Structure

Abstract

To provide a structure in which a step between top plates in a deployed state can be controlled.SOLUTION: A structure includes a first top plate, a second top plate, and a movable part. In a deployed state, the first and second top plates are arrayed in a surface direction of the first top plate. In a storage state, the first and second top plates are stacked on one another. When the first and second top plates are relatively moved in the surface direction of the first top plate and in a plate thickness direction of the first top plate, the movable part switches between the deployed state and the storage state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure having a top plate. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a double-top desk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6558712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional double-top desks, when the top is unfolded from its stored position, there remains a gap between the multiple tops.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of controlling the step between the tabletops in the deployed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a structure comprising a first tabletop, a second tabletop, and a movable part, wherein in an unfolded state, the first and second tabletops are aligned in the surface direction of the first tabletop, and in a stored state, the first and second tabletops are stacked, and the movable part switches between the unfolded state and the stored state by moving the first and second tabletops relatively in the surface direction of the first tabletop and in the thickness direction of the first tabletop.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a structure capable of controlling the step between the tabletops in the unfolded state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of a structure 1 (unfolded state) according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 1B is a top view thereof. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A is a side view of the structure 1 (unfolded state) as viewed in the direction I of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view thereof. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of the M1 portion of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a region corresponding to the M1 portion as viewed in the II direction of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the structure 1 (unfolded state) according to the embodiment as viewed from the rear surface side, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of part N in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is an overall perspective view of a structure 1 (in progress) according to the embodiment as viewed from the front surface side, and FIG. 5B is a top view thereof. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a side view of the structure 1 (in the middle of construction) as viewed in the direction I of FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6B is a bottom view thereof. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the structure 1 (in progress) according to the embodiment, viewed from the back surface side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is an overall perspective view of the structure 1 (stored state) according to the embodiment as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 8B is a top view thereof. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a side view of the structure 1 (stored state) as viewed in the direction I of FIG. 8B, and FIG. 8B is a bottom view thereof. [Figure 10] Fig. 10A is an enlarged view of part M2 in Fig. 9A. Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the structure 1 (stored state) according to the embodiment, viewed from the rear surface side. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the embodiment, in which Fig. 11A shows the unfolded state (corresponding to Fig. 2B), Fig. 11B shows the intermediate state (corresponding to Fig. 5B), and Fig. 11C shows the retracted state (corresponding to Fig. 9B). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a structure for moving the first top panel 2 up and down in the thickness direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, each feature can be an invention independently.

[0010] The structure 1 of the embodiment can be switched from the unfolded state to the intermediate state to the stored state, and vice versa. FIGS. 1A to 4B show the "unfolded state" of the structure 1 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 5A to 7 show the "intermediate state" of the structure 1, which is in the middle of switching between unfolded and stored. FIGS. 8A to 10B show the "stored state" of the structure 1.

[0011] 1. Overview First, an overview of the overall configuration and operation will be described. As shown in Fig. 1A, the structure 1 of this embodiment includes a first tabletop 2, second tabletops 3a and 3b, and a movable unit 4. In the perspective view of Fig. 1A, the movable unit 4 is hidden behind the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b. The movable unit 4 can reversibly switch the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b between an unfolded state and a stowed state.

[0012] 1A and each of the subsequent figures show three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate axes (XYZ coordinate axes). The XY axis directions define the surface directions of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b. The "surface directions" are directions parallel to the front surfaces 2f, 3af, and 3bf of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b, respectively. In this embodiment, as an example, the XY plane formed by the XY axes is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0013] The Z axis is an axis perpendicular to the XY plane and defines the plate thickness direction. The "plate thickness direction" is a direction that defines the plate thickness of the first top plate 2. The plate thickness direction is perpendicular to the surface direction. In the embodiment, as an example, the Z axis is parallel to the vertical direction. In the description of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, "up" means vertically upward and "down" means vertically downward. The coordinate axes in Figure 1 also show the circumferential direction R. The circumferential direction R is the direction of rotation around the Z axis.

[0014] 1A, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b are arranged in the plane direction (XY plane direction) of the first tabletop 2. In the embodiment, as an example, the front surfaces 2f, 3af, and 3bf of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b are "substantially flush." ​​"Flush" refers to a flat state with no steps between the two surfaces.

[0015] During the transition from the deployed state to the intermediate state and then to the stored state, the movable part 4 moves the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relative to each other in the surface direction (XY plane direction) of the first tabletop 2 and in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the first tabletop 2.

[0016] See Figures 5A and 5B (intermediate state). In switching from the unfolded state (Figures 1A and 1B) to the intermediate state (Figures 5A and 5B), the movable unit 4 translates the second tops 3a and 3b in the planar direction so as to separate the first and second tops 2, 3a, and 3b in the planar direction. This causes the second tops 3a and 3b to be spaced apart from the first top 2 in the planar direction by a separation width G (see Figure 5A). The presence of the separation width G prevents the first top 2 and the second tops 3a and 3b from interfering with each other when they are moved relative to each other in the thickness direction.

[0017] Next, the movable part 4 moves the first and second tops 2, 3a, 3b relative to each other in the thickness direction (Z direction). In the embodiment, as an example, the first top 2 moves vertically upward relative to the second tops 3a, 3b. This creates a space on the back side of the first top 2 into which the second tops 3a, 3b can enter.

[0018] Next, the movable unit 4 moves the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relatively in the planar direction (XY plane direction). In this relative movement in the planar direction, the second tabletops 3a, 3b move in parallel toward the first tabletop 2 so that the second tabletops 3a, 3b overlap the rear surface of the first tabletop 2 in a plan view of the first tabletop 2.

[0019] As a result, the stored state shown in Figures 8A and 8B is provided. In the stored state, the first and second top panels 2, 3a, 3b are stacked, and the second top panels 3a, 3b are stored behind the first top panel 2. The above-mentioned "relative movement in the surface direction and thickness direction" makes it possible to switch between the unfolded state (Figure 1A) and the stored state (Figure 8A).

[0020] As an example, the structure 1 further includes a base 5. The base 5 includes a bottom plate 5a and a pillar 5b. The pillar 5b is provided on the bottom plate 5a. The upper end of the pillar 5b supports the movable part 4. The pillar 5b serves as the leg of the table.

[0021] 2.Detailed configuration Next, the detailed structure of the structure 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0022] 2.1. First top plate 2 and second top plates 3a and 3b Please refer to the side view of Figure 2A. The first top panel 2 has a front surface 2f, a back surface 2r, and a side surface 2s. The second top panel 3a has a front surface 3af, a back surface 3ar, and a side surface 3as. The second top panel 3b has a front surface 3bf, a back surface 3br, and a side surface 3bs. The first and second top panels 2, 3a, 3b are flat bodies with the same thickness. They may be made of any material, such as wood, resin, ceramics, or metal.

[0023] As can be seen from the top view of FIG. 1B and the bottom view of FIG. 2B, in this embodiment, for example, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b have a perfect circular shape in the unfolded state in a plan view of the first tabletop 2. As an example, the first tabletop 2 has a shape obtained by cutting arcs of the same length from two opposing points on a perfect circle along the chords of each arc. The planar figure formed by the cut arcs and chords defines the planar shape of each of the second tabletops 3a and 3b. As an example, the second tabletops 3a and 3b have line-symmetric shapes with respect to a virtual line passing through the center of the first tabletop 2 in a plan view, and have the same area.

[0024] 2.2. Movable part 4 The configuration of the movable part 4 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2A to 4B. The movable part 4 includes a first movable mechanism 41 and a second movable mechanism 42. As is clear from FIG. 2B, the movable part 4 of the embodiment has an outer shape that is generally rectangular in plan view, has the first movable mechanism 41 at the center, and has the second movable mechanism 42 around it.

[0025] The first movable mechanism 41 can move the first top plates 2 in the plate thickness direction (Z direction) with respect to the second top plates 3a and 3b. The second movable mechanism 42 can move the second top plates 3a and 3b in the plane direction (XY plane direction). Specifically, the second movable mechanism 42 can move the second top plates 3a and 3b to a position where the first and second top plates 2, 3a, and 3b overlap in a state where they are displaced from each other in the plate thickness direction (Z direction) until the first and second top plates 2, 3a, and 3b do not abut on each other in the plane direction.

[0026] 2.2.1. The first movable mechanism 41 Please refer to FIGS. 3A to 3B. In each figure, the first movable mechanism 41 is shown by a broken line frame. The first movable mechanism 41 includes an outer cylinder part 411, an inner cylinder part 412, a support plate 413, a support frame 414, an engagement member 416, and an engagement slit 417.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3A, the outer cylinder part 411 is fixed on the pedestal 5 with the flange 421 of the second movable mechanism 42 described later interposed therebetween. The outer cylinder part 411 has an outer diameter D1 and a hollow inside. The inner cylinder part 412 has an outer diameter D2 (D2 < D1). The size of the outer diameter D2 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer cylinder part 411, and the lower end side of the inner cylinder part 412 is inserted inside the outer cylinder part 411. The inner cylinder part 412 is rotatable around the central axis in a state of being inserted into the outer cylinder part 411. The inner cylinder part 412 is movable forward and backward in the axial direction with respect to the outer cylinder part 411.

[0028] 4A and 4B. The support plate 413 supports two support frames 414. The two support frames 414 extend parallel to each other with the inner cylindrical portion 412 sandwiched between them in the planar direction. One engagement member 416 is attached to the axial center and outer surface of each support frame 414. The inner cylindrical portion 412, engagement bar 4122, and engagement member 416 are aligned in a straight line in the planar direction.

[0029] See Figure 3A. The upper end of the engagement member 416 is bent 90 degrees toward the inner cylinder 412. This bent portion abuts against the rear surface 2r of the first tabletop 2 in the unfolded state. However, the bent portion may be spaced apart from the rear surface 2r of the first tabletop 2 in the unfolded state. As shown in Figures 3A to 4B, the engagement slit 417 is provided in the center of the engagement member 416 and extends in the Z direction.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 4B. The inner cylinder portion 412 includes a top plate fixing portion 4121 and an engagement bar 4122. The lower surface of the top plate fixing portion 4121 is connected to the upper end of the inner cylinder portion 412. The upper surface of the top plate fixing portion 4121 is connected to the rear surface 2r of the first top plate 2. The engagement bar 4122 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral side surface of the inner cylinder portion 412. The tip of the engagement bar 4122 engages with the engagement slit 417 of the engagement member 416.

[0031] The top plate fixing portion 4121, the inner cylinder portion 412, and the engagement bar 4122 are integrated. The engagement member 416, the support frame 414, and the support plate 413 are configured to rotate integrally with the top plate fixing portion 4121, the inner cylinder portion 412, and the engagement bar 4122. When the first top plate 2 is rotated in the circumferential direction R, the top plate fixing portion 4121, the inner cylinder portion 412, the engagement bar 4122, the engagement member 416, the support frame 414, and the support plate 413 rotate integrally. Note that when the top plate fixing portion 4121, the inner cylinder portion 412, and the engagement bar 4122 rotate in the circumferential direction R, they advance and retreat in the axial direction relative to the engagement member 416, the support frame 414, and the support plate 413.

[0032] The first movable mechanism 41 may employ various structures for moving the first top plate 2 up and down in the thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 12 , in this embodiment, as an example, a groove and a protrusion p1 that engage with each other are employed to convert rotational motion into axial movement (i.e., up and down movement in the Z direction). Specifically, as an example, a protrusion p1 is formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the inner cylindrical portion 412. A groove p2 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 411. The groove p2 has first and second regions R1 and R2 connected in series. The first region R1 is an annular groove with a fixed axial position and determines the rotation of the first top plate 2 for operating the second movable mechanism 42. After the protrusion p1 of the inner cylindrical portion 412 passes through the first region R1, the protrusion p1 then reaches the second region R2. The second region R2 has an inclined groove (spiral groove), and when the first top plate 2 is rotated, the convex portion p1 of the inner cylindrical portion 412 is guided by the spiral groove, causing the inner cylindrical portion 412 to move in the axial direction. Accordingly, the first top plate 2 also moves in the plate thickness direction.

[0033] 2.2.2.Second movable mechanism 42 See Fig. 2B. In this embodiment, as an example, a slider crank mechanism is adopted as the second movable mechanism 42. The second movable mechanism 42 includes a flange 421, a crank arm 422, a connecting rod 423, an end rod 424, a guide rail 425, a slide portion 426, and a top plate fixing portion 4261.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 4A. The flange 421 is fixed to the base 5. The crank arm 422 protrudes radially from the flange 421. In other words, the crank arm 422 and the flange 421 are both fixed to the base 5 and do not move even when the first top panel 2 rotates. As shown in Figures 2B and 4A, the two guide rails 425 are fixed horizontally in a grid pattern on the two support frames 414 and arranged parallel to each other.

[0035] Two slide portions 426 are slidably attached to the guide rail 425. The first slide portion 426 is connected to the back surface of the second top panel 3a via a top panel fixing portion 4261. The second slide portion 426 is connected to the back surface of the second top panel 3b via a top panel fixing portion 4261.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 2B and 4A. The two slide parts 426 are "U-shaped" in a plan view, and are symmetrical and of the same size. The two slide parts 426 are arranged facing each other across the central axis of rotation so that the U-shapes interlock, and the first movable mechanism 41 is housed inside. The first slide part 426 is connected to the outer surface of the first guide rail 425 and the inner surface of the second guide rail 425. The second slide part 426 is connected to the inner surface of the first guide rail 425 and the outer surface of the second guide rail. Since the two slide parts 426 have the same shape and are arranged symmetrically, the weight balance of the structure 1 can be made uniform.

[0037] See Figures 2A and 2B. The connecting rod 423 has a root portion 4231, an intermediate portion 4232, and a tip portion 4233. The root portion 4231 is rotatably connected to the crank arm 422. The tip portion 4233 is rotatably connected to the end rod 424. As is clear from the side view of Figure 2A, the intermediate portion 4232 extends obliquely upward. This allows the positions of the crank arm 422 and the slide portion 426 to be shifted in the Z direction.

[0038] 2.2.3. Locking mechanism 43 See Figures 3A, 3B, and 4B. The locking mechanism 43 of this embodiment includes, for example, a locking plate 431 having a substantially L-shaped through slit 432, and a locking handle 434 inserted through the through slit 432. The locking plate 431 is attached across two support frames 414 and extends downward from the support frames 414. One end of the locking handle 434 is connected to the inner cylindrical portion 412. When the locking handle 434 is moved to the end of the through slit 432 and pulled upward, the lock is activated. This prohibits rotation of the movable part 4 in the circumferential direction R. There are no limitations on the configuration of the locking mechanism 43, and any locking means can be used as long as it is capable of prohibiting rotation in the circumferential direction R.

[0039] 3. Description of the operation of the embodiment 3.1. Relative movement in the thickness direction In the embodiment, for example, the second tabletops 3a and 3b are fixed in their positions in the thickness direction and do not move up and down. On the other hand, the first tabletop 2 can be raised and lowered in the thickness direction by operating the first movable mechanism 41. The first tabletop 2 can be stopped at a position higher than the front surfaces 3af and 3bf of the second tabletops 3a and 3b. Regarding the range of movement of the first tabletop 2 in the thickness direction, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b are shifted in the thickness direction until they are no longer adjacent to each other in the surface direction. For example, it is preferable to shift the positions in the thickness direction to an extent that a gap (see gap H2 in FIG. 10A) is formed between the back surface 2r of the first tabletop 2 and the front surfaces 3af and 3bf of the second tabletops 3a and 3b.

[0040] 3.2. Relative movement in the plane direction In the embodiment, as an example, the first tabletop 2 is rotatable within the XY plane. Meanwhile, the second tabletops 3a and 3b are movable in the circumferential direction R as the first tabletop 2 rotates, and the second movable mechanism 42 is actuated to allow the second tabletops 3a and 3b to slide radially from the center of rotation of the first tabletop 2. This radial sliding allows the second tabletops 3a and 3b to move in parallel with the center of rotation of the first tabletop 2. This parallel movement realizes the "relative movement in the plane direction" according to the embodiment.

[0041] 3.3.Operation from deployed state to stowed state Please refer to Figures 11A to 11C. By rotating the first tabletop 2 in the direction of the arrow R1, the switching operation proceeds in the order of steps S100 → S101 → S102.

[0042] (Step S100: Expanded state) Fig. 11A is a cut-out view of a portion of Fig. 2B, and since Fig. 11A illustrates the unfolded state, it corresponds to Figs. 1A to 4B.

[0043] In FIG. 11A, the connecting rod 423 is rotatable within the XY plane around an end fulcrum Q between it and the end rod 424. The connecting rod 423 is rotatable within the XY plane around a base fulcrum P between it and the crank arm 422. The center point O of the structure 1 is the center of gravity of the first tabletop 2. The central axis of the inner cylinder 412 in the first movable mechanism 41 coincides with the position of the center point O. FIG. 11A also shows the radial distance L. The radial distance L is the distance between the "connection portion of the slide portion 426 with the end rod 424" and the center point O.

[0044] In FIG. 11A, after the locking mechanism 43 is unlocked, the first tabletop 2 is rotated R1 along the circumferential direction R. The first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b, the guide rail 425, and the slide portion 426 rotate in the circumferential direction R along the arrow R1, with the center point O as the center of rotation. Meanwhile, the flange 421 and the crank arm 422 are fixed and remain in the same position without rotating. Then, the connecting rod 423 rotates by an angle θ1 around the base fulcrum P, and the angle between the connecting rod 423 and the end rod 424 also changes around the end fulcrum Q. At this time, the slide portion 426 is pushed outward in the radial direction while being guided by the guide rail 425. As a result, a gap of a separation width G (see FIG. 11B) is generated between the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b.

[0045] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the relative movement in the plate thickness direction is started during the rotation by the angle θ1 in step S100. That is, the first movable mechanism 41 moves the first tabletop 2 toward the depth of the paper surface of FIG. 11A (in the Z-axis direction, i.e., vertically upward).

[0046] (Step S101: Ongoing state) Please refer to Fig. 11B. Fig. 11B is a cut-out view of Fig. 6B. Fig. 11B illustrates an intermediate state, and therefore corresponds to Figs. 5A to 7.

[0047] In the intermediate state shown in FIG. 11B, the connecting rod 423 rotates by an angle θ1 from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 11A in response to the circumferential rotation along the arrow R1. As a result, the crank arm 422, connecting rod 423, and end rod 424 are aligned in a straight line. The radial distance L reaches a maximum value Lmax. When a further rotation R1 is applied to the first top panel 2 in FIG. 11B, the connecting rod 423 rotates by an additional angle θ2. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 11C is reached.

[0048] During the rotation through the angle θ2, the connecting rod 423 is folded toward the center point O, with the base fulcrum P as the fulcrum. This movement causes the sliding portion 426 to be pulled toward the center point O and brought closer to it. Accordingly, the separation width G decreases and eventually becomes zero, and the radial distance L decreases. The decrease in the radial distance L means that the first and second top panels 2, 3a, 3b move relatively in the planar direction so that the second top panels 3a, 3b move closer to the first top panel 2.

[0049] It should be noted that relative movement in the thickness direction also begins in the intermediate state. That is, the first movable mechanism 41 raises the first tabletop 2 in the thickness direction (Z direction) so that the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b are shifted in the thickness direction (Z direction) until they are no longer adjacent in the surface direction (XY plane direction) at the latest before the separation width G becomes zero from the intermediate state shown in FIG. 11B. This is to create a space in advance for the second tabletops 3a and 3b to enter on the back side of the first tabletop 2, thereby preventing the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b from colliding with each other during relative movement in the surface direction. The movement amount of the first movable mechanism 41 may be, for example, the dimension H1 shown in FIG. 10A. Dimension H1 is the thickness of the second tabletops 3a and 3b plus the gap H2.

[0050] (Step S102: Storage state) Please refer to Figure 11C. Figure 11C has the same content as Figure 9B, but some reference numerals are omitted. Figure 11C illustrates the stored state, and therefore corresponds to Figures 8A to 10B.

[0051] 11C shows a state in which the connecting rod 423 has rotated by an angle θ2 around the base fulcrum P. The radial distance L is at its minimum value Lmin. The second top panels 3a and 3b are stored on the rear surface of the first top panel 2 with a sufficient gap H2 (see FIG. 10A). In this state, the locking mechanism 43 is locked.

[0052] 3.4 Movement from stowed state to deployed state By rotating the first tabletop 2 in the direction opposite to the arrow R1 in FIG. 11C, the switching operation proceeds in the order of steps S102 → S101 → S100.

[0053] (Step S102: Storage state) After the locking mechanism 43 is unlocked, the first tabletop 2 is rotated in the direction opposite to the arrow R1 in the stored state (S102) of FIG. 11C.

[0054] By rotating the first tabletop 2, the second movable mechanism 42 (slider crank mechanism) is actuated, the slide portion 426 is pushed out in the radial direction, and accordingly the second tabletops 3a and 3b are protruded in the horizontal direction.

[0055] (Step S101: Ongoing state) The second top plates 3a and 3b are pushed out horizontally and eventually reach the intermediate state shown in Fig. 11B. At this stage, the first top plate 2 starts to descend (that is, relative movement in the plate thickness direction starts).

[0056] (Step S100: Expanded state) The rear surface 2r of the lowered first top plate 2 abuts against the bent portion at the upper end of the engagement member 416 (see FIG. 3A). This makes the first and second top plates 2, 3a, 3b substantially flush with each other.

[0057] 4. Functions and Effects of the Embodiments As described above, in the structure 1 of the embodiment, the movable part 4 moves the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relatively not only in the surface direction (XY plane direction) but also in the plate thickness direction (Z direction). This makes it possible to control the step between the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b in the unfolded state.

[0058] In the embodiment, as an example, the movement directions are shared between the first and second movable mechanisms 41 and 42, so that the movement in each direction can be controlled individually. By using separate mechanisms to carry out the movement in two orthogonal directions, there is also the advantage that the design and construction of the movable part 4 is easier than a structure in which movement in two directions is produced by a single movable mechanism.

[0059] In the embodiment, as an example, when switching from the unfolded state to the stowed state (the order of steps S100 → S101 → S102 in FIGS. 11A to 11C), the first movable mechanism 41 starts relative movement in the thickness direction to shift the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b in the thickness direction until the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b are no longer adjacent to each other in the surface direction. After the start of this relative movement, the second movable mechanism 42 moves the second tabletops 3a, 3b in the surface direction so that the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b overlap in a plan view of the first tabletop 2. When switching from the unfolded state to the stowed state, moving the tabletops in the thickness direction (Z direction) first has the advantage of making it less likely that the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b will interfere with each other.

[0060] In the embodiment, as an example, when switching from the stored state to the unfolded state (the order of steps S102 → S101 → S100 in FIGS. 11C to 11A), the order of relative movement of the movable part 4 is defined so that the relative movement in the surface direction (XY plane direction) by the second movable mechanism 42 starts first, and then the relative movement in the plate thickness direction (Z direction) by the first movable mechanism 41 starts. By performing the movement in the surface direction (XY plane direction) first when switching from the stored state to the unfolded state, there is an advantage that the first and second top plates 2, 3a, 3b are less likely to interfere with each other.

[0061] In the embodiment, for example, the first movable mechanism 41 moves relative to the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b in the thickness direction to make the front surfaces 2f, 3af, 3bf of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b "substantially flush." ​​This makes it possible to create a continuous tabletop without any steps in the unfolded state.

[0062] In the embodiments, "substantially flush" means that the "heights of the respective front surfaces" of the first top panel 2 and the second top panels 3a and 3b are substantially uniform. Specifically, "substantially flush" may mean that the "difference in height between the respective front surfaces" is within 0 to 5.0 mm or within 0 to 3.0 mm. Specifically, "substantially flush" may mean that the difference in height between the front surfaces is 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, or 5.0 mm, or may mean within a range of any two of the values ​​listed here.

[0063] In the embodiment, as an example, the first movable mechanism 41 rotates the first tabletop 2 in the circumferential direction of the rotation center in a plan view of the first tabletop 2, with the connection point between the rear surface of the first tabletop 2 and the first movable mechanism 41 as the rotation center. The second movable mechanism 42 moves the second tabletops 3a, 3b in the surface direction (XY plane direction) in accordance with the rotation of the first tabletop 2. Since the second tabletops 3a, 3b can be moved in the surface direction (XY plane direction) by rotating the first tabletop 2, operability is good for the user. Note that tabletops generally have a certain amount of width, so a sufficient distance is secured between the part that the user grips (i.e., the side end surface of the first tabletop 2) and the rotation center. This reduces the burden of the rotation operation.

[0064] In the embodiment, as an example, the second movable mechanism 42 includes a slider crank mechanism. The slider crank mechanism slides the second top panels 3a, 3b in accordance with the rotation of the first top panel 2. This makes it possible to smoothly convert the rotational motion into a sliding motion.

[0065] 5. Modifications, etc. The embodiment can employ at least one of the following various modified examples. A combination of multiple modified examples may be employed as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0066] 4.1. Modifications of the First and Second Movable Mechanisms The specific configurations of the first and second movable mechanisms 41, 42 in the embodiment are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Any mechanism that combines various mechanical elements so as to be able to move forward and backward in a predetermined direction can be employed to produce relative movement in the plate thickness direction and relative movement in the surface direction.

[0067] For example, any rack gear mechanism (rack and pinion) may be used for the first and / or second movable mechanisms 41, 42. In this case, the rack may be arranged along the direction of desired relative movement, and the rack may be connected to the first tabletop 2 or the second tabletop 3a, 3b, or a rotational force may be applied to the pinion by a predetermined manual operation by the user.

[0068] Instead of the slider crank mechanism, the second movable mechanism 42 may employ, for example, an extendable multi-stage rod-shaped member. One end of this rod-shaped member may be connected to the base 5, and the other end may support the second top panels 3a, 3b. The rod-shaped member may be extended or retracted by manually pushing or pulling it out, allowing the second top panels 3a, 3b to slide in the planar direction at any timing.

[0069] For example, any cam mechanism may be used for the first and / or second movable mechanisms 41, 42. A rotational force may be applied to the cam by a user's operation, and the cam may act on the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b directly or indirectly via another member, thereby creating relative movement in the plate thickness direction and / or the surface direction.

[0070] The movable unit 4 can be operated manually or automatically. One or more types of actuators may be added to at least one of the first and second movable mechanisms 41, 42, thereby automating part or all of the mechanism. Possible actuators include a gas actuator (e.g., a gas cylinder), an electric actuator (e.g., an electric motor), an electromagnetic actuator (e.g., a solenoid), or a hydraulic actuator, or a combination of at least one of these. The added actuator may be electronically controlled. The electronic control may be configured to move the first and second top plates 2, 3a, 3b relatively in the thickness direction and the surface direction in a predetermined order and at a predetermined timing. The electronic control may be achieved by adding a microcomputer to the movable unit 4 and having the microcomputer execute a program.

[0071] In the embodiment, as an example, by rotating the first tabletop 2, the movable unit 4 can move the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relatively in the planar direction and the thickness direction in a predetermined order (see "3.3. Operation from the unfolded state to the stowed state" above). However, this is just an example, and the movable unit 4 may be configured so that the relative movement in the thickness direction and the relative movement in the planar direction are provided independently of each other.

[0072] For example, the first operation is the rotation of the first tabletop 2, and the second operation is the operation of manually sliding the second tabletops 3a, 3b by pushing or pulling them in the surface direction. The user can move the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relatively in the thickness direction by performing the first operation on the movable unit 4, but the first operation does not necessarily have to enable relative movement in the surface direction. The user can move the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b relatively in the surface direction by performing the second operation on the movable unit 4, but the second operation does not necessarily have to enable relative movement in the thickness direction.

[0073] In the embodiment, the second movable mechanism 42 includes two slider-crank mechanisms each including a flange 421, a crank arm 422, a connecting rod 423, an end rod 424, a guide rail 425, a slide portion 426, and a tabletop fixing portion 4261, but may include one or three or more slider-crank mechanisms. That is, the structure 1 may include a first tabletop 2 and one second tabletop 3, or may include three or more second tabletops 3 for the first tabletop 2.

[0074] 4.2. Variations in Relative Movement In the thickness direction, the first tabletop 2 may be fixed and the second tabletops 3a, 3b may move, or vice versa. In the thickness direction, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b may move in opposite directions. In the thickness direction, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b may move in the same direction, but at different speeds to create relative movement. Of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b, those that should move in the thickness direction may each be provided with a separate first moving mechanism 41. Alternatively, a single first moving mechanism 41 may control multiple tabletops with a time difference, or the driving force may be converted to move separate tabletops at different speeds.

[0075] In the surface direction, the first tabletop 2 may be fixed and the second tabletops 3a, 3b may move, or vice versa. In the surface direction, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b may move in opposite directions. In the surface direction, the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b may move in the same direction, but their moving speeds may be different to create relative movement. Of the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, 3b, each tabletop that should move in the surface direction may be provided with a separate second moving mechanism 42. Alternatively, a single second moving mechanism 42 may control multiple tabletops with a time difference, or the driving force may be converted to move separate tabletops at different speeds.

[0076] Any one of the variations in the thickness direction described above can be combined with any one of the variations in the surface direction described above.

[0077] 4.3. Variations in Use The structure 1 according to the embodiment can employ first and second tabletops of any shape and any size. The application is not limited to perfectly circular tabletops, but may also include an oval tabletop or a tabletop of any regular polygonal shape, which may be divided at any location to form the first and second tabletops 2, 3a, and 3b. Alternatively, the structure 1 may be a table or desk whose tabletop shape is any irregular shape, such as a square, rectangle, polygon (regular or irregular), L-shape, or U-shape. Alternatively, the structure 1 may be a long counter table.

[0078] Various embodiments are exemplified below, and the embodiments shown below can be combined with each other.

[0079] [Appendix 1] A structure including a first tabletop, a second tabletop, and a movable part, In the unfolded state, the first and second top plates are arranged in the surface direction of the first top plate, In the stored state, the first and second top plates are stacked, The movable portion is a structure that switches between the deployed state and the stored state by moving the first and second tabletops relatively in a surface direction of the first tabletop and in a thickness direction of the first tabletop.

[0080] [Appendix 2] 10. The structure of claim 1, the movable portion includes a first movable mechanism and a second movable mechanism, the first movable mechanism is capable of moving the first top plate in the plate thickness direction, The second movable mechanism is capable of moving the second tabletop in the planar direction.

[0081] [Appendix 3] 1. The structure of claim 2, a structure in which, when switching from the deployed state to the stored state, the first movable mechanism starts relative movement to shift the first and second tabletops in the plate thickness direction until the first and second tabletops are no longer adjacent in the surface direction, and then the second movable mechanism moves the second tabletop in the surface direction so that the first and second tabletops overlap in a planar view of the first tabletop.

[0082] [Appendix 4] 1. A structure according to claim 2 or 3, The movable part is configured such that, when switching from the stored state to the deployed state, the second movable mechanism starts relative movement in the planar direction, and then the first movable mechanism starts relative movement in the plate thickness direction.

[0083] [Appendix 5] The structure according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, The first movable mechanism is a structure in which the front surfaces of the first and second tabletops in the unfolded state are made substantially flush with each other by relative movement in the plate thickness direction.

[0084] [Appendix 6] A structure according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, the first movable mechanism rotates the first tabletop in a circumferential direction around a rotation center that is a connection point between the rear surface of the first tabletop and the first movable mechanism in a plan view of the first tabletop; The second movable mechanism is a structure that moves the second tabletop in the planar direction in response to rotation of the first tabletop.

[0085] [Appendix 7] 10. The structure of claim 6, the second movable mechanism includes a slider crank mechanism, The slider crank mechanism is a structure that slides the second tabletop in response to the rotation of the first tabletop. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: structure, 2: second top plate, 2: first top plate, 2f: front surface, 2r: back surface, 2s: side surface, 3a: second top plate, 3af: front surface, 3ar: back surface, 3as: side surface, 3b: second top plate, 3bf: front surface, 3br: back surface, 3bs: side surface, 4: movable part, 5: base, 5a: bottom plate, 5b: column part, 41: first movable mechanism, 41: second movable mechanism, 42: second movable mechanism, 43: locking mechanism, 411: outer cylinder part, 412: inner cylinder part, 413: support plate, 414: support frame, 416: engaging member, 417: engaging slit, 421: flange, 422: crank arm, 423: connecting rod, 424: end rod, 425: guide rail, 425: second guide rail, 425: first guide rail, 426: second slide portion, 426: first slide portion, 426: slide portion, 431: lock plate, 432: through slit, 434: lock handle, 4121: top plate fixing portion, 4122: engagement bar, 4231: base portion, 4232: middle portion, 4233: tip portion, 4261: top plate fixing portion, 4262: top plate fixing portion, G: separation width, H1: dimension, H2: gap, L: radial distance, Lmax: maximum value of radial distance, Lmin: minimum value of radial distance, O: center point, P: base fulcrum, Q: end fulcrum, R: circumferential direction, R1: rotation direction

Claims

1. A structure including a first tabletop, a second tabletop, and a movable part, In the deployed state, the first and second top plates are arranged in a plane direction of the first top plate, In the stored state, the first and second top plates are stacked, The movable portion is a structure that switches between the deployed state and the stored state by moving the first and second tabletops relatively in the surface direction of the first tabletop and in the thickness direction of the first tabletop.

2. 10. The structure of claim 1, the movable portion includes a first movable mechanism and a second movable mechanism, the first movable mechanism is capable of moving the first top plate in the plate thickness direction, The second movable mechanism is capable of moving the second tabletop in the planar direction.

3. 3. The structure of claim 2, A structure in which, when switching from the deployed state to the stored state, the first movable mechanism starts relative movement to shift the first and second tabletops in the plate thickness direction until the first and second tabletops are no longer adjacent in the surface direction, and then the second movable mechanism moves the second tabletop in the surface direction so that the first and second tabletops overlap in a planar view of the first tabletop.

4. The structure according to claim 2 or claim 3, The movable part is configured such that, when switching from the stored state to the deployed state, the second movable mechanism starts relative movement in the planar direction, and then the first movable mechanism starts relative movement in the plate thickness direction.

5. The structure according to claim 2 or claim 3, A structure in which the first movable mechanism makes the front surfaces of the first and second top plates in the unfolded state substantially flush with each other by relative movement in the plate thickness direction.

6. The structure according to claim 2 or claim 3, the first movable mechanism rotates the first tabletop in a circumferential direction around a rotation center that is a connection point between a rear surface of the first tabletop and the first movable mechanism in a plan view of the first tabletop; The second movable mechanism is a structure that moves the second tabletop in the surface direction in response to rotation of the first tabletop.

7. 7. The structure of claim 6, the second movable mechanism includes a slider crank mechanism, The slider crank mechanism slides the second tabletop in response to rotation of the first tabletop.

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