Duct systems and fixtures

Abstract

The present invention provides a duct system and fixtures that enable the attachment of wiring ducts to tabletops of various sizes without processing the wiring ducts themselves, and that facilitate the installation process. [Solution] The duct system 1 comprises a long wiring duct 10 and a plurality of support columns 11. Each of the plurality of support columns 11 has a support portion and a support column fixing portion. The support portion supports the wiring duct 10. The support column fixing portion fixes the support portion to the top plate 101.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a duct system and furniture. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a duct system for attaching a wiring duct to a ceiling panel, and furniture including the ceiling panel and the duct system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a duct system including a wiring duct, a first fixing portion to which the wiring duct is attached, and two second fixing portions provided at both longitudinal ends of the first fixing portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the duct system described in Patent Document 1, the attachment target of the wiring duct is limited to a ceiling panel of a predetermined size, and the wiring duct needs to be processed for other ceiling panels.

[0005] Further, in the duct system described in Patent Document 1, since the wiring duct is fixed to the ceiling panel by a clamp, there is a problem that the attachment work of the wiring duct tends to be complicated.

[0006] [[ID=April]] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a duct system and furniture capable of attaching a wiring duct to ceiling panels of various sizes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A duct system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a long wiring duct and a plurality of support columns. Each of the plurality of support columns has a support portion for supporting the wiring duct and a support column fixing portion for fixing the support portion to a top plate.

[0008] A fixture according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the duct system and the top plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure makes it possible to provide a duct system and fixtures that can be fitted with wiring ducts to tabletops of various sizes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fixture comprising a duct system and a tabletop according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first main component (support column) of the duct system shown above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second main component (support column) of the duct system shown above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the support column for the duct system shown above. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the support column for the duct system shown above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figure 2. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the duct system as described above with the adapter attached. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of the support column of the duct system according to Modification 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support column shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the support column of the duct system according to Modification 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the support column of the duct system according to Modification 3. [Figure 12]Figure 12 is a perspective view of the support column of the duct system according to Modification 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The duct system and fixtures according to the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of the size of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as the effects of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0012] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the duct system 1 of this embodiment comprises a long wiring duct 10 and a plurality (two in the figures) of support columns 11. Each of the plurality (two in the figures) of support columns 11 has a support portion 112 and a support column fixing portion 114. The support portion 112 supports the wiring duct 10. The support column fixing portion 114 fixes the support portion 112 to the top plate 101.

[0013] Furthermore, the wiring duct 10 has a long duct rail 13 (see Figures 2 and 3). Conductive bars 44A and 44B for power supply are housed inside the duct rail 13 (see Figure 6). An opening 14 is provided in the duct rail 13. A USB outlet plug 9, as shown in Figure 7, can be connected to the wiring duct 10. When the USB outlet plug 9 is connected to the wiring duct 10, a portion of the USB outlet plug 9 is inserted into the opening 14, and the USB outlet plug 9 is electrically connected to the conductive bars 44A and 44B. As a result, power is supplied from the conductive bars 44A and 44B to the USB outlet plug 9, making it possible to power electrical devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, or laptop computers) connected to the USB outlet plug 9.

[0014] In the conventional duct system, the mounting target of the wiring duct 10 was limited to a ceiling board of a predetermined size. The longitudinal length of the ceiling board suitable for the conventional duct system is 1200 mm or 2400 mm. Therefore, when attaching the wiring duct 10 to a ceiling board 101 other than the predetermined size, it was necessary to process the length of the duct rail 13.

[0015] Also, in the conventional duct system, the wiring duct 10 was fixed to the ceiling board by a clamp. For this reason, there was a problem that the attachment work of the wiring duct 10 was likely to be complicated.

[0016] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the duct system 1 of the present embodiment includes a long wiring duct 10 and a plurality (two in the figure) of support columns 11. Each of the plurality (two in the figure) of support columns 11 has a support portion 112 and a support column fixing portion 114. The support portion 112 supports the wiring duct 10. The support column fixing portion 114 fixes the support portion 112 to the ceiling board 101.

[0017] Since the plurality of support columns 11 are independent members from each other, by fixing each of the plurality (two in the figure) of support columns 11 at an arbitrary position on the surface (upper surface 101A) of the ceiling board 101, the wiring duct 10 can be attached to the ceiling board without being limited by the length of the ceiling board. Also, the wiring duct 10 can be attached even to a ceiling board with a narrow depth. Thereby, it becomes possible to attach the wiring duct 10 to ceiling boards of various sizes. Also, since it has a simple configuration in which only the wiring duct 10 is supported by the plurality of support columns 11, it becomes possible to facilitate the attachment work of the wiring duct 10 to the ceiling board 101.

[0018] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a duct system 1 that enables attachment of the wiring duct 10 to ceiling boards of various sizes without processing the wiring duct 10 and that can facilitate the attachment work.

[0019] Furthermore, the duct system 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, when installed on the tabletop 101 of a piece of furniture 100 (see Figure 1). The piece of furniture 100 is, for example, a table in which the tabletop 101 is supported by a plurality (four in the figure) of legs 102. The piece of furniture 100 is placed, for example, in an office, a public facility (e.g., a school, a library, etc.), a restaurant, or a commercial facility. The piece of furniture 100 is, for example, a desk for one person, or a long table for multiple people to work facing each other.

[0020] The furniture 100 of this embodiment comprises the duct system 1 described above and a tabletop 101. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide furniture 100 to which the duct system 1 is attached, which allows the wiring duct 10 to be attached to tabletops 101 of various sizes without processing the wiring duct 10, and which facilitates the installation work.

[0021] (2)Details The duct system 1 of Embodiment 1 and the fixture 100 equipped with the duct system 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In the following description, directions will follow the definitions of the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down arrows shown in the drawings. The front-to-back direction may sometimes be referred to as the depth direction. However, these directions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the direction in which the duct system 1 and fixture 100 can be used. Furthermore, the arrows indicating each direction in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual objects.

[0022] (2.1) Duct systems The duct system 1 comprises a long wiring duct 10 and several (two in the figure) support columns 11. A support column 11 fixed to the left rear corner of the top surface 101A of the top plate 101 supports the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10. A support column 11 fixed to the rear center of the top surface 101A of the top plate 101 supports the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10. Hereafter, the support column 11 supporting the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10 may be referred to as support column 11A. Similarly, the support column 11 supporting the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 may be referred to as support column 11B. The configuration of the support columns 11 will be explained in more detail in "(2.1.2) Support Columns".

[0023] (2.1.1) Wiring ducts The wiring duct 10 supplies power to electrical equipment used by users who perform tasks such as studying or office work on the tabletop 101. Here, the electrical equipment is an information terminal with a USB port, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or notebook computer.

[0024] The wiring duct 10 is a so-called DC duct. DC power is supplied to the wiring duct 10 via cable 12 from an AC adapter connected to an AC power source such as a commercial AC power supply. For example, a USB outlet plug 9 is attached to the wiring duct 10. When an electrical device is connected to the USB outlet plug 9 attached to the wiring duct 10 via a USB cable, DC power is supplied from the wiring duct 10 to the electrical device via the USB outlet plug 9.

[0025] The wiring duct 10 comprises a duct rail 13 formed from a metal material in the shape of a long rectangular tube, and a feed-in cap 6 and an end cap CP1 attached to the first and second ends of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0026] The duct rail 13 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape using a metal material such as aluminum, with the left-right direction being the longer side. A groove-shaped opening 14 extending along the longitudinal direction is provided on the front surface of the duct rail 13. The opening 14 is provided on the front surface of the duct rail 13, extending over the entire length.

[0027] A conductive bar 44A is positioned on the upper inner wall of the duct rail 13 via an insulating rail 43A made of synthetic resin (see Figure 6). A conductive bar 44B is positioned on the lower inner wall of the duct rail 13 via an insulating rail 43B made of insulating synthetic resin. The conductive bars 44A and 44B are provided along the longitudinal direction of the duct rail 13, extending from the first end to the second end of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction, covering the entire length of the duct rail 13.

[0028] Furthermore, two fitting grooves 45 are provided on the upper and lower inner walls of the duct rail 13, between the mounting positions of the conductive bars 44A and 44B and the front surface of the duct rail 13 (see Figure 6). The two fitting grooves 45 are provided along the entire length of the duct rail 13 in the direction of its long side. The two fitting grooves 45 can be fitted with the fitting claws of the USB outlet plug 9 which is attached to the wiring duct 10. The USB outlet plug 9 is attached to the wiring duct 10 by fitting the fitting claws of the USB outlet plug 9 into the two fitting grooves 45. When the USB outlet plug 9 is attached to the wiring duct 10, the two contacts provided on the USB outlet plug 9 contact the conductive bars 44A and 44B, respectively, and a DC voltage is supplied from the conductive bars 44A and 44B to the USB outlet plug 9.

[0029] Each of the two conductive bars 44A and 44B is electrically connected to the cable 12 via a feed-in cap 6 (see Figure 6). The cable 12 is a sheathed cable with two core wires covered in insulating sheath. Of the two core wires of the cable 12, the positive wire is electrically connected to conductive bar 44A, and the negative wire is electrically connected to conductive bar 44B, supplying a DC voltage to conductive bars 44A and 44B. Therefore, when the USB outlet plug 9 is attached to the wiring duct 10, a DC voltage is supplied to the USB outlet plug 9 from conductive bars 44A and 44B.

[0030] The feed-in cap 6 is connected to either the first or second end of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the feed-in cap 6 is connected to the first end (for example, the left end) of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction. The feed-in cap 6 is used to connect the two-core wires of the cable 12 to the two conductive bars 44A and 44B, respectively.

[0031] The feed-in cap 6 is equipped with two terminal devices to which the two-core wires of the cable 12 are each connected. The two terminal devices are, for example, screw terminals, and the two-core wires of the cable 12 are each connected to the two terminal devices.

[0032] The feed-in cap 6 is equipped with a plug-in connector 61 that is inserted into the first or second end of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction. The plug-in connector 61 is provided with two connection terminals that are connected to two conductive bars 44A and 44B, respectively, which are held by the duct rail 13. The two connection terminals are electrically connected to two terminal devices to which the two-core wires of the cable 12 are respectively connected. Therefore, when the plug-in connector 61 of the feed-in cap 6 is connected to the first or second end of the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction, the two conductive bars 44A and 44B are electrically connected to the cable 12 via the feed-in cap 6.

[0033] The end cap CP1 is attached to the end of the duct rail 13 in the longitudinal direction, specifically the end where the feed-in cap 6 is not attached (for example, the second end in this embodiment).

[0034] The end cap CP1 is formed from, for example, synthetic resin. The end cap CP1 is used to close the first and second ends of the duct rail 13, specifically the ends of the duct rail 13 that do not have the feed-in cap 6 attached.

[0035] In this embodiment, a USB outlet plug 9, such as the one shown in Figure 7, can be connected to the wiring duct 10.

[0036] The USB power outlet plug 9 has a rectangular prism-shaped housing 91. The front of the housing 91 is provided with a first socket 911 and a second socket 912. The first socket 911 is, for example, a USB Type-A plug socket. The second socket 912 is, for example, a USB Type-C plug socket. In other words, the USB power outlet plug 9 is provided with two first sockets 911 and second sockets 912 that are of different standards.

[0037] A plug is provided on the rear surface of the housing 91, which is inserted into the duct rail 13 through an opening 14 in the duct rail 13. When the housing 91 is rotated, thereby rotating the plug, the mating claws on the plug engage with the mating groove 45 (see Figure 7) of the duct rail 13. At this time, two contacts on the plug make contact with two conductive bars 44A and 44B, respectively, and power is supplied from the two conductive bars 44A and 44B to the USB outlet plug 9. When an electrical device is connected to the first outlet 911 or the second outlet 912 of the USB outlet plug 9 via a USB cable, DC power is supplied to the electrical device from the wiring duct 10 through the USB outlet plug 9.

[0038] (2.1.2) Support In the duct system 1 of this embodiment, a support column 11A is fixed to the left rear corner of the upper surface 101A of the top plate 101, and supports the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). More specifically, at the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10, a feed-in cap 6 is inserted at the first end in the longitudinal direction of the duct rail 13, and the support column 11A supports the second end of the feed-in cap 6 (see Figure 2).

[0039] Furthermore, a support column 11B is fixed to the rear center of the upper surface 101A of the top plate 101, supporting the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). More specifically, at the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10, an end cap CP1 is inserted at the second end in the longitudinal direction of the duct rail 13, and the support column 11B supports the duct rail 13 with the end cap CP1 inserted (see Figure 3).

[0040] In this embodiment, the two support columns 11A and 11B are identical in shape. Furthermore, the two support columns 11A and 11B are the same size. One of the two support columns 11A and 11B may simply be referred to as support column 11. The configuration of one of the support columns 11 will be described below.

[0041] Since the two support columns are identical in shape, the number of column types can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost of the duct system 1. It is preferable that the two support columns are the same size.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the support column 11 comprises a support column body 111, a support portion 112 for supporting the wiring duct 10, and a support column fixing portion 114 for fixing the support portion 112 to the top plate 101.

[0043] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the support column body 111 has a first surface 111a (bottom surface in the figure) and a second surface 111b (top surface in the figure) that face each other. The first surface 111a is the surface that is fixed to the top plate 101. The second surface 111b is the surface that supports the wiring duct 10. The support column body 111 extends in a direction (up and down and front and back directions in Figure 3) that intersects the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in Figure 3) of the wiring duct 10. In this embodiment, the support column body 111 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one surface (top in the figure) is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. Also, in this embodiment, the support column body 111 is made of synthetic resin. The height of the support column body 111 (length in the vertical direction in the figure) is greater than the height of the duct rail 13. The depth of the support column body 111 (length in the front and back direction in the figure) is greater than the width of the duct rail 13. In this embodiment, the first surface 111a is formed as a flat surface. The second surface 111b is formed as a curved surface.

[0044] The support portion 112 is formed on the second surface 111b of the support column body 111. More specifically, the support portion 112 has a duct insertion opening 113 into which the wiring duct 10 can be inserted. The duct insertion opening 113 is a groove provided on the second surface 111b along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the wiring duct 10. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, both ends of the duct insertion opening 113 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) are open (see Figures 4 and 5). The groove of the duct insertion opening 113 has a bottom surface 113a and two opposing wall surfaces 113b and 113c. In the figure, the two wall surfaces 113b and 113c are opposite each other in the front-rear direction. The depth of the groove of the duct insertion opening 113 (length in the vertical direction in the figure) is slightly greater than the height of the duct rail 13. The width of the groove in the duct inlet 113 (in the front-to-back direction in the diagram) is slightly larger than the width of the duct rail 13.

[0045] The wiring duct 10 is inserted into the duct inlet 113. This allows the support part 112 to support the wiring duct 10 while it is inserted into the duct inlet 113. Furthermore, since the duct inlet 113 provided on the second surface 111b of the support column body 111 is open at the top, it is easy to insert the wiring duct 10 from above along the groove that is the duct inlet 113. In this embodiment, the width of the groove that is the duct inlet 113 (in the front-to-back direction in the figure) is slightly larger than the width of the duct rail 13. This allows the wiring duct 10 inserted into the duct inlet 113 to be supported in the width direction (in the front-to-back direction in the figure).

[0046] The support column fixing part 114 is a component that fixes the support part 112 to the top plate 101. The support column fixing part 114 is, for example, an adhesive material formed in the shape of a sheet. The support column fixing part 114 is positioned between the first surface 111a (bottom surface in the figure) of the support column 11 and the top surface 101A of the top plate 101. When the support column 11 is placed on the top surface 101A of the top plate 101, the support column fixing part 114 attached to the bottom surface of the support column 11 is adhesively fixed to the top surface 101A of the top plate 101. The support column fixing part 114 allows the support column 11 to be fixed to the top plate 101 with the wiring duct 10 inserted into the duct inlet 113. Since the support column 11 is attached to the upper surface 101A of the top plate 101 by adhesive via the support column fixing part 114, the possibility of the upper surface 101A of the top plate 101 being damaged is reduced even when the support column 11 is attached to the upper surface 101A of the top plate 101.

[0047] Furthermore, the support portion 112 has a duct fixing portion 115 that fixes the wiring duct 10 to the support column body 111. The duct fixing portion 115 is, for example, an adhesive material formed in the shape of a sheet. The duct fixing portion 115 is positioned on the bottom surface 113a of the groove of the duct insertion opening 113 provided on the second surface 111b of the support column body 111. When the wiring duct 10 is inserted into the duct insertion opening 113, the duct fixing portion 115 positioned at the bottom of the groove is adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the duct rail 13. The duct fixing portion 115 allows the wiring duct 10 to be fixed to the support column 11 while it is inserted into the duct insertion opening 113.

[0048] In the duct system 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, each of the multiple (two in the figure) support columns 11 is fixed to the top plate 101 and supports the wiring duct 10. Since the multiple support columns 11 are independent members, by fixing each of the multiple (two in the figure) support columns 11 to any position on the surface (top surface 101A) of the top plate 101, the wiring duct 10 can be attached to the top plate without being limited by the length of the top plate. This makes it possible to attach the wiring duct 10 to top plates of various sizes without processing the wiring duct 10. Furthermore, because it is a simple configuration in which the wiring duct 10 is supported only by multiple support columns 11, the work of attaching the wiring duct 10 to the top plate becomes easier.

[0049] (2.2) Fixtures The fixture 100 comprises a tabletop 101 and four legs 102 that support the tabletop 101 (see Figure 1). The tabletop 101 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The first end 10A of the wiring duct 10 is fixed to the upper surface 101A of the tabletop 101 via a support column 11A. The second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 is fixed to the upper surface 101A of the tabletop 101 via a support column 11B.

[0050] The fixture 100 of this embodiment includes the duct system 1 and the tabletop 101, so the wiring duct 10 can be attached to tabletops of various sizes without processing the wiring duct 10. Furthermore, the work of attaching the wiring duct 10 to the tabletop 101 becomes easier.

[0051] (3) Variant The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. The following modifications may be implemented by combining them as appropriate. Components similar to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0052] (3.1) Variation 1 The duct system 1 according to Modification 1 differs from the above embodiment in that a protrusion 116 is provided in the groove which is the duct inlet 113.

[0053] Figure 8 is a side view of the support column 11 of the duct system 1 according to Modification 1. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the support column 11 in Figure 8. The support column 11 according to Modification 1 further includes a projection 116. As shown in Figure 8, the projection 116 (see Figures 8 and 9) is provided in the groove which is the duct insertion opening 113. The projection 116 is also provided on two opposing wall surfaces 113b and 113c of the groove. The two projections 116 are provided along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) of the wiring duct 10 (see Figure 9). The two projections 116 are provided at the upper end of the groove which is the duct insertion opening 113. More specifically, one projection 116 is provided at the upper end of the front wall surface 113b of the groove. The other projection 116 is provided at the upper end of the rear wall surface 113b of the groove (see Figure 8). The protrusion 116 has a triangular shape when viewed from the side (see Figure 8). Furthermore, the protrusion 116 extends along the entire length of the groove that serves as the duct inlet 113 (see Figure 9).

[0054] Each of the two protrusions 116 protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the wiring duct 10 (downward in the figure). In Modification 1, when the protrusion 116 protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the wiring duct 10 (downward in the figure), it typically means that the protrusion 116 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the wiring duct 10 (front-back direction in the figure). However, this also includes protruding in a direction that is offset by a predetermined angle (for example, plus or minus 10 degrees) from the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the wiring duct 10 (downward in the figure).

[0055] The two protrusions 116 form a snap-fit ​​structure. That is, when the wiring duct 10 is inserted into the groove which is the duct inlet 113, both sides of the wiring duct 10 come into contact with the groove walls 113b and 113c, but the elastic force of the support column body 111 is used to widen the gap between the groove walls 113b and 113c in the front-to-back direction. As a result, the lower surface of the wiring duct 10 reaches the bottom surface 113a of the groove, and the wiring duct 10 is fitted under the two protrusions 116. The two protrusions 116 come into contact with the upper surface of the wiring duct 10 when it is inserted into the groove which is the duct inlet 113.

[0056] In this way, the protruding portion 116 allows for the formation of a snap-fit ​​structure, making it difficult for the wiring duct 10 inserted into the duct inlet 113 to come loose. This ensures that the wiring duct 10 is securely supported.

[0057] In addition, the support column 11 according to the modified example 1 may support the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10, or it may support the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 in the duct system 1.

[0058] In the modified example 1, the protrusion 116 is provided on two opposing wall surfaces 113b and 113c, but it may also be provided on one of the two opposing wall surfaces 113b and 113c.

[0059] The shape of the protruding portion 116 is triangular when viewed from the side (see Figure 8), but the shape of the protruding portion 116 can be changed as appropriate.

[0060] Furthermore, although the protrusions 116 are provided along the entire length of the groove which is the duct inlet 113 (see Figure 9), multiple protrusions 116 may be arranged in a line along the length of the groove.

[0061] (3.2) Variation 2 In the above embodiment, the groove of the duct inlet 113 provided in the support column 11 is open at both ends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure) (see Figures 4 and 5). In contrast, in the modified example 2, one end of the groove of the duct inlet 113 is closed in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure).

[0062] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the support column 11 of the duct system 1 according to Modification 2. The support column 11 according to Modification 2 further includes a restricting portion 117. As shown in Figure 10, the restricting portion 117 is provided on the support column 11B that supports the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10. The restricting portion 117 is provided at one end (right end in the figure) of the groove of the duct inlet 113 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure). In the second modification, the restricting portion 117 is a rectangular flat plate member. The main surface of the rectangular flat plate member is perpendicular to the bottom surface 113a, wall surface 113b, and wall surface 113c of the groove. The restricting portion 117 closes one end of the groove of the duct inlet 113 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure).

[0063] Since the end cap CP1 is inserted at the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction of the duct rail 13, the end face of the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 is rectangular.

[0064] The restricting part 117 restricts the movement of the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction (leftward in the figure) when the wiring duct 10 is inserted into the duct inlet 113. According to the modified example 2, the tip of the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 can be prevented from protruding from the duct inlet 113, so the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 will not catch on a user next to the top plate 101. This improves convenience.

[0065] (3.3) Modification example 3 In the duct system 1 of Modification 3, as shown in Figure 11, the restricting portion 117 blocks a portion of one end of the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction at the duct inlet 113, which is different from Modification 2.

[0066] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the support column 11 of the duct system 1 according to Modification 3. As shown in Figure 11, in Modification 3, two restricting portions 117 are provided at one end (the left end in the figure) of the groove of the duct inlet 113 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure). The first restricting portion 117 is provided along the vertical direction at one end of the wall surface 113b of the groove. The second restricting portion 117 is provided along the vertical direction at one end of the wall surface 113c of the groove. The two restricting portions 117 are provided with a predetermined distance between them. In Modification 3, the two restricting portions 117 close off a portion of one end of the groove of the duct inlet 113 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in the figure).

[0067] In the modified example 2 described above, the support column 11 has a flat plate-shaped restricting portion 117 at the duct inlet 113 that closes one end of the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, it is not suitable for supporting the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10 to which the cable 12 is connected.

[0068] In contrast, in Modification 3, the support column 11 has a predetermined gap between the two restricting parts 117, so that the cable 12 can be inserted into the space between the two restricting parts 117. In other words, the support column 11 in Modification 3 can support both the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 and the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10.

[0069] (3.4) Modification 4 In the above embodiment and modified examples, the support column 11 has an open top above the duct inlet 113 (see Figures 4 and 5), but it is not necessary for the top above the duct inlet 113 to be open.

[0070] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the support column 11 of the duct system 1 according to the fourth modification. As shown in Figure 12, the duct insertion port 113 according to the fourth modification is a through hole provided in the support column body 111. The duct insertion port 113 penetrates both sides of the support column body 111 in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in the figure) of the wiring duct 10. The through hole of the duct insertion port 113 is shaped to conform to the outer shape of the duct rail 13. As a result, the support column 11 according to the fourth modification can support the wiring duct 10 with the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 inserted into the duct insertion port 113, which is a through hole.

[0071] Furthermore, since the duct inlet 113 is a through-hole that penetrates the wiring duct 10 in the longitudinal direction, it becomes possible to support not only the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 but also the first end 10A of the wiring duct 10.

[0072] Furthermore, since the duct inlet 113 is a through-hole that is not open at the top, the second end 10B of the wiring duct 10 inserted into the through-hole is less likely to come out above the duct inlet 113.

[0073] In modification 4, the duct inlet 113 is a through-hole, but the duct inlet 113 may also be a recess in the side of the support column body 111 (left side in the diagram) that is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the wiring duct 10 (to the right in the diagram).

[0074] Furthermore, in the duct inlet 113 of the support column 11 according to Modification 4, the restricting portion 117 of Modification 2 and Modification 3 may be provided.

[0075] (3.5) Other variations In the above embodiment, the support column body 111 is made of synthetic resin, but the support column body 111 may also be made of an elastic material such as rubber. In this case, for example, the width of the groove of the duct insertion opening 113 (in the front-to-back direction in the figure) is made slightly smaller than the width of the duct rail 13. Since the support column body 111 is an elastic material, the elastic force of the support column body 111 can fix the wiring duct 10 inserted into the duct insertion opening 113 in the front-to-back direction by pushing the duct rail 13 into the groove of the duct insertion opening 113 from above.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support column fixing portion 114 and the duct fixing portion 115 are adhesive materials formed in a sheet shape. The support column fixing portion 114 and the duct fixing portion 115 may be adhesives or suction cups or the like.

[0077] The duct system 1 in the above embodiment has two support columns 11 (see Figure 1), but it may have three or more support columns 11. The wiring duct 10 may be supported by three or more support columns 11 fixed to the top plate 101.

[0078] (summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0079] The duct system (1) of the first embodiment comprises a long wiring duct (10) and a plurality of support columns (11). Each of the plurality of support columns (11) has a support portion (112) and a support column fixing portion (114). The support portion (112) supports the wiring duct (10). The support column fixing portion (114) fixes the support portion (112) to the top plate (101).

[0080] According to this embodiment, since the multiple support columns (11) are independent members, the wiring duct (10) can be attached to the tabletop (101) without being limited by the length of the tabletop (101) by fixing each of the multiple support columns (11) to any position on the tabletop (101). Furthermore, the wiring duct (10) can be attached even to a tabletop (101) with a narrow depth.

[0081] In the second embodiment of the duct system (1), the support portion (112) has a duct inlet (113) into which a wiring duct (10) can be inserted. The support portion (112) supports the wiring duct (10) when it is inserted into the duct inlet (113).

[0082] According to this embodiment, inserting the wiring duct (10) into the duct inlet (113) makes it easier to support the wiring duct (10).

[0083] In the third embodiment of the duct system (1), in the first or second embodiment, the support portion (112) has a duct fixing portion (115) for fixing the wiring duct (10) to the support column (11).

[0084] According to this embodiment, the wiring duct (10) can be fixed to the support column (11).

[0085] The duct system (1) of the fourth embodiment, in the second or third embodiment, has a plurality of support columns (11) each having a first surface (111a) on the side fixed to the top plate (101) and a second surface (111b) opposite to the first surface (111a). The duct inlet (113) is a groove provided on the second surface (111b) along the longitudinal direction of the wiring duct (10).

[0086] According to this embodiment, the wiring duct (10) can be supported by inserting it from above along a groove provided on the second surface (111b) of the support column (11). This makes the installation of the wiring duct (10) easier.

[0087] In the fifth embodiment of the duct system (1), the groove (113) has a projection (116) in the fourth embodiment. The projection (116) is provided on at least one of the two opposing wall surfaces (113b, 113c) of the groove (113) and protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the wiring duct (10).

[0088] According to this embodiment, a snap-fit ​​structure can be formed by the protrusions (116) provided on the walls (113b, 113c) of the groove (113), making it difficult for the wiring duct (10) inserted into the groove (113) to come loose. This makes it possible to reliably support the wiring duct (10).

[0089] The duct system (1) of the sixth embodiment, in at least one of the second to fifth embodiments, has a restricting portion (117) among the plurality of support columns (11) of which at least one support column (11) is provided. The restricting portion (117) restricts one end of the wiring duct (10) from moving in the longitudinal direction of the wiring duct (10) when the wiring duct (10) is inserted into the duct inlet (113).

[0090] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent one end of the wiring duct (10) from protruding from the duct inlet (113). The end of the wiring duct (10) will not catch on the user next to the top plate (101). User convenience can be improved.

[0091] In the duct system (1) of the seventh embodiment, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, at least two of the multiple support columns (11) are identical in shape to one another.

[0092] According to this embodiment, since at least two support columns (11) are identical in shape, the specifications of the members can be standardized, and the types of support columns (11) can be reduced.

[0093] The eighth embodiment of the furniture (100) comprises a duct system (1) of any one of the first to seventh embodiments and a top plate (101).

[0094] The support column (11) of the ninth embodiment is included in any one of the duct system (1) of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0095] The configurations relating to the second to seventh aspects are not essential to the duct system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Duct System 10 Wiring duct 11 Posts 100 fixtures 101 Top plate 111 Main support column 111a 1st side (post body) 111b 2nd side (post body) 112 Support part 113 Duct inlet (groove) 114 Pillar fixing part 115 Duct fixing part 116 Protrusion 117 Regulatory Department

Claims

1. A long wiring duct, Equipped with multiple support columns, Each of the plurality of support columns has a support portion for supporting the wiring duct and a support column fixing portion for fixing the support portion to the top plate. Duct system.

2. The support portion has a duct insertion opening into which the wiring duct can be inserted, The support portion supports the wiring duct when the wiring duct is inserted into the duct inlet. The duct system according to claim 1.

3. The support portion has a duct fixing portion for fixing the wiring duct to the support column. The duct system according to claim 1.

4. Each of the aforementioned plurality of support columns is It has a first surface that is fixed to the top plate and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, The aforementioned duct inlet is, The groove provided on the second surface is along the longitudinal direction of the wiring duct. The duct system according to claim 2.

5. The groove has a protrusion, The aforementioned protrusion is provided on at least one of the two opposing wall surfaces of the groove and protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the wiring duct. The duct system according to claim 4.

6. Of the plurality of support columns, at least one support column is provided with a restricting portion that restricts one end of the wiring duct from moving in the longitudinal direction of the wiring duct when the wiring duct is inserted into the duct inlet. The duct system according to claim 2.

7. Of the aforementioned plurality of support columns, at least two of the support columns are identical in shape. The duct system according to claim 1.

8. A duct system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The aforementioned top plate and, Equipped with, furniture.

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