Partition

Abstract

To provide a partition that can improve both cleaning ability and durability.SOLUTION: A partition according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first panel having a first panel body and a first side end, a second panel having a second panel body and a second side end, and a hinge rotatably connecting the first and second panels. The thickness dimension of the first side end is larger than a first connecting portion at a first opposing surface and gradually increases as it goes away from the first opposing surface in the first direction. The thickness dimension of the second side end is larger than a second connecting portion at a second opposing surface and gradually increases as it goes away from the second opposing surface in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A partition is known that can be switched between a folded state in which the panel surfaces of multiple panels face each other and an unfolded state in which the panel surfaces form a larger angle than in the folded state. For example, in a partition described in Patent Document 1 below, the side edges of adjacent panels are connected via a hinge. The hinge includes a pair of fitting tubes to which the side edges of each panel are connected via a pivot, and a plate-like connecting piece that connects the pair of fitting tubes. The side edge of each panel includes a curved surface that extends along the outer periphery of the fitting tube and a pair of side surfaces connected to both end edges of the curved surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-212780 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when using a hinge in which a pair of fitting cylinders are connected by a connecting piece, as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, dust and the like tend to accumulate in the recess surrounded by the fitting portion and the connecting piece. On the other hand, to improve the ease of cleaning (maintenance) inside the recess, it is possible to enlarge the opening of the recess by, for example, increasing the length of the connecting piece. However, if the connecting piece is made long, the corners formed by the side surfaces and curved surfaces at the side edges of the panel are more likely to come into contact with the connecting piece. This could result in damage to the side edges or the connecting piece.

[0005] The present invention provides a partition that can improve both cleaning ease and durability. [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 includes a first panel having a first panel body formed with a first panel surface facing a thickness direction and a first side end portion protruding from the first panel body in a first direction intersecting the thickness direction as viewed from the top-bottom direction; a second panel body formed with a second panel surface facing the thickness direction and a second side end portion protruding from the second panel body in a second direction intersecting the thickness direction as viewed from the top-bottom direction; and a hinge that rotatably connects the first panel and the second panel to each other between a folded state in which the first panel surface and the second panel surface face each other and an unfolded state in which an angle formed between the first panel surface and the second panel surface is larger than that in the folded state, and the hinge is a first connecting member in which the first side end portion is connected to the first panel body so as to be rotatable about a first axis along the top-bottom direction. a second connecting portion to which the second side end is rotatably connected about a second axis along the up-down direction; and a connecting piece connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to each other, wherein the first side end has a pair of first side surfaces facing the thickness direction and a first opposing surface facing the first connecting portion in the first direction, and the second side end has a pair of second side surfaces facing the thickness direction and a second opposing surface facing the second connecting portion in the second direction, the dimension of the first side end in the thickness direction being larger than that of the first connecting portion at the first opposing surface and gradually increasing with increasing distance from the first opposing surface in the first direction, and the dimension of the second side end in the thickness direction being larger than that of the second connecting portion at the second opposing surface and gradually increasing with increasing distance from the second opposing surface in the second direction.

[0007] According to this aspect, the thickness dimension of each side edge is larger than that of each connecting portion on the opposing surface, so that in the unfolded state, the side surfaces of the first and second panels tend to come into contact with each other before the corners between the opposing surfaces and the side surfaces. This prevents the corners from coming into contact with the connecting pieces, improving durability. Furthermore, because the length of the connecting pieces can be secured, the width of the recess surrounded by the connecting pieces can be secured, improving the cleanability of the recess (connecting pieces). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness dimensions of the first and second side ends gradually increase with increasing distance from the corresponding opposing surfaces. Therefore, the angle of the corner between the opposing surface and the side surface can be made larger at the side ends than when the side surfaces extend linearly in the first and second directions. This makes it easier to absorb the impact acting between the connecting piece and the corner, even if the corner between the opposing surface and the side surface comes into contact with the connecting piece. As a result, durability can be improved.

[0008] (2) In the partition according to the above aspect (1), it is preferable that the first side end portion comprises: a first vertical frame having the first side surface and the first opposing surface and facing the first connecting portion in the first direction; and a first protrusion portion that is detachably attached to the first vertical frame and protrudes in the first direction from both upper and lower ends of the first vertical frame to a position overlapping with the first connecting portion in a planar view, thereby being connected to the first connecting portion via a first axis portion, and the dimension in the thickness direction is larger than that of the first vertical frame; and the second side end portion comprises: a second vertical frame having the second side surface and the second opposing surface and facing the second connecting portion in the second direction; and a second protrusion portion that is detachably attached to the second vertical frame and protrudes in the second direction from both upper and lower ends of the second vertical frame to a position overlapping with the second connecting portion in a planar view, thereby being connected to the second connecting portion via a second axis portion, and the dimension in the thickness direction is larger than that of the second vertical frame. According to this aspect, the protruding portions of the first panel and the second panel are likely to come into contact with each other in the folded state. In this case, since the protruding portions are detachably provided on both the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame, even if the protruding portions are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

[0009] (3) In the partition according to the above aspect (2), it is preferable that the first panel has a pair of first horizontal frames respectively provided along the upper and lower edges of the first panel body, and the second panel has a pair of second horizontal frames respectively provided along the upper and lower edges of the second panel body, and that the portion of the first horizontal frames protruding in the first direction relative to the first panel body constitutes the first protrusion, and that the portion of the second horizontal frames protruding in the second direction relative to the second panel body constitutes the second protrusion. According to this aspect, the horizontal frame has the functions of both holding the panel body and connecting the panel and the hinge, so that the assembly of the panel and the connection of the panel and the hinge can be completed simply by assembling the horizontal frame, thereby improving the ease of assembly.

[0010] (4) In a partition according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (3), it is preferable that the thickness dimension of the first panel body is smaller than the thickness dimension of the first side end, and the thickness dimension of the second panel body is smaller than the thickness dimension of the second side end. According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the first panel main body and the second panel main body from coming into contact with each other in the folded state, thereby reducing concerns about the strength of each panel main body and improving design freedom, such as allowing the selection of a panel main body that is low in strength and lightweight.

[0011] (5) In a partition according to any one of the above aspects (1) to (4), at the first side end, the corner formed by the first side surface and the first opposing surface is formed in a convex arc shape toward the first direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and at the second side end, the corner formed by the second side surface and the second opposing surface is formed in a convex arc shape toward the second direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction. According to this aspect, even if the corner formed by the first side surface and the first opposing surface or the corner formed by the second side surface and the second opposing surface comes into contact with the connecting piece, the impact acting between the connecting piece and the corner is more easily mitigated than when the corner formed by the opposing surface and the side surface is flat. Also, dust and other particles are less likely to accumulate in the corner than when a surface is formed in the corner. This improves cleaning performance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to each of the above aspects, it is possible to improve both cleaning ability and durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [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] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the panel module showing a state in which the panels are folded with a shift in the width direction. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 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.

[0015] [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).

[0016] <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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] <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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] <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.

[0028] <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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] <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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] As described above, the partition 1 of this embodiment comprises a panel body (first panel body, second panel body) 51 on which panel surfaces (first panel surface, second panel surface) facing the thickness direction are formed, a first panel 11B and a second panel 11C each having a vertical frame 55 and corner portions 72 (first side end, second side end) protruding from the panel body 51 in the width direction (first direction, second direction), and a hinge 41 that rotatably connects the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C to each other between a folded state in which the panel surfaces of the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C face each other, and an unfolded state in which the angle between the panel surfaces of the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C is larger than that in the folded state. The vertical frame 55 of the first panel 11B includes a pair of side wall portions 62 that form a first side surface facing the thickness direction, and an opposing wall portion 61 that forms a first opposing surface that faces the first connecting portion 91. The vertical frame 55 of the second panel 11C includes a pair of side wall portions 62 that form a second side surface facing the thickness direction, and an opposing wall portion 61 that forms a second opposing surface that faces the second connecting portion 92. In addition, the dimension of the vertical frame 55 in the thickness direction is configured so that the opposing wall portions 61 are larger than the connecting portions 91, 92. With this configuration, in the unfolded state, the side surfaces of the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C (for example, the side walls 62 or the horizontal frames 56) are more likely to come into contact with each other before the corner C between the opposing wall 61 and the side wall 62. This prevents the corner C from coming into contact with the connecting piece 93, improving durability. Furthermore, because the length of the connecting piece 93 can be ensured, the width of the recess surrounded by the linking pieces 91, 92 and the connecting piece 93 can be ensured, improving the cleanability of the inside of the recess (connecting piece 93).

[0056] 12, in the partition 1 of this embodiment, the panel module 12 may be folded in a state where a portion of each panel 11B, 11C is misaligned in the width direction when viewed from the thickness direction (the angle between the hinge 41 and the first panel 11B in a plan view is different from the angle between the hinge 41 and the second panel 11C in a plan view). In this case, for example, the corner C of the first panel 11B may come into contact with the connecting piece 93. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the dimension in the thickness direction of the vertical frame 55 is configured to gradually increase with increasing distance from the opposing wall portion 61 in the width direction. With this configuration, the angle of the corner C of the vertical frame 55 can be made larger than when the side wall portion 62 extends linearly in the width direction. This makes it easier to mitigate the impact acting between the connection piece 93 and the corner C even if the corner C comes into contact with the connection piece 93. As a result, durability can be improved.

[0057] The partition 1 of this embodiment is configured to include vertical frames (first vertical frame, second vertical frame) 55, and hinge connection portions (first protrusion, second protrusion) 82 that protrude widthwise from both the upper and lower ends of the vertical frame 55 to positions where they overlap with the connecting portions 91, 92 in a planar view, and are connected to the connecting portions 91, 92 respectively via panel axes (first axis portion, second axis portion) 83, and have a thickness dimension larger than that of the vertical frame 55. With this configuration, in the folded state, the corner portions 72 of adjacent panels 11 are likely to come into contact with each other. In this case, since the corner portions 72 (horizontal frames 56) are detachably attached to the vertical frames 55 at both the upper and lower ends of the vertical frames 55, even if the corner portions 72 are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

[0058] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the first panel 11B and the second panel 11C have horizontal frames (first horizontal frame, second horizontal frame) 56 provided along the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the panel main body 51. The corner portions 72 are portions of the horizontal frames 56 that protrude in the width direction relative to the panel main body 51. According to this configuration, the horizontal frame 56 has the function of both holding the panel main body 51 and connecting the panel 11 and the hinge 41, so that the assembly of the panel 11 and the connection between the panel 11 and the hinge 41 can be completed simply by assembling the horizontal frame 56. This improves the ease of assembly.

[0059] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the dimension in the thickness direction of the panel main body 51 is configured to be smaller than the dimensions in the thickness direction of the vertical frame 55 and the corner portion 72. This configuration can prevent the panel bodies 51 of adjacent panels 11 from coming into contact with each other in the folded state. This reduces concerns about the strength of the panel bodies 51, thereby improving design freedom, for example, by allowing the selection of a panel body 51 that is low in strength and lightweight.

[0060] In the partition 1 of this embodiment, the corner C formed by the side wall portion 62 and the opposing wall portion 61 in the vertical frame 55 is formed in an arc shape that protrudes outward in the width direction. With this configuration, compared to when a surface is formed at the corner C, even if the corner C comes into contact with the connection piece 93, it is easier to mitigate the impact acting between the connection piece 93 and the corner C. Also, compared to when the corner C is formed as a flat surface, dust and the like are less likely to accumulate at the corner C. This improves cleaning performance.

[0061] (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. In the above-described embodiment, the vertical frame 55 and the corner portion 72 of the frame 52 constitute the side end portion, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the side end portion may be constituted by only the vertical frame 55. In the above-described embodiment, the panel module 12 is supported by the base body 10, thereby enabling it to move on the floor surface F. However, this configuration is not limiting. The panel module 12 may constitute the partition 1 by itself. In this case, it may be installed immovably on the floor surface F or the like. The partition 1 may also be installed on the work surface of a piece of furniture with a top panel.

[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the panel main body 51 is thinner than the frame 52, but the present invention is not limited to this. The thickness of the panel main body 51 may be equal to the thickness of the frame 52. In the above-described embodiment, the opposing wall portion 61 is formed in an arc shape, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The opposing wall portion 61 may extend linearly along the thickness direction. In the above-described embodiment, the vertical frame 55 has been described as having a configuration in which the corner C formed by the opposing wall portion 61 and the side wall portion 62 is formed in an arc shape, but this configuration is not limiting. The corner C may also be formed in a flat surface perpendicular to the width direction. 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.

[0063] 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]

[0064] 1: Partition 11: Panel (1st panel, 2nd panel) 11B: First panel 11C: Second panel 41: Hinge 51: Panel body 55: Vertical frame (first side end, second side end, first vertical frame, second vertical frame) 56: Horizontal frame (first horizontal frame, second horizontal frame) 61: opposing wall portion (first opposing surface, second opposing surface) 62: Side wall part (first side, second side) 72: Corner portion (first protrusion, second protrusion, first side end, second side end) 83: Panel axis (first axis, second axis) 91: 1st connection part 91:Second connection part 92:Second connection part 92:Connection part 93: Connection piece C: Corner O1: 1st axis O2: 2nd axis

Claims

1. a first panel having a first panel body on which a first panel surface facing a thickness direction is formed, and a first side end portion protruding from the first panel body in a first direction intersecting the thickness direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction; a second panel having a second panel body on which a second panel surface facing a thickness direction is formed, and a second side end portion protruding from the second panel body in a second direction intersecting the thickness direction when viewed from the top-bottom direction; a hinge that rotatably connects the first panel and the second panel to each other between a folded state in which the first panel surface and the second panel surface face each other and an unfolded state in which an angle formed between the first panel surface and the second panel surface is larger than that in the folded state, The hinge is a first connecting portion to which the first side end portion is connected so as to be rotatable about a first axis along the vertical direction; a second connecting portion to which the second side end portion is connected so as to be rotatable about a second axis line along the vertical direction; a connecting piece that connects the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The first side end portion is a pair of first side surfaces facing the thickness direction; a first opposing surface facing the first connecting portion in the first direction, The second side end portion is a pair of second side surfaces facing the thickness direction; a second opposing surface facing the second connection portion in the second direction, a dimension of the first side end portion in the thickness direction is larger than that of the first connecting portion at the first opposing surface, and gradually increases with increasing distance from the first opposing surface in the first direction; A partition in which the dimension in the thickness direction of the second side end is larger than that of the second connecting portion at the second opposing surface and gradually increases with increasing distance from the second opposing surface in the second direction.

2. The first side end portion is a first vertical frame having the first side surface and the first opposing surface and facing the first connecting portion in the first direction; a first protrusion that is detachably attached to the first vertical frame and that protrudes in the first direction from both upper and lower end portions of the first vertical frame to positions that overlap with the first connecting portion in a plan view, thereby being connected to the first connecting portion via a first shaft portion, and has a dimension in the thickness direction that is larger than that of the first vertical frame; The second side end portion is a second vertical frame having the second side surface and the second opposing surface and facing the second connecting portion in the second direction; A partition as described in claim 1, comprising a second protrusion that is detachably attached to the second vertical frame and that protrudes in the second direction from both the upper and lower ends of the second vertical frame to a position that overlaps with the second connecting portion in a planar view, thereby being connected to the second connecting portion via a second axis portion, and whose dimension in the thickness direction is larger than that of the second vertical frame.

3. The first panel includes a pair of first horizontal frames provided along the upper and lower edges of the first panel body, respectively; The second panel includes a pair of second horizontal frames provided along the upper and lower edges of the second panel body, respectively; a portion of the first horizontal frame that protrudes in the first direction relative to the first panel body constitutes the first protrusion; The partition according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the second horizontal frame that protrudes in the second direction relative to the second panel body constitutes the second protrusion.

4. a dimension of the first panel main body in the thickness direction is smaller than a dimension of the first side end portion in the thickness direction; The partition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dimension of the second panel body in the thickness direction is smaller than the dimension of the second side end portion in the thickness direction.

5. At the first side end portion, a corner formed by the first side surface and the first opposing surface is formed in an arc shape that is convex toward the first direction when viewed from the up-down direction, A partition described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at the second side end, the corner formed by the second side surface and the second opposing surface is formed in a convex arc shape toward the second direction when viewed from the top and bottom.

Images