Connector and suspension structure

Abstract

To provide a support member which can easily support air-conditioning related items, a support structure of the air conditioner related items, and a construction method of the air-conditioning related items.SOLUTION: A connector 10 comprises a connection mechanism 20 for connecting a first suspension bolt 5 and a second suspension bolt 6. The connection mechanism 20 has a first connection part 21 and a second connection part 22 which are connected to the first suspension bolt 5, and a third connection part 23 and a fourth connection part 24 connected to the second suspension bolt 6, and is constituted so that a distance between the first connection part 21 and the second connection part 22 can be elongated and shortened, and a distance between the third connection part 23 and the fourth connection part 24 can be elongated and shortened. In another case, the connection mechanism 20 is constituted so that a distance between the first connection part 21 and the third connection part 23 can be elongated and shortened, and a distance between the second connection part 22 and the fourth connection part 24 can be elongated and shortened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector for connecting a hanging bolt and a hanging structure. [Background technology]

[0002] A suspension structure that supports an indoor unit in a suspended state is known (see Patent Document 1). The suspension structure has several suspension bolts. In order to increase the earthquake resistance of the suspension structure, two braces are connected to the two suspension bolts. The two braces are attached to the two suspension bolts in a state where they cross between the two suspension bolts.

[0003] However, such a connection structure requires a lot of work before the two suspension bolts can be connected to each other. Specifically, it requires a series of steps: cutting the brace to a specified length, placing the two braces between the two suspension bolts, and then fixing the two braces to the suspension bolts while holding them together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-124856 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] From the perspective of improving work efficiency, there is room for improvement in the connection structure that connects the two hanging bolts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A connector of a first aspect for solving the problem is a connector that connects a first hanging bolt and a second hanging bolt that are suspended from a ceiling slab, and is provided with a connecting mechanism that connects the first hanging bolt and the second hanging bolt, the connecting mechanism having a first connecting portion that connects to the first hanging bolt, a second connecting portion that connects to the first hanging bolt at a position lower than the first connecting portion, a third connecting portion that connects to the second hanging bolt, and a fourth connecting portion that connects to the second hanging bolt at a position lower than the third connecting portion, and is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is expandable and contractable and the distance between the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion is expandable and contractable, or so that the distance between the first connecting portion and the third connecting portion is expandable and contractable and the distance between the second connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion is expandable and contractable. According to this configuration, the connector can be applied to suspended structures of various widths without the trouble of cutting to adjust the length of the members, since the positional relationship between the first joint part, the second joint part and the fourth joint part can be changed. Also, the connector can be applied to suspended structures of various heights to the ceiling slab.

[0007] A coupler according to a second aspect is the coupler according to the first aspect, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a first member having the first coupling portion, a second member having the second coupling portion, a third member having the third coupling portion, and a fourth member having the fourth coupling portion, and each of the first to fourth members is coupled to two other members among the first to fourth members. According to this configuration, each of the first to fourth members is coupled to two other members among the first to fourth members, thereby strengthening the structure of the coupling mechanism.

[0008] A third aspect of the connector is the connector of the second aspect, wherein the connector mechanism further comprises a first engagement member and a second engagement member, the first member is rotatably connected to the second member, the third member is rotatably connected to the fourth member, the first engagement member is slidably disposed at an intersection of the first member and the third member and engages with the first member and the third member, and the second engagement member is slidably disposed at an intersection of the second member and the fourth member and engages with the second member and the fourth member.

[0009] According to this configuration, the first member and the second member form a bendable first bending member. The third member and the fourth member form a bendable second bending member. The first bending member and the second bending member are then connected by the first engaging member and the second engaging member. This makes it possible to smoothly adjust the distance between the first connecting portion to the fourth connecting portion, and improves the strength of the connecting mechanism.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the connector is the connector of the third aspect, wherein the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion are positioned at offset positions relative to the first engaging member and the second engaging member in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the movable areas of the first engaging member and the second engaging member.

[0011] In response to the engagement position of the first engaging member with respect to the first member and the third member, the inner end of the first member opposite the first joint portion and the inner end of the third member opposite the third joint portion move. Similarly, in response to the engagement position of the second engaging member with respect to the second member and the fourth member, the inner end of the second member opposite the second joint portion and the inner end of the fourth member opposite the fourth joint portion move. If the first joint portion, the second joint portion, the third joint portion and the fourth joint portion are at the same position in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the movable areas of the first engaging member and the second engaging member, there is a risk that the inner ends of the first member to the fourth member may interfere with the first hanging bolt and the second hanging bolt. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the first joint portion, the second joint portion, the third joint portion and the fourth joint portion are disposed at positions shifted in a direction perpendicular to a plane including the movable areas of the first engaging member and the second engaging member. Therefore, the inner ends of the first to fourth members are less likely to interfere with the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt.

[0012] A connector of a fifth aspect is the connector of the second aspect, wherein the connecting mechanism further comprises a third engaging member and a fourth engaging member, the first member is rotatably connected to the third member, the second member is rotatably connected to the fourth member, the third engaging member is disposed at an intersection of the first member and the second member so as to be slidable on the first member and the second member and engages with the first member and the second member, and the fourth engaging member is disposed at an intersection of the third member and the fourth member so as to be slidable on the third member and the fourth member and engages with the third member and the fourth member.

[0013] According to this configuration, the first member and the third member form a bendable third bending member. The second member and the fourth member form a bendable fourth bending member. The third bending member and the fourth bending member are then connected by the third engaging member and the fourth engaging member. This makes it possible to smoothly adjust the distance between the first connecting portion to the fourth connecting portion, and also improves the strength of the connecting mechanism.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the connector is the connector of the second aspect, wherein the connecting mechanism further comprises a fifth engaging member, wherein the first member is slidably connected to the fourth member along the longitudinal direction of the first member, and the second member is slidably connected to the third member along the longitudinal direction of the second member, and the fifth engaging member is slidable on either or both of the first member and the fourth member and either or both of the second member and the third member, and is disposed at an intersection between a first telescopic member formed by the first member and the fourth member and a second telescopic member formed by the second member and the third member, and engages with the first telescopic member and the second telescopic member.

[0015] According to this configuration, the first member and the fourth member form a first expandable member that can expand and contract. The second member and the third member form a second expandable member that can expand and contract. The first expandable member and the second expandable member are then connected by the fifth engaging member. This allows the distance between the first connecting portion to the fourth connecting portion to be smoothly adjusted, and improves the strength of the connecting mechanism.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the connector is the connector of any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt each include a suspension bolt, and the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion each include a clamping portion that clamps the suspension bolt. This configuration allows the connecting portion to have a simple structure.

[0017] The connector of an eighth aspect is the connector of the seventh aspect, wherein the clamping portion comprises an outer end portion of one of the first to fourth members on which the clamping portion is provided, a clamping piece attached to the outer end portion and clamping the hanging bolt, and a fastening bolt fastening the clamping piece to the outer end portion.

[0018] According to this configuration, the clamping portion can have a simple structure.

[0019] A ninth aspect of the connector is the connector of the seventh aspect, wherein the clamping portion further includes a biasing member that biases the clamping piece toward the outer end portion. With this configuration, the clamping portion can easily temporarily connect each of the first to fourth connecting portions to the hanging bolt. By temporarily connecting each of the first to fourth connecting portions to the hanging bolt, the connector can be temporarily fixed to the two hanging bolts. This reduces the effort required to keep holding the connector by hand when attaching the connector.

[0020] A connector according to a tenth aspect is the connector according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the clamping piece is rotatably attached to the outer end of the member among the first to fourth members on which the clamping portion is provided. With this configuration, the connector can be moved relative to the suspension bolt or deployed in a state in which the first to fourth joints are temporarily joined to the suspension bolt. This improves the efficiency of the work of attaching the connector to the suspension bolt.

[0021] The connector of an eleventh aspect is the connector of any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, further comprising a rotation prevention structure for the fastening bolt or the nut so that the fastening bolt or the nut engaging with the fastening bolt of the clamping portion of each of the first to fourth members can be tightened from the same surface relative to the connector. According to this configuration, when attaching the connector to the suspension bolt, a worker can tighten the fastening bolt or the nut of each of the first to fourth members from the same surface relative to the connector. Therefore, the work efficiency can be improved in the work of attaching the connector to the suspension bolt.

[0022] A connector of a twelfth aspect is a connector of any one of the seventh to eleventh aspects, which is provided with a rotation stop structure for the fastening bolt or the nut and a rotation stop structure for the engaging member so that the fastening bolt, nut and engaging member of the clamping portion of each of the first member to the fourth member can be tightened from the same surface relative to the connector, and the engaging member is a member that engages two members selected from the group of the first member, the second member, the third member and the fourth member with each other.

[0023] According to this configuration, when attaching the connector to the suspension bolt, the worker can tighten the fastening bolts or nuts of the first to fourth members and the engagement members from the same side of the connector, thereby improving the work efficiency when attaching the connector to the suspension bolt.

[0024] A hanging structure of a thirteenth aspect is a hanging structure for hanging an object, comprising the first hanging bolt suspended from a ceiling slab, the second hanging bolt suspended from the ceiling slab, and the connector according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects. According to this configuration, the hanging structure comprises the connector. The connector can change the positional relationship between the first to fourth connecting parts. This can improve the work efficiency when installing the hanging structure.

[0025] A suspension structure according to a fourteenth aspect is a suspension structure for suspending an object, comprising the first suspension bolt suspended from a ceiling slab, the second suspension bolt suspended from the ceiling slab, and a plurality of connectors according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, each of the plurality of connectors connecting the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt, one of the plurality of connectors being disposed higher than the other connectors, and a second member of a connector that is disposed higher than the other connectors among the plurality of connectors intersects with a first member of the other connectors, and a fourth member intersects with a third member of the other connectors. According to this configuration, one of the plurality of connectors overlaps with the other connectors, thereby improving the strength of the suspension structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the suspension structure of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hanging structure shown in FIG. 1 in an extended state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a front view of a connector for connecting to two hanging bolts. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the connector shown in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first member of the connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer end of a first member of the connector. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of the outer end portion of the first member shown in FIG. 6, viewed from another direction. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view of an inner end of a first member of the connector. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of the inner end portion of the first member shown in FIG. 8, viewed from another direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling portion of a first embodiment of the connector. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view of the coupling portion of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, seen from another direction. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a coupling portion of a second embodiment of the connector. [Figure 13] 13 is a perspective view of the joint portion of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, seen from another direction. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a perspective view of the center of the connector shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 15] 15 is a perspective view of the central portion of the connector shown in FIG. 14, seen from another direction. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a suspension structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a front view of the hanging structure of the third embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a front view of the hanging structure shown in FIG. 17 in an extended state. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a suspension structure according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the hanging structure of the fourth embodiment in a contracted state from the state shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hanging structure in the fifth embodiment when the hanging distance is large. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a hanging structure in the fifth embodiment when the hanging distance is small. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of the suspension structure shown in FIG. 22 for the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first joint portion of a first member in a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a side view of a connector for connecting to two hanging bolts in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a connector for connecting to two hanging bolts in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an end view of a first member of a connector according to a modified example of the connector. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a connector according to another technique. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a ceiling suspension structure reinforced by the connector shown in FIG. 28. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] First Embodiment The hanging structure 1 and the connectors 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 15. Figure 1 shows the hanging structure 1 to which four connectors 10 are temporarily fixed. Figure 2 shows the hanging structure 1 to which four connectors 10 are fixed.

[0028] [Suspended structure] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the hanging structure 1 suspends an object. The object is connected below the hanging structure 1. In this embodiment, the object is an indoor unit 2. An air outlet of the indoor unit 2 is exposed from an opening in a ceiling 9 inside the room. Examples of the object include a ceiling-embedded indoor unit 2, an air purifier, a duct, and a chamber.

[0029] The suspended structure 1 includes a first suspension bolt 5 suspended from a ceiling slab, a second suspension bolt 6 suspended from the ceiling slab, and a connector 10. The suspended structure 1 may further include a third suspension bolt 7 and a fourth suspension bolt 8. Each of the first suspension bolt 5, the second suspension bolt 6, the third suspension bolt 7, and the fourth suspension bolt 8 includes a suspension bolt 3. Each of the first suspension bolt 5, the second suspension bolt 6, the third suspension bolt 7, and the fourth suspension bolt 8 may include the suspension bolt 3 and a component other than the suspension bolt 3. The component other than the suspension bolt 3 may be a cylindrical decorative cover that covers the suspension bolt 3.

[0030] In this embodiment, the hanging structure 1 suspends the indoor unit 2. The hanging structure 1 includes a first hanging bolt 5, a second hanging bolt 6, a third hanging bolt 7, and a fourth hanging bolt 8. The first hanging bolt 5, the second hanging bolt 6, the third hanging bolt 7, and the fourth hanging bolt 8 are coupled to the four corners of the indoor unit 2, respectively.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the suspended structure 1 includes four connectors 10. The first connector 10 of the four connectors 10 connects the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. The second connector 10 of the four connectors 10 connects the second suspension bolt 6 and the third suspension bolt 7. The third connector 10 of the four connectors 10 connects the third suspension bolt 7 and the fourth suspension bolt 8. The fourth connector 10 of the four connectors 10 connects the fourth suspension bolt 8 and the first suspension bolt 5. The four connectors 10 have the same structure.

[0032] [Connector] The connector 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 shows the connector 10 as viewed from the front. Fig. 4 shows the connector 10 as viewed from above. Here, the connector 10 that connects the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6 will be described. In the connector 10, the inside or inner side refers to a portion closer to the center of the connector 10. In the connector 10, the outside or outer side refers to a portion closer to the first suspension bolt 5 or the second suspension bolt 6. In the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 of the connector 10, the inner end 16 refers to an end opposite to the outer end 17. In the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 of the connector 10, the outer end 17 refers to a portion closer to the first suspension bolt 5 or the second suspension bolt 6.

[0033] The connector 10 includes a connector mechanism 20. The connector mechanism 20 connects the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. The connector mechanism 20 includes a first connecting portion 21, a second connecting portion 22, a third connecting portion 23, and a fourth connecting portion 24. The first connecting portion 21 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5. The second connecting portion 22 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5 and is connected to the first suspension bolt 5 at a position lower than the first connecting portion 21. The third connecting portion 23 is connected to the second suspension bolt 6. The fourth connecting portion 24 is connected to the second suspension bolt 6 and is connected to the second suspension bolt 6 at a position lower than the third connecting portion 23.

[0034] The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable (hereinafter, referred to as the first structure). Alternatively, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the third connecting portion 23 is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the second connecting portion 22 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable (hereinafter, referred to as the second structure). The connecting mechanism 20 may have the first structure and the second structure. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 has the first structure and the second structure.

[0035] The connecting mechanism 20 has a first member 11 having a first connecting portion 21, a second member 12 having a second connecting portion 22, a third member 13 having a third connecting portion 23, and a fourth member 14 having a fourth connecting portion 24.

[0036] Each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is connected to two other members among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. The first member 11 is connected to the second member 12 and is also connected to the third member 13 via a first engagement member 41. The second member 12 is connected to the first member 11 and is also connected to the fourth member 14 via a second engagement member 42. The third member 13 is connected to the fourth member 14 and is also connected to the first member 11 via the first engagement member 41. The fourth member 14 is connected to the third member 13 and is also connected to the second member 12 via the second engagement member 42.

[0037] [First member and second member] The first member 11 and the second member 12 will be described. A first connecting portion 21 is provided on the outer end portion 17 of the first member 11. A second connecting portion 22 is provided on the outer end portion 17 of the second member 12. The first member 11 is rotatably connected to the second member 12. Specifically, the inner end portion 16 of the first member 11 is rotatably connected to the inner end portion 16 of the second member 12. The first member 11 and the second member 12 constitute a first bending member 25.

[0038] The first bending member 25 bends at the connection portion between the first member 11 and the second member 12. As the first bending member 25 bends and stretches, the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 increases and decreases.

[0039] In the first bending member 25, the inner end 16 of the first member 11 and the inner end 16 of the second member 12 may be configured to be rotatable and fastenable by a bolt (hereinafter, intermediate fastening bolt 28). By fastening the intermediate fastening bolt 28, the second member 12 is fixed at a predetermined angle relative to the first member 11. By loosening the intermediate fastening bolt 28, the second member 12 becomes rotatable relative to the first member 11.

[0040] [Third and fourth members] The third member 13 and the fourth member 14 will be described. An outer end 17 of the third member 13 is provided with a third connecting portion 23. An outer end 17 of the fourth member 14 is provided with a fourth connecting portion 24. The third member 13 is rotatably connected to the fourth member 14. Specifically, the inner end 16 of the third member 13 is rotatably connected to the inner end 16 of the fourth member 14. The third member 13 and the fourth member 14 constitute a second bending member 26.

[0041] The second bending member 26 bends at the connection portion between the third member 13 and the fourth member 14. As the second bending member 26 bends and stretches, the distance between the third joint portion 23 and the fourth joint portion 24 increases and decreases.

[0042] In the second bending member 26, the inner end 16 of the third member 13 and the inner end 16 of the fourth member 14 may be configured to be fastenable by an intermediate fastening bolt 28. By tightening the intermediate fastening bolt 28, the fourth member 14 is fixed at a predetermined angle relative to the third member 13. By loosening the intermediate fastening bolt 28, the fourth member 14 becomes rotatable relative to the third member 13.

[0043] [Layout of 1st to 4th components] The state in which the connector 10 is attached to the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6 is referred to as a connector attached state.

[0044] In the connector attached state, most of the first member 11 and most of the second member 12 are disposed between the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. In the connector attached state, most of the first member 11 is located above the second member 12.

[0045] The first member 11 is disposed so as to extend downward from the first suspension bolt 5 toward the second suspension bolt 6 and intersect with the third member 13. The second member 12 is disposed so as to extend upward from the first suspension bolt 5 toward the second suspension bolt 6 and intersect with the fourth member 14.

[0046] In the connector attached state, most of the third member 13 and most of the fourth member 14 are disposed between the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. In the connector attached state, most of the third member 13 is located above the fourth member 14.

[0047] The third member 13 is disposed so as to extend downward from the second hanging bolt 6 toward the first hanging bolt 5 and intersect with the first member 11. The fourth member 14 is disposed so as to extend upward from the second hanging bolt 6 toward the first hanging bolt 5 and intersect with the second member 12.

[0048] [Structure of the first component] The structure of the first member 11 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. The second member 12 to the fourth member 14 have the same structure as the first member 11. In the second member 12 to the fourth member 14, the same components as those in the first member 11 are given the same names and reference numerals.

[0049] 5, the first member 11 is an elongated member. The first member 11 has a base portion 31 extending in the longitudinal direction, a first rib 32 perpendicular to the base portion 31, and a second rib 33 perpendicular to the base portion 31.

[0050] The base portion 31 has a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B opposite to the first surface 31A. In a plan view of the connector 10 in the connector attached state, the first surface 31A faces the hanging bolt 3. The first rib 32 and the second rib 33 are provided so as to protrude from the second surface 31B of the base portion 31.

[0051] The base portion 31 of the first member 11 is provided with a first hole 34, a second hole 35, an elongated hole 36, a first stepped portion 37, and a second stepped portion 38.

[0052] 6 and 7, the first hole 34 is provided in the base portion 31 near the outer end portion 17 of the first member 11. The first hole 34 is configured so that the fastening bolt 53 can be inserted therethrough. A first protrusion 39 is provided around the first hole 34. The first protrusion 39 is configured so as to protrude from the second surface 31B of the base portion 31. The first protrusion 39 is configured so as to engage with a nut 54 or a biasing member 52 that engages with the fastening bolt 53.

[0053] The first step portion 37 is provided on the base portion 31 of the first member 11. The first step portion 37 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first member 11. The first step portion 37 is configured to protrude from the first surface 31A of the base portion 31. The first step portion 37 is provided between the first hole 34 and the second hole 35, and is provided closer to the second hole 35. The long hole 36 is provided in the first step portion 37. The long hole 36 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first member 11. The long hole 36 is configured to allow the engagement fastening bolt 43 to be inserted therethrough.

[0054] The first step portion 37 is configured to correspond to a portion where the first member 11 and the third member 13 intersect with each other. In the connector 10, the first step portions 37 of the first member 11 and the third member 13 contact each other. The first member 11 intersects with the third member 13. The long holes 36 of the first member 11 and the third member 13 intersect with each other. A communication hole is formed by the intersection of the long holes 36 of the first member 11 and the third member 13. An engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted into the communication hole formed by the intersection of the first member 11 and the third member 13. The first member 11 and the third member 13 are coupled to each other by the engaging fastening bolt 43 and the engaging nut 44 (see FIG. 14).

[0055] 8, the second step portion 38 is provided at the inner end portion 16 of the first member 11. The second step portion 38 is provided at the base portion 31 of the first member 11. The second step portion 38 is configured to protrude from the first surface 31A of the base portion 31. A second hole 35 is provided in the second step portion 38. The second hole 35 is configured to allow the intermediate fastening bolt 28 to be inserted therethrough.

[0056] 9, in the first member 11, a recess 38A is provided on the opposite side to the second step portion 38. An intermediate nut 29 that engages with the intermediate fastening bolt 28 may be disposed in the recess 38A.

[0057] The second step portion 38 is configured to correspond to the portion where the first member 11 and the second member 12 overlap each other. In the first bending member 25, the second step portions 38 of the first member 11 and the second member 12 contact each other. The intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted into a communication hole formed by the second hole 35 of the second step portion 38 of each of the first member 11 and the second member 12. The first member 11 and the second member 12 are rotatably connected to each other by the intermediate fastening bolt 28 and the intermediate nut 29.

[0058] [First engagement member and second engagement member] 14 and 15, the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42 will be described. The first engagement member 41 is a member that engages the first member 11 and the third member 13 with each other. The second engagement member 42 is a member that engages the second member 12 and the fourth member 14 with each other.

[0059] The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first engaging member 41 and a second engaging member 42. The first engaging member 41 is disposed at an intersection 40A between the first member 11 and the third member 13 so as to be slidable on the first member 11 and the third member 13, and engages with the first member 11 and the third member 13.

[0060] Specifically, the first engagement member 41 includes an engagement fastening bolt 43 and an engagement nut 44. As described above, the engagement fastening bolt 43 is inserted into a communication hole formed by the intersection of the first member 11 and the third member 13. The engagement nut 44 engages with the engagement fastening bolt 43. The engagement nut 44 has a flange 44A (see FIG. 15). The flange 44A is configured to contact the first rib 32 and the second rib 33.

[0061] A bolt head 43A of an engagement fastening bolt 43 is disposed on the second surface 31B of one of the first member 11 or the third member 13. An engagement nut 44 is disposed on the second surface 31B of the other of the first member 11 or the third member 13.

[0062] In this embodiment, the bolt head 43A is disposed in a first recess 37A provided in the second surface 31B of the first member 11. The bolt head 43A slides along the first recess 37A. The first recess 37A is a portion opposite to the first step portion 37. The engaging nut 44 is provided in the second surface 31B of the third member 13. The engaging nut 44 is disposed so that a portion of the engaging nut 44 is accommodated in the first recess 37A provided in the second surface 31B of the third member 13. The engaging nut 44 moves while being guided by the first rib 32 and the second rib 33.

[0063] The second engagement member 42 is disposed at an intersection 40B between the second member 12 and the fourth member 14 so as to be slidable on the second member 12 and the fourth member 14, and engages with the second member 12 and the fourth member 14. The second engagement member 42 has the same configuration as the first engagement member 41.

[0064] [Holding part] Each of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 includes a clamping portion 50 that clamps the suspension bolt 3.

[0065] The clamping portion 50 will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 13. Fig. 10 shows the clamping portion 50 of the third connecting portion 23 seen from a predetermined direction. Fig. 11 shows the clamping portion 50 of the third connecting portion 23 seen from another direction. Fig. 12 shows the clamping portion 50 of the first connecting portion 21 seen from a predetermined direction. Fig. 13 shows the clamping portion 50 of the first connecting portion 21 seen from another direction.

[0066] The clamping portion 50 comprises an outer end portion 17 of the member among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 in which the clamping portion 50 is provided, a clamping piece 51, a biasing member 52 that biases the clamping piece 51 against the outer end portion 17, and a fastening bolt 53 that fastens the clamping piece 51 to the outer end portion 17.

[0067] The clamping piece 51 is attached to the outer end portion 17. The clamping piece 51 clamps the hanging bolt 3. The clamping piece 51 is disposed on the first surface 31A of the member, at the outer end portion 17 of the member on which the clamping portion 50 is provided, among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. As described above, the first surface 31A is the surface facing the hanging bolt 3. The first surface 31A comes into contact with the hanging bolt 3.

[0068] The clamping piece 51 is rotatably attached to the outer end portion 17 of the member on which the clamping portion 50 is provided, among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 10, the clamping portion 50 provided on the third member 13 will be described. The clamping piece 51 has an attachment portion 55 , an arm portion 56 extending from the attachment portion 55 , and a contact portion 57 provided at the tip of the arm portion 56 .

[0070] The mounting portion 55 is attached to the outer end portion 17 of the third member 13 by a fastening bolt 53. A mounting hole 55A is provided in the mounting portion 55. A second protrusion 58 is provided around the mounting hole 55A. The second protrusion 58 is configured to protrude from the mounting portion 55. The second protrusion 58 is configured to engage with the nut 54 or the biasing member 52.

[0071] The fastening bolt 53 is inserted through the first hole 34 and the mounting hole 55A of the third member 13. The mounting portion 55 is tightened by the fastening bolt 53 when the position of the third joint portion 23 of the third member 13 relative to the hanging bolt 3 is determined.

[0072] The contact portion 57 has a groove portion 57A into which the hanging bolt 3 fits. The groove portion 57A is configured with a curved surface so that the hanging bolt 3 can fit therein. A protrusion 59 is provided on the surface of the contact portion 57 opposite the groove portion 57A. The protrusions 59 are provided on an upper portion and a lower portion of the contact portion 57. The protrusions 59 are used as handles when the third joint portion 23 of the third member 13 is moved relative to the hanging bolt 3.

[0073] The urging member 52 is disposed between the bolt head 53A of the fastening bolt 53 and the attachment portion 55 of the clamping piece 51. As in this embodiment, a washer 53B may be disposed on the shaft portion of the fastening bolt 53. In this case, the urging member 52 is disposed between the washer 53B and the attachment portion 55 of the clamping piece 51.

[0074] The biasing member 52 is formed of a coil spring. Preferably, the biasing member 52 is formed of a conical coil spring. A conical coil spring allows the coil spring to be thinned when compressed by the fastening bolt 53. The biasing member 52 may be a V-shaped leaf spring.

[0075] When the fastening bolt 53 is loosened, the biasing member 52 presses the clamping piece 51 against the outer end 17 of the third member 13. This allows the clamping piece 51 to be rotatable relative to the outer end 17 of the third member 13 and to be held at an arbitrary angle relative to the third member 13. Therefore, when the fastening bolt 53 is loosened and the groove portion 57A of the contact portion 57 is in contact with the hanging bolt 3, the third joint portion 23 of the third member 13 can be moved smoothly relative to the hanging bolt 3.

[0076] [Method of clamping part] The clamping portion 50 has two different modes depending on the orientation of the fastening bolt 53. As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, in the clamping unit 50 of the first embodiment, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted into the first hole 34 from the first surface 31A. The bolt head 53A of the fastening bolt 53 and the biasing member 52 are disposed on the first surface 31A. The fastening bolt 53 then engages with the nut 54 provided on the second surface 31B. The nut 54 is prevented from rotating by the first protrusion 39. This allows the fastening bolt 53 and the nut 54 to be easily tightened. The clamping unit 50 of the first embodiment is provided on the second member 12 and the third member 13.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, in the clamping unit 50 of the second embodiment, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted into the first hole 34 from the second surface 31B. The bolt head 53A of the fastening bolt 53 and the biasing member 52 are disposed on the second surface 31B. The fastening bolt 53 engages with the nut 54 disposed on the first surface 31A via the clamping piece 51. The nut 54 is prevented from rotating by the second protrusion 58 provided on the clamping piece 51. Therefore, the fastening bolt 53 and the nut 54 can be easily tightened. The clamping unit 50 of the second embodiment is provided on the first member 11 and the fourth member 14.

[0078] As shown in Figs. 10 to 14, the arrangement of the rotation stop structure 48 of the fastening bolt 53 and the nut 54 will be described. When the connector 10 is connected to two hanging bolts 3, the connector 10 forms one plane structure between the two hanging bolts 3. In the plane structure formed by the connector 10, one plane is referred to as the first plane 10A in a plan view, and the plane opposite to the first plane 10A is referred to as the second plane 10B (see Fig. 4). In this embodiment, the rotation stop structure 48 of the nut 54 is provided on one of the first plane 10A and the second plane 10B. In this embodiment, the rotation stop structure 48 of the nut 54 includes a first protrusion 39 and a second protrusion 58. This allows all four fastening bolts 53 of the connector 10 to be inserted from the same plane. This allows all four fastening bolts 53 to be tightened from the same plane. This improves the efficiency of the installation work of the connector 10.

[0079] In this embodiment, the first convex portion 39 and the second convex portion 58 are both configured to be able to stop the rotation of both the bolt head 53A and the nut 54. This allows the fastening bolt 53 or the nut 54 to be fastened from the same surface of the connector 10, whether the nut 54 is arranged on the first surface 10A of the connector 10 or the nut 54 is arranged on the second surface 10B of the connector 10. Hereinafter, a structure that allows the fastening bolt 53 or the nut 54 to be fastened from the same surface of the connector 10 is referred to as a same-surface fastening structure. The same-surface fastening structure is a rotation stop structure that can stop the rotation of both the bolt head 53A and the nut 54 on the same surface of the connector 10.

[0080] The same surface fastening structure may also be applied to the rotation stop structure 49 in the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42. The rotation stop structure 49 in the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 is constituted by the engaging nut 44. The engaging nut 44 is prevented from rotating by the first rib 32 and the second rib 33 by the outer shape of the engaging nut 44 being a rectangular structure. In a plan view of the connector 10, the rotation stop structure 49 in the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 may be provided on the same surface as the rotation stop structure 48 of the bolt head 53A or the nut 54. This allows the fastening bolt 53 or the nut 54 to be fastened and the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 to be fastened from the same surface in the connector 10.

[0081] Furthermore, the same surface fastening structure may also be applied to the rotation stop structure 47 of the intermediate nut 29. The rotation stop structure 47 of the intermediate nut 29 is a structure of the recess 38A. The recess 38A may be configured to have a structure that allows both the bolt head of the intermediate fastening bolt 28 and the intermediate nut 29 to engage with each other. In a plan view of the connector 10, the rotation stop structure 47 of the intermediate nut 29 may be provided on the same surface as the rotation stop structure 48 of the bolt head 53A or the nut 54. This allows the fastening bolt 53 or the nut 54 to be fastened and the intermediate nut 29 to be fastened from the same surface of the connector 10.

[0082] [Orientation of fastening bolts in connectors] 3, the fastening bolts 53 of the clamping portions 50 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 are arranged in the same direction. This point will be described in detail below. In the first bending member 25, the orientation of the first surface 31A of the first member 11 is opposite to the orientation of the first surface 31A of the second member 12. The orientation of the first surface 31A of the first member 11 is the same as the orientation of the first surface 31A of the fourth member 14. The first member 11 and the fourth member 14 are provided with a clamping portion 50 of the second aspect. In the first member 11 and the fourth member 14, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the second surface 31B.

[0083] In the second bending member 26, the orientation of the first surface 31A of the third member 13 is opposite to the orientation of the first surface 31A of the fourth member 14. The orientation of the first surface 31A of the second member 12 is the same as the orientation of the first surface 31A of the third member 13. The second member 12 and the third member 13 are provided with the clamping portion 50 of the first aspect. In the second member 12 and the third member 13, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the first surface 31A.

[0084] That is, the insertion direction of the fastening bolts 53 differs depending on the orientation of the first surface 31A of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. As a result, the fastening bolts 53 are arranged in the same orientation. By arranging the fastening bolts 53 in the same orientation, when fixing the connector 10 to the two hanging bolts 3, the worker can tighten the four fastening bolts 53 from the same direction, improving work efficiency.

[0085] The fastening bolts 53 and the engaging members of the clamping portions 50 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 may be arranged in the same direction. This point will be described in detail. In the first member 11 and the fourth member 14, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the second surface 31B. In the second member 12 and the third member 13, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the first surface 31A. In the intersection 40A between the first member 11 and the third member 13, the engagement bolt is inserted from the second surface 31B of the first member 11. In the intersection 40B between the second member 12 and the fourth member 14, the engagement bolt is inserted from the second surface 31B of the fourth member 14. As a result, the four fastening bolts 53 and the two engagement bolts are arranged in the same orientation.

[0086] The fastening bolts 53, the first engaging members 41, the second engaging members 42, and the intermediate fastening bolts 28 of the clamping portions 50 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 may be arranged in the same direction. This point will be described in detail below. In the first member 11 and the fourth member 14, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the second surface 31B. In the second member 12 and the third member 13, the fastening bolt 53 is inserted from the first surface 31A. In the intersection 40A between the first member 11 and the third member 13, the engagement bolt is inserted from the second surface 31B of the first member 11. In the intersection 40B between the second member 12 and the fourth member 14, the engagement bolt is inserted from the second surface 31B of the fourth member 14 (see FIG. 14).

[0087] At the connection portion between the first member 11 and the second member 12, the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted from the second surface 31B of the first member 11. At the connection portion between the third member 13 and the fourth member 14, the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted from the second surface 31B of the fourth member 14. As a result, the four fastening bolts 53, the two engaging bolts, and the two intermediate fastening bolts 28 are arranged in the same orientation (see FIG. 14).

[0088] <Operation> Before attaching the connector 10, the fastening bolt 53, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 are loosened. Therefore, the relative positions of the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 can be freely set.

[0089] FIG. 1 shows a state in which four connectors 10 are temporarily fixed to the first hanging bolt 5 to the fourth hanging bolt 8. In the connector 10 between the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6, the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 are temporarily connected to the first hanging bolt 5, and the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 are temporarily connected to the second hanging bolt 6. At this time, the clamping portions 50 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 are rotatable. In addition, the fastening bolt 53, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 are held in a loosened state. Therefore, the connector 10 can be easily extended. When the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 are arranged in a predetermined position (see FIG. 2), the fastening bolt 53, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 are tightened. As a result, the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6 are firmly connected to each other.

[0090] <Operation of the embodiment> The suspended structure 1 can take various forms depending on the size of the object suspended by the suspended structure 1 and the position of the object from the ceiling slab. Specifically, when the suspended structure 1 has four suspension bolts 3, the length of each of the four suspension bolts 3 and the distance between the four suspension bolts 3 are set variously. In order to prevent the object from swaying, a brace is attached to each pair of suspension bolts 3 in the four suspension bolts 3. As described above, the length of each of the four suspension bolts 3 and the distance between the four suspension bolts 3 are set variously, so the length of the brace is determined according to the length or distance of these settings. Adjusting the length of the brace is time-consuming, which hinders the efficiency of the work of suspending an object. It hinders the efficiency of the work of installing an object by the suspended structure.

[0091] The connector 10 of this embodiment includes a connecting mechanism 20. The connecting mechanism 20 has a first connecting portion 21 to a fourth connecting portion 24. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 can be expanded or contracted. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 can be expanded or contracted. This allows the positional relationship between the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 to be changed. Specifically, the relative positions of the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 can be freely set according to the length of each of the four hanging bolts 3 and the distance between the four hanging bolts 3.

[0092] Specifically, since the first member 11 and the second member 12 are rotatably connected, the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 can be freely set. Similarly, since the third member 13 and the fourth member 14 are rotatably connected, the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 can be freely set. Since the first member 11 and the third connecting portion 23 are engaged with each other by a first engaging member 41 that slides on both members, the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the third connecting portion 23 can be freely set. Since the second member 12 and the fourth connecting portion 24 are engaged with each other by a second engaging member 42 that slides on both members, the distance between the second connecting portion 22 and the fourth connecting portion 24 can be freely set.

[0093] In this way, since the distance between any two of the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 can be changed, the connector 10 can be applied to hanging structures 1 of various widths without the trouble of cutting to adjust the length. Also, the connector 10 can be applied to hanging structures 1 of various vertical lengths. This can improve the work efficiency of installing an object using a hanging structure.

[0094] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The connector 10 includes a connector mechanism 20. The connector mechanism 20 has a first connecting portion 21 to a fourth connecting portion 24. The connector mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 can be increased or decreased, and the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 can be increased or decreased. With this configuration, the connector 10 can change the positional relationship between the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24, so that the connector 10 can be applied to suspended structures 1 of various widths without the trouble of cutting to adjust the length of the components. In addition, the connector 10 can be applied to suspended structures 1 with various heights to the ceiling slab.

[0095] (2) In the connecting mechanism 20, each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is connected to two other members among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. According to this configuration, each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is connected to two other members among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14, so that the structure of the connecting mechanism 20 can be strengthened.

[0096] (3) In the connecting mechanism 20, the first member 11 is rotatably connected to the second member 12. The third member 13 is rotatably connected to the fourth member 14. The first engaging member 41 is disposed at an intersection 40A between the first member 11 and the third member 13 so as to be slidable on the first member 11 and the third member 13, and engages with the first member 11 and the third member 13. The second engaging member 42 is disposed at an intersection 40B between the second member 12 and the fourth member 14 so as to be slidable on the second member 12 and the fourth member 14, and engages with the second member 12 and the fourth member 14.

[0097] According to this configuration, the first member 11 and the second member 12 form a bendable first bending member 25. The third member 13 and the fourth member 14 form a bendable second bending member 26. The first bending member 25 and the second bending member 26 are then connected by the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42. This makes it possible to smoothly adjust the distance between the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24, and improves the strength of the connecting mechanism 20.

[0098] (4) In the connecting mechanism 20, the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23, and the fourth connecting portion 24 each include a clamping portion 50 that clamps the suspension bolt 3.

[0099] According to this configuration, each of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 can have a simple structure.

[0100] (5) In the connecting mechanism 20, the clamping portion 50 includes an outer end portion 17 of one of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 on which the clamping portion 50 is provided, a clamping piece 51, and a fastening bolt 53. According to this configuration, the clamping portion 50 can have a simple structure.

[0101] (6) In the connecting mechanism 20 , the clamping portion 50 includes the biasing member 52 that biases the clamping piece 51 toward the outer end portion 17 .

[0102] According to this configuration, the clamping portion 50 can easily temporarily connect each of the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 to the hanging bolt 3. By temporarily connecting each of the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 to the hanging bolt 3, the connector 10 can be temporarily fixed to the two hanging bolts 3. This reduces the effort required to continue holding the connector 10 by hand when attaching the connector 10.

[0103] (7) In the connecting mechanism 20, the clamping piece 51 is rotatably attached to the outer end 17 of the member on which the clamping portion 50 is provided, among the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. With this configuration, the coupler 10 can be moved relative to the suspension bolt 3 or deployed in a state in which the first joint portion 21 to the fourth joint portion 24 are temporarily joined to the suspension bolt 3. This improves the efficiency of the work of attaching the coupler 10 to the suspension bolt 3.

[0104] (8) In the connecting mechanism 20, the fastening bolts 53 of the clamping portions 50 of the first to fourth members 11 to 14 are arranged in the same orientation. With this configuration, when attaching the connector 10 to the suspension bolt 3, the worker can tighten the fastening bolts 53 of the first to fourth members 11 to 14 from the same orientation relative to the connector 10. This improves the efficiency of the work of attaching the connector 10 to the suspension bolt 3.

[0105] (9) In connecting mechanism 20, fastening bolts 53 of clamping portions 50 of first member 11 to fourth member 14, first engaging members 41 and second engaging members 42 are arranged in the same direction.

[0106] According to this configuration, when attaching the connector 10 to the suspension bolt 3, the worker can tighten the fastening bolts 53 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 and the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 from the same direction relative to the connector 10. This improves the efficiency of the work of attaching the connector 10 to the suspension bolt 3.

[0107] (10) The suspended structure 1 includes a first suspension bolt 5 and a second suspension bolt 6 suspended from a ceiling slab, and a connector 10. According to this configuration, the suspended structure 1 includes the connector 10. The connector 10 can change the positional relationship between the first joint portion 21 to the fourth joint portion 24. This can improve the work efficiency when installing the suspended structure 1.

[0108] <Second embodiment> A hanging structure 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of overlapping components will be omitted.

[0109] In this embodiment, a reinforcing structure in a hanging structure 1 that is long in the vertical direction will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of connectors 10 are attached to two hanging bolts 3. Hereinafter, as an example of this embodiment, a hanging structure 1 in which two connectors 10 are provided at the top and bottom will be described.

[0110] The suspended structure 1 comprises a first suspension bolt 5 and a second suspension bolt 6 suspended from a ceiling slab, and two connectors 10. Each of the two connectors 10 connects the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. One of the two connectors 10 is disposed above the other connector 10.

[0111] Of the two connectors 10, the second member 12 of the connector 10 that is positioned higher than the other connector 10 intersects with the first member 11 of the other connector 10. The fourth member 14 intersects with the third member 13 of the other connector 10. With this configuration, one of the two connectors 10 overlaps with the other connector 10, thereby improving the strength of the suspended structure 1.

[0112] In this embodiment, the intersecting members may be connected to each other with metal fittings. For example, the second member 12 of one of the two connectors 10 is fixed with a metal fitting at a portion where it intersects with the first member 11 of the other connector 10. The fourth member 14 of one of the two connectors 10 is fixed with a metal fitting at a portion where it intersects with the third member 13 of the other connector 10.

[0113] <Third embodiment> A connector 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In this embodiment, configurations common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the configurations of the first embodiment, and descriptions of overlapping configurations will be omitted.

[0114] In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 is expandable and contractable. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable.

[0115] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the third connecting portion 23 is expandable and contractable. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the second connecting portion 22 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable.

[0116] In this embodiment, the first member 11 and the third member 13 form a third bending member 61. The second member 12 and the fourth member 14 form a fourth bending member 62. The third bending member 61 is connected to the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6. The fourth bending member 62 is connected to the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6. A specific description will be given below.

[0117] The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first member 11 to a fourth member 14. The arrangement of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 relative to the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0118] The first member 11 is rotatably connected to the third member 13. The second member 12 is rotatably connected to the fourth member .

[0119] The third engagement member 65 is disposed at an intersection 40C between the first member 11 and the second member 12 so as to be slidable on the first member 11 and the second member 12, and engages with the first member 11 and the second member 12.

[0120] The fourth engagement member 66 is disposed at an intersection 40D between the third member 13 and the fourth member 14 so as to be slidable on the third member 13 and the fourth member 14, and engages with the third member 13 and the fourth member 14.

[0121] The connector 10 of this embodiment can be realized by rotating the connector 10 of the first embodiment by 90 degrees. In this case, the design of the clamping portion 50 is appropriately modified so that the hanging bolt 3 can be inserted therein.

[0122] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24 of the connector 10 can be changed, so that the connector 10 can be applied to hanging structures 1 of various widths without the need for cutting to adjust the length of the components.

[0123] (2) According to the connector 10 of this embodiment, the first member 11 and the third member 13 form a bendable third bending member 61. The second member 12 and the fourth member 14 form a bendable fourth bending member 62. The third bending member 61 and the fourth bending member 62 are connected together by the third engaging member 65 and the fourth engaging member 66. This makes it possible to smoothly adjust the distance between the first connecting portion 21 to the fourth connecting portion 24, and improves the strength of the connecting mechanism 20.

[0124] <Fourth embodiment> A connector 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of overlapping components will be omitted.

[0125] In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the second connecting portion 22 is expandable and contractable. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable.

[0126] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting portion 21 and the third connecting portion 23 is expandable and contractable. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the second connecting portion 22 and the fourth connecting portion 24 is expandable and contractable.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first member 11 and the fourth member 14 form a first telescopic member 71. The second member 12 and the third member 13 form a second telescopic member 72. The first telescopic member 71 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. The second telescopic member 72 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. This will be described in detail below.

[0128] The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first member 11 to a fourth member 14. The arrangement of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 relative to the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6 is the same as in the first embodiment. The first member 11 has a first connecting portion 21, as in the first embodiment. The second member 12 has a second connecting portion 22, as in the first embodiment. The third member 13 has a third connecting portion 23, as in the first embodiment. The fourth member 14 has a fourth connecting portion 24, as in the first embodiment.

[0129] The connecting mechanism 20 further includes a fifth engagement member 73. The structure of the fifth engagement member 73 is similar to that of the first engagement member 41 of the first embodiment.

[0130] The first member 11 is slidably connected to the fourth member 14 along the longitudinal direction of the first member 11. A first telescopic member 71 is configured by the first member 11 and the fourth member 14.

[0131] The second member 12 is slidably connected to the third member 13 along the longitudinal direction of the second member 12. The second member 12 and the third member 13 form a second telescopic member 72.

[0132] The long hole 36 in the first member 11 is configured to overlap with the long hole 36 in the fourth member 14. The long hole 36 in the second member 12 is configured to overlap with the long hole 36 in the third member 13.

[0133] The first member 11 slides to be accommodated in the fourth member 14. Specifically, the first surface 31A of the first member 11 faces the same direction as the first surface 31A of the fourth member 14. The first rib 32 and the second rib 33 of the first member 11 are disposed between the first rib 32 and the second rib 33 of the fourth member 14.

[0134] The third member 13 slides to be accommodated in the second member 12. Specifically, the first surface 31A of the third member 13 faces the same direction as the first surface 31A of the second member 12. The first rib 32 and the second rib 33 of the third member 13 are disposed between the first rib 32 and the second rib 33 of the second member 12.

[0135] The first surface 31A of the first member 11 and the first surface 31A of the fourth member 14 face the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6, and are in contact with the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6. The first surface 31A of the second member 12 and the first surface 31A of the third member 13 face the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6, and are in contact with the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6. The first surface 31A of the second member 12 and the first surface 31A of the third member 13 face in the opposite direction to the first surface 31A of the first member 11 and the first surface 31A of the fourth member 14.

[0136] The fifth engagement member 73 is slidable on either or both of the first member 11 and the fourth member 14 and on either or both of the second member 12 and the third member 13.

[0137] The fifth engagement member 73 is disposed at an intersection 40E between the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72. The fifth engagement member 73 engages with the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72.

[0138] The connecting mechanism 20 further includes a first fixed fastening bolt 75 to a fourth fixed fastening bolt 78 .

[0139] The first fixed fastening bolt 75 is provided at the inner end 16 of the first member 11. The first fixed fastening bolt 75 is inserted into a hole other than the long hole 36 of the first member 11, and is also inserted into the long hole 36 of the fourth member 14. The second fixed fastening bolt 76 is provided at the inner end 16 of the second member 12. The second fixed fastening bolt 76 is inserted into a hole other than the long hole 36 of the second member 12, and is also inserted into the long hole 36 of the third member 13.

[0140] The third fixed fastening bolt 77 is provided at the inner end 16 of the third member 13. The third fixed fastening bolt 77 is inserted into a hole other than the elongated hole 36 of the third member 13 and also inserted into the elongated hole 36 of the second member 12. The fourth fixed fastening bolt 78 is provided at the inner end 16 of the fourth member 14. The fourth fixed fastening bolt 78 is inserted into a hole other than the elongated hole 36 of the fourth member 14 and also inserted into the elongated hole 36 of the first member 11.

[0141] The first telescopic member 71 is reinforced by fastening the first fixed fastening bolt 75 and the fourth fixed fastening bolt 78. The second telescopic member 72 is reinforced by fastening the second fixed fastening bolt 76 and the third fixed fastening bolt 77.

[0142] <Effects of this embodiment> In the connecting mechanism 20, the first telescopic member 71 and the second telescopic member 72 are connected by the fifth engagement member 73. This makes it possible to smoothly adjust the distance between the first joint portion 21 to the fourth joint portion 24, and also improves the strength of the connecting mechanism 20.

[0143] <Fifth embodiment> A coupler 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 26. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions of overlapping components will be omitted. In this embodiment, the coupler 10 of the first embodiment is referred to as a "first coupler 10X," and the coupler 10 of the fifth embodiment is referred to as a "second coupler 10Y."

[0144] In the first coupling device 10X of the first embodiment, the first coupling portion 21, the second coupling portion 22, the third coupling portion 23 and the fourth coupling portion 24 are positioned at the same position as the first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 in a direction DA perpendicular to a plane S that includes the movable area SX of the first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42.

[0145] In contrast, in the second coupler 10Y of the present embodiment, the first coupling portion 21, the second coupling portion 22, the third coupling portion 23 and the fourth coupling portion 24 are disposed at positions shifted with respect to the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 in a direction DA perpendicular to a plane S including the movable area SX of the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42. Hereinafter, this structure is referred to as a shift structure.

[0146] The hanging structure 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. The hanging structure 1 of this embodiment includes the first connector 10X of the first embodiment and the second connector 10Y of the fifth embodiment. The hanging structure 1 includes two first connectors 10X and two second connectors 10Y.

[0147] The suspension structure 1 suspends the indoor unit 2. The suspension structure 1 includes a first suspension bolt 5, a second suspension bolt 6, a third suspension bolt 7, and a fourth suspension bolt 8. The first suspension bolt 5, the second suspension bolt 6, the third suspension bolt 7, and the fourth suspension bolt 8 are respectively coupled to the four corners of the indoor unit 2. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 2 has a rectangular or nearly rectangular shape in plan view. Therefore, the first suspension bolt 5, the second suspension bolt 6, the third suspension bolt 7, and the fourth suspension bolt 8 are disposed at the vertices of the rectangle in plan view. In this embodiment, the first suspension bolt 5, the second suspension bolt 6, the third suspension bolt 7, and the fourth suspension bolt 8 are disposed around the indoor unit 2 in this order in a counterclockwise direction in plan view. In plan view, the distance between the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6 is equal to the distance between the third suspension bolt 7 and the fourth suspension bolt 8. In a plan view, the distance between the second hanging bolt 6 and the third hanging bolt 7 is equal to the distance between the fourth hanging bolt 8 and the first hanging bolt 5. In a plan view, the distance between the second hanging bolt 6 and the third hanging bolt 7 is shorter than the distance between the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6.

[0148] Incidentally, for the indoor unit 2 suspended from the ceiling slab, the distance between the ceiling slab and the indoor unit 2 in the vertical direction (hereinafter, the suspension distance) differs for each property or each floor. For this reason, the connector 10 is folded according to the suspension distance. Specifically, in the connector 10, the angle between the first member 11 and the second member 12 and the angle between the third member 13 and the fourth member 14 are adjusted, thereby adjusting the distance between the first joint portion 21 and the second joint portion 22 and the distance between the third joint portion 23 and the fourth joint portion 24. However, when the suspension distance is small and the interval distance between the two suspension bolts 3 is small, the inner end portion 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 may go out of the range between the two suspension bolts 3 by folding the connector 10. In such a case, the inner ends 16 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 interfere with the suspension bolt 3, making it impossible to attach the connector 10 to the suspension bolt 3 appropriately.

[0149] Considering the above circumstances, in this embodiment, the hanging structure 1 includes a first connector 10X and a second connector 10Y. The first connector 10X connects two hanging bolts 3 with a large distance between them. The second connector 10Y connects two hanging bolts 3 with a small distance between them.

[0150] In the suspended structure 1, two first connectors 10X are disposed to face each other. One first connector 10X connects the first suspension bolt 5 and the second suspension bolt 6. The other first connector 10X connects the third suspension bolt 7 and the fourth suspension bolt 8. In the suspended structure 1, two second connectors 10Y are disposed to face each other. One second connector 10Y connects the second suspension bolt 6 and the third suspension bolt 7. The other second connector 10Y connects the fourth suspension bolt 8 and the first suspension bolt 5.

[0151] Figure 21 shows the suspended structure 1 of this embodiment when the suspension distance is large, while Figures 22 and 23 show the suspended structure 1 of this embodiment when the suspension distance is small.

[0152] 21, the first connector 10X and the second connector 10Y are in an unfolded state. The inner end 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 of the first connector 10X is within the range between the two suspension bolts 3. The inner end 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 of the second connector 10Y is also within the range between the two suspension bolts 3.

[0153] In Fig. 22, the first connector 10X and the second connector 10Y are in a folded state, which is more folded than the state shown in Fig. 21. In the first connector 10X, the inner end portion 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is within the range between the two hanging bolts 3. On the other hand, in the second connector 10Y, the inner end portion 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is outside the range between the two hanging bolts 3 (see Fig. 23). Since the second connector 10Y has a shift structure, the inner end portion 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 does not come into contact with the hanging bolt 3 even if it is outside the range between the two hanging bolts 3.

[0154] 26, since the second connector 10Y has a shift structure, the inner end 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 does not interfere with the hanging bolt 3. Specifically, the inner end 16 of each of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 is disposed in an area A outside the first surface SA in a direction DA perpendicular to the first surface SA including the second hanging bolt 6 and the third hanging bolt 7 in a plan view. In this embodiment, "outside the first surface SA" refers to a space that does not include a bolt area surrounded by the first hanging bolt 5 to the fourth hanging bolt 8, out of two spaces divided by the first surface SA.

[0155] An example of a shift structure will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 24, the first connecting portion 21 includes a clamping portion 50. A clamping piece 51 of the clamping portion 50 is provided on an outer end portion 17 of the first member 11. The first member 11 is composed of a long member. The first member 11 has a base portion 31 extending in the longitudinal direction. The outer end portion 17 of the first member 11 is disposed in a position shifted outward in a direction DA perpendicular to a plane S including the movable area SX with respect to an intermediate portion of the base portion 31 of the first member 11 in a plan view. The clamping piece 51 of the clamping portion 50 is provided on such an outer end portion 17.

[0156] The outer end 17 is formed of a separate member from the base portion 31. The outer end 17 includes a contact portion 101 that contacts the hanging bolt 3, and a side portion 102 that connects the contact portion 101 and the base portion 31. The contact portion 101 is formed parallel to the base portion 31. The contact portion 101 is disposed in a direction DA perpendicular to a plane S including the movable area SX and at a position shifted outward. The clamping piece 51 is provided on the contact portion 101. The structure of the clamping piece 51 is substantially the same as that shown in the first embodiment. The outer end 17 may be fixed to the base portion 31 by welding. The outer end 17 may be configured to be detachable from the base portion 31 by a fastening member.

[0157] The second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23, and the fourth connecting portion 24 have substantially the same structure as the first connecting portion 21. The outer end portion 17 of each connecting portion is configured so that the contact portions 101 (see below) of the outer end portions 17 of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23, and the fourth connecting portion 24 can be positioned on the same plane.

[0158] In the second connector 10Y, the position of the first engagement member 41 is determined by the first member 11 and a third member 13 that intersects with the first member 11. The position of the second engagement member 42 is determined by the second member 12 and a fourth member 14 that intersects with the second member 12. Therefore, the movable area SX of the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42 is defined as a plane having a predetermined width. The first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42 cannot move in a direction DA perpendicular to the plane S that includes the movable area SX, but can move within the movable area SX.

[0159] As described above, the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 are positioned at a position offset from the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 in the direction DA perpendicular to the plane S that includes the movable area SX of the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42.

[0160] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, in a side view of the second connector 10Y, the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42 are positioned outside the contact portions 101 of the outer ends 17 of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24.

[0161] Also, as shown in FIG. 26, in a plan view of the second connector 10Y, the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42 are positioned outside the contact portions 101 of the outer ends 17 of the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24.

[0162] <Effects of this embodiment> In the second connector 10Y, the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 are positioned at a position offset from the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 in a direction DA perpendicular to a plane S that includes the movable area SX of the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42.

[0163] According to this configuration, the inner end 16 of the first member 11 opposite the first connecting portion 21 and the inner end 16 of the third member 13 opposite the third connecting portion 23 move according to the engagement position of the first engagement member 41 with the first member 11 and the third member 13. Similarly, the inner end 16 of the second member 12 opposite the second connecting portion 22 and the inner end 16 of the fourth member 14 opposite the fourth connecting portion 24 move according to the engagement position of the second engagement member 42 with the second member 12 and the fourth member 14. If the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23, and the fourth connecting portion 24 are at the same position in the direction DA perpendicular to the plane S including the movable area SX of the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42, there is a risk that the inner ends 16 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 will interfere with the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the first connecting portion 21, the second connecting portion 22, the third connecting portion 23 and the fourth connecting portion 24 are disposed at positions shifted in the direction DA perpendicular to the plane S including the movable area SX of the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42. For this reason, the inner ends 16 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14 are less likely to interfere with the first hanging bolt 5 and the second hanging bolt 6.

[0164] <Modification> In addition to the above-described embodiment, the connector 10 and the hanging structure 1 of the present disclosure may have the following modified examples, or may be a combination of at least two of the modified examples that are not mutually contradictory.

[0165] In the first embodiment, the first member 11 and the second member 12 are rotatably and fastenably connected by the intermediate fastening bolt 28. In contrast, the first member 11 and the second member 12 may be rotatably connected by a shaft member. Similarly, the third member 13 and the fourth member 14 may be rotatably connected by a shaft member.

[0166] In the third embodiment, the first member 11 and the third member 13 may be rotatably connected by a shaft member. Similarly, the second member 12 and the fourth member 14 may be rotatably connected by a shaft member.

[0167] 27 is a cross-sectional view of the first member 11 cut perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 27, in the first member 11, the tips of the first rib 32 and the second rib 33 may be curved. Similarly, in the second member 12 to the fourth member 14, the tips of the first rib 32 and the second rib 33 may be curved. This can reduce the frequency of scratches caused by a worker accidentally rubbing his or her fingers against the first rib 32 and the second rib 33.

[0168] The first rib 32 and the second rib 33 may be omitted from the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. The first member 11 to the fourth member 14 may include a pipe structure.

[0169] The clamping portion 50 may include two clamping pieces 51 that clamp the hanging bolt 3. The two clamping pieces 51 are rotatably attached to the outer end portions 17 of the first member 11 to the fourth member 14. One of the two clamping pieces 51 is biased toward the other.

[0170] <<Other Technology A>> This specification discloses the following techniques. The present technology reinforces the hanging bolt 3. The present technology differs from the technology described in the above embodiment in the following points. The technology described in the above embodiment has a cross structure, but the present technology does not have a cross structure. The present technology will be described below.

[0171] A connector 80 according to the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 28 and Fig. 29. In the present technology, configurations common to the first embodiment or the fourth embodiment are given the same reference numerals as the configurations of the first embodiment or the fourth embodiment, and descriptions of overlapping configurations will be omitted.

[0172] The connector 80 includes a connecting mechanism 80X. The connecting mechanism 80X connects two suspension bolts 3. The connecting mechanism 80X has an expandable structure in which two members slide to expand and contract. The connecting mechanism 80X has substantially the same structure as the first expandable member 71 of the fourth embodiment.

[0173] The connecting mechanism 80X includes a first member 81 and a second member 82. The first member 81 and the second member 82 configure an expandable member 83. The expandable member 83 is coupled to two hanging bolts 3.

[0174] The first member 81 has a structure similar to that of the first member 11 in the fourth embodiment. The first member 81 has a first joint portion 81A. The first joint portion 81A has the same structure as the first joint portion 21 of the first member 11 in the fourth embodiment. The first member 81 has a fifth fixed fastening bolt 85 having the same function as the first fixed fastening bolt 75 in the fourth embodiment.

[0175] The second member 82 has a structure similar to that of the fourth member 14 in the fourth embodiment. The second member 82 has a second connecting portion 82A. The second connecting portion 82A has the same structure as the fourth connecting portion 24 of the fourth member 14 in the fourth embodiment. The second member 82 has a sixth fixed fastening bolt 86 that has the same function as the fourth fixed fastening bolt 78 in the fourth embodiment.

[0176] Such a connector 80 can reinforce the two suspension bolts 3 that are arranged at a predetermined distance apart.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 29, the connector 80 is suspended from a ceiling slab 90 to reinforce two hanging bolts 3 supporting a ceiling material 91. The connector 80 can be used in place of a conventional brace. The connector 80 is extendable and retractable, so that the length can be easily adjusted. The connector 80 also includes a first joint portion 81A and a second joint portion 82A. This simplifies the installation process of attaching the connector 80 to the hanging bolts 3.

[0178] <Appendix 1> A connector (80) connects two hanging bolts (3) suspended from a ceiling slab. The connector (80) includes a connecting mechanism (80X) that connects the two hanging bolts (3). The connecting mechanism (80X) has a first joint portion (81A) that connects to one of the hanging bolts (3) and a second joint portion (82A) that connects to the other hanging bolt (3) at a position lower than the first joint portion (81A) in the up-down direction. The connecting mechanism (80X) is configured such that the distance between the first joint portion (81A) and the second joint portion (82A) is expandable and contractible.

[0179] <Appendix 2> In the connector described in Appendix 1, the connector mechanism (80X) has a first member (81) having the first connecting portion (81A) and a second member (82) having the second connecting portion (82A), and the first member (81) and the second member (82) are slidably connected to each other.

[0180] <<Other Technology B>> This specification discloses the following technology. The joint according to the present technology is applicable not only to the connectors 10 and 80 shown in the present embodiment but also to braces. The joint holds the suspension bolt 3. The structure of the joint according to the present technology is substantially the same as any one of the first joint 21 to the fourth joint 24 disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0181] <Appendix 3> The connecting portion is connected to the hanging bolt (3). The connecting portion includes a clamping portion (50) that clamps the hanging bolt (3). The clamping portion (50) includes an end portion of a member, a clamping piece (51) that is attached to the end portion and clamps the hanging bolt (3), a biasing member (52) that biases the clamping piece (51) toward the end portion, and a fastening bolt (53) that fastens the clamping piece (51) to the end portion. The member in Appendix 1 includes a brace and an expandable member. An example of an expandable member is the expandable member 83 shown in Other Technology A above.

[0182] The above describes embodiments and variations of the connector 10 and the suspended structure 1. However, it will be understood that various modifications of the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the connector 10 and the suspended structure 1 as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1...hanging structure, 3...hanging bolt, 5...first hanging bolt, 6...second hanging bolt, 10...connecting device, 11...first member, 12...second member, 13...third member, 14...fourth member, 17...outer end, 20...connecting mechanism, 21...first connecting portion, 22...second connecting portion, 23...third connecting portion, 24...fourth connecting portion, 40A...intersection portion, 40B...intersection portion, 40C...intersection portion, 40D...intersection portion, 40E...intersection portion, 41...first engaging member, 42...second engaging member, 50...clamping portion, 51...clamping piece, 52...biasing member, 53...fastening bolt, 65...third engaging member, 66...fourth engaging member, 71...first telescopic member, 72...second telescopic member, 73...fifth engaging member.

Claims

1. A connector (10) for connecting a first suspension bolt (5) and a second suspension bolt (6) suspended from a ceiling slab, A connecting mechanism (20) that connects the first suspension bolt (5) and the second suspension bolt (6), The connecting mechanism (20) is A first connecting portion (21) connected to the first hanging bolt (5); a second connecting portion (22) that connects to the first suspension bolt (5) at a position lower than the first connecting portion (21); A third connecting portion (23) connected to the second hanging bolt (6); A fourth connecting portion (24) that connects to the second suspension bolt (6) at a position lower than the third connecting portion (23), and The distance between the first connecting portion (21) and the second connecting portion (22) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the third connecting portion (23) and the fourth connecting portion (24) is expandable and contractable, or The distance between the first connecting portion (21) and the third connecting portion (23) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the second connecting portion (22) and the fourth connecting portion (24) is expandable and contractable. Connector.

2. The connecting mechanism (20) is A first member (11) having the first connecting portion (21); A second member (12) having the second connecting portion (22); A third member (13) having the third connecting portion (23); a fourth member (14) having the fourth coupling portion (24); Each of the first member (11) to the fourth member (14) is connected to two other members among the first member (11) to the fourth member (14) other than the member in question. The connector of claim 1 .

3. The connecting mechanism (20) further includes a first engaging member (41) and a second engaging member (42), The first member (11) is rotatably connected to the second member (12), The third member (13) is rotatably connected to the fourth member (14), the first engagement member (41) is disposed at an intersection between the first member (11) and the third member (13) so as to be slidable on the first member (11) and the third member (13), and engages with the first member (11) and the third member (13); the second engagement member (42) is disposed at an intersection between the second member (12) and the fourth member (14) so ​​as to be slidable with respect to the second member (12) and the fourth member (14), and engages with the second member (12) and the fourth member (14); The connector of claim 2.

4. the first connecting portion (21), the second connecting portion (22), the third connecting portion (23) and the fourth connecting portion (24) are disposed at positions offset from the first engaging member (41) and the second engaging member (42) in a direction (DA) perpendicular to a plane (S) including a movable area (SX) of the first engaging member (41) and the second engaging member (42); The connector of claim 3.

5. The connecting mechanism (20) further includes a third engaging member (65) and a fourth engaging member (66), The first member (11) is rotatably connected to the third member (13), The second member (12) is rotatably connected to the fourth member (14); the third engagement member (65) is disposed at an intersection between the first member (11) and the second member (12) so as to be slidable on the first member (11) and the second member (12), and engages with the first member (11) and the second member (12); the fourth engagement member (66) is disposed at an intersection between the third member (13) and the fourth member (14) so ​​as to be slidable with respect to the third member (13) and the fourth member (14), and engages with the third member (13) and the fourth member (14); The connector of claim 2.

6. The connecting mechanism (20) further includes a fifth engagement member (73), The first member (11) is slidably connected to the fourth member (14) along a longitudinal direction of the first member (11), The second member (12) is slidably connected to the third member (13) along a longitudinal direction of the second member (12), The fifth engagement member (73) is The first member (11) and / or the fourth member (14) are slidable on one or both of the second member (12) and / or the third member (13), The first telescopic member (71) is formed by the first member (11) and the fourth member (14), and the second telescopic member (72) is formed by the second member (12) and the third member (13). The first telescopic member (71) is disposed at an intersection of the first telescopic member (71) and the fourth member (14), and the second telescopic member (72) is engaged with the first telescopic member (71) and the second telescopic member (72). The connector of claim 2.

7. Each of the first hanging bolt (5) and the second hanging bolt (6) includes a hanging bolt (3), Each of the first connecting portion (21), the second connecting portion (22), the third connecting portion (23) and the fourth connecting portion (24) includes a clamping portion (50) that clamps the suspension bolt (3). The connector of claim 2.

8. The clamping portion (50) includes an outer end portion (17) of a member among the first member (11) to the fourth member (14) on which the clamping portion (50) is provided, a clamping piece (51) attached to the outer end portion (17) and clamping the suspension bolt (3), and a fastening bolt (53) fastening the clamping piece (51) to the outer end portion (17). The connector of claim 7.

9. The clamping portion (50) further includes a biasing member (52) that biases the clamping piece (51) toward the outer end portion (17). The connector of claim 8.

10. The clamping piece (51) is rotatably attached to the outer end (17) of a member, among the first member (11) to the fourth member (14), on which the clamping portion (50) is provided. The connector of claim 8.

11. The fastening bolt (53) of each of the clamping portions (50) of the first member (11) to the fourth member (14) or the nut (54) engaging with the fastening bolt (53) is provided with a rotation prevention structure (48) for the fastening bolt (53) or the nut (54) so ​​that the fastening bolt (53) or the nut (54) can be tightened to the connecting tool (10) from the same surface. The connector of claim 8.

12. a rotation stop structure (48) for the fastening bolt (53) or the nut (54) and a rotation stop structure (49) for the engaging members (41, 42) are provided so that the fastening bolt (53), the nut (54), and the engaging members (41, 42) of the clamping portions (50) of each of the first member (11) to the fourth member (14) can be tightened to the connecting device (10) from the same surface; The engaging members (41, 42) are members that engage the first member (11), the second member (12), the third member (13), and the fourth member (14) with each other. The connector of claim 8.

13. A suspension structure (1) for suspending an object, comprising: The first suspension bolt (5) suspended from the ceiling slab; The second suspension bolt (6) suspended from the ceiling slab; The connector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Suspended structure.

14. A suspension structure (1) for suspending an object, comprising: The first suspension bolt (5) suspended from the ceiling slab; The second suspension bolt (6) suspended from the ceiling slab; A plurality of connectors (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Each of the plurality of connectors (10) connects the first suspension bolt (5) and the second suspension bolt (6), One of the multiple connectors (10) is disposed above the other connectors (10); In a connector (10) that is disposed above other connectors (10) among the plurality of connectors (10), a second member (12) intersects with a first member (11) of the other connectors (10), and a fourth member (14) intersects with a third member (13) of the other connectors (10). Suspended structure.

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