Partition device

Abstract

To partition an indoor space while imparting pleasant feeling to a user and improve a degree of freedom of combination of panel units.SOLUTION: A partition device 1C includes: a pair of panel units 10S, 10T arranged in a first direction Dw with an interval; a connection beam 22M arranged in an intermediate part of the pair of panel units 10S, 10T in a vertical direction Dv and having both ends respectively connected to the pair of panel units 10S, 10T; and a pair of closing panels 30M arranged on both sides in a second direction Dt with respect to the connection beam 22M and sandwiching the connection beam 22M.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a partitioning device.

Background Art

[0002] In spaces such as offices, public facilities, and commercial facilities, it is widely practiced to partition the space formed within the facility using partitioning devices. In such partitioning devices, depending on the application and the like, partitioning devices having various sizes may be desired. To meet such demands, panel materials for the partitioning device must be prepared in various sizes, which is time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of soundproof panels can be easily connected and detached by fixing members such as surface fasteners provided on each surface of the outer cover of the soundproof panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it is a connection between a plurality of panel units (soundproof panels), there is a possibility of giving a heavy and stuffy feeling to the user. On the other hand, when providing a partition device by connecting a plurality of panel units, it is required to ensure the connection strength between the panel units. Regarding this point, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since the panel units are connected by a fixing member such as a surface fastener, it cannot be said that the connection strength between the panel units is high. Therefore, in order to ensure the connection strength between the panel units, for example, for the panel unit located in the center, it is necessary to connect to all the surrounding panel units. Although the panel units are in a divided configuration, it has been difficult to improve the degree of freedom in combining the panel units. An object of the present invention is to provide a partition device that can partition an indoor space while giving a sense of lightness to the user and improve the degree of freedom in combining panel units.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a panel unit according to an aspect of the present invention is installed on an installation surface facing upward, and is a partition device that partitions an indoor space formed above the installation surface, and includes a pair of panel units arranged at intervals in a first direction along the installation surface, a connection beam arranged at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the pair of panel units and extending in the first direction, with both ends connected to the pair of panel units respectively, and a pair of closing panels arranged on both sides in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction with respect to the connection beam and sandwiching the connection beam.

[0006] Thus, between a pair of panel units arranged at intervals in the first direction, a connection beam and a pair of closing panels sandwiching the connection beam are provided. That is, the space between a pair of panel units arranged at intervals in the first direction is closed by the closing panels. In this way, after connecting the pair of panel units with a connection beam, the connection beam is covered with the closing panels, so that compared with the case of connecting a plurality of panel units with the same structure, the sense of thickness and occlusion can be reduced, and the degree of freedom in combining the panel units can be improved. Therefore, while giving a sense of lightness to the user, the indoor space can be partitioned, and the degree of freedom in combining the panel units can be improved. Further, the pair of closing panels can be supported by a connection beam arranged between the pair of closing panels. Both end portions of the connection beam in the first direction are connected to a pair of panel units arranged on both sides in the first direction. Therefore, a closing panel can be firmly provided between the pair of panel units. The connection beam is supported by a pair of panel units arranged on both sides in the first direction, and the connection beam itself does not include a support column or the like. Thereby, in order to close the space between a pair of panel units arranged at intervals in the first direction with a pair of closing panels, the connection beam may be provided by bridging between the pair of panel units. Therefore, it is possible to strongly connect a plurality of panel units while achieving simplification of the structure, reduction of cost, weight reduction, and facilitation of assembly.

[0007] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, each of the pair of panel units includes a pair of panel members arranged on both sides in the second direction, and a support structure sandwiched between the pair of panel members, and both side end portions of the connection beam in the first direction may be respectively connected to end portions of the support structure in the first direction via connecting members. According to this configuration, for the connection beam and the pair of closing panels, the panel units arranged on both sides in the second direction each include a pair of panel bodies and a support structure sandwiched between a pair of panel materials. By connecting the side end portions on both sides in the first direction of the connection beam to the support structures of the pair of panel units on both sides in the first direction, the connection beam is firmly supported. Further, the connection beam may be connected to the support structure via a connecting member, and the connection work of the connection beam can be easily performed.

[0008] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, one end portion of the connecting member may be connected to the side end portion of the connection beam between the pair of closing panels, and the other end portion of the connecting member may be connected to the end portion of the support structure between the pair of panel materials. According to this configuration, the connecting member is connected to the connection beam and the support structure between the pair of closing panels and the pair of panel materials, so that the exposure of the connecting member to the outside is suppressed.

[0009] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, the connection beam may be in a plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the first direction with the second direction as the thickness direction. According to this configuration, by forming the connection beam into a plate shape with the second direction as the thickness direction, the closing panels arranged on both sides of the connection beam can be stably held.

[0010] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, a vertical beam intersecting the connection beam and extending in the vertical direction may be provided, and the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the vertical beam may be sandwiched between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels. According to this configuration, by sandwiching the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the vertical beam between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels, the vertical beam and the connection beam are stably and firmly supported between the pair of closing panels. Thereby, the pair of closing panels can be supported more stably and firmly.

[0011] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sets of the pair of panel units are provided in the vertical direction, and in the plurality of sets of the panel units, among the pair of panel units, a first panel unit located on one side in the first direction and a second panel unit located on the other side in the first direction are each connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction, and the connection beam and the closing panel may be provided between the first panel units and between the second panel units in each stage. According to this configuration, even when the first panel unit located on one side in the first direction and the second panel unit located on the other side in the first direction are connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction, by providing a connection beam and a closing panel between the first panel units and between the second panel units in each stage, the effect of firmly connecting a plurality of panel units while simplifying the structure, reducing costs, reducing weight, and facilitating assembly becomes more remarkable.

[0012] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, the closing panel may sandwich the connection beam in a state where the outer peripheral portions of the closing panel are close to or in contact with each other at a position where the closing panel does not overlap the connection beam when viewed from the second direction. According to this configuration, the pair of closing panels are close to or in contact with each other at the outer peripheral portions at a position where the pair of closing panels do not overlap the connection beam when viewed from the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the connection beam from being exposed outward from between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels, and it is possible to improve the appearance.

[0013] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, the closing panel includes a plate-shaped panel body and an outer peripheral bracket disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the closing panel and fixed to the panel body, and the outer peripheral bracket of the closing panel on one side in the second direction and the outer peripheral bracket of the closing panel on the other side in the second direction may be connected at a position where they do not overlap the connection beam when viewed from the second direction. According to this configuration, by connecting the outer peripheral bracket of the closing panel on one side and the outer peripheral bracket of the closing panel on the other side, the connection beam is sandwiched in a state where the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels are in contact with each other. Further, since the outer peripheral bracket is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the closing panel, the outer peripheral bracket can suppress the connection beam sandwiched between the pair of closing panels from being exposed outward. Furthermore, by fixing the outer peripheral bracket to the panel body, the panel body can be reinforced.

[0014] In the partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, the closing panel includes an opposing portion facing the connection beam in the second direction and a panel outer edge portion formed at an outer peripheral portion of the opposing portion, and the panel outer edge portions of the pair of closing panels may protrude in a direction approaching each other in the second direction. According to this configuration, the panel outer edge portions of the pair of closing panels protrude in a direction approaching each other and surround the periphery of the connection beam, so that the panel outer edge portions of the pair of closing panels are close to or in contact with each other. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the connection beam from being exposed outward from between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels. In addition, the unity of the pair of closing panels is enhanced, and the appearance is also improved in this regard.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a partition device that can partition an indoor space while giving a sense of lightness to a user and improving the degree of freedom in combining panel units.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments for implementing the panel unit and the partition device according to the present invention will be described. However, the present invention is not limited only to these embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the panel unit 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing the internal configuration of the panel unit 10, and is a perspective view in a state where one panel material 30 is removed. FIG. 4 is a view showing the internal configuration of the panel unit 10 from a direction different from that of FIG. 5, and is a perspective view in a state where the other panel material 30 is removed. FIG. 5 is a view of the panel unit 10 seen from the second direction Dt in a state where one panel material 30 is removed. <Panel unit> The panel unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the partition devices 1C and 1D (see FIGS. 17 and 18), which will be described in detail later. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the panel unit 10 includes a support structure 20 and a pair of panel materials 30.

[0019] <Support structure> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the support structure 20 is disposed between the pair of panel materials 30. The support structure 20 includes a vertical frame member 21 and a horizontal frame member 22. The vertical frame member 21 extends in the vertical direction Dv. In the present embodiment, the vertical frame member 21 has, for example, a circular tube shape extending along the vertical direction Dv along the vertical direction. The support structure 20 is made of, for example, metal or resin and has higher rigidity than the panel body 31 of the panel material 30.

[0020] The horizontal frame member 22 extends on both sides of the longitudinal frame member 21 in the first direction Dw that intersects the vertical direction Dv. In other words, the longitudinal frame member 21 supports the horizontal frame member 22 at the middle portion in the first direction Dw. In the present embodiment, the horizontal frame member 22 is disposed at the middle portion in the vertical direction Dv of the longitudinal frame member 21. The horizontal frame member 22 has a height dimension in the vertical direction Dv that is lower (smaller) than that of the longitudinal frame member 21. In the illustrated example, the dimension of the horizontal frame member 22 in the vertical direction Dv is set to about 1 / 3 of the total length of the longitudinal frame member 21. Thus, the support structure 20 of the present embodiment including the longitudinal frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the second direction Dt (the direction intersecting the first direction Dw when viewed from the vertical direction Dv) that intersects the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw. That is, with respect to the intersection portion of the longitudinal frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22, the longitudinal frame member 21 protrudes on both sides in the vertical direction Dv, and the horizontal frame member 22 protrudes on both sides in the first direction Dw. In the present embodiment, the middle portion in the vertical direction Dv is a portion of the longitudinal frame member 21 excluding the portions protruding on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the horizontal frame member 22, and preferably, for example, is a portion excluding the 1 / 4 regions located on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the total length of the longitudinal frame member 21. In the illustrated example, a region of about 1 / 3 located at the center of the total length of the longitudinal frame member 21 divided into three equal parts constitutes the middle portion in the vertical direction Dv.

[0021] The horizontal frame member 22 integrally has a plate portion 23 and a flange portion 24. The plate portion 23 extends along the first direction Dw with the second direction Dt as the thickness direction. The height dimension of the plate portion 23 in the vertical direction Dv is smaller (lower) than the width dimension of the plate portion 23 in the first direction Dw. The flange portions 24 are respectively formed above and below the plate portion 23. Each flange portion 24 rises from the plate portion 23 toward the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt. The flange portions 24 extend in the first direction Dw. In this way, the horizontal frame member 22 is formed in a U shape when viewed from the first direction Dw.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a groove-shaped portion 22d extending in the vertical direction Dv is formed at the central portion of the horizontal frame member 22 in the first direction Dw. The middle portion of the vertical frame member 21 in the vertical direction Dv is fitted into the groove-shaped portion 22d. The vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 are integrally joined by an appropriate joining means such as bolt joining, rivet joining, or welding at the portion of the groove-shaped portion 22d.

[0023] <Panel material> As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the pair of panel materials 30 are arranged on both sides of the support structure 20 in the second direction Dt. The pair of panel materials 30 are arranged on both sides of the support structure 20 so as to sandwich the support structure 20. The pair of panel materials 30 are each supported by the support structure 20.

[0024] Each panel material 30 includes a plate-shaped panel body 31 and a bracket 35. The panel body 31 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction Dt. The panel body 31 is, for example, integrally formed of a non-woven fabric or has a configuration in which a core material is covered with a tension member such as a woven fabric. Hereinafter, among the panel body 31 (panel material 30), the surface that is exposed to the outside as the panel material 30 may be referred to as the front surface, and the surface that is not exposed to the outside as the panel material 30 may be referred to as the back surface.

[0025] In the following description, when explaining the same configuration among the panel materials 30 for each component member of the panel material 30, mainly one of the panel materials 30 will be described as an example. The panel body 31 integrally includes a facing portion 31f and a panel outer edge portion 31g. The facing portion 31f is formed to face the support structure 20 in the second direction Dt. The surface shape of the facing portion 31f is formed in a straight line shape in a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the vertical direction Dv, and is formed in a convex arc shape in a transverse cross-sectional view along the first direction Dw so as to be spaced apart from the support structure 20 from the outer end portion to the central portion in the first direction Dw. However, the surface shape of the facing portion 31f may be formed in an arc shape in both the longitudinal cross-sectional view and the transverse cross-sectional view, or may be formed on a flat surface orthogonal to the second direction Dt. Further, the surface shape of the facing portion 31f may be formed in a convex arc shape in a direction approaching the support structure 20 in either the longitudinal cross-sectional view or the transverse cross-sectional view. The back surface of the facing portion 31f is formed on a flat surface orthogonal to the second direction Dt.

[0026] The panel outer edge portion 31g is formed on the outer peripheral side of the facing portion 31f. Here, in the panel material 30, the direction away from the center of the panel material 30 as viewed from the second direction Dt is defined as the outer peripheral side, and the direction approaching the center of the panel material 30 is defined as the inner peripheral side. The panel outer edge portion 31g is formed along the four sides of the panel body 31. The panel outer edge portion 31g extends toward the other panel material 30 side in the second direction Dt with respect to the facing portion 31f. The panel outer edge portion 31g extends while curving toward the other panel material 30 side in the second direction Dt from the facing portion 31f toward the outer peripheral side. Thereby, the panel outer edge portions 31g in the pair of panel materials 30 project in directions approaching each other in the second direction Dt. The panel outer edge portions 31g in the pair of panel materials 30 surround the periphery of the support structure 20 (both sides in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw).

[0027] The bracket 35 is disposed on the side facing the other panel material 30 with respect to the panel body 31 in the second direction Dt. The bracket 35 is made of, for example, resin. The bracket 35 is fixed to the panel body 31. The bracket 35 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the panel material 30. In the present embodiment, the brackets 35 are disposed at the four corners of the panel body 31. The brackets 35 are respectively disposed on both sides of the vertical frame member 21 in the first direction Dw and on both sides of the horizontal frame member 22 in the vertical direction Dv. The upper bracket 35 with respect to the horizontal frame member 22 is placed on the horizontal frame member 22. The horizontal frame member 22 is sandwiched in the vertical direction Dv by the upper bracket 35 and the lower bracket 35 with respect to the horizontal frame member 22.

[0028] Each bracket 35 is separately formed in an L-shape straddling the corner portion 31c at each corner portion 31c of the panel body 31. Among the brackets 35, the portion extending in the vertical direction Dv from the corner portion 31c constitutes the vertical extension portion 35a, and the portion extending in the first direction Dw from the corner portion 31c constitutes the horizontal extension portion 35b.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the bracket 35 constituting the panel material 30. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a bracket 35 different from FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7, each bracket 35 integrally has a fixed base portion 35d, an extending wall 35w, and a bracket edge portion 35g. The fixed base portion 35d constitutes the appearance of the bracket 35 as viewed from the second direction Dt, and extends in an L-shape along the back surface of the panel body 31 across the vertical extension portion 35a and the horizontal extension portion 35b. The fixed base portion 35d is fixed to the back surface of the panel body 31. The extending wall 35w extends from the outer peripheral edge of the fixed base portion 35d toward the other panel material 30 side in the second direction Dt.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket edge portion 35g is formed at a position on the extending wall 35w that faces the panel outer edge portion 31g of the panel main body 31 in the second direction Dt. The bracket edge portion 35g extends from the tip portion 35e of the extending wall 35w (the end portion on the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt) to the outer peripheral side orthogonally to the second direction Dt. The brackets 35 of the pair of panel members 30 face each other with the tip portions 35e of the extending walls 35w and the bracket edge portions 35g in contact with each other. That is, at positions that do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt (both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the horizontal frame member 22), the outer peripheral portions of the pair of panel members 30 are in contact with each other via the brackets 35.

[0031] The panel outer edge portion 31g of the panel main body 31 abuts against the bracket edge portion 35g. As a result, at the portion where the bracket 35 is provided, the bracket edge portion 35g is sandwiched between the pair of panel main bodies 31. In the present embodiment, by the panel outer edge portion 31g covering the bracket edge portion 35g from the outside in the second direction Dt, the panel outer edge portion 31g and the bracket edge portion 35g are flush with each other on the outermost peripheral surface of the panel member 30. However, only the panel outer edge portion 31g may constitute the outermost peripheral surface of the panel member 30, and the bracket edge portion 35g may be located on the inner peripheral side with respect to the panel outer edge portion 31g.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each bracket 35 is formed with a coupling portion 36 or a portion to be coupled 37. For example, coupling portions 36 are formed on the brackets 35A arranged at two corner portions 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction among the four corners of the panel main body 31 constituting the panel member 30. Portions to be coupled 37 are formed on the brackets 35B arranged at the remaining two corner portions 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction among the four corners of the panel main body 31 constituting the panel member 30.

[0033] Here, the first panel member 30A (see FIG. 3) and the second panel member 30B (see FIG. 4), which are provided as a pair of panel members 30 facing each other with the support structure 20 interposed therebetween, have the same configuration. That is, the first panel member 30A and the second panel member 30B each include a bracket 35A disposed at two corner portions 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction, and a bracket 35B disposed at the remaining two corner portions 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction. The first panel member 30A and the second panel member 30B are arranged with their orientations in the second direction Dt being different from each other. As a result, the bracket 35A disposed at two corner portions 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction of the first panel member 30A and the bracket 35B disposed at the remaining two corner portions 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction of the second panel member 30B face each other in the second direction Dt. Also, the bracket 35B disposed at two corner portions 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction of the first panel member 30A and the bracket 35A disposed at the remaining two corner portions 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction of the second panel member 30B face each other. In this way, the brackets 35A and 35B are provided in pairs between the corresponding corner portions 31c of the pair of first panel member 30A and second panel member 30B.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the coupling portion 36 is provided at the boundary portion between the longitudinal extension portion 35a and the lateral extension portion 35b of the fixed base portion 35d in the bracket 35A. The coupling portion 36 includes a cylindrical convex portion 36t. The convex portion 36t protrudes from the fixed base portion 35d toward the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt. The convex portion 36t includes an elastically deformable elastic claw 36k.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the portion 37 to be joined is provided at the boundary between the longitudinal extension portion 35a and the lateral extension portion 35b of the fixed base portion 35d in the bracket 35B. The portion 37 to be joined is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the fixed base portion 35d toward the other panel material 30 side in the second direction Dt. The portion 37 to be joined includes a recess 37s into which the convex portion 36t can be inserted. In the recess 37s, a hole 37h is formed with which the elastic claw 36k engages in a state where the convex portion 36t is inserted into the recess 37s by a predetermined dimension. By the elastic claw 36k engaging with the hole 37h, the convex portion 36t and the recess 37s are locked.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, at each corner portion 31c of the pair of panel materials 30 (the first panel material 30A and the second panel material 30B), the bracket 35A of one of the panel materials 30 and the bracket 35B of the other panel material 30 face each other. The coupling portion 36 (convex portion 36t) of the bracket 35A of one of the panel materials 30 fits into the portion 37 to be joined (recess 37s) of the bracket 35B of the other panel material 30. Thereby, at each corner portion 31c, the bracket 35A of one panel material 30 and the bracket 35B of the other panel material 30 are joined. In this way, the pair of panel materials 30 are joined via the brackets 35 at the four corners.

[0037] The bracket 35 of the first panel material 30A and the bracket 35 of the second panel material 30B among the pair of panel materials 30 are connected at a position where they do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt. As a result, the brackets 35 provided on the outer peripheral portions of the pair of panel materials 30 are in contact with each other at a position where they do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt. In this state, the panel outer edge portions 31g of the panel bodies 31 of the pair of panel materials 30 are separated from each other in the second direction Dt by the thickness of the bracket edge portion 35g.

[0038] Each bracket 35 is locked to the horizontal frame member 22. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the horizontal frame member 22 is formed with a locking hole 22h and a locking groove 22m. The locking hole 22h is formed at a predetermined position of the plate portion 23. The locking hole 22h is formed through the plate portion 23. The locking grooves 22m are respectively formed in the upper and lower flange portions 24 of the plate portion 23. The locking groove 22m is open on the leading edge of the flange portion 24.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the locking portion of the bracket 35 with respect to the horizontal frame member 22. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a locking member 38 that is locked to the horizontal frame member 22 is formed on the vertically extending portion 35a of each bracket 35. The bracket 35 disposed above the horizontal frame member 22 is provided with the locking member 38 at the lower end of the vertically extending portion 35a. The bracket 35 disposed below the horizontal frame member 22 is provided with the locking member 38 at the upper end of the vertically extending portion 35a. The locking member 38 is formed in an L shape when viewed from the first direction Dw. Specifically, the locking member 38 integrally has a locking base portion 38a that protrudes and extends in the vertical direction Dv from the vertically extending portion 35a, and a locking claw 38b that protrudes from the locking base portion 38a toward the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, in the bracket 35P provided on the first panel member 30A and disposed above the horizontal frame member 22, the locking claw 38b is inserted into the locking hole 22h. Thereby, the movement of the bracket 35P and the panel body 31 (first panel member 30A) to which the bracket 35P is fixed in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw is restricted.

[0041] In the bracket 35Q provided on the second panel member 30B and disposed above the horizontal frame member 22, the locking base portion 38a is inserted into the locking groove 22m. Thereby, the movement of the bracket 35Q and the panel body 31 (panel member 30B) to which the bracket 35Q is fixed in the first direction Dw is restricted. Note that the movement of this bracket 35Q in the vertical direction Dv is restricted with respect to the bracket 35P facing in the second direction Dt by the connection between the connecting portion 36 and the connected portion 37. In this way, the lower ends of the brackets 35P and 35Q disposed above the horizontal frame member 22 are supported by the horizontal frame member 22 via the locking member 38.

[0042] In the bracket 35R provided on the first panel member 30A and disposed below the horizontal frame member 22, the locking claw 38b is inserted into the locking hole 22h. Thereby, the movement of the bracket 35R and the panel body 31 (first panel member 30A) to which the bracket 35R is fixed in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw is restricted.

[0043] In the bracket 35S provided on the second panel member 30B and disposed below the horizontal frame member 22, the locking base portion 38a is inserted into the locking groove 22m. Thereby, the movement of the bracket 35S and the panel body 31 (second panel member 30B) to which the bracket 35S is fixed in the first direction Dw is restricted. Note that the movement of this bracket 35S in the vertical direction Dv is restricted with respect to the bracket 35P facing in the second direction Dt by the connection between the connecting portion 36 and the connected portion 37. In this way, the lower ends of the brackets 35R and 35S disposed below the horizontal frame member 22 are supported by the horizontal frame member 22 via the locking member 38.

[0044] <Vertical connection structure of panel unit> FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a structure for connecting the panel units 10 vertically. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure for connecting a base leg 70 (see FIG. 17) to the lower side of the panel unit 10. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an upper connecting member 28 that constitutes the upper connecting portion 26 of the panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the panel unit 10 is configured to be connectable to other panel units 10 vertically. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the panel unit 10 is configured to be connectable to the base leg 70 on the lower side. Specifically, the support structure 20 includes a lower connecting portion 25 and an upper connecting portion 26.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper connecting portion 26 is provided at the upper end portion of the support structure 20. The upper connecting portion 26 is provided at the upper end portion 21t of the vertical frame member 21. The upper connecting portion 26 is configured such that the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 disposed above one panel unit 10 can be connected to the upper end portion 21t of the vertical frame member 21 in one panel unit 10. The upper connecting portion 26 includes an upper connecting member 28 and a restraining member 29.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, the upper connecting member 28 includes a first semi-cylindrical member 28A and a second semi-cylindrical member 28B. The first semi-cylindrical member 28A and the second semi-cylindrical member 28B are each formed in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction Dv. The first semi-cylindrical member 28A and the second semi-cylindrical member 28B are each arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the vertical frame member 21. The first semi-cylindrical member 28A and the second semi-cylindrical member 28B are arranged to face each other in the first direction Dw with the vertical frame member 21 interposed therebetween. By the first semi-cylindrical member 28A and the second semi-cylindrical member 28B, the upper connecting member 28 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction Dv as a whole.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a pair of flange portions 27 protruding on both sides in the second direction Dt are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper connecting member 28 (first half-cylindrical member 28A, second half-cylindrical member 28B). Each flange portion 27 extends in the vertical direction Dv. The flange portion 27 includes an upper flange portion 27A and a lower flange portion 27B that are formed with an interval in the vertical direction Dv.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, through holes 21h are formed in the vertical frame member 21 for mounting the upper connecting member 28. A plurality of through holes 21h are formed at appropriate intervals in the vertical direction Dv.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11, lower end locking claws 28t that can be locked to the through holes 21h of the vertical frame member 21 are formed at the lower ends of the upper connecting member 28 (first half-cylindrical member 28A, second half-cylindrical member 28B), respectively. A screw insertion hole 28h communicating with another through hole 21h is formed at the upper end of the first half-cylindrical member 28A in a state where the lower end locking claw 28t is locked to the through hole 21h. A boss 28b to be inserted into another through hole 21h is formed at the upper end of the second half-cylindrical member 28B in a state where the lower end locking claw 28t is locked to the through hole 21h. A female screw hole 28n is formed in the boss 28b.

[0050] The restraining member 29 fixes the upper connecting member 28 (first half-cylindrical member 28A, second half-cylindrical member 28B) to the vertical frame member 21. The restraining member 29 is, for example, a urea screw. The restraining member 29 is fastened to the female screw hole 28n formed in the boss 28b of the second half-cylindrical member 28B through the screw insertion hole 28h of the first half-cylindrical member 28A and the through hole 21h of the vertical frame member 21. The upper connecting member 28 is configured such that the position of the upper connecting member 28 in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the vertical frame member 21 can be changed by appropriately selecting the lower end locking claw 28t and the through hole 21h for locking or inserting the restraining member 29.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in each panel unit 10, a lower opening 30L and an upper opening 30K are formed between a pair of panel members 30. The lower opening 30L is formed between the lower end edges 30b (the lower sides of the panel outer edge portions 31g) of the pair of panel members 30 and between the lower brackets 35 (lateral extension portions 35b) facing each other in the first direction Dw. The lower opening 30L has a circular opening 30Lc and a slit-shaped opening Ls. The circular opening 30Lc is formed at the central portion in the first direction Dw and is circular when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. The circular opening 30Lc is formed at a position where the lower connecting portion 25 faces downward. The slit-shaped opening 30Ls extends from the circular opening 30Lc to both sides in the first direction Dw. The upper opening 30K is formed between the upper end edges 30t (the upper sides of the panel outer edge portions 31g) of the pair of panel members 30 and between the upper brackets 35 (lateral extension portions 35b) facing each other in the first direction Dw. The upper opening 30K has a circular opening 30Kc and a slit-shaped opening Ks. The circular opening 30Kc is formed at the central portion in the first direction Dw and is circular when viewed from the vertical direction Dv. The circular opening 30Kc is formed at a position where the upper connecting portion 26 faces upward. The slit-shaped opening 30Ks extends from the circular opening 30Lc to both sides in the first direction Dw.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper connecting member 28 is configured such that the position in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the vertical frame member 21 can be changed between the storage position P1 and the protruding position P2. As shown in FIG. 9, in the storage position P1, the upper connecting member 28 is located between the upper end edge 30t and the lower end edge 30b of the panel member 30 and is stored between the pair of panel members 30. In the storage position P1, the upper connecting member 28 is disposed below the upper end edge 30t of the panel member 30 and above the horizontal frame member 22.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, at the protruding position P2, the upper connecting member 28 protrudes upward from the upper end edge 30t of the panel material 30 through the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K. At the protruding position P2, the lower locking claws 28t of the first half-cylindrical member 28A and the second half-cylindrical member 28B are locked to the through holes 21h located at the upper end of the vertical frame member 21. At the protruding position P2, the lower flange portion 27B of the upper connecting member 28 is disposed below the upper end edges 30t of the pair of panel materials 30. At the protruding position P2, the upper portion of the upper connecting member 28 protruding upward from the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K is inserted downward into the circular opening 30Lc of the lower opening 30L of the other panel unit 10 above. At the protruding position P2, the upper flange portion 27A of the upper connecting member 28 is disposed above the lower end edges 30b of the pair of panel materials 30. Therefore, at the protruding position P2, the lower part of the upper connecting member 28 is sandwiched by the pair of panel materials 30 constituting the lower panel unit 10, and the upper part is sandwiched by the pair of panel materials 30 constituting the upper panel unit 10. In this state, the panel outer edge portion 31g located at the upper end edge 30t of the lower panel unit 10 and the panel outer edge portion 31g located at the lower end edge 30b of the upper panel unit 10 enter between the upper flange portion 27A and the lower flange portion 27B.

[0054] The lower connecting portion 25 is provided at the lower end portion 21b of the vertical frame member 21. The lower connecting portion 25 is configured to be insertable into the upper connecting portion 26 (see FIG. 9) of another panel unit 10 disposed below the panel unit 10 or the upper end portion 72t (see FIG. 10) of the base leg 70 installed on the installation surface F. A plurality of through holes 21h are formed in the vertical frame member 21 at intervals in the vertical direction Dv below the horizontal frame member 22 in the lower connecting portion 25.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, when connecting another panel unit 10 (the upper panel unit in FIGS. 9 and 11) above one panel unit 10 (the lower panel unit 10 in FIGS. 9 and 11), the lower end locking claws 28t of the first half cylinder member 28A and the second half cylinder member 28B of the upper connecting member 28 are locked to the through hole 21h at the upper end 21t in the vertical frame member 21 of the lower panel unit 10. Thereby, the upper connecting member 28 is disposed at a protruding position P2 protruding upward from the upper end edge 30t of the panel member 30 through the upper opening 30K. In this state, the lower connecting portion 25 (the lower end portion 21b of the vertical frame member 21) of the upper panel unit 10 is inserted between the first half cylinder member 28A and the second half cylinder member 28B of the upper connecting member 28 disposed at the protruding position P2. Further, a urethane nut as a restraining member 29 is fastened to the upper connecting member 28 and the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 located above. Thereby, another panel unit 10 is connected above one panel unit 10. At this time, when viewed from the upper panel unit 10, the upper connecting portion 26 of another panel unit 10 disposed below the panel unit 10 is connected to the lower connecting portion 25 of the upper panel unit 10.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when connecting the base leg 70 installed on the installation surface F below the panel unit 10, the lower connecting portion 25 of the panel unit 10 is inserted into the base leg connecting member 74 provided at the upper end portion 72t of the base leg 70. The base leg 70 has a base plate 71 disposed along the installation surface F and a base column 72 extending upward from the base plate 71. The base column 72 is provided with a base leg connecting member 74. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the base column 72. The base leg connecting member 74 is formed with a screw insertion hole through which a fastening member 75 such as a urethane nut is inserted and a female screw hole (not shown). The base leg connecting member 74 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction Dv, and the lower connecting portion 25 of the panel unit 10 is inserted inside thereof.

[0057] The lower connecting portion 25 of the panel unit 10, the connecting member 74 for the base leg, and the base support column 72 are connected by fastening a fastening member 75 to the female screw hole of the connecting member 74 for the base leg through the screw insertion hole of the connecting member 74 for the base leg, the through hole 21h of the lower connecting portion 25, and the through hole of the base support column 72.

[0058] <Connection of the Panel Unit in the First Direction> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration for connecting the panel units 10 in the first direction Dw. FIG. 13 is a view of the connecting member 40 used for connecting the panel units 10 as seen from the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction). FIG. 14 is a view of the connecting member 40 as seen from a direction intersecting the second direction Dt. As shown in FIG. 11, the panel unit 10 as described above is configured to be able to connect to another panel unit 10 adjacent in the first direction Dw. The panel unit 10 is connected to another panel unit 10 adjacent in the first direction Dw via a connecting member 40. In other words, in the panel units 10 adjacent in the first direction Dw, the end of the horizontal frame member 22 of the first panel unit 10P on one side in the first direction Dw and the end of the horizontal frame member 22 of the second panel unit 10Q on the other side in the first direction Dw are connected via the connecting member 40.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connecting member 40 includes a plate-shaped main body portion 41. The main body portion 41 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from its plate thickness direction (the second direction Dt in a state where the connecting member 40 is along the plate portion 23 of the horizontal frame member 22). When connecting the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q with the connecting member 40, the connecting member 40 abuts a member surface 40f facing one side in the second direction Dt of the main body portion 41 against the flat surface portion 23f (see FIG. 12) of the plate portion 23 of the first panel unit 10P and the flat surface portion 23f of the plate portion 23 of the second panel unit 10Q. The flat surface portion 23f faces the direction in which the flange portion 24 protrudes in the second direction Dt in each of the plate portion 23 of the first panel unit 10P and the plate portion 23 of the second panel unit 10Q, and is a surface intersecting the second direction Dt.

[0060] As will be described in detail later, the connecting member 40 engages with and disengages from the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q by rotating in the circumferential direction Dc about the rotation center 40c located at the center of the main body portion 41.

[0061] The connecting member 40 includes a first locking portion 45, a second locking portion 46, an outer peripheral extending portion 47, and a holding protrusion 48. The first locking portion 45 and the second locking portion 46 are formed on the member surface 41f side of the main body portion 41. The first locking portion 45 is formed, for example, in a plurality of concentric circles centered on the rotation center 40c with an interval in the circumferential direction Dc. In the present embodiment, four sets of the first locking portions 45 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0062] Each first locking portion 45 has a locking piece 45s. The locking piece 45s extends from the main body portion 41 toward one side in the circumferential direction Dc and extends in the second direction Dt. In the present embodiment, the locking piece 45s includes a standing portion 45a rising from the member surface 41f, a first arm portion 45b extending from the tip of the standing portion 45a along the member surface 41f in the first side Dc1 (clockwise direction in FIGS. 12 and 13) of the circumferential direction Dc, and an inclined portion 45c extending from the tip of the first arm portion 45b in a direction inclined away from the member surface 41f in the second direction Dt. The first arm portion 45b and the member surface 41f of the main body portion 41 are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the plate thickness of the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt. The first arm portion 45b is formed to be elastically deformable in the second direction Dt about the standing portion 45a.

[0063] The second locking portion 46 is formed inside in the radial direction with respect to the plurality of first locking portions 45 around the rotation center 40c. The second locking portions 46 are formed, for example, in two sets at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc. Each second locking portion 46 integrally has a second arm portion 46a that extends cantilevered from the central portion of the main body portion 41 toward the outside in the radial direction, and a protrusion 46b formed at the tip of the second arm portion 46a. The second arm portion 46a is formed in the same plane as the main body portion 41. The second arm portion 46a is formed to be elastically deformable in the second direction Dt starting from the base end portion.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, the outer peripheral extension portion 47 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the main body portion 41. The outer peripheral extension portions 47 are formed, for example, in four sets at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc. Each outer peripheral extension portion 47 extends from the outer peripheral edge portion 41s of the main body portion 41 in the tangential direction of the outer peripheral edge portion 41s as viewed from the second direction Dt. As shown in FIG. 14, the holding protrusions 48 are formed on the main body portion 41 on the side opposite to the member surface 41f. The holding protrusions 48 are formed, for example, in a pair of two at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc at the central portion of the main body portion 41. An operator can easily perform operations such as holding the connecting member 40 and pivoting operation around the rotation center 40c of the connecting member 40 by gripping the holding protrusions 48.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, on the support structure 20 of each panel unit 10, connecting member locking portions 50A and 50B to which the connecting member 40 can be locked are formed. The connecting member locking portions 50A and 50B are formed at both ends of the plate portion 23 in the first direction Dw. As shown in FIG. 12, the connecting member 40 is arranged so as to straddle both the connecting member locking portion 50A of the first panel unit 10P and the connecting member locking portion 50B of the second panel unit 10Q on the other side in the first direction Dw in the panel units 10 adjacent in the first direction Dw.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5, the connecting member locking portion 50A includes two first locked portions 51A and 51B, and two second locked portions 52A and 52B. Two of the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40 are locked to the two first locked portions 51A and 51B, which are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Dc. The two first locked portions 51A and 51B each penetrate the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction) and are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape with a curvature radius equal to the dimension between the rotation center 40c and the first locking portion 45. One of the first locked portions 51A opens at the side edge of the horizontal frame member 22. The two second locked portions 52A and 52B are formed inside the first locked portions 51A and 51B and penetrate the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt.

[0067] The connecting member locking portion 50B includes two first locked portions 51C and 51D, and two second locked portions 52C and 52D. The remaining two sets of the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40 (the first locking portions 45 other than the first locking portions 45 locked to the first locked portions 51A and 51B) are locked to the two first locked portions 51C and 51D. The two first locked portions 51C and 51D each penetrate the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction) and are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape with a curvature radius equal to the dimension between the rotation center 40c and the first locking portion 45. One of the first locked portions 51C opens at the side edge of the horizontal frame member 22. The two second locked portions 52C and 52D are formed inside the first locked portions 51C and 51D and penetrate the plate portion 23 in the plate thickness direction.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 12, the connecting member 40 locks four sets of first locking portions 45 to the first locked portions 51A and 51B of the first panel unit 10P and the first locked portions 51C and 51D of the second panel unit 10Q, respectively. For this purpose, the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40 are inserted along the second direction Dt inside the first locked portions 51A to 51D, and the member surface 41f of the connecting member 40 is brought into contact with the flat portion 23f. At this time, the second locking portion 46 is pushed into the second direction Dt as the protrusion 46b abuts against the flat portion 23f of the plate portion 23.

[0069] In this state, when the connecting member 40 is rotated with respect to the plate portion 23 to the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc, a portion of the plate portion 23 that is located on the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc with respect to the first locked portions 51A to 51D is inserted between the first arm portion 45b of each first locking portion 45 and the member surface 41f. When the connecting member 40 is further rotated and the standing portion 45a of each first locking portion 45 abuts against the end portion 51e on the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc of the first locked portions 51A to 51D, each first locking portion 45 is locked to the first locked portions 51A to 51D. As a result, the rotation of the connecting member 40 to the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc with respect to the plate portion 23 is restricted. At this time, the outer surfaces 47s of two of the outer peripheral extension portions 47 of the outer peripheral extension portion 47 abut against the flange portion 24 of the horizontal frame member 22. This also restricts the rotation of the connecting member 40 to the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc with respect to the plate portion 23.

[0070] When the connecting member 40 is rotated in the circumferential direction Dc, the protrusion 46b of the second locking portion 46 contacts the member surface 41f. When the standing portion 45a of each first locking portion 45 abuts against the end 51e on the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc of the first locked portions 51A to 51D, the protrusions 46b of the second locking portions 46 face the second locked portions 52A and 52C in the second direction Dt. As a result, the second locking portion 46 is restored and deformed, so that the protrusion 46b fits into the second locked portions 52A and 52C. In this way, with each first locking portion 45 locked to the first locked portions 51A to 51D, each second locking portion 46 is locked to each second locked portion 52, thereby restricting the rotation of the connecting member 40 in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0071] In this way, the connecting member 40 is connected to the plate portion 23 of the support structure 20 between the pair of panel members 30 with respect to each of the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q. Also, in a state where the locking between each second locking portion 46 and each second locked portion 52 is released, if the connecting member 40 is rotated in the second side Dc2 (counterclockwise direction in FIGS. 12 and 13) of the circumferential direction Dc with respect to the plate portion 23, the engagement state between each first locking portion 45 and the first locked portions 51A to 51D, and the engagement state between each second locking portion 46 and the second locked portions 52A and 52C are released.

[0072] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a closing member 80 provided in the panel unit 10. FIG. 16 is a front view showing the closing member 80. As shown in FIG. 15, the panel unit 10 includes a closing member 80 that can close the upper opening 30K. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the closing member 80 integrally has a closing portion 81 and a boss portion 82. The closing portion 81 integrally has a first closing portion 81a that closes the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K, and second closing portions 81b that extend from the first closing portion 81a to both sides in the first direction Dw and close the slit-shaped openings 30Ks of the upper opening 30K. The boss portion 82 is inserted into the upper opening 30K when the closing member 80 is attached to the upper opening 30K.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5, the above-described connecting member 40 and the closing member 80 can be accommodated in the panel unit 10 when not in use. The connecting member 40 and the closing member 80 are attached to the support structure 20 when not in use. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the support structure 20 includes a connecting member holding portion 91 and a closing member holding portion 92 in a portion covered with the panel material 30 (a portion overlapping the panel material 30 when viewed from the second direction Dt). The connecting member holding portion 91 and the closing member holding portion 92 are formed in the plate portion 23 of the horizontal frame member 22. The connecting member holding portion 91 and the closing member holding portion 92 are respectively formed on both sides in the first direction Dw with the vertical frame member 21 interposed therebetween.

[0074] The connecting member holding portion 91 has a first holding hole 91a into which the first locking portion 45 of the connecting member 40 can be locked, and a second holding hole 91b into which the second locking portion 46 can be locked. The connecting member holding portion 91 can lock the connecting member 40 to the first holding hole 91a and the second holding hole 91b by rotating the connecting member 40 to the first side Dc1 (see FIG. 13) in the circumferential direction Dc in the same manner as when the connecting member 40 is attached to the connecting member locking portions 50A and 50B. Further, the connecting member holding portion 91 can release the locking of the first locking portion 45 and the second locking portion 46 of the connecting member 40 to the first holding hole 91a and the second holding hole 91b by rotating to the second side Dc2 (see FIG. 13) in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0075] The closing member holding portion 92 is formed at the center of the connecting member holding portion 91. The closing member holding portion 92 detachably attaches the closing member 80 when not in use by fitting the boss portion 82 of the closing member 80.

[0076] <Partition device> By using one or a plurality of the above-described panel units 10, partition devices in various forms can be configured. FIG. 17 is a view showing a partition device 1C configured using the above panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 17, the partition device 1C is configured by stacking a plurality of panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv and connecting them in a plurality of rows in the first direction Dw on a base leg 70 installed on the installation surface F. In this embodiment, a total of nine panel units 10, arranged in three rows in the first direction Dw and three levels vertically, are connected.

[0077] Here, the panel unit 10S arranged in the row on one side of the first direction Dw and the panel unit 10T arranged in the row on the other side of the first direction Dw are each connected to the vertical frame members 21 of the support structure 20 by the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 as described above. Here, the number of panel units 10 stacked vertically is not limited to three and can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

[0078] Each panel unit 10M in each stage arranged in the central row of the first direction Dw is connected to the panel units 10S and 10T on both sides of the first direction Dw as follows. The horizontal frame members (connection beams 22M) of each stage of the panel units 10M in the vertical direction Dv arranged in the central row of the first direction Dw are connected to the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel unit 10S in the row on one side of the first direction Dw located in the same stage in the vertical direction Dv and the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel unit 10T in the row on the other side of the first direction Dw by the connecting member 40. That is, each panel unit 10M is bridged in the first direction Dw between the panel unit 10S and the panel unit 10T. Therefore, the panel units 10M adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Dv are not connected.

[0079] In each stage, one end portion 40s of the connecting member 40 is connected to the side end portion of the connection beam 22M between the pair of closing panels 30M of the panel unit 10M, and the other end portion 40t of the connecting member 40 is connected to the end portion of the support structure 20 between the pair of panel members 30 of each of the panel units 10S and T.

[0080] That is, in the panel unit 10M disposed between the pair of panel units 10S and 10T, the connection beam 22M of the support structure 20M is disposed at the middle part in the vertical direction Dv in the panel unit 10 and extends in the first direction Dw. Both ends of the connection beam 22M in the first direction Dw are connected to the horizontal frame members 22 of the pair of panel units 10S and 10T via the connecting members 40, respectively. In the present embodiment, the middle part in the vertical direction Dv is, similar to the relationship between the vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 described above, a part of the panel material 30 excluding the parts protruding to both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the horizontal frame member 22. For example, it is preferably a part excluding the 1 / 4 regions located on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the total length of the panel material 30, and more preferably a region of about 1 / 3 located at the center among the three equal parts of the total length of the panel material 30 in the illustrated example.

[0081] Here, for the panel unit 10M disposed between the pair of panel units 10S and 10T, for example, the panel unit 10 shown in FIG. 3 is used. In the panel unit 10M, the vertical frame member 21 of the panel unit 10 functions as the vertical beam 21M, the horizontal frame member 22 functions as the connection beam 22M, the bracket 35 functions as the outer peripheral bracket 35M, and the panel material 30 functions as the closing panel 30M. That is, the connection beam 22M (horizontal frame member 22) is plate-shaped, with the second direction Dt as the thickness direction, and extends in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw. The upper end portion 21t and the lower end portion 21b of the vertical beam 21M (vertical frame member 21) may be sandwiched between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M (panel material 30) at the portions of the upper opening 30K and the lower opening 30L. The connection beam 22M is sandwiched in a state where the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M (panel material 30) are close to or in contact with each other. The panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of closing panels 30M protrude in a direction approaching each other in the second direction Dt. Further, the outer peripheral bracket 35M (bracket 35) of the closing panel 30M on one side in the second direction Dt and the outer peripheral bracket 35M of the closing panel 30M on the other side in the second direction Dt are connected at a position where they do not overlap with the connecting beam 22M when viewed from the second direction Dt. In this way, the panel unit 10M is provided between a pair of panel units 10S and 10T. Note that, in the central row in the first direction Dw, an auxiliary leg 79 installed on the installation surface F may be provided below the panel unit 10M arranged at the lowermost stage.

[0082] FIG. 18 is a view showing the partition device 1D configured using the panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 18, in the partition device 1D, with respect to the partition device 1C shown in FIG. 17, in the central row in the first direction Dw among the panel units 10 arranged in three rows in the first direction Dw, an opening V is provided at the second stage in the vertical direction Dv. Such a partition device 1D can also be realized, for example, by sequentially removing the connecting member 40 and the connecting beam 22M after removing the closing panel 30M of the panel unit 10M at the second stage in the central row in the first direction Dw from the partition device 1D shown in FIG. 17.

[0083] To assemble the partition devices 1C and 1D as described above, in each of the panel units 10 and 10M, with the panel materials 30 and 30M removed, connection is performed using the connecting member 40 of the panel units 10 and 10M adjacent to each other in the first direction Dw, and connection is performed using the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 of the upper and lower panel units 10. Thereafter, the pair of panel materials 30 and 30M are connected by coupling the brackets 35. At this time, the connection of the panel units 10 and 10M adjacent in the first direction Dw is executed by rotating the connection member 40. Also, the connection using the lower connection portions 25 and the upper connection portions 26 between the upper and lower panel units 10 is performed by locking the upper connection portion 26 to the vertical frame member 21 and tightening the restraint member 29 using a urea screw. Further, the pair of panel members 30 and 30M are connected by coupling the brackets 35. Therefore, the assembly of each panel unit 10 and 10M and the connection work between the panel units 10 and 10M can be easily performed manually without tools.

[0084] Also, when removing the panel units 10 and 10M or changing the combination of the panel units 10 and 10M, the operation reverse to the above-described assembly method is performed. That is, first, for the panel units 10 and 10M (target panel units 10) to be removed and the panel units 10 and 10M (connected panel units 10) connected to the target panel units 10 and 10M, the connection between the pair of panel members 30 via the brackets 35 is released to expose the support structure 20. Next, between the support structures 20 of the target panel unit 10 and the connected panel unit 10, the connection by the connection member 40 or the connection by the upper connection portion 26 (lower connection portion 25) is released. Thereby, the support structure 20 of the target panel unit 10 can be removed from the support structure 20 of the connected panel unit 10.

[0085] As described above, in the partition devices 1C and 1D of the present embodiment, a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged at intervals in the first direction Dw, and an intermediate portion in the vertical direction Dv of the pair of panel units 10S and 10T, and both ends are respectively connected to the pair of panel units 10S and 10T. And a pair of closing panels 30M arranged on both sides in the second direction Dt with respect to the connection beam 22M and sandwiching the connection beam 22M. According to such a configuration, after connecting a pair of panel units 10S and 10T to each other with a connection beam 22M, the connection beam 22M is covered with a closing panel 30M. Therefore, compared with the case of connecting all of the plurality of panel units 10S and 10T to each other with the same structure, it is possible to reduce the sense of thickness and occlusion, and to improve the degree of freedom in the combination of the panel units 10S and 10T. Thus, while giving a sense of lightness to the user, it is possible to partition the indoor space and to improve the degree of freedom in the combination of the panel units 10S and 10T. Further, between a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged at intervals in the first direction Dw, a connection beam 22M and a pair of closing panels 30M sandwiching the connection beam 22M are provided. That is, the space between a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged at intervals in the first direction Dw is closed by the closing panels 30M. The pair of closing panels 30M can be supported by a connection beam 22M arranged between the pair of closing panels 30M. Both end portions of the connection beam 22M in the first direction Dw are connected to a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged on both sides in the first direction Dw. Therefore, it is possible to firmly provide the closing panels 30M between the pair of panel units 10S and 10T. The connection beam 22M is supported by a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged on both sides in the first direction Dw. Thereby, in order to close the space between a pair of panel units 10S and 10T arranged at intervals in the first direction Dw with a pair of closing panels 30M, the connection beam 22M may be provided by bridging between the pair of panel units 10S and 10T. Therefore, while firmly connecting a plurality of panel units 10 to each other, it is possible to simplify the structure, reduce the cost, reduce the weight, and facilitate the assembly.

[0086] In the present embodiment, each of the pair of panel units 10S and 10T includes a pair of panel members 30 and a support structure 20 sandwiched between the pair of panel members 30, and side end portions of the connection beam 22M are each connected to an end portion of the support structure 20 in the first direction Dw via a connecting member 40. According to such a configuration, for the connection beam 22M and the pair of closing panels 30M, the panel units 10S and 10T arranged on both sides in the second direction Dt each include a pair of panel bodies and a support structure 20 sandwiched between the pair of panel members 30. By connecting the side end portions on both sides in the first direction Dw of the connection beam 22M to the support structures 20 of the pair of panel units 10S and 10T on both sides in the first direction Dw, the connection beam 22M is firmly supported. Further, the connection beam 22M may be connected to the support structure 20 via the connecting member 40, and the connection work of the connection beam 22M can be easily performed.

[0087] In this embodiment, one end portion of the connecting member 40 is connected to the side end portion of the connection beam 22M between the pair of panel members 30, and the other end portion of the connecting member 40 is connected to the end portion of the support structure 20 between the pair of panel members 30. According to such a configuration, the connecting member 40 is connected to the pair of panel members 30 and between the pair of panel members 30, to the connection beam 22M and the support structure 20, so that the exposure of the connecting member 40 to the outside is suppressed.

[0088] In this embodiment, the connection beam 22M is configured to be plate-shaped extending in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw with the second direction Dt as the thickness direction. According to such a configuration, by making the connection beam 22M plate-shaped, the closing panels 30M arranged on both sides of the connection beam 22M can be stably held.

[0089] In this embodiment, a vertical beam 21M intersecting the connection beam 22M and extending in the vertical direction Dv is provided, and the upper end portion 21t and the lower end portion 21b of the vertical beam 21M are sandwiched between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M. According to such a configuration, by sandwiching the upper end portion 21t and the lower end portion 21b of the vertical beam 21M between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M, the vertical beam 21M and the connection beam 22M are stably and firmly supported between the pair of closing panels 30M. Thereby, the pair of closing panels 30M can be supported more stably and firmly.

[0090] In the present embodiment, among the pair of panel units 10S and 10T, the first panel unit 10S located on one side in the first direction Dw and the second panel unit 10T located on the other side in the first direction Dw are connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction Dv, and the connection beam 22M and the closing panel 30M are provided between the first panel unit 10S and the second panel unit 10T in each stage. According to such a configuration, even when the first panel unit 10S located on one side in the first direction Dw and the second panel unit 10T located on the other side in the first direction Dw are connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction Dv, by providing the connection beam 22M and the closing panel 30M between the first panel unit 10S and the second panel unit 10T in each stage, while firmly connecting the plurality of panel units 10S and 10T to each other, the effects of simplifying the structure, reducing the cost, reducing the weight, and facilitating the assembly become more remarkable.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the closing panel 30M is configured to sandwich the connection beam 22M in a state where the outer peripheral portions of the closing panel 30M are close to or in contact with each other at a position not overlapping the connection beam 22M when viewed from the second direction Dt. According to such a configuration, the pair of closing panels 30M are close to or in contact with each other at the outer peripheral portions at a position not overlapping the connection beam 22M when viewed from the second direction Dt. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the connection beam 22M from being exposed outward from between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M, and the appearance can be improved.

[0092] In this embodiment, the closing panel 30M includes a plate-shaped panel body 31 and an outer peripheral bracket 35M. The outer peripheral brackets 35M of the closing panel 30M on one side in the second direction Dt and the outer peripheral brackets 35M of the closing panel 30M on the other side in the second direction Dt are connected at positions where they do not overlap with the connection beam 22M when viewed from the second direction Dt. According to such a configuration, by connecting the outer peripheral brackets 35M of the closing panel 30M on one side and the outer peripheral brackets 35M of the closing panel 30M on the other side, the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M are in contact with each other, and the connection beam 22M is sandwiched therebetween. Further, since the outer peripheral brackets 35M are arranged at the outer peripheral portions of the closing panel 30M, the outer peripheral brackets 35M can suppress the connection beam 22M sandwiched between the pair of closing panels 30M from being exposed outward. Furthermore, by fixing the outer peripheral brackets 35M to the panel body 31, the panel body 31 can be reinforced.

[0093] In this embodiment, the closing panel 30M includes an opposing portion 31f facing the connection beam 22M in the second direction Dt and a panel outer edge portion 31g formed at the outer peripheral portion of the opposing portion 31f. The panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of closing panels 30M are configured to project in a direction approaching each other in the second direction Dt. According to such a configuration, the panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of closing panels 30M project in a direction approaching each other and surround the periphery of the connection beam 22M, so that the panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of closing panels 30M are close to or in contact with each other. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the connection beam 22M from being exposed outward from between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels 30M. In addition, the unity of the pair of closing panels 30M is enhanced, and the appearance is also improved in this regard.

[0094] (Other embodiments) The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description and is limited only by the appended claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the partition devices 1C and 1D, the panel units 10M located at the center in the first direction Dw may have different structures, shapes, dimensions, etc. from the panel units 10S and 10T located on both sides in the first direction Dw. For example, in each panel unit 10M located at the center in the first direction Dw, although the vertical beam 21M (vertical frame member 21) is provided, the vertical beam 21M may be omitted. Also, for example, in each panel unit 10M located at the center in the first direction Dw, the height of the closing panel 30M may be equal to the height of the connection beam 22M at the middle part in the vertical direction Dv.

[0095] In the above-described embodiment, in the partition devices 1C and 1D, the panel units 10 are applied to the panel units 10S and 10T located on both sides in the first direction Dw. However, for the panel units 10S and 10T located on both sides in the first direction Dw, any other configuration may be used as long as the both ends of the connection beam 22M can be connected.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the central one row of the panel units arranged in three rows in the first direction Dw functions as a connection beam and a closing panel has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Among the panel units arranged in four or more rows in the first direction Dw, two or more central rows may function as a connection beam and a closing panel.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the panel unit is removed at the central part in the vertical direction Dv among the panel units arranged in the vertical direction Dv to form the opening V has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The opening V may be formed by removing the uppermost or lowermost panel unit among the panel units arranged in the vertical direction Dv. Further, the opening V may be formed to be continuous over a plurality of stages in the vertical direction Dv. In the partition device, the configuration of the present invention may be established among three rows arranged in the first direction Dw. For example, in a partition device in which panel units of four or more rows are arranged in the first direction Dw, the openings V may be alternately formed in the vertical direction Dv between the rows of the panel units 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction Dw. That is, a configuration in which panel units functioning as the first panel unit, connection beams, and panel units functioning as closing panels are mixed in the same row in the vertical direction Dv may be adopted.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the horizontal frame member 22 and the connection beam 22M are arranged at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the vertical frame member 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the horizontal frame member 22 and the connection beam 22M may be arranged at the upper end portion in the vertical direction Dv of the vertical frame member 21 to form the support structure 20 in a T shape. Further, a plurality of the horizontal frame members 22 and the connection beams 22M may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the vertical frame member 21. When a plurality of the horizontal frame members 22 and the connection beams 22M are provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv, auxiliary frame members (not shown) that connect the plurality of horizontal frame members 22 extending in the vertical direction Dv may be provided on both sides of the vertical frame member 21 in the first direction Dw. In this case, it is preferable that the length of the auxiliary frame member in the vertical direction Dv is smaller than that of the vertical frame member 21 and does not protrude in the vertical direction Dv more than the pair of panel members 30.

[0099] In the above-described embodiments, the configurations of the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 have been described. However, as long as the connection between the support structures 20 of the panel units 10 positioned vertically above and below each other and the connection between the support structure 20 of the panel unit 10 and the base leg 70 can be performed, the configuration can be appropriately changed. Further, in the panel units 10 arranged in a plurality of stacked stages vertically, the vertical frame member 21 may be a long member extending in the vertical direction Dv and spanning a plurality of stages of panel units 10. In this case, a plurality of horizontal frame members 22 corresponding to each panel unit 10 may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the vertical frame member 21.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, the panel material 30 is configured to include the panel body 31 and the bracket 35. However, the panel body 31 and the bracket 35 may be integrally formed of, for example, a resin-based material or the like.

[0101] In the above-described embodiments, in the portion where the bracket 35 is provided, the bracket edge portion 35g is sandwiched between the outer panel edges 31g of the pair of panel bodies 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a configuration in which the bracket edge portion 35g is omitted, the outer panel edges 31g may be close to each other on the outer peripheral portions of the pair of panel materials 30.

[0102] In the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the panel materials 30 are connected to each other has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The panel materials 30 may be configured to be separately supported by the support structure 20.

[0103] In the above-described embodiments, the case where the vertical frame member 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and the horizontal frame member 22 is formed in a plate shape has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Both the vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 may be formed in a cylindrical shape or a plate shape. In the above-described embodiment, the upper connecting portion 26 is configured to connect the vertical frame members 21 of the panel units 10 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Dv via the semi-divided upper connecting member 28. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The vertical frame members 21 of the panel units 10 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Dv may be connected via a cylindrical upper connecting member 28, or the vertical frame members 21 may be connected by screwing or press-fitting them together. In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, it is possible as appropriate to replace the constituent elements in the above-described embodiment with well-known constituent elements, and the above-described various modification examples may also be combined as appropriate.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0104] Partition device between 1C and 1D Panel units 10, 10S, 10T Support structure 20 Vertical beam 21M Lower end portion 21b Upper end portion 21t Connection beam 22M Panel material 30 First panel material (panel material) 30A Second panel material (panel material) 30B Blocking panel 30M Panel body 31 Opposing portion 31f Panel outer edge portion 31g Outer peripheral bracket 35M Connecting member 40 One end portion 40s Other end portion 40t Second direction Dt Vertical direction Dv First direction Dw Installation surface F

Claims

1. A partition device that is installed on an installation surface facing upward and partitions an indoor space formed above the installation surface, comprising: A pair of panel units arranged at intervals in a first direction along the installation surface; A connecting beam disposed at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the pair of panel units, extending in the first direction, and both ends thereof being connected to the pair of panel units respectively; A pair of closing panels disposed on both sides in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction, and sandwiching the connecting beam; The closing panel sandwiches the connecting beam in a state where the outer peripheral portions of the closing panel are close to or in contact with each other at a position not overlapping the connecting beam when viewed from the second direction.

2. Each of the pair of panel units comprises: A pair of panel members disposed on both sides in the second direction; A support structure sandwiched between the pair of panel members; Both side end portions of the connecting beam in the first direction are respectively connected to the end portions of the support structure in the first direction via connecting members. The partition device according to Claim 1.

3. One end portion of the connecting member is connected to the side end portion of the connecting beam between the pair of closing panels; The other end portion of the connecting member is connected to the end portion of the support structure between the pair of panel members. The partition device according to Claim 2.

4. The connecting beam is plate-shaped, extending in the vertical direction and the first direction with the second direction as the thickness direction. The partition device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Comprising a vertical beam extending in the vertical direction and intersecting the connecting beam; The upper end portion and the lower end portion of the vertical beam are sandwiched between the outer peripheral portions of the pair of closing panels. The partition device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. Comprising a plurality of sets of the pair of panel units in the vertical direction; Among the plurality of sets of panel units, a first panel unit located on one side in the first direction and a second panel unit located on the other side in the first direction of the pair of panel units are respectively connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction; The connecting beam and the closing panel are provided between the first panel units and between the second panel units in each stage. The partition device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5.

7. The closing panel includes: a plate-shaped panel body; and an outer peripheral bracket disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the closing panel and fixed to the panel body, wherein the outer peripheral brackets of the closing panel on one side in the second direction and the outer peripheral brackets of the closing panel on the other side in the second direction are connected at positions where they do not overlap with the connection beam when viewed from the second direction. The partition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A partition device installed on an installation surface facing upward and partitioning an indoor space formed above the installation surface, comprising: a pair of panel units arranged at intervals in a first direction along the installation surface; a connection beam disposed at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the pair of panel units, extending in the first direction, and having both ends connected to the pair of panel units respectively; a pair of closing panels disposed on both sides in a second direction intersecting the first direction when viewed from the vertical direction with respect to the connection beam and sandwiching the connection beam; wherein the closing panel includes: an opposing portion facing the connection beam in the second direction; and a panel outer edge portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the opposing portion, wherein the panel outer edge portions of the pair of closing panels protrude in a direction approaching each other in the second direction. The partition device.

9. The partition device according to claim 1 or 8, further comprising a plurality of sets of the pair of panel units in the vertical direction, wherein the plurality of sets of panel units are configured such that a first panel unit located on one side in the first direction and a second panel unit located on the other side in the first direction among the pair of panel units are connected in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction, wherein the connection beam and the closing panel are provided between the first panel units and the second panel units of any stage among the plurality of stages of the first panel units and the second panel units, and an opening penetrating the partition device in the second direction is formed between the first panel units and the second panel units of other stages among the plurality of stages of the first panel units and the second panel units without arranging the connection beam and the closing panel.

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