[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to top-panel-equipped furniture and a furniture system
such as a desk device, a table device, and a counter device equipped with an elevating
top panel.
[Background Art]
[0003] In offices, public facilities, and the like, top-panel-equipped furniture such as
a desk device, a table device, and a counter device equipped with a top panel capable
of performing various work is used.
[0004] In such top-panel-equipped furniture, the height of a top panel at which it is easy
to work varies according to the posture, physique, gender, preference, etc. of the
user. For this reason, top-panel-equipped furniture provided with an elevating function
which enables the height of the top panel to be adjusted up and down is frequently
used (for example, see Patent Literature 1).
[0005] In addition, in office space, it is common to dispose a plurality of desk devices
to be opposite to each other in the front-rear direction, and such a usage form is
also desired in top-panel-equipped furniture having an elevating function. In this
case, in order to simplify the structure and reduce the product cost, it is conceivable
to support front and rear top panels on a common support structure so that the height
can be adjusted (see, for example, Patent Literature 2).
[0006] In the top-panel-equipped furniture described in Patent Literature 2, a block of
a support structure having a built-in elevating mechanism is disposed between installation
portions of a front top panel and a rear top panel, and the front top panel and the
rear top panel are supported on a block of a common support structure at the center
in the front-rear direction so that the height can be adjusted.
[0007] Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Literature 2, top-panel-equipped furniture with
a configuration having legs which includes legs and a plurality of top panels and
has a function of the height of each top panel being adjustable has been proposed.
In the top-panel-equipped furniture with such a configuration, it is possible to individually
adjust the height of respective top panels of the plurality of top panels, while the
legs are utilized commonly.
[Citation List]
[Patent Literature]
[0008]
[Patent Literature 1]
Japanese Patent No. 3391285
[Patent Literature 2]
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2014-217740
[Summary of Invention]
[Technical Problem]
[0009] In the top-panel-equipped furniture described in Patent Literature 2, since the support
structure is shared by the front top panel and the rear top panel, the structure can
be simplified to reduce the product cost. However, since the front top panel and the
rear top panel are supported by the block of the support structure in a cantilever
state, it is difficult to firmly and stably support each top panel.
[0010] Further, in the top-panel-equipped furniture disclosed in Patent Literature 2, the
front top panel and the rear top panel are supported by the block of the support structure
in a cantilever state in the vicinity of the center in the front-rear direction. Therefore,
in order to maintain the support balance of the support structure in the front-rear
direction, it is necessary to provide support legs to extend the support structure
in the front-rear direction. For this reason, the support legs protrude close to the
feet of the user, and there is a possibility that the support legs may become an obstacle
when using the top-panel-equipped furniture.
[0011] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide top-panel-equipped
furniture which is capable of firmly and stably supporting a pair of height-adjustable
top panels on a common support structure, and capable of improving usability for the
user.
[0012] Further, in some cases, it is desired to secure an individual space by partitioning
the space above the top panel from the surroundings. In this case, in the top-panel-equipped
furniture described in Patent Literature 2, a partition panel is provided between
top panels that are opposite to each other or are adjacent to each other, so as to
be attached integrally to the top-panel-equipped furniture.
[0013] However, there may be cases where an open feeling is required without partition panels
being provided, and it is desired that the partition panels be able to be attached
and detached as necessary.
[0014] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a top-panel-equipped
furniture system in which a partitioning unit such as a partitioning unit can easily
be attached to and detached from top-panel-equipped furniture including a plurality
of top panels as required, and in which a partitioning function can be incorporated
with a high degree of freedom.
[Solution to Problem]
[0015] The top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention has the following
configurations to solve the above problem.
[0016] Top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention includes a pair of
top panels having working surfaces on each upper surface thereof and disposed to be
opposite to each other; and a pair of support structures which are disposed apart
from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which
they face the pair of top panels and support the pair of top panels such that heights
thereof is adjustable. The support structure includes a base member placed on a floor
surface and extending along a direction so as to face the pair of top panels, and
a pair of extendable legs which stand upward from both end positions of the base member
in an extending direction thereof and support each of the pair of top panels such
that the heights thereof is adjustable.
[0017] With the above-described configuration, the pair of top panels are supported by the
respective extendable legs standing on the end portions in the extension direction
of the base member placed on the floor surface. Therefore, each top panel is firmly
and stably supported by the support structure. Also, the member does not protrude
forward and backward from the end portions in the extension direction of the base
member placed on the floor surface.
[0018] In the top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention, the vicinity
of the central portion in the extension direction of the base member on the lower
surface of the top panel may be supported by the extendable legs.
[0019] In this case, the vicinities of the central portions of each top panel are supported
by the extendable legs, and are supported firmly and stably by the support structure.
[0020] The top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention is preferably
provided with a connecting body which connects substantially intermediate portions
in the extension direction of the base member of each support structure to each other.
[0021] In this case, since the base members of the pair of support structures are integrated
via the connecting body, the pair of support structures can be made more stable.
[0022] The top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention may be configured
so that the connecting body has a column portion standing upward from a substantially
intermediate position in the extension direction of the base member of each of the
support structures, and an installation portion placed between the upper portions
of the respective column portions.
[0023] In this case, the substantially intermediate portions of the base members on both
sides in the width direction are connected to each other in a state in which a space
is left below the installation portion. Therefore, it is possible to effectively utilize
the space below the installation portion.
[0024] In the top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention, a wiring
storage space may be provided inside the installation portion.
[0025] In this case, the installation portion can also be allowed to function as a wiring
duct.
[0026] In the top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention, a flat plate-like
panel body configured to partition a space between the pair of top panels may stand
upward on the upper surface of the installation portion.
[0027] In this case, the space above the upper surface of the installation portion serves
as a place for installing the panel body which partitions the pair of top panels.
[0028] When the pair of top panels are partitioned by the panel body, it is possible to
provide a separate working area for each user of each top panel.
[0029] In the top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present invention, a wiring
insertion portion may be provided on the upper surface of the installation portion
to allow the wiring storage space inside the installation portion and the outside
to communicate with each other at the front and rear of the panel body.
[0030] In this case, wiring hanging downward from each top panel can be accommodated in
the wiring storage space in the installation portion via each wiring insertion portion
at the front and rear of the panel body. For this reason, coiling of the wiring or
the like is hard to see from the outside, and the appearance is improved.
[0031] Further, a furniture system according to the present invention includes top-panel-equipped
furniture which includes a pair of top panel portions disposed to be opposite to each
other, and leg members configured to integrally support the pair of top panel portions;
and a partitioning unit placed on a floor surface below the pair of top panel portions
to partition a first (one) top panel portion side and a second (the other) top panel
portion side.
[0032] In this way, by providing the partitioning unit, it is possible to partition the
first top panel portion side and the second top panel portion side and to improve
the independence of the individual spaces.
[0033] In addition, by placing the partitioning unit on the floor surface, the partitioning
unit can be separated from the top-panel-equipped furniture and can be installed in
combination with the top-panel-equipped furniture only when necessary. Further, for
example, when a duct, a storage or the like for storing wiring is provided in the
partitioning unit, by installing or removing the partitioning unit in accordance with
the amount of wiring of the equipment placed on the top panel portions or the storage
amount desired by the user, usability can be improved.
[0034] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, it
is preferable that the partitioning unit of the support be self-supported on the floor
surface.
[0035] With the above configuration, the partitioning unit itself can be self-supported
without connecting the partitioning unit to the top-panel-equipped furniture. Therefore,
when the partitioning unit is placed below the pair of top panel portions, it is not
necessary to connect the partitioning unit to the top-panel-equipped furniture, and
the partitioning unit can easily be installed.
[0036] Further, also in a state in which the partitioning unit is separated from the top-panel-equipped
furniture, the partitioning unit itself can be used when being self-supported.
[0037] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, the
partitioning unit may include a partition body disposed between the pair of top panel
portions; and a support placed on the floor surface below the pair of top panel portions
and detachably connected to the partition body to support the partition body.
[0038] With the above configuration, when installing the partitioning unit, after placing
the support on the floor surface below the pair of top panel portions, the partition
body is arranged between the pair of top panel portions, and the partition body may
be connected to the support. Also, when removing the partitioning unit from the top-panel-equipped
furniture, after removing the partition body from the support, the partition body
may be removed from the gap between the pair of top panel portions, and the support
may be removed from the floor surfaces below the pair of top panel portions. In this
way, it is possible to easily install or remove the partitioning unit with respect
to the top-panel-equipped furniture.
[0039] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, the
leg members are respectively provided under a level surface at both end portions in
a width direction orthogonal to a direction in which the pair of the top panel portions
are opposite to each other. The support may be disposed between the leg members respectively
provided at both end portions of the pair of top panel portions in the width direction.
[0040] With the above configuration, the support can easily be put on or withdrawn from
the floor surface below the pair of top panel portions along the direction in which
the pair of top panel portions are opposite to each other from the gap between the
leg members at both end portions in the width direction of the top panel portions.
[0041] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, the
partition body may have a planar form which is continuous in the width direction or
a surface form continuous in the width direction in a plane orthogonal to the floor
surface.
[0042] With the above configuration, the first top panel portion side and the second top
panel portion side can be partitioned by a partition body having a planar form (for
example, a panel form, a belt form, a box form, a cloth form, etc. extending in the
width direction).
[0043] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, the
partitioning unit may have a positioning mechanism which performs positioning with
respect to the leg member.
[0044] With the above configuration, when the partitioning unit is used in combination with
the top-panel-equipped furniture, it is possible to easily place the partitioning
unit with respect to the top-panel-equipped furniture, and it is possible to prevent
the partitioning unit from being misaligned with respect to the top-panel-equipped
furniture.
[0045] Further, according to the furniture system according to the present invention, the
leg member may include support legs which support each of the pair of top panel portions;
and a connecting member which extends in a direction in which the top panel portions
are opposite to each other and connects the support legs of the first top panel portion
and the support legs of the second top panel portion to each other.
[0046] With the above configuration, the leg members supporting the pair of top panel portions
are integrated, and the first top panel portion and the second top panel portion are
integrally supported by the leg members.
[0047] Further, in the furniture system according to the present invention, the support
legs may extend and contract in the vertical direction and the height of the top panel
portion may be adjustable.
[0048] With the above configuration, it is possible to improve usability, by setting the
first top panel portion and the second top panel portion to arbitrary heights.
[Advantageous Effects of Invention]
[0049] According to the present invention, the pair of support structures disposed to be
spaced apart from each other in the width direction have a base member extending in
the front-rear direction, and a pair of extendable legs standing upward from both
end positions in the extension direction of the base member, and each of the pair
of top panels are supported by the extendable legs so that the height can be adjusted.
Therefore, the pair of top panels can be firmly and stably supported by a common support
structure. Furthermore, since the member does not protrude forward and backward from
the end portions of the base portion in the extension direction, usability for the
user can be improved.
[0050] According to the furniture system of the present invention, it is possible to easily
attach and detach a partitioning unit to and from top-panel-equipped furniture provided
with a plurality of top panels as needed, and it is possible to add a partitioning
function with a high degree of freedom.
[Brief Description of Drawings]
[0051]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a desk device according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a connecting body of a desk device according to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of the desk device according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of a furniture
system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a panel support of the
partitioning unit in the second embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the partitioning unit in
the second embodiment is installed as a single unit.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a partitioning unit according
to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of part of a leg of the
partitioning unit in the third embodiment.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the partitioning unit in
the third embodiment is installed as a single unit.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a state in which the
partitioning unit in the third embodiment is installed as a single unit.
[Description of Embodiments]
[0052] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference
to the drawings.
(First Embodiment)
[0053] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a desk device 1 which
is a first embodiment of top-panel-equipped furniture. Fig. 2 is a perspective view
illustrating part of the connecting body 12 of the desk device 1, and Fig. 3 is a
cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of Fig. 1 of the desk device 1.
[0054] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the desk device 1 includes a pair of support structures
10, a first top panel portion 11A and a second top panel portion 11B supported by
the support structure 10, a connecting body 12 that connects the pair of support structures
10 to each other, and a flat panel-like panel body 13 that is attached to the connecting
body 12 to partition a space between the first top panel portion 11A and the second
top panel portion 11B.
[0055] In the first embodiment, the first top panel portion 11A and the second top panel
portion 11B have a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and include a first
top panel 14A and a second top panel 14B with each upper surface 14f serving as a
working surface. The first top panel 14A and the second top panel 14B are opposite
to each other in a direction along the short side in the plan view. In the following
description, a direction (a direction along the short side) in which the first top
panel 14A and the second top panel 14B are opposite to each other is defined as a
front-rear direction, a direction along a long side of the first top panel 14A and
the second top panel 14B is defined as a width direction, and a direction orthogonal
to a floor surface F on which the desk device 1 is placed is defined as a vertical
direction. For convenience of explanation, the front side of Fig. 1 will be defined
as a front and the rear side will be defined as a rear in the front-rear direction.
[0056] The pair of support structures 10 is disposed at a predetermined interval in the
width direction so as to be located at both end portions of the desk device 1 in the
width direction. Each support structure 10 includes a prismatic base member 15 extending
in the front-rear direction along the floor surface F, and a first extendable leg
16A and a second extendable leg 16B as a pair of extendable legs extending vertically
upward from both end positions of the base member 15 in the front-rear direction.
The extension length of the base member 15 is set to a length at which the front and
rear extension ends reach each of the approximately center positions in the front-rear
direction (desirably, a position of the center of gravity in the front-rear direction)
of the first top panel 14A (the first top panel portion 11A) and the second top panel
14B (the second top panel portion 11B). Further, on the lower surface of each of the
base members 15, a grounding member 15d grounded to the floor surface is provided.
Each base member 15 can appropriately adjust the height in the vertical direction
and the horizontal level by the grounding member 15d.
[0057] The first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B have a first tubular
portion 17x fixed on the base member 15, a second tubular portion 17y inserted into
the first tubular portion 17x to be movable in the vertical direction, and a third
tubular portion 17z inserted into the second tubular portion 17y to be movable in
the vertical direction. Each of the first tubular portion 17x, the second tubular
portion 17y, and the third tubular portion 17z has a rectangular tubular shape. When
the second tubular portion 17y and the third tubular portion 17z protrude and retract
in the vertical direction with respect to the first tubular portion 17x, the lengths
of the first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B in the vertical
direction can be adjusted. In the case of the first embodiment, the first extendable
leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B are operated to ascend and descend by an
electric drive unit (not illustrated).
[0058] Further, the first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B are fixed
to the upper surfaces of each end portion of the base member 15 such that one side
surface of the first tubular portion 17x is flush with each end surface of the base
member 15 in the front-rear direction.
[0059] Each of the first top panel portion 11 A and the second top panel portion 11B has
support brackets 18 extending in the front-rear direction on the lower surfaces of
both end portions in the width direction of the first top panel 14A and the second
top panel 14B. The first top panel 14A and the second top panel 14B are connected
to the upper end of the third tubular portion 17z of the first extendable leg 16A
and the second extendable leg 16B located at both end portions in the width direction,
via the support brackets 18. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the upper ends of
the third tubular portions 17z of the first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable
leg 16B are connected to the substantially center positions in the front-rear direction
of the first top panel portion 11A and the second top panel portion 11B.
[0060] The connecting body 12 is installed between the base members 15 of the support structures
10 on both sides in the width direction. Specifically, the connecting body 12 has
a rectangular tubular column portion 19 standing upward from a substantially intermediate
position in the front-rear direction of the base member 15 of each of the left and
right support structures 10, and an installation portion 20 coupled to the upper portion
of the column portion 19 at both end portions.
[0061] In the case of the first embodiment, a power supply wiring 21 is inserted into the
column portion 19 provided in one of the support structures 10 (the support structure
10 on the left side in Fig. 1). The power supply wiring 21 supplies power to a device
used on the first top panel 14A and the second top panel 14B or an electric drive
unit for operating to ascend and descend the first extendable leg 16A and the second
extendable leg 16B. The lower end portion of the power supply wiring 21 is extracted
to the outside through a notch 19a provided at the lower end of the inner wall of
the column portion 19, and is connected to a power supply unit (not illustrated) provided
below the floor surface F. The upper side of the power supply wiring 21 is drawn into
the installation portion 20.
[0062] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the installation portion 20 includes a gutter-shaped
beam member 22 (having a substantially U-shaped cross section) extending along the
width direction of the desk device 1, an end plate 23 which closes both end portions
of the beam member 22 in the extension direction, and a center cover 25 which is fixed
to each support member 24 standing upward from both end portions in the extension
direction (the width direction of the desk device 1) of a bottom plate portion 22a
of the beam member 22 and covers the central region in the front-rear direction of
the upper portion of the beam member 22. Between the front and rear side wall portions
22b of the beam member 22 and the center cover 25, a first opening 26A and a second
opening 26B are formed, as a pair of slit-like openings (wiring insertion portions)
which extends along the width direction of the desk device 1 and opens upward. The
interior of the installation portion 20 is a wiring storage space 30.
[0063] Incidentally, the power supply wiring 21 drawn into the installation portion 20 from
one column portion 19 is connected to the power supply wiring on the device side extracted
downward from the depth side in each depth direction of the first top panel portion
11A and the second top panel portion 11B, in the interior of the installation portion
20. In the case of the first embodiment, part of the power supply wiring on the device
side is made up of a cable guide 27. In the cable guide 27, a large number of chain
frames are rotatably connected by link pins, and the actual wiring is stored therein.
A first end side of each cable guide 27 is connected to the lower surface of each
of the first top panel portion 11A and the second top panel portion 11B, and a second
end side thereof is connected to the interior of the beam member 22. The wiring on
the second end side of each cable guide 27 is connected to the power supply wiring
21 via a connector 28 inside the beam member 22 (see Fig. 1).
[0064] Each of the cable guides 27 coupled to the first top panel portion 11A and the second
top panel portion 11B hangs downward from the lower surface thereof, respectively,
and is inserted into the beam member 22 through the front and rear first openings
26A and the second openings 26B of the installation portion 20. When the amount of
slackness of each of the cable guides 27 varies with the elevating of the first top
panel portion 11A and the second top panel portion 11B, and when the first top panel
portion 11A or the second top panel portion 11B descends, the amount of slackness
of the cable guide 27 increases. The slack portion of the cable guide 27 lies on the
bottom plate portion 22a of the beam member 22 to extend in the width direction of
the desk device 1. A cable guide 29 in Fig. 3 guides the cable guide 27 inserted into
the beam member 22 through the front and rear first opening 26A and the second opening
26B on the installation portion 20.
[0065] Further, the panel body 13 for partitioning the space between the first top panel
portion 11A and the second top panel portion 11B stands on the upper surface of the
center cover 25 of the installation portion 20. The panel body 13 extends along the
width direction of the desk device 1, and the lower ends of both end portions in the
extension direction are coupled to the beam member 22 via the support member 24. The
first opening 26A and the second opening 26B formed between the front and rear side
wall portions 22b of the beam member 22 and the center cover 25 are provided such
that the wiring storage space 30 in the installation portion 20 and the outside communicate
with each other at the front and rear positions of the panel body 13.
[0066] As described above, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, each
support structure 10 disposed to be spaced apart in the width direction is configured
to include a base member 15 placed on the floor surface F to extend in the front-rear
direction, and a first extendable leg 16A and a second extendable leg 16B standing
upward from each end portion of the base member 15 in the extension direction. Therefore,
the vicinities of the central portions in the front-rear direction of each of the
first top panel 14A (the first top panel portion 11A) and the second top panel 14B
(the first top panel portion 11A) are supported from the vertically lower side by
the first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B protruding upward from
both end portions of each base member 15 in the extension direction. Therefore, according
to the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, the first top panel 14A (the
first top panel portion 11A) and the second top panel 14B (the first top panel portion
11A) are firmly and stably supported by the common support structure 10.
[0067] Further, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above,
the vicinities of the central portions in the front-rear direction of the first top
panel 14A (the first top panel portion 11A) and the second top panel 14B (the first
top panel portion 11A) are stably supported from the vertically lower side by the
first extendable leg 16A and the second extendable leg 16B. Therefore, it is not necessary
to make the support member protrude from the front and rear end portions of the base
member 15. Therefore, since it is difficult for the toes of the worker to come into
contact with the support structure 10, the usability for the user is improved.
[0068] Further, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, substantially intermediate
portions in the front-rear direction of the base member 15 of the pair of support
structures 10 are mutually connected by the connecting body 12. Therefore, it is possible
to integrate the pair of support structures 10 separated from each other and stably
place them on the floor surface.
[0069] In particular, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, since the
connecting body 12 is configured to include the column portion 19 standing upward
from the substantially intermediate positions in the front-rear direction of each
base member 15, and the installation portion 20 that connects the upper portions of
each column portion 19, the space can be secured below the installation portion 20.
Therefore, by having this configuration, it is possible to effectively utilize the
space below the installation portion 20 as the arrangement space of articles and the
like.
[0070] Further, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, since the interior
of the installation portion 20 is defined as the wiring storage space 30, the installation
portion 20 can function as a structural member that interconnects the pair of support
structures 10 as well as a wiring duct. Therefore, as compared with the case where
the structural member and the wiring duct are provided separately, it is possible
to reduce the overall size and weight and to reduce the product cost.
[0071] Furthermore, in the desk device 1 according to the first embodiment, since the flat-plate
like panel body 13 is placed on the upper surface of the installation portion 20,
there is no need to separately provide a special member for supporting the panel body
13 that partitions the space between the first top panel 14A and the second top panel
14B. Therefore, by partitioning the space between the first top panel 14A and the
second top panel 14B using the panel body 13, while reducing the size and weight of
the overall desk device 1 and reducing the product cost, it is possible to provide
an individual working area to each user who uses the respective top panels 14A and
14B.
[0072] Furthermore, in the case of the first embodiment, the first opening 26A and the second
opening 26B through which the wiring storage space 30 in the installation portion
20 and the outside communicate with each other at the front and rear of the panel
body 13 are provided on the upper surface of the installation portion 20 constituting
the connecting body 12. Therefore, the cable guide 27 (power supply wiring) hanging
downward from the depth sides in the depth direction of the first top panel 14A and
the second top panel 14B can be accommodated in the wiring storage space 30 in the
installation portion 20 via the first opening 26A and the second opening 26B. Therefore,
with this configuration, the bending of the cable guide 27 hanging downward from the
first top panel 14A and the second top panel 14B is made invisible from the outside
and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.
[0073] Next, the form of the top-panel-equipped furniture system according to a second embodiment
of the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not
limited to only these embodiments.
(Second Embodiment)
[0074] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the furniture
system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective
view illustrating a configuration of a panel support of the partitioning unit in the
second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the
partitioning unit according to the second embodiment is installed as a single unit.
[0075] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the desk system (furniture system) 21A includes a desk
device (top-panel-equipped furniture) 210 and an intermediate panel unit (partitioning
unit) 230A.
[0076] The desk device 210 includes a leg 211, a first top panel portion 220A, and a second
top panel portion 220B.
[0077] In the second embodiment, the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel
portion 220B include a first top panel 221A and a second top panel 221B having a rectangular
shape in a plan view, and the first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B are
opposite to each other in the respective short side directions in a plan view. In
the following description, a direction (short side direction) in which the first top
panel 221A and the second top panel 221B are opposite to each other is defined as
an opposite direction, a direction along the longitudinal direction of the first top
panel 221A and the second top panel 221B is defined as a width direction, and a direction
orthogonal to the floor surface F on which the desk device 210A is placed is defined
as a vertical direction.
[0078] The legs 211 include base members (connecting members) 212 provided along the floor
surface F, and support leg members (support legs) 213 provided on the respective base
members 212 and extending in the vertical direction to support the first top panel
portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B.
[0079] The base members 212 are disposed at an interval along the width direction and are
provided to be positioned at both end portions of the desk device 210 in the width
direction. On the lower surface of each base member 212, ground members 212f and 212f
grounded on the floor surface F are provided at both end portions in the opposite
direction. Each grounding member 212f has a downward protruding length adjustable
from the base member 212, which allows adjustment of the height and horizontal level
of the base member 212.
[0080] The support leg members 213 are provided on each of the first end portion (one end
portion) 212a and the second end portion (other end portion) 212b in the longitudinal
direction (opposite direction) of each base member 212. As a result, the leg 211 is
provided with leg members 214 formed in an upward U-shape including the base member
212 and the support leg members 213 provided at both end portions in the longitudinal
direction of the base member 212, at both end portions of the desk device 210 in the
width direction, respectively.
[0081] Each support leg member 213 includes a first tubular portion 213x fixed to an upper
surface 212u of the base member 212, a second tubular portion 213y inserted into the
first tubular portion 213x to be movable in the vertical direction, and a third tubular
portion 213z inserted into the second tubular portion 213y to be movable in the vertical
direction. Each of the first tubular portion 213x, the second tubular portion 213y,
and the third tubular portion 213z has a rectangular tubular shape. The lengths of
the support leg members 213 in the vertical direction can be adjusted when the second
tubular portion 213y and the third tubular portion 213z protrude and retract with
respect to the first tubular portion 213x in the vertical direction.
[0082] Further, the desk device 210 includes a control unit (not illustrated, the same applies
hereinafter) which controls the operation of the support leg members 213, and an operation
portion 219 for inputting the ascending and descending motion signals to the control
unit.
[0083] The control unit is, for example, fixed to the lower surfaces and the like of the
first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B. A power cable (not illustrated,
the same applies hereinafter) connected to a commercial power supply provided in the
office space on which the desk device 210 is disposed is connected to this control
unit.
[0084] An operation portion 219 is provided on the lower surface of the first top panel
221A and the second top panel 221B. The operation portion 219 is electrically connected
to the control unit via a wiring cable (not illustrated, the same applies hereinafter).
[0085] When the user inputs a predetermined operation to the operation portion 219, an operation
signal is transmitted from the operation portion 219 to the control unit via the wiring
cable. Upon receiving the operation signal from the operation portion 219, the control
unit outputs a command signal for causing the support leg member 213 to perform the
ascending and descending motions based on the received signal. Upon receiving the
command signal, each support leg member 213 is driven to extend and contract by, for
example, an extendable driving device (not illustrated) incorporated in each support
leg member 213 in accordance with the command signal, thereby adjusting the height
of the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B.
[0086] The first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B have support brackets 223
extending in the opposite directions on the lower surfaces of both end portions in
the width direction, respectively. The first top panel 221A and the second top panel
221B are connected to the upper ends of the third tubular portions 213z of the support
leg members 213 and 213 located at both end portions in the width direction via the
support brackets 223 and 223.
[0087] The intermediate panel unit 230A includes an intermediate partition panel (partition
body) 231, and a panel support (support) 233A placed on the floor surface F to support
the intermediate partition panel 231.
[0088] The intermediate partition panel 231 is disposed between the first top panel 221A
and the second top panel 221B, and is provided to be positioned in the vertical plane
and to extend in the width direction in parallel with the end portions 220e of the
first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B. As illustrated
in Fig. 5, panel fixing holes 231p extending upward are formed on the lower surfaces
of both end portions of the intermediate partition panel 231 in the width direction,
respectively.
[0089] Here, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the intermediate partition panel 231 has substantially
the same width as the first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B in the second
embodiment, but the width of the intermediate partition panel 231 may be narrower
than those of the first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B or may be wider
than those of the first top panel 221A and the second top panel 221B.
[0090] A storage box 232 which stores the wiring 200 and the like, for example, can be attached
to the intermediate partition panel 231.
[0091] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the panel support 233A includes base members 234 each provided
at both end portions of the intermediate partition panel 231 in the width direction,
and a bracket 235 which connects the base member 234 and the intermediate partition
panel 231.
[0092] The base member 234 has a substantially T shape in a plan view, and includes a base
plate 234a extending in the opposite direction of the desk device 210, and a stay
portion 234b extending orthogonally from the central portion of the base plate 234a
in the opposite direction along the width direction of the desk device 210.
[0093] Female screw holes 234h are formed at both end portions of the base plate 234a, respectively.
Screw insertion holes 234g and 234g penetrating in the vertical direction are formed
in the stay portion 234b.
[0094] A positioning pin (positioning mechanism) 236 having a male screw portion 236a extending
downward is attachably and detachably provided on the base plate 234a of the base
member 234, by being screwed into the female screw hole 234h. An insertion hole 212h
into which the positioning pin 236 is inserted is formed on the lower surfaces of
the first end portion 212a and the second end portion 212b of the base member 212
of the desk device 210.
[0095] The base member 234 is inserted into a gap between each base member 212 of the desk
device 210 and the floor surface F. Further, when the positioning pin 236 is inserted
into the insertion hole 212h at each of both end portions of the base plate 234a,
the base member 234 is restrained to be immovable in the direction along the floor
surface F with respect to the base member 212.
[0096] The bracket 235 integrally includes a proximal portion 235a fixed on the stay portion
234b of the base member 234, and an insert portion 235b extending upward from the
proximal portion 235a.
[0097] A female screw hole (not illustrated) is formed on the lower surface of the proximal
portion 235a, and the proximal portion 235a is fixed onto the stay portion 234b by
screws 237 and 237 inserted through the screw insertion holes 234g and 234g.
[0098] The insert portion 235b has a plate shape along the panel surface 231f of the intermediate
partition panel 231, that is, a vertical plane including the width direction and the
vertical direction, and is inserted into the panel fixing hole 231p formed on the
lower surfaces of both end portions of the intermediate partition panel 231. Further,
female screw holes 235h and 235h are formed in the insert portion 235b. Further, a
screw insertion hole 231 g is formed at a position penetrating the panel fixing hole
231p on the panel surface 231f of the intermediate partition panel 231. By screwing
the screw 238 into the female screw hole 235h through the screw insertion hole 231g,
the insert portion 235b and the intermediate partition panel 231 are connected to
each other.
[0099] In order to place such an intermediate panel unit 230A, first, the base member 234
is positioned and fixed to the base member 212 of the leg 211 by the positioning pins
236 and 236. Next, the intermediate partition panel 231 is inserted into the gap between
the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B from the upper
part of the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B, and
the insert portion 235b of the bracket 235 is inserted and connected to the lower
end portion of the intermediate partition panel 231. Therefore, the intermediate panel
unit 230A can be installed in combination with the desk device 210.
[0100] As illustrated in Fig. 6, since the base plate 234a of the base member 234 extends
in the opposite direction, that is, in a direction orthogonal to the panel surfaces
231f on both sides of the intermediate partition panel 231, the intermediate panel
unit 230A can be self-supported even in the state of not being combined with the desk
device 210.
[0101] According to the above-described furniture system, below the pair of first top panel
portions 220A and the second top panel portion 220B of the desk device 210, the intermediate
panel unit 230A placed on the floor surface F to partition the first top panel portion
220A side and the second top panel portion 220B side is provided. By providing the
intermediate panel unit 230A, it is possible to partition the first top panel portion
220A side and the second top panel portion 220B side and to improve the independence
of the individual space. Further, by placing the intermediate panel unit 230A on the
floor surface F, the intermediate panel unit 230A can be provided as a separate body
from the desk device 210 and can be installed in combination with the desk device
210 only when necessary. Therefore, the intermediate panel unit 230A can be easily
attached to and detached to and from the desk device 210 including the first top panel
portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B as necessary, and a partitioning
function can be added with a high degree of freedom.
[0102] In addition, the intermediate panel unit 230A includes the intermediate partition
panel 231, and the panel support 233A placed on the floor surface F and attachably
and detachably connected to the intermediate partition panel 231 to support the intermediate
partition panel 231. With the above configuration, when placing the intermediate panel
unit 230A, after the panel support 233A is placed on the floor surface F below the
pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second
top panel portion 220B, the intermediate partition panel 231 may be disposed between
the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the
second top panel portion 220B, and the intermediate partition panel 231 may be connected
to the panel support 233A. Further, when the intermediate panel unit 230A is removed
from the desk device 210, after the intermediate partition panel 231 is detached from
the panel support 233A, the intermediate partition panel 231 may be removed from the
gap between the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A
and the second top panel portion 220B, and the panel support 233A may be removed from
the floor surface F below the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel
portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B. In this way, it is possible to
easily install or remove the intermediate panel unit 230A with respect to the desk
device 210.
[0103] The intermediate partition panel 231 is continuous in the width direction and forms
a panel shape continuing in the width direction within a vertical plane orthogonal
to the floor surface F. With the above configuration, it is possible to partition
the first top panel portion 220A side and the second top panel portion 220B side.
[0104] The panel support 233A supports the intermediate partition panel 231 on the floor
surface F so that the intermediate partition panel 231 can be self-supported. With
the above configuration, the intermediate panel unit 230A itself can be self-supported,
without connecting the intermediate panel unit 230A to the desk device 210. Further,
even in a state in which the intermediate panel unit 230A is separated from the desk
device 210, the intermediate panel unit 230A itself can be used in a self-supported
state.
[0105] Further, the intermediate panel unit 230A is provided with the positioning pin 236
that can be positioned with respect to the leg members 214. With the above configuration,
when the intermediate panel unit 230A is used in combination with the desk device
210, it is possible to prevent the intermediate panel unit 230A from being misaligned.
[0106] The leg members 214 include support leg members 213 that support the pair of top
panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel
portion 220B, and the base member 212 that connects the support leg member 213 of
the first top panel portion 220A and the support leg member 213 of the second top
panel portion 220B. With the above-described configuration, the leg members 214 that
support the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A
and the second top panel portion 220B are integrated, and the first top panel portion
220A and the second top panel portion 220B are integrally supported by the leg member
214.
[0107] Furthermore, the support leg member 213 may be extendable and contractable in the
vertical direction, and may adjust the heights of the first top panel portion 220A
and the second top panel portion 220B. With the above configuration, it is possible
to improve usability by setting the first top panel portion 220A and the second top
panel portion 220B at arbitrary heights, respectively.
(Third Embodiment)
[0108] Next, a third embodiment of top-panel-equipped furniture according to the present
invention will be described. In the third embodiment described below, the configuration
of the desk device 210 is similar to that of the desk device 210 illustrated in the
second embodiment except for a configuration of an intermediate panel unit 230B. Therefore,
the configurations common to the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference
numerals, and the description thereof will not be provided.
[0109] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a partitioning unit
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0110] Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of part of the legs of
the partitioning unit in the third embodiment.
[0111] As illustrated in Fig. 7, a desk system (furniture system) 21B in the third embodiment
includes a desk device 210, and an intermediate panel unit (partitioning unit) 230B.
[0112] The intermediate panel unit 230B includes an intermediate partition panel 231, and
a panel support (support) 233B placed on the floor surface F to support the intermediate
partition panel 231.
[0113] The panel support 233B includes legs 241 and 241 provided at both end portions in
the width direction of the intermediate partition panel 231, respectively, and a tray
portion 242 installed between the legs 241 and 241.
[0114] As illustrated in Fig. 8, the legs 241 have a portal shape which includes columns
243 and 243 disposed at intervals in the opposite directions and placed on the floor
surface F to extend upward, and a horizontal member 244 extending along the opposite
direction to connect the upper end portions of the columns 243 and 243.
[0115] A stay portion 245 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the horizontal
member 244 is integrally provided on the intermediate portion of the horizontal member
244 in the longitudinal direction.
[0116] Both end portions of the tray portion 242 in the width direction are supported on
the stay portion 245 extending from the horizontal member 244. Here, the tray portion
242 is formed with a recessed portion 242a which is recessed upward on the lower surface
of the central portion in the opposite direction and in which the stay portion 245
is inserted and disposed, and recessed grooves 242b formed in the opposite directions,
that is, on both of the first top panel portion 220A side and the second top panel
portion 220B side and recessed downward.
[0117] The tray portion 242 is placed on the stay portion 245 of the leg 241 at each of
both end portions in the width direction thereof, and the stay portion 245 is inserted
into the recessed portion 242a. Further, the tray portion 242 and the stay portion
245 are fastened by a screw (not illustrated) or the like.
[0118] As illustrated in Fig. 4, a wiring 200 or the like can be stored in the recessed
grooves 242b in such a tray portion 242.
[0119] The intermediate partition panel 231 is connected to the upper surface of the tray
portion 242 of the panel support 233B by support fittings.
[0120] In such an intermediate panel unit 230B, the legs 241 and 241 are provided along
the inner sides of the legs 211 and 211 provided at intervals in the width direction.
Further, the tray portion 242 is disposed below the gap between the first top panel
portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B which are in front of and behind
each other in the opposite direction. Thus, the intermediate partition panel 231 is
provided to partition the gap between the first top panel portion 220A and the second
top panel portion 220B.
[0121] In order to place such an intermediate panel unit 230B, the panel support 233B including
the legs 241 and 241 and the tray portion 242 is first assembled. The panel support
233B is pushed into the lower spaces of the first top panel portion 220A and the second
top panel portion 220B in the opposite direction of the desk device 210, from the
first top panel portion 220A side toward the second top panel portion 220B side. The
panel support 233B is set so that the tray portion 242 is located vertically below
the gap between the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion
220B. Thereafter, from the upper parts of the first top panel portion 220A and the
second top panel portion 220B, the intermediate partition panel 231 is inserted into
the gap between the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion
220B, the lower end portion of the intermediate partition panel 231 is placed on the
tray portion 242 and connected thereto. Therefore, it is possible to place the intermediate
panel unit 230B in combination with the desk device 210.
[0122] Fig. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the partitioning unit
in the third embodiment is installed as a single unit. Fig. 10 is a perspective view
illustrating another example in a state in which the partitioning unit in the third
embodiment is installed as a single unit.
[0123] As illustrated in Fig. 9, the intermediate panel unit 230B as described above can
be placed on the floor surface F even as a single unit. Further, as illustrated in
Fig. 10, when the intermediate panel unit 230B is used as a single unit, the side
partition panels 248 and 248 may be provided on both sides in the width direction.
[0124] According to the top-panel-equipped furniture of the third embodiment, as in the
second embodiment, the desk system 21B includes the desk device 210, and the intermediate
panel unit 230B which is placed on the floor surface F below the pair of top panel
portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion
220B to partition the first top panel portion 220A side and the second top panel portion
220B side.
[0125] According to the configuration of the third embodiment, by providing the intermediate
panel unit 230B, it is possible to partition the first top panel portion 220A side
and the second top panel portion 220B side and to improve the independence of the
individual space.
[0126] Further, by placing the intermediate panel unit 230B on the floor surface F, the
intermediate panel unit 230B can be separated from the desk device 210 and can be
installed in combination with the desk device 210 only when necessary. Therefore,
the intermediate panel unit 230B can be easily attached to and detached from the desk
device 210 including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion
220B as needed, and a partitioning function can be added with a high degree of freedom.
[0127] The intermediate panel unit 230B includes the intermediate partition panel 231, and
the panel support 233B placed on the floor surface F to support the intermediate partition
panel 231. With the above configuration, when placing the intermediate panel unit
230B, after the panel support 233B is placed on the floor surface F below the pair
of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top
panel portion 220B, the intermediate partition panel 231 may be disposed between the
pair of the top panel portions, i.e., the first top panel portion disposed 220A and
the second top panel portion 220B, the intermediate partition panel 231 may be connected
to the panel support 233B. Also, when removing the intermediate panel unit 230B from
the desk device 210, after removal of the intermediate partition panel 231 from the
panel support 233B, the intermediate partition panel 231 may be removed from the gap
between the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A
and the second top panel portions 220B, and the panel support 233B may be removed
from the floor surface F below the pair of top panel portions including the first
top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B. In this way, it is possible
to easily install or remove the intermediate panel unit 230B on or from the desk device
210.
[0128] The panel support 233B is disposed between the leg members 214 and 214 each provided
at both end portions in the width direction of the pair of top panel portions including
the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B. With the above
configuration, the panel support 233B can easily enter and exit the floor surface
F between the leg members 214 and 214 in the width direction along the direction in
which the pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and
the second top panel portion 220B are opposite to each other, below the pair of top
panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel
portion 220B.
[0129] The intermediate partition panel 231 is continuous in the width direction within
a vertical plane orthogonal to the floor surface F. By the intermediate partition
panel 231, it is possible to partition the first top panel portion 220A side and the
second top panel portion 220B side.
[0130] The panel support 233B supports the intermediate partition panel 231 on the floor
surface F in a self-supported manner. With the above configuration, the intermediate
panel unit 230B itself can be self-supported, without connecting the intermediate
panel unit 230B to the desk device 210. Further, even in a state in which the intermediate
panel unit 230B is separated from the desk device 210, the intermediate panel unit
230B itself can be used in the self-supported state.
[0131] The leg member 214 includes the support leg member 213 that supports the pair of
top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel
portion 220B, and the base member 212 which extends in the direction in which the
first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B are opposite to
each other to connect the support leg member 213 of the first top panel portion 220A
and the support leg member 213 of the second top panel portion 220B.
[0132] With the above configuration, the leg members 214 that support the pair of top panel
portions including the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion
220B are integrated, and the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel
portion 220B are integrated via the leg member 214.
[0133] The support leg members 213 can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction
and can adjust the heights of the first top panel portion 220A and the second top
panel portion 220B. With the above configuration, it is possible to improve usability
by setting the first top panel portion 220A and the second top panel portion 220B
at arbitrary heights, respectively.
[0134] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
and various design changes can be made without departing from the gist thereof For
example, in the first embodiment, although the connecting body 12 connecting the pair
of support structures 10 to each other includes the column portion 19 standing on
each of the base members 15 and the installation portion 20 that connects the upper
portions of the column portions 19, the connecting body may be a member that linearly
connects the left and right base portions 15. Further, it is not always necessary
to provide the wiring storage space 30 in the installation portion 20, and the panel
body 13 may not be provided on the upper portion of the installation portion 20.
[0135] Further, in the first embodiment, the desk device which is one form of the top-panel-equipped
furniture has been described, but the top-panel-equipped furniture may be a table
device, a counter device, or the like.
[0136] Further, for example, the intermediate partition panel 231 is configured to be continuous
in the width direction and continuous in the width direction within the vertical surface
orthogonal to the floor surface F, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example,
the intermediate partition panel 231 may have a strip shape extending in the width
direction, a box shape, a cloth shape, or the like. Further, in addition to the function
of partitioning the first top panel portion 220A side and the second top panel portion
220B side of the intermediate partition panel 231, the partitioning unit of the present
invention may have a storing function or the like, or may be configured to protrude
to the user side so that the user can sit.
[0137] Further, the placing height of the intermediate partition panel 231 may be appropriately
set.
[0138] Further, although the intermediate partition panel 231 is continuous in the entire
width direction of the desk device 210, in at least a partial region of the desk device
210 in the width direction, the intermediate partition panel 231 may partition the
first top panel portion 220A side and the second top panel portion 220B side of the
pair of top panel portions including the first top panel portion 220 and the second
top panel portion 220B.
[Industrial Applicability]
[0139] According to the top-panel-equipped furniture of the present invention, it is possible
to firmly and stably support a pair of top panels in which the height can be adjusted,
by a common support structure, and it is possible to improve usability for the user.
[0140] Further, according to the top-panel-equipped furniture system of the present invention,
it is possible to easily attach and detach a partitioning unit such as a partition
panel to and from the top-panel-equipped furniture provided with a plurality of top
panels as needed, and it is possible to add a partition function with high degree
of freedom.
[Reference Signs List]
[0141]
1 Desk device (top-panel-equipped furniture)
10 Support structure
12 Connecting body
13 Panel body
14A First top panel (top panel)
14B Second top panel (top panel)
15 Base member
16A First extendable leg
16B second extendable leg
19 Column portion
20 Installation portion
26A First opening (wiring insertion portion)
26B Second opening (wiring insertion portion)
30 Wiring space
21 A, 21B desk system (furniture system)
210 Desk device (top-panel-equipped furniture)
211 Leg
212 Base member (connecting member)
213 Support leg member (support leg)
214 Leg member
220A First top panel portion
220B Second top panel portion
221A First top panel
221B Second top panel
230A, 230B Intermediate panel unit (partitioning unit)
231 Intermediate partition panel (partition body)
233A, 233B Panel support (support)
236 Positioning pin (positioning mechanism)
241 Leg
243 Column
244 Horizontal member