Hook device

Abstract

To provide a hook device capable of smoothly moving along a mating member such as a support without causing rattling or stick-slip phenomenon even if the mating member has some warping or bending.SOLUTION: A hook device according to the present invention comprises a hollow device body 2 that is movable along a mating member P and has a locking portion for detachably locking a locked object or a locked portion, and a through hole for passing the mating member P through, an inclined surface 41a disposed inside the device body 2 at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction of the mating member P, and a sliding member 3 having a sliding surface 31a that abuts against the inclined surface 41a and slides therealong. An inner peripheral surface 2b of the through hole is provided with one or more rotating bodies 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, and the rotating bodies are configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the hook device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hook device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hook device for holding or supporting an object or part to be held, particularly a shower head used in a bathroom or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In bathrooms and the like, a shower hook device is generally provided for detachably supporting the head of a shower head which constitutes a shower device. Examples of such hook devices are disclosed in Patent Documents 1-6.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-106523 (Patent Document 1) proposes a slide locking device that can reliably lock a slide, can smoothly perform a slide operation, and can maintain stable performance.

[0004] As shown in Figure 1, this slide locking device is mounted so that the entire device can move along the longitudinal direction of the mating member (support), and a stopper biased by an elastic member generates a frictional force between the stopper and the mating member to lock the slide.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-180491 (Patent Document 2) proposes a slide lock device that can be moved in one direction with moderate resistance and can be moved smoothly in the opposite direction, thereby improving the operational feel.

[0006] In this slide lock device, a locking piece is clamped in a pressed state between an axial mating member and a base, and relative movement between the mating member and the base is locked by the frictional force of the locking piece. Relative movement of the mating member in one direction increases the frictional force and causes the locking piece to rotate, while relative movement in the opposite direction allows the locking piece to move in a direction that reduces the frictional force.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-19152 (Patent Document 3) proposes a shower nozzle receiving device in which an inexpensive round pipe can be used as the slide bar.

[0008] Japanese Patent No. 3858180 (Patent Document 4) proposes an axial slide locking device that can be moved by hand when releasing the locked state, without the need for work such as loosening a bolt as in the past.

[0009] In Patent Publication No. 4678622 (Patent Document 5), a slide lock device is proposed which can reliably lock without increasing the operating force required to increase the locking force, nor the need to increase the spring force in order to increase the locking force, and in addition, the height can be easily adjusted, and the amount of protrusion is not large, resulting in a good design.

[0010] Patent Publication No. 4,884,250 (Patent Document 6) proposes a slide shower hook device that is easy to use, in which when the shower head held by the slide shower hook is removed in a locked state, the slide shower hook does not move upward along the slide bar as the shower head moves upward. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-106523 A (Claims, Figure 1) [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-180491 A (Claims, Figure 1) [Patent Document 3] JP 2013-19152 A (Claims, Figures 1 to 3) [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 3858180 (Claims, Figures 1 and 3) [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 4678622 (Claims, Figures 4 and 5) [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 4884250 (Claims, Figure 3) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] Conventional slide lock devices or hook devices such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 6 have the problem that when moving the shower head up and down with the shower head attached, a shift in the center of gravity of the shower head (e.g., the handle portion) can occur, making smooth movement difficult. This is known as the stick-slip phenomenon.

[0013] Furthermore, conventionally, the mating member (pillar) to which the slide lock device or hook device is attached is not necessarily formed to be in a straight line along the longitudinal direction, and some mating members are slightly warped or bent in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, with conventional slide lock devices or hook devices, there was a problem in that if the mating member was slightly warped or curved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it became difficult to move smoothly in the vertical direction.

[0014] In view of the current situation, this invention aims to provide a hook device, in particular a hook device for a shower head, which can be smoothly raised and lowered along a mating member such as a support pillar even if the mating member is slightly warped or bent without causing rattling or stick-slip, which can be easily performed with one hand, and which does not have a complex structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] That is, the invention described in claim 1 of this invention is as follows: A hook device movable along a mating member, a hollow device body having a locking portion for detachably locking an object to be locked or a locking portion, and a through hole for allowing the mating member to pass therethrough; an inclined surface disposed inside the device body and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axial direction of the mating member; a sliding member having a sliding surface that contacts the inclined surface, the sliding member is provided between the inclined surface and the counter member, and slides along the inclined surface; The inner circumferential surface of the through hole is provided with one or more rotating bodies, The rotating body is configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device moves. This is a hook device characterized by the above.

[0016] The invention described in claim 2 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The inclined surface is The operating member is provided in a movable manner inside or outside the device body, The device body includes: an elastic member disposed in the device body so as to apply an elastic biasing force to the operation member; The sliding member is configured so that, by operating the operating member, the sliding member separates from the mating member and slides in a direction in which the frictional force between the sliding member and the mating member is reduced or eliminated. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0017] The invention described in claim 3 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The rotating body is At least one pair of the mating members are disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0018] The invention described in claim 4 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The rotating body is At least one pair of the mating members are disposed opposite each other at both ends of the through hole in the axial direction so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0019] The invention described in claim 5 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, At least one pair of the rotating bodies is The engaging portion is disposed on both ends of the through hole in the axial direction thereof so as to face each other along a direction from the through hole toward the engaging portion, with the engaging portion sandwiching the mating member therebetween. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0020] The invention described in claim 6 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 3, The outer edge of the through hole is expanded outward at least at one of the positions where the rotating body is disposed. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0021] The invention described in claim 7 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The rotating body is a pair of the engagement members are disposed at both ends of the through hole in the axial direction thereof, facing each other along a direction from the through hole toward the engagement portion so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween; The through hole is The outer edge is formed so as to expand outward at the position where the rotation body on the locking portion side is disposed. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0022] The invention described in claim 8 of this invention is as follows: The hook device according to claim 7, The rotating body facing the rotating body on the locking portion side is The through hole is configured to be movable in a direction from the through hole toward the locking portion, so that the through hole is configured to be movable in a direction from the through hole toward the locking portion. The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0023] The invention described in claim 9 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The elastic member is Compression coil spring The present invention is characterized by the following:

[0024] The invention described in claim 10 of this invention is as follows: In the hook device according to claim 1, The mating member is It is a pillar, The said attached garment is Being a shower head The present invention is characterized by the following: Effect of the Invention

[0025] The hook device of the present invention is for detachably engaging an object or a portion to be engaged, particularly a shower head, and comprises a locking portion that is movable along a mating member, particularly a support, and for detachably engaging the object or the portion to be engaged, a hollow device body having a through hole through which the mating member passes, an inclined surface disposed inside the device body at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction of the mating member, and a sliding member having a sliding surface that abuts against the inclined surface, and the sliding member is provided between the inclined surface and the mating member, and slides along the inclined surface. In this hook device, the inner circumferential surface of the through hole is provided with one or more rotating bodies, and the rotating bodies are configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device moves. Therefore, when the hook device is moved, the rotating body receives a frictional force as the hook device moves along the mating member, and rotates on the outer surface of the mating member. Therefore, when the hook device moves, frictional resistance is reduced and the occurrence of rattling or stick-slip phenomena is eliminated or reduced, so that the hook device can move smoothly.

[0026] In the hook device, the inclined surface is provided on an operating member that is movably arranged inside or outside the device main body, and the device main body is configured to have an elastic member that is arranged within the device main body so as to apply an elastic biasing force to the operating member, and the operating member can be configured to be operated so that the sliding member moves away from the opposing member and slides in a direction that reduces or eliminates the frictional force between the sliding member and the opposing member. With this configuration, the structure of the hook device is extremely simpler than in the past, the number of parts required for the hook device is reduced, and the hook device can be provided at low cost.

[0027] In the hook device, the rotating bodies can be arranged in at least one pair, facing each other so as to sandwich the mating member, preferably along the direction from the through hole toward the engaging portion, and at least one pair can be arranged facing each other at each of both axial ends of the through hole so as to sandwich the mating member. In this case, the through hole can be formed so that the outer edge thereof expands outward in diameter at the position where the rotation body on the locking portion side is disposed. With this configuration, the movement of the hook device can be made smoother.

[0028] In particular, the rotating bodies can be arranged in pairs facing each other at both axial ends of the through hole, in a direction from the through hole toward the locking portion, so as to sandwich the mating member, and the through hole can be formed so that its outer edge is expanded outward at the position where the rotating body on the locking portion side is located. In this case, if the rotating body facing the rotating body on the locking portion side is configured to be movable in the direction from the through hole toward the locking portion, the movement of the hook device can be made extremely smooth.

[0029] In the hook device, the object to be attached may be a shower head. That is, the hook device is suitable as a hook device for a shower head.

[0030] Furthermore, the hook device of the present invention can be easily disassembled, so that maintenance and repairs can be easily performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an oblique view showing one embodiment of the hook device of the present invention, showing the state in which the button is not pressed, (A) showing an upper oblique view and (B) showing a lower oblique view. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the hook device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the hook device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the hook device shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view (front view) of the hook device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a rear view (back view) of the hook device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the hook device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the hook device shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the button portion serving as the operating part is not being pressed, (A) shows the state where the right case member constituting the device main body has been removed, and (B) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A'. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the button portion serving as the operating part of the hook device shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, (A) shows the state in which the right case member constituting the device main body has been removed, and (B) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A'. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' of the hook device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a state in which a button portion serving as an operating portion is pressed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a left side view showing another embodiment of the hook device of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the hook device shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the inside of a case body constituting the device body of the hook device shown in FIG. 11, showing a state in which a button portion serving as an operating portion is not being pressed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the configuration of one embodiment of a hook device according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as a "hook device") will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, and various improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a hook device 1 according to the present invention. In addition, Figure 2 is a top view of the hook device 1, Figure 3 is a bottom view of the hook device 1, Figure 4 is a right side view of the hook device 1, Figure 5 is a front view of the hook device 1, and Figure 6 is a rear view of the hook device 1. In this specification, when the hook device 1 is attached to a mating member, the direction away from the mating member (the side to which the locking member for engaging or locking the object to be locked or the part to be locked is attached) is defined as the front, and the side of the mating member is defined as the rear.

[0034] The hook device 1 of the present invention is used for attaching or locking an object or part to be locked, such as a shower head, and by operating the operating part (in this embodiment, a button portion provided on the operating member 4), the object or part to be locked can be moved along a support P (counterpart) that is arranged vertically along the wall of the bathroom, while in an attached or locked state, or the height position of the object or part to be locked can be set (fixed) to a desired height position.

[0035] In this embodiment, the hook device 1 is for engaging the shower head of a shower device, but it can also be used to attach or fasten an object or part to be engaged, such as a support part of another device or article.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mating member is a vertical support P, but there is no particular limitation regarding the mating member. There is no particular limitation on the material of the counter member, and a stainless steel pipe or the like is preferably used.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hook device 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the hook device 1 has an overall shape that is elongated in the horizontal direction, and is composed of a hollow device body 2.

[0038] In FIG. 7, the device main body 2 includes a hollow case member 21 for accommodating various members, and a locking member 22 for detachably locking the object or portion to be locked. The case member 21 is configured to be separable into two in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) in order to store various components, and is configured by integrally joining a hollow right case member 21a and a hollow left case member 21b with fastening means (not shown) such as locking pieces or screws.

[0039] A notch 211a of a required size is formed on one end side of the right case member 21a (the rear end side when the device main body 2 is constructed) in order to form a through hole (mating member insertion hole) 2a (formed to penetrate in the vertical direction in this embodiment) for moving the device main body 2 in a predetermined direction (up and down direction in this embodiment) along the support P when combined with the left case member 21b, and a notch 211b opposite to the notch 211a is also formed on one end side of the left case member 21b. The shape of the through hole 2a is not particularly limited, and can be formed to match the shape of the cross section (cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (axial direction)) of the mating member (in this embodiment, the support P). For example, if the mating member is a cylindrical support (pipe), the through hole 2a can be formed so that its cross section (cross section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (horizontal in this embodiment)) is substantially circular.

[0040] In addition, in Figure 7, a rotating body configured to be rotatable at least in the movement direction of the hook device 1 (the up and down direction in this embodiment) is arranged at a predetermined position on the inner surface (the surface that can abut against the opposing member) 2b of the through hole 2a, as described below.

[0041] The right case member 21a is configured by cutting out its other end side (the front end side when the device main body 2 is constructed) to provide a storage section 212a of the required size for storing the locking member 22, and the left case member 21b is also cut out on its other end side to form a storage section 212b opposite to the storage section 212a.

[0042] In FIG. 7, the locking member 22 has a pair of opposing shaft portions 22b, 22b protruding from predetermined positions on the left and right side surfaces. Meanwhile, an engagement hole 213a made of a through hole formed to support the shaft portion 22b is formed in the center of the right-side storage portion 212a. Furthermore, an engagement hole 213b made of a through hole formed to support the shaft portion 22b is also formed in the left-side storage portion 212b at a position corresponding to the engagement hole 213a. Therefore, the locking member 22 is vertically rotatable about the axis of the shaft portions 22b, 22b.

[0043] In FIG. 7, the locking member 22 is configured so as to be capable of stepwise rotation within a predetermined range in the vertical direction and of being fixed at a predetermined position.

[0044] Specifically, a pair of opposing protruding pieces 22c, 22c are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the locking member 22 (in this embodiment, near the outer periphery thereof). On the other hand, a pair of opposing engagement grooves 214a, 214b are formed in the accommodating portions 212a, 212b to accommodate the protruding pieces 22c, 22c and enable the protruding pieces 22c, 22c to slide within a predetermined range, and engagement surfaces 215a, 215b are formed on the inner surfaces of the engagement grooves (first engagement grooves) 214a, 214b, which abut against the outer surfaces of the protruding pieces 22c, 22c when the protruding pieces 22c, 22c are accommodated, and guide the sliding of the protruding pieces. The engagement grooves 214a, 214b are formed along the rotation direction of the locking member 22 so that their widths (lengths in the front-rear direction) are approximately equal to the diameters of the protruding pieces 22c, 22c. Therefore, the locking member 22 is capable of rotating within a predetermined range in the vertical direction.

[0045] Further, in FIG. 7, the locking member 22 is attached to the other end side of the right case member 21a and the left case member 21b via an angle adjustment member 9 that enables adjustment of the angle of the locking member 22 in the vertical direction.

[0046] The angle adjustment member 9 has a space (not shown) of the required size formed on the surface opposite the abutment surface 9a with the locking member 22, and the elastic member (second elastic member) 6 is arranged so as to expand and contract in the front-to-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the device main body 2) with one end (front end) of the elastic member 9 being held within the space and the other end (rear end) being held by the holding portion (second holding portion) H2, and therefore is always in close contact with the locking member 22 due to the biasing force of the elastic member 6. The abutment surface 9a of the angle adjustment member 9 has a plurality of engagement protrusions 9b formed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, which protrude toward the locking member 22 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support P (left-right direction), while the abutment surface 22d of the locking member 22 with the angle adjustment member 9 has a plurality of engagement recesses 22e formed at positions corresponding to the engagement protrusions 9b, which extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the support P (left-right direction), and the engagement protrusions 9b are configured to be able to engage with the engagement recesses 22e. Therefore, the angle of the locking member 22 can be adjusted in stages. In this embodiment, the plurality of engaging protrusions 9b and the plurality of engaging recesses 22e are formed so that the locking member 22 can be adjusted at an angle pitch of 10° to 20°.

[0047] As the elastic member 6, various springs other than compression coil springs, such as torsion coil springs and leaf springs, elastic bodies such as rubber, various cylinder devices, and the like can be used.

[0048] In FIG. 7, the locking member 22 has an opening formed in the vertical direction, thereby forming an arc-shaped locking portion 22a for detachably locking or retaining the object or portion to be locked.

[0049] Reference numeral 8 denotes an arc-shaped pressing member (second pressing member). The pressure contact member 8 is made of a material (for example, an elastic resin material such as rubber) that generates a frictional force when pressed against the object to be locked or the portion to be locked, and the surface that comes into close contact with the object to be locked or the portion to be locked has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the object to be locked or the portion to be locked. Therefore, the locking member 22 can firmly hold and fix the object or portion to be locked.

[0050] In FIG. 7, a notch 216a of a required size is formed at a predetermined position on the lower part of the right case member 21a so that, when the right case member 21a is combined with the left case member 21b, an opening is formed for allowing the operating portion, more specifically, the button portion 42 of the operating member 4 to protrude from the device main body 2, and a notch 216b opposite to the notch 216a is also formed in the left case member 21b.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, an inclined surface 41a inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction of the support P is arranged inside the device main body 2 (specifically, case member 21), and a sliding member 3 is arranged between the inclined surface 41a and the support P and slides along the inclined surface 41a.

[0052] 7 to 10, the inclined surface 41a is formed in the device body 2 so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axial direction of the support P from above to below so as to move away from the support P. The sliding member 3 is disposed in a space S1 formed between the inclined surface 41a and the support column P within the device body 2. In addition, in Figures 7 to 10, the space S1 is defined by the pillar P, side walls 217a, 217b formed at both ends (upper and lower in Figures 7 to 10) of the pillar P in a direction parallel to the axial direction, and the inclined surface 41a.

[0053] The sliding member 3 is composed of a sliding member body 31, and on its front surface (the surface on the locking member 22 side) is formed a sliding surface 31a that is inclined at a predetermined angle so that the width gradually increases from the upper end to the lower end and so that it moves away from the support P from top to bottom (sloping downward from rear to front).

[0054] The sliding surface 31a is constantly in contact with the inclined surface 41a inside the device body 2, and the sliding member 3 slides along this inclined surface 41a. Therefore, for example, a predetermined operation portion is provided on the sliding member 3 itself or on the inclined surface 41a, and by operating this, the sliding member 3 slides in a direction to press against (or come into close contact with) the support P or in a direction to move away from it.

[0055] With this configuration, the sliding member 3 is pressed against (or comes into close contact with) or separated from the support P, and slides in a direction that increases or decreases the frictional force between the support P and the sliding member 3, thereby locking or unlocking the hook device 1 to the support P.

[0056] In addition, in Figures 7 to 10, the sliding member 3 is configured to slide in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the hook device 1) in association with the movement of the inclined surface 41a accompanying the movement of the operating member 4 inward or outward (upward or downward in Figures 7 to 10) by regulating its upward or downward sliding, as described below.

[0057] The back surface (the surface on the pillar P side) of the sliding member main body 31, more specifically, the surface that is in pressure contact with the pillar P, is configured to be arcuate as shown in Figures 7 to 10, and is constantly in pressure contact with the pillar P due to the biasing force of the elastic member 5. The surface of the sliding member body 31 that is in pressure contact with the support pillar P is preferably configured to correspond to the outer shape of the support pillar P.

[0058] 7 to 10, the inclined surface 41a is formed on the back surface (the surface facing the pillar P) of the operating member main body 41 constituting the operating member 4, and is inclined at a predetermined angle so that its width gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end, and so that it moves away from the pillar P from top to bottom (inclined upward from front to rear).

[0059] 7 to 10, the operating member main body 41 is provided in the device main body 2, specifically, in the case member 21, in a space S2 formed between a front side wall (side wall on the locking member 22 side) 217c formed to extend along the axial direction of the pillar P, and the pillar P (more specifically, the front surface (sliding surface 31a) of the sliding member 3, as described later).

[0060] 7 to 10, the operation member body 41 is integrated with an operation portion 42 having a predetermined form (a button portion in FIGS. 7 to 10) to constitute the operation member 4. Therefore, by operating the operating portion 42, the operating member 4 slides in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the support pillar P (up and down direction). In this embodiment, the operating member 4 has a structure in which the operating member body 41 and the operating part 42 are integrated by forming a button portion as the operating part 42 at one end of the operating member body 41, but it is also possible to form the operating member body 41 and the operating part 42 as separate bodies rather than forming them integrally.

[0061] In this embodiment, the operating portion 42 is configured as a push button (pressing member), but it may be configured as a known operating member or operating means other than a push button, such as a lever member.

[0062] 7 to 10, the operation member 4 is disposed in the device body 2 with the inclined surface 41a always in contact with the sliding surface 31a. Therefore, as the operating member 4 moves up and down, the sliding member 3 comes into pressure contact (or close contact) with the support pillar P or moves away from it, and slides in a direction in which the frictional force between the sliding member 3 and the support pillar P increases or decreases. As a result, the hook device 1 is locked (fixed) to the post P or the lock is released.

[0063] 7 to 10, the sliding member 3 is configured so that its movement in the vertical direction is restricted. Specifically, a pair of opposing protrusions (second protrusions) 41e, 41e are protruded from the left and right side surfaces of the operating member 4, and each of these is configured to engage with an engagement groove (second engagement groove) 218, 218 consisting of a long hole of a required length that is formed and extends in the vertical direction (in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the support P) through the left and right side surfaces of the case member 21 (right case member 21a and left case member 21b) at a position corresponding to the protrusions 41e, 41e, and move therein. Furthermore, a pair of opposing protrusions 31d, 31d are protruded from the left and right side surfaces of the sliding member 3 so as to extend along the front-rear direction (a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the device main body 2), and each of these is configured to engage with an engagement groove (third engagement groove) 219, 219 consisting of a long hole of a required length that is formed through the left and right side surfaces of the case member 21 (right case member 21a and left case member 21b) at positions corresponding to the protrusions 31d, 31d so as to extend in the front-rear direction, and move therethrough. Therefore, the sliding member 3 smoothly slides in the front-rear direction (along the longitudinal direction of the hook device 1) as the operating member 4 moves inward or outward (in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the support P). There is no particular restriction on the sliding direction of the sliding member 3, so long as it is configured to slide in a direction in which it presses against (or adheres to) or separates from the opposing member (the support P in this embodiment), i.e., in a direction in which the frictional force between the sliding member and the opposing member increases or decreases.

[0064] 7 to 10, the sliding member 3 is formed with a pair of opposing protruding pieces 31b, 31b extending from both left and right end edges thereof so as to protrude forward (towards the operating member 4), and each of the protruding pieces 31b, 31b has a notch having a required width and length formed along the inclination direction of the inclined surface 41a from the inner end (upper end in Figures 7 and 9) in the sliding direction of the operating member 4 to the outer end (downward in Figures 7 and 9) in the sliding direction of the operating member 4, thereby forming guide grooves (support shaft insertion portions) 31c, 31c. On the other hand, the operation member 4 has support shafts 41d, 41d as engagement protrusions protruding from predetermined positions on the left and right side surfaces thereof so as to be supported by the guide grooves (support shaft insertion portions) 31c, 31c. The width of the notches constituting the engagement grooves 31c, 31c is set to be approximately the same as the diameter of the support shafts 41d, 41d. Furthermore, on each of the left and right side surfaces of the operating member 4, there are formed mating recesses 41b, 41b that accommodate the protruding pieces 31b, 31b and enable the protruding pieces 31b, 31b to slide along the inclined direction of the inclined surface 41a, and on the inner surface of the mating recess 41b, there is formed a mating surface 41c that abuts against the outer surface of the protruding piece 31b when the engaging piece 31b is accommodated, and guides its sliding. The sliding member 3 and the operating member 4 are combined such that the support shafts 41d, 41d are supported by the guide grooves 31c, 31c and the protruding pieces 31b, 31b fit into the fitting recesses 41b, 41b to grip the operating member 4. Therefore, when a pressing force is applied to the operating member 4 (when the operating member 4 moves inward), the support shafts 41d, 41d move along their long axes within the guide grooves 31c, 31c, and the sliding member 3 also slides in conjunction with the movement of the support shafts 41d, 41d, so that the sliding member 3 moves away from the support pillar P and slides extremely smoothly in a direction in which the frictional force between the sliding member 3 and the support pillar P is reduced.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 7 to 10, a space (accommodating space) S3 of a required size is formed inside the operating member 4, and an elastic member 5 is attached inside this space S3. The elastic member 5 is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the support P, with one end (lower end) held within the storage space S3 and the other end (upper end) held by a holding portion (first holding portion) H1 configured to hold the other end. Therefore, the operating member 4 slides up and down along the axial direction of the support pillar P as the elastic member 5 expands and contracts.

[0066] Specifically, when the operating member 4 is in its normal state in which no operation is being performed, the button portion serving as the operating part provided at one end of the operating member 4 is constantly protruding outside the device main body 2 due to the biasing force of the elastic member 5. On the other hand, when an operation (pressing operation) is performed, the operating member 4 moves upward (inside) the device body 2.

[0067] The elastic member 5 is used to apply a biasing force to the operating member 4, and in Figures 7 to 10, it is inserted into the storage space S3 of the operating member 4 parallel to the axial direction of the support P in a certain compressed state. One end side of the elastic member 5 (the lower end side in Figures 7 to 10) abuts against the storage space S3, while the other end side (the upper end side in Figures 7 to 10) is held in the space S1 (the upper part thereof in Figures 7 to 10) via the retaining portion H1, so that the biasing force of the elastic member 5 acts on the operating member 4. Therefore, the operating member 4 is urged toward the outside of the device main body 2 by the urging force of the elastic member 5, so that the operating portion 42 (button portion) of the operating member 3 protrudes from the opening of the device main body 2 (the opening formed by the notches 233a, 233b), and the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7) can be held in a state of being pressed against or in close contact with the support P.

[0068] In this embodiment, the elastic member 5 is composed of a compression coil spring, but the elastic member may be any of various springs other than a compression coil spring, such as a leaf spring, or an elastic body such as rubber, or any of various cylinder devices. At this time, it is preferable that the biasing force of the elastic member 5 is such that the upward movement of the hook device 1 is difficult.

[0069] In this embodiment, the sliding member body 31 is provided with an arc-shaped pressure contact member 7 on the side of the support pillar P, more specifically, on the surface that is in pressure contact with the support pillar P, and is always in close contact with the support pillar P due to the biasing force of the elastic member 5. It is preferable that the surface of the pressure contact member 7 that comes into close contact with the support pillar P corresponds to the outer shape of the support pillar P.

[0070] The pressure contact member 7 may be any member made of a material that is in pressure contact or in close contact with the support P by the elastic member 5, thereby generating a frictional force. Such pressure contact member 7 may be made of, for example, a resin material having elasticity, such as rubber.

[0071] The pressing member 7 can be fixed to the sliding member body 31 by adhesion, welding, or other means. 7 to 10, the pressing member 7 is fixed by being fitted into a recessed fitting portion (not shown) formed on the back surface side of the sliding member main body 31.

[0072] Furthermore, the pressing member 7 may be disposed at a position on the support P where the sliding member 3 is pressed or in close contact, or on both the support P side of the sliding member 3 and the position on the support P where the sliding member 3 is pressed or in close contact.

[0073] Furthermore, instead of providing the pressure contact member 7, the sliding member body 31 and / or the support P may be provided with a means for generating a frictional force by being in close contact with the support P, such as uneven processing.

[0074] There is no particular limitation on the size of the pressing member 7. Conventionally, the pressing member provided on the sliding member slides along an inclined surface, so that it is difficult to increase the size in the height direction of the pressing member. In this invention, since the sliding member 3 is configured to slide in the left-right direction, the height dimension of the pressure contact member 7 can be made approximately the same as the height of the hook device 1, and this is preferable. With this configuration, the pressure contact member 7 is suppressed or prevented from sliding in the horizontal direction.

[0075] In this invention, a rotating body (11) configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device 1 moves (in the vertical direction in this embodiment) is arranged on the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a (the inner surface of the peripheral wall defining the through hole 2a), as shown in Figure 7.

[0076] In Figure 7, rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d as the rotating bodies are cylindrical and supported on rod-shaped shaft members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d so as to be freely rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device 1 moves (in this embodiment, the vertical direction), and are arranged inside spaces S4a, S4b, S4c, and S4d of the required size formed on the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a.

[0077] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the rotating body, so long as it is configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device 1 moves. The shape of the rotating body may be, for example, a cylindrical shape (roller) or a spherical shape (ball). In this embodiment, the rotating bodies are all formed of cylindrical bodies, and are disposed so that their axes are perpendicular to the axis of the mating member (support P).

[0078] At least one of the rotating bodies can be disposed on the inner peripheral surface 2b of the through hole 2a. For example, two or more rotating bodies can be arranged at a predetermined interval along the circumferential direction on the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a, and two or more can also be arranged along a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device 1 moves. Preferably, the rotating bodies are arranged on the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a at the same position in the movement direction (up and down direction) of the hook device 1 and at opposing radial positions of the through hole 2a (arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich the mating member), and more preferably, the rotating bodies are further arranged on each of both ends (the upper end and the lower end in this embodiment) of the inner surface 2b in the direction in which the hook device 1 moves.

[0079] 7 to 10, rollers 11a and 11b as rotating bodies are arranged on the inner surface 2b at the upper end of the axial direction (vertical direction) of through hole 2a, and face each other along the front-rear direction (the direction from the through hole 2a toward the engagement portion 22a) across a straight line (A1) that passes through the axis (L1) of through hole 2a and extends in the left-right direction. In addition, rollers 11c and 11d, which serve as rotating bodies, are arranged on the inner surface 2b at the lower end of the axial direction (vertical direction) of through hole 2a, and face each other in the front-to-rear direction across a straight line (A1) that passes through the axis (L1) of through hole 2a and extends in the left-right direction. The rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are all located on a straight line (A2) passing through the axis (L1) of the through hole 2a and the axis (L2) of the opening that forms the engaging portion 22a.

[0080] The rotating body (at least some of them, if multiple bodies are provided) is arranged so that its outer surface comes into contact with the outer surface of the mating member (the support P in this embodiment) when the hook device 1 moves. 7 to 10, the rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are disposed in the spaces S4a, S4b, S4c, and S4d such that their outer peripheries protrude slightly beyond the inner periphery 2b of the through hole 2a. Therefore, the rotating body receives a frictional force as the hook device 1 moves along the mating member, and rotates on the outer surface of the mating member. With this configuration, frictional resistance is reduced when the hook device 1 moves, and the occurrence of rattling or stick-slip phenomena is eliminated or reduced, allowing the hook device 1 to move smoothly.

[0081] 7 to 10, rollers 11a and 11b as the rotating bodies are disposed at the upper end of inner peripheral surface 2b of through hole 2a, and rollers 11c and 11d are disposed at the lower end of inner peripheral surface 2b, so as to be located on line A2, and the outer edge of through hole 2a is expanded outward at the position where roller 11a (and 11c) (the roller on the locking portion 22a side) is disposed. This expanded area extends in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed in cross section, the through hole 2a has an approximately circular shape on the rear side from the straight line A1, while the front side from the straight line A1 has an approximately semi-elliptical shape that is long toward the front side (the side where the rollers 11a, 11c are arranged) along the longitudinal direction of the device main body 2. Therefore, a gap of a required size is formed between the outer circumferential surface of one of the rotating bodies (rollers 11a, 11c in Figs. 7 to 10) arranged opposite to each other across the straight line A1 and the outer circumferential surface of the mating member (support P). With this configuration, when the hook device 1 is moved in one direction (upward in this embodiment), as shown in Figure 9, roller 11a on the side in the direction of movement and on the side where the locked object or locked portion is attached (upper front side), and roller 11d on the side opposite the direction of movement and opposite the side where the locked object or locked portion is attached (lower rear side) come into contact (abut) with the support P, and when it is moved in the other direction (downward in this embodiment), roller 11c on the side in the direction of movement and on the side where the locking member 22 (or locking portion 22a) is provided (lower front side), and roller 11b on the side opposite the direction of movement and opposite the side where the locking member 22 (or locking portion 22a) is provided (upper rear side) come into contact with the support P, as shown in Figure 10. Therefore, the movement of the hook device 1 can be performed extremely smoothly. In Figures 7 to 10, the gap is formed by making the radial length (semi-major axis) from the center of the through hole 2a to the expanded outer edge, in cross-sectional view, approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm larger than the radius.

[0082] In Figures 7 to 10, the outer edge of the through hole 2a at the position where the front rollers 11a, 11c are arranged is expanded outward so that a gap is provided between the outer peripheral surfaces of the front rollers 11a, 11c and the outer peripheral surface of the support P, but this is not limited to this example, and the outer edge of the through hole 2a at the position where the rotating body is arranged can be expanded outward as appropriate.

[0083] 7 to 10, the pressure contact member 7 is configured such that its contact surface with the support P protrudes slightly toward the support P beyond the outer periphery of the rollers 11a, 11c in the initial state in which the operating member 4 is not receiving any pressing force (state in which the operating portion is not pressed). With this configuration, in the initial state where the operating member 4 is not receiving any pressing force, the pressure contact member 7 is pressed strongly against the support P, while neither of the rollers 11a, 11c is in contact with the support P, making it possible to more securely fix the hook device 1 to the support P (the opposing member).

[0084] At least a part of the rotating body can be configured to be movable toward and away from a mating member. 11 and 12, rollers 11b, 11d are rotatably arranged on shaft members 14b, 14d that are axially longer than shaft members 12a, 12c in spaces S4b, S4d that are formed to be larger in the front-to-rear direction than spaces S4a, S4c on the rear side of device main body 2 (opposite the side where locking member 22 is provided). The right side surface of the case body 21a is cut inward to a required depth to form an engagement recess 220 in which an approximately L-shaped plate 13a can be placed, and the left side surface of the case body 21b is also provided with an engagement recess 220 cut inward to a required depth at a position corresponding to the engagement recess 220 formed on the right side surface of the case body 21a, so that an approximately L-shaped plate 13b configured in the same manner as the approximately L-shaped plate 13a can be placed. One end of each of the shaft members 14b, 14d is supported by the rear end of one of the pair of substantially L-shaped plates 13a, 13b arranged opposite each other, and the other end is supported by the rear end of the other plate. The front side of each of the plates 13a, 13b (the side where the rollers 11a, 11c are provided) is provided with engagement grooves 131, 131 consisting of long holes of a required length that are formed through the plates and extend in the vertical direction (a direction parallel to the axial direction of the support P). The engagement grooves 131, 131 are configured so that protrusions 41e, 41e protruding from the left and right side surfaces of the operating member 4 are engaged therewith and move inside thereof. The upper and lower ends of the front sides of the plates 13a, 13b are restricted from moving in the vertical direction by side walls formed in the vertical direction of the mating recesses 220, 220, and the engagement grooves 131, 131 are formed so as to move away from the support P from top to bottom (incline upward from front to rear). A notch 132 formed by cutting a required depth downward at the front lower end of the fitting recess 220 and the plate 13a (or 13b) defines something similar to the engagement groove 219. With this configuration, the plates 13a, 13b are positioned rearward in the initial state where the operating member 4 is not receiving any pressing force (a state where the operating portion is not pressed), and slide forward when a pressing force is applied to the operating member 4 (a state where the operating member 4 has moved inward). As the plates 13a, 13b slide, the rollers 11b, 11d can move forward (along the direction from the through hole 2a toward the engagement portion 22a). Therefore, when the operating member 4, specifically the operating portion 42, is not operated, the rollers 11b, 11d are located on the rear side (the side away from the engaging portion 22a) in the space S4b and / or S4d and are away from the support P and are not in contact with the support P, so that the hook device 1 is more securely fixed to the support P. On the other hand, when the hook device 1 is moved, when the operating portion 42 of the operating member 4 is operated, at least one of the rollers 11b, 11d moves forward within the space S4b and / or S4d and comes into contact with the support P, so that the hook device 1 can be moved smoothly.

[0085] Next, an embodiment of the hook device 1 according to the present invention and its operation will be described. As described above, in the hook device 1 shown in Figures 11 and 12, rollers 11a and 11b as rotating bodies are arranged at the upper end of the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a, and rollers 11c and 11d are arranged at the lower end of the inner surface 2b of the through hole 2a. Rollers 11a and 11c face each other across a straight line (A1) that extends in the left-right direction and passes through the axis (L1) of through hole 2a, and rollers 11b and 11d also face each other across this straight line (A1), and rollers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are all located on a straight line (A2) that passes through the axis (L1) of through hole 2a and the axis (L2) of the opening that forms engagement portion 22a. The outer edge of the through hole 2a is expanded outward at the position where the rollers 11a and 11c are disposed. This expanded area extends in the vertical direction. That is, the outer edge of the through hole 2a on the side where the rollers 11b and 11d are disposed is approximately a semicircle having a predetermined radius in cross section, and the outer edge on the side where the rollers 11a and 11c are disposed is approximately a semiellipse having a semimajor axis that is approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mm longer than the radius in cross section. Furthermore, the rollers 11b, 11d on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the device body 2 are configured to be movable forward as the plates 13a, 13b slide.

[0086] FIG. 13 shows the hook device 1 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in its normal state without any operation. In Figure 13, the hook device 1 is in a normal state. In this state, the biasing force of the elastic member 5 is transmitted to the operating member 4, more specifically, to the sliding member 3 via the protruding piece 31b. This biasing force causes the sliding member 3 to slide backward (towards the support pillar P in Figure 13) along the inclined surface 41a of the operating member 4 in the space S1, and the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7 provided on the sliding member 3) is in close contact with the support pillar P. Therefore, a frictional force is generated between the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7 included in the sliding member 3) and the support P. Furthermore, in this state, the rollers 11a to 11d as all the rotating bodies are slightly separated from the support pillars P, so that there is no reduction in the frictional force caused by the rotating bodies. Therefore, the hook device 1 is locked (fixed) at a predetermined position on the support P, making it difficult for it to move up and down. In this state, the operation portion 42 (button portion) at the tip of the operation member 4 protrudes from the device body 2 as shown in the figure.

[0087] On the other hand, when the operating member 4 is operated (pressed) and pushed into the device body 2 against the biasing force of the elastic member 5, the state becomes similar to that shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the upward pressing force of the operating member 4 is transmitted to the sliding member 3 via the protruding piece 31b, so that the sliding member 3 slides forward (in the direction away from the support P) along the inclined surface 41a, and as a result, the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7 provided on the sliding member 3) moves slightly away from the support P. Therefore, the friction force between the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressing member 7 included in the sliding member 3) and the support column P disappears or becomes extremely small. Furthermore, at least some of the rotating bodies (rollers 11a and 11d in FIG. 9, and rollers 11b and 11c in FIG. 10) are in contact with the support pillar P. In this state, the locked state by the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7 provided on the sliding member 3) is released, and further, as the hook device 1 moves along the support P, the roller in contact with the support P is subjected to a frictional force and rotates on the outer surface of the support P. Therefore, the hook device 1 can be moved extremely smoothly in either the upward or downward direction without causing any rattling or stick-slip phenomenon.

[0088] Thus, the height of the hook device 1 can be easily adjusted without causing any rattling or stick-slip phenomenon. Furthermore, when the operation of the operating member 4 is released, as described above, a frictional force is generated between the sliding member 3 (and / or the pressure contact member 7 provided on the sliding member 3) and the support P due to the biasing force of the elastic member 5, so that the hook device 1 is fixed in its specified position.

[0089] The hook device 1 having such a configuration is mainly composed of a device main body 2, a sliding member 3, an operating member 4, and an elastic member 5, as shown in Figures 7 and 12, and the device main body 2 can be composed of a locking member 22, a right case member 2a, and a left case member 2b. In particular, in the hook device 1, the inclined surface 41a of the operating member 4 can be configured to directly abut against the sliding surface 31a of the sliding member 3. Therefore, the number of parts is small and the structure is simple.

[0090] Furthermore, the hook device 1 can be easily assembled, for example, by inserting the elastic member 5 into the operating member 4 (more specifically, its storage space S3), attaching the pressure-contact member 7 to the sliding member 3 as necessary, arranging these in a specified space within the right case member 21a, connecting them with the locking member 22, and then attaching the left case member 21b and fastening them using a fastening member or the like. On the other hand, the hook device 1 can be disassembled, so that maintenance and repair can be easily performed.

[0091] In this embodiment, the operating member 4 is provided so as to protrude downward from the device main body 2, the inclination direction of the inclined surface 41a of the operating member 4 is from top to bottom away from the support P, and the elastic member 5 is inserted from the upper end of the operating member 4. However, the effect of the present invention can also be obtained by providing the operating member 4 so as to protrude upward from the device main body 2, the inclination direction of the inclined surface 41a of the operating member 4 is from bottom to top away from the support P, and inserting the elastic member 5 from the lower end of the operating member 4, so such a form is also encompassed by the present invention.

[0092] Furthermore, as another embodiment, the sliding member may be configured to come into contact with or move away from the support pillar as the operating member moves left or right, and the frictional force between the sliding member and the support pillar may slide in a direction increasing or decreasing. [Industrial Applicability]

[0093] This invention relates to a hook device for supporting an object or part to be locked, in particular a shower head of a shower device, which has a simple structure but can easily and reliably lock and unlock to a mating member such as a support, and which reduces wobble and stick-slip phenomena when the hook device is moved. Therefore, the present invention can be widely used as a hook device for supporting an object or a portion to be fastened, particularly a shower head of a shower device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Hook device 2. Device body 2a Through hole 2b Inner surface 21 Case material 21a Right case part 21b Left case member 211a,211b Notch 212a, 212b Storage section 213a,213b Engagement hole 214a, 214b Engagement groove (first engagement groove) 215a,215b Engagement surface 216a, 216b Notch 217a,217b,217c side wall 218 Engagement groove (second engagement groove) 219 Engagement groove (third engagement groove) 220 Fitting recess 22 Locking member 22a Locking part 22b Shaft 22c protruding piece 22d Contact surface 22e Engagement recess 3. Sliding members 31 Sliding member body 31a Sliding surface 31b Projecting piece 31c Support shaft insertion part (guide groove) 31d protrusion 4 Operation member 41 Operation member body 41a Slope 41b Fitting recess 41c Mating surface 41d Support shaft 41e Protrusion 42 Operation section 5 Elastic member (first elastic member) 6 Elastic member (second elastic member) 7 Press-fit member (first press-fit member) 8 Press-fit member (second press-fit member) 9 Angle adjustment member 9a Contact surface 9b Engagement protrusion 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Rollers (rotating bodies) 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Shaft member (first shaft member) 13a, 13b Plate 131 Engagement groove 132 Notch 14b, 14d Shaft member (second shaft member) H1 Holding portion (first holding member) H2 Retaining member (second retaining member) P-post S1,S2 space S3 Storage Space S4a,S4b,S4c,S4d space

Claims

1. A hook device movable along a mating member, a hollow device body having a locking portion for detachably locking an object to be locked or a locking portion, and a through hole for allowing the mating member to pass therethrough; an inclined surface disposed inside the device body and inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an axial direction of the mating member; a sliding member having a sliding surface that contacts the inclined surface, the sliding member is provided between the inclined surface and the counter member, and slides along the inclined surface; The inner circumferential surface of the through hole is provided with one or more rotating bodies, The rotating body is configured to be rotatable at least in a direction parallel to the direction in which the hook device moves. A hook device comprising:

2. The inclined surface is The operating member is provided in a movable manner inside or outside the device body, The device body includes: an elastic member disposed in the device body so as to apply an elastic biasing force to the operation member; The sliding member is configured so that, by operating the operating member, the sliding member separates from the mating member and slides in a direction in which the frictional force between the sliding member and the mating member is reduced or eliminated.

2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

3. The rotating body is At least one pair of the mating members are disposed opposite each other so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween.

2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

4. The rotating body is At least one pair of the mating members are disposed opposite each other at both ends of the through hole in the axial direction so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween.

2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

5. At least one pair of the rotating bodies is The engaging portion is disposed on both ends of the through hole in the axial direction thereof so as to face each other along a direction from the through hole toward the engaging portion, with the engaging portion sandwiching the mating member therebetween.

2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

6. The outer edge of the through hole is expanded outward at least at one of the positions where the rotating body is disposed.

4. The hook device according to claim 3.

7. The rotating body is a pair of the engagement members are disposed at both ends of the through hole in the axial direction thereof, facing each other along a direction from the through hole toward the engagement portion so as to sandwich the mating member therebetween; The through hole is The outer edge is formed so as to expand outward at the position where the rotation body on the locking portion side is disposed.

2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

8. The rotating body facing the rotating body on the locking portion side is The through hole is configured to be movable in a direction from the through hole toward the locking portion, so that the through hole is configured to be movable in a direction from the through hole toward the locking portion.

8. The hook device according to claim 7,

9. The elastic member is Compression coil spring 2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

10. The mating member is It is a pillar, The said attached garment is Being a shower head 2. The hook device according to claim 1 .

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