JP4463343B2 - Reaction device with locking mechanism and locking mechanism using the same - Google Patents

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、弾性的に伸縮可能であると共に任意の長さで固定可能なロック機構付き反力装置及びこれを利用するロッキング機構に関する。さらに詳述すると、本発明はロック機構付き反力装置のロック機構の改良に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
椅子の座及び背凭れを傾動可能とするロッキング機構を備えた椅子がある。例えば図６に示す椅子１００のロッキング機構は、脚１０３に固定された前部シートフレーム１０１と、脚１０３に対して揺動可能な後部シートフレーム１０２と、これら両フレーム１０１，１０２の間に介在されて後部シートフレーム１０２を初期位置に復帰させる力を付与する反力装置１０４とを備えている。この反力装置１０４は、ガススプリングから成るものにしている。そして、ガススプリングとしては、荷重Ｗにより背凭れをフリーロッキングできるように伸縮可能になる状態と背凭れを任意位置で固定するように長さを固定した状態とに切り換えできるロック機構付きのタイプを使用している。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述したロック機構付きの反力装置ではガススプリングを使用しているので、反力装置の廃棄の際には穿孔して内部の高圧窒素を逃がさなければならず、廃棄処理が煩雑になってしまう。また、ガススプリングは伸縮長さによらずばね定数がほぼ一定であるので、伸縮量によって反力の大きさを大きく変更することは非常に困難である。このため、この反力装置を組み込んだロッキング機構の使用感が良くない場合がある。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明は、ガススプリングを使用することなく伸縮のロックを行うことができるロック機構付き反力装置およびこれを利用したロッキング機構を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
かかる目的を達成するために請求項１記載の発明は、弾性的に伸縮可能であると共に任意の長さで固定可能なロック機構付き反力装置において、伸縮により互いの間隔を変更する第１及び第２の端部部材と、第１の端部部材に連結して固定される第１のクラッチ部材と、第２の端部部材に連結して固定されると共に第１のクラッチ部材に重なって接触しながら伸縮方向に摺動可能な第２のクラッチ部材と、第１の端部部材及び第２の端部部材の間に設けられてこれらの端部部材の間隔を弾性的に変更可能にする弾発手段と、弾発手段を第１の端部部材側から支持する第１のばねマウントと、弾発手段を第２の端部部材側から支持すると共に第２の端部部材に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定される第２のばねマウントと、第１のクラッチ部材及び第２のクラッチ部材を重ね方向に締め付け可能であると共に第１のクラッチ部材に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定される締め部材と、第１のばねマウントを介して弾発手段の弾発力を受けると共に弾発力を締め部材に伝達する伝達部材と、締め部材と伝達部材との当接部の少なくとも一方に形成されると共に伝達部材が締め部材を押圧したときに締め部材が第１のクラッチ部材および第２のクラッチ部材を締め付ける方向に付勢するよう傾斜したテーパ面と、締め部材に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定されて伝達部材を第２の端部部材側に押圧可能であると共に、伝達部材への押圧により伝達部材を締め部材から離して締め部材を重ね方向に自由にして第１の端部部材と第２の端部部材との間隔を変更可能にするフリー状態と、伝達部材への押圧の解除により弾発手段が伝達部材を締め部材側に押し出してテーパ面を介して締め部材を内側に押圧し第１のクラッチ部材および第２のクラッチ部材を重ね方向に締め付けて長さを固定するロック状態とに切換可能なロック部材とを備え、第１の端部部材と第２の端部部材との間隔を弾性的に変更可能にする反力及び伝達部材を介して締め部材によって第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とを締め付ける作動力を弾発手段から得るようにして弾発手段を反力の発生用と締め付ける作動力の発生用とに共用するようにしている。
【０００６】
したがって、ロック部材をロック状態にしたときは、ロック部材から伝達部材への押圧が解除されるので、弾発手段が伝達部材を押圧してテーパ面を介して締め部材を押圧する。そして、弾発手段の押圧力はテーパ面により斜め方向に方向転換される。ここで、締め部材は第１のクラッチ部材に対して伸縮方向に固定されているので、伝達部材により押圧されても伸縮方向には移動せず、テーパ面で生じた分力によって第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とを締め付ける方向に付勢される。これにより、第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とが締め付けによる摩擦抵抗により互いに摺動できなくなって、第１の端部部材と第２の端部部材との間隔が固定されて、ロック機構付き反力装置の長さがロックされる。よって、反力装置のロックをするための作動力を反力発生用の弾発手段から得ることができる。
【０００７】
一方、ロック部材をフリー状態にしたときは、ロック部材により伝達部材が締め部材から離隔される。これにより、伝達部材による締め部材の締め付けが解除されるので、第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とが互いに摺動可能になる。よって、ロック機構付き反力装置が伸縮可能になる。このとき、第１の端部部材と第２の端部部材とは弾発手段を挟んで連結されているので、弾性的に間隔を変化させることができる。
【０００８】
さらに、弾発手段としてガススプリング以外の圧縮コイルばね等を使用することができるので、ガススプリングを使用する場合に比べて廃棄処分が容易になると共に、反力装置の伸縮量に応じて変化する反力を得ることができる。
【０００９】
また、請求項２記載の発明は、請求項１記載のロック機構付き反力装置において、第１のクラッチ部材は隙間を空けて重なるように複数設けられると共に、第２のクラッチ部材は第１のクラッチ部材に対して互い違いに成るように隙間に入り込んで複数設けられるようにしている。
【００１０】
したがって、第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とは互い違いに組まれるので、締め部材により締め付けられたときに複数の面で接触するようになる。このため、摩擦抵抗が大きくなりロック機構付き反力装置を固定したときのロック力が大きくなる。
【００１１】
さらに、請求項３記載の発明は、請求項１または２記載のロック機構付き反力装置において、第２の端部部材と第２のばねマウントとの間には弾発手段の初期長さを変更可能な初圧調整機構が設けられているようにしている。したがって、初圧調整機構により弾発手段の初期長さを変更して初圧を変更できるので、ロック機構付き反力装置のばね定数を調整することができる。
【００１２】
一方、請求項４記載の発明は、支持部材に対して被支持部材を揺動可能に支持すると共に被支持部材を反力付与機構により初期位置に向けて付勢するロッキング機構において、反力付与機構を請求項１から３までのいずれか記載のロック機構付き反力装置にしている。したがって、ロッキング機構にロック機構を備えながらもガススプリングを使用しないようにできる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の構成を図面に示す実施の形態の一例に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１〜図４に本発明のロック機構付き反力装置１の一実施形態を示す。このロック機構付き反力装置１は、弾性的に伸縮可能であると共に任意の長さで固定可能なものとしている。ロック機構付き反力装置１は、伸縮により互いの間隔を変更する第１及び第２の端部部材２，３と、第１の端部部材２に連結して固定される第１のクラッチ部材４と、第２の端部部材３に連結して固定される第２のクラッチ部材５と、第１の端部部材２及び第２の端部部材３の間に設けられる弾発手段９と、弾発手段９を第１の端部部材２側から支持する第１のばねマウント７と、弾発手段９を第２の端部部材３側から支持する第２のばねマウント３８と、各クラッチ部材４，５を重ね方向に締め付け可能な締め部材６と、弾発手段９の弾発力を締め部材６に伝達する伝達部材３６と、締め部材６と伝達部材３６との少なくとも一方に形成されるテーパ面８と、ロック機構付き反力装置１を伸縮自在なフリー状態と長さを固定したロック状態とに切り換えるロック部材１０とを備えている。
【００１４】
第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とは、互いに重なって接触しており、ロック機構付き反力装置１の伸縮に伴い摺動可能に設けられている。このため、締め部材６により第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とを締め付けることにより、これら第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５との接触面で摩擦抵抗が生じて摺動できなくなりロック機構付き反力装置１の長さがロックされる。
【００１５】
本実施形態では、第１のクラッチ部材４は隙間を空けて重なるように複数設けられると共に、第２のクラッチ部材５は第１のクラッチ部材４に対して互い違いに成るように隙間に入り込んで複数設けられている。このため、第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とは締め部材６により締め付けられたときに複数の面で接触するので、摩擦抵抗が大きくなりロック機構付き反力装置１を固定したときのロック力を大きくすることができる。また、本実施形態では第１のクラッチ部材４を６枚、第２のクラッチ部材５を７枚設けているが、これには限られないのは勿論である。
【００１６】
弾発手段９は両端部をそれぞれ第１のばねマウント７と第２のばねマウント３８とに支持されて、第１の端部部材２及び第２の端部部材３の間隔を弾性的に変更可能にしている。この弾発手段９は、本実施形態では圧縮コイルばねから成るようにしている。但し、弾発手段９としては圧縮コイルばねには限られず、ゴム等の弾性体を使用することもできる。
【００１７】
締め部材６は、第１のクラッチ部材４に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定されている。伝達部材３６は、第１のばねマウント７を介して弾発手段９の弾発力を受けると共にこの弾発力を締め部材６に伝達する。本実施形態では、伝達部材３６と第１のばねマウント７とを一体形成している。このため、部品点数の増加を抑えることができる。但し、伝達部材３６と第１のばねマウント７とは別体であっても良く、この場合も伝達部材３６が弾発手段９の弾発力を締め部材６に伝達するようにできる。
【００１８】
また、テーパ面８は、締め部材６と伝達部材３６との当接部の少なくとも一方に形成されると共に、伝達部材３６が締め部材６を押圧したときに締め部材６が第１のクラッチ部材４および第２のクラッチ部材５を締め付ける方向に付勢するよう傾斜している。本実施形態では、テーパ面８は、締め部材６の外面に形成されて伝達部材３６側を内側に傾斜させたテーパ面１１と、伝達部材３６の内周面に形成されて締め部材６側を外側に傾斜させたテーパ面１２とを備えるようにしている。
【００１９】
そして、ロック部材１０は、締め部材６に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定されて伝達部材３６を第２の端部部材３側に押圧可能であるようにしている。本実施形態では、ロック部材１０と締め部材６と第１のクラッチ部材４とは、ボルト１３により伸縮方向に固定されている。この固定部材としては、ボルト１３に限られず止めピン等であっても良い。また、本実施形態では、伝達部材３６と第１のばねマウント７とが一体形成されているので、ロック部材１０は第１のばねマウント７を押圧することにより伝達部材３６を間接的に移動させるようにしている。
【００２０】
このロック部材１０がフリー状態にあるときは（図１及び図２中、二点鎖線で示す）、ロック部材１０は弾発手段９に抗して第１のばねマウント７を伸縮方向に押圧して伝達部材３６を締め部材６から離隔させる。これにより、締め部材６が各クラッチ部材４，５の重ね方向に自由になるので、各クラッチ部材４，５が摺動可能になってロック機構付き反力装置１を伸縮可能にしている。
【００２１】
また、ロック部材１０が図４に示すようにロック状態にあるときは（図１及び図２では、実線で示す）、ロック部材１０の第１のばねマウント７への押圧の解除により弾発手段９が第１のばねマウント７を締め部材６側に押し出す。これにより、弾発手段９は伝達部材３６及びテーパ面８を介して締め部材６を内側に押圧し各クラッチ部材４，５を重ね方向に締め付けて摺動できないようにする。そして、ロック機構付き反力装置１の長さが固定される。このため、ロック機構付き反力装置１をロックするための作動力を反力発生用の弾発手段９から得ているので、各クラッチ部材４，５への締付力を与える部材を別に設ける必要が無く、部品点数の増加を抑えることができる。
【００２２】
第１の端部部材２は、第１のクラッチ部材４を収容する断面矩形状の収容孔１５と、ロック機構付き反力装置１を他の装置等に取り付けるための取付孔１６と、第１のクラッチ部材４に固定するための貫通孔１７とを備えている。各第１のクラッチ部材４は平板状で、第１の端部部材２側の端部とほぼ中央部とに貫通孔１８，１９が形成されている。そして、各第１のクラッチ部材４の貫通孔１８が形成された端部側には、第２のクラッチ部材５と同等の厚さを有すると共に中央部に貫通孔が形成されたスペーサ２０が挟まれている。このため、各第１のクラッチ部材４を均等な隙間を有して平行に設けることができるので、第２のクラッチ部材５と噛み合う深さによらず摺動に必要な抵抗をほぼ一定に維持することができる。
【００２３】
さらに、第１のクラッチ部材４とスペーサ２０とは交互に積層されて、第１の端部部材２に対して各貫通孔１７，２０を貫通する止めピン２１により固定される。ここで、第１の端部部材２の収容孔１５の断面形状を第１のクラッチ部材４とスペーサ２０とを交互に積層したものの断面形状と同等の大きさにすることにより、いずれも矩形状であることから、第１のクラッチ部材４とスペーサ２０が第１の端部部材２に対して捻れてしまうことを防止できる。
【００２４】
また、第２の端部部材３は、第２のクラッチ部材５を収容する断面矩形状の収容孔２２と、ロック機構付き反力装置１を他の装置等に取り付けるための取付孔２３と、第２のクラッチ部材５に固定するための貫通孔２４と、第２のばねマウント３８が螺合して連結される雄ねじ部２５とを備えている。各第２のクラッチ部材５は平板状で、第２の端部部材３側の端部に形成された貫通孔２６と、ほぼ中央部に形成された縦長形状の貫通孔２７とを備えている。そして、各第２のクラッチ部材５の貫通孔２６が形成された端部側には、第１のクラッチ部材４と同等の厚さを有すると共に中央部に貫通孔が形成されたスペーサ２８が挟まれている。このため、各第２のクラッチ部材５を均等な隙間を有して平行に設けることができるので、第１のクラッチ部材４と噛み合う深さによらず摺動に必要な抵抗をほぼ一定に維持することができる。
【００２５】
さらに、第２のクラッチ部材５とスペーサ２８とは交互に積層されて、第２の端部部材３に対して各貫通孔２４，２６を貫通する止めピン２９により固定される。ここで、第２の端部部材３の収容孔２２の断面形状を第２のクラッチ部材５とスペーサ２８とを交互に積層したものの断面形状と同等の大きさにすることにより、いずれも矩形状であることから、第２のクラッチ部材５とスペーサ２８が第２の端部部材３に対して捻れてしまうことを防止できる。
【００２６】
第２の端部部材３は、第２のばねマウント３８を介して弾発手段９に連結される。そして、第２のばねマウント３８は、第２の端部部材３に対して少なくとも伸縮方向に固定されるようにしている。本実施形態では、第２の端部部材３と弾発手段９との間に、弾発手段９の初期長さを変更可能な初圧調整機構１４が設けられている。このため、初圧調整機構１４により弾発手段９の初期長さを変更して初圧を調整できるので、ロック機構付き反力装置１のばね定数を調整することができる。
【００２７】
初圧調整機構１４は、第２のばねマウント３８と一体形成されると共に、第２の端部部材３の雄ねじ部２５に螺合可能な雌ねじ部３７を有している。このため、初圧調整機構１４を回転させて第２の端部部材３に対して相対移動させることにより、第２のばねマウント３８と第２の端部部材３との相対位置を変更して弾発手段９の初期長さを調整することができる。また、初圧調整機構１４の外周部には縦溝等を形成することにより、回転操作時の滑り止めを図ることが好ましい。本実施形態では、初圧調整機構１４を第２のばねマウント３８と一体形成しているが、これには限られず別体であっても良い。この場合も、初圧調整機構１４を第２の端部部材３に対して相対移動させることにより、第２のばねマウント３８と第２の端部部材３との相対位置を変更して弾発手段９の初期長さを調整することができる。
【００２８】
また、弾発手段９とマウント部３８との間には、ワッシャ３９等が介在されている。これにより、初圧調整機構１４の回転操作を、弾発手段９の反力を受けながらも容易に行うことができるようになる。
【００２９】
一方、締め部材６は、第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５との重なった部分を両側から挟むように２つ設けられている。各締め部材６，６は、内側を向いてクラッチ部材４，５に当接可能な押圧面３０と、ほぼ中央部に形成されて内外を貫通する支持孔３１と、伝達部材３６を向いたテーパ面１１とを備えている。そして、各締め部材６，６の支持孔３１と各クラッチ部材４，５の中央部の貫通孔１９，２７とには、ボルト１３が貫通されている。このため、第２のクラッチ部材５の貫通孔２７が長孔であることから、各締め部材６及び第１のクラッチ部材４は第２のクラッチ部材５に対して摺動可能になる。
【００３０】
そして、ロック部材１０は、ボルト１３の両端部に固定される支点孔３２と、第１のばねマウント７を押圧する押圧部３３と、該押圧部３３を支点孔３２を中心に揺動させる操作を行う操作部３４とを備えている。このため、使用者が操作部３４を揺動させることにより、ロック部材１０は支点孔３２を中心に揺動して、押圧部３３が第１のばねマウント７を押圧したり第１のばねマウント７から退避することができる。また、フリー状態にある押圧部３３は（図１及び図２中、二点鎖線で示す）、伸縮方向に平行になるようにしている。このため、フリー状態にある押圧部３３は揺動方向が外力の付勢方向と直交するいわゆる死点に位置するので、他にロック機構を設けなくてもフリー状態でロックすることができる。
【００３１】
第１のばねマウント７及び伝達部材３６は、第１のクラッチ部材４及び第２のクラッチ部材５を収容する断面矩形状の収容孔３５と、収容孔３５の締め部材６側に形成されたテーパ面１２とを備えている。そして、各クラッチ部材４，５の断面形状と収容孔３５の断面形状とを同等の大きさにすることにより、いずれも矩形状であることから、伝達部材３６がに対して捻れてしまうことを防止できる。
【００３２】
上述したロック機構付き反力装置１の動作を以下に説明する。
【００３３】
ロック部材１０の操作部３４を操作してロック状態にすると、ロック部材１０による伝達部材３６への押圧が解除される。これにより、弾発手段９が第１のばねマウント７を押圧して、伝達部材３６を介してテーパ面８のいわゆる楔効果により各締め部材６が第１のクラッチ部材４及び第２のクラッチ部材５を締め付けるようになる。よって、各クラッチ部材４，５が互いの接触面の摩擦抵抗により摺動できなくなって、第１の端部部材２と第２の端部部材３との間隔が固定されるので、ロック機構付き反力装置１の長さをロックすることができる。
【００３４】
一方、ロック部材１０を揺動させてフリー状態に切り換えると、伝達部材３６が締め部材６から離隔される。これにより、締め部材６による各クラッチ部材４，５への締め付けが解除されるので、第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とが摺動可能になる。よって、ロック機構付き反力装置１が伸縮可能になる。
【００３５】
このとき、第１の端部部材２は、第１のクラッチ部材４と締め部材６とロック部材１０と第１のばねマウント７を介して弾発手段９に連結されている。また、第２の端部部材３は、初圧調整機構１４と第２のばねマウント３８を介して弾発手段９に連結されている。このため、第１の端部部材２と第２の端部部材３とは弾発手段９により弾性的に連結されているので、ロック機構付き反力装置１を弾性的に伸縮させて反力源として機能させることができる。
【００３６】
また、フリー状態にあるロック部材１０の押圧部３３は伸縮方向に沿っているので、押圧部３３は伸縮方向に沿って押圧力を受けても揺動できない死点に位置している。このため、ロック部材１０は弾発手段９の付勢力を受けても揺動してしまうことが無く、第１のばねマウント７及び伝達部材３６を締め部材６から離れた状態にロックすることができる。
【００３７】
本実施形態のロック機構付き反力装置１によれば、反力装置１をロックするための作動力を反力発生用の弾発手段９から得ているので、各クラッチ部材４，５への締付力を与える部材を別に設ける必要が無く、部品の共用により部品点数の増加を抑えて簡素な構造により低コスト化を図ることができる。
【００３８】
また、本実施形態のロック機構付き反力装置１によれば、弾発手段９として圧縮コイルばねを使用しているので、ガススプリングを使用する場合に比べて廃棄処分が容易であると共に反力装置１の伸縮量に例えば比例等のように対応して変化する反力を得ることができる。
【００３９】
さらに、本実施形態のロック機構付き反力装置１によれば、各クラッチ部材４，５を平板状にしているので、単位体積当たりのクラッチ部材４，５の枚数を多くして各クラッチ部材４，５同士の接触面積を広くすることができる。このため、ロック時の摩擦抵抗が大きくなるので、ロック機構付き反力装置１のロック力を強くすることができる。
【００４０】
また、本実施形態のロック機構付き反力装置１によれば、テーパ面８は締め部材６のテーパ面１１と伝達部材３６のテーパ面１２とを備えているので、伝達部材３６が締め部材６を押圧したときに各テーパ面１１，１２が面接触して締め部材６を滑らかに締め付けることができる。
【００４１】
上述したロック機構付き反力装置１をロッキング機構４０の反力付与機構１として用いた椅子４１の一実施形態について、以下に説明する。
【００４２】
この椅子４１のロッキング機構４０は、図５に示すように支持部材である座受部材４２に対して被支持部材である座支持部材４３を揺動可能に支持すると共に座支持部材４３を反力付与機構１により初期位置に向けて付勢するものである。このロッキング機構４０は、座４４の裏側に一体化されて座４４を支持する座支持部材４３と、この座支持部材４３及び背支桿４５を各々揺動可能に支持して脚柱４６に取り付けられる座受部材４２と、座４４と背凭れ（図示せず）を最も起き上げた位置（以下、初期位置という）に復帰させる反力を付与する反力付与機構１と、座支持部材４３及び座受部材４２の間を連結するリンク機構４７とを備えている。
【００４３】
座支持部材４３の前端部は座受部材４２により揺動可能に支持されると共に、後端部はリンク機構４７により揺動可能に支持されている。リンク機構４７は、互いに揺動可能な第１リンク４８及び第２リンク４９から成り、各リンク４８，４９が一直線に延びた状態で鉛直に配置されるようにして座支持部材４３と座受部材４２とにそれぞれ揺動可能に取り付けられている。第２リンク４９は、背支桿リンク５０を介して背支桿４５と一体回転する背支桿腕５１に連結されている。このため、第２リンク４９と背支桿４５とは連動する。また、反力付与機構１は、座受部材４２と第２リンク４９とを連結して取り付けられて、リンク機構４７が直線状に成る方向に付勢可能に設けられている。
【００４４】
このロッキング機構４０を利用するときは、例えば反力付与機構１をフリー状態にして、着座者が背凭れに荷重を掛ける。これにより、リンク機構４７が反力を受けながら屈曲して、背凭れが傾動すると共に座４４の後部が下降する。また、荷重を無くすと反力付与機構１の反力により、座４４及び背凭れが初期位置に復帰する。
【００４５】
これにより、着座者は反力付与機構１の反力を受けながらフリーロッキングを行うことができる。しかも、初圧調整機構１４を操作することにより、ロッキングの反力の大きさを変更することができる。
【００４６】
一方、背凭れ及び座４４を任意の角度に設置して反力付与機構１をロック状態にすると、反力付与機構１の伸縮が固定されるので背凭れ及び座４４の位置を固定することができる。
【００４７】
なお、上述の実施形態は本発明の好適な実施の一例ではあるがこれに限定されるものではなく本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々変形実施可能である。例えば、上述した実施形態ではクラッチ部材４，５を平板状にして交互に重ね合わせているが、これには限られずクラッチ部材４，５を伸縮方向に沿った縦断面は直線状であると共に伸縮方向に直交する横断面は湾曲した形状になる湾曲した板状にして、これを交互に重ね合わせるようにしても良い。また、上述した実施形態のようにクラッチ部材４，５を薄い板状にして交互に重ね合わせることには限られず、クラッチ部材４，５を幅に比べて十分な厚みを有するいわゆるブロック状に形成して交互に重ね合わせるようにしても良い。いずれの場合も第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とを締め部材６により締め付けることにより、摩擦抵抗でロック機構付き反力装置１のロックを行うことができる。
【００４８】
また、上述した実施形態では各クラッチ部材４，５をそれぞれ複数設けているが、これには限られず一方のクラッチ部材４，５を１枚のみ設けるようにしても良い。例えば、第１のクラッチ部材４を１枚のみ設けると共に、第２のクラッチ部材５を第１のクラッチ部材４を挟むように２枚設けるようにする。または、逆に第２のクラッチ部材５を１枚のみ設けると共に、第１のクラッチ部材４を第２のクラッチ部材５を挟むように２枚設けるようにする。これらの場合も第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とを締め付けることにより、２枚の接触面の摩擦抵抗でロック機構付き反力装置１のロックを行うことができる。
【００４９】
さらに、上述した実施形態では少なくとも一方のクラッチ部材４，５を複数設けているが、これには限られず両方のクラッチ部材４，５を１枚ずつ設けるようにしても良い。この場合も第１のクラッチ部材４と第２のクラッチ部材５とを締め付けることにより、１枚の接触面の摩擦抵抗でロック機構付き反力装置１のロックを行うことができる。
【００５０】
また、上述した実施形態では締め部材６のテーパ面１１と伝達部材３６のテーパ面１２とを面接触させるようにしているが、これには限られず締め部材６と伝達部材３６との当接部分の一方に伝達部材３６が締め部材６を押圧したときに締め部材６が各クラッチ部材４，５を締め付ける方向に付勢するよう傾斜したテーパ面８を形成すれば良い。この場合も、弾発手段９による伝達部材３６への押圧により、締め部材６が各クラッチ部材４，５を締め付けるようにできる。
【００５１】
そして、上述した実施形態では初圧調整機構１４はねじ部２５，３７の螺合により第２の端部部材３に対して調整及び位置決め可能に設けられているが、これには限られず２つの部材を一方向に相対移動及び固定可能な手段の全般を適用することができる。例えば、初圧調整機構１４の内面に凸部を形成すると共に、第２の端部部材３の外面に凹部を伸縮方向に沿って複数形成する。これによれば、凸部を凹部に係合することにより初圧調整機構１４と第２の端部部材３とを固定でき、また強い外力を加えて凸部を他の凹部に係合することにより初圧調整機構１４と第２の端部部材３とを相対移動させることができる。
【００５２】
あるいは、初圧調整機構１４の内面に突起を形成すると共に、第２の端部部材３の外面に伸縮方向に沿った溝を形成する。そして、この溝の数箇所に側方への切欠部を形成する。これによれば、突起を溝の伸縮方向に沿った部分に係合することにより初圧調整機構１４と第２の端部部材３とを相対移動させることができ、また突起を溝の切欠部に係合することにより初圧調整機構１４と第２の端部部材３とを固定できる。
【００５３】
また、上述した実施形態では初圧調整機構１４を設けているが、これには限られず初圧調整機構１４は無くても良い。この場合も、ロック部材１０の操作によりロック機構付き反力装置１をフリー状態とロック状態とに切り換えできると共に、弾発手段９を反力発生用と締付作動用とに共用して部品点数の増加を抑えることができる。
【００５４】
さらに、上述した実施形態では本発明のロック機構付き反力装置１を椅子４１のロッキング機構４０に適用した場合について説明しているが、これには限られず椅子４１以外の例えばテーブル等のロッキング機構に適用しても良い。また、ロック機構付き反力装置１をロッキング機構に適用することには限られず、弾性的に伸縮可能であると共に任意の長さで固定する機構を必要とする装置の全般に適用することができる。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明より明らかなように、請求項１記載のロック機構付き反力装置によれば、反力装置をロック状態にするための作動力を反力発生用の弾発手段から得ているので、ロック用の作動力を与える部材を別に設ける必要が無く、部品点数の増加を抑えて簡素な構造により低コスト化を図ることができる。
【００５６】
また、弾発手段としてガススプリング以外の圧縮コイルばね等を使用できるので、ガススプリングを使用する場合に比べて廃棄処分が容易であると共に反力装置の伸縮量に応じて変化する反力を得ることができる。
【００５７】
そして、請求項２記載のロック機構付き反力装置によれば、第１のクラッチ部材と第２のクラッチ部材とを締め部材により締め付けたときに複数の面で接触するので、接触面積を広くして摩擦抵抗を大きくすることができる。このため、ロック機構付き反力装置を固定したときのロック力を大きくすることができる。
【００５８】
さらに、請求項３記載のロック機構付き反力装置によれば、初圧調整機構により弾発手段の初期長さを変更して初圧を変更できるので、ロック機構付き反力装置のばね定数を調整することができる。
【００５９】
一方、請求項４記載のロッキング機構によれば、ロッキング機構の反力源として請求項１から３までのいずれか記載のロック機構付き反力装置を使用しているので、ロック機構を備えながらもガススプリングを使用しないようにできる。このため、ガススプリングを使用する場合に比べて、ロッキング機構のロッキング角度に比例する反力を得て使用感を向上できると共に、廃棄処分を容易にすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のロック機構付き反力装置を示す中央縦断面側面図である。
【図２】ロック機構付き反力装置を示す側面図である。
【図３】ロック機構付き反力装置を示す分解斜視図である。
【図４】図１のＩＶ−ＩＶ線で切断した状態を示す横断面平面図である。
【図５】ロック機構付き反力装置を搭載したロッキング機構を備えた椅子の側面図である。
【図６】従来のロッキング機構を備えた椅子を示す側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ ロック機構付き反力装置（反力付与機構）
２ 第１の端部部材
３ 第２の端部部材
４ 第１のクラッチ部材
５ 第２のクラッチ部材
６ 締め部材
７ 第１のばねマウント
８ テーパ面
９ 弾発手段
１０ ロック部材
１１ テーパ面
１２ テーパ面
１４ 初圧調整機構
３６ 伝達手段
３８ 第２のばねマウント
４０ ロッキング機構
４２ 座受部材（支持部材）
４３ 座支持部材（被支持部材）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a reaction force device with a lock mechanism that can be elastically expanded and contracted and can be fixed at an arbitrary length, and a locking mechanism using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in the lock mechanism of the reaction force device with a lock mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is a chair provided with a locking mechanism that makes it possible to tilt the seat and back of the chair. For example, the locking mechanism of the chair 100 shown in FIG. 6 includes a front seat frame 101 fixed to the leg 103, a rear seat frame 102 that can swing with respect to the leg 103, and an intervening space between the frames 101 and 102. And a reaction force device 104 that applies a force to return the rear seat frame 102 to the initial position. The reaction force device 104 is composed of a gas spring. And as a gas spring, there is a type with a lock mechanism that can be switched between a stretchable state so that the backrest can be freely locked by the load W and a state where the length is fixed so that the backrest is fixed at an arbitrary position. I am using it.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the reaction force device with a lock mechanism described above uses a gas spring, when discarding the reaction force device, it must be perforated to release the internal high-pressure nitrogen, and the disposal process becomes complicated. End up. In addition, since the spring constant of the gas spring is almost constant regardless of the expansion / contraction length, it is very difficult to greatly change the magnitude of the reaction force depending on the expansion / contraction amount. For this reason, the usability of the locking mechanism incorporating this reaction force device may not be good.
[0004]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a reaction force device with a lock mechanism that can lock expansion and contraction without using a gas spring, and a locking mechanism using the same.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 is a first reaction force device having a lock mechanism that is elastically extendable and can be fixed at an arbitrary length. A second end member, a first clutch member connected and fixed to the first end member, and connected to and fixed to the second end member and overlapping the first clutch member Provided between the second clutch member that can slide in the expansion / contraction direction while being in contact with the first end member and the second end member, and the interval between these end members can be changed elastically. A first spring mount that supports the resilient means from the first end member side, and supports the resilient means from the second end member side and against the second end member. A second spring mount that is fixed at least in a telescopic direction, and a first clutch member And the second clutch member can be tightened in the overlapping direction and fixed to at least the expansion and contraction direction with respect to the first clutch member, and the resilience of the resilient means via the first spring mount. The first clutch is formed when the transmission member presses the fastening member and is formed on at least one of the transmission member that receives and transmits the elastic force to the fastening member and the contact portion between the fastening member and the transmission member. A tapered surface that is inclined so as to bias the member and the second clutch member in a tightening direction, and is fixed in at least an expansion / contraction direction with respect to the tightening member, and is capable of pressing the transmission member toward the second end member, The first end member and the second end member are separated from the fastening member by pressing the transmission member, and the fastening member is free in the overlapping direction. Interval The Change The free state that enables, and the release of the pressure to the transmission member causes the resilient means to push the transmission member toward the fastening member and press the fastening member inward through the tapered surface, thereby the first clutch member and the second clutch. A lock member that can be switched to a locked state in which the length is fixed by tightening the member in the overlapping direction. The first clutch member and the second clutch member are tightened by the tightening member via the reaction force and the transmission member that can elastically change the distance between the first end member and the second end member. The operation force is obtained from the impacting means, and the impacting means is shared for generating the reaction force and for generating the operating force to be tightened. I am doing so.
[0006]
Therefore, when the lock member is in the locked state, the pressure from the lock member to the transmission member is released, so that the resilient means presses the transmission member and presses the fastening member through the tapered surface. And the pressing force of the elastic means is changed in an oblique direction by the tapered surface. Here, since the fastening member is fixed in the expansion / contraction direction with respect to the first clutch member, it does not move in the expansion / contraction direction even when pressed by the transmission member, and the first clutch is generated by the component force generated on the tapered surface. The member and the second clutch member are biased in a tightening direction. As a result, the first clutch member and the second clutch member cannot slide with each other due to the frictional resistance caused by tightening, and the distance between the first end member and the second end member is fixed, and the lock The length of the reaction device with mechanism is locked. Therefore, the operating force for locking the reaction device can be obtained from the reaction force generating means.
[0007]
On the other hand, when the lock member is in the free state, the transmission member is separated from the fastening member by the lock member. Thereby, since the tightening of the tightening member by the transmission member is released, the first clutch member and the second clutch member can slide with each other. Therefore, the reaction force device with a lock mechanism can be expanded and contracted. At this time, since the first end member and the second end member are connected to each other with the elastic means interposed therebetween, the interval can be changed elastically.
[0008]
Furthermore, since a compression coil spring other than the gas spring can be used as the elastic means, the disposal becomes easier than in the case of using the gas spring, and changes according to the amount of expansion and contraction of the reaction device. Reaction force can be obtained.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to the first aspect, a plurality of the first clutch members are provided so as to overlap with a gap therebetween, and the second clutch member is the first clutch member. A plurality of clutch members are provided in the gap so as to be staggered.
[0010]
Therefore, since the first clutch member and the second clutch member are assembled alternately, they come into contact on a plurality of surfaces when tightened by the tightening member. For this reason, the frictional resistance increases and the locking force when the reaction force device with the locking mechanism is fixed increases.
[0011]
Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is the reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the initial length of the resilient means is set between the second end member and the second spring mount. A changeable initial pressure adjusting mechanism is provided. Therefore, since the initial pressure can be changed by changing the initial length of the elastic means by the initial pressure adjusting mechanism, the spring constant of the reaction force device with the lock mechanism can be adjusted.
[0012]
On the other hand, the invention according to claim 4 provides a reaction force application in a locking mechanism that supports the supported member in a swingable manner with respect to the support member and urges the supported member toward the initial position by the reaction force application mechanism. The mechanism is the reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Accordingly, the gas spring can be prevented from being used even though the locking mechanism is provided with the locking mechanism.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail based on an example of an embodiment shown in the drawings. 1 to 4 show an embodiment of a reaction force device with a locking mechanism 1 according to the present invention. This reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism is elastically extendable and can be fixed at an arbitrary length. The reaction force device with a lock mechanism 1 includes first and second end members 2 and 3 that change their distances by expansion and contraction, and a first clutch member that is connected and fixed to the first end member 2. 4, a second clutch member 5 connected and fixed to the second end member 3, and a resilient means 9 provided between the first end member 2 and the second end member 3 A first spring mount 7 that supports the resilient means 9 from the first end member 2 side, a second spring mount 38 that supports the resilient means 9 from the second end member 3 side, Formed on at least one of the fastening member 6 that can fasten the clutch members 4 and 5 in the overlapping direction, the transmission member 36 that transmits the resilient force of the resilient means 9 to the fastening member 6, and the fastening member 6 and the transmission member 36. Taper surface 8 and a locking state in which the reaction force device 1 with a locking mechanism is freely stretchable and the length is fixed. And a lock member 10 for switching to.
[0014]
The first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are in contact with each other so as to be slidable as the reaction force device with lock mechanism 1 expands and contracts. For this reason, when the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are tightened by the tightening member 6, a frictional resistance is generated at the contact surface between the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5. It becomes impossible to slide and the length of the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism is locked.
[0015]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of first clutch members 4 are provided so as to overlap with a gap, and a plurality of second clutch members 5 enter the gap so as to be staggered with respect to the first clutch member 4. Is provided. For this reason, since the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are in contact with each other on a plurality of surfaces when tightened by the tightening member 6, the frictional resistance is increased and the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism is fixed. The locking force at the time can be increased. In the present embodiment, six first clutch members 4 and seven second clutch members 5 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0016]
Both ends of the resilient means 9 are supported by the first spring mount 7 and the second spring mount 38, respectively, and the distance between the first end member 2 and the second end member 3 is elastically changed. It is possible. In this embodiment, the elastic means 9 is composed of a compression coil spring. However, the elastic means 9 is not limited to the compression coil spring, and an elastic body such as rubber can be used.
[0017]
The fastening member 6 is fixed to the first clutch member 4 at least in the expansion / contraction direction. The transmission member 36 receives the elastic force of the elastic means 9 via the first spring mount 7 and transmits this elastic force to the fastening member 6. In the present embodiment, the transmission member 36 and the first spring mount 7 are integrally formed. For this reason, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed. However, the transmission member 36 and the first spring mount 7 may be separate. In this case, the transmission member 36 can transmit the elastic force of the elastic means 9 to the fastening member 6.
[0018]
The tapered surface 8 is formed on at least one of the contact portions between the fastening member 6 and the transmission member 36, and when the transmission member 36 presses the fastening member 6, the fastening member 6 is the first clutch member 4. And it inclines so that the 2nd clutch member 5 may be urged | biased in the direction tightened. In this embodiment, the taper surface 8 is formed on the outer surface of the fastening member 6 and the transmission member 36 side is inclined inward, and the taper surface 8 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the transmission member 36 so that the fastening member 6 side is A tapered surface 12 inclined outward is provided.
[0019]
The lock member 10 is fixed at least in the expansion / contraction direction with respect to the fastening member 6 so that the transmission member 36 can be pressed toward the second end member 3 side. In the present embodiment, the lock member 10, the fastening member 6, and the first clutch member 4 are fixed in the extending / contracting direction by bolts 13. The fixing member is not limited to the bolt 13 and may be a stop pin or the like. In this embodiment, since the transmission member 36 and the first spring mount 7 are integrally formed, the lock member 10 moves the transmission member 36 indirectly by pressing the first spring mount 7. I am doing so.
[0020]
When the lock member 10 is in a free state (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2), the lock member 10 presses the first spring mount 7 in the expansion / contraction direction against the resilient means 9. Thus, the transmission member 36 is separated from the fastening member 6. As a result, the fastening member 6 becomes free in the overlapping direction of the clutch members 4, 5, so that the clutch members 4, 5 can slide, and the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism can be expanded and contracted.
[0021]
When the lock member 10 is in the locked state as shown in FIG. 4 (shown by a solid line in FIGS. 1 and 2), the elastic member is released by releasing the pressing of the lock member 10 to the first spring mount 7. 9 pushes the first spring mount 7 to the fastening member 6 side. Thereby, the elastic means 9 presses the fastening member 6 inward via the transmission member 36 and the taper surface 8 and tightens the clutch members 4 and 5 in the overlapping direction so that they cannot slide. And the length of the reaction force apparatus 1 with a locking mechanism is fixed. For this reason, since the operating force for locking the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism is obtained from the resilient force generating means 9 for generating the reaction force, a member for providing a tightening force to the clutch members 4 and 5 is separately provided. This is unnecessary, and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.
[0022]
The first end member 2 includes an accommodation hole 15 having a rectangular cross section for accommodating the first clutch member 4, an attachment hole 16 for attaching the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism to another device, and the like. And a through hole 17 for fixing to the clutch member 4. Each first clutch member 4 has a flat plate shape, and through holes 18 and 19 are formed at an end portion on the side of the first end member 2 and a substantially central portion. A spacer 20 having a thickness equivalent to that of the second clutch member 5 and having a through hole in the center is sandwiched between the end portions of the first clutch members 4 where the through holes 18 are formed. It is. For this reason, since each 1st clutch member 4 can be provided in parallel with an equal clearance gap, the resistance required for sliding is maintained substantially constant irrespective of the depth which meshes with the 2nd clutch member 5. can do.
[0023]
Further, the first clutch members 4 and the spacers 20 are alternately stacked and fixed to the first end member 2 by the stop pins 21 that pass through the through holes 17 and 20. Here, by making the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation hole 15 of the first end member 2 equal to the cross-sectional shape of the first clutch member 4 and the spacer 20 alternately stacked, both are rectangular. Therefore, the first clutch member 4 and the spacer 20 can be prevented from being twisted with respect to the first end member 2.
[0024]
The second end member 3 includes a housing hole 22 having a rectangular cross section for housing the second clutch member 5, a mounting hole 23 for mounting the reaction force device with a lock mechanism 1 to another device, and the like. A through hole 24 for fixing to the second clutch member 5 and a male screw portion 25 to which a second spring mount 38 is screwed and connected are provided. Each of the second clutch members 5 has a flat plate shape, and includes a through hole 26 formed at an end portion on the second end member 3 side and a vertically long through hole 27 formed in a substantially central portion. . A spacer 28 having a thickness equivalent to that of the first clutch member 4 and having a through hole at the center is sandwiched between the end portions of the second clutch members 5 where the through holes 26 are formed. It is. For this reason, since each 2nd clutch member 5 can be provided in parallel with an equal clearance gap, the resistance required for sliding is maintained substantially constant irrespective of the depth meshed with the 1st clutch member 4. can do.
[0025]
Further, the second clutch members 5 and the spacers 28 are alternately stacked and fixed to the second end member 3 by a stop pin 29 that passes through the through holes 24 and 26. Here, by making the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation hole 22 of the second end member 3 the same size as the cross-sectional shape of the second clutch member 5 and the spacer 28 alternately stacked, both are rectangular. Therefore, the second clutch member 5 and the spacer 28 can be prevented from being twisted with respect to the second end member 3.
[0026]
The second end member 3 is connected to the resilient means 9 via a second spring mount 38. The second spring mount 38 is fixed to the second end member 3 at least in the expansion / contraction direction. In the present embodiment, an initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 that can change the initial length of the elastic means 9 is provided between the second end member 3 and the elastic means 9. For this reason, since the initial pressure can be adjusted by changing the initial length of the elastic means 9 by the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14, the spring constant of the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism can be adjusted.
[0027]
The initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 is integrally formed with the second spring mount 38 and has a female screw portion 37 that can be screwed into the male screw portion 25 of the second end member 3. Therefore, the relative position between the second spring mount 38 and the second end member 3 is changed by rotating the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and moving it relative to the second end member 3. The initial length of the bullet means 9 can be adjusted. Further, it is preferable to prevent slippage during the rotation operation by forming a longitudinal groove or the like on the outer peripheral portion of the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14. In the present embodiment, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 is integrally formed with the second spring mount 38, but is not limited thereto and may be a separate body. Also in this case, by moving the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 relative to the second end member 3, the relative position between the second spring mount 38 and the second end member 3 is changed to change the elasticity. The initial length of the means 9 can be adjusted.
[0028]
In addition, a washer 39 and the like are interposed between the elastic means 9 and the mount portion 38. As a result, the rotation operation of the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 can be easily performed while receiving the reaction force of the elastic means 9.
[0029]
On the other hand, two fastening members 6 are provided so as to sandwich the overlapping portion of the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 from both sides. Each fastening member 6, 6 has a pressing surface 30 that can be inwardly contacted with the clutch members 4, 5, a support hole 31 that is formed substantially at the center and penetrates the inside and outside, and a taper that faces the transmission member 36. And a surface 11. Bolts 13 are passed through the support holes 31 of the fastening members 6 and 6 and the through holes 19 and 27 at the center of the clutch members 4 and 5. For this reason, since the through hole 27 of the second clutch member 5 is a long hole, each fastening member 6 and the first clutch member 4 can slide with respect to the second clutch member 5.
[0030]
The lock member 10 includes a fulcrum hole 32 that is fixed to both ends of the bolt 13, a pressing part 33 that presses the first spring mount 7, and an operation that swings the pressing part 33 around the fulcrum hole 32. And an operation unit 34 for performing the above. Therefore, when the user swings the operation portion 34, the lock member 10 swings around the fulcrum hole 32, and the pressing portion 33 presses the first spring mount 7 or the first spring mount. 7 can be withdrawn. Further, the pressing portion 33 in the free state (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2) is set to be parallel to the expansion / contraction direction. For this reason, since the pressing portion 33 in the free state is located at a so-called dead point whose swinging direction is orthogonal to the direction in which the external force is urged, the pressing portion 33 can be locked in the free state without providing another locking mechanism.
[0031]
The first spring mount 7 and the transmission member 36 are formed in a housing hole 35 having a rectangular cross section for housing the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5, and a taper formed on the fastening member 6 side of the housing hole 35. Surface 12. And by making the cross-sectional shape of each clutch member 4 and 5 and the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation hole 35 into the same magnitude | size, since all are rectangular shapes, it will be twisted with respect to the transmission member 36. Can be prevented.
[0032]
The operation of the above-described reaction mechanism device 1 with a lock mechanism will be described below.
[0033]
When the operation unit 34 of the lock member 10 is operated to be in the locked state, the pressing of the transmission member 36 by the lock member 10 is released. As a result, the resilient means 9 presses the first spring mount 7, and the fastening members 6 are moved to the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member by the so-called wedge effect of the tapered surface 8 via the transmission member 36. 5 comes to tighten. Accordingly, the clutch members 4 and 5 cannot slide due to the frictional resistance of the contact surfaces, and the distance between the first end member 2 and the second end member 3 is fixed. The length of the reaction device 1 can be locked.
[0034]
On the other hand, when the lock member 10 is swung and switched to the free state, the transmission member 36 is separated from the fastening member 6. Accordingly, the tightening of the clutch members 4 and 5 by the tightening member 6 is released, so that the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 can slide. Therefore, the reaction force device with lock mechanism 1 can be expanded and contracted.
[0035]
At this time, the first end member 2 is connected to the resilient means 9 via the first clutch member 4, the fastening member 6, the lock member 10, and the first spring mount 7. The second end member 3 is connected to the elastic means 9 via the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and the second spring mount 38. For this reason, since the first end member 2 and the second end member 3 are elastically connected by the elastic means 9, the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism is elastically expanded and contracted to react. Can act as a source.
[0036]
Further, since the pressing portion 33 of the lock member 10 in the free state is along the expansion / contraction direction, the pressing portion 33 is located at a dead point where it cannot swing even if it receives a pressing force along the expansion / contraction direction. For this reason, the lock member 10 does not swing even when the urging force of the elastic means 9 is received, and the first spring mount 7 and the transmission member 36 can be locked away from the fastening member 6. it can.
[0037]
According to the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism of the present embodiment, the operating force for locking the reaction force device 1 is obtained from the resilient means 9 for generating the reaction force. There is no need to provide a separate member for applying a tightening force, and the cost can be reduced with a simple structure by suppressing an increase in the number of parts by sharing the parts.
[0038]
Further, according to the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism of the present embodiment, since the compression coil spring is used as the elastic means 9, the disposal is easier and the reaction force is easier than the case where the gas spring is used. A reaction force that changes corresponding to the amount of expansion and contraction of the device 1 can be obtained.
[0039]
Furthermore, according to the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism of the present embodiment, since each clutch member 4, 5 is formed in a flat plate shape, the number of clutch members 4, 5 per unit volume is increased and each clutch member 4. , 5 can be widened. For this reason, since the frictional resistance at the time of a lock | rock becomes large, the locking force of the reaction force apparatus 1 with a locking mechanism can be strengthened.
[0040]
In addition, according to the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism of the present embodiment, the tapered surface 8 includes the tapered surface 11 of the fastening member 6 and the tapered surface 12 of the transmission member 36, so the transmission member 36 is the fastening member 6. Each of the tapered surfaces 11 and 12 comes into surface contact with each other and the fastening member 6 can be smoothly tightened.
[0041]
One embodiment of the chair 41 using the reaction device 1 with the locking mechanism described above as the reaction force applying mechanism 1 of the locking mechanism 40 will be described below.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 40 of the chair 41 supports a seat support member 43, which is a supported member, with respect to a seat receiving member 42, which is a support member, so that the seat support member 43 can swing. The applying mechanism 1 urges toward the initial position. This locking mechanism 40 is integrated with the back side of the seat 44 so as to support the seat 44, and the seat support member 43 and the back support rod 45 are swingably supported and attached to the leg column 46. A seat receiving member 42, a reaction force applying mechanism 1 for applying a reaction force for returning the seat 44 and the backrest (not shown) to the most raised position (hereinafter referred to as an initial position), a seat support member 43, and A link mechanism 47 for connecting the seat receiving members 42 is provided.
[0043]
The front end portion of the seat support member 43 is swingably supported by the seat receiving member 42 and the rear end portion is swingably supported by the link mechanism 47. The link mechanism 47 includes a first link 48 and a second link 49 that can swing with each other, and the seat support member 43 and the seat receiving member are arranged so that the links 48 and 49 extend vertically in a straight line. 42 is swingably attached to each. The second link 49 is connected via a back support rod link 50 to a back support arm 51 that rotates integrally with the back support rod 45. For this reason, the second link 49 and the back support rod 45 are interlocked. The reaction force applying mechanism 1 is attached by connecting the seat receiving member 42 and the second link 49 so that the link mechanism 47 can be urged in a linear direction.
[0044]
When the locking mechanism 40 is used, for example, the reaction force applying mechanism 1 is in a free state, and the seated person applies a load to the backrest. As a result, the link mechanism 47 is bent while receiving the reaction force, the backrest is tilted, and the rear portion of the seat 44 is lowered. Further, when the load is removed, the seat 44 and the backrest are returned to the initial positions by the reaction force of the reaction force applying mechanism 1.
[0045]
Thereby, the seated person can perform free locking while receiving the reaction force of the reaction force applying mechanism 1. In addition, by operating the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14, the magnitude of the reaction force of locking can be changed.
[0046]
On the other hand, when the backrest and the seat 44 are installed at an arbitrary angle and the reaction force applying mechanism 1 is locked, the expansion and contraction of the reaction force applying mechanism 1 is fixed, so that the position of the backrest and seat 44 can be fixed. it can.
[0047]
The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the clutch members 4 and 5 are formed in a flat plate shape and are alternately overlapped. The cross section orthogonal to the direction may be a curved plate having a curved shape, and these may be alternately stacked. Further, the clutch members 4 and 5 are not limited to being alternately stacked in a thin plate shape as in the above-described embodiment, and the clutch members 4 and 5 are formed in a so-called block shape having a sufficient thickness compared to the width. Then, they may be overlapped alternately. In any case, the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are fastened by the fastening member 6, whereby the reaction force device 1 with the lock mechanism can be locked with a frictional resistance.
[0048]
In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of clutch members 4 and 5 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only one clutch member 4 and 5 may be provided. For example, only one first clutch member 4 is provided, and two second clutch members 5 are provided so as to sandwich the first clutch member 4. Alternatively, only one second clutch member 5 is provided, and two first clutch members 4 are provided so as to sandwich the second clutch member 5 therebetween. Also in these cases, the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are fastened, whereby the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism can be locked by the frictional resistance of the two contact surfaces.
[0049]
Furthermore, although at least one of the clutch members 4 and 5 is provided in the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and both of the clutch members 4 and 5 may be provided one by one. In this case as well, the first clutch member 4 and the second clutch member 5 are fastened, whereby the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism can be locked by the frictional resistance of one contact surface.
[0050]
In the above-described embodiment, the tapered surface 11 of the fastening member 6 and the tapered surface 12 of the transmission member 36 are brought into surface contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact portion between the fastening member 6 and the transmission member 36 is used. On the other hand, the tapered surface 8 may be formed so as to be biased in a direction in which the fastening member 6 fastens the clutch members 4 and 5 when the transmission member 36 presses the fastening member 6. Also in this case, the fastening member 6 can tighten the clutch members 4 and 5 by pressing the transmission member 36 by the elastic means 9.
[0051]
In the above-described embodiment, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 is provided so as to be adjusted and positioned with respect to the second end member 3 by screwing of the screw portions 25 and 37. Any means that can relatively move and fix the member in one direction can be applied. For example, a convex portion is formed on the inner surface of the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and a plurality of concave portions are formed on the outer surface of the second end member 3 along the expansion / contraction direction. According to this, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and the second end member 3 can be fixed by engaging the convex portion with the concave portion, and the convex portion is engaged with another concave portion by applying a strong external force. Thus, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and the second end member 3 can be relatively moved.
[0052]
Alternatively, a protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14, and a groove along the expansion / contraction direction is formed on the outer surface of the second end member 3. And the side notch part is formed in several places of this groove | channel. According to this, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and the second end member 3 can be moved relative to each other by engaging the protrusion with the portion along the expansion / contraction direction of the groove, and the protrusion is notched in the groove. The initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 and the second end member 3 can be fixed by engaging with.
[0053]
In the above-described embodiment, the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial pressure adjusting mechanism 14 may be omitted. In this case as well, the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism can be switched between a free state and a locked state by operating the lock member 10, and the elastic means 9 is shared for reaction force generation and tightening operation. Can be suppressed.
[0054]
Furthermore, although embodiment mentioned above demonstrates the case where the reaction force apparatus 1 with a locking mechanism of this invention is applied to the locking mechanism 40 of the chair 41, it is not restricted to this, For example, locking mechanisms, such as a table, other than the chair 41 You may apply to. Further, the reaction force device 1 with a lock mechanism is not limited to being applied to the locking mechanism, and can be applied to all devices that require a mechanism that can be elastically expanded and contracted and fixed at an arbitrary length. .
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to the first aspect, the operating force for bringing the reaction device into the locked state is obtained from the resilient means for generating the reaction force. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a separate member for providing an operating force for locking, and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed, and the cost can be reduced with a simple structure.
[0056]
Further, since a compression coil spring or the like other than the gas spring can be used as the resilient means, it is easier to dispose than when using the gas spring, and a reaction force that changes according to the amount of expansion and contraction of the reaction device is obtained. be able to.
[0057]
According to the reaction device with a lock mechanism according to the second aspect, when the first clutch member and the second clutch member are tightened by the tightening member, they come into contact with each other on a plurality of surfaces. The frictional resistance can be increased. For this reason, the locking force when the reaction force device with a locking mechanism is fixed can be increased.
[0058]
Furthermore, according to the reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to claim 3, since the initial pressure can be changed by changing the initial length of the elastic means by the initial pressure adjusting mechanism, the spring constant of the reaction force device with the lock mechanism can be changed. Can be adjusted.
[0059]
On the other hand, according to the locking mechanism described in claim 4, since the reaction force device with a locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is used as a reaction force source of the locking mechanism, Gas springs can be avoided. For this reason, compared with the case where a gas spring is used, a reaction force proportional to the locking angle of the locking mechanism can be obtained to improve the feeling of use, and disposal can be facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing a reaction force device with a lock mechanism of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view showing a reaction force device with a lock mechanism.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a reaction device with a lock mechanism.
4 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a state cut along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a chair provided with a locking mechanism on which a reaction force device with a locking mechanism is mounted.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a chair provided with a conventional locking mechanism.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Reaction force device with lock mechanism (reaction force application mechanism)
2 First end member
3 Second end member
4 First clutch member
5 Second clutch member
6 Fastening member
7 First spring mount
8 Tapered surface
9 Bulleting means
10 Lock member
11 Tapered surface
12 Tapered surface
14 Initial pressure adjustment mechanism
36 Transmission means
38 Second spring mount
40 Locking mechanism
42 Seat receiving member (supporting member)
43 Seat support member (supported member)

Claims (4)

弾性的に伸縮可能であると共に任意の長さで固定可能なロック機構付き反力装置において、前記伸縮により互いの間隔を変更する第１及び第２の端部部材と、前記第１の端部部材に連結して固定される第１のクラッチ部材と、前記第２の端部部材に連結して固定されると共に前記第１のクラッチ部材に重なって接触しながら伸縮方向に摺動可能な第２のクラッチ部材と、前記第１の端部部材及び前記第２の端部部材の間に設けられてこれらの端部部材の間隔を弾性的に変更可能にする弾発手段と、前記弾発手段を前記第１の端部部材側から支持する第１のばねマウントと、前記弾発手段を前記第２の端部部材側から支持すると共に前記第２の端部部材に対して少なくとも前記伸縮方向に固定される第２のばねマウントと、前記第１のクラッチ部材及び前記第２のクラッチ部材を重ね方向に締め付け可能であると共に前記第１のクラッチ部材に対して少なくとも前記伸縮方向に固定される締め部材と、前記第１のばねマウントを介して前記弾発手段の弾発力を受けると共に前記弾発力を前記締め部材に伝達する伝達部材と、前記締め部材と前記伝達部材との当接部の少なくとも一方に形成されると共に前記伝達部材が前記締め部材を押圧したときに前記締め部材が前記第１のクラッチ部材および前記第２のクラッチ部材を締め付ける方向に付勢するよう傾斜したテーパ面と、前記締め部材に対して少なくとも前記伸縮方向に固定されて前記伝達部材を前記第２の端部部材側に押圧可能であると共に、前記伝達部材への押圧により前記伝達部材を前記締め部材から離して前記締め部材を前記重ね方向に自由にして前記第１の端部部材と前記第２の端部部材との間隔を変更可能にするフリー状態と、前記伝達部材への押圧の解除により前記弾発手段が前記伝達部材を前記締め部材側に押し出して前記テーパ面を介して前記締め部材を内側に押圧し前記第１のクラッチ部材および第２のクラッチ部材を前記重ね方向に締め付けて長さを固定するロック状態とに切換可能なロック部材とを備え、前記第１の端部部材と前記第２の端部部材との間隔を弾性的に変更可能にする反力及び前記伝達部材を介して前記締め部材によって前記第１のクラッチ部材と前記第２のクラッチ部材とを締め付ける作動力を前記弾発手段から得るようにして前記弾発手段を前記反力の発生用と前記締め付ける作動力の発生用とに共用することを特徴とするロック機構付き反力装置。In the reaction device with a lock mechanism that can be elastically expanded and contracted and fixed at an arbitrary length, the first and second end members that change the distance between them by the expansion and contraction, and the first end portion A first clutch member fixedly connected to the member, and a first clutch member fixedly connected to the second end member and slidable in the expansion / contraction direction while contacting and overlapping the first clutch member. Two clutch members, a resilient means provided between the first end member and the second end member, and capable of elastically changing an interval between these end members; A first spring mount for supporting means from the first end member side, and supporting the resilient means from the second end member side and at least the expansion and contraction with respect to the second end member. A second spring mount fixed in a direction and the first clutch A tightening member capable of tightening the material and the second clutch member in the overlapping direction and being fixed at least in the telescopic direction with respect to the first clutch member, and the elastic member via the first spring mount. And a transmission member that receives the elastic force of the means and transmits the elastic force to the fastening member, and a contact portion between the fastening member and the transmission member, and the transmission member is the fastening member The fastening member is fixed in at least the expansion / contraction direction with respect to the fastening member, and a tapered surface inclined so as to urge the fastening member in a fastening direction of the first clutch member and the second clutch member. The transmission member can be pressed toward the second end member, and the transmission member is separated from the fastening member by pressing the transmission member. And the free state freely to the serial overlapping direction to permit changing the distance between said second end member and the first end member, said resilient means the transmission by the release of pressure on the said transmission member A locked state in which a member is pushed out toward the fastening member, the fastening member is pushed inward through the tapered surface, and the first clutch member and the second clutch member are fastened in the overlapping direction to fix the length; A locking member that is switchable to the first end member and the second end member. The elastic means is used both for generating the reaction force and for generating the operating force to be tightened so that the operating force for fastening the first clutch member and the second clutch member is obtained from the elastic means. It is characterized by Reaction force device with a hook mechanism. 前記第１のクラッチ部材は隙間を空けて重なるように複数設けられると共に、前記第２のクラッチ部材は前記第１のクラッチ部材に対して互い違いに成るように前記隙間に入り込んで複数設けられることを特徴とする請求項１記載のロック機構付き反力装置。  A plurality of the first clutch members are provided so as to overlap each other with a gap, and a plurality of the second clutch members are provided to enter the gap so as to be staggered with respect to the first clutch member. The reaction force device with a lock mechanism according to claim 1. 前記第２の端部部材と前記第２のばねマウントとの間には前記弾発手段の初期長さを変更可能な初圧調整機構が設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１または２記載のロック機構付き反力装置。  3. An initial pressure adjusting mechanism capable of changing an initial length of the elastic means is provided between the second end member and the second spring mount. The reaction force device with a lock mechanism as described. 支持部材に対して被支持部材を揺動可能に支持すると共に前記被支持部材を反力付与機構により初期位置に向けて付勢するロッキング機構において、前記反力付与機構を請求項１から３までのいずれか記載のロック機構付き反力装置にしたことを特徴とするロッキング機構。  A locking mechanism that supports the supported member so as to be swingable with respect to the supporting member and urges the supported member toward the initial position by the reaction force applying mechanism. A locking mechanism characterized in that it is a reaction force device with a locking mechanism according to any one of the above.

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