Fastening structure of member, and support device of floor panel

Abstract

To provide a fastening structure of members that is difficult to loosen.SOLUTION: A fastening structure of a member comprises a first member 22 having a male thread 24, second members 26, 28 having insertion holes 34, 44 through which the male thread 24 passes, and a third member 30 having a female thread 48 that engages with the male thread 24 that passes through the insertion holes 34, 44. The second member 26 has a plurality of protrusions 38 that protrudes toward the third member 30 side and is arranged in a circumferential direction around the male thread 24 as an axis. The third member 30 has a plurality of protrusions 52 that protrudes toward the second member 26 side and is arranged in a circumferential direction around the male thread 24 as an axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a member fastening structure and a floor panel support device. [Background technology]

[0002] In buildings such as offices, double-floor structures called free-access floors or OA floors, which have gaps under the floor for cable wiring, are used. In such free-access floors, floor panels are supported by support legs placed on the building's slab. For example, some support legs include a mounting plate with threaded supports that is fixed to the slab, a support plate with female threads that engage with the threaded supports and supports the floor panel, and a panel retainer that is attached to the threaded supports and sandwiches and secures the floor panel between the support plate and the support plate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The support leg in Patent Document 1 adjusts the vertical position of the support plate relative to the threaded supports, and restricts rotation of the support plate relative to the threaded supports by pressing a ring-shaped anti-rotation member into the gap between the threaded supports and the female threads of the support plate with the panel retainer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-144378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the support leg of Patent Document 1, if the panel holder loosens, the rotation restriction effect of the anti-rotation member may be reduced. Also, not only in support legs, but also in fastening structures that assemble components by fastening male and female screws, there is a demand for preventing loosening of the fastened male and female screws.

[0005] The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems associated with the conventional technology in order to solve these problems in an appropriate manner, and aims to provide a fastening structure for members that is less likely to loosen and a support device for floor panels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the member fastening structure according to the present invention is as follows: a first member having an external thread; a second member having an insertion hole through which the male screw passes; a third member having a female thread that engages with the male thread that is inserted through the insertion hole, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the second member toward the third member and arranged in a circumferential direction about the male screw; a plurality of protrusions protruding from the third member toward the second member and arranged in a circumferential direction around the male screw; When the male screw and the female screw are fastened together, a first protrusion that abuts only against the first convex portion and prevents the third member from rotating in one circumferential direction; The gist of the present invention is that the third member has a second protrusion that abuts only against the second convex portion and prevents the third member from rotating in the other circumferential direction.

[0007] A second aspect of the member fastening structure according to the present invention is the same as the first aspect, A portion of the first convex portion and a portion of the first protrusion portion may overlap and abut on each other in the axial direction of the male screw.

[0008] An example of a floor panel support device according to the present invention includes: A floor panel support device having the fastening structure for members of the first aspect or the second aspect, The gist of the invention is that the female thread of the third member is fastened to the male thread of the first member, and the floor panel supported by the second member is sandwiched between the third member and the second member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The member fastening structure according to the present invention is less likely to come loose. According to the floor panel support device of the present invention, the third member is less likely to come loose. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of use of a support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a support device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7A] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a convex portion and a protruding portion according to an embodiment, showing the convex portion and the protruding portion before they come into contact with each other. FIG. [Figure 7B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the convex portion and the protruding portion according to the embodiment, illustrating a state in which the convex portion and the protruding portion are in contact with each other. FIG. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between convex portions and protrusions according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Next, a preferred embodiment of a member fastening structure and a floor panel support device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments and drawings described below exemplify a portion of the embodiment of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these configurations, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. Note that this embodiment illustrates a case in which a member fastening structure is applied to a floor panel support device.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a support device 20 for a floor panel 10 having a member fastening structure according to an embodiment supports the floor panel 10 at a distance from the floor slab of a building. The support device 20 supports the corners of the quadrangular floor panel 10 (see Figure 3). The support device 20 is also capable of adjusting the height of the floor panel 10 relative to the floor slab.

[0013] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the support device 20 includes a base member (first member) 22 having a male screw 24, support members (second members) 26, 28 having insertion holes (female support screws 34 and through holes 44 described below) through which the male screw 24 of the base member 22 passes, and a fixing member (third member) 30 attached to the male screw 24. The support device 20 holds the floor panel 10 placed on the support members 26, 28 by sandwiching it between the fixing member 30 attached to the male screw 24 and the support members 26, 28. Note that the support members in this embodiment are composed of a first support member 26 attached to the male screw 24 of the base member 22 and a second support member 28 placed on the first support member 26 and inserted into the male screw 24.

[0014] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the base member 22 has a male screw 24 that protrudes upward from a plate-shaped base portion 22a. The male screw 24 is a rod-shaped body with a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface. The base member 22 is placed with the base portion 22a placed on the floor slab of a building and the tip of the male screw 24 facing upward. Although not particularly limited, the base member 22 in this embodiment is made of metal.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the first support member 26 has a female thread (hereinafter referred to as the support female thread) 34 that engages with the male thread 24 of the base member 22, and a panel support portion 36 that extends laterally from the upper edge of the support female thread 34. The support female thread 34 is located in the center of the first support member 26. The support female thread 34 also penetrates the first support member 26 in the vertical direction. The first support member 26 is attached to the male thread 24 of the base member 22 by engaging the support female thread 34 with the male thread 24. By rotating the first support member 26, the position of the first support member 26 can be changed along the axial direction of the male thread 24 due to the engagement between the male thread 24 and the support female thread 34. Furthermore, when the first support member 26 is attached to the male thread 24, the male thread 24 is positioned so that it protrudes upward from the upper opening of the support female thread 34. Although not particularly limited, the first support member 26 in this embodiment is made of synthetic resin.

[0016] 4 and 6, the panel support portion 36 is plate-shaped and has an inclined portion 36a that inclines upward as it extends laterally outward from the support female screw 34, and a laterally extending portion 36b that extends laterally from the upper end of the inclined portion 36a. In the first support member 26, the floor panel 10 is placed above the laterally extending portion 36b of the panel support portion 36. The first support member 26 has a recessed central portion, where the upper opening of the support female screw 34 is formed, compared to the laterally extending portion 36b of the panel support portion 36.

[0017] 5 and 6, the first support member 26 has a plurality of protrusions 38 that protrude toward the fixing member 30 (upper side). The plurality of protrusions 38 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction about the male thread 24 of the base member 22. More specifically, the plurality of protrusions 38 are arranged in an annular shape on the upper opening edge of the support female thread 34, surrounding the support female thread 34. When the fixing member 30 is attached to the male thread 24, at least two of the plurality of protrusions 38 come into contact with protrusions 52, which will be described later, formed on the fixing member 30. It is preferable that the protrusions 38 are elastically deformable.

[0018] 7A and 7B, the circumferential dimension of the protrusion 38 is smaller on the tip side than on the base side connected to the first support member 26. When viewed from the side, the protrusion 38 in this embodiment has a generally triangular shape that is narrower on the tip side than on the base side connected to the first support member 26.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the second support member 28 has a mounting portion 40 that covers the panel support portion 36 of the first support member 26 and a position restricting portion 42 that protrudes upward from the mounting portion 40. The mounting portion 40 is plate-shaped, and the underside of the floor panel 10 is placed on it. A downward-protruding hook wall 40a is formed on the outer periphery of the mounting portion 40. When the second support member 28 is placed on the first support member 26, the panel support portion 36 of the first support member 26 fits inside the hook wall 40a, thereby positioning the first support member 26 and the second support member 28. The position restricting portion 42 is formed in a substantially cross shape in a plan view (see FIG. 3). When the floor panels 10 are placed on the mounting portion 40, the position restricting portion 42 is located between adjacent floor panels 10 to position the floor panels 10. A through-hole 44 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the center of the position restriction portion 42. When the second support member 28 is placed on the first support member 26, the through-hole 44 is positioned above the support female thread 34, and the through-hole 44 and the support female thread 34 are connected. Here, the inner diameter of the through-hole 44 is larger than the inner diameter of the support female thread 34 and is formed to be equal to or larger than the outer diameter of a tubular portion 46 (described later) of the fixing member 30. When the first support member 26 is attached to the male thread 24 and the second support member 28 is placed on the first support member 26, the male thread 24 protruding upward from the support female thread 34 of the first support member 26 is positioned inside the fixing female thread 48. Note that, although not particularly limited, the second support member 28 in this embodiment is made of synthetic resin.

[0020] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the fixing member 30 has a tubular portion 46 having an internal thread (hereinafter referred to as the fixing internal thread) 48 formed on its inner surface to engage with the external thread 24 of the base member 22, and a retaining portion 50 extending laterally from the upper end of the tubular portion 46. The tubular portion 46 has a cylindrical shape that is open at the bottom. The outer diameter of the tubular portion 46 is set to be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 44 of the second support member 28, and in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubular portion 46 is approximately the same as or equal to the inner diameter of the through hole 44. When the fixing internal thread 48 is engaged with the external thread 24 to attach the fixing member 30, the retaining portion 50 is positioned so as to overlap the upper side of a step 12 formed at the corner of the floor panel 10. In this way, the floor panel 10 is fixed to the support device 20 with the step 12 sandwiched between the retaining portion 50 and the opening edge of the through hole 44 in the second support member 28. Although not particularly limited, the fixing member 30 in this embodiment is made of a synthetic resin such as polyacetal.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fixing member 30 has a plurality of protrusions 52 that protrude toward (below) the first support member 26. The plurality of protrusions 52 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction about the male thread 24 of the base member 22. More specifically, the plurality of protrusions 52 are arranged in an annular shape surrounding the lower opening of the tubular portion 46. When the fixing member 30 is attached to the male thread 24, at least two of the plurality of protrusions 52 come into contact with the convex portions 38 formed on the first support member 26. It is preferable that the protrusions 52 are elastically deformable. In this embodiment, the protrusions 52 are formed to be more elastically deformable than the convex portions 38.

[0022] 7A and 7B, the circumferential dimension of the protrusion 52 is smaller on the tip side than on the base side connected to the tubular portion 46. When viewed from the side, the protrusion 52 in this embodiment has a generally triangular shape that is narrower on the tip side than on the base side connected to the tubular portion 46.

[0023] 7B and 8, the plurality of protrusions 38 and the plurality of protrusions 52 are arranged so as to have a first protrusion 52 (denoted by reference numeral 52A for convenience) that abuts only the first protrusion 38 (denoted by reference numeral 38A for convenience) and prevents rotation of the fixing member 30 in one circumferential direction, and a second protrusion 52 (denoted by reference numeral 52B for convenience) that abuts only the second protrusion 38 (denoted by reference numeral 38B for convenience) and prevents rotation of the fixing member 30 in the other circumferential direction when the male screw 24 and the female fixing screw 48 of the fixing member 30 are fastened together. The protrusion 52 does not abut against both of the adjacent protrusions 38, but abuts against only one side of the adjacent protrusions 38. When the first protrusion 52A and the first convex portion 38A come into contact with each other to prevent rotation of the fixing member 30 in one circumferential direction, the second protrusion 52B, which is different from the first protrusion 52A, comes into contact with the second convex portion 38B, which is different from the first protrusion 52A, to prevent rotation of the fixing member 30 in the other circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the rotation direction of the fixing member 30 in one circumferential direction is the rotation direction in which the fixing female screw 48 tightens relative to the male screw 24, and the rotation direction of the fixing member 30 in the other circumferential direction is the rotation direction in which the fixing female screw 48 loosens relative to the male screw 24. Note that when the fixing member 30 rotates, the abutting convex portion 38 and the protrusion 52 switch positions, and the relationship between the symbols 38A, 38B, 52A, and 52B also changes. In the support device 20, the protrusion 52 of the fixing member 30 attached to the male screw 24 abuts against the convex portion 38 of the first support member 26, thereby restricting the rotation of the fixing member 30 relative to the male screw 24 and the rotation of the first support member 26 relative to the male screw 24.

[0024] 7B, when the first surface 53a of the first protrusion 52A facing one circumferential direction comes into contact with the first protrusion 38A, the second surface 53b of the second protrusion 52B facing the other circumferential direction comes into contact with the second protrusion 38B. At this time, the second surface 53b of the first protrusion 52A facing the other circumferential direction does not come into contact with another protrusion 38, and the first surface 53a of the second protrusion 52B facing one circumferential direction does not come into contact with another protrusion 38. In this way, the protrusion 52 comes into contact with the protrusion 38 at either the first surface 53a or the second surface 53b.

[0025] 8, the plurality of protrusions 38 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The plurality of protrusions 52 are also arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. The circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 38 is different from the circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 52. In the present embodiment, the circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 38 is set to be smaller than the circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 52, but this is not limiting, and the circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 38 may be larger than the circumferential interval between the plurality of protrusions 52.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 8 , the number of protrusions 38 is different from the number of protrusions 52. In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 38 is set to be greater than the number of protrusions 52, but this is not limited thereto, and the number of protrusions 38 may be less than the number of protrusions 52. Furthermore, the number of protrusions 38 between a protrusion 52 and a protrusion 52 adjacent to the protrusion 52 on one side in the circumferential direction is different from the number of protrusions 38 between a protrusion 52 and a protrusion 52 adjacent to the protrusion 52 on the other side in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the number of protrusions 38 arranged between a first protrusion 52A and a second protrusion 52B adjacent to the first protrusion 52A on one side in the circumferential direction is two, while the number of protrusions 38 arranged between the first protrusion 52A and a second protrusion 52B adjacent to the first protrusion 52A on the other side in the circumferential direction is one.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7B , a portion of the first protrusion 38A and a portion of the first protrusion 52A overlap in the axial direction of the male thread 24 and abut against each other. When the first protrusion 38A and the first protrusion 52A abut against each other, a second surface 39b of the first protrusion 38A facing the other circumferential direction abuts against a first surface 39a of the first protrusion 52A facing one circumferential direction. The second surface 39b of the protrusion 38A is an inclined surface extending so as to intersect with the axial direction of the male thread 24. The second surface 39b of the protrusion 38 is inclined upward (toward the fixing member 30) as it extends in one circumferential direction. The first surface 53a of the protrusion 52 is an inclined surface extending so as to intersect with the axial direction of the male thread 24. The first surface 53a of the protrusion 52 is inclined downward (toward the first support member 26) as it extends in the other circumferential direction. When the male screw 24 and the female fixing screw 48 of the fixing member 30 are fastened together, the second surface 39b of the convex portion 38 facing obliquely upward and the first surface 53a of the protruding portion 52 facing obliquely downward overlap in the vertical direction.

[0028] 7A and 7B , the protrusion 52 may be formed so that the second surface 53b, which faces the rotational direction in which the fixing female thread 48 loosens relative to the male thread 24, extends in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the second surface 53b of the protrusion 52 may be formed so that it extends in a direction closer to the vertical direction than the first surface 53a, which faces the direction in which the fixing female thread 48 tightens relative to the male thread 24. By making the first surface 53a of the protrusion 52 an upright surface that extends along the axial direction of the male thread 24 in this way, when the second protrusion 52B and the second convex portion 38B come into contact with each other, the fixing member 30 is less likely to rotate in the rotational direction in which the fixing member 30 loosens, and therefore the fixing member 30 and the first support member 26 can be made less likely to loosen relative to the male thread 24.

[0029] 7A and 7B , the convex portion 38 may be formed so that the first surface 39a, which faces the rotational direction in which the fixing female thread 48 tightens relative to the male thread 24, extends in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the first surface 39a of the convex portion 38 may be formed so that it extends in a direction closer to the vertical direction than the second surface 39b, which faces the direction in which the fixing female thread 48 loosens relative to the male thread 24. By making the first surface 39a of the convex portion 38 an upright surface that extends along the axial direction of the male thread 24 in this way, when the second protrusion 52B and the second convex portion 38B come into contact, the fixing member 30 is less likely to rotate in the rotational direction in which it loosens, making it possible to make the fixing member 30 and the first support member 26 less likely to loosen relative to the male thread 24.

[0030] Next, assembly of the support device 20 will be described. The base member 22 is placed on the floor slab, and the female support threads 34 of the first support member 26 are screwed into the male threads 24 of the base member 22, and the height of the first support member 26 is adjusted to match the height of the floor panel 10 to be installed. Next, the through-holes 44 of the second support member 28 are fitted into the male threads 24 of the base member, and the second support member 28 is placed on the first support member 26. Then, the floor panel 10 is placed on the second support member 28.

[0031] The cylindrical portion 46 of the fixing member 30 is inserted into the through-hole 44 of the second support member 28, and the female fixing thread 48 of the cylindrical portion 46 is screwed into the male thread 24 of the base member 22. As the fixing member 30 is screwed in, the protrusion 52 of the cylindrical portion 46 abuts against the convex portion 38 formed on the opening edge of the female support thread 34 of the first support member 26. As the fixing member 30 is further screwed into the male thread 24, the protrusion 52 climbs over the convex portion 38 and is inserted between the convex portions 38. At this time, the rotational resistance when screwing in the fixing member 30 decreases, indicating that the protrusion 52 has been inserted between the convex portions 38. Then, the first protrusion 52A abuts against the first convex portion 38A in a relationship that prevents rotation in the tightening direction, and the second protrusion 52B abuts against the second convex portion 38B in a relationship that prevents rotation in the loosening direction. In addition, the pressing portion 50 of the fixing member 30 abuts from above against the step portion 12 formed at the corner of the floor panel 10, sandwiching and fixing the floor panel 10 between the pressing portion 50 and the second support member 28.

[0032] When the male screw 24 and the female fixing thread 48 of the fixing member 30 are fastened together, the first protrusion 52A abuts only against the first protrusion 38A, preventing rotation of the fixing member 30 in one circumferential direction, and the second protrusion 52B abuts only against the second protrusion 38B, preventing rotation of the fixing member 30 in the other circumferential direction. In this way, the fixing member 30 is prevented from rotating in both circumferential directions by the abutment of the first protrusion 38A with the first protrusion 52A and the abutment of the second protrusion 38B with the second protrusion 52B. In other words, the support device 20 makes it difficult for the fixing member 30 attached to the male screw 24 to rotate in the rotation direction that loosens it, thereby preventing loosening of the fixing member 30 that holds the floor panel 10. Furthermore, the support device 20 prevents the first support member 26 from rotating by abutting the protrusion 52 of the fixing member 30 with the convex portion 38 of the first support member 26, thereby preventing misalignment of the first support member 26 and the second support member 28, which have been adjusted to a required height. Moreover, when the first convex portion 38A and the first protrusion 52A of the fixing member 30 abut, the second convex portion 38B and the second protrusion 52B abut, preventing rotation of the fixing member 30 in either circumferential direction, thereby preventing rattling of the fixing member 30.

[0033] When the male screw 24 and the female fixing thread 48 of the fixing member 30 are fastened together, a portion of the first convex portion 38A and a portion of the first protrusion 52A overlap and come into contact with each other in the axial direction of the male screw 24. Therefore, a force is applied in the vertical direction to the engagement between the male screw 24 of the base member 22 and the female fixing thread 48 of the fixing member 30, making it difficult for the fixing member 30 to rotate relative to the male screw 24. Similarly, a force is applied in the vertical direction to the engagement between the male screw 24 of the base member 22 and the female support thread 34 of the first support member 26, making it difficult for the first support member 26 to rotate relative to the male screw 24. In addition, depending on the degree to which the protrusion 52 is inserted between the convex portions 38, dimensional errors in the floor panel 10 and dimensional errors and clearances of the components that make up the support device 20 can be absorbed, allowing the floor panel 10 to be held without rattling.

[0034] (Example of change) The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned matters, but may be, for example, as follows: Note that the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions of the embodiment and the following modified examples. (1) In the embodiment, the protrusion of the fixing member abuts against the convex portion of the first support member, but this is not limited to this, and the protrusion of the fixing member may abut against a convex portion formed on a second support member fixed to the first support member. (2) In the embodiment, the fastening structure of the member according to the present invention is described as being applied to a support device for a floor panel. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the fastening structure of the member according to the present invention can be applied to a structure in which members are combined by fastening male and female threads, such as a connection structure in which pipes are connected by sandwiching a flange (second member) between male and female threads. (3) In the embodiment, the multiple protrusions are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, but this is not limited thereto. However, the multiple protrusions on the second member may be arranged at irregular intervals in the circumferential direction as long as, when the male screw and the female screw are fastened, there is a relationship in which a first protrusion abuts only against the first protrusion and prevents rotation of the third member in one circumferential direction, and a second protrusion abuts only against the second protrusion and prevents rotation of the third member in the other circumferential direction. (4) In the embodiment, the multiple protrusions are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, but this is not limited thereto. However, the multiple protrusions on the third member may be arranged at irregular intervals in the circumferential direction as long as, when the male screw and the female screw are fastened, there is a relationship in which the first protrusion abuts only the first convex portion and prevents rotation of the third member in one circumferential direction, and the second protrusion abuts only the second convex portion and prevents rotation of the third member in the other circumferential direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10 floor panel, 20 support device, 22 base member (first member), 24 male screw, 26 first support member (second member), 28 second support member (second member), 30 fixing member (third member), 34 supporting female screw (through hole), 38 convex portion, 38A first convex portion, 38B second convex portion, 39a first surface, 39b second surface, 44 through hole (insertion hole), 48 fixing female screw (female screw), 52 protrusion, 52A: First protrusion, 52B: Second protrusion, 53a: First surface, 53b: Second surface

Claims

1. a first member having an external thread; a second member having an insertion hole through which the male screw is inserted; a third member having a female thread that engages with the male thread that is inserted through the insertion hole, a plurality of protrusions protruding from the second member toward the third member and arranged in a circumferential direction about the male screw; a plurality of protrusions protruding from the third member toward the second member and arranged in a circumferential direction around the male screw, When the male screw and the female screw are fastened together, a first protrusion that abuts only against the first convex portion and prevents the third member from rotating in one circumferential direction; a second protrusion that abuts only against the second convex portion and prevents rotation of the third member in the other circumferential direction.

2. The member fastening structure according to claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first convex portion and a portion of the first protrusion portion overlap and abut on each other in the axial direction of the male screw.

3. A floor panel support device comprising the member fastening structure according to claim 1, A floor panel support device in which the female thread of the third member is fastened to the male thread of the first member, and the floor panel supported by the second member is sandwiched between the third member and the second member.

Images