Partition device

Abstract

To provide a partition device capable of solar power generation, and suitable for indoor use.SOLUTION: A partition device 1 comprises a movable base member 10, and a partition member 20 erected on the base member 10. A solar panel 26 is provided on a surface of the partition member 20. A power supply part (a cable 60B and a power supply connector 61) for outputting electricity generated by the solar panel 26 is provided in the base member 10 or near the base member 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a partition device. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a space partition structure in which a plurality of independent partition members of different sizes, each with a storage space formed inside, are nested and each partition member except for the outermost partition member can be slid to make the structure expandable as a whole. A solar panel is attached to at least either the left side panel or the right side panel of each partition member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-245485 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned conventional technology is used outdoors, and it is not easy to install and move the partition member when used indoors. Also, in order to supply electricity generated by the solar panel to other electrical equipment, a cable must be extended from the partition member to the electrical equipment, and there is a risk that the partition member or the electrical equipment may fall over if the cable is carelessly pulled.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a partition device that is capable of generating solar power and is suitable for indoor use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A partition device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a movable base member and a partition member erected on the base member, a solar panel being provided on a surface of the partition member, and a power supply unit being provided on or near the base member for outputting electricity generated by the solar panel.

[0007] According to this aspect, the base member supporting the partition member on which the solar panel is mounted is movable, so that the partition device can be easily placed near a window even indoors. Also, since the power supply unit is located on the base member (bottom) or in the vicinity of the base member, there is little risk of the partition member falling over even if the power supply unit is inadvertently pulled. Also, by placing an electrical device on the base member on which the power supply unit is located, it becomes possible to supply power to the electrical device while the partition device is movable.

[0008] (2) In the partition device relating to the above aspect (1), the partition member may have a first surface and a second surface facing opposite to the first surface, and the solar panel may be provided only on the first surface. According to this aspect, by providing a solar panel only on one side that receives sunlight, such as near a window facing outdoors, power can be generated more efficiently and at a lower cost than when solar panels are provided on both sides.

[0009] (3) In the partition device according to aspect (1) or (2) above, a storage battery may be provided that is connected to the power supply unit. According to this aspect, the partition device alone can generate and store electricity. For example, the partition device alone can supply power during a power outage and supply power to smooth out fluctuations in electricity demand over time.

[0010] (4) In the partition device according to aspect (3) above, a battery fixing portion on which the storage battery can be placed may be provided on an upper surface of the base member. According to this aspect, since the battery fixing portion is located on the upper surface of the base member, the battery is positioned at a low position, which lowers the center of gravity of the partition device and increases stability when moving the partition device.

[0011] (5) In the partition device according to aspect (3) or (4) above, the partition member may be provided with a lighting device that emits light when powered by the storage battery. According to this aspect, the partition device alone can generate power and emit light. For example, the partition device alone can provide illumination at night or during a power outage.

[0012] (6) In the partition device relating to the above aspect (5), the partition member has a first surface and a second surface facing opposite the first surface, the solar panel is provided only on the first surface, and the lighting device may illuminate the second surface. According to this aspect, by providing a solar panel only on the first surface that receives sunlight, it is possible to generate sufficient power during the day while preventing the glare of external light. At night, by illuminating the second surface opposite the first surface with a lighting device, it is possible to bring light into the room from the direction of external light, just like during the day. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to provide a partition device that is capable of generating solar power and is suitable for indoor use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a partition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the partition device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a plan view of the partition device in a state in which the cover member shown in FIG. 2 is removed and the device is connected to a storage battery. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of daytime use of the partition device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of nighttime use of the partition device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction indicated by the arrow FR in the drawings will be referred to as "front" and the opposite direction will be referred to as "rear." In addition, with regard to "up," "down," "left," and "right," the direction indicated by the arrow UP in the drawings will be referred to as "up" and the opposite direction will be referred to as "down," the direction indicated by the arrow LH in the drawings will be referred to as "left" and the opposite direction will be referred to as "right."

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partition device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the partition device 1 of this embodiment includes a flat base member 10 and a partition member 20 standing on the base member 10. A lighting device 30 is attached to the partition member 20. A cover member 40 that closes the communication opening 12 of the upper plate portion 11 is placed on the base member 10.

[0017] The partition member 20 includes a pair of support columns 21, a plurality of beams 22, 23 connecting the pair of support columns 21, a frame 24 supporting the lighting device 30, and an attachment section 25 to which a solar panel 26 is attached. The pair of support columns 21 are erected on the upper plate 11 of the base member 10 with a gap therebetween in the left-right direction. The lower ends of the pair of support columns 21 are fixed to the base member 10 while penetrating the upper plate 11.

[0018] The beam portion 22 extends in the left-right direction and connects the upper ends of the pair of support portions 21 to each other. The beam portion 23 extends in the left-right direction at a position lower than the beam portion 22 and connects the vicinity of the upper ends of the pair of support portions 21 to each other. A frame portion 24 that is U-shaped in plan view is attached facing forward from the connection position of the beam portion 22 on the pair of support portions 21.

[0019] An illumination device 30 is attached to the underside of the frame portion 24. The illumination device 30 includes a plurality of light sources such as LEDs. An attachment portion 25 is disposed in a space surrounded by the pair of support columns 21, the beam portion 23, and the base member 10. The attachment portion 25 in this embodiment is a plate material, but may include a mechanism that allows it to be folded, for example, in a zigzag manner.

[0020] A solar panel 26 is attached to a back surface 25b (first surface) of the mounting portion 25. In contrast, a solar panel 26 is not attached to a front surface 25a (second surface) of the mounting portion 25. Note that a light reflecting material that reflects light from the lighting device 30 or a light diffusing material that diffuses light from the lighting device 30 may be attached to the front surface 25a of the mounting portion 25.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the partition device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the partition device 1 in a state in which the cover member 40 shown in Fig. 2 is removed and the partition device 1 is connected to a storage battery 80. 2, the base member 10 includes an upper plate portion 11 having a rectangular shape in a plan view with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction. The upper plate portion 11 forms an upper surface 11a of the base member 10. The upper plate portion 11 in this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape with a top.

[0022] Wheel units 13 are disposed at the four corners of the upper plate portion 11. The wheel units 13 are attached to the lower surface 11b side of the upper plate portion 11. A cable holding member 50 is disposed in the center of the upper plate portion 11 in the front-rear direction. The cable holding member 50 is attached to the lower surface 11b of the upper plate portion 11.

[0023] Specifically, the cable holding member 50 includes a bottom wall portion 51 facing the lower surface 11b of the upper plate portion 11 with a gap therebetween, a pair of side wall portions 52 extending from both side edges of the bottom wall portion 51 toward the upper plate portion 11, and a pair of flange portions 53 extending in directions away from each other from upper ends of the pair of side wall portions 52. Such a cable holding member 50 has a hat-shaped (approximately U-shaped, approximately inverted Ω-shaped) cross section.

[0024] The cable holding member 50 is joined by spot welding the upper surfaces of the pair of flanges 53 to the lower surface 11b of the upper plate 11. The pair of flanges 53 may be fixed to the upper plate 11 using, for example, screws and nuts, but because the screws and nuts are exposed on the upper surface 11a of the upper plate 11, it is preferable to join them by spot welding or the like in terms of appearance.

[0025] The upper plate 11 and the cable holding member 50 form a substantially rectangular closed cross section. The upper plate 11 is formed with a communication opening 12 (see Figs. 2 and 3) that can communicate with the space S formed by the closed cross section. In addition, the side surface of the cable holding member 50 is formed with a communication opening 54 (see Figs. 2 and 3) that can communicate with the space S formed by the closed cross section.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the communication opening 12 is formed in the center of the upper plate portion 11 in plan view. The communication opening 12 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the pair of flange portions 53 narrow the opening width of the communication opening 12 when attached to the lower surface 11b of the upper plate portion 11. In other words, a part of the upper surface of the pair of flange portions 53 is exposed from the communication opening 12. The cover member 40 is placed on the pair of flange portions 53 exposed from the communication opening 12, and closes the communication opening 12 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0027] The cover member 40, like the communication port 12, is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. A pair of notches 41 that can be hooked with fingers to lift the cover member 40 are formed at both left-right ends of the cover member 40. The pair of notches 41 are formed in a semicircular shape in plan view. In addition, a pair of alignment projections 42 that can be positioned between a pair of flanges 53 are formed on the underside of the cover member 40.

[0028] 2 and 3, a plurality of communication openings 54 are formed in the cable holding member 50. The cable holding member 50 extends in the left-right direction on the lower surface 11b side of the upper plate portion 11 with approximately the same length as the upper plate portion 11. In this embodiment, two communication openings 54 are formed at the left end portion of the cable holding member 50, and one communication opening 54 is formed at the right end portion of the cable holding member 50. The arrangement and number of communication openings 54 are not limited to this embodiment.

[0029] The communication openings 54 are formed by cutting out the side wall portion 52 and the flange portion 53 of the cable holding member 50. The communication openings 54 may be formed by penetrating the side wall portion 52 without cutting out the flange portion 53. The communication openings 54 are formed at least at both left and right ends of the cable holding member 50, in locations close to the lower ends of the pair of support portions 21.

[0030] The pair of support pillars 21 are hollow inside, and a cable 60 is disposed therein. Cable 60A passing through the inside of the left support pillar 21 is connected to the solar panel 26. This cable 60A extends from the lower end opening of the left support pillar 21 or an opening (not shown) on the side surface of the lower end portion to space S via communication port 54. In addition, this cable 60A extends from communication port 54 formed on the front side surface of the cable holding member 50 to a voltage converter 71 attached to the electric device mounting portion 70.

[0031] Similar to the cable holding member 50, the electrical device mounting portion 70 has a hat-shaped (approximately U-shaped or approximately inverted Ω-shaped) cross section and is fixed to the lower surface 11b of the upper plate portion 11. A voltage converter 71 is attached to the electrical device mounting portion 70. The voltage converter 71 converts the voltage of the power generated by the solar panel 26 into a storable voltage.

[0032] A cable 60B extends from the voltage converter 71. The cable 60B extends from a communication port 54 formed on the front side surface of the cable holding member 50 to the space S. The cable 60B also extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable holding member 50 in the space S. As shown in FIG. 3, a power supply connector 61 is attached to the tip of the cable 60B. The cable 60B and the power supply connector 61 constitute a power supply unit that outputs electricity generated by the solar panel 26.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, the power supply unit extends onto the upper surface 11a of the base member 10 through the communication port 12. The power supply unit is connected to a storage battery 80 placed on the upper surface 11a. The storage battery 80 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The storage battery 80 may be a supercapacitor or the like. A storage battery fixing portion 81 on which the storage battery 80 can be placed is provided on the upper surface 11a of the base member 10.

[0034] The storage battery fixing part 81 has a plurality of walls 81a surrounding the storage battery 80 in a plan view. The walls 81a are arranged at intervals around the storage battery 80. The cable 60 can be passed through gaps between the walls 81a. For example, a magnet (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the storage battery fixing part 81, and can be magnetically attached to the upper surface 11a of the base member 10 at any position.

[0035] A cable 60C is connected to the storage battery 80 via the power receiving connector 62. The cable 60C extends to the space S via the communication port 12. The cable 60C extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable holding member 50, and extends from the right communication port 54 to the inside of the right support portion 21 via the lower end opening of the right support portion 21 or an opening (not shown) on the side surface of the lower end portion. The cable 60C passes through the inside of the right support portion 21 and is connected to the lighting device 30 (see FIG. 1). In other words, the lighting device 30 is connected to the storage battery 80 via the cable 60C, and is configured to operate by receiving power from the storage battery 80.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the partition device 1 according to this embodiment being used in the daytime. As shown in Fig. 4, the partition device 1 may be placed near a window in an office where sunlight shines in during the day. The partition device 1 is provided with a solar panel 26 on the back surface 25b of the partition member 20, and blocks sunlight entering the room, while generating electricity by the solar panel 26 that receives the sunlight. The electricity generated by the solar panel 26 is transformed by a voltage converter 71 shown in Fig. 3 and stored in a storage battery 80.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of nighttime use of the partition device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the partition device 1 is placed at night near a window in an office or at any partition position in the office. The partition device 1 is provided with a lighting device 30 on the front surface 25a of the partition member 20, and by illuminating the front surface 25a, when placed near a window in an office, for example, the lighting device 30 can bring light into the room from the direction in which external light shines in, as in the daytime. The lighting device 30 is connected to the storage battery 80 shown in Fig. 3, and can operate with electricity stored during the day.

[0038] In addition, in this partition device 1, the length L1 from the partition member 20 to the front end of the base member 10 is longer than the length L2 from the partition member 20 to the rear end of the base member 10. The lighting device 30 is disposed in front of the partition member 20 so as to illuminate the partition member 20. Therefore, the center of gravity of the partition device 1 is closer to the front surface 25a. In addition, since the lighting device 30 is disposed in a slightly high position, if a person grabs it with their hand, a force is applied in a direction that would cause it to fall over. In order to make it difficult for the partition member 20 to fall over even in such a case, the length L1 of the base member 10 on the front side where the lighting device 30 is disposed is longer than the length L2 on the rear side.

[0039] Thus, the partition device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration comprises a movable base member 10 and a partition member 20 erected on the base member 10, a solar panel 26 is provided on the surface of the partition member 20, and a power supply section (cable 60B and power supply connector 61) is provided on the base member 10 for outputting electricity generated by the solar panel 26.

[0040] According to this configuration, the base member 10 supporting the partition member 20 provided with the solar panel 26 is movable, so that the partition member 20 can be easily placed near a window even indoors. Also, since the power supply unit is located on the base member 10 (bottom), there is little risk of the partition member 20 falling over even if the power supply unit is inadvertently pulled. Also, by placing an electric device (e.g., a storage battery 80) on the base member 10 on which the power supply unit is located, it becomes possible to supply power to the electric device even when the partition device 1 is movable.

[0041] In this embodiment, the partition member 20 has a back surface 25b (first surface) and a front surface 25a (second surface) facing the opposite side to the back surface 25b, and the solar panel 26 is provided only on the back surface 25b. According to this configuration, by providing the solar panel 26 only on one surface that receives sunlight, such as near a window facing the outdoors, it is possible to generate electricity more efficiently and at a lower cost than when solar panels 26 are provided on both surfaces.

[0042] In this embodiment, the storage battery 80 is connected to the power supply unit. With this configuration, the partition device 1 alone can generate and store electricity. For example, the partition device 1 alone can supply power during a power outage and to smooth out time fluctuations in electricity demand.

[0043] In this embodiment, the upper surface 11a of the base member 10 is provided with a storage battery fixing portion 81 on which the storage battery 80 can be placed. With this configuration, since the storage battery fixing portion 81 is provided on the upper surface of the base member 10, the storage battery 80 is disposed in a low position, which lowers the center of gravity of the partition device 1 and increases stability when the partition device 1 is moved.

[0044] In this embodiment, the partition member 20 is provided with a lighting device 30 that emits light when powered by a storage battery 80. This configuration allows the partition device 1 to generate power and emit light by itself. For example, the partition device 1 can provide illumination at night or during a power outage by itself.

[0045] In this embodiment, the partition member 20 has a back surface 25b (first surface) and a front surface 25a (second surface) facing the opposite side to the back surface 25b, the solar panel 26 is provided only on the back surface 25b, and the lighting device 30 illuminates the front surface 25a. With this configuration, by providing the solar panel 26 only on the back surface 25b that receives sunlight, it is possible to generate sufficient power during the day while preventing glare from external light. At night, by illuminating the front surface 25a opposite to the back surface 25b with the lighting device 30, it is possible to bring light into the room from the direction in which external light enters, as in the daytime.

[0046] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a partition device 1 that is capable of generating solar power and is suitable for indoor use.

[0047] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0048] For example, in the present embodiment, the cable 60 has been described as extending from the inside of the support 21 to the space S through the communication opening 54. However, for example, the cable 60 may extend from an opening formed on the side surface of the support 21 near the base member 10 to the upper surface 11a of the base member 10. Note that "near the base member 10" refers to a position above the upper surface 11a of the base member 10 and below the upper end of the storage battery 80, and preferably a position above the upper surface 11a of the base member 10 and below the upper end of the wall portion 81a of the storage battery fixing portion 81. By providing the power supply unit near the base member 10, the partition member 20 is less likely to fall over even if the power supply unit is inadvertently pulled, as in the above embodiment. In addition, the cable 60 of the power supply unit may pass through the notch 41 formed in the cover member 40. This makes it possible to pass the cable 60 from the inside to the outside of the base member 10 with the cover member 40 blocking the communication opening 12.

[0049] Also, for example, a cable holding member 50 having a communication opening 54 and a cable holding member 50 not having a communication opening 54 may be attached to the lower surface 11b of the upper plate portion 11.

[0050] Also, for example, a terminal for contact power supply or an electrode for non-contact power supply to the storage battery 80 may be provided on the upper surface 11a of the base member 10, so that the electrical connection can be completed simply by placing the storage battery 80 on the upper surface 11a of the base member 10.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, voltage converter 71 may be provided at a location other than the lower surface side of base member 10. For example, voltage converter 71 may be provided at upper surface 11a of base member 10, inside support portion 21, beam portions 22, 23, etc. Furthermore, if the output voltage of solar panel 26 and the charging voltage to storage battery 80 match, voltage converter 71 may not be necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1...partition device, 10...base member, 11...upper plate portion, 11a...upper surface, 11b...lower surface, 12...communication port, 13...wheel portion, 20...partition member, 21...support portion, 22...beam portion, 23...beam portion, 24...frame portion, 25...mounting portion, 25a...front surface (second surface), 25b...rear surface (first surface), 26...solar panel, 30...lighting device, 40...cover member, 41...notch portion, 42...convex portion portion, 50...cable holding member, 51...bottom wall portion, 52...side wall portion, 53...flange portion, 54...communication port, 60...cable, 60A...cable, 60B...cable (power supply portion), 60C...cable, 61...power supply connector (power supply portion), 62...power receiving connector, 70...electrical device mounting portion, 71...voltage converter, 80...storage battery, 81...storage battery fixing portion, 81a...wall portion, S...space

Claims

1. A movable base member; A partition member provided upright on the base member, A solar panel is provided on a surface of the partition member, A power supply unit that outputs electricity generated by the solar panel is provided on or near the base member. Partition device.

2. The partition member has a first surface and a second surface facing an opposite side to the first surface, The solar panel is provided only on the first surface. The partition device according to claim 1 .

3. A storage battery connected to the power supply unit is provided. A partition device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A battery fixing portion on which the storage battery can be placed is provided on an upper surface of the base member. The partition device according to claim 3.

5. The partition member is provided with a lighting device that emits light when powered by the storage battery. The partition device according to claim 3.

6. The partition member has a first surface and a second surface facing an opposite side to the first surface, The solar panel is provided only on the first surface, The illumination device illuminates the second surface. A partition device according to claim 5.

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