Connecting hardware for ceiling joists

Abstract

This invention provides a connector for ceiling joists that are attached in a crisscross pattern to form the ceiling base material. [Solution] The structure comprises a fitting portion (4) consisting of an upper surface portion (2) and side portions (3) extending downward from opposite ends of the upper surface portion (2), a support portion (7) consisting of a mounting portion (5) extending outward from the lower end of the side portions (3) of the fitting portion (4), and holding portions (6) extending upward from both ends of the mounting portion (5), wherein the fitting portion (4) is fitted onto a long joist (10a) that constitutes the base material, and the support portion (7) supports the short joist (10b) that constitutes the base material by placing it on the mounting portion (5) and holding it with the holding portion (6), and the joists (10a, 10b) are connected so that they intersect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting tool for a furring strip that is attached to a furring strip constituting a ceiling base material.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, furring strips have been used as base materials for attaching finishing materials in ceiling finishing work and are installed horizontally at regular intervals. Depending on the type of ceiling board to be attached, the furring strips may be installed side by side in parallel or in a grid pattern. When installing the furring strips in a grid pattern, there are many connecting members, and the work becomes complicated. Therefore, various connecting metal fittings and members are used to improve workability.

[0003] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-105030 discloses a furring strip connecting metal fitting for connecting intersecting furring strips. The furring strip connecting metal fitting disclosed in the publication is composed of a first member having a plurality of fitting portions that fit from above to each of the intersecting first furring strip and second furring strip, and a second member attached thereto. The fitting portions are provided in plurality for each of the first furring strip and the second furring strip. The first member has a hole portion, and the second member is provided with an insertion bending portion that is passed through the hole portion. The first member is arranged on the upper surface side of the furring strip, the second member is arranged on the lower surface side, the insertion bending portion of the second member is inserted into the hole portion of the first member, and it is configured to be attached to the first member in a bent state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The above-mentioned ceiling joist connecting hardware has a structure in which the ceiling joist is sandwiched between the first and second members by inserting the insertion bent portion of the second member into the hole of the first member, and thus a strong connection is possible. However, the insertion bent portion of the second member must be inserted into the hole of the first member from below the ceiling joist, making the installation work complicated, and the handling of the two members hinders the improvement of work efficiency in sites where there are many intersections and the installation of many metal fittings is required. Furthermore, the complex structure of the ceiling joist connector, which is divided into two components, also presents the problem of increased manufacturing costs.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a connector for ceiling joists that can firmly connect the intersections of ceiling joists with a single component of a simple structure, is easy to install, does not require experience or technical skills, and keeps manufacturing costs down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An example of the configuration of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention for achieving the above objective is as follows. In this document, to aid in understanding the present invention, the main components constituting the solution are denoted by the same reference numerals used in the drawings of the embodiments described later. However, the present invention is not limited to the means specified by these reference numerals, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0008] [1] The furring strip connector according to the present invention is for attaching furring strips that constitute the base material of a ceiling in a cross shape, and comprises a fitting part (4) consisting of an upper surface part (2) and side parts (3) extending downward from opposite ends of the upper surface part (2), a support part (7) consisting of a mounting part (5) extending outward from the lower end of the side parts (3) of the fitting part (4), and holding parts (6) extending upward from both ends of the mounting part (5), wherein the fitting part (4) is fitted to a long furring strip (10a) that constitutes the base material, and the support part (7) supports a short furring strip (10b) that constitutes the base material by placing it on the mounting part (5) and holding it with the holding part (6), thereby connecting the furring strips (10a, 10b) in a cross shape.

[0009] [2] The fitting portion (4) is characterized in that it comprises an upper surface portion (2), side portions (3) extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion (2), and a locking portion (8) extending downward from any one of the other opposing ends of the upper surface portion (2).

[0010] [3] The fitting portion (4) is characterized in that it comprises an upper surface portion (2), side portions (3) extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion (2), and locking portions (8) extending downward from both ends of the other opposing end of the upper surface portion (2).

[0011] [4] The locking portion (8) is characterized by comprising an engaging piece (8a) that engages with the lip of the ceiling joist.

[0012] [5] The side portion (3) of the fitting portion (4) is characterized in that it extends in an inclined downward inward from the end of the upper portion (2). [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The furring strip connector according to the present invention comprises a fitting portion consisting of an upper surface portion and side portions extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion, a support portion consisting of a mounting portion extending outward from the lower end of the side portion of the fitting portion and a holding portion extending upward from both ends of the mounting portion, the fitting portion is fitted to a long furring strip constituting the base material, and the support portion supports the short furring strip constituting the base material by placing it on the mounting portion and holding it with the holding portion, thereby enabling the furring strips to be connected in an intersecting manner. This allows for connection with a single member having a simple structure, eliminates the need for work such as inserting an insertion piece into a hole and fixing it, and enables strong connection of the intersecting parts of the furring strips as the short furring strips are connected simply by placing them on the mounting portion of the support portion. Furthermore, the installation process is simple, requiring only fitting and securing the interlocking parts to the long joists, and then placing and securing the shorter joists on the mounting parts. This eliminates the need for experience and skill, allowing for consistent connection work regardless of the worker's ability. Furthermore, since the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention does not have a complex structure, manufacturing costs can also be kept down. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Overall perspective view of an embodiment of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a front view of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a plan view of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Overall perspective view of another embodiment of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the angle between the upper and side surfaces of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the installation procedure for the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram of the installation procedure for the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram of the installation procedure for the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the edge connector according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing examples.

[0016] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an example of the edge connector according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of the edge connector according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the edge connector according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. In the figure, 1 is an edge connector, 2 is an upper surface portion, 3 is a side surface portion, 4 is a fitting portion, 5 is a placement portion, 6 is a holding portion, and 7 is a support portion.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the edge connector 1 according to the present invention is configured by integrally connecting a fitting portion 4 and a support portion 7. The fitting portion 4 includes an upper surface portion 2 and side surface portions 3 extending downward from opposite end portions 2a of the upper surface portion 2. The support portion 7 is composed of a placement portion 5 extending outward from the lower end portion 3a of the side surface portion 3 of the fitting portion 4 and holding portions 6 extending upward from both side end portions 5a of the placement portion 5.

[0018] In the edge connector 1 according to the present invention, the fitting portion 4 is fitted into a long edge (10a) constituting the base material, the support portion 7 places a short edge (10b) constituting the base material on the placement portion 5, and the side surface of the single-edge is held by the holding portion 6 to support the whole, thereby connecting the edges (10a, 10b) intersecting.

[0019] The upper surface portion 2 constituting the fitting portion 4 has a length that can fit the edge based on the length of the width of the connected edge. For example, when using a 25-mm single edge, the width of the upper surface portion 2 is 25 mm + 1 to 2 mm, and when using a 50-mm double edge, the width of the upper surface portion 2 is configured to be 50 mm + 1 to 2 mm. The fitting portion 4 forms a substantially U-shape with the upper surface portion 2 and the side surface portions 3 and is fitted and attached so as to cover the connected edge, and is configured with dimensions suitable for firmly fitting the edge.

[0020] Furthermore, the side portion 3 constituting the fitting portion 4 is provided with a length that allows the furring strip to be fitted, based on the height of the furring strip being connected. For example, when using a furring strip with a height of 19 mm, the length of the side portion 3 is set to 19 mm + 1 to 2 mm, and the fitting portion 4 is configured to firmly hold the furring strip with the upper portion 2 and the side portion 3. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide holes in the side portion 3 for fastening screws to the ceiling joists.

[0021] In the ceiling joist connector 1 according to the present invention, the fitting portion 4 is composed of an upper surface portion 2 and two side portions 3 that extend downward from opposing ends 2a of the upper surface portion 2, and the upper surface portion 2 and the two side portions 3 form a substantially U-shape, and is fitted and attached to a long ceiling joist from above. Therefore, the fitting portion 4 is formed such that its side portion 3 extends downward from the end of the upper portion 2 so as to be easily fitted into the ceiling joist, with the side portion 3 hanging perpendicularly to the upper portion 2. Furthermore, in order to more firmly fit the fitting portion 4 into the ceiling joist and to prevent it from coming loose, the side portion 3 may be formed to extend downward and inward from the end portion 2a of the upper portion 2.

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates the angle between the upper and side surfaces of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. In the figure, the angle α between the upper surface 2 and the side surface 3 is such that the side surface 3 is inclined inward. The fitting portion 4 is the part that fits into the ceiling joist, and if the inward inclination is too large, it becomes difficult to fit the ceiling joist. Therefore, α is preferably 85 to 90 degrees, and particularly preferably 86 to 89 degrees. By slightly inclining the side portion 3 inward in this manner, it is possible to prevent the joist from coming loose after being fitted due to its own weight, and even if the support is removed during the fixing process, it will not easily fall or shift, thus improving work efficiency.

[0023] In the ceiling joist connector 1 according to the present invention, the support portion 7 is composed of a mounting portion 5 that extends outward from the lower end 3a of each of the two side portions 3 of the fitting portion 4, and a holding portion 6 that extends upward from both end 5a of the mounting portion 5. The support portion 7 is configured to extend from the lower end 3a of the side portion 3 and is formed integrally with the fitting portion 4, thereby increasing its strength. The mounting section 5 is where short joists are placed, so its width is set to accommodate the joists to be placed, and it has a length sufficient for stable placement. Therefore, when placing narrow joists, the width of the mounting section 5 is determined according to the width of the joists. The length of the mounting section 5 should be such that if it is too short, the joists cannot be placed stably, and if it is too long, it will reduce work efficiency. A length of 10 to 50 mm is sufficient, and 20 to 40 mm is preferable as it provides stability and makes installation work easier.

[0024] Furthermore, the holding part 6 is provided with a height that allows it to stably hold the joist to be placed. Therefore, it is preferable that the holding part 6 be provided with a height approximately the same as the height of the joist, but for example, if the joist is short and lightweight, the height of the holding part 6 may be lower than the height of the joist, as long as it can stably hold the joist. Furthermore, it is preferable that the retaining portion 6 be provided with holes for screws to be used to fix it to the ceiling joist.

[0025] The configuration of another embodiment of the ceiling joist connector 1 according to the present invention will be described. Figure 4 shows an overall perspective view of another embodiment of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the fitting portion 4 is configured to have an upper surface portion 2, side portions 3 extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion 2, and a locking portion 8 extending downward from one of the other opposing ends 2b of the upper surface portion 2.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 8 is provided with an engaging piece 8a that engages with the lip of the furring strip when the furring strip to be attached is a lip channel steel. By engaging the engaging piece 8a with the lip portion 101 of the furring strip, more stable installation work becomes possible. The shape of the locking portion 8 and the engaging piece 8a is not particularly limited, and any shape that allows the fitting portion 4 to be stably attached to the furring strip may be a single piece or a pin. The locking portion 8 is intended to assist in stable installation work by locking the joist, and may be provided facing downward at either end of the end portion 2b of the upper portion 2, or it may be provided facing downward at both ends of the end portion 2b.

[0027] The installation procedure for the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention will be explained below with reference to the diagrams. Figures 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the installation procedure for the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the joist connector 1 has its fitting portion 4 fitted onto a long joist 10a. The joist 10a is fitted into the fitting portion 4, which is composed of an upper portion 2 and a side portion 3, and the joist connector 1 is fixed to the joist 10a with fasteners such as screws.

[0028] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 7, the short joists 10b are placed on the mounting portion 5 of the support portion 7 of the joist connector 1, and the sides of the joists 10b are held by the holding portion 6 and then secured with fasteners such as screws. The connection work at the intersection of the joists is then completed.

[0029] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the locking portion 8 provided on the opposing ends 2b of the upper portion 2 locks to the inside of the furring strip, the engaging piece 8a of the locking portion 8 engages with the lip portion 101 of the furring strip and is fixed in place, and the locking portion 8 is fitted so that the side portion of the furring strip is sandwiched between the side portion 3 and the engaging piece 8a. Otherwise, the installation is carried out in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0030] As described above, the installation of the ceiling joist connector according to the present invention is performed by fitting the fitting part 4 onto the long ceiling joist 10a and fixing it, then placing the short ceiling joist 10b on the mounting part 5 of the support part 7 and holding it in place, and then fixing it in place. Therefore, it does not require complicated work or skilled techniques, and the intersection of ceiling joists can be easily connected. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 1. Connector for ceiling joists 2 Top part 3 Side part 4. Fitting part 5 Mounting section 6 Holding part 7 Support part 8 Locking part 8a Engaging piece 10a Long joists 10b Short joists 101 Lip section

Claims

1. A connector for ceiling joists used to attach joists that make up the base material of the ceiling in a crisscross pattern, A fitting portion consisting of an upper surface and side surfaces extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface, The support portion comprises a mounting portion extending outward from the lower end of the side surface of the fitting portion, and a holding portion extending upward from both ends of the mounting portion described above. The fitting portion is fitted to a long joist constituting the base material, and the support portion supports a short joist constituting the base material by placing it on the aforementioned mounting portion and holding it with the holding portion, thereby connecting the joists so that they intersect.

2. The ceiling joist connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting portion is provided with an upper surface portion, side portions extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion, and a locking portion extending downward from any one of the other opposing ends of the upper surface portion.

3. The ceiling joist connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting portion is provided with an upper surface portion, side portions extending downward from opposing ends of the upper surface portion, and locking portions extending downward from both ends of the other opposing end of the upper surface portion.

4. The ceiling joist connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the locking portion comprises an engaging piece that engages with the lip of the ceiling joist.

5. The roof joist connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the side portion of the fitting portion extends in an inclined downward inward from the end of the upper portion.

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