U.S. patent application number 11/837733 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for desk and office construction system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOKUYO CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Tsukasa FURUTA, Hiromi IWAMURO, Koji MORITA, Manabu YAMANISHI.
Application Number | 20080035031 11/837733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38461793 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080035031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMANISHI; Manabu ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
DESK AND OFFICE CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention provides desks with which layout can be
changed easily and accurately without disturbing the order of a
work space and an entire office. The desk includes a base extending
in a predetermined direction, a movable supporting member supported
so as to be movable along the base, and a top board supported by
the movable supporting member so as to be turnable in the
horizontal direction.
Inventors: |
YAMANISHI; Manabu; (Osaka,
JP) ; IWAMURO; Hiromi; (Osaka, JP) ; MORITA;
Koji; (Osaka, JP) ; FURUTA; Tsukasa; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESTERMAN, HATTORI, DANIELS & ADRIAN, LLP
1250 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Assignee: |
KOKUYO CO., LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
38461793 |
Appl. No.: |
11/837733 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/50.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/002 20130101;
A47B 83/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/50.02 |
International
Class: |
A47B 21/00 20060101
A47B021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 11, 2006 |
JP |
2006-219183 |
Nov 15, 2006 |
JP |
2006-308514 |
Claims
1. A desk comprising: a base extending in a predetermined
direction; a movable supporting member supported so as to be
movable along the base; and a top board supported by the movable
supporting member.
2. A desk comprising: a base extending in a predetermined
direction; a movable supporting member supported so as to be
movable along the base; and a top board supported by the movable
supporting member, wherein the movable supporting member can move
along the base together with the top board in a state where the
movable supporting member supports the top board.
3. The desk according to claim 1, wherein the top board is
supported by the movable supporting member so as to be turnable in
the horizontal direction.
4. The desk according to claim 1, further comprising a leg member
supporting a region different from a region supported by the
movable supporting member, in the top board, wherein a movable body
capable of moving on a floor is provided at a lower end of the leg
member.
5. The desk according to claim 1, wherein the base is provided with
a guide for guiding movement of the movable supporting member, and
the movable supporting member is provided with a guided part which
is guided by the guide.
6. The desk according to claim 5, wherein the guide is a rail
formed along an extension direction of the base.
7. The desk according to claim 6, wherein the guided part has a
rolling member capable of rolling along the rail formed in the
base.
8. The desk according to claim 1, further comprising: a stationary
supporting member supported by the base and not being able to
slide; and a stationary top board supported by the stationary
supporting member.
9. The desk according to claim 8, wherein the base has a pair of
upright faces facing each other along the longitudinal direction,
one of the upright faces is provided with a guide for guiding
movement of the movable supporting member, and the other upright
face is provided with an attachment part for attaching the
stationary supporting member.
10. The desk according to claim 9, wherein the guide and the
attachment part are rails having the same shape.
11. The desk according to claim 8, wherein the stationary top board
is cantilevered by the stationary supporting member.
12. An office construction system comprising a plurality of desks
according to claim 1, wherein layout can be changed according to
the kind of a work or the like.
13. The desk according to claim 2, wherein the top board is
supported by the movable supporting member so as to be turnable in
the horizontal direction.
14. The desk according to claim 2, further comprising a leg member
supporting a region different from a region supported by the
movable supporting member, in the top board, wherein a movable body
capable of moving on a floor is provided at a lower end of the leg
member.
15. The desk according to claim 2, wherein the base is provided
with a guide for guiding movement of the movable supporting member,
and the movable supporting member is provided with a guided part
which is guided by the guide.
16. The desk according to claim 15, wherein the guide is a rail
formed along an extension direction of the base.
17. The desk according to claim 16, wherein the guided part has a
rolling member capable of rolling along the rail formed in the
base.
18. The desk according to claim 2, further comprising: a stationary
supporting member supported by the base and not being able to
slide; and a stationary top board supported by the stationary
supporting member.
19. The desk according to claim 18, wherein the base has a pair of
upright faces facing each other along the longitudinal direction,
one of the upright faces is provided with a guide for guiding
movement of the movable supporting member, and the other upright
face is provided with an attachment part for attaching the
stationary supporting member.
20. The desk according to claim 19, wherein the guide and the
attachment part are rails having the same shape.
21. The desk according to claim 18, wherein the stationary top
board is cantilevered by the stationary supporting member.
22. The desk according to claim 19, wherein the stationary top
board is cantilevered by the stationary supporting member.
23. An office construction system comprising a plurality of desks
according to claim 2, wherein layout can be changed according to
the kind of a work or the like.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a desk suitably used in an
office or the like and to an office construction system using a
plurality of desks.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Hitherto a desk have been developed with which layout of any
of various work spaces, such as a work space in which an individual
worker can concentrate in his/her work and a work space suitable
for group communication such as a conference or meeting where a
plurality of people gather in an office space or the like, can be
properly changed as the scale becomes greater or the organization
changes, or according to the use or purpose, and an office
construction system using a plurality of such desks have been
developed.
[0005] An example of such a technique is desks disposed on the
floor independently of each other and freely moved by workers,
thereby enabling various work spaces to be formed (refer to, for
example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H9-299167).
[0006] Another example is a desk constructed by forming a plurality
of screw holes or fitting holes at predetermined pitches in a top
board supporting unit provided on the floor, screwing or fitting
screws or insertion parts provided directly or indirectly for one
end of the top board to the screw holes or fitting holes, and
making a leg standing on the floor support the other end of the top
board. The attachment position of the top board in the top board
supporting unit of the desk can be changed by changing the screw
holes or fitting holes to which the screws or insertion parts are
screwed or fit.
[0007] In the former case, however, since the desks can freely move
on the floor independently of each other, each work space and an
entire office tend to look unruly and disorganized upon or after a
layout change. There is a problem such that the desk is not
suitable as a component of a work space and an office in which
layout is frequently changed.
[0008] In the latter case, at the time of changing the attachment
position of the top board in the top board supporting unit, the
screwed or fit state between the screws or insertion parts provided
at one end of the top board and the screw holes or fitting holes
has to be cancelled once. After that, the screws or insertion parts
have to be screwed or fit in different screw holes or fitting
holes. Such a work is troublesome. In some cases, the user has to
ask the work for a specialist. There is a problem that the layout
cannot be changed easily and accurately.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention has been achieved in view of such
problems and an object of the invention is to provide a desk with
which layout of a work space and a whole office can be easily and
accurately changed without causing disorder and an office
construction system using a plurality of such desks.
[0010] A desk of the present invention includes: a base extending
in a predetermined direction; a movable supporting member supported
so as to be movable along the base; and a top board supported by
the movable supporting member.
[0011] With such a desk, the movement range of the top board
supported by the movable supporting member is restricted by the
base. A work space and an entire office can be prevented from
becoming disorganized upon or after a layout change, and the desk
is suitable as a component of a work space and an office in which
layout is changed frequently. Moreover, since the movable
supporting member is movable along the base, it becomes unnecessary
to perform the conventional work, which is done each time the
layout is changed, of once cancelling the screw state or the fit
state between the screws or insertion parts and the screw holes or
fitting holes and screwing or fitting again the screws or insertion
parts to different screw holes or fitting holes. Therefore, the
layout change can be easily and accurately performed by a worker
himself/herself without asking the work for a specialist.
[0012] The "top board supported by the movable supporting member"
denotes concept including a "top board supported by being put on
the movable supporting member".
[0013] Another desk according to the present invention includes a
base extending in a predetermined direction; a movable supporting
member supported so as to be movable along the base; and a top
board supported by the movable supporting member. The movable
supporting member can move along the base together with the top
board in a state where the movable supporting member supports the
top board.
[0014] With the desk as well, effects similar to those of the
above-described desk can be obtained. In addition, at the time of
changing the position of the top board relative to the base, the
work of detaching the top board from the movable supporting member
and attaching the top board again is unnecessary, so that the
operability is excellent. The "top board supported by the movable
supporting member" similarly denotes concept including a "top board
supported by being put on the movable supporting member".
[0015] In particular, when the top board is supported so as to be
turnable in the horizontal direction by the movable supporting
member, the angle and posture of the top board with respect to the
base can be selected from a posture in which the longitudinal
direction of the top board is almost parallel with that of the
base, a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the top
board is almost orthogonal to that of the base, and the like.
Variations of selectable layouts increase.
[0016] When the desk has a leg member for supporting a region
different from a region supported by the movable supporting member,
in the top board, and a movable body capable of moving on a floor
is provided at a lower end of the leg member, by movement (sliding)
of the movable body along the floor at the time of changing layout,
the top board can be smoothly moved along the base without being
lifted.
[0017] To smoothly and reliably move the movable supporting member
along the base, it is sufficient to provide the base with a guide
for guiding movement of the movable supporting member, and provide
the movable supporting member with a guided part which is guided by
the guide. In this case, preferred embodiments include a mode in
which the guide is a rail formed along an extension direction of
the base and a mode in which the guided part has a rolling member
capable of rolling along the rail formed in the base.
[0018] Further, when the desk further includes a stationary
supporting member supported by the base and not being able to
slide, and a stationary top board supported by the stationary
supporting member, by supporting the movable supporting member and
the stationary supporting member by the base in common and
supporting the movable top board and the stationary top board by
each of the supporting members, the desk having the movable top
board and the stationary top board is achieved. Consequently, an
area adapted to the environment in which layout is changed
frequently and an area adapted to the environment in which layout
is not frequently changed can be formed in a single desk, and the
desk can be flexibly used in various layouts.
[0019] It is sufficient that the stationary supporting member is
supported so as not to be able to slide along the base. For
example, a stationary supporting member fixed to the base by
screwing or the like or a stationary supporting member movable in a
state where a part of it is in contact with or is pressed against
the base may be used. That is, the stationary supporting member
which is not positively moved along the base but is movable along
the base mainly at the time of attaching/detaching the member
to/from the base is preferable.
[0020] To realize a desk adapted to various work styles by setting
one of areas adjacent thereto sandwiching the base as a boundary as
a work space in which the layout can be changed and setting the
other area as a work space in which layout cannot be changed, the
desk is provided with a pair of upright faces facing each other
along the longitudinal direction. One of the upright faces is
provided with a guide for guiding movement of the movable
supporting member, and the other upright face is provided with an
attachment part for attaching the stationary supporting member. In
this case, when the guide and the attachment part are rails of the
same shape, the rails can be commonly used. As compared with the
mode in which the guide and the supporting member have different
shapes, the structure of the base is more simplified.
[0021] In addition, when the stationary top board is cantilevered
by the stationary supporting member, the leg member for supporting
the stationary top board is unnecessary, and the space below the
stationary top board can be assured widely.
[0022] An office construction system of the invention includes a
plurality of desks producing the above-described effects, and
layout can be changed according to the kind of a work or the
like.
[0023] With such an office construction system, by changing the
position and posture of the top board with respect to the base, a
closed environment in which a worker can concentrate on his/her
work or an open environment can be freely created, and a work space
and an office adapted to various kinds of works and work forms can
be easily created. Moreover, since the layout is based on the bases
of the desks, a work space and an entire office can be optimized
without becoming disordered as a whole. Improvement in the work
efficiency of a worker working in a work space and an office formed
by the office construction system can largely contribute to
improvement in the productivity of not only workers but also the
entire office.
[0024] According to the present invention as described above, since
the position/posture of the top board is changed using the base as
a reference, without making a work space and an entire office
disordered, the layout can be easily and accurately changed by a
worker himself/herself without asking the work for a specialist
while maintaining the order of the work space and the entire office
at a predetermined level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a general schematic diagram of a desk and an
office construction system using the desk according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIGS. 2A to 2C are plan views showing layout examples which
can be made with the desks of the embodiment and the office
construction system using the desks;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples A-1 to A-3;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples A-4 to A-6;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples A7 and A8;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples B-1 to B-3;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples B-4 and B-5;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples C-1 to C-3;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples C-4 and C-5;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples C-6 and C-7;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples D-1 to D-3;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing other layout
examples E-1 to E-3;
[0037] FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are diagrams showing layout examples
using desks each having a stationary top board, and an office
construction system using the desks corresponding to FIGS. 2A, 2B
and 2C, respectively;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a general schematic diagram of a desk according
to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a top board in
the second embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a supporting
member in the second embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a partly-cutaway schematic side view of a desk
having a switching mechanism which is in a movement restricted
state in the second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 18 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a desk
having the switching mechanism which is in the movement restricted
state in the second embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 19 is an enlarged plan view of a supporting member
having the switching mechanism which is in the movement restricted
state in the second embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 20 is an enlarged bottom view of a main part of the
supporting member having the switching mechanism which is in the
movement restricted state in the second embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the cutaway region in FIG.
17;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a partly-cutaway schematic side view of a desk
having the switching mechanism in a movement permitted state in the
second embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 23 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a desk
having the switching mechanism in the movement permitted state in
the second embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 24 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a
supporting member having the switching mechanism which is in the
movement permitted state in the second embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 25 is an enlarged bottom view of a main part of the
supporting member having the switching mechanism which is in the
movement permitted state in the second embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a plan view of a turn stopper rail in the second
embodiment;
[0051] FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a gripping
mechanism in the second embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining action;
[0053] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a cutaway region in FIG.
22;
[0054] FIG. 30 is a partly-omitted plan view of a desk according to
the second embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 31 is a partly-omitted plan view of a desk according to
the second embodiment in which the swivel angle of the top board is
changed;
[0056] FIG. 32 is a partly-omitted cross section taken along a line
x-x in FIG. 30;
[0057] FIG. 33 is a partly-omitted cross section taken along a line
y-y in FIG. 31;
[0058] FIGS. 34A to 34C are diagrams showing layout examples using
a movable top board and a stationary top board in the second
embodiment; and
[0059] FIG. 35 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a desk
for showing an attachment form of a stationary supporting member to
a base in the second embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0060] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
[0061] A desk 1 according to a first embodiment has, as shown in
FIG. 1, a base 2 disposed above the floor and extending in a
predetermined direction, a base supporting member 3 for supporting
the base 2, a movable supporting member 4 supported so as to be
able to slide along the base 2, a top board 5a (or 5b) whose one
end is supported by the movable supporting member 4, and a leg
member 6 supporting the other end of the top board 5a (or 5b) and
standing on the floor. FIG. 1 shows an office construction system
formed by linking two desks 1 which have almost the same shapes and
configurations except for the shapes of the top boards 5a and 5b.
The same reference numerals are assigned to corresponding members
in the diagram.
[0062] The base 2 has, for example, an almost quadrangular pillar
shape extending almost linearly. A top board guide 2A
(corresponding to a "guide" in the invention) for guiding movement
of the movable supporting member 4 is provided in a pair of upright
faces 21 facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the
base 2. The top board guide 2A is constructed by rails 2a formed
along the longitudinal direction of the base 2. In the embodiment,
the top board guide 2A is formed by the pair of rails 2a extending
in parallel with each other so as to be apart from each other by a
predetermined pitch in the height direction and each obtained by
forming a recess in each of the upright faces 21. A top face 22 of
the base 2 is provided with a guide 2B for an optional member. The
guide 2B for an optional member is constructed by using a rail 2b
formed along the longitudinal direction of the base 2. In the
embodiment, the guide 2B for an optional member is constructed by a
plurality of rails 2b extending in parallel with each other at a
predetermined pitch in the short size direction of the base 2 and
each having a recess. By making an optional member slide along the
optional member guide 2B, the position of the optional member
relative to the base 2 can be changed. In the embodiment, as
optional members, a member obtained by integrating a desk top panel
DTP and a storage rack ST and a task light TL are applied. Each of
the guides 2A and 2B is formed so as to extend from one end of the
base 2 to the other end. An end cap 2C is detachably attached to
each of the both ends of the base 2.
[0063] The base supporting members 3 support both ends of the base
2. Each of the base supporting members 3 has, for example, a pillar
shape whose depth is almost equal to the short-side dimension of
the base 2. In the office construction system according to the
embodiment in which a plurality of desks 1 are linked so that their
bases 2 are continuous in the longitudinal direction, auxiliary
base supporting members 3a are integrally assembled to, at least,
the base supporting members 3 positioned at both ends of the office
construction system among a plurality of base supporting members 3,
thereby realizing excellent self-standing performance and stability
of the office construction system.
[0064] The movable supporting member 4 has, as shown in FIG. 1, a
top board receiving part 41 for supporting the top board 5a (or 5b)
and a guided part 42 guided by the top board guide 2A. The top
board receiving part 41 directly or indirectly supports a
predetermined region on one end side of the top board 5a (or 5b)
from below. The guided part 42 has an insertion part which can be
inserted in the rail 2a and a rolling element (not shown) provided
at the tip of the insertion part and being able to roll along the
rail.
[0065] Each of the top boards 5a and 5b is a board having a gourd
shape (ellipse shape whose center portion is narrowed) or a
rectangular shape in plan view, and is designed so that the maximum
longitudinal dimension is almost equal to or smaller than the
longitudinal dimension of the base 2. One end of each of the top
boards 5a and 5b is supported by the movable supporting member 4 so
as to be turnable in the horizontal direction. A concrete mode of
supporting turnable the top board 5a or 5b to the movable
supporting member 4 is, for example, a simple uniaxial structure
using a single axis. In the embodiment, the under face of each of
the top boards 5a and 5b is positioned slightly upper than the top
face 22 of the base 2, thereby avoiding interference between the
top board 5a or 5b and the base 2 at the time of horizontal turn of
the top board 5a or 5b. Although a part of the top board 5a or 5b
and the top face 22 of the base 2 overlap each other with a gap of
a predetermined dimension in the height direction, it is designed
so that a part of the top board 5a or 5b does not overlap the
optional member guide 2B formed in the top face 22 of the base 2,
thereby avoiding interference between a part of the optional member
guided by the optional member guide 2B and a part of the top boards
5a and 5b.
[0066] The leg member 6 has a leg member body 61 directly
supporting the other end of the top board 5a or 5b and a caster 62
as a moving member of the invention provided at the lower end of
the leg member body 61. Obviously, the top board 5a or 5b whose
both ends are supported by the movable supporting member 4 and the
leg member 6 is designed to be parallel to the flat floor face in a
normal use state.
[0067] In the desk 1 having such a configuration, by making the top
board 5a or 5b slide along the longitudinal direction of the base
2, the position of the top board 5a or 5b relative to the base 2
can be changed. The turn angle posture of the top board 5a or 5b
relative to the base 2 such as a posture in which the longitudinal
direction of the top board 5a or 5b is almost parallel with the
longitudinal direction of the base 2, or a posture in which the
longitudinal direction of the top board 5a or 5b is almost
orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base 2 can be
properly selected.
[0068] In the office construction system according to the
embodiment in which two desks 1 are linked, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
2A, the top boards 5a and 5b are set in a posture that their
longitudinal direction is almost orthogonal to the longitudinal
direction of the bases 2, and are positioned on the sides apart
from the other base 2 (the sides opposite to the connection end),
thereby allowing workers to use the top boards 5a and 5b back to
back. In such a manner, a first layout forming a work space and an
office in which each worker can concentrate on his/her work can be
set. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, a pattern is formed in the base 2. As shown
in FIG. 2B, the top boards 5a and 5b are set in a posture that
their longitudinal direction is almost orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction of the bases 2, and are positioned on the
side of connecting the top boards 5a and 5b to the other base 2
(the connection end side), thereby enabling a second layout in
which workers using the top boards 5a and 5b face each other to be
set. In the second layout, a work space and an office in which
workers can work while communicating with each other are formed.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2C, the top boards 5a and 5b are set in a
posture that their longitudinal direction is almost parallel with
the longitudinal direction of the bases 2, and the top boards 5a
and 5b are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. In
such a manner, a third layout in which workers using the top boards
5a and 5b sit side by side can be set. The third layout forms a
work space and an office in which workers can concentrate on their
works while communicating with each other. By moving an optional
member along the base 2 by using the optional member guide 2B
corresponding to each layout, a work space and an office having
excellent workability can be formed. A layout properly selected
from at least layouts in three patterns can be set. In FIG. 1 and
FIGS. 2A to 2C, a partition P partitioning work spaces of the
workers is disposed. In the embodiment, an attachment member Pa for
attaching the partition P to the base 2 is provided for a part of
the partition P (refer to FIG. 1). According to choice of a worker,
a layout using no partition P may be employed. At the time of
integrally linking the desks 2, it is sufficient to use not-shown
connecting means for integrally connecting one base 2 to another
base 2. Examples of the connecting means include means using an
engagement part provided for each end cap and capable of engaging
(fitting or hooking) with (to) a end cap adjacent thereto, means
using an engagement part provided at an end of the base and capable
of engaging (fitting or hooking) with (to) an end of a base
adjacent thereto, and means using a fastening member such as a
screw for fastening the bases 2.
[0069] In the case of changing any of the layouts to another
layout, by giving an operating force for moving the top board 5a or
5b along the base 2 or an operating force for making the top board
5a or 5b turn in the horizontal direction about the base 2, the top
board 5a or 5b can be set in a desired position or posture. In
particular, in the embodiment, since the caster 62 is provided for
the leg member 6 supporting the other end of the top board 5a or
5b, the top board 5a or 5b can be slid or horizontally turned about
the base 2 with relatively small force.
[0070] Such an office construction system using a plurality of
desks 1 can be set or changed in various layouts corresponding to a
business style or the kind of a work on the individual or
organization unit basis as shown in FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.
In each of the layouts shown in the figures, the position and angle
posture of the top plate 5 relative to the base 2 can be easily
grasped from the figures. Therefore, detailed description of each
of the layouts will not be given.
[0071] Various layouts A-1 to A-8 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 are
suitable for, for example, work spaces and offices for office-based
workers (such as managers).
[0072] Various layouts B-1 to B-5 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are
suitable for, for example, work spaces and offices for call centers
performing reception works using telephone lines and network
lines.
[0073] Various layouts C-1 to C-7 shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 are
suitable for, for example, work spaces and offices for planners and
consultants.
[0074] Various layouts D-1 to D-3 shown in FIG. 11 are suitable
for, for example, work spaces and offices for sales departments and
reception rooms to have a meeting with a customer.
[0075] Various layouts E-1 to E-3 shown in FIG. 12 are suitable
for, for example, work spaces and offices performing group
communications such as a meeting, a group work and
presentation.
[0076] In FIGS. 3 to 12, in addition to the top board having a
gourd shape or rectangular shape in plan view as a top board, a top
board whose one end has a polygonal shape and whose other end
partly has an arc shape in plan view, an L-shaped top board, or a
square-shaped top board is applied. Irrespective of the shape, the
reference numeral "5" is assigned to all of the top boards. FIGS. 3
to 12 are provided to mainly show the positions and postures of the
top boards 5 relative to the base 2. Consequently, the movable
supporting members and the leg members are not shown, and the
patterns are shown in the bases 2 in a manner similar to FIGS. 2A
to 2C.
[0077] Although FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2C show modes in which a single
top board 5a (or 5b) is provided for a single base 2, FIGS. 3 to 12
show modes in which a plurality of top boards 5 are provided for a
single base 2 in accordance with a business style, the kind of a
work, the number of people, and the like. Concretely, the figures
illustrate the mode of disposing the top boards 5 via the movable
supporting members 4 to the facing parts (the upright faces 21
shown in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction in the bases 2 and a
mode of disposing the plurality of top boards 5 to one upright face
21 via the movable supporting members 4 (refer to A-1 in FIG. 3).
When the movable supporting member 4 is detachably supported by the
base 2 (for example, the movable supporting member 4 can be
inserted/attached in a state where the end cap 2C is detached from
the end of the base 2), the number of top boards 5 attached to a
single base 2 can be properly selected by the user himself/herself.
As shown in A-1, A-2 in FIG. 4 and the like, the top board 5 can be
set across bases 2 adjacent thereto. On the other hand, as shown in
C-5 and C-6 in FIG. 9 and the like, a layout including the base 2
to which no top board 5 is attached may be also employed. As shown
in A-3 in FIG. 3, B-2 in FIG. 6, and the like, a layout of
disposing the desks 1 so that the bases 2 are linked to each other
in the short size direction.
[0078] As shown in B-5 in FIG. 7, C-2 in FIG. 8, and the like, a
layout in which the turn angle of the top board 5 relative to the
base 2 is set to an angle other than 90 degrees (for example, 45
degrees) can be also employed.
[0079] Since the desk 1 according to the embodiment has the base 2
extending in a predetermined direction, the movable supporting
member 4 movably supported to the base 2, and the top board 5 (5a,
5b) supported by the movable supporting member 4 as described
above, the top board 5 (5a, 5b) supported by the movable supporting
member 4 can move along the base 2. Thus, the layout can be changed
easily. Because the movement range of the top board 5 (5a, 5b) is
restricted by the base 2, the order of a work space and an entire
office using the base 2 as a reference can be maintained. Moreover,
the movable supporting member 4 is able to slide along the base 2.
It is consequently unnecessary to perform the conventional work,
which is done each time the layout is changed, of once cancelling
the screw state or the fit state between the screws or insertion
parts and the screw holes or fitting holes and re-screwing or
re-fitting the screws or insertion parts to different screw holes
or fitting holes. Therefore, the layout change can be easily and
accurately performed by a worker himself/herself without asking the
work for a specialist.
[0080] In particular, since the top board 5 (5a, 5b) is supported
so as to be turnable in the horizontal direction by the movable
supporting member 4, only by changing the direction of the top
board 5 (5a, 5b) without changing the installation direction of the
desk 1 itself, variations of selectable layouts dramatically
increase.
[0081] In addition, the caster 62 is provided for the leg member 6
supporting the other end of the top board 5 (5a, 5b). Consequently,
by the sliding of the caster 62 on the floor at the time of
changing the layout, the top board 5 (5a, 5b) can smoothly move or
turn in the horizontal direction relative to the base 2 without
lifting the top board 5 (5a, 5b).
[0082] Further, since the base 2 is provided with the top board
guide 2A for guiding movement of the movable supporting member 4
and the movable supporting member 4 is provided with the guided
part 42 to be guided by the top board guide 2A, the movable
supporting member 4 can be accurately moved relative to the base 2.
In particular, the top board guide 2A is the rail 2a formed along
the extension direction of the base 2 and the guided part 42 has a
rolling member capable of rolling along the rail 2a. Consequently,
the top board guide 2A and the guided part 42 can be realized with
a simple structure at low cost.
[0083] In the office construction system using a plurality of desks
1 according to the embodiment, by making the top board 5 (5a, 5b)
move or turn in the horizontal direction relative to the base 2 by
the worker at the time of scale enlargement, organization change,
or the like, an individual work area or common work area can be
properly formed. A closed environment in which a worker can
concentrate on his/her work or an open environment can be freely
created. Moreover, the layout can be changed without causing
disorder, and a work space and an entire office can be optimized.
Improvement in the work efficiency of a worker working in a work
space and an office formed by the office construction system can
largely contribute to improvement in the productivity of not only
workers but also the entire office.
[0084] In the desk 1 according to the embodiment and the office
construction system using a plurality of desks 1, as shown in FIGS.
13A to 13C, a stationary top board 5X whose relative position
cannot be changed can be attached to the base 2.
[0085] The stationary top board 5X is supported by one or more
stationary supporting members 4X supported to the base 2 so as not
to be able to slide. In the embodiment, the stationary top board 5X
having an almost rectangular shape in plan view and whose
longitudinal dimension is almost the same as that of the base 2 is
used. The stationary supporting members 4X are integrally attached
to both ends of the stationary top board 5X and are supported by
the base 2, thereby receiving the load applied on the stationary
top board 5X by the stationary supporting members 4X and the base
2. That is, one side of the stationary top plate 5X is supported by
the base 2 via the stationary supporting members 4X.
[0086] The stationary supporting member 4X can be attached to the
rail 2a formed in the upright face 21 of the base 2. That is, the
rail 2a plays the role of an "attachment part" for attaching the
stationary supporting member 4X. The stationary supporting member
4X is properly fixed in a state where an installation part provided
at one end is inserted in the rail 2a. In the embodiment, such
stationary fixing members 4X are provided for both sides of the
stationary top board 5X, and the stationary top board 5X is
supported only by the stationary supporting members 4X.
[0087] In such a manner, in the embodiment, the movable supporting
member 4 and the stationary supporting member 4X can be attached to
the base 2 using the rails 2a having the same shape and the same
structure. Although FIGS. 13A to 13C show the mode in which the end
on the base 2 side of the stationary top board 5X is positioned
close to or in contact with the upright face 21 of the base 2, a
mode in which the end on the side of the base 2 of the stationary
top board 5X is apart from the upright face 21 of the base 2 by a
predetermined distance may be employed. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, chairs
disposed for the stationary top boards 5X are not shown.
[0088] As described above, the desk 1 according to the embodiment
can be provided with the stationary supporting member 4X supported
by the base 2 so as not to be able to slide and the stationary top
board 5X supported by the stationary supporting member 4X.
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, an area in which the
layout can be changed by using the base 2 in common and an area in
which the layout cannot be changed can be formed in the area of a
single desk 1. The invention can be applied to both of an
environment in which the layout is changed frequently and an
environment in which the layout is not changed.
[0089] Further, by setting one of areas adjacent thereto using the
base 2 as a border as a work space in which the layout can be
changed and setting the other area as a work space which is not
suitable for a layout change, the invention can be flexibly adapted
to various work styles.
[0090] In particular, the movable supporting members 4 can be moved
relative to the bases 2 using the rails 2a having the same shape
and the stationary supporting members 4X can be attached to the
bases 2. Therefore, at the time of selecting or changing a desired
mode from a mode using one of areas across the base 2 as a border
as a work space in which the layout can be changed and using the
other area as a work space in which the layout cannot be changed, a
mode of setting both of the areas as areas in each of which the
layout can be changed, and a mode of setting both of the areas as
areas in each of which the layout cannot be changed, the common
rails 2 can be used without changing the rails 2.
[0091] In addition, one side of the stationary top board 5X is
supported by the stationary supporting member 4X, so that a leg
member is unnecessary. Thus, the space below the stationary top
board 5X can be assured wide.
Second Embodiment
[0092] The desk 1 according to a second embodiment is based on the
technical idea similar to that of the desk 1 according to the first
embodiment, and their parts are further embodied. In the following
description, reference numerals of members in the second embodiment
and those of the members in the first embodiment are given
separately. In some cases, the same reference numeral is given to
different members.
[0093] A desk 1 according to the second embodiment has, as shown in
FIG. 14, a base 2 extending in the horizontal direction, a base
supporting member 3 for supporting the base 2, a movable supporting
member 4 supported so as to be able slide along the base 2, a top
board 5 whose one end is supported by the movable supporting member
4, a leg member 6 supporting the other end of the top board 5 and
standing on the floor, a stationary supporting member immovably
supported by the base 2, and a stationary top board whose one side
is supported by the stationary supporting member. FIG. 14 shows an
office construction system formed by linking two such desks 1.
[0094] The base 2 has, as shown in FIGS. 14, 17, 18 and the like,
an almost quadrangular pillar shape extending almost linearly. Rail
grooves 21 and 22 functioning as top board guides for guiding
movement of the movable supporting member 4 are formed in a pair of
upright faces 2A facing each other in the longitudinal direction of
the base 2. In the embodiment, a pair of rail grooves 21 and 22
extending in the longitudinal direction of the base 2 in parallel
with each other so as to be apart from each other by a
predetermined pitch in the height direction are formed in each of
the upright faces 2A. In the following description, the rail groove
formed relatively upper will be called an "upper rail groove 21"
and the rail groove formed relatively lower will be called a "lower
rail groove 22". The upper and lower rail grooves 21 and 22 have
almost the same shape, and the height of the internal space
(internal space height) is set to be larger than that of the
opening (opening height). In the following description, with
respect to upright walls facing each other in the rail grooves 21
and 22, upright walls on the opening side will be called
"opening-side upright walls" ("an opening-side upright wall 21a of
the upper rail groove 21" and "an opening-side upright wall 22a of
the lower rail groove 22"), and upright walls on the deeper side
will be called "deeper-side upright walls" ("a deeper-side upright
wall 21b" of the upper rail groove 21" and "a deeper-side upright
wall 22b of the lower rail groove 22"). The opening-side upright
walls 21a and 22a extend downward from the upper edge of the rail
grooves 21 and 22.
[0095] In a top face 2B of the base 2, a rail groove functioning as
an optional member guide for guiding movement of an optional member
not shown is formed. In the embodiment, in the top face 2B, a
plurality of (five in the diagram) rail grooves 23 apart from each
other in a predetermined pitch in the short size direction of the
base 2 and extending parallel with each other are formed. By making
an optional member (not shown) slide along the optional member
guide, the position of the optional member relative to the base 2
can be changed. As the optional member, a desktop panel and task
light are applied.
[0096] Each of the rail grooves 21, 22, and 23 is formed so as to
extend from one end of the base 2 to the other end. An end cap 2C
is detachably attached to each of the both ends of the base 2
(refer to FIG. 14) (each of FIGS. 17 and 18 and FIGS. 22 and 23 to
be described later shows the base 2 from which the end cap 2C is
detached).
[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the base supporting members 3 support
both ends of the base 2. Each of the base supporting members 3 has,
for example, a pillar shape or square pipe shape whose depth is
almost equal to the short dimension of the base 2. In the office
construction system in which a plurality of desks 1 are linked so
that their bases 2 are continuous in the longitudinal direction,
first auxiliary base supporting members 31 are integrally assembled
to, at least, the base supporting members 3 positioned at both ends
of the office construction system among a plurality of base
supporting members 3 by proper means, and second auxiliary base
supporting members 32 are integrally assembled to the other base
supporting members 3 by proper means, thereby realizing excellent
self-standing performance and stability of the office construction
system. In FIGS. 17 and 18 and FIGS. 22 and 23 to be described
later, the auxiliary base supporting members 31 and 32 are not
shown.
[0098] The movable supporting member 4 has, as shown in FIGS. 16 to
19 and the like, a supporting member body 41 for supporting the top
board 5 and a slide device 42 being able to slide along the rail
grooves 21 and 22.
[0099] The supporting member body 41 supports a predetermined
region on one end side of the top board 5 from below. The
supporting member body 41 according to the second embodiment has a
frame body 411 and priority supports 412 projecting from the top
face of the frame body 411 and coming into contact with the under
face of the top board 5 before the frame body 411.
[0100] The frame body 411 is obtained by rigidly integrating, by
welding or the like, a pair of facing frames 411a almost orthogonal
to the longitudinal direction of the base 2 and facing each other,
a front-end frame 411b positioned at the front end side of the
facing faces 411a, and a pair of connection frames 411c connecting
the front end parts of the facing frames 411a and the ends of the
front-end frame 411b in a state where the frames are supported by
the base 2. The top faces of the frames 411a, 411b, and 411c are
almost flush with each other. A reinforcement frame 411d is
integrally rigidly connected between the inner faces at the base
ends of the facing frames 411a. The top face of the reinforcement
frame 411d is set to be lower than the top faces of the other
frames 411a, 411b, and 411c. Each of the frames 411a, 411b, 411c,
and 411d has an angular cylindrical shape.
[0101] The priority supports 412 are constructed as support pins
projected from the top face of the frame member 411 in the
embodiment. In the embodiment, the top board 5 is horizontally
turnable about the movable supporting member 4. The mounting
positions of the plurality of priority supports 412 are set so that
the top board 5 can be supported at plural points irrespective of
the angle of the top board 5 relative to the movable supporting
member 4. Concretely, total four priority supports 412 are provided
in positions near the front end and the base ends of the facing
frames 411a (more concretely, positions near the joint parts of the
reinforcement frame 411d). Each of the priority supports 412 is
constructed by a nut 412a fixed to the top face of the frame body
411 and a pin body 412b which can screw in the nut 412a (see FIG.
18).
[0102] The slide device 42 has, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 20, a
slider body 421, a pair of switching units 422, an interlocking
mechanism 423 making the switching units 422 operate so as to
interlock, and an operating part 424 for performing a predetermined
operation.
[0103] The slider body 421 has a body part 4211 extending along the
longitudinal direction of the base 2 and a reinforcement member
4212 disposed so as to have a predetermined gap with the body part
4211 and almost parallel with the body part 4211 (see FIGS. 19 and
20).
[0104] The body part 4211 has an upright piece 4211a facing the
upright face 2A of the base 2, a pair of side pieces 411b extending
forward from both ends of the upright piece 4211a, and an upper
piece 4211c and a lower piece 4211d extending forward from the
upper and lower edges of the upright piece 4211a. In the
embodiment, by bending a single steel plate, the upright piece
4211a, side pieces 4211b, upper piece 4211c, and lower piece 4211d
are formed. A reinforcement piece 4211e for preventing deformation
of the body part 4211 is provided between the upper piece 4211c and
the lower piece 4211d at both ends of the body part 4211 (see FIGS.
16 and 18).
[0105] A pair of first connection stays 43 extending in the
direction almost orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the
body part 4211 are integrally attached in positions near both ends
of the body part 4211 by welding or the like. Between the inner
faces of the first connection stays 43, the reinforcement member
4212 is provided. A second connection stay 44 is integrally
attached by welding or the like between the top face of the rear
end of the first connection stay 43 and the under face of the front
end of the facing frame 411a of the frame body 411 (see FIGS. 16
and 18 and the like).
[0106] The reinforcement member 4212 has an almost U shape in cross
section and includes an upright piece 4212a facing the upright
piece 4211a of the body part 4211 and an upper piece 4212b and a
lower piece 4212c extending from the upper and lower edge of the
upright piece 4212a toward the frame body 411 side (the side
opposite to the base 2). Both ends of the reinforcement member 4212
are integrally attached to the inner faces of the first connection
stay 43 by welding or the like (see FIGS. 19 and 20).
[0107] Each of the switching units 422 has, as shown in FIGS. 16 to
20, an upper contact member 4A which can come into contact with the
opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21, a lower
contact member 4B which can come into contact with the deeper-side
upright wall 22b of the lower rail groove 22, an upper rolling
member 4C which can be in contact with the opening-side upright
wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21, a lower rolling member 4D
which can be in contact with the deeper-side upright wall 22b of
the lower rail groove 22, and a switching mechanism 4E capable of
switching between a movement restriction state of restricting the
movement of the slide device 42 and a movement permission state of
permitting the movement of the slide device 42.
[0108] The upper contact member 4A is positioned nearer to the
opening-side upright wall 21a side of the upper rail groove 21 than
the upper rolling member 4C in the movement restriction state. In
the embodiment, as the upper contact member 4A, an
upward-projection piece obtained by bringing up the upper piece
4211c of the body part 4211 to the base 2 side (forward) and
projecting upward is used. That is, the upper contact member 4A is
formed integrally with the body part 4211 as a component of the
slider body 421, is made of the steel plate, and has excellent
rigidity.
[0109] The lower contact member 4B is positioned nearer to the
deeper-side upright wall 22b side of the lower rail groove 22 than
the lower rolling member 4D in the movement restriction state. In
the embodiment, as the lower contact member 4B, a block made of a
rigid material is applied. The lower contact member 4B is attached
to the tip of a forward/backward moving member 4F which can go
out/in the body part 4211 of the slider body 421 (see FIGS. 18 and
20). In the embodiment, a bolt which can go in/out by the screwing
action is applied as the forward/backward moving member 4F. The
forward/backward moving member 4F can be screwed in a nut 4211g
held by a nut holding piece 4211f provided continuously from the
lower piece 4211d of the body part 4211 so as not to be rotatable,
and its tip has a flange 4Fa capable of pressing the rear face of
the lower contact member 4B. The lower contact member 4B has a
guide member 4Ba extending rearward from the rear face. By
inserting the guide member 4Ba into a guide hole (not shown) formed
in the nut 4211g, forward/backward movement of the lower contact
member 4B accompanying the forward/backward movement of the
forward/backward moving member 4F can be accurately and smoothly
performed. In the embodiment, as the guide member 4Ba, a pair of
pin-shaped members provided in positions parallel with the
forward/backward moving member 4F and sandwiching the
forward/backward moving member 4F is applied.
[0110] The upper rolling member 4C is positioned apart from the
opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21 more than
the upper rolling member 4C in the movement restriction state. In
the embodiment, a pair of rollers rotatable around the vertical
axis is applied as the upper rolling members 4C. The pair of upper
rotating members 4C is supported by a common upper roller
supporting member 4Ca.
[0111] The lower rolling member 4D is positioned apart from the
deeper-side upright wall 22b of the lower rail groove 22 more than
the lower rolling member 4D in the movement restriction state. In
the embodiment, a pair of rollers capable of rotating around the
vertical axis is applied as the lower contact member 4B. The pair
of lower rolling members 4D is supported by a common lower roller
supporting member 4Da. The upper rolling member 4C and the lower
rolling member 4D function as a "guided part" of the invention.
[0112] The switching mechanism 4E can switch between the movement
restriction state and the movement permission state. In the
movement restriction state, the contact members 4A and 4B are
allowed to come into contact with the upright walls 21a and 22b of
the rail grooves 21 and 22 in priority to the rolling members 4C
and 4D. In the movement permission state, the contact state between
the contact members 4A and 4B and the upright walls 21a and 22b of
the rail grooves 21 and 22 is cancelled by moving the rolling
members 4C and 4D relative to the contact members 4A and 4B.
[0113] In the embodiment, the slide device 42 is provided with a
synchronization mechanism 4G for making the movement of the upper
rolling member 4C and the movement of the lower rolling member 4D
synchronized.
[0114] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the synchronization mechanism
4G has an upper link 4G1 provided with the upper rolling member 4C
at its end, a lower link 4G2 provided with the lower rolling member
4D at its end, and a vertical shaft 4G3 as a common rotary shaft of
the upper and lower links 4G1 and 4G2. By making the upper and
lower links 4G1 and 4G2 horizontally turn around the vertical shaft
4G3 as a center on the basis of an operational force applied to the
operation part 424, the movement of the upper rolling member 4C and
the movement of the lower rolling member 4D are synchronized.
[0115] The upper link 4G1 is provided with the upper roller
supporting member 4Ca supporting the upper rolling member 4C at its
tip 4G1a. In the upper link 4G1, the tip 4G1a and a base 4G1b form
a relative angle so that they are almost orthogonal to each other,
and the tip 4G1a and the base 4G1b are connected via a long
connection part 4G1c (see FIG. 19). An inner swelling part 4G1d
which swells to the inside is provided near the tip 4G1a of the
upper link 4G1, and a vertical shaft insertion hole (not shown) in
which the vertical shaft 4G3 can be inserted is formed in the inner
swelling part 4G1d. A long hole 4G1e is formed in the base 4G1b of
the upper link 4G1. The region around the tip 4G1a of the upper
link 4G1 can be mounted on the upper piece 4211c of the body part
4211 of the slider body 421.
[0116] The lower roller supporting member 4Da supporting the lower
rolling members 4D is provided at the tip 4G2a of the lower link
4G2 via an adjustment link 4G21. In the lower link 4G2, the tip
4G2a and a base 4G2b form a relative angle so that they are almost
orthogonal to each other, and the tip 4G2a and the base 4G2b are
connected via a long connection part 4G2c (see FIG. 20). The
dimension in the longitudinal direction of the connection part 4G2c
is set to be smaller than that of the connection part 4G1c of the
upper link 4G1. It is set so that, when the lower link 4G2 and the
upper link 4G1 are overlapped, the tip 4G2a of the lower link 4G2
is positioned on the inner side of the tip 4G1a of the upper link
4G1 in plan view. An outer swelling part 4G2d that swells outward
is provided in a region near the tip 4G2a of the lower link 4G2. In
the outer swelling part 4G2d, a vertical shaft hole which is
communicated with the vertical shaft insertion hole formed in the
upper link 4G1 is formed. A long hole 4G2e is formed in the base
4G2b of the lower link 4G2. The region near the tip 4G2a of the
lower link 4G2 is positioned on the under face side of the lower
piece 4211d of the body part 4211.
[0117] In the embodiment, a reinforcement link 4G4 is interposed
between the upper link 401 and the lower link 4G2. The
reinforcement link 4G4 has a plate shape and interposes in an
upright posture between the upper link 4G1 and the lower link 4G2.
More concretely, the reinforcement link 4G4 is interposed between
the connection parts 4G1c and 4E21a of the upper and lower links
4G1 and 4G2 (see FIGS. 19 and 20). The links 4G1 and 4G2 and the
reinforcement link 4G4 can be assembled by fitting a projection
4C41 of the reinforcement link 4G4 in fitting holes 4G1f and 4G2f
formed in the connection parts 4G1c and 4G2c of the links 4G1 and
4G2.
[0118] The vertical shaft 4G3 can be inserted in the vertical shaft
holes formed in the upper and lower links 4G1 and 4G2. In the
embodiment, communication holes (not shown) communicated with the
vertical shaft holes are formed also in the upper and lower pieces
4211c and 4211d of the body part 4211, and the vertical shaft 4G3
is continuously inserted also in the communication holes. The
vertical shaft 4G3 is retained by having a head part of a large
diameter, having a fastener such as an E ring, by caulking, or the
like.
[0119] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, using an imaginary line L
passing the center of the vertical shaft 4G3 and almost orthogonal
to the slide movement direction as a border, the tip 4G1a of the
upper link 4G1 is positioned in one of the regions (concretely, the
outside region), and the tip 4G2a of the lower link is positioned
in the other region (concretely, the inside region). As a result,
when the force of rotation around the vertical shaft 4G3 as a
center acts on the upper and lower links 4G1 and 4G2, the upper
rolling member 4C provided at the tip of the upper link 4G1 moves
toward the opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove
21, and the lower rolling member 4D provided at the tip of the
lower link 4G2 (via the adjustment link 4G21) moves toward the
deeper-side upright wall 22b of the lower rail groove 22. On the
other hand, when the force of reverse rotation around the vertical
shaft 4G3 as a center acts on the upper and lower links 4G1 and
4G2, the upper rolling member 4C provided at the tip of the upper
link 4G1 moves so as to be apart from the opening-side upright wall
21a of the upper rail groove 21, and the lower rolling member 4D
provided at the tip of the lower link 4G2 (via the adjustment link
4G21) moves so as to be apart from the deeper-side upright wall 22b
of the lower rail groove 22. With such a configuration, the
movement of the upper rolling member 4C and the movement of the
lower rolling member 4D accompanying the switching operation can be
synchronized.
[0120] The slide device 42 according to the embodiment in which a
pair of the switching units 422 each having such a configuration is
provided in positions apart from each other in the sliding
direction also has the interlocking mechanism 423 for making the
switching units 422 operate so as to interlock.
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the interlocking mechanism 423
has a common link interlocking member 4231 to which the bases 4G1b
and 4G2b of the links 4G1 and 4G2 of the switching units 422 are
connected. The interlocking mechanism 423 operates the link
interlocking member 4231 on the basis of an operational force
applied to the operating part 424, thereby moving the links 4G1 and
4G2 of the switching units 422 so as to interlock, and (almost)
simultaneously moving the rolling members 4C and 4D provided for
the tips 4G1a and 4G2a of the links 4G1 and 4G2.
[0122] The link interlocking member 4231 has an upright piece 4231a
having height smaller than the dimension of a gap in the height
direction between the upper link 4G1 and the lower link 4G2, a pair
of side pieces 4231b extending forward from both ends of the
upright piece 4231a, and an upper piece 4231c and a lower piece
4231d extending forward from the upper and lower edges of the
upright piece 4231a. In the embodiment, by bending a single steel
plate, the upright piece 4231a, side pieces 4231b, upper piece
4231c, and lower piece 4231d are formed. A pair of link shaft
insertion holes (not shown) are formed in the upper and lower
pieces 4231c and 4231d of the link interlocking member 4231. By
inserting link shafts 4232 in a state where the link shaft
insertion holes and the long holes 4G1e and 4G2e formed in the
links 4G1 and 4G2 of the switching units 422 are communicated with
each other, the link interlocking member 4231 and the switching
units 422 are associated with each other. Each of the link shafts
4232 is retained by having a head part of a large diameter, having
a fastener such as an E ring, by caulking, or the like. The link
interlocking member 4231 having such a configuration is set to be
able to move forward or backward by using a space (gap) formed
between the body part 4211 of the slider body 421 and the retaining
member 4212 on the basis of an operating force applied to the
operating part 424 to be described next.
[0123] The operating part 424 has, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a
sliding operation lever 4241 for applying an operating force
directly from the user, a sliding operation lever shaft 4242 as the
rotary shaft of the sliding operation lever 4241, and a sliding
operation lever wear plate 4243 for restricting the rotational
angle of the sliding operation lever 4241.
[0124] The sliding operation lever 4241 has a tongue 4241a at its
tip and has a cam face 4241b in its base. The height dimension of
the sliding operation lever 4241 is set to be smaller than the
distance of the gap between the upper piece 4212b and the lower
piece 4212c of the reinforcement member 4212 so that the sliding
operation lever 4241 can be housed in the reinforcement member
4212.
[0125] The sliding operation lever wear plate 4243 has a pair of
right and left contact parts 4243a with which a part of the sliding
operation lever 4241 can come into contact, an upper piece 4243b
connecting the upper ends of the contact parts 4243a, a lower piece
4243c connecting the lower ends of the contact parts 4243a, and a
pair of side pieces 4243d extending forward from side edges of each
of the contact parts 4243a. A space in which rotation within a
predetermined angle range of the sliding operation lever 4241 is
permitted is formed between the contact parts 4243a. In the
embodiment, by bending a single steel plate, the contact parts
4243a, the upper piece 4243b, lower piece 4243c, and side pieces
4243d are formed. The height of the sliding operation lever wear
plate 4243 is set to be larger than the height of the sliding
operation lever 4241 and smaller than the distance of the gap
between the upper piece 4212b and the lower piece 4212c of the
reinforcement member 4212 so that the sliding operation lever wear
plate 4243 can be housed together with the sliding operation lever
4241 in the reinforcement member 4212. The sliding operation lever
wear plate 4243 is integrally attached to the rear face of the
upright piece 4212a of the reinforcement member 4212 by welding or
the like. A sliding operation lever shaft insertion hole (not
shown) in which the sliding operation lever shaft 4242 can be
inserted is formed in each of the upper and lower pieces 4212b and
4212c of the reinforcement member 4212, the upper and lower pieces
4243b and 4243c of the sliding operation ever wear plate 4243, and
the base of the sliding operation lever 4241. By inserting the
sliding operation lever shaft 4242 in a state where the sliding
operation lever shaft insertion holes are communicated with each
other, the reinforcement member 4212, sliding operation lever wear
plate 4243, and sliding operation lever 4241 are associated with
each other, and the sliding operation lever 4241 can rotate around
the sliding operation lever shaft 4242. In the upright piece 4212a
of the reinforcement member 4212, a notch for avoiding interference
between the base of the sliding operation lever 4241 and the
reinforcement member 4212 occurring at the time of turning of the
sliding operation lever 4241 is formed.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 21, the top board 5 connected to
such a movable supporting member 4 via a hinge mechanism H has a
movable top board 51 which can turn in the horizontal direction
relative to the movable supporting member 4 and a turning mechanism
52 supporting turnable the movable top board 51 in the horizontal
direction and connected to the movable supporting member 4 via a
hinge mechanism H. In the following description of the top board 5,
the base 2 side will be called a front side, and the opposite side
will be called a rear side.
[0127] The movable top board 51 has a movable top board body 511
and a top board receiving part 512 supporting the movable top board
body 511.
[0128] The movable top board 51 has, for example, a gourd shape
(ellipse shape whose center portion is narrowed) in plan view. In
the embodiment, the movable top board 51 having a relatively large
size is applied. The maximum longitudinal dimension of the movable
top board 51 is set to be almost the same or slightly smaller than
the longitudinal dimension of the base 2.
[0129] The top board receiving part 512 has a top board receiving
part body 5121 supporting the under face of the movable top board
body 511 (the under face in the front half region of the movable
top board body 511 in the example of the diagram), and a turn
stopper rail 5122 provided so as to project downward from the top
board receiving part body 5121. The turn stopper rail 5122
functions as an "object to be gripped" and its detailed shape and
the like will be described later. The top board receiving part body
5121 and the turn stopper rail 5122 are integrally attached to the
under face side of the movable top board body 511 by screwing or
the like.
[0130] The turning mechanism 52 has a turntable 521 and a turntable
receiving part 522 supporting the turntable 521.
[0131] The turntable 521 uses, for example, a thrust bearing. The
radius of the turntable 521 is set to be smaller than the radius of
the turn stopper rail 5122 so that the turntable 521 and the turn
stopper rail 5122 do not interfere each other. The height of the
turntable 521 is set to be smaller than that of the turn stopper
rail 5122.
[0132] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 21, the turntable receiving part
522 has a turntable receiving part body 5221 supporting the whole
region of the under face of the turntable 521 and a hinge shaft
supporting body 5222 provided on the under face of the turntable
receiving part body 5221. In the embodiment, the turntable
receiving part body 5221 and the hinge shaft supporting body 5222
are integrally assembled with proper means such as a plurality of
screws. The details of the hinge shaft supporting body 5222 will be
described later. In the center of the turntable receiving part 522,
a turn stopper mechanism fitting hole 5223 for providing a turn
stopper mechanism 4K (see FIG. 17) is formed. The turn stopper
mechanism fitting hole 5223 has a rectangular shape. It is set so
that the turn stopper mechanism 4K cannot turn in the turn stopper
mechanism fitting hole 5223 in a state where the turn stopper
mechanism 4K is fit in the turn stopper mechanism fitting hole
5223.
[0133] The leg member 6 supporting the other end of the top board 5
has a leg member body 61 and a moving body 62 (caster in the
diagram) provided at the lower end of the leg member body 61.
[0134] In the desk 1 of the embodiment, such a top board 5 and the
movable supporting member 4 are coupled to each other via the hinge
mechanism H.
[0135] The hinge mechanism H has, as shown in FIG. 21, a hinge
shaft H1, the hinge shaft supporting body 5222 of the turntable
receiving part 522, and a hinge shaft receiving body 4111 provided
for the frame body 411 of the movable supporting member 4.
[0136] The hinge shaft H1 has an almost pin shape integrally
including a shaft and a head having a diameter larger than that of
the shaft.
[0137] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 21, the hinge shaft supporting body
5222 has a horizontal piece 5222a and a pair of trailing pieces
5222b trailing from both edges of the horizontal piece 5222a. A
first insertion hole 5222c for a hinge shaft in which the hinge
shaft H1 can be inserted is formed in each of the trailing pieces
5222b. The first insertion holes 5222c for the hinge shaft can
support the hinge shaft H1 in a state where there is almost no
play. The pair of trailing pieces 5222b is provided in a region
near the rear end of the horizontal piece 5222a. In the turntable
522 obtained by integrally assembling the hinge shaft supporting
body 5222 and the turntable receiving part body 5221, the pair of
trailing pieces 5222b and the first insertion holes 5222c for the
hinge shaft are positioned near the rear end of the turntable
receiving part 522.
[0138] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 21, the hinge shaft receiving body
4111 is provided on the inner face of the front end frame 411b of
the frame body 411. The hinge shaft receiving body 4111 has an
upright piece 4111a in contact with the inner face of the front-end
frame 411b, a pair of facing pieces 4111b extending forward from
both ends of the upright piece 4111a and facing each other, and a
horizontal piece 4111c extending forward from the lower end of the
upright piece 4111a. In each of the facing pieces 4111b, a second
insertion hole 4111d for a hinge shaft in which the hinge shaft H1
can be inserted is formed. Each of the second insertion holes 4111d
for the hinge shaft can support the hinge shaft H1 with play. In
the embodiment, a long hole extending in the height direction is
applied as the second insertion hole 4111d for the hinge shaft. The
longitudinal dimension of the pair of facing pieces 4111b is set so
that the front ends are positioned on the rear side of the
connection part of the facing frames 411a and the connection frame
411c of the frame body 411 (on the side opposite to the base 2, in
other words, the side of the front-end frame 411b). As a result,
the second insertion hole 4111d for the hinge shaft formed in each
of the facing pieces 4111b is also positioned on the rear side of
the connection part of the facing frame 411a and the connection
frame 411c. Accordingly, the hinge shaft H1 supported in the second
insertion holes 4111d for the hinge shaft is positioned on the rear
side (on the side opposite to the base 2) of the priority support
412 provided furthest from the base 2 among the plurality of
priority supports 412 (refer to FIG. 21 in which the pattern is
formed in the priority supports 412).
[0139] By inserting the hinge shaft H1 in the holes 5222c and 4111d
in a state where the first insertion hole 5222c for the hinge shaft
in the hinge shaft supporting body 5222 and the second insertion
hole 4111d for the hinge shaft in the hinge shaft receiving body
4111 are communicated with each other, the top board 5 and the
movable supporting member 4 are coupled to each other via the hinge
mechanism H. In the coupled state, the hinge shaft H1 of the hinge
mechanism H is positioned apart from the support region of the
priority support 412. The hinge shaft H1 is retained by having a
head part of a large diameter, having a fastener such as an E ring,
by caulking, or the like.
[0140] A method of using the desk 1 will be described by paying
attention to, particularly, operation and action when the top board
5 and the movable supporting member 4 are allowed to slide along
the base 2 or when the slide is restricted.
[0141] First, in the case of switching the switching mechanism 4E
of each of the switching units 422 from the movement restriction
state (see FIGS. 17 to 20) to the movement permission state (see
FIGS. 22 to 25), the user grips the tongue 4241a of the sliding
operation lever 4241 and performs the operation of turning the
sliding operation lever 4241 in the direction of the arrow A in
FIGS. 19 and 20 around the sliding operation lever shaft 4242 as a
center. Accompanying the turn of the sliding operation lever 4241,
the link interlocking member 4231 pressed against the cam face
4241b of the sliding operation lever 4241 moves from the
reinforcement member 4212 toward the body part 4211 (see FIGS. 24
and 25). The links 4G1 and 4G2 of the switching units 422, whose
bases 4G1b and 4G2b are connected to the link interlocking member
4231, turn around the link shafts 4232 as a center so as to
interlock. In each of the switching units 422, the upper link 4G1
and the lower link 4G2 facing each other in the height direction
turn around the common link shaft 4232 as a center, so that the
upper rolling member 4C provided at the tip 4G1a of the upper link
4G1 via the upper roller supporting member 4Ca moves toward the
opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21, and the
lower rolling member 4D provided for the tip 4G2a of the lower link
4G2 via the adjustment link 4G21 and the lower roller supporting
member 4Da moves toward the deeper-side upright wall 22b of the
lower rail groove 22. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the
switching mechanism 4E of each of the switching units 422 enters
the movement permission state in which the contact state of the
upper contact member 4A to the opening-side upright wall 21a of the
upper rail groove 21 is cancelled, the upper rolling member 4C is
allowed to come into contact with the opening-side upright wall 21a
in the upper rail groove 21, the contact state of the lower contact
member 4B to the deeper-side upright wall 22b in the lower rail
groove 22 is cancelled, and the lower rolling member 4D is allowed
to come into contact with the deeper-side upright wall 22b in the
lower rail groove 22. In this state, the top board 5 can slide
together with the movable supporting member 4 along the base 2. In
the embodiment, an auxiliary rolling member 4H which can come into
contact with a bottom 21 of the upper rail groove 21 is provided
for the body 4211 of the slide device 42 (see FIGS. 18 and 23).
[0142] In the embodiment, the mode of moving the rolling members 4C
and 4D relative to the contact members 4A and 4B, respectively, is
adopted in association with the operation. Consequently, in the
case of switching the switching mechanism 4E from the movement
restriction state to the movement permission state, the relative
angle of the movable supporting member 4 with respect to the base 2
changes, and the movable supporting member 4 is in the angled
posture such that the side opposite to the base 2 of the movable
supporting member 4 is lifted (see FIGS. 22 and 23). According to
the change in the angle with respect to the base 2 of the movable
supporting member 4, the top board 5 coupled to the movable
supporting member 4 via the hinge mechanism H and whose other end
is supported by the leg member 6 turns around the hinge shaft H1 so
as to be lifted from the movable supporting member 4 as shown in
FIGS. 17, 21, and 22. Since the angle of the top board 5 relative
to the movable supporting member 4 is set to be changeable as
described above, at the time of switching the slide device 42 from
the movement restriction state to the movement permission state by
the switching mechanism 4E, only the operating force of changing
the angle of the movable supporting member 4 with respect to the
base 2 is necessary. The switching operation can be performed with
the operating force much lighter than that in the mode requiring
the operating force for integrally and simultaneously lifting
(changing the angle of) the top board with the supporting member
from the base. Further, in the case of switching the switching
mechanism 4E from the movement restriction state to the movement
permission state, as the relative angle between the movable
supporting member 4 and the top board 5 changes, only a part of the
priority support 412 closest to the hinge shaft H1 out of a
plurality of priority supports 412 comes into contact with the
under face of the movable top board body 511, and the contact state
between the other priority supports 412 and the top board 5 is
cancelled.
[0143] On the other hand, the operation of switching the switching
mechanism 4E of each of the switching units 422 from the movement
permission state to the movement restriction state is performed as
follows. The user grips the tongue 4241a of the sliding operation
lever 4241 exposed from the reinforcement member 4212 and turns the
sliding operation lever 4241 around the sliding operation lever
shaft 4242 as a center in the direction of the arrow B in FIGS. 24
and 25. With the turn of the sliding operation lever 4241, the link
interlocking member 4231 moves toward the reinforcement member
4212, and the links 4G1 and 4G2 of the switching units 422 turn
around the link shaft 4232 as a center. By turning the upper and
lower links 4G1 and 4G2 around the common link shaft 4232 as a
center in the direction opposite to that in the case of switching
the switching mechanism 4E from the movement restriction state to
the movement permission state, the upper rolling member 4C provided
at the tip 4G1a of the upper link 4G1 moves so as to be apart from
the opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21, and
the lower rolling member 4D provided at the tip 4G2a of the lower
link 4G2 moves so as to be apart from the deeper-side upright wall
22b of the lower rail groove 22. As a result, the movable
supporting member 4 moves downward by the dead load of the movable
supporting member 4 itself and the dead load of the top board 5. As
shown in FIG. 18, the switching mechanism 4E of each of the
switching units 422 cancels the state where the upper rolling
member 4C is in contact with the opening-side upright wall 21a of
the upper rail groove 21, makes the upper contact member 4A come
into contact with or press to the opening-side upright wall 21a of
the upper rail groove 21, cancels the state where the lower rolling
member 4D is in contact with the deeper-side upright wall 22b of
the lower rail groove 22, and makes the lower contact member 4B
come into contact with or press to the deeper-side upright wall 22b
of the lower rail groove 22, thereby entering the movement
restriction state. The auxiliary rolling member 4H becomes lifted
from the bottom 21c of the upper rail groove 21. It restricts the
sliding of the movable supporting member 4 and the top board 5
along the base 2.
[0144] In the embodiment, in the case of switching the switching
mechanism 4E from the movement permission state to the movement
restriction state, the top board 5 turns toward the movable
supporting member 4 around the hinge shaft H1 of the hinge
mechanism H according to a change in the angle of the movable
supporting member 4 relative to the base 2 and is supported by the
priority supports 412.
[0145] In the embodiment, to complement the sliding
movement/restriction function of the switching mechanism 4E, a side
lock lever 4I is provided for the slide device 42. The side lock
lever 4I can turn around a side lock lever shaft 4Ia as a center,
and switch between a state where a press face 4Ib provided in the
base portion is press or in contact with the upright face 2A of the
base 2 and a state where the press or contact is cancelled. Further
turn of the sliding operation lever 4241 in the switching operation
is restricted by contact of a part of the sliding operation lever
4241 with the contact part 4243a of the sliding operation lever
wear plate 4243.
[0146] In the desk 1 of the embodiment, the top board 5 can turn
horizontally by the movable supporting member 4 by the action of
the turning mechanism 52 as described above, and the movable
supporting member 4 is provided with a gripping mechanism 4J which
can be switched between a turn restriction state in which the
horizontal turn of the top board 5 is restricted by gripping the
turn stopper rail 5122 as the "object to be gripped" integrally
provided on the under face side of the movable top board body 511
and a turn permission state in which the horizontal turn of the top
board 5 is permitted by cancelling the gripping state (see FIGS. 17
and 21).
[0147] The turn stopper rail 5122 playing the role of the "object
to be gripped" will be described in detail.
[0148] As shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C (plan views showing the
relation between the turn stopper rail 5122 and the top board
receiving part body 5121, in which the top board receiving part
body 5121 and the turn shaft 5a of the top board 5 are shown by
imaginary lines), the turn stopper rail 5122 has an almost annular
shape in plan view and has a center angle equal to or slightly
larger than the horizontal turn angle of the top board 5. In the
embodiment, since the top board 5 can turn by 180 degrees, the turn
stopper rail 5122 of a semicircular shape having a central angle of
180 degrees or slightly larger than 180 degrees is applied. The
turn stopper rail 5122 has an almost L shape in cross section made
by an upright part 5122a almost orthogonal to the face of the top
board 5 and a horizontal part 5122b horizontally extending toward
the inside from the lower edge of the upright part 5122a. In the
embodiment, the upright part 5122a and the horizontal part 5122b
are integrally formed. The turn stopper rail 5122 is positioned on
the under face in the front-half region of the top board receiving
part body 5121, and the turn stopper rail 5122 and the top board
receiving part body 5121 are integrally attached to the under face
side of the movable top board body 511 by screwing or the like. The
height of the turn stopper rail 5122 is set to be larger than that
of the turntable 521.
[0149] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIGS. 14 to 16,
the gripping mechanism 4J has: a drag member 4J1 capable of turning
around the horizontal axis between a position (A) capable of
gripping in which the turn stopper rail 5122 (more concretely, the
horizontal part 5122b) can be gripped and a grip cancellation
position (B) in which the gripping state is cancelled; and an
operation part 4J2 for applying an operating force for switching
the drag member 4J1 between the position (A) capable of gripping
and the grip cancellation position (B).
[0150] The drag member 4J1 has a drag member body 4J11 extending in
the horizontal direction and a pair of trailing pieces 4J12 trailed
from both ends of the drag member body 4J11. In the embodiment, the
drag member 4J1 is made of a material having high rigidity such as
a metal, and integrally has the drag member body 4J11 and the pair
of trailing pieces 4J12. A grip nail 4J11a which can come into
direct contact with the turn stopper rail 5122 is provided at the
tip of the drag member body 4J11. The grip nail 4J11a is rounded
corresponding to rounding of the turn stopper rail 5122. The grip
nail 4J11a is set so that its height is gradually decreased toward
the front end. The grip nail 4J11a in the drag member body 4J11 is
projected forward from the trailing pieces 4J12 (to the base 2
side). In each of the trailing pieces 4J12, a first insertion hole
4J12a for the drag member rotary shaft to which a rotary shaft 4JX
of the drag member 4J1 can be inserted and a first guide hole 4J12b
specifying the movement rail between the position (A) capable of
gripping and the grip cancellation position (B) of the drag member
4J1 are formed. In the embodiment, the first insertion hole 4J12a
for the drag rotary shaft is formed in a position deviated from the
center of gravity of the drag member 4J1. The first guide hole
4J12b is a long hole extending along a direction tilted from the
drag member body 4J11 by a predetermined angle.
[0151] The operation part 4J2 has an almost lever shape and is
provided with a tongue 4J21 at its tip. In the base portion, a cam
face 4J22 having a straight part and a curved part and a first
insertion hole 4J23 in which a rotary shaft 4JY of the operation
part 4J2 can be inserted are formed. The width of the operation
part 4J2 is set to be smaller than the distance between the outer
faces of the trailing pieces 4J12 of the drag member 4J1.
[0152] In the embodiment, the gripping mechanism 4J is provided so
as to be associated with the reinforcement frame 411d in the frame
body 411 in the supporting member 4. The gripping mechanism 4J has,
therefore, an operation part supporting member 4j3 whose one end is
fixed to the reinforcement frame 411d and supporting the operation
part 4J2, and an operation part wear plate 4j4 provided between the
reinforcement frame 411d and the operation part 4J2.
[0153] The operation part supporting member 4J3 has a pair of
upright pieces 4J31 whose tips are fixed to the reinforcement frame
411d by welding or the like, and a connection piece 4J32 connecting
the upper ends of the base portions of the upright pieces 4J31. In
the embodiment, by bending a single steel plate, the upright pieces
4J31 and the connection piece 4J32 are formed. A second insertion
hole 4J31a for the drag member rotary shaft, which is communicated
with the first insertion hole 4J12a for the drag member rotary
shaft formed in the trailing piece 4J12 of the drag member 4J1 is
formed in the front end side of each of the upright pieces 4J31. In
an almost center portion in the longitudinal direction of each of
the upright pieces 4J31, a second guide hole 4J31b specifying the
movement locus of the operation part 4J2 when the operating force
is applied to the operation part 4J2 is formed. In the embodiment,
a long hole extending along the longitudinal direction of the
upright pieces 4J31 is applied as the second guide hole 4J31b. The
distance between the inner faces of the upright pieces 4J31 is set
to be larger than the distance between the outer faces of the
trailing pieces 4J12 of the drag member 4J1.
[0154] The operation part wear plate 4J4 has an almost U shape in
section, including an upright piece 4J41 and an upper piece 4J42
and a lower piece 4J43 extending forward from the upper and lower
edges of the upright piece 4J41. In the embodiment, by bending a
single steel plate, the upright piece 4J41 and the upper and lower
pieces 4J42 and 4J43 are formed. The upper piece 4J42 projected
forward from the lower piece 4J43 is fixed to the top face of the
auxiliary frame 411d by welding or the like, and the tip of the
lower piece 4J43 is fixed to the rear face of the auxiliary frame
411d by welding or the like. A pair of insertion holes 4J41a in
which a pair of turn stopper pins 4JP can be inserted are formed in
the upright piece 4J41. A hole 411da capable of housing the turn
stopper pin 4JP is formed in the reinforcement frame 411d, and a
space 4J2s capable of housing the turn stopper pin 4JP is formed in
the base portion of the operation part 4J2 (see FIG. 14).
[0155] The turn stopper pin 4JP is inserted continuously in the
turn stopper pin hole 411da in the reinforcement frame 411d and the
turn stopper pin hole 4J41a in the operation part wear plate 4J4,
and the front part of each of the turn stopper pins 4JP is
positioned in the turn stopper pin housing space 4J2s in the
operation part 4J2. In the state, the second guide hole 4J31b in
the operation part supporting member 4J3, the first guide hole
4J12b in the drag member 4J1, the first insertion hole 4J23 for the
operation rotary shaft in the operation part 4J2, and the second
insertion hole 4JPa for the operation part rotary shaft formed in
the front end part of the turn stopper pin 4JP are communicated
with each other. The rotary shaft 4JY of the operation part 4J2 is
continuously inserted in the holes 4J31a, 4J12b, 4J23, and 4JPa. On
the other hand, the second insertion hole 4J31a for the drag member
rotary shaft in the operation part supporting member 4J3 and the
first insertion hole 4J12a for the drag rotary shaft in the drag
member 4J1 are communicated with each other, and the rotary shaft
4JX of the drag member 4J1 is continuously inserted in the holes
4J31a and 4J12a. By the above operations, the gripping mechanism 4J
formed by associating the reinforcement frame 411d, the drag member
4J1, the operation part 4J2, the operation part supporting member
4J3, and the operation part wear plate 4J4 is assembled integrally
with the supporting member 4. The attachment position of the
reinforcement frame 411d is set so as to coincide on an imaginary
straight line connecting the pair of priority supports 412 provided
on the base 2 side out of a plurality of priority supports 412
provided for the supporting member 4. The gripping mechanism 4J
provided for the reinforcement frame 411d is positioned in or near
the support area of the priority supports 412 (see FIGS. 17 and 18
which will be described later). The rotary shafts 4JX and 4JY are
retained by each having a head part of a large diameter, having a
fastener such as an E ring, by caulking, or the like.
[0156] The operating method and the action of the gripping
mechanism 4J will now be described.
[0157] When the drag member 4J1 is positioned in the position (A)
capable of gripping, by gripping the horizontal part 5122b of the
turn stopper rail 5122 by the grip nail 4J11a of the drag member
4J1, the turn restriction state in which the horizontal turn of the
top board 5 is restricted is set (see FIG. 8). In this case, the
operation part 4J2 makes the linear part of the cam face 4j22 come
into contact with or press to the operation part wear plate 4J4.
The posture becomes generally horizontal and the maximum height of
the operation part 4J2 is smaller than that of the frame body 411.
The rotary shaft 4JY of the operation part 4J2 is positioned at the
lower edge of the first guide hole 4J12b formed in the drag member
4J1 and also at the rear edge (the side opposite to the base 2) of
the second guide hole 4J31b formed in the operation part supporting
member 4J3. The rotary shaft 4JY of the operation part 4J2 is
locked in a state where it is positioned at the lower edge of the
first guide hole 4J12b, thereby restricting turn of the drag member
4J1 around the rotary shaft 4JX as a center, and locking the drag
member 4J1 in the position (A) capable of gripping. In the case
where the gripping mechanism 4J is in the turn restriction state,
the under face of the movable top board body 511 is supported by a
plurality of priority supports 412.
[0158] On the other hand, to switch the gripping mechanism 4J from
the turn restriction state to the turn permission state, the user
grips the tongue 4J21 of the operation part 4j2 and applies the
operating force of turning the operation part 4J2 downward. On the
basis of the operating force, the operation part 4J2 turns downward
around the rotary shaft 4JY as a center. At the time point when the
operation part 4J2 is turned by a predetermined angle, an object to
come into contact with or to be pressed against the operation part
wear plate 4J4 is changed from the linear part in the cam face 4J22
of the operation part 4J2 to the curved part, and the rotary shaft
4JY of the operation part 4J2 moves forward (to the base 2 side)
along the second guide hole 4J31b. As the rotary shaft 4JY moves,
the drag member 4J1 turns rearward (to the base 2 side) around the
rotary shaft 4JX as a center and moves to the grip cancellation
position (B) where the grip nail 4J11a is apart from the horizontal
part 5122b of the turn stopper rail 5122 (see FIG. 15). The turn
locus between the position (A) capable of gripping and the grip
cancellation position (B) of the drag member 4J1 is specified by
the first guide hole 4112b. That is, when the drag member 4J1 moves
between the position (A) capable of gripping and the grip
cancellation position (B), the height of the rotary shaft 4JY of
the operation part 4J2 is unchanged. When the drag member 4J1 is in
the position (A) capable of gripping, the rotary shaft 4JY of the
operation part 4J2 is positioned at the lower edge of the first
guide hole 4J12b. When the drag member 4J1 is in the grip
cancellation position (B), the rotary shaft 4JY of the operation
part 4J2 is positioned at the upper edge of the first guide hole
4J12b. When the drag member 4J1 is moved from the position (A)
capable of gripping to the grip cancellation position (B), apart of
the trailing piece 4J12 of the drag member 4J1 comes into contact
with the reinforcement frame 411d, further turn in the same
direction of the drag member 4J1 is restricted. Since the rotary
shaft 4JX is provided in a position displaced from the center of
gravity of the drag member 4J1, the movement from the position (A)
capable of gripping to the grip cancellation position (B) of the
drag member 4J1 can be performed by using the dead load of the drag
member 4J1. By moving the drag member 4J1 from the position (A)
capable of gripping to the grip cancellation position (B), the
gripping mechanism 4J cancels the grip state of the turn stopper
rail 5122 by the drag member 4J1 and the reinforcement frame 411d,
and a turn permission state in which a horizontal turn of the top
board 5 is permitted is obtained. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the
posture of the top board 5 at an angle with respect to the base 2
such as a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the top
board 5 is almost orthogonal to that of the base 2 or a posture in
which the longitudinal direction of the top board 5 is almost
parallel with the longitudinal direction of the base 2 can be
properly selected. FIGS. 17 and 18 show the gripping mechanism 4J
in which the drag member 4J1 is in the position (A) capable of
gripping and a part of the gripping mechanism 4J is not shown.
[0159] In the case where the gripping mechanism 4J is in the turn
permission state, as shown in FIG. 16, the top board 5 can turn so
as to be lifted from the supporting member 4 around the hinge shaft
H1 of the hinge mechanism H.
[0160] By moving the drag member 4J1 from the position (A) capable
of gripping to the grip cancellation position (B), the gripping
mechanism 4J cancels the grip state of the turn stopper rail 5122
by the drag member 4J1 and enters the turn permission state of
permitting the horizontal turn of the top board 5. As shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18, the posture of the top board 5 at an angle with
respect to the base 2 such as a posture in which the longitudinal
direction of the top board 5 is almost orthogonal to that of the
base 2 or a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the top
board 5 is almost parallel with the longitudinal direction of the
base 2 can be properly selected. FIGS. 17 and 18 show the gripping
mechanism 4J in which the drag member 4J1 is in the position (A)
capable of gripping and a part of the gripping mechanism 4J is not
shown.
[0161] On the other hand, the operation of switching the gripping
mechanism 4J from the turn permission state to the turn restriction
state is performed by applying an operating force of returning the
operation part 4J2 to the original position. Prior to the operation
of switching the gripping mechanism 4J from the turn permission
state to the turn restriction state, the top board 5 has to be
reset to the normal use position shown in FIG. 15. When the user
grips the tongue 4J21 of the operation part 4J2 and applies the
operating force of turning the operation part 4J2 upward, the
operation part 4J2 turns upward around the rotary shaft 4JY as a
center. At the time point when the operation part 4J2 is turned by
a predetermined angle, an object to come into contact with or to be
pressed against the operation part wear plate 4J4 is changed from
the curved part in the cam face 4J22 of the operation part 4J2 to
the linear part, and the rotary shaft 4JY of the operation part 4J2
moves rearward (to the side opposite to the base 2) along the
second guide hole 4J31b. As the rotary shaft 4JY moves, the drag
member 4J1 turns forward (to the base 2 side) around the rotary
shaft 4JX as a center and is positioned in the position (A) capable
of gripping where the horizontal part 5122b of the turn stopper
rail 5122 is gripped. By moving the drag member 4J1 from the grip
cancellation position (B) to the position (A) capable of gripping,
the horizontal part 5122b of the turn stopper rail 5122 is led
downward (to the reinforcement frame 411d side) and the horizontal
turn of the top board 5 is restricted. In association with the
operation of switching the gripping mechanism 4J from the turn
permission state to the turn restriction state, the drag member 4J1
of the switching mechanism 4J pushes the horizontal part 5122b of
the turn stopper rail 5122 downward. By the operation, the movable
top board body 511 is pulled down together with the turn stopper
rail 5122, and the under face of the movable top board body 511 is
pressed against the priority support 412, thereby assuring a state
where the top board 5 is excellently supported. The turn locus
between the position (A) capable of gripping and the grip
cancellation position (B) of the drag member 4J1 is specified by
the first guide hole 4J12b as described above. At the time of
performing the operation of moving the drag member 4J1 from the
grip cancellation position (B) to the position (A) capable of
gripping, a part of the operation part 4J2 comes into contact with
the connection piece 4J32 of the operation part supporting member
4J3, thereby restricting further turn of the operation part 4J2 in
the same direction.
[0162] The gripping mechanism 4J is switched by the turn regulation
state and the turn permission state by an operation as described
above, thereby capable of controlling permission/restriction of the
turning operation of the top board 5, and also controlling
permission/restriction of a turn to lift the top board 5 using the
hinge mechanism H by the gripping mechanism 4J.
[0163] In the case where the gripping mechanism 4J is in the turn
restriction state, as shown in FIG. 8, the hinge mechanism H enters
a turn restriction state in which the turn to lift the top board 5
up using the hinge mechanism H is restricted. On the other hand, as
shown in FIG. 16, the gripping mechanism 4J enters the turn
permission state in which the turn to lift the top board 5 using
the hinge mechanism H is permitted. That is, the gripping mechanism
4J also functions as a top board lifting regulating mechanism of
regulating the top board lifting operation.
[0164] The hinge mechanism H according to the embodiment has, as
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, no orientation rotation permitting means
of permitting turn to lift the top board 5 in any posture of the
top board 5 with respect to the supporting member 4 and the base 2
such as a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the top
board 5 is almost orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the
base 2 or a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the top
board 5 is almost parallel with the longitudinal direction of the
base 2. In the embodiment, by using a long hole as the second
insertion hole 4111d for the hinge shaft formed in the hinge shaft
receiving member 4111, turn permission means is realized.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 17, in the case where the top board 5 is
set at a turn angle at which the longitudinal direction of the top
board 5 is almost orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the
base 2, the longitudinal direction of the top board 5 is almost
orthogonal to the axial direction of the hinge shaft H1. As shown
in FIG. 19, the hinge shaft H1 turns while hardly changing the
height position in the second insertion hole 4111d for the hinge
shaft, and permits a turn to lift the top board 5.
[0166] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when the top board 5
is set at a turn angle at which the longitudinal direction of the
top board 5 is almost parallel with the longitudinal direction of
the base 2, the longitudinal direction of the top board 5 and the
axial direction of the hinge shaft H1 are almost parallel with each
other. As shown in FIG. 20, as the top board 5 turns to lift up,
the hinge shaft H1 tilts (lifts) according to the lifting angle
(turn angle) of the top board 5 within the second insertion hole
4111d for the hinge shaft, thereby assuring smooth turn to lift the
top board 5. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the gripping mechanism 4J and the
turn stopper mechanism 4K are not shown. FIG. 18 shows that the
gripping mechanism 4J is in the turn restriction state (turn
restriction state), so that turn to lift the top board 5 is
restricted. FIG. 20 as a partly cutaway y-y cross section of FIG.
18 shows a state where the top board 5 turns to be lifted for
convenience of description.
[0167] The desk 1 of the embodiment has the stationary top board 5X
whose position relative to the base 2 cannot be changed.
[0168] For example, the longitudinal dimension of the stationary
top board 5X is set to be almost equal to or slightly smaller than
that of the base 2. In the embodiment, the stationary top board 5X
having an almost rectangular shape in plan view is applied. The
stationary top board 5X is supported by the stationary supporting
member 4X.
[0169] As shown in FIG. 35, the stationary supporting member 4X has
an attachment part 4X1 which can be attached to the rail grooves 21
and 22 in the base 2 and an arm 4X2 extending from the attachment
part 4X1 toward the under face of the stationary top board 5X.
[0170] The attachment part 4X1 has an upper insertion part 4X11
which can be inserted in the upper rail groove 21 and a lower
insertion part 4X12 which can be inserted in the tower rail groove
22. In the embodiment, the upper and lower insertion parts 4X11 and
4X12 are formed by a single steel plate and are connected to each
other via a connection part 4X13.
[0171] By inserting the upper and lower insertion parts 4X11 and
4X12 in the upper and lower rail grooves 21 and 22 so as to be
retained, respectively, the upper insertion part 4X11 comes into
contact with or is pressed against the opening-side upright wall
21a of the upper rail groove 21 by the dead load of the stationary
supporting member 4X itself, and the lower insertion part 4X12
comes into contact with or is pressed against the deeper-side
upright wall 22b of the lower rail groove 22. As a result, the
stationary supporting member 4X can be fixed in a state where the
support strength effective to the base 2 is assured. In the
embodiment, the upper insertion part 4X11 has a contact part 4X11a
which directly comes into contact with or is pressed against the
opening-side upright wall 21a of the upper rail groove 21 and an
auxiliary contact part 4X11b which can come into contact with the
bottom 21c of the upper rail groove 21. The upper and lower
insertion parts 4X11 and 4X12 are allowed to come into face contact
with the upright walls 21a and 22b of the rails 21 and 22, so that
effective support strength can be displayed.
[0172] One end of the arm 4X2 is attached to the attachment part
4X1, and the other end is attached to the under face of the
stationary top board 5X. In the embodiment, one end of the arm 4X2
is integrally attached to the connection part 4X13 of the
attachment part 4X1 by welding or the like, and the other end of
the arm 4X2 is integrally attached to the under face of the
stationary top board 5X by welding or the like.
[0173] Such stationary supporting members 4X are provided on both
sides of the stationary top board 5X, and the stationary top board
5X is supported only by the stationary supporting members 4X.
[0174] As described above, the desk 1 according to the second
embodiment produces effects similar to those of the desk 1 of the
first embodiment. That is, the top board 5 supported by the movable
supporting member 4 can be moved along the base 2, the layout can
be changed easily, and the order of a work space and an entire
office using the base 2 as a reference can be maintained by
restricting the movement range of the top board 5 by the base 2.
Further, since the movable supporting member 4 can slide along the
base 2, it is unnecessary to perform the conventional work of once
cancelling a state where screws or insertion parts are screwed or
fit in screw holes or fit holes, and screwing or fitting the screws
or insertion parts again to different screw holes or fit holes each
time the layout is changed. The layout can be easily and accurately
changed by the user himself/herself without asking for a
specialist.
[0175] Since the stationary supporting member 4X supported along
the base 2 so as to be able to slide and the stationary top board
5X supported by the stationary supporting member 4X, as shown in
FIG. 34, an area in which the layout can be changed by using the
base 2 in common and an area in which the layout cannot be changed
can be formed in the single area of the desk 1. The invention can
be adapted to both of the environment where the layout is changed
frequently and the environment where the layout is not changed.
[0176] The movable supporting member 4 can be moved along the base
2 and the stationary supporting member 4X can be attached to the
base 2 by using the rails 21 and 22 having the same shape.
Consequently, at the time of selecting/changing a desired mode from
a mode of using one of areas sandwiching the base 2 as a boundary
as a work space in which layout can be changed and the other area
as a work space in which layout cannot be changed, a mode of using
both of the areas as work spaces in which layout can be changed,
and a mode of using both of the areas as work spaces in which
layout cannot be changed, the common rails 2 can be used without
changing the rails 2.
[0177] In addition, since the stationary top board 5X can be
supported at one end or cantilevered by the stationary supporting
member 4X, the leg member is unnecessary, so that the space below
the stationary top board 5X can be assured wide.
[0178] The invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments
described in detail.
[0179] For example, as the top board, a top board supported by
being simply put on the movable supporting member, or a top board
supported by the movable supporting member so as not to be
horizontally turnable may be applied.
[0180] Although the linearly extending base has been described in
the embodiments, the invention is not limited to the base. A base
extended in a curved shape (circular curve or elliptic curve shape)
or a base extending while meandering may be used.
[0181] It is also possible to employ a mode of supporting the top
board at a plurality of positions (for example, both ends) by a
plurality of (for example, two) movable supporting members
supported by the same base, or a mode of supporting a part (for
example, one end) of the top board by a movable supporting member
supported by a base and supporting another part (for example, the
other end) of the top board by a movable supporting member
supported by another base.
[0182] Similarly, a mode of supporting a part (for example, one
end) of the stationary top board by a stationary supporting member
supported by a base and supporting another part (for example, the
other end) of the stationary top board by a stationary supporting
member supported by another base may be employed.
[0183] On the other hand, in the mode of supporting a part of the
top board by a leg member, a leg member which is not provided with
the moving body at its lower end may be applied. In this case, it
is sufficient to move the top board in a state where the top board
is lifted to a position at which the lower end of the leg member
floats from the floor. Further, a leg member having an adjuster for
correcting unevenness of the leg member or the tilt of the top
board may be applied. In the case of applying a leg member having a
moving member such as a caster, by providing locking means
regulating rolling of the moving member, unexpected movement of the
top board after layout is changed can be prevented.
[0184] The stationary top board may be supported together with the
stationary supporting member by a leg member.
[0185] It is sufficient to support the movable supporting member so
as to be movable along the base. The movable supporting member may
be supported movably and continuously, or step by step in
predetermined pitches. The movable supporting member may not be
slid using the rolling member illustrated in the embodiment but may
be moved in a state where a sliding member or contact member
provided for the movable supporting member slides or in contact
with the guide of the base. A desk having locking means which can
be switched between a state where one or both of the movable
supporting member and the top board can be moved and a state where
one or both of them cannot be moved may be employed.
[0186] Further, an snap action mechanism for snapping and stopping
the horizontal turn angle of the top board every predetermined
angle may be provided between the top board and the movable
supporting member. In the case where the top board is supported by
the movable supporting member so as to be turnable in the
horizontal direction, by providing turn locking mechanism capable
of switching between a horizontal turn permission state in which
horizontal turn of the top plate is permitted and a horizontal turn
restriction state in which the horizontal turn of the top board is
restricted between the top board and the movable supporting member,
unexpected turn movement of the top board after layout is changed
can be prevented.
[0187] The rail in the guide may have a groove shape or a projected
shape, and the number of rails may be properly increased or
decreased. Similarly, a projected rail may be applied as the rail
in the attachment part, and the number of rails may be properly
increased or decreased. As optional members, a socket, a wire
housing member, an armed telephone stand, a tray, a display arm,
and the like may be applied.
[0188] In the case where a plurality of desks are arranged so that
a plurality of bases are continued in the longitudinal direction,
preferably, the movable supporting member provided so as to be
movable to one base can be moved from the one base to another base
adjacent thereto. With such a configuration, the top board which is
supported by the movable supporting member can be moved from one
base to another base adjacent thereto, and variations of selectable
layouts can be increased. In this case, by providing passage
permission parts for permitting passage of the movable supporting
member for both ends of the base or end caps attached to both ends
of the base, excellent movement of the movable supporting member
can be assured. Examples of the passage permission parts are the
guide itself provided for the base, and a notch or a slit formed in
a part corresponding to the guide in the end cap.
[0189] Each of the top board, the stationary top board, and the
like may have various shapes such as a circular shape, an ellipse
shape, and a polygonal shape in plan view.
[0190] Storage furniture such as a wagon or a front panel may be
disposed in a lower space formed below the under face of the base
or the under face of the top board. As the base, in place of the
base whose both ends are supported by the base supporting member
and whose under face is separated (lifted) from the floor, the base
whose under face is in contact with the floor and having an upright
wall shape also functioning as an end rail may be used.
[0191] FIGS. 2, 13, and 34 shows the mode of arranging the
stationary top boards 5X in parallel in the longitudinal direction,
so that workers using the top boards 5X sit side by side.
Alternately, layout in which the longitudinal direction of the
stationary top boards is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction
of the base may be employed.
[0192] A mode of supporting a single stationary top board by one or
three or more stationary supporting members may be employed.
[0193] Fixation of the stationary supporting member to the base and
fixation between the stationary supporting member and the
stationary top board may be performed by screwing.
[0194] The concrete configurations of the other parts are not
limited to those of the foregoing embodiments but can be variously
modified without departing from the gist of the present
invention.
* * * * *