on the armrest 1, but the present invention is limited to this configuration. It is not something that can be done. For example, a seating detection unit that detects the seating of the user is provided, and the armrests 1 and 1 are operated by the above operation only within a predetermined time after the seating is detected.
The position of 1 may be adjusted. In this case, the position of the armrests 1, 1 is adjusted only when the user sits down, and the position of the armrests 1, 1 is not accidentally changed due to, for example, operating the arm after a while after sitting. There are advantages.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pressure judgment unit 5 and the armrest moving unit 6 are described as moving the armrests 1, 1 up and down from the relationship between the representative value S2 and the predetermined range A. The present invention is not limited to the method of moving 1,1 up and down. For example, when only the pressure at the position where the wrist portion is placed is small, only the wrist placing portion may be moved like the armrest 1 ′ shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 is a structural view of an armchair. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the armchair for explaining the arrangement of the pressure detection unit. FIG. 9 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrests move in directions away from each other. FIG. 10 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrests move toward each other. In FIGS. 7 to 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the armchair described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

The armchair of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is different from the armchair described in the first embodiment in the following features.

That is, the pressure judging section 8 outputs an outer load detection signal S5 when the load position is outside the upper surface of the armrest 1, and detects the inner load when the load position is inside the upper surface of the armrest 1. The armrest moving section 9 moves the armrests 1, 1 in a direction away from each other when receiving the outer load detection signal S5, and moves the armrests 1, 1 together when receiving the inner load detection signal S6. This is a configuration for moving in the approaching direction.

More specifically, the pressure judging section 8 includes the pressure detecting sections 4, 4... Of the first row 4a disposed inside the armrest section 1 among the pressure detecting sections 4, 4. Outputs the large pressure value S1, and outputs the inside load detection signal S6 when the third row 4c disposed outside the armrest 1 outputs the small pressure value S1. On the other hand, the pressure judging section 8 outputs a small pressure value S1 from the pressure detecting sections 4, 4... Of the first row 4a arranged inside the armrest section 1, and is arranged outside the armrest section 1. Third row 4c
Outputs a large load value S1 and outputs an outside load detection signal S5. Also, the pressure judging section 8 outputs a large pressure value S1 from the pressure detecting sections 4, 4... Of the second row 4b, which are arranged in the intermediate portion of the armrest section 1, of the pressure detecting section 4, and outputs the large pressure value S1. No signal is output when 4a and the third row 4c output a small pressure value S1.

The armchair constructed as described above operates as follows. When the user sits on the seat 2 and places his arms on the armrests 1, 1, when the user has a large handle, the arms are placed on the third side of the pressure detection unit 4 outside the armrests 1, 1. It will be placed near the top of row 4c. In this case, the pressure detectors 4, 4,... Of the third row 4c disposed on the outer side of the armrest section 1 output a large pressure value S1, and the first row 4a disposed on the inner side. Output a small pressure value S1, the pressure determination unit 8 outputs an outside load detection signal S5. When the armrest moving section 9 receives the outer load detection signal S5, the armrest moving section 9 moves the armrest sections 1 and 1 away from each other. Therefore, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 9, when the user has a large pattern, the armrests 1 and 1 move in a direction away from each other,
The space between the armrests 1 ', 1' is wide.

On the other hand, when the user is small, the arm is placed near the upper part of the third row 4a of the pressure detector 4 inside the armrests 1, 1. In this case, the pressure detectors 4, 4,... Of the third row 4a provided on the inner part of the armrest unit 1 output a large pressure value S1, and the first row 4c provided on the outer part. Output a small pressure value S1, the pressure determination unit 8 outputs an inner load detection signal S6. When the armrest moving section 9 receives the inner load detection signal S6, the armrest moving section 9 moves the armrest sections 1 and 1 toward each other. Therefore, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 10, when the user is small, the armrests 1,
1 move toward each other, and the space between the armrests 1 ′, 1 ′ becomes narrow.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a structural view showing a main part of an armchair. FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of the armchair. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the armchair described in the first embodiment, and the detailed description of the same parts will be omitted.

The armchair of this embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is different from the armchair described in the first embodiment in the following features.

That is, the pressure detecting sections 10, 10... Corresponding to the inflating / contracting pressure detecting section and the airbag 1 corresponding to the inflating / contracting section.
, An expansion / contraction pressure determination unit 12, and an expansion / contraction control unit 1
3 is provided.

Are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 5 columns inside the armrests 1, 1 similarly to the pressure detectors 4, 4,... Described in the first embodiment. ing.

Are inflated when a fluid such as air is injected, and contracted when the fluid is discharged. The airbags 11, 11,...
0 ... are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 5 columns, and each of the pressure detecting units 10, 10 ... in the armrests 1, 1 ...
Below and in the vicinity of the upper surface of the armrests 1, 1. Then, the pressure detection unit 1 located above
0 and the airbag 11 located therebelow are respectively associated with each other. , The expansion / contraction pressure determination unit 12 determines that each of the pressure values S7 detected by the plurality of pressure detection units 10, 10,.
When the pressure value is larger than the range, an overload detection signal S8 is output, and when the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range, the underload detection signal S9 is output.

The expansion / contraction controller 13 includes an expansion / contraction pressure determination unit 12
When the overload detection signal S8 is received from the airbag 11, the airbag 11 corresponding to the pressure detection unit 10 that has detected the pressure is deflated, and when the underload detection signal S9 is received from the inflation / deflation pressure determination unit 12, the pressure is detected. The airbag 11 corresponding to the pressure detector 10 is inflated.

The second switch 14 is provided on the armrest unit 1 and is controlled by the inflation control unit 13 to control the airbags 11, 1.
1 are permitted or restricted. That is, when the second switch 14 is turned on, the inflation and contraction control unit 13 controls the airbags 111, 11.
Are inflated and contracted, and when the first switch section 7 is turned off, the inflation and contraction control section 13 does not inflate and contract the airbags 111, 11. Therefore, when the user does not want to adjust the position of the armrests 1, 1, the first switch 7 may be turned off.

In the armchair constructed as described above, the user places his / her arm on the armrests 1, 1 and, if there is a portion where an excessive load is applied to the armrests 1, 1, that portion is used. If there is a portion where the airbag 11 contracts and the load applied to the armrests 1 and 1 becomes too small, the airbag 11 of that portion
Expands.

Accordingly, the shape of the upper surface 1a of the armrests 1 and 1 is appropriately deformed by the inflation and contraction of the airbag 11, and becomes a shape suitable for placement when the arm is placed, thereby improving the sitting comfort.

In this embodiment, the expansion / contraction pressure detecting section is described as being separate from the pressure detecting section used for moving the armrest up and down as described in the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to those provided separately, and the pressure detecting unit for expansion and contraction and the pressure detecting unit may also be used. In this case, there is an advantage that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0043]

Since the armchair of the present invention is constructed as described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pressure detecting section detects the pressure due to the load applied to the armrest, and the pressure judging section. Outputs a detection signal corresponding to the pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit, and when the armrest moving unit receives the detection signal from the pressure determination unit, the armrest unit moves the armrest unit according to the detection signal,
The user can adjust the armrest to the optimum position in a seated state, thereby providing an armchair that can adjust the armrest without any trouble.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the pressure detecting section detects the pressure due to the load applied to the armrest from above, and the pressure judging section detects the pressure value detected by the pressure detecting section within a predetermined range. When the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range, an overload detection signal is output, when the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range, an underload detection signal is output, and when the armrest moving unit receives the overload detection signal, the armrest unit. The armrest is moved upward when the underload detection signal is received, so the user only needs to place the arm on the armrest while sitting, and adjust the vertical position of the armrest to the optimal position. And an armchair that can adjust the armrest portion without requiring any time is provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressure detector detects the position of the load applied to the upper surface of the armrest,
The pressure judgment unit outputs an outside load detection signal when the position of the load is outside the upper surface of the armrest, and outputs an inside load detection signal when the position of the load is inside the upper surface of the armrest. When the part receives the outer load detection signal, it moves the armrests away from each other, and when it receives the inner load detection signal, it moves the armrests closer to each other, so the user optimally widens the armrests while sitting It is possible to provide an armchair that can be adjusted to a position and that can adjust an armrest portion without any trouble.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when each of the pressure values detected by the plurality of inflating / contracting pressure detecting units is larger than a predetermined range, the overload detecting signal is output. When the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range, an underload detection signal is output, and the expansion / contraction control section responds to the overload detection signal output from the expansion / compression pressure detection section. Since the contracted portion is contracted and the corresponding expanded / contracted portion is expanded in response to the underload detection signal, the shape of the upper surface of the armrest can be deformed according to the pressure due to the load applied to the upper surface of the armrest, and When the elbow is placed on the upper surface of the armrest, the shape of the upper surface is made optimal for the arm on which the armrest is placed, and an effect of providing an armchair that can improve sitting comfort can be obtained.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first switch permits or restricts the movement of the armrest by the armrest moving part, so that the movement of the armrest is restricted when the user does not want to. It is possible to prevent an inadvertent movement of the armrest, and to provide an armchair that can improve sitting comfort.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the second switch permits or restricts the expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction section by the expansion and contraction control section. By regulating, it is possible to prevent the upper surface of the armrest portion from being carelessly deformed, and to provide an armchair that can improve sitting comfort.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an armchair according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an armchair.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of an armchair for explaining an arrangement of a pressure detecting unit.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrest moves upward.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrest moves downward.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state where the armrest moves in another manner.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an armchair according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the armchair for explaining the arrangement of the pressure detection unit.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the armchair for explaining a state in which the armrests move in directions away from each other.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the armchair illustrating a state in which the armrests move toward each other.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of an armchair according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of the armchair.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Armrest part 4 Pressure detection part 5 Pressure judgment part 6 Armrest movement part 7 First switch 8 Pressure judgment part 9 Armrest movement part 10 Expansion and contraction pressure detection part 12 Expansion and contraction pressure judgment part 11 Expansion and contraction part 13 Expansion and contraction control Part 14 Second switch S3 Overload detection signal S4 Underload detection signal S5 Outer load detection signal S6 Inner load detection signal S8 Excess load detection signal S9 Underload detection signal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An armchair having an armrest on which a user can rest his / her elbow while sitting, wherein a pressure detector for detecting a pressure due to a load applied to the armrest is provided inside the armrest. A pressure judging unit that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a pressure value detected by the pressure detecting unit is provided to be connected to the pressure detecting unit. When a detection signal is received from the pressure judging unit, the armrest moves according to the detection signal. An armchair, wherein an armrest moving part to be provided is provided in the armrest part. 2. The pressure judging section outputs an excessive load detection signal when the pressure value detected by the pressure detecting section is larger than a predetermined range, and outputs the excessive load detection signal when the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range. Outputting an underload detection signal to the armrest moving section, when receiving the overload detection signal, moves the armrest section downward, and upon receiving the underload detection signal, moves the armrest section upward. The armchair according to 1. 3. The pressure detector detects the position of a load applied to the upper surface of the armrest, and the pressure determiner outputs an outer load detection signal if the position of the load is outside the upper surface of the armrest. If the position of the load is inside the upper surface of the armrest, an inner load detection signal is output, and upon receiving the outer load detection signal, the armrest moving unit moves the armrests away from each other to move the armrests away from each other. 2. The armchair according to claim 1, wherein the armchairs are moved in a direction approaching each other when the armchair is received. 4. A plurality of inflating / contracting pressure detecting sections for detecting a pressure due to a load applied to the armrest section inside the armrest section, and each pressure value detected by the plurality of inflating / contracting pressure detecting sections is a predetermined value. When the pressure value is larger than the range, an overload detection signal is output, and when the pressure value is smaller than a predetermined range, an underload detection signal is output. A plurality of expandable / contractible portions that can be expanded and contracted are provided in correspondence with the positions of the plurality of inflatable / contractible pressure detectors in the vicinity of the upper surface of the armrest portion, and the output of the inflatable / contractible pressure detector The expansion / contraction control section for contracting the corresponding expansion / contraction section in response to the excessive load detection signal and expanding the corresponding expansion / contraction section in response to the underload detection signal is connected to the expansion / contraction pressure determination section. The armchair according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: . 5. The armchair according to claim 1, further comprising a first switch for permitting or restricting the movement of the armrest by the armrest moving part. 6. The armchair according to claim 4, further comprising a second switch for permitting or restricting expansion and contraction of the expansion / contraction section by the expansion / contraction control section.