JP2002223860A - Folding table - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a folding table which is suitable for a table with a mechanism of the top plate folded in the middle, has a simple structure to extend the top plate to use easily and safely, realizes a simple and compact locking mechanism to keep the top plate extended and folded, and enables to adjust the displacement of the top plate caused by long years of use easily. SOLUTION: Opposing ends of a pair of top plates 1, 2 are connected through a mounting part 33 as they can rotate. The top plates 1, 2 can be folded by using the mounting part 33 as the center. Plural joining grooves 44, 46 including a middle joining groove 45 are formed on the periphery of the mounting part 33. A lock pin 53 which can be engaged with and removed from the joining grooves 44-46 is placed to face a region where the joining grooves 44-46 rotate. When the lock pin 53 engages with the middle joining groove 45, the top plates 1, 2 are locked during the process of extending or folding, and an operation to extend or fold the top plates 1, 2 can be suspended.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is suitable for, for example, a table top folding table, and can easily and safely deploy the top panel to a use state with a simple structure, and maintain the deployed state and the folded state of the top panel. The structure of the lock mechanism has been simplified and made compact, it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and at the same time, this type of table can be reduced in size and weight, and the displacement of the top plate due to aging can be easily corrected. The present invention relates to a folding table capable of obtaining an initial use state for a long time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a table top folding table in which a table top can be folded in two is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-2000-2000.
As in JP-A-316636, a pair of left and right top plates are abutted, and their opposite ends are rotatably connected to be foldable. However, in the conventional table, when the folded top plate is deployed in a use state, there is a fear that a finger may be caught between opposing ends of the top plate and the user may be injured.

Conventionally, as a solution to such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-64045 discloses that when a folded top plate is deployed to a use state, a lock by a fixed plate is released by operating an operation lever. Thereafter, the central portion of the top plate is pushed down, and these are sufficiently pushed open to lock the locking member to the locking portion of the fixed plate, thereby maintaining the use state of the top plate.

However, in this conventional locking mechanism, a fixed plate and a locking member are arranged separately from a connecting shaft for pivotally connecting the top plate, so that the number of parts is large, the structure is complicated, and the size is large. However, there is a problem that the operation is expensive and the table is increased in size and weight, and the locking and unlocking operations are complicated.
Moreover, when unfolding the folded top plate in use, the top plate must be depressed at a stretch after unlocking by the fixed plate, which requires labor and is easy for fingers to be caught between the top plates, and it is aging. When the center portion of the top plate is displaced downward by use, it cannot be easily corrected, and the use is inconvenient and unstable.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves such a problem, and is suitable for, for example, a center-bend table. The simple structure allows the top to be easily and safely deployed in a use state. The structure of the lock mechanism that maintains the unfolded state and the folded state of the plate is simplified and compact,
It can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and this kind of
It is an object of the present invention to provide a folding table that promotes the reduction in size and weight of a bull and easily corrects the displacement of a top plate due to long-term use so that an initial use state can be obtained for a long time.

[0006]

For this purpose, according to the present invention, the opposite ends of a pair of top plates are rotatably connected via a pivot member, and the top plate is pivoted about the pivot member. In a folding table in which a plate can be folded, a plurality of engaging grooves including an intermediate engaging groove are formed on the outer periphery of the pivoting member, and the engaging groove is engaged with the engaging groove so as to face a rotation region of the engaging groove. A detachable lock pin is provided, and when the lock pin is engaged with the intermediate engagement groove, a state in which the top plate is being developed or folded is locked.
The conventional configuration in which the unfolding operation or the folding operation of the top plate can be temporarily stopped and the lock mechanism is provided separately from the pivot member of the top plate is improved, and the lock mechanism is a hinge which is a pivot member of the top plate. , The structure of the lock mechanism can be made simple and compact, it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and the size and weight of this type of table can be reduced. In addition, by making it possible to temporarily stop the deployment or folding operation of the top plate, the position of the fingers can be secured, preventing the fingers from being caught between the top plates, and deploying the top plate at once. Or the burden of the labor of folding is reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the temporary stop of the operation of the top is set at the end of the expansion or the start of folding of the top, and the operation of expanding or folding the top is performed rationally, and the operation of expanding the top is performed. At times, it prevents the fingers from being caught between the top plates. The invention of claim 3 is
The space between the opposing ends of the top plate at the time of temporary stop of the top plate operation is formed in a gap into which a finger can be inserted. I try to prevent the situation that is caught in between

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an adjustment screw is screwed to the opposite end of the pair of pivot members, and the heads of the adjustment screws can be engaged with each other, so that the top plate developed with use over time. The state in which the central portion of the lens is concave can be easily corrected so that the initial use state can be obtained for a long period of time. Claim 5
In the invention, when the lock pin is engaged with the engagement grooves at both ends sandwiching the intermediate engagement groove, the expanded state or the folded state of the top plate can be locked, and the use state and the folded state of the top plate can be stabilized and safe. I try to ensure the nature.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A description will now be given of an embodiment of the invention in which the present invention is applied to a table top folding table. In FIGS. They are set on the same plane with their end faces abutting, and when not in use, can be folded around a pivoting member described later with the pivoting portion as the upper end.

The top plates 1 and 2 are formed of the same rectangular plate, and a pair of square tube-shaped lower frames 3 and 4 are attached in parallel to the lower surfaces thereof, and the inner end portions of the lower frames 3 and 4 are provided. Square tube connecting frames 5 and 6 are mounted between the lower frames 3 and 4, and circular tube leg connecting frames 7 and 8 are rotatably mounted between outer ends of the lower frames 3 and 4.

That is, spacers 9 made of synthetic resin are rotatably fitted into both ends of the leg connecting frames 7 and 8, and pins 11 are inserted into through holes 10 of the spacers 9 from outside the lower frames 3 and 4. Have been. In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes a pin insertion hole formed in the lower frames 3 and 4 so that the pin 11 can be inserted.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a pin hole formed on the outer surface of the lower frames 3 and 4.
The pin 15 protruding from the hole can be press-fitted.

Coil portions of torsion springs 16 are mounted on the peripheral surfaces of both ends of the leg connection frames 7 and 8, and the both ends are connected to the pillars 17 and 8.
18 and the lower surfaces of the top plates 1 and 2, and the pillars 17, 18 are urged to rotate inward through their elasticity. The pillars 17 and 18 are formed by bending a metal tube into a substantially rectangular shape, fixing the upper ends thereof to the leg connecting frames 7 and 8 by welding or the like. The caster 20 is attached to the part.

A pair of brackets 21 to 24 project from one side of the connection frames 5 and 6 and the horizontal frames 19 and 19, respectively.
Brackets 22, 23 and 21,
Reinforcement frames 25 and 26 are arranged in a brace shape between 24, and both ends thereof are rotatably attached via pins 27 to 30. In the figure, reference numerals 31 and 32 denote the reinforcing frames 25,
26 is a decorative cover attached to both ends.

At the inner ends of the lower frames 3 and 4,
Sockets 35, 36 of hinges 33, 34, which are pivot members, are inserted, and bolts 39 or screws are screwed into their screw holes 37, 38 from outside the lower frames 3, 4. . The hinges 33 and 34 are substantially identically formed by aluminum die casting, and are formed by a substantially disc-shaped hinge plate 33 projecting below the socket portions 35 and 36.
a, 34a, and stepped portions 33b, 34b projecting toward the upper portions of the hinge plates 33a, 34a, and the hinge plates 33a, 34a are arranged back to back via a spacer ring 40 made of synthetic resin. Then, the outer ends of the step portions 33b and 34b are assembled by abutting each other.

Pin holes 41 and 42 are formed at the centers of the hinge plates 33a and 34a. A pivot pin 43 is inserted into these holes 41 and 42, and a retaining ring 44 is fitted to the shaft end of the pin 43. The hinges 33 and 34 are rotatably connected. Engagement grooves 44 to 46 having bottoms are formed on the outer periphery of the inner surfaces of the hinge plates 33a and 34a, and the engagement grooves 44 are formed in a substantially L-shape on the base side of the hinge plates 33a and 34a. The groove 46 and the intermediate engagement groove 45 are provided in the engagement groove 4.
4 and is disposed in the vicinity of a substantially point symmetric position.

The intermediate engaging groove 45 is disposed between the engaging grooves 44 and 46, and the lock pin 5
In this case, for example, the unfolding operation of the top plates 1 and 2 is temporarily stopped to prevent fingers from being pinched between the opposite ends of the top plates 1 and 2 in this case. It is desirable that the gap between the butting ends of the first and second parts is equal to or larger than the gap e where the finger can be inserted.

Through holes 47 and 48 are formed in the thickness direction substantially at the center of the step portions 33b and 34b, and a handle shaft 49 is inserted into one of the through holes 47 and 48 from the front. The handle shaft 49 is formed by bending a metal rod into a substantially L-shape, and has a handle lever 50 attached to one end thereof and the other end protruding between the lower frames 3.

A lock pipe 51 is screwed to the handle shaft 49, and a lock link 52 is welded to the pipe 51. A lock pin 53 protrudes from the tip of the lock link 52, and the pin 53
Has been made detachable.

One end of a support shaft 54 is screwed to the lock pipe 51, and the other end is rotatably supported by the lower frame 3 on the side opposite to the handle lever 50. In the figure, reference numeral 55 denotes a torsion spring in which a coil portion is mounted on a lock pipe 51, both ends of which are hung on the lock link 52 and the top plate 1, and the elasticity of the torsion spring urges the lock link 52 to be able to rotate upward. .

Screw holes 56 and 57 are formed at the opposite ends of the step portions 33b and 34b, and adjustment screws 58 and 59 are formed in these holes.
Is screwed. The outer ends of the adjusting screws 58 and 59 can be engaged with each other, and the screwing amount of one or both of them is adjusted to adjust the outer ends of the adjusting screws 58 and 59 to the stepped portion 3.
3b, 34b.

In addition, in the figure, reference numeral 60 denotes a cap attached to the outer opening of the lower frames 3 and 4, and reference numerals 61 and 62 denote the steps 33.
b, 34b, these holes 61, 62
Pins 6 projecting from synthetic resin decorative covers 63 and 64
5 is press-fittable. A locking rod 65 inserted into the support shaft 54 has one end engaged with the end of the lock pipe 51 and the other end engaged with the opening edge of the through hole 48 of the hinge 34 on the opposite side. The handle shaft 49, the lock pipe 51, and the support shaft 54 when the handle shaft 49 is pushed backward.
Is to be prevented from moving together.

In the figure, 66 and 67 are hinge plates 33a and 34.
A pair of rib-shaped stoppers arranged at right angles to one side surface of the pair a allows the hinge plates 33a and 34a to be engaged when the hinge plates 33a and 34a are assembled back to back, and regulates the rotation angle of the hinges 33 and 34.

The folding table constructed as described above has a plurality of engagement grooves 44 to 46 and screw holes 56,
57, the lock link 52 and the handle shaft 4
9, a support shaft 54, adjusting screws 58, 59, etc. are required, but can be dealt with by slightly modifying the conventional hinges and lock links, etc., so that the configuration can be made relatively simple and inexpensive, and the assembly is almost the same as the conventional one. The work can be easily performed in a similar manner.

Further, by utilizing the hinges 33 and 34, a plurality of engagement grooves 44 to 46 are formed on the outer peripheral portion thereof, and a lock link 52 and a lock pin 53 are arranged in the vicinity of the engagement grooves 44 to 46, so that a lock mechanism is provided. As compared with the conventional one in which the lock mechanism is formed separately from the pivot member of the top plate, the number of parts is small, the structure is simple and compact, and it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively. Can be reduced in size and weight.

Further, since the hinges 33 and 34 after the modification are substantially the same, they can be shared for the left and right and front and rear, and accordingly the number of parts is reduced, and the structure is simplified and the production cost is reduced. Can be achieved. In addition, hinge 3
Prepared screws 58, 59 are previously inserted into screw holes 56, 57 of 3, 34.
And screw heads thereof are set on the same plane as the outer end surfaces of the steps 33b and 34b or lower.

The folding table thus assembled is:
When not in use, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the top plates 1 and 2 are vertically folded around the pivot pin 43, and a part of the hinge plates 33a and 34a is exposed at the upper end thereof, and is located in the vicinity thereof. The lever handle 50 is exposed. When the top plates 1 and 2 are folded, the stoppers 66 and 67 are engaged to restrict the folding angle of the top plates 1 and 2, and at the same time, the lock pins 53 are engaged with the engagement grooves 44 of the hinge plate 34a indicated by broken lines. The locking state is maintained via the lock link 52 by the resilience of the torsion spring 55 to form the locked state.

When the table is used from such a state, the lever handle 50 is held, and this is
Push outwards against the elasticity of 5. This way,
The lock pipe 51 is rotated integrally with the handle shaft 49, and the lock link 52 is moved together with the lock pipe 51, whereby the lock pin 53 is pulled out from the engagement groove 44, and the locked state is released.

Then, the top plates 1 and 2 are held, and these are pushed open in the left-right direction as shown by arrows in FIG. In this way, the top plates 1 and 2 pivot upward about the pivot pin 43, and the hinge plates 33a and 34a move together with the pivot plate 43, and the pivot plate 43 and the arrow direction of FIG. Rotate in opposite directions to each other. Further, the reinforcing frames 25, 26 are exposed from between the lower frames 3, 4, and the pillars 17, 18 move outward.

Meanwhile, the lock pin 53 is connected to the hinge plate 34a.
Of the hinge plate 34a toward the pin 53.
The engagement grooves 45 and 46 (shown by broken lines) move. And
The top plates 1 and 2 are fully deployed, and in this embodiment, immediately before the end of deployment, when the engagement groove 45 (shown by a dashed line) of the hinge plate 34 a has moved directly above the lock pin 53, the lock pin 53 is resilient to the torsion spring 55. With this, it engages with the intermediate engagement groove 45.

For this reason, the rotation of the hinge plates 33a and 34a is stopped, and the unfolding operation of the top plates 1 and 2 is stopped. This situation is as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in which the top plates 1 and 2 form a gentle approximate mountain shape, and a gap e is formed between the inner ends thereof.
In the embodiment, the gap e is set to be equal to or larger than a width in which a finger can be inserted.

Therefore, when the deployment operation of the top plates 1 and 2 is temporarily stopped, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a finger is caught in the gap e and injured, while confirming a finger position and moving the finger to a safe area. This prevents a situation in which the fingers are erroneously trapped in the gap e and injured during the final deployment operation of the top plates 1 and 2 thereafter. In addition, by temporarily stopping the operation of deploying the top plates 1 and 2 in this manner, the labor for deploying the top plates 1 and 2 at a stretch is dispersed, and the burden on the user who is not powerful is reduced.

When the safety of the fingers is confirmed at the time of temporarily stopping the expansion operation of the top plates 1 and 2, the lever handle 50 is held and pushed outward against the elasticity of the torsion spring 55 to lock the lever handle 50. The pin 53 is pulled out from the intermediate engagement groove 45 of the hinge plate 34a, and the locked state is released.

Then, the central portions of the top plates 1 and 2 are pushed down,
These are further developed, and when the engagement groove 46 (shown by a broken line) of the hinge plate 34a moves to a position close to the lock pin 53, the lock pin 53 engages with the engagement groove 46 by the elasticity of the torsion spring 55, The operation of the hinges 33 and 34 is locked.

For this reason, the rotation of the hinge plates 33a and 34a is stopped, the expansion operation of the top plates 1 and 2 is stopped, and the locked state is maintained by the elasticity of the torsion spring 55.
This situation is as shown in FIG. 5, in which the upper surfaces of the top plates 1 and 2 form a horizontal plane, and the inner ends thereof come into contact with each other to form the space e.
Has disappeared. The pillars 17 and 18 are reinforced by brace-shaped reinforcing frames 25 and 26, and are prevented from being expanded by the elasticity of the torsion spring 16, thereby forming a stable standing state. Therefore, a safe and stable use state of the table can be obtained.

On the other hand, when folding the top plates 1 and 2 after using the table, the lever handle 50 is held, and this is pushed upward against the elasticity of the torsion spring 55 to turn the lock pin 53 to the hinge plate 34a. From the engaging groove 46 to release the locked state. Then, the center-side end of the top plates 1 and 2 is held and pushed up to connect the top plates 1 and 2 with the pivot pins 4.
5, the hinge plates 33a and 34a are rotated in directions opposite to each other in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

Meanwhile, the pillars 17 and 18 move inward,
The top plates 1 and 2 gradually form a chevron.
3 engages with the peripheral surface of the hinge plate 34a, and the engagement grooves 45 and 46 (shown by broken lines) of the hinge plate 34a move toward the pin 53. After the folding of the top plates 1 and 2 starts, the engagement grooves 45 (shown by broken lines) of the hinge plate 34a are
When the lock pin 53 moves to the close position, the lock pin 53 engages with the intermediate engagement groove 45 by the elasticity of the torsion spring 55,
The operation of the hinges 33 and 34 is locked.

Accordingly, the rotation of the hinge plates 33a and 34a is stopped, the folding operation of the top plates 1 and 2 is stopped, and the locked state is maintained by the elasticity of the torsion spring 55.
This situation is as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, where a gap e is formed between the inner ends of the top plates 1 and 2. By temporarily suspending the folding operation of the top plates 1 and 2 in this way, the labor required to fold the top plates 1 and 2 at once can be dispersed, and the burden of the labor of the inefficient user can be reduced.

When the operation of unfolding the top plates 1 and 2 is temporarily stopped and the safety of the fingers is confirmed, the lever handle 50 is held and pushed upward against the elasticity of the torsion spring 55 to lock it. The pin 53 is pulled out from the intermediate engagement groove 45 of the hinge plate 34a, and the locked state is released.

Then, the top plates 1 and 2 are further pushed up, and they are raised substantially vertically. When the engagement groove 44 (shown by broken lines) of the hinge plate 34a moves to a position close to the lock pin 53, the lock pin 53 is The torsion spring 55 engages with the engagement groove 44 due to its elasticity, and locks the hinges 33 and 34 to fold the top plates 1 and 2.

When the table is used for a long time, the central portions of the top plates 1 and 2 fall due to wear and play of the respective constituent members, and the intended use state cannot be obtained. In such a case, for example, when the top plates 1 and 2 are folded, the screwing displacement of one or both of the adjusting screws 58 and 59 is adjusted via a driver, and their heads are moved from the outer end surfaces of the hinge plates 33b and 34b. By projecting by a predetermined displacement and engaging the projecting heads with each other, the developed top plates 1 and 2 are restored to the horizontal and coplanar state, and the original use state can be easily obtained.

In the above embodiment, the intermediate engagement groove 45 is used.
Are disposed close to the engaging grooves 46 and are disengaged from the lock pins 53 immediately before the end of the expansion of the top plates 1 and 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. At an arbitrary position between them, for example, at a central position between the engagement grooves 44 and 46,
It is also possible to reduce the burden of labor for unfolding and folding the top plates 1 and 2. It is also possible to form a plurality of intermediate engaging grooves 45 between the engaging grooves 44, 46, so that the unfolding operation and the folding operation of the top plates 1, 2 can be performed step by step. The burden of labor can be reduced.

[0042]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of engaging grooves including an intermediate engaging groove are formed on the outer periphery of the pivoting member, and the plurality of engaging grooves are formed so as to face the rotation region of the engaging groove. A lock pin is provided which can be engaged with and disengaged from the engagement groove. When the lock pin is engaged with the intermediate engagement groove, a state in which the top plate is being developed or folded is locked, so that the top plate can be unfolded or folded. Since the temporary stop is enabled, the conventional structure in which the lock mechanism is provided separately from the pivot member of the top plate has been improved, the number of parts of the lock mechanism has been reduced, and the structure has been simplified and made compact. The table can be made compact and lightweight. In addition, since the expansion or folding operation of the top plate can be temporarily stopped midway, the position of the fingers is secured, preventing the fingers from being caught between the top plates, and the top plate can be expanded or collapsed at once. The burden of the labor for folding can be reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the temporary stop of the operation of the top is set at the end of the expansion or the start of folding of the top, so that the operation of expanding or folding the top can be performed rationally. It is possible to prevent a situation in which fingers are pinched between the top plates during the deployment operation. According to the invention of claim 3, the space between the opposing ends of the top plate at the time of temporary stop of the top plate operation is formed in a gap into which a finger can be inserted. When stopped,
It is possible to prevent a situation in which fingers are pinched between the top boards.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an adjusting screw is screwed to the opposite end of the pair of pivot members so that the heads of the adjusting screw can be engaged with each other. This makes it possible to easily correct the state in which the central portion of the plate becomes concave, and has the effect that the initial use state can be obtained for a long period of time. Claim 5
In the invention, when the lock pin is engaged with the engagement grooves at both ends sandwiching the intermediate engagement groove, the expanded state or the folded state of the top plate can be locked, so that the use state and the folded state of the top plate can be stabilized. And safety can be ensured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a table top folding type table, and shows a use state in which a top plate is developed.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of FIG. 1, and a partial cross-sectional view.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view showing a hinge as a pivot member applied to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a folding state of a table top folding table to which the present invention is applied.

9 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of FIG. 8, and a part of the sectional view is shown.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a temporary stop state of a deployment operation of the table top folding type table to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged front view showing a main part of FIG. 10 and a partial cross-sectional view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2 Top plate 33, 34 Pivot member (hinge) 44, 46 Engagement groove 45 Intermediate engagement groove 53 Lock pin 58, 59 Adjustment screw e Air gap

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A folding table in which opposite ends of a pair of top plates are rotatably connected via a pivot member so that the top plate can be folded about the pivot member. Forming a plurality of engagement grooves including an intermediate engagement groove on the outer periphery of
A lock pin is provided facing the rotation area of the engagement groove so as to be disengageable from the engagement groove. When the lock pin is engaged with the intermediate engagement groove, the top plate is being developed or folded. Characterized in that the folding table is locked so that the operation of unfolding or folding the top plate can be temporarily stopped. 2. The folding table according to claim 1, wherein the temporary stoppage of the operation of the tabletop is at the end of the expansion or the start of folding of the tabletop. 3. The folding table according to claim 1, wherein the space between the opposite ends of the top plate when the operation of the top plate is temporarily stopped is formed as a gap into which a finger can be inserted. 4. The folding table according to claim 1, wherein an adjusting screw is screwed to the opposite end of the pair of pivot members, and the heads of the adjusting screw can be engaged with each other. 5. The folding table according to claim 1, wherein when the lock pin is engaged with the engagement grooves at both ends sandwiching the intermediate engagement groove, the expanded state or the folded state of the top plate can be locked.