Seat table

Abstract

To provide a seat table that can properly adjust a use position of a table.SOLUTION: A seat table 1 includes: an arm 3 connected to a table support part 2 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis C1; and a table 4 connected to the arm 3 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis C2 that is different from the first rotation axis C1. The seat table 1 further includes a power transmission mechanism 5 for interlocking the arm 3 so as to rotate in an opposite direction to the table support part 2 relative to the rotation in both directions of the arm 3 of the table 4. The power transmission mechanism 5 includes an idling part 5D that idles even when the table 4 is rotated in both directions relative to the arm 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat table, and more particularly to a seat table that is horizontally rotatable relative to a table support. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seat table that is foldable and storable on the side of a vehicle seat. The seat table is connected to a base that is erected on the side of the vehicle seat. Specifically, the seat table has an arm that is connected to the base so as to be horizontally rotatable, and a table that is connected to the arm so as to be horizontally rotatable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-11174 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the table and the arm are connected to the base via a gear train so that they are deployed and stored in tandem. Therefore, when the table is deployed in front of the seated person, it is not possible to adjust the usage position back and forth without changing the orientation of the table. Therefore, the present invention provides a seat table that allows the usage position of the table to be appropriately adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above problems, the seat table of the present invention employs the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a seat table that is arranged to be horizontally rotatable relative to a table support part, and includes an arm that is rotatably connected to the table support part around a first rotation axis, a table that is rotatably connected to the arm around a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis, and a power transmission mechanism that links the arm to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the table support part in response to bidirectional rotation of the table relative to the arm, and the power transmission mechanism has an idling part that rotates idly even when the table is rotated in both directions relative to the arm.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the power transmission mechanism is provided with an idling section, which allows the table to idling relative to the arm, or the arm to idling relative to the table support section. This makes it possible to set an idling area in part of the table's range of motion, where the table will not be pulled into the table support section by the power transmission even when the table is rotated. Therefore, this idling area can be used to appropriately adjust the table's operating position.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the first invention, wherein the power transmission mechanism comprises a top-side gear that is integrally formed with the table so as to be concentric with the second rotation axis, a sector gear that is rotatably connected to the arm around a third rotation axis so as to mesh with the top-side gear, and a link that is connected in a spanning manner between the sector gear and the table support portion, and the idling portion is a sliding connection structure that connects the link so that it can slide within a predetermined range relative to the sector gear or the table support portion.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to relatively simply realize a power transmission mechanism in which rotation of the table relative to the arm causes the arm to rotate in the opposite direction relative to the table support. Furthermore, by applying a sliding connection structure to the connection between the link and the sector gear or the table support in such a mechanism, it is possible to relatively simply realize an idling part. The sliding connection structure refers to a connection structure in which a pin provided on one side is slidably inserted into a long hole formed on the other side.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the first invention, wherein the power transmission mechanism has a first gear arranged so as to rotate integrally with the table around the second rotation axis, a second gear rotatably connected to the arm around a third rotation axis so as to mesh with the first gear, and a sector gear arranged integrally with the table support portion so as to mesh with the second gear at a position concentric with the first rotation axis, and the idling portion is structured to connect the first gear so as to be able to idly rotate relative to the table within a predetermined range.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to relatively simply realize a power transmission mechanism that rotates the arm in the opposite direction relative to the table support when the table rotates relative to the arm. Furthermore, by applying a connection structure that allows free rotation within a predetermined range to the connection between the first gear and the table in such a mechanism, it is possible to relatively simply realize an idling portion. The connection structure that allows free rotation within a predetermined range between the first gear and the table refers to a connection structure in which a pin on one side is slidably inserted into a long hole formed on the other side.

[0012] A fourth invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the first or second invention, further comprising a stopper between the arm and the table support portion that restricts the bidirectional rotation range of the arm relative to the table support portion by abutting against the arm in the rotational direction.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing a stopper between the arm and the table support that limits the rotation range of the arm, the stopper can be set so as to be less likely to interfere with the table, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the shapes of the table and arm.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a seat table according to the fourth invention, wherein the table support is fixed to a base erected on the side of the seat, and the rotation range of the arm is set to a range in which the table can fit within the seat canopy covering the occupant of the seat when the canopy is deployed to a position where it overlaps the table in the vertical direction.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the stopper allows the table to be rotated and moved or its position adjusted so as not to interfere with the seat canopy.

[0016] The sixth invention of the present invention is a seat table according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a torque hinge that can stop the rotation of the arm relative to the table support and / or the rotation of the table relative to the arm at any position.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the torque hinge can prevent the table from moving on its own due to acceleration / deceleration or cornering momentum while the vehicle is traveling, thereby improving the usability of the table. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a seat table according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the seat canopy in an unfolded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a retracted state of the seat table. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the seat table in an unfolded state. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat table as seen from the back side of the table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the table in a storage position. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the table deployed to the use position. [Figure 8] 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is rotated forward from the use position shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is rotated rearward from the use position shown in FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted forward from the use position. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted rearward from the use position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is pushed out from the storage position to the push position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a retracted state of the seat table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the seat table in an unfolded state. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted forward from the use position. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is adjusted rearward from the use position. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the table is in the middle of being deployed and stored. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] First Embodiment (Outline of seat table 1) First, the configuration of a seat table 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.

[0021] Furthermore, when a direction such as the "sheet width direction" is indicated with the word "sheet," it refers to the respective direction based on the sheet S described below. Furthermore, in the following description, when a specific reference drawing is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to the reference drawing, any of Figures 1 to 12 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, a seat table 1 according to this embodiment is applied to a seat S installed in an automobile. The seat S has a seat back SB serving as a backrest and a seat cushion SC serving as a seating area. Upright bases SD extending in the front-to-rear direction of the seat are provided on both the left and right sides of the seat cushion SC.

[0023] Each base SD is shaped like an upright board that rises above the seat cushion SC, so that it covers the buttocks and thighs of a seated occupant from the sides of the seat. The seat table 1 is attached to the right base SD.

[0024] The seat S is equipped with a seat canopy SH that can cover the head of a seated occupant. As shown in Fig. 1, the seat canopy SH is configured to be folded and stored in a position above and behind the head of the seated occupant when not in use. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat canopy SH is configured to be deployed between the seat back SB and the left and right bases SD to encase the body, including the head, of the seated occupant when in use.

[0025] Specifically, the seat canopy SH can be deployed to a position where it overlaps in height with the seat table 1 attached to the right-side base SD, allowing the seated occupant to use the seat table 1 in the personal space covered by the seat canopy SH.

[0026] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the seat table 1 is attached to the inside of the right-side base SD. Specifically, the seat table 1 has a table support part 2 fixed to the base SD and an arm 3 connected to the table support part 2 so as to be horizontally rotatable. The seat table 1 also has a table 4 connected to the arm 3 so as to be horizontally rotatable.

[0027] The seat table 1 is configured so that the user can manually deploy the table 4 by grasping the table 4 and operating it to retract it from the storage position shown in Fig. 3 to the use position shown in Fig. 4. Similarly, the seat table 1 is configured so that the user can manually store the table 4 by grasping the table 4 and operating it to push it out from the use position shown in Fig. 4 to the storage position shown in Fig. 3.

[0028] 5 to 7, the seat table 1 further includes a power transmission mechanism 5 that transmits power to rotate the arm 3 relative to the table support part 2 in conjunction with the user's operation of rotating the table 4 relative to the arm 3. The power transmission mechanism 5 is configured to rotate the arm 3 in the opposite direction relative to the table support part 2 in conjunction with the rotation of the table 4 relative to the arm 3 in both directions.

[0029] By using this power transmission mechanism 5, the seat table 1 can operate to retract the table 4 from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 toward the inside in the seat width direction relative to the arm 3, thereby retracting the arm 3 toward the inside in the seat width direction, as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, by operating the seat table 1 to push the table 4 from the use position shown in Fig. 7 toward the outside in the seat width direction relative to the arm 3, the seat table 1 can also push the arm 3 toward the outside in the seat width direction, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0030] With this configuration, the seat table 1 allows the table 4 to be easily switched between the storage position shown in Fig. 6 and the use position shown in Fig. 7. The power transmission mechanism 5 described above has an idling section 5D that prevents the arm 3 from rotating relative to the table support section 2 even when the table 4 is rotated back and forth relative to the arm 3 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 when the table 4 is deployed to the use position shown in Fig. 7.

[0031] The idling portion 5D allows the seat table 1 to adjust the position of the table 4 by moving it in parallel from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10 without changing its orientation. Also, the seat table 1 allows the position of the table 4 to adjust it in parallel from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 11 without changing its orientation.

[0032] The seat table 1 also has an elastic stopper 3D that elastically abuts against the table 4 and locks it in the storage position by rotating the table 4 in the storage direction to the storage position shown in Fig. 6. The elastic stopper 3D is configured so that the user can push the table 4 (see Fig. 6) in the storage position (to the right) against the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D, thereby pushing the table 4 beyond the storage position to a push-out position as shown in Fig. 12.

[0033] With this configuration, even if the table 4 protrudes from the right-side base SD toward the inside (left side) of the seat when in the storage position shown in Fig. 6, the table 4 can be pushed outward to reduce this protrusion as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, when a seated occupant gets on or off the seat S, the table 4 does not get in the way of the getting on or off action.

[0034] When the force pushing the table 4 outward is removed, the table 4 is pushed back to the storage position (see Figure 6) by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. Therefore, the table 4 can be easily returned from the pushed-out position to the storage position.

[0035] The table 4 is configured to fit within the canopy of the deployed seat canopy SH no matter where it is moved in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 (where it is moved in the deployment storage area). Specifically, when the table 4 is moved forward from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10, further movement of the seat table 1 in the deployment direction is restricted.

[0036] 6, the seat table 1 is configured so that further movement in the storage direction is elastically restricted by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. With this configuration, the seat table 1 can be used without the table 4 interfering with the seat canopy SH.

[0037] The operation of pushing the table 4 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 is performed when a seated occupant gets on or off the seat S, and therefore assumes that the seat canopy SH (see Fig. 1) is stored. Therefore, even if the table 4 is pushed out to the pushed-out position when getting on or off the seat S, there is no problem of the table 4 interfering with the seat canopy SH.

[0038] (Configuration of each part) The following describes in detail the specific configuration of each part of the seat table 1. First, we will explain the configuration of the table support part 2, the arm 3, and the table 4. As shown in Figure 5, the table support part 2 is fixed to the inside of the right-side base SD near the upper front corner.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 4, the arm 3 is made of a long, flat plate member that is shorter than the table 4. As shown in Fig. 7, the arm 3 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the table support part 2 by a first rotation shaft C1 that extends in the seat height direction at a point closer to one end (the right end in the figure) than the center in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the arm 3 is connected to the table support part 2 via the first rotation shaft C1 so as to be positioned higher than the right-side base SD.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4, the table 4 is made of a long, flat plate member that is longer and wider than the arm 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the table 4 is rotatably connected at a location closer to one end (the right end in the figure) of the arm 3 than the center in the longitudinal direction to a location on the top plate closer to the other end (the left end in the figure) of the arm 3 by a second rotation shaft C2 that extends in the seat height direction. The second rotation shaft C2 is formed by a top plate-side gear 5A, which will be described later.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 6, this configuration allows the seat table 1 to be stored directly above the right-side base SD with the table 4 and arm 3 stacked one on top of the other. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the seat table 1 can be unfolded so that the arm 3 extends from the right-side base SD to the left, and the table 4 can be unfolded so that it extends further to the left from the unfolded arm 3.

[0042] That is, the seat table 1 is configured to include a rotary connection structure J that connects the table 4 to the table support portion 2 so that the table 4 can rotate horizontally relative to the table support portion 2. Specifically, the rotary connection structure J connects the table 4 to the table support portion 2 via the arm 3 about a first rotation axis C1 and a second rotation axis C2 so that the table 4 can rotate horizontally.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 5 will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the power transmission mechanism 5 is made up of a top-side gear 5A made up of a spur gear, a sector gear 5B, and a link 5C. The power transmission mechanism 5 is arranged inside the arm 3, which has a hollow plate shape, and is configured to connect the table 4, arm 3, and table support part 2 so that power can be transmitted between them.

[0044] The top-plate-side gear 5A is fixed to the table 4 so as to be concentric with the second rotation axis C2, which is the rotation axis of the table 4 relative to the arm 3. The sector gear 5B is provided in the middle of the arm 3 in the longitudinal direction so as to mesh with the top-plate-side gear 5A. The sector gear 5B is connected to the arm 3 so as to be rotatable around the third rotation axis C3, which extends in the seat height direction.

[0045] The link 5C is connected so as to span between the sector gear 5B and the bracket 2A that protrudes from the table support portion 2 toward the inside (left side) of the seat. Specifically, the link 5C is configured such that a first pin C4 that is provided at one end (the left end in the figure) of the link 5C and extends in the seat height direction is passed through an elongated hole B1 that is formed at the end of the sector gear 5B on the counterclockwise side in the figure and extends in the rotational direction.

[0046] As a result, one end of the link 5C is connected to the sector gear 5B so as to be rotatable and slidable in the rotational direction within the range in which the first pin C4 is slidable inside the elongated hole B1. The above-mentioned idling portion 5D is configured with a connection structure in which the first pin C4 is slidably passed through the elongated hole B1. The other end (the right end in the figure) of the link 5C is rotatably connected to the bracket 2A by a second pin C5 extending in the seat height direction.

[0047] When the user rotates the table 4 relative to the arm 3, the power transmission mechanism 5 operates to rotate the arm 3 relative to the table support part 2 as follows: First, the operation of unfolding the table 4 from the storage position shown in Fig. 6 to the use position shown in Fig. 7 will be described.

[0048] 6, when the seat table 1 is stored directly above the base SD with the table 4 overlapping the arm 3, the table 4 and the arm 3 are both oriented to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the arm 3 is oriented to extend from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat relative to the table support part 2. Furthermore, the table 4 is oriented to extend from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat relative to the arm 3.

[0049] When the table 4 is retracted from the above-described stored state to the inside (left side) of the seat, the top-plate-side gear 5A, which is integral with the table 4, rotates counterclockwise relative to the arm 3. As a result, the sector gear 5B, which is engaged with the top-plate-side gear 5A, rotates clockwise relative to the arm 3 around the third rotation axis C3.

[0050] This rotation presses the first pin C4 of the link 5C against the counterclockwise end of the slot B1, causing the link 5C to rotate clockwise around the second pin C5. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the arm 3 rotates clockwise around the first rotation axis C1 and is pulled out from the right-side base SD toward the inside of the seat. At the same time, the table 4 is also pulled out from the arm 3 toward the inside of the seat.

[0051] By the above operation, the table 4 and the arm 3 are unfolded so as to be pulled out in a substantially straight line from the table support part 2 toward the inside of the seat. In reality, the table 4 can be rotated counterclockwise relative to the arm 3 to the rotation position shown in Fig. 9 from a state in which the arm 3 is pulled out in a straight line from the table support part 2 toward the inside of the seat, i.e., a state in which the first rotation axis C1 and the second rotation axis C2 are aligned side by side.

[0052] However, as shown in Figure 7, when the user operates the table 4 to pull it in straight sideways, the table 4 is moved so as to be pulled out in a substantially straight line from the table support part 2 towards the inside of the seat together with the arm 3. This is because, within the range in which the first pin C4 of the link 5C is slidable inside the elongated hole B1, the table 4 can rotate around the second rotation axis C2 independently with respect to the arm 3 (idling part 5D).

[0053] Specifically, the table 4 can be rotated independently relative to the arm 3 between the use position shown in Fig. 7 and the positions shown in Figs. 8 and 9 where the first pin C4 abuts against each end of the elongated hole B1. This idling configuration allows the table 4 to be translated forward of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10 without changing its orientation.

[0054] Furthermore, the table 4 can be moved parallel to the rear of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 11 without changing its orientation. The table 4 is restricted from rotating when it is moved to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, when the table 4 is moved to this position, a deployment stopper 3A provided at the base of the arm 3 comes into contact with a stopper pin 2B provided on a bracket 2A of the table support portion 2.

[0055] This restricts the movement in the above direction of the table 4 and the arm 3. Here, the locking structure made up of the stopper pin 2B and the deployment stopper 3A corresponds to the "stopper" of the present invention.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the seat table 1 further has a torque hinge T that applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the arm 3 about the first rotation axis C1 relative to the table support part 2. This torque hinge T allows the rotation of the arm 3 about the first rotation axis C1 relative to the table support part 2 to be stopped at any position where the operation of the table 4 is stopped.

[0057] The seat table 1 also has a torque hinge T that applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the sector gear 5B about the third rotation axis C3 relative to the arm 3. This torque hinge T allows the rotation of the table 4, which meshes with the sector gear 5B, about the second rotation axis C2 relative to the arm 3 to be stopped at any position where the operation of the table 4 is stopped. This makes it possible to prevent the table 4 and arm 3 from moving on their own due to acceleration / deceleration or cornering momentum while the vehicle is traveling.

[0058] Next, we will explain the operation of storing the table 4 from the use position shown in Fig. 7 to the storage position shown in Fig. 6. When the table 4 is rotated clockwise relative to the arm 3 from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 7, the top-plate side gear 5A that is integral with the table 4 rotates clockwise relative to the arm 3. As a result, the sector gear 5B that meshes with the top-plate side gear 5A rotates counterclockwise relative to the arm 3 around the third rotation axis C3.

[0059] Due to this rotation, the spring unit D1 of the elastic stopper 3D provided on the arm 3 (described later) abuts against the abutment plate D2 before the first pin C4 of the link 5C is pressed against the clockwise end of the elongated hole B1. This causes the operating force of the elastic stopper 3D to be applied as a force that rotates the link 5C counterclockwise around the second pin C5 via the elastic stopper 3D. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the arm 3 is rotated counterclockwise around the first rotation axis C1 and retracted in a direction extending from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat, directly above the right-side base SD. In this retracted position, the retraction stopper 3B provided at the base of the arm 3 abuts against the stopper pin 2B provided on the bracket 2A of the table support 2. At the same time, the table 4 is retracted in a direction extending from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat, overlapping the arm 3.

[0060] The spring unit D1 has a fixed portion fixed to the arm 3, with a round bar passing through it so that it can slide along the arm 3 in the length direction, and the round bar is elastically supported so that it is held in a fixed position relative to the fixed portion via a compression coil spring that passes through the outer periphery of the round bar. The abutment plate D2 consists of an L-shaped plate fixed to the flat portion of the sector gear 5B.

[0061] When the table 4 is rotated in the storage direction relative to the arm 3, the contact plate D2 of the elastic stopper 3D comes into contact with the tip of the round rod of the spring unit D1. As a result, the contact plate D2 is held in the contact position by the elastic force of the spring unit D1.

[0062] The compression coil spring of spring unit D1 is set between the tip of the round bar and the fixed part so that it is initially compressed. As a result, the compression coil spring of spring unit D1 is initially preloaded, and a predetermined elastic force is applied from the initial state when the abutment plate D2 abuts the tip of the round bar. As a result, when the table 4 is rotated to the storage position shown in Figure 6, the table 4 is locked in the storage position with a sense of click.

[0063] When the user presses the table 4 further in the storage direction (to the right) from the storage position shown in Fig. 6, the round rod of the spring unit D1 is pushed by the abutment plate D2 so as to slide along the fixed part against the elastic force of the compression coil spring, as shown in Fig. 12. As a result, the table 4 is pushed out to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 against the elastic force of the spring unit D1.

[0064] The rotational movement of the table 4 is restricted by moving it to the push-out position shown in Fig. 12. Specifically, by moving the table 4 to this position, the first pin C4 of the link 5C is pressed against the clockwise end of the elongated hole B1 in the drawing.

[0065] This restricts the movement of the table 4 in the push direction relative to the arm 3. When the force pushing the table 4 toward the push position is removed, the table 4 is pushed back to the storage position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of the spring unit D1. Here, the locking structure consisting of the stopper pin 2B and the storage stopper 3B corresponds to the "stopper" of this invention.

[0066] The seat table 1 further has a damper 3E that applies a damping force to the operation of pushing the table 4 back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6. The damper 3E is fixed to the arm 3. The damper 3E is of a one-way type that applies a damping force to the operation of pushing the table 4 back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6, but does not apply a damping force to the operation in the opposite direction (the operation of pushing the table 4 from the stored position shown in Fig. 6 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12).

[0067] When the table 4 is rotated from the deployed position shown in Fig. 7 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6, the outer periphery of the damper 3E, which serves as the movable part, is meshed with the switch gear B2 coupled to the sector gear 5B so as to be able to transmit power. When the table 4 is pushed out from the stored position shown in Fig. 6 to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12, the movable part of the damper 3E meshed with the switch gear B2 is rotated in accordance with the rotation of the switch gear B2.

[0068] However, damper 3E does not apply a damping force to rotation in this direction. Therefore, table 4 can be pushed out to the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 with a relatively light force that resists the elastic force of elastic stopper 3D. Damper 3E applies a damping force to the rotation of table 4 that pushes it back from the pushed-out position shown in Fig. 12 to the stored position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of elastic stopper 3D.

[0069] This damping force is transmitted to the sector gear 5B via the switch gear B2. Therefore, an appropriate damping force can be applied to the operation of returning the table 4 to the storage position shown in Fig. 6 by the elastic force of the elastic stopper 3D. The damper 3E is disengaged from the switch gear B2 when the table 4 is rotated in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Fig. 6.

[0070] Therefore, the damper 3E can be made to function only in the extrusion area where the table 4 is pushed outward from the storage position shown in Figure 6, and not to function in the deployment storage area where the table 4 is moved in the deployment direction from the storage position shown in Figure 6.

[0071] To summarize the above, the seat table 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0072] That is, the seat table (1) has an arm (3) rotatably connected to the table support part (2) around a first rotation axis (C1), and a table (4) rotatably connected to the arm (3) around a second rotation axis (C2) different from the first rotation axis (C1). The seat table (1) also has a power transmission mechanism (5) that interlocks the arm (3) so that it rotates in the opposite direction relative to the table support part (2) when the table (4) rotates in both directions relative to the arm (3). The power transmission mechanism (5) has an idling part (5D) that idlingly rotates the arm (3) so that it does not rotate relative to the table support part (2) even when the table (4) rotates in both directions relative to the arm (3).

[0073] In this way, by providing the idling section (5D) in the power transmission mechanism (5), the table (4) can be made to rotate idly relative to the arm (3), or the arm (3) can be made to rotate idly relative to the table support section (2). This makes it possible to set an idling area in part of the range of motion of the table (4), where even if the table (4) is rotated, there is no interlocking such that the table (4) is pulled into the table support section (2) due to the action of the power transmission. Therefore, by utilizing this idling area, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the usage position of the table (4).

[0074] The power transmission mechanism (5) also has a top-side gear (5A) that is integral with the table (4) and concentric with the second rotation axis (C2), and a sector gear (5B) that is rotatably connected to the arm (3) around the third rotation axis (C3) and meshes with the top-side gear (5A). The power transmission mechanism (5) also has a link (5C) that is connected in a bridge-like manner between the sector gear (5B) and the table support part (2). The idling part (5D) has a sliding connection structure that connects the link (5C) to the sector gear (5B) or the table support part (2) so that it can slide within a predetermined range.

[0075] According to the above configuration, it is possible to relatively simply realize the power transmission mechanism 5, which rotates the arm 3 in the opposite direction relative to the table support 2 when the table 4 rotates relative to the arm 3. In addition, by applying a slide connection structure to the connection between the link 5C and the sector gear 5B or the table support 2 in such a mechanism, it is possible to relatively simply realize the idling part 5D.

[0076] The seat table (1) further includes stoppers (2B, 3A, 3B) between the arm (3) and the table support (2) that restrict the bidirectional rotation range of the arm (3) relative to the table support (2) by contacting them in the rotation direction. According to the above configuration, by providing the stoppers (2B, 3A, 3B) between the arm (3) and the table support (2) that restrict the rotation range of the arm (3), the stoppers (2B, 3A, 3B) can be set so as not to interfere with the table (4). This increases the degree of freedom in the shapes of the table (4) and the arm (3).

[0077] The table support (2) is fixed to a base (SD) erected on the side of the seat (S). The rotation range of the arm (3) is set to a range in which the table (4) fits within the seat canopy (SH) that covers the occupant of the seat (S) when the canopy is deployed to a position where the table (4) overlaps with the canopy in the height direction. According to the above configuration, the stopper (2B) allows the table (4) to be rotated and moved or its position adjusted so as not to interfere with the seat canopy (SH).

[0078] The seat table (1) further includes a torque hinge (T) that can stop the rotation of the arm (3) relative to the table support part (2) and / or the rotation of the table (4) relative to the arm (3) at any position. According to the above configuration, the torque hinge (T) can prevent the table (4) from moving independently due to acceleration / deceleration or cornering momentum while the vehicle is traveling. This improves the usability of the table (4).

[0079] Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a seat table 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 17. The seat table 1 according to this embodiment also has a power transmission mechanism 6 that transmits power so that the arm 3 rotates relative to the table support part 2 in conjunction with an operation by a user to rotate the table 4 relative to the arm 3. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the power transmission mechanism 6 is configured to transmit power so that the arm 3 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the table support part 2 in response to bidirectional rotation of the table 4 relative to the arm 3.

[0080] Specifically, the power transmission mechanism 6 is made up of a first gear 6A made up of a spur gear, a second gear 6B made up of a spur gear, and a sector gear 6C. The power transmission mechanism 6 is configured to connect the table 4, the arm 3, and the table support part 2 so that power can be transmitted between them.

[0081] The first gear 6A is connected to the table 4 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis C2, which is the rotation axis of the table 4 relative to the arm 3. More specifically, the first gear 6A has a configuration in which a protruding pin 4A, which protrudes from the table 4 in the seat height direction, is inserted into an elongated hole A1 that is formed in a flat plate portion of the first gear 6A and extends in the rotation direction.

[0082] As a result, the first gear 6A is connected to the table 4 so as to be slidable in the rotation direction within the range in which the protruding pin 4A is slidable inside the elongated hole A1. This slidable structure forms an idling portion 6D that prevents the arm 3 from rotating relative to the table support portion 2 even when the table 4 is rotated relative to the arm 3.

[0083] The second gear 6B is provided in the middle of the arm 3 in the longitudinal direction so as to mesh with the first gear 6A. The second gear 6B is connected to the arm 3 so as to be rotatable around a third rotation axis C3 extending in the seat height direction. The sector gear 6C is provided integrally with the table support part 2 so as to mesh with the second gear 6B at a position concentric with the first rotation axis C1.

[0084] When the user rotates the table 4 relative to the arm 3, the power transmission mechanism 6 operates to rotate the arm 3 relative to the table support part 2 as follows: First, the operation of unfolding the table 4 from the storage position shown in Fig. 13 to the use position shown in Fig. 14 will be described.

[0085] 13, when the seat table 1 is stored directly above the base SD with the table 4 overlapping the arm 3, the table 4 and the arm 3 are both oriented to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the seat. Specifically, the arm 3 is oriented to extend from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat relative to the table support part 2. Furthermore, the table 4 is oriented to extend from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat relative to the arm 3.

[0086] When the table 4 is retracted from the stored state to the inside of the seat (left side), the table 4 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure around the second rotation axis C2, and the protruding pin 4A of the table 4 is pressed against the counterclockwise end of the elongated hole A1 of the first gear 6A in the figure. As a result, together with the rotation of the table 4, the first gear 6A rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the second rotation axis C2 relative to the arm 3. This causes the second gear 6B, which is meshed with the first gear 6A, to rotate clockwise in the figure around the third rotation axis C3 relative to the arm 3.

[0087] This rotation rotates the second gear 6B along the meshing sector gear 6C around the first rotation axis C1 clockwise relative to the table support 2. As a result, as shown in Figure 14, the arm 3 is pulled out from the right-side base SD toward the inside of the seat (left side). At the same time, the table 4 is also pulled out from the arm 3 toward the inside of the seat.

[0088] By the above operation, the table 4 and the arm 3 are unfolded so as to be pulled out in a substantially straight line toward the inside of the seat from the table support part 2. When the table 4 is pulled out in a straight line toward the inside of the seat as described above, the table 4 is unfolded so that the protruding pin 4A is positioned in the middle of the long hole A1 (see FIG. 14).

[0089] The table 4 can be rotated independently relative to the arm 3 between the use position shown in Fig. 14 and positions where the protruding pin 4A abuts against each end of the elongated hole A1 (idle rotation portion 6D). Therefore, by utilizing this idly rotatable configuration, the table 4 can be translated in parallel toward the front of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 14 to the front adjustment position shown in Fig. 15 without changing its orientation.

[0090] Similarly, the table 4 can be moved parallel to the rear of the seat from the use position shown in Fig. 14 to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 16 without changing its orientation. When the table 4 is moved to the rear adjustment position shown in Fig. 16, its rotational movement is restricted. Specifically, when the table 4 is moved to this position, the stopper protrusion 3F provided at the base of the arm 3 comes into contact with the deployment stopper C6 formed on the sector gear 6C that is integral with the table support part 2. This restricts the movement of the table 4 and the arm 3 in the above direction.

[0091] Next, we will explain the operation of storing the table 4 from the use position shown in Fig. 14 to the storage position shown in Fig. 13. When the table 4 is rotated clockwise relative to the arm 3 from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 14, the protruding pin 4A of the table 4 is pressed against the clockwise end of the elongated hole A1 of the first gear 6A.

[0092] 17, together with the rotation of the table 4, the first gear 6A rotates clockwise in the figure about the second rotation axis C2 relative to the arm 3. This causes the second gear 6B, which meshes with the first gear 6A, to rotate counterclockwise in the figure about the third rotation axis C3 relative to the arm 3.

[0093] This rotation rotates the second gear 6B counterclockwise in the figure around the first rotation axis C1 along the sector gear 6C relative to the table support part 2. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the arm 3 rotates counterclockwise in the figure around the first rotation axis C1 and is stored in a direction extending from the first rotation axis C1 toward the rear of the seat along directly above the right-side base SD. At the same time, the table 4 is also stored in a direction extending from the second rotation axis C2 toward the front of the seat so as to overlap the arm 3.

[0094] The table 4 is restricted from rotational movement when it is moved to the storage position shown in Fig. 13. Specifically, when the table 4 is moved to this position, a stopper projection 3F provided at the base of the arm 3 comes into contact with a storage stopper C7 formed on a sector gear 6C integral with the table support portion 2. This restricts movement of the table 4 and the arm 3 in the above direction. Since the configuration other than the above is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used and detailed description will be omitted.

[0095] To summarize the above, the seat table 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0096] That is, the seat table (1) has an arm (3) rotatably connected to the table support section (2) around a first rotation axis (C1), and a table (4) rotatably connected to the arm (3) around a second rotation axis (C2) different from the first rotation axis (C1). The seat table (1) also has a power transmission mechanism (6) that interlocks the arm (3) so that it rotates in the opposite direction relative to the table support section (2) when the table (4) rotates in both directions relative to the arm (3). The power transmission mechanism (6) has an idling section (6D) that idlingly rotates the arm (3) so that it does not rotate relative to the table support section (2) even when the table (4) rotates in both directions relative to the arm (3).

[0097] In this way, by providing the idling section (6D) in the power transmission mechanism (6), the table (4) can be made to rotate idly relative to the arm (3), or the arm (3) can be made to rotate idly relative to the table support section (2). This makes it possible to set an idling area in part of the range of motion of the table (4), where even if the table (4) is rotated, there is no interlocking, such as the table (4) being pulled into the arm (3) by the action of the power transmission. Therefore, by utilizing this idling area, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the position of use of the table (4).

[0098] The power transmission mechanism 6 also has a first gear 6A that is mounted so as to rotate integrally with the table 4 around the second rotation axis C2, and a second gear 6B that is rotatably connected to the arm 3 around the third rotation axis C3 so as to mesh with the first gear 6A. The power transmission mechanism 6 also has a sector gear 6C that is mounted integrally with the table support part 2 so as to mesh with the second gear 6B at a position concentric with the first rotation axis C1. An idling part 6D is configured to connect the first gear 6A to the table 4 so as to be idling within a predetermined range.

[0099] According to the above configuration, it is possible to relatively simply realize the power transmission mechanism 6, which rotates the arm 3 in the opposite direction relative to the table support 2 when the table 4 rotates relative to the arm 3. Furthermore, by applying a connection structure that allows the first gear 6A and the table 4 to be connected in such a mechanism with each other, allowing the first gear 6A to be idling within a predetermined range, it is possible to relatively simply realize the idling portion 6D.

[0100] The seat table (1) further includes stoppers (3F, C6, C7) between the arm (3) and the table support (2) that restrict the bidirectional rotation range of the arm (3) relative to the table support (2) by contacting them in the rotation direction. According to the above configuration, by providing the stoppers (3F, C6, C7) between the arm (3) and the table support (2) that restrict the rotation range of the arm (3), the stoppers (3F, C6, C7) can be set so as not to interfere with the table (4). This increases the degree of freedom in the shapes of the table (4) and the arm (3).

[0101] Other Embodiments Although the present invention has been described above using two embodiments, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiments.

[0102] 1. The seat table of the present invention may be used for seats installed in vehicles such as automobiles and trains, as well as seats installed in vehicles other than vehicles such as airplanes and ships. The seat table may also be used for seats other than those in vehicles.

[0103] 2. The table support may be attached to the seat and / or a slide rail that slidably supports the seat, or may be attached to the side wall of the vehicle. The table support may be slidable independently of the seat relative to the vehicle floor, or may be attached integrally with the seat. The table support may or may not be included as a component of the seat table.

[0104] 3. When the idling portion is configured with the slide connection structure shown in each embodiment, the slide connection structure may be configured so that a pin provided on one side is slidably passed through an elongated hole formed on the other side, and the pin or elongated hole may be provided on either side. Also, the idling portion may be provided as a slide connection structure (a structure in which a pin provided on one side is slidably passed through an elongated hole formed on the other side) that connects the connecting portion between the link and table support portion shown in the first embodiment so that they can slide within a predetermined range.

[0105] 4. The seat table may be configured to be switchable between an electric mode and a manual mode for deploying and storing the table. The seat table may be configured to deploy from the outside to the inside in the seat width direction relative to the table support part, or may be configured to deploy from the front to the rear of the seat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 seat table 2 Table support 2A Bracket 2B Stopper pin (stopper) 3 Arm 3A Deployment stopper (stopper) 3B Storage stopper (stopper) 3D Elastic Stopper D1 Spring unit D2 Contact plate 3E Damper 3F Stopper protrusion (stopper) 4 tables 4A Protruding pin 5 Power transmission mechanism 5A Top plate side gear 5B sector gear B1 long hole B2 Switching gear 5C Link C4 1st pin C5 2nd pin 5D Idling section 6 Power transmission mechanism 6A 1st gear A1 long hole 6B 2nd gear 6C sector gear C6 Deployment stopper (stopper) C7 Storage stopper (stopper) 6D Idling section C1 First rotation axis C2 Second rotation axis C3 Third rotation axis T Torque Hinge S seat SB seat back SC seat cushion SD base SH seat canopy J Rotating connection structure

Claims

1. A seat table that is provided so as to be horizontally rotatable relative to a table support portion, an arm rotatably connected to the table support about a first rotation axis; a table connected to the arm so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis different from the first rotation axis; a power transmission mechanism that rotates the arm in a direction opposite to the direction in which the table rotates relative to the arm, The power transmission mechanism has an idling portion that rotates idly even when the table is rotated in both directions relative to the arm.

2. 2. The seat table according to claim 1, the power transmission mechanism includes a top-side gear that is provided integrally with the table so as to be concentric with the second rotation axis, a sector gear that is rotatably connected to the arm around a third rotation axis so as to mesh with the top-side gear, and a link that is connected in a spanning manner between the sector gear and the table support portion, The seat table has a slide connection structure in which the idle portion connects the link to the sector gear or the table support portion so that the link can slide within a predetermined range.

3. 2. The seat table according to claim 1, the power transmission mechanism includes: a first gear provided to rotate integrally with the table around the second rotation axis; a second gear connected to the arm to be rotatable around a third rotation axis so as to mesh with the first gear; and a sector gear provided integrally with the table support portion so as to mesh with the second gear at a position concentric with the first rotation axis, The seat table is configured such that the idling portion connects the first gear to the table so that the first gear can idly rotate within a predetermined range.

4. 3. The seat table according to claim 1, The seat table further includes a stopper between the arm and the table support portion that restricts the range of rotation of the arm in both directions relative to the table support portion by contacting the stopper in the rotation direction.

5. 5. The seat table according to claim 4, The table support is fixed to a base that is erected on the side of the seat, The rotation range of the arm is set to a range in which the table can fit within the seat canopy covering the occupant of the seat when the canopy is deployed to a position where it overlaps the table in the height direction.

6. 4. The seat table according to claim 1, The seat table further comprises a torque hinge that can stop the rotation of the arm relative to the table support and / or the rotation of the table relative to the arm at any position.

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