Folding desk

Abstract

To provide a folding desk which has a contradictory effect that members can be easily engaged with each other with a simple structure to easily switch between a folded state and an unfolded state, while the engaged state cannot be easily released. [Solution] The folding desk of the present invention comprises a first leg member having at least two first legs arranged side by side in the width direction, a second leg member having a second leg connected to the first leg member via a first hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a top plate connected to the first leg member via a second hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a pair of engagement members disposed on the top plate and engageable with the pair of second leg members. The engagement members have a first abutment surface substantially parallel to the top plate, a second abutment surface substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface, and a convex portion formed on the second abutment surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top plate, the second leg member has a rotating leg portion rotatably supported on the first leg member and a connecting portion connecting the rotating leg portion to the second leg portion, and the engagement members clamp the rotating leg portion between the first abutment surface and the convex portion in the folded state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding desk and to a technology that enables it to be folded compactly. [Background technology]

[0002] As the workplace environment changes in society, there is a demand for desks that can be folded up for storage and easily carried around. In addition, because Japanese homes are small, there is a demand for desks that can be folded up and stored in the gap between a dresser and a wall when not in use.

[0003] In order to make it possible to easily fold the desk, a folding structure as shown in Patent Document 1 is used (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The folding desk disclosed in Patent Document 1 is composed of a first leg member having at least two legs arranged in the width direction as support parts for the floor surface, a pair of second leg members connected to the first leg member via first hinge parts so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, and a top plate connected to the first leg member via the second hinge parts so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction.

[0005] According to Patent Document 1, the tabletop and the second leg member can be folded or unfolded relative to the first leg member to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. At this time, a locking member is required to maintain the folded or unfolded state.

[0006] As a locking member for a folding structure as described in Patent Document 1, a member that uses magnetic force to fasten members together is used.

[0007] However, a locking member that uses magnetic force to fix components together cannot resist a small force applied in the direction in which the components move apart, and the locked state is released, which is inconvenient to use. In particular, in furniture that requires a certain degree of load resistance, such as a desk, each component needs to be made of a heavy material, so if a locking member that uses magnetic force is used, the locked state may be released by its own weight. In such a case, the locked state may be released even during transportation, which is not preferable. Also, even during use, the locked state may be released unintentionally when a force is applied from a specific direction, which is not preferable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-177790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a folding desk that has a simple structure that allows parts to be easily engaged with each other and can be easily switched between the folded and unfolded states, while at the same time achieving the contradictory effects of not easily releasing the engaged state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention provides the following solutions.

[0011] A folding desk according to a first aspect includes a first leg member having at least two legs arranged in the width direction as support members for a floor surface, a pair of second leg members connected to the first leg member via a first hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a top plate connected to the first leg member via a second hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a pair of engagement members disposed on the top plate and engageable with the pair of second leg members, respectively. The engagement members include a first abutment surface substantially parallel to the top plate, a second abutment surface substantially perpendicular to the first abutment surface, a first convex portion formed on the first abutment surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plate at a position a first distance away from the second abutment surface, and a second convex portion formed on the second abutment surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top plate at a position a second distance away from the first abutment surface.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the invention, the table includes a first leg member having at least two legs arranged in the width direction to serve as a support for a floor surface, a pair of second leg members connected to the first leg member via a first hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a top plate connected to the first leg member via a second hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the front-back direction, and a pair of engagement members arranged on the top plate and engageable with the pair of second leg members, respectively, so that the table can be switched between an unfolded state and a folded state by engaging the second leg member with the engagement members. In this case, the second leg member can be engaged with the top plate by a single engagement member in both the unfolded state and the folded state, so that a foldable desk can be provided with a simple and lightweight configuration without providing a complex mechanism. In addition, the second leg member is held by the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface formed approximately perpendicular to each other, and at this time, a first protrusion protruding in a direction approximately perpendicular to the top plate at a position on the first abutment surface away from the second abutment surface by a first distance, the second leg member can be prevented from rotating in a direction away from the second abutment surface, and a stable state can be maintained. Similarly, by providing a second convex portion that protrudes in a direction approximately parallel to the tabletop at a position on the second abutment surface a second distance away from the first abutment surface, the tabletop can be prevented from rotating in a direction away from the second leg member, thereby maintaining a stable state.

[0013] The second feature of the invention is the invention of the first feature, wherein the second leg member has a pivoting leg portion arranged in a substantially vertical direction and rotatably supported on the first leg member, and a connecting portion arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and connecting the pivoting leg portion to the second leg portion, and the engaging member engages with the connecting portion in the unfolded state and engages with the pivoting leg portion in the folded state.

[0014] According to the second feature of the invention, the second leg member has a pivoting leg portion arranged in a substantially vertical direction and rotatably supported on the first leg member, and a connecting portion arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and connecting the pivoting leg portion to the second leg portion, so that the engaging member engages with the connecting portion in the unfolded state and can engage with the pivoting leg portion in the folded state.

[0015] The invention relating to the third feature is the invention relating to the second feature, wherein the widthwise dimension of the connection part when unfolded and the widthwise dimension of the pivoting leg when folded approximately correspond to the first distance, and the heightwise dimension of the connection part and the depthwise dimension of the pivoting leg when folded approximately correspond to the second distance.

[0016] According to the third feature of the invention, the widthwise dimension of the connection part when unfolded and the widthwise dimension of the pivoting leg when folded approximately correspond to the first distance, and the heightwise dimension of the connection part and the depthwise dimension of the pivoting leg when folded approximately correspond to the second distance, so that the pivoting leg can be fitted into the engaging member without any rattling, both when unfolded and when folded.

[0017] The invention relating to the fourth feature is the invention relating to the second feature, wherein the engaging member is arranged on the underside of the tabletop at a position where, in the width direction, the first abutment surface approximately coincides with the location where the pivot leg is located when folded, and at a position where, in the depth direction, the second abutment surface approximately coincides with the location where the connection portion is located when unfolded.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the engaging member is provided at a position where the first contact surface is substantially aligned with the location of the rotating leg in the width direction of the underside of the tabletop, so that the engaging member and the rotating leg can be engaged by simply rotating the tabletop forward. Also, the second contact surface is provided at a position where the connecting portion is located in the depth direction of the underside of the tabletop when unfolded, so that the connecting portion can be engaged with the engaging member by simply unfolding the tabletop by rotating the second leg member relative to the first leg member.

[0019] The invention relating to the fifth feature is the invention relating to the first feature, wherein the engaging member has a top plate fixing surface that is fixed to the underside of the top plate and is approximately parallel to the first abutment surface, and the first convex portion is provided with an inclined surface portion that inclines toward the top plate fixing surface while moving away from the second abutment surface.

[0020] According to the invention relating to the fifth feature, the first convex portion is provided with an inclined surface portion that inclines toward the tabletop fixing surface while moving away from the second abutment surface, so that the second leg member abutting the first convex portion can be guided by the inclined surface portion, thereby allowing the second leg member to be smoothly engaged with the engaging member.

[0021] The invention of a sixth feature is the invention of the first feature, wherein the second convex portion is provided with an inclined surface portion that inclines in a direction approaching the first abutment surface while moving away from the second abutment surface.

[0022] According to the sixth feature of the invention, the second convex portion is provided with an inclined surface portion that inclines in a direction toward the first abutment surface while moving away from the second abutment surface. Therefore, the second leg member abutting the second convex portion can be guided by the inclined surface portion, thereby allowing the second leg member to smoothly engage with the engaging member. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, a folding desk can be provided that has a simple structure that allows parts to be easily engaged with each other and easily switched between the folded and unfolded states, while at the same time providing the contradictory effects of not easily releasing the engaged state. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a folding desk 1 according to the present invention, and shows a perspective view seen obliquely from above. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the folding desk 1 according to the present invention, and shows a perspective view seen obliquely from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the engaging member 40 of the folding desk 1 according to the present invention, where FIG. 3(a) is an oblique view seen from diagonally above, FIG. 3(b) is an oblique view seen from diagonally below, FIG. 3(c) is a front view, and FIG. 3(d) is a bottom view. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an engaged state between the engaging member 40 and the second leg member 20, with FIG. 4(a) showing the engaged state when unfolded and FIG. 4(b) showing the engaged state when folded. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a pivoted state of the second leg member 20 during folding, FIG. 5(a) being a partial cross-sectional view, and FIG. 5(b) being a perspective view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating state of the top plate 30 during folding. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement between the engagement member 40 and the second leg member 20 during folding, where Figure 7(a) shows the engagement member 40 approaching the second leg member 20, and Figure 7(b) shows the engagement member 40 engaging with the second leg member 20. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the disengagement of the engagement member 40 and the second leg member 20 during unfolding, where Figure 8(a) shows the engagement member 40 moving away from the second leg member 20, and Figure 8(b) shows the top plate 30 rotating during unfolding. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a rotational state of the second leg member 20 during deployment, where FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view and FIG. 9(b) is a partially enlarged view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0026] The overall configuration of a folding desk 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a folding desk 1 according to the present invention, showing a perspective view seen from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a folding desk 1 according to the present invention, showing a perspective view seen from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an engagement member 40 of the folding desk 1 according to the present invention, where FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view seen from diagonally above, FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view seen from diagonally below, FIG. 3(c) is a front view, and FIG. 3(d) is a bottom view. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement state between the engagement member 40 and the second leg member 20, where FIG. 4(a) shows the engagement state when unfolded, and FIG. 4(b) shows the engagement state when folded.

[0028] In this invention, the width direction refers to the left-right direction when folding desk 1 is viewed from the front, the front-rear direction refers to the depth direction, the left-right direction refers to the left-right direction when folding desk 1 is viewed from the front, the folded state refers to the state in which folding desk 1 is unusable by folding the leg members and the top plate, and the unfolded state refers to the state in which folding desk 1 is usable by unfolding the leg members and the top plate.

[0029] 1 and 2, a folding desk 1 according to the present invention is composed of a first leg member 10 having at least two first leg portions 11, 11 arranged in the width direction as support legs for the floor surface, a pair of second leg members 20, 20 connected to the first leg member 10 via a first hinge portion 13 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a top board 30 connected to the first leg member 10 via a second hinge portion 14 so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a pair of engagement members 40, 40 disposed on the top board 30 and engageable with the pair of second leg members 20, 20, respectively. The folding desk 1 according to this embodiment can be switched between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0030] The first leg member 10 is formed of a columnar member having a generally U-shape in front view and two first leg portions 11 which become support legs that stand upright on the floor surface when unfolded. The two first leg portions 11 are connected by a first connecting portion 12 disposed between the upper ends of the two first leg portions 11, so that the two first leg portions 11 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the folding desk 1.

[0031] A first hinge portion 13 is provided at an appropriate height position of the two first legs 11, 11, and the second leg member 20 is connected to the first leg member 10 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction by the first hinge portion 13. As shown in Fig. 2, in which the main part is inverted and enlarged, the first hinge portion 13 in this embodiment is composed of protruding pieces 13a, 13a protruding from two positions in the height direction of the first leg member 11, and pins 13b, 13b rotatably inserted into the protruding pieces 13a, 13a and fixed non-rotatably to the rotating leg portion 22 of the second leg member 20, but the first hinge portion 13 is not limited to this type as long as it can connect the second leg member 20 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction.

[0032] In addition, the first connection portion 12 disposed at a position corresponding to the upper end of the first leg member 10 is provided with two second hinge portions 14, 14, and the second hinge portions 14, 14 connect the top plate 30 and the first leg member 10 so that they can rotate vertically relative to each other. Since the first leg member 10 is disposed near the rear end of the back surface of the top plate 30 via the second hinge portions 14, the two first leg portions 11 of the first leg member 10 function as rear legs of the folding desk 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the second hinge portions 14 have a predetermined length in the depth direction, and the folded second leg member 20 fits within this predetermined length, so that the second leg member 20 does not interfere with the folding of the top plate 30.

[0033] The second leg members 20 are arranged as a pair of legs symmetrically when viewed from the front, and are formed by columnar members that are roughly U-shaped when viewed from the side and have second leg portions 21 that serve as support legs that stand upright against the floor when deployed. Of the roughly U-shaped members, one member forms the second leg portion 21 that serves as a support leg against the floor, and the other member forms a rotating leg portion 22 that is rotatably supported relative to the first leg portion 11 of the first leg member 10. The second leg portion 21 and the rotating leg portion 22 of each second leg member 20 are connected at their upper ends by a second connecting portion 23.

[0034] The second leg 21 is a columnar member formed in a substantially vertical shape and has substantially the same length as the first leg 11. When unfolded, the second leg 21 is erected so that its lower end is supported on the floor surface and its upper end is close to the underside of the tabletop 30. However, since the second leg 21 engages with an engagement member 40 disposed on the underside of the tabletop 30 when unfolded, it does not actually come into contact with the underside of the tabletop 30.

[0035] The rotating leg 22 is a substantially vertical columnar member shorter than the second leg 21, and is disposed adjacent to the first leg 11. The upper and lower ends of the rotating leg 22 are pivotally supported by first hinges 13, 13 of the first leg 11, respectively, making the rotating leg 22 rotatable with respect to the first leg 11. Specifically, two pins 13b, 13b constituting the first hinge 13 are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the rotating leg 22 so as not to be rotatable, and the pins 13b, 13b are pivotally supported by protruding pieces 13a, 13a protruding from the first leg 11, making the rotating leg 22 rotatable with respect to the first leg 11. The dimension in the depth direction of the columnar member forming the pivot leg 22 when unfolded, in other words, the dimension in the width direction when folded, is set to approximately match a first distance t1 between a second abutment surface 42a of the wall portion 42 of the engaging member 40 described later and a first convex portion 41c of the base portion 41. The dimension in the width direction of the columnar member forming the pivot leg 22 when unfolded, in other words, the dimension in the depth direction when folded, is set to approximately match a second distance t2 between the first abutment surface 41a of the base portion 41 of the engaging member 40 and a second convex portion 42b of the wall portion 42.

[0036] The second connection portion 23 is a member that connects between the upper end of the second leg portion 21 and the upper end of the rotating leg portion 22 of each second leg member 20. The second connection portion 23 includes a top board support portion 23a made of a beam-shaped member that is connected to the upper end of the second leg portion 21 and disposed in a substantially horizontal direction so as to follow the rear surface of the top board 30 when unfolded, and a step portion 23b made of a beam-shaped member that is connected to the upper end of the rotating leg portion 22 and located a predetermined length below the top board support portion 23a. The step portion 23b is intended to prevent interference between the second hinge portion 14 and the second connection portion 23 when the folding desk 1 is folded. The top board support portion 23a functions as the connection portion in the present invention.

[0037] In addition, the upper surface 23au of the tabletop support portion 23a when unfolded abuts against the first abutment surface 41a of the engagement member 40 when unfolded, and the outer surface 23as of the tabletop support portion 23a when unfolded abuts against the second abutment surface 42a of the engagement member 40 when unfolded.

[0038] The width dimension of the beam member forming the table top support portion 23a when unfolded, in other words, the depth dimension when folded, is set to approximately match a first distance t1 between a second abutment surface 42a of the wall portion 42 of the engaging member 40 described below and a first convex portion 41c of the base portion 41. The height dimension of the beam member forming the table top support portion 23a is set to approximately match a second distance t2 between the first abutment surface 41a of the base portion 41 of the engaging member 40 and the second convex portion 42b of the wall portion 42.

[0039] In contrast to first leg 11 which functions as a rear leg, second leg 21 which is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from rotating leg 22 which is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction by second connecting part 23 serves as a support leg when unfolded, and therefore second leg 21 functions as a front leg of folding desk 1 according to this embodiment. Also, as described below, table top support part 23a which is a beam-shaped member constituting second leg member 20 engages with engaging member 40 when folding desk 1 is unfolded, and rotating leg 22 which is a column-shaped member constituting second leg member 20 engages with engaging member 40 when folding desk 1 is folded.

[0040] The top plate 30 is a plate-like member having a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and the second hinge portion 14 of the first leg member 10 is fixed to the rear end portion of the back surface of the top plate 30. A pair of engagement members 40, 40, which will be described later, are fixed to the rear surface of the top plate 30 near both ends in the width direction. The front surface of the top plate 30 functions as a work surface for the folding desk 1, and the back surface of the top plate 30 functions as a support surface for the first leg member 10 and the second leg member 20 by the engagement members 40, 40.

[0041] Next, the engaging member 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] The engaging member 40 supports the second leg member 20 in a predetermined state when folded and unfolded, and is formed of a resin member that is approximately L-shaped when viewed from the front and is fixed to the underside of the tabletop 30, as shown in Figure 3(c).

[0043] The engaging member 40 is formed in an approximately L-shape by a substantially flat base 41 fixed to the underside of the tabletop 30 and a wall 42 protruding from the end of the base 41 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base 41, in other words, in a direction away from the underside of the tabletop 30.

[0044] The base 41 is a substantially flat member having one side forming a first abutment surface 41a that abuts against the second leg member 20 and the other side forming a tabletop fixing surface 41b that is fixed to the rear surface of the tabletop 30. The wall 42 is a substantially flat member having a second abutment surface 42a that abuts against the second leg member 20 on one side and protrudes from an end of the base 41 in a direction perpendicular to the base 41, in other words, in a direction away from the rear surface of the tabletop 30. The base 41 is provided with a first protrusion 41c that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first abutment surface 41a at a position on the first abutment surface 41a that is spaced a predetermined first distance t1 from the second abutment surface 42a of the wall 42. The wall portion 42 also has a second protrusion 42b that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second contact surface 42a at a position on the second contact surface 42a that is spaced a predetermined second distance t2 from the first contact surface 41a of the base portion 41.

[0045] The first protruding portion 41c includes a first inclined surface portion 41d that is inclined toward the top board fixing surface 41b while being spaced away from the second contact surface 42a. The first inclined surface portion 41d is formed with the end of the first protruding portion 41c as its starting point, and its terminal end substantially coincides with the top board fixing surface 41b.

[0046] The second protruding portion 42b has a second inclined surface portion 42c that is inclined toward the first contact surface 41a while moving away from the second contact surface 42a. The second inclined surface portion 42c is formed with the end of the second protruding portion 42b as its starting point and its terminal point coincides with the end of the wall portion 42.

[0047] The position at which the engaging member 40 is arranged on the underside of the tabletop 30 is such that, in the width direction, the first abutment surface 41a approximately coincides with the location at which the pivoting leg portion 22 of the second leg member 20 is located, and in the depth direction, the second abutment surface 42a approximately coincides with the location at which the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 is located when unfolded.

[0048] In the engagement member 40 thus formed, when deployed, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the upper surface 23au of the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a, and the outer surface 23as of the tabletop support portion 23a abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, so that the second leg member 20 supports the tabletop 30. At that time, the second abutment surface 42a and the first convex portion 41c hold the tabletop support portion 23a from the left and right, so that the second leg member 20 is prevented from rotating left and right and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a. Similarly, the first abutment surface 41a and the second convex portion 42b hold the tabletop support portion 23a from above and below, so that the tabletop 30 is prevented from rotating upward and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a.

[0049] 4(b), when folding, the outer surface 22s of the rotating leg 22 of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a and the rear surface 22r of the rotating leg 22 abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, so that the second leg member 20 and the tabletop 30 are substantially in close contact with each other. At that time, the first abutment surface 41a and the second protrusion 42b hold the rotating leg 22 from above and below, so that the tabletop 30 is prevented from rotating upward and disengaging the rotating leg 22.

[0050] Next, the movement of the folding desk 1 according to this embodiment from the unfolded state to the folded state will be described with reference to Figs.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation state of the second leg member 20 in the middle of folding, Fig. 5(a) is a partial cross-sectional view, and Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation state of the tabletop 30 in the middle of folding. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement between the engagement member 40 and the second leg member 20 in the middle of folding, Fig. 7(a) shows the engagement member 40 approaching the second leg member 20, and Fig. 7(b) shows the engagement member 40 engaged with the second leg member 20.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4(a), when deployed, the top surface 23au of the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a of the engagement member 40, and the outer surface 23as of the tabletop support portion 23a abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, so that the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 supports the tabletop 30. At that time, the second abutment surface 42a and the first convex portion 41c hold the tabletop support portion 23a from the left and right, so that the second leg member 20 is prevented from rotating left and right and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a. Similarly, the first abutment surface 41a and the second convex portion 42b hold the tabletop support portion 23a from above and below, so that the tabletop 30 is prevented from rotating upward and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a. As mentioned above, the second leg member 20 is pivotally supported by the rotating leg portion 22 so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction relative to the first leg member 10. When deployed, the angle between the first leg member 10 and the second leg member 20, in other words, the angle between the horizontal axis of the first connection portion 12 and the horizontal axis of the second connection portion 23, is approximately 90 degrees.

[0053] In order to fold the folding desk 1 according to this embodiment from such an unfolded state, as shown in Figs. 5(a) and 5(b), it is necessary to rotate the second leg member 20 inward relative to the first leg member 10, that is, in the folding direction. However, in the unfolded state, the first convex portion 41c of the engagement member 40 protruding in a direction perpendicular to the top plate 30 becomes a barrier to the top plate support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 from rotating in the left-right direction, so the second leg member 20 cannot be rotated as it is. Therefore, it is necessary to first release the engagement of the top plate support portion 23a by the engagement member 40. To do this, the top plate 30 is lifted slightly upward while rotating the second leg member 20 in the folding direction. By lifting the top plate 30 slightly while rotating the second leg member 20 in the folding direction, the engagement of the top plate support portion 23a by the first convex portion 41c is released, and the engagement of the top plate support portion 23a by the second convex portion 42b is also released. At this time, since the engaging member 40 is made of a resin material that is slippery and elastic, the engaging member 40 undergoes elastic deformation, allowing the engagement to be released smoothly.

[0054] When the engagement of the top board support portion 23a by the engagement member 40 is released, the second leg member 20 of the two legs is rotated in the folding direction until the two second leg members 20 are positioned on approximately the same plane, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the horizontal axis of the first leg member 10 and the second leg member 20, in other words, the horizontal axis of the first connecting portion 12 and the horizontal axis of the second connecting portion 23, become approximately parallel.

[0055] Once the second leg member 20 of the two legs has been folded, the table top 30 is rotated towards the front, and as shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the engagement member 40 is engaged with the rotating leg 22 of the second leg member 20. At this time, since the engagement member 40 is provided at a position in the width direction of the rear surface of the table top 30 such that the first contact surface 41a substantially coincides with the location where the rotating leg 22 of the second leg member 20 is located, the engagement member 40 and the rotating leg 22 can be engaged by simply rotating the table top 30 towards the front.

[0056] However, just before the pivot leg 22 engages with the engaging member 40, the second protrusion 42b abuts against the pivot leg 22 and cannot be fitted into the engaging member 40 as it is. However, the second protrusion 42b is provided with the second inclined surface portion 42c that is inclined toward the first abutment surface 41a while moving away from the second abutment surface 42a, and the engaging member 40 is formed from a resin material that is slippery and elastic. Therefore, the rear surface 22r of the pivot leg 22 abutting against the second inclined surface portion 42c is guided by the second inclined surface portion 42c, and the wall portion 42 is deformed outward, so that the pivot leg 22 can be smoothly fitted into the engaging member 40.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(b), the depth dimension of the swiveling leg 22 when unfolded, in other words, the width dimension when folded, is set to be approximately the same as the first distance t1 between the second abutment surface 42a of the wall 42 of the engaging member 40 and the first convex portion 41c of the base 41, and the width dimension of the swiveling leg 22 when unfolded, in other words, the depth dimension when folded, is set to be approximately the same as the second distance t2 between the first abutment surface 41a of the base 41 of the engaging member 40 and the second convex portion 42b of the wall 42. Therefore, the swiveling leg 22 can be smoothly fitted into the engaging member 40 without any rattling.

[0058] In this way, it is possible to transition from unfolding to folding. When folding, the outer surface 22s of the rotating leg 22 of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a of the engagement member 40, and the rear surface 22r of the rotating leg 22 abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, thereby fixing the second leg member 20 and the tabletop 30. At that time, the second abutment surface 42a and the first convex portion 41c hold the rotating leg 22 in the width direction, and the first abutment surface 41a and the second convex portion 42b hold the rotating leg 22 in the depth direction, so that the tabletop 30 is prevented from rotating upward and disengaging the rotating leg 22.

[0059] Next, the movement of the folding desk 1 according to this embodiment from the folded state to the unfolded state will be described with reference to Figs. 4, 8 and 9.

[0060] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing disengagement between the engaging member 40 and the second leg member 20 during deployment, with Fig. 8(a) showing the engaging member 40 moving away from the second leg member 20 and Fig. 8(b) showing the tabletop 30 rotating during deployment. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the rotating state of the second leg member 20 during deployment, with Fig. 9(a) being a perspective view and Fig. 9(b) being a partially enlarged view.

[0061] 4(b), when folded, the outer surface 22s of the rotating leg 22 of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a of the engagement member 40, and the rear surface 22r of the rotating leg 22 abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, thereby fixing the second leg member 20 to the tabletop 30. At that time, the second abutment surface 42a and the first convex portion 41c hold the rotating leg 22 in the width direction, and the first abutment surface 41a and the second convex portion 42b hold the rotating leg 22 in the depth direction.

[0062] To move from the folded state to the unfolded state, the top plate 30 needs to be rotated upward with respect to the pivoting legs 22. However, when folding, the second convex portion 42b protruding in a direction parallel to the first contact surface 41a and the first contact surface 41a sandwich the pivoting legs 22 and become a barrier to the pivoting of the top plate 30, so the top plate 30 cannot be rotated as it is. Therefore, first, it is necessary to release the engagement of the pivoting legs 22 with the engaging member 40. To do this, the top plate 30 is lifted with some force. By lifting the top plate 30 with some force, the engagement of the pivoting legs 22 with the second convex portion 42b is released as shown in FIG. 8(a). At this time, since the engaging member 40 is made of a resin material that is slippery and elastic, the wall portion 42 of the engaging member 40 is elastically deformed outward, so that the engagement can be released smoothly.

[0063] After the engagement of the pivot leg 22 with the engagement member 40 has been released, the top plate 30 is rotated and raised until the angle between the top plate 30 and the first leg member 10 becomes approximately a right angle, as shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0064] When the angle between the tabletop 30 and the first leg member 10 becomes approximately a right angle, while holding the tabletop 30 by hand, one of the two second leg members 20, 20 positioned on approximately the same plane as shown in Figure 9(a) is rotated relative to the first leg member 10 to unfold it. Then, the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 is engaged with the engagement member 40.

[0065] Just before the tabletop support part 23a engages with the engagement member 40 during unfolding, the first convex part 41c abuts on the tabletop support part 23a and cannot be fitted into the engagement member 40 as it is. However, the first convex part 41c is provided with a first inclined surface part 41d that is inclined in a direction approaching the tabletop fixing surface 41b while moving away from the second abutment surface 42a, and the engagement member 40 is formed of a resin material that is slippery and elastic. Therefore, the tabletop support part 23a can be smoothly fitted into the engagement member 40 by pushing the tabletop 30 upward while the upper surface 23au of the tabletop support part 23a abutting on the first inclined surface part 41d is guided by the first inclined surface part 41d.

[0066] Once one second leg member 20 has been engaged with one of the engagement members 40, the other second leg member 20 is similarly rotated relative to the first leg member 10 to be deployed, and engaged with the other engagement member 40, completing the deployment operation.

[0067] At this time, as shown in Figure 4(a), the widthwise dimension of the tabletop support portion 23a when unfolded, in other words, the depthwise dimension when folded, is set to be approximately the same as the first distance t1 between the second abutment surface 42a of the wall portion 42 of the engaging member 40 and the first convex portion 41c of the base 41, and the heightwise dimension of the tabletop support portion 23a is set to be approximately the same as the second distance t2 between the first abutment surface 41a of the base 41 of the engaging member 40 and the second convex portion 42b of the wall portion 42, so that the tabletop support portion 23a can be smoothly fitted into the engaging member 40 without any rattling.

[0068] Furthermore, the position at which the engaging member 40 is arranged on the underside of the tabletop 30 is such that in the width direction, the first abutment surface 41a approximately coincides with the location at which the pivoting leg portion 22 of the second leg member 20 is located, and in the depth direction, the second abutment surface 42a approximately coincides with the location at which the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 is located when unfolded.Therefore, by simply rotating the second leg member 20 relative to the first leg member 10 and unfolding it, the tabletop support portion 23a can be engaged with the engaging member 40.

[0069] In this way, it is possible to transition from the folded state to the unfolded state. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(a), when unfolded, the upper surface 23au of the tabletop support portion 23a of the second leg member 20 abuts against the first abutment surface 41a of the engagement member 40, and the outer surface 23as of the tabletop support portion 23a abuts against the second abutment surface 42a, so that the second leg member 20 supports the tabletop 30. At that time, the second abutment surface 42a and the first convex portion 41c hold the tabletop support portion 23a in the width direction, so that the second leg member 20 is prevented from rotating in the left-right direction and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a. Similarly, the first abutment surface 41a and the second convex portion 42b hold the tabletop support portion 23a in the up-down direction, so that the tabletop 30 is prevented from rotating upward and disengaging the tabletop support portion 23a.

[0070] In the folding desk 1 according to this embodiment, the first leg member 10 is configured by connecting two first legs 11 with the first connecting portion 12, but this is not limited to this. For example, the two first legs 11 may be configured as independent parts without providing the first connecting portion 12, and each of the first legs 11 may be provided with a first hinge portion 13 and connected to the tabletop 30 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The folding desk of the present invention is useful as a desk for home or office use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Folding Desk 10 First Leg Member 11 First Leg 12 First Connection Part 13 First Hinge Part 13a Protruding Piece 13b Pin 14 Second Hinge Part 20 Second Leg Member 21 Second Leg 22 Rotating Leg 22r Rear Surface 22s Outer Surface 23 Second Connection Part 23a Tabletop Support Part 23as Outer Surface 23au Upper Surface 23b Step Part 30 Tabletop 40 Engaging Member 41 Base 41a First Contact Surface 41b Tabletop Fixing Surface 41c First Protrusion 41d First Inclined Surface 42 Wall Part 42a Second Contact Surface 42b Second Protrusion 42c Second Inclined Surface

Claims

1. The present invention comprises a first leg member having at least two first leg portions arranged in the width direction as support portions for a floor surface, a pair of second leg members having second leg portions arranged in the width direction as support portions for the floor surface and connected to the first leg member via a first hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a tabletop connected to the first leg member via a second hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a pair of engagement members disposed on the tabletop and engageable with the pair of second leg members, The engaging member includes a first contact surface that is substantially parallel to the top plate, a second contact surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first contact surface, and a protrusion that is formed on the first contact surface at a position a first distance away from the second contact surface in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top plate, the second leg member includes a pivot leg portion disposed in a substantially vertical direction and pivotally supported on the first leg member, and a connection portion disposed in a substantially horizontal direction and connecting the pivot leg portion to the second leg member; In a deployed state, the engaging member sandwiches the connecting portion between the second contact surface and the protruding portion. Folding desk.

2. The present invention comprises a first leg member having at least two first leg portions arranged in the width direction as support portions for a floor surface, a pair of second leg members having second leg portions arranged in the width direction as support portions for the floor surface and connected to the first leg member via a first hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction, a tabletop connected to the first leg member via a second hinge portion so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a pair of engagement members disposed on the tabletop and engageable with the pair of second leg members, The engaging member includes a first contact surface that is substantially parallel to the top plate, a second contact surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first contact surface, and a protrusion that is formed on the second contact surface at a position a second distance away from the first contact surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top plate, the second leg member includes a pivot leg portion disposed in a substantially vertical direction and pivotally supported on the first leg member, and a connection portion disposed in a substantially horizontal direction and connecting the pivot leg portion to the second leg member; In a folded state, the engaging member sandwiches the pivot leg between the first contact surface and the protrusion. Folding desk.

3. a widthwise dimension of the connection portion when unfolded and a widthwise dimension of the pivot leg portion when folded substantially coincide with the first distance, a height dimension of the connection portion and a depth dimension of the pivot leg portion when folded substantially equal to the second distance; A folding desk as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

4. The engaging member is disposed on the back surface of the top plate such that, in the width direction, the first contact surface is substantially aligned with the location of the pivot leg portion when folded, and in the depth direction, the second contact surface is substantially aligned with the location of the connection portion when unfolded. A folding desk as claimed in claim 1 or 2.

5. The engaging member has a top plate fixing surface that is fixed to the back surface of the top plate and is substantially parallel to the first abutment surface, The protrusion has an inclined surface portion that is inclined toward the top board fixing surface while being spaced away from the second contact surface. A folding desk as claimed in claim 1.

6. The protruding portion is provided with an inclined surface portion inclined toward the first abutment surface while being spaced away from the second abutment surface. A folding desk as claimed in claim 2.

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