Table apparatus and vehicle interior installation having the same

Abstract

To provide a relatively lightweight table apparatus.SOLUTION: A table apparatus (7) includes a sheet material (17) having flexibility, and a support mechanism (20) that supports the sheet material so that the sheet material can deform. The support mechanism includes a linkage mechanism (30) deformable to be in a deployment condition where the sheet material is deployed and a folding condition where the sheet material is warped to be able to be folded, and a retention mechanism (40) that retains the linkage mechanism in the deployment condition. When the linkage mechanism is retained in the deployment condition by the retention mechanism, the sheet material independently forms a tabletop (18).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a table device and a vehicle interior part including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, foldable table devices have been known as table devices used in vehicles. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a table device using monitors as such a table device. This table device includes four monitors, a monitor support mechanism that supports the four monitors, and a sheet-like member that closes the spaces between the four monitors.

[0003] The monitor support mechanism is configured to unfold the four monitors from a folded state in which each pair of monitors is upright with their backs facing each other onto the same plane, and to switch between an upright position and a horizontal position in that state. In this table device, the four monitors in the unfolded state can be used as a television when in an upright position, and as a table when in a horizontal position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-108110 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The table device disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses four monitors to form a table surface. This makes the table device heavy and it is difficult to reduce the weight. However, a lightweight table device is required for use in a vehicle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a table apparatus which is relatively lightweight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a sheet material is supported so that it can be deformed into a foldable state by being bent and into an unfolded state, and the table surface is formed by the sheet material in the unfolded state.

[0008] Specifically, the first invention is directed to a table device, which includes a support extending upward from a vehicle interior part, a connecting portion provided at an upper end of the support, a plurality of table frames each having one end swingably connected to a plurality of circumferential positions of the connecting portion, a runner provided at a portion of the support below the connecting portion so as to be slidable in the up-down direction and displaceable between a closed position located relatively lower and an open position located relatively higher, a plurality of receiving frames each having an upper end swingably connected to a middle portion of the table frame and a lower end swingably connected to the runner, which swings the table frame in response to the sliding movement of the runner, a holding mechanism that can be switched between a holding state in which the runner is held at the open position and a holding release state in which the holding state is released, and a flexible sheet material that is stretched across the plurality of table frames so as to cover the gaps between the table frames adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the support.

[0009] In the table device of the first invention, when the runner is in the closed position, the table frames are folded together with the support frame along the support pillar in a closed state, and the sheet material is bent and foldable between the adjacent table frames. When the runner is in the open position, the table frames are in an open state extending radially in the horizontal direction from the support pillar as a center, and the sheet material is unfolded on the table frames to apply tension between the adjacent table frames to form a table surface.

[0010] A second invention is the table device of the first invention, wherein the support pillar is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. When the runner is in the closed position and the table frame, the support frame, and the sheet material are in a folded state, the table device can be stored inside the vehicle interior by contracting the support pillar.

[0011] A third invention is the table device of the second invention, further comprising a biasing member that biases the support pillar in a direction extending from a contracted state, and a push-lock mechanism that switches between a locked state in which the support pillar is held in a contracted state and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released in response to an action of pushing the connecting part downward. When the table device is stored in the vehicle interior part, the upper surface of the connecting part or the sheet material corresponding to the upper surface forms a part of the surface of the vehicle interior part.

[0012] A fourth invention is directed to a table device. The table device of the fourth invention includes a flexible sheet material and a support mechanism that supports the sheet material in a deformable manner. The support mechanism includes a link mechanism that is configured to be deformable between an unfolded state in which the sheet material is unfolded and a folded state in which the sheet material is bent and foldable, and a holding mechanism that holds the link mechanism in the unfolded state. When the link mechanism is held in the unfolded state by the holding mechanism, the sheet material mainly constitutes a table surface.

[0013] The fifth invention is directed to a vehicle interior part, which includes the table device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the first invention, a connecting portion is provided at an upper end of a support extending upward from a vehicle interior part. One ends of a plurality of table aggregates are swingably connected to a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the connecting portion. An upper end of a receiving aggregate is swingably connected to a middle portion of the table aggregate. The other end of the receiving aggregate is swingably connected to a runner provided at a portion of the support below the connecting portion so as to be slidable in the up-down direction. The runner is displaceable between a closed position located at the lower side and an open position located at the upper side, and swings the table aggregate via the receiving aggregate by sliding. A sheet material is laid across the plurality of table aggregates so as to cover the gaps between adjacent table aggregates in the circumferential direction of the support.

[0015] When the runner is in the closed position, the multiple table frames are in a closed state, and the sheet material is in a foldable state. On the other hand, when the runner is in the open position, the multiple table frames are in an open state, and the sheet material is in a state of tension between adjacent table frames, forming a table surface. This form forming the table surface is maintained by holding the runner in the open position with the holding mechanism in the holding state. In this way, the table device employs an umbrella-like structure as the storage and deployment structure, and the table surface is formed by the sheet material in the deployed state. This allows for a relatively lightweight table device to be realized.

[0016] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the support pillars are extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. The table device can be stored inside the vehicle interior by contracting the support pillars when the table frame, the support frame and the sheet material are in a folded state. By storing the table device inside the vehicle interior when not in use, the interior of the vehicle can be made neat and the table device can be prevented from interfering with the movements of passengers.

[0017] According to the third invention, when the table device is stored in the vehicle interior, the upper surface of the connecting portion or the sheet material corresponding to the upper surface constitutes a part of the surface of the vehicle interior. This allows the table device to be stored in the vehicle interior with a good appearance. The support pillar is biased by the biasing member in a direction extending from a contracted state. Then, in conjunction with the operation of pushing the connecting portion downward, the push-lock mechanism switches between a locked state in which the support pillar is held in a contracted state and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. When the push-lock mechanism is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, the biasing force applied by the biasing member causes the support pillar to extend upward from the vehicle interior, and the table is in a form suitable for use. This allows the table device to be easily removed from a state stored inside the vehicle interior.

[0018] According to the fourth invention, the sheet material is supported by a support mechanism so as to be deformable. The support mechanism has a link mechanism and a holding mechanism. The link mechanism is deformed between an unfolded state in which the sheet material is unfolded and a folded state in which the sheet material is bent so as to be foldable. The holding mechanism holds the link mechanism in the unfolded state. Then, when the link mechanism is held in the unfolded state by the holding mechanism, the sheet material mainly constitutes the table surface. In this way, in the table device, the table surface is constituted by the sheet material in the unfolded state. This makes it possible to realize a relatively lightweight table device. Therefore, this table device can be suitably used for vehicle applications, for example.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a vehicle interior part includes any one of the table devices according to the first to fourth aspects. The table device is relatively lightweight and can be suitably used for vehicle applications. Therefore, the vehicle interior part can improve the convenience of passengers while suppressing an increase in the vehicle weight by the table device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a center console according to an embodiment with a table device stored therein, as viewed obliquely from the left side of a vehicle body. FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the center console according to the embodiment, seen obliquely from the left side of the vehicle body in a state in which the table device is unfolded. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a storage bezel in which the table device of the embodiment is stored. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the table device according to the embodiment in an unfolded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the table device according to the embodiment is stored in a storage bezel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state before being unfolded in which the table device of the embodiment protrudes from a storage bezel. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in the middle of unfolding the table device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of the table device of the embodiment in an unfolded state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the table device and vehicle interior part according to the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the table device and vehicle interior part are applied to a center console. Note that the drawings are for explaining the concept of the present invention. Therefore, in the drawings, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0022] <<Embodiment>> The table device 7 of this embodiment is incorporated into the center console 1 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0023] -Center console configuration- The center console 1 is an example of a vehicle interior part. The center console 1 is installed in the center of the front part of the vehicle body floor located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, the center console 1 includes a shift operation unit 3, a box unit 5, and a table device 7.

[0024] The shift operation unit 3 is for operating a transmission mounted in a vehicle. The shift operation unit 3 is provided near the front end of the center console 1. The shift operation unit 3 has a shift lever, an indicator that displays the shift position of the shift lever, and switches.

[0025] The box portion 5 is a storage space having an internal storage space. The box portion 5 is provided at the rear of the center console 1. The upper portion of the box portion 5 is configured to be opened and closed by a double-hinged lid. The lid of the box portion 5 also serves as an armrest.

[0026] The table device 7 is provided between the shift operation unit 3 and the box unit 5 in the center console 1. The table device 7 has a foldable configuration, and is stored inside the center console 1 in a folded state (see FIG. 1A). The table device 7 can be used by taking it out of the center console 1 and unfolding it (see FIG. 1B).

[0027] -Table device configuration- The table device 7 is stored in a storage bezel 9 attached to the center console 1. The storage bezel 9 is an integrally molded resin product. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage bezel 9 has a bezel portion 11 and a tubular portion 12. The bezel portion 11 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped frame and forms the surface of the center console 1. A circular opening 13 is formed in the center of the bezel portion 11. The tubular portion 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending downward from the peripheral portion of the opening 13 of the bezel portion 11. The peripheral edge of the opening 13 of the bezel portion 11 protrudes inward beyond the upper opening of the tubular portion 12.

[0028] The storage bezel 9 is provided with a latch mechanism 14. The latch mechanism 14 has an engagement claw 15 and a disengagement knob 16. The engagement claw 15 protrudes into the internal space of the storage bezel 9 and engages with an engagement hole 57 of a latch receiver 56 provided on a post 21 described below. The latch mechanism 14 is configured such that, by operating the disengagement knob 16, the engagement claw 15 is retracted outward from the internal space of the storage bezel 9 to release the engagement state with the engagement hole 57 of the latch receiver 56.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the table device 7 employs an umbrella-like structure for storage and deployment. The table device 7 includes a sheet material 17, a support mechanism 20, and a push-lock mechanism 50. In Fig. 3, the sheet material 17 is shown by a two-dot chain line for convenience. The sheet material 17 is made of, for example, resin or cloth, and is flexible. The sheet material 17 is formed into a circular or elliptical shape in the deployed state.

[0030] The support mechanism 20 supports the sheet material 17 so that it can deform. The support mechanism 20 includes a support column 21, a first spring 25, a second spring 26, a first connecting portion 27, a link mechanism 30, a runner 35, and a holding mechanism 40. The first spring 25 and the second spring 26 are each an example of a biasing member. The first connecting portion 27 is an example of a connecting portion.

[0031] The pillars 21 extend upward from the center console 1 to form legs of the table device 7. The pillars 21 are configured to be extendable and contractible in the up-down direction. The pillars 21 have a first rod 22, a second rod 23, and a third rod 24. The first rod 22, the second rod 23, and the third rod 24 are metal pipe-shaped objects having different inner diameters.

[0032] The first rod 22 is installed with its lower end connected to a mounting base plate 100 provided on the vehicle body floor. The second rod 23 has an inner diameter one size larger than that of the first rod 22. The second rod 23 is provided so as to be slidable in the up and down direction so as to cover the periphery of the first rod 22. The upper end of the first rod 22 and the lower end of the second rod 23 may have an interference structure to prevent the second rod 23 from slipping off the first rod 22.

[0033] The third rod 24 has an inner diameter one size larger than that of the second rod 23. The third rod 24 is provided so as to be slidable in the up and down direction so as to cover the periphery of the second rod 23. The upper end of the second rod 23 and the lower end of the third rod 24 may have an interference structure so that the third rod 24 does not come off the second rod 23. In this way, the first rod 22, the second rod 23, and the third rod 24 form a three-stage nested structure.

[0034] The pillar 21 contracts when both the second rod 23 and the third rod 24 move down so as to cover the first rod 22. The pillar 21 extends when both the second rod 23 and the third rod 24 move up so as to move away from the first rod 22. The first spring 25 and the second spring 26 each bias the pillar 21 in a direction that causes it to extend from the contracted state.

[0035] The first spring 25 is a compression coil spring, and is disposed by being inserted inside the second rod 23. The lower end of the first spring 25 is fixed to the upper end of the first rod 22. The upper end of the second spring 26 is fixed to the upper end of the second rod 23. The first spring 25 generates a repulsive force between the upper ends of the first rod 22 and the second rod 23, constantly urging the second rod 23 upward.

[0036] The second spring 26 is a compression coil spring, and is disposed by being inserted inside the third rod 24. The lower end of the second spring 26 is fixed to the upper end of the second rod 23. The upper end of the second spring 26 is fixed to the upper end of the third rod 24. The second spring 26 generates a repulsive force between the upper ends of the second rod 23 and the third rod 24, constantly urging the third rod 24 upward.

[0037] The first connecting part 27 is provided at the upper end of the support 21 (third rod 24). The first connecting part 27 is a component that corresponds to the wheel of an umbrella. The first connecting part 27 is formed in a disk shape having an outer diameter larger than that of the third rod 24. The outer edge part of the first connecting part 27 protrudes toward the outer periphery of the support 21. A plurality of first notches 28 are formed at the outer periphery of the first connecting part 27 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the first connecting part 27.

[0038] The link mechanism 30 is a component equivalent to the framework of an umbrella, and is a mechanism in which multiple links are combined and move relative to one another. The link mechanism 30 is configured to be deformable between an unfolded state in which the sheet material 17 is unfolded and a folded state in which the sheet material 17 is bent and foldable. The link mechanism 30 includes multiple table frames 31 and multiple support frames 32 as links, which are constituent members. The table frames 31 and the support frames 32 are provided in one-to-one correspondence.

[0039] The plurality of table frames 31 are metal or resin members that directly support the sheet material 17. One end of each table frame 31 is swingably connected to a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the first connecting portion 27. Specifically, one end of each table frame 31 is inserted into a different first cutout 28, and is pivotally supported by the first connecting portion 27 so that the table frame 31 can be displaced downward from a horizontal position within the first cutout 28 around an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction of the first connecting portion 27.

[0040] The sheet material 17 is laid across the table frames 31 so as to cover the gaps between adjacent table frames 31 in the circumferential direction of the support 21. The sheet material 17 in this example covers the upper surfaces of the first connecting parts 27 and also covers the surfaces that form the upper surfaces of the multiple table frames 31 in a horizontal position, and is fixed to the first connecting parts 27 and each table frame 31.

[0041] The plurality of support aggregates 32 are metal or resin members supporting the table aggregate 31. The upper end of each support aggregate 32 is swingably connected to the midway portion of the table aggregate 31 in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of each support aggregate 32 is swingably connected to the runner 35. Specifically, both ends of each support aggregate 32 are pivotally supported by the midway portion of the table aggregate 31 and the runner 35 so that the support aggregate 32 can be displaced around an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding table aggregate 31 from a position supporting the table aggregate 31 horizontally to a position extending substantially vertically along the support 21.

[0042] The runner 35 is a cylindrical resin member. It is provided on the portion of the support 21 below the first connecting portion 27, specifically on the third rod 24, so as to be able to slide up and down. The runner 35 is a component equivalent to the runner of an umbrella. The runner 35 is inserted into the third rod 24. A hook hole 36 is formed in the lower portion of the runner 35.

[0043] A second connecting portion 37 protruding toward the outer periphery is provided at the upper end of the runner 35. A plurality of second notches 38 are formed at the outer edge of the second connecting portion 37 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second connecting portion 37. The lower end of the receiving aggregate 32 is connected to the runner 35 within the second notches 38 so as to be able to swing freely, as described above.

[0044] The runner 35 is displaceable between a closed position (the position of the runner 35 shown in Figs. 4 and 5) located relatively lower and an open position (the position of the runner 35 shown in Figs. 3 and 7) located relatively upper. The closed position is a position where the link mechanism 30 is in a folded state. The open position is a position where the link mechanism 30 is in an unfolded state.

[0045] In response to the sliding movement of the runner 35, the receiving aggregate 32 swings the table aggregate 31. That is, when the runner 35 is slid from the closed position to the open position, the table aggregate 31 is pushed up by the receiving aggregate 32 (see the operation indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 6). Also, when the runner 35 is slid from the open position to the closed position, the table aggregate 31 is pulled down by the receiving aggregate 32 (see the operation indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6).

[0046] A third spring 39 is provided between the first connecting part 27 and the runner 35. The third spring 39 is a tension coil spring, and is inserted through the third rod 24. The upper end of the third spring 39 is fixed to the lower surface of the first connecting part 27. The lower end of the third spring 39 is fixed to the upper surface of the runner 35. The third spring 39 applies a tensile force between the first connecting part 27 and the runner 35, and urges the runner 35 upward at least when in the closed position.

[0047] The holding mechanism 40 is a mechanism that holds the link mechanism 30 in the unfolded state and the folded state. The holding mechanism 40 has a first fastener 41 and a second fastener 45. The first fastener 41 is a component that corresponds to the upper cleat of an umbrella. The second fastener 45 is a component that corresponds to the lower cleat of an umbrella. The first fastener 41 and the second fastener 45 are in a positional relationship that corresponds to each other in the up-down direction.

[0048] The first fastener 41 is provided on the lower portion of the third rod 24. The first fastener 41 is switchable between a holding state in which the runner 35 is held in the closed position and a holding release state in which the holding state is released. The first fastener 41 has a hook piece 42 and an operating portion 43. The hook piece 42 is formed in a triangular shape in a side view and protrudes from the outer surface of the third rod 24. The operating portion 43 is provided integrally with the lower side of the hook piece 42.

[0049] The lower surface of the hook piece 42 forms a locking surface that hooks onto the inner circumferential surface of the hook hole 36 of the runner 35. The front surface of the hook piece 42 forms a first inclined surface that is pressed into by the runner 35. The first inclined surface is inclined in the up-down direction so as to extend upward from the edge of the hook surface away from the third rod 24 in a direction approaching the third rod 24.

[0050] When the first fastener 41 is in the retaining state, the latch piece 42 is latched in the latch hole 36 of the runner 35. When the operating portion 43 of the first fastener 41 is pressed, the latch piece 42 sinks inwardly into the third rod 24, and the first fastener 41 enters a retaining release state. The first fastener 41 is configured to elastically return to a state in which the latch piece 42 protrudes from the outer surface of the third rod 24 when the pressing of the operating portion 43 is released.

[0051] The second fastener 45 is provided on an upper portion of the third rod 24. The second fastener 45 is switchable between a holding state in which the runner 35 is held in the open position and a holding release state in which the holding state is released. The second fastener 45 has a support piece 46. The support piece 46 is formed in a triangular shape in a side view and protrudes from the outer surface of the third rod 24.

[0052] The upper surface of the support piece 46 forms a receiving surface that receives the lower surface of the runner 35. The front surface of the support piece 46 forms a second inclined surface that is pressed into by the runner 35. The second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the up-down direction so as to extend downward from the edge of the receiving surface on the side away from the third rod 24 in a direction approaching the third rod 24.

[0053] When the second fastener 45 is in the retaining state, the support piece 46 receives and supports the runner 35 on the receiving surface. When the second fastener 45 presses the support piece 46, the support piece 46 sinks inwardly into the third rod 24, and the second fastener 45 enters a retaining release state. The second fastener 45 is configured so that when the pressing of the support piece 46 is released, the support piece 46 elastically returns to a state in which it protrudes from the outer surface of the third rod 24.

[0054] The push-lock mechanism 50 is provided on the mounting base plate 100 or adjacent to the mounting base plate 100 so as to be located around the support column 21. A lock pin 51 extending downward is provided near the lower end of the third rod 24. The push-lock mechanism 50 selectively takes a locked state in which the lock pin 51 is received and locked, and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released.

[0055] The push-lock mechanism 50 is switched between a locked state and an unlocked state in conjunction with the action of pushing the first connecting portion 27 downward. In the locked state, the push-lock mechanism 50 holds the support pillar 21 in a contracted state. When switched to the unlocked state, the push-lock mechanism 50 releases the support pillar 21 from the contracted state.

[0056] A resin flange member 55 is fixed to the middle portion of the support 21, specifically, at a position near the lower end of the third rod 24 and above the lock pin 51. The flange member 55 is formed in an annular shape with an outer diameter slightly larger than the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9 and slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 12. The flange member 55 closes the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9 when the support 21 is in an extended state. A latch receiver 56 is provided so as to hang down from a portion of the outer edge portion of the flange member 55 corresponding to the engagement claw 15. An engagement hole 57 is formed in the latch receiver 56.

[0057] -Using and storing table equipment- As shown in Fig. 4, when the table device 7 is stored in the center console 1, the runner 35 is hooked by the first fastener 41 in the closed position, the link mechanism 30 is folded, and the sheet material 17 is folded and gathered around the support pillar 21. The link mechanism 30 and the sheet material 17 are bound together by an attached tie band 60 to form a folding columnar object 70. Furthermore, when the support pillar 21 is contracted, the lock pin 51 is held by the push lock mechanism 50, and the folding columnar object 70 is disposed within the storage bezel 9 (shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 4).

[0058] In the table device 7 in such a stored form, the first connecting portion 27 closes the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9. The sheet material 17 covering the upper surface of the first connecting portion 27 constitutes a part of the surface of the center console 1. As will be described in detail later, when the runner 35 is in the closed position and the table frame 31, the receiving frame 32 and the sheet material 17 are in a folded state, the table device 7 can be stored inside the center console 1 by pushing the first connecting portion 27 downward to contract the support pillars 21.

[0059] To use the table device 7 in the stored form, first, the first connecting portion 27 is pushed downward. This switches the push-lock mechanism 50 from a locked state to an unlocked state. This causes the lock pin 51 to come out of the push-lock mechanism 50. Then, the support column 21 is released from the contracted state and extends due to the biasing force of the first spring 25 and the second spring 26. As shown in FIG. 5, when the support column 21 extends, the folding columnar object 70, together with the third rod 24, protrudes upward from the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 5).

[0060] At this time, the flange member 55 inserted through the cylindrical portion 12 of the storage bezel 9 comes into contact with the peripheral portion of the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9, restricting the extension of the support column 21. Furthermore, the flange member 55 closes the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9 and becomes substantially flush with the upper surface of the storage bezel 9. Also, the engagement claw 15 (not shown in FIG. 5) of the latch mechanism 14 engages with the engagement hole 57 of the latch receiver 56 provided on the flange member 55. This holds the flange member 55 in a position where it closes the opening 13 of the storage bezel 9. Next, the tie band 60 is untied and removed, making the sheet material 17 and the link mechanism 30 operable.

[0061] Furthermore, by pressing in the operating portion 43 of the first fastener 41, the runner 35 is released from the latching by the first fastener 41. Then, as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 6, the runner 35 is pulled upward by the biasing force of the third spring 39 and slides, and the multiple table frames 31 are pushed up by the support frames 32, and the link mechanism 30 is deformed from the folded state to the unfolded state. Also, the sheet material 17 (shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 6) is gradually unfolded in response to the deformation of the link mechanism 30.

[0062] Furthermore, when the runner 35 is continued to be slid upward to the open position, in the process, the support piece 46 of the first fastener 41 hits the runner 35 at the first inclined surface, but as the runner 35 slides, it is pushed inward into the third rod 24 and sinks, thereby allowing the runner 35 to slide further. Then, when the runner 35 passes the point corresponding to the second fastener 45 and reaches the open position, the support piece 46 of the second fastener 45 returns to a state in which it protrudes from the third rod 24. As a result, the runner 35 is supported by the second fastener 45 and held in the open position.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 7, when the runner 35 is in the open position, the link mechanism 30 is fully deployed. This results in an open state in which multiple table frames 31 extend horizontally radially from the support column 21 as the center. Then, the sheet material 17 (shown by two-dot chain lines in Fig. 7) is deployed over the multiple table frames 31, so that tension is applied between adjacent table frames 31, forming the table surface 18. In the table device 7 used in this manner, the table surface 18 can be used to place lightweight objects.

[0064] In this manner, the table device 7 can be removed from the center console 1 and used.

[0065] To store the table device 7 in the usage form shown in Fig. 7 in the center console, first, the second fastener 45 is pushed in to release the support of the runner 35 by the second fastener 45. Then, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 6, the runner 35 is pulled down and slid against the biasing force of the third spring 39. As a result, the multiple table frames 31 are pulled down by the support frames 32, and the link mechanism 30 is deformed from the unfolded state to the folded state. The sheet material 17 also bends in response to the deformation of the link mechanism 30, and the degree of bending gradually increases.

[0066] Furthermore, when the runner 35 is continuously slid downward to the closed position, in the process, the latch piece 42 of the second fastener 45 comes into contact with the runner 35 at the second inclined surface, but as the runner 35 slides, it is pushed inward into the third rod 24 and sinks. This allows the runner 35 to slide. Then, when the runner 35 reaches the closed position and the latch hole 36 of the runner 35 corresponds to the latch piece 42 of the first fastener 41, the latch piece 42 of the first fastener 41 returns to the state where it protrudes from the third rod 24 and is inserted into the latch hole 36 of the runner 35. As a result, the runner 35 is latched to the first fastener 41 and held in the closed position.

[0067] When the runner 35 is in the closed position, the link mechanism 30 is completely folded. As a result, the table frames 31, together with the support frames 32, are folded and closed so as to be positioned along the support columns 21. The sheet material 17 then bends between the adjacent table frames 31 and becomes foldable. Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the sheet material 17 is folded so as to fit around the support columns 21, and the folded sheet material 17 and the link mechanism 30 are tied together with the tie belt 60 to form a folded columnar object 70.

[0068] Thereafter, the disengagement knob 16 is operated to retract the engagement claw 15 (not shown in FIG. 5) from the engagement hole 57 of the latch receiver 56. This releases the retention of the flange member 55 by the latch mechanism 14. Then, the first connecting portion 27 is pushed down against the biasing forces of the first spring 25 and the second spring 26, thereby contracting the support column 21 and storing the folding columnar object 70 in the storage bezel 9, as shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the push-lock mechanism 50 receives the lock pin 51 and enters a locked state, maintaining the support column 21 in the contracted state.

[0069] In this manner, the table device 7 can be stored in the center console 1 when not in use.

[0070] -Features of the embodiment- In the table device 7 of this embodiment, a first connecting portion 27 is provided at the upper end of a support 21 extending upward from the center console 1. One end of a plurality of table frames 31 is swingably connected to a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the first connecting portion 27. The upper end of a support frame 32 is swingably connected to a middle portion of the table frame 31. The other end of the support frame 32 is swingably connected to a runner 35 provided at a portion of the support 21 below the first connecting portion 27 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The runner 35 is displaceable between a closed position located at the lower side and an open position located at the upper side, and swings the table frame 31 via the support frame 32 by sliding. A sheet material 17 is laid across the plurality of table frames 31 so as to cover the gaps between the table frames 31 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the support 21.

[0071] When the runner 35 is in the closed position, the plurality of table frames 31 are in a closed state, and the sheet material 17 is in a foldable state. On the other hand, when the runner 35 is in the open position, the plurality of table frames 31 are in an open state, and the sheet material 17 is in a tensioned state between the adjacent table frames 31, forming the table surface 18. The form forming the table surface 18 is maintained by holding the runner 35 in the open position with the holding mechanism 40 in the holding state. In this way, the table device 7 employs an umbrella-like structure as the storage and deployment structure, and the table surface 18 is formed by the sheet material 17 in the deployed state. This allows the table device 7 to be realized as a relatively lightweight table device.

[0072] In the table device 7 of this embodiment, the support pillars 21 are extendable in the vertical direction. When the table frame 31, the support frame 32, and the sheet material 17 are folded, the table device 7 can be stored inside the center console 1 by contracting the support pillars 21. When the table device 7 is not in use, it can be stored inside the center console 1, making the interior of the vehicle look neat and preventing the table device 7 from interfering with the movements of the passengers.

[0073] In the table device 7 of this embodiment, when the table device 7 is stored in the center console 1, the sheet material 17 corresponding to the upper surface of the first connecting portion 27 constitutes a part of the surface of the center console 1. This allows the table device 7 to be stored in the center console 1 with a good appearance. The support pillar 21 is biased by the first spring 25 and the second spring 26 in a direction in which it extends from a contracted state. Then, in conjunction with the operation of pushing the first connecting portion 27 downward, the push lock mechanism 50 switches between a locked state in which the support pillar 21 is held in a contracted state and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released. When the push lock mechanism 50 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state, the biasing force applied by the first spring 25 and the second spring 26 causes the support pillar 21 to extend upward from the center console 1, and the table device 7 assumes a form for use. This allows the table device 7 to be easily taken out from a state in which it is stored inside the center console 1.

[0074] In the table device 7 of this embodiment, the sheet material 17 is supported by the support mechanism 20 so as to be deformable. The support mechanism 20 has a link mechanism 30 and a holding mechanism 40. The sheet material 17 is deformed by the link mechanism 30 into an unfolded state in which it is unfolded, and a folded state in which it is bent and foldable. The holding mechanism 40 holds the link mechanism 30 in the unfolded state. Then, when the link mechanism 30 is held in the unfolded state by the holding mechanism 40, the sheet material 17 forms the table surface 18. In this way, in the table device 7, the table surface 18 is formed by the sheet material 17 in the unfolded state. Thereby, a relatively lightweight table device 7 can be realized. Therefore, this table device 7 can be suitably used for vehicle applications.

[0075] The center console 1 of this embodiment includes a table device 7. The table device 7 is relatively lightweight and therefore suitable for use in vehicles. Therefore, the center console 1 can improve the convenience of passengers while suppressing an increase in the vehicle weight due to the table device 7.

[0076] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the link mechanism 30 is configured by a plurality of table frames 31 and a plurality of support frames 32, but the present invention is not limited to this. The link mechanism 30 may further include a plurality of auxiliary frames connected to the middle of the support frames 32 so as to be able to swing freely as links forming the constituent members, and may adopt a more complicated structure like a folding umbrella in which the auxiliary frames are connected to the first connecting portion 27 instead of the table frames 31.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the support 21 is exemplified as a structure in which the first rod 22, the second rod 23, and the third rod 24 form a three-stage nested structure, but is not limited thereto. The support 21 may be a structure in which two rods (pipe-shaped objects) form a two-stage nested structure, or a structure in which four or more rods (pipe-shaped objects) form a four or more stage nested structure. The support 21 may have any configuration as long as it is extendable in the vertical direction. The support 21 may also be non-extendable.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the sheet material 17 covers the upper surface of the first connecting portion 27 and also covers the surface that forms the upper surface of the multiple table frames 31 in a horizontal position, but this is not limited to the above. The sheet material 17 may have an opening in the center, and the upper surface of the first connecting portion 27 may be exposed to the surface of the rear console 1 through the opening. In this case, the upper surface of the first connecting portion forms a part of the surface of the rear console 1. Also, a part of each table frame 31 may be exposed to the table surface 18 from the sheet material 17 in the unfolded state. In short, when the link mechanism 30 is held in the unfolded state by the holding mechanism 40, the sheet material 17 may mainly form the table surface 18. Here, "the sheet material 17 mainly forms the table surface 18" means that the majority of the table surface 18 (for example, 80% or more of the area) may be formed by the sheet material 17.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the table device 7 is illustrated as having, as the urging members, the first spring 25 inserted and disposed inside the second rod 23, and the second spring 26 inserted and disposed inside the third rod 24, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first spring 25 may be inserted through the second rod 23 and positioned on the outer periphery of the second rod 23, and the second spring 26 may be inserted through the third rod 24 and positioned on the outer periphery of the third rod 24. Only one compression coil spring may be provided as the urging member, and any elastic member may be used as long as it urges the support 21 in a direction extending from a contracted state.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the table device 7 is described as being incorporated in the center console 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. The center console 1 is merely one example of a vehicle interior product, and the table device 7 may be incorporated in other vehicle interior products, such as a rear console box. The table device 7 may also be installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as railroad cars, aircraft, and ships.

[0081] Furthermore, the descriptions "first," "second," etc. mentioned above are merely used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words.

[0082] As described above, a preferred embodiment has been described as an example of the technology of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various further modifications of the above embodiment are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present invention is useful for a table device and a vehicle interior part including the same. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Center console (vehicle interior parts) 7 Table equipment 17 Sheet material 18 Table Surface 20 Support mechanism 21 Post 25 First spring (biasing member) 26 Second spring (biasing member) 27 1st connection part (connection part) 30 Link mechanism 31 Table aggregate 32 Receiving aggregate 35 Runner 40 Retention mechanism 50 Push lock mechanism

Claims

1. A support (21) extending upward from the vehicle interior part (1); a connecting portion (27) provided at an upper end of the support (21); a plurality of table frames (31) each having one end pivotally connected to a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction of the connecting portion (27); a runner (35) that is provided on the support (21) below the connecting portion (27) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction and that is displaceable between a closed position located relatively lower and an open position located relatively upper; a plurality of receiving aggregates (32) each having an upper end swingably connected to a middle portion of the table aggregate (31) and a lower end swingably connected to the runner (35), for swinging the table aggregate (31) in response to the sliding movement of the runner (35); a holding mechanism (40) that is switchable between a holding state in which the runner (35) is held in the open position and a holding release state in which the holding state is released; a flexible sheet material (17) that is stretched across the table frames (31) so as to cover spaces between the table frames (31) that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the support (21), When the runner (35) is in the closed position, the table frames (31) are folded together with the support frames (32) so as to be positioned along the support columns (21) in a closed state, and the sheet material (17) is bent between the adjacent table frames (31) so as to be foldable. When the runner (35) is in the open position, the plurality of table frames (31) are in an open state extending radially in the horizontal direction around the support (21), and the sheet material (17) is spread out on the plurality of table frames (31), so that tension is applied between the adjacent table frames (31), forming a table surface (18). A table device characterized by:

2. 2. The table device according to claim 1, The support (21) is configured to be extendable and contractable in the vertical direction, When the runner (35) is in the closed position and the table frame (31), the receiving frame (32) and the sheet material (17) are in a folded state, the support (21) can be contracted to be stored inside the vehicle interior part (1). A table device characterized by:

3. 3. The table device according to claim 2, a biasing member (25, 26) for biasing the support (21) in a direction in which the support (21) extends from a contracted state; a push-lock mechanism (50) that is switched between a locked state in which the support (21) is held in a contracted state and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released in response to an action of pushing the connecting portion (27) downward, When the table device (7) is stored in the vehicle interior part (1), the upper surface of the connecting portion (27) or the sheet material (17) corresponding to the upper surface constitutes a part of the surface of the vehicle interior part (1). A table device characterized by:

4. A flexible sheet material (17); a support mechanism (20) that supports the sheet material (17) in a deformable manner, the support mechanism (20) includes a link mechanism (30) configured to be deformable between an unfolded state in which the sheet material (17) is unfolded and a folded state in which the sheet material (17) is bent and folded, and a holding mechanism (40) that holds the link mechanism (30) in the unfolded state; When the link mechanism (30) is held in the deployed state by the holding mechanism (40), the sheet material (17) mainly constitutes a table surface (18). A table device characterized by:

5. A vehicle interior part comprising the table device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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