table

Abstract

To provide a table for a rear seat which can be used by making a top plate portion horizontal even when an inclination angle of a backrest of a front seat is changed.SOLUTION: A table 1 for a rear seat attached to a back surface of a backrest of a reclining seat is provided with a top plate portion 10 for placing an object; a mounting base portion 20 mounted on the back surface of the backrest; and an angle adjusting mechanism 30 for adjusting an angle of the top plate portion 10 with respect to the mounting base portion 20. The angle of the top plate portion 10 can be adjusted according to a reclining angle of the backrest.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a table for a rear seat that is attached to the rear of the backrest of a reclining seat. [Background technology]

[0002] In vehicles such as automobiles, trains, and airplanes in which seats are arranged in a front-to-rear arrangement, tables for rear seats may be attached to the back of the backrest of the front seat. As shown in Patent Documents 1 and 2, various types of tables for rear seats that are attached to the backrest have been proposed. The table in Patent Document 1 can be used by expanding its area as needed. In addition, the table in Patent Document 2 can change the position of the top plate in the height direction. By adopting the tables in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it becomes possible to use the table in an appropriate state according to the physique of the person sitting in the rear seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-144928 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-048506 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, many seats in vehicles are reclining seats that allow the inclination angle of the backrest to be adjusted. In this case, if the table for the rear seat is set to be horizontal when the backrest of the front seat is upright, the table for the rear seat will be inclined when the backrest of the front seat is tilted backward (when the front seat is reclined). Conversely, if the table for the rear seat is set to be horizontal when the front seat is tilted backward, the table for the rear seat will be inclined to the opposite side when the backrest of the front seat is upright. In this way, in a reclining seat, there are cases where the table for the rear seat cannot be used in a horizontal state. This makes it difficult to use the table, for example, to place a cup with a drink on it. Similar problems can also occur in seats other than vehicles, such as seats in movie theaters and halls.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a table for a rear seat whose top plate can be kept horizontal and used even if the tilt angle of the backrest of the front seat changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The above issues are: A table for a rear seat that is attached to the back of a reclining seat backrest, A top plate for placing items; A mounting base that is attached to the back of the backrest; An angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the top plate with respect to the mounting base; Equipped with The angle of the table top can be adjusted according to the reclining angle of the backrest. A table characterized by This is solved by providing

[0007] In the table of the present invention, the angle of the top plate can be adjusted, so that the top plate can be kept horizontal even if the inclination angle of the backrest of the front seat changes. This makes it easier to place items that would be unpleasant if they were to tip over or fall, such as cups or laptops, on the top plate. It also makes it easier to perform tasks using the table. This makes it easier to use the table and increases its convenience.

[0008] In the table of the present invention, the specific aspect of the angle adjustment mechanism is not particularly limited, but may be: The front end of the top plate is pivotally supported on the mounting base, so that the top plate can be rotated up and down between a storage position in which the rear end faces upward and a lowermost position in which the rear end faces backward; Angle adjustment mechanism, When the top plate is in the storage position, an unlocked state is realized in which both upward and downward rotation of the top plate is permitted; When the top plate is at the lowest position, a locked state is realized in which the top plate is permitted to rotate upward but is restricted from rotating downward. It is preferable to use the above-mentioned method.

[0009] This makes it possible to easily set the tabletop at a desired angle by lowering the tabletop from the storage position to its lowest position and then gradually raising it. The angle adjustment mechanism that performs this operation can be realized by employing a spring lock mechanism as described below.

[0010] That is, Angle adjustment mechanism, A first member fixed to one of the mounting base and the top plate; A second member fixed to the other of the mounting base and the top plate; A lock drum journaled on the first member and fixed to the second member; a lock spring including a coil spring fitted onto the lock drum, one end of which is a fixed end fixed to the first member and the other end of which is a free end not fixed to the first member; an unlocking cam that, when the top plate portion is in the storage position, displaces a free end of the lock spring in a loosening direction to bring about an unlocked state; a lock cam that, when the top plate portion is in the lowest position, displaces a free end of the lock spring in a tightening direction to establish a locked state; a free end holding portion that holds the free end of the lock spring at an unlocked position displaced in the loosening direction; The spring lock mechanism has This can be achieved by:

[0011] In this spring lock mechanism, the first member may be fixed to the top plate portion, and the second member may be fixed to the mounting base portion. However, in this case, it is necessary to incorporate the lock spring and the free end holding portion into the top plate portion where the angle is adjusted, and to assemble these parts to the lock drum that is fixed in a state where it does not move relative to the mounting base portion. This not only makes it difficult to assemble the parts, but also makes it difficult to design a compact angle adjustment mechanism. Therefore, it is preferable to fix the first member to the mounting base portion, and the second member to the top plate portion. This not only makes it easier to assemble the parts, but also makes it possible to design a compact angle adjustment mechanism.

[0012] When the above spring lock mechanism is used in the table of the present invention, The second member is configured by a shaft member that spans the top plate in a width direction, A spring lock mechanism is provided on one end of the shaft member, A free hinge is provided on the other end side of the shaft member. It is also preferable. This allows the angle of the tabletop to be adjusted (rotatable), while still providing firm, well-balanced support.

[0013] In the table of the present invention, The mounting base is covered with a cover member; When the top plate is in the storage position, the cover member and the upper edge or side edge of the top plate can be used as an assist grip (a grip that can be grasped by hand when standing up or sitting down on the seat) It is also preferable. This eliminates the need to provide a separate assist grip on the backrest, which reduces the number of parts attached to the backrest and makes the seat lighter. This configuration is particularly suitable for use in vehicle seats. Effect of the Invention

[0014] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to provide a table for a rear seat which can be used with the top panel kept horizontal even if the inclination angle of the backrest of the front seat changes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the table attached to the rear surface of the backrest. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the table with the top plate portion in a storage position. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a table with a top plate portion in a use position. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 11 is a side view showing the state in which the table top portion is changed between the lowermost position and the storage position. FIG. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are exploded and assembled perspective views of the angle adjustment mechanism; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The embodiments of the table of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The configurations described below are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The table of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0017] 1. Overview of tables Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing table 1 attached to the back of backrest 101. As shown in Fig. 1, table 1 of the present invention is attached to the back of backrest 101 of seat 100, and is used by a person seated in a rear seat (not shown) of seat 100. Seat 100 is a reclining seat in which the inclination angle of backrest 101 can be adjusted.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the table 1 with the top plate portion 10 in the stored position, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the table 1 with the top plate portion 10 in the lowest position. In the table 1 of this embodiment, when the table 1 is not in use, as shown in Fig. 2, the top plate portion 10 can be placed in a stored position with its rear end (the end portion that faces rearward when the top plate portion 10 is held horizontally; the same applies below) facing upward, and when the table 1 is in use, as shown in Fig. 3, the top plate portion 10 can be placed in a usage position with its rear end facing backward.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 4, this table 1 includes a top panel 10, an attachment base 20, and an angle adjustment mechanism 30. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the table 1. In Fig. 4, reference numerals for small parts such as bolts and screws for connecting and fixing each member are omitted.

[0020] The top plate 10 is a plate-like portion on which an object is placed. The mounting base 20 is a portion for mounting the table 1 to the rear surface of the backrest 101 (FIG. 1). The mounting base 20 is covered with a pair of front and rear cover members 40. Furthermore, the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the top plate 10 relative to the mounting base 20.

[0021] This angle adjustment mechanism 30 allows the position (angle) of the top panel 10 to be changed between a use position shown in Fig. 5(a)-(c) and a storage position shown in Fig. 5(d). Fig. 5 is a side view showing the top panel 10 of the table 1 being changed between the lowest position (the position where the top panel 10 is at the lowest of the use positions of the top panel 10. See Fig. 5(a). The same applies below.) and the storage position. By making it possible to adjust the use position of the top panel 10 at multiple points as shown in Figs. 5(a)-(c), the top panel 10 can be used horizontally even if the inclination angle of the backrest 101 (Fig. 1) of the front seat 100 changes.

[0022] In the following, rotation of the top plate portion 10 in a direction approaching the storage position (Figure 5(d)) may be referred to as "upward rotation," and rotation of the top plate portion 10 in a direction approaching the lowest position (Figure 5(a)) may be referred to as "downward rotation."

[0023] 2. Angle adjustment mechanism The angle adjustment mechanism 30 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(a) is an exploded perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism 30, and Fig. 6(b) is an assembled perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism 30. In the table 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is realized by a "spring lock mechanism" consisting of a first member 31, a second member 32 (Fig. 4), a lock drum 33, a lock spring 34, an internal member 35, and a cover member 36.

[0024] 2.1 First member In the table 1 of this embodiment, the first member 31 is fixed to the mounting base 20 (FIG. 4) and is immovable relative to the backrest 101 (FIG. 1). The first member 31 has a shape with a predetermined length in the vertical direction so that it can be fixed along one side edge of the mounting base 20 (FIG. 4). This first member 31 has a groove-shaped horizontal cross section, and a through hole 31a for supporting the lock drum 33 is formed near its lower end. An annular wall portion 31b formed by burring is provided around the through hole 31a. This annular wall portion 31b allows the lock drum 33 to be stably supported in the through hole 31a.

[0025] 2.2 Second member In the table 1 of this embodiment, the second member 32 (FIG. 4) is fixed in a state where it does not move relative to the top plate portion 10. The second member 32 is a shaft member that spans the width direction (left-right direction) of the top plate portion 10 (FIG. 4), and is fixed to the top plate portion 10 at two points in the length direction of the second member 32 (shaft member). A pair of fixing brackets 11 for fixing to the second member 32 (shaft member) is provided on the left and right at the front end of the top plate portion 10 (the end facing the front when the top plate portion 10 is horizontal; the same applies below). Since the second member 32 (shaft member) is fixed to the top plate portion 10 in this manner, when the top plate portion 10 is rotated upward or downward, the second member 32 (shaft member) also rotates around its center line accordingly.

[0026] The main components (lock drum 33, lock spring 34, etc.) of the angle adjustment mechanism 30 (spring lock mechanism) are provided on one end side of the second member 32, and a free hinge 50 (FIG. 4) is provided on the other end side of the second member 32. The free hinge 50 is fixed to the side edge of the mounting base 20 opposite to the side to which the first member 31 is fixed. Therefore, the second member 32 is in a state where both ends thereof are pivotally supported by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 and the free hinge 50.

[0027] 2.3 Rock drums The lock drum 33 is pivotally supported by the first member 31. A second member 32 (FIG. 4) is fixed coaxially to one end of the lock drum 33. Therefore, when the top plate portion 10 (FIG. 4) is rotated upward or downward, the force of the rotation is transmitted to the lock drum 33 via the second member 32 (shaft member), and the lock drum 33 also rotates around its center line. The lock drum 33 has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, and the small diameter portion is pivotally supported in the through hole 31a of the first member 31. A lock spring 34, which will be described later, is fitted onto the outer periphery of the large diameter portion of the lock drum 33. A peripheral wall portion of the large diameter portion of the lock drum 33 is formed by cutting out a portion, and an unlocking cam α and a locking cam β are provided in the cutout portion.

[0028] 2.4 Locking spring The lock spring 34 is a coil spring in which an elastic wire (metal wire, etc.) is wound in a coil (spiral shape). The inside diameter of the lock spring 34 (the inside diameter of the coil portion when the lock spring 34 is in a natural length state without applying stress, etc.) is smaller than the outside diameter of the large diameter portion of the lock drum 33 by several percent. The lock spring 34 is elastically expanded in diameter, the lock drum 33 is inserted inside the lock spring 34, and the lock spring 34 is elastically contracted in diameter, so that the lock spring 34 is fitted onto the large diameter portion of the lock drum 33. Therefore, the lock spring 34 is in a state in which the lock drum 33 is tightened. One end side of the lock spring 34 is a fixed end 34a fixed to the first member 31, and the other end side of the lock spring 34 is a free end 34b not fixed to the first member 31. The free end 34b of the lock spring 34 is bent into a "U" shape (first bent radially outward of the lock spring 34, and then folded back radially inward), and its tip portion (the portion folded back radially inward) is inserted into the above-mentioned cut-out portion in the peripheral wall portion of the lock drum 33.

[0029] In a state in which the lock spring 34 is tightening the lock drum 33, the lock drum 33 can only rotate in one direction relative to the lock spring 34 (the direction of the winding direction of the lock spring 34 from the free end 34b side of the lock spring 34 to the fixed end 34a side. In the table 1 of this embodiment, this is set to the direction in which the lock drum 33 rotates when the top plate portion 10 rotates upward.) and cannot rotate in the other direction (the direction of the winding direction of the lock spring 34 from the fixed end 34a side of the lock spring 34 to the free end 34b side. In the table 1 of this embodiment, this is set to the direction in which the lock drum 33 rotates when the top plate portion 10 rotates downward.). In other words, in a state in which the lock spring 34 is tightening the lock drum 33, a "locked state" is created in which the top plate portion 10 is permitted to rotate upward, but the downward rotation of the top plate portion 10 is restricted.

[0030] Even when the lock spring 34 is tightening the lock drum 33, the top plate portion 10 is allowed to rotate upward for the following reason. That is, when attempting to rotate the top plate portion 10 upward, the frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the lock spring 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the lock drum 33 pushes the coil portion of the lock spring 34 in a direction in which it unwinds (the direction from the free end 34b side of the lock spring 34 toward the fixed end 34a side of the above-mentioned winding direction of the coil portion). For this reason, the lock spring 34 is in a slightly loosened state with respect to the lock drum 33. In the following, the direction from the free end 34b side of the lock spring 34 toward the fixed end 34a side of the winding direction of the lock spring 34 may be referred to as the "loosening direction".

[0031] In contrast, when the top plate portion 10 is to be rotated downward, the above-mentioned frictional force (frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the lock spring 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the lock drum 33) is generated in the opposite direction to the previous frictional force, so that the coil portion of the lock spring 34 is pushed in a direction in which it is wound tightly (the direction from the fixed end 34a side of the lock spring 34 to the free end 34b side of the winding direction of the elastic wire). As a result, the lock spring 34 tightens the lock drum 33 more tightly, and the rotation of the lock drum 33 (the downward rotation of the top plate portion 10) in that direction is restricted. In the following, the direction from the fixed end 34a side of the lock spring 34 to the free end 34b side of the winding direction of the lock spring 34 may be referred to as the "tightening direction".

[0032] As described above, when the lock spring 34 is tightening the lock drum 33, the table top 10 is allowed to rotate upward, but the downward rotation of the table top 10 is restricted, resulting in a "locked state." In the table 1 of this embodiment, the table top 10 is rotated downward and the table top 10 reaches the lowest position shown in FIG. 5(a), resulting in this "locked state." Specifically, when the table top 10 reaches the lowest position, the lock cam β contacts the free end 34b of the lock spring 34, displacing the free end 34b in the tightening direction. Therefore, the table top 10 can be easily set to a desired angle by lowering it to the lowest position and then gradually raising it. In addition, the "spring lock mechanism" is adopted, which allows the angle of the table top 10 to be adjusted steplessly.

[0033] The above-mentioned "locked state" is continued until the top plate portion 10 is rotated upward and reaches the storage position shown in FIG. 5(d). In other words, when the top plate portion 10 reaches the storage position, the "locked state" is released. Specifically, when the top plate portion 10 reaches the storage position, the above-mentioned unlocking cam α abuts against the free end 34b of the lock spring 34, displacing the free end 34b in the loosening direction. At this time, the free end 34b displaced in the loosening direction is held by a free end holding portion γ provided in the internal member 35 described later. As a result, the lock spring 34 is in a loose state relative to the lock drum 33, and the lock drum 33 can be rotated in either direction relative to the lock spring 34. That is, an "unlocked state" is realized in which both upward and downward rotation of the top plate portion 10 is permitted.

[0034] However, even in the "unlocked state", the lock drum 33 receives a frictional force from the lock spring 34, so resistance is generated when the top plate 10 is rotated downward. For this reason, even in the "unlocked state", the top plate 10 does not rotate downward by its own weight, and will not rotate downward unless a certain degree of external force is applied, such as by pushing it down with a hand. Similarly, a certain degree of resistance is generated when the top plate 10 is rotated upward. For this reason, even if vibrations are applied to the backrest 101 (Fig. 1), the vibrations will not cause the top plate 10 to flap.

[0035] The "unlocked state" described above continues until the table top 10 is rotated downward and reaches the lowest position shown in Fig. 5(a) and the "locked state" described above is realized (until the lock cam β abuts against the free end 34b of the lock spring 34 and displaces the free end 34b in the tightening direction). As already described, when the "locked state" is reached, the downward rotation of the table top 10 is restricted.

[0036] Incidentally, as already explained, even if the top plate portion 10 is rotated downward in the "locked state", the lock spring 34 tightens the lock drum 33, restricting the rotation of the lock drum 33 (the downward rotation of the top plate portion 10) in that direction. However, if the downward force applied to the top plate portion 10 becomes stronger and exceeds the maximum static friction force between the lock spring 34 and the lock drum 33, the lock drum 33 will slip against the lock spring 34. For this reason, when an abnormal downward load is applied to the top plate portion 10, the top plate portion 10 will rotate downward until the rear end of the top plate portion 10 faces downward. This is also important from the viewpoint of fail-safe.

[0037] For example, if the table 1 is attached to the seat 100 of an automobile, and the automobile is rear-ended, a forward inertial force acts on the passengers of the automobile. At this time, if the top panel 10 of the table 1 is in the lowest position shown in Fig. 5(a), the rear end of the top panel 10 may hit the body of the person using the table 1. If the top panel 10 is left protruding backward from the backrest 101 (Fig. 1) at this time, the person may be injured. However, if the top panel 10 is designed to rotate downward due to the force received from the person's body, the risk of injury can be significantly reduced.

[0038] 2.5 Internal components The internal member 35 is fixed to the inside of the groove of the first member 31. The internal member 35 is provided with a free end holding portion γ for holding the free end 34b of the lock spring 34 displaced in the loosening direction by the unlocking cam α in that position. As already described, the free end 34b of the lock spring 34 is bent in a "U" shape (after being bent radially outward of the lock spring 34, it is folded back radially inward), and the part of the free end 34b of the lock spring 34 that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the lock spring 34 is held by this free end holding portion γ. This allows the free end holding portion γ to be disposed outside the lock drum 33, making it possible to more simply design the angle adjustment mechanism 30 (spring lock mechanism).

[0039] The free end holding portion γ can be provided on the first member 31 itself. In this case, however, it becomes necessary to process the first member 31 into a more complicated shape. In this regard, as in the table 1 of the present embodiment, by providing the free end holding portion γ on an internal member 35 that is separate from the first member 31 and fixing the internal member 35 to the first member 31, it becomes possible to provide the free end holding portion γ without processing the first member 31 into a complicated shape.

[0040] 2.6 Lid member The cover member 36 is fixed to the first member 31 so as to cover the lower end side of the first member 31. This cover member 36 makes it possible to protect components such as the lock spring 34 and to more stably support the lock drum 33.

[0041] 2.7 Adjustment range of angle by angle adjustment mechanism The adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 (the rotation angle of the top plate 10 from the lowest position (FIG. 5(a)) to the storage position (FIG. 5(d)) in the table 1 of this embodiment) is not particularly limited, but is usually set to 45° or more. The adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is preferably 60° or more, and more preferably 70° or more. However, there is little point in making the adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 too wide. For this reason, the adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is usually set to 135° or less. The adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is preferably 120° or less, and more preferably 110° or less. In the table 1 of this embodiment, the adjustment range of the angle of the top plate 10 by the angle adjustment mechanism 30 is set to about 90°.

[0042] 3.Other 4, the table 1 of this embodiment employs a structure in which the mounting base 20 is covered by the cover member 40, and the position in which the top plate portion 10 faces upward is set as the storage position, so that when the top plate portion 10 is in the storage position and overlaps with the cover member 40, the upper and side edges of the cover member 40 and the top plate portion 10 can be grasped with the hands. Therefore, when the top plate portion 10 is in the storage position, the table 1 can be used as an assist grip (a grip that can be grasped with the hands when standing up or sitting down on the seat, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Table 10 Top plate 11 Fixing bracket 20 Mounting base 30 Angle adjustment mechanism (spring lock mechanism) 31 First member 31a Through hole 31b Annular wall 32 Second member 33 Rock Drums 34 Lock spring 34a fixed end 35 Internal components 36 Lid member 40 Cover member 50 Free Hinge 100 sheets 101 Backrest α Unlock Cam β Lock Cam γ Free end holding part

Claims

[Claim 1] A table for a rear seat that is attached to the back of a reclining seat backrest, A top plate for placing items; A mounting base that is attached to the back of the backrest; An angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the top plate with respect to the mounting base; Equipped with The front end side of the top plate is pivotally supported on the mounting base, so that the top plate can be rotated up and down between a storage position in which the rear end faces upward and a lowermost position in which the rear end faces backward; The angle adjustment mechanism A first member fixed to the mounting base; A second member is configured by a shaft member that spans the top plate in the width direction, is pivotally supported by the mounting base, and is fixed to the top plate; A lock drum journaled on the first member and fixed to the second member; a lock spring including a coil spring fitted onto the lock drum, one end of which is a fixed end fixed to the first member and the other end of which is a free end not fixed to the first member; an unlocking cam formed in a cut-out portion of the outer periphery of the lock drum, which displaces the free end of the lock spring in a loosening direction to realize an unlocked state when the top plate portion is in the storage position; A lock cam is formed in a cut-out portion of the outer periphery of the lock drum, and when the top plate portion is in the lowest position, the lock cam displaces the free end of the lock spring in the tightening direction to realize a locked state; a free end holding portion that holds the free end of the lock spring at an unlocked position displaced in the loosening direction; The spring lock mechanism has The spring lock mechanism is provided on one end side of the second member made of the shaft member, A free hinge is provided on the other end side of the second member made of the shaft member, When the top plate is in the storage position, an unlocked state is generated in which both upward and downward rotation of the top plate is permitted, When the top plate is in the lowest position, a locked state is generated in which the top plate is permitted to rotate upward but is restricted from rotating downward. The angle of the table top can be adjusted according to the reclining angle of the backrest. Even when in the locked state, if an abnormal downward load is applied to the top plate, the lock drum slips against the lock spring, allowing the top plate to rotate downward until its rear end faces downward. A table characterized by:

Images