Mobile workbench

Abstract

The objective is to provide a mobile workbench that can prevent tipping over. [Solution] The mobile workbench 100 is characterized by comprising a top plate portion 110, leg portions 130 arranged to overlap the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above, and auxiliary ground contact portions 200 arranged to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above. The auxiliary ground contact portions 200 are positioned away from the floor surface and make contact with the floor surface when the mobile workbench 100 is about to tilt.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile workbench.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, mobile workbenches for performing work at heights have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a workbench including a top plate, main legs, and telescopic legs, where the main legs are arranged so as to overlap the top plate when viewed from above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the workbench of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the workbench may tip over when a force is applied to the outer peripheral edge of the top plate from above. The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a mobile workbench capable of preventing tipping.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The mobile workbench of the present invention is characterized by including a top plate portion, legs arranged so as to overlap the top plate portion when viewed from above, and auxiliary legs arranged so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion when viewed from above.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mobile workbench capable of preventing tipping.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of a workbench system configuration. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a mobile workbench according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a mobile workbench. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a mobile workbench. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing an example of a mobile workbench in a folded state. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary leg member. [Figure 7] This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary leg member. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing an example of two mobile workbenches connected together. [Figure 9] This is a side view showing an example of two mobile workbenches connected together. [Figure 10] This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a mobile workbench according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a mobile workbench according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The mobile workbench according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First embodiment) The mobile work platform 100 is a work platform for workers to perform work at height. In this embodiment, the mobile work platform 100 (work platform 100) is assumed to have a height of approximately 1000 mm to approximately 1500 mm from the floor to the top plate portion 110, which will be described later. The workbench 100 can be used individually by a worker, or multiple workbenches 100 can be connected to form a workbench system 10. Here, we will first describe the configuration of the workbench system 10.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the workbench system 10. The workbench system 10 of this embodiment includes a workbench 100 (100a, 100b), a bridge 20 (20a to 20c), and auxiliary handrails 30 (30a, 30b), etc. Workbenches 100a and 100b are oriented in the same direction and are installed side by side at separate locations. Bridges 20 (20a-20c) are placed between the long end of workbench 100a and the long end of workbench 100b. Bridges 20 function as scaffolding. That is, there are no members supporting bridges 20 between bridges 20 and the floor surface; workbenches 100a and 100b support bridges 20. Here, three bridges 20a-20c are arranged side by side without gaps. Auxiliary handrails 30 are attached to workbenches 100 or bridges 20 as needed to surround the work area. When a worker is working in the work area, a part of the worker's body comes into contact with the auxiliary handrail 30, allowing the worker to recognize that they are at the edge of the work area. Here, an auxiliary handrail section 30a is provided that is approximately the same length as the shorter side of the workbench 100, and an auxiliary handrail section 30b is provided that is approximately the same length as the longer side of the workbench 100 or the longer side of the bridge 20.

[0010] The workbench system 10 allows for a wide work area by connecting multiple workbenches 100 or by using bridges 20. Therefore, workers do not need to move the workbenches 100 when working in different locations. Furthermore, multiple workers can work simultaneously. In this way, using the workbench system 10 can improve work efficiency. In addition, when configuring the workbench system 10, the number and positions of the workbench 100 and the bridge 20 can be changed according to the work site, not limited to the configuration of the workbench system 10 in FIG. 1. For example, the bridge 20 may be arranged to span between the short-side end of the workbench 100 and the short-side end of the workbench 100, or between the short-side end of the workbench 100 and the long-side end of the workbench 100. Also, for example, the bridge 20 has types with longitudinal lengths of 500 mm, 1000 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm, 2500 mm, etc., and any length of the bridge 20 may be used. Furthermore, for example, the workbench 100b may be installed adjacent to the workbench 100a without using the bridge 20.

[0011] Next, the single workbench 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the workbench 100. FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the workbench 100. FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the workbench 100. For ease of explanation, in each figure, the front side is shown as Fr, the rear side as Rr, the right side as R, and the left side as L as necessary. The workbench 100 has a top plate portion 110, leg portions 130, a rotating portion 150, a traveling portion 180, and an auxiliary grounding portion 200.

[0012] The top plate portion 110 functions as a foothold for workers performing work at heights. The top plate portion 110 is rectangular in shape and long in the front-rear direction when viewed from above. The front-rear direction is, for example, approximately 1500 mm in length, and the left-right direction is, for example, approximately 1000 mm in length. The top plate portion 110 is configured by connecting a plurality of long top plate members made of, for example, an aluminum alloy. The top plate portion 110 is, for example, a metallic color such as silver. Also, the top plate portion 110 has a plurality of protrusions 113 as anti-slip features on the upper surface that serves as the work surface. The protrusions 113 are formed at intervals across the entire surface of the top plate portion 110. The protrusions 113 project upward and have a hole in the center.

[0013] In addition, the top plate portion 110 has a plurality of connecting members 114 at positions close to the four corners. The connecting member 114 is a member for connecting other adjacent workbenches 100. As shown by the two-dot chain line in the enlarged perspective view of FIG. 2, the connecting member 114 is bar-shaped and is bent into a substantially U-shaped form when viewed from the side. The connecting member 114 has a base shaft 115, a gripping portion 116, and a connecting shaft 117. The base shaft 115 is a shaft along the vertical direction from one end of the gripping portion 116 and is biased in a direction to be accommodated within the top plate portion 110. The gripping portion 116 is bent into a substantially inverted V-shaped or substantially V-shaped form when viewed from above and is gripped when an operator pulls up the connecting member 114. The connecting shaft 117 is a shaft along the vertical direction from the other end of the gripping portion 116 and connects the top plate portion 110 to other workbenches 100. As shown by the solid line in the enlarged perspective view of FIG. 2, when there is no workbench 100 to be connected, the base shaft 115 and the connecting shaft 117 of the connecting member 114 are accommodated inside the top plate portion 110. On the other hand, to connect the connecting member 114 to other workbenches 100, the operator pulls up the gripping portion 116 to expose the lower end of the connecting shaft 117. Next, as shown by the two-dot chain line in the enlarged perspective view of FIG. 2, the operator rotates the connecting shaft 117 around the axis with the base shaft 115 as the center, so that the connecting shaft 117 is positioned outside the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 110. Next, the operator can connect other workbenches 100 by inserting the connecting shaft 117 into a connecting hole 118 (to be described later) of other workbenches 100 from above.

[0014] In addition, the top plate portion 110 has a plurality of connecting holes 118 as connected portions at positions close to the outer peripheral edge. The connecting hole 118 is a hole for connecting the bridge 20 or other adjacent workbenches 100. The connecting holes 118 are formed, for example, six at the longitudinal end portions and four at the short-side end portions. Further, the top plate portion 110 has a plurality of handrail holes for attaching the auxiliary handrail portion 30 at positions close to the outer peripheral edge.

[0015] The legs 130 have the function of supporting the load of the tabletop 110 and the load of the worker working on the tabletop 110. The legs 130 are also connected to the underside of the tabletop 110 and are rotatable relative to the tabletop 110. When the legs 130 rotate, they fold up so that they overlap with the tabletop 110. Specifically, the leg section 130 has four leg members 131a to 131d. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, leg member 131d is not shown because it is hidden by leg members 131b and 131d. Leg members 131a and 131b are located on the rear side in the front-rear direction and extend from the top plate section 110 toward the floor. Also, leg members 131a and 131b are located apart from each other in the left-right direction. Leg members 131c and 131d are located on the front side in the front-rear direction and extend from the top plate section 110 toward the floor. Also, leg members 131c and 131d are located apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0016] The leg members 131a to 131d each have a main leg 132 and an extendable leg 133. The main landing gear 132 is the primary component of the landing gear members 131a to 131d. The main landing gear 132 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. The main landing gear 132 is metallic in color, for example, silver. The main landing gear 132 is also a hollow member with a roughly rectangular cross-section.

[0017] The telescopic leg 133 is a component that extends and retracts the leg members 131a to 131d along their longitudinal direction (see Figure 7, described later). The telescopic leg 133 fits inside the main leg 132 and is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the main leg 132. The telescopic leg 133 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. The telescopic leg 133 is metallic in color, for example, silver. The length of the leg members 131a to 131d is extended and retracted by changing the length that the telescopic leg 133 protrudes from the lower end of the main leg 132. The telescopic leg 133 also has a stopper member 134 at its lower end. The stopper member 134 is a component that prevents the lower end of the telescopic leg 133 from entering the main leg 132. The stopper member 134 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. The stopper member 134 is metallic in color, for example, silver. Furthermore, the stopper member 134 is, for example, a hollow member with a roughly rectangular cross-section, and the same member as the main leg 132 can be used. The stopper member 134 is fitted onto the outer circumference of the lower end of the telescopic leg 133 and fixed using bolts, rivets, etc. The height of the tabletop 110 can be adjusted by extending or retracting the leg members 131a to 131d using the telescopic legs 133. The leg members 130 can be adjusted in steps in the height direction, for example, from 0 mm to 400 mm, in intervals of approximately 50 mm or approximately 100 mm (in Figures 3 and 4, the fully extended state is shown by a dashed line, and the fully retracted state is shown by a solid line).

[0018] Furthermore, the main landing gear 132 has a locking mechanism 135 (see Figure 4). The locking mechanism 135 locks the length to which the telescopic landing gear 133 protrudes from the lower end of the main landing gear 132 in stages. The locking mechanism 135 is attached to the sides of the main landing gear 132 where the landing gear members 131a and 131b face each other, and where the landing gear members 131c and 131d face each other, at positions below the center of each landing gear.

[0019] Furthermore, horizontal members 137a and 137b are spanned horizontally between leg members 131a and 131b, and between leg members 131c and 131d. The horizontal members 137a and 137b are members that improve the rigidity of leg members 131a to 131d. As shown in Figure 4, multiple horizontal members 137a and 137b are spanned vertically between leg members 131a and 131b. Specifically, three horizontal members 137a are positioned between the main legs 132 of leg member 131a and the main legs 132 of leg member 131b, and one horizontal member 137b is positioned between the telescopic legs 133 of leg member 131a and the telescopic legs 133 of leg member 131b. The horizontal members 137a are fixed to the main legs 132 via brackets using bolts, rivets, etc. On the other hand, the horizontal members 137b are fixed to the stopper members 134 of the telescopic legs 133 via brackets using bolts, rivets, etc.

[0020] The horizontal members 137a and 137b are made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and are formed by extrusion molding. Furthermore, the horizontal members 137a and 137b are, for example, hollow or solid members with a roughly rectangular or polygonal cross-section. The horizontal members 137a and 137b are painted in different colors. Horizontal member 137a is, for example, a metallic color such as silver, while horizontal member 137b is, for example, gold. Horizontal member 137b is colored, for example, during an anodizing process. The reason horizontal member 137b is painted in a different color from horizontal member 137a is to allow the operator to recognize that horizontal member 137b is movable. That is, because horizontal member 137b is fixed to the telescopic leg 133, the length to which the telescopic leg 133 protrudes from the main leg 132 can be changed by moving horizontal member 137b vertically. Here, we have described the horizontal members 137a and 137b that are spanned between leg members 131a and 131b, but horizontal members 137a and 137b are also spanned between leg members 131c and 131d in a similar configuration and at a similar height.

[0021] Furthermore, contact members 138 are fixed to the rear sides of leg members 131a and 131b. The contact member 138, when the leg portion 130 is folded, contacts the floor surface or the top portion 110 of another stacked workbench 100, thereby maintaining the top portion 110 of the stacked workbench 100 in a horizontal position.

[0022] Thus, the horizontal members 137a and 137b are spanned between leg members 131a and 131b, and between leg members 131c and 131d, so that leg members 131a and 131b form one unit, i.e., the first leg body 140A, and leg members 131c and 131d form one unit, i.e., the second leg body 140B. The leg portion 130 is arranged so that the pair of leg bodies 140A and 140B face each other in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the leg portion 130 rotates relative to the top plate portion 110 as will be described later, leg members 131a and 131b rotate together, and leg members 131c and 131d rotate together.

[0023] The rotating part 150 has the function of rotating the leg portion 130 relative to the tabletop portion 110. As the leg portion 130 rotates relative to the tabletop portion 110 via the rotating part 150, it changes from an open leg position in which the leg portion 130 extends downward to a closed leg position in which the leg portion 130 folds and overlaps with the tabletop portion 110. Specifically, the rotating section 150 has four rotating bodies 151a to 151d. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, rotating body 151d is not shown because it is hidden by rotating bodies 151b and 151c. Rotating bodies 151a to 151d are positioned between the leg members 131a to 131d and the top plate section 110, respectively. The pivot points P1 of rotating bodies 151a and 151b are positioned above the pivot points P2 of rotating bodies 151c and 151d, that is, offset toward the top plate section 110.

[0024] The travel unit 180 has the function of moving the workbench 100 to any desired position while supporting the top plate 110 and the legs 130. The travel unit 180 is connected to the underside of the legs 130. Specifically, the running section 180 has four casters 181a to 181d. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, caster 181d is not shown because it is hidden by casters 181b and 181c. Casters 181a to 181d are each connected to the lower ends of leg members 131a to 131d so as to be able to swivel around a vertical axis. Furthermore, casters 181a to 181d are each equipped with stoppers that can fix the rotation of the wheels according to the operator's operation. When performing work at height, the operator can fix the rotation of the wheels 183 by stepping on the pedal section 195 (see Figure 7, described later) of the casters 181a to 181d of the running section 180, thereby enabling safe work at height without the work platform 100 moving. In addition, the casters 181a to 181d in this embodiment each have two wheels 183 so that the work platform 100 can be easily moved.

[0025] Figure 5 is a front view showing the closed leg state, where the legs 130 are rotated relative to the top plate 110 and folded. When folding, the top plate 110 is folded so that it touches the floor surface, so the top plate 110, leg members 131a and 131c are stacked in that order from the bottom. Since contact members 138 are provided on leg members 131a and 131b, when other workbenches 100 are stacked, the top plates 110 of the other workbenches 100 can be stably stacked on top of the contact members 138.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the workbench 100 does not have legs 130 that extend completely vertically when the legs are spread apart, but rather are inclined with respect to the vertical to improve stability. In other words, as shown in Figure 3, when the workbench 100 is viewed along the left-right direction, the pair of legs 140A and 140B are inclined to move away from each other as they move from the top end to the bottom end. Specifically, the acute-angle inclination α between the floor surface and the leg portion 130 is less than 90 degrees and greater than 80 degrees.

[0027] Thus, because the leg members 131a to 131d are inclined away from the center of the tabletop 110 as they approach their lower ends, the legs 130 of the workbench 100 can stably support the tabletop 110. On the other hand, when viewed from the front to back, the leg members 131a to 131d extend in a substantially vertical direction. Therefore, when viewed from the front to back, leg members 131a and 131b extend parallel to each other in a substantially vertical direction, and leg members 131c and 131d extend parallel to each other in a substantially vertical direction.

[0028] If the legs 130 are tilted too much, the lower ends of the leg members 131a to 131d will protrude in the front-to-back direction. As a result, when attempting to bring the workbench 100 closer to a wall or other workbench 100, the leg members 131a to 131d will interfere, preventing it from being brought close to the wall or other workbench 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the leg members 131a to 131d are positioned so that they do not extend outward along the straight line E that extends vertically from the outer edge of the top plate 110. In other words, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the leg members 131a to 131d are positioned so that their upper and lower ends overlap the top plate 110.

[0029] Furthermore, casters 181a to 181d, which can pivot around a vertical axis, are connected to the lower ends of the leg members 131a to 131d. Even when the casters 181a to 181d are swiveled to their outermost positions, all of the casters 181a to 181d, including the pedal portion 195, are positioned so that they do not extend outward along the straight line E that runs vertically along the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. In other words, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the casters 181a to 181d are positioned so that they overlap the top plate portion 110.

[0030] Next, the auxiliary grounding section 200 will be described. The auxiliary ground contact portion 200 has the function of an outrigger that prevents the workbench 100 from tilting when a force is applied from above to the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. Here, the auxiliary ground contact portion 200 is positioned so as to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above. Specifically, the auxiliary ground contact section 200 has four auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d. Note that in Figures 3 and 4, auxiliary leg member 201d is not shown because it is hidden by auxiliary leg members 201b and 201c, respectively. Auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d are attached to leg members 131a to 131d, respectively. Since auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d have the same configuration, auxiliary leg member 201a will be described here.

[0031] Figure 6 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary leg member 201a. Figure 7 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the auxiliary leg member 201a. The auxiliary leg member 201a is attached to the left side of the telescopic leg 133 of the leg member 131a via a holding member 202. The holding member 202 has a pair of side walls 203 that are separated front to back, and a first connecting portion 204 and a second connecting portion 205 that connect the separated side walls 203 to each other.

[0032] The pair of side walls 203 are roughly fan-shaped or arc-shaped when viewed from the front-rear direction, and have positioning portions 206a and 206b recessed in the upper and side parts of their outer circumferential surfaces. The pair of side walls 203 also support the pivot pin 207 whose axis is aligned in the front-rear direction. The first connecting portion 204 is plate-shaped and aligned in the vertical direction. The first connecting portion 204 is connected to the left side of the stopper member 134 using rivets, screws, etc., thereby attaching the holding member 202 to the telescopic leg 133. The second connecting portion 205 is plate-shaped and inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The second connecting portion 205 restricts the movement of the auxiliary leg member 201a by contacting it with the auxiliary leg member 201a. The holding member 202 is formed, for example, by bending a steel plate. The holding member 202 is metallic in color, for example, silver. Furthermore, the retaining member 202 has a straight line E extending vertically from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 outwards. They are positioned so as not to protrude. In other words, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the holding member 202 is positioned so that it overlaps with the top plate 110.

[0033] The auxiliary leg member 201a has a main body portion 208 and a seat portion 212. The main body 208 is a hollow, roughly rectangular cross-section member that extends in a straight line. The main body 208 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. The main body 208 is a different color from the leg members 131a to 131d and is painted in a color that stands out even in dark surroundings, such as gold or fluorescent color.

[0034] The main body portion 208 is pivotally supported on the pivot pin 207 of the retaining member 202. The main body portion 208 also has an insertion hole 209 through which the pivot pin 207 is inserted. Since the insertion hole 209 is a long elongated hole along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 208, the main body portion 208 has play equal to the length of the elongated hole. In addition, a positioning pin 210, which serves as the positioning part, is inserted in the front-rear direction through the main body portion 208. The ends of the positioning pin 210 protrude beyond both sides of the main body portion 208. Here, the pivot pin 207 and the positioning pin 210 are connected by a spring 211. Therefore, the auxiliary leg member 201a is always biased by the spring 211 in a direction toward the retaining member 202.

[0035] The seat portion 212 is a component that makes contact with the floor surface. The seat portion 212 is made of a flexible material such as synthetic rubber or synthetic resin, for example, soft polyvinyl chloride. In addition, the seat portion 212 is a different color from the leg members 131a to 131d, and is painted in a color that stands out even in dark surroundings, such as orange or a fluorescent color.

[0036] The seat portion 212 has a ground contact portion 213 and a mounting portion 215. The contact portion 213 has a plurality of protrusions 214 on its lower surface that contacts the floor. The protrusions 214 are formed such that, when the leg portion 130 is in contact with the floor, the force required to move it to the right in the horizontal left-right direction is less than the force required to move it to the left. Specifically, the protrusions 214 are formed to project diagonally to the left as they approach the floor.

[0037] The mounting portion 215 is the part that attaches the seat portion 212 to the main body portion 208. The mounting portion 215 has a bottomed hole through which the tip of the main body portion 208 is inserted. The mounting portion 215 has a plurality of expandable and contractible biasing portions 216 spaced apart from each other. The biasing portions 216 contract when the seat portion 212 touches the floor surface and generate a biasing force that causes them to expand from their contracted state.

[0038] The auxiliary leg member 201a extends diagonally downward to the left from the holding member 202 toward the floor. The inclination angle of the auxiliary leg member 201a (the acute inclination angle β between the floor and the auxiliary leg member 201a) is between 25 and 45 degrees. If the inclination angle is less than 25 degrees, the amount by which the auxiliary leg member 201a protrudes from the top plate 110 increases, affecting the installation space. On the other hand, if the inclination angle is greater than 45 degrees, it may not be able to prevent tipping or may interfere with the casters 181a. Furthermore, the auxiliary leg member 201a in this embodiment is positioned so as to extend outward along a straight line E that extends vertically from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. In other words, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the auxiliary leg member 201a is positioned so as to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. The auxiliary leg member 201a is held in an inclined state by the positioning pin 210 engaging with the positioning portion 206b of the holding member 202 and the main body portion 208 contacting the second connecting portion 205. In this embodiment, the auxiliary leg member 201a is held so as not to be in contact with the floor and the seat portion 212 is raised away from the floor, allowing the mobile workbench 100 to be easily moved.

[0039] In this way, by positioning the auxiliary leg member 201a so as to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110, even if a force is applied from above to the outer edge of the top plate portion 110, the auxiliary leg member The seat portion 212 of 201a touches the floor surface at a position that extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110, thereby preventing the workbench 100 from tilting. When the auxiliary leg member 201a touches the floor surface, the biasing portion 216 contracts, generating a biasing force that attempts to extend. This generated biasing force acts on the floor surface, causing the auxiliary leg member 201a to receive a reaction force from the floor surface. Therefore, the workbench 100 is pushed back from the floor surface in the opposite direction to the direction in which it would attempt to tilt, further preventing the workbench 100 from tilting.

[0040] Furthermore, the auxiliary leg member 201a of this embodiment can transition between a first state in which it extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above, and a second state in which it does not extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. Specifically, the worker pulls the auxiliary leg member 201a against the biasing force of the spring 211 from the state in which the auxiliary leg member 201a extends toward the floor, thereby releasing the engagement between the positioning pin 210 and the positioning portion 206b. Subsequently, the worker rotates the auxiliary leg member 201a upward around the pivot pin 207 of the holding member 202, thereby transitioning the auxiliary leg member 201a to a state aligned substantially vertically (see the dashed line shown in Figure 7). At this time, the auxiliary leg member 201a is held in the state aligned substantially vertically by the engagement of the positioning pin 210, which is biased by the spring 211, with the positioning portion 206a of the holding member 202. When the auxiliary leg member 201a is aligned approximately vertically, it is positioned so as to overlap with the leg member 131a when viewed from the front.

[0041] In this way, by keeping the auxiliary leg member 201a from extending beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110, the workbench 100 can be moved in narrow spaces without the auxiliary leg member 201a getting in the way, and it can be stored compactly without taking up much space. The worker can also change the auxiliary leg member 201a from a state where it is aligned approximately vertically to a state where it extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110 again by pulling the auxiliary leg member 201a against the biasing force of the spring 211 and rotating it downward around the pivot pin 207 of the holding member 202. Furthermore, since the auxiliary leg member 201a is attached to the telescopic leg 133 of the leg member 131a, the workbench 100 can be prevented from tilting even when the telescopic leg 133 is extended or retracted to adjust the height of the top plate 110.

[0042] Although auxiliary leg member 201a has been described here, auxiliary leg members 201b to 201d have a similar configuration. Specifically, auxiliary leg member 201b has the same configuration as auxiliary leg member 201a, and auxiliary leg members 201c and 201d have a configuration that is symmetrical to auxiliary leg member 201a. Auxiliary leg members 201b to 201d are connected to the stopper members 134 of the telescopic legs 133b to 133d of the leg members 131a to 131d, respectively. As shown in Figure 2, auxiliary leg members 201b to 201d are positioned to protrude from the longitudinal end of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above. Therefore, even if a force is applied from above at any point on the longitudinal end of the outer edge of the top plate portion 110, the auxiliary leg members 201b to 201d closest to the point where the force is applied will make contact with the floor, preventing the workbench 100 from tilting.

[0043] Furthermore, each of the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d can independently transition between a first state and a second state. Therefore, the worker can choose whether to set each of the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d to the first state or the second state, depending on the installation space of the workbench 100.

[0044] Next, an example of how to use the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d when two workbenches 100 configured as described above are connected will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Here, workbenches 100a and 100b are set up with their long ends facing each other. Figure 8 is a plan view of the two connected workbenches 100a and 100b. Figure 9 is a side view of the two connected workbenches 100a and 100b.

[0045] When connecting workbenches 100a and 100b, the worker lifts and rotates the connecting member 114 on workbench 100a that is closest to workbench 100b and inserts it into the connecting hole 118 on workbench 100b. Similarly, the worker lifts and rotates the connecting member 114 on workbench 100b that is closest to workbench 100a and inserts it into the connecting hole 118 on workbench 100a. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, the connecting members 114 of workbenches 100a and 100b are connected to different workbenches 100b and 100a. By connecting workbenches 100a and 100b in this way, the entire workbench system can be easily moved as the other workbenches move in response to the movement of one workbench. Furthermore, since the connecting members 114 are bent in a roughly L-shape or V-shape when viewed from above, interference between the connecting members 114 is prevented when they are connected.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the worker positions the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d of workbenches 100a and 100b such that the non-opposing auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the worker positions the opposing auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d so that they do not interfere with each other, and they do not extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110. In this way, by selecting whether to position the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d in the first or second state, various workbenches 100a and 100b can be installed.

[0047] In this embodiment, the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d of the auxiliary grounding portion 200 were described as being positioned to extend beyond the longitudinal end of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above, but this is not the only case. The auxiliary grounding portion 200 may also have additional auxiliary leg members positioned to extend beyond the short end of the top plate portion 110. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the auxiliary grounding portion 200 has four auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d was described, but this is not the only case. For example, at least two auxiliary leg members may be positioned to extend beyond opposing edges of the outer periphery of the top plate portion 110 when viewed from above.

[0048] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The workbench 101 of this embodiment has an auxiliary grounding portion 220 that can adjust the amount of overhang from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Figure 10 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the workbench 101. The auxiliary ground contact section 220 has four auxiliary casters 221a to 221d. Each of the auxiliary casters 221a to 221d is attached to the telescopic legs 133 of the leg members 131a to 131d. Note that in Figure 10, auxiliary casters 221c and 221d are hidden by auxiliary casters 221a and 221b and are not shown. Since auxiliary casters 221a to 221d have similar configurations, only auxiliary caster 221a will be described here.

[0049] The auxiliary caster 221a is attached to the telescopic leg 133 of the leg member 131a via the telescopic member 222. The telescopic member 222 is a member that extends and retracts along the extension of the horizontal member 137b. The telescopic member 222 fits inside the horizontal member 137b and is slidable in stages along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal member 137b. The telescopic member 222 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. In addition, the telescopic member 222 is a different color from the leg members 131a to 131d and is painted in a color that stands out even in dark surroundings, such as gold or fluorescent color.

[0050] The auxiliary caster 221a is swivelably connected to the end of the telescopic member 222. The auxiliary caster 221a may have the same configuration as the caster 181a, or it may be a simpler caster without a stopper than the caster 181a. In this embodiment, the auxiliary caster 221a is positioned so as to extend outward along a straight line E that extends vertically from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. In other words, when viewed from above the workbench 100, the auxiliary caster 221a is positioned so as to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. In this way, by positioning the auxiliary casters 221a so that they extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110, even if a force is applied from above to the outer edge of the top plate 110, the auxiliary casters 221a are in contact with the floor surface at a position that extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110, thereby preventing the workbench 101 from tilting.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the auxiliary caster 221a can adjust the amount of overhang from the outer edge of the top plate 110 by gradually extending and retracting the telescopic member 222 along the horizontal member 137b. Therefore, by extending and retracting the telescopic member 222, the worker can maximize the anti-tilting effect according to the installation space of the workbench 101. Furthermore, the auxiliary caster 221a may be able to transition to a second state in which it does not protrude from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 by contracting the telescopic member 222.

[0052] Furthermore, the auxiliary ground contact portion 220 is not limited to being an auxiliary caster 221a, but may also be an auxiliary leg member extending from the end of the telescopic member 222 toward the floor. In this case, it is preferable that the auxiliary leg member is not in contact with the floor and is held away from the floor in order to easily move the workbench 101.

[0053] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The workbench 102 of this embodiment has an auxiliary ground contact portion 230 attached to the main leg 132 among the leg members 131a to 131d of the top plate portion 110. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the workbench 102. The auxiliary ground contact section 230 has four auxiliary leg members 231a to 231d. Each of the auxiliary leg members 231a to 231d is attached to a position closer to the upper end than the lower end of the main leg 132 of the leg members 131a to 131d. Note that in Figure 11, auxiliary leg members 231c and 231d are hidden by auxiliary leg members 231a and 231b and are not shown. Since auxiliary leg members 231a to 231d have similar configurations, only auxiliary leg member 231a will be described here.

[0054] The auxiliary leg member 231a is attached to the main leg 132 of the leg member 131a via the holding member 232. The holding member 232 is positioned so as not to protrude outwards along the straight line E that extends vertically from the outer edge of the top plate portion 110. The auxiliary leg member 231a is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy and is formed by extrusion molding. Furthermore, the auxiliary leg member 231a is a different color from the leg members 131a to 131d, and is painted in a color that stands out even in dark surroundings, such as gold or fluorescent color.

[0055] The auxiliary leg member 231a is pivotally supported by the holding member 232 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. By rotating the auxiliary leg member 231a via the holding member 232 to tilt it toward the floor surface, the worker can be positioned so as to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110. Alternatively, by rotating the auxiliary leg member 231a via the holding member 232 to a nearly vertical position, the worker can be positioned so as not to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate 110 (see the dashed line shown in Figure 11).

[0056] Furthermore, the auxiliary leg member 231a has an auxiliary telescopic leg 233. When the worker positions the auxiliary leg member 231a so that it extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110, the worker can extend the auxiliary telescopic leg 233 to bring the lower end of the auxiliary telescopic leg 233 to the floor surface or close to it. In addition, the worker can raise the top plate portion 110 by extending the leg member 131a with the telescopic leg 133. When adjusted in this way, the auxiliary telescopic leg 233 can be extended to bring its lower end into contact with or close to the floor surface.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention, and each embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

[0058] In the embodiment described above, the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d are held in place by the engagement of the positioning pin 210 with the positioning parts 206a and 206b. However, the invention is not limited to this case, and the auxiliary leg members 201a to 201d may be held in place using other mechanisms. In the embodiments described above, the case in which the casters 181a to 181d have two wheels 183 was explained, but the invention is not limited to this case, and may have only one wheel 183. In the embodiments described above, the case in which the leg members 131a to 131d have telescopic legs 133 was explained, but the invention is not limited to this case, and the leg members may not have telescopic legs 133.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the case in which the leg portion 130 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction was explained, but the embodiment is not limited to this case, and the leg portion 130 does not have to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In the embodiment described above, the case in which the connecting member 114 is roughly L-shaped or V-shaped when viewed from above was explained, but it is not limited to this case, and any shape is acceptable as long as it is curved in a way that prevents interference between the connecting members 114 of adjacent workbenches 100. In this embodiment, the case in which the auxiliary grounding portions 200, 220, and 230 are positioned to extend beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion 110 has been described, but this is not the only case, and modifications can be made as appropriate depending on the problem or other factors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 100: Mobile workbench 110: Top plate 114: Connecting member 118: Connecting hole 130: Legs 131a~131d: Leg members 134: Telescopic legs 180: Running section 181a~181d: Casters 200: Auxiliary ground contact section 201a~201d: Auxiliary leg members 216: Biasing section 220: Auxiliary ground contact section 221a~221d: Auxiliary casters 230: Auxiliary leg members 231a~231d: Auxiliary leg members

Claims

1. The top panel and, The legs are positioned so as to overlap the top plate when viewed from above, A mobile workbench characterized by comprising an auxiliary grounding portion that extends beyond the outer edge of the top plate portion when viewed from above.

2. The aforementioned auxiliary grounding portion is The mobile workbench according to claim 1, characterized in that it is positioned away from the floor surface and makes contact with the floor surface when the mobile workbench is about to tilt.

3. The aforementioned auxiliary grounding portion is The mobile workbench according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a biasing part that biases the mobile workbench in a direction that returns it to the direction in which it is about to tilt when it is in contact with the floor surface.

4. The aforementioned auxiliary grounding portion is A mobile workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it can transition between a first state in which the top plate extends beyond the outer edge when viewed from above, and a second state in which the top plate does not extend beyond the outer edge when viewed from above.

5. The aforementioned auxiliary grounding portion is The mobile workbench according to claim 4, characterized in that it is rotatably connected to the leg portion and can transition between the first state and the second state by rotation.

6. The auxiliary grounding section has a plurality of auxiliary leg members, The mobile workbench according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least two of the plurality of auxiliary leg members are arranged to protrude from opposing sides of the outer edge of the top plate when viewed from above.

7. The aforementioned leg portion is The tabletop has extendable legs that allow the height of the tabletop to be changed, The aforementioned auxiliary grounding portion is A mobile workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is connected to the aforementioned telescopic legs.

8. The aforementioned leg portion has a pair of leg bodies that face each other, The mobile workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pair of legs are inclined to move away from each other from the upper end to the lower end.

9. The mobile workbench according to claim 8, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the legs on the acute side with respect to the floor surface is less than 90 degrees and greater than 80 degrees.

10. It further has a running section connected to the aforementioned leg section, The aforementioned leg section has four leg members, The running section has casters that are connected to each of the four leg members and are capable of swiveling around a vertical axis. The mobile workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the casters are arranged so as to overlap the top plate when viewed from above the mobile workbench, regardless of the position in which it has rotated.

11. The caster has a wheel and a pedal that is operated to prevent the wheel from rotating. The mobile workbench according to claim 10, characterized in that the pedal section is positioned such that it overlaps the top plate when viewed from above the mobile workbench, regardless of the position of the caster when it is rotated.

12. The top plate portion has a connecting member for connecting to another mobile workbench, and a connecting hole into which the connecting member of the other mobile workbench is connected. The mobile workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the connecting member is bar-shaped and is curved so as to not interfere with the connecting member of the other mobile workbench when viewed from above the mobile workbench.

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