table

Abstract

To provide a table with a reduced number of parts in the holding mechanism that keeps the legs in an extended state, a simple structure, and easy assembly. [Solution] A pair of guide rails 92 are attached to the underside of the top plate 12, a slider 102 provided on the stay member 100 is slidably engaged with the guide rails 92, and a cantilevered support piece 106 has a fixed end 106A and a free end 106B fixed to the top plate 12, and a latch member 110 is provided on the free end 106B side of the support piece 106, and the latch member 110 engages with the stay member 100 by the elastic deformation of the support piece 106 in order to prevent the slider 102 from moving relative to the guide rails 92 when the leg body 14 is in an extended state hanging down from the top plate 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a table with foldable legs.

Background Art

[0002] In desks such as conference tables, there is known a desk in which the legs can be folded with respect to the top plate so that the desk can be stored in a small space. In such a desk, a holding mechanism for stably holding the deployed state (use state) in which the legs extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plate is incorporated (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0003] These conventionally known holding mechanisms include an engaging claw that can be engaged with the other end of a stay member whose one end is connected to the leg, and a spring member such as a compression coil spring or a torsion coil spring that biases the engaging claw in the engaging direction with the stay member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above prior art, since a spring member separate from the structure that supports the engaging claw is required, the number of parts is large, the structure is complex, and since it includes the assembly process of the spring member, the assembly of the holding mechanism is not easy.

[0006] In view of the above background, the present invention aims to provide a table in which the holding mechanism for keeping the legs in an extended state has a reduced number of parts, a simple structure, and is easy to assemble. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a table (10) having a top plate (12) and a pair of legs (14) foldably provided at the bottom of the top plate, each having an end (14C) rotatably connected to the top plate, wherein a pair of guide rails (92) are attached to the top plate and each forms a guide groove (96) extending along the lower surface of the top plate, and a first end (100A) is rotatably connected to the longitudinal middle part of each leg and a second end (1) is slidably engaged in the corresponding guide groove in the extending direction while restricting vertical movement The system includes a pair of stay members (100) having a 00B), a pair of cantilevered support pieces (106) having a fixed end (106A) fixed to the top plate and a free end (106B) extending along the corresponding guide rail, and a latch member (110) provided on the free end side of each of the support pieces and capable of engaging with and disengaging from the corresponding stay member, wherein the latch member engages with the stay member by elastic deformation of the support piece in order to prevent the movement of the second end of the corresponding stay member relative to the guide rail when the leg body is extended and hanging down from the top plate.

[0008] In this configuration, the support piece acts as a leaf spring that biases the latch member in the direction of engagement with the stay member, eliminating the need for a separate spring member. As a result, the number of parts in the holding mechanism that keeps the leg in the extended position is reduced, the structure of the holding mechanism is simpler, and assembly is easier.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the top plate has a top plate body (80) that is rectangular in plan view, and a plurality of beam members (82) provided on the lower surface of the top plate body and extending parallel to the outer edge of the top plate body, and the guide rail and the support piece may be fixed to the beam member among the plurality of beam members adjacent to the outer edge of the top plate.

[0010] With this configuration, the guide rails and support pieces are attached to the high-rigidity portion of the tabletop, increasing the mounting strength of the guide rails and support pieces to the tabletop, and suppressing deformation of the tabletop due to the load acting on it from the guide rails and support pieces.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the guide groove has a cross-section with a concave groove shape that opens laterally, and may further have a slider (104) attached to the second end of the stay member by a shaft (102) and slidably engaging with the inner surface of the guide groove.

[0012] This configuration ensures precise movement of the slider along the extension direction of the guide rail and effective prevention of vertical movement of the slider relative to the guide rail.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the guide rail may include a raised portion (92C) that increases the sliding resistance of the slider when the pair of legs are folded along the top plate.

[0014] With this configuration, the tabletop can be held in a folded state without the need for any additional parts.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the latch member may include an axial restraint recess for receiving the shaft.

[0016] This configuration ensures that the latching member securely latches the shaft without complicating the structure.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the table may further have a cross member (108) at the free end side of each of the support pieces that connects the pair of support pieces to each other.

[0018] With this configuration, the displacement of the pair of support pieces is performed reliably and simultaneously.

[0019] In the above aspect, the latch member may be provided on the cross member.

[0020] According to this configuration, the number of parts is reduced.

[0021] In the above aspect, the guide rail may include a vertical wall (93) that defines the guide groove, and the cross member may have a surface portion (110C) that faces the vertical wall of the guide rail.

[0022] According to this configuration, the lateral displacement of the latch member with respect to the guide rail is suppressed, and the locking action of the latch member is surely performed.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a table in which the holding mechanism for holding the legs in the deployed state has a small number of parts, a simple structure, and is easy to assemble.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the entire table of Embodiment 1 as viewed from above [Figure 2] Perspective view of the left half of the table of Embodiment 1 as viewed from below [Figure 3] Bottom view of the table of Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Enlarged bottom view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table of Embodiment 1 in the leg folded state <000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Vertical cross-sectional view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table in the extended state of the table legs of Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] Vertical cross-sectional view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table legs in the folded state of Embodiment 3 [Figure 12] Vertical cross-sectional view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table in the extended state of the table legs of Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII in Figure 11 [Figure 14] Enlarged bottom view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table legs in the folded state of Embodiment 4 [Figure 15] Enlarged bottom view of the main part (left half of the table) of the table legs in the extended state of Embodiment 4. [Figure 16] Partial side cross-sectional view of the table legs in the extended state of Embodiment 4 [Figure 17] Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the table legs in the extended state of Embodiment 4 [Figure 18] Partial cross-sectional view of the table legs of Embodiment 4 in the extended state. [Figure 19] Partial cross-sectional view of the table legs of Embodiment 4 in the folded state. [Figure 20] Partial cross-sectional view of the folding-unfolding process of the table legs of Embodiment 4 [Figure 21] Bottom view of the tabletop of Embodiment 4 [Figure 22] Perspective view of the guide rail used in the table of Embodiment 4 [Figure 23] Bottom view of the support piece, cross member, and latch member used in the table of Embodiment 4. [Figure 24] Side view of the support piece, cross member, and latch member. [Figure 25] Front view of the support piece, cross member, and latch member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The following describes embodiments of the table according to the present invention with reference to the figures. In the following description of embodiments, the front / back, left / right, and up / down directions are defined as the directions shown in each figure.

[0026] <Embodiment 1> The table 10 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the table 10 of Embodiment 1 has a rectangular tabletop 12, foldable rod-shaped legs 14 attached to the lower part of each of the four corners of the tabletop 12, and stay members 16 connecting the lower part of the tabletop 12 to the middle part of each leg 14. In the following description, the front and rear legs 14 will be referred to as a pair of legs 14. Therefore, one table 10 has a pair of legs 14 on each side.

[0027] The tabletop 12, legs 14, and stay members 16 are all bent and press-formed products made from metal sheets such as steel plates and aluminum plates.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the top plate 12 has a rectangular (rectangular) flat top plate body 20 and a pair of left and right frame bodies 22 and a pair of front and rear frame bodies 24 provided on the lower surface of the top plate body 20 at each outer edge of the top plate body 20.

[0029] The left and right frame members 22 each extend linearly in the front-to-back direction along the left and right outer edges of the top plate body 20. As shown in Figure 6, each left and right frame member 22 is constructed to have a closed cross-sectional shape by a bent molding portion 22A on the outer edge of the top plate body 20 and a bent molding member 22B joined to the top plate body 20. The bent molding member 22B may be joined to the top plate body 20 by double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, or welding.

[0030] The front and rear frame members 24 each extend linearly in the left-right direction along the front and rear outer edges of the top plate body 20. As shown in Figure 8, each front and rear frame member 24 is constructed to have a closed cross-sectional shape by a bent-formed portion 24A on the outer edge of the top plate body 20 and a bent-formed member 24B joined to the top plate body 20. The pair of front and rear frame members 24 form parallel extending portions that extend parallel to each other along their entire length. The bent-formed members 24B may be joined to the top plate body 20 by double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, or welding.

[0031] The left and right frame members 22 and the front and rear frame members 24 increase the bending rigidity of the top plate 12. This allows the top plate body 20 to be constructed from a thin plate.

[0032] The left and right frame members 22 and the front and rear frame members 24 have the same height. In this embodiment, "height" refers to the vertical direction as seen in Figures 6 to 8, perpendicular to the surface of the top plate body 20.

[0033] The top plate 12 further has two beam members 26 attached to the middle portion of the lower surface 20A of the top plate body 20 in the front-rear direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The two beam members 26 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction between the left and right frame bodies 22, with a predetermined distance between them in the front-rear direction. Each beam member 26 is formed in a cross-sectional shape with a lipped groove, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, and its lip portion is joined to the lower surface 20A of the top plate body 20, and works in cooperation with the top plate body 20 to form a closed cross-sectional shape. The beam members 26 may be joined to the top plate body 20 by double-sided adhesive tape, adhesive, or welding.

[0034] The two beam members 26 are reinforcing members for the top plate 12. Since the top plate 12 is a long rectangle in the left-right direction, the two beam members 26 extend in the long direction of the top plate 12, effectively increasing the bending rigidity of the top plate 12. This allows the top plate body 20 to be constructed from thin plates.

[0035] The two beam members 26 have a height lower than the heights of the left and right frames 22 and the front and rear frames 24 (see Figure 8), and form a concave groove 28 that extends linearly in the left-right direction between them. The groove 28 opens downwards. The groove 28 is reliably constructed using the two beam members 26, which are reinforcing members of the top plate 12.

[0036] Since the lower surface 26A of the beam member 26 forms part of the lower surface of the top plate 12, the lower surface 26A of the beam member 26, together with the lower surface 20A of the top plate body 20, is sometimes referred to as the lower surface of the top plate 12.

[0037] Each leg 14 is constructed as a hollow body with a rectangular cross-sectional shape by combining two groove-shaped cross-sectional members 14A and 14B (see Figure 8). As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 7, each leg 14, in its standing position (extended state) extending perpendicular to the top plate 12, has a pivot part 30 at its upper end 14C, which is rotatably attached to the inside of the corresponding front and rear frame 24 by a shaft member. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, each leg 14 is stored by rotating approximately 90 degrees around the pivot part 30 from the extended state, so as to be aligned with the inside of the corresponding front and rear frame 24.

[0038] The pair of legs 14 are connected to each other by connecting members 15 and 17, respectively, near the pivoting part 30 and at the opposite end 14D of the pivoting part 30.

[0039] Each leg 14 has a height less than or equal to the height of the front and rear frames 24 so that when folded along the inside of the corresponding front and rear frames 24, the entire leg is housed inside the front and rear frames 24. This height setting prevents the leg 14 from protruding beyond the front and rear frames 24 when folded. As a result, when multiple tables 10 are folded and stacked on top of each other for storage, the storage volume required is reduced.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a cushioning sheet 32 ​​is attached to the outer surface of each leg 14, specifically to the end 14C of each leg 14 and its vicinity, so that it faces outward in the direction of the leg 14 when the leg 14 is folded. The cushioning sheet 32 ​​prevents the legs 14 of adjacent tables 10 from directly contacting each other when multiple tables 10 are stored folded and stacked on top of each other.

[0041] As shown in Figure 3, the stay members 16 are positioned inside the corresponding leg bodies 14 and form front and rear pairs on the front and rear sides of the top plate 12. The front and rear pair of stay members 16 have a pair of stay bodies 36, each having a leg body-side end 36A and a top plate-side end 36B opposite to the leg body-side end 36A, which are rotatably connected by a shaft member 34 to the inside of the middle portion of the corresponding leg body 14, and a connecting bar 38 attached to the top plate-side end 36B of the pair of stay bodies 36 to connect the top plate-side end 36B to each other.

[0042] The top plate-side end 36B of each stay body 36 is positioned above the corresponding beam member 26. As a result, each stay body 36 is inclined so that it is positioned from the front-to-back edge of the top plate 12 toward the center as it moves from the leg-side end 36A toward the top plate-side end 36B. The connecting bar 38 connects a pair of top plate-side ends 36B to each other, with a front-to-back spacing smaller than the front-to-back spacing of the pair of leg-side ends 36A. As a result, the connecting bar 38 does not interfere with the leg body 14.

[0043] A holding mechanism for maintaining the leg body 14 in both the extended and folded states is provided on the lower part of the top plate 12, specifically on the underside of the beam member 26, by a first plate 40 and a second plate 42. The first plate 40 and the second plate 42 are sequentially attached to the underside of the beam member 26 by fastening them together with screws 44 at four locations: front, back, left, and right. The second plate 42 has a thickness greater than that of the first plate 40 and has a bending rigidity greater than that of the first plate 40.

[0044] In the following explanation, the direction "from the center of the top plate 12 toward the outer edge" is to the left for the first plate 40 for the left leg 14 as seen in Figure 3, and the direction "from the outer edge of the top plate 12 toward the center" is to the right for the first plate 40 for the left leg 14 as seen in Figure 2. This direction is reversed for the first plate 40 for the right leg 14 as seen in Figure 2 compared to the first plate 40 for the left leg 14. In other words, the direction "from the center of the top plate 12 toward the outer edge" is to the right for the first plate 40 for the right leg 14 as seen in Figure 2, and the direction "from the outer edge of the top plate 12 toward the center" is to the left for the first plate 40 for the left leg 14 as seen in Figure 2.

[0045] The following explanation using Figures 4 to 8 describes the structure attached to the left leg 14 as seen in Figure 2. Note that the structure attached to the right leg 14 as seen in Figure 3 is identical to the structure attached to the left leg 14, but reversed horizontally, so its explanation is omitted.

[0046] The first plate 40 has a first spring piece 46, a connecting piece 48, and a second spring piece 50 in a single integrated structure, arranged in order from the outer edge side of the top plate 12 (corresponding to the left and right frame bodies 22 sides) to the right. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first spring piece 46, the connecting piece 48, and the second spring piece 50 are all positioned so that they overlap the groove 28 from below. The connecting piece 48 is located between the first spring piece 46 and the second spring piece 50, connecting them to each other.

[0047] The first plate 40 further includes a pair of cantilever-shaped first fixing pieces 54 extending from the center to the outer edge of the top plate 12, with gaps provided by slits 52 (see Figure 4) on both the front and rear edges of the first spring piece 46, and a pair of cantilever-shaped second fixing pieces 58 extending from the outer edge to the center of the top plate 12, with gaps provided by slits 56 (see Figure 4) on both the front and rear edges of the second spring piece 50.

[0048] The front and rear pair of first fixing pieces 54 and the front and rear pair of second fixing pieces 58 overlap the corresponding beam member 26 from below, and their respective ends (free ends) are fixed to the beam member 26 by screws 44. This ensures the required springiness of the first spring piece 46 and the second spring piece 50, and the first plate is attached to the top plate 12 with the required strength.

[0049] The second plate 42 includes an overlapping portion 42A that overlaps the lower surfaces of the first spring piece 46, connecting piece 48, and second spring piece 50 of the first plate 40 at a vertical distance from the groove 28, where it overlaps from below. The second plate 42 has front and rear side portions 42B on both the front and rear sides of the overlapping portion 42A, which overlap the corresponding beam members 26 from below, sandwiching the first fixing piece 54 and the second fixing piece 58. Each front and rear side portion 42B is fixed to the beam member 26 together with the first plate 40 by screws 44, with screw fastening pieces 42C and 42D provided at the left and right ends. The right screw fastening piece 42C is screwed to the lower surface of the beam member 26, while the right screw fastening piece 42D enters the interior of the beam member 26 through an opening 26B (see Figure 4) formed in the beam member 26 and is screwed to the upper surface inside the beam member 26.

[0050] The connecting bar 38 has a portion 38A (see Figures 4 and 5) located between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42 at a position corresponding to below the groove 28, that is, a portion 38A that is sandwiched between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42 from above and below.

[0051] The first spring piece 46 of the first plate 40 is a cantilevered piece extending from the connecting piece 48 towards the outer edge of the top plate 12, and is positioned to overlap the groove 28. The first spring piece 46 has a first locking projection 47.

[0052] The first locking projection 47 is bent into a reverse-locking shape and, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, engages with the connecting bar 38 to prevent it from moving toward the center of the top plate 12 at a position corresponding to the overlapping portion 42A of the second plate 42 when the pair of legs 14 are in an extended state at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the top plate 12. In other words, the first locking projection 47 locks the connecting bar 38 to prevent it from moving toward the center of the top plate 12 when the pair of legs 14 are in an extended state.

[0053] The first plate 40 further has a first release piece 49 that extends from the first locking projection 47 toward the outer edge of the top plate 12. The first release piece 49 extends toward the outer edge of the top plate 12 beyond the overlapping portion 42A of the second plate 42 and is exposed to the outside. The first release piece 49 displaces the first locking projection 47 toward the groove portion 28 to a position where it is released from the connecting bar 38 by applying a pressing force from the outside toward the lower surface (20A and 26A) of the top plate 12, so as to elastically deform the first spring piece 46 toward upward.

[0054] The second spring piece 50 of the first plate 40 is a cantilever piece extending from the connecting piece 48 toward the center of the top plate 12, and in the initial state shown in Figure 7 (the unfolded state of the legs 14), its lower surface 50A is bent so that it is closer to the upper surface 42E of the second plate 42 than to the lower surface 48A of the connecting piece 48. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, when the pair of legs 14 are folded along the bottom of the top plate 12, the second spring piece 50 elastically deforms upward and sandwiches the connecting bar 38 between its lower surface 50A and the upper surface 42E of the second plate 42. As a result, the folded state of the pair of legs 14 is maintained by the spring force of the second spring piece 50.

[0055] As the pair of legs 14 are rotated clockwise around the pivot 30 (as seen in Figure 6) from the folded state shown in Figures 4 and 6 to the unfolded state, the connecting bar 38 is released from the elastic clamping between the second spring piece 50 and the second plate 42 of the first plate 40 and moves from the center side to the outer edge side of the top plate 12, that is, to the left side as seen in Figures 4 and 6.

[0056] Since the pair of legs 14 are held in a folded state by elastic clamping between the second spring piece 50 of the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, no special operation is required to release this hold.

[0057] During the clockwise rotation of the pair of legs 14, the connecting bar 38 overcomes the first locking projection 47 while pushing it upward under the elastic deformation of the first spring piece 46. When the pair of legs 14 are in the deployed position, the first locking projection 47 engages with the first locking projection 47, as shown in Figures 5 and 7. This prevents the connecting bar 38 from moving toward the center of the top plate 12, and locks the pair of legs 14 in the deployed position. This locking securely holds the pair of legs 14 in the deployed state.

[0058] When folding the pair of legs 14 from the deployed state described above, a pressing force is applied to the first engagement release piece 49 from the outside toward the lower surface (20A and 26A) of the top plate 12, causing the first spring piece 46 to elastically deform upward. At this time, the first spring piece 46 enters the groove 28, avoiding interference with the top plate 12.

[0059] The first spring portion 46 elastically deforms upward when pressed by the first release portion 49, thereby releasing the lock between the first locking projection 47 and the connecting bar 38. This ensures that the extension of the leg body 14 is released reliably and easily.

[0060] When the extension position is released, the pair of legs 14 can be rotated counterclockwise around the pivot 30, as seen in Figure 7. When the pair of legs 14 are rotated counterclockwise around the pivot 30, as seen in Figure 7, the connecting bar 38 moves between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42 from the outer edge side to the center side of the top plate 12, that is, to the right side as seen in Figures 5 and 7. This movement causes the connecting bar 38 to be sandwiched between the lower surface 50A of the second spring piece 50 and the upper surface 42E of the second plate 42. As shown in Figure 6, when the pair of legs 14 are folded along the bottom of the top plate 12, the pair of legs 14 are held in the folded state by the spring force of the second spring piece 50.

[0061] As described above, in the holding mechanism that holds the pair of legs 14 in an extended and folded state, the only members provided on the top plate 12 side are the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, resulting in a small number of parts. The first plate 40 and the second plate 42 have a simple shape and can be easily manufactured by bending press molding. Moreover, the connecting bar 38 provided on the stay member 16 only needs to be assembled so that it is sandwiched between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, which are attached to the top plate 12 so that they overlap each other vertically, resulting in a simple structure and easy assembly.

[0062] <Embodiment 2> Next, the table 60 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. In Figures 9 and 10, parts corresponding to Figures 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 1 to 8, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] In the table 60 of Embodiment 2, the first plate 40 has a third spring portion 61 instead of the second spring portion 50 in Embodiment 1. The third spring portion 61 extends from the outer edge side to the center side of the top plate 12, similar to the second spring portion 50. The third spring portion 61 has a second locking projection 62 and a second disengagement portion 64. The third spring portion 61 is positioned to overlap the groove portion 28, similar to the first spring portion 46.

[0064] The second locking projection 62 is bent into a reverse-locking shape and, as shown in Figure 9, engages with the connecting bar 38 to prevent it from moving toward the outer edge of the top plate 12 at a position corresponding to the overlapping portion 42A of the second plate 42 when the pair of legs 14 are folded. In other words, the second locking projection 62 locks the connecting bar 38 to prevent it from moving toward the outer edge of the top plate 12 when the pair of legs 14 are folded. As a result, the pair of legs 14 are securely held in the folded state, just as they are in the unfolded state.

[0065] The second release piece 64 extends from the second locking projection 62 toward the center of the top plate 12 and is exposed to the outside. The second release piece 64 displaces the second locking projection 62 toward the groove 28 to a position where it is released from the connecting bar 38 by applying a pressing force from the outside toward the lower surface (20A and 26A) of the top plate 12, causing the third spring piece 61 to elastically deform upward. Due to this displacement, the third spring piece 61 enters the groove 28 and does not interfere with the top plate 12.

[0066] In Embodiment 2, when the pair of legs 14 are in the folded state, the connecting bar 38 engages with the second locking projection 62, as shown in Figure 9, thereby locking the pair of legs 14 in the folded state.

[0067] In Embodiment 2, when moving the pair of legs 14 from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second engagement release piece 64 is pressed to release the engagement between the connecting bar 38 and the second locking projection 62.

[0068] Other than this, it is the same as Embodiment 1, and when the pair of legs 14 are in the deployed state, the connecting bar 38 engages with the first locking projection 47, as shown in Figure 9, thereby locking the pair of legs 14 in the deployed position.

[0069] In Embodiment 2, as in Embodiment 1, the holding mechanism for holding the pair of legs 14 in an extended and folded state consists only of a first plate 40 and a second plate 42 on the top plate 12 side, resulting in a small number of parts. The first plate 40 and the second plate 42 have simple shapes and can be easily manufactured by bending press molding. Moreover, in Embodiment 2 as well, the connecting bar 38 provided on the stay member 16 only needs to be assembled so that it is sandwiched between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, which are attached to the top plate 12 so that they overlap each other vertically, resulting in a simple structure and easy assembly.

[0070] <Embodiment 3> Next, the table 70 of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. In Figures 11 to 13, parts corresponding to Figures 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 1 to 8, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0071] A beam member 27 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the lower surface 20A of the top plate body 20. The beam member 27 has a groove 27A that opens downward and flange portions 27B that extend along both lower edges of the groove 27A.

[0072] The first plate 40 and the second plate 42 straddle the groove 27A in the front-rear direction by screws 44, and their front and rear edges are fixed to the lower surface 27C of the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27 by screws 44. The second plate 42 is shorter in width than those of Embodiments 1 and 2, and is provided only in the portion that overlaps vertically with the first locking projection 47 of the first plate 40.

[0073] The first spring portion 46 of the first plate 40 is positioned to overlap with the groove 27A and is elastically deformable so as to enter the groove 27A.

[0074] At both ends of the connecting bar 38 of the stay member 16, there are separation restricting portions 74 that protrude axially inward from the connecting bar 38 by support pieces 72. Each separation restricting portion 74 slidably contacts the upper surface 27D of the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27, restricting the connecting bar 38 from moving downward from the first plate 40.

[0075] In Embodiment 3, when the pair of legs 14 are in the deployed state, as shown in Figure 12, the connecting bar 38 engages with the first locking projection 47 while overlapping with the second plate 42, thereby locking the pair of legs 14 in the deployed position, similar to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0076] When the pair of legs 14 are rotated from the deployed state to the folded state, the connecting bar 38 disengages from the overlapping portion between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42. When the connecting bar 38 is disengaged from the overlapping portion between the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, the separation restricting portion 74 contacts and slides against the upper surface 27D of the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27, restricting the connecting bar 38 from moving downward away from the first plate 40.

[0077] In the folded state, as shown in Figure 11, the pair of legs 14 have their separation restricting portions 74 pressed against the upper surface of the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27, and the folded state is maintained by the frictional resistance between the separation restricting portions 74 and the flange portion 27B.

[0078] In the holding mechanism that holds a pair of legs 14 in an extended state, the only components provided on the top plate 12 side are the first plate 40 and the second plate 42, resulting in a small number of parts. The first plate 40 and the second plate 42 have simple shapes and can be easily manufactured by bending press molding.

[0079] In assembling the holding mechanism, the separation restricting portion 74 provided on the connecting bar 38 of the stay member 16 can be engaged with the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27 so that it slidably contacts the upper surface 27D of the flange portion 27B of the beam member 27, making assembly easy.

[0080] <Embodiment 4> Next, the table 10 of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 25. In Figures 14 to 25, parts corresponding to Figures 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals as those used in Figures 1 to 8, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0081] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, the top plate 12 has a first top plate member 80 (top plate body) and a second top plate member 82 (beam member), each forming a rectangle in plan view. The first top plate member 80 and the second top plate member 82 are individual sheet metal products formed by bending metal plates such as steel plates and aluminum plates through press working.

[0082] As shown in Figure 17, the first top plate member 80 has a flat top plate main portion 80A, front and rear bent portions 80B that are bent downward from the front and rear edges of the top plate main portion 80A, and left and right bent portions 80C (see Figure 18) that are bent downward from the left and right edges of the top plate main portion 80A.

[0083] As shown in Figures 14 to 18 and Figure 21, the second top plate member 82 has a plurality of overlapping strip-shaped portions 82A that extend horizontally parallel to the front and rear outer edges of the second top plate member 82 at predetermined intervals from each other in the short side direction (front and rear direction), two front and rear outer edge beam-shaped portions 82B that extend horizontally along the front and rear outer edges of the second top plate member 82, and a plurality of intermediate beam-shaped portions 82C (four in this embodiment) that are arranged between adjacent overlapping portions 82A and extend horizontally parallel to the outer edge of the second top plate member 82.

[0084] Each overlapping section 82A is a flat plate having a predetermined width in the short-side direction and overlaps vertically on the lower surface of the main top plate section 80A of the first top plate member 80. Each overlapping section 82A is joined to the main top plate section 80A by welding or adhesive.

[0085] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, each outer edge beam-shaped portion 82B and each intermediate beam-shaped portion 82C are bent into protrusions having a rectangular cross-sectional shape that project downward from the overlapping portion 82A, and work together with the main top plate portion 80A to form a rectangular closed cross-sectional shape, forming a reinforcing portion of the top plate 12. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, each outer edge beam-shaped portion 82B includes a portion that overlaps front to back with the front and rear bent portions 80B of the first top plate member 80, and works together with the front and rear bent portions 80B to form a reinforcing portion with higher rigidity than the intermediate beam-shaped portion 82C.

[0086] End members 84 are attached to the left and right edges of the first top plate member 80, as shown in Figures 14, 15, and 21. Each end member 84 fixes the left and right edges of the second top plate member 82 to the first top plate member 80 and, as shown in Figure 18, works in cooperation with the left and right bent portions 80C of the first top plate member 80 to form a rectangular closed cross-sectional shape, thus forming a reinforcing portion of the top plate 12.

[0087] A decorative panel 86 made of melamine resin or the like (see Figure 17) is attached to the upper surface of the first top panel member 80. A decorative edge member 88 (see Figure 17) is attached to the outer periphery of the top panel 12.

[0088] As shown in Figure 21, rail mount members 90 are fixed to the two intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C closest to the front and rear outer edges of the top plate 12, in other words, the two front and rear intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C closest to the outer edge beam-shaped section 82B. The rail mount members 90 are provided symmetrically near the left and right ends of the intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C. Each rail mount member 90 is a bent metal plate and, as shown in Figure 17, has a rail receiving section 90A that works in cooperation with the overlapping section 82A and the intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C of the second top plate member 82 to define the rail receiving space, and a mounting piece 90B that extends from the rail receiving section 90A and overlaps the lower surface of the intermediate beam-shaped section 82C. The rail mount member 90 is fixed to the lower surface of the second top plate member 82, or in other words, the lower surface of the top plate 12, by joining the mounting piece 90B to the lower surface of the intermediate beam-shaped portion 82C by multiple spot welds 95 (see Figure 21).

[0089] Near the left and right ends of the top plate 12, a pair of front and rear guide rails 92 extending horizontally along the lower surface of the top plate 12 are attached by corresponding rail mounting members 90. The guide rails 92 are made of molded resin and, as shown in Figures 17 and 22, have a cross-sectional shape equivalent to that of the rail receiving portion 90A of the rail mounting member 90, are received by the rail receiving portion 90A, and are fixed to the rail mounting member 90 by screws 94. Each guide rail 92 has a guide groove 96 with a cross-sectional shape of a horizontally rotating recessed groove (a recessed groove shape that opens horizontally) that opens horizontally toward the adjacent outer edge beam-shaped portion 82B, that is, outward, and has an upward groove surface 92A and a downward groove surface 92B that face each other vertically. Each guide rail 92 has vertical walls 93 that define the guide groove 96 on the upper and lower sides of the guide groove 96.

[0090] As shown in Figures 14-16, 19, and 20, the first end 100A of a stay member 100 is rotatably connected by a pin 101 to the longitudinal middle portion of each leg 14. The stay members 100 form a front and rear pair, corresponding to the front and rear leg 14. Each stay member 100 has a second end 100B opposite to the first end 100A. A cylindrical slider 104 is attached to the second end 100B by a shaft 102. In other words, each stay member 100 comprises a first end 100A rotatably connected to the longitudinal middle portion of the leg 14, and a second end 100B to which a slider 104 is attached by a shaft 102.

[0091] As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the slider 104 of each stay member 100 is slidably engaged with the guide groove 96 of the corresponding guide rail 92 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 92, i.e., in the left-right direction. The slider 104 is in contact with the upward groove surface 92A and the downward groove surface 92B in the guide groove 96. As a result, the second end 100B of the stay member 100 is constrained from moving vertically relative to the top plate 12. In other words, the second end 100B of the stay member 100 is displaceable in the left-right direction relative to the top plate 12, but not in the vertical direction.

[0092] As shown in Figures 18 to 20, the shaft 102 and the slider 104 move in the left-right direction within the guide groove 96 of the guide rail 92 in accordance with the unfolding and folding of the leg body 14, that is, in accordance with the rotation of the leg body 14 relative to the top plate 12 around the pivot part 30. When the leg body 14 is in the unfolded state, the slider 104 is located on the left-right outer end side of the guide rail 92, as shown in Figure 18, and when the leg body 14 is in the folded state, it is located on the left-right inner end side of the guide rail 92, as shown in Figure 19. When the leg body 14 is in the folded state, its lower surface is flush with the lower surface of the outer edge beam-shaped part 82B, as shown in Figure 19.

[0093] As shown in Figure 22, raised portions 92C and 92D are formed near the inner and outer ends of the upward groove surface 92A of the guide rail 92, respectively, which reduce the vertical dimension of the guide groove 96 compared to other parts (narrowing the vertical spacing). When the leg body 14 is folded, the slider 104 rides onto the raised portion 92C. This increases the sliding resistance of the slider 104 against the guide rail 92, thereby holding the leg body 14 in the folded state. When the leg body 14 is extended, the slider 104 rides onto the raised portion 92D. This increases the sliding resistance of the slider 104 against the guide rail 92, thereby holding the leg body 14 in the extended state.

[0094] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, of the four intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C, the two front and rear intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C closest to the front and rear outer edges of the top plate 12, in other words, the two front and rear intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C closest to the outer edge beam-shaped section 82B, have a fixed end 106A, which is one end of a support piece 106, fixed to them. The support pieces 106 are arranged symmetrically near the left and right ends of each of the two front and rear intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C. The support pieces 106 form a front and rear pair near each of the left and right ends of the intermediate beam-shaped sections 82C.

[0095] Each support piece 106 is made of a metal strip-shaped plate, and its fixed end 106A is fixed by a screw 109 so as to overlap with the mounting piece 90B of the corresponding rail mount member 90. Each support piece 106 extends outward to the left and right from the fixed end 106A along the corresponding guide rail 92, forming a cantilever beam with a free end 106B.

[0096] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, a cross member 108 is joined to the vicinity of the free ends 106B of the front and rear support pieces 106, connecting the front and rear support pieces 106 to each other. In other words, the cross member 108 is fixed at both ends near the free ends 106B of the corresponding support pieces 106, connecting the front and rear support pieces 106 to each other.

[0097] The cross member 108 is a bent metal plate, and as shown in Figures 16 and 23 to 25, it has a flat main portion 108A that is joined to the free end 106B of the support piece 106, and a bent piece 108C that includes a protruding portion 108B that can enter between adjacent intermediate beam-shaped portions 82C.

[0098] Latch members 110 are integrally formed at both ends of the main portion 108A. The latch members 110 form the ends of the cross member 108, including a surface portion 110C that faces the vertical wall 93 of the guide rail 92. This opposition restricts the movement of the cross member 108 in the front-rear direction relative to the guide rail 92.

[0099] Each latch member 110 has an upward-facing axial restraint recess 110A that receives the shaft 102 of the corresponding slider 104, and an inclined upper surface 110B that is continuous with the axial restraint recess 110A, as shown in Figure 25.

[0100] When the leg body 14 transitions from the folded state shown in Figures 14 and 19 to the unfolded state shown in Figures 15 and 18, the slider 104 moves outward in the left-right direction within the guide groove 96 of the guide rail 92, as shown in Figure 20, while its vertical movement is constrained, as the leg body 14 rotates clockwise around the pivot part 30 as viewed in Figure 19.

[0101] As the leg body 14 rotates to the point just before it is fully extended, the shaft body 102 slides against the inclined upper surface 110B of the latch member 110, while elastically deforming the support piece 106. At this time, the slider 104 slides against the raised portion 92D of the guide rail 92, and a clicking sensation is obtained, increasing the force required to rotate the leg body 14. The extension operation of the leg body 14 is performed collectively by the front and rear leg bodies 14, as they are connected to each other by connecting members 15 and 17.

[0102] When the leg body 14 is extended, as shown in Figure 18, the shaft body 102 engages with the axial restraint recess 110A of the latch member 110 by the spring force (restoring force) generated by the elastic displacement of the support piece 106, causing it to fall into place. This engagement restrains the lateral movement of the shaft body 102, creating a latched state where the shaft body 102 cannot move in the lateral direction.

[0103] This latched state is maintained by the elastic force of the support piece 106, which acts as a leaf spring. This maintains the deployed state of the leg body 14.

[0104] Since the support piece 106 also serves as a spring that biases the latch member 110 in the direction of engaging with the shaft 102, the number of parts in the holding mechanism that holds the leg body 14 in the extended state is reduced, the structure of the holding mechanism is simpler, and assembly is easier. Furthermore, since the cross member 108 and the latch member 110 are made of a single integrated part, the number of parts in the holding mechanism that holds the leg body 14 in the extended state is reduced, and assembly of the holding mechanism is easier.

[0105] In the latched state, the latch member 110 has its surface portion 110C facing the vertical wall 93 of the guide rail 92, restricting its movement in the front-rear direction relative to the guide rail 92. This prevents the shaft 102 from disengaging from the axial restraint recess 110A of the latch member 110. As a result, the deployed state of the leg 14 is stably maintained.

[0106] When folding the leg body 14, the worker grasps the cross member 108 and pushes the cross member 108 downward, while elastically deforming the support piece 106 against the spring force of the support piece 106.

[0107] This operation causes the axial restraint recess 110A of the latch member 110 to disengage from the shaft 102, releasing the latch state of the shaft 102. As a result, the shaft 102 can move in the left-right direction.

[0108] In the latch-released state, when the leg body 14 is rotated counterclockwise around the pivot part 30 in the view shown in Figure 18 in order to transition from the deployed state to the folded state, the slider 104 moves inward in the left-right direction within the guide groove 96 of the guide rail 92, while its vertical movement is constrained.

[0109] As the leg body 14 rotates to the point just before it is folded, the slider 104 slides against the raised portion 92D, creating a click sensation that increases the force required to rotate the leg body 14. When the leg body 14 is folded, the slider 104 moves over the raised portion 92D. This increases the force required for the slider 104 to move in the guide groove 96 of the guide rail 92, and the leg body 14 is maintained in the folded state without the need for any additional parts.

[0110] The top plate 12 has high rigidity in its outer edge portion, including the front and rear bent portions 80B and the outer edge beam-shaped portion 82B that form the outer frame of the top plate 12. Since the guide rail 92 and support piece 106 are fixed to the outer edge of the top plate 12, that is, to the intermediate beam-shaped portion 82C adjacent to the outer edge beam-shaped portion 82B, among the multiple intermediate beam-shaped portions 82C, the guide rail 92 and support piece 106 are attached to the highly rigid portion of the top plate 12. As a result, the mounting strength of the guide rail 92 and support piece 106 to the top plate 12 is increased, and deformation of the top plate 12 due to loads acting on the top plate 12 from the guide rail 92 and support piece 106 is suppressed.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described above in terms of preferred embodiments, as will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the latch member 110 may be formed by bending the support piece 106 separately from the cross member 108. The guide rail 92 is not limited to having a cross-sectional shape of a rolled groove, but may have a cross-sectional shape such as a rolled lip channel steel, and only needs to be provided with an upward groove surface 92A and a downward groove surface 92B to prevent the vertical movement of the slider 104 relative to the top plate 12. The top plate 12 is not limited to a rectangle, but may be a square or an ellipse, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 10: Table 12: Tabletop 14: Leg body 14A: Channel cross section member 14B: Channel cross section member 14C: End 14D: End 15: Connecting member 16: Stay member 17: Connecting member 20: Tabletop body 20A: Bottom surface 22: Left and right frame 22A: Bending forming part 22B: Bent molded member 24: Front and rear frame 24A: Bending forming part 24B: Bent molded member 26: Beam member 26A: Bottom surface 26B: Opening 27: Beam member 27A:Groove 27B: Flange section 27C: Bottom surface 27D:Top surface 28: Groove 30: Rotating part 32: Cushioning sheet 34: Shaft member 36: Main body of the bracket 36A: Leg side end 36B: Edge of the top panel 38: Connecting bar 38A: The part that gets pinched 40: First Plate 42: Second Plate 42A: Overlapping portion 42B: Front and rear sides 42C: Screw fastening piece 42D: Screw fastening piece 42E:Top surface 44: Screw 46: First spring piece 47: First locking projection 48:Connection piece 48A: Bottom surface 49:First disengagement piece 50: Second spring piece 50A: Bottom surface 52: Slit 54: 1st fixed piece part 56: Slit 58:Second fixed piece part 60: Table 61: Third spring piece 62: Second locking projection 64:Second disengagement piece 70: Table 72: Support piece 74: Discord Control Department 80: First top panel component (top panel body) 80A: Main part of the top panel 80B: Front and rear bending parts 80C: Left / right bending part 82: Second top plate member (beam member) 82A: Overlapping section 82B: Outer edge beam shape section 82C: Intermediate beam shape part 84: End member 86: Decorative board 88: Decorative edge components 90: Rail mounting component 90A: Rail receiving section 90B: Mounting piece 91: Spot weld 92: Guide rail 92A: Upward grooved surface 92B: Downward groove surface 92C: Protuberance 92D: Protuberance 93: Vertical wall 94: Screw 95: Spot weld 96: Guide groove 100: Stay member 100A: First end 100B: 2nd end 101: Pin 102: Axis 104: Slider 106: Support piece 106A: Fixed end 106B: Free end 108: Cross material 108A: Main part 108B:Protrusion 108C: Bent piece 109: Screw 110: Latch member 110A: Axial restraint recess 110B: Inclined top surface 110C: Face part

Claims

1. A table having a tabletop and a pair of legs that are foldable and provided below the tabletop, with ends that are rotatably connected to the tabletop, A pair of guide rails attached to the top plate, each forming a guide groove extending along the underside of the top plate, A pair of stay members, each having a first end rotatably connected to the middle of the longitudinal portion of each leg body and a second end slidably engaged in the corresponding guide groove in the extending direction while restricting vertical movement, A pair of cantilevered support pieces, each having a fixed end fixed to the top plate and extending along the corresponding guide rail with a free end, Each of the support pieces has a latch member provided on the free end side that can engage with and disengage from the corresponding stay member, A table in which the latch member engages with the stay member by elastic deformation of the support piece in order to prevent the second end of the corresponding stay member from moving relative to the guide rail when the leg body is extended and hanging down from the tabletop.

2. The aforementioned top plate has a top plate body that forms a rectangle in plan view, and a plurality of beam members provided on the lower surface of the top plate body and extending parallel to the outer edge of the top plate body. The table according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail and the support piece are fixed to a beam member among the plurality of beam members adjacent to the outer edge of the tabletop.

3. The guide groove has a cross-section with a concave groove shape that opens in the transverse direction. Furthermore, the table according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a slider attached to the second end of the stay member by a shaft and slidably engaging with the inner surface of the guide groove.

4. The table according to claim 3, wherein the guide rail includes a raised portion that increases the sliding resistance of the slider when the pair of legs are folded along the tabletop.

5. The table according to claim 3, wherein the latch member includes an axial restraint recess for receiving the shaft.

6. Furthermore, the table according to claim 1, wherein each of the support pieces has a cross member at its free end that connects the pair of support pieces to each other.

7. The latch member is provided on the cross member, as described in claim 6.

8. The aforementioned guide rail is provided with vertical walls that define guide grooves, The table according to claim 7, wherein the cross member has a surface portion facing the vertical wall of the guide rail.

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