Table device

Abstract

To provide a table device capable of suppressing unintentional rotation of a top plate.SOLUTION: A table device includes: a top plate removably housed in a storage box; an arm part which can tilt between an upright posture standing with a top plate surface of the top plate directed sideways and a falling-down posture falling down with the top plate surface of the top plate directed upward while rotatably supporting the top plate; a lock part which is rotatably supported to be rotatable downward by a force of gravity and releasably regulates the rotation of the top plate; and a stopper part which relatively rotates with respect to the lock part around the rotational central axis of the top plate as the top plate rotates. The lock part rotates in the upright posture so as to enter a relative rotation orbit of the stopper part to regulate the rotation of the top plate, and rotates in the falling-down posture so as to retreat from the relative rotation orbit of the stopper part to release the rotation regulation of the top plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a table device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a table device installed indoors in a moving body such as a vehicle has been known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a retractable table device that can be taken out and used from a console box of a seat in a vehicle.

[0003] In the table device described in Patent Document 1, a support for tiltably supporting a top plate (table board) is configured to be rotatable with respect to a console box, and by rotating this support, the top plate can be taken in and out of the console box. When using this table device, the top plate is taken out of the console box while rotating the support upward, and the top plate and the support are set upright, and then the top plate is laid down from this upright state. When storing the used table device in the console box, the top plate is put into the console box together with the support in the reverse procedure of the above.

[0004] In the table device (retractable simple table) described in Patent Document 2, a support for tiltably supporting a top plate is configured to be vertically movable with respect to a console box, and by moving this support up and down, the top plate can be taken in and out of the console box. When using this table device, the top plate is pulled out upward from the console box, and the pulled-out top plate is laid down. When storing the used table device in the console box, the top plate is put into the console box in the reverse procedure of the above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] Generally, from the standpoint of improving the usability of a table device, it is preferable to make the tabletop rotatable while maintaining the usable surface (the surface on which items can be placed) facing upwards during use, so that the orientation of the tabletop can be changed according to the application. However, in the conventional table devices described above, if the tabletop is configured to rotate in this way, when inserting or removing the tabletop from a storage box such as a console box, the tabletop may rotate unintentionally, and as a result, the tabletop may collide with the storage box, etc., potentially damaging the tabletop or the storage box.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a table device that can suppress unintended rotation of the tabletop. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the table device according to the present invention comprises: a tabletop that is removably stored in a storage box; an arm that rotatably supports the tabletop and can tilt between an upright position in which the tabletop surface is facing sideways and a reclined position in which the tabletop surface is facing upward; a locking part that is supported so as to be able to rotate downward by gravity and restricts the rotation of the tabletop in a releaseable manner; and a stopper part that rotates relative to the locking part around the rotational axis of the tabletop as the tabletop rotates, wherein in the upright position the locking part rotates to enter the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper part to restrict the rotation of the tabletop, and in the reclined position the locking part rotates to move away from the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper part to release the restriction on the rotation of the tabletop.

[0009] Furthermore, the table device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the stopper portion has a pair of end faces that are spaced apart in the rotational direction of the tabletop and can contact the lock portion that has entered the rotational trajectory.

[0010] Furthermore, the table device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the locking portion, once it has entered the rotational trajectory, rotates relative to the stopper portion between the pair of end faces.

[0011] Furthermore, the table device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the locking part is rotatably supported by a pivot part provided on the tabletop, and the stopper part is provided on the arm part.

[0012] Furthermore, the table device according to the present invention is characterized in that it further comprises a restricting part for restricting the rotation of the tabletop in the tilted position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention provides the effect of realizing a table device that can suppress unintended rotation of the tabletop. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one example configuration of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the upright position of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the stored state of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of a state in which the tabletop and arm portion are stored in the storage box of the table device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an arm portion of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a joint portion included in the arm portion shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the arm portion of the table device in a standing state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the arm portion of the table device in a stored state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a stopper portion, a first restricting portion, and a second restricting portion for restricting rotation of a top plate in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of rotation restriction of a top plate in a usable state of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a locking mechanism of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a state of a locking portion in a standing posture of a top plate. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing a state in which a locking portion enters a relative rotation orbit of a stopper portion. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a state of a locking portion in a fallen posture of a top plate. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional schematic view showing a state in which a locking portion retreats from a relative rotation orbit of a stopper portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing an example of a procedure from taking out a top plate from a storage box of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention to standing it up. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an example of a procedure for making a top plate taken out from a storage box usable as a table. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of rotation restriction in the upright position of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of rotation restriction in the upright position of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of rotation restriction in the tilted position of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of rotation restriction in the tilted position of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the table apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element may differ from those of reality. Even between drawings, there may be parts where the dimensional relationships and ratios differ. Also, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in each drawing.

[0016] (Table device configuration) First, the configuration of the table device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the table device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the state in which the tabletop 2 of the table device 1 is arranged so that it can be used as a table (hereinafter referred to as the usable state). Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the upright state of the table device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The upright state of the table device 1 is the state in which the tabletop 2 is raised together with the arm portion 3 when taking the tabletop 2 in and out of the storage box 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the stored state of the table device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The stored state of the table device 1 is the state in which the tabletop 2 is stored in the storage box 4 together with the arm portion 3. Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of the state in which the tabletop and arm portion are stored in the storage box of the table device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4, the lid portion 5 of the storage box 4 is partially omitted in order to show the tabletop 2 and arm portion 3 stored in the storage box 4.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention, the table device 1, is a retractable table device installed, for example, on the seat of a moving object such as a vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the table device 1 comprises a tabletop 2 used as a table, an arm portion 3 that rotatably supports the tabletop 2, and a storage box 4 that retractably stores the tabletop 2 and the arm portion 3. Furthermore, although not shown in Figures 1 to 4, the table device 1 is equipped with a locking mechanism and a stopper portion for restricting the rotation of the tabletop 2.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the storage box 4 is provided with a recess 4a, a lid 5, a hinge 6, and a panel 7. The recess 4a is a support that lowers the arm 3, which is tilted together with the tabletop 2 when the table device 1 is in a usable state. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the recess 4a is formed in a concave shape that opens in the same direction as the opening of the storage box 4. The lid 5 opens and closes the opening of the storage box 4 and is rotatably supported by the hinge 6, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The hinge 6 is provided on the outer wall surface of the rear end of the storage box 4, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Such a lid 5 also functions as an armrest when the storage box 4 is closed, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The panel 7 is an example of a peripheral component of the storage box 4 and is provided on the outer wall surface of the front end of the storage box 4, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0019] Such a storage box 4 is installed in the seat inside a mobile vehicle (not shown). For example, specific examples of the storage box 4 include a console box or an armrest-type storage box. The mobile vehicle on which the table device 1 including the storage box 4 is installed may be, for example, a mobile vehicle that moves on the ground, such as an automobile or a train, a mobile vehicle that moves on water, such as a ship, or a mobile vehicle that moves in the air, such as an airplane.

[0020] For the sake of explanation, the table device 1 is given directions D1 (front-back), D2 (left-right), and D3 (up-down), as shown in Figures 1-4, for example, but these directions do not limit the present invention. The front-back direction D1, left-right direction D2, and up-down direction D3 of the table device 1 are the same as the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the moving body on which the table device 1 is installed. These directions D1, D2, and D3 also apply to each component of the table device 1. Furthermore, in the front-back direction D1, the positive side is the front and the negative side is the rear. In the left-right direction D2, the positive side is the right and the negative side is the left. In the up-down direction D3, the positive side is the upper and the negative side is the lower.

[0021] (Tabletop construction) Next, the configuration of the tabletop 2 of the table device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of the tabletop of a table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tabletop 2 functions as a table that can be removably stored in the storage box 4, and is formed in a plate shape having a tabletop surface 2a, a back surface 2b, and a side surface 2c, as shown in Figure 5, for example. The tabletop surface 2a is the surface of the tabletop 2 that is used as a table. Specifically, when the tabletop 2 is used as a table, the tabletop surface 2a is facing upward (see Figure 1) so that articles and other items can be placed on it. The back surface 2b is the surface on the back of the tabletop surface 2a. The side surface 2c is the surface of the tabletop 2 that is continuous with the edge of the tabletop surface 2a and the edge of the back surface 2b. Also, as shown in Figure 5, a locking mechanism 20 for restricting the rotation of the tabletop 2 is provided on the back surface 2b of the tabletop 2. The detailed configuration of this locking mechanism 20 will be described later.

[0022] Note that the shape of the top plate 2 is not limited to that shown in Figure 5, and may be any desired shape. For example, the shape of the top plate 2 may be any desired shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the top plate surface 2a, such as a rectangle, a rounded rectangle, a square, a rounded square, an oval, an ellipse, or a circle.

[0023] (Arm section configuration) Next, the configuration of the arm portion 3 of the table device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of the arm portion of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 shows the arm portion 3 of the table device 1 in a usable state. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of the joint portion of the arm portion shown in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the arm portion of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upright state. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the arm portion of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a stored state.

[0024] The arm portion 3 rotatably supports the top plate 2, which is inserted into and removed from the storage box 4. More specifically, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the arm portion 3 comprises a joint portion 31 to which the top plate 2 is joined, a support portion 32 that supports the top plate 2, and a first hinge portion 33 and a second hinge portion 34 that allow the support portion 32 to tilt.

[0025] The joint portion 31 is formed in an annular shape (annular in Figure 7), for example, as shown in Figure 7. The back surface 2b of the top plate 2 is joined to one end of this joint portion 31, as shown in Figure 6. At this time, the top plate 2 is joined to the joint portion 31 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis C1. The rotation axis C1 is an axis that passes through the inside (for example, the center) of the annular joint portion 31 and is perpendicular to the joined top plate 2. Note that the joint portion 31 may be joined to the top plate 2 so that the rotation axis C1 coincides with the center of the back surface 2b, but it may also be joined to the top plate 2 so that the rotation axis C1 is eccentric from the center to the edge of the back surface 2b, as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0026] As shown in Figures 6-9, the support portion 32 supports the top plate 2 joined to the joint portion 31, and is formed, for example, in the shape of an arm (rod). The joint portion 31 is fixed to the tip of the support portion 32, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The support portion 32 supports the top plate 2 via this joint portion 31. In addition, the first hinge portion 33 is joined to the base end of the support portion 32, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9. The support portion 32 is rotatable about the rotation axis C2 of the first hinge portion 33. The rotation axis C2 of the first hinge portion 33 is a longitudinal axis in a direction that is inclined or perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 of the joint portion 31 described above. As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the support portion 32 can rotate (rotate) together with the top plate 2 joined to the joint portion 31 about the rotation axis C2.

[0027] In other words, the arm portion 3 can tilt between an upright position and a reclined position of the tabletop 2 while rotatably supporting the tabletop 2. The upright position of the tabletop 2 is the position in which the tabletop surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is facing sideways, as shown in Figure 8, for example. The support portion 32 takes the same upright position together with the tabletop 2. For example, if the support portion 32 is raised to a predetermined angle or more with respect to the horizontal, it can be said that the support portion 32 is upright together with the tabletop 2. The tabletop 2 and the arm portion 3 are in the upright position when the table device 1 is in the upright state (see Figure 2). The reclined position of the tabletop 2 is the position in which the tabletop surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is facing upward, as shown in Figure 6, for example. The support portion 32 takes the same reclined position together with the tabletop 2. For example, if the support portion 32 is tilted to less than a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal, it can be said that the support portion 32 is reclined together with the tabletop 2. The top plate 2 and the arm section 3 are in a reclined position when the table device 1 is in a usable state (see Figure 1).

[0028] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the first hinge portion 33 rotatably supports the base end of the support portion 32. The first hinge portion 33 enables the rotation (rotation) of the support portion 32 around the rotational axis C2. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the second hinge portion 34 is joined to the base end of the first hinge portion 33 (the end opposite to the joint with the support portion 32). These first hinge portion 33 and second hinge portion 34 are arranged inside the storage box 4 described above (see Figure 4).

[0029] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the second hinge portion 34 rotatably supports the base end of the first hinge portion 33. The first hinge portion 33 is rotatable about the rotational axis C3 of the second hinge portion 34. The rotational axis C3 of the second hinge portion 34 is a longitudinal axis in a direction that is inclined or perpendicular to the rotational axis C2 of the first hinge portion 33 described above. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first hinge portion 33 can rotate (rotate) together with the support portion 32 about the rotational axis C3.

[0030] In other words, the arm portion 3 can tilt between the upright position and the tilted position of the tabletop 2. The tilted position of the tabletop 2 is, for example, the position in which the tabletop surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is tilted to the side, as shown in Figure 9. The support portion 32 takes the same tilted position together with the tabletop 2. For example, if the support portion 32 rotates (rotates) together with the first hinge portion 33 around the rotational axis C3 and tilts to less than a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal, it can be said that the support portion 32 has tilted together with the tabletop 2. The tabletop 2 and the arm portion 3 are in the tilted position when the table device 1 is stored (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the inner wall surface 31a of the joint 31 described above is provided with a stopper portion 40, a first restricting portion 51, and a second restricting portion 52 for restricting the rotation of the top plate 2. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the configuration of the stopper portion, the first restricting portion, and the second restricting portion for restricting the rotation of the top plate in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The stopper portion 40 restricts the rotation of the top plate 2 by contacting the locking mechanism 20 provided on the underside 2b of the top plate 2 as described above. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the stopper portion 40 is provided on the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3 described above, and is formed in a convex shape that protrudes from the inner wall surface 31a of this joint portion 31. As the top plate 2 rotates, the stopper portion 40 rotates relative to the locking mechanism 20 (a pendulum-type locking portion, which will be described in detail later) around the rotational axis C1 of the top plate 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the stopper portion 40 is fixed on the inner wall surface 31a of the joint portion 31, and the locking mechanism 20 rotates around the rotational axis C1 as the top plate 2 rotates.

[0033] As shown in Figure 10, such a stopper portion 40 has a first end face 41 and a second end face 42 that are aligned along the inner wall surface 31a of the joint portion 31, as a pair of end faces that are spaced apart and facing each other in the rotational direction of the top plate 2 around the rotational axis C1. The first end face 41 and the second end face 42 are formed so as to be able to contact the locking portion of the locking mechanism 20 when the stopper portion 40 enters the relative rotational trajectory 43. For example, the first end face 41 is formed in a position to be able to contact the locking portion of the locking mechanism 20 when the support portion 32 is upright together with the top plate 2, that is, when the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 is parallel to the vertical direction. The second end face 42 is formed in a position to be able to contact the locking portion of the locking mechanism 20 when the top plate 2 has rotated to the upper limit of the amount of rotation allowed for the top plate 2 when the top plate 2 and the arm portion 3 are in an upright position. In other words, the distance between the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 is set according to the amount of rotation allowed for the top plate 2 in the upright position.

[0034] The first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 are examples of restricting portions that restrict the rotation of the top plate 2 in the collapsed position. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 are provided on the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3 described above, and are formed in a convex shape that protrudes larger than the stopper portion 40 from the inner wall surface 31a of the joint portion 31. These first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 are spaced apart and face each other in the rotational direction of the top plate 2 around the rotational axis C1, and as the top plate 2 rotates, they rotate relative to the locking mechanism 20 (more specifically the pivot portion described later) around the rotational axis C1 of the top plate 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 are fixed on the inner wall surface 31a of the joint portion 31, and the locking mechanism 20 rotates around the rotational axis C1 as the top plate 2 rotates.

[0035] The first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 restrict the rotation of the top plate 2 in the tilted position by contacting a locking mechanism 20 that rotates relative to the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 as the top plate 2 rotates in the tilted position. For example, the first restricting portion 51 is formed in a position where it can contact the locking mechanism 20 when the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 is parallel to the reference direction of the top plate 2. In this embodiment, the reference direction of the top plate 2 is, for example, a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 and perpendicular to the rotation center axis C1 when the top plate 2, which is upright together with the support portion 32, is tilted in a tilted position without rotating it around the rotation center axis C1. In this case, the first restricting portion 51 contacts the first end face 41 of the stopper portion 40 and the locking portion of the locking mechanism 20, and at the same time contacts the pivot portion of the locking mechanism 20. Furthermore, the second restricting portion 52 is formed in a position where it can contact the pivot point of the locking mechanism 20 when the top plate 2 has rotated to the upper limit of the amount of rotation allowed for the top plate 2 when the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 are in a reclined position. In other words, the distance between the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 and their respective positions are set according to the amount of rotation allowed for the top plate 2 in the reclined position.

[0036] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of rotation restriction of the tabletop in a usable state according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11, in the usable state of the table device 1, the tabletop 2 and the arm portion 3 are in a reclined position. The reclined tabletop 2 can be rotated around the rotation center axis C1 from a state in which the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 described above and the reference direction of the tabletop 2 are parallel (the reference state shown in Figure 11). The direction and amount of rotation of the tabletop 2 are restricted by the contact between the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 shown in Figure 10 and the locking mechanism 20. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the reclined tabletop 2 can rotate from the reference state to the modified state until the locking mechanism 20 contacts the second restricting portion 52. After this rotation, the tabletop 2 can rotate from the modified state back to the reference state until the locking mechanism 20 contacts the first restricting portion 51.

[0037] (Configuration of the locking mechanism) Next, the configuration of the locking mechanism 20 of the table device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of the locking mechanism of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an exploded view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 12. The locking mechanism 20, in conjunction with the stopper portion 40 described above, restricts the rotation of the tabletop 2 in the upright position so that it can be released. In detail, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the locking mechanism 20 comprises a locking portion 21, a pivot portion 22, and a shaft 23.

[0038] The locking mechanism 21 restricts the rotation of the top plate 2 so that it can be released. For example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the locking mechanism 21 is a pendulum-type locking mechanism having a tip and a body extending from the tip, and is supported by the pivot support 22 so that it can rotate downward by gravity. The locking mechanism 21 is assembled to the pivot support 22 such that the position of the insertion hole 21a formed in its body aligns with the position of the insertion hole 22a formed in the pivot support 22, and is rotatably supported (pivoted) by the pivot support 22 via a shaft 23 inserted through these insertion holes 21a and 22a.

[0039] The pivot support 22 rotatably supports the pendulum-type locking mechanism 21 and is provided on the underside 2b of the top plate 2 (more specifically, near the edge), as shown in Figures 12 and 13. This pivot support 22 rotates integrally with the top plate 2 as the top plate 2 rotates. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the shaft 23 is inserted through the insertion holes 21a and 22a of the locking mechanism 21 and the pivot support 22, respectively, and rotatably connects the locking mechanism 21 to the pivot support 22. This shaft 23 becomes the rotational axis of the locking mechanism 20.

[0040] As described above, the locking portion 21, which is rotatably supported by the pivot portion 22, rotates to enter the relative rotational trajectory 43 (see Figure 10) of the stopper portion 40 when the top plate 2 is in the upright position, thereby restricting the rotation of the top plate 2. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the locking portion when the top plate is in the upright position. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state when the locking portion is in the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper portion.

[0041] As shown in Figure 14, when the top plate 2 is in an upright position, the locking part 21 rotates downward by gravity around the rotational axis C4. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the locking part 21 enters the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper part 40. In this state, the support part 32 of the arm part 3 is in an upright position together with the top plate 2, as shown in Figure 15.

[0042] Here, the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40 is the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper portion 40 with respect to the lock portion 21 as the top plate 2 rotates. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the stopper portion 40 is fixed to the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3, and the lock portion 21 rotates around the rotational axis C1 of the top plate 2 as the top plate 2 rotates. The relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40 is the region that faces the rotational direction of the top plate 2 with respect to the contact end faces of the stopper portion 40 and the lock portion 21. For example, the rotational trajectory 43 is the region sandwiched in the rotational direction of the top plate 2 by the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the stopper portion 40. When the lock portion 21 is within the rotational trajectory 43, it rotates relative to the stopper portion 40 (specifically, it rotates around the rotational axis C1) as the top plate 2 rotates between the first end face 41 and the second end face 42 of the stopper portion 40. In other words, in this state, the locking portion 21 restricts the rotation of the top plate 2 in the upright position by contacting the first end face 41 or the second end face 42 of the stopper portion 40. Although not specifically shown in the figures, in this state, the locking portion 21, following the restriction of rotation of the top plate 2 in the upright position, also restricts the rotation of the top plate 2 in the tilted position (see Figure 9) when it is tilted toward the storage box 4.

[0043] Furthermore, when the top plate 2 is in the folded-down position, the locking part 21 rotates to retract from the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper part 40, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the top plate 2. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the locking part when the top plate is in the folded-down position. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing the state in which the locking part has retracted from the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper part.

[0044] As shown in Figure 16, when the top plate 2 is in a tilted position, the locking part 21 rotates downward by gravity around the rotational axis C4. As a result, as shown in Figure 17, the locking part 21 is retracted from the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper part 40. In this state, the support part 32 of the arm part 3 is also in a tilted position together with the top plate 2, as shown in Figure 17.

[0045] When the locking portion 21 is retracted from the rotational trajectory 43, it will not come into contact with the stopper portion 40 even if it rotates relative to the stopper portion 40 as the top plate 2 rotates. In this case, the locking mechanism 20 having the locking portion 21 can rotate relative to the stopper portion 40 together with the locking portion 21 without being restrained by the stopper portion 40. In other words, the locking portion 21 in this state releases the restriction on the rotation of the top plate 2 in the upright position described above and allows the rotation of the top plate 2 in the reclined position without restriction.

[0046] In this embodiment, the rotation of the top plate 2 in the collapsed position is restricted by the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 (see Figure 10) described above. For example, the locking mechanism 20 may rotate around the rotational axis C1 in conjunction with the rotation of the top plate 2 until the first restricting portion 51 or the second restricting portion 52 comes into contact with the pivot portion 22.

[0047] (How to insert and remove the tabletop) Next, the method for inserting and removing the tabletop 2 of the table device 1 used as a retractable table will be described in detail. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the procedure for removing the tabletop from the storage box of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention and raising it upright. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the procedure for making the tabletop, which has been removed from the storage box, usable as a table.

[0048] When using the tabletop 2 as a retractable table of the table device 1 by removing it from the storage box 4, first, as shown in Figure 18, the lid 5 of the storage box 4, which houses the tabletop 2 and arm section 3, is opened. In this case, the lid 5 can be opened by tilting it upward around the rotational axis of the hinge section 6. Note that when the tabletop 2 and arm section 3 are stored in the storage box 4 (storage state), the tabletop 2 and arm section 3 are in a tilted position, leaning inward into the storage box 4, as shown in Figure 18.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 18, the tilted tabletop 2 is removed from the storage box 4 and raised upright. At this time, the tabletop 2 is tilted upward together with the arm portion 3 around the rotational axis C3 of the second hinge portion 34 of the arm portion 3. This changes the tabletop 2 and arm portion 3 from the stored state to an upright state (upright state) where they are exposed to the outside of the storage box 4. In this embodiment, when viewing the table device 1 from the left-right direction D2, the tabletop 2 and arm portion 3 are raised upright (state S1) so that the position of the recess 4a of the storage box 4 and the position of the support portion 32 of the arm portion 3 are aligned.

[0050] In the above-described upright position, the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 are positioned with the top plate surface 2a of the top plate 2 (the surface opposite to the back surface 2b of the top plate 2 shown in Figure 18) facing sideways. In this upright position, the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 are raised at a predetermined angle or more (for example, 70 degrees or more) with respect to the horizontal. That is, the upright position of the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 includes the upright position exemplified in state S1 (a position raised at 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal). The angle of the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 with respect to the horizontal is, for example, the angle between the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 of the arm portion 3 and the horizontal direction.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 19, the upright top plate 2 is tilted to the side (for example, to the right) of the storage box 4 so that the top plate surface 2a faces upward. At this time, the top plate 2 is tilted downward together with the arm portion 3 around the rotational axis C2 (see Figure 8) of the first hinge portion 33 of the arm portion 3. This engages or fits the support portion 32 of the arm portion 3 into the recess 4a of the storage box 4, and changes the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 from the upright state to a state where the top plate 2 can be used as a retractable table (usable state). After that, as shown in Figure 19, the lid portion 5 is tilted downward around the rotational axis of the hinge portion 6, thereby closing the storage box 4 with the lid portion 5 (state S2).

[0052] In the above-described usable state, the tabletop 2 and arm portion 3 are in a reclined position with the tabletop surface 2a of the tabletop 2 facing upward, as shown in Figure 19. In this reclined position, the tabletop 2 is supported from below by the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3 with the tabletop surface 2a facing upward. Furthermore, the support portion 32 of the arm portion 3 is supported from below by the recess 4a of the storage box 4. The tabletop 2 in the reclined position can be used as a retractable table regardless of whether the storage box 4 is closed by the lid portion 5 or not. In other words, the usable state of the table device 1 includes the state in which the lid portion 5 is open and the tabletop 2 is in a reclined position, and the state in which the lid portion 5 is closed and the tabletop 2 is in a reclined position. When the lid portion 5 is closed, this closed lid portion 5 can be used as an armrest.

[0053] By following the procedure described above, the tabletop 2 of the table device 1 can be removed from the storage box 4 and used as a retractable table. To store the tabletop 2 in the storage box 4 in this usable state, the procedure is reversed from that illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, by changing the posture of the tabletop 2 and arm section 3 from a reclined position to an upright position and then to a tilted position.

[0054] (Restriction on the rotation of the tabletop) Next, the rotation restriction of the tabletop 2 in the table device 1 will be described in detail. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of rotation restriction of the tabletop in the upright position of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of rotation restriction of the tabletop in the upright position of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the tabletop 2 and the arm portion 3 are in an upright position (for example, state S1 shown in Figure 18), the lock portion 21 of the lock mechanism 20 enters the relative rotation trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40 as described above and restricts the rotation of the tabletop 2 in the upright position.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figure 20, as the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 assume an upright position, the lock portion 21 rotates downward due to gravity and hangs down from the pivot portion 22, entering the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40. In this embodiment, in particular, when the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 are in an upright position, the lock portion 21, in its rotational trajectory 43, contacts the first end face 41 of the stopper portion 40, as shown in Figure 20. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, at the same time that the lock portion 21 contacts the first end face 41 of the stopper portion 40, the pivot portion 22 of the lock mechanism 20 contacts the first restricting portion 51.

[0056] Here, even if the upright top plate 2 attempts to rotate (tilt) towards the rear in the front-rear direction D1 around the rotation axis C1, as shown in Figure 20, the locking part 21 resists this tilting of the top plate 2 towards the rear by contacting the first end face 41 of the stopper part 40. As a result, the locking part 21 can restrict (stop) unintended rotation of the top plate 2 towards the rear in the upright position.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, when the upright top plate 2 rotates (tilts) relative to the joint 31 of the arm portion 3 in the front-rear direction D1 around the rotation center axis C1, the lock portion 21 rotates around the rotation center axis C1 along the relative rotation trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40 and comes into contact with the second end face 42 of the stopper portion 40. In other words, the lock portion 21 allows the top plate 2 to tilt forward until it moves away from the first end face 41 of the stopper portion 40 and comes into contact with the second end face 42, and then stops the tilting of the top plate 2 forward by contacting the second end face 42 of the stopper portion 40. As a result, the lock portion 21 can restrict unintended forward rotation of the top plate 2 in the upright position.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 21, the locking mechanism 21 restricts the forward rotation angle θ of the top plate 2 to 60 degrees or less, preventing the top plate 2 from rotating forward before it collides with the panel 7 of the storage box 4. The rotation angle θ is the rotation angle when the upright top plate 2 rotates around the rotation center axis C1. The rotation angle θ is based on the upright top plate 2, with the rotation angle θ of the upright top plate 2 being set to zero degrees.

[0059] On the other hand, when the tabletop 2 and arm portion 3 are in a reclined position (for example, state S2 shown in Figure 19), the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 restrict rotation of the tabletop 2 in the reclined position by contact with the locking mechanism 20 which rotates relative to both restricting portions, as described above. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of rotation restriction of the tabletop in the reclined position of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of rotation restriction of the tabletop in the reclined position of the table device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 22, as the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 change their posture from the upright position to the reclined position, the lock portion 21 rotates downward due to gravity and retracts from the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40. At this time, the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 assume the reclined position while maintaining a state in which the longitudinal direction of the support portion 32 and the reference direction of the top plate 2 are parallel (reference state). Also, as shown in Figure 22, the pivot portion 22 of the lock mechanism 20 is in contact with the first restricting portion 51.

[0061] Here, even if an attempt is made to rotate the top plate 2 in the tilted position towards the rear in the front-rear direction D1 around the rotation center axis C1 from the reference state shown in Figure 22, the first restricting part 51 resists this rotation of the top plate 2 towards the rear by contacting the pivot support part 22 of the locking mechanism 20. As a result, the first restricting part 51 can restrict (in this embodiment, stop) the rotation of the top plate 2 towards the rear in the tilted position.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, when the top plate 2 in the collapsed position is rotated forward in the front-rear direction D1 around the rotation center axis C1 relative to the joint 31 of the arm portion 3, the pivot 22 of the locking mechanism 20 rotates relative to the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 around the rotation center axis C1 and comes into contact with the second restricting portion 52. That is, the second restricting portion 52 allows the top plate 2 to rotate forward until the pivot 22 of the locking mechanism 20 separates from the first restricting portion 51 and comes into contact with the second restricting portion 52, and then stops the forward rotation of the top plate 2 by contacting the pivot 22 of the locking mechanism 20. As a result, the second restricting portion 52 can restrict the forward rotation of the top plate 2 in the collapsed position.

[0063] For example, as shown in Figure 23, the second restricting unit 52 restricts the forward rotation of the top plate 2 to a rotation angle of up to 90 degrees forward from the top plate 2 in the reference state described above. This prevents the top plate 2 from rotating forward before it collides with the side of the storage box 4 or the panel 7 when it is in a tilted position.

[0064] As described above, the table device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a tabletop 2 that is removably stored in a storage box 4, an arm portion 3 that rotatably supports the tabletop 2 and can tilt between an upright position and a reclined position of the tabletop 2, a lock portion 21 that is supported so as to be able to rotate downward by gravity and restricts the rotation of the tabletop 2 in a releaseable manner, and a stopper portion 40 that rotates relative to the lock portion 21 around the rotational axis C1 of the tabletop 2 as the tabletop 2 rotates. In this table device 1, the lock portion 21 is configured to rotate in the upright position so as to enter the relative rotational trajectory 43 of the stopper portion 40 to restrict the rotation of the tabletop 2, and to rotate in the reclined position so as to move away from this rotational trajectory 43 to release the restriction on the rotation of the tabletop 2.

[0065] Therefore, when the top plate 2 is placed in an upright position together with the arm portion 3, the contact between the lock portion 21 and the stopper portion 40 restricts the direction and angle of rotation (tilting) of the top plate 2 in the upright position, thereby suppressing unintended rotation of the top plate 2. As a result, when inserting or removing the top plate 2 from the storage box 4, it is possible to prevent the top plate 2 from unintentionally rotating and colliding with the storage box 4 itself or its surrounding parts (e.g., panel 7, etc.), thereby preventing damage or breakage to these components, and also to avoid the risk of the unintended rotation of the top plate 2 colliding with the user.

[0066] Furthermore, by tilting the top plate 2 together with the arm portion 3, the rotation restriction of the top plate 2 by the lock portion 21 can be easily released. As a result, the orientation of the top plate 2 around the rotation axis C1 can be changed according to the application while maintaining the tilted position with the usable surface (top plate surface 2a on which items can be placed) facing upwards. Moreover, the lock portion 21 that can release the rotation of the top plate 2 as described above can be realized simply and at low cost without using a drive unit such as a motor.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, when restricting the rotation of the top plate 2 in its upright position by contact between the locking part 21 and the stopper part 40, the rotation angle θ toward the rear of the top plate 2 was restricted to zero degrees, and the rotation angle θ toward the front of the top plate 2 was restricted to 60 degrees or less. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the contact position between the locking part 21 and the stopper part 40 may be changed to restrict the rotation angle θ toward the rear of the top plate 2 to a predetermined rotation angle or less (e.g., 60 degrees or less), or the rotation angle θ toward the front of the top plate 2 may be restricted to zero degrees. In other words, as long as an unintended collision between the top plate 2 and the object (peripheral parts such as the panel 7, the storage box 4 itself, the user, etc.) does not occur, the allowable range of the rotation angle θ may be increased, and the rotation angle θ may be restricted by contact between the locking part 21 and the stopper part 40.

[0068] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment illustrates a table device 1 in which the top plate 2 can be inserted into and removed from the storage box 4 by tilting the arm portion 3, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the table device 1 may be such that the top plate 2 can be inserted into and removed from the storage box 4 by raising and lowering the arm portion 3 together with the top plate 2 in the vertical direction D3.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a locking mechanism 20 is provided on the underside 2b of the top plate 2, a stopper portion 40 is provided at the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3, and the locking mechanism 20 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the top plate 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stopper portion 40 may be provided on the underside 2b of the top plate 2, and the locking mechanism 20 may be provided at the joint portion 31 of the arm portion 3. That is, the stopper portion 40 may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the top plate 2, and the position of the locking mechanism 20 may be fixed relative to the joint portion 31.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 were tilted downward from an upright position to a reclined position, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the top plate 2 and arm portion 3 may be tilted downward from an upright position inclined with respect to the vertical to a reclined position. That is, in the reclined position of the top plate 2, the normal direction of the top plate surface 2a may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a stopper portion 40 having a pair of opposing end faces (first end face 41 and second end face 42) spaced apart in the rotational direction of the top plate 2 was illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, if the first end face 41 of the stopper portion 40 and the lock portion 21 come into contact at the same time as the pivot support portion 22 of the lock mechanism 20 and the first restricting portion 51 come into contact, the stopper portion 40 does not need to have this first end face 41. In this case, the rotation restricting function of the top plate 2 due to the contact between the lock portion 21 and the first end face 41 may be combined into the rotation restricting function of the top plate 2 due to the contact between the pivot support portion 22 and the first restricting portion 51.

[0072] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, when restricting the rotation of the top plate 2 in the tilted position by contact between the first restricting part 51 and the second restricting part 52 and the locking mechanism 20, the rotation angle toward the rear from the reference state of the top plate 2 was restricted to zero degrees, and the rotation angle toward the front from the reference state of the top plate 2 was restricted to 90 degrees or less. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the contact positions of the first restricting part 51 and the second restricting part 52 and the locking mechanism 20 may be changed to restrict the rotation angle toward the rear from the reference state of the top plate 2 to a predetermined rotation angle or less (for example, 90 degrees or less), or the rotation angle of the top plate 2 in the front-rear direction D1 may be restricted to 180 degrees or less (±90 degrees or less from the reference state). In other words, as long as the rotation of the top plate 2 does not cause a collision with an object (such as peripheral parts like the panel 7 or the storage box 4 itself), the allowable range of rotation angle in the tilted position of the top plate 2 may be increased, and the rotation angle may be restricted by contact between the first restricting part 51 and the second restricting part 52 and the locking mechanism 20.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when restricting the rotation of the top plate 2 in the tilted position, the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 were in direct contact with the pivot portion 22 of the locking mechanism 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a cushioning member made of an elastic material or the like may be provided on the side surface of the pivot portion 22, so that the cushioning member is interposed between the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 and the pivot portion 22, thereby mitigating the impact when the first restricting portion 51 and the second restricting portion 52 and the pivot portion 22 come into contact.

[0074] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments described above, and configurations formed by appropriately combining the above-described components are also included in the present invention. In addition, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described above are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1 Table device 2 Top plate 2a Top surface 2b Back side 2c side 3. Arm section 4 Storage Boxes 4a recess 5 Lid 6. Hinge section 7 Panels 20 Locking mechanism 21 Lock section 21a, 22a Through holes 22 axis branches 23 Shaft 31 Joint 31a Inner wall surface 32 Support part 33. First hinge section 34 Second hinge section 40 Stopper part 41 1st end face 42 Second end face 43 Rotational Orbit 51 First Regulatory Department 52 Second Regulatory Section C1, C2, C3, C4 Rotation center axes D1 Forward and backward directions D2 Left and right directions D3 up and down direction

Claims

1. The top panel is removable and can be stored in the storage box, An arm portion that can tilt between an upright position in which the top plate is positioned with its top surface facing sideways and a reclined position in which the top plate is positioned with its top surface facing upward, while rotatably supporting the top plate, A locking mechanism is provided to support the top plate so that it can rotate downward due to gravity, and to restrict the rotation of the top plate in a way that can be released. As the top plate rotates, a stopper portion rotates relative to the locking portion around the rotational axis of the top plate, Equipped with, The locking mechanism, in the upright position, rotates to enter the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper mechanism, thereby restricting the rotation of the top plate, and in the reclined position, rotates to move away from the relative rotational trajectory of the stopper mechanism, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the top plate. A table device characterized by the following features.

2. The stopper portion has a pair of end faces that are spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the top plate and can contact the lock portion that has entered the rotational trajectory. The table device according to feature 1.

3. The locking portion, having entered the aforementioned rotational trajectory, rotates relative to the stopper portion between the pair of end faces. The table device according to feature 2.

4. The locking mechanism is rotatably supported by a pivot provided on the top plate. The stopper portion is provided on the arm portion, A table device according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The system further includes a restricting mechanism for restricting the rotation of the top plate in the aforementioned tilted position. A table device according to any one of features 1 to 3.

Images