Connecting structure and connecting device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connection device capable of suppressing accidental drop which may occur by a user. The connection device (10) of the present invention has a support groove (14) into which a shaft-like element can be inserted in a direction intersecting the first shaft-like section (22) in a state in which the connection device (10) is attached to the first shaft-like section (22). The connecting device 10 fixes a second shaft-shaped part 26 by a second direction fixing screw 16 while the second shaft-shaped part 26 of a tool such as a jig for supporting the object 24 passes through the supporting groove 14. That is to say, the connection device 10 may be connected to the second shaft-shaped portion 26 by a second connection portion 72 composed of a support groove 14 and a second direction fixing screw 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a connection structure and a connection device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as instruments used in physical and chemical experiments, there are instruments having a shaft-like portion, such as the clamp disclosed in Patent Document 1. As an element for connecting such an instrument to a shaft-like portion constituting a separately prepared supporting device (bracket), there is a structure such as the bracket disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Specifically, in the prior art, a connection device called a muffler or the like (a bracket in Patent Document 1) is installed by fixing a tube body fixed to the support device at a predetermined position in the axial direction with a fixing screw. The connection device in the prior art has a V-shaped support groove, and an axial portion of a fixture or the like to be supported (hereinafter referred to as "axial element") is passed through the groove in the length direction, and the axial element is fixed with a fixing screw for use.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2021-205112 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Here, the position adjustment operation of the experimental object including experimental instruments such as flasks or test tubes, which are held by a fixture or the like supported by a supporting device (bracket) through the connection device of the above-mentioned conventional technology, is performed by loosening the fixing screw. When adjusting the position in the length direction, even if the fixing screw is loosened, it will be stuck in the supporting groove of the supporting element, so that it will remain stationary and will not fall. However, when adjusting the position in the up and down directions, when the fixing screw is loosened, the load in the downward direction begins to act. At this time, the user needs to worry that an unexpected load will act and cause the experimental instrument to fall.

[0009] Furthermore, in the conventional connection device, even if the fixing screws are loosened, the connection device and the experimental apparatus or experimental object supported by it may not fall off immediately. Specifically, when the connection device is tilted due to the load of the experimental object, it will interfere with and embed with the tube body on the supporting device side at two points on the upper and lower sides of the connection device, forming a state in which it will not fall even if the operator lets go. In the conventional connection device, there is a concern that the user will become careless when this state occurs, causing the user to perform work without fixing the connection device. On the other hand, as described above, when the connection device and the tube body interfere with and embed with each other, the above-mentioned embedding state may be released as long as there is a slight impact or vibration acting on the connection device, and there is a risk of accidental falling of the experimental apparatus.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a connection structure capable of suppressing a drop that may surprise a user and a connection device including the same.

[0011] Technical methods

[0012] The connection structure of the present invention and the connection device including the same, which are provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, are used to connect a support object as a support object to a support device supporting the support object, and are provided with a locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state for inhibiting the movement of an axial shaft-shaped portion contained in the support device in the axial direction and an unlocked state for allowing the movement in the axial direction, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an axial insertion portion (a second axial insertion portion / also referred to as "axial insertion portion") for inserting the axial portion, and a control body (a first control body, a second control body / also referred to as "control body") capable of swinging relative to the axial portion in a state where the axial portion is inserted into the axial insertion portion, and a push element for applying a push force to the control body inserted into the axial insertion portion in a swinging direction, wherein the control body swings under the influence of the push force of the push element, so that it rotates in the direction around the axis of the axial portion inserted into the axial insertion portion, and at the same time, forms a state of interference embedding with the axial portion by swinging around a swinging axis intersecting with the axis of the axial portion, thereby changing to the locked state.

[0013] Technical Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a connection structure and a connection device including the same that solve the above problems can be realized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the use state of the connecting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Enlarged view of the main parts.

[0017] Figure 3 Yes Display Figure 1 A perspective view of the connecting device shown in FIG.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the connecting device shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional views of the connection device in use state are shown, (a) represents the locked state, and (b) represents the unlocked state.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the main part of the cross-sectional view shown, (a) represents the locked state, and (b) represents the unlocked state.

[0021] Figure 7 2 is a perspective view of a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention in use.

[0022] Figure 8 It is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts.

[0023] Fig. 9 is to separate the main part from Figure 8 Enlarged views of the main parts when viewed from different angles.

[0024] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 An exploded perspective view of the connecting device shown in FIG.

[0025] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.13 Yes Display Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the connecting device in use shown in FIG.

[0028] Fig.14 1 is a perspective view showing a use state of a connecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig.15 The figure shows the use status of the connection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 Perspective views of the state viewed from different angles.

[0030] Fig.16is an exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to a third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.17 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting device according to a third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting device according to a third embodiment.

[0033] Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting device according to a third embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of a cross-sectional view, (a) shows a state where the hook element is fixed, and (b) shows a state where the hook element is released.

[0035] Fig.21 (a) is a perspective view showing a connection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from one side, and (b) is a perspective view showing the same connection device as viewed from the opposite side.

[0036] Fig. 22 is a front view of a connecting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.23 is a perspective view showing a use state of a connecting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0038] Fig.24 is a sectional view showing a use state of a connecting device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0039] Fig.25 is a perspective view showing a use state of a connecting device according to a fifth embodiment.

[0040] Fig.26 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing a state in which a connecting device according to a fifth embodiment is fixed to a shaft-like portion, (a) is a sectional view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a perspective view.

[0041] Fig. 27 It is a schematic diagram of a state in which the connection device according to the fifth embodiment is released from the fixation in the axial direction relative to the shaft-like portion and the movement in the direction intersecting the axial direction is restricted, (a) is a sectional view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a perspective view.

[0042] Fig.28 This is a schematic diagram of a state in which the connection device according to the fifth embodiment is released from the fixation in the axial direction relative to the shaft-like portion, and the movement restriction in the direction intersecting the axial direction is released by the shaft-off inhibition mechanism, (a) is a sectional view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a perspective view.

[0043] Fig.29 This is a schematic diagram of a state in which the connection device according to the fifth embodiment is released from the fixation in the axial direction relative to the shaft-like portion, and the movement restriction in the direction intersecting the axial direction is released by the fall-off inhibition mechanism, (a) is a sectional view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a perspective view.

[0044] Fig.30 is a perspective view showing a connecting device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0045] Fig.31 is a perspective view showing a stopper element included in a connection device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0046] Fig.32 is an exploded perspective view of a limiting element included in a connecting device according to a sixth embodiment.

[0047] Fig.33 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a stopper member is pressed in a connection device according to a sixth embodiment, and (b) is a plan view showing a state in which a locking mechanism is in the state of (a).

[0048] Fig.34 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pressure on the stopper element is released in the connection device according to the sixth embodiment, and (b) is a plan view showing the state of the locking mechanism in the state of (a).

[0049] Fig.35 (a) is a plan view showing a first control body and a second control body used in the sixth embodiment, and (b) is a plan view showing a state where the first control body and the second control body of (a) are overlapped.

[0050] Fig.36 (a) is a plan view showing the limiting element body used in the sixth embodiment, (b) is a plan view showing the state in which the second control body is arranged on the limiting element body shown in (a), and (c) is a plan view showing the state in which the first control body and the second control body overlap on the limiting element body shown in (a).

[0051] Fig.37 It is a schematic diagram of the state in which the limiting element in the connecting device according to the sixth embodiment is compressed, (a) is a cross-sectional view, (b) is a plan view showing the state of the locking mechanism, in which the positions corresponding to the first to third abutment parts are marked, (c) is an enlarged view of the main part of (a), (d) is a side view showing the relationship between the first control body and the shaft-like part, (e) is a plan view showing the relationship between the first control body and the shaft-like part, (f) is a side view showing the relationship between the second control body and the shaft-like part, and (g) is a plan view showing the relationship between the second control body and the shaft-like part.

[0052] Fig.38 A schematic diagram of a state in which the pressure on the limiting element in the connecting device according to the sixth embodiment is released, (a) is a sectional view, (b) is a plan view showing the abutment position in the state of the locking mechanism, (c) is an enlarged view of the main part of (a), (d) is a side view showing the movement of the first control body relative to the shaft-like portion, (e) is a perspective view showing the relationship between the first control body and the shaft-like portion, (f) is a perspective view observed from a different angle from (e), (g) is a side view showing the movement of the second control body relative to the shaft-like portion, (h) is a perspective view showing the relationship between the second control body and the shaft-like portion, and (i) is a perspective view observed from a different angle from (h).

[0053] Fig.39 (a) is a plan view showing a first abutment state in which the first control body in the connection device of the sixth embodiment is subjected to pressure from the shaft-shaped portion due to the action of the pushing force, (b) is a plan view showing a second abutment state in which the first control body is rotated from the state of (a), (c) is a side view showing the movement of the first control body relative to the shaft-shaped portion, (d) is a plan view showing the movement of the first control body relative to the shaft-shaped portion, (e) is a perspective view showing the relationship between the first control body and the shaft-shaped portion, (f) is a perspective view viewed from an angle different from (e), (g) is a plan view showing a first abutment state in which the second control body is subjected to pressure from the shaft-shaped portion due to the action of the pushing force, (h) is a plan view showing a second abutment state in which the second control body is rotated from the state of (g), and (i) is a side view showing the movement of the second control body relative to the shaft-shaped portion, (j) is a plan view showing the movement of the second control body relative to the shaft-shaped portion, (k) is a perspective view showing the relationship between the second control body and the shaft-shaped portion, and (l) is a perspective view viewed from an angle different from (k).

[0054] Fig.40 (a) is a perspective view showing the state of the first control body and the shaft-like portion in the second abutment state, (b) is a perspective view observed from a different angle from (a), (c) is a perspective view of the state of the first control body and the shaft-like portion when switching from the second abutment state to the third abutment state, (d) is a perspective view of the state observed from a different angle from (c), (e) is a perspective view of the state of the second control body and the shaft-like portion in the second abutment state, (f) is a perspective view observed from a different angle from (e), (g) is a perspective view of the state of the second control body and the shaft-like portion when switching from the second abutment state to the third abutment state, and (h) is a perspective view of the state observed from a different angle from (g).

[0055] Fig.41(a) and (b) are perspective views of the state of the first control body and the shaft-like portion when switching from the second abutment state to the third abutment state, (c) and (d) are perspective views showing the state of the first control body and the shaft-like portion in the third abutment state, (e) and (f) are perspective views showing the state of the second control body and the shaft-like portion switching from the second abutment state to the third abutment state, and (g) and (h) are perspective views showing the state of the second control body and the shaft-like portion in the third abutment state.

[0056] Fig.42 (a) is a perspective view showing how the first control body, the second control body and the shaft-like portion reach the third abutment state, with arrows indicating the action of reaching the third abutment state, and (b) is a perspective view showing the first control body, the second control body and the shaft-like portion in the third abutment state.

[0057] Marking Description

[0058] 1: connection structure 10: connection device 20: support device 22: first shaft-shaped portion (shaft-shaped portion) 24: support object 30: main body 30a: first shaft insertion portion (main body shaft insertion portion) 34: opposite portion 40: stopper 40a: second shaft insertion portion (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) 46: pressing portion 50: push element 60: locking mechanism 72: second connection portion 201: connection structure 210: connection device 230: main body 230a: first shaft insertion portion (main body shaft insertion portion) 230b: main body shaft receiving portion 240: stopper 240a: second shaft insertion portion (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) 240b: locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 280: fall-off prevention mechanism 301: connection structure 310: connection device 320: main body 380: fall-off prevention mechanism 401: connection structure 410: connection device 420: main body 420a : Main body side grip 430a: First shaft insertion portion 440: Position limiting element 440a: Second shaft insertion portion 440b: Position limiting grip 501: Connection structure 510: Connection device 520: Main body 580: Drop-off prevention mechanism 582: Moving body 584: Switching mechanism 586: Switching operation portion 586a: Pressing portion 601: Connection structure 610: Connection device 640a: Shaft insertion portion 680: Locking mechanism 6 82a: accommodating portion 684: first control body (control body) 684d: shaft interference portion (first abutment portion) 684f: shaft abutment portion (second abutment portion) 684g: shaft abutment portion (third abutment portion) 686: second control body (control body) 686d: shaft interference portion (first abutment portion) 686f: shaft abutment portion (second abutment portion) 686g: shaft abutment portion (third abutment portion) P: first contact portion Q: second contact portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] [First embodiment] The following is a detailed description of the connection device 10 and the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the characteristic structure of the connection device 10 and the connection structure 1 will be described first, and then a specific example of the connection device 10 will be described.

[0060] (Characteristic Configuration of Connecting Device 10 and Connecting Structure 1 According to First Embodiment) Figure 1 to Figure 6 A connecting device 10 and a connecting structure 1 constituting the device are shown. The connecting device 10 is a device for connecting a supporting object 24 to a supporting device 20 by being interposed between a supporting object 24 as a supporting object and a supporting device 20 supporting the supporting object 24. The connecting device 10 includes a first connecting portion 70 and a second connecting portion 72. The first connecting portion 70 is a portion connected to an axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 included in the supporting device 20. The second connecting portion 72 is a portion connected to an axial second shaft-shaped portion 26 included in the supporting object 24. In the connecting device 10, one or both of the first connecting portion 70 and the second connecting portion 72 are constituted by a connecting structure 1. In the present embodiment, the first connecting portion 70 is constituted by the connecting structure 1. The connecting structure 1 includes a locking mechanism 60.

[0061] The locking mechanism 60 is a mechanism for switching between a locked state for inhibiting the axial movement of the first shaft portion 22 included in the support device 20 and an unlocked state for allowing the axial movement. The locking mechanism 60 includes a body portion 30 (accommodating portion), a stopper 40 and a push member 50.

[0062] The main body 30 constitutes a receiving portion for assembling the limiting element 40 and the pushing element 50. The main body 30 has a first shaft insertion portion 30a (main body shaft insertion portion) for inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22. The main body 30 supports the limiting element 40 in a swingable manner. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, a relative portion 34 is provided in the main body 30. The relative portion 34 is located in the opposite direction of the pressure acting on the pressing portion 46 relative to the pressing portion 46 of the stopper 40 described later.

[0063] The limiting element 40 includes a second shaft insertion portion 40a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) into which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted. When the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 40a, it can swing relative to the second shaft insertion portion 40a. The limiting element 40 is provided with a pressing portion 46. The pressing portion 46 is a portion where a user applies pressure to the limiting element 40.

[0064] The pushing element 50 pushes against the stopper element 40 in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 40 a .

[0065] The locking mechanism 60 is configured to be switchable between a locked state and an unlocked state. Specifically, in the locking mechanism 60, when the first shaft-like portion 22 is inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 30a and the second shaft insertion portion 40a at the same time, the push element 50 pushes the limit element 40 in the axial direction, and the limit element 40 contacts the first contact portion P of the first shaft-like portion 22, and the second contact portion Q located on the opposite side of the axial position of the first shaft-like portion 22 and away from the first contact portion P in the axial direction, thereby forming a locked state (locked state) for the shaft-like portion. On the other hand, in the locked state, the locking mechanism 60 presses the limit element 40 to swing by the reaction of the push force of the push element 50, thereby releasing the state of contact with the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q (unlocked state).

[0066] In the connecting device 10 (connecting structure 1), the user only needs to place a first finger (for example, the index finger) on the compression portion 46 and a finger different from the first finger (for example, the thumb) on the opposite portion 34. The user can then hold the limiting element 40 with one hand and apply pressure to perform a compression operation.

[0067] (Specific Embodiments of Connecting Device 10 and Connecting Structure 1 According to First Embodiment) Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the connecting device 10 and the connecting structure 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0068] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the connection device 10 in use according to the present embodiment. The connection device 10 has Figures 2 to 6 The connecting device 10 is inserted into the first shaft-shaped portion (tube body) fixed upright on the supporting device 20 (bracket), so that the movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction is restricted by the locking mechanism 60 described later, and is used in a state where the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is fixed at a predetermined position by the direction fixing screw 12. That is, the connecting device 10 can be connected to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 by using the first connecting portion 70 formed by the locking mechanism 60.

[0069] In addition, the connecting device 10, when mounted on the first shaft-shaped portion 22, has a support groove 14 in a direction intersecting with the first shaft-shaped portion 22 (in this embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the first shaft-shaped portion 22) into which a shaft-shaped element can be inserted. The connecting device 10 can pass the shaft-shaped portion (second shaft-shaped portion 26) of a fixture or the like as the supporting object 24 relative to the support groove 14, while fixing the second shaft-shaped portion 26 by the second direction fixing screw 26. That is, the connecting device 10 can be connected to the second shaft-shaped portion 26 by the second connecting portion 72 composed of the support groove 14 and the second direction fixing screw 16.

[0070] The connection device 10 is interposed between the object 24 to be supported and the support device 20 supporting the object 24 , and connects the object 24 to the support device 20 by connecting the first connection portion 70 and the second connection portion 72 to the first shaft portion 22 and the second shaft portion 26 .

[0071] The connecting device 10 includes a locking mechanism 60. Even if the first direction fixing screw 12 (up and down direction fixing screw) used to fix to the first axial portion 22 is loosened, the limiting element 40 forming the locking mechanism 60 will interfere with the first axial portion 22 and be embedded, and enter a locked state (locked state) to become a stationary structure.

[0072] When the locking mechanism 60 is in the locked state, the connecting device 10 can move upward, but cannot move downward. When the locking mechanism 60 is in the locked state, the connecting device 10 pushes the limiting element 40 to unlock the locking mechanism 60 and eliminate the interference between the limiting element 40 and the first shaft-shaped portion 22, so that the first shaft-shaped portion 22 can be inserted and adjusted in the up and down position. When the locking mechanism 60 is unlocked, the connecting device 10 can be used in a fixed state by tightening the first direction fixing screw 12 after adjusting the position of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction.

[0073] The connection device 10 is a device having a locking mechanism 60 composed of a main body 30, a stopper 40, and a push-against element 50 composed of a kick spring as main components. When assembling the connection device 10, first, the push-against element 50 is inserted into and engaged with the inner protrusion 42 provided on the inner side of the stopper 40. In addition, the outer protrusion 44 provided on the outer side of the stopper 40 into which the push-against element 50 is inserted is engaged with the engagement groove 32 formed on the inner side of the main body 30, and the stopper 40 is pushed into the inner side of the main body 30 along the engagement groove 32, so that the connection device 10 can be assembled.

[0074] When the connection device 10 is assembled as described above, the push element 50 is interposed between the stop element 40 and the body 30. Therefore, the push force of the push element 50 in the direction of pushing the stop element 40 upward always acts on the stop element 40.

[0075] When the locking mechanism 60 is in a state where the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 30a provided in the body portion 30 and the second shaft insertion portion 40a provided in the limiting element 40, the limiting element 40 can always be in a state of being supported by the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, when the limiting element 40 interferes with and is embedded in the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at two points, the connection device 10 is in a locked state, and the movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction is suppressed, and the connection device 10 is in a stationary state. The force that causes the connection device 10 to fall is a force against the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the limiting element 40. Therefore, the connection device 10 becomes more difficult to fall. In addition, since the limiting element 40 is maintained in a state of interfering and being embedded in the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at two points even when subjected to impact or vibration, the connection device 10 is difficult to fall.

[0076] The connection device 10 can make the locking mechanism 60 unlocked by pressing the limiting element 40 against the pushing force of the pushing element 50. That is, the connection device 10 swings the limiting element 40 in a direction close to horizontal by pressing the limiting element 40 against the pushing force of the pushing element 50, thereby forming a gap between the first shaft-shaped portion 22 and the limiting element 40. Therefore, the connection device 10 is in a state where it can move along the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 because the limiting element 40 does not interfere with the first shaft-shaped portion 22. In addition, the connection device 10 has a structure in which, when the locking mechanism 60 is released, the limiting element 40 is also pushed back by the pushing force applied by the pushing element 50 and returns to the locked state. Therefore, the connection device 10 will immediately stop and will not fall.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] Figures 7 to 13 The connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are described in detail. In the following description, the characteristic configuration of the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 will be described first, and then a specific example of the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 will be described. In addition, in the description of the characteristic configuration and specific example of the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 according to the second embodiment, the configuration common to the above-mentioned connection device 10 and the connection structure 1 will be represented by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] (Characteristic composition of the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 of the second embodiment) The connection device 210 has a main body 230 and a limiting element 240, instead of the main body 30 and the limiting element 40 of the connection device 10 and the connection structure 1. The main body 230 and the limiting element 240 are basically the same as the above-mentioned main body 30 and the limiting element 40, but the difference is that the main body 230 has a main body shaft receiving portion 230b, and the limiting element 240 has a locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, in addition to the first shaft insertion portion 230a corresponding to the first shaft insertion portion 30a, and the second shaft insertion portion 240a corresponding to the second shaft insertion portion 40a. In addition, the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 are different from the connection device 10 and the connection structure 1 in that they include a fall-off suppression mechanism 280 (intersecting direction movement limiting portion).

[0079] The body shaft receiving portion 230b is a portion formed to allow the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to enter and exit relative to the first shaft insertion portion 230a provided in the body portion 230. The body shaft receiving portion 230b is an opening portion for allowing the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to enter and exit in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 230a. The body shaft receiving portion 230b is formed by forming a notch in the body portion 230 so as to communicate with the first shaft insertion portion 230a.

[0080] The locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b is a portion formed to allow the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to enter and exit relative to the second shaft insertion portion 240a provided in the stopper element 240. The locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b is an opening portion for allowing the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to enter and exit in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 240a. The body shaft receiving portion 230b is formed by forming a notch in the stopper element 240 so as to communicate with the second shaft insertion portion 240a.

[0081] The connection device 210 has an opening 274 that is open to the side by communicating with the body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b when the stopper element 240 is assembled with respect to the body portion 230. The connection device 210 can insert or remove the first shaft-shaped portion 22 from the first shaft insertion portion 230a and the second shaft insertion portion 240a from the side of the body portion 230 through the opening 274.

[0082] The fall-off prevention mechanism 280 limits the relative movement of the first shaft-like portion 22 and the main body portion 230 along a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, thereby preventing the first shaft-like portion 22 from being accidentally pulled out through the opening portion 274 and causing the connecting device 210 (connecting structure 201) to fall off from the first shaft-like portion 22.

[0083] The fall-off prevention mechanism 280 is a mechanism that can switch between a restriction state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is restricted by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b provided on the main body portion 230, and a restriction release state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is allowed by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b.

[0084] (Specific Embodiments of Connecting Device 210 and Connecting Structure 201 of Second Embodiment) Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the connecting device 210 and the connecting structure 201 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0085] The connection device 210 is as follows Figure 7 As shown, the device can be appropriately used in situations such as when the connecting device 10 is installed on the upper side of the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, or when the first shaft-like portion 22 set on a laboratory table assembled into a frame shape is additionally provided with an axial portion (second shaft-like portion 26) such as the above-mentioned clamp to be installed as a supporting object 24.

[0086] The connecting device 210 has a hook shape. Figures 8 to 13 The connecting device 210 includes a first connecting portion 270 corresponding to the first connecting portion 70, and a second connecting portion 272 similar to the second connecting portion 72. The second connecting portion 272 has the same structure as the second connecting portion 72. Further, the first connecting portion 270 has the same locking mechanism 60 as the first connecting portion 70. In addition, the first connecting portion 270 has an opening portion 274 that can be inserted by being set in a hook shape so that the first shaft-like portion 22 can be moved in a direction intersecting the axis of the first shaft-like portion 22, and a falling-off preventing mechanism 280 that prevents the first shaft-like portion 22 from falling off from the second connecting portion 272.

[0087] like Figures 8 to 13 As shown, the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 is constituted by using a moving body 282 (cover body). The moving body 282 can move in and out of the opening 274 through the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, forming an entry and exit path for the first shaft-shaped portion 22. In this embodiment, the moving body 282 includes a moving body 283 having an approximately "L" shape in a plan view and a cylindrical protrusion 284. By inserting the cylindrical protrusion 284 provided in the moving body 282 into the hole 230g located at the bottom of the main body 230 (see Fig.11 and Fig.12), the moving body 282 is assembled on the main body 230. Thus, the moving body 282 is rotatably connected to the main body 230 with the protrusion 284 as the support axis. Further, the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 can switch the closed state (restricted state) of the opening 274 and the open state (unrestricted state) of the opening 274 through the moving body 283 by rotating with the protrusion 284 as the support axis.

[0088] Here, in the fall-off prevention mechanism 280, in addition to being used for assembling the movable body 282 (cover body) to the main body of the connection device 210, it is also used for a configuration in which the first direction fixing screw 12 (vertical fixing screw) can be used as a pull rod for the opening and closing operation. The protrusion 284 of the movable body 282 is inserted into the hole 230g provided at the bottom of the main body 230, and after the movable body 282 and the main body 230 are assembled, the first direction fixing screw 12 is inserted into the movable body 282 through the escape hole 230h provided in the main body 230 to engage the movable body 282, so that the movable body 282 can be fixed to the main body 230. The movable body 282 can be rotated with the protrusion 284 as a support axis by loosening the first direction fixing screw 12 and pulling the first direction fixing screw 12 out of the escape hole 230h provided in the main body of the connection device 210, so that the opening 274 can be opened and closed. The fall-off prevention mechanism 280 uses the first direction fixing screw 12 as a pull rod to rotate the movable body 282 by 90°, so that the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is in a detachable state. The fall-off prevention mechanism 280 requires the first direction fixing screw 12 to be rotated a predetermined number of times (5 to 6 turns in this embodiment). Thus, the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 performs the opening and closing operation by the operator consciously operating the first direction fixing screw 12. In addition, the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 can not only use the first direction fixing screw 12 to assemble the movable body 282 to the element on the main body of the connecting device 210, but also constitute a pull rod for the opening and closing operation, thereby reducing the number of components and making its operation and structure simpler.

[0089] [Third Embodiment] Figures 14 to 20 The connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 of the third embodiment of the present invention are described in detail. In the following description, the characteristic configuration of the connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 will be described first, and then the specific examples of the connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 will be described. In addition, in describing the characteristic configuration and specific examples of the connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the configurations common to the above-mentioned connection device 10, the connection device 210, the connection structure 1, and the connection structure 201, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0090] (Characteristic configuration of the connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 of the third embodiment) The connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 are basically the same as the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201 of the second embodiment, except that the fall-off suppression mechanism 280 is replaced by the fall-off suppression mechanism 380. In addition, the connection device 310 and the connection structure 301 are different from the main body 230 of the second embodiment having the connection device 210 and the connection structure 201, and are provided with a main body 320 for reasons such as assembling the fall-off suppression mechanism 380.

[0091] The main body 320 is the same as the main body 230 including the connecting device 210 (connecting structure 201) of the second embodiment described above, and is an element equipped with a locking mechanism 60 composed of a limiting element 40 and a pushing element 50. The main body 320 includes the first shaft insertion portion 230a and the main body shaft receiving portion 230b of the main body 230 illustrated in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the main body 320 includes a locking mechanism assembly portion 320d for assembling the locking mechanism 60. In addition, the main body 320 includes a moving body assembly portion 320c located on the opposite side (the lower side in the illustrated example) of the locking mechanism assembly portion 320d across the partition wall portion 320e.

[0092] The movable body assembly portion 320c is a portion in which the hook element 390 of the fall-off suppression mechanism 380 described later is assembled. The movable body assembly portion 320c is communicated with the main body shaft receiving portion 230b, and is also communicated with the main body shaft receiving portion 230b on the opposite side. In addition, the main body 320 is provided with a partition wall portion 320e spanning across the top surface forming the movable body assembly portion 320c and a latch hole 320f on the bottom surface of the movable body assembly portion 320c. The latch hole 320f is used for inserting the latch 392 to rotatably support the hook element 390 assembled in the movable body assembly portion 320c. Furthermore, the partition wall portion 320e includes a screw hole 320g for tightening the first direction fixing screw 12 from the opposite side of the movable body assembly portion 320c toward the movable body assembly portion 320c. Furthermore, as Figures 18 to 20 As shown, a screw hole connecting portion 320h is provided on the surface of the partition wall 320e facing the moving body mounting portion 320c (the bottom surface of the partition wall 320e). The screw hole connecting portion 320h is a connecting hole provided to connect the moving body mounting portion 320c and the screw hole 320g.

[0093] The fall-off prevention mechanism 380 prevents the first shaft-like portion 22 from accidentally being pulled out of the opening portion 274 and causing the connecting device 310 (connecting structure 301) to fall off from the first shaft-like portion 22 by limiting the relative movement between the first shaft-like portion 22 and the main body portion 320 in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22.

[0094] The fall-off prevention mechanism 380 is a mechanism that can switch between a restriction state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is restricted by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, and a restriction release state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is allowed by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b.

[0095] The fall-off prevention mechanism 380 includes a hook element 390 instead of the moving body 282 of the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 of the second embodiment. In other words, compared with the structure in which the moving body 282 is fixed by the first direction fixing screw 12 in the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 to prevent accidental opening, the fall-off prevention mechanism 380 uses the notch 382 provided on the first direction fixing screw 12, or the concave portion 394 provided on the spherical element 384 or the hook element 390 to fix the hook element 390 to prevent accidental opening.

[0096] (Specific Examples of Connecting Device 310 and Connecting Structure 301 of Third Embodiment) A specific example of the connecting device 310 and the connecting structure 301 according to the third embodiment will be described below.

[0097] like Figures 14 to 19 As shown, the connection device 310 (connection structure 301) has a locking mechanism 60 and a fall-off prevention mechanism 380 (intersecting direction movement restriction portion) assembled with respect to the main body portion 320. The fall-off prevention mechanism 380 includes a hook element 390 instead of the moving body 282 of the fall-off prevention mechanism 280 of the second embodiment described above. The hook element 390 is assembled in the moving body assembly portion 320c of the main body portion 320.

[0098] The connecting device 310 includes a hook element 390 for engaging the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to prevent falling. The hook element 390 is a shape that is bent in a hook shape in a plan view. The hook element 390 has a recess 394 on the top surface side (the surface facing the partition wall portion 320e side when assembled to the moving body assembly portion 320c). Further, the hook element 390 includes a latch hole 396 that penetrates from the top surface to the bottom surface on one end side. The hook element 390 is mounted on the moving body assembly portion 320c, and is assembled to the main body portion 320 by inserting the latch 392 into the latch hole 396 and the latch hole 320f provided on the side of the main body portion 320. As a result, the hook element 390 rotates with the latch 392 as a support axis, and the end portion on the opposite side to the latch hole 396 can be moved in and out relative to the main body shaft receiving portion 230b.

[0099] The connecting device 310 includes a locking structure of a hook element 390 formed by a notch 382 formed in the middle of the first direction fixing screw 12 (up and down direction fixing screw) and a spherical element 384. The connecting device 310 includes a recess 394 provided on the upper surface of the hook element 390, a screw hole connecting portion 320h provided in the partition wall portion 320e of the main body portion 320, and a spherical element placed in the notch 382 provided on the first direction fixing screw 12.

[0100] When the connecting device 310 is rotated and tightened with the first direction fixing screw 12, the notch 382 moves along the axial direction of the first direction fixing screw 12, so that the thread of the first direction fixing screw 12 reaches a position corresponding to the screw hole connecting portion 320h. In this state, the thread of the first direction fixing screw 12 contacts the spherical element 384. As a result, Fig. 20 As shown in FIG. 1A , by the downward pressure applied to the spherical element 384, the spherical element 384 is pressed downward on the hook element 390 and fixed. On the other hand, when the first direction fixing screw 12 is loosened, the notch 382 retreats along the axial direction of the first direction fixing screw 12, so that the notch 382 of the first direction fixing screw 12 reaches a position corresponding to the screw hole connecting portion 320h. In this state, the spherical element 384 is in a state where it can retreat to the notch 382. As a result, the pressing force (fixing force) of the spherical element 384 on the hook element 390 is released.

[0101] [Fourth Embodiment] The connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 of the fourth embodiment will refer to Figures 21 to 24 In the following description, the characteristic configuration of the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 will be described first, and then a specific example of the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 will be described. In addition, in the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 of the fourth embodiment, the common configurations of the above-mentioned connection device 10 (connection structure 1), the connection device 210 (connection structure 201), and the connection device 310 (connection structure 301) are marked with the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0102] (Characteristic composition of the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 of the fourth embodiment) Compared with the connection device 10 and the connection structure 1 of the first embodiment described above, the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 have a main body 420 instead of the main body 30. In the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401, the main body 420 is in the shape of a rod-shaped extension and has a main body side grip 420a (handle portion). Further, the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 have a limiting grip 440b (pull rod portion) that can directly or indirectly (directly in this embodiment) swing the limit element 440. As a result, the connection device 410 and the connection structure 401 can swing the limit grip 440b when the user extends a part of his hand (for example, the palm) to the rod-shaped main body side grip 420a and hangs his fingers on the pull rod-shaped limiting grip 440b.

[0103] (Specific Examples of Connecting Device 410 and Connecting Structure 401 of Fourth Embodiment) Hereinafter, specific examples of the connecting device 410 and the connecting structure 401 of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0104] The connection device 410 is as follows Figures 21 to 24 As shown. The connecting device 410 has a main body 420. The main body 420 is an element constituting the main body of the connecting device 410. The main body 420 has a main body side gripping portion 420a that can be grasped by a user on one side in the length direction. The main body 420 has a support groove 414 corresponding to the above-mentioned support groove 14 on the opposite side in the length direction, and has a first shaft insertion portion 430a corresponding to the first shaft insertion portion 30a in the middle portion in the length direction. The first shaft insertion portion 430a penetrates along a direction intersecting with the length direction of the main body 420 (the orthogonal direction in this embodiment), and can be inserted into the first shaft-like portion 22. The connecting device 410 is provided with a limiting element 440 instead of the limiting element 40 possessed by the above-mentioned connecting device 10.

[0105] More specifically, if Fig.23 As shown, the main body 420 is hollow at a portion closer to the main body holding portion 420a than the support groove 414. The limiting element 440 is a plate-shaped element, one side of which is inserted into the inner side of the main body 420 along the length direction, and the other side is taken out from the opening formed in the middle part of the main body 420. The limiting element 440 is supported in a swingable manner relative to the main body 420 with the swing support portion 442 as a fulcrum. The limiting element 440 has a second shaft insertion portion 440a at one end side of the swing support portion 442 (located on the back side of the entrance direction of the main body 420). The second shaft insertion portion 440a is the same as the second shaft insertion portion 40a in the connecting device 10 of the first embodiment, and is a hole into which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 can be inserted.

[0106] The portion of the stopper 440 that is on the other end side (the side taken out from the main body 420) than the swing support portion 442 is extended to the position of the main body side grip portion 420a facing the main body 420. Therefore, the portion of the stopper 440 that faces the main body side grip portion 420a is the stopper grip portion 440b (pull rod portion) on the stopper 440 that allows the user to hang his / her fingers on the stopper grip portion 440b when the user places his / her palm on the main body side grip portion 420a.

[0107] The limiting element 440 pushes the limiting gripping portion 440b in a direction away from the main body side gripping portion 420a through a pushing element such as a spring. Therefore, when the user presses the palm of the user's hand against the main body side gripping portion 420a and the user's fingers hang on the limiting element 440, the limiting element 440 is gripped and applied with force in a direction opposite to the pushing force of the pushing element (the direction in which the limiting gripping portion 440b approaches the main body side gripping portion 420a), and the limiting element 440 can be operated to swing.

[0108] like Fig.23 As shown, the connecting device 410 is installed on the supporting device 20 in a state where the first shaft-shaped portion 22 of the supporting device 20 is inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 430a of the main body portion 420. In this state, as shown in FIG. Fig.24 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 440a provided in the limiting element 440 inside the main body portion 420.

[0109] Here, as described above, the limiting element 440 is always pushed by the pushing element (not shown) and is in a state as shown in FIG. Fig.24 As shown in the inclined state. Therefore, the opening edge of the second shaft insertion portion 440a forming the stopper element 440 is pressed relative to the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 by one side and the other side of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to a position away from the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22. As a result, the stopper element 440 and the first shaft-shaped portion 22 interfere with each other at two points and are embedded in a locked state, and the movement of the connecting device 410 in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is suppressed, and it is in a stationary state.

[0110] On the other hand, when the user places the palm of the hand on the main body side gripping portion 420a of the main body 420 and places the finger on the stopper 440, and holds the stopper 440 in a manner resisting the pushing force of the pusher so that the stopper gripping portion 440b is acted on in a direction approaching the main body side gripping portion 420a, the state in which the stopper 440 and the first shaft-shaped portion 22 interfere and are embedded at two points is released, and the stopper 440 is in an unlocked state. Therefore, the user can slide the connecting device 410 along the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 while holding the main body 420 and the stopper 440.

[0111] [Fifth Embodiment] Figures 25 to 29 The connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 of the fifth embodiment of the present invention are described in detail. In the following description, the characteristic configuration of the connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 will be described first, and then the specific examples of the connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 will be described. In addition, in the description of the characteristic configuration and specific examples of the connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 of the fifth embodiment, the same figure marks are used for the common configurations with the above-mentioned connection device 10 (connection structure 1), the connection device 210 (connection structure 201), the connection device 310 (connection structure 301) and the connection device 410 (connection structure 401), and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0112] (Characteristic configuration of the connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 of the fifth embodiment) The connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 are basically the same as the connection device 210 (connection structure 201) of the second embodiment and the connection device 310 (connection structure 301) of the third embodiment, except that they include a fall-off suppression mechanism 580 (intersecting direction movement limiting portion) instead of the fall-off suppression mechanism 280 or the fall-off suppression mechanism 380. In addition, the main body 520 constituting the connection device 510 and the connection structure 501 has basically the same configuration as the main body 320 exemplified in the third embodiment described above, but for reasons such as the assembly of the fall-off suppression mechanism 580, the main body 520 and the main body 320 have a partial configuration different. In the following description, the parts of the fall-off suppression mechanism 580 and the main body 520 that are common to the above-mentioned fall-off suppression mechanism 380 and the main body 320 will be indicated by the same figure marks, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0113] The fall-off inhibiting mechanism 580 is similar to the fall-off inhibiting mechanism 280 and the fall-off inhibiting mechanism 380, and is a mechanism capable of switching between a restricted state in which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is restricted by the body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, and a restriction-released state in which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is allowed to be advanced and advanced by the body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b. The fall-off inhibiting mechanism 580 includes a moving body 582 instead of the moving body 282 and the hook element 390. In other words, the fall-off inhibiting mechanism 580 has a switching mechanism 584.

[0114] The movable body 582 can move in and out of the opening 274 through the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, thereby forming an in-and-out path of the first shaft-shaped portion 22. The movable body 582 can enter the in-and-out path of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to put the fall-off prevention mechanism 580 into a restricted state, and can retreat from the in-and-out path of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to release the restriction of the fall-off prevention mechanism 580.

[0115] The switching mechanism 584 is a mechanism capable of switching between a movement restriction state that restricts the movement of the movable body 582 and a movement permission state that permits the movement of the movable body 582. The switching mechanism 584 includes a switching operation unit 586.

[0116] The switching operation part 586 is used to perform the operation of the switching mechanism 584. The switching operation part 586 can also be operated independently of other components such as the limiting element 40, but in the present embodiment, it can be operated in conjunction with the swinging operation of the limiting element 40. In addition, the switching operation part 586 can be operated by appropriate actions such as swinging, but in the present embodiment, it can be operated by pressure (pressing part 586a). The pressing part 586a forming the switching operation part 586 is arranged within the moving range of the limiting element 40. In the present embodiment, after the switching operation part 586 (pressing part 586a) is switched from the locked state of the locking mechanism 60 to the unlocked state through the swinging operation of the limiting element 40, it further resists the pushing force of the pushing element 50 and pushes the limiting element 40 to swing, so that the limiting element 40 applies pressure to the switching operation part 586 (pressing part 586a), so that the switching mechanism 584 can be switched from the movement restriction state to the movement permission state.

[0117] (Specific Embodiments of Connecting Device 510 and Connecting Structure 501 of Fifth Embodiment) Hereinafter, specific embodiments of a connecting device 510 and a connecting structure 501 according to a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0118] The connecting device 510 (connecting structure 501) is the same as the connecting device 310 (connecting structure 301) of the third embodiment, and has a locking mechanism 60 composed of a limiting element 40 and a pushing element 50 assembled relative to a main body 520. The connecting device 510 includes a moving body 582 instead of the moving body 282 and the hook element 390 in the connecting device 210 of the second embodiment and the connecting device 310 of the third embodiment.

[0119] The movable body 582 is formed into a hook shape similarly to the hook element 390. The movable body 582 is arranged in the same manner as the movable body 282 and the hook element 390 described above, and is arranged at a position adjacent to the space in which the locking mechanism 60 composed of the stopper element 40 and the push-against element 50 is assembled in the main body 320. In this embodiment, as in the hook element 390 of the third embodiment, the main body 320 has a movable body assembly portion 320c arranged in a position adjacent to the locking mechanism assembly portion 320d to which the locking mechanism 60 composed of the stopper element 40 and the push-against element 50 can be mounted. As in the third embodiment, in which the hook element 390 is rotatable relative to the main body 520 with the latch 392 as a support shaft, the movable body 582 is rotatably supported in the main body 520 with the latch 392 as a support shaft. By rotating the latch 392 as a support shaft, the movable body 582 can move in and out of the opening 274 as the entry and exit path of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 through the body shaft receiving portion 230b and the lock mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b.

[0120] The connecting device 510 includes the above-mentioned switching mechanism 584 . The switching mechanism 584 includes a switching operation portion 586 , a fixing body 588 , and a fixing body abutting element 560 .

[0121] The switching operation part 586 is composed of a pin-shaped element. The latch pin constituting the switching operation part 586 is inserted into the partition wall part 320e separating the moving body assembly part 320c and the locking mechanism assembly part 320d in the main body part 520, and is inserted into the connecting hole 520f spanning the moving body assembly part 320c and the locking mechanism assembly part 320d. The switching operation part 586 has a length equal to or greater than the connecting hole 520f. The connecting hole 520f is an opening at a lower position relative to the pressing part 46 of the limiting element 40 arranged in the locking mechanism assembly part 320d. Therefore, the switching operation part 586 inserted in the connecting hole 520f is in a protruding state within the moving range of the limiting element 40 (the locking mechanism assembly part 320d in this embodiment).

[0122] The fixed body 588 is composed of a pin-shaped element. Furthermore, the fixed body push-against element 560 is composed of a spring. The latch forming the fixed body 588 and the spring forming the fixed body push-against element 560 are embedded in the fixed body accommodating portion 582a in a manner of opening a hole on the top surface side of the movable body 582. The fixed body 588 is arranged on the fixed body push-against element 560 arranged on the bottom side of the fixed body accommodating portion 582a. The sum of the length of the fixed body 588 and the natural length of the spring forming the fixed body push-against element 560 is longer than the depth (length) of the hole forming the fixed body accommodating portion 582a. In addition, the length of the fixed body 588 and the natural length of the spring forming the fixed body push-against element 560 are shorter than the depth (length) of the hole forming the fixed body accommodating portion 582a. Therefore, when no axial pressure is applied to the fixed body 588, the lower end of the fixed body 588 is accommodated in the fixed body accommodation portion 582a, and the upper end of the fixed body 588 protrudes from the top surface of the movable body 582 (see FIG. Fig.26 (a) and 27 (a)). Further, when an axial pressure is applied to the fixed body 588, the fixed body push element 560 contracts and makes the upper end side of the fixed body 588 flush with or lower than the top surface of the moving body 582 (see Fig.28 (a) and 29(a)).

[0123] The fixed body accommodating portion 582a is in a state where the fall-off inhibiting mechanism 580 is in a restricted state by pushing the movable body 582 into the inlet and outlet path of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 (see Fig.26 (a) and 27(a)), it is arranged at a position connected to the connecting hole 520f of the partition wall portion 320e of the main body portion 520. Therefore, when the fall-off suppression mechanism 580 is in a restricted state, the upper end portion of the fixed body 588 embedded in the fixed body accommodating portion 582a of the movable body 582 protrudes toward the connecting hole 520f of the partition wall portion 320e, and is in a state of being embedded in the connecting hole 520f. As a result, the movable body 582 becomes non-rotatable. Furthermore, the switching operation portion 586 inserted into the connecting hole 520f is driven by the fixed body 588 and protrudes from the lower side of the limiting element 40 (pressing portion 46) provided in the locking mechanism assembly portion 320d.

[0124] In addition, when the connection device 510 is in a state where the fall-off suppression mechanism 580 is in a restricted state, when the limiting element 40 (pressing portion 46) is pressed against the pushing force of the pushing element 50, the limiting element 40 and the first shaft-like portion 22 are finally in contact at the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q, and the state where the movement of the first shaft-like portion 22 in the axial direction is suppressed is changed to a state where the contact between the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q is released and movement in the up and down directions is allowed. When the limiting element 40 (pressing portion 46) is further pressed down from this state, the limiting element 40 will abut against the upper end portion of the switching operating portion 586. When the limiting element 40 (pressing portion 46) is further pressed down from this state, as shown in FIG. Fig.28 As shown in (a), the limiting element 40 will press down the switching operation part 586, so that the fixed body 588 abutting against the lower end of the switching operation part 586 is pushed against the pushing force of the fixed body pushing element 560. As a result, when the upper end of the fixed body 588 is finally pulled out from the connecting hole 520f, the moving body 582 is in a state where it can rotate freely. Therefore, the connecting device 510 is in a state where the moving body 582 retreats from the opening portion 274, so that the first shaft-shaped portion 22 can enter and exit through the body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, that is, the connecting device 510 can be detachably connected to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 through the opening portion 274.

[0125] [Sixth embodiment] Figures 30-42 The connection device 610 and the connection structure 601 of the sixth embodiment of the present invention are described in detail. In the following description, the characteristic configuration of the connection device 610 and the connection structure 601 will be described first, and then the specific examples of the connection device 610 and the connection structure 601 will be described. In addition, in the characteristic configuration and specific examples of the connection device 610 and the connection structure 601 of the sixth embodiment, the configuration common to the above-mentioned connection device 10 (connection structure 1), connection device 210 (connection structure 201), connection device 310 (connection structure 301), connection device 410 (connection structure 401) and connection device 510 (connection structure 501) will be represented by the same figure marks, and the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, in Figures 30-36 Examples and Figures 37-42 In the example, the shapes of the control bodies 684 and 686 in the latter numbers may be partially different due to factors such as the convenience of illustration, but they all have the same functions and effects, so they will be regarded as the same components in the following description.

[0126] (Characteristic composition of the connection device 610 and the connection structure 601 of the sixth embodiment) The connection device 610 of the sixth embodiment is a connection structure 601 having the same composition as the connection structure 1 constituting the connection device 10 of the first embodiment described above, but the composition differs in that a limiting element 640 is used instead of the limiting element 40. Based on the same principle as the state in which the limiting element 40 in the connection device 10 and the first shaft-like portion 22 are in contact and embedded with each other, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) can suppress the movement (dropping) of the first shaft-like portion 22 in the axial direction by the state in which the limiting element 640 and the first shaft-like portion 22 are in contact and embedded with each other (see Fig.34 ).

[0127] In addition, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) can be in a state of inhibiting rotation centered on the first shaft-shaped portion 22, or in a state of allowing rotation, through the locking mechanism 680 provided in the limiting element 640. In other words, in addition to having a movement control function relative to the axial direction of the shaft body (the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in this embodiment) as the installation object, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) also has a rotation control function relative to the shaft body (the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in this embodiment).

[0128] like Fig.31 and Fig.32 As shown, the limiting element 640 is a structure in which the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 forming the locking mechanism 680 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a formed in the space inside the limiting element body 682. The limiting element body 682 has a second shaft insertion portion 640a that is the same as the second shaft insertion portion 40a provided in the limiting element 40. The accommodation portion 682a is in the portion where the limiting element body 682 is located, and can accommodate the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 formed in a plate-like shape in an overlapping state. The first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are formed in the same shape, and are embedded in the recess 682b provided in the accommodation portion 682a in an inverted posture in a suitable state. The first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are both provided with shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a that can be inserted into the first shaft-shaped portion 22 like the limiting element body 682.

[0129] The locking mechanism 680 is in the Fig.33 In the state where the limiting element 640 is pressed as shown by arrow A in (a), the limiting element body 682 and the locking mechanism 680 (first control body 684 and second control body 686) assembled therein do not interfere with the first shaft portion 22, nor do they enter the embedded state (see Fig.33 (b) and Fig.37(b) to (g)). Therefore, in this state, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) can freely move in the axial direction and rotate in the circumferential direction around the axis without restriction relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction and circumferential direction.

[0130] On the other hand, when the pressure on the limiting element 640 is released, etc., and as Fig.34 and 38 When the stopper 640 is lifted by the push force applied by the push element 50 as indicated by the arrow B, the second shaft insertion portion 640a provided in the stopper body 682 of the stopper 640 interferes with and is embedded in the first shaft portion 22. Similarly, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 included in the stopper body 682 are also inserted into the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a. Fig.34 The part indicated by the black circle and Fig.38 The first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the highlighted portion in (b) and (c) is in a state of interfering and fitting in. Therefore, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) is in a state of being restricted from moving in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 .

[0131] More specifically, the pressure on the limiting element 640 is released, so that the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a interfere with the first shaft-shaped portion 22, so that the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are moved along the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Fig.34 Arrows C and Fig.39 The direction indicated by the arrows in (a) and (g) is pressed. At this time, the corner of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 is used as the base point of rotation, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 (b) Arrow D and Fig.39 (b) and (h) are states in which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is pushed by the movement in the general rotational direction. As a result, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are in a state of interfering and being embedded at different positions in the circumferential direction relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 680 is in a locked state, the movement in the direction to one side of the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is firmly restricted, and the movement in the direction to the other side of the axial direction is less restricted than the movement in the direction to the one side. In addition, when the locking mechanism 680 is in a locked state, the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) is in a state in which the rotation relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is restricted.

[0132] That is to say, Fig.35As shown in (a) and 37 (e), (g), etc., the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are respectively composed of a plate body formed into a rectangular portion 684b and 686b on one side by a shaft insertion hole 684a and 686a provided at an approximately central portion, and an arc portion 684c and 686c formed into a circular arc on the other side. Further, in the portion forming the rectangular portion 684b and 686b, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 have a fulcrum portion 684p and 686p protruding outward in the width direction in the portion on one side in the width direction, and the fulcrum portion 684p and 686p are provided in the rectangular portion 684b and 686b, and are provided in the outer edge portion extending in the direction intersecting the width direction of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 (hereinafter referred to as the "length direction"), and protrude in the width direction.

[0133] Further, the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a form shaft interference parts 684d and 686d on the side where the fulcrum parts 684p and 686p are provided, which extend straightly toward the inner peripheral surface in a direction intersecting with the width direction of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 (hereinafter referred to as the "length direction"). Further, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 have bulging parts 684e and 686e having a bulging shape outward from the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a at positions on the opposite side of the width direction to the shaft interference parts 684d and 686d. Further, in the first control body 684, shaft abutment parts 684f and 684g protruding toward the inner side of the shaft insertion hole 684a are provided at positions adjacent to one side and the other side of the shaft insertion hole 684a in the circumferential direction relative to the bulging part 684e. Similarly, in the second control body 686, shaft abutment portions 686f and 686g protruding toward the inside of the shaft insertion hole 686a are provided at positions adjacent to one side and the other side of the shaft insertion hole 686a in the circumferential direction relative to the bulging portion 686e.

[0134] like Fig.36 As shown in (c), the receiving portion 682a of the limiting element body 682 has a size sufficient to accommodate the overlapping first control body 684 and second control body 686. Fig.35As shown in (b) and 36(c), the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 overlap in opposite directions in the length direction and in opposite directions in the width direction. Further, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are oriented in the width direction to the side of the outer protrusion 44 which is the swing fulcrum of the limiting element body 682 on one side and to the side of the force point on the limiting element body 682 on the other side. The first control body 684 and the second control body 686 overlap in this way and are accommodated in the accommodating portion 682a. That is, when the second control body 686 is relative to the accommodating portion 682a having Fig.36 When the receiving portion 682a of the shape shown in (a) is received, the following occurs: Fig.36 (b) The first control body 684 is as shown. Fig.36 As shown in (b), the stack is accommodated above the second control body 686 pre-accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a, or the stack is first overlapped with the second control body 686 outside the accommodation portion 682a and then Fig.36 (a) is accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a and assembled in the accommodation portion 682a. As a result, Fig.36 As shown in (c), the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a in a state of overlapping in a manner opposite to each other in the length direction and opposite to each other in the width direction.

[0135] In addition to the state in which the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 overlap in the opposite directions in the length direction and in the opposite directions in the width direction as described above, they can also overlap in the opposite directions as described above. Fig.42 As shown in (b), the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are arranged to be opposite to each other in the width direction and the same direction in the length direction. Fig.42 In the state shown in (b), the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 interfere with each other (embedded state), thereby enhancing the twisting effect. Therefore, the locking mechanism 680 is more firmly fixed.

[0136] When the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are arranged as described above, the second shaft insertion portion 640a of the stopper element 640 and the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a provided in the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are in a communicating state and are accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a. Thus, in a state where the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a, gaps are formed on one side and the other side in the width direction of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686. Further, the accommodation portion 682a has an arc-shaped portion accommodation portion 682c formed by inserting the tip portions of the arc-shaped portions 684c and 686c of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686. Therefore, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 can rotate around the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a as a center within a range where the outer edge portions thereof do not interfere with the inner edge portion of the accommodation portion 682a.

[0137] In a state where the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 640a and the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 and Fig.38 As shown by the arrow B, when the limiting element 640 is pushed by the pushing force of the pushing element 50, as shown in FIG. Fig.34 and Fig.38 As shown, the first shaft-shaped portion 22 interferes with the inner edge portion (shaft interference portion 684d, 686d) of the shaft insertion holes 684a and 686a, and the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are in contact with the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at the interference portion (first contact state). When the first contact state occurs, the first control body 684 Fig.34 Arrow C and Fig.39 Therefore, the first control body 684 is supported by the fulcrum portion 684p that abuts against the inner edge of the receiving portion 682a. Fig.34 The arrow D and Fig.39 (b), (d), (h), (j) and the second control body 686 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrows. In addition, the second control body 686 also rotates in the opposite direction to the first control body 684 with the fulcrum portion 686p as the fulcrum. When the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 perform such an operation, the state of interference with the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 is maintained in the shaft interference portions 684d and 686d, and the state is changed to a state in which the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 abuts against the shaft abutment portions 684f and 686f (second abutment state) (see Fig.39 (e), (f), (k) and (l)).

[0138] As described above, when the first control body 684 abuts against the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at the shaft interference portion 684d and the shaft abutment portion 684f, as shown in FIG. Fig.40As shown, the first control body 684 is affected by the pushing force applied by the pushing element 50, and uses the two points of the shaft interference portion 684d and the shaft contact portion 684f as the swing fulcrum, and swings around the swing axis (given by Fig.40 The dotted line in the figure indicates that the oscillation occurs around the axis. As a result, Fig.41 As shown, the first control body 684 abuts against the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at the shaft abutment portion 684g in addition to the shaft interference portion 684d and the shaft abutment portion 684f (third abutment state). Similarly, when the second control body 686 abuts against the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at the shaft interference portion 686d and the shaft abutment portion 686f, the second control body 686 is affected by the push force of the push element 50, and swings around the swing axis intersecting the axis relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 with the two points of the shaft interference portion 686d and the shaft abutment portion 686f as swing fulcrums. As a result, the second control body 686 abuts against the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at the shaft abutment portion 686g in addition to the shaft interference portion 686d and the shaft abutment portion 686f (third abutment state).

[0139] When the first control body 684 is in the third contact state as described above, the shaft interference portion 684d, the shaft contact portion 684f and the shaft contact portion 684g cause the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to be offset in both the circumferential and axial directions at multiple locations (three locations / in this embodiment). Fig.42 (b) The state where the first control body 684 is fixed in the third contact state) is indicated by the arrow in the figure. Similarly, when the second control body 686 is in the third contact state, the shaft interference portion 686d, the shaft contact portion 686f and the shaft contact portion 686g cause the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to be fixed in a plurality of locations (three locations in this embodiment) that are offset in both the circumferential and axial directions. Therefore, the locking mechanism 680 is fixed to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at a total of a plurality of (three) fixing locations formed by the first control body 684 and a plurality of (three) fixing locations formed by the second control body 686 (six locations). In addition, the fixing sites formed in the third contact state exist at positions that deviate from each other in either or both of the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 680 is in the third contact state, the movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 to one side in the axial direction is firmly restricted, and the movement in the other side direction in the axial direction is lightly restricted compared to the movement in the direction of the one side. Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 680 is in the third contact state, the rotation of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 relative to the connecting device 610 (connecting structure 601 ) is restricted.

[0140] Furthermore, if Fig.42As shown in (a), the locking mechanism 680 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 682a in a stacked state by the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 adjacent to the insertion direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22, in the rotation direction when rotating around the axis of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 due to the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element 50, and in the opposite direction of the swing direction when swinging in the direction intersecting the axis of the first shaft-shaped portion 22. As a result, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 can operate smoothly with each other, and can be firmly fixed by contacting with the first shaft-shaped portion 22 at multiple positions separated in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22.

[0141] In the above embodiment, an example of two control bodies 684 and 686 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The connecting structure 601 and the connecting device 610 are only equipped with one of the control bodies 684 and 686, or in addition to the control bodies 684 and 686, it is also feasible to have a state of control bodies with the same structure (a state of having more than three control bodies).

[0142] In addition, Figure 30 to Figure 42 In the example shown, although most of the structures are the same as those of the connection device 10 (connection structure 1), and the connection device 610 (connection structure 601) having a limiting element 640 instead of the limiting element 40 is taken as an example, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, most of the structures are the same as those of the connection device 210 (connection structure 201), the connection device 310 (connection structure 301), the connection device 410 (connection structure 401), and the connection device 510 (connection structure 501). As for the above-mentioned limiting element 240 or limiting element 440, as with the limiting element 640, a structure having the same or equivalent function as the locking mechanism 680 can be used to replace it.

[0143] [Effect] The connecting devices 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 and the connecting structures 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 constituting them as examples in each of the above-mentioned embodiments have the following characteristic structures (a) to (j), so as to achieve the following special effects.

[0144] (a) The connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 is used to connect a support object 24 as a support object to a support device 20 supporting the support object 24, and has a locking mechanism 60 that can switch between a locked state that inhibits the axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 included in the support device 20 from moving in the axial direction and an unlocked state that allows the movement in the axial direction, the locking mechanism 60 having a second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism 60 shaft insertion portion) into which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted, and having a limiting element 40, 240, 440 that can swing relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 when the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism 60 shaft insertion portion), and a locking mechanism 60 that can switch between a locked state that inhibits the axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 included in the support device 20 and an unlocked state that allows the movement in the axial direction, the locking mechanism 60 having a second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism 60 shaft insertion portion) into which the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted 0a, 240a, 440a (the shaft insertion part of the locking mechanism 60), the limiting element 40, 240, 440 applies a pushing element 50 with a pushing force in the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22. When the first shaft-like portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion part 40a, 240a, 440a (the shaft insertion part of the locking mechanism 60), the limiting element 40, 240, 440 is pushed in the axial direction, and the limiting element 40, 240, 440 contacts the first shaft-like portion 22 with a first contact portion P and a second contact portion Q which is on the opposite side of the axial position of the first contact portion P relative to the first shaft-like portion 22 and is away from the first contact portion P in the axial direction. In the locked state, the limiting element 40, 240, 440 is pushed to swing by counteracting the pushing force of the pushing element 50, so that the contact between the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q can be released, and the state becomes unlocked.

[0145] The connection structure 1 , 201 , 301 , 401 , 501 , 601 includes a locking mechanism 60 that can switch between a locked state in which the axial movement of the first shaft portion 22 of the support device 20 is restricted and an unlocked state in which the axial movement of the first shaft portion 22 is allowed.

[0146] Here, in the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) provided in the limiting element 40, 240, 440 constituting the locking mechanism 60, and under the action of the pushing force of the limiting element 40, 240 and 440 in the axial direction, the limiting element 40, 240, 440 contacts (interferes with) and embeds the first shaft-shaped portion 22 with the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q which is on the opposite side of the first contact portion P relative to the axial position of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 and is away from the first contact portion P in the axial direction. As a result, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 is in a locked state, and the movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction is suppressed, and it is in a stationary state. In addition, the force of gravity acting on the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 to cause it to fall is transmitted as a force to press the limiting elements 40, 240 and 440 on the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Therefore, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 is in a state where the limiting elements 40, 240 and 440 are embedded and pressed relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22, so even if it is subjected to some impact or vibration, it will not fall easily. Therefore, by locking the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, it is possible to suppress the user's accidental fall through the locked state.

[0147] In addition, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 pushes the limiting element 40, 240, 440 against the pushing force of the pushing element 50 to make the limiting element 40, 240, 440 swing, and the contact between the first shaft-shaped portion 22 and the limiting element 40, 240, 440 at the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q can be released, and the state becomes unlocked. Therefore, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 can smoothly move in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 through the unlocked state.

[0148] (B) The connecting structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 comprises a main body 30, 230, 320, 420, 520 having a stopper element 40, 240, 440 and an assembled push-up element 50, wherein the main body 30, 230, 320, 420, 520 comprises a first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a (main body shaft insertion portion) inserted into the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and the stopper element 40, 240, 440 is swingably supported. When an axial portion 22 is inserted into both the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) and the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a (main body shaft insertion portion), the locking mechanism 60 is locked by pushing the limiting elements 40, 240, 440 in the axial direction. In the locked state, the limiting elements 40, 240, 440 are pushed to swing by counteracting the pushing force of the pushing element 50, so that the locking mechanism 60 is unlocked.

[0149] When the connecting structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 is constructed as described above (b), it has a main body part 30, 230, 320, 420, 520 assembled with a limiting element 40, 240, 440 and a pushing element 50, and is connected to the first shaft-like part 22 by inserting the first shaft-like part 22 into both the second shaft insertion part 40a, 240a, 440a (locking mechanism shaft insertion part) provided in the limiting element 40, 240, 440A and the first shaft insertion part 30a, 230a and 430a (main body shaft insertion part) provided in the main body part 30, 230, 320, 420, 520. Therefore, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 can operate the stopper element 40, 240, 440 in a stable state by inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22 into the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a (body shaft insertion portion). Therefore, the connection structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 can stably perform the operation of the stopper element 40, 240, 440, etc.

[0150] (c) The connecting structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 includes a pressing portion 46 for applying pressure to the limiting elements 40, 240, and 440, and an opposing portion 34 located in an opposite direction of the pressure force acting on the pressing portion 46. The user can place a first finger on the pressing portion 46 and a finger different from the first finger on the opposing portion 34, so that the user can apply pressure to the limiting elements 40, 240, and 440 to perform a pressing operation in a state of holding with one hand.

[0151] By constructing the connecting structures 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 as shown in (c) above, the user can place a first finger on the pressing portion 46 and a finger different from the first finger on the opposing portion 34, and can stably operate the limiting elements 40, 240 and 440 with one hand.

[0152] (d) The connecting structure 401 includes a rod-shaped main body side gripping portion 420a (handle portion) and a pull rod-shaped limiting gripping portion 440b (pull rod portion) which can directly or indirectly swing and operate the limiting element 440, and the limiting gripping portion 440b (pull rod portion) can be operated to approach or move away from the main body side gripping portion 420a (handle portion).

[0153] The connection structure 401 has the structure described in (d) above. For example, the user places the palm of the user on the main body side grip 420a (handle portion), and holds the user with the fingers hooked on the limit grip 440b (pull rod portion) to operate the limit grip 440b (pull rod portion), and the locking mechanism 60 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by swinging the limit grip. In addition, the connection structure 401 can move along the first shaft portion 22 in the state of holding the unlocked locking mechanism 60. Therefore, the operability can be improved by having the structure of the connection structure 401 shown in (d) above.

[0154] (e) The connecting structure 201, 301 and 501 includes a limiting element 240 and a main body portion 230, 320, 520 equipped with a push element 50, and a fall-off prevention mechanism 280, 380, 580 (intersecting direction movement limiting device). In the first shaft insertion portion 230a (main body shaft insertion portion) into which the first shaft-like portion 22 is inserted in the main body portion 230, 320, 520, and the second shaft insertion portion 240a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) into which the first shaft-like portion 22 is inserted in the locking mechanism 60, the first shaft-like portion 22 is inserted in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, and the fall-off prevention mechanism 280, 380, 580 (intersecting direction movement limiting device) limits the movement of the first shaft-like portion 22 relative to the main body portion 230, 320, 520 in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22.

[0155] The connection structure 201, 301, 501 is configured as shown in (e) above, so that the first shaft-like portion 22 to be connected can be disassembled from the first shaft-like portion 22 by advancing and retreating from the side (the direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22) relative to the first shaft insertion portion 230a (body shaft insertion portion) and the second shaft insertion portion 240a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion). Therefore, the connection structure 201, 301 and 501 can be installed and removed from the position of the middle portion in the axial direction without moving in the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22. Therefore, the connection structure 201, 301 and 501 can be used as a disassembly in the middle part of the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22 when it cannot be disassembled by moving in the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, for example, when connected to other instruments.

[0156] In addition, the connection structures 201, 301 and 501 include the fall-off suppression mechanisms 280, 380 and 580 (intersecting direction movement control parts) as described in (e) above, and the relative movement of the main body parts 230, 320 and 520 relative to the first shaft-shaped part 22 in the direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped part 22 can be restricted. Therefore, the connection structures 201, 301 and 501 can suppress the accidental fall caused by the user in the state connected to the first shaft-shaped part 22.

[0157] (f) In the connecting structures 201, 301 and 501, the first shaft insertion portion 230a (main body shaft insertion portion) is a main body shaft receiving portion 230b having an opening in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, the second shaft insertion portion 240a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) is a locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b having a hole opening in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, and the fall-off suppression mechanism 280, 380, 580 (intersecting direction movement limiting portion) is a structure that can switch the operation between a restricting state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is restricted by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, and a restriction release state in which the entry and exit of the first shaft-like portion 22 is allowed by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b.

[0158] When the connection structures 201, 301 and 501 are constructed as shown in (f) above, the first shaft-shaped portion 22 as the connection object is advanced and retreated from the side (in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22) relative to the first shaft insertion portion 230a (main body shaft insertion portion) and the second shaft insertion portion 240a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) by setting the fall-off prevention mechanism 280, 380 and 580 (intersecting direction movement prevention portion) in the restriction release state, so as to be attached to and detached from the first shaft-shaped portion 22. In addition, the connection structures 201, 301 and 501 are set to the restriction state by setting the fall-off prevention mechanism 280, 380, 580 (intersecting direction movement prevention portion) in the restriction state, so that the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is restricted from being pulled out of the first shaft insertion portion 230a (main body shaft insertion portion) and the second shaft insertion portion 240a (locking mechanism shaft insertion portion) by the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b. Therefore, the connection structures 201 , 301 , and 501 can suppress accidental dropping by the user in a state of being connected to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 .

[0159] (g) The connecting structure 501 has a fall-off suppression mechanism 580 (intersecting direction movement limiting portion) which can move a movable body 582 in the forward and backward directions along the entry and exit path of the first axial portion 22 through the main body shaft receiving portion 230b and the locking mechanism shaft receiving portion 240b, and a switching mechanism 584 which can switch between a movement limiting state for limiting the movement of the movable body 582 and a movement allowing state for allowing the movement of the movable body 582, and a switching operating portion 586 for operating the switching mechanism 584 can be operated in conjunction with the swinging operation of the limiting element 240.

[0160] By configuring the connection structure 501 as shown in (g) above, the switching operation portion 586 can be operated in conjunction with the operation (swing operation) of the swing stopper 240 to switch the state of the switching mechanism 584. Therefore, the connection structure 501 can be made more operable than in a configuration in which the operation of the switching operation portion 586 and the operation of the stopper 240 need to be separated.

[0161] (H) The connecting structure 501 is provided with a switching operating portion 586, which can switch from a movement restriction state to a movement permission state by a pressure force. The pressure portion 586a is set within the moving range of the limiting element 240. At a position where the locking mechanism 60 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, the limiting element 240 is pushed to swing by further counteracting the pushing force of the pushing element 50, so that the pressure from the limiting element 240 on the pressure portion 586a can switch the switching mechanism 584 from the movement restriction state to the movement permission state.

[0162] The connection structure 501, through the configuration as described in (h), can switch the switching mechanism 584 from the movement restriction state to the movement permission state by performing the operation (swing operation) of the swing limiter 240 and linking the operation of the pressing portion 586a as the switching operation portion 586. Therefore, the connection structure 501 can be made more operable than in a configuration that requires the operation of the switching operation portion 586 and the operation of the limiter 240 to be separated.

[0163] (i) The connecting device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 includes the connecting structure 1, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 according to claim 1 or 2, and is a connecting device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 that enables the supporting object 24 to be connected to the supporting device 20 by interposing between the supporting object 24 as the supporting object and the supporting device 20 that supports the supporting object 24, and has a second connecting portion 72 that is connected to the supporting object 24.

[0164] When the connection device 10 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 , 610 is constructed as described above (i), the first shaft portion 22 of the support device 20 is connected, and the support object 24 is connected to the support device 20 by the second connection portion 72 .

[0165] (j) The connecting device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 is a connecting device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 that enables the supporting object 24 to be connected to the supporting device 20 by interposing between the supporting object 24 as a supporting object and the supporting device 20 supporting the supporting object 24, and includes a first connecting portion connected to the axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 of the supporting device 20, and a second connecting portion connected to the axial second shaft-shaped portion of the supporting object 24, and includes a locking mechanism 60 that switches between a locked state that restricts the axial movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 as a connecting object between the first shaft-shaped portion 22 and the second shaft-shaped portion and an unlocked state that allows the movement along the axial direction, wherein the locking mechanism 60 includes a first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a for inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and a first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a. The second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a and 440a inserted therein is provided with a stopper element 40, 240, 440 swingable inside the accommodation portion, and a push-against element 50 pushing against the stopper element 40, 240, 440 in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a and the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a and 440a, and the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a and the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a and 440a are inserted into the first shaft-shaped portion 22. 0a, 240a and 440a, while the limiting elements 40, 240, 440 are pushed in the axial direction, the limiting elements 40, 240, 440 are in a locked state with the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q away from the first contact portion P in the axial direction on the first axial portion 22, and in the locked state, the limiting elements 40, 240, 440 are pushed by the pushing force of the pushing element 50, so that the contact between the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q is released and the state is unlocked.

[0166] The connection devices 10 , 210 , 310 , 410 , 510 and 610 include a locking mechanism 60 and can switch between a locked state restricting axial movement of the first shaft portion 22 as a connection object and an unlocked state allowing axial movement of the first shaft portion 22 .

[0167] Here, in the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the first shaft insertion portion 30a, 230a, 430a and the second shaft insertion portion 40a, 240a, 440a, and while the limiting element 40, 240, 440 is applied with a pushing force in the axial direction, the limiting element 40, 240, 440 is embedded in the first shaft-shaped portion 22 with the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q in contact (interference). As a result, the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 is in a locked state, and the movement of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the axial direction is suppressed, and the first shaft-shaped portion 22 becomes stationary. In addition, the force of gravity acting on the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 to cause it to fall is transmitted as a force to press the limiting elements 40, 240 and 440 on the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Therefore, the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 is in a state where the limiting elements 40, 240 and 440 are embedded and pressed relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22, so even if it is subjected to some impact or vibration, it will not fall easily. Therefore, the locking state of the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 can suppress the accidental fall caused by the user.

[0168] Furthermore, the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 pushes the limiting element 40, 240, 440 against the pushing force of the pushing element 50, so that the limiting element 40, 240, 440 swings, and the contact between the first shaft-shaped portion 22 and the limiting element 40, 240, 440 at the first contact portion P and the second contact portion Q can be released, and the state becomes unlocked. Therefore, the connection device 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610 can smoothly move in the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 through the unlocked state.

[0169] (k) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connection structure 601 and a connection device 610 including the same are connected to a structure for connecting a support object 24 as a support object to a support device 20 for supporting the support object 24, and are provided with a locking mechanism 680 capable of switching between a locked state for inhibiting the movement of an axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 included in the support device 20 in an axial direction and an unlocked state for allowing the movement in the axial direction, wherein the locking mechanism 680 is provided with a shaft insertion portion (second shaft insertion portion 640a / also referred to as "shaft insertion portion 640a") for inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and a locking state for inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in an axial direction. A control body (first control body 684, second control body 686 / also referred to as "control bodies 684, 686") that can swing relative to the first shaft-like portion 22 when the shaft is inserted into the shaft insertion portion 640a, and a push element 50 that applies a push force to the control bodies 684, 686 of the shaft insertion portion 640a in the swinging direction. The control bodies 684, 686 swing due to the push force of the push element 50, so that they rotate around the axis of the first shaft-like portion 22 of the shaft insertion portion 640a, and swing around the swing axis that intersects with the axis of the first shaft-like portion 22, thereby forming a state of interference embedding with the first shaft-like portion 22, and becoming a locked state.

[0170] The connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 are constructed as described in (k), so that the control bodies 684 and 686 forming the locking mechanism 680 swing under the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element 50, and reach the third abutment state through the second abutment state from the first abutment state. As a result, the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 abut against the control bodies 684 and 686 at different positions in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22, forming a locked state caused by the state of interference and embedding with the first shaft-like portion 22. Therefore, by putting the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 in the locked state, it is possible to suppress its rotation in the circumferential direction while fixing it relative to the axial direction of the first shaft-like portion 22.

[0171] (l) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a connection structure 601 and a connection device 610 including the same are connected to a connection structure 601 for connecting a support object 24 as a support object to a support device 20 supporting the support object 24, and are provided with a locking mechanism 680 capable of switching between a locked state for inhibiting an axial first shaft-shaped portion 22 included in the support device 20 from moving in an axial direction and an unlocked state for allowing movement in the axial direction, wherein the locking mechanism 680 is provided with a shaft insertion portion 640a for inserting the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and is provided with a control mechanism 680 capable of swinging relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 when the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is inserted into the shaft insertion portion 640a. The control bodies 684, 686 and the push element 50 that applies a push force to the control bodies 684, 686 of the inserted shaft insertion part 640a in the swinging direction, the control bodies 684, 686 are swung by the push force of the push element 50, so that the shaft interference parts 684d and 686d (first abutment parts) that can abut against the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-shaped part 22 of the inserted shaft insertion part 640a, the shaft abutment parts 684f and 686f (second abutment parts), and the shaft abutment parts 684g and 686g (third abutment parts) are arranged at positions separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the shaft insertion part 640a, and the control bodies 684, 686 are swung relative to the first shaft-shaped part 22 by the push force of the push element 50. The portion 22 is tilted so that the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 abuts against the shaft interference portions 684d and 686d (first abutment portion) to form a first abutment state, and in the first abutment state, the control bodies 684 and 686 are affected by the pushing force of the abutment element 50, and the control bodies 684 and 686 are rotated around the axis of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 with the position deviating from the shaft interference portions 684d and 686d (first abutment portion) as the rotation fulcrum, and enter the second abutment state in which the shaft abutment portions 684f and 686f (second abutment portion) abut against the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and in the second abutment state, the control bodies 684 and 686 are affected by the pushing force of the abutment element 50 to abut against the shaft The interference parts 684d and 686d (first abutment parts) and the shaft abutment parts 684f and 686f (second abutment parts) respectively abut the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-like part 22 as a swing fulcrum, and swing around the swing axis intersecting the axis of the first shaft-like part 22 to make the shaft abutment parts 684g and 686g (third abutment parts) abut the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft-like part 22, forming a third abutment state in which the shaft interference parts 684d and 686d (first abutment parts), the shaft abutment parts 684f and 686f (second abutment parts) and the shaft abutment parts 684g and 686g (third abutment parts) cause the control bodies 684 and 686 to interfere with the first shaft-like part 22, and become a locked state.

[0172] The connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 are configured as (1), so that the control bodies 684 and 686 forming the locking mechanism 680 swing under the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element 50, and reach the third abutment state from the first abutment state through the second abutment state. As a result, the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 operate in an action mode in which the control bodies 684 and 686 are entangled with the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and a state of abutment with different positions in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 is formed. As a result, the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 form a state in which the control bodies 684 and 686 interfere with and embed with the first shaft-shaped portion 22, and are then in a locked state. As a result, through the locked state of the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610, the movement in one direction along the axial direction relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 can be firmly restricted, and the movement in the other direction along the axial direction is less restricted than the movement in the one direction. Furthermore, the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 can suppress rotation along the circumferential direction.

[0173] (m) As described above, in the connecting structure 601 and its connecting device 610, the locking mechanism 680 has a housing portion 682a for housing a plurality of (two in the above embodiment) control bodies 684, 686, and the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 adjacent to the insertion direction of the first shaft-like portion 22 inside the housing portion 682a are housed in a stacked state in which the rotation direction of the first shaft-like portion 22 when rotating around the axis of the first shaft-like portion 22 under the influence of the pushing force applied by the pushing element 50 and the swinging direction when swinging in a direction intersecting the axis of the first shaft-like portion 22 are opposite to each other.

[0174] The connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 are configured as (m), so that the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 constituting multiple control bodies can operate smoothly with each other, and abut the first shaft-like portion 22 at multiple locations separated in the axial direction and the circumferential direction of the first shaft-like portion 22 to be firmly fixed.

[0175] (n) As described above, in the connection structure 601 and its connection device 610, when the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 change from the second abutment state to the third abutment state, the movement of the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 in the axial direction away from the first shaft-like portion 22 is limited by the accommodating portion 682a.

[0176] The connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 are configured as described in (n), so that the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 set to overlap interact with each other when changing from the second abutting state to the third abutting state. As a result, the first control body 684 and the second control body 686 are more firmly abutted against the first shaft-shaped portion 22. Therefore, the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 can further improve the fixing strength relative to the first shaft-shaped portion 22 in the locked state by having the configuration of (n).

[0177] (O) As described above, in the connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 including it, the locking mechanism 680 has a housing portion 682a for housing the control bodies 684 and 686, and an inner wall abutting portion that abuts against the inner wall of the housing portion 682a due to the swing of the control bodies 684 and 686 under the influence of the pushing force applied by the pushing element 50, and the housing portion 682a can be rotated around the axis of the first shaft-shaped portion 22 inserted in the shaft insertion portion 640a with the abutment portion between the inner wall of the housing portion 682a and the inner wall abutting portion as a rotation fulcrum.

[0178] The connection structure 601 and the connection device 610 can rotate the control bodies 684 and 686 smoothly and reliably by being constructed as described in (o).

[0179] The inventions of (k) to (o) above are not limited to the configurations exemplified in the sixth embodiment above, but can be appropriately combined with the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments. For example, the inventions of (k) to (o) above, and the configurations of the locking mechanism 680 of the sixth embodiment implemented by them, can also be added as the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments, and can be applied instead of a part of the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0180] The above embodiment is only one embodiment of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the structure may be changed, added, omitted, etc. as appropriate. For example, the connection structure and the connection device of the present invention may include all the characteristic structures described in (a) to (o) above, or may include only one of the structures, include a combination of multiple structures, or add other structures to the characteristic structures described in (a) to (o). Further, in the above embodiment, although the connection structure is applied to the connection device as an example, the connection structure is not limited to the structure between the support object as the support object and the support device supporting the support object to connect the support object to the support device, and may also be, for example, a part of a device or apparatus connected to the support device supporting the support object. Further, the support object is not limited to the above-mentioned physical and chemical instruments or laboratory equipment.

[0181] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or variations, and is intended to include other embodiments that do not depart from the scope of the claims and their gist and spirit. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Furthermore, any component of the present embodiment may be arbitrarily combined and constituted according to the means for solving the problem or any component included in the means for solving the problem. The present application also intends to obtain the right to modify or divide the application.

[0182] Industrial Applicability

[0183] The present invention can be suitably used for all connection devices that can be adapted to mount various machines and instruments, such as instruments used in physical and chemical experimental machines, etc.

Claims

1. A connection structure for connecting a support object as a support object to a support device supporting the support object, characterized in that: The locking mechanism comprises a locking mechanism capable of switching between a locked state for suppressing the movement of an axial portion of an axial structure included in the supporting device in an axial direction and an unlocked state for allowing the movement in the axial direction. The locking mechanism comprises a shaft insertion portion for inserting the shaft portion, and a control body capable of swinging relative to the shaft portion when the shaft portion is inserted into the shaft insertion portion, and a push element for applying a push force to the control body inserted into the shaft insertion portion in a swinging direction. The control body swings under the influence of the push force of the push element, so that the control body rotates in the direction around the axis of the shaft portion inserted into the shaft insertion portion, and at the same time, forms a state of interference embedding with the shaft portion by swinging around a swinging axis intersecting with the axis of the shaft portion, thereby changing to the locked state.

2. A connection structure for connecting a support object as a support object to a support device supporting the support object, characterized in that: The locking mechanism is provided with a locking state capable of switching between a locking state for suppressing movement of an axial shaft-shaped portion included in the supporting device in an axial direction and an unlocking state for allowing movement in the axial direction, the locking mechanism having a shaft insertion portion for inserting the shaft-shaped portion, and a control body capable of swinging relative to the shaft-shaped portion in a state in which the shaft-shaped portion is inserted into the shaft insertion portion, and a pushing element for applying a pushing force to the control body inserted into the shaft insertion portion in a swinging direction, the control body having a first abutting portion, a second abutting portion, and a third abutting portion located at positions separated from each other in a circumferential direction of the shaft insertion portion and capable of abutting against an outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped portion inserted into the shaft insertion portion by swinging under the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element, wherein the first abutting portion abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped portion by inclination of the control body relative to the shaft-shaped portion under the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element The locking state is achieved by the locking cam being pressed against the locking cam and the locking cam being pressed against the locking cam and the locking cam being pressed against the locking cam.

3. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism has a housing portion for accommodating a plurality of control bodies, wherein a first control body and a second control body adjacent to the insertion direction of the axial portion are accommodated in an overlapping state in such a manner that they are affected by the pushing force of the pushing element and their rotation directions when rotating around the axis of the axial portion and their swinging directions when swinging in a direction intersecting the axis of the axial portion are in opposite directions.

4. The connection structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the first control body and the second control body are changed from the second contact state to the third contact state, the movement of the first control body and the second control body in the direction away from the axial direction of the shaft-shaped portion is restricted by the accommodation portion.

5. The connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The locking mechanism comprises a housing portion for housing the control body, and an inner wall abutment portion in which the control body swings under the influence of the pushing force of the pushing element and abuts against the inner wall portion of the housing portion, and the control body rotates in a direction around the axis of the shaft-like portion inserted into the shaft insertion portion, with the abutment position between the inner wall portion of the housing portion and the inner wall abutment portion serving as a rotation fulcrum.

Images