Workbench

Abstract

To provide a workbench which is excellent in usability and can be stably used over a relatively long period of time.SOLUTION: The workbench comprises a work plate portion 2 having a substantially rectangular plate shape, and support legs 3 attached to a leg placement surface provided on the underside of the work plate portion 2, wherein a through hole 11 is provided in a portion of the work plate portion 2 where the leg placement surface is not provided, and wherein furthermore, upper surface convex portions 51 are provided on the left and right side portions 2a of the upper surface of the work plate portion 2, and lower surface convex portions 52 are provided on the outer peripheral edge portion of the lower surface of the work plate portion 2. This configuration prevents water flowing left and right on the top surface of the work plate 2 from entering the opening 28 from which the manual operating unit 32 arranged directly below the side 2a of the work plate 2 protrudes, by using the upper surface convex portion 51 and the lower surface convex portion 52, and also makes it easy to carry by hooking your fingers on the upper surface convex portion 51 and the lower surface convex portion 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a workbench having a work plate portion on which an object such as a pet is placed. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a work platform for a pet to rest on is used when bathing a pet, grooming the pet, etc. Such a work platform is sometimes placed inside a bathtub (sink), and for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration for placing a work platform inside a bathtub. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-158299 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement in the above-mentioned conventional work benches. That is, there is a demand for a structure that is easier to use and can be used stably for a relatively long period of time.

[0005] The present invention proposes a workbench that is easy to use and can be used stably for a relatively long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a workbench comprising a work plate portion having an approximately rectangular plate shape with the upper surface serving as a work surface and a leg mounting surface portion on the lower surface, and support legs mounted on the leg mounting surface portion of the work plate portion and supporting the work plate portion, wherein the work plate portion has a through hole formed therein that penetrates in the vertical direction in an area where the leg mounting surface portion is not provided.

[0007] This configuration prevents water flowing down from the top surface of the work plate through the through-holes and debris (such as pet hair) that flows along with the water from getting on the support legs when used inside a bathtub or the like. This prevents problems with the support legs and maintains hygiene. Another significant advantage is that it allows for a large working surface area to be secured for the work plate.

[0008] In the work table of the present invention described above, a configuration is proposed in which a convex upper surface portion is provided on the upper surface of the work plate portion.

[0009] With this configuration, the operator can hook his / her fingers when moving the device, making it easy to hold and preventing it from slipping.

[0010] In the workbench of the present invention, the upper surface protrusions are provided on the longitudinal sides of the work plate. Here, the longitudinal sides refer to one or both longitudinal sides of the upper surface of the work plate (in other words, the short side portions of the work plate).

[0011] In the work table of the present invention described above, a configuration is proposed in which a convex lower surface convex portion is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the work plate portion. In other words, the lower surface convex portion is configured to protrude downward at least as compared to a portion of the lower surface of the work plate adjacent to the lower surface convex portion. For example, in a configuration in which a groove is provided adjacent to the periphery of the lower surface convex portion, it is sufficient that the lower surface convex portion protrudes downward at least further than the groove.

[0012] With this configuration, the operator can hook his / her fingers when moving the device, making it easy to hold and preventing it from slipping.

[0013] In the work table of the present invention described above, it is proposed that the lower surface convex portion is provided on at least a short side portion of the outer peripheral edge of the work plate portion. Here, the outer peripheral edge of the substantially rectangular work plate is made up of opposing long edge portions and opposing short edge portions, and the short side portions of this configuration refer to these short edge portions.

[0014] In the workbench of the present invention described above, it is proposed that the support legs have height adjustment means that can change the height position of the work plate.

[0015] In the workbench of the present invention described above, it is proposed that the height adjustment means comprises a manual operating unit that can be operated manually, and a position state conversion mechanism that, when the manual operating unit is operated, converts the height position of the work plate unit into a convertible height position conversion state and a height position holding state that maintains the height position.

[0016] In the workbench of the present invention described above, it is proposed that the manual operating part of the height adjustment means is positioned below the longitudinal side of the work plate part, and the work plate part is provided in a convex shape on the upper surface of the side and has an upper surface convex part that directs water flowing down from the upper surface of the work plate part outward in the shorter direction than the manual operating part.

[0017] This configuration prevents water flowing down from the upper surface of the work plate from getting on the manual operation unit, and also prevents debris (such as pet hair) that flows along with the water from getting on the manual operation unit, allowing the manual operation unit to be used stably for a relatively long period of time.

[0018] In the workbench of the present invention described above, a configuration is proposed in which the manual operating part of the height adjustment means is positioned below the longitudinal side of the work plate part, the work plate part has a lower surface convex part provided in a convex shape on the outer peripheral edge part of the lower surface of the work plate part, and the lower surface convex part has a drain part at least directly above the manual operating part that drains water flowing down along the side of the short edge part along the short direction of the work plate part.

[0019] This configuration prevents water flowing down from the upper surface of the work plate from getting on the manual operation unit, and also prevents debris (such as pet hair) that flows along with the water from getting on the manual operation unit, allowing the manual operation unit to be used stably for a relatively long period of time.

[0020] In the work table of the present invention described above, it is proposed that the work plate portion is capable of supporting an animal on the work surface, and is used for at least one of bathing, washing, grooming, and caring for the animal placed on the work plate portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In the workbench of the present invention, water flowing down from the top surface of the work plate through the through holes and any debris that flows along with the water can be prevented from getting onto the support legs, thereby preventing malfunctions in the support legs and maintaining hygiene. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a workbench 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of the workbench 1 with the work plate portion 2 at the upper limit height position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of the workbench 1 when it is at the upper limit height position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the workbench 1 seen from above when it is at the upper limit height position. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the workbench 1 as seen from below when it is at the upper limit height position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of the workbench 1 with the work plate 2 at the lowest height position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the workbench 1 in the state where it is set to the lowest height position. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the workbench 1 as seen from below in the state where it is at the lowest height position. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing plate section 10 is superimposed on the working plate section 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a support leg 3. [Figure 11] 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 showing a support leg portion 3. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 showing the support leg 3. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the work plate portion 2 as seen from below. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the work plate portion 2. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 1A, 1B, and 1C are a plan view, a bottom view, and a side view, respectively, showing a slit cap 71. FIG. [Figure 18] 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side of a work plate portion 2 of a workbench 1. FIG. [Figure 19] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side of the work plate portion 2 of the workbench 1. FIG. [Figure 20] 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the right side portion of the work plate portion 2 of the workbench 1. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of water flowing down from the upper surface of the working plate portion 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An embodiment of the workbench according to the present invention will now be described. The workbench 1 of this embodiment is used to place a pet animal on and bathe, shower, groom, and trim the animal. When used for bathing or showering, it is placed on the floor of a bathtub (sink). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 , the workbench 1 includes a work plate 2 on which the animal is placed, two support legs 3, 3 that support the work plate 2, and a deployment plate 10 connected to the work plate 2 via two hinges 16, 16. The two support legs 3, 3 are arranged side by side and spaced apart in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the direction in which the support legs 3, 3 are aligned in FIG. 2 (the horizontal direction in the plane of FIGS. 1 and 2) is defined as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction (the vertical direction in the plane of FIG. 1) is defined as the front-to-rear direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the left-to-right direction and perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction (the vertical direction in the plane of FIG. 3) is defined as the up-to-down direction. The following description will be made in accordance with the left-right direction, front-rear direction, and up-down direction defined in this manner.

[0024] The work plate 2 is a generally rectangular plate with a predetermined thickness and a longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction, and has a continuous, one-piece upper surface (work surface) in plan view. The work plate 2 is provided with a plurality of slit-shaped through-holes 11 that penetrate the plate in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The through-holes 11 are narrowly formed along the left-right direction (longitudinal direction), allowing the work plate 2 to have a large upper surface (work surface) on which animals can be placed, providing good drainage and allowing animals to be placed stably. The work plate 2 is also molded from a resin material into a hollow, one-piece structure. This makes the work plate 2 lightweight and highly rigid, while also reducing seams, making cleaning easier and more hygienic.

[0025] Furthermore, the spreading plate 10 is tiltably connected to the working plate 2 via two hinges 16, 16 provided on the rear edge of the working plate 2. The spreading plate 10 can be held in a state where it is stacked on the working plate 2 (FIG. 9) and can be tilted rearward from that state (FIGS. 1 to 8). The spreading plate 10 is a substantially rectangular plate with a predetermined thickness, slightly shorter in the left-right direction than the working plate 2 and shorter in the front-to-back direction than the working plate 2. Like the working plate 2, the spreading plate 10 has a plurality of slit-shaped through-holes 17 that penetrate through the plate thickness. Like the working plate 2, the spreading plate 10 is molded from a resin material as a hollow, one-piece structure. When placed inside a bathtub (sink), the spreading plate 10 can be tilted rearward to close the gap between the working plate 2 and the inner surface of the bathtub, preventing the animal from getting stuck or falling into the gap.

[0026] 15 and 16, the through hole 11 is composed of an elongated hole 12 that penetrates the work plate 2 in the vertical direction and extends in the longitudinal direction, and a cap hole 74 of a slit cap 71 that is fitted into the elongated hole 12 from above. Here, the elongated hole 12 is composed of a fitting hole portion 13 into which the slit cap 71 is fitted, a peripheral recess 14 provided around the upper hole edge of the fitting hole portion 13, and a flared hole portion 15 that flares downward from the lower end of the fitting hole portion 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the slit cap 71 has an upper plate portion 72 that is substantially rectangular in shape with rounded corners, and a tubular fitting body portion 73 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the upper plate portion 72, and a narrow cap hole 74 is formed in the upper plate portion 72 along the longitudinal direction. 15 and 16, the slit cap 71 is easily attached and detached to the work plate 2 by fitting the fitting body 73 into the fitting hole 13 of the elongated hole 12 from above and placing the upper plate 72 in the peripheral recess 14 of the elongated hole 12. With this configuration in which the slit cap 71 is fitted, the work plate 2 has a flat upper surface with a relatively large area. Furthermore, cleaning is easy, so hygiene can be maintained. In this embodiment, the through hole 17 of the deployment plate 10 is composed of an elongated hole and a slit cap (not shown), similar to the through hole 11 of the work plate 2.

[0027] Two leg placement surfaces 18, 18 to which the support legs 3, 3 are attached are provided on the underside of the work plate 2 (see FIGS. 13 to 16), and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the support legs 3, 3 are respectively installed on each of the leg placement surfaces 18, 18. The work plate 2 is provided with the aforementioned through holes 11 in areas where the leg placement surfaces 18, 18 are not provided. The workbench 1 of this embodiment is formed symmetrically, with the work plate 2 and the deploying plate 10 having symmetrical shapes, and the left and right support legs 3, 3 having the same configuration are provided symmetrically. For this reason, only one of the left and right sides (for example, the right side when viewed from the front in FIG. 2) will be described below, and a description of the other side (the left side) will be omitted.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the two leg placement surfaces 18 are provided symmetrically on the underside of the work platform 2. The right leg placement surface 18 is located near the right end of the work platform 2, in the center in the front-to-rear direction, and protrudes downward relative to the underside of the work platform 2 (see FIGS. 13 and 15). Each leg placement surface 18 has two grooves 19 arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction. This configuration of the leg placement surface 18 improves the rigidity of the leg placement surface 18, allowing the support legs 3 to be stably held in a mounted state on the leg placement surface 18. Therefore, the workbench 1 of this embodiment has high support stability by suppressing lateral shaking of the work platform 2 (and the deploying panel 10), and also suppresses damage to the mounting portions of the support legs 3 and the leg placement surface 18, resulting in excellent stability overall.

[0029] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the support leg 3 includes a height adjustment device 4 attached to the leg mounting surface 18 of the work plate 2, and a tilting leg 5 attached to the height adjustment device 4 so as to be tiltable in the vertical direction.

[0030] The height adjustment device 4, located on the right side when viewed from the front, includes an adjustment mechanism case 21 having a case base 22 fixed to the leg mounting surface 18 of the work plate 2 and a case cover 23 attached to the case base 22. A rotating shaft 29 is rotatably supported at the left end of the case base 22, and the tilting leg 5 is connected to the case base 22 via the rotating shaft 29 so as to be tiltable in the vertical direction. One end of the tilting leg 5 is connected to the case base 22 via the rotating shaft 29, and the other end is provided with a rod-shaped floor contact part 25 extending along the front-rear direction. Buffer parts 26, 26 made of a buffer material such as rubber or elastomer are provided at both the front and rear ends of the floor contact part 25. The height position of the working plate 2 can be changed by tilting the tilting leg 5 about the rotation shaft 29 while the buffer sections 26, 26 of the floor contact section 25 are placed on the floor (see FIG. 12). In this embodiment, the tilting leg 5 is made of a resin material.

[0031] A fixed position conversion piece 31 is attached to the case base 22 via the rotating shaft 29 so as to be tiltable up and down. One end of the fixed position conversion piece 31 is connected to the rotating shaft 29, and the other end is provided with a manual operation unit 32 that is operated by an operator. The manual operation unit 32 protrudes to the right from the adjustment mechanism case 21 (see FIGS. 2 to 12). An opening 28 through which the other end of the fixed position conversion piece 31 is inserted is provided on the right side of the adjustment mechanism case 21 (see FIGS. 10 to 12), and the manual operation unit 32 provided at the other end protrudes to the right beyond the opening 28. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the manual operation unit 32 in this embodiment does not protrude rightward beyond the right side surface 2b of the work plate 2, but is located directly below the right side surface 2a of the work plate 2 (see FIGS. 18 to 20). The manual operation unit 32 is provided so as to be inclined downward to the right.

[0032] A rack gear 35 (see FIG. 11) having a predetermined length in the left-right direction is fixed to the underside of the fixed position change piece 31, and a coil spring 34 is attached to the rack gear 35, passing through the fixed position change piece 31 and protruding upward. The upper end of the coil spring 34 is arranged so as to contact the opposing surface of the case base 22 that faces the upper surface of the fixed position change piece 31. The rack gear 35 has a plurality of teeth (not shown) arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction).

[0033] A fitting portion 41 connected to the tilting leg portion 5 by a link piece portion 49 is fitted into the rack gear 35 (see FIG. 12). One end of this link piece portion 49 is rotatably connected to the fitting portion 41, and the other end is rotatably connected to the tilting leg portion 5. The fitting portion 41 is supported by the case cover portion 23 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. Here, when the case cover portion 23 is attached to the case base portion 22, a cover bottom portion 43 supporting the fitting portion 41 is inclined at a predetermined angle to the left with respect to the horizontal direction. A guide groove portion 44 is formed in the cover bottom portion 43 along the left-right direction, and a guided portion 45 of the fitting portion 41 is fitted into the guide groove portion 44 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. Furthermore, an insertion opening 42 is formed in the cover bottom 43 parallel to the guide groove 44, and a link piece 49 connected to the fitting portion 41 is inserted into the insertion opening 42 (see FIG. 19). In this way, the fitting portion 41 is supported by the case cover portion 23 so as to be movable in the left-right direction within the length range of the guide grooves 44, 44, and the tilting leg 5 tilts up and down in conjunction with the left-right movement. That is, when the fitting portion 41 moves leftward, the tilting leg 5 tilts downward, and when the fitting portion 41 moves rightward, the tilting leg 5 tilts upward.

[0034] The fitting portion 41 has a plurality of teeth (not shown) aligned in the left-right direction, and when supported by the case cover portion 23, these teeth are arranged along the angle of the cover bottom portion 43 of the case cover portion 23. When the case cover portion 23 supporting the fitting portion 41 is attached to the case base portion 22, the teeth of the fitting portion 41 and the teeth of the rack gear 35 are fitted together. In this fitted state, the rack gear 35 is positioned inclined at the angle, and the coil spring 34 is elastically compressed (resilient contracted) between the fixed position conversion piece 31 and the opposing surface of the case base portion 22 (see FIG. 11 ). As a result, the rack gear 35 is kept biased downward (in the direction of fitting into the fitting portion 41) by the coil spring 34.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 11(A), when the fitting portion 41 and the rack gear 35 are fitted together, the fitting portion 41 cannot move left or right because the rack gear 35 prevents it, and the tilted position of the tilting leg 5 is fixed. This fixes the height position of the work plate 2. This fitted state is the height position holding state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(B), when the manual operation portion 32 of the fixed position conversion piece 31 is pulled up, the rack gear 35 tilts upward and moves away from the fitting portion 41, and the engagement between the teeth of the rack gear 35 and the teeth of the fitting portion 41 is released. In this released state, the fitting portion 41 is movable left or right, so that the tilted position of the tilting leg 5 can be changed by moving the fitting portion 41, and the work plate 2 can be raised or lowered. This released state is the height position changing state.

[0036] In the height position change state, if the operation of lifting the manual operation unit 32 is released, the rack gear 35 tilts downward due to the biasing force of the coil spring 34 and engages with the engaging portion 41. In this way, the manual operation unit 32 can be used to switch between the height position holding state and the height position change state, so that the height of the work plate 2 can be changed in the height position change state and then switched back to the height position holding state, thereby fixing the work plate 2 at the desired height. Here, as described above, since the cover bottom 43 of the case cover 23 is inclined at the angle, in the height position change state, lifting the work plate 2 causes the engaging portion 41 to slide down to the left along the cover bottom 43 due to its own weight (and the weight of the support legs). In this way, the tilting legs 5 can be smoothly tilted downward to raise the height of the work plate 2.

[0037] As described above, the configuration of this embodiment is provided with support legs 3, 3 on the left and right, each having a height adjustment device 4, 4 and a tilting leg 5, 5, so by setting the left and right tilting legs 5, 5 at different inclination angles, it is possible to hold the working plate 2 (the working surface) in a state where it is tilted to one side or the other. By tilting the working plate 2 in this way, it becomes easier to carry, for example, old or sick dogs with weak hind legs.

[0038] In this embodiment, the rack gear 35 and the mating portion 41 constituting the height adjustment device 4 are molded from a corrosion-resistant metal or resin material. Suitable resin materials include polyacetal (POM), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In this embodiment, the rack gear 35 and the mating portion 41 are molded from polyacetal. These resin materials may also contain glass fiber, inorganic fillers, fluororesin, or rubber, which can improve rigidity, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. Any molding method can be used to mold these resin materials, with injection molding being preferred for its excellent productivity and shape accuracy. Similarly to the rack gear 35 and the mating portion 41, the adjustment mechanism case 21, the tilting leg 5, and the link piece 49 may also be molded from a resin material.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 9, 15, 16, and 18 to 21, the work plate 2 is provided with upper surface protrusions 51, 51 that protrude upward on the upper surfaces of both left and right side portions 2a, 2a. As the work plate 2 has a symmetrical shape as described above, only the upper surface protrusion 51 on the right side (Figures 18 to 21) will be described below.

[0040] The upper surface protrusion 51 on the right side of the upper surface of the work plate 2 has a flat upper surface and a generally semi-elliptical shape that flares toward the right in a plan view (FIG. 1). It is located in the center of the upper surface of the work plate 2 in the front-to-rear direction. The right edge of the upper surface protrusion 51 is provided so as to be continuous with the right side surface 2b of the work plate 2 in the vertical direction (see FIGS. 15 and 20). The positions of both ends of the right edge of the upper surface protrusion 51 in the front-to-rear direction are generally the same as the positions of both ends of the leg mounting surface 18 in the front-to-rear direction (see FIGS. 3, 7, and 16). As described above, the manual operation unit 32 is located directly below the side portion 2a of the work plate 2. Therefore, the upper surface protrusion 51 is located directly above the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28 of the height adjustment device 4, and both ends of the right edge of the upper surface protrusion 51 are located outward in the front-to-rear direction from the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28.

[0041] 21, this top surface convexity 51 divides water flowing to the right on the top surface of the work plate 2 into front and rear portions and directs it to the right edge of the work plate 2, where it flows down from both the front and rear ends of the right edge of the top surface convexity 51 to the side surface 2b. In this way, water flowing to the right on the top surface of the work plate 2 flows down the side surface 2b of the right edge of the work plate 2, outboard of the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28 in the front-to-rear direction. Note that the front-to-rear width of the right edge of the top surface convexity 51 in this embodiment is shorter than the front-to-rear width of the work plate 2. In other words, the top surface convexity 51 is provided only in the center in the front-to-rear direction of the side portion 2a of the work plate 2, and is not provided at both the front and rear ends of the side portion 2a. This prevents the upper surface convex portion 51 from blocking the water flowing to the right on the upper surface of the work plate portion 2, and as mentioned above, the water can flow down separately to the front and back, preventing the water from going over the upper surface convex portion 51.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 and 18 to 21, the work plate 2 has a lower surface projection 52 that protrudes downward from the outer peripheral edge of its lower surface. In this embodiment, the lower surface projection 52 is formed over the front, rear, right, and left peripheral edges that constitute the outer peripheral edge, excluding the rear edge that constitutes the outer peripheral edge and the region where the hinges 16, 16 are attached (see FIGS. 1 and 4). As shown in FIG. 20, the lower surface projection 52 is composed of a drip edge 55 that is connected to the side surface 2b of the work plate 2 and a step 56 provided at the inner end of the drip edge 55. Here, in this embodiment, the drip edge 55 has a generally V-shaped cross section that is composed of an inclined surface (not shown) that slopes downward outward and a generally vertical wall surface (not shown) that is bent upward from the outer end of the inclined surface and is connected to the side surface 2b of the work plate 2. The portion of the draining section 55 located directly above the manual operation section 32 (the portion formed on the right edge of the work plate section 2) is located to the right of the right edge of the manual operation section 32.

[0043] The lower surface convex portion 52 allows water flowing from the upper surface of the work plate portion 2 along the side surface 2b to fall off at the draining portion 55, thereby preventing water flowing along the side surface 2b from reaching the lower surface of the work plate portion 2. Furthermore, water flowing along the lower surface from the through-hole 11 of the work plate portion 2 can also be caused to fall off at the draining portion 55. In this way, the draining portion 55 of the lower surface convex portion 52 allows water to be drained.

[0044] 21 , water flowing to the right on the top surface of the work plate 2 can be made to flow down the side surface 2b of the right edge of the work plate 2, outward in the front-to-rear direction from the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28, and the water that has flowed down the side surface 2b can be drained by the draining portion 55 of the bottom surface protrusion 52. This prevents water flowing down the left and right side surfaces 2b from the top surface of the work plate 2 from reaching the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28, and prevents the water from flowing into the adjustment mechanism case 21.

[0045] The work plate 2 also has two reinforcing rods 61, 61 arranged along the left-right direction on its underside (see Figures 5 to 8). In this embodiment, the reinforcing rods 61 are formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a left-right length shorter than that of the work plate 2, and are arranged on both the front and rear sides of the leg mounting surfaces 18, 18. These reinforcing rods 61, 61 improve the longitudinal rigidity of the work plate 2 and suppress flexural deformation of the work plate 2. Furthermore, these reinforcing rods 61, 61 can also be used as handles when carrying the workbench 1.

[0046] The resin materials used to form the working plate 2 and the deploying plate 10 include polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), rubber-reinforced polystyrene resins (HIPS, ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polyester resins (PET), etc. It is also possible to use resin compositions containing antibacterial and antifungal agents in these resin materials. The reinforcing rod 61 can also be formed from the same resin material as the working plate 2.

[0047] As described above, the workbench 1 of this embodiment is used by placing a pet (animal) on the upper surface (work surface) of the work plate portion 2 to bathe, shower (wash), groom, and care for the pet's fur, and is placed in a bathtub (sink), for example. The user can adjust the height of the work plate portion 2 according to the pet's physique and the size of the bathtub, making it easy to bathe, groom, and care for the pet.

[0048] When water is used for such work, such as by showering, the water that flows onto the upper surface of the work plate 2 flows down through the through-holes 11 in the work plate 2 and the side surfaces 2b of the work plate 2. In this embodiment, the water flowing left and right on the upper surface of the work plate 2 is diverted to both the front and rear by the left and right upper surface protrusions 51 and flows down from the left and right side surfaces 2b outward in the front and rear direction from the manual operation unit 32 and the opening 28 of the adjustment mechanism case 21. The water that flows down the left and right side surfaces 2b is then drained by the draining portions 55 of the lower surface protrusions 52 and falls. This prevents the water that flows left and right on the upper surface of the work plate 2 and down the side surfaces 2b from entering the interior of the adjustment mechanism case 21 through the openings 28, and also prevents the intrusion of pet (animal) hair, shampoo, soap scum, and the like that flows along with the water. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the manual operation unit 32 is configured to be inclined downward and outward to the left and right. Therefore, even if water gets on the manual operation unit 32, the water is prevented from entering the opening 28, further preventing the intrusion of pet hair, shampoo, and the like. This prevents pet hair from becoming entangled in the rack gear 35, the fitting 41, and other components, causing malfunctions, ensuring stable operation of the rack gear 35 and the fitting 41. Therefore, the height adjustment of the working plate 2 by the height adjustment device 4 can be performed stably over a relatively long period of time. Furthermore, the buildup of shampoo, soap scum, and the like inside the adjustment mechanism case 21 can be prevented, preventing mold growth and maintaining hygiene.

[0049] Furthermore, when an operator moves the workbench 1, the operator can place his or her fingers on the left and right upper surface convex portions 51, 51 and the lower surface convex portion 52, which also act as a non-slip surface for the fingers, making the workbench 1 easy to carry. In particular, the non-slip surface effect can be improved by placing the fingers on the step portion 56 of the lower surface convex portion 52, making the workbench 1 even easier to carry. Furthermore, by placing the fingers on the upper surface convex portions 51, 51 and the lower surface convex portion 52, there is an excellent advantage in that the manual operation unit 32 can be easily operated when adjusting the height of the work plate 2, and the work plate 2 can be easily raised and lowered while operating the manual operation unit 32.

[0050] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment allows the user to freely adjust the height position of the work table 2 by changing the tilt angle of the tilting legs 5 using the height adjustment device 4 of the support legs 3. This allows the user to adjust the height of the work table 2 according to the pet's physique, the size of the bathtub, etc., making it easier to perform tasks such as bathing and grooming. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the work table 1 as a whole can be folded compactly by folding the tilting legs 5 (setting the work table 2 to its lowest position) and setting the unfolding panel 10 to the folded state. This makes it easy to carry and saves storage space.

[0051] Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the working plate 2 and the deploying plate 10 are formed from a hollow resin material, making the working plate 2 and the deploying plate 10 relatively lightweight. This makes it easy to raise and lower the working plate 2, adjust its height, and deploy the deploying plate 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the working plate 2 and the support legs 3 are formed from a resin material, making it easy to change the height of the working plate 2 and transport it.

[0052] In the above-described embodiment, the height adjustment device 4 and the tilting leg 5 correspond to the height adjustment means of the present invention. The rack gear 35, the fitting portion 41, the fixed position conversion piece 31, and the coil spring 34 correspond to the position state conversion mechanism of the present invention. The right and left edges constituting the outer periphery of the working plate 2 correspond to the short side portions of the present invention.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the dimensions and shapes of the components in the above-described embodiments can be modified as needed.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the upper surface of the work plate is provided with a top-surface convex portion having a substantially semi-elliptical shape in a plan view. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the shape of the top-surface convex portion can be modified as appropriate. For example, a top-surface convex portion having a substantially semi-circular shape in a plan view or a substantially triangular shape in a plan view is also possible. Furthermore, in the embodiment, the top surface of the top-surface convex portion is provided with a flat shape in a front view. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the shape of the top-surface convex portion can be modified as appropriate. For example, the top surface of the top-surface convex portion can be configured with an upwardly sloping shape extending outward in the longitudinal direction in a front view. Regardless of the shape of the top-surface convex portion, it is sufficient that the dimensions and shape are set so that water flowing in the left-right direction on the top surface of the work plate is directed outward in the front-to-rear direction from the manual operation unit and the opening.

[0055] In the above-described embodiment, a groove may be formed on the upper surface of the work plate along the periphery of the upper surface convexity, which makes it easier to guide water flowing over the upper surface of the work plate outward in the front-to-rear direction of the upper surface convexity.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the lower surface convex portion is provided along the outer periphery of the lower surface of the working plate, but this is not limiting and the lower surface convex portion may be provided along the short edges (right and left edges) of the working plate. Also, the lower surface convex portion may be provided on the short edges of the working plate and on part of the long edges (front and rear edges) of the working plate.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the lower surface convex portion has a generally V-shaped cross section, but the dimensions and shape of the lower surface convex portion can be modified as appropriate. For example, the lower surface convex portion may have a generally semicircular cross section. Alternatively, the lower surface of the working plate may have a groove formed along the outer periphery, with the outer periphery projecting downward relative to the groove to form the lower surface convex portion. Furthermore, in a configuration in which such a lower surface convex portion is provided, the left and right side end surfaces of the working plate may be inclined downward.

[0058] Furthermore, the lower surface convex portion may be configured to protrude downward from the lower surface of the work plate portion so as to cover the outside of the manual operation portion. Alternatively, instead of the lower surface convex portion protruding from the lower surface of the work plate portion, a drain portion may be provided on the side end surface of the work plate portion. For example, a configuration including an extension portion extending outward to the left and right from the side end surface of the work plate portion and a protrusion portion protruding downward from the outer end of the extension portion is preferable as this drain portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 workbench 2 Working plate 2a Side 2b side 3 Support legs 4 Height adjustment device (height adjustment means) 5. Tilting leg (height adjustment means) 11 Through hole 16 Hinge 17 Through hole 32 Manual operation section 51 Upper convex part 52 Lower convex part 55 Draining section

Claims

1. a work plate portion having a substantially rectangular plate shape with an upper surface serving as a work surface and a foot placement surface portion provided on a lower surface; a support leg portion that is installed on a leg installation surface portion of the work plate portion and supports the work plate portion; Equipped with The working plate portion is A workbench characterized in that a through hole penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in an area where the leg placement surface portion is not provided.

2. 2. The workbench according to claim 1, wherein a convex upper surface portion is provided on the upper surface of the work plate portion.

3. The workbench according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface convex portion is provided on a side portion in the longitudinal direction of the work plate portion.

4. 3. The workbench according to claim 1, wherein a convex lower surface portion is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the work plate portion.

5. 5. The workbench according to claim 4, wherein the lower surface convex portion is provided on at least a short side portion of the outer periphery of the work plate portion.

6. 3. The workbench according to claim 1, wherein the support legs are provided with height adjustment means for changing the height position of the work plate.

7. The height adjustment means is a manual operation unit that can be manually operated; a position state conversion mechanism that converts the height position of the work plate into a height position conversion state in which the height position can be converted and a height position holding state in which the height position is held, by operating the manual operation unit; 7. The workbench according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. The manual operation portion of the height adjustment means is disposed below a side portion of the work plate portion in the longitudinal direction, The working plate portion is The workbench described in claim 7, characterized in that it is provided with a convex upper surface portion on the upper surface of the side portion, which directs water flowing down from the upper surface of the work plate portion outward in the short direction from the manual operation portion.

9. The manual operation portion of the height adjustment means is disposed below a side portion of the work plate portion in the longitudinal direction, The working plate portion is a lower surface protrusion provided in a convex shape on the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the work plate portion; A workbench as described in claim 7, characterized in that the lower surface convex portion is provided with a draining portion, at least directly above the manual operating portion, for draining water flowing down the side of the short edge portion along the short direction of the work plate portion.

10. A workbench as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the work plate portion allows an animal to rest on the work surface, and is used for at least one of bathing, washing, grooming, and caring for the animal resting on the work plate portion.

Images