JP7187224B2 - monitor arm - Google Patents

Description

The present invention mainly relates to a monitor arm for supporting a monitor in an arbitrary position and orientation in a space above a desk.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various proposals have been made for devices that support various devices (monitors) having display screens such as tablet terminals. For example, the support arm mechanism described in Patent Literature 1 includes a post erected on a base, an arm pivotally supported by the post, and a mounting plate provided at the tip of the post. By changing the angle formed by the arm and the mounting plate, the inclination of the monitor attached to the mounting plate can be adjusted. Also, in this support arm mechanism, the height of the monitor attached to the mounting plate can be adjusted by changing the angle formed by the arm and the support. With a link bar, when the angle formed by the arm and support is changed, the angle formed by the arm and mounting plate is also changed accordingly, and the tilt of the monitor remains constant before and after the monitor is moved up and down. It is designed to be preserved.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-309680

In the support arm mechanism of Patent Document 1, when the angle formed by the arm and the column is changed, the angle formed by the arm and the mounting plate is also changed accordingly. The height and tilt of the cannot be changed independently. Therefore, when the user wants to change both the height and tilt of the monitor, the user has to perform complicated operations.

In addition, in the support arm mechanism of Patent Document 1, the arm and the mounting plate are structured to maintain their respective postures by frictional resistance. However, there is a risk that the monitor will not be able to maintain its position and the arm or mounting plate will change position unexpectedly. Also, in order to avoid such a situation, many parts such as springs, cams, friction members, members for adjusting the frictional force, shafts, etc. are required, which increases the material cost and assembly cost. There was a fact that I would put it away. In addition, it took time and effort to adjust the spring force. Furthermore, due to the complicated structure incorporating these many members, there is also a problem that the movable angle range of the arm with respect to the base becomes narrow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique that allows a user to set the position and orientation of a monitor to a desired position through simple operations. Moreover, it is a secondary object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of stably holding a monitor with a simple configuration in an additional configuration.

The present invention has taken the following measures to achieve such an object.

That is, the monitor arm according to the present invention is
A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint,
the arm portion includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm displaceable with respect to the main arm;
The rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state ,
When the first joint or the second joint receives the first operation, only the rotation of the joint receiving the first operation is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state,
A position for receiving the first operation is set near the first joint or near the second joint of the auxiliary arm.

However, the term “monitor” here is not limited to a narrowly defined monitor that only has a display function, but includes general devices that include a display function and various other functions, such as mobile phones and tablet terminals. It is a concept that includes Also, the size of the monitor is not limited at all.

According to the above configuration, the angle of the arm support section with respect to the arm section and the angle of the monitor support section with respect to the arm section can be changed independently, so that the user can easily adjust the position and posture (angle) of the monitor. ) can be as desired.
Further, according to this configuration, the user can individually adjust the angle of the arm support section with respect to the arm section or the angle of the monitor support section with respect to the arm section by performing the first operation on the first joint or the second joint. can be changed to Therefore, the user can intuitively set the position and orientation of the monitor as desired.
Further, according to this configuration, by performing the first operation in the vicinity of the first joint or in the vicinity of the second joint, the rotation of each joint can be switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. It's hard to make a mistake in choosing.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
The first operation is an operation of tilting the auxiliary arm with respect to the main arm.

According to this configuration, the first operation can be simplified.

A monitor arm according to the present invention includes:
A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint, wherein the arm The unit includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm that is displaceable with respect to the main arm, and is configured such that rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state. By receiving a second operation, both the rotation of the first joint and the second joint are switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state, and the position of receiving the second operation is the auxiliary arm is set at or near the center of the first joint and the second joint in .

According to this configuration, the user can change both the angle of the arm support section with respect to the arm section and the angle of the monitor support section with respect to the arm section by performing the second operation. Therefore, the user can set the desired position and posture (angle) of the monitor with a simple operation.
Further, according to this configuration, by performing the second operation on the center or the vicinity of the first joint and the second joint, both joints can be switched from the rotation prohibited state to the rotation permitted state. It is difficult to make a mistake in selecting an operation.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
The second operation is an operation to translate the auxiliary arm with respect to the main arm.

According to this configuration, the second operation can be simplified.

A monitor arm according to the present invention includes:
A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint,
the arm portion includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm displaceable with respect to the main arm;
The rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state,
The first joint includes a first arm side engaging portion provided on the auxiliary arm and a first support side engaging portion provided on the arm supporting portion, and the second joint includes: a second arm portion side engaging portion provided on the auxiliary arm; and a second support portion side engaging portion provided on the monitor supporting portion; Rotation of the first joint is prohibited/allowed by engaging/disengaging with the first support side engaging portion, and the second arm side engaging portion and the second supporting portion side engaging portion are engaged. Rotation of the second joint is prohibited/allowed by engaging/disengaging.

According to this configuration, the angle of the arm support section with respect to the arm section and the angle of the monitor support section with respect to the arm section can be changed independently, so that the user can easily adjust the position and orientation (angle) of the monitor. can be as desired.
In addition, according to this configuration, rotation is prohibited (locked) by engagement of the engaging portions, so that the monitor can be stabilized with a simple configuration compared to a configuration in which rotation of the joint is prohibited by, for example, frictional resistance. can be supported by In addition, a situation in which the strength of joints decreases due to long-term use is less likely to occur. Furthermore, since the number of required parts is reduced, the size and weight of the monitor arm can be reduced.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
By biasing the auxiliary arm in a direction away from the main arm by a biasing portion provided between the auxiliary arm and the main arm, the first arm portion side engaging portion is moved to the first support portion side. While meshing with the engaging portion, the second arm portion side engaging portion meshes with the second supporting portion side engaging portion.

According to this configuration, in a state in which no operation is performed, a state is formed in which each arm portion-side engaging portion and each support portion-side engaging portion are engaged, and rotation of the first joint and the second joint is prohibited. be. Therefore, the posture of the monitor can be stably maintained while the configuration of the arm portion is simplified.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
By pressing the vicinity of the first arm side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the second arm side engaging portion engages with the second support side engaging portion. disengaging the first arm portion side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion while the portions are engaged;
By pressing the vicinity of the second arm side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the first arm side engaging portion engages with the first support side engaging portion. disengaging the second arm portion-side engaging portion and the second support portion-side engaging portion while the portions are engaged;
The center of the first arm portion side engaging portion and the second arm portion side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm or the vicinity thereof is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion, whereby the first arm portion The side engaging portion and the first supporting portion side engaging portion are disengaged, and the second arm portion side engaging portion and the second supporting portion side engaging portion are disengaged.

According to this configuration, it is possible to rotate only the first joint, only the second joint, or both the first joint and the second joint, depending on the pressing position of the user. Therefore, the height and posture of the monitor can be adjusted with a simple operation.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
A narrowed portion is provided between the main arm and the auxiliary arm and at a central position between the first arm side engaging portion and the second arm side engaging portion to narrow the interval between the two arms. cage,
When the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion or the vicinity of the second arm portion side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the non-pressed side The auxiliary arm rotates around the engaging portion as a fulcrum, and further rotation is restricted when the auxiliary arm and the main arm abut through the constricted portion.

According to this configuration, when the vicinity of the engaging portion on the side of the first arm portion or the engaging portion on the side of the second arm portion is pressed, the auxiliary arm does not move at the point where the auxiliary arm and the main arm abut through the constricted portion. It is restrained and the auxiliary arm cannot rotate any more, nor can it generally slide in a direction closer to the main arm. Therefore, disengagement of the engaging portion on the side not pressed can be reliably avoided, and only the pair of engaging portions associated with the other joint can be reliably disengaged.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
The first arm side engaging portion and the second arm side engaging portion are formed integrally with the auxiliary arm.

With this configuration, the structure of the monitor arm can be simplified.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
Each of the first arm portion side engaging portion, the first support portion side engaging portion, the second arm portion side engaging portion, and the second support portion side engaging portion is provided on a plane. Equipped with an uneven structure,
The first arm portion side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion are provided so that the surfaces on which the uneven structure is formed face each other,
The second arm portion side engaging portion and the second support portion side engaging portion are provided so that the surfaces on which the uneven structure is formed face each other.

According to this configuration, each engaging portion has a concave-convex structure formed on the plane, so that the engaging portions arranged to face each other are firmly meshed with each other. Therefore, the strength of each joint can be made sufficiently high.

Preferably, said monitor arm comprises:
the first joint includes a first shaft portion that pivotally supports the auxiliary arm and the main arm;
The second joint includes a second shaft portion that pivotally supports the auxiliary arm and the main arm.

With this configuration, the configuration of each joint can be simplified.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
the first shaft portion, the second shaft portion, or both
A restricting portion that restricts axial displacement of the main arm and a permitting portion that permits axial displacement of the auxiliary arm are provided.

According to this configuration, the movement of the main arm in the axial direction is restricted, so that the monitor can be stably held without rattling. In addition, since the movement of the auxiliary arm in the axial direction is not restricted, the switching between prohibition/allowance of rotation at each joint can be performed reliably.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
The arm support part
and a housing portion for housing the arm portion rotated around the first joint and folded toward the arm support portion.

With this configuration, the monitor arm can be folded compactly.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
The first joint is provided at the end of the arm.

According to this configuration, since the end of the arm is connected to the arm support, a large movable range of the arm can be secured with respect to the arm support. For example, the monitor can be supported at a high position by arranging the arm portion to extend substantially vertically upward from the arm support portion.

Preferably, in the monitor arm,
An intermediate connection portion is set between one end portion and the other end portion of the arm portion, and the first joint is provided at a position connecting the intermediate connection portion and one end portion of the arm support portion.

According to this configuration, it is not necessary to make the arm support part stand alone, so that the overall configuration of the monitor arm can be simplified. Further, the height of the first joint can be freely adjusted by adjusting the angle formed by the arm portion and the arm support portion. For example, by widening the angle formed by the arm and the arm support, the height of the first joint is lowered, and the monitor can be supported at a lower position.

According to the present invention, the user can set the desired position and orientation of the monitor with a simple operation.

1 is a perspective view of a monitor arm according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the monitor arm; FIG. Side view of the monitor arm. Rear view of the monitor arm. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the monitor arm; The perspective view of the main arm part with which this monitor arm is provided. The perspective view of the arm part side engaging part with which this monitor arm is provided. FIG. 11 is a rear view of the monitor arm in a state where neither the first operation nor the second operation is performed; FIG. 11 is a rear view of the monitor arm in a state where the first operation is being performed; FIG. 11 is a rear view of the monitor arm in a state where the second operation is being performed; FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a main part of the monitor arm in each state of FIGS. 8 to 10; The figure for demonstrating the usage condition of this monitor arm. The figure which shows the state which folded this monitor arm. The perspective view of the monitor arm which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Side view of the monitor arm. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the monitor arm; FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the monitor arm; The figure for demonstrating the usage condition of this monitor arm. The figure for demonstrating the usage condition of this monitor arm. The figure for demonstrating the usage condition of this monitor arm. The figure for demonstrating the usage condition of this monitor arm. The figure which shows the state which folded this monitor arm.

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A monitor arm according to an embodiment of the present invention is used by placing it on a flat installation surface such as a desk in, for example, an office or home (a so-called stand type), and a monitor (typically, for example, , a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, etc.) are supported and used by placing them at a position desired by the user on the installation surface. As will be apparent later, the monitor arm according to the present invention allows the user to adjust the height for supporting the monitor, that is, the height relative to the installation surface, and the attitude of the monitor, that is, the angle between the installation surface and the monitor. It is configured so that it can be changed as appropriate, and the monitor can be supported at the height and posture (angle) desired by the user. Therefore, by using this monitor arm, the user's one hand is not blocked for supporting the monitor, and the user can work while looking at the monitor or operate the monitor while using both hands freely. be able to.

<<First Embodiment>>
<1. Configuration>
The configuration of the monitor arm according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the monitor arm 100 according to the first embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the monitor arm 100 viewed obliquely from below. 3 is a side view of the monitor arm 100. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the monitor arm 100. FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the monitor arm 100. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main arm 21 included in the monitor arm 100. FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the arm-side engaging portions 42a and 42b provided in the monitor arm 100. FIG.

The monitor arm 100 includes an arm support portion 1, an arm portion 2, a monitor support portion 3, a first joint 4a connecting the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1, and connecting the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3. and a second joint 4b. In this embodiment, the first joint 4 a is provided at a position connecting one end of the arm portion 2 and one end of the arm support portion 1 . A second joint 4 b is provided at a position connecting the other end of the arm 2 and the vicinity of one end of the monitor support 3 . In the following, for convenience of explanation, the side of the arm portion 2 provided with the first joint 4a is referred to as the "lower side" and the side provided with the second joint 4b is referred to as the "upper side". It does not limit the usage direction of 100 .

<1-1. Arm Support>
The arm support section 1 includes a base plate 11 , legs 12 and a support section 13 .

The base plate 11 is a plate-like member that is rectangular in plan view. A first receiving portion 111 is provided near one short side on the upper surface side of the base plate 11, and a second receiving portion 112 is provided near the other short side. The lower end of the leg 12 is rotatably supported by the first receiving portion 111 . Also, the second receiving portion 112 can accommodate the lower end of the support portion 13 .

The leg 12 is an elongated member having a U-shaped cross section, and an elongated concave portion 121 is formed along its extending direction. The inner dimensions (width and length) of the concave portion 121 are one size larger than the outer dimensions (width and length) of the arm portion 2, and the arm connected to the leg 12 The arm portion 2 is accommodated in the concave portion 121 when the portion 2 is rotated via the first joint 4a and both 12 and 2 are in a substantially parallel posture (Fig. 13). . A protruding wall 122 is formed in each side wall portion of the leg 12 at the upper end of the leg 12, and each protruding wall 122 is formed with a through hole H12.

The support portion 13 is rotatably supported at the middle portion of the leg 12 at its upper end. On the other hand, the other end of the support portion 13 is formed so as to be slidable along the upper surface of the base plate 11 while being in contact with the upper surface. Since the other end of the support portion 13 is housed in the second receiving portion 112, the leg 12 is fixed in a predetermined posture (that is, a posture forming a predetermined angle with respect to the base plate 11). .

<1-2. Monitor support>
The monitor support section 3 includes a mounting plate 31 and a holding section 32 .

The mounting plate 31 is a plate-like member that is rectangular in plan view and made of a transparent material. One main surface (upper surface) of the mounting plate 31 forms a mounting surface for mounting the monitor M thereon. In the vicinity of the lower end of the mounting plate 31, a lower edge portion 311 is formed which rises on the upper surface side thereof, and this lower edge portion 311 is aligned with the lower edge of the monitor M placed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 31. It is designed to abut. A pair of projecting walls 312, 312 are formed on the lower surface side near the lower end of the mounting plate 31, and each projecting wall 312 is formed with a through hole H31.

The holding portion 32 is a member for holding the monitor M placed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 31 so as not to fall. The clamping portion 32 has a pair of clamping arms 321 , 321 provided to extend along each side of the mounting plate 31 on the lower surface side of the mounting plate 31 . A pressing portion 322 is provided at one end (tip) of each holding arm 321 , and this pressing portion 322 comes into contact with the side surface of the monitor M placed on the placing plate 31 . there is The other end (base end) of each clamping arm 321 is rotatably supported with respect to the mounting plate 31 . A gear 323 concentric with the rotation shaft is provided at the base end portion, and the gears 323 of the holding arms 321 are meshed with each other. As a result, both holding arms 321, 321 rotate synchronously. However, each gear 323 is pivotally supported while being biased against the mounting plate 31, so that it does not rotate unless operated by the user. The user places the monitor M on the placement plate 31 with the display screen facing upward, and rotates the clamping arms 321, 321 so that the pair of pressing portions 322, 322 are placed on both sides of the monitor M. Put it in a rotating posture that presses the surface. As a result, the monitor M mounted on the mounting plate 31 is sandwiched so as not to fall.

<1-3. Arm section>
The arm portion 2 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. The arm portion 2 includes a main arm 21, an auxiliary arm 22 extending parallel to the main arm 21 and displaceable in a direction toward or away from the main arm 21, and provided between the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22. A pair of coil springs 23, 23 are provided.

Both the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 are made of resin or a material having higher rigidity than resin. Both arms 21 and 22 are elongated members having substantially the same length, and each of them has a substantially box shape with one side open. Both arms 21 and 22 are arranged so that their open surfaces face each other. Hereinafter, the surface of each arm 21, 22 on the side facing the other arm is referred to as the "inner surface", and the opposite surface is referred to as the "outer surface".

A through hole H21 is formed in each of both ends of the main arm 21 . Similarly, a through hole H22 is also formed in each of both end portions of the auxiliary arm 22 . The through holes H21 and H22 provided at the lower ends of the arms 21 and 22 are provided at positions corresponding to each other, and a first shaft portion 40a, which will be described later, is inserted through them. Through holes H21 and H22 provided on the upper end sides of the arms 21 and 22 are also provided at positions corresponding to each other, and a second shaft portion 40b, which will be described later, is inserted through these.

A cylindrical rib (cylindrical portion) 211 is erected on the inner surface of the main arm 21 so as to surround each through hole H21. Similarly, a cylindrical rib (cylindrical portion) 221 is erected on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 22 so as to surround each through hole H22. It is also preferable that linear ribs extending across the longitudinal direction are appropriately formed on the inner surfaces of the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 .

An operation receiving portion 222 is formed on the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 22 . The operation receiving portion 222 is specifically a convex portion formed on the outer surface, and has an elongated top surface along the extending direction of the auxiliary arm 22 . The vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the top surface is gently recessed, and the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the top surface (that is, the vicinity of the joints 4a and 4b) is a substantially flat surface. A first operation S1, which will be described later, is an operation of pressing each end (including the vicinity thereof) of the operation receiving unit 222 in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 9). This is an operation to press the central part of the direction (including its vicinity) (Fig. 10). In other words, the operation reception unit 222 has each end portion constituting an input portion for the first operation S1, and the center portion constituting an input portion for the second operation S2.

A pair of protrusions (contact protrusions) 223 , 223 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 22 so as to be spaced apart in the extending direction of the arm section 2 . Each contact protrusion 223 has a shape that protrudes compared to other portions, and serves as a constricted portion that narrows the distance between the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 . The pair of contact protrusions 223, 223 are formed at the center position between the first arm side engaging portion 41a and the second arm side engaging portion 41b. Specifically, the pair of contact protrusions 223, 223 are formed such that the intermediate position thereof coincides with the intermediate position between the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b.

A pair of coil springs 23 , 23 are provided between the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 . Specifically, each coil spring 23 is externally inserted into each cylindrical portion 211 provided on the main arm 21, and in this state, the auxiliary arm 22 sandwiches the pair of coil springs 23, 23 between itself and the main arm 21. Thus, it is arranged to face the main arm 21 . When the arm portion 2 is attached to the support portions 1 and 3, each coil spring 23, in a contracted state, contacts the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 22 at one end and contacts the inner surface of the main arm 21 at the other end. abut. In other words, in this state, the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 are urged by the pair of coil springs 23, 23 in directions away from each other. That is, the pair of coil springs 23 , 23 serve as biasing portions that bias the auxiliary arm 22 away from the main arm 21 .

<1-4. First joint>
The first joint 4a will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. The first joint 4a is formed like a clutch. That is, the first joint 4a includes an engaging portion (first arm portion side engaging portion) 41a provided on the arm portion 2 (specifically, the auxiliary arm 22) side and an engaging portion (first arm portion side engaging portion) 41a provided on the arm support portion 1 side. provided engaging portion (first supporting portion side engaging portion) 42a. Both engaging portions 41a and 42a are rotatably supported by a shaft portion (first shaft portion) 40a. A state in which the rotation of the arm 4a (that is, the rotation of the arm portion 2 with respect to the arm support portion 1) is prohibited and a state in which the rotation is allowed can be switched.

The first arm portion side engaging portion 41a is integrally formed with the auxiliary arm 22 by using, for example, an integral molding technique. The first arm portion side engaging portion 41a has an uneven structure provided so as to surround the through hole H22 (the through hole H22 formed on the lower end side) in the planar portion of the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 22. . Specifically, the concave-convex structure is formed by arranging rectangular convex portions radially from the center of the through hole H22 over 360 degrees.

The first support side engaging portion 42a is a substantially disk-shaped member having a pair of planar main surfaces. A cylindrical shaft portion (first shaft portion) 40a is integrally formed at the center of the first support side engaging portion 42a by using, for example, an integral molding technique. In addition, a concave-convex structure is provided on the main surface of the first supporting portion-side engaging portion 42a on which the first shaft portion 40a is formed. This concave-convex structure is provided around the first shaft portion 40a. Specifically, a rectangular convex portion extends over 360° so as to form a radial shape from the center of the first shaft portion 40a. It is an array. A pair of grooves 422, 422 are formed in the other main surface of the first support side engaging portion 42a.

<1-5. Second joint>
The second joint 4b will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. The second joint 4b is formed like a clutch like the first joint 4a. That is, the second joint 4b has an engaging portion (second arm portion side engaging portion) 41b provided on the side of the arm portion 2 (specifically, the auxiliary arm 22), and an engaging portion (second arm portion side engaging portion) 41b provided on the side of the monitor support portion 3. provided engaging portion (second supporting portion side engaging portion) 42b. Both the engaging portions 41b and 42b are rotatably supported by a shaft portion (second shaft portion) 40b, and the pair of engaging portions 41b and 42b engage/disengage to form the second joint. A state in which the rotation of the arm 4b (that is, the rotation of the arm portion 2 with respect to the monitor support portion 3) is prohibited and a state in which the rotation is allowed can be switched.

The second arm side engaging portion 41b is formed integrally with the auxiliary arm 22 by using, for example, an integral molding technique, like the first arm side engaging portion 41a. The second arm portion side engaging portion 41b has an uneven structure provided so as to surround the through hole H22 (the through hole H22 formed on the upper end side) in the planar portion of the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 22. . A specific configuration of the second arm side engaging portion 41b is the same as that of the first arm side engaging portion 41a.

The second support side engaging portion 42b is the same member as the first support side engaging portion 42a. That is, the second support side engaging portion 42b is a substantially disk-shaped member having a pair of planar main surfaces, and a cylindrical shaft portion (second shaft portion) 40b is integrally formed at the center. It is Further, a concave-convex structure is provided on one main surface, and a pair of grooves 422, 422 are provided on the other main surface.

<2. Formation Mode of Each Joint>
How the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b are formed will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG.

First, the coil spring 23 is externally inserted in each cylindrical portion 211 provided on the inner surface of the main arm 21 . Auxiliary arm 22 is arranged to face main arm 21 so as to sandwich a pair of coil springs 23 , 23 between itself and main arm 21 .

Subsequently, the first shaft portion 40a provided on the first support portion side engaging portion 42a is inserted into a pair of through holes H22 and H21 that are overlapped on the lower end side, specifically, the cylinder on the lower end side of the auxiliary arm 22. It is axially passed through the portion 221 and the cylindrical portion 211 on the lower end side of the main arm 21 in this order. Similarly, the second shaft portion 40b provided on the second support portion side engaging portion 42b extends through a pair of through holes H22 and H21 that are overlapped on the upper end side, more specifically, through a cylinder on the upper end side of the auxiliary arm 22. It is axially passed through the portion 221 and the cylindrical portion 211 on the upper end side of the main arm 21 in order. As a result, the pair of engaging portions 41a and 42a and the pair of engaging portions 41b and 42b are arranged so that the surfaces on which the concave-convex structure is formed face each other.

Here, a stepped portion 421 is provided in the middle of the first shaft portion 40a and the second shaft portion 40b, and the tip side has a smaller diameter than the base end side. Specifically, the outer diameter of the portion on the tip side of the stepped portion 421 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 211 on the main arm 21 side, and is configured to be insertable into the cylindrical portion 211 . ing. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the portion closer to the base end than the stepped portion 421 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 211 and smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 221 on the auxiliary arm 22 side. Although it can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 221 on the 22 side, it is constructed so as not to be inserted into the cylindrical portion 211 on the main arm 21 side. Therefore, in a state in which the first shaft portion 40a and the second shaft portion 40b are axially threaded, the stepped portion 421 abuts against the tip surface of the cylindrical portion 211 on the main arm 21 side.

Subsequently, the group of members 42a, 42b, 21 to 23 are arranged at their lower ends between the pair of projecting walls 122, 122 of the leg 12, and at their upper ends are arranged between the pair of projecting walls 122, 122 of the mounting plate 31. It is arranged between the projecting walls 312 , 312 . At this time, the main surface of the first support side engaging portion 42a on the side where the pair of grooves 422, 422 are formed is one protruding wall 122 of the leg 12 (the protruding wall 122 on the auxiliary arm 22 side). , and the pair of ridges 1221 formed on the inner surface are arranged in the pair of grooves 422 , 422 . As a result, the first support side engaging portion 42a is non-rotatably locked to the projecting wall 122 (and thus to the arm support portion 1). Similarly, the second supporting portion side engaging portion 42b has a main surface on the side where the pair of grooves 422, 422 are formed, which is one projecting wall 312 of the mounting plate 31 (the projecting wall 312 on the auxiliary arm 22 side). ), and the pair of ridges 3121 formed on the inner surface are accommodated in the pair of grooves 422 , 422 . As a result, the second support side engaging portion 42b is non-rotatably locked to the projecting wall 312 (and thus the monitor support portion 3).

Subsequently, screws 401a are successively inserted through the through hole H12 of one projecting wall portion 122, the shaft interior of the first shaft portion 40a, and the through hole H12 of the other projecting wall portion 122, and fastened with a nut 402a. As a result, the main arm 21, the auxiliary arm 22, and the arm support portion 1 are pivotally supported by the first shaft portion 40a. Thereby, the first joint 4a is formed.

Similarly, screws 401b are successively inserted through the through hole H31 of one projecting wall portion 312, the shaft interior of the second shaft portion 40b, and the through hole H31 of the other projecting wall portion 312, and fastened with a nut 402b. As a result, the main arm 21, the auxiliary arm 22, and the monitor support section 3 are pivotally supported by the second shaft section 40b. Thereby, the second joint 4b is formed.

As described above, the portion of the first shaft portion 40a or the second shaft portion 40b closer to the base end than the stepped portion 421 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 221 on the auxiliary arm 22 side. Here, the outer diameter of the base end portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 221 on the auxiliary arm 22 side, and the auxiliary arm 22 is pivotally supported by the shaft portions 40a and 40b. is movable in the axial direction. Specifically, the auxiliary arm 22 can also move in the same axial direction with respect to the shafts 40a and 40b (that is, move toward and away from the main arm 21 while remaining substantially parallel to the main arm 21). It is also possible to move in the opposite axial direction with respect to each of the shafts 40a and 40b (that is, take an inclined posture with respect to the main arm 21). On the other hand, a step portion 421 abuts against the main arm 21, and is restricted so as not to move in the axial direction while being supported by the respective shaft portions 40a and 40b. By restricting the movement of the main arm 21 in the axial direction, the monitor M can be stably held without rattling, and a sufficiently wide range in which the auxiliary arm 22 can be displaced is ensured. As will be apparent below, by displacing the auxiliary arm 22 with respect to the main arm 21, prohibition/permission of rotation of the joints 4a and 4b are switched.

<3. Mode of use>
A mode of use of the monitor arm 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 in addition to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the monitor arm 100 when neither the first operation S1 nor the second operation S2 is performed. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the monitor arm 100 in a state where the first operation S1 is being performed. FIG. 10 is a rear view of monitor arm 100 in a state where second operation S2 is being performed. FIG. 11(a) is an enlarged view of the main part of the monitor arm 100 when neither the first operation S1 nor the second operation S2 is performed. FIG. 11(b) is an enlarged view of a main part of the monitor arm 100 in a state where the first operation S1 is being performed. FIG. 11(c) is an enlarged view of a main part of the monitor arm 100 in a state where the second operation S2 is being performed. FIG. 12 shows how the monitor arm 100 is used. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the monitor arm 100 is folded.

As described above, the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22 are biased away from each other by the pair of coil springs 23 , 23 . As a result, the first arm engaging portion 41a and the second arm engaging portion 41b provided on the auxiliary arm 22 are connected to the first supporting portion engaging portion 42a provided on the arm supporting portion 1 and the monitor. The uneven structures formed on the opposing main surfaces of the pair of engaging portions 41a and 42a are engaged with each other by being biased toward the second supporting portion side engaging portion 42b provided in the supporting portion 3. , the concave-convex structures formed on the opposing main surfaces of the pair of engaging portions 41b, 41b are engaged (FIG. 8). In this state, even if an external force is applied to the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1, the relative angles of the engaging portions 41a and 42a are not changed. Further, even if an external force is applied to the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3, the relative angles of the engaging portions 41b and 42b are not changed. In other words, the rotation of both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is prohibited, the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 cannot rotate relative to each other, and the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3 are also prevented from rotating. cannot rotate relative to each other.

When the user performs the first operation S1 on the monitor arm 100 in which rotation of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is prohibited, each rotation of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is performed. movement is individually switched from prohibited to permitted. Specifically, when the first joint 4a or the second joint 4b receives the first operation S1, only the rotation of the joint receiving the first operation S1 is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. Further, when the user performs the second operation S2, the rotation of both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. Each of the operations S1 and S2 will be described below.

(First operation)
The first operation S1 is an operation on the auxiliary arm 22 near the first joint 4a or near the second joint 4b. This is an operation for tilting the auxiliary arm 22 with respect to the main arm 21.

That is, for example, when the user presses the lower end of the operation receiving portion 222 (that is, the vicinity of the first joint 4a) against the biasing force of the lower coil spring 23, the auxiliary arm 22 moves to the first position. The lower end side rotates in a direction approaching the main arm 21 with the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b (that is, the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b engaged with the second support portion side engaging portion 42b) as a fulcrum. Move to a tilted position. Here, as described above, a pair of contact protrusions 223, 223 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 22, and the distance between the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 is defined by the contact protrusion 223. Some parts are smaller (narrower) than others. When the auxiliary arm 22 rotates in a direction in which the lower end side approaches the main arm 21, the lower contact protrusion 223 comes into contact with the main arm 21 at a certain rotation angle, and the auxiliary arm 22 rotates further. In addition, the main arm 21 cannot be entirely slid in a direction approaching it. That is, when the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 come into contact with each other via the contact protrusion 223, further movement of the auxiliary arm 22 is restricted.

When the lower end of the operation receiving portion 222 is pressed and the auxiliary arm 22 rotates, the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a is disengaged from the first support portion side engaging portion 42a. On the other hand, the second arm side engaging portion 41b is still biased toward the second support side engaging portion 42b by the biasing force of the upper coil spring 23, and the pair of engaging portions 41b, 42b remain engaged. That is, the rotation of the first joint 4a is allowed (that is, the arm portion 2 is allowed to rotate with respect to the arm support portion 1), and the rotation of the second joint 4b is prohibited (that is, the arm portion 2 is prohibited from rotating with respect to the monitor support portion 3). At this time, the greater the rotation angle (that is, the tilt angle) of the auxiliary arm 22, the greater the separation distance between the pair of engaging portions 41a and 42a. By restricting the movement in the axial direction, a wide range in which the auxiliary arm 22 can be displaced is ensured, so that the auxiliary arm 22 can rotate (that is, tilt) at a sufficiently large angle. Therefore, the rotation of the first joint 4a is reliably permitted. On the other hand, when the pressing position is relatively central or when the length of the arm portion 2 is relatively short, the auxiliary arm 22 rotates and moves toward the main arm 21 as a whole. There is a possibility of sliding, and if this happens, there is a possibility that not only one pair of engaging portions 41a and 42a but also the other engaging portion 41b and 42b will be disengaged. However, here, when the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 come into contact with each other via the lower contact convex portion 223, even if the user continues to apply a strong pressing force to the operation receiving portion 222, the auxiliary arm 22 will not move. cannot rotate any further, nor can it slide generally toward the main arm. Therefore, disengagement of the engaging portions 41b and 42b on the side not pressed is reliably avoided. As a result, the rotation of the second joint 4b is reliably prohibited while the rotation of the first joint 4a is reliably permitted.

In addition, for example, when the user presses the upper end of the operation receiving portion 222 (that is, the vicinity of the second joint 4b) against the biasing force of the upper coil spring 23, the auxiliary arm 22 moves to the first arm. The upper end side rotates in a direction approaching the main arm 21 with the part side engaging portion 41a (that is, the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a engaged with the first supporting portion side engaging portion 42a) as a fulcrum. tilted posture (Fig. 9). When the auxiliary arm 22 rotates in this direction, the upper contact protrusion 223 comes into contact with the main arm 21 at a certain rotation angle, and the auxiliary arm 22 cannot rotate further, and the main arm 22 rotates. It will be in a state where it cannot entirely slide in a direction approaching the arm 21 either. That is, when the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 come into contact with each other via the contact protrusion 223, further movement of the auxiliary arm 22 is restricted.

When the upper end of the operation receiving portion 222 is pressed and the auxiliary arm 22 rotates, the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b is disengaged from the second support portion side engaging portion 42b. On the other hand, the first arm side engaging portion 41a is still biased toward the first support side engaging portion 42a by the biasing force of the coil spring 23 on the lower side. remain engaged. That is, the rotation of the second joint 4b is allowed (that is, the arm portion 2 is allowed to rotate with respect to the monitor support portion 3), and the rotation of the first joint 4a is prohibited (that is, the arm portion 2 is prohibited from rotating with respect to the arm support portion 1). As described above, since the range in which the auxiliary arm 22 can be displaced is wide, the auxiliary arm 22 can rotate (that is, tilt) at a sufficiently large angle. Therefore, the rotation of the second joint 4b is reliably permitted. Further, when the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 come into contact with each other via the upper contact convex portion 223, even if the user continues to apply a strong pressing force to the operation receiving portion 222, the auxiliary arm 22 will not move. It is not possible to rotate the above, nor is it possible to slide in a direction approaching the main arm 21 as a whole. Therefore, disengagement of the engaging portions 41a and 42a on the non-pressed side is reliably avoided. As a result, the rotation of the first joint 4a is reliably prohibited while the rotation of the second joint 4b is reliably permitted.

Thus, the monitor arm 100 is configured such that the rotation of each of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is individually switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state by receiving the first operation S1. Therefore, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 (specifically, the leg 12) while pressing the lower end portion of the operation receiving portion 222, for example, so that the angle becomes By stopping the pressing in the desired state, only the angle between the arm part 2 and the arm support part 1 is changed to the desired one without changing the angle between the arm part 2 and the monitor support part 3. be able to. Further, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3 (specifically, the mounting plate 31) while pressing the upper end portion of the operation receiving portion 222, and adjusts the angle to a desired value. By stopping the pressing in the state where it becomes a thing, only the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3 can be changed to a desired one without changing the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1. can.

(Second operation)
The second operation S2 is an operation of the auxiliary arm 22 at or near the center of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b. This is an operation to translate the auxiliary arm 22 with respect to the main arm 21 .

That is, when the user presses the central portion of the operation receiving portion 222 in the longitudinal direction against the urging force of the pair of coil springs 23, 23, the auxiliary arm 22 remains substantially parallel to the main arm 21, It moves toward the main arm 21 (Fig. 10). That is, both the upper end side and the lower end side of the auxiliary arm 22 are displaced in a direction toward the main arm 21 .

Then, the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a is disengaged from the first support portion side engaging portion 42a, and the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b is also disengaged from the second support portion side engaging portion 42b. That is, both the rotation of the first joint 4a and the rotation of the second joint 4b are permitted.

In this manner, the monitor arm 100 is configured such that the rotation of both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state by receiving the second operation S2. Therefore, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 while pressing the central portion of the top surface of the operation receiving portion 222, and also changes the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3. By stopping the pressing when both angles are desired respectively, the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 and the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3 are adjusted to the desired values at once. can be changed to

As described above, by performing the first operation S1 and/or the second operation S2, the user of the monitor arm 100 can easily set the position and orientation (angle) of the monitor M to a desired position. can.

For example, the user adjusts the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 and the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3, respectively, so that the monitor M supported by the monitor arm 100 is substantially vertical. It can be made to have a posture (for example, the solid line in FIG. 12). Such a posture of the monitor arm 100 is suitable when the user wants to see the monitor M from the front. In addition, it is possible to adopt a posture inclined backward from this posture (for example, the phantom line in FIG. 12). Such a posture of the monitor arm 100 is suitable when the user wants to see the monitor M obliquely from above.

Further, for example, the user adjusts the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 and the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3, respectively, so that the monitor M supported by the monitor arm 100 can be adjusted by the user. It is also possible to set the horizontal position at a height that facilitates manual work. Such a posture of the monitor arm 100 is such that, for example, when drawing is performed on the touch panel of the monitor M including a touch panel with a touch pen or the like, the camera function of the monitor M including the camera function can be used on the desk. This is suitable for when you want to image a document or the like placed on a camera.

Further, for example, the user can fold the monitor arm 100 by adjusting the angle between the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1 and the angle between the arm portion 2 and the monitor support portion 3 ( Figure 13). Specifically, first, the lower end of the support portion 13 is slid toward the first receiving portion 111 to bring the support portion 13 into a posture parallel to the leg 12. At the same time, the first receiving portion 111 is rotated to push them down toward the base plate 11 . Subsequently, the arm portion 2 is rotated around the first joint 4 a so that the arm portion 2 is accommodated in the concave portion 121 of the leg 12 . Further, the mounting plate 31 is rotated around the second joint 4b and pushed down toward the arm portion 2. As shown in FIG. As a result, the monitor arm 100 is folded. Such a posture of the monitor arm 100 is suitable when the monitor arm 100 is not used (during storage). The second operation S2 is convenient for folding the monitor arm 100 (or unfolding the folded monitor arm 100). That is, by performing the second operation S2, both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b are switched to a state in which rotation is permitted, and the parts 1, 2, and 3 are simultaneously rotated around the joints 4a and 4b. By doing so, the monitor arm 100 can be quickly folded (or unfolded).

<4. Effect>
As described above, the monitor arm 100 according to the above embodiment includes the arm portion 2, the arm support portion 1 connected to the arm portion 2 via the first joint 4a, and the arm portion 2 via the second joint 4b. and a monitor support 3 to be connected. The monitor arm 100 is configured such that the rotation of each of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is individually switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. According to this configuration, the angle of the arm support part 1 with respect to the arm part 2 and the angle of the monitor support part 3 with respect to the arm part 2 can be changed independently, so that the user can position the monitor M with a simple operation. and attitude (angle) can be made as desired.

When the first joint 4a or the second joint 4b of the monitor arm 100 receives the first operation S1, only the rotation of the joint receiving the first operation S1 is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. is configured as According to this configuration, the user can change the angle of the arm support portion 1 with respect to the arm portion 2 or the monitor support portion with respect to the arm portion 2 by performing the first operation S1 on the first joint 4a or the second joint 4b. 3 angles can be changed individually. Therefore, the user can set the desired position and posture of the monitor M by intuitive operation.

Also, the arm section 2 related to the monitor arm 100 includes a main arm 21 and an auxiliary arm 22 displaceable with respect to the main arm 21 . A position for receiving the first operation S1 is set in the vicinity of the first joint 4a or in the vicinity of the second joint 4b of the auxiliary arm 22 . According to this configuration, by performing the first operation S1 in the vicinity of the first joint 4a or in the vicinity of the second joint 4b, the rotation of the joints 4a and 4b can be switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. The user is less likely to make a mistake in selecting an operation.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, the first operation S1 is an operation of tilting the auxiliary arm 22 with respect to the main arm 21, so the first operation S1 can be simplified.

In addition, the monitor arm 100 is configured such that the rotation of both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state by receiving the second operation S2. According to this configuration, the user can change both the angle of the arm support section 1 with respect to the arm section 2 and the angle of the monitor support section 3 with respect to the arm section 2 by performing the second operation S2. Therefore, the user can set the desired position and posture (angle) of the monitor M with a simple operation. The second operation S2 is particularly useful when folding the monitor arm 100 and unfolding the folded monitor arm 100 .

Further, the arm portion 2 related to the monitor arm 100 includes a main arm 21 and an auxiliary arm 22 displaceable with respect to the main arm 21 . The position for receiving the second operation S2 is set at or near the center of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b of the auxiliary arm 22. As shown in FIG. According to this configuration, by performing the second operation S2 on or near the center of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b, both joints 4a and 4b can be switched from the rotation prohibited state to the rotation permitted state. Therefore, the user is less likely to make a mistake in selecting an operation.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, the second operation S2 is an operation of moving the auxiliary arm 22 parallel to the main arm 21, so the second operation S2 can be simplified.

Further, the arm portion 2 related to the monitor arm 100 includes a main arm 21 and an auxiliary arm 22 displaceable with respect to the main arm 21, and the first joint 4a is provided on the first arm 22. A section side engaging portion 41 a and a first supporting portion side engaging portion 42 a provided on the arm supporting portion 1 are provided. Further, the second joint 4 b includes a second arm portion side engaging portion 41 b provided on the auxiliary arm 22 and a second support portion side engaging portion 42 b provided on the monitor support portion 3 . By engaging/disengaging the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a and the first support portion side engaging portion 42a, rotation of the first joint 4a is prohibited/allowed, and the second arm portion side engaging portion is engaged. By engaging/disengaging the portion 41b and the second support side engaging portion 42b, rotation of the second joint 4b is prohibited/allowed. According to this configuration, in each joint 4a, 4b, rotation is prohibited (locked) by engagement of the engagement portions (more specifically, teeth provided on the joints 4a and 4b) instead of frictional resistance. With a simple configuration, the strength of each joint 4a, 4b can be ensured. That is, the monitor M can be stably supported with a simpler configuration than in the case where the rotation of the joint is prohibited by frictional resistance. Therefore, even when the monitor M is heavy or when the user presses the monitor M strongly, the monitor M can be stably supported. In addition, a situation in which the strength of the joints 4a and 4b decreases due to long-term use is less likely to occur. Furthermore, since the number of necessary parts is reduced, the size and weight of the monitor arm 100 can be reduced.

Also, in the monitor arm 100, each end in the longitudinal direction of the operation receiving portion 222 near the first arm side engaging portion 41a or near the second arm side engaging portion 41b of the auxiliary arm 22 is , the input portion of the first operation S1, and the long length of the operation receiving portion 222, which corresponds to the center or the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a and the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b of the auxiliary arm 22. The central portion of the direction serves as an input portion for the second operation S2. According to this configuration, the positions at which the first operation S1 and the second operation S2 are performed are defined with respect to the engaging portions 41a and 41b provided on the auxiliary arm 22, so that the user can perform both operations intuitively. can be done systematically.

In the monitor arm 100, the auxiliary arm 22 is biased in a direction away from the main arm 21 by a biasing portion (specifically, a pair of coil springs 23, 23) provided between itself and the main arm 21. As a result, the first arm side engaging portion 41a meshes with the first support side engaging portion 42a, and the second arm side engaging portion 41b meshes with the second supporting portion side engaging portion 42b. do. According to this configuration, in a state in which no operation is performed, a state is formed in which the arm side engaging portions 41a and 41b and the support side engaging portions 42a and 42b are meshed, and the first joint 4a and the second joint 4a and 42b are engaged with each other. 4b is prohibited from rotating. Therefore, the posture of the monitor M can be stably maintained while the configuration of the arm portion 2 is simplified.

Further, the monitor arm 100 is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion (specifically, the coil spring 23 on the lower side) in the vicinity of the first arm side engaging portion 41a of the auxiliary arm 22. The first arm-side engaging portion 41a and the first support-side engaging portion 42a are disengaged while the second arm-side engaging portion 41b and the second support-side engaging portion 42b remain engaged. ing. In addition, the vicinity of the second arm side engaging portion 41b of the auxiliary arm 22 is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion (specifically, the upper coil spring 23), thereby causing the first arm side engaging portion to be engaged. The second arm portion side engaging portion 41b and the second support portion side engaging portion 42b are configured to disengage while the mating portion 41a and the first supporting portion side engaging portion 42a remain engaged. Further, the biasing force of biasing portions (specifically, the pair of coil springs 23, 23) is applied to the center of the first arm side engaging portion 41a and the second arm side engaging portion 41b of the auxiliary arm 22 or in the vicinity thereof. , the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a and the first support portion side engaging portion 42a are disengaged, and the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b and the second support portion side engaging portion are engaged. The portion 42b is configured to dissociate. According to this configuration, only the first joint 4a, only the second joint 4b, or both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b can be rotated depending on the pressing position of the user. Therefore, the height and posture of the monitor M can be adjusted with a simple operation.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, between the main arm 21 and the auxiliary arm 22, at the center position between the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a and the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b, both arms 21, A constricted portion (a pair of contact protrusions 223, 223) is provided to narrow the distance between the contact points 22. As shown in FIG. When the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a (or the vicinity of the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b) of the auxiliary arm 22 is pressed against the biasing force of the coil spring 23, it is not pressed. The auxiliary arm 22 rotates around the engaging portions 41a and 41b on the side, and when the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 come into contact with each other via the contact protrusion 223, further rotation is restricted. ing. According to this configuration, for example, when the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion 41a is pressed, the auxiliary arm 22 contacts the main arm 21 via the contact protrusion 223 on the lower side. The movement of the auxiliary arm 22 is restricted, and the auxiliary arm 22 cannot rotate any more, nor can it entirely slide in a direction approaching the main arm 21 . Therefore, disengagement of the pair of engaging portions 41b and 42b associated with the second joint 4b is reliably avoided, and only the pair of engaging portions 41a and 42a associated with the first joint 4a are reliably disengaged. can be done.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, the first arm side engaging portion 41a and the second arm side engaging portion 41b are integrally formed with the auxiliary arm 22. As shown in FIG. With this configuration, the structure of the monitor arm 100 can be simplified.

In addition, in the monitor arm 100, each engaging portion (first arm portion side engaging portion 41a, first support portion side engaging portion 42a, second arm portion side engaging portion 41b, and second support portion side Each of the engaging portions 42b) has an uneven structure provided on a plane. The first arm side engaging portion 41a and the first support side engaging portion 42a are provided so that the surfaces on which the concave-convex structure is formed face each other. Further, the second arm portion side engaging portion 41b and the second support portion side engaging portion 42g are also provided so that the surfaces on which the concave-convex structure is formed face each other. According to this configuration, the pair of engaging portions arranged to face each other are firmly meshed with each other. Therefore, the strength of each joint 4a, 4b can be made sufficiently high.

Also, the monitor arm 100 includes a first shaft portion 40a on which the first joint 4a pivotally supports the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 . Also, the second joint 4 b includes a second shaft portion 40 b that pivotally supports the auxiliary arm 22 and the main arm 21 . With this configuration, the configuration of each joint 4a, 4b can be simplified.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, a stepped portion 421 is formed in the middle of each of the first shaft portion 40a and the second shaft portion 40b. This stepped portion 421 serves as a restricting portion that restricts the displacement of the main arm 21 in the axial direction (extending direction of the first shaft portion 40a). 22 serves as a permitting portion that permits displacement in the axial direction. According to this configuration, the movement of the main arm 21 in the axial direction is restricted, so that the monitor M can be stably held without rattling. In addition, since the movement of the auxiliary arm 22 in the axial direction is not restricted, the switching between prohibition/allowance of rotation at each of the joints 4a and 4b is ensured.

Further, in the monitor arm 100, the recessed portion (accommodating portion) 121 accommodates the arm portion 2 in a state in which the arm support portion 1 is rotated around the first joint 4a and folded toward the arm support portion 1 side. Prepare. With this configuration, the monitor arm 100 can be folded compactly.

Also, in the monitor arm 100 , the first joint 4 a is provided at the end of the arm portion 2 . Specifically, the first joint 4 a is provided at a position connecting one end (lower end) of the arm portion 2 and one end (upper end) of the arm support portion 1 . According to this configuration, the movable range of the arm portion 2 with respect to the arm support portion 1 can be increased. For example, the monitor M can be supported at a high position by setting the arm portion 2 to extend substantially vertically upward from the arm support portion 1 .

<<Second Embodiment>>
<1. Configuration>
The configuration of the monitor arm according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the monitor arm 200 according to the second embodiment. 15 is a side view of monitor arm 200. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the monitor arm 200. FIG. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the essential parts of the monitor arm 200. FIG.

The monitor arm 200 includes an arm support portion 5, an arm portion 6, a monitor support portion 7, a first joint 8a connecting the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5, and connecting the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7. and a second joint 8b. In this embodiment, the first joint 8a is connected between the middle of the arm portion 6 (that is, the intermediate connection portion set between one end and the other end of the arm portion 6) and one end of the arm support portion 5. is provided at a position to connect the end of the A second joint 8 b is provided at a position connecting one end of the arm portion 6 and one end of the monitor support portion 7 . In the following, for convenience of explanation, the side of the arm portion 6 on which the first joint 8a is provided is referred to as the "lower side" and the side of the arm portion 6 on which the second joint 8b is provided is referred to as the "upper side". The usage direction of the arm 200 is not limited.

<1-1. Arm Support>
The arm support 5 has legs 51 .

The leg 51 is an elongated member having a U-shaped cross section, and an elongated concave portion 511 is formed along its extending direction. The inner dimensions (width and length) of the concave portion 511 are slightly larger than the outer dimensions (width and length) of the portion of the arm portion 6 above the first joint 8a. When the arm 6 connected to the leg 51 is rotated through the first joint 8a and both 51 and 6 are in a substantially parallel posture, the arm 6 is positioned above the first joint 8a. portion is accommodated in this concave portion 511 (FIG. 22). A protruding wall 512 is formed in each side wall portion of the leg 51 at the upper end of the leg 51, and a through hole H51 is formed in each protruding wall 512. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, at the lower end of the leg 51 , a long rod-shaped support rod 513 is provided integrally with the leg 51 in such a posture that the lengthwise direction of the support rod 513 extends along the width direction of the leg 51 .

<1-2. Monitor support>
The monitor support section 7 has a mounting plate 71 and a slide plate 72 .

The mounting plate 71 is a plate-like member that is rectangular in plan view. One main surface (upper surface) of the mounting plate 71 forms a mounting surface for mounting the monitor M thereon. In the vicinity of the lower end of the mounting plate 71, a lower edge portion 711 that rises on the upper surface side is formed. It is designed to abut. A pair of projecting walls 712, 712 are formed on the lower surface side near the lower end of the mounting plate 71, and each projecting wall 712 is formed with a through hole H71. A window 713 is formed on the mounting plate 71 at a position corresponding to the camera lens of the monitor M mounted thereon. Since the position of the camera lens differs depending on the type of monitor M, it is also preferable to form a plurality of windows 713 so as to accommodate various types of monitors M. FIG.

The slide plate 72 is a member for sandwiching the monitor M placed on the upper surface of the placing plate 71 so as not to fall. The slide plate 72 is provided on the lower surface side of the mounting plate 71 so as to be slidable along the lower surface. An upper edge portion 721 is formed near the upper end portion of the slide plate 72 so as to stand up on the upper surface side. The user places the monitor M on the mounting plate 71 with the display screen facing upward, and slides the slide plate 72 to a position where the upper edge portion 721 contacts the upper edge of the monitor M. to be placed. As a result, the monitor M placed on the placing plate 71 is sandwiched between the upper edge portion 721 and the lower edge portion 711 and supported so as not to fall.

<1-3. Arm section>
The arm portion 6 will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. The arm portion 6 includes a main arm 61 , an auxiliary arm 62 extending parallel to the main arm 61 and displaceable in a direction toward and away from the main arm 61 , and provided between the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 . a pair of coil springs 63, 63, and a support portion 64 provided to extend from one end of the main arm 61 in the same direction. The one end portion of the main arm portion 61 corresponds to an intermediate connection portion set between one end portion and the other end portion of the arm portion 6, and is a first joint that connects the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5. 8a is provided at the intermediate connection.

Both the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 are made of resin or a material having higher rigidity than resin. Both arms 61 and 62 are elongated members having substantially the same length, and both have a substantially box shape with one side open. Both arms 61 and 62 are arranged so that their open surfaces face each other.

A through hole H61 is formed in each of both ends of the main arm 61 . Similarly, both ends of the auxiliary arm 62 are also formed with through holes H62. The through holes H61 and H62 provided at the lower ends of the arms 61 and 62 are provided at positions corresponding to each other, and a first shaft portion 80a, which will be described later, is inserted through them. Through holes H61 and H62 provided on the upper end sides of the arms 61 and 62 are also provided at positions corresponding to each other, and a second shaft portion 80b, which will be described later, is inserted through these holes.

A cylindrical rib (cylindrical portion) 611 is erected on the inner surface of the main arm 61 so as to surround each through hole H61. Similarly, a cylindrical rib (cylindrical portion) is erected on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 62 so as to surround each through hole H62. It is also preferable that linear ribs extending across the longitudinal direction are appropriately formed on the inner surfaces of the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 .

An operation receiving portion 621 is formed on the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 62 . The operation receiving portion 621 is specifically a convex portion formed on the outer surface, and has an elongated top surface along the extending direction of the auxiliary arm 62 . At each end of the top surface in the longitudinal direction (that is, in the vicinity of each joint 8a, 8b), an operation convex portion 6211 that protrudes compared to other portions (central flat portion 6212) is provided. A first operation S<b>1 described later is an operation of pressing the operation convex portion 6211 , and a second operation S<b>2 is an operation of pressing the central flat portion 6212 . That is, each operation convex portion 6211 in the operation reception portion 621 configures the input portion for the first operation S1, and the central flat portion 6212 configures the input portion for the second operation S2.

A pair of protrusions (contact protrusions) 622 , 622 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 62 so as to be spaced apart in the extending direction of the arm section 6 . Each contact protrusion 622 has a shape that protrudes compared to other portions, and serves as a constricted portion that narrows the distance between the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 . The pair of contact protrusions 622, 622 is formed at the center position between the first arm side engaging portion 81a and the second arm side engaging portion 81b. Specifically, the pair of contact protrusions 622, 622 are formed such that their intermediate positions coincide with the intermediate positions between the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b. However, each contact convex portion 622 is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the boundary between the central flat portion 6212 of the operation receiving portion 621 and each operation convex portion 6211 or in the vicinity thereof.

A pair of coil springs 63 , 63 are provided between the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 . Specifically, each coil spring 63 is externally inserted into each cylindrical portion 611 provided on the main arm 61 , and in this state, the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 sandwich the pair of coil springs 63 , 63 . Thus, it is arranged to face the main arm 61 . When the arm portion 6 is attached to the support portions 5 and 7, each coil spring 63 contacts the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 62 at one end and contacts the inner surface of the main arm 61 at the other end in a contracted state. abut. In other words, in this state, the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 are urged by the pair of coil springs 63, 63 in directions away from each other. That is, the pair of coil springs 63 , 63 serve as biasing portions that bias the auxiliary arm 62 away from the main arm 61 .

The support portion 64 is a long member extending in the same direction as the main arm 61 , and its upper end is fixed to the lower end of the main arm 61 . A long rod-shaped support rod 641 is provided at the lower end of the support portion 64 in such a posture that the long direction of the support rod 641 extends along the width direction of the support portion 64 . The support portion 64 and the main arm 61 may be integrally formed, for example, by using an integral molding technique.

<1-4. First joint>
The first joint 8a will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. The first joint 8a is formed like a clutch. That is, the first joint 8a has an engaging portion (first arm portion side engaging portion) 81a provided on the arm portion 6 (specifically, the auxiliary arm 62) side and an engaging portion (first arm portion side engaging portion) 81a provided on the arm support portion 5 side. provided engaging portion (first supporting portion side engaging portion) 82a. Both engaging portions 81a and 82a are rotatably supported by a shaft portion (first shaft portion) 80a, and the pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a engage/disengage to form the first joint. A state in which the rotation of the arm portion 8a (that is, the rotation of the arm portion 6 with respect to the arm support portion 5) is prohibited and a state in which the rotation is permitted can be switched.

The first arm portion side engaging portion 81a is integrally formed with the auxiliary arm 62 by using, for example, an integral molding technique. The first arm portion side engaging portion 81a has an uneven structure provided so as to surround the through hole H62 (the through hole H62 formed on the lower end side) in the planar portion of the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 62. . Specifically, the concave-convex structure is formed by arranging rectangular convex portions radially from the center of the through hole H62 over 360°.

The first support side engaging portion 82a is a substantially disc-shaped member having a pair of planar main surfaces. A cylindrical shaft portion (first shaft portion) 80a is integrally formed at the center of the first support side engaging portion 82a by using, for example, an integral molding technique. In addition, a concave-convex structure is provided on the main surface of the first supporting portion-side engaging portion 82a on the side where the first shaft portion 80a is formed. This concave-convex structure is provided around the first shaft portion 80a, and more specifically, a rectangular convex portion extends over 360° so as to form a radial shape from the center of the first shaft portion 80a. It is an array. A notch portion 822 is formed on the peripheral edge of the disk portion of the first support side engaging portion 82a.

<1-5. Second joint>
The second joint 8b will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. The second joint 8b is formed like a clutch like the first joint 8a. That is, the second joint 8b has an engaging portion (second arm portion side engaging portion) 81b provided on the arm portion 6 (specifically, the auxiliary arm 62) side and an engaging portion (second arm portion side engaging portion) 81b provided on the side of the monitor support portion 7. provided engaging portion (second supporting portion side engaging portion) 82b. Both the engaging portions 81b and 82b are rotatably supported by a shaft portion (second shaft portion) 80b, and the pair of engaging portions 81b and 82b engage/disengage to form the second joint. A state in which the rotation of the arm 8b (that is, the rotation of the arm portion 6 with respect to the monitor support portion 7) is prohibited and a state in which the rotation is permitted can be switched.

The second arm side engaging portion 81b is formed integrally with the auxiliary arm 62 by using, for example, an integral molding technique, like the first arm side engaging portion 81a. The second arm portion side engaging portion 81b has an uneven structure provided so as to surround the through hole H62 (the through hole H62 formed on the upper end side) in the planar portion of the outer surface of the auxiliary arm 62. . A specific configuration of the second arm side engaging portion 81b is the same as that of the first arm side engaging portion 81a.

The second support side engaging portion 82b is the same member as the first support side engaging portion 82a. That is, the second support side engaging portion 82b is a substantially disk-shaped member having a pair of planar main surfaces, and a cylindrical shaft portion (second shaft portion) 80b is integrally formed at the center. It is In addition, a concave-convex structure is provided on one main surface, and a notch 822 is formed on the peripheral edge of the disk portion.

<2. Formation Mode of Each Joint>
The manner in which the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b are formed will be described with continued reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG.

First, the coil spring 63 is externally inserted in each cylindrical portion 611 provided on the inner surface of the main arm 61 . Further, the auxiliary arm 62 is arranged to face the main arm 61 with a pair of coil springs 63, 63 interposed therebetween.

Subsequently, the first shaft portion 80a provided on the first support side engaging portion 82a is inserted into a pair of through holes H62 and H61 that are overlapped on the lower end side, specifically, the cylinder on the lower end side of the auxiliary arm 62. and the cylindrical portion 611 on the lower end side of the main arm 61, in order. Similarly, the second shaft portion 80b provided in the second support portion side engaging portion 82b extends through a pair of through holes H62 and H61 that are overlapped on the upper end side, more specifically, through a cylinder on the upper end side of the auxiliary arm 62. , and the cylindrical portion 611 on the upper end side of the main arm 61, in order. As a result, the pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a and the pair of engaging portions 81b and 82b are arranged so that the surfaces on which the concave-convex structure is formed face each other.

Here, a stepped portion 821 is provided in the middle of the first shaft portion 80a and the second shaft portion 80b, and the tip side has a smaller diameter than the base end side. Specifically, the outer diameter of the portion on the distal end side of the stepped portion 821 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 611 on the main arm 61 side, and is configured to be insertable into the cylindrical portion 611 . ing. On the other hand, the outer diameter of the portion closer to the base end than the stepped portion 821 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 611 and smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion on the auxiliary arm 62 side. can be inserted into the cylindrical portion 611 of the main arm 61 but not into the cylindrical portion 611 on the main arm 61 side. Therefore, in a state in which the first shaft portion 80a and the second shaft portion 80b are passed through, the step portion 821 abuts against the tip surface of the cylindrical portion 611 on the main arm 61 side.

Subsequently, the group of members 82a, 82b, 61 to 63 are arranged at their lower ends between the pair of projecting walls 512, 512 of the leg 51, and at their upper ends between the pair of projecting walls 512, 512 of the mounting plate 71. It is arranged between the projecting walls 712 , 712 . At this time, the first support side engaging portion 82a is positioned so that the projection formed on the protruding wall 512 of the leg 51 is accommodated in the notch 822 provided in the disk portion. placed in As a result, the first support side engaging portion 82a is non-rotatably locked to the projecting wall 512 (and thus the arm support portion 5). Similarly, the second support side engaging portion 82b is arranged so that the projection 7121 formed on the protruding wall 712 of the mounting plate 71 is accommodated in the notch portion 822 provided in the disk portion thereof. placed in the correct position. As a result, the second support side engaging portion 82b is non-rotatably locked to the projecting wall 712 (and thus the monitor support portion 7).

Subsequently, screws 801a are successively inserted through the through hole H51 of one projecting wall portion 512, the shaft interior of the first shaft portion 80a, and the through hole H51 of the other projecting wall portion 512, and fastened with a nut 802a. As a result, the main arm 61, the auxiliary arm 62, and the arm support portion 5 are pivotally supported by the first shaft portion 80a. Thereby, the first joint 8a is formed. However, it is preferable that a sufficient tightening force is applied to the first shaft portion 80a so that the first support side engaging portion 82a is sufficiently biased against the projecting wall 512. As shown in FIG. This ensures that the engagement between the notch portion 822 of the first support side engaging portion 82a and the projection of the projecting wall 512 is not released.

Similarly, the screws 801b are successively inserted through the through hole H71 of one projecting wall portion 712, the shaft interior of the second shaft portion 80b, and the through hole H71 of the other projecting wall portion 712, and fastened with a nut 802b. As a result, the main arm 61, the auxiliary arm 62, and the monitor support portion 7 are pivotally supported by the second shaft portion 80b. Thereby, the second joint 8b is formed. Here, too, it is preferable to apply a sufficient tightening force to the second shaft portion 80b so that the second support side engaging portion 82b is sufficiently biased against the projecting wall 712. As shown in FIG.

As described above, the portion closer to the base end than the stepped portion 821 of the first shaft portion 80a or the second shaft portion 80b is inserted into the cylindrical portion on the auxiliary arm 62 side. Here, the outer diameter of the base end portion is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion of the auxiliary arm 62 side, and the auxiliary arm 62 is pivotally supported by the shaft portions 80a and 80b. , is axially movable. Specifically, the auxiliary arm 62 can also move in the same axial direction with respect to both the shaft portions 80a and 80b (that is, move toward and away from the main arm 61 while remaining substantially parallel to the main arm 61). It is also possible to move in the opposite axial direction with respect to each of the shafts 80a and 80b (that is, take an inclined posture with respect to the main arm 61). On the other hand, a stepped portion 821 abuts against the main arm 61, and is restricted so as not to move in the axial direction while being supported by the respective shaft portions 80a and 80b. By restricting the movement of the main arm 61 in the axial direction, the monitor M can be stably held without rattling, and a sufficiently wide range in which the auxiliary arm 62 can be displaced is ensured. As will be apparent below, by displacing the auxiliary arm 62 with respect to the main arm 61, the prohibition/permission of rotation of the joints 8a and 8b is switched.

<3. Mode of use>
A mode of use of the monitor arm 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 22 in addition to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG. 18 to 21 are diagrams showing how the monitor arm 200 is used. FIG. 22 shows a state in which the monitor arm 200 is folded.

As described above, the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 are biased away from each other by the pair of coil springs 63 , 63 . As a result, the first arm portion side engaging portion 81a and the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b provided on the auxiliary arm 62 are connected to the first supporting portion side engaging portion 82a provided on the arm supporting portion 5 and the monitor. The uneven structures formed on the opposing main surfaces of the pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a are engaged with each other by being biased toward the second supporting portion-side engaging portion 82b provided on the supporting portion 7. , the concave-convex structures formed on the opposing main surfaces of the pair of engaging portions 81b and 82b are engaged. In this state, even if an external force is applied to the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5, the relative angles of the engaging portions 81a and 82a are not changed. Further, even if an external force is applied to the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7, the relative angles of the engaging portions 81b and 82b are not changed. In other words, both the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b are prohibited from rotating, and the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 cannot rotate relative to each other. cannot rotate relative to each other.

When the user performs the first operation S1 on the monitor arm 200 in which the rotation of the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b is prohibited, the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b are rotated. movement is individually switched from prohibited to permitted. Specifically, when the first joint 8a or the second joint 8b receives the first operation S1, only the rotation of the joint receiving the first operation S1 is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. Further, when the user performs the second operation S2, the rotation of both the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. Each of the operations S1 and S2 will be described below.

(First operation)
The first operation S1 is an operation of the auxiliary arm 62 in the vicinity of the first joint 8a or the vicinity of the second joint 8b. This is an operation of tilting the arm 62 with respect to the main arm 61 .

That is, for example, when the user presses the lower operation convex portion 6211 (that is, the vicinity of the first joint 8a) of the operation reception portion 621 against the biasing force of the coil spring 63 arranged on the lower side, The auxiliary arm 62 has a main arm on the lower end side with the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b (that is, the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b engaged with the second support portion side engaging portion 82b) as a fulcrum. 61 is rotated in a direction to be inclined. Here, as described above, a pair of contact protrusions 622, 622 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 62, and the distance between the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 is defined by the contact protrusion 622. Some parts are smaller (narrower) than others. When the auxiliary arm 62 rotates in a direction in which the lower end side approaches the main arm 61, the lower contact protrusion 622 comes into contact with the main arm 61 at a certain rotation angle, and the auxiliary arm 62 rotates further. In addition, the main arm 62 cannot be entirely slid in a direction approaching it. In other words, when the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 come into contact with each other via the contact protrusion 622, further movement of the auxiliary arm 62 is restricted.

When the lower operation convex portion 6211 is pressed and the auxiliary arm 62 rotates, the first arm portion side engaging portion 81a is disengaged from the first support portion side engaging portion 82a. On the other hand, the second arm side engaging portion 81b is still biased toward the second support side engaging portion 82b by the biasing force of the upper coil spring 63, and the pair of engaging portions 81b, 82b remain engaged. That is, the rotation of the first joint 8a is allowed (that is, the arm portion 6 is allowed to rotate with respect to the arm support portion 5), and the rotation of the second joint 8b is prohibited (that is, the arm portion 6 is prohibited from rotating with respect to the monitor support portion 7). At this time, the greater the rotation angle (that is, the tilt angle) of the auxiliary arm 62, the greater the separation distance between the pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a. By restricting movement in the axial direction, a wide range in which the auxiliary arm 62 can be displaced is ensured, so that the auxiliary arm 62 can rotate (that is, tilt) at a sufficiently large angle. Therefore, the rotation of the first joint 8a is reliably permitted. On the other hand, when the pressed position is relatively central or when the length of the arm portion 6 is relatively short, the auxiliary arm 62 rotates and moves toward the main arm 61 as a whole. There is a possibility of sliding, and if this happens, not only the meshing of one pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a but also the meshing of the other engaging portion 81b and 82b may be released. However, here, when the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 come into contact with each other through the lower contact protrusion 622, even if the user continues to apply a strong pressing force to the operation protrusion 6211, the auxiliary arm 62 will cannot rotate any further, nor can it slide generally toward the main arm. Therefore, disengagement of the engaging portions 81b and 82b on the side not pressed is reliably avoided. As a result, the rotation of the second joint 8b is reliably prohibited while the rotation of the first joint 8a is reliably permitted.

Further, for example, when the user presses the upper operation convex portion 6211 (that is, the vicinity of the second joint 8b) of the operation receiving portion 621 against the urging force of the upper coil spring 63, the auxiliary arm 62 moves to the second position. The upper end side rotates in a direction approaching the main arm 61 with the 1-arm-side engaging portion 81a (that is, the first-arm-side engaging portion 81a engaged with the first support-side engaging portion 82a) as a fulcrum. Move to a tilted position. When the auxiliary arm 62 rotates in this direction, the upper contact protrusion 622 comes into contact with the main arm 61 at a certain rotation angle, and the auxiliary arm 62 cannot rotate further, and the main arm 62 rotates. It will be in a state where it cannot entirely slide in a direction approaching the arm 61 either. In other words, when the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 come into contact with each other via the contact protrusion 622, further movement of the auxiliary arm 62 is restricted.

When the upper operation convex portion 6211 is pressed to rotate the auxiliary arm 62, the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b is disengaged from the second support portion side engaging portion 82b. On the other hand, the first arm side engaging portion 81a is still biased toward the first support side engaging portion 82a by the biasing force of the coil spring 63 on the lower side. 82a remains engaged. That is, the rotation of the second joint 8b is allowed (that is, the arm portion 6 is allowed to rotate with respect to the monitor support portion 7), and the rotation of the first joint 8a is prohibited (that is, the arm portion 6 is prohibited from rotating with respect to the arm support portion 5). As described above, since the range in which the auxiliary arm 62 can be displaced is wide, the auxiliary arm 62 can rotate (that is, tilt) at a sufficiently large angle. Therefore, the rotation of the second joint 8b is reliably permitted. Further, when the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 come into contact with each other via the upper contact projection 622, even if the user continues to apply a strong pressing force to the operation projection 6211, the auxiliary arm 62 will not move. It cannot rotate, nor can it slide in a direction approaching the main arm 61 as a whole. Therefore, disengagement of the engaging portions 81a and 82a on the side not pressed is reliably avoided. As a result, the rotation of the first joint 8a is reliably prohibited while the rotation of the second joint 8b is reliably permitted.

Thus, the monitor arm 200 is configured such that the rotation of each of the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b is individually switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state by receiving the first operation S1. Therefore, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 (specifically, the leg 51) while pressing the lower operation convex portion 6211 to obtain a desired angle. By stopping the pressing in this state, only the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 can be changed as desired without changing the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 . Further, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 (specifically, the mounting plate 71) while pressing the upper operation convex portion 6211, and the angle becomes the desired one. By stopping the pressing in this state, only the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 can be changed as desired without changing the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 .

(Second operation)
The second operation S2 is an operation of the auxiliary arm 62 at or near the center of the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b. is an operation to move the auxiliary arm 62 in parallel with respect to the main arm 61 .

That is, when the user presses the central flat portion 6212 of the operation receiving portion 621 against the urging force of the pair of coil springs 63 , 63 , the auxiliary arm 62 maintains a posture substantially parallel to the main arm 61 . Move toward 61. That is, both the upper end side and the lower end side of the auxiliary arm 62 are displaced toward the main arm 61 . Here, both of the pair of contact protrusions 622 , 622 contact the main arm 61 substantially simultaneously, and the auxiliary arm 62 is regulated to assume a posture substantially parallel to the main arm 61 .

Then, the first arm portion side engaging portion 81a is disengaged from the first support portion side engaging portion 82a, and the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b is also disengaged from the second support portion side engaging portion 82b. That is, both the rotation of the first joint 8a and the rotation of the second joint 8b are permitted. As described above, since the range in which the auxiliary arm 62 can be displaced is wide, the auxiliary arm 62 can be displaced by a sufficiently large distance along the axial direction. That is, both the pair of engaging portions 81a and 82a and the pair of engaging portions 81b and 82b can be fully disengaged. Therefore, the rotation of the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b is reliably allowed.

In this manner, the monitor arm 200 is configured such that the rotation of both the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state by receiving the second operation S2. Therefore, while pressing the central flat portion 6212 of the operation receiving portion 621, the user changes the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5, and also changes the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7. When the desired angles are obtained, the pressing is stopped, and the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 and the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 are adjusted to the desired values at once. can be changed to

As described above, by performing the first operation S1 and/or the second operation S2, the user of the monitor arm 200 can easily set the position and posture (angle) of the monitor M to a desired position. can.

For example, the user can adjust the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5, and the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7, respectively, so that the monitor M supported by the monitor arm 200 can be properly adjusted from the desktop. At a height separated by a certain distance (for example, the focal length of the lens of the camera), the posture can be made to rise about 10° from the horizontal plane (for example, FIGS. 18 and 19). Such a posture of the monitor arm 200 is suitable, for example, when it is desired to take an image of a document or the like placed on a desk with the camera function of the monitor M including the camera function.

Alternatively, for example, the user pushes the leg 51 toward the arm 6 so that the two are parallel, and the portion of the arm 6 above the second joint 8b is positioned inside the concave portion 511 of the leg 51. By adjusting the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 to about 15°, the monitor M supported by the monitor arm 200 can be easily operated manually by the user. It can be made to stand up at an angle of 15° from the horizontal plane (for example, FIGS. 20 and 21). Such a posture of the monitor arm 200 is suitable, for example, when drawing with a touch pen or the like on the touch panel of the monitor M including the touch panel.

Further, for example, the user can fold the monitor arm 200 by adjusting the angle between the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5 and the angle between the arm portion 6 and the monitor support portion 7 . That is, the leg 51 is pushed down to the side of the arm 6 so that both are parallel, and the portion of the arm 6 above the second joint 8b is accommodated in the concave portion 511 of the leg 51. and Further, the mounting plate 71 is pushed down toward the arm portion 6 so that both are substantially parallel. As a result, the monitor arm 200 is folded (FIG. 22). Such a posture of the monitor arm 200 is suitable when the monitor arm 200 is not used (during storage). The second operation S2 is convenient for folding the monitor arm 200 (or unfolding the folded monitor arm 200). That is, by performing the second operation S2, both the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b are switched to a state in which rotation is permitted, and the parts 4, 5, and 6 are simultaneously rotated around the joints 8a and 8b. By doing so, the monitor arm 200 can be quickly folded (or unfolded).

<4. Effect>
According to the monitor arm 200 according to the above embodiment, the same effect as the monitor arm 100 according to the first embodiment can be obtained.

In addition, in the monitor arm 200, an intermediate connection portion is set between one end portion and the other end portion of the arm portion 6, and the first joint 8a connects the intermediate connection portion and one end portion of the arm support portion 5. position. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to make the arm support portion 5 stand alone, so that the overall configuration of the monitor arm 200 can be simplified. Further, by adjusting the angle formed by the arm portion 6 and the arm support portion 5, the height of the first joint 8a can be freely adjusted. For example, by widening the angle formed by the arm portion 2 and the arm support portion 1, the height of the first joint 8a is lowered, and the monitor M can be supported at a lower position.

<<other embodiments>>
In the arm part 2 according to the first embodiment, instead of the pair of contact protrusions 223, 223, one contact protrusion may be provided at an intermediate position between the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b. Alternatively, instead of the pair of contact protrusions 223, 223, a mountain-shaped or cone-shaped contact protrusion may be provided at a position such that the top side or vertex thereof coincides with the intermediate position. In these cases, when the user performs the above-described second operation S2 and the auxiliary arm 22 comes into contact with the main arm 21 via the contact protrusion, the auxiliary arm 22 assumes a posture parallel to the main arm 21. Unable to maintain it, it becomes a tilted posture that approaches one joint and moves away from the other. When this happens, the rotation of the first joint 4a or the second joint 4b is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. That is, even if the user performs the above-described second operation S2, the rotation of both joints 4a and 4b is not switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state, and the second operation S2 is substantially an invalid operation. . Thus, by providing one contact protrusion or the like in place of the pair of contact protrusions 223, 223, only the first operation S1 becomes a valid operation, and the second operation S2 is a substantially invalid operation. It is possible to obtain such a monitor arm. The same is true when one contact protrusion or the like is provided instead of the pair of contact protrusions 622, 622 according to the second embodiment.

Further, in the arm portion 2 according to the first embodiment, if the length in the longitudinal direction is sufficiently large, even if the user performs the above-described second operation S2, both ends of the auxiliary arm 22 do not sufficiently move toward the main arm 21, and the arm-side engaging portions 41a and 41b do not disengage from the support-side engaging portions 42a and 42b. In other words, even if the user performs the above-described second operation S2, the rotation of both the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b remains prohibited. On the other hand, when the user performs the above-described first operation S1, the rotation of each of the first joint 4a and the second joint 4b is individually switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state. In this way, by sufficiently increasing the length of the arm portion 2 in the longitudinal direction, only the first operation S1 becomes a valid operation, and the second operation S2 becomes a substantially invalid operation. Arm can be obtained. The same is true when the length in the longitudinal direction of the arm portion 6 according to the second embodiment is made sufficiently long.

In the first embodiment, the mounting plate 31 is made of a transparent material, but it may be made of a material that is not transparent. When formed of a non-transparent material, the mounting plate 31 is preferably formed with a window at a position corresponding to the camera lens of the monitor M mounted thereon. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the mounting plate 71 may be made of a transparent material.

In the second embodiment, narrowed portions (a pair of contact protrusions 622, 622) that narrow the distance between the main arm 61 and the auxiliary arm 62 are formed on the inner surface of the auxiliary arm 62. may be formed on the inner surface of the main arm 61 . Also in this case, the pair of contact protrusions are formed while providing a space in the extending direction of the arm portion 6, and are formed such that their intermediate positions coincide with the intermediate positions of the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b. be. Moreover, each contact convex portion is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the boundary between the central flat portion 6212 of the operation receiving portion 621 and each operation convex portion 6211 or in the vicinity thereof. The same applies to the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the narrowed portion is formed by the pair of contact protrusions 622, 622, but the form of the narrowed portion is not limited to this. For example, the constricted portion may be formed by a long ridge along the extending direction of the arm portion 6 . In this case, the protruding portion is formed at the center position between the first arm side engaging portion 81a and the second arm side engaging portion 81b. Specifically, the center position of the ridge in the longitudinal direction coincides with the intermediate position between the first joint 8a and the second joint 8b, and the end in the longitudinal direction is the center of the operation receiving part 621. It is preferably formed at a position corresponding to the boundary between the flat portion 6212 and each operation convex portion 6211 or in the vicinity thereof. Also, the protruding portion has a flat top surface. Also in this case, for example, when the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion 81a or the second arm portion side engaging portion 81b of the auxiliary arm 62 is pressed against the biasing force of the coil spring 63, the protruding portion is When the auxiliary arm 62 and the main arm 61 abut through one end, the auxiliary arm 62 cannot rotate any more and can slide entirely in a direction approaching the main arm 61. As a result, it is possible to reliably avoid disengagement of the engaging portions 81a and 82a on the non-pressed side. Therefore, the rotation of only one joint is reliably permitted in the first operation S1. The same applies to the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, instead of the coil springs 23 and 63, various elastic members (eg leaf springs) may be employed. In order to improve the strength of each joint 4a, 4b, 8a, 8b, each joint 4a, 4b, 8a, 8b may additionally be provided with a torsion coil spring or a compression coil spring as appropriate.

In the first and second embodiments, the monitor M supported by the monitor arms 100, 200 may have any size. It is also preferable to appropriately adjust the size of the mounting plates 31 and 71 according to the size of the monitor M that is assumed to be used.

In the first and second embodiments, the mode of use in which the monitor M is placed on the placing plates 31 and 71 with the screen facing upward was exemplified, but the mode of use of the monitor arms 100 and 200 is not limited to this. For example, the mounting plates 31 and 71 are made of a transparent material, the screen of the monitor M is placed on the mounting plates 31 and 71 with the screen facing downward, and the screen is viewed through the transparent mounting plates 31 and 71. You may do so.

The configuration for rotatably supporting the arm portions 2 and 3 with respect to the respective support portions 1, 5, 3 and 7 according to the first and second embodiments is not limited to the aspect illustrated above. For example, the convex portions provided on the arms 2 and 6 are accommodated in the concave portions provided on the projecting walls 122, 512, 312, and 712 of the supporting portions 1, 5, 3, and 7, respectively. It may be configured to be rotatably supported.

The specific shape, specifications, and other detailed configurations of each part of the monitor arms 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, each configuration of the monitor arm 100 according to the first embodiment and each configuration of the monitor arm 200 according to the second embodiment may be combined as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 monitor arm 1 arm support 11 base plate 12 leg 121 concave portion (receiving portion)
13 Supporting Part 2 Arm Part 21 Main Arm 22 Auxiliary Arm 222 Operation Receiving Part 223 Contact Protruding Part 23 Coil Spring 3 Monitor Supporting Part 31 Placement Plate 32 Clamping Part 4a First Joint 41a First Arm Side Engagement Part 42a First Support Unit side engaging portion 40a First shaft portion 4b Second joint 41b Second arm portion side engaging portion 42b Second supporting portion side engaging portion 40b Second shaft portion 200 Monitor arm 5 Arm supporting portion 51 Leg 511 Concave portion (Accommodation section)
6 arm portion 61 main arm 62 auxiliary arm 621 operation reception portion 6211 operation convex portion (first shape portion)
6212 central flat portion (second shape portion)
622 contact convex portion 63 coil spring 64 support portion 7 monitor support portion 71 mounting plate 72 slide plate 8a first joint 81a first arm portion side engaging portion 82a first support portion side engaging portion 821 step portion (position control portion)
822 Notch portion 80a First shaft portion 8b Second joint 81b Second arm portion side engaging portion 82b Second support portion side engaging portion 80b Second shaft portion

Claims (15)

A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint,
the arm portion includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm displaceable with respect to the main arm;
The rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state ,
When the first joint or the second joint receives the first operation, only the rotation of the joint receiving the first operation is switched from the prohibited state to the permitted state,
A monitor arm , wherein a position for receiving the first operation is set in the vicinity of the first joint or in the vicinity of the second joint of the auxiliary arm. wherein the first operation is an operation of tilting the auxiliary arm with respect to the main arm;
A monitor arm according to claim 1 . A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint,
the arm portion includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm displaceable with respect to the main arm;
The rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state ,
By receiving a second operation, both the rotation of the first joint and the rotation of the second joint are switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state,
A monitor arm , wherein a position for receiving the second operation is set at or near the center of the first joint and the second joint of the auxiliary arm. wherein the second operation is an operation of translating the auxiliary arm with respect to the main arm;
A monitor arm according to claim 3 . A monitor arm comprising an arm portion, an arm support portion connected to the arm portion via a first joint, and a monitor support portion connected to the arm portion via a second joint,
the arm portion includes a main arm and an auxiliary arm displaceable with respect to the main arm;
The rotation of each of the first joint and the second joint is individually switched from a prohibited state to a permitted state ,
wherein the first joint includes a first arm side engaging portion provided on the auxiliary arm and a first support side engaging portion provided on the arm supporting portion;
the second joint includes a second arm side engaging portion provided on the auxiliary arm and a second support side engaging portion provided on the monitor supporting portion;
By engaging/disengaging the first arm portion side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion, rotation of the first joint is prohibited/allowed, and the second arm portion side engaging portion is engaged/disengaged. and the second support side engaging portion are engaged/disengaged, thereby prohibiting/permitting rotation of the second joint. By biasing the auxiliary arm in a direction away from the main arm by a biasing portion provided between the auxiliary arm and the main arm, the first arm portion side engaging portion is moved to the first support portion side. The engaging portion is engaged with the engaging portion, and the second arm side engaging portion is engaged with the second supporting portion side engaging portion.
A monitor arm according to claim 5 . By pressing the vicinity of the first arm side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the second arm side engaging portion engages with the second support side engaging portion. disengaging the first arm portion side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion while the portions are engaged;
By pressing the vicinity of the second arm side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the first arm side engaging portion engages with the first support side engaging portion. disengaging the second arm portion-side engaging portion and the second support portion-side engaging portion while the portions are engaged;
The center of the first arm portion side engaging portion and the second arm portion side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm or the vicinity thereof is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion, whereby the first arm portion The side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion are disengaged, and the second arm portion side engaging portion and the second support portion side engaging portion are dissociated,
A monitor arm according to claim 6 . A narrowed portion is provided between the main arm and the auxiliary arm and at a central position between the first arm side engaging portion and the second arm side engaging portion to narrow the interval between the two arms. cage,
When the vicinity of the first arm portion side engaging portion or the vicinity of the second arm portion side engaging portion of the auxiliary arm is pressed against the biasing force of the biasing portion, the non-pressed side The auxiliary arm rotates about the engaging portion as a fulcrum, and further rotation is restricted when the auxiliary arm and the main arm abut through the constricted portion.
A monitor arm according to claim 6 or 7 . The first arm side engaging portion and the second arm side engaging portion are integrally formed with the auxiliary arm,
A monitor arm according to any one of claims 5 to 8 . Each of the first arm portion side engaging portion, the first support portion side engaging portion, the second arm portion side engaging portion, and the second support portion side engaging portion is provided on a plane. Equipped with an uneven structure,
The first arm portion side engaging portion and the first support portion side engaging portion are provided so that the surfaces on which the uneven structure is formed face each other,
The second arm portion side engaging portion and the second support portion side engaging portion are provided so that the surfaces on which the uneven structure is formed face each other.
A monitor arm according to any of claims 5-9 . the first joint includes a first shaft portion that pivotally supports the auxiliary arm and the main arm;
The second joint includes a second shaft portion that pivotally supports the auxiliary arm and the main arm,
A monitor arm according to any one of claims 5 to 10 . the first shaft portion, the second shaft portion, or both
A restricting portion that restricts axial displacement of the main arm, and a permitting portion that permits axial displacement of the auxiliary arm,
12. A monitor arm according to claim 11 . The arm support part
a housing portion that houses the arm portion rotated around the first joint and folded toward the arm support portion;
13. A monitor arm according to any of claims 1-12 . The first joint is provided at an end of the arm,
14. A monitor arm according to any of claims 1-13 . An intermediate connection portion is set between one end portion and the other end portion of the arm portion, and the first joint is provided at a position connecting the intermediate connection portion and one end portion of the arm support portion.
15. A monitor arm according to any of claims 1-14 .

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