Table device for seats

Abstract

To provide a seat table device that can improve convenience. [Solution] The seat table device 1, used in combination with the seat 10, comprises a table support part 2 connected to the back of a reclining seat back 11, a table 3 detachably connected to the table support part 2, and a table angle adjustment mechanism 4 that tilts the support angle of the table support part 2 that supports the table 3 in the opposite direction to the reclining motion by transmitting the amount of movement accompanying the reclining of the seat back 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a table device for a seat. More specifically, it relates to a table device for a seat that is used in combination with a seat.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a table device for a seat in which a foldable table is attached to the back surface of a seat back. The table is connected so that it can be unfolded or folded around an axis extending in the seat width direction on the back surface of the seat back.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the table is non - detachably connected to the back surface of the seat back. Therefore, when the table is large, it is likely to be in the way even when folded on the back surface of the seat back. Also, since the table is tilted as the reclining angle of the seat back is adjusted, the convenience is poor. Thus, the present invention provides a table device for a seat that can improve convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As means for solving the above problems, the table device for a seat of the present invention takes the following means.

[0006] In other words, the first invention of the present invention is a seat table device used in combination with a seat, comprising: a table support connected to the back of a seat movable part consisting of a reclining seat back or a headrest that reclines together with the seat back; a table detachably connected to the table support; and a table angle adjustment mechanism that tilts the support angle of the table support in the opposite direction to the reclining direction by transmitting the amount of movement associated with the reclining of the seat movable part.

[0007] According to the first invention, when the table is not in use, it can be removed from the table support. Therefore, even if the table is large, it can be kept out of the way when not in use. Furthermore, when the seat's movable part reclines, the support angle of the table can be tilted in the opposite direction to the reclining motion. This allows the support angle of the table to always be adjusted to be close to horizontal, even when the seat's movable part reclines. These features improve the convenience of the seat table device.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is a seat table device in which, in the first invention described above, the table support portion has a pair of upper and lower rods extending in the seat width direction to which the table is detachably connected, the upper rod is integrally fixed to the seat movable portion, and the lower rod is moved in the seat front-rear direction by the table angle adjustment mechanism in conjunction with the reclining of the seat movable portion.

[0009] According to the second invention, when the table is removed, the upper rod, which is integrally fixed to the movable part of the seat, can function as another load-bearing part. Therefore, for example, the upper rod can be used as a handrail to support the weight of the occupant or as a hanging part for luggage.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a seat table device in which, in the second invention described above, the table angle adjustment mechanism comprises a link integrally provided with the lower rod and connected to the upper rod so as to be rotatable around the rod, a spring that applies a biasing force to the link to move the lower rod toward the rear of the seat, an arm that is rotatably provided around the reclining hinge center and connected to the link via a cable so as to be able to transmit power, and a push part provided on the movable part of the seat that pushes the arm in accordance with forward reclining to pull the link in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the spring, and releases the pull of the link in accordance with rearward reclining.

[0011] According to the third invention, a table angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the support angle of the table in accordance with the reclining of the seat can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is a seat table device that, in any of the first to third inventions described above, further comprises a folding mechanism that allows the table to be folded along the back portion of the seat's movable part.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, when the table is not in use, it can be not only removed from the table support but also folded and stored along the back of the seat's movable section. This further improves the convenience of the seat table device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a sheet table device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the table detached from its support structure. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the expanded state of the table. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the table in its folded state. [Figure 5]It is a side view showing the configuration of the table angle adjustment mechanism. [Figure 6] It is a side view showing a state in which the support angle of the table support portion is changed by the previous rotation of the seat back.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 《First Embodiment》[[ID=十六]] (Schematic Configuration of the Seat Table Device 1) First, the configuration of the seat table device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. In the following description, when indicating each direction such as front and rear, up and down, etc., the respective directions shown in each figure shall be referred to. The directions shown in each figure are the directions as seen from the occupant sitting on the seat 10. Also, when indicating each direction with "seat" attached, such as "seat width direction", etc., it shall refer to the respective directions based on the seat 10.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the seat table device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a table device used in combination with the seat 10. The seat 10 is configured as a single-seat mounted on an automobile. Specifically, the seat 10 has a seat back 11 that serves as the backrest portion of the seated occupant, a seat cushion 12 that serves as the seating portion, and a headrest 13 that serves as the headrest portion.

[0018] The lower ends of both left and right sides of the seat back 11 are connected to the rear ends of both left and right sides of the seat cushion 12 via recliners 11A. Thereby, the seat back 11 can adjust the backrest angle with respect to the seat cushion 12 by rotation around the hinge center C of each recliner 11A in the front-rear direction of the seat.

[0019] Each recliner 11A is normally held in a state where the reclining angle of the seat back 11 is fixed. Each recliner 11A is switched to a state where its fixing is released and the reclining angle of the seat back 11 can be changed when a lever (not shown) is operated. Each recliner 11A returns to a state where the reclining angle of the seat back 11 is fixed again when the operation of the lever is released.

[0020] The headrest 13 is attached to the upper part of the seat back 11. Thereby, the headrest 13 reclines integrally with the seat back 11 when the seat back 11 reclines. Also, the seat 10 is connected to the floor via a slide rail (not shown). Thereby, the seat 10 can adjust its position in the front - rear direction of the seat with respect to the floor. Here, the seat back 11 corresponds to the "seat movable part" of the present invention.

[0021] The seat - mounted table device 1 has a table support part 2 connected to the back surface of the seat back 11 and a table 3 detachably connected to the table support part 2. The table support part 2 has a pair of left - and - right bases 2A fixed to the back surface of the seat back 11 and an upper rod 2B extending in the seat width direction spanned between the respective bases 2A. Also, the table support part 2 further has a lower rod 2C provided so as to extend in the seat width direction below the upper rod 2B.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the table 3 is configured to be attached to and detached from the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C of the table support part 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the table 3 has a flat table top plate 3A forming its table surface and a base 3B supporting the table top plate 3A. The table 3 has a folding mechanism F that can fold the table top plate 3A with respect to the base 3B.

[0023] Specifically, the tabletop 3A is rotatably connected to the upper end of the base 3B by a connecting pin 3C that extends in the width direction of the seat. In addition, a pair of left and right stays 3D are connected between the tabletop 3A and the base 3B, which slide up and down along the base 3B as the tabletop 3A rotates relative to the base 3B.

[0024] Each stay 3D is rotatably connected to the table top 3A by a connecting pin D1 that extends in the seat width direction at its upper end. Additionally, each stay 3D has a sliding pin D2 that extends in the seat width direction and is connected to its lower end, which is fitted into elongated holes B1 formed on both the left and right edges of the base 3B that extend in the seat height direction, allowing it to slide in the seat height direction.

[0025] A lock lever 3E is connected to the base 3B, which holds the tabletop 3A in an unfolded position. The lock lever 3E is rotatably connected to the base 3B by a connecting pin E1 that extends in the seat width direction. The lock lever 3E is biased in a counterclockwise direction (as shown) by a spring (not shown) that is attached between it and the base 3B. As a result, the lock lever 3E is normally held in a position where its upper end overlaps each of the elongated holes B1 of the base 3B in a side view.

[0026] As the tabletop 3A is unfolded, each slide pin D2 is pulled upward, pushing the lock lever 3E backward. Then, as each slide pin D2 passes upward, the lock lever 3E is forced back to its original position. As a result, the upper end of the lock lever 3E is returned to a position where it overlaps with each elongated hole B1 in a side view, supporting each slide pin D2 from below.

[0027] As a result, the tabletop 3A is held in a state where it is not folded downward in the unfolded position. The lock lever 3E is released from supporting each slide pin D2 by the user pushing forward the part of the lock lever 3E below the connecting pin E1. This allows the tabletop 3A to be rotated clockwise around the connecting pin 3C as shown in Figure 4 and folded into the base 3B for storage.

[0028] The base 3B has a pair of hooks 3F integrally attached to it at two locations, top and bottom. As shown in Figure 2, these hooks 3F are fixed by hooking two hooks each onto the upper rod 2B and lower rod 2C of the table support 2 from the top of the seat. The table 3 is fixed to the table support 2 by hooking these hooks 3F. The table 3 can be removed from the table support 2 by pulling these hooks 3F upwards from the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C.

[0029] By incorporating this folding mechanism F, Table 3 can not only be removed from the back of the seat back 11 when not in use, but can also be folded and stored along the back of the seat back 11. This enhances the convenience of Table 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the seat table device 1 further includes a table angle adjustment mechanism 4 that adjusts the support angle of the table 3 by the table support part 2 described above so that the table 3 is always supported horizontally even when the seat back 11 is reclined. Specifically, the table angle adjustment mechanism 4 is structured to tilt the support angle of the table support part 2 in the opposite direction to the reclining motion by transmitting the amount of movement associated with the reclining of the seat back 11.

[0031] The table angle adjustment mechanism 4 will now be described in detail. The table angle adjustment mechanism 4 has inverted L-shaped links 4A connected to two locations on the left and right of the upper rod 2B of the table support part 2 described above, and a spring 4B that biases these links 4A in the counterclockwise direction shown in the figure. The table angle adjustment mechanism 4 also has an L-shaped arm 4C that is provided to be rotatable around one of the hinge centers C of each recliner 11A, and a cable 4D that is connected between one end of this arm 4C and one of the links 4A so as to be able to transmit power.

[0032] Each link 4A has an upper rod 2B passing through its L-shaped bend. This supports each link 4A so that it can rotate around the upper rod 2B. The upper rod 2B is integrally connected to a pair of left and right bases 2A.

[0033] The lower rod 2C is passed through the lower ends of the L-shaped downward-extending portions of each link 4A, and they are integrally connected. As a result, each link 4A is connected to the upper rod 2B so that it can rotate integrally with the others through the lower rod 2C. The upper rod 2B and the lower rod 2C are positioned to extend parallel to each other in the direction of the sheet width.

[0034] Arm 4C is rotatably connected to a connecting pin C3 located on the same axis as the hinge center C of one of the recliners 11A. Cable 4D is connected between the rearward-extending L-shaped portion of arm 4C and the forward-extending L-shaped portion of one of the links 4A. As a result, arm 4C receives a force from cable 4D that causes link 4A to rotate counterclockwise in the diagram due to the biasing force of spring 4B, and rotates around connecting pin C3 clockwise in the diagram.

[0035] As a result, the upward-extending L-shaped portion of the arm 4C strikes and stops against the push portion 4E, which is connected to one side frame of the seat back 11. Consequently, the counterclockwise rotation shown due to the biasing force of the spring 4B of the link 4A is also stopped.

[0036] This also fixes the positions of the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C that are stretched between each link 4A. As a result, the support angle at which the table 3 is supported by the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C is fixed. This support angle at which the table 3 is supported by the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C is adjusted so that the table 3 is supported in a nearly horizontal position regardless of the angle to which the seat back 11 is reclined.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, when the seat back 11 is reclined so that it is raised forward from the reclining angle shown in Figure 5, the push portion 4E of the seat back 11 pushes the arm 4C, which is in contact with it, forward. As a result, the arm 4C is rotated counterclockwise around the connecting pin C3 as shown. Consequently, the link 4A receives the amount of rotational movement of the arm 4C through the cable 4D and is rotated clockwise around the upper rod 2B as shown.

[0038] The rotation of link 4A causes the lower rod 2C to move inward relative to the upper rod 2B, towards the front of the seat. This movement raises the backrest angle of the seat back 11, while tilting the support angle of the table 3 by the upper rod 2B and the lower rod 2C so that it slopes downwards towards the rear. In other words, it tilts in the opposite direction to the reclining direction of the seat back 11. Therefore, these movements ensure that even when the seat back 11 is raised forward, the table 3 is not raised forward in the same way, and its support angle is adjusted to be closer to horizontal.

[0039] Furthermore, when the seat back 11 is tilted backward from the backrest angle shown in Figure 6, the push portion 4E of the seat back 11 is retracted backward. As a result, the arm 4C is rotated clockwise around the connecting pin C3 until it comes into contact with the push portion 4E. Consequently, the pull of the cable 4D on the link 4A is loosened by an amount corresponding to the rotational movement of the arm 4C, and the biasing force of the spring 4B causes it to rotate counterclockwise around the upper rod 2B.

[0040] The rotation of link 4A causes the lower rod 2C to move so as to be pushed backward relative to the upper rod 2B. This movement causes the backrest angle of the seat back 11 to tilt, while the support angle of the table 3 by the upper rod 2B and the lower rod 2C is tilted upward towards the rear. In other words, it is tilted in the opposite direction to the reclining direction of the seat back 11. Therefore, these movements adjust the support angle so that even when the seat back 11 is tilted backward, the table 3 does not tilt backward in the same way, but rather its support angle is brought closer to horizontal.

[0041] Thus, the table 3 is adjusted so that its support angle remains approximately horizontal regardless of the angle to which the seat back 11 is reclined. The upper rod 2B, which is attached to the back of the seat back 11, functions as a load-bearing part that can support each link 4A in place. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, when the table 3 is detached from the upper and lower rods 2B and 2C, the upper rod 2B can be used as a handrail to support the weight of the occupant or as a hanging part for luggage.

[0042] Furthermore, the table 3's fore-aft position and height relative to the floor can be changed in conjunction with the reclining of the seatback 11. Therefore, by reclining the seatback 11, the table 3 can be adjusted to a height that is easy for the rear-seat passenger to use. Also, by sliding the seat 10 in the fore-aft direction, the table 3 can be adjusted to a fore-aft position that is easy for the rear-seat passenger to use.

[0043] Furthermore, since the table 3 can be removed from the seat back 11 when not in use, even if it is a large table suitable for desk work in the car, it can be removed when not in use to avoid getting in the way.

[0044] In summary, the sheet table device 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective configurations shown in the above embodiment.

[0045] In other words, the seat table device (1) used in combination with the seat (10) includes a table support (2) connected to the back of the seat movable part (11), which consists of a reclining seat back (11) or a headrest (13) that reclines together with the seat back (11); a table (3) detachably connected to the table support (2); and a table angle adjustment mechanism (4) that tilts the support angle of the table support (2) that supports the table (3) in the opposite direction to the reclining motion by transmitting the amount of movement associated with the reclining of the seat movable part (11).

[0046] According to the above configuration, when the table (3) is not in use, the table (3) can be removed from the table support (2). Therefore, even if the table (3) is large, it can be kept out of the way when not in use. In addition, when the seat movable part (11) is reclined, the support angle of the table (3) can be tilted in the opposite direction to the reclining motion. This allows the support angle of the table (3) to always be adjusted to be close to horizontal even when the seat movable part (11) is reclined. These features improve the convenience of the seat table device (1).

[0047] Furthermore, the table support (2) has a pair of upper and lower rods (2B, 2C) extending in the seat width direction to which the table (3) is detachably connected. The upper rod (2B) is integrally fixed to the seat movable part (11). The lower rod (2C) is moved in the seat front-rear direction by the table angle adjustment mechanism (4) in conjunction with the reclining of the seat movable part (11).

[0048] According to the above configuration, when the table (3) is removed, the upper rod (2B), which is integrally fixed to the seat movable part (11), can function as another load-bearing part. Therefore, for example, the upper rod (2B) can be used as a handrail to support the weight of the occupant or as a hanging part for luggage.

[0049] Furthermore, the table angle adjustment mechanism (4) includes a link (4A), a spring (4B), an arm (4C), and a push part (4E). The link (4A) integrally includes a lower rod (2C) and is connected to the upper rod (2B) so as to be rotatable around the rod (2B). The spring (4B) applies a biasing force to the link (4A) that moves the lower rod (2C) toward the rear of the seat.

[0050] The arm (4C) is rotatably mounted around the reclining hinge center (C) and is connected to the link (4A) and cable (4D) so as to transmit power. The push part (4E) is provided on the seat movable part (11) and pushes the arm (4C) in accordance with forward reclining, pulling the link (4A) in a direction against the biasing force of the spring (4B), and releases the pulling of the link (4A) in accordance with rearward reclining. With the above configuration, a table angle adjustment mechanism (4) that adjusts the support angle of the table (3) in accordance with the reclining of the seat movable part (11) can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

[0051] Furthermore, the seat table device (1) includes a folding mechanism (F) that allows the table (3) to be folded along the back of the seat movable part (11). With this configuration, when the table (3) is not in use, it can be not only removed from the table support part (2), but also folded and stored along the back of the seat movable part (11). This further improves the convenience of the seat table device (1).

[0052] Regarding other embodiments: Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than those described above.

[0053] 1. The seat table device of the present invention is applicable to seats used in vehicles other than automobiles, such as trains, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the seat table device is applicable to seats used in vehicles other than automobiles.

[0054] 2. The table support may be connected to the back of the seat back, or to the back of the headrest that reclines together with the seat back. The table support may be configured to detachably hook the table with a pair of upper and lower rods, or to detachably hook the table with hooking holes on the table that can be hooked onto hooks provided on the table, or with hooks that can be hooked onto hooking holes provided on the table. The table support may also be configured to detachably connect the table by a snap-fit ​​fitting.

[0055] 3. The table only needs to be detachably connected to the table support and does not need to have a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism only needs to be able to fold the table so that it follows the back of the seat's movable part, and may be one that folds by pushing the table downwards or by flipping it upwards.

[0056] 4. The table angle adjustment mechanism only needs to tilt the support angle of the table support by transmitting the amount of movement associated with the reclining of the seat's movable part, and may consist of a link mechanism or a gear train. The table angle adjustment mechanism only needs to tilt the support angle of the table by the table support in the opposite direction to the reclining motion to bring the support angle of the table closer to horizontal, and may also tilt the support angle of the table upward or downward from horizontal.

[0057] Furthermore, the table angle adjustment mechanism may not only maintain the table's support angle approximately horizontal to the reclining of the seat's movable part, but may also be moved to maintain the table's support angle adjusted by the user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Table device for 1 sheet 2 Table support section 2A base 2B Rod 2C Rod 3 tables 3A Tabletop 3B Bass B1 long hole 3C connecting pin 3D Stay D1 Connecting pin D2 slide pin 3E Locking Lever E1 Connecting pin 3F Hook 4. Table angle adjustment mechanism 4A Link 4B spring 4C arm C3 Connecting Pin 4D Cable 4E Push-button 10 sheets 11. Seat back (seat movable part) 11A Reclining Seat 12 seat cushions 13 Headrest C Hinge Center F Folding mechanism

Claims

1. A table device for a seat, used in combination with a seat, A table support is connected to the back of the seat's movable part, which consists of a reclining seat back or a headrest that reclines together with the seat back, A table that is detachably connected to the table support, A seat table device having a table angle adjustment mechanism that tilts the support angle of the table support portion in the opposite direction to the reclining direction by transmitting the amount of movement associated with the reclining of the seat movable portion.

2. A table device for a sheet according to claim 1, The table support portion has a pair of upper and lower rods extending in the width direction of the seat, to which the table is detachably connected. A seat table device in which the upper rod is integrally fixed to the seat movable part, and the lower rod is moved in the front-to-back direction of the seat by the table angle adjustment mechanism in conjunction with the reclining of the seat movable part.

3. A table device for a sheet according to claim 2, The aforementioned table angle adjustment mechanism, A link integrally comprising the lower rod and connected to the upper rod so as to be rotatable around the rod, The link has a spring that applies a biasing force to move the lower rod toward the rear of the seat, An arm is rotatably mounted around the reclining hinge center and connected to the link and cable so as to transmit power, A seat table device having a push mechanism provided on the movable part of the seat, which pushes the arm in accordance with the forward reclining motion, pulling the link in a direction against the biasing force of the spring, and loosens the pull of the link in accordance with the rearward reclining motion.

4. A sheet table device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A seat table device further comprising a folding mechanism that allows the table to be folded along the back portion of the seat's movable part.

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