Workbench

Abstract

The present invention provides a workbench equipped with outrigger devices on the column bases that support the boards. [Solution] With the auxiliary legs of the outrigger device (5) in the retracted position (P1), the end fitting (25) of the auxiliary leg (7) forms a protruding portion (32) that extends outward from the vertical line Z hanging down from the joint edges (2a, 2b) of the top plate and a receiving portion (33). When two workbenches are placed with their joint edges and column legs facing each other, the protruding portion (32) of one end fitting facing the other is fitted into the receiving portion (33) of the other end fitting, thereby enabling the joining of the joint edges (2a, 2b) and forming a positioning means (34) in the edge extension direction X by engaging against the edge extension direction X in which the joint edges extend.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a workbench, particularly a workbench provided with an outrigger device on a column base supporting a top plate.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a workbench uses a top plate supported by column bases as a working floor for working at heights. At this time, in addition to using one workbench alone, a plurality of workbenches may be connected to form a stage with a wide working floor. In that case, two adjacent workbenches arranged side by side are connected and fixed by a connecting device in a state where the joining edges of the top plates face each other.

[0003] By the way, although the workbench is configured to be stably installed on the ground by supporting the top plate with column bases, if it accidentally topples due to uneven ground, the operator's center of gravity movement, or other reasons, there is a risk of personal injury. Therefore, it has been proposed to attach an outrigger device to the column base. The outrigger device is used by rotating it from a storage posture in which the auxiliary legs stand upright upward to a deployed posture in which they protrude obliquely downward, and prevents the column base of the workbench from tilting.

[0004] Therefore, as described above, when two workbenches are arranged side by side, since it is necessary to join the joining edges of the top plates facing each other, the outrigger device is in a storage posture. In this state, the outrigger device is configured not to protrude outside the joining edge of the top plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described above, when two workbenches are placed side by side, they are joined without gaps by bringing the joining edges of the tabletops into contact with each other. However, since the joining edges of the tabletops are usually misaligned in the direction of their extension, it is necessary for the worker to adjust the workbenches to the correct position by moving them while visually checking them.

[0007] In this case, since the tabletops are equipped with connecting devices to link them together, if the connecting devices of one tabletop and the other tabletop are not precisely positioned to face each other, it becomes impossible to connect them using the connecting devices. Therefore, the alignment process is not easy and is complicated.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a workbench that solves the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Therefore, what the present invention is configured as means is a workbench provided with an outrigger device on a column base that supports a top plate. The top plate is configured such that, among the outer peripheral edges that project outward from the column base, two parallel sides are used as joining edges, and two workbenches are joined to each other with the joining edges facing each other. The outrigger device includes an auxiliary leg pivotally connected so as to be rotatable between a deployed posture that projects obliquely downward and extends outward beyond the joining edge of the top plate from the side of the column base, and a stored posture that stands upright along the column base. An end fitting is provided at the tip of the auxiliary leg. With respect to the vertical line Z that hangs down from the joining edge of the top plate, the outrigger device is configured such that, in a state where the auxiliary leg is in the stored posture, the entire part except a part of the end fitting does not protrude outward from the vertical line. On the other hand, a part of the end fitting forms a protruding portion and a receiving portion, and at least the protruding portion protrudes outward from the vertical line Z. The protruding portion and the receiving portion are configured such that, when two workbenches are opposed to each other with the joining edge and the column base facing each other, the protruding portion of one end fitting fits into the receiving portion of the other end fitting between the end fittings of the opposed auxiliary legs, enabling the joining of the joining edge, and by engaging against the edge extension direction X in which the joining edge extends, forming a positioning means in the edge extension direction X.

[0010] The receiving portion is formed by arranging notch portions side by side in the edge extension direction X of the protruding portion of the end fitting. In a state where the auxiliary leg is in the stored posture, with respect to the joining edge of the top plate, the protruding portion protrudes by a protruding dimension P outward from the vertical line Z, and the notch portion is recessed by a retreat dimension Q inward from the vertical line Z, and is formed such that P < Q. In the end fittings of a pair of opposed auxiliary legs of two workbenches connected by joining the joining edge, the protruding portion of one end fitting is made to enter the notch portion of the other end fitting, and the positioning means is constituted by engaging the protruding portions of the pair of end fittings against the edge extension direction X.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, a workbench is provided with a plurality of column legs arranged at intervals in the direction of extension of the edges facing a pair of parallel joining edges of the top plate, wherein the plurality of column legs facing one of the pair of joining edges, the first joining edge, is designated as the first column leg, and the plurality of column legs facing the other, the second joining edge, is designated as the second column leg. The first column leg 3-1 and the second column leg 3-2 are arranged in a point-symmetrical configuration with respect to the center C of the top plate 2, and the end fittings of the auxiliary legs are composed of one type of end fitting having a protruding portion and a notched portion side by side. The first outrigger device and the auxiliary fittings of the second outrigger device, respectively, are provided on the first column leg and the second column leg, and the configuration is such that the protruding portion of one end fitting enters the notched portion of the other end fitting, whether the two workbenches are joined with the first or second joining edges facing each other or with the first and second joining edges joined.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a workbench is provided in which a plurality of column legs are arranged at intervals in the direction of extension of the edges facing a pair of parallel joining edges of the top plate, the first column leg is formed by a plurality of column legs facing one of the pair of joining edges, and the second column leg is formed by a plurality of column legs facing the other second joining edge, and the end fittings of the auxiliary legs are composed of two types of end fittings: a first type end fitting with a protrusion and a second type end fitting with a receiving portion consisting of a recess into which the protrusion can be fitted, the first type end fitting is provided on the auxiliary leg of the first outrigger device on one of the column legs, and the second type end fitting is provided on the auxiliary leg of the second outrigger device on the other column leg, and the two workbenches are connected with the first and second joining edges joined to each other, so that the protrusion of the first type end fitting on one workbench is fitted into the recess of the second type end fitting on the other workbench. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, since the positioning means is configured by end fittings provided on the auxiliary legs of the outrigger device, when two workbenches are placed side by side, with the joining edges of the top plates in contact with each other, the protruding part of one end of one outrigger device can be easily fitted into the receiving part of the other end fitting between the opposing outrigger devices, thereby providing the advantage of easily positioning in the direction of edge extension. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] The present invention relates to a workbench equipped with an outrigger device, in which the auxiliary legs are in a retracted position. (A) is a perspective view showing the workbench in an extended state, and (B) is a perspective view showing the workbench in a folded state. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the workbench shown with the auxiliary legs of the outrigger device extended. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing a first embodiment of the outrigger device. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the components of the outrigger device according to the first embodiment in a disassembled state. [Figure 5] The images show the auxiliary legs and support arms in the retracted position; (A) is a side view and (B) is a perspective view. [Figure 6] The images show the auxiliary legs and support arms rotated downward from the stowed position to an intermediate position; (A) is a side view, (B) is a perspective view, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism. [Figure 7] The images show the auxiliary legs and support arms in the extended position; (A) is a side view, (B) is a perspective view, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism. [Figure 8] The second embodiment of the outrigger device is shown, where (A) is a perspective view with the auxiliary legs and support arms in the retracted position, (B) is a perspective view with the legs in the deployed position, (C) is a cross-sectional view showing the locking mechanism composed of a locking pin and a locking hole, and (D) is a cross-sectional view showing the movable coupling portion composed of a locking pin and a regulating passage. [Figure 9]Shows the third embodiment of the outrigger device. (A) is a side view of the auxiliary leg and the support arm in the deployed position, and (B) is a side view of the stored position. [Figure 10] Regarding the method of connecting workbenches, (A) is a perspective view showing two workbenches juxtaposed with their joining edges joined together, (B) is a perspective view showing an example of the connecting device, (C) is a perspective view showing the operation of the connecting device, and (D) is a perspective view showing the state of being connected by the connecting device. [Figure 11] It is a side view showing two workbenches juxtaposed with their joining edges joined together. [Figure 12] It is a plan view showing the arrangement state of the auxiliary leg and the connecting device in the stored position when the workbench is viewed in plan. [Figure 13] It is a side view showing the state of two workbenches before joining their joining edges. [Figure 14] Shows the first embodiment of the end tool. (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side view. [[ID=十七]] [Figure 15] It is a side view showing two workbenches with their joining edges joined together and connected by a connecting device. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged view showing a part of FIG. 15 broken away. [Figure 17] Regarding the first embodiment of the end tool, (A) is a perspective view showing a state where a pair of outrigger devices facing each other on two juxtaposed workbenches are separated, (B) is a perspective view showing a state where the pair of outrigger devices are close to each other and the end tool is fitted, (C) is a plan view of the outrigger device, and (D) is a perspective view of the end tool. [Figure 18] Regarding the operation of the end tool according to the first embodiment, it is a plan view showing the arrangement state of the end tool and the connecting device by viewing the two workbenches before joining the joining edges in plan. [Figure 19] Regarding the operation of the end tool according to the first embodiment, it is a plan view showing the state where the end tool is fitted by viewing the two workbenches in the state where the joining edges are joined and connected by the connecting device in plan. [Figure 20]The second embodiment of the end fitting is shown, where (A) is a perspective view showing a pair of outrigger devices facing each other on two workbenches arranged side by side in a spaced-out state, (B) is a perspective view showing a pair of outrigger devices brought close together and fitted with the end fitting, (C) is a perspective view showing the front side of the end fitting, and (D) is a perspective view showing the rear side of the end fitting. [Figure 21] The third embodiment of the end fitting is shown, where (A) is a perspective view showing a pair of outrigger devices facing each other on two workbenches arranged side by side in a spaced-out state, (B) is a perspective view showing a pair of outrigger devices close together and fitted with the end fitting, (C) is a perspective view of the first type end fitting, and (D) is a perspective view of the second type end fitting. [Figure 22] Another embodiment of the workbench is shown, where (A) is a perspective view showing the workbench in its unfolded state and (B) is a perspective view showing the workbench in its folded state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Workbench) Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a workbench. The workbench is used for working at heights by supporting a top plate 2 with legs 1, with the top plate 2 serving as a work platform. In the example workbench, a pair of legs 1A and 1B are spaced apart in the left-right direction X, and a pair of top plates 2A and 2B are supported on these legs, which are divided in the left-right direction X. The workbench is designed to allow for changes in orientation between an unfolded state where both top plates 2A and 2B are positioned on the same plane (see Figure 1(A)) and a folded state where they are bent in a mountain-fold direction and positioned opposite each other (see Figure 1(B)).

[0017] The legs 1A and 1B each have column bases 3 spaced apart in the Y direction and are connected to support the top plates 2A and 2B from below. The left and right legs 1A and 1B can move across the floor between an open leg state where they are spaced apart from each other (see Figure 1(A)) and a closed leg state where they are close together (see Figure 1(B)). For this reason, casters 4 are provided at the lower ends of the column bases 3.

[0018] As a result, the workbench can be used for working at heights by extending the left and right legs 1A and 1B, as shown in Figure 1(A), to unfold the left and right tabletops 2A and 2B. Then, as shown in Figure 1(B), the left and right legs 1A and 1B can be folded, allowing for compact transport or storage.

[0019] The tabletop 2, formed by unfolding the left and right tabletop bodies 2A and 2B to create a work platform, represents a rectangular plate-like body with an outer peripheral edge that extends outward from the column bases 3 of the leg bodies 1A and 1B. Two parallel sides of the outer peripheral edge are designated as joining edges 2a and 2b, and the two workbenches are used by joining and fixing them together with their joining edges facing each other. As a result, the workbench can be used individually, as shown in Figure 2, or as a stage that provides a wide work platform by connecting multiple workbenches, as shown in Figure 10(A).

[0020] (First embodiment of an outrigger device) The work platform is equipped with outrigger devices 5 on the sides of the column bases 3, and Figures 1 to 7 show a first embodiment thereof.

[0021] The outrigger device 5 consists of a fixing device 6 attached to the column base 3, an auxiliary leg 7, and a support arm 8.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the fastener 6 is formed by bending both sides of the back plate portion 6a to create side plate portions 6b, 6b, and the back plate portion 6a is attached and fixed to the side of the column base 3 by fastening means such as bolts and nuts. In the illustrated embodiment, the back plate portion 6a is attached and fixed to the side surface of the outer circumference of the column base 3 that forms a surface substantially parallel to the joining edges 2a, 2b of the top plate 2, with the back plate portion 6a overlapping it.

[0023] Incidentally, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the column base 3 is a telescopic column base in which a telescopic leg 3b is inserted into a fixed leg 3a, and the height of the top plate 2 can be changed by extending the overall length of the column base 3 by pulling out the telescopic leg 3b downwards. Accordingly, the outrigger device 5 is provided on the telescopic leg 3b, and for this reason, the fixing device 6 attaches and fixes the back plate portion 6a to the lower end of the telescopic leg 3b.

[0024] The fixing device 6 has a lower pivot portion 9 and an upper pivot portion 10 at the lower and upper parts of the side plate portions 6b, respectively. The lower pivot portion 9 is configured to pivotally connect to the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7, and the upper pivot portion 10 is configured to pivotally connect to the tail end of the support arm 8.

[0025] The lower pivot portion 9 is configured such that, with the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7 inserted between the side plate portions 6b, 6b, the pivot holes 9a of the side plate portions 6b, 6b and the pivot hole 9b of the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7 are pivotally supported by a pivot 9c consisting of a bolt and nut. As a result, the auxiliary leg 7 is rotatably supported between a retracted position P1 in which it stands upright and a deployed position P2 in which it protrudes diagonally downward.

[0026] The upper pivot portion 10 is configured such that, with the tail end of the support arm 8 inserted between the side plate portions 6b, 6b, the pivot holes 10a, 10a of the side plate portions 6b, 6b and the pivot holes 10b, 10b of the tail end of the support arm 8 are pivotally supported by a pair of bolts and nuts forming pivots 10c, 10c, respectively. As a result, the support arm 8 is rotatably supported between a retracted position P1 in which it stands upright and an extended position P2 in which it protrudes diagonally downward.

[0027] Incidentally, the auxiliary leg 7 is formed from a pipe material or the like as shown in the figure. In contrast, the support arm 8 is formed from a U-shaped channel member with side walls 8b, 8b, which are formed by bending both sides of the base portion 8a, and has a channel space 8c between the side walls 8b, 8b, and a pair of pivot holes 10b, 10b are provided at the tail ends of the side walls 8b, 8b.

[0028] In this configuration, the upper pivot portion 10 supports the pivot holes 10a, 10a of the pair of side plate portions 6b, 6b of the fixing device 6 and the pivot holes 10b, 10b of the pair of side wall portions 8b, 8b of the support arm 8 individually with pivots 10c, 10c. This creates a space S between the pair of pivots 10c, 10c that connects to the groove-shaped space 8c. As a result, when the support arm 8 and auxiliary leg 7 are in the stowed position P1, the support arm 8 is fitted between the side plate portions 6b, 6b of the fixing device 6, and the auxiliary leg 7 is fitted into the space S and groove-shaped space 8c of the support arm 8. Therefore, the fixing device 6, support arm 8, and auxiliary leg 7 as a whole are superimposed in a compact state and can be placed along the column base 3.

[0029] The tip of the support arm 8 is provided with a movable connecting part 11, which is rotatably and longitudinally movable to the auxiliary leg 7.

[0030] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the movable connecting section 11 is provided with tongue pieces 12a, 12b extending vertically from the tips of the side wall portions 8b, 8b of the support arm 8. An upper roller 13a is inserted between the upper tongue pieces 12a, 12a, and a lower roller 13b is inserted between the lower tongue pieces 12b, 12b. These are rotatably supported by shaft members 14a, 14b made of bolts, nuts, etc.

[0031] Therefore, by holding the upper and lower surfaces of the auxiliary leg 7 between the upper roller 13a and the lower roller 13b, the movable connecting part 11 is connected to the auxiliary leg 7 so that it can rotate and move in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] As a result, as shown in Figure 3, when the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are in the retracted position P1 shown by the dashed line, the movable connecting part 11 moves to the vicinity of the tip of the auxiliary leg 7, and the auxiliary leg 7 is superimposed on the support arm 8. Then, when the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are rotated downward using the lower pivot part 9 and upper pivot part 10 as fulcrums to reach the deployed position P2 shown by the solid line, the movable connecting part 11 moves toward the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7, and the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary leg 7 is supported by the tip of the support arm 8 which extends diagonally downward from the upper pivot part 10.

[0033] The auxiliary leg 7 and the support arm 8 are provided with a locking mechanism 15 that prevents the movement of the movable connecting part 11 by locking them together so that they can be detachably locked when they are in the retracted position P1 and the deployed position P2, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 15 is configured to lock in both the retracted position P1 and the deployed position P2, but it is sufficient if it locks in at least the deployed position P2. In that case, a means for holding the auxiliary leg 7 and the support arm 8 in the retracted position P1 can be provided separately.

[0034] The locking mechanism 15 consists of a locking pin 17 that protrudes from both sides of the auxiliary leg 7 by a spring 16 made of a substantially U-shaped leaf spring installed inside the auxiliary leg 7, and a deployment locking hole 18 and a storage locking hole 19 provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the side wall portion 8b of the support arm 8.

[0035] In this configuration, the deployment locking hole 18 and the storage locking hole 19 are positioned to face the locking pin 17 when the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are in the deployed position P2 and the stored position P1, respectively.

[0036] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, when the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are in the retracted position P1, the movable connecting part 11 moves to the vicinity of the tip of the auxiliary leg 7 so that the auxiliary leg 7 is superimposed on the support arm 8. In this state, the locking pin 17 is inserted into and locked into the retraction locking hole 19, and the locking means 15 is locked.

[0037] When rotating the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 from the retracted position P1 to the deployed position P2, the locking pin 17 is pushed in and released from the retracted locking hole 19 by inserting the operator's fingertip into the retracted locking hole 19, thereby unlocking the locking means 15, and the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 become rotatable downwards. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of locking pins 17, 17 are provided at both ends of the substantially U-shaped leaf spring that constitutes the spring 16 (correspondingly, locking holes 18, 19 are provided on the side walls 8b, 8b of the support arm 8), and the user can push in the pair of locking pins 17, 17 with two fingers of one hand and rotate the auxiliary leg 7 with the other hand.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, when the auxiliary leg 7 and the support arm 8 are rotated downward, the movable connecting part 11 moves toward the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7, and the deployment locking hole 18 moves toward the locking pin 17.

[0039] When the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are deployed to the position P2, as shown in Figure 7, the movable connecting part 11 moves to the middle of the auxiliary leg 7 in the longitudinal direction. In this state, the locking pin 17 is inserted into the deployment locking hole 18 and locked, and the locking means 15 is locked. To return from the deployed position P2 to the retracted position P1, the operator can insert their fingertip into the deployment locking hole 18 to push the locking pin 17 into the auxiliary leg 7 and disengage it from the deployment locking hole 18. With the locking means 15 unlocked, the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 can then be rotated upward.

[0040] As described above, when unlocking the locking mechanism 15, the operator performs an operation such as pushing in the locking pin 17 with their fingertip, but when locking, an automatic locking function is provided that does not require operation of the locking pin 17.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4, 6(C), and 7(C), the side wall portion 8b of the support arm 8 is provided with a flat plate portion 20 that overlaps the side surface of the auxiliary leg 7 and a guide portion 21 that is bent laterally from the flat plate portion 20, and the deployment locking hole 18 and the storage locking hole 19 are provided in the flat plate portion 20.

[0042] When the locking mechanism 15 is unlocked, the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are rotated from the retracted position P1 to the deployed position P2, or vice versa, when they are rotated from the deployed position P2 to the retracted position P1, the side wall portion 8b of the support arm 8 is separated from the locking pin 17 of the auxiliary leg 7, as shown as the intermediate position P3 in Figure 6. Therefore, the locking pin 17 is made to protrude from the side of the auxiliary leg 7 by the spring 16.

[0043] Therefore, when moving from the intermediate position P3 shown in Figure 6 to the deployed position P2 shown in Figure 7, the guide portion 21 located near the deployment locking hole 18 on the side wall portion 8b of the support arm 8 moves toward the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7, crossing the locking pin 17 and pushing the locking pin 17 against the spring 16. Subsequently, while pushed in, the locking pin 17 slides in elastic contact with the inner surface of the flat plate portion 20 that follows the guide portion 21, and as soon as it approaches the deployment locking hole 18, it is pushed out by the spring 16 and inserted into the locking hole 18, locking the locking means 15 automatically.

[0044] Similarly, when moving from the intermediate position P3 shown in Figure 6 to the retracted position P1 shown in Figure 5, the guide portion 21 located near the retraction locking hole 19 on the side wall portion 8b of the support arm 8 moves toward the tip of the auxiliary leg 7, crossing the locking pin 17 and pushing the locking pin 17 against the spring 16. Then, while pushed in, the locking pin 17 slides in elastic contact with the inner surface of the flat plate portion 20 that follows the guide portion 21, and as soon as it approaches the retraction locking hole 19, it is pushed out by the spring 16 and inserted into the locking hole 19, locking the locking means 15 automatically.

[0045] (Second embodiment of the outrigger device) Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the outrigger device 5.

[0046] The outrigger device 5 consists of a fixing device 6 attached to the column base 3, an auxiliary leg 7, and a support arm 8, which is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, since it includes components whose functions and roles are basically the same or similar, these are indicated by the same reference numerals as above, and the components that differ from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0047] The auxiliary leg 7 has a regulating passage 22 extending along both sides in the longitudinal direction, consisting of grooves, rails, etc., and a deployment locking hole 18 and a storage locking hole 19 are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the regulating passage 22.

[0048] In contrast, the support arm 8 has locking pins 17 at the tips of both side wall portions 8b, 8b. These locking pins 17 are held in hollow holding portions 23 provided at the tips of both side wall portions 8b, 8b, and are configured to protrude toward the side of the auxiliary leg 7 by the elastic biasing force of a spring 16 such as a coil spring. At this time, the hollow holding portion 23 is provided with an operating portion 24 connected to the locking pin 17, and when the operating portion 24 is pulled, the locking pin 17 is configured to retract against the spring 16.

[0049] In this configuration, the locking pin 17 faces the deployment locking hole 18 and the storage locking hole 19, respectively, when the auxiliary leg 7 and the support arm 8 are in the deployed position P2 and the retracted position P1, and is configured to be inserted into and locked into the locking holes 18 and 19.

[0050] (Locking mechanism) In the second embodiment, the locking means 15 is configured by the locking pin 17, the deployment locking hole 18, and the storage locking hole 19.

[0051] When the auxiliary leg 7 and the support arm 8 are in the deployed position P2 and the retracted position P1, respectively, the locking pin 17 protrudes toward the deployment locking hole 18 and the retraction locking hole 19, respectively, and is inserted and locked, locking the locking means 15. The locking means 15 is unlocked by pulling the operating part, which disengages the locking pin 17 from the deployment locking hole 18 and the retraction locking hole 19 and releases the lock.

[0052] (Movable connecting part) In the second embodiment, the locking pin 17 and the regulating passage 22 constitute the movable connecting portion 11, thereby connecting the tip of the support arm 8 to the auxiliary leg 7 so that it can rotate and move in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary leg 7.

[0053] When the auxiliary leg 7 and support arm 8 are rotated from the retracted position P1 to the deployed position P2, or conversely, when they are rotated from the deployed position P2 to the retracted position P1, that is, to the intermediate position P3, as shown in Figure 8(D), the locking pin 17 is biased in the protruding direction by the spring 16 and is fitted into the restricting passage 22 of the auxiliary leg 7, and slides while elastically contacting the bottom of the groove of the restricting passage 22. Simultaneously with the sliding, the support arm 8 is rotated relative to the auxiliary leg 7 with the locking pin 17, which is held in the restricting passage 22, as its central axis.

[0054] (Third embodiment of the outrigger device) Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of the outrigger device 5.

[0055] The outrigger device 5 shares or is similar in basic configuration to the second embodiment, but the tail end of the support arm 8 is pivotally connected to the lower pivot portion 9 of the fixing device 6, and the tail end of the auxiliary leg 7 is pivotally connected to the upper pivot portion 10.

[0056] In this configuration, the tip of the support arm 8 is connected to the auxiliary leg 7 by a movable connecting portion 11 so as to be rotatable and movable in the longitudinal direction of the auxiliary leg 7. Although details are not shown, the movable connecting portion 11 is composed of a locking pin 17 provided at the tip of the support arm 8 and a regulating passage 22 provided on the side of the auxiliary leg 7, similar to the second embodiment.

[0057] Furthermore, on the side of the auxiliary leg 7, an deployment locking hole 18 and a storage locking hole 19 are provided, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction above the regulating passage 22. A locking means 15 is configured that locks the leg by inserting and locking a locking pin 17 into both locking holes 18 and 19 in a detachable manner, and unlocks it by releasing it.

[0058] In the third embodiment, when the structure is in the deployed position P2, the longitudinal middle portion of the auxiliary leg 7 is supported from below by the support arm 8. Therefore, the support arm 8 effectively functions as a reinforcing member to prevent breakage of the auxiliary leg 7 in the direction of tilting of the column base 3.

[0059] (end fitting) The outrigger device 5 is equipped with ground-contacting end fittings 25 at the tips of the auxiliary legs 7, and when deployed in position P2, the end fittings 25 are brought close to the floor surface. As a result, when the column base 3 tilts, the tilt is supported by the auxiliary legs 7 with the end fittings 25 in contact with the ground. The embodiment of the end fittings 25 will be described later.

[0060] (Workbench connecting device) As described above, the workbench has left and right top panels 2A and 2B in an unfolded state, and the top panel 2 forms a work surface. As shown in Figure 2, a single workbench can be used, or as shown in Figure 10(A), multiple workbenches can be connected to form a stage with a large work surface. Hereafter, with respect to the two workbenches, the top panel of one workbench will be referred to as the first top panel 2-1, and the top panel of the other workbench as the second top panel 2-2.

[0061] When connecting the two workbenches, the joining edges 2b(2b) of one top plate 2-1 and the other top plate 2-2 are facing each other, and the two workbenches are joined with almost no gap between the joining edges. With respect to the pair of parallel joining edges 2a, 2b of the top plate 2, the two workbenches' top plates 2-1 and 2-2 may be joined together, the other joining edges 2b, 2b may be joined together, or one joining edge 2a may be joined to the other joining edge 2b. In any case, a connecting device 26 is provided to connect the two workbenches' top plates 2-1 and 2-2 with the joining edges joined.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the connecting device 26 forms a pivot shaft portion 28 and a locking shaft portion 29 by bending both ends of a rod 27, which is arranged parallel to the joining edge 2b (2b), downward, and inserts both shaft portions into a support hole 30 and a locking hole 31 formed in the top plate.

[0063] In this configuration, the connecting device 26-1 of the first top plate 2-1 and the connecting device 26-2 of the second top plate 2-2 are configured such that one pivot shaft portion 28 faces the other locking shaft portion 29. As shown in Figure 10(B), the distance L1 between the pivot hole 30 and the locking hole 31 in each connecting device 26 is configured to be approximately equal to the distance L2 between the opposing pivot hole 30 and locking hole 31 when the joining edges 2a (2b) of the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 are joined.

[0064] Therefore, as shown in Figures 10(C) and (D), the connecting device 26-1 of the first top plate 2-1 and the connecting device 26-2 of the second top plate 2-2 are configured to connect the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 by lifting the rod 27 of each device, thereby releasing the locking shaft portion 29 from the locking hole 31, rotating them around the pivot shaft portion 28, inserting the locking shaft portion 29 of the connecting device 26-1 of the first top plate 2-1 into the locking hole 31 of the connecting device 26-2 of the second top plate 2-2, and inserting the locking shaft portion 29 of the connecting device 26-2 of the second top plate 2-2 into the locking hole 31 of the connecting device 26-1 of the first top plate 2-1.

[0065] As a result, the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 are connected with their joining edges 2a (2b) joined together. In other words, the connecting device 26 is configured such that it cannot perform the connection shown in the figure unless the joining edges 2a (2b) are joined with virtually no gaps.

[0066] Therefore, the outrigger devices 5 attached to each of the two workbenches must be configured so that they do not protrude outward from the joining edge 2a (2b) of the top plate 2 when the auxiliary legs 7 are in the retracted position P1. If they protrude, the protruding parts will collide and interfere with each other between the opposing outrigger devices 5, 5, making it impossible to join the joining edges 2a (2b) of the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2.

[0067] By the way, even when the joining edges 2a (2b) are joined, when connecting the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 with the connecting device 26, if the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 are misaligned relative to each other in the X direction, it becomes impossible to insert the locking shaft portion 29 of one connecting device 26-1 (26-2) into the locking hole 31 of the other connecting device 26-2 (26-1).

[0068] Therefore, before the connecting operation using the connecting device 26, it is necessary to correct the misalignment between the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 while their joining edges 2a (2b) are joined. In other words, as described above, when the locking shaft portion 29 of one connecting device 26-1 (26-2) and the locking hole 31 of the other connecting device 26-2 (26-1) are not facing each other in the correct position, that is, when they are misaligned, the workbench must be moved in the X direction while visually checking to correct the misalignment, which makes the work complicated.

[0069] In this regard, the workbench according to the embodiment of the present invention has a positioning means configured on the end piece 25 provided on the auxiliary leg 7 of the outrigger device 5, thereby solving the above problem.

[0070] (Embodiment of end fitting) Figures 10 to 21 show embodiments of the end fittings 25 provided on the auxiliary legs 7 of the outrigger device 5. Although the outrigger device 5 is as described above, the specific configuration of the outrigger device 5 to which the end fittings 25 are attached is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above.

[0071] The outrigger device 5, with the auxiliary legs 7 and support arms 8 in the retracted position P1, is configured such that, with respect to the vertical line Z (see Figures 11 and 13 to 16) hanging down from the joint edge 2a (2b) of the top plate 2, the entire device, except for a portion of the end fitting 25, does not protrude outward from the vertical line Z. In other words, the components of the outrigger device 5, such as the fixing device 6, auxiliary legs 7, and support arms 8, are all configured so that, with the exception of the end fitting 25, they do not protrude outward from the vertical line Z.

[0072] In the plan view shown in Figure 12, the workbench has column legs 3 near the four corners of the tabletop 2. Each column leg 3 is positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line XC extending in the X direction from the center C of the tabletop 2, and symmetrically with respect to the center line YC extending in the Y direction. In other words, if the column legs facing one of the pair of joint edges, the first joint edge 2a, are designated as the first column legs 3-1, and the column legs facing the other, the second joint edge 2b, are designated as the second column legs 3-2, then the first column legs 3-1 and the second column legs 3-2 are arranged in a point-symmetrical configuration with respect to the center C of the tabletop 2. Outrigger devices 5 are provided on the outer surface (the side parallel to the joint edges 2a and 2b) of each column leg 3. Therefore, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 11, when two workbenches are placed side by side and connected, there are cases where the first column legs 3-1 and 3a face each other, cases where the second column legs 3-2 and 3b face each other, and cases where the first column leg 3-1 and the second column leg 3-2 face each other. In all cases, however, the two outrigger devices 5, 5 are always facing each other. Hereafter, one of them will be referred to as the first outrigger device 5-1 and the other as the second outrigger device 5-2.

[0073] Therefore, as described above, the first outrigger device 5-1 and the second outrigger device 5-2 are configured so that they do not protrude outward from the vertical line Z except for the end fittings 25, so they do not collide with each other and interfere with each other, and do not prevent the joining edges 2a and 2b from joining to each other between the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2.

[0074] Incidentally, the end portions 25 provided on the first outrigger device 5-1 and the second outrigger device 5-2 are provided with a protruding portion 32 and a receiving portion 33 in the portions that face each other, and at least the protruding portion 32 is formed to extend outward from the vertical line Z.

[0075] Furthermore, the protruding portion 32 and the receiving portion 33 are configured such that when two workbenches are placed side by side and the joining edges 2a and 2b of the top plates 2-1 and 2-2 are joined, the protruding portion 32 of one end piece 25 fits into the receiving portion 33 of the other end piece 25 between the opposing first outrigger device 5-1 and second outrigger device 5-2. This enables the joining of the aforementioned joining edges 2a and 2b. Moreover, the protruding portions 32, 32 of the mutually fitted end pieces 25, 25 engage in the edge extension direction X to which the joining edges 2a and 2b extend, forming a positioning means 34 for positioning in the edge extension direction X.

[0076] (End fitting, first embodiment) Figures 11 to 19 show a first embodiment of the end piece 25.

[0077] In the first embodiment, all auxiliary legs 7 of the outrigger devices 5 attached to the column base 3 of the workbench are provided with end fittings 25 of the same shape. In other words, only one type of end fitting 25 as an identical part is used.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, the end fitting 25 forms the receiving portion 33 by arranging notch portions 33a side by side in the edge extension direction X of the protruding portion 32. At this time, with respect to the joining edges 2a and 2b of the top plate, the protruding portion 32 protrudes by a protruding dimension P outward from the vertical line Z, and the notch portion 33a is recessed by a retreating dimension Q inward from the vertical line Z, and is formed so that P < Q.

[0079] In the case of the first embodiment, an outrigger device 5 provided with one type of end fitting 25 having the same configuration is attached to the outer surface of the column base 3 provided in the vicinity of the four corners of the top plate 2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the two end fittings 25 arranged facing one joining edge 2a of the top plate 2 and the two end fittings 25 arranged facing the other joining edge 2b have the protruding portion 32 and the receiving portion 33 arranged on the same left and right sides when viewed toward their respective joining edges.

[0080] Therefore, when two workbenches are arranged side by side, between the first outrigger device 5-1 and the second outrigger device 5-2 facing each other, in any case of joining one joining edge 2a, 2a to each other, joining the other joining edge 2b, 2b to each other, or joining one joining edge 2a and the other joining edge 2b between the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2, the protruding portion 32 of one end fitting 25 always necessarily enters and fits into the receiving portion 33 of the other end fitting 25. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first top plate 2-1 and the second top plate 2-2 can join their joining edges 2a (2b) in a state substantially without a gap.

[0081] Then, as shown in FIGS. 18 and FIG. FIG. 19, the end fittings 25 of the first outrigger device 5-1 and the end fittings 25 of the second outrigger device 5-2 facing each other form the positioning means 34 that engage against the edge extension direction X by the mutually fitted protruding portions 32, 32.

[0082] Therefore, the worker only needs to concentrate on fitting the end pieces 25, 25 of the opposing outrigger devices 5-1, 5-2 together. Once the fitting is achieved, the joining edges 2a (2b) are joined with virtually no gap, and the connecting devices 26-1, 26-2 are positioned opposite each other in the correct predetermined positions, allowing the connection using the connecting device 26 to be performed quickly and easily.

[0083] (Second embodiment of the end fitting) Figure 20 shows a second embodiment of the end fitting 25.

[0084] All auxiliary legs 7 of the outrigger devices 5 attached to the column base 3 of the workbench are provided with end fittings 25 of the same shape. In other words, only one type of end fitting 25, which is an identical part, is used, just as in the first embodiment described above.

[0085] The end fitting 25 has a protruding portion 32 and a receiving portion 33 arranged side by side in the edge extension direction X of the joining edge 2a (2b) of the top plate, and the receiving portion 33 is formed by a notch 33a, and in this respect it is the same as the first embodiment described above.

[0086] By the way, in the case of the second embodiment, the protruding portion 32 is made up of two plate portions 32a and 32b, a groove portion 33b is formed between the plate portions 32a and 32b, and the notch portion 33a and the groove portion 33b constitute the receiving portion 33.

[0087] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the end fittings 25 of the first outrigger device 5-1 and the end fittings 25 of the second outrigger device 5-2, which face each other, are configured to be fitted together by inserting the two plate portions 32a and 32b of the other end fitting 25 into the notch portion 33a and groove portion 33b of the other end fitting 25, thereby forming a positioning means 34.

[0088] (Third embodiment of the end fitting) Figure 21 shows a third embodiment of the end fitting 25.

[0089] As described above based on Figure 12, the workbench is arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center C of the top plate 2, with a plurality of first column legs 3-1 facing one of the pair of joint edges 2a and a plurality of second column legs 3-2 facing the other second joint edge 2b, and when two workbenches are placed side by side and connected, the first outrigger device 5-1 and the second outrigger device 5-2 are always positioned facing each other.

[0090] Therefore, the end fitting 25 of the third embodiment is composed of two types: a first type end fitting 25-1 having a protruding portion 32 consisting of a projection 32c, and a second type end fitting 25-2 having a receiving portion 33 consisting of a recess 33c into which the projection 32 can be fitted. When the joining edges 2a (2b) are joined by arranging two workbenches side by side, by attaching the first type end fitting 25-1 to the first outrigger device 5-1 and the second type end fitting 25-2 to the second outrigger device 5-2, the projection 32c of the first type end fitting 25-1 fits into the recess 33c of the second type end fitting 25-2. At this time, in the first type end fitting 25-1, the recess 33c into which the projection 32c is fitted constitutes a positioning means 34 that engages against the edge extension direction X between the inner circumferential surface 33d of the recess 33c and the projection 32c.

[0091] (Another embodiment of a workbench) Figure 22 shows another embodiment of the workbench.

[0092] The workbench supports a single tabletop 2C on a pair of legs 1C, 1C that are spaced apart in the left-right direction X with respect to the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y which are orthogonal on a plane. The legs 1C, 1C are pivotally connected so as to allow movement from a working state where they hang down from the tabletop 2C as shown in Figure 22(A) to a folded state where they are stacked on the underside of the tabletop 2C as shown in Figure 22(B).

[0093] Each of the aforementioned leg bodies 1C, 1C is equipped with a column base 3 spaced apart in the Y direction, and has an outrigger device 5 attached to its lower end.

[0094] Even in such a workbench, the outrigger device 5 and the end portion 25 provided on its auxiliary leg 7 can be the same as those in the embodiment described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Legs 2, 2A, 2B, 2C Top 2-1 First Top Plate 2-2 Second Top Plate 2a, 2b Joint edge 3 Pillar base 3a fixed leg 3b telescopic legs 4 casters 5. Outrigger device 5-1 First Outrigger Device 5-2 Second Outrigger Device 6 Fixtures 6a Back plate part 6b Side plate part P1 Storage position P2 Deployment posture P3 intermediate posture 7 Auxiliary legs 8 support arms 8a Substrate section 8b Side wall part 8c Channel space S space 9 Lower pivot joint 9a, 9b pivot hole 9th century Axis 10 Upper pivot 10a, 10b pivot hole 10th Century Axis 11 Movable coupling section 12a, 12b Tongue piece 13a Upper roller 13b Lower roller 14a, 14b Shaft member 15 Locking mechanism 16 Spring 17 Locking pin 18 Locking holes for deployment 19 Locking hole for storage 20 Flat plate part 21 Guide Section 22 Regulated passage 23 Hollow holding part 24 Control section 25, 25-1, 25-2 End fittings 26, 26-1, 26-2 coupling device 27 Rods 28 Rotating shaft section 29 Locking shaft part 30 Axle support holes 31 Locking hole 32 Protrusion 32a, 32b plate part 32c protrusion 33 Reception Department 33a Notch 33b Groove 33c recess 33d Inner surface 34 Positioning means

Claims

1. In a workbench in which outrigger devices are provided on the column bases that support the top plate, The tabletop (2) is configured such that two workbenches are connected by joining them with their joining edges (2a, 2b) facing each other, using two parallel sides of the outer periphery that extend outward from the column base (3) as joining edges. The outrigger device (5) includes an auxiliary leg (7) that is pivotally connected to the side of the column base and extends outward diagonally downward from the joint edge of the top plate, and to a retracted position (P1) that stands upright along the column base, and an end fitting (25) is provided at the tip of the auxiliary leg. With respect to the vertical line Z hanging down from the joint edges (2a, 2b) of the top plate, the outrigger device (5) is configured such that, with the auxiliary legs in the retracted position (P1), the entire device except for a part of the end piece does not protrude outward from the vertical line Z, while a part of the end piece (25) forms a protruding portion (32) and a receiving portion (33), and at least the protruding portion (32) is configured to protrude outward from the vertical line Z. The workbench is characterized in that the protruding portion (32) and the receiving portion (33) are configured such that when two workbenches are joined together with their joint edges and column bases facing each other, the protruding portion (32) of one end fitting fits into the receiving portion (33) of the other end fitting between the end fittings (25)(25) of the opposing auxiliary legs, thereby enabling the joining of the joint edges (2a, 2b), and also forming a positioning means (34) in the edge extension direction X by engaging against the edge extension direction X in which the joint edges extend.

2. The receiving portion (33) is formed by arranging notches (33a) in parallel in the edge extension direction X of the protruding portion (32) of the end fitting (25). With the auxiliary leg (7) in the retracted position (P1), the protruding portion (32) protrudes outward from the vertical line Z by a protruding dimension P relative to the joining edge (2a, 2b) of the top plate, and the notched portion (33a) is recessed inward from the vertical line Z by a receding dimension Q, so that P < Q. The workbench according to claim 1, characterized in that, between two workbenches connected by joining the aforementioned joining edges, the positioning means (34) is configured by having a protruding portion (32) of one end fitting enter into a notch (33a) of the other end fitting, and engaging the protruding portions (32)(32) of the pair of end fittings against the edge extension direction X.

3. In a workbench in which a plurality of column legs are arranged at intervals in the direction of extension X of the edges facing a pair of parallel joining edges (2a, 2b) of the top plate, when the plurality of column legs facing one of the pair of joining edges is designated as the first column legs (3-1) and the plurality of column legs facing the other second joining edge is designated as the second column legs (3-2), the first column legs (3-1) and the second column legs (3-2) are arranged in a point-symmetrical configuration with respect to the center C of the top plate 2. The end fitting (25) of the auxiliary leg is composed of one type of end fitting having the protruding portion (32) and the notched portion (33a) arranged side by side, and the one type of end fitting (25) is provided on the auxiliary fittings of the first outrigger device (5-1) and the second outrigger device (5-2) provided on the first column leg (3-1) and the second column leg (3-2), respectively. The workbench according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in both cases where two workbenches are joined together with their first joining edges (2a) (2a) or second joining edges (2b) (2b) facing each other, and where the first joining edge (2a) and the second joining edge (2b) are joined together, the end fittings are configured such that the protruding portion (32) of one end fitting can enter the notched portion (33a) of the other end fitting.

4. In a workbench in which a plurality of column legs are arranged at intervals in the direction of extension X of the edges facing a pair of parallel joining edges (2a, 2b) of the top plate, a first column leg (3-1) is formed by a plurality of column legs facing one of the pair of joining edges, and a second column leg (3-2) is formed by a plurality of column legs facing the other second joining edge. The end fitting (25) of the auxiliary leg is composed of two types of end fittings: a first type end fitting (25-1) having the protruding portion (32), and a second type end fitting (25-2) having a receiving portion (33) consisting of a recess (33c) into which the protruding portion can be fitted. A first type end fitting (25-1) is provided on the auxiliary leg of the first outrigger device (5-1) at one of the first and second column bases, and a second type end fitting (25-2) is provided on the auxiliary leg of the second outrigger device (5-2) at the other column base. The workbench according to claim 1, characterized in that two workbenches are connected with their first and second joining edges joined to each other, so that the protruding portion (32) of the first type end fitting (25-1) on one workbench is fitted into the recess (33c) of the second type end fitting (25-2) on the other workbench.

Images