JP7636880B2 - Chair device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a chair device.

Conventionally, it is already known to construct chair devices with various designs by removably attaching multiple seats and tabletops to a base structure. This type of chair device is configured so that the design can be easily changed by combining the seats, tabletops, and base structures (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.).

JP 2019-54835 A

However, with the conventional chair devices, when changing the design to, for example, an I-shape or L-shape, a dedicated base structure and seat must be used to accommodate the desired layout. This means that the types of base structure and seat must be diversified (multiplied) for each layout, which increases costs and makes it difficult to flexibly meet the needs of various users.

For example, chair devices installed in lobbies, waiting rooms, etc. are designed to accommodate multiple users, and nowadays, even with this type of chair device, there is a demand for it to have a moderate degree of closedness to prevent interference from others.

However, the conventional chair device does not have a partition-like component to separate users seated next to each other, so this also poses the problem of being unable to flexibly meet user needs.

The technical objective of the present invention is to provide a chair device that has been improved upon based on the current situation described above.

The chair device of the present invention comprises a base structure having legs in contact with the floor, and a plurality of parts attached to the base structure, the parts including a plurality of chairs having seats, and one or more plate-shaped panel bodies located to the sides of the chairs and extending in the fore-and-aft direction, the panel body having an extension portion that protrudes forward beyond the front end of the seat , the panel body being fixed to at least one of the plurality of chairs, and being attached to the base structure as a chair unit including the panel body .

In the chair device of the present invention, when the panel body is placed on one side of at least one of the plurality of chairs, the width in the front-rear and left-right directions in a plan view, excluding the extension, may be standardized to a predetermined dimension.

In the chair device of the present invention, when the panel body is placed on one side of at least one of the plurality of chairs, the chair may be configured to have a square shape with equal widths in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions in a plan view, excluding the extension portion.

In the chair device of the present invention, an end panel having the same shape as the panel body may be arranged on the other side of at least one of the plurality of chairs.

In the chair device of the present invention, the parts include a tabletop arranged on the other side of the chair, and an end panel of the same shape as the panel body is arranged on the other side of at least one of the plurality of chairs, and the end panel may be positioned on the other side of the chair, sandwiching the tabletop.

In the chair device of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of chairs has a backrest, the backrest includes a plate-like body and a cushion body that protrudes forward from the plate-like body, the height of the plate-like body is set higher than the cushion body, and the plate-like body and the panel body may be set to the same height.

The chair device of the present invention does not require a wide variety of seat types for each desired layout, and can flexibly meet various user needs while keeping costs down. With the chair device of the present invention, when separating users seated next to each other, a panel body can be selected, and it is easy to set the appropriate level of closure (closeness) to prevent interference from others, making it possible to flexibly meet user needs. It blocks the view of the person next to you and improves the feeling of being enclosed, making it easier to relax and concentrate. It can block the flying of droplets from the seated person between adjacent plate-shaped panel bodies, which is effective in preventing droplet infection of various viruses such as the new coronavirus and influenza.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair device as a combination furniture of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a panel-attached seat body, and FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the panel-attached seat body. 1A is a perspective view of a seat body with a pair of panels, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the seat body with a pair of panels. 1A is a plan view of a square seat, FIG. 1B is a plan view of a seat body with a panel, FIG. 1C is a plan view of a seat body with a pair of panels, FIG. 1D is a plan view of a rectangular seat, and FIG. 1E is a plan view of a small square seat. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the component unit and the base structure separated from each other. 10A and 10B are plan views for explaining changes in the mounting orientation of the panel-attached base body, where (a) is when the panel is placed on the left side, (b) is when the panel is placed on the front side, and (c) is when the panel is placed on the right side. 10A and 10B are plan views illustrating changes in the installation orientation of a panel-attached seat body, with (a) the cushion panel being placed on the left side and the plate panel being placed on the front side, (b) the cushion panel being placed on the front side and the plate panel being placed on the right side, and (c) the cushion panel being placed on the right side and the plate panel being placed on the rear side. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a chair device using different combinations of component units. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a chair device using different combinations of component units. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a cushion panel in which a cushion body and a plate-shaped panel are separate bodies, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a tall cushion panel. FIG. FIG. 2 is an isolated plan view showing the connection manner of the long frame, the short frame, the corner connectors, and the extension connectors. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the manner in which the long frame, the short frame, the corner connectors, the extension connectors and the leg supports are connected. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing two main frame base structures connected in an I-shape. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing two main frame base structures connected in an island shape. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing two main frame base structures connected in an L-shape. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing three base structures having main frames connected in a T-shape. 17A is a perspective view of a chair device using a pair of I-shaped connected base structures shown in FIG. 16, and FIG. 17B is a plan view of the same. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a chair device using a pair of island-shaped linked base structures shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a chair device using a pair of L-shaped connected base structures shown in FIG. 18. 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a base structure of a main frame specification and a base structure of a sub-frame specification are connected in an I-shape. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state in which two base structures of main frame specification and a base structure of sub-frame specification are connected in an L-shape. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state in which three base structures of the main frame specification and a base structure of the sub-frame specification are connected in a T-shape. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state in which four base structures of main frame specifications and a base structure of sub-frame specifications are connected in a cross shape. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state in which a base structure of a main frame specification and a base structure of a sub-frame specification are connected in an L-shape. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chair device using a base structure having one main frame. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a chair device using a base structure having one main frame. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a chair device using a pair of I-shaped connected base structures, which is a modified example of the device shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a chair device using a pair of I-shaped connected base structures, as viewed from below. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a chair device using a pair of I-shaped linked base structures.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms "front-rear" and "left-right" are used to specify directions, but these are based on the orientation of the user of a chair device as furniture using the component units of the present invention. In other words, the direction in which the seats are arranged in the chair device is the left-right or horizontal direction, and the depth direction is the front-rear direction. However, these terms are used for convenience of explanation and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the horizontal direction is used as a general term for the left-right or horizontal direction and the front-rear direction.

The chair device 1 as a combination piece of furniture shown in FIG. 1 comprises a parts unit 2 consisting of a selective combination of a square seat 4, a seat body with a panel 5, and a seat body with a counter panel 6, and a base structure 3 that supports the parts unit 2. The square seat 4, the seat body with a panel 5, and the seat body with a counter panel 6 are selectively combined as appropriate and attached to the base structure 3 in a line in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The square seat 4, the seat body with a panel 5, and the seat body with a counter panel 6 in the embodiment constitute the parts of the parts unit 2, but are not limited to seat-related items, and the concept also includes items such as tabletops.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the square seat 4 is formed in a square shape when viewed from above. In this specification, the terms square and rectangular are concepts that include shapes with rounded or chamfered corners.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the panel-attached seat body 5 comprises a rectangular seat 7 whose long side is the same length as one side of the square seat 4, and a panel 9 erected on one of the long sides of the rectangular seat 7. A cushion body 10 protruding toward the surface side is provided on the upper side of the surface of the panel 9 (the surface facing the rectangular seat 7). In other words, in this embodiment, a cushion panel 9b having a cushion body 10 is used as the panel 9 of the panel-attached seat body 5. The cushion panel 9b may be a plate-shaped panel 9a to which the cushion body 10 is attached separately (see Figure 12(a)), or may be an integral part (see Figure 3(b)).

As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, a pair of connecting pieces 11 that protrude in the same direction are provided on the lower end side of the cushion panel 9b. The cushion panel 9b is detachably attached to the rectangular seat 7 by overlapping the lower surface side of the cushion panel 9b with one of the long sides of the rectangular seat 7 and screwing the pair of connecting pieces 11 to the underside of the rectangular seat 7 from below. The rectangular seat 7 with the cushion panel 9b attached to it constitutes the panel-attached seat body 5. As is clear from the manner in which the cushion panel 9b is attached to the rectangular seat 7, the panel 9 of the panel-attached seat body 5 can be selected from a plate-shaped panel 9a (see FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 12(a)) and a cushion panel 9b (see FIG. 3(b)).

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the panel-attached seat body 6 is equipped with a small square seat 8 similar in shape to the square seat 4, with its four sides being the same length as the short sides of the rectangular seat 7, and two panels 9 erected along two adjacent sides of the small square seat 8. In this embodiment, one panel 9 is a cushion panel 9b that has the same structure as the panel-attached seat body 5. The other panel 9 is a plate-shaped panel 9a (see Figure 4(b)).

As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a pair of connecting pieces 11 protruding in the same direction is also provided on the lower end side of the plate-shaped panel 9a. The lower surface sides of the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b are overlapped with the two adjacent sides of the small square seat 8, and the pair of connecting pieces 11 are screwed from below to the lower surface side of the small square seat 8, so that the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b are detachably attached to the small square seat 8. The plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b attached to the small square seat 8 form the panel-attached seat body 6. As is clear from the mounting mode of the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b to the small square seat 8, the panel 9 of the panel-attached seat body 6 can also be selected from the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b. As is clear from the above explanation, in this specification, the higher-level concept of the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b is collectively referred to as the panel 9.

As mentioned above, the rectangular seat 7 of the panel seat body 5 has a long side with the same length D1 as one side of the square seat 4. The small square seat 8 of the counter panel seat body 6 has four sides with the same length as the short side D2 of the rectangular seat 7, and is similar in shape to the square seat 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the square seat 4, panel seat body 5, and counter panel seat body 6 are standardized by being configured as squares of the same size in a plan view. In other words, the panel seat body 5 has a square shape in a plan view when the panel 9 is attached to the rectangular seat 7, and each of the four sides has the same length as one side D1 of the square seat 4.

In this embodiment, the side length L of the panels 9 of the panel seat body 5 and the counter panel seat body 6 is set to be the same. In this case, the side length L of each panel 9 is approximately the same as the length D1 of the long side of the rectangular seat 7 (which is also the length of one side of the square seat 4). This makes it possible to standardize parts when manufacturing each panel 9.

In addition, when constructing the pair of panel seating bodies 6, the side length of one panel 9 may be the length D1 of the long side of the rectangular seat 7, and the side length of the other panel 9 may be the length D2 of the short side of the rectangular seat 7 (which is also the length of one side of the small square seat 8).

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the base structure 3 includes a frame 12 that is rectangular in plan view, and four leg supports 13 that support the four corners of the frame 12. The frame 12 includes a pair of long frames 12a and a pair of short frames 12b. Both the long frames 12a and the short frames 12b are formed in a hollow angular shape. Adjacent long frames 12a and short frames 12b are detachably connected via L-shaped corner connectors 14 to form the frame 12 that is rectangular in plan view. In the embodiment, the upper end side of the corresponding leg support 13 is detachably attached to each corner connector 14.

The square base 4, panel-attached base body 5, and counter-panel-attached base body 6 are configured so that the mounting orientation relative to the base structure 3 can be changed in four horizontal directions (front, back, left, and right). A total of eight female threaded holes 15 (mesh nuts) are provided on the underside of the square base 4, two along each side. These female threaded holes 15 are positioned in a line-symmetrical relationship, with four holes in each direction on either side of each diagonal line DI1 when viewed from above the square base 4.

The underside of the rectangular seat 7 in the panel-attached seat body 5 has eight female threaded holes 16 (mesh nuts), two along each side. These female threaded holes 16 are also arranged in a line-symmetrical relationship with four holes in each direction across the diagonal line DI2 of the panel-attached seat body 5 in a plan view. Similarly, the underside of the small square seat 8 in the panel-attached seat body 6 has eight female threaded holes 17 (mesh nuts), two along each side. These female threaded holes 17 are also arranged in a line-symmetrical relationship with four holes in each direction across the diagonal line DI3 of the panel-attached seat body 6 in a plan view.

The frame 12 (long frame 12a and short frame 12b) has multiple insertion holes 18 formed at appropriate intervals along the longitudinal direction, which penetrate vertically and allow screws to pass through. In this embodiment, six insertion holes 18 are formed in each of the long frames 12a, and two in each of the short frames 12b.

The insertion holes 18 in the frame 12 are set to match the female thread holes 15-17 in the square seat 4, panel seat 5 or paired panel seat 6 after the mounting orientation of the square seat 4, panel seat 5 or paired panel seat 6 placed on the frame 12 is changed to each of the four horizontal directions (front, back, left, right, and right).

In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, a total of six insertion holes 18 (two on the right side of each long frame 12a and two on the right short frame 12b) match with six female threaded holes 15 of the square seat 4. Also, a total of four insertion holes 18 (two on the center side of each long frame 12a) match with four female threaded holes 16 of the rectangular seat 7. And a total of six insertion holes 18 (two on the left side of each long frame 12a and two on the left short frame 12b) match with six female threaded holes 17 of the small square seat 8.

With the square seat 4, panel seat 5, or paired panel seat 6 placed on the frame 12 in a specified installation orientation, screws are screwed from below into the matching insertion holes 18 and female threaded holes 15-17, allowing the square seat 4, panel seat 5, and paired panel seat 6 to be attached detachably to the base structure 3 in four horizontal directions (front, back, left, right, and four directions).

In this case, as mentioned above, the square seat 4, panel seat body 5, and opposing panel seat body 6 are standardized and configured to be square in shape with the same size when viewed from above. Therefore, the panel seat body 5 and opposing panel seat body 6 can be attached to the base structure 3 as is, without being hindered by the presence of the panel 9, even if the installation orientation is changed.

For example, Figure 8 shows plan views in which the mounting orientation of the panel-attached seat body 5 in the middle has been changed from the state shown in Figure 1. (a) shows the case where the panel 9 is placed on the left side, (b) shows the case where the panel 9 is placed on the front side, and (c) shows the case where the panel 9 is placed on the right side. Figure 9 shows plan views in which the mounting orientation of the panel-attached seat body 6 on the left side has been changed from the state shown in Figure 1. (a) shows the case where the cushion panel 9b is placed on the left side and the plate-shaped panel 9a is placed on the front side, (b) shows the case where the cushion panel 9b is placed on the front side and the plate-shaped panel 9a is placed on the right side, and (c) shows the case where the cushion panel 9b is placed on the right side and the plate-shaped panel 9a is placed on the rear side.

With the above configuration, it is not necessary to diversify the types of seats 4 to 6 for each desired layout, so it is possible to flexibly meet various user needs while keeping costs down. Furthermore, by using the component unit 2 of the present invention, users seated next to each other can be separated by simply selecting the panel-equipped seat body 5 or the opposing panel-equipped seat body 6, and it is easy to set it to have an appropriate level of closedness so that others do not interfere with each other. In this respect, too, it is possible to flexibly meet user needs.

As an example of such a flexible layout, FIG. 10 shows a case where the square seat 4 at the right end in FIG. 1 is changed to a panel seat body 5, the left panel 9 (plate-shaped panel 9a) of the left end paired panel seat body 6 is omitted, and a cushion panel 9b is attached to the right side. FIG. 11 shows a case where the square seat 4 at the right end in FIG. 1 is changed to a panel seat body 5, the center panel seat body 5 is changed to a paired panel seat body 6, and the left end paired panel seat body 6 is changed to a panel seat body 5. In FIG. 11, in the center paired panel seat body 6, a cushion panel 9b is placed on the rear side of the rectangular seat 7, and a plate-shaped panel 9a is placed to the right of the rectangular seat 7. Note that the same configuration can be achieved by changing the right end panel seat body 5 in FIG. 1 to the paired panel seat body 6 in FIG. 1, and leaving the center panel seat body 5.

In this embodiment, when mounting the square seat 4, panel seat 5, or paired panel seat 6 on the frame 12, a spacer 19 is interposed between the frame 12 and the square seat 4, panel seat 5, or paired panel seat 6. Each spacer 19 has an insertion hole 20 through which a screw can pass.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the square seat 4, panel seat 5, or paired panel seat 6 are arranged on the frame 12 in a predetermined installation orientation, and by screwing screws from below into the matching insertion holes 18, the insertion holes 20 of the spacer 19, and the female threaded holes 15-17, the square seat 4, panel seat 5, and paired panel seat 6 are detachably attached to the base structure 3 in four horizontal directions (front, back, left, right, and four directions) so that their installation orientation can be changed.

Therefore, a gap is formed between the frame 12 and the component unit 2 (square seat 4, panel-attached seat body 5, and counter-panel-attached seat body 6). The presence of this gap makes it possible to attach a table 21 to the frame 12 and to attach a receiving stay 23 that can accommodate an electrical outlet 22, etc. (See the two-dot chain line in Figure 7).

In the embodiment, three types of seats are used: a square seat 4, a rectangular seat 7, and a small square seat 8, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the four peripheral parts of the square seat 4 may be configured to be expandable and deformable, and then one side of the square seat 4 may be shrunk to erect a panel 9 to form a panel seat body 5, or two adjacent sides of the square seat 4 may be shrunk to erect two panels 9 to form a paired panel seat body 6. In this case, standardization is possible if the square seat 4, the panel seat body 5, and the paired panel seat body 6 are configured to have the same size square shape in a plan view by shrinking the part of the square seat 4 where the panel 9 is erected. Even when the four peripheral parts of the square seat 4 are configured to be expandable and deformable, the panel 9 of the panel seat body 5 and the paired panel seat body 6 can be selected from a plate panel 9a and a cushion panel 9b.

As mentioned above, the cushion panel 9b may be a plate-shaped panel 9a to which the cushion body 10 is attached separately (see FIG. 12(a)), or may be an integral part (see FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 4(b)). The same applies when the four peripheral parts of the square seat 4 are configured to be expandable and contractible. The height of the plate-shaped panel 9a and the cushion panel 9b is not limited to that of the embodiment, and a high one as shown in FIG. 12(b) can be used. A high cushion panel 9b is shown in FIG. 12(b), but such a high one can be used even for a plate-shaped panel 9a without a cushion body 10.

In addition, in the embodiment, the panel 9 is attached to the rectangular seat 7 and the small square seat 8, but this is not limited to the above. The panel seat body 5 and the counter-panel seat body 6 can be configured in such a way that the panel 9 and the seats 7, 8 are attached to the frame 12 of the base structure 3 by their respective fixing means, and a standardized structure can be adopted in which the square seat 4, the panel seat body 5, and the counter-panel seat body 6 are configured to have the same size square shape in a plan view, as in the embodiment.

Next, the detailed structure of the base structure 3 will be described with reference to Figure 13 onwards. As mentioned above, the base structure 3 comprises an underframe 12 formed into a rectangular frame shape in plan view by connecting adjacent long frames 12a and short frames 12b, or connecting the short frames 12b together, via L-shaped corner connectors 14, and four leg supports 13 attached to the four corner connectors 14. Each frame 12a, 12b is formed into a hollow angular shape.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the corner connector 14 has a pair of fitting protrusions 31 that fit into the end openings of each frame 12a, 12b. Each fitting protrusion 31 has a screw hole 32 that opens up and down, while each frame 12a, 12b has a screw insertion hole 33 that opens up and down at both ends in the longitudinal direction. When the corresponding fitting protrusions 31 of the corner connector 14 are fitted into the end openings of each frame 12a, 12b, the screw holes 32 of each fitting protrusion 31 and the screw insertion holes 33 of each frame 12a, 12b match. In this state, by screwing a screw into the screw hole 32 from above or below through the screw insertion hole 18, the adjacent long frame 12a and short frame 12b are detachably fastened via the corner connector 14.

A downward-opening leg attachment hole 34 is formed in the center of the corner connector 14. With the upper end of the leg support 13 fitted into the leg attachment hole 34, a screw is screwed in from above, so that the leg support 13 is detachably fastened to the corner connector 14, which is the corner of the frame 12.

In addition, each fitting protrusion 31 also has a through hole 35 that opens horizontally. Corresponding to the through hole 35, horizontal screw insertion holes 36 are formed at both longitudinal ends of each frame 12a, 12b. It goes without saying that when the corresponding fitting protrusion 31 of the corner connector 14 is fitted into the end opening of each frame 12a, 12b, the through hole 35 of each fitting protrusion 31 and the screw insertion hole 36 of each frame 12a, 12b match. The through hole 35 of each fitting protrusion 31 and the screw insertion hole 36 of each frame 12a, 12b are for attaching the extension connector 37, which will be described later, to the underframe 12.

Now, at each corner of the underframe 12, two block-shaped extension connectors 37 can be attached at two horizontally outer locations to connect another base structure 3. The extension connector 37 has two opposing sides each provided with a holding portion 38 that holds the underframe 12. The extension connector 37 has a connecting screw hole 39 that opens in the horizontal direction where both holding portions 38 are located.

The extension connector 37 is detachably fastened to the corner of the underframe 12 by holding the underframe 12 with the holding portion 38 of the extension connector 37, matching the screw insertion hole 36 on the underframe 12 with the screw hole 39 of the extension connector 37, and screwing a long screw from the inside of the underframe 12 into the screw hole 39 of the extension connector 37 via the screw insertion hole 36 of each frame 12a, 12b and the through hole 35 of each fitting protrusion 31.

If the extension connector 37 did not have the holding portion 38, the load would be concentrated on the long screw, making it difficult to withstand the load. Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 38 of the extension connector 37 regulates the relative displacement between the frames 12, and the holding portion 38 is designed to receive the vertical load so that the long screw is not subjected to a vertical load. In addition, if the leg support 13 is attached to the extension connector 37 (details will be described later), the presence of the lower holding portion allows the extension connector 37 and the leg support 13 to receive the load in a distributed manner.

In this embodiment, block-shaped extension connectors 37 can be attached not only to each corner of the underframe 12, but also to two locations on the horizontal outside of the longitudinal midsection of each long frame 12a. In this case, horizontally opening screw insertion holes 36 are formed at two locations on the longitudinal midsection of each long frame 12a. The underframe 12 is held by the holding portion 38 of the extension connector 37, the screw insertion holes 40 of each long frame 12a are matched with the connecting screw holes 39 of the extension connector 37, and long screws from the inside of the underframe 12 are screwed into the connecting screw holes 39 of the extension connector 37 through the screw insertion holes 40 of each long frame 12a, so that the extension connectors 37 are detachably fastened to the two locations on the midsection of the long frames 12a of the underframe 12.

As shown in FIG. 13, the spacing between adjacent screw insertion holes 36, 40 in each long frame 12a is set to the same DH as the spacing between adjacent screw insertion holes 36, 36 in each short frame 12b.

The extension connector 37 is formed with a leg attachment hole 41 that opens downward. With the upper end of the leg support 13 fitted into the leg attachment hole 41, the leg support 13 is detachably fastened to the extension connector 37 by screwing a screw from above. Therefore, each leg support 13 in the embodiment can be replaced with either the underframe 12 (corner connector 14) or the extension connector 37. In this embodiment, not only each leg support 13 but also the long frame 12a, short frame 12b, corner connector 14, and extension connector 37 are all the same shape, and each part is standardized, which reduces the effort of parts management and reduces costs.

As can be seen from the above description, in the embodiment, when multiple base structures 3 are connected in the horizontal direction, adjacent base structures 3, 3 can be connected by connecting the underframes 12 via the extension connector 37. That is, adjacent base structures 3, 3 can connect the short frames 12b (short side) of the underframe 12 (main underframe) via the extension connector 37, and can connect the long frames 12a (long side) of the underframe 12 (main underframe) via the extension connector 37. Furthermore, the short frame 12b (short side) of one underframe 12 (main underframe) and the long frame 12a (long side) of the other underframe 12 (main underframe) can be connected via the extension connector 37.

Figure 16 shows the state in which the short frames 12b of the underframe 12 (main underframe) are connected to each other via two extension connectors 37, and two base structures 3 are connected in an I-shape. Figure 17 shows the state in which the long frames 12a of the underframe 12 (main underframe) are connected to each other via two extension connectors 37, and two base structures 3 are connected in an island shape. Figure 18 shows the state in which the short frame 12b of one underframe 12 (main underframe) is connected to the long frame 12a of the other underframe 12 (main underframe) via two extension connectors 37, and two base structures 3 are connected in an L-shape. FIG. 19 shows the state in which the short frames 12b of the underframe 12 (main underframe) are connected to each other via two extension connectors 37, and the short frame 12b of one underframe 12 (main underframe) is connected to the long frame 12a of the other underframe 12 (main underframe) via two extension connectors 37, resulting in three base structures 3 being connected in a T-shape. Note that the through holes 18 and screw through holes 33 in the underframe 12 are omitted from the illustration in FIG. 16 to FIG. 19.

As described above, the base structure 3 of the embodiment is itself standardized, so various layouts can be created by combining them without diversifying the types. This allows for flexible response to various user needs while keeping costs down. In particular, the ability to standardize various parts has the great advantage of reducing the effort required for parts management and reducing costs. For example, by standardizing both the base structure 3 (combination of the underframe 12) and the part unit 2 by 1 unit or 1.5 units, using the side length L of the panel 9 (which is also the length D1 of one side of the square seat 4) as a standard unit, there is the advantage that size variations can be easily narrowed down (consolidated) or expanded.

As an example of such a flexible layout of the base structure 3, a chair device 1 using the connection mode of the base structure 3 shown in Figs. 16 to 19 is shown in Figs. 20 to 22. Fig. 20 is an example of a chair device 1 using a pair of I-shaped connected base structures 3 shown in Fig. 16. In this example, from the right end, the component units 2 arranged in the order of a rear-facing paired panel seat body 6, two forward-facing panel seat bodies 5, a forward-facing paired panel seat body 6, a rear-facing panel seat body 5, and a rear-facing paired panel seat body 6 are mounted on a pair of I-shaped connected base structures 3. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the panels 9 of the panel seat body 5 and the paired panel seat body 6 are both tall cushion panels 9b.

Figure 21 shows an example of a chair device 1 using a pair of base structures 3 connected in an island shape as shown in Figure 17. In this example, a component unit 2 consisting of a total of six square seats 4 arranged in three columns in the left-right direction and two rows in the depth direction is mounted on the pair of base structures 3 connected in an island shape.

Figure 22 is an example of a chair device 1 using a pair of L-shaped connected base structures 3 as shown in Figure 18. In this example, a component unit 2 using a pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6 at the corners of the pair of base structures 3 and a panel-attached seat body 5 for the remaining parts is mounted on the pair of L-shaped connected base structures 3. In the example shown in Figure 22, the panels 9 of the panel-attached seat body 5 and the panel-attached seat body 6 are both cushion panels 9b of normal height.

As mentioned above, in the examples shown in Figures 20 to 22, the individual components of the component unit 2 can be selectively combined as appropriate, such as the square seat 4, panel-attached seat 5, opposing panel-attached seat 6, or a tabletop or shelf of the same standard.

The base structure 3 of the embodiment is basically expected to be sold as a set consisting of the underframe 12 and four leg supports 13. As can be seen from Figures 20 to 22, if you want to add more base structures 3, you can add more underframes 12 while keeping the number of leg supports 13 to a minimum by combining the underframe 12, two leg supports 13, and two extension connectors 37 into one set, which is not only cost-effective but also very aesthetically pleasing in terms of design.

In addition, each leg support 13 in the embodiment can be attached to either the frame 12 (corner connector 14) or the extension connector 37, so the leg support can be attached to the optimal position depending on the layout, which is effective in improving the stability of the chair device 1 (furniture). If necessary, the leg support can be attached to both the frame 12 (corner connector 14) and the extension connector 37, which will further increase stability.

Figures 23 to 26 show an example in which a sub-frame 12', which is a square in plan view and has four sides the same length as the short frame 12b, is used in one of the adjacent base structures 3. As mentioned above, the sub-frame 12' is different from the main frame in that it does not have the long frame 12a, but has the same basic structure, and the position of the insertion hole 18 and the connection mode with the extension connector 37 are configured in the same way as the main frame 12. In Figures 23 to 26, the adjacent base structures 3, 3 are connected to the short frame 12b (short side) of the main frame 12 and the short frame 12b of the sub-frame 12' via the extension connector 37. In Figure 27, the adjacent base structures 3, 3 are connected to the long frame 12a (long side) of the main frame 12 and the short frame 12b (one side) of the sub-frame 12' via the extension connector 37.

Figure 23 shows the state where the short frame 12b of the main frame 12 and the short frame 12 of the sub-frame 12' are connected via two extension connectors 37, and the base structure 3 of the main frame 12 specification and the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12' specification are connected in an I-shape. Figure 24 shows the state where the short frame 12b of one main frame 12 and the short frame 12b of the sub-frame 12' are connected via two extension connectors 37, and the short frame 12b of the other main frame 12 and the short frame 12b of the sub-frame 12' are connected via two extension connectors 37, and the two base structures 3 of the main frame 12 specification and the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12' specification are connected in an L-shape.

Figure 25 shows the state where the short frames 12b of three main underframes 12 are connected to the three short frames 12b of the sub-frame 12' via six extension connectors 37, and the three base structures 3 of the main underframe 12 and the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12' are connected in a T-shape. Furthermore, Figure 26 shows the state where the short frames 12b of four main underframes 12 are connected to the four short frames 12b of the sub-frame 12' via eight extension connectors 37, and the four base structures 3 of the main underframe 12 and the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12 are connected in a cross shape.

Figure 27 shows the state in which the long frame 12a of the main frame 12 and the short frame 12 of the sub-frame 12' are connected via two extension connectors 37, and the base structure 3 of the main frame 12 and the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12' are connected in an L-shape. Note that the through holes 18 and screw through holes 33 in the main frame 12 and the sub-frame 12' are not shown in Figures 23 to 27.

In this way, even when the base structure 3 of the main frame 12 specification is combined with the base structure 3 of the sub-frame 12' specification, various layouts can be created without diversifying the types. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to various user needs while suppressing costs. It goes without saying that even in the example shown in Figures 23 to 27, each frame 12 can be selectively installed in combination with the various parts of the part unit 2, such as the square seat 4, panel seat 5, opposing panel seat 6, or a tabletop or shelf of the same standard.

Figures 28 and 29 show an example of a chair device 1 using a base structure 3 with one main frame 12. In this example, a component unit 2 with three panel-attached seat bodies 6 arranged side by side is mounted on the base structure 3. In the example of Figures 28 and 29, the rear panel of the panel-attached seat body 6 (which can also be called a chair) is a high cushion panel 9b that functions as a backrest. Needless to say, the cushion panel 9b, which corresponds to the backrest, is a plate-shaped panel 9a (which can also be called a plate-shaped body) to which a cushion body 10 is attached, either separately or integrally.

A plate-shaped panel 9a (panel body) extending in the front-rear direction intersecting the backrest surface of the cushion panel 9b (backrest) is arranged on one of the left and right sides of the small square seat 8 in each pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6. The cushion panel 9b (plate-shaped panel 9a portion) and the plate-shaped panel 9a on one of the left and right sides are set to the same height. It is also possible to provide a cushion body 10 on the surface of one of the left and right plate-shaped panels 9a (the surface facing the small square seat 8). The cushion body 10 may also be provided separately from or integrally with the plate-shaped panel 9a on one of the left and right sides.

The front side of each plate-shaped panel 9a opposite the cushion panel 9b protrudes forward from the small square seat 8, separating the adjacent pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6, 6. That is, in the example of Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, the side length La of the plate-shaped panel 9a is set longer than the side length L of the cushion panel 9b. In other words, each plate-shaped panel 9a has an extension 49 that protrudes forward from the front end of the small square seat 8. In the example of Fig. 28 and Fig. 29, the extension 49 is integral with the plate-shaped panel 9a, but it goes without saying that it may be configured separately. For example, if the extension 49 is configured from a plate material such as a transparent or translucent acrylic resin, it is possible to take measures against droplet infection without making the seated person feel a sense of obstruction, and it is easy to wipe and clean, and has excellent cleanability and anti-fouling properties.

In this case, if the side length L of the cushion panel 9b (which is also the length D1 of one side of the square seat 4) is taken as one unit of reference, the side length La of the plate-shaped panel 9a is, for example, a length equivalent to 1.5 units. Of course, the side length La of the plate-shaped panel 9a is not particularly limited as long as it is longer than the aforementioned one unit. For example, it is desirable that the side length La of the plate-shaped panel 9a is such that the legs below the knees of a person normally seated on each pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6 are covered. The left and right plate-shaped panels 9a and the end panel 9c are attached to the corresponding small square seats 8 in the same manner as described above (via a pair of connecting pieces 11). Therefore, the pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6 with the plate-shaped panels 9a and end panels 9c can be attached to the base structure 3 as a unit. This makes it easy to carry out construction, dismantling, and reassembly work.

On the other side of the multiple panel-attached seat bodies 6, which are not adjacent to the panel-attached seat bodies 6, an end panel 9c having the same shape as the plate-shaped panel 9a is arranged. Therefore, the high cushion panel 9b (plate-shaped panel 9a portion) and the plate-shaped panel 9a and end panel 9c on one side are set to the same height. The side length Lc of the end panel 9c is also set longer than the side length L of the cushion panel 9b, and is, for example, a length equivalent to 1.5 units, similar to the side length La of the plate-shaped panel 9a. In other words, it can be said that the end panel 9c also has an extension 59 that protrudes forward from the front end of the small square seat 8. In the example of Figures 28 and 29, the extension 59 is integrally provided with the end panel 9c, similar to the plate-shaped panel 9a, but it may be configured separately. For example, if the extension 59 is also made of a transparent or translucent plate material such as acrylic resin, it is possible to prevent droplet infection without making the seated person feel blocked, and it is easy to wipe clean, and has excellent cleanability and stain resistance.

The rest of the configuration is the same as that described above. For example, when at least one of the multiple panel-attached seat bodies 6 has a plate-shaped panel 9a on one side, the width in the front-rear and left-right directions in plan view is standardized to a predetermined dimension, except for the extension part 49 of one of the left and right plate-shaped panels 9a. In the example of Figures 28 and 29, when each panel-attached seat body 6 has a plate-shaped panel 9a on one side, it is configured in a square shape with equal widths in the front-rear and left-right directions in plan view. This is as described above based on Figure 5, etc. With this configuration, each panel-attached seat body 6 can be laid out by changing the installation direction, so various user needs can be flexibly met while keeping costs down.

Even with the above configuration, it is easy to set the appropriate level of closure to prevent interference from others, and it is possible to flexibly respond to user needs. In particular, each plate-like panel 9a and end panel 9c has extensions 49, 59 that protrude forward from the front end of the small square seat 8, which further improves the level of closure and provides a comfortable environment for the seated person. It blocks the line of sight of the person next to you, improving the sense of enclosure, making it easier to relax and concentrate. In addition, it is possible to block the flying of droplets from the seated person between the adjacent pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6, 6, which is effective in preventing droplet infection of various viruses such as the new coronavirus and influenza.

In the example of Figures 28 and 29, an end panel 9c with the same shape as the plate panel 9a is arranged on the other left or right side of the multiple panel-attached seat bodies 6 that are not adjacent to each other, so that all panel-attached seat bodies 6 can provide a space with a high degree of closedness. In addition, since the high cushion panel 9b and the plate panel 9a and end panel 9c on one of the left and right sides are set to the same height, if these panels are set to a height that covers the head of the seated person, a space with a high degree of closedness can be more effectively secured in each panel-attached seat body 6, which contributes to creating an environment in which the seated person can feel comfortable. The cushion panel 9b and the plate panel 9a and end panel 9c on one of the left and right sides are lined up without any irregularities, giving a good appearance and providing the same effect of blocking the view of the surroundings from the side and back.

In particular, each plate-shaped panel 9a is provided with an extension 49 that protrudes forward beyond the front end of the small square seat 8, which more effectively blocks droplets from the seated person from flying between adjacent paired panel seat bodies 6, 6.

Figures 30 to 32 show an example of a chair device 1 using a pair of I-shaped connected base structures 3. This example is a modified version of the one shown in Figures 28 and 29, and in this example too, a component unit 2 consisting of three paired panel seat bodies 6 arranged horizontally is mounted on a pair of I-shaped connected base structures 3. The rear panel of the paired panel seat body 6 (which can also be called a chair unit) is a high cushion panel 9b that functions as a backrest. Needless to say, the cushion panel 9b, which corresponds to the backrest, is a plate-shaped panel 9a (which can also be called a plate-shaped body) to which a cushion body 10 is attached, either separately or integrally.

In the examples of Figures 30 to 32, the pair of long frames 12a in each underframe 12 are different in length. In this case, if the side length L of the cushion panel 9b (which is also the length D1 of one side of the square seat 4) is taken as one reference unit, the length of the long frame 12a in one underframe 12 is set to a length equivalent to, for example, 2.5 units, and the length of the long frame 12a in the other underframe 12 is set to a length equivalent to, for example, 2 units. Therefore, 4.5 units of component units are mounted in the left-right direction on the pair of I-shaped connected base structures 3.

In the example of Figures 30 to 32, the side lengths L, La, and Lc of the tall cushion panel 9b (plate panel 9a portion), one of the left and right plate panels 9a, and the end panel 9c are set to the same length, for example, a length equivalent to 1.5 units. Therefore, between the other left or right side of each small square seat 8 and the adjacent plate panel 9a or end panel 9c, a space of 0.5 units in the left and right direction is left. A top plate 50 on which luggage, etc. can be placed is attached to this space. An outlet 51 is attached to each top plate 50. In other words, the end panel 9c is placed on the other left or right side of the paired panel seat body 6, sandwiching the top plate 50.

28 and 29, each of the left and right plate-shaped panels 9a has an extension 49 that protrudes forward from the front end of the small square seat 8. In the examples of Figs. 30 to 32, the extension 49 is integral with the plate-shaped panel 9a, but it goes without saying that it may be configured separately. It can be said that the end panel 9c also has an extension 59 that protrudes forward from the front end of the small square seat 8. In the examples of Figs. 30 to 32, the extension 59 is integral with the end panel 9c, like the plate-shaped panel 9a, but it may be configured separately. In the examples of Figs. 30 to 32, like the examples of Figs. 28 and 29, the extensions 49, 59 may also be configured from a plate material such as a transparent or translucent acrylic resin. In this case, it is possible to prevent droplet infection without making the seated person feel a sense of obstruction, and it is easy to wipe and clean, and it has the same effect of being excellent in cleanability and anti-fouling properties.

In the examples of Figures 30 to 32, for example, when at least one of the multiple panel-attached seat bodies 6 has a plate-shaped panel 9a on one side, the width in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in plan view are standardized to a predetermined dimension, excluding the extension 49 of the left or right plate-shaped panel 9a. In the examples of Figures 30 to 32, when each panel-attached seat body 6 has a plate-shaped panel 9a on one side, the width in the front-rear direction in plan view is standardized to a predetermined dimension of 1 unit and the width in the left-right direction is standardized to a predetermined dimension of 1.5 units. Since 0.5 units of the left-right width is the top plate 50, in this case too, each panel-attached seat body 6 is configured in a square shape with equal widths in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in plan view, excluding the extension 49, and it is possible to change the installation direction and layout. It goes without saying that even if the left-right width of each panel-attached seat body 6 (which can be called a chair) is standardized to 1.5 units, it is possible to change the installation direction and layout, although the orientation is limited to 180° increments.

In the examples of Figures 30 to 32, the left or right plate-like panel 9a is attached to the corresponding small square seat 8 in the same manner as described above (via a pair of connecting pieces 11). Therefore, the paired panel seat body 6 with the plate-like panel 9a can be attached to the base structure 3 as a unit. This makes it easy to install, dismantle, and reassemble. The end panel 9c is attached to the base structure 3 (short frame 12b) via a fixing device (not shown). The end panel 9c, which is an option (non-standard) of the standardized paired panel seat body 6, is fixed separately to the base structure 3 so as not to impede the freedom of layout (changing the orientation of the component unit 2). Of course, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the end panel 9c is attached to the corresponding top plate 50 via a pair of connecting pieces 11 in the same manner as described above.

In the examples of Figures 30 to 32, a table 21 and a support stay 23 are attached to the frame 12 in correspondence with each panel-attached seat body 6. A groove-shaped guide body 52 that houses wiring extending from, for example, an outlet 51 is provided downward on each support stay 23. A cushion body 10 is provided on the surface of one of the left and right plate-shaped panels 9a (the surface facing the small square seat 8). The rest of the configuration is the same as the examples of Figures 28 and 29.

When configured as in the examples of Figures 30 to 32, the same effects as those of the examples shown in Figures 28 and 29 are achieved. For example, each plate-like panel 9a and end panel 9c has extensions 49, 59 that protrude forward beyond the front end of the small square seat 8, which further improves the sense of closedness and provides a comfortable environment for the seated person. It blocks the line of sight of the person next to you, improving the feeling of being enclosed, making it easier to relax and concentrate. In addition, it blocks the flying of droplets from the seated person between the adjacent pair of panel-attached seat bodies 6, 6, which is effective in preventing droplet infection of various viruses such as the new coronavirus and influenza.

The configuration of each part in the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the panel seat body 5 and the counter panel seat body 6 are shown as a form in which the seats 7, 8 and the panel 9 are integrated, but it is also possible to fix each of the various parts directly to the base structure 3. In this case, the seats 7, 8 and the panel 9 are standardized as 1 unit, 1.5 units, etc., thereby increasing the freedom of layout and making it possible to configure various layouts with the standardized (common) base structure 3. The underframe 12 may be formed by connecting the frames 12a, 12b in a frame shape by appropriate connecting means such as welding, without using the corner connectors 14. In this case, the leg mounting holes 34 may be formed directly in the frames 12a, 12b. Although an example has been shown in which leg attachment holes 34, 41 are provided in the frame 12 and the extension connector 37, the manner in which the leg support 13 is attached is not particularly limited, and the leg attachment portion can be changed as appropriate in terms of design to have a leg attachment hole or a leg attachment protrusion.

1 Chair device as furniture 2 Part unit 3 Base structure 4 Square seat as part 5 Seat body with panel as part 6 Seat body with opposing panel as part 7 Rectangular seat 8 Small square seat 9 Panel 9a Plate-shaped panel 9b Cushion panel 10 Cushion body 11 Connecting piece 12 Base frame 12a Long frame 12b Short frame 13 Leg support 14 Corner connector 15-17 Female thread hole 18 Insertion hole

Claims (6)

A base structure having legs that contact a floor, and a plurality of components that are attached to the base structure,
The component includes a plurality of chairs each having a seat, and one or more plate-shaped panel bodies each positioned on a side of the chair and extending in a front-rear direction,
The panel body includes an extension portion that protrudes forward beyond the front end of the seat,
The panel body is fixed to at least one chair among the plurality of chairs, and is attached to the base structure as a chair unit including the panel body.
Chair device. When the panel body is disposed on one side of at least one of the plurality of chairs, the width in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in a plan view, excluding the extension portion, is standardized to a predetermined dimension.
2. A chair apparatus according to claim 1. When the panel body is placed on one side of at least one of the plurality of chairs, the panel body is configured in a square shape having equal widths in the front-rear and left-right directions in a plan view, excluding the extension portion.
2. A chair apparatus according to claim 1. An end panel having the same shape as the panel body is disposed on the other side of at least one of the plurality of chairs.
A chair device according to claim 2 or 3. The component includes a tabletop disposed on the other side of the chair;
An end panel having the same shape as the panel body is disposed on the other side of at least one of the plurality of chairs,
The end panel is located on the other side of the chair across the tabletop.
3. A chair apparatus according to claim 2 . At least one chair of the plurality of chairs has a backrest;
The backrest includes a plate-like body and a cushion body protruding forward from the plate-like body,
The height of the plate-like body is set to be higher than that of the cushion body, and the plate-like body and the panel body are set to the same height.
A chair device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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