Office Chair Terms

According to the QB/T 2280-2016 'Office Furniture - Office Chairs' standard, the following are the relevant terms and explanations for office chairs:

1. Office Chair Refers to a chair specifically designed for indoor single-person work scenarios, meeting basic ergonomic requirements such as supporting the waist and neck and adapting to the needs of prolonged sitting. Its structure typically includes components such as a seat, backrest, armrests, and a base, with materials ranging from metal, plastic, leather, or fabric. This standard clearly defines its usage scenario as indoor office environments, distinguishing it from outdoor or public area seating.

2. Adjustment Mechanism Refers to a device that changes the relative position, angle, or stiffness of chair components through mechanical or electric means. Common types include:

• Height Adjustment: Adjusts the seat height using a gas lift or screw mechanism to accommodate users of different heights;
• Backrest Angle Adjustment: Allows the backrest to tilt backward, providing rest or reclining support;
• Armrest Adjustment: Adjusts the height, forward/backward position, or rotation angle of the armrests to match the natural placement of the arms;
• Seat Depth Adjustment: Changes the front-to-back length of the seat to accommodate users with different leg lengths, reducing leg pressure. The core purpose of adjustment mechanisms is to enhance the chair's adaptability to meet diverse sitting posture needs.

3. Locking Mechanism Refers to a device that fixes the movable components of the chair (such as the backrest or armrests) in place after positioning, ensuring stability during use. For example:

• Backrest Locking: After adjusting to a specific angle, it is fixed using a catch or friction mechanism to prevent accidental rebound;
• Rotation Locking: Restricts the rotation of the chair wheels, keeping the chair fixed in a certain position, suitable for scenarios requiring stable operation;
• Tilt Locking: Locks the overall tilting function of the chair to avoid unintended reclining. Locking mechanisms need to be easy to operate and structurally reliable to prevent safety hazards caused by looseness.

General Classification of Office Chairs In addition to the standard definition, the industry often classifies office chairs based on function or usage scenarios:

• Executive Chairs/Managerial Chairs: Typically equipped with high backrests, headrests, and multi-functional adjustment mechanisms, suitable for management or prolonged office scenarios;
• Staff Chairs/Conference Chairs: Designed with simplicity in mind, focusing on cost-effectiveness and durability to meet daily office or conference needs;
• Visitor Chairs/Training Chairs: Lightweight and easy to move, mostly used for temporary reception or training scenarios, with some adopting armless or stackable designs.

The above terms and classifications provide a standardized basis for the design, production, and selection of office chairs, ensuring that product functionality, safety, and user experience comply with industry norms.