Vehicular table

Abstract

A vehicular table (1) comprises: a top plate (10); a first arm (30) that is provided on one side in the front-rear direction of the top plate (10) and that supports the top plate (10); and second arms (40a, 40b) that are provided on the other side in the front-rear direction of the top plate (10) and that support the top plate (10). The first arm (30) includes a first engagement part (31) that engages with a front seat (FR1). The second arms (40a, 40b) include second engagement parts (41a, 41b) that engage with a vehicle rear seat (RR1).

Description

Vehicle Table

[0001] The present invention relates to a table for a vehicle.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle table having a support portion on one side edge of the table.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-272397

[0004] However, in the case of a structure having a support portion on one side edge of the table, depending on the size of the table, it may not be possible to stably support the entire table.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle table that can support the entire table more stably.

[0006] A vehicle table according to one aspect of the present invention includes a tabletop, a first arm provided on one side of the tabletop in the front-rear direction to support the tabletop, and a second arm provided on the other side of the tabletop in the front-rear direction to support the tabletop. The first arm has a first engagement portion that engages with a front seat of the vehicle. The second arm has a second engagement portion that engages with a rear seat of the vehicle.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle table that can support the entire table more stably.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a left side view showing an example of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a top plate of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a frame of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing a clip of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a frame and each arm of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 6A is a view showing an engagement structure between the frame of the vehicle table according to an embodiment and a second arm. FIG. 6B is a view showing an engagement structure between the frame of the vehicle table according to an embodiment and a second arm. FIG. 7A is a view showing an engagement structure between a second engagement portion of the vehicle table according to an embodiment and a headrest stay. FIG. 7B is a view showing an engagement structure between the second engagement portion of the vehicle table according to an embodiment and a headrest stay. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a left side view of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 10A is a view showing a structure for folding the top plate of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 10B is a view showing a structure for folding the top plate of the vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a structure for folding a frame of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a structure for folding a frame of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a structure for adjusting the angle of a tabletop of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a structure for adjusting the angle of a tabletop of a vehicle table according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an extension / retraction adjustment structure of a second arm of a vehicle table according to a first modified embodiment. FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an arrangement of a tabletop in a second fixed mode of a vehicle table according to a second modified embodiment. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an arrangement of a frame of a vehicle table according to a second modified embodiment. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an engagement structure between a second cylindrical portion and a headrest stay of a vehicle table according to a third modified embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an engagement structure between a second cylindrical portion and a headrest stay of a vehicle table according to a third modified embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, a vehicle table according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated as FR, the rear of the vehicle as RR, the right side of the vehicle as RH, the left side of the vehicle as LH, the top of the vehicle as UP, and the bottom of the vehicle as DN. In the following description, the terms front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom refer to directions relative to the vehicle, unless otherwise specified. In the following description, elements having the same function are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) (Configuration example of a vehicle table) Table 1, which is a vehicle table, is arranged between front seats FR1, FR2 and rear seats RR1, RR2 of a vehicle 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, table 1 is configured in an L-shape when viewed from above. A user can use table 1 by sitting in rear seat RR2 on the left side. Table 1 may also be arranged in reverse. In that case, a user can use table 1 by sitting in rear seat RR1 on the right side.

[0011] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the table 1 includes a tabletop 10, a frame 20, a first arm 30, a pair of second arms 40a and 40b, and a third arm 50. The first arm 30 has a first engagement portion 31 that engages with the right front seat FR1. The pair of second arms 40a and 40b have a pair of second engagement portions 41a and 41b that engage with the right rear seat RR1. The third arm 50 has a third engagement portion 51 that engages with the left front seat FR2. In the illustrated example, the first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50 are connected to the frame 20. The first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50 may be directly connected to the front and rear ends or the left and right ends of the tabletop 10. In this case, the table 1 does not need to include a frame 20.

[0012] 1 to 3, the table top 10 is a plate that constitutes the table surface of the table 1, and is divided into a first region 11, a second region 12, and a third region 13. The material of the table top 10 is not particularly limited, and known plate materials such as wood, stone, paper, metal, resin (including fiber-reinforced resin), and glass can be used.

[0013] The first region 11 may be, for example, a rectangular plate disposed between the right front seat FR1 and the rear seat RR1. In a top view, the front end of the first region 11 is adjacent to the back surface of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1. The rear end of the first region 11 is located near the front edge of the seat cushion SC2 of the rear seat RR1. The right end of the first region 11 is located slightly inward in the vehicle width direction from the right edge of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1. The left end of the first region 11 extends to the left of the center of the vehicle 2 in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] The second region 12 may be, for example, a rectangular plate disposed between the first region 11 and the rear seat RR1. In a top view, the front end of the second region 12 is adjacent to the rear end of the first region 11. The rear end of the second region 12 is adjacent to the front surface of the seat back SB2 of the rear seat RR1. The right end of the second region 12 coincides with the right end of the first region 11. The left end of the second region 12 is located to the right of the center of the vehicle 2 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the width of the second region 12 in the vehicle width direction is narrower than that of the first region 11. A first pivot portion 14 that is rotatable around a vehicle width direction axis is provided between the rear end of the first region 11 and the front end of the second region 12.

[0015] The third region 13 may be, for example, a plate disposed between the left front seat FR2 and the rear seat RR2. In a top view, the front end of the third region 13 is adjacent to the back surface of the seat back SB2 of the front seat FR2. The rear end of the third region 13 coincides with the rear end of the first region 11. The corner of the left rear end of the third region 13 is formed in an arc shape with a radius. A second pivot portion 15 that can pivot around a longitudinal axis is provided between the left end of the first region 11 and the right end of the third region 13. The upper surface of the table top 10 when the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13 are arranged as described above is referred to as surface A1. The lower surface of the table top 10 at this time is referred to as surface A2. In the illustrated example, the table top 10 is divided into the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13, but the number and arrangement of the divisions, as well as the dimensions and shapes of each region, are not limited to those described above. The top plate 10 is not limited to an L-shape when viewed from above, and may have other shapes such as a rectangle, a trapezoid, a polygon, a sector, etc. The table 1 may not have the third arm 50 depending on the shape of the top plate 10.

[0016] The first pivoting portion 14 may have, for example, a pivot shaft that pivots about a vehicle width axis and two brackets that support the pivot shaft. The two brackets are attached to the lower surface of the rear end of the first region 11 and the lower surface of the front end of the second region 12, respectively. The second region 12 is pivotable downward around the pivot shaft of the first pivoting portion 14. This allows the second region 12 to be folded so that the lower surface of the second region 12 faces the lower surface of the first region 11. The second pivoting portion 15 may have, for example, a pivot shaft that pivots about a front-rear axis and two brackets that support the pivot shaft. The two brackets are attached to the upper surface of the left end of the first region 11 and the upper surface of the right end of the third region 13, respectively. The third region 13 is pivotable upward around the pivot shaft of the second pivoting portion 15. As a result, third region 13 can be folded with the upper surface of third region 13 facing the upper surface of first region 11. In the examples shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8A, two first pivoting portions 14 and two second pivoting portions 15 are attached to top plate 10, but the positions and numbers of attachment of these are not limited to those described above.

[0017] The frame 20 is a frame-shaped structure that supports the top plate 10 from below, and is configured by combining cylindrical bodies each having a substantially circular cross section. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the frame 20 may be configured by connecting a first frame body 21, a second frame body 22, and a third frame body 23.

[0018] The first frame 21 may, for example, constitute the right side and front side of the frame 20. The first frame 21 has a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the front portion, a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the rear portion, and a cylindrical body extending in the front-rear direction that constitutes the left and right portions. The cylindrical bodies that constitute the left and right portions are connected to the cylindrical body that constitutes the front portion and the cylindrical body that constitutes the rear portion. These cylindrical bodies that constitute the first frame 21 overlap with the first region 11 in a top view.

[0019] The second frame body 22 may be located, for example, behind the first frame body 21 and constitute the right side and rear side of the frame 20. The rear portion of the first frame body 21 and the second frame body 22 are connected by a first folding portion 24. The second frame body 22 is rotatable downward around the vehicle width axis of the first folding portion 24. The second frame body 22 has a tubular body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the rear portion, and tubular bodies extending in the front-rear direction that constitute the left and right portions. The tubular bodies that constitute the left and right portions are connected to the first folding portion 24 and the tubular body that constitutes the rear portion. These tubular bodies that constitute the second frame body 22 overlap the second region 12 in a top view.

[0020] The third frame 23 may be located, for example, to the left of the first frame 21 and constitute the left side and front side of the frame 20. The left portion of the first frame 21 and the third frame 23 are connected by a second folding portion 25. The third frame 23 is rotatable upward about the longitudinal axis of the second folding portion 25. The third frame 23 includes a cylindrical body extending in the left-right direction that constitutes the front portion, and a cylindrical body extending between the left front portion and the left rear portion of the third frame 23. The cylindrical body that constitutes the front portion is connected to the second folding portion 25 and one end of the cylindrical body extending between the left front portion and the left rear portion. The other end of the cylindrical body extending between the left front portion and the left rear portion is connected to the second folding portion 25. These cylindrical bodies that constitute the third frame 23 overlap portions of the third region 13 and the first region 11 in a top view. The orientation of the frame 20 in the above arrangement is defined as a first orientation B1. In the illustrated example, the frame 20 is constructed by connecting a first frame body 21, a second frame body 22, and a third frame body 23, but the number and arrangement of connections, as well as the dimensions and shapes of each, are not limited to those described above.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the top and bottom surfaces of the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13 may be provided with clip holes 17 for attaching clips 16, for example. The clip 16 has a C-shaped clip body 16a and a clip shaft 16b extending from the base end of the clip body 16a. The clip 16 can be attached to the top plate 10 by inserting the tip of the clip shaft 16b, which has a male thread, into the clip hole 17 and fastening it. Note that in Figs. 3, 4A, 10A, 10B, and 14A, representative clip holes 17 are illustrated with reference numbers.

[0022] The opening dimension L of the clip body 16a is narrower than the outer diameter of the frame 20. When the opening portion of the clip body 16a is pressed against the frame 20, the clip body 16a elastically deforms outward. The elastic deformation expands the opening dimension L, and the frame 20 is accommodated within the clip body 16a. The clip body 16a returns to its original shape as the frame 20 is accommodated within the clip body 16a. This allows the frame 20 to be sandwiched within the clip body 16a. Therefore, the top plate 10 can be fixed to the frame 20 via the clip 16. The clip holes 17 are formed to match the shape of the frame 20. The clips 16 attached to the first region 11, second region 12, and third region 13 are fixed to the first frame body 21, second frame body 22, and third frame body 23, respectively. The clip holes 17 may be formed on both sides of the top plate 10, and the clips 16 may be attachable to both sides of the top plate 10. The method of attaching the clip 16 to the tabletop 10 is not limited to the above. For example, the clip 16 may have a bracket with a female screw, and the bracket may be fastened to the tabletop 10 with a male screw.

[0023] For example, a first opening 26 opening to the right may be provided in the right front portion of the first frame 21. Second openings 27a, 27b opening to the right and left may be provided at both ends of the rear portion of the second frame 22, respectively. A third opening 28 opening to the left may be provided in the left front portion of the third frame 23. A first connecting portion 32 of the first arm 30 is inserted into the first opening 26. The first arm 30 engages with the first frame 21 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction. Second connecting portions 42a, 42b of the second arms 40a, 40b are inserted into the second openings 27a, 27b. The second arms 40a, 40b engage with the second frame 22 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction. A third connecting portion 52 of the third arm 50 is inserted into the third opening 28. The third arm 50 engages with the third frame 23 at a predetermined angle with respect to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0024] The first arm 30 is a cylindrical body with a generally circular cross section and is disposed between the first opening 26 and the front seat FR1. The first arm 30 has a first engagement portion 31 at the tip end that engages with the front seat FR1 and a first connection portion 32 at the base end that engages with the first opening 26. The first arm 30 extends upward from the first connection portion 32 along the rear surface of the seat back SB1 of the front seat FR1 and curves and extends to the left near the upper edge of the seat back SB1. The first engagement portion 31 at the tip end engages with the right headrest stay 3a, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, of two headrest stays 3a, 3b provided on the front seat FR1. As a result, the first arm 30 supports the load of the front portion of the frame 20 and the front portion of the top panel 10 fixed to the frame 20. The first engagement portion 31 may engage with the right headrest stay 3b or both headrest stays 3a, 3b.

[0025] The second arms 40a, 40b are cylindrical bodies with a generally circular cross section and are disposed between the second openings 27a, 27b and the rear seat RR1. The second arms 40a, 40b have distal second engagement portions 41a, 41b that engage with the rear seat RR1 and proximal second connection portions 42a, 42b that engage with the second openings 27a, 27b. The second arms 40a, 40b extend upward from the second openings 27a, 27b along the front surface of the seat back SB2 of the rear seat RR1 and curve to the right and left near the upper edge of the seat back SB2. The distal second engagement portions 41a, 41b engage with two headrest stays 4a, 4b provided on the rear seat RR1, respectively. This allows the second arms 40a, 40b to support the weight of the frame 20 and the tabletop 10 fixed to the frame 20.

[0026] The third arm 50 may be, for example, a cylindrical body with a generally circular cross section disposed between the third opening 28 and the front seat FR2. The third arm 50 has a third engagement portion 51 at the tip end that engages with the front seat FR2 and a third connection portion 52 at the base end that engages with the third opening 28. The third arm 50 extends upward from the third connection portion 52 along the rear surface of the seat back SB2 of the front seat FR2 and curves and extends to the right near the upper edge of the seat back SB2. The third engagement portion 51 at the tip end engages with the left headrest stay 5b, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, of two headrest stays 5a, 5b provided on the front seat FR2. This allows the third arm 50 to support the weight of the frame 20 and the top plate 10 fixed to the frame 20. The third engagement portion 51 may engage with the right headrest stay 5a or the two headrest stays 5a, 5b.

[0027] Here, the engagement structures between the first connecting portion 32, the second connecting portions 42a and 42b, and the third connecting portion 52 and the first opening 26, the second opening 27a and 27b, and the third opening 28 will be described using the engagement between the second connecting portion 42b and the second opening 27b as an example. The engagement structures between the first connecting portion 32, the second connecting portion 42a, and the third connecting portion 52 and the first opening 26, the second opening 27a, and the third opening 28 are similar, so their description will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , the second connecting portion 42b has a cylindrical shape smaller than the inner diameter of the second frame 22 and is formed to be insertable into the second opening 27b. A ball 42c protruding outward is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting portion 42b. The ball 42c is movable within a radial groove formed in the second connecting portion 42b and is spring-biased from the inside to the outside. The ball 42c moves inward when a load is applied and returns to its original position when the load is released. In other words, the second connection portion 42b has a ball plunger structure. A ball hole 27c through which the ball 42c can be inserted is formed in the side surface of the second frame 22 near the second opening 27b. When the second connection portion 42b is inserted into the second opening 27b, the ball 42c moves inward due to the lateral load and passes through the second frame 22. When the second connection portion 42b is inserted to a predetermined stroke and then rotated by a predetermined angle, the ball 42c inserts into the ball hole 27c, moves outward, and engages with the ball hole 27c. As a result, the second arm 40b is engaged with the second frame 22 at a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0028] The connecting arm 33 may be, for example, a cylindrical body with a generally circular cross section that is disposed between the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. The connecting arm 33 extends in the vehicle width direction and has a connecting portion 34a that connects to the first arm 30 and a connecting portion 34b that connects to the third arm 50. The connecting portions 34a and 34b are engaged with the first arm 30 and the third arm 50 near their centers in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0029] The materials for the frame 20, first arm 30, second arms 40a and 40b, third arm 50, and connecting arm 33 are not particularly limited, and known materials such as paper, metal, carbon, and resin (including fiber-reinforced resin) can be used. The shapes, structures, numbers, and arrangements of these components are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the first frame 21 and first arm 30, the second frame 22 and second arms 40a and 40b, and the third frame 23 and third arm 50 may be connected to each other by elastic strings threaded through the interiors. This allows the parts to be engaged with each other and the engagement points to be easily identified, thereby preventing the installation process from becoming complicated.

[0030] The engagement structures between the first engagement portion 31, the second engagement portions 41a, 41b, and the third engagement portion 51 and the headrest stays 3a, 4a, 4b, and 5b will be described using the engagement between the second engagement portion 41b and the headrest stay 4b as an example. The engagement structures between the first engagement portion 31, the second engagement portion 41a, and the third engagement portion 51 and the headrest stays 3a, 4a, and 5b are similar, so their description will be omitted. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B , the second engagement portion 41a has a support portion 41c with a rectangular U-shaped cross section, a hinge portion 41d provided at one end of the support portion 41c, and a door portion 41f rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 41e of the hinge portion 41d. First, the headrest stay 4b is accommodated in the support portion 41c, and the door portion 41f is closed. This sandwiches the headrest stay 4b within the space formed by the support portion 41c and the door portion 41f. In this state, one end of the ring 41h is hooked onto the claw 41g of the door portion 41f, and the ring lever 41i connected to the other end of the ring 41h is tilted backward to lock it in place. This locks the support portion 41c and the door portion 41f, allowing the headrest stay 4b to engage with the second engagement portion 41b. Note that the configurations and engagement methods of the first engagement portion 31, the second engagement portions 41a, 41b, and the third engagement portion 51 are not limited to those described above.

[0031] A method for installing the vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment will be described. First, the seat backs SB1 and SB3 of the front seats FR1 and FR2 are respectively tilted forward to a predetermined forward tilt position. Next, the front seats FR1 and FR2 are respectively moved forward to predetermined positions. Furthermore, the seat backs SB2 of the rear seats RR1 and RR2 are respectively tilted backward to a predetermined rearward tilt position. Here, the forward tilt position will be described. As shown in FIG. 8 , the joint between the base of the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the seat backs SB1 and SB3 is defined as joint H1. In a side view, the upper edge of the seat backs SB1 and SB3, which is the base end of the headrest stays 3a, 3b, 5a, and 5b, is defined as H2. The angle formed between the straight line H1-H2 in a side view and the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as seat back angle α. That is, the seat back angle α is the angle formed by the seat back SB1 with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle. The forward tilting position is a position in which the seat backs SB1 and SB3 are tilted forward so that the seat back angle α is an angle β that is smaller than 90°. Similarly, the angle that the seat backs SB2 of the rear seats RR1 and RR2 form with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle can also be expressed as the seat back angle α. The backward tilting position is a position in which the seat back SB2 is tilted rearward so that the seat back angle α of the seat back SB2 is greater than 90°.

[0032] Next, the first frame body 21, second frame body 22, and third frame body 23 of the frame 20 are deployed in the first position B1. The first connecting portion 32 is engaged with the first opening 26, and the third connecting portion 52 is engaged with the third opening 28. The first engaging portion 31 and the third engaging portion 51 are then engaged with the outer headrest stays 3a and 5b, respectively. Next, the second connecting portions 42a and 42b are engaged with the second openings 27a and 27b, respectively, and the second engaging portions 41a and 41b are engaged with the headrest stays 4a and 4b. Thus, the frame 20 is positioned between the front seats FR1 and FR2 and the rear seats RR1 and RR2 in the first position B1. Next, the first region 11, second region 12, and third region 13 are deployed with the surface A1 of the top panel 10 as the upper surface. The clip 16 is attached to the surface A2, which is the lower surface. The tabletop 10 with the clips 16 attached is placed on the frame 20, and the frame 20 is inserted into the clip body 16a to fix the tabletop 10 to the frame 20. This completes the installation of the table 1. The method of fixing the frame in the first orientation B1 with the surface A1 of the tabletop as the upper surface as described above is referred to as the first fixing mode.

[0033] Here, the position of the seat backs SB1 and SB3 is not limited to the above, and may be in a most forward tilted position. The most forward tilted position is a position in which the seat backs SB1 and SB3 are tilted most forward. At this time, the angle β is smallest. If the seat backs SB1 and SB3 interfere with the handle SW when tilted forward, the position at which the interference occurs is the most forward tilted position. In this embodiment, the angle β in the most forward tilted position is, for example, 60°. The seat back SB2 may also be in a most rearward tilted position. The most rearward tilted position is a position in which the seat back SB2 is tilted most rearward. At this time, the seat back angle α of the seat back SB2 is largest. In this embodiment, the seat back angle α in the most rearward tilted position is, for example, 110°.

[0034] Furthermore, the front seats FR1, FR2 may be disposed in a forward-most position. The forward-most position is the position where the front seats FR1, FR2 are moved the furthest forward distance S in the vehicle 2 (see FIG. 9 ). If the seat backs SB1, SB3 interfere with the handle SW when moved forward, the position where the interference occurs is the forward-most position. The rear seats RR1, RR2 may be disposed in a rearward-most position. The rearward-most position is the position where the rear seats RR1, RR2 are moved the furthest rearward distance in the vehicle 2. In the above-described arrangement, the distance D between the first engagement portion 31 and the third engagement portion 51 that engage with the headrest stays 3a, 5b and the second engagement portions 41a, 41b that engage with the headrest stays 4a, 4b is longest. Furthermore, when the seat backs SB1, SB3 of the front seats FR1, FR2 are in the most forward tilted position and the front seats FR1, FR2 are in the most forward position, the space between the steering wheel SW of the vehicle 2 and the seat backs SB1, SB3 is at its narrowest.

[0035] With the table 1 installed, it may be desirable to avoid the vehicle 2 from a safety standpoint. In the vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment, the frame 20 and the table top 10 are disposed between the front seats FR1, FR2 and the rear seats RR1, RR2. The frame 20 and the arms 30, 40a, 40b, 50 are engaged at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The arms 30, 40a, 40b, 50 are engaged with the headrest stays 3a, 4a, 4b, 5b. The front seats FR1, FR2 are disposed forward, and the seat backs SB1, SB3 are tilted forward. Therefore, the space between the steering wheel SW and the seat backs SB1, SB3 of the vehicle 2 is narrow. When an attempt is made to move the front seats FR1, FR2 rearward, the rearward movement of the front seats FR1, FR2 is restricted because the table top 10 and frame 20 are disposed between the front seats FR1, FR2 and the rear seats RR1, RR2. Furthermore, when an attempt is made to tilt the seat backs SB1, SB3 of the front seats FR1, FR2 rearward, the rearward tilt of the seat backs SB1, SB3 is restricted. This is because the table top 10 and frame 20 are disposed between the front seats FR1, FR2 and the rear seats RR1, RR2, and the frame 20 is engaged with each arm 30, 40a, 40b, 50 at a predetermined angle. Therefore, it is difficult for a user to drive the vehicle 2 while seated in the front seats FR1, FR2, and driving the vehicle 2 while using the table 1 is avoided.

[0036] A method for folding the top plate 10 will now be described. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, with the top surface of the top plate 10 set to plane A1, the third region 13 is rotated upward around the rotation axis of the second rotation unit 15. As a result, the third region 13 is folded so that the upper surface of the third region 13 faces the upper surface of the first region 11. Next, the second region 12 is rotated downward around the rotation axis of the first rotation unit 14. As a result, the second region 12 is folded so that the lower surface of the second region 12 faces the lower surface of the first region 11.

[0037] A method for folding the frame 20 will be described. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, with the frame 20 in the first position B1, the third frame body 23 is rotated upward about the rotation axis of the first folding section 24. As a result, the third frame body 23 is folded so that the upper surface of the third frame body 23 faces the upper surface of the first frame body 21. Next, the second frame body 22 is rotated downward about the rotation axis of the second folding section 25. As a result, the second frame body 22 is folded so that the lower surface of the second frame body 22 faces the lower surface of the first frame body 21.

[0038] A method for adjusting the angle of the vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment will now be described. The first region 11 may be capable of rotating upward by approximately 10° relative to the second region 12, for example, around the rotation axis of the first rotation unit 14. That is, the first rotation unit 14 may be configured to be capable of rotating by approximately 190° around the rotation axis. First, the tabletop 10 is unfolded, and the first region 11 is rotated upward relative to the second region 12 around the rotation axis of the first rotation unit 14. The third region 13 is linked to the first region 11 via the second rotation unit 15. Therefore, the third region 13 also rotates upward. A clip 16 is attached to the underside of the tabletop 10, and the frame 20 is inserted into the clip body 16a to secure the tabletop 10 to the frame 20. The front ends of the first region 11 and the third region 13 are raised upward and secured to the frame 20 in an inclined state. In this state, the clip 16 attached to the front end side of the tabletop 10 is fixed to the connecting arm 33 above the frame 20. This allows the user to tilt the first region 11 and the third region 13 upward and use the tabletop by fixing the front ends of the first region 11 and the third region 13. Furthermore, the connecting portions 34a, 34b of the connecting arm 33 can be engaged with any position in the longitudinal direction of the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. Therefore, the user can use the tabletop 10 by fixing it at a desired angle within the range of 0° to approximately 10°.

[0039] (Variation 1) The extension / retraction adjustment structure of the second arms 40a, 40b according to Variation 1 of the embodiment will be described using the second arm 40b as an example. The extension / retraction adjustment structure of the second arm 40a is similar, and therefore will not be described again. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second arm 40b includes a first arm 43b, a second arm 44b, and an extension / retraction adjustment portion 45b provided at the end of the first arm 43b. The first arm 43b has a thread on a portion of its outer periphery and a radially displaceable locking piece at its tip. The outer diameter of the second arm 44b is smaller than the inner diameter of the first arm 43b. One end of the second arm 44b is inserted through the extension / retraction adjustment portion 45b and accommodated within the first arm 43b. The second arm 44a can be extended from the extension / retraction adjustment portion 45b and the first arm 43b to a desired length. One end of the extension / retraction adjustment portion 45b is fitted into the thread of the first arm 43b. The other end of the extension / contraction adjustment portion 45b has a tapered shape 45c. The outer and inner diameters of the tapered shape 45c gradually narrow toward the tip. The tapered shape 45c is located outside the locking piece of the first arm portion 43b and toward the tip. The inner diameter of the tapered shape 45c is larger than the outer diameter of the second arm portion 44b but smaller than the outer diameter of the first arm portion 43b. When the extension / contraction adjustment portion 45b is rotated radially, the extension / contraction adjustment portion 45b moves toward the first arm portion 43b while engaging with the threads of the first arm portion 43b. As the extension / contraction adjustment portion 45b moves, the tapered shape 45c presses the locking piece. The locking piece is displaced radially inward and locks against the outer circumferential surface of the second arm portion 44a. In other words, by rotating the extension / contraction adjustment portion 45b while adjusting the second arm portion 44b to a desired length, the second arm portion 44b can be locked. This allows the overall length of the second arm 40b to be adjusted. Similarly, the second arm 40a has a first arm 43a, a second arm 44a, and an extension / retraction adjustment part 45a provided at the end of the first arm 43a. This allows the distance between the rear edge of the frame 20 and the headrest stays 4a, 4b to be adjusted, and the angle of the entire table 1 to be adjusted. The fixing method using the extension / retraction adjustment parts 45a, 45b is not limited to the above. For example, holes may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the second arm 44b and screws or pins may be inserted into the holes for fixing. The above-described extension / retraction adjustment structure may be provided in the first arm 30, the third arm 50, and the frame 20.

[0040] (Variation 2) The second fixed mode of the vehicle table 1 according to Variation 2 of the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B , in a top view, the table top 10 is arranged with its upper surface as plane A2. That is, the first region 11 is arranged in the front left portion, the second region 12 is arranged behind the first region 11, and the third region 13 is arranged to the right of the first region 11. This arrangement corresponds to a configuration in which the upper surface of the table top 10 is arranged as plane A1 but is upside down. Similarly, the frame 20 is arranged in a second position B2, which is a configuration in which the first position B1 is upside down. When installed in the second fixed mode, the first connection portion 32 of the first arm 30 is engaged with the third opening 28 located on the right side. The third connection portion 52 of the third arm 50 is engaged with the first opening 26 located on the left side. The second connection portion 42a of the second arm 40a is engaged with the second opening 27b. The second connecting portion 42b of the second arm 40b is engaged with the second opening 27a. The second engaging portions 41a, 41b are engaged with the headrest stays 6a, 6b of the left rear seat RR2. A user can use the table while seated in the right rear seat RR1.

[0041] (Variation 3) Variation 3 of the embodiment will be described. In Variation 3, the front seat FR1 is a driver's seat. The first engagement portion 31 has a first tubular portion 35 through which the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat can be inserted. The second engagement portions 41a, 41b have second tubular portions 46a, 46b through which the headrest stays 4a, 4b of the rear seat RR1 can be inserted. The configurations of the first tubular portion 35 and the second tubular portions 46a, 46b will be described using the second tubular portion 46b as an example. The first tubular portion 35 and the second tubular portion 46a have similar configurations, so their description will be omitted. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B , the second tubular portion 46b has two semi-tubular portions 46c, 46d that have a C-shaped cross section and extend in a predetermined direction. The semi-tubular portions 46c, 46d are inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second arm 40b. One end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46c and one end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46d are connected to each other so as to be rotatable around the short sides of the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. When the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is rotated relative to the semi-cylindrical portion 46c and the other end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is engaged with the other end of the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, a substantially cylindrical insertion hole is formed between the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. The inner diameter of the insertion hole is formed to accommodate the outer diameter of the headrest stay 4b.

[0042] Next, a method for engaging the second cylindrical portion 46b with the headrest stay 4b will be described. First, the headrest stay 4b is pulled out vertically to a length greater than the longitudinal length of the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. In this state, the headrest stay 4b is accommodated in the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, and the semi-cylindrical portion 46d is closed. This accommodates the headrest stay 4b in the insertion hole formed by the semi-cylindrical portions 46c and 46d. By engaging the semi-cylindrical portion 46d with the semi-cylindrical portion 46c, the second cylindrical portion 46b and the headrest stay 4b can be engaged. In the engaged state, the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the headrest stay 4b is small, and the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and the outer circumferential surface of the headrest stay 4b are in contact with or close to each other. Using a similar configuration, the first cylindrical portion 35 and the headrest stay 3a can be engaged with each other.

[0043] Because the inner peripheral surface of the insertion hole abuts or is close to the outer peripheral surface of the headrest stay 4b, if the axis of the insertion hole of the second cylindrical portion 46b is not parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 4b, the second cylindrical portion 46b and the headrest stay 4b cannot be engaged and fixed. Similarly, if the axis of the insertion hole of the first cylindrical portion 35 is not parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 3a, the first cylindrical portion 35 and the headrest stay 3a cannot be engaged and fixed. Furthermore, the second cylindrical portion 46b is formed at a predetermined angle relative to the second arm 40b. The first cylindrical portion 35 is formed at a predetermined angle relative to the first arm 30b. The vehicle table 1 according to the third modification is configured so that, when the driver's seat is in the most forward-tilted position, the axis of the insertion hole of the first cylindrical portion 35 is parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 3a, and the axis of the insertion hole of the second cylindrical portion 46b is parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 4b. In other words, when the driver's seat is not in the fully forward tilted position, the first tubular portion 35 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the first arm 30. Therefore, unless the frame 20 connected to the first arm 30 is tilted significantly, the axis of the insertion hole of the first tubular portion 35 cannot be made parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 3a. Therefore, the axis of the insertion hole of the first tubular portion 35 interferes with the axis of the headrest stay 3a. Similarly, when the frame 20 is tilted significantly, the axis of the insertion hole of the second tubular portion 46b cannot be made parallel to the axis of the headrest stay 4b. Therefore, the axis of the insertion hole of the second tubular portion 46b interferes with the axis of the headrest stay 4b. As a result, when the driver's seat is not in the fully forward tilted position, they cannot be engaged and fixed. Furthermore, when an attempt is made to tilt the driver's seat backward from the fully forward tilted position, the axis of the insertion hole of the first tubular portion 35 interferes with the axis of the headrest stay 3a. Therefore, tilting the driver's seat backward from the fully forward tilted position is restricted. The driver's seat may be the front seat FR2, and the third engagement portion 51 may have a third cylindrical portion 55 through which the headrest stay 5b can be inserted.

[0044] (Operation and Effect) (1) The vehicle table 1 according to the embodiment includes a table top 10, a first arm 30 provided on one side of the table top 10 in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., the front side, that supports the table top 10, and second arms 40a, 40b provided on the other side of the table top 10 in the rear direction, that is, the rear side, that supports the table top 10. The first arm 30 has a first engagement portion 31 that engages with the front seat FR1. The second arms 40a, 40b have second engagement portions 41a, 41b that engage with the rear seat RR1. This allows the table top 10 to be supported by the front first arm 30 and the rear second arms 40a, 40b, and the entire table 1 can be stably supported.

[0045] (2) In the embodiment, the tabletop 10 has a first region 11, a second region 12, and a third region 13 in a top view. The first region 11 is located behind the right front seat FR1, which is on one side in the vehicle width direction. The second region 12 is located behind the first region 11 and in front of the seat back SB2 of the right rear seat RR1. The third region 13 is located in front of the second region 12 and behind the left front seat FR1, which is on the other side in the vehicle width direction. This allows a user seated in the left rear seat RR2 to use the tabletop 10 located on the right and in front. This increases the work surface of the table 1, improving convenience.

[0046] (3) Furthermore, in the embodiment, the third region 13 can be rotated upward about a rotation axis provided between the first region 11 and the third region 13. This allows the third region 13 to be lifted upward without moving the first region 11 and the second region 12. This allows the user of the left rear seat RR2 to avoid interference between the top panel 10 and the user's feet when getting in and out of the car.

[0047] (4) In the embodiment, the dimension of the second region 12 in the vehicle width direction is smaller than half the dimension between the right edge of the first region 11 and the left edge of the third region 13 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the vehicle width dimension of the table in front of the left rear seat RR2 is large. This increases the working surface of the table 1, further improving convenience.

[0048] (5) Furthermore, in this embodiment, a connecting arm 33 extends in the vehicle width direction and engages with the first arm 30 and the third arm 50. The first region 11 is configured to be rotatable upward about a rotation axis provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12. The front end of the first region 11 that has been rotated upward can be hooked onto the connecting arm 33. This allows the user to adjust and fix the top panel 10 to an angle that is easy for use, further improving convenience.

[0049] (6) In the embodiment, the table further includes a third arm 50 that is provided in front of the third region 13 and supports the third region 13. The third arm 50 has a third engagement portion 51 that engages with the left front seat FR2. This allows the table top 10 to be supported at three points: the first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50, and the entire L-shaped table 1 can be supported more stably.

[0050] (7) Furthermore, in the embodiment, the first engagement portion 31 is fixed to the right headrest stay 3a, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the right front seat FR1. The third engagement portion 51 is fixed to the left headrest stay 5b, which is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the left front seat FR2. This allows the top board 10 to be supported by the headrest stays 3a and 5b on the outer sides of the vehicle 2, and the entire table 1 can be supported more stably.

[0051] (8) In the embodiment, the right front seat FR1 is the driver's seat. When the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat is tilted forward at a seat back angle α, which is the angle formed with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle, and the seat back angle α is smaller than a right angle, the first engagement portion 31 engages with the driver's seat. When the seat back SB2 of the right rear seat RR1 is tilted backward at a seat back angle α, which is the angle formed with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle, and the second engagement portions 41a, 41b engage with the rear seat RR1. As a result, the rearward tilt of the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat is restricted by the top panel 10 and the arms 30, 40a, 40b, and 50. Therefore, when the table 1 is in use, it becomes difficult to drive the vehicle 2, and the user is prevented from driving the vehicle 2 when the table 1 is in use. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the space between the steering wheel SW of the vehicle 2 and the seat back SB1 of the driver's seat can be made small enough that the user's chest cannot fit in, thereby preventing the user from getting into the driver's seat. The space is, for example, 25 cm or less.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the distance between at least one of the first engagement portion 31 and the third engagement portion 51 that engage with the headrest stays 3a, 5b and the second engagement portion 41a, 41b that engage with the headrest stays 4a, 4b is equal to the distance between the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat positioned at the foremost position and the headrest stays 4a, 4b of the vehicle rear seat positioned at the rearmost position. Therefore, when the table 1 is in use, movement of the driver's seat to the rearward position is restricted at least by the top plate 10. In the embodiment having the frame 20, movement of the driver's seat to the rearward position is also restricted by the frame 20. As a result, when the table 1 is in use, the user is placed in a position that makes it difficult to drive the vehicle 2, and this prevents the user from driving the vehicle 2 when the table 1 is in use.

[0053] In addition, in the vehicle table 1 according to the first modified example of the embodiment, the second arms 40a, 40b have extension / retraction adjustment units 45a, 45b that extend and retract the second arms 40a, 40b. This allows the vertical length of the second arms 40a, 40b to be adjusted, and the vertical height of the rear of the table to be adjusted. Therefore, the tilt of the entire table 1 in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle can be adjusted to be horizontal.

[0054] Furthermore, the vehicle table 1 according to the second modification of the embodiment further includes a frame 20 connected to the first arm 30, the second arms 40a and 40b, and the third arm 50 and supporting the tabletop 10 from below. The frame 20 has a first fixed mode in which it is fixed to one surface A2 of the tabletop 10 in a first position B1, and a second fixed mode in which it is fixed to the other surface A1 of the tabletop 10 in a second position B2 that is upside down from the first position B1. The vehicle table 1 according to the above embodiment can be used in both the first fixed mode and the second fixed mode. This allows the user to use the table 1 regardless of whether they are seated in the right rear seat RR1 or the left rear seat RR2, improving convenience.

[0055] Furthermore, in the vehicle table 1 according to the third modification of the embodiment, the first engagement portion 31 includes a first cylindrical portion 35 through which the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat can be inserted. The second engagement portions 41a, 41b include second cylindrical portions 46a, 46b through which the headrest stays 4a, 4b of the rear seats can be inserted. When the driver's seat is in the most forward tilted position, the first cylindrical portion 35 engages with the headrest stay 3a of the driver's seat, and the second cylindrical portions 46a, 46b engage with the headrest stays 4a, 4b of the rear seats. As a result, when the table 1 is in use, the movement of tilting the driver's seat backward from the most forward tilted position is restricted by interference between the headrest stay 3a and the first cylindrical portion 35. Therefore, when the table 1 is in use, it becomes difficult to drive the vehicle 2, and the user is prevented from driving the vehicle 2 while the table 1 is in use.

[0056] In the above embodiment, the first engagement portion 31 and the third engagement portion 51 engage with the headrest stays 3a, 5b of the front seats FR1, FR2, but this is not limited thereto and they may also engage with the seat backs SB1, SB3, headrests, roof trim, center console, etc. of the front seats FR1, FR2. Also, the second engagement portions 41a, 41b engage with the headrest stays 4a, 4b of the rear seat RR1, but this is not limited thereto and they may also engage with the seat back SB2, headrest, roof trim, rear door, etc. of the rear seat RR1. In the above embodiment, the case where the right front seat FR1 is the driver's seat has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the left front seat FR2 is the driver's seat.

[0057] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the descriptions and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operating techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0058] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Table (vehicle table) 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b Headrest stay 10 Top plate 11 First region 12 Second region 13 Third region 20 Frame 30 First arm 31 First engagement portion 33 Connecting arm 35 First cylindrical portion 40a, 40b Second arm 41a, 41b Second engagement portion 45a, 45b Telescopic adjustment portion 46a, 46b Second cylindrical portion 50 Third arm 51 Third engagement portion FR1, FR2 Front seat RR1, RR2 Rear seat SB1, SB2, SB3 Seat back A1, A2 Surface B1 First position B2 Second position D Distance

Claims

1. The top plate and a first arm provided on a front side of the top plate in the front-rear direction, supporting the top plate and extending forward of the vehicle beyond the top plate; a second arm provided on the rear side of the top plate in the front-rear direction, supporting the top plate and extending rearward of the vehicle beyond the top plate, the first arm has a first engagement portion that engages with the front seat, The second arm has a second engagement portion that engages with a rear seat.

2. The top plate and a first arm provided on a front side of the tabletop in a front-rear direction, the first arm supporting the tabletop; a second arm provided on the rear side of the tabletop in the front-rear direction, the second arm supporting the tabletop; the first arm has a first engagement portion that engages with a headrest stay of the front seat, The second arm has a second engagement portion that engages with a headrest stay of a rear seat.

3. The top plate, when viewed from above, a first region disposed behind the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction; a second region disposed rearward of the first region and in front of the seat back of the rear seat on one side in the vehicle width direction; a third area disposed forward of the second area and behind the front seat on the other side in the vehicle width direction; The vehicle table according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. The vehicle table according to claim 3 , wherein the third area is rotatable upward about a rotation axis provided between the first area and the third area.

5. A vehicle table as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the vehicle width dimension of the second region is smaller than half of the vehicle width dimension between the edge of the first region on one side in the vehicle width direction and the edge of the third region on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

6. a third arm provided on one side of the third region in the front-rear direction to support the third region, The vehicle table according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the third arm has a third engagement portion that engages with the front seat on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

7. a connecting arm extending in the vehicle width direction and engaging with the first arm and the third arm, the first region is rotatable upward around a rotation axis provided between the first region and the second region, The vehicle table according to claim 6, wherein a front end of the first region that has been rotated upward is hooked onto the connecting arm.

8. The vehicle table according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second arm has an extension / retraction adjustment portion that extends and contracts the second arm.

9. a frame connected to the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm, and supporting the top plate from below; A vehicle table as described in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the frame has a first fixed mode in which it is fixed to one side of the tabletop in a first position, and a second fixed mode in which it is fixed to the other side of the tabletop in a second position that is upside down from the first position.

10. the first engagement portion is fixed to a headrest stay on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle table according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the third engagement portion is fixed to a headrest stay on an outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front seat on the other side in the vehicle width direction.

11. one of the front seats on one side and the other side in the vehicle width direction is a driver's seat, When a seat back of the driver's seat is in a forward tilted position such that the angle formed with respect to the vehicle front direction is smaller than a right angle, one of the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion engages with the driver's seat, A vehicle table as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the second engagement portion engages with the rear seat when the seat back of the rear seat on one side of the vehicle width direction is in a rearward tilted position at an angle greater than a right angle with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle.

12. At least one of the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion has a first cylindrical portion through which a headrest stay of the driver's seat can be inserted, the second engagement portion has a second cylindrical portion through which the headrest stay of the rear seat can be inserted, 12. The vehicle table according to claim 11, wherein when the driver's seat is in the most forward tilted position, the first cylindrical portion engages with the headrest stay of the driver's seat, and the second cylindrical portion engages with the headrest stay of the rear seat.

13. 12. The vehicle table according to claim 11, wherein the distance between at least one of the first engagement portion and the third engagement portion that engage with the headrest stay and the second engagement portion that engages with the headrest stay is equal to the distance between the headrest stay of the driver's seat positioned at the foremost position and the headrest stay of the rear seat positioned at the rearmost position.