JP3753260B2

JP3753260B2 - Stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism

Info

Publication number: JP3753260B2
Application number: JP04885496A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 陽一有賀
Original assignee: 有賀工業株式会社
Priority date: 1996-03-06
Filing date: 1996-03-06
Publication date: 2006-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-06
Also published as: JPH09242723A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば換気装置の通気路を開閉するための機構や自動車の座席に設けられるヘッドレストの高さ調節のための機構などとして利用可能な伸縮機構に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
例えば実公平６−１２４７０号として、換気装置の通気路開閉部材を作動させるために用いた出没動作による伸縮機構が知られており、また実公昭６３−９７６２号として、伸縮機構としても利用可能なスライド機構が知られている。実公平６−１２４７０号における伸縮機構は押すだけのワンタッチ式操作で出没動を行なわせることができ、操作性に優れている。しかしこの機構では多段的な伸縮構造、つまり長さを段階的に変える構造とするのが困難であり、機能性に制限がある。一方実公昭６３−９７６２号におけるスライド機構は、多段的な伸縮が可能であるが、伸び方向、縮み方向の何れについても外部的に操作を加える必要があり、例えば実公平６−１２４７０号に開示されるような換気装置、あるいは自動車のヘッドレストのように、押す操作は行ない易くても引っ張る操作が困難である機器などに用いるには操作性に難がある。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、このような事情を背景になされたもので、多段的な伸縮を押すだけのワンタッチ式操作で可能とする伸縮機構の提供を目的としている。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明による段階的伸縮機構は、内側スライダ、この内側スライダの外周にスライド可能に組み合わされる外側スライダ、これら内側スライダ又は外側スライダの何れか一方に所定の間隔を空けて長さ方向で配列して設けた複数の係止凹部、これら係止凹部に係入可能な爪部を有する係止爪、この係止爪を係入方向に付勢する係入付勢手段、上記係止爪に係止凹部への係入を不能とする状態を与える係入不能状態付与手段、この係入不能状態付与手段で与えられた係入不能状態を維持する係入不能状態維持手段、及び内側スライダと外側スライダに伸び方向スライドのための付勢力を与える伸び方向付勢手段を備えており、内側スライダ又は外側スライダが伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力に抗して押されることで縮み方向のスライドをなし、これに際して係止爪が複数の係止凹部に、これらの上記配列方向で順次係入して段階的に縮み、最短まで縮んだ状態でさらに押されることにより、係入不能状態付与手段が係止爪を係入不能状態とすると共に係入不能状態維持手段がこの状態を維持し、この間に伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力により、内側、外側両スライダが相対的に最長状態まで伸び方向のスライドをなし、最長状態になると、係入不能状態解除手段により、係止爪の係入不能状態を解除する構造を基本としている。
【０００５】
そして上記のような基本構造に加えて、一つの形態では、係止爪は、内側スライダ又は外側スライダに回動可能に組み付けられており、この係止爪が係入付勢手段の付勢力を受けて回動することで、その爪部を上記係止凹部に係入させ、この状態で伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力を受けて係止爪が内側スライダを外側スライダに対し押し付けることで内側スライダと外側スライダに、伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力に抗した固定状態を与えるようにされ、係入不能状態付与手段は、内側スライダ又は外側スライダに係止凹部の配列延長位置で設けた係入不能化用ガイド部として形成され、最短まで縮んだ状態で内側スライダ又は外側スライダがさらに押された際に、この係入不能化用ガイド部に係止爪が押接することで生じる分力により係止爪を非係入方向へ所定の状態まで回動させるようにされ、係入不能状態維持手段は、内側スライダ又は外側スライダに設けた係止受け部と係止爪に設けた係止部との組み合わせで形成され、上記係入不能化用ガイド部による係止爪の所定状態までの回動により係止部が係止受け部に係止することで係止爪を係入不能状態とするようにされ、係入不能状態解除手段は、伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力により最長状態になった際に係止爪に押接手段を押接させることで係止爪を係入方向へ回動させて上記固定状態を解除するようにされている。
【０００６】
また他の形態では、係止爪は、内側、外側両スライダのスライド方向と交差する方向にスライド可能にして外側スライダに組み付けられ、係入付勢手段の付勢力を受けて係入方向へスライドしてその爪部を内側スライダの係止凹部に係入させることで、内側スライダと外側スライダに、伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力に抗した固定状態を与えるようにされ、係入不能状態付与手段は、内側スライダに係止凹部の配列延長位置で設けた係入不能化用ガイド部として形成され、最短まで縮んだ状態で内側スライダ又は外側スライダがさらに押された際に、この係入不能化用ガイド部に係止爪が押接することで生じる分力により係止爪を非係入方向へ所定の状態までスライドさせるようにされ、係入不能状態維持手段は、外側スライダに設けた係止受け部と係止爪に設けた係止部との組み合わせで形成され、上記係入不能化用ガイド部による係止爪の所定状態までのスライドにより係止部が係止受け部に係止することで係止爪を係入不能状態とするようにされ、係入不能状態解除手段は、伸び方向付勢手段の付勢力により最長状態になった際に係止爪に押接手段を押接させることで、係止爪を係入方向へスライドさせて上記固定状態を解除するようにされている。
【０００７】
これらの本発明による段階的伸縮機構は、何れか一方のスライダを押すだけのワンタッチ式操作で伸縮動作をなさせることができ、押す操作は行ない易くても引っ張る操作が困難である装置などの機構要素として優れた適性がある。
【０００８】
【実施の形態】
本発明の第１の実施形態によると段階的伸縮機構は、図１〜図４に示すように、外側スライダ１、内側スライダ２、係止爪３、係入付勢手段４、及び伸び方向付勢手段５を主な要素とする。
【０００９】
外側スライダ１は、図の例のように一端を封鎖した角筒状に形成するか、あるいは円筒状に形成する。そして、その内側面に、係止爪３を後述のような組み付け状態で収納するための係止爪組込み部７を凹設する。またその係止爪組込み部７の内側面に係入不能状態維持手段の係止受け部として係止受け体８を設ける。この係止受け体８は、図５に拡大して示すようにクリップ状の構造とする。
【００１０】
内側スライダ２は、外側スライダ１の内部空隙内で摺動的にスライド可能な外部形状を与えて形成する。この内側スライダ２には、その一側面に、係止凹部形成用溝９を凹設し、この係止凹部形成用溝９の底に楔形状の係止凹部１０（１０ａ〜１０ｃ）を意図する伸縮段階数に応じた数だけ所定の間隔を空けて長さ方向で配列して設け、またこの配列の延長上、より具体的には係止凹部形成用溝９の端にある係止凹部１０ｃの端縁に連続する位置に、上記延長方向で登り傾斜となる傾斜面にして係入不能化用ガイド部１１を設ける。また内側スライダ２の先端部には、係止凹部１０の楔形状と対応する傾斜の傾斜端面２ｆを設ける。
【００１１】
係止爪３は、先端に爪部１２を設けると共に、この爪部１２に近接させて、図４及び図５に見られるような段構造にした係止部１４を設けた構造とし、その基端部に挿通する回動軸１５を介して外側スライダ１の係止爪組込み部７に回動可能に組み込む。
【００１２】
係入付勢手段４は、図の例のようにねじりコイルばね４ｓ（図４）で形成するか、あるいは引っ張りコイルばねなどで形成し、係止爪３に、その爪部１２が係止凹部１０に係入する方向の回動付勢力を与えるようにして組み込む。
【００１３】
伸び方向付勢手段５は、係入不能状態解除手段の押接手段である押接体１６を一端に接続した圧縮コイルばね１７の他端を外側スライダ１の封鎖側端で支持した構造とし、外側スライダ１に対し内側スライダ２を後述の伸縮動作における伸び方向にスライドさせる付勢力を与えるように形成する。
【００１４】
この実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の伸縮動作は以下のようにしてなされる。先ず全体的な動作として、外側スライダ１と内側スライダ２が前進スライド（外側スライダ１については図２中の矢印Ｘ、内側スライダ２について図２中の矢印Ｙ）又は後退スライド（外側スライダ１については図２中の矢印Ｖ、内側スライダ２について図２中の矢印Ｗ）を相対的になすことにより伸縮動作がなされ、前進スライドで縮み、後退スライドで伸びる。
【００１５】
次に具体的動作であるが、図２及び図６の（ａ）の状態が最長に伸びた状態であり、この状態では、係入方向への係入付勢手段４による付勢が後述のように係入不能状態維持手段で規制される状態を、押接体１６の押接により係止爪３を係入方向へ回動させることで解除している。そして係止爪３は、その爪部１２を内側スライダ２の先端の傾斜端面２ｆと押接体１６の上面で形成される凹部に係入させている。この状態で圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力が働くと係止爪３は図２や図６の（ａ）において上方に回動しようとする付勢力を受け、この付勢力により内側スライダ２を外側スライダ１の内側面に押し付ける。つまり係止爪３が上方に回動しようとすると、係止爪３の先端が円弧の回動軌跡を持つことから、内側スライダ２を図２中の矢印Ｚの如く押して外側スライダ１の内側面に押し付ける。この結果、内側スライダ２と外側スライダ１は、圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力に抗して互いに固定状態となる。
【００１６】
この状態から外側スライダ１又は内側スライダ２を前進スライド方向に押すと、係止爪３の爪部１２の先端が外側スライダ１の係止凹部形成用溝９の底に押接した状態（図３に二点鎖線で示すのと同様の状態）で両スライダが相対的に前進し（図６の（ｂ））、係止爪３の爪部１２が最初の係止凹部１０ａに至ると係入付勢手段４の回動付勢力により、この係止凹部１０ａに係入する。係止爪３の爪部１２が係止凹部１０（１０ａ〜１０ｃ）の何れかに係入した状態では、図２及び図６の（ａ）に関して上述したのと同様に、係止爪３が内側スライダ２を外側スライダ１の内側面に押し付け、これにより、内側スライダ２と外側スライダ１に、圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力に抗した固定状態が得られる。すなわち圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力に抗して伸び方向スライドが規制され、一定の長さを保つ（図６の（ｃ））。
【００１７】
この状態で外側スライダ１又は内側スライダ２を前進スライド方向に押せば、爪部１２の外側面が係止凹部１０ａの内側面に押接することで生じる押接力の分力により係止爪３が非係入方向へ回動し、その爪部１２が図３に二点鎖線で示すように係止凹部１０ａから外れ、これと共に係止爪３がその爪部１２を隣の係止凹部１０ｂに係入させ、これに応じた長さが得られる。
【００１８】
このようにして順次段階的に縮み、前進スライド側の端にある係止凹部１０ｃに係止爪３の爪部１２が係入している状態、つまり最短に縮んだ状態で外側スライダ１又は内側スライダ２を前進スライド方向に押すと、係止凹部１０の端縁に連続している係入不能化用ガイド部１１に係止爪３が押接し（図３及び図６の（ｄ））、これにより生じる押接力の分力により係止爪３が非係入方向へ大きく回動する。そしてこの回動により、係止爪３の係止部１４が係止受け体８に係止する（図３に一点鎖線で示す）。この状態では圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力を規制する要素がなくなり、両スライダ１、２は圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力で自動的に後退スライドし、図６の（ａ）に示す最長に伸びきった状態に戻る。
【００１９】
最長状態まで伸びきると、押接体１６が圧縮コイルばね１７の付勢力を受けつつ係止爪３に押接し、これにより係止爪３は係入方向へ回動する。そしてこの回動により、係止爪３の係止部１４が係止受け体８から外れ、この結果、係止爪３は、係入付勢手段４による付勢力で係入方向へ回動することが可能となる。
【００２０】
本発明の第２の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構は、図７〜図１１に示すようになる。この実施形態では外側スライダ２１に係止凹部２２（２２ａ〜２２ｃ）を設ける。一方、内側スライダ２３には係止爪組込み部２４を設け、係止爪２５を組み込む。係止爪２５は、第１の実施形態と同様に、先端部に爪部２６を有し、その基端部に挿通させた回動軸２６を支点に回動する構造とし、係入付勢手段２７として用いるねじりコイルばね２７ｓ（図１０及び図１１）でその爪部１２が係止凹部２２に係入する方向の回動付勢力を与えるようにする。
【００２１】
また係止爪組込み部２４の内側面に係入不能状態維持手段の係止受け部として係止受け突起２８を左右両側で設ける（図１１）。この係止受け突起２８は、図の例のように板ばね状のばね部２８ｓで支持させ、係止爪２５の回動方向と交差する方向に弾性的に出没動可能な構造とするか、あるいは固定的な構造とする。これに対応させて、係止爪２５には、係止受け突起２８と協働して係入不能状態維持手段をなす係止部２９を左右両側で突設させる（図１１）。
【００２２】
第２の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の伸縮動作は、基本的には第１の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構のそれと同じである。具体的には、図７の（ａ）に示す最長に伸びた状態にあっては、係止爪２５は外側スライダ２１における端の係止凹部２２ａに係入している。この係入により内側スライダ２３と外側スライダ２１に伸び方向付勢手段３０の圧縮コイルばね３１の付勢力に抗した固定状態を保つことは第１の実施形態に関して説明したのと同様である。
【００２３】
この状態から外側スライダ２１又は内側スライダ２３を前進スライド方向に押すと、第１の実施形態の場合と同様にして係止爪２５がその爪部２６を係止凹部２２ｂ、２２ｃに順次係入させて縮み、またその縮み状態での長さを保つ。
【００２４】
このようにして順次段階的に縮み、前進スライド側の端にある係止凹部２２ｃに係止爪２５の爪部２６が係入して最短に縮んだ状態（図７（ｂ））で、さらに外側スライダ２１又は内側スライダ２３を前進スライド方向に押すと、係止凹部２２ｃの端縁に連続している係入不能化用ガイド部３２に係止爪２５が押接し（図７の（ｂ）及び図１０）、これにより生じる押接力の分力により係止爪２５が非係入方向へ大きく回動する（図７の（ｃ））。この回動は、係止爪２５の係止部２９が係止受け突起２８をこれに没動させつつ乗り越える角度までなされ、乗り越えた後には係入付勢手段２７による回動付勢を規制する状態で係止受け突起２８に係止する（図１０に一点鎖線で示す）。この状態では伸び方向付勢手段２７の付勢力を規制する要素がなくなり、両スライダ２１、２３は伸び方向付勢手段２７の付勢力で自動的に後退スライドし、図７の（ａ）に示す最長に伸びきった状態に戻る。
【００２５】
最長状態まで伸びきると、外側スライダ２１に、その端の係止凹部２２ａと連続する状態で押接手段として設けてある押接段部３３に圧縮コイルばね３１の付勢力を受けつつ係止爪２５が押接し、これにより係止爪２５は係入方向へ回動する。そしてこの回動により、係止爪２５の係止部２９が係止受け突起２８から外れ（図１０）、この結果、係止爪２５は、係入付勢手段２７による付勢力で係入方向へ回動することが可能となる。
【００２６】
本発明の第３の実施形態によると、段階的伸縮機構は、図１２に示すように、外側スライダ４１と内側スライダ４２の相対スライド方向と直角に交差する方向（矢印Ｓａ及びＳｂ方向）にスライド可能とし、このスライド動で内側スライダ４２の係止凹部４３（４３ａ〜４３ｃ）に対する係脱を行なうようにした係止爪４４を有する。この係止爪４４は、図１３及び図１４に拡大して示すように、基端側から順に、係止部４５、ばね受け孔４６、爪部４７、及び押接受け面４８を有した構造とし、全体を平たい直方体状に形成する。
【００２７】
この係止爪４４は、外側スライダ４１に設けた係止爪組込み部４９に組み込む。そしてこの係止爪組込み部４９に係止爪４４の係止部４５と対になって係入不能状態維持手段となる係止受け体５０を設ける。この係止受け体５０は、第１の実施形態におけるのと同様にクリップ式とする。
【００２８】
第３の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の伸縮動作は、係止爪４４の動作を除いて、全体的な伸縮動作については第１や第２の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構のそれと同じである。係止爪４４の係止凹部４３に対する係脱のための動作は、上記のように矢印Ｓａ及びＳｂの如きスライド動であり、このスライド動は、ばね受け孔４６を介して係入方向（矢印Ｓａ方向）に係止爪４４を付勢させる係入付勢手段５１、具体的には板ばね５１の付勢力と、外側スライダ４１又は内側スライダ４２を前進スライド方向に押した際に、爪部４７の外側面が係止凹部４３の内側面に押接することで生じる押接力の分力とにより生じる。
【００２９】
また係止爪４４に係入不能状態を与えるのは、第１の実施形態と同様にして内側スライダ４２に設けてある係入不能化用ガイド部５２である。すなわち最短に縮んだ状態でさらに外側スライダ４１又は内側スライダ４２を前進スライド方向に押すと、係止爪４４の爪部４７が係入不能化用ガイド部５２に押接し、これに伴って係止爪４４はその爪部４７の先端が内側スライダ４２の外面から外れる位置まで非係入方向（矢印Ｓｂ方向）にスライドする。そして、この非係入方向へスライドした状態は、係止部４５を係止受け体５０に嵌合させることで維持され、この間に、伸び方向付勢手段５３における圧縮コイルばね５４の付勢力で内側スライダ４２が自動的に後退スライドし、最長に伸びきった状態（図１２の状態）に戻る。
【００３０】
この状態に戻る際に、伸び方向付勢手段５３の先端に設け、内側スライダ４２と同調的に動くようにした押接手段である押接体５５の押接面５５ｆが係止爪４４の押接受け面４８に押接し、これで生じる押接力の分力により、係止爪４４が係入方向（矢印Ｓａ方向）にスライドし、その係止部４５が係止受け体５０から外れる。この結果、係止爪４４は、係入付勢手段５１による付勢力で係入方向へスライドすることが可能となる。
【００３１】
以上の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構を利用する実施形態について説明する。一つの実施形態は換気装置に利用する形態である。この実施形態による換気装置は、図１５に示すように、通気路部材６１、開度調節部材６２、及び上記実施形態による段階的伸縮機構で形成した作動手段６３を主な要素とする。
【００３２】
通気路部材６１は、その内部が通気路となる短円筒状に形成し、先端部には装飾的曲折を施した額縁６４を設ける。一方、開度調節部材６２は、側面に通気開口６５を複数形成した筒部６６、装飾用のフェイス部６３、及びフェイス部６３の中心から突設させた接続部６８を備えた構造とする。そして通気路部材６１に対し開度調節部材６２を摺接的に嵌合させ、この両部材を作動手段６３で連結する。
【００３３】
この換気装置は、開度調節部材６２を矢印Ｘの如く押すと、作動手段６３が上述したようにして段階的伸縮を行ない、これに伴って開度調節部材６２の通気開口６５が通気路部材６１により塞がれ、あるいはその塞がれ状態が解除し、これに応じて通気路部材６１における通気路の開度の調節がなされる。
【００３４】
次に自動車用のヘッドレストに利用する実施形態について説明する。この場合には図１６に示すように、シートの背もたれ７０に上記実施形態による段階的伸縮機構を用いた作動手段７１を２個一組にして組み込み、これにヘッドレスト７２を保持させる。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明による段階的伸縮機構は、多段的な伸縮を押すだけのワンタッチ式操作で行なうことができ、押す操作は行ない易くても引っ張る操作が困難である装置などの機構要素の機能性向上に寄与できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】第１の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の全体斜視図。
【図２】図１中のＳＡ−ＳＡ線に沿う断面図。
【図３】図２に対応する部分拡大断面図。
【図４】図２中の矢印ＤＡ方向から見た係止爪組込み部の拡大図。
【図５】係止爪が係止受け体に係止する状態の説明図。
【図６】第１の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の動作説明図。
【図７】第２の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の動作説を併せて示す図２相当の断面図。
【図８】図７の（ａ）中のＳＢ−ＳＢ線に沿う断面図。
【図９】外側スライダの図８相当の断面図。
【図１０】図７の（ａ）に対応する部分拡大断面図。
【図１１】図１０中のＳＣ−ＳＣ線に沿う部分拡大断面図。
【図１２】第３の実施形態による段階的伸縮機構の図２相当の断面図。
【図１３】係止爪と押接体の関係を示す拡大図。
【図１４】図１３中の矢印ＤＢ方向から見た係止爪の平面図。
【図１５】本発明による段階的伸縮機構を利用した換気装置の断面図。
【図１６】本発明による段階的伸縮機構を利用したヘッドレストの斜視図。
【符号の説明】
1,21,41 外側スライダ
2,23,42 内側スライダ
3,25,44 係止爪
4,27,51 係入付勢手段
5,30,53 伸び方向付勢手段
8 係止受け体（係止受け部）
10,22,43 係止凹部
11,32,52 係入不能化用ガイド部
12,26,47 爪部
14,29,45 係止部
28 係止受け突起（係止受け部）
50 係止受け体（係止受け部）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a telescopic mechanism that can be used, for example, as a mechanism for opening and closing a ventilation path of a ventilator or a mechanism for adjusting the height of a headrest provided in a seat of an automobile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, Japanese Utility Model No. 6-12470 is known as an expansion / contraction mechanism using an in / out operation used to operate the air passage opening / closing member of the ventilator. A sliding mechanism is known. The telescopic mechanism in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-12470 can be moved in and out by one-touch operation only by pushing, and is excellent in operability. However, in this mechanism, it is difficult to form a multistage expansion / contraction structure, that is, a structure in which the length is changed stepwise, and the functionality is limited. On the other hand, the sliding mechanism disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 63-9762 can be expanded and contracted in multiple stages, but it is necessary to apply an external operation in both the extending direction and the contracting direction. For example, disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-12470. However, it is difficult to use for a device such as a ventilator or a headrest of an automobile that is easy to push but difficult to pull.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an expansion / contraction mechanism that can be operated by a one-touch operation only by pushing multi-stage expansion / contraction.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism according to the present invention includes an inner slider, an outer slider that is slidably combined with the outer periphery of the inner slider, and is arranged in a longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval on either the inner slider or the outer slider. A plurality of locking recesses provided, a locking claw having a claw portion that can be engaged with the locking recesses, an engaging urging means for urging the engaging claw in the engaging direction, and locking to the locking claw Engagement impossible state imparting means for imparting a state in which engagement with the recess is impossible, engagement impossible state maintaining means for maintaining the engagement impossible state given by the engagement impossible state imparting means, and inner slider and outer slider And an extension direction urging means for applying an urging force for the extension direction slide, and the inner slider or the outer slider is pushed against the urging force of the extension direction urging means to make a slide in the contraction direction. this At this time, the locking claw is sequentially engaged with the plurality of locking recesses in the above-described arrangement direction and contracted in stages, and further pressed in the contracted state to the shortest, whereby the engagement impossible state providing means is engaged. The engaging claw is made incapable of being engaged, and the incompetent state maintaining means maintains this state, and during this time, the inner and outer sliders are relatively extended to the longest state by the urging force of the extending direction urging means. When the slide is formed and the longest state is reached, the engagement state cancellation means releases the engagement state of the latching claw based on the structure.
[0005]
In addition to the basic structure as described above, in one embodiment, the locking claw is rotatably attached to the inner slider or the outer slider, and the locking claw applies the biasing force of the engaging biasing means. By receiving and turning, the claw portion is engaged with the locking recess, and in this state, the locking claw presses the inner slider against the outer slider by receiving the biasing force of the extension direction biasing means. The slider and the outer slider are given a fixed state against the urging force of the extension direction urging means, and the non-engagement state imparting means is provided on the inner slider or the outer slider at the extended position of the locking recess. When the inner slider or the outer slider is further pressed in the state where it is contracted to the shortest, it is formed as a non-entry guide part, and by the component force generated by the latching claw pressing against this engagement disable guide part Unlocking claw The engagement state maintaining means is formed by a combination of an engagement receiving portion provided on the inner slider or the outer slider and an engagement portion provided on the engagement claw, The locking claw is locked to the locking receiving portion by the rotation of the locking claw up to a predetermined state by the locking disabling guide portion, so that the locking claw can be locked. The disabling state releasing means is configured to rotate the locking claw in the engaging direction by pressing the pressing claw with the locking claw when the longest state is reached by the urging force of the extending direction biasing means. Has been released.
[0006]
In another embodiment, the locking claw is slidable in a direction crossing the sliding direction of both the inner and outer sliders and is assembled to the outer slider, and receives the urging force of the engaging urging means and slides in the engaging direction. Then, by engaging the claw portion with the locking recess of the inner slider, the inner slider and the outer slider are given a fixed state against the urging force of the extension direction urging means, and the engagement impossible state is given. The means is formed as an engaging disabling guide portion provided on the inner slider at the extended position of the engaging recess, and when the inner slider or the outer slider is further pressed in the contracted state to the shortest, the engaging disengagement is impossible. The locking claw is slid to a predetermined state in the non-engagement direction by the component force generated by the locking claw being pressed against the guide for linking, and the engagement impossible state maintaining means is provided on the outer slider. Stop And a locking part provided on the locking claw, and the locking part is locked to the locking receiving part by sliding the locking claw up to a predetermined state by the locking disabling guide part. The locking claw is set in a non-engageable state, and the non-engageable state releasing means causes the pushing means to press the locking claw when it reaches the longest state by the urging force of the extending direction urging means. Thus, the locking claw is slid in the engaging direction to release the fixed state.
[0007]
These stepwise expansion and contraction mechanisms according to the present invention can be expanded and contracted by a one-touch operation by simply pressing one of the sliders, and the mechanism of a device or the like that is difficult to pull even if it is easy to perform the pressing operation. Excellent aptitude as an element.
[0008]
Embodiment
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism includes an outer slider 1, an inner slider 2, a locking claw 3, an engagement biasing means 4, and an extension direction attachment. The force means 5 is the main element.
[0009]
The outer slider 1 is formed in a rectangular tube shape with one end sealed as shown in the figure, or is formed in a cylindrical shape. And the latching claw built-in part 7 for accommodating the latching claw 3 in the assembly | attachment state as mentioned later is recessedly provided in the inner surface. Further, a latch receiving body 8 is provided on the inner side surface of the latch claw built-in portion 7 as a latch receiving portion of the non-engageable state maintaining means. The latch receiving body 8 has a clip-like structure as shown in an enlarged view in FIG.
[0010]
The inner slider 2 is formed by giving an outer shape that can slide in the inner space of the outer slider 1. The inner slider 2 is provided with a concave recess forming groove 9 on one side, and a wedge-shaped concave recess 10 (10a to 10c) is intended at the bottom of the concave recess forming groove 9. As many as the number of expansion / contraction steps is arranged in the length direction with a predetermined interval, and the extension of this arrangement, more specifically, the locking recess 10c at the end of the locking recess forming groove 9 is provided. The guide part 11 for disabling engagement is provided at a position that is continuous with the edge of the guide member 11 as an inclined surface that is inclined upward in the extending direction. In addition, an inclined end surface 2 f having an inclination corresponding to the wedge shape of the locking recess 10 is provided at the tip of the inner slider 2.
[0011]
The locking claw 3 is provided with a claw portion 12 at the tip, and a structure in which a locking portion 14 having a step structure as shown in FIGS. It incorporates in the latching claw incorporation part 7 of the outer slider 1 through a pivot shaft 15 inserted through the end part so as to be pivotable.
[0012]
The engaging biasing means 4 is formed by a torsion coil spring 4s (FIG. 4) as shown in the figure, or by a tension coil spring or the like. 10 is incorporated so as to give a rotational urging force in the direction of engaging with it.
[0013]
The extension direction urging means 5 has a structure in which the other end of the compression coil spring 17 connected to one end of the pressing body 16 that is a pressing means of the unengageable state releasing means is supported by the closed side end of the outer slider 1, The outer slider 1 is formed so as to give an urging force that slides the inner slider 2 in the extending direction in an expansion / contraction operation described later.
[0014]
The expansion / contraction operation of the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to this embodiment is performed as follows. First, as an overall operation, the outer slider 1 and the inner slider 2 move forward (arrow X in FIG. 2 for the outer slider 1 and arrow Y in FIG. 2 for the inner slider 2) or backward slide (for the outer slider 1). The arrow V in FIG. 2 and the inner slider 2 are relatively expanded by making the arrow W) in FIG. 2 relatively, and contract with the forward slide and extend with the backward slide.
[0015]
Next, as a specific operation, the state of FIG. 2 and FIG. 6A is the state extended to the longest. In this state, the energizing force by the engaging energizing means 4 in the engaging direction is described later. In this manner, the state restricted by the engagement impossible state maintaining means is released by rotating the locking claw 3 in the engagement direction by the pressing contact of the pressing body 16. The locking claw 3 has its claw portion 12 engaged with a recess formed by the inclined end surface 2 f at the tip of the inner slider 2 and the upper surface of the pressing body 16. When the urging force of the compression coil spring 17 is applied in this state, the latching claw 3 receives an urging force that attempts to rotate upward in FIGS. 2 and 6A, and the urging force causes the inner slider 2 to move to the outer slider. Press against the inside surface of 1. That is, when the latching claw 3 tries to rotate upward, the distal end of the latching claw 3 has a circular trajectory, so that the inner slider 2 is pushed as shown by the arrow Z in FIG. Press on. As a result, the inner slider 2 and the outer slider 1 are fixed to each other against the urging force of the compression coil spring 17.
[0016]
When the outer slider 1 or the inner slider 2 is pushed in the forward sliding direction from this state, the tip of the claw portion 12 of the locking claw 3 is pressed against the bottom of the locking recess forming groove 9 of the outer slider 1 (FIG. 3). In the same state as indicated by a two-dot chain line), both sliders move relatively forward (FIG. 6B), and the claw portion 12 of the locking claw 3 is engaged when it reaches the first locking recess 10a. Due to the rotational biasing force of the biasing means 4, the latching recess 10 a is engaged. In a state where the claw portion 12 of the locking claw 3 is engaged with any one of the locking recesses 10 (10a to 10c), the locking claw 3 is in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. The inner slider 2 is pressed against the inner surface of the outer slider 1, thereby obtaining a fixed state against the urging force of the compression coil spring 17 on the inner slider 2 and the outer slider 1. That is, the sliding in the extending direction is restricted against the urging force of the compression coil spring 17, and a constant length is maintained ((c) in FIG. 6).
[0017]
If the outer slider 1 or the inner slider 2 is pushed in the forward slide direction in this state, the latching claw 3 is not moved by the component force of the pressing force generated by the outer surface of the claw portion 12 pressing against the inner surface of the locking recess 10a. Rotating in the engagement direction, the claw portion 12 is disengaged from the locking recess 10a as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, and at the same time, the locking claw 3 engages the claw portion 12 with the adjacent locking recess 10b. The length corresponding to this is obtained.
[0018]
Thus, the outer slider 1 or the inner side is contracted in a stepwise manner, with the claw portion 12 of the locking claw 3 being engaged with the locking recess 10c at the end of the forward slide side, that is, in the contracted state to the shortest. When the slider 2 is pushed in the forward sliding direction, the locking claw 3 is pressed against the locking disabling guide portion 11 continuing to the edge of the locking recess 10 ((d) in FIGS. 3 and 6). The locking claw 3 is largely rotated in the non-engagement direction by the component force of the pressing force generated thereby. And by this rotation, the latching | locking part 14 of the latching claw 3 latches to the latching receiving body 8 (it shows with a dashed-dotted line in FIG. 3). In this state, there is no element that restricts the urging force of the compression coil spring 17, and both the sliders 1 and 2 slide backward automatically by the urging force of the compression coil spring 17 and extend to the longest length shown in FIG. Return to the state.
[0019]
When extended to the longest state, the pressing body 16 is pressed against the locking claw 3 while receiving the urging force of the compression coil spring 17, and thereby the locking claw 3 rotates in the engagement direction. As a result of this rotation, the locking portion 14 of the locking claw 3 is disengaged from the locking receiving body 8, and as a result, the locking claw 3 is rotated in the engagement direction by the urging force of the engagement urging means 4. It becomes possible.
[0020]
The stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, the outer slider 21 is provided with locking recesses 22 (22a to 22c). On the other hand, the inner slider 23 is provided with a locking claw incorporating portion 24 and a locking claw 25 is incorporated. As in the first embodiment, the locking claw 25 has a claw portion 26 at the distal end portion, and has a structure in which the rotation shaft 26 inserted through the base end portion rotates around the fulcrum. The torsion coil spring 27s (FIGS. 10 and 11) used as the means 27 gives a rotational biasing force in the direction in which the claw portion 12 engages with the locking recess 22.
[0021]
Further, locking receiving projections 28 are provided on both the right and left sides as locking receiving portions of the locking state maintaining means on the inner surface of the locking claw incorporating portion 24 (FIG. 11). The latch receiving projection 28 is supported by a leaf spring-like spring portion 28s as shown in the figure, and has a structure that can elastically move in and out in a direction crossing the rotation direction of the latch claw 25, or Alternatively, a fixed structure is used. Correspondingly, the latching claw 25 is provided with a latching portion 29, which serves as a non-engageable state maintaining means, in cooperation with the latching receiving projection 28 (FIG. 11).
[0022]
The expansion / contraction operation of the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the first embodiment. Specifically, in the longest extended state shown in FIG. 7A, the locking claw 25 is engaged with the locking recess 22 a at the end of the outer slider 21. By this engagement, the inner slider 23 and the outer slider 21 are maintained in a fixed state against the urging force of the compression coil spring 31 of the extending direction urging means 30 as in the case of the first embodiment.
[0023]
When the outer slider 21 or the inner slider 23 is pushed in the forward slide direction from this state, the locking claw 25 sequentially engages the claw portion 26 into the locking recesses 22b and 22c in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Shrink, and keep the length in the shrunken state.
[0024]
In this way, in the state where the claw portion 26 of the locking claw 25 is engaged with the locking concave portion 22c at the end of the forward slide side and the claw portion 26 is contracted to the shortest (FIG. 7B). When the outer slider 21 or the inner slider 23 is pushed in the forward slide direction, the locking claw 25 presses against the locking disabling guide portion 32 continuous with the edge of the locking recess 22c ((b) in FIG. 7). And FIG. 10), the latching claw 25 is largely rotated in the non-engagement direction by the component force of the pressing force generated thereby ((c) of FIG. 7). This rotation is made to an angle at which the locking portion 29 of the locking claw 25 rides over the locking receiving protrusion 28 while slidably moving on the locking receiving projection 28. In this state, it is engaged with the engagement receiving projection 28 (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 10). In this state, there is no element that restricts the urging force of the extending direction urging means 27, and both sliders 21 and 23 are automatically moved backward by the urging force of the extending direction urging means 27, as shown in FIG. Return to the longest stretched state.
[0025]
When extended to the longest state, the engaging claw 25 receives the urging force of the compression coil spring 31 on the pressing step portion 33 provided as the pressing means on the outer slider 21 in a state continuous with the locking recess 22a at the end. , And thereby the locking claw 25 rotates in the engaging direction. By this rotation, the locking portion 29 of the locking claw 25 is disengaged from the locking receiving projection 28 (FIG. 10). As a result, the locking claw 25 is engaged in the engagement direction by the urging force of the engagement urging means 27. Can be rotated.
[0026]
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism slides in a direction (arrows Sa and Sb) perpendicular to the relative sliding direction of the outer slider 41 and the inner slider 42 as shown in FIG. It has a locking claw 44 that can be engaged and disengaged with respect to the locking recess 43 (43a to 43c) of the inner slider 42 by this sliding movement. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in an enlarged manner, this locking claw 44 has a structure having a locking portion 45, a spring receiving hole 46, a claw portion 47, and a pressing contact surface 48 in this order from the base end side. The whole is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0027]
The locking claw 44 is incorporated in a locking claw incorporating portion 49 provided on the outer slider 41. Then, a latch receiving body 50 which is paired with the latching portion 45 of the latching claw 44 and serves as a non-engageable state maintaining means is provided in the latching claw incorporating portion 49. The latch receiving body 50 is a clip type as in the first embodiment.
[0028]
The expansion / contraction operation of the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the first or second embodiment except for the operation of the locking claw 44. . The operation for engaging and disengaging the engaging claw 44 with respect to the engaging recess 43 is a sliding movement as indicated by the arrows Sa and Sb as described above, and this sliding movement is performed via the spring receiving hole 46 in the engaging direction (arrow). Engaging urging means 51 for urging the locking claw 44 in the (Sa direction), specifically, the urging force of the leaf spring 51 and the claw portion when the outer slider 41 or the inner slider 42 is pushed in the forward sliding direction. This is caused by the component force of the pressing force generated when the outer surface of 47 is pressed against the inner surface of the locking recess 43.
[0029]
In addition, the engaging claw 44 is provided with an engaging disabling state by the engaging disabling guide portion 52 provided in the inner slider 42 as in the first embodiment. That is, when the outer slider 41 or the inner slider 42 is further pushed in the forward sliding direction in the state of being shortened to the shortest, the claw portion 47 of the locking claw 44 comes into contact with the engagement disabling guide portion 52 and is locked accordingly. The claw 44 slides in the non-engagement direction (arrow Sb direction) until the tip of the claw portion 47 is disengaged from the outer surface of the inner slider 42. The state of sliding in the non-engagement direction is maintained by fitting the locking portion 45 to the locking receiver 50, and during this time, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 54 in the extension direction biasing means 53 is maintained. The inner slider 42 automatically slides backward to return to the longest extended state (the state shown in FIG. 12).
[0030]
When returning to this state, the pressing surface 55f of the pressing body 55, which is a pressing means provided at the distal end of the extending direction biasing means 53 and moves synchronously with the inner slider 42, is pushed by the locking claw 44. The locking claw 44 slides in the engagement direction (in the direction of the arrow Sa) due to the component of the pressing force generated by pressing against the contact surface 48, and the locking portion 45 is detached from the locking receiving body 50. As a result, the locking claw 44 can be slid in the engagement direction by the urging force of the engagement urging means 51.
[0031]
An embodiment using the stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism according to the above embodiment will be described. One embodiment is a form used for a ventilator. As shown in FIG. 15, the ventilating apparatus according to this embodiment mainly includes an air passage member 61, an opening degree adjusting member 62, and an operating means 63 formed by the stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism according to the above embodiment.
[0032]
The air passage member 61 is formed in a short cylindrical shape having an inside serving as an air passage, and a frame 64 with a decorative bend is provided at the tip. On the other hand, the opening degree adjusting member 62 has a structure including a cylindrical portion 66 in which a plurality of ventilation openings 65 are formed on a side surface, a decorative face portion 63, and a connection portion 68 protruding from the center of the face portion 63. Then, the opening degree adjusting member 62 is slidably fitted to the air passage member 61, and both members are connected by the operating means 63.
[0033]
In this ventilator, when the opening degree adjusting member 62 is pushed as shown by an arrow X, the operating means 63 performs stepwise expansion and contraction as described above, and the vent opening 65 of the opening degree adjusting member 62 is accordingly ventilated. 61 is closed, or the closed state is released, and the opening degree of the air passage in the air passage member 61 is adjusted accordingly.
[0034]
Next, an embodiment used for an automobile headrest will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16, two sets of actuating means 71 using the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the above-described embodiment are incorporated into the seat back 70, and the headrest 72 is held by this.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the present invention can be performed by a one-touch type operation in which multistage expansion / contraction is pushed, and it is easy to perform the pushing operation, but it is difficult to perform a pulling operation. Contributes to improved functionality.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to a first embodiment.
2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line SA-SA in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2;
4 is an enlarged view of a locking claw built-in portion as viewed from the direction of arrow DA in FIG. 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a locking claw is locked to a locking receiver.
FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory view of the stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 and illustrating the operation theory of the stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line SB-SB in FIG.
9 is a cross-sectional view of the outer slider corresponding to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to (a) of FIG.
11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line SC-SC in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the locking claw and the pressing member.
14 is a plan view of a locking claw seen from the direction of arrow DB in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a ventilation device using a stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a headrest using a stepwise expansion / contraction mechanism according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,21,41 Outer slider
2,23,42 Inner slider
3,25,44 Claw
4,27,51 Enforcement means
5,30,53 Stretching direction biasing means
8 Locking receiving body (locking receiving part)
10,22,43 Locking recess
11,32,52 Guide section for disabling
12,26,47 Claw
14,29,45 Locking part
28 Lock receiving protrusion (lock receiving part)
50 Locking receiving body (locking receiving part)

Claims

An inner slider, an outer slider that is slidably combined on the outer periphery of the inner slider, a plurality of locking recesses arranged in a longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval on either the inner slider or the outer slider, and A locking claw having a claw portion that can be engaged with the locking recess, an engaging urging means for urging the locking claw in the engaging direction, and disengagement of the locking claw into the locking recess. Engagement state imparting means for imparting a state, engagement impossible state maintaining means for maintaining the inengageable state given by the inengagement state imparting means, and urging force for sliding in the extension direction on the inner slider and the outer slider Extending direction urging means is provided, and the inner slider or the outer slider is pressed against the urging force of the extending direction urging means to slide in the contraction direction. Stop recess In addition, the engaging claw is sequentially engaged in the above arrangement direction and contracted in stages, and further pressed in the contracted state to the shortest. The state maintaining means maintains this state, and during this time, the inner and outer sliders slide relative to the longest state due to the urging force of the extension direction urging means. A stepping expansion and contraction mechanism in which the locking claw cannot be engaged is released by the release means, and the locking claw is rotatably assembled to the inner slider or the outer slider. The locking claw is rotated by receiving the urging force of the engaging urging means so that the claw portion is engaged with the locking recess, and in this state, the urging force of the extending direction urging means is received and the locking claw is received. Presses the inner slider against the outer slider Thus, the inner slider and the outer slider are given a fixed state against the biasing force of the extension direction biasing means. When the inner slider or the outer slider is further pressed in the state of being retracted to the shortest, the locking claw is pressed against the engaging disabling guide portion. Due to the generated component force, the locking claw is rotated in the non-engagement direction to a predetermined state, and the non-engagement state maintaining means is provided on the engagement receiving portion and the engagement claw provided on the inner slider or the outer slider. The locking claw is engaged with the locking receiving portion by the rotation of the locking claw up to a predetermined state by the locking disabling guide portion. Inability to enter, not allowed The active state release means rotates the locking claw in the engaging direction by pressing the pressing claw with the locking claw when it reaches the longest state due to the urging force of the extension direction urging means, so that the fixing is performed. A stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism that is adapted to release the state.

Inner slider, outer slider slidably combined on the outer periphery of the inner slider, a plurality of locking recesses arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals on the inner slider, and can be engaged with these locking recesses A locking claw having a claw portion, a urging / urging means for urging the locking claw in the engagement direction, and a non-engageable state in which the engagement claw is rendered incapable of being engaged in the engagement recess. Giving means, unengageable state maintaining means for maintaining the unengageable state given by the unengageable state giving means, and extension direction urging means for applying an urging force for extending direction sliding to the inner slider and the outer slider The inner slider or the outer slider is pushed against the urging force of the extension direction urging means to slide in the contraction direction, and at this time, the locking claw is placed in the plurality of locking recesses, Sequentially in the array direction When it enters and contracts in steps, and is further pushed in the contracted state to the shortest, the engagement-impossible state imparting means makes the engaging claw impossible to engage and the engagement-impossible state maintaining means maintains this state. During this time, both the inner and outer sliders slide in the extension direction to the longest state relatively by the urging force of the extension direction urging means. A stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism designed to release the disabling state. The locking claw can be slid in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of both the inner and outer sliders and assembled to the outer slider. By receiving the urging force of the urging means and sliding in the engaging direction and engaging the claw portion with the engaging recess of the inner slider, the inner and outer sliders resisted the urging force of the extending direction urging means. Fixed state The engaging / impossible state providing means is formed as an engaging disabling guide portion provided on the inner slider at an extended position of the locking recess, and the inner slider or the outer slider is further provided in the contracted state to the shortest. When pushed, the latching claw is slid to a predetermined state in the non-engagement direction by the component force generated by the latching claw being pressed against the engagement-prohibiting guide portion. The maintaining means is formed by a combination of a locking receiving portion provided on the outer slider and a locking portion provided on the locking claw, and is engaged by sliding the locking claw to a predetermined state by the engaging disabling guide portion. When the locking part is locked to the locking receiving part, the locking claw is made unengageable, and when the unengageable state releasing means becomes the longest state by the urging force of the extending direction urging means By pressing the pressing means to the locking claw, A stepwise expansion and contraction mechanism configured to release the fixed state by sliding the pawl in the engaging direction.