Partition

Abstract

To provide a partition which can improve stability.SOLUTION: A partition includes: a panel module which has a plurality of panels, and with which the panels are rotatably connected between a folded state in which panel surfaces of adjacent panels face each other in the thickness direction of the panels, and a developed state in which the angles formed by the panel surfaces are larger than those in the folded state; and a base body to which an end panel constituting the end of the panel module among the plurality of panels is rotatably connected in a horizontal plane, capable of traveling on a floor surface. The base body includes a rotation restriction part for restricting rotation in the horizontal plane of the panel module relative to the base body, by being brought into contact with any one panel of the panel module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to partitions. [Background technology]

[0002] A partition configuration has been disclosed that includes a panel module in which adjacent panels among a plurality of panels are rotatably connected to each other, and a base to which connecting panels among the plurality of panels that are located at the ends of the panel module are rotatably connected (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In this type of partition, the panel module is configured to be rotatable between a folded state in which the panel surfaces of adjacent panels face each other in the panel thickness direction, and an unfolded state in which the angle between the panel surfaces is larger than in the folded state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-044691 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, the panel module in the unfolded state extends linearly in a first direction that intersects the vertical direction in a plan view. If this state is called the neutral unfolded state, the panel module in the neutral unfolded state is configured to be rotatable in both directions around an axis along the vertical direction, starting from the connection point between the connecting panel and the base. However, if the range of rotation of the panel module about the axis is too large, it may become difficult for the base to stably support the panel module.

[0005] The present invention provides a partition that can improve stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1) A partition according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of panels, panel modules connected to each other so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction between a folded state in which the panel surfaces of adjacent panels face each other in the thickness direction of the panels, and an unfolded state in which the angle between the panel surfaces is greater than that in the folded state, and a base body to which end panels constituting the ends of the panel modules are connected so as to be rotatable within the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction and which is capable of running on a floor surface, and the base body is provided with a rotation limiting portion that contacts any one of the panel modules to limit the rotation of the panel module within the horizontal plane relative to the base body.

[0007] According to this aspect, the rotation of the panel module is limited to a predetermined range by the panel module coming into contact with the rotation limiting portion, which prevents the panel module from rotating to an unexpected position, thereby preventing the partition from becoming unbalanced and improving the stability of the partition.

[0008] (2) In the partition according to the aspect (1) above, the base body comprises a base provided with casters and a support pillar extending upward from the base and supporting the panel module, and if the direction in which the end panel and the support pillar face each other in a planar view in the folded state is defined as a first direction, it is preferable that the support pillar is located at the center of the base in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a planar view, and the rotation limiting portion is supported by the support pillar. According to this aspect, since the rotation limiting portion is supported by the support pillar, deterioration in appearance and design changes that would otherwise be required due to the addition of the rotation limiting portion can be suppressed compared to when the rotation limiting portion is supported by a member separate from the support pillar.

[0009] (3) In the partition according to the above aspect (2), it is preferable that the base body has a connecting stay extending from the support pillar to one side in the second direction and connecting the support pillar and the end panel, and that the rotation limiting portion is integrally formed with the connecting stay. According to this aspect, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when the rotation restricting portion and the connecting stay are provided separately.

[0010] (4) In the partition relating to the above aspect (3), it is preferable that the end panel is connected to the connecting stay at a midpoint in the second direction, and that the portion of the connecting stay located on the other side of the second direction relative to the connection portion with the end panel constitutes a first regulating portion that restricts rotation of at least the end panel to one side by contacting at least the end panel of the multiple panels, and that the portion of the connecting stay located on the one side of the connection portion in the second direction constitutes a second regulating portion that restricts rotation of at least the end panel to the other side by contacting at least the end panel of the multiple panels. According to this aspect, in the folded state, the end panel and the base body are positioned by contact between the end panel and the first restricting portion, so that it is easy to prevent the panel module from shifting position in the folded state. Furthermore, by contacting at least the end panel with the second restricting portion, rotation of the end panel to the other side is restricted. Therefore, even if the panel module rotates around the boundary between the end panel and the panel adjacent to it while the end panel is in contact with the second restricting portion, the center of gravity of the panel module shifts less in a plan view as the panel module rotates than if the entire panel module, including the end panel, were to rotate. As a result, the stability of the partition can be more easily maintained.

[0011] (5) In the partition according to the aspect (4) above, it is preferable that the base comprises a pair of first extension portions extending in the first direction with a gap in the second direction, and a second extension portion bridging the central portions of the pair of first extension portions in the first direction in the second direction and supporting the support pillar. According to this aspect, since the first extension portion protrudes in the first direction relative to the second extension portion, it is easy to maintain balance as a partition, even if, for example, the end panel is in contact with the second regulating portion and the panel module rotates in the first direction starting from the boundary between the end panel and the panel adjacent to the end panel.

[0012] (6) In a partition according to either of the above aspects (4) or (5), the panel comprises a plate-shaped panel body and a frame that holds the outer periphery of the panel body, and it is preferable that at least the end panel contacts the rotation limiting portion via the frame when in the folded state. According to this aspect, since the end panel contacts the rotation limiting portion via the frame, it is not necessary to have the rotation limiting portion protrude vertically from the connecting stay in order to bring the rotation limiting portion into contact with the end panel, thereby maintaining the appearance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to each of the above aspects, stability can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the partition in an expanded state according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the partition in an expanded state according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the partition in an expanded state according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the folded state of the partition according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the folded state of the partition according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the panel module according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to line IX-IX in FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to line XX in FIG. 1 in a folded state. [Figure 11] 10 is a plan view of the partition showing a state in which the panel module has swung from the neutral deployed state around the base end hinge. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the partition showing a state in which the panels other than the base end panel have been rotated from the second restricted state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components may be designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," not only strictly refer to such arrangements, but also refer to a state in which there is a relative displacement with an angle or distance to the extent that tolerances or the same function are obtained. In this embodiment, "facing" does not only refer to a case in which the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of two surfaces are aligned with each other, but also includes a case in which the orthogonal directions intersect with each other.

[0016] [Partition 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the partition 1 in an unfolded state. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the partition 1 in an unfolded state. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the partition 1 in an unfolded state. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the partition 1 in a folded state. The partition 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is installed in various facilities such as hospitals and offices. The partition 1 includes a base body 10 and a panel module 12 having a plurality of panels 11. The panel module 12 can be switched between a folded state in which the plurality of panels 11 are shown in Figure 4 and an unfolded state as shown in Figures 1 to 3. When the panel module 12 is unfolded, the partition 1 divides the facility into two spaces. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the floor surface F is defined as the up-down direction (arrow UP indicates upward), and the two directions perpendicular to the up-down direction are defined as the front-rear direction (arrow FR indicates forward) and the left-right direction (arrow LH indicates left).

[0017] <Base body 10> 1, the base body 10 supports the panel module 12. The base body 10 includes a base leg 21, a support column 22, an upper connection stay 23, and a lower connection stay 24.

[0018] 1 and 4, the base leg 21 supports the support column 22 and is placed on the floor F via the casters 25. The base leg 21 is formed in an H-shape in a plan view. Specifically, the base leg 21 includes a pair of front-rear extending portions 31 and a pair of left-right extending portions 32. The pair of front-rear extending portions 31 extend in the front-rear direction while facing each other in the left-right direction. The front-rear extending portions 31 are formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction and the left-right direction as the short side. Casters 25 are provided at both front and rear ends of each front-rear extending portion 31. The base legs 21 run on the floor surface F as the casters 25 rotate. In the illustrated example, the pair of front-rear extending portions 31 extend in directions that approach each other in the left-right direction (inward in the left-right direction) from the front to the rear. In other words, the pair of front-rear extending portions 31 extend so that the distance between them in the left-right direction gradually narrows from the front to the rear. However, the pair of front-rear extending portions 31 may extend linearly in the front-rear direction, or may extend in directions that move away from each other in the left-right direction (outward in the left-right direction) from the front to the rear.

[0019] The left and right extending portions 32 bridge between the respective front and rear extending portions 31. The left and right extending portions 32 are formed in a rectangular tube shape with the up-down direction as the short side direction and the front-rear direction as the long side direction. Both ends of the left and right extending portions 32 are respectively connected to the center portions of the respective front and rear extending portions 31 in the front-rear direction. In the illustrated example, the amount by which the front and rear extending portions 31 protrude forward relative to the left and right extending portions 32 is greater than the amount by which the front and rear extending portions 31 protrude rearward relative to the left and right extending portions 32. However, the connection position of the left and right extending portions 32 with the front and rear extending portions 31 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shapes of the front and rear extending portions 31 and the left and right extending portions 32 can be changed as appropriate.

[0020] The support pillar 22 extends upward from the center in the left-right direction of the left-right extending portion 32. The support pillar 22 is a cylindrical shape formed into an oval shape that is flattened in the front-rear direction in a plan view. The connection position of the support pillar 22 with respect to the left-right extending portion 32 can be changed as appropriate. The shape of the support pillar 22 in a plan view can also be changed as appropriate.

[0021] <Upper connection stay 23 and lower connection stay 24> 1 and 4, the upper connection stay 23 and the lower connection stay 24 have the function of attaching the panel module 12 to the base body 10, and also function as stoppers that limit the rotation range of the panel module 12. The connection stays 23, 24 extend parallel to each other in the left-right direction, overlapping each other in a plan view.

[0022] The upper connection stay 23 is attached to the upper end of the support column 22. Specifically, the upper connection stay 23 includes an upper support piece 23a and an upper abutment piece 23b. 1 and 4, the upper support piece 23a is formed in a plate shape with its thickness extending in the vertical direction. The upper support piece 23a extends in a cantilevered manner from the upper end of the support column 22 toward one side in the left-right direction (the left side). An upper base shaft portion 23c is provided at the tip end (one end in the left-right direction) of the upper support piece 23a. The upper base shaft portion 23c extends downward from the upper support piece 23a.

[0023] The upper abutment piece 23b extends upward from the front edge of the upper support piece 23a. The upper abutment piece 23b is formed over the entire length of the front edge of the upper abutment piece 23b. A bumper 26 is provided on the upper abutment piece 23b. The bumper 26 is made of a material that is softer than the upper connection stay 23, and serves to reduce the impact when it comes into contact with the panel module 12 (the base end panel 11A, described later).

[0024] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing the partition 1 in a folded state. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower connection stay 24 is attached to the left and right extending portions 32. The lower connection stay 24 is open to the rear and is formed in a C-shape that surrounds the left and right extending portions 32 from above, below, and from the front. Specifically, the lower connection stay 24 includes a base mounting piece 27, a lower abutting piece 28, and a lower support piece 29.

[0025] The base mounting piece 27 is formed in an L-shape in a side view so as to fit over the left and right extending portions 32 from their lower surfaces to their front surfaces. The base mounting piece 27 is fixed to the left and right extending portions 32 with screws or the like. The lower abutment piece 28 is continuous with the upper edge of the base mounting piece 27. The thickness direction of the lower abutment piece 28 is the front-to-rear direction, and in front view, the portion of the lower abutment piece 28 located above the left-to-right extending portion 32 extends toward one side in the left-to-right direction. The lower abutment piece 28 extends so as to overlap with the upper abutment piece 23b in plan view, and protrudes further to one side in the left-to-right direction than the upper abutment piece 23b.

[0026] The lower support piece 29 extends rearward from the upper edge of the lower abutment piece 28. The lower support piece 29 extends the entire length of the lower abutment piece 28 in the left-right direction. A lower base shaft 36 is provided at one left-right end (tip end) of the lower support piece 29 at a position that overlaps with the upper base shaft portion 23c in a plan view. The lower base shaft 36 extends upward from the lower support piece 29. An insertion hole 29a through which the support column 22 passes is formed at the other left-right end (base end) of the lower support piece 29. That is, the lower connection stay 24 is supported by the support column 22 via the lower support piece 29, and is supported by the left-right extension portion 32 via the base mounting piece 27. However, the lower connection stay 24 may be supported by only one of the support column 22 and the base leg 21.

[0027] A portion of the lower abutment piece 28 located on the other side of the lower base shaft 36 in the left-right direction (a portion that overlaps with the upper abutment piece 23b in a plan view) constitutes a first restricting portion 28a. A portion of the lower abutment piece 28 located on one side of the lower base shaft 36 in the left-right direction (one side of the upper abutment piece 23b in the left-right direction) constitutes a second restricting portion 28b. Note that bumpers 35 are provided on both the first restricting portion 28a and the second restricting portion 28b of the lower abutment piece 28.

[0028] <Panel Module 12> As shown in FIG. 1 , the panel module 12 includes a plurality of panels 11 and a plurality of hinges 41. The number of panels 11 is, for example, five. Each panel 11 is of the same shape and size, and is formed into a rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the thickness direction and the width direction intersecting the vertical direction as the short side. The panel module 12 is configured such that the ends of adjacent panels 11 facing each other in the width direction are connected via hinges 41, allowing the panel module 12 to rotate within a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, starting from the hinges 41. Each panel 11 is provided with casters 45 as needed. The panels 11 are not limited to being of the same shape and size. For example, the width of the panel 11 located at the base end or tip end of each panel 11 can be selected as appropriate, such as by widening the width of the other panels 11.

[0029] <Panel 11> The panel 11 includes a panel body 51 and a frame 52. The panel main body 51 constitutes the panel 11 except for the outer periphery. The panel main body 51 is formed in a rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the longitudinal direction when viewed from the thickness direction and the width direction as the short side. The panel main body 51 is formed from a plate material made of, for example, an opaque or translucent material. The surfaces of the panel main body 51 facing the thickness direction (front and back sides) constitute the panel surface.

[0030] The frame 52 forms the outer periphery of the panel 11. The frame 52 is formed in a frame shape that surrounds the entire outer periphery of the panel main body 51. The panel 11 is formed by fitting the panel main body 51 inside the frame 52. The frame 52 includes a pair of vertical frames 55 and a pair of horizontal frames 56.

[0031] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the panel module 12. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, each vertical frame 55 is provided at both widthwise ends of the panel main body 51 along the up-down direction (longitudinal direction) of the panel main body 51. All vertical frames 55 have the same shape. Therefore, in the following explanation, details of the vertical frames 55 will be explained using one vertical frame 55 as an example. In the following explanation, the width direction of the panel 11 will be simply referred to as the width direction, the longitudinal direction of the panel 11 will be simply referred to as the up-down direction, and the thickness direction of the panel 11 will be simply referred to as the thickness direction.

[0032] The vertical frame 55 is formed by extrusion molding, for example, so that its cross-sectional shape is uniform throughout the vertical direction. The vertical frame 55 includes an exterior portion 60, a partition wall portion 63, and a connecting tube 64. 6 and 8, the exterior portion 60 is a portion that constitutes the outer surface of the vertical frame 55. The exterior portion 60 is formed in a rectangular shape with the width direction as the longitudinal direction in a plan view. Specifically, the exterior portion 60 includes an opposing wall portion 61 and a pair of side wall portions 62.

[0033] The opposing wall portion 61 constitutes the outermost portion in the width direction of the panel 11. In a plan view, the opposing wall portion 61 is formed in an arc shape that convex toward the inside in the width direction (toward the center in the width direction). In other words, the opposing wall portion 61 extends toward the inside in the width direction from both ends toward the center in the thickness direction.

[0034] The pair of side walls 62 constitute side surfaces of the exterior part 60 facing in the thickness direction. The pair of side walls 62 extend inward in the width direction from both ends of the opposing wall part 61 in the thickness direction. In a plan view, the pair of side walls 62 are formed in an arc shape that convex outward in the thickness direction as a whole. Specifically, the side wall parts 62 include a linear part 62a that extends linearly in the center part in the width direction, an outer end part 62b that extends inward in the thickness direction from the linear part 62a toward the outward side in the width direction, and an inner end part 62c that extends inward in the thickness direction from the linear part 62a toward the inward side in the width direction.

[0035] At least the portion of the exterior portion 60 located at the outer end 62b is formed in a tapered shape, with the thickness dimension increasing toward the inside in the width direction. The portion of the exterior portion 60 located at the straight portion 62a is the portion with the largest dimension of the exterior portion 60. In the illustrated example, the radius of curvature of the outer end 62b is larger than the radius of curvature of the inner end 62c. Note that the corners C formed by each side wall portion 62 and the opposing wall portion 61 are formed in an arc shape that convex toward the outside in the width direction. The side wall portions 62 may extend linearly, or may be formed in an arc shape with a uniform radius of curvature as a whole, as long as the thickness dimension of the exterior portion 60 gradually decreases from the inside to the outside in the width direction.

[0036] 8, the partition wall 63 spans in the thickness direction between the opposing wall portions 61 that are positioned inward relative to the widthwise center. Of the spaces enclosed between the partition wall 63 and the opposing wall portions 61, the space positioned inward in the widthwise direction forms a vertical groove 66 that is open to the inside in the widthwise direction. The widthwise end of the panel main body 51 is fitted into the vertical groove 66 via a packing 67.

[0037] The connecting tube 64 is provided in a space (hereinafter referred to as outer space S1) located on the outer side in the width direction of the space surrounded by the partition wall 63 and the opposing wall 61. The connecting tube 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction with a portion of its circumference missing. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube 64 is connected to the partition wall 63.

[0038] 6 and 7, the horizontal frames 56 are provided along the width direction at both vertical ends of the panel main body 51. All of the horizontal frames 56 have the same shape. Therefore, in the following explanation, the horizontal frames 56 will be described in detail using the upper horizontal frame 56 as an example.

[0039] The horizontal frame 56 includes an edge holding portion 71 and a pair of corner portions 72 . 7, the edge holding portion 71 is formed in the shape of a rail that extends along the entire length of the upper edge of the panel main body 51. A horizontal groove 73 that opens downward is formed in the edge holding portion 71. The upper end of the panel main body 51 is fitted into the horizontal groove 73 via a packing 74.

[0040] Each corner portion 72 constitutes a corner portion (a boundary portion between a vertical frame 55 and a horizontal frame 56) of the frame 52. Each corner portion 72 protrudes outward in the width direction from the edge holding portion 71. Each corner portion 72 includes a frame connection portion 81, a hinge connection portion 82, and a panel axis portion 83. The frame connection parts 81 overlap with the corresponding vertical frames 55 in plan view. The outer shape of the frame connection parts 81 in plan view is formed to roughly follow the shape of the vertical frames 55. In the illustrated example, the dimension of the frame connection parts 81 in the thickness direction is slightly larger than that of the vertical frames 55 across the entire width direction (see FIG. 8).

[0041] A connection hole 81a is formed in the frame connection portion 81 at a portion that overlaps with the connecting tube 64 in a plan view. The connection hole 81a is a stepped through-hole that passes through the frame connection portion 81 in the up-down direction. The vertical frame 55 and the horizontal frame 56 are fixed to each other by fastening screws 84 into the connecting tube 64 through the connection hole 81a. In other words, the horizontal frame 56 is detachably attached to the vertical frame 55 and the panel main body 51 by attaching and detaching the screws 84. Note that the method of attaching and detaching the horizontal frame 56 and the vertical frame 55 is not limited to screws, and may be a snap fit or the like. 8, a positioning portion 81b is formed in the frame connection portion 81 at a portion that overlaps with the outer space S1 in a plan view. The positioning portion 81b protrudes downward from the frame connection portion 81. The positioning portion 81b is inserted into the outer space S1. The positioning portion 81b contacts the inner peripheral surface of the outer space S1, thereby restricting relative movement between the vertical frame 55 and the horizontal frame 56 in a direction intersecting the up-and-down direction.

[0042] The hinge connection portion 82 protrudes outward in the width direction from the frame connection portion 81. The dimension of the hinge connection portion 82 in the thickness direction gradually decreases as it moves outward in the width direction. The hinge connection portion 82 protrudes outward in the width direction relative to the vertical frame 55. The panel shaft portion 83 extends downward from the hinge connection portion 82. The panel shaft portion 83 extends in the up-down direction above the center of curvature of the opposing wall portion 61. In other words, the panel shaft portion 83 faces the opposing wall portion 61 in the width direction with a gap therebetween.

[0043] <Hinge 41> As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the hinge 41 includes a first connecting portion 91, a second connecting portion 92, and a connecting piece 93. The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are formed into cylindrical shapes of the same shape and size. The connecting portions 91, 92 extend parallel to each other in the up-down direction while being spaced apart from each other. The up-down length of each connecting portion 91, 92 is the same as the length of the vertical frame 55. The outer diameter of each connecting portion 91, 92 is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the opposing wall portion 61. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dimension in the thickness direction of at least the portions of the exterior portion 60 located at the straight portion 62a and the outer end portion 62b is larger than that of each connecting portion 91, 92.

[0044] The connecting piece 93 connects the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 to each other. The connecting piece 93 is formed in a plate shape that is thinner than the inner diameter of each connecting portion 91, 92. The connecting piece 93 connects opposing portions of the outer circumferential surfaces of each connecting portion 91, 92 to each other. In the illustrated example, the length of the connecting piece 93 (the distance between each connecting portion 91, 92) is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of each connecting portion 91, 92 and equal to or less than the outer diameter of each connecting portion 91, 92. However, the length of the connecting piece 93 can be changed as appropriate.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line IX-IX in FIG. 1 in the folded state. As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, the base end panel 11A, which is located furthest rearward (closer to the base leg 21) among the multiple panels 11, is connected at one side end in the width direction to the connection stays 23, 24 via a base end hinge 41A. As a result, the base end panel 11A is supported on the base body 10 via the base end hinge 41A so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. Specifically, a first connecting portion 91 of the base end hinge 41A is disposed between the connection stays 23, 24. The first connecting portion 91 and the upper connection stay 23 are connected to each other by inserting the upper base shaft portion 23c into the first connecting portion 91 from above. The first connecting portion 91 and the lower connection stay 24 are connected to each other by inserting the lower base shaft 36 into the first connecting portion 91 from below. In other words, the first connecting portion 91 of the base end hinge 41A is connected to the connection stays 23, 24 so as to be rotatable about a first axis O1 along the up-down direction.

[0046] The second connecting portion 92 of the base end hinge 41A is connected to a hinge connection portion 82 located on one side in the width direction of the base end panel 11A. Specifically, panel shaft portions 83 provided on both the upper and lower ends of the base end panel 11A are inserted from both the up and down directions into the second connecting portion 92 of the base end hinge 41A. As a result, one side end in the width direction of the base end panel 11A is connected to the second connecting portion 92 of the base end hinge 41A so as to be rotatable about a second axis O2 along the up and down direction.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the hinges 41 other than the base end hinge 41A connect adjacent panels 11. Specifically, of the adjacent panels 11, a panel 11 (hereinafter referred to as the first panel 11B) located on one side of the hinge 41 is connected to a hinge connection portion 82 located on the other side in the width direction by a first connecting portion 91 via a panel shaft portion 83. Specifically, the panel shaft portions 83 provided on both the upper and lower ends of the first panel 11B are inserted into the first connecting portion 91 from both sides in the vertical direction. As a result, the first panel 11B is supported by the first connecting portion 91 so as to be rotatable about the first axis O1. In this case, the opposing wall portion 61 of the vertical frame 55 located on the other side in the width direction of the first panel 11B faces the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting portion 91 with a gap therebetween.

[0048] Of the adjacent panels 11, the panel 11 located on the other side of the hinge 41 (hereinafter referred to as the second panel 11C) has a second connecting portion 92 connected to a hinge connection portion 82 located on one side in the width direction via a panel shaft portion 83. Specifically, the panel shaft portions 83 provided on both the upper and lower ends of the second panel 11C are inserted into the second connecting portion 92 from both the up and down directions. As a result, the second panel 11C is supported by the second connecting portion 92 so as to be rotatable about the second axis O2. In this case, the opposing wall portion 61 of the vertical frame 55 located on one side in the width direction of the second panel 11C faces the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting portion 92 with a gap therebetween.

[0049] As described above, in the panel module 12, the base end panel 11A is connected to the base body 10 via the base end hinge 41A so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. Adjacent panels 11 are also connected to each other via the hinge 41 so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane. The panel module 12 can be switched between a folded state shown in FIG. 4 and an unfolded state shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 by the relative rotation of each panel 11. As shown in FIG. 4, the folded state is a state in which the multiple panels 11 are folded in a zigzag manner so that the panel surfaces (front and back surfaces) of adjacent panels 11 facing in the thickness direction face each other. In the folded state, the panels 11 overlap each other with their thickness directions aligned with the front-rear direction. In this case, the panel module 12 is located forward of the left-right extending portions 32 in a plan view and is contained in a space surrounded by the pair of front-rear extending portions 31. In addition, when the panel modules 12 of the partitions 1 of this embodiment are in a folded state, multiple partitions 1 can be stacked in the front-to-rear direction. Specifically, the base legs 21 (front-to-rear extensions 31) of one partition 1 are inserted from the front of another partition 1, inside the front-to-rear extensions 31 of the other partition 1 that is arranged behind the first partition 1. This allows multiple partitions 1 to be stored with portions of the base legs 21 of the front and rear partitions 1 overlapping each other when viewed from the left and right.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the unfolded state is a state in which the angle between the panel surfaces of adjacent panels 11 is larger than that in the folded state. In the illustrated example, the panels 11 are arranged so that the angle between the panel surfaces of adjacent panels 11 is 180° (so that the width directions of the panels 11 are aligned in a straight line). The partition 1 divides the space within the facility into a space on one side and a space on the other side in the left-right direction with respect to the panel module 12. Note that the neutral unfolded state P0 is a state in which the panel module 12 extends linearly in a direction (front-to-back direction) perpendicular to the left-to-right extending portion 32 in a planar view. As shown in FIG. 3, when the panel module 12 is in the unfolded state, the center of gravity G of the panel module 12 in a planar view is located at the center of the extension direction of the panel module 12. In the following description, the rotation direction of the panel 11 from the folded state toward the unfolded state may be referred to as the unfolded direction, and the rotation direction from the unfolded state toward the folded state may be referred to as the folding direction.

[0051] 5 and 9, in the folded state, the surface of the base end panel 11A facing one side in the thickness direction of the horizontal frame 56 (edge ​​holding portion 71) is in contact with the upper abutment piece 23b and the first restriction portion 28a via the bumper 35. This restricts rotation of the base end panel 11A in the folding direction via the base end hinge 41A.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion corresponding to line XX in FIG. 1 in the folded state. As shown in Figure 10, in the folded state, adjacent panels 11 are in contact with each other at surfaces of the vertical frames 55 or horizontal frames 56 that face each other in the thickness direction. This restricts rotation of adjacent panels 11 in the folding direction via the hinges 41. Note that in the folded state, the panel bodies 51 of adjacent panels 11 are spaced apart in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the vertical frames 55 are sufficiently long in the up-down direction relative to the horizontal frames 56. Therefore, in the folded state, the side surfaces (side wall portions 62) of the vertical frames 55 may be in contact with each other due to flexural deformation in the thickness direction of the vertical frames 55, etc.

[0053] Although not shown, in this embodiment, adjacent panels 11 are restricted from rotating in the unfolding direction by contacting each other at surfaces of the vertical frames 55 or the horizontal frames 56 that face in the thickness direction opposite to the folding direction (surfaces facing the unfolding direction). In other words, adjacent panels 11 are configured to be rotatable within a 360° range around the hinges 41.

[0054] In the folded state, the angle between the hinge 41 and the first panel in a plan view and the angle between the hinge 41 and the second panel in a plan view are both 90° (the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C are entirely overlapping when viewed in the thickness direction), which is defined as the normal folded state Q0. At least in the normal folded state Q0, the corner C of the vertical frame 55 is spaced apart from the connecting piece 93 of the hinge 41.

[0055] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the partition 1 showing a state in which the panel module 12 has swung from the neutral deployed state P0 around the base end hinge 41A as a starting point. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the base end panel 11A rotates in the folding direction relative to the base body 10 via the base end hinge 41A in the neutral unfolded state P0, the base end panel 11A (the lower horizontal frame 56) comes into contact with the upper abutment piece 23b and the first restricting portion 28a, thereby restricting rotation of the base end panel 11A in the folding direction (see the first restricted state P1 in FIG. 11 ). Furthermore, when the base end panel 11A further rotates in the unfolded direction via the base end hinge 41A in the neutral unfolded state P0, the base end panel 11A (the lower horizontal frame 56) comes into contact with the second restricting portion 28b (see the second restricted state P2 in FIG. 11 ). This restricts rotation of the base end panel 11A in the unfolded direction. That is, the base end panel 11A of this embodiment is limited to a rotation range of ±90° around the base end hinge 41A relative to the neutral unfolded state P0.

[0056] As described above, the partition 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of panels 11, and is equipped with panel modules 12 rotatably connected between a folded state in which the panel surfaces of adjacent panels 11 face each other in the thickness direction of the panels 11, and an unfolded state in which the angle between the panel surfaces is larger than in the folded state, and a base body 10 to which base end panels (end panels) 11A constituting the ends of the panel modules 12 are connected so as to be rotatable within a horizontal plane about base end hinges 41A and which can run on a floor surface F. The base body 10 is equipped with a lower abutment piece (rotation limiting portion) 28 that comes into contact with the base end panel 11A to limit the rotation of the panel module 12 relative to the base body 10 about the base end hinges 41A. According to this configuration, the rotation of the panel module 12 is limited to a predetermined range by the panel module 12 coming into contact with the lower abutment piece 28. This prevents the panel module 12 from rotating to an unexpected position, causing the partition 1 to lose balance, thereby improving the stability of the partition 1.

[0057] The partition 1 of this embodiment includes a base leg (base) 21 provided with casters 25, and a support pillar 22 extending upward from the base leg 21 and supporting the base end panel 11A. If the direction in which the base end panels 11A and 22 face each other in a plan view in the folded state is defined as the front-to-rear direction (first direction), the support pillar 22 is located on the base leg 21 in the left-to-right direction (second direction) in a plan view. The lower abutment piece 28 is supported by the support pillar 22. According to this configuration, the lower abutment piece 28 is supported by the support pillar 22, so that deterioration in the appearance and design changes that would accompany the addition of the lower abutment piece 28 can be suppressed compared to when the lower abutment piece 28 is supported by a member separate from the support pillar 22.

[0058] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the base body 10 extends in the left-right direction and is provided with a lower connecting stay (connecting stay) 24 that connects between the support pillar 22 and the base end panel 11A, and the lower abutment piece 28 is configured to be integral with the lower connecting stay 24. According to this configuration, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to when the lower abutting piece 28 and the lower connecting stay 24 are provided separately.

[0059] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the base end panel 11A is connected to a left-right midpoint of the lower connection stay 24. A portion of the lower connection stay 24 that is located on the other side in the left-right direction from the connection portion with the base end panel 11A constitutes a first restriction portion 28a that restricts rotation of the base end panel 11A in the folding direction. According to this configuration, in the folded state as shown in FIG. 4, the base end panel 11A and the base body 10 are positioned by contact between the base end panel 11A and the first restricting portion 28a, making it easier to prevent the panel module 12 from shifting position in the folded state.

[0060] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the portion of the lower connecting stay 24 that is located to one side in the left-right direction from the connection portion with the base end panel 11A constitutes a second regulating portion 28b that regulates the rotation of the base end panel 11A in the unfolding direction. According to this configuration, in the second restricted state P2 shown in FIG. 12, the base end panel 11A is in contact with the second restricting portion 28b, restricting its rotation in the unfolding direction. In this embodiment, adjacent panels 11 can rotate within a 360° range. Therefore, even when the rotation of the base end panel 11A in the unfolding direction is restricted, the panels 11 other than the base end panel 11A can rotate. That is, the panels 11 other than the base end panel 11A may rotate rearward around the boundary between the base end panel 11A in the second restricted state P2 and the panel 11 adjacent to the base end panel 11A. In this case, the center of gravity of the panel module 12 moves less in a plan view as the panel module 12 rotates than when the entire panel module 12, including the base end panel 11A, rotates. As a result, the stability of the partition 1 is easily maintained.

[0061] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the base leg 21 is configured to include a pair of front-to-rear extending portions (first extending portions) 31 that extend in the front-to-rear direction with a gap between them in the left-to-right direction, and a left-to-right extending portion (second extending portion) 32 that spans the front-to-rear central portions of the front-to-rear extending portions 31 in the left-to-right direction and supports the support pillar 22. According to this configuration, the front-to-rear extending portion 31 protrudes rearward relative to the left-to-right extending portion 32, so that even if the panel module 12 rotates rearward around the boundary portion between the base end panel 11A in the second restricted state P2 and the panel 11 adjacent to the base end panel 11A as the rotation center, it is easy to maintain balance as a partition 1.

[0062] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the panel 11 comprises a plate-shaped panel body 51 and a frame 52 that holds the outer periphery of the panel body 51, and the base end panel 11A is configured to contact the lower abutment piece 28 via the frame frame 52 (horizontal frame 56) in the folded state. With this configuration, the base end panel 11A contacts the lower abutment piece 28 via the frame 52, so there is no need to have the lower abutment piece 28 protrude in the vertical direction from the lower connecting stay 24 in order to bring the lower abutment piece 28 into contact with the base end panel 11A. This makes it possible to maintain the appearance.

[0063] (Other variations) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. In the above-described embodiment, the corner portions 72 are configured to be thicker than the vertical frames 55, but this is not limiting. The thickness dimension of the corner portions 72 may be equal to or smaller than the thickness dimension of the vertical frames 55.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the thickness of the panel main body 51 is thinner than the thickness of the frame 52, but this is not limiting. The thickness of the panel main body 51 may be equal to the thickness of the frame 52. Furthermore, the frame 52 is not an essential component. In the above-described embodiment, the rotation limiting portion includes the first restricting portion 28a and the second restricting portion 28b, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The rotation limiting portion may include only either the first restricting portion 28a or the second restricting portion 28b. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the rotation limiting portion is provided integrally with the lower connection stay 24 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The rotation limiting portion may also be provided separately from the lower connection stay 24.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, the base leg 21 is configured to be H-shaped in plan view, but is not limited to this configuration. The base leg 21 may be, for example, circular or angular. In the above-described embodiment, the rotation limiting portion is in contact with the base end panel 11A, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The rotation limiting portion may be in contact with any of the panels 11 or the hinges 41 that constitute the panel module 12. In the above embodiment, the rotation range of the base end panel 11A is limited to 180°, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the above-described embodiment, the second restricting portion 28b of the rotation restricting portion is provided on the lower connecting stay 24, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The second restricting portion 28b may also be provided on the upper connecting stay 23. In the above-described embodiment, the panel modules 12 extend linearly in the front-to-rear direction in the neutral deployed state P0, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the deployed state, the angle between the panel surfaces of adjacent panels 11, the extension direction of the panel modules 12 in a plan view, and the like can be changed as appropriate.

[0066] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1: Partition 10: Base body 11: Panel 11A: Base end panel (end panel) 12: Panel module 21: Base leg (base) 22: Post 24: Lower connecting stay (connecting stay) 25: Caster 28: Lower stop piece (rotation limiter) 28a: First Regulatory Section 28b:Second Regulatory Department 31: Front and rear extension part (first extension part) 32: Left and right extension part (second extension part) 51: Panel body 52: Frame 82: Connection F: Floor surface

Claims

1. a panel module having a plurality of panels, the panels being rotatably connected in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction between a folded state in which panel surfaces of adjacent panels face each other in a thickness direction of the panels, and an unfolded state in which the angle formed between the panel surfaces is larger than that in the folded state; an end panel of the plurality of panels that constitutes an end of the panel module is connected to the end panel so as to be rotatable within the horizontal plane perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a base body that can run on a floor surface; A partition in which the base body is provided with a rotation limiting portion that contacts one of the panels of the panel modules to limit rotation of the panel module relative to the base body within the horizontal plane.

2. The base body is A base provided with casters; a support column extending upward from the base and supporting the panel module; When the direction in which the end panel and the support pillar face each other in a plan view in the folded state is defined as a first direction, the support pillar is located at a center of the base in a second direction intersecting the first direction in a plan view, The partition according to claim 1 , wherein the rotation limiting portion is supported by the support column.

3. the base body includes a connection stay extending from the support column to one side in the second direction and connecting the support column and the end panel; The partition according to claim 2 , wherein the rotation restricting portion is integrally formed with the connecting stay.

4. The end panel is connected to a middle portion of the connection stay in the second direction, a portion of the connecting stay that is located on the other side in the second direction relative to the connection portion with the end panel constitutes a first restricting portion that restricts rotation of at least the end panel to one side by contacting at least the end panel among the plurality of panels; A partition as described in claim 3, wherein a portion of the connecting stay located on one side of the connection portion in the second direction constitutes a second restricting portion that restricts rotation of at least the end panel to the other side by contacting at least the end panel among the multiple panels.

5. The base is a pair of first extending portions extending in the first direction with a gap therebetween in the second direction; The partition according to claim 4 , further comprising a second extending portion that bridges in the second direction between central portions of the pair of first extending portions in the first direction and supports the support pillar.

6. The panel comprises: A plate-shaped panel body, a frame that holds the outer periphery of the panel body, 6. The partition according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least the end panel contacts the rotation limiting portion via the frame in the folded state.

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