U.S. patent application number 15/772719 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-04 for top panel elevating-type desk.
The applicant listed for this patent is OKAMURA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takayuki SAKIMOTO, Takayuki YAMAMOTO.
Application Number | 20190200751 15/772719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58695298 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190200751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YAMAMOTO; Takayuki ; et
al. |
July 4, 2019 |
TOP PANEL ELEVATING-TYPE DESK
Abstract
A top panel elevating-type desk (1) includes a top panel (10)
having an upper surface (10a) serving as a working surface, a leg
body (20) having an elevating mechanism unit (23) configured to
move the top panel (10) in a vertical direction (Z) and supporting
the top panel (10), and an operating unit (30) configured to drive
the elevating mechanism unit (23), the operating unit (30) has an
operating member (31) disposed below the top panel (10), a support
section (49) configured to movably support the operating member
(31) in the vertical direction (Z), and a cover member (32)
configured to cover the operating member (31), and a lower end
portion of the cover member (32) is disposed at the same position
as or below a lower end portion of the operating member (31) in the
vertical direction (Z).
Inventors: |
YAMAMOTO; Takayuki;
(Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, JP) ; SAKIMOTO; Takayuki;
(Higashiosaka-shi, Osaka, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OKAMURA CORPORATION |
Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58695298 |
Appl. No.: |
15/772719 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 9, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2016/083220 |
371 Date: |
May 1, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/0062 20130101;
A47B 9/00 20130101; A47B 9/20 20130101; A47B 2200/0051 20130101;
A47B 21/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 9/20 20060101
A47B009/20; A47B 21/02 20060101 A47B021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2015 |
JP |
2015-219934 |
Claims
1. A top panel elevating-type desk comprising: a top panel having
an upper surface serving as a working surface; an elevating
mechanism unit configured to move the top panel in a vertical
direction; a leg body configured to support the top panel and
having the elevating mechanism unit; and an operating unit
configured to drive the elevating mechanism unit, wherein the
operating unit comprises: an operating member disposed below the
top panel; a support section configured to movably support the
operating member in the vertical direction; and a cover member
configured to cover the operating member, and wherein a lower end
portion of the cover member is disposed at the same position as or
below a lower end portion of the operating member in the vertical
direction.
2. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein
the operating member is rotatably supported by the support section
around an axis.
3. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein
the support section is formed integrally with the cover member.
4. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein
the cover member comprises a pair of upward pieces disposed to
sandwich the operating member in a direction along the axis,
extending upward, and having the support section, and upper end
portions of the upward pieces abut a lower surface of the top panel
and are attached to the lower surface of the top panel.
5. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 2, wherein
the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the
axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member;
and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting
member along a lower surface of the top panel.
6. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 5, wherein
the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel,
and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main
body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge
portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit
main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is
covered with the cover member.
7. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 1, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
8. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein
the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the
axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member;
and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting
member along a lower surface of the top panel.
9. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 4, wherein
the operating member comprises: a shaft member disposed on the
axis; a connecting member extending downward from the shaft member;
and an operating unit main body extending from the connecting
member along the lower surface of the top panel.
10. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 8, wherein
the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel,
and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main
body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge
portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit
main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is
covered with the cover member.
11. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 9, wherein
the cover member is attached to an edge portion of the top panel,
and when seen in the vertical direction, the operating unit main
body extends in a direction crossing a direction along the edge
portion of the top panel, and only a portion of the operating unit
main body on a side of a central section of the top panel is
covered with the cover member.
12. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 3, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
13. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 4, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
14. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 5, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
15. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 6, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
16. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 7, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
17. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 8, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
18. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 9, wherein
the operating unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode
configured for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction
using the elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode
configured for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical
direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
19. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 10,
wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top
panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in
the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a
top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved
in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
20. The top panel elevating-type desk according to claim 11,
wherein the operating unit is switchable between a top
panel-elevating mode configured for the top panel to be moved in
the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit, and a
top panel-fixing mode configured for the top panel not to be moved
in the vertical direction using the elevating mechanism unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a top panel elevating-type
desk capable of varying a height of a top panel in a vertical
direction according to requirements of a worker in a working space
such as an office, a public facility, or the like.
[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No.
2015-219934, filed Nov. 9, 2015, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In a working space such as an office, a public facility, or
the like, desk apparatuses (desks) that provide working areas to
workers are generally arranged. A height of a top panel of the desk
apparatus that enables easy working largely varies according to a
physical constitution, sex, or a preference of a worker. A desk
apparatus in which the top panel has a certain height cannot handle
such a situation. For this reason, a top panel elevating-type desk
in which the height of a top panel is variable in a vertical
direction is used.
[0004] When such a top panel elevating-type desk is used, a working
area having a top panel height in accordance with a request of a
worker can be provided, working efficiency can be improved, and a
load on a worker's body can be reduced.
[0005] As an elevating mechanism unit configured to move a top
panel in a vertical direction, a mechanism using a gas spring, a
mechanism using a gear, an electrically-operated mechanism, and the
like are known (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 5).
According to these elevating mechanism units, a relatively simple
structure is provided, and thus cost can be reduced to a low
level.
DOCUMENT OF RELATED ART
Patent Document
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3371959
[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 3391285
[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Utility Model Registered
Publication No. 3164739
[0009] Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application,
First Publication No. 2014-113505
[0010] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent No. 5718503
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0011] In the top panel elevating-type desk using such an elevating
mechanism unit, there is a need to install an operating member such
as a lever configured to instruct an elevating operation of the top
panel to the elevating mechanism unit. If the top panel is moved
upward or downward when the operating member is moved upward or
downward, since a worker can intuitively operate the operating
member, operability is improved.
[0012] However, since an upper surface of the top panel of the desk
serves as a working surface for a worker, when the operating member
is installed on the top panel, the working surface is narrowed, or
the operating member may be hidden by objects placed thereon such
as documents or the like. For this reason, in many cases, the
operating member is installed below the top panel.
[0013] However, when the operating member of the top panel
elevating-type desk is installed below the top panel, other
household goods used around the desk, a worker's legs, or the like,
may come in contact with the operating member, and a driving unit
may be operated against a worker's intention. In addition, since a
lower side of the operating member is exposed to the outside, the
operating member may come in contact with an obstacle when the top
panel is raised or lowered (in particular, when the top panel is
lowered).
[0014] In consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, an
object of the present invention is to provide a top panel
elevating-type desk configured to minimize unintentional operations
of an elevating mechanism unit.
Solution to Problem
[0015] A first aspect of a top panel elevating-type desk of the
present invention includes a top panel having an upper surface
serving as a working surface; an elevating mechanism unit
configured to move the top panel in a vertical direction; a leg
body configured to support the top panel and having the elevating
mechanism unit; and an operating unit configured to drive the
elevating mechanism unit, in which the operating unit has: an
operating member disposed below the top panel; a support section
configured to movably support the operating member in the vertical
direction; and a cover member configured to cover the operating
member, and a lower end portion of the cover member is disposed at
the same position as or below a lower end portion of the operating
member in the vertical direction.
[0016] According to the first aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, as the operating
member is disposed below the top panel, there is a possibility that
household goods, a worker's leg, or the like below the top panel
may come in contact with the operating member. When the household
goods or legs approach the operating member from below the
operating member, the household goods, legs, or the like abut the
cover member before the household goods, legs, or the like come in
contact with the operating member or at the same time at which they
come in contact with the operating member. That is, the operating
member is not pressed by the household goods, legs, or the
like.
[0017] In a second aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to the first aspect, the operating member is rotatably
supported by the support section around an axis.
[0018] According to the second aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, a structure in which
the operating member is supported by the support section can be
easily configured.
[0019] In a third aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to the first or second aspect, the support section is
formed integrally with the cover member.
[0020] According to the third aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, the whole external
shape of the support section and the cover member can be reduced in
size.
[0021] In a fourth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to the third aspect, the cover member includes a pair of
upward pieces disposed to sandwich the operating member in a
direction along the axis, extending upward, and having the support
section, and upper end portions of the upward pieces abut a lower
surface of the top panel and are attached to the lower surface of
the top panel.
[0022] According to the fourth aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, a bearing force when
household goods, legs, or the like come in contact with the upward
pieces is improved, and contact of the household goods, legs, or
the like with the operating member in the direction along the axis
can be minimized by the pair of upward pieces.
[0023] In a fifth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the operating
member has: a shaft member disposed on the axis; a connecting
member extending downward from the shaft member; and an operating
unit main body extending from the connecting member along a lower
surface of the top panel.
[0024] According to the fifth aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, since a distance
between the top panel and the operating unit main body in the
vertical direction is secured, the operating unit main body can be
easily moved downward by hooking a finger or the like on the upper
surface of the operating unit main body.
[0025] In a sixth aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to the fifth aspect, the cover member is attached to an
edge portion of the top panel, and when seen in the vertical
direction, the operating unit main body extends in a direction
crossing a direction along the edge portion of the top panel, and
only a portion of the operating unit main body on a side of a
central section of the top panel is covered with the cover
member.
[0026] According to the sixth aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, a portion of the
operating unit main body on a side of the edge portion of the top
panel that is not covered with the cover member can be easily
operated by a finger or the like from the edge portion side of the
top panel.
[0027] In a seventh aspect of the top panel elevating-type desk of
the present invention, in the top panel elevating-type desk
according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operating
unit is switchable between a top panel-elevating mode configured
for the top panel to be moved in the vertical direction using the
elevating mechanism unit, and a top panel-fixing mode configured
for the top panel not to be moved in the vertical direction using
the elevating mechanism unit.
[0028] According to the seventh aspect of the top panel
elevating-type desk of the present invention, when the operating
unit is switched to the top panel fixing mode, the top panel is in
a fixed state even when the operating member is moved in the
vertical direction, and unintentional operations of the elevating
mechanism unit can be more reliably minimized.
Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0029] According to the top panel elevating-type desk of the
present invention, unintentional operations of the elevating
mechanism unit can be minimized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. I is a perspective view of a top panel elevating-type
desk of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a side surface of an
operating switch of the top panel elevating-type desk of the
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing from below the
operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing from above the
operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an operating lever of the
operating switch of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing from the front a cover
member of the operating switch of the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover member showing
from behind the operating switch of the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lid member attached to the
cover member of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing from above an operating
switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to a variant of
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing from below a state in
which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the
present invention is attached to a top panel.
[0040] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing from above an
operating switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to
another variant of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing from below a state in
which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the
present invention is attached to the top panel.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing from above an
operating switch of a top panel elevating-type desk according to
another variant of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing from below a state in
which the operating switch of the variant of the embodiment of the
present invention is attached to the top panel.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a top panel elevating-type
desk according to the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, a top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the
embodiment includes a top panel 10 having an upper surface 10a
serving as a working surface, a pair of leg bodies 20 which are
disposed separately in a leftward/rightward direction X and have a
pair of lower support bodies 21 disposed on a floor surface F, a
pair of upper support bodies 22 disposed above the pair of lower
support bodies 21 and having upper end portions which support the
top panel 10, and a pair of elevating mechanism units 23 configured
to telescopically connect the pair of lower support bodies 21 and
the pair of upper support bodies 22, and an operating unit 30
connected to the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 and
configured to expand and contract the pair of elevating mechanism
units 23.
[0046] The top panel 10 is formed in a rectangular shape when seen
in parallel to a vertical direction Z. The length of a first side
10c of the top panel 10 extending in the leftward/rightward
direction X is larger than the length of a second side 10d
extending in a forward/rearward direction Y. Among the pair of
first sides 10c of the top panel 10, the first side 10c1 on a front
side is a side among the sides 10c and 10d of the top panel 10 that
is mainly used by a worker (a user).
[0047] Each of the lower support bodies 21 has a grounding frame 25
extending in the forward/rearward direction Y, and adjusters 26
installed on a lower surface of the grounding frame 25 on front and
rear sides and in contact with the floor surface F.
[0048] For example, each of the grounding frames 25 is configured
in a square tube shape by folding a steel plate.
[0049] Each of the adjusters 26 has a known configuration. As the
adjusters 26 are moved with respect to the grounding frames 25 in
the vertical direction Z, unevenness of the top panel
elevating-type desk 1 can be adjusted.
[0050] The upper support bodies 22 are configured in the same shape
as the grounding frames 25. The upper support bodies 22 are fixed
to a lower surface 10b of the top panel 10 by screw members or the
like (not shown).
[0051] The elevating mechanism units 23 are electrically-driven
units having the conventional configuration. Each of the elevating
mechanism units 23 includes a plurality of square tubes 23a, 23b
and 23c having different outer dimensions, and a driving mechanism
(not shown) accommodated in the square tubes 23a, 23b and 23c.
[0052] The square tubes 23a, 23b and 23c are movably fitted to each
other in the vertical direction Z, and the elevating mechanism
units 23 can be expanded or contracted in the vertical direction Z
by driving the driving mechanisms. Accordingly, the elevating
mechanism units 23 telescopically connect the lower support bodies
21 and the upper support bodies 22, and the top panel 10 is moved
in the vertical direction Z.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the operating unit 30 has an
operating lever (an operating member) 31 disposed below the top
panel 10, a cover member 32 configured to cover the operating lever
31, and an elevation control unit 33 (see FIG. 1) configured to
detect movement of the operating lever 31 and expand and contract
the pair of elevating mechanism units 23 according to a detected
moving direction of the operating lever 31. Note that "movement"
refers to both linear movement and rotational movement, and
"movement" as used in the embodiment refers to rotational
movement.
[0054] Further, the operating lever 31, the cover member 32, and
attachment pieces 52, an operating board 55 and a lid member 63
that will be described below constitute an operating switch 34.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the operating lever 31 has a
shaft member 37 supported by support sections 49 that are groove
sections (to be described below) formed in the cover member 32 and
disposed on an axis C, a first connecting member (a connecting
member) 38 extending downward from the shaft member 37, and an
operating unit main body 39 formed in a plate shape and extending
from a lower end portion of the connecting member 38 along the
lower surface 10b of the top panel 10 in the forward/rearward
direction Y.
[0056] The shaft member 37 is formed in a columnar shape extending
in the leftward/rightward direction X.
[0057] The first connecting member 38 is formed in a plate shape.
The thickness (the length in the forward/rearward direction Y) of
the first connecting member 38 is smaller than the outer diameter
of the shaft member 37.
[0058] A second connecting member 41 formed in a plate shape and
extending rearward is installed on the shaft member 37. The
thickness (the length in the vertical direction Z) of the second
connecting member 41 is smaller than the outer diameter of the
shaft member 37. A notch 41a is formed in a central section in the
leftward/rightward direction X of a rear end portion of the second
connecting member 41. A cylindrical boss 42 is formed in the notch
41a of the second connecting member 41. A through-hole 42a of the
boss 42 extends in the forward/rearward direction Y, and a rear end
portion of the through-hole 42a opens in the notch 41a.
[0059] The operating unit main body 39 extends forward and rearward
from the lower end portion of the connecting member 38. The
thickness (the length in the vertical direction Z) in a portion of
the operating unit main body 39 in front of the first connecting
member 38 is larger than the thickness of the operating unit main
body 39 in the vicinity of the first connecting member 38.
Accordingly, concave sections 39b and 39c are formed in an upper
surface and a lower surface of the portion of the operating unit
main body 39 in front of the first connecting member 38,
respectively. The concave sections 39b and 39c are formed
throughout the length of the operating unit main body 39 in the
leftward/rightward direction X.
[0060] In a portion of the operating unit main body 39 behind the
first connecting member 38, the thickness of a central section in
the forward/rearward direction Y is larger than the thickness of an
end portion in the forward/rearward direction Y.
[0061] A display unit 39d formed of an opaque resin is installed on
a front end surface of the operating unit main body 39. A pictorial
sign showing an elevation operating method of the top panel 10 of
the top panel elevating-type desk 1 or a display such as a name of
the company that manufactured the top panel elevating-type desk 1
may be formed on a front surface of the display unit 39d.
[0062] Lengths of the first connecting member 38, the operating
unit main body 39 and the second connecting member 41 in the
leftward/rightward direction X are substantially equal to each
other. An end portion of the shaft member 37 in the
leftward/rightward direction X protrudes from end portions of the
first connecting member 38 and the second connecting member 41 in
the leftward/rightward direction X.
[0063] The shaft member 37, the first connecting member 38, the
operating unit main body 39 aside from the display unit 39d, the
second connecting member 41 and the boss 42 are integrally formed
of a transparent resin material such as acryl or the like.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the cover member 32 has a pair of
upward pieces 45 disposed to sandwich the operating lever 31 in a
direction along the axis C (the leftward/rightward direction X), a
bottom piece 46 configured to connect lower end portions of the
pair of upward pieces 45 and configured to cover a lower side of
only a rear portion of the operating lever 31, and a rear piece 47
configured to connect rear end portions of the pair of upward
pieces 45.
[0065] Each of the upward pieces 45 is formed in a rectangular
plate shape extending in the vertical direction Z and the
forward/rearward direction Y. Corner sections 45a of front lower
portions of the upward pieces 45 are formed in curved shapes
protruding forward and downward. The support sections 49 that are
groove sections with which the end portions of the shaft member 37
are engaged are formed in surfaces that become inner sides of the
upward pieces 45 in the leftward/rightward direction X. The support
sections 49 have vertical grooves 49a extending downward from upper
ends of the upward pieces 45, and longitudinal grooves 49b
extending rearward from lower end portions of the vertical grooves
49a and in communication with the vertical grooves 49a.
[0066] Bosses 50 extending in the vertical direction Z are formed
on the surfaces that become the above-mentioned inner sides of the
upward pieces 45. Upper end surfaces of the bosses 50 are disposed
below the upper ends of the upward pieces 45.
[0067] The end portions of the shaft member 37 of the operating
lever 31 are inserted into the vertical grooves 49a of the support
sections 49 from above, and engaged with the longitudinal grooves
49b. The shaft member 37 of the operating lever 31 can be rotated
around the axis C within the longitudinal grooves 49b. That is, the
support sections 49 supports the operating lever 31 such that a
front end portion 39a of the operating lever 31 can be rotationally
moved upward and downward from a neutral position P1 by rotation of
the operating lever 31 around the axis C. The neutral position P1
referred herein is a position at which the elevating mechanism
units 23 are not expanded or contracted (the top panel 10 is not
moved in the vertical direction Z) even when the elevation control
unit 33 detects a position of the operating lever 31 disposed at
the neutral position P1.
[0068] The operating lever 31 may be supported to be movable in
parallel to the vertical direction Z by the support sections 49. In
this case, in order to perform smooth parallel movement of the
operating lever 31 using the support sections 49, for example, a
so-called pantograph type link structure, a four-joint link
structure, or the like may be used in the support sections 49. As a
structure in which the operating lever 31 is rotatably supported
around the axis C is employed in the support sections 49, a
structure in which the operating lever 31 is supported by the
support sections 49 is easily provided.
[0069] The operating unit main body 39 of the operating lever 31 is
substantially parallel to a horizontal surface at the neutral
position P1 shown in FIG. 2. Since the operating lever 31 has the
shaft member 37, the first connecting member 38 and the operating
unit main body 39, a distance between the top panel 10 and the
operating unit main body 39 disposed at the neutral position P1 in
the vertical direction Z is secured, and a finger or the like is
easily inserted between the top panel 10 and the operating unit
main body 39. The operating lever 31 is rotated to be moved to an
upper position P2 such that the end portion 39a of the operating
lever 31 moves upward from the neutral position P1. Meanwhile, the
operating lever 31 is rotated to move to a lower position P3 such
that the end portion 39a of the operating lever 31 moves downward
from the neutral position P1.
[0070] As shown in. FIG. 6, a front end portion 46a of the bottom
piece 46 is curved to protrude rearward. The end portion 46a of the
bottom piece 46 is disposed behind the front end portions of the
upward pieces 45.
[0071] While the bottom piece 46 covers the lower side of the rear
portion of the operating lever 31, the bottom piece 46 does not
cover a lower side of a front portion of the operating lever 31.
Accordingly, the front portion of the operating lever 31 is easily
operated by a finger or the like.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, a square hole 47a and a round hole 47b
are formed in the rear piece 47. A cylindrical boss 47c is formed
on the front surface of the rear piece 47.
[0073] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the attachment pieces
52 extending away from each other along the lower surface 10b of
the top panel 10 are formed on the upper end portions of the upward
pieces 45. Through-holes 52a extending in the vertical direction Z
are formed in the attachment pieces 52.
[0074] The pair of upward pieces 45, the bottom piece 46, the rear
piece 47 and the pair of attachment pieces 52 are integrally formed
of a resin material. The support sections 49 formed in the upward
pieces 45 are integrally formed with the cover member 32. As the
support sections 49 are integrally formed with the cover member 32,
the whole external shape of the support sections 49 and the cover
member 32 can be reduced.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover member 32 covers the rear
portion of the operating lever 31 from below without covering the
front portion of the operating lever 31 from below. A lower end
portion of the bottom piece 46 that is a lower end portion of the
cover member 32 is disposed below a lower end portion of the
operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1.
[0076] Note that in the embodiment, the lower end portion of the
bottom piece 46 that is the lower end portion of the cover member
32 is disposed below the lower end portion of the operating lever
31 disposed at the neutral position P1. However, the lower end
portion of the bottom piece 46 that is the lower end portion of the
cover member 32 may be disposed at the same position as the lower
end portion of the operating lever 31 disposed at the neutral
position P1 in the vertical direction Z.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the operating board 55 is
attached to the cover member 32. The operating board 55 has a
plate-shaped base member 56, a light-emitting diode (LED, a
light-emitting unit) 57 and a toggle switch 58 attached to one
surface of the plate-shaped base member 56, a local area network
(LAN) connector 59 attached to the other surface of the base member
56, a selector switch 60, and a switch control circuit (not
shown).
[0078] The toggle switch 58, the LAN connector 59 and the selector
switch 60 are connected to the switch control circuit.
[0079] The base member 56 is formed of a material having
insulation. A through-hole 56a is formed in the base member 56,
[0080] The second connecting member 41 of the operating lever 31 is
irradiated with illumination light emitted forward from the LED
57.
[0081] The toggle switch 58 has a known configuration, and a lever
58b is swingable upward and downward from a neutral position with
respect to a switch main body 58a. The lever 58b is inserted
through the through-hole 42a of the boss 42 formed on the second
connecting member 41 of the operating lever 31.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, when the operating lever 31 is disposed
at the neutral position P1, the lever 58b is disposed at the
neutral position. When the operating lever 31 is disposed at the
upper position P2, the lever 58b swings downward from the neutral
position. When the operating lever 31 is disposed at the lower
position P3, the lever 58b swings upward from the neutral
position.
[0083] The toggle switch 58 includes a return spring (not shown)
configured to bias the lever 58b to return to the neutral position
from a position at which the lever 58b has swung upward and
downward with respect to the switch main body 58a. Accordingly, the
lever 58b is disposed at the neutral position when an external
force is not applied. Since the through-hole 42a of the boss 42 is
engaged with the lever 58b, when the operating lever 31 is not
operated, the operating lever 31 is disposed at the neutral
position P1.
[0084] Further, the operating switch 34 may include a spring member
(not shown) such that the operating lever 31 disposed at the upper
position P2 and the lower position P3 is more securely returned to
the neutral position P1 when the operating lever 31 is not
operated.
[0085] A signal (an operating instruction) showing a state in which
the lever 58b has swung upward and downward is transmitted to the
switch control circuit.
[0086] The LAN connector 59 is disposed in the square hole 47a of
the rear piece 47. A LAN cable 61 shown in FIG. 7 is connected to
the LAN connector 59.
[0087] The selector switch 60 is disposed in the round hole 47b of
the rear piece 47. The selector switch 60 transmits a signal to the
switch control circuit every time the selector switch 60 is
pushed.
[0088] The switch control circuit converts a signal showing a state
in which the lever 58b has swung and a signal of the selector
switch 60 and transmits the converted signals to the LAN connector
59. The signals are transmitted to the LAN cable 61 via the LAN
connector 59.
[0089] A configuration of the switch control circuit is not
particularly limited and any known control circuit may be used as
long as the switch control circuit carries out the above-mentioned
functions.
[0090] A power wiring (not shown) is connected to the operating
board 55. The operating board 55 is fixed to the cover member 32 by
screwing a screw member (not shown) into a cylindrical hole of the
boss 47c while inserting the screw member through the through-hole
56a of the base member 56.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the plate-shaped lid member 63 is
attached to the bosses 50 of the cover member 32. Corner sections
63a of front upper portions of the lid member 63 are formed in
curve shapes that become a part of a columnar side surface
extending in the leftward/rightward direction X. A pair of
through-holes 63b are formed to pass through the lid member 63 in
the vertical direction Z.
[0092] Pressing members 64 are formed on end portions of the lid
member 63 on the front side in the leftward/rightward direction
X.
[0093] The lid member 63 is attached to the cover member 32 by
screwing screw members 65 shown in FIG. 4 into cylindrical holes of
the bosses 50 of the cover member 32 while inserting the screw
members 65 through the through-holes 63b of the lid member 63.
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, as the pressing members 64 close the
vertical grooves 49a of the cover member 32, the shaft member 37
engaged with the longitudinal grooves 49b cannot be removed from
the longitudinal grooves 49b.
[0094] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the attachment pieces 52 of the
cover member 32 of the operating switch 34 configured as above are
attached to the lower surface 10b of the top panel 10 by screwing
the screw members 65 into screw receivers (not shown) formed in the
lower surface 10b of the top panel 10 while inserting the screw
members 65 through the through-holes 52a of the attachment pieces
52 of the cover member 32. The cover member 32 is attached to an
edge portion 10e of the first side 10c1 on the front side of the
top panel 10.
[0095] Here, the upper end portions of the upward pieces 45 abut
the lower surface 10b of the top panel 10 and are attached to the
lower surface 10b of the top panel 10.
[0096] As the upward pieces 45 configured to support the operating
lever 31 at both sides in the leftward/rightward direction X are
attached to the top panel 10, in comparison with the case in which
the operating lever 31 is supported at one side in the
leftward/rightward direction X, a bearing force when household
goods, legs, or the like come in contact with the upward pieces 45
is improved.
[0097] When seen in the vertical direction Z, the operating lever
31 extends in the forward/rearward direction Y crossing the
leftward/rightward direction X along the edge portion 10e of the
top panel 10 (see FIG. 3). Only a portion of the operating lever 31
on a side of a central section 10f of the top panel 10 is covered
with the cover member 32.
[0098] While not shown, the elevation control unit 33 has a control
circuit, a memory in which a control program or the like configured
to control the control circuit is stored, a power supply unit
configured to drive the driving mechanism or the like of the
elevating mechanism units 23, and so on. The control circuit has,
as a control mode, a top panel-elevating mode in which the
elevating mechanism units 23 are expanded or contracted (driven)
and the top panel is moved 10 in the vertical direction Z using the
elevating mechanism units 23, and a top panel-fixing mode in which
the elevating mechanism units 23 are not expanded or contracted and
movement of the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z using the
elevating mechanism units 23 is prevented.
[0099] The top panel-elevating mode is a control mode in which the
control circuit moves the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z
according to a signal showing a state in which the lever 58b has
swung.
[0100] The control circuit expands the pair of elevating mechanism
units 23 when it is detected that the operating lever 31 is moved
upward. The control circuit contacts the pair of elevating
mechanism units 23 when it is detected that the operating lever 31
is moved downward.
[0101] Meanwhile, the top panel-fixing mode is a control mode in
which a position of the top panel 10 in the vertical direction Z is
fixed while the control circuit does not move the top panel 10 in
the vertical direction Z regardless of a signal showing a state in
which the lever 58b has swung being received.
[0102] The control circuit is switchable between the top
panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode.
[0103] Further, a configuration of the control circuit or the
memory in which a control program or the like configured to control
the control circuit is stored is not particularly limited and every
known control circuit or memory may be used as long as the control
circuit or the memory carries out the above-mentioned functions. In
addition, any known central processing unit (CPU) or integrated
circuit (IC) which has a control circuit and a memory in which a
control program or the like configured to control the control
circuit is stored as a set may also be used.
[0104] The power supply unit converts, for example, an alternating
current supplied from the outside into a direct current. The power
supply unit supplies the converted direct current to the driving
mechanism and the like. For example, the power supply unit supplies
the converted direct current to the LED 57 only in the top
panel-elevating mode.
[0105] The LAN cable 61, the power wiring, the above-mentioned
driving mechanism, and a power cable 68 (see FIG. 1) are connected
to the elevation control unit 33. A plug (not shown) is provided on
the power cable 68.
[0106] The elevating mechanism units 23 switch a control mode
between the top panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode
every time the elevating mechanism units 23 receive a signal of the
above-mentioned selector switch 60.
[0107] The elevation control unit 33 receives a signal showing a
state in which the lever 58b has swung and a signal of the selector
switch 60 via the LAN cable 61.
[0108] Next, an action of the top panel elevating-type desk 1
configured as above will be described.
[0109] When the plug is inserted into a plug socket (not shown),
the control circuit of the elevation control unit 33 is started.
Here, it is assumed that a control mode of the control circuit is
the top panel-elevating mode. The power supply unit supplies the
converted direct current to the driving mechanism, the LED 57, and
the like.
[0110] Since the operating lever 31 is formed of a transparent
material except the display unit 39d, some of the illumination
light emitted from the LED 57 enters the operating lever 31 from
the second connecting member 41. The illumination light that has
entered is reflected in the operating lever 31, and almost all of
the operating lever 31 glows and can draw attention of the
worker.
[0111] Here, since the display unit 39d is formed of an opaque
material, the display formed on the display unit 39d does not
become hard to see.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 2, when the top panel 10 is moved upward, a
worker performs an operation of hooking a thumb Q1 on the upper
surface 10a of the top panel 10 and hooking a ventral side of an
index finger Q2 or the like on the concave section 39c of the lower
surface of the operating unit main body 39. The operating lever 31
is rotated such that the end portion 39a of the operating lever 31
is moved upward while the thumb Q1 is hooked on the top panel 10,
and the operating lever 31 is moved from the neutral position P1 to
the upper position P2. The lever 58b of the toggle switch 58 swings
downward from the neutral position, and a signal showing a state in
which the lever 58b has swung is transmitted to the elevation
control unit 33 via the switch control circuit, the LAN connector
59 and the LAN cable 61.
[0113] The cover member 32 is attached to the edge portion 10e of
the top panel 10, and only a portion of the operating lever 31 on
the side of the central section 10f of the top panel 10 is covered
with the cover member 32. For this reason, a portion of the
operating unit main body 39 that is not covered with the cover
member 32 is easily operated by a finger or the like from the edge
portion 10e side of the top panel 10.
[0114] The elevation control unit 33 expands the elevating
mechanism units 23 in the vertical direction Z using the driving
mechanisms. Accordingly, the top panel 10 is moved upward.
[0115] Meanwhile, when the top panel 10 is moved downward, the
index finger Q2 or the like is hooked in the concave section 39b of
the upper surface of the operating unit main body 39. The operating
lever 31 is rotated such that the end portion 39a of the operating
lever 31 is moved downward, and the operating lever 31 is moved
from the neutral position P1 to the lower position P3. The lever
58b of the toggle switch 58 swings upward from the neutral
position, and a signal showing a state in which the lever 58b has
swung is transmitted to the elevation control unit 33.
[0116] The elevation control unit 33 contracts the elevating
mechanism units 23 in the vertical direction Z using the driving
mechanisms. Accordingly, the top panel 10 is moved downward.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 2, there may be a case where a moving body
T such as other household goods, a worker's leg, or the like
unintentionally approaches the operating switch 34 from below the
operating switch 34. Since the lower end portion of the cover
member 32 is disposed below the lower end portion of the operating
lever 31 disposed at the neutral position P1, the moving body T
moving upward from below and approaching the operating switch 34
abuts the bottom piece 46 of the cover member 32 and does not
easily come in contact with the operating lever 31.
[0118] In addition, since the pair of upward pieces 45 are disposed
to sandwich the operating lever 31 in the leftward/rightward
direction X, the moving body T does not easily come in contact with
the operating lever 31 in the leftward/rightward direction X.
[0119] When the top panel 10 is not moved upward and downward for a
while, the selector switch 60 is pressed. A signal of the selector
switch 60 is transmitted to the elevation control unit 33 via the
switch control circuit, the LAN connector 59 and the LAN cable 61.
Then, a control mode of the control circuit of the elevation
control unit 33 is switched from the top panel-elevating mode to
the top panel-fixing mode. Since direct current is not supplied to
the LED 57, the operating lever 31 does not glow. A worker can
easily recognize the control mode of the control circuit according
to whether the operating lever 31 glows or not.
[0120] In this state, even when the end portion 39a of the
operating lever 31 is moved upward and downward, the top panel 10
is in a fixed state without moving upward and downward.
[0121] When the top panel 10 is to be moved again, the selector
switch 60 is pressed to switch the control mode of the control
circuit from the top panel-fixing mode to the top panel-elevating
mode, and then the end portion 39a of the operating lever 31 is
moved upward or downward.
[0122] Note that in the embodiment, the LED 57 may be controlled to
emit illumination light regardless of the control mode of the
control circuit.
[0123] As described above, according to the top panel
elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment, as the operating lever 31
is disposed below the top panel 10, there is a possibility that the
moving body T disposed below the top panel 10 may come in contact
with the operating lever 31. However, when the moving body T
approaches the operating lever 31 from below the operating lever
31, the moving body T abuts the bottom piece 46 that is the lower
end portion of the cover member 32 before the moving body T comes
in contact with the operating lever 31. That is, the operating
lever 31 is not moved by the moving body T.
[0124] Accordingly, an unintentional operation of the elevating
mechanism units 23 by a worker can be prevented.
[0125] As described above, according to the top panel
elevating-type desk 1 of the embodiment, the following effects are
obtained.
[0126] It is possible to securely prevent the moving body T from
coming in contact with the operating lever 31 and causing a faulty
operation of the switch control circuit, and to prevent the switch
control circuit from malfunctioning.
[0127] Since the top panel 10 is moved upward and downward when the
front end portion 39a of the operating lever 31 is moved upward and
downward, operability of the operating lever 31 becomes good.
[0128] Since the operating lever 31 is supported by the support
sections 49 to be rotatable about the axis C, a structure in which
the operating lever 31 is supported by the support sections 49 can
be easily configured.
[0129] Since the support sections 49 are integrally formed with the
cover member 32, the whole external shape of the support sections
49 and the cover member 32 can be reduced.
[0130] The cover member 32 has the pair of upward pieces 45, and
the upper end portions of the upward pieces 45 abut the lower
surface 10b of the top panel 10 to be attached to the lower surface
10b of the top panel 10. In comparison with the case in which the
operating lever 31 is supported at one side in the
leftward/rightward direction X, a bearing force when the moving
body T comes in contact with the upward pieces 45 can be
improved.
[0131] The operating lever 31 has the shaft member 37, the first
connecting member 38, and the operating unit main body 39.
[0132] Since a distance between the top panel 10 and the operating
unit main body 39 in the vertical direction Z is secured, the
operating unit main body 39 can be easily moved downward by hooking
a finger in the concave section 39b of the upper surface of the
operating unit main body 39.
[0133] The cover member 32 is attached to the edge portion 10e of
the top panel 10, and only a portion of the operating lever 31 on
the side of the central section 10f of the top panel 10 is covered
with the cover member 32. Accordingly, a front portion of the
operating unit main body 39 that is not covered with the cover
member 32 can be easily operated by a finger or the like from the
edge portion 10e side of the top panel 10.
[0134] The elevation control unit 33 is switchable between the top
panel-elevating mode and the top panel-fixing mode. When the
control mode of the elevation control unit 33 is switched to the
top panel-fixing mode, the top panel 10 is in a fixed state even
when the operating lever 31 is moved in the vertical direction Z,
and an unintentional operation of the elevating mechanism units 23
can be more reliably controlled.
[0135] As described below, the configuration of the operating
switch 34 of the embodiment can be variously modified. Note that in
the following description, the same components as in the above
embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in the
above embodiment and description thereof will be omitted. In an
operating switch 75 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an operating lever (an
operating member) 76 and a cover member 77 may be provided instead
of the operating lever 31 and the cover member 32 of the
above-mentioned operating switch 34. The operating switch 75
constitutes a top panel elevating-type desk 2 together with the top
panel 10, the pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.
[0136] The operating lever 76 includes an operating unit main body
80 instead of the operating unit main body 39 of the operating
lever 31. The operating unit main body 80 is formed in a plate
shape. A concave section 80a is formed in an upper surface of a
portion of the operating unit main body 80 in front of a first
connecting member 381 (a connecting member). The concave section
80a is formed in a central section of the operating unit main body
80 except a front end portion of the operating unit main body 80
and end portions of the operating unit main body 80 in the
leftward/rightward direction X.
[0137] A step portion 80b, which is stepped above from a rear
portion of the operating unit main body 80, is formed on a lower
surface of a portion of the operating unit main body 80 in front of
the first connecting member 381. The step portion 80b is formed
throughout the length of the operating unit main body 80 in the
leftward/rightward direction X
[0138] The cover member 77 includes a pair of upward pieces 82 and
a bottom piece 83 instead of the pair of upward pieces 45 and the
bottom piece 46 of the cover member 32.
[0139] In the variant, the length of the upward pieces 82 in the
forward/rearward direction Y is smaller than that of the upward
pieces 45 in the forward/rearward direction Y, and substantially
equal to that of the attachment pieces 52 in the forward/rearward
direction Y. Corner sections 82a of front lower portions of the
upward pieces 82 are chamfered as inclined flat surfaces.
[0140] The bottom piece 83 is formed in a rectangular plate shape,
and connects lower end portions of the pair of upward pieces
82.
[0141] A front portion of the operating unit main body 80 protrudes
forward further than the pair of upward pieces 82, the bottom piece
83 and the lid member 63.
[0142] The cover member 77 covers a rear portion of the operating
unit main body 80. A lower end portion of the cover member 77 is
disposed below the lower end portion of the operating lever 76
disposed at the neutral position P1.
[0143] In the top panel elevating-type desk 2 configured as above,
the same effects as the top panel elevating-type desk 1 of the
embodiment can be exhibited.
[0144] In an operating switch 90 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an
operating lever (an operating member) 91 may be provided instead of
the operating lever 76 of the operating switch 75 of the
above-mentioned variant. The operating switch 90 constitutes a top
panel elevating-type desk 3 together with the top panel 10, the
pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.
[0145] An operating unit main body 92 of the operating lever 91 is
formed in a plate shape. A pair of reinforcement ribs 92a extending
in the forward/rearward direction Y are formed on an upper surface
of a portion of the operating unit main body 92 in front of a first
connecting member 382 (a connecting member). The reinforcement ribs
92a are formed on end portions of the operating unit main body 92
in the leftward/rightward direction X. The height (the length in
the vertical direction Z) of the reinforcement ribs 92a increases
as the reinforcement ribs 92a approach the first connecting member
382.
[0146] A concavo-convex section 92b constituted by a plurality of
protrusions is formed on the upper surface of a portion of the
operating unit main body 92 between the pair of reinforcement ribs
92a.
[0147] A concavo-convex section 92c configured similarly to the
concavo-convex section 92b is formed on a lower surface of a
portion of the operating unit main body 92 in front of the first
connecting member 382. The concavo-convex sections 92b and 92c
prevent a finger or the like from slipping on the operating unit
main body 92 when the operating unit main body 92 is operated by
the finger or the like.
[0148] In an operating switch 95 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, an
operating lever (an operating member) 96 may be provided instead of
the operating lever 76 of the operating switch 75 of the
above-mentioned variant. The operating switch 95 constitutes a top
panel elevating-type desk 4 together with the top panel 10, the
pair of leg bodies 20, and so on.
[0149] An operating unit main body 97 of the operating lever 96 is
formed in an inverted V shape in which a portion of the operating
lever 96 in front of a first connecting member 383 (a connecting
member) protrudes upward. That is, the operating unit main body 97
has a first inclined plate 99 extending, from a lower end portion
of the first connecting member 383, diagonally upward as the first
inclined plate 99 goes forward, and a second inclined plate 100
extending, from an upper end portion of the first inclined plate
99, diagonally downward as the second inclined plate 100 goes
forward. The first inclined plate 99 and the second inclined plate
100 are formed in plate shapes extending in the leftward/rightward
direction X.
[0150] A locking rib 100a extending in the leftward/rightward
direction X is formed on a front surface of a lower end portion of
the second inclined plate 100.
[0151] The operating lever 96 is supported rotatably around the
axis C. As the front portion of the operating lever 96 is formed in
an inverted V shape, when the front surface of the second inclined
plate 100 that is a front end portion of the operating lever 96 is
pressed rearward, a force pressing the front surface downward is
generated by a partial force of the pressed force. Accordingly, the
front end portion of the operating lever 96 is easily moved
downward.
[0152] The locking rib 100a prevents a finger or the like from
slipping on the second inclined plate 100 when the front end
portion of the operating lever 96 is moved downward.
[0153] While an embodiment and variants of the present invention
have been described above with reference to the accompanying
drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the
embodiment and may include modifications, combinations, deletions,
or the like of the components without departing from the spirit of
the present invention.
[0154] For example, in the embodiment and the variants, the bottom
piece and the rear piece 47 of the cover member may be omitted. In
this case, for example, a pair of upward pieces cover the rear
portion of the operating lever in the leftward/rightward direction
X. The lower end portions of the pair of upward pieces are disposed
on the same position or below in the vertical direction Z with
respect to the lower end portion of the operating lever disposed at
the neutral position P1. The attachment pieces 52 of the cover
member may be omitted, and the upward pieces or the like of the
cover member may be directly attached to the lower surface 10b of
the top panel 10.
[0155] The selector switch 60 of the cover member may be omitted,
the top panel-fixing mode as a control mode in the control circuit
of the elevation control unit 33 may be omitted, and the control
circuit of the elevation control unit 33 may include only the top
panel-elevating mode.
[0156] The LED 57 of the cover member may be omitted.
[0157] The lower end portion of the cover member may be disposed at
the same position or below in the vertical direction Z with respect
to the lower end portion of the operating lever disposed at any one
of the neutral position P1, the upper position P2 and the lower
position P3.
[0158] Although the support sections 49 have been described as
being formed integrally with the cover member 32, the support
sections 49 and the cover member 32 may be configured as different
parts and may be separately attached to the lower surface 10b of
the top panel 10.
[0159] Although the elevating mechanism unit 23 has been described
as an electrically-operated mechanism, the elevating mechanism unit
23 is not limited thereto and may be a mechanism using a gas
spring, a mechanism using a gear, or the like.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0160] According to the present invention, it is possible to
provide a top panel elevating-type desk capable of minimizing
unintentional operations of an elevating mechanism unit.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0161] 1, 2, 3, 4 Top panel elevating-type desk
[0162] 10 Top panel
[0163] 10a Upper surface
[0164] 10b Lower surface
[0165] 10e Edge portion
[0166] 10f Central section
[0167] 20 Leg body
[0168] 23 Elevating mechanism unit
[0169] 30 Operating unit
[0170] 31, 76, 91, 96 Operating lever (operating member)
[0171] 32, 77 Cover member
[0172] 37 Shaft member
[0173] 38, 381, 382, 383 First connecting member (connecting
member)
[0174] 39, 80, 92, 97 Operating unit main body
[0175] 45, 82 Upward piece
[0176] 49 Support section
[0177] 52 Attachment piece
[0178] C Axis
[0179] F Floor surface
[0180] Z Vertical direction
* * * * *