Connected mat

Abstract

To provide a connection type mat capable of being firmly connected to another mat arranged next to it and yet facilitating the connection work.SOLUTION: In a connection type mat 1 having a structure that can be connected to an edge of another mat 1 arranged next to it, the edge of the mat 1 is provided with an upper overlapping portion 2 for overlapping an upper edge of the other mat 1 and a lower overlapping portion 3 for overlapping a lower edge of the other mat 1. An upward projection 4 protruding upward from an upper surface is provided on the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion 3, and a downward recesses 5 having a shape that can be fitted into the upward projection 4 is provided on a lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 2. By fitting the upward projections 4 into the downward recesses 5 of the other mat 1, it can be connected to the other mat 1. An outer portion of an upper end face of the upward projection 4 is formed as an inclined surface α1 that becomes higher toward the inner side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connectable mat having a structure connectable to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In various workplaces such as factories and warehouses, rubber mats are laid on the floor surface in order to make it difficult for workers to slip and to enhance the sound insulation effect. In such applications, rubber mats of 3 feet (about 90 cm) × 6 feet (about 180 cm) (referred to as "subblock plates" from their dimensions) are often laid. However, since the subblock plates are large in size, they have the drawback that their transportation, storage, and laying are difficult.

[0003] In this regard, as mats laid on the floor surface such as in the interior of ordinary houses, connectable mats having a structure connectable to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto are sold. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mat 16 in which convex portions 20 and concave portions 22 are repeatedly formed at the edges as shown in FIG. 1 of the same document. As shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, the mat of Patent Document 1 can be connected to another mat by fitting the convex portion 20 into the concave portion 22 of another mat arranged adjacent thereto.

[0004] However, the connectable mat such as that of Patent Document 1 has the drawback that the connection is easily disengaged. That is, when walking, a force is applied to the landing surface from the landing foot (front foot) in the walking direction (travel direction), while a force in the direction opposite to the walking direction is applied to the landing surface from the kicking foot (rear foot). Therefore, when the mat on which the front foot has landed is different from the mat on which the rear foot is kicking, forces in opposite directions are applied to each of them. In other words, forces in a direction to pull them apart are applied to those mats. Due to this force, the fitting of the convex portion and the concave portion connecting those mats becomes shallow, and as a result, there is a risk that the fitting of the convex portion and the concave portion is completely disengaged.

[0005] In view of such a situation, the applicant of the present application has proposed a connected mat shown in Patent Document 2. In the mat of Patent Document 2, as shown in FIG. 1 of the same document, a plurality of convex portions A and a plurality of concave portions B are periodically provided on one side of the mat. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of Patent Document 2, the mat of Patent Document 2 covers, from above, a mat that has been turned over so that the convex portions A face downward in a state of straddling two or more of a plurality of mats laid flat on the floor surface or the like with the convex portions A facing upward. At the same time, the convex portions A of the lower mat (the mat laid flat on the floor surface or the like with the convex portions A facing upward) are fitted into the concave portions B of the upper mat (the mat turned over so that the convex portions A face downward), and the convex portions A of the upper mat are fitted into the concave portions B of the lower mat, thereby connecting a plurality of mats.

[0006] In the mat of Patent Document 2, the fitting between the convex portion and the concave portion does not come off unless the upper mat is lifted with respect to the lower mat. For this reason, even when walking on its upper surface, the connection of the mats is less likely to come off. However, when constructing the mat of Patent Document 2, in addition to the need to turn the mat upside down, it is necessary to work while adjusting the orientation and position of the mat so that the convex portions of the lower mat enter the concave portions of the upper mat. For this reason, it was necessary to hold the mat in the hand and bend down to work. Therefore, labor was required during construction. Also, the physical burden of the construction work was large.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a connectable mat that can be firmly connected to other mats arranged adjacent thereto while enabling the connection work to be easily performed. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing such a connectable mat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The above problems are A connectable mat having a structure connectable to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto, On the edge of the mat, an upper overlapping portion for overlapping on the upper side of the edge of the other mat and a lower overlapping portion for overlapping on the lower side of the edge of the other mat are provided, On the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion, an upward convex portion protruding upward from the upper surface is provided, On the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion, a downward concave portion having a shape that can be fitted to the upward convex portion is provided, By fitting the upward convex portion into the downward concave portion of the other mat, it can be connected to the other mat, and The outer portion on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion is an inclined surface that becomes higher as it goes inward (toward the center of the mat), A connectable mat characterized by this is solved by providing.

[0010] As described above, by adopting a structure in which the upward convex portion and the downward concave portion are fitted in the vertical direction, even when a horizontally reverse force is applied to each of the mutually connected mats, the fitting can be prevented from coming off. Therefore, adjacent mats can be firmly connected.

[0011] In addition, by making the outer portion on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion an inclined surface that becomes higher as it goes inward, it becomes possible to fit the upward convex portion of one mat into the downward concave portion of the other mat without lifting the mat by hand. Therefore, the mats can be connected mainly using the feet as in the following procedures 1 to 4. [Step 1] Place one mat on the floor surface. [Step 2] Place another mat on the floor surface near the one mat. [Step 3] While kicking the other mat with your foot, move it closer to the one mat. [Step 4] When the edge of the one mat coincides with the edge of the other mat, step on that part with your foot, and fit the upward convex part of the one mat into the downward concave part of the other mat, and at the same time, fit the upward convex part of the other mat into the downward concave part of the one mat.

[0012] More specifically, in the above Step 3, when moving the other mat closer to the one mat, where the upper overlapping part of the other mat hits against the side of the upward convex part of the one mat, like the mat of the present invention, by making the outer part on the upper end surface of the upward convex part into an inclined surface that gets higher as it goes inward, the upper overlapping part of the other mat can be pushed up by that inclined surface and the upper overlapping part can be placed on the upper end surface of the upward convex part of the one mat. In other words, the inclined surface provided on the convex part can guide the upper overlapping part of the other mat to be pushed up. In the following, this inclined surface provided on the outer part of the upper end surface of the upward convex part may be referred to as the "first inclined surface". Also, among the mats of the present invention, the one having the mode of providing an upward convex part on the lower overlapping part and a downward concave part on the upper overlapping part as described above may be referred to as an "upward convex part type mat".

[0013] In the upward convex part type mat, it is also preferable to make the outer part on the lower surface of the upper overlapping part into an inclined surface (hereinafter, this inclined surface may be referred to as the "second inclined surface") that gets higher as it goes outward (the side away from the center of the mat). Thereby, in the above Step 3, when the upper overlapping part of the other mat hits against the side of the upward convex part of the one mat, the first inclined surface in the convex part of the one mat can be brought into contact with the second inclined surface in the upper overlapping part of the other mat, and the upper overlapping part of the other mat can be made more easily pushed up.

[0014] In the mat of the upward convex part type mat, The upper overlapping part and the lower overlapping part are formed to protrude outward from the edge of the mat, an inward concave portion for fitting the upper overlapping part of the other mat from the outside is provided above the lower overlapping part at the edge of the mat, and as the portion (hereinafter referred to as "upper overlapping part protruding part") protruding outward from the edge of the mat in the upper overlapping part becomes closer to the tip side, the pair of side surfaces of the upper overlapping part protruding part are inclined so as to become narrower, as the inward concave portion becomes closer to the back side, the pair of inner side surfaces of the inward concave portion are inclined so as to become narrower is also preferable.

[0015] Thereby, in the above-mentioned step 3, when bringing the other mat closer to one mat, it becomes easier to position the other mat with respect to one mat. That is, when bringing the other mat closer to one mat, the upper overlapping part of the other mat enters from the outside into the inward concave portion of one mat, and the side surface of the upper overlapping part of the other mat comes into contact with the inner side surface of the inward concave portion of one mat. By inclining the pair of side surfaces of the upper overlapping part and the pair of inner side surfaces of the inward concave portion as described above, the other mat can be naturally guided to a position where the upward convex part of one mat and the downward concave part of the other mat overlap vertically. Therefore, the connection work of the mats can be performed more easily.

[0016] So far, the mode in which the upward convex part is provided in the lower overlapping part and the downward concave part is provided in the upper overlapping part has been described, but this vertical relationship can also be reversed. That is, the above problem is a connecting type mat having a structure connectable to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto, an upper overlapping part for overlapping on the upper side of the edge of the other mat and a lower overlapping part for overlapping on the lower side of the edge of the other mat are provided at the edge of the mat, a downward convex part protruding downward from the lower surface is provided on the lower surface of the upper overlapping part, an upward concave part having a shape capable of fitting into the downward convex part is provided on the upper surface of the lower overlapping part, By fitting the downward convex portion into the upward concave portion of the other mat, it can be connected to the other mat, and The outer portion on the lower end surface of the downward convex portion is an inclined surface that becomes lower as it goes inward (toward the center of the mat). A connecting type mat characterized by this. This is also solved by providing it. Among the mats of the present invention, as described above, a mat having a downward convex portion provided in the upper overlapping portion and an upward concave portion provided in the lower overlapping portion may be referred to as a "downward convex portion type mat".

[0017] In this downward convex portion type mat, in the above-mentioned step 3, when bringing another mat closer to one mat, when the lower overlapping portion of the other mat hits against the side of the downward convex portion of one mat, by making the outer portion on the lower end surface of the downward convex portion an inclined surface that becomes lower as it goes inward, the upper overlapping portion of one mat can be moved so as to be pushed up by the inclined surface, and the lower end surface of the downward convex portion of one mat can be placed on the lower overlapping portion.

[0018] In the downward convex portion type mat as well, a configuration corresponding to the second inclined surface in the upward convex portion type mat can be adopted. That is, the outer portion on the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion can be an inclined surface that becomes lower as it goes outward.

[0019] Also, a configuration corresponding to the inward concave portion in the upward convex portion type mat can be adopted in the downward convex portion type mat. That is, The upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion are formed to protrude outward from the edge of the mat, An inward concave portion for fitting the lower overlapping portion of the other mat from the outside is provided below the upper overlapping portion at the edge of the mat, and The pair of side surfaces of the protruding portion of the lower overlapping portion from the edge of the mat in the lower overlapping portion (hereinafter referred to as the "protruding portion of the lower overlapping portion") are inclined so that the width becomes narrower as it goes toward the tip side. Incline a pair of inner surfaces of the inward concave-convex part so that the width becomes narrower as the inward concave part goes deeper. This can be done.

[0020] In the mat of the present invention (an upward convex part type mat and a downward convex part type mat), it is preferable to provide an anti-slip area on the upper surface thereof, which is composed of a plurality of convex strips arranged substantially in parallel. Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult for a person walking on the upper surface of the mat or a vehicle running on the upper surface of the mat to slip. In this case, it is preferable to provide a plurality of anti-slip areas with different directions of the convex strips on the upper surface of the mat. Specifically, it is preferable to provide a first anti-slip area in which a plurality of convex strips extending in one direction are arranged substantially in parallel, and a second anti-slip area in which a plurality of convex strips extending in another direction non-parallel to the one direction are arranged substantially in parallel. The convex strip can exhibit high anti-slip performance in the direction perpendicular to the convex strip. By providing a plurality of anti-slip areas with different directions of the convex strips, the mat can be made difficult to slip in a plurality of directions.

[0021] By the way, cables such as electric cables and communication lines may be wired under the mat of the present invention (an upward convex part type mat and a downward convex part type mat). For this reason, it is preferable to provide a cable lead-out part for leading out the cables from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the mat of the present invention. Thereby, while covering the wiring with the mat, at a location where it is necessary to draw out the cables, the cables can be drawn out above the mat through the above-mentioned cable lead-out part. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of wiring while making the appearance of the wiring neat.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connecting type mat that can be firmly connected to another mat arranged adjacent thereto and whose connecting operation can be easily performed. Further, it is also possible to provide a manufacturing method of this connecting type mat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

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

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the mat of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the drawings. As already described, the mat of the present invention includes an "upward convex portion type mat" in which an upward convex portion is provided in the lower overlapping portion and a downward concave portion is provided in the upper overlapping portion, and a downward convex portion is provided in the lower overlapping portion. There are two types, a "downward convex portion type mat" in which an upward concave portion is provided in the lower overlapping portion. When the vertical relationship between the upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion in the upward convex portion type mat is reversed, a downward convex portion type mat is obtained. Therefore, hereinafter, only the upward convex portion type mat will be described, and the description of the downward convex portion type mat will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mats 1 of the present invention are connected. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the mats 1 of the present invention are connected. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a portion A in FIG. 2 along the Y1-Y1 plane in the same figure. FIGS. 1 to 3 show a rectangular coordinate system composed of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. The directions of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are common even in different drawings. This is the same in FIGS. 4 to 10 described later.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mat 1 of the present invention is used in units of a plurality of sheets. By connecting the edge of one mat 1 to the edge of another mat 1 arranged adjacent thereto, a wide range on a construction surface such as a floor surface can be covered with the mat 1. By constructing this mat 1, it is possible to make the construction surface less slippery, reduce noise (human footsteps and vehicle running sounds), protect the construction surface from scratches and dirt, impart buffering properties to the construction surface, and improve the appearance of the construction surface. Since each mat 1 has a small size with the length of each side (each edge) being around 20 to 100 cm, it is easy to transport, store, and construct.

[0027] The thickness of the mat 1 is not particularly limited. However, in the mat 1 of the present invention, as will be described later, the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 of adjacent mats 1 are overlapped (see FIG. 9 below), and the upward convex portion 4 of the lower overlapping portion 3 is fitted into the downward concave portion 5 of the upper overlapping portion 2 to connect these mats 1. In this regard, if the mat 1 is too thin, the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 will also become thin and prone to deformation (the thickness of each of the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 is usually 1 / 2 of the thickness of the mat 1), and there is a risk that the fitting between the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5 will be easily disengaged. Therefore, the thickness of the mat 1 is preferably 5 mm or more. The thickness of the mat 1 is more preferably 8 mm or more, and even more preferably 10 mm or more.

[0028] However, if the mat 1 is made too thick, the weight of the mat 1 will increase. Also, the rigidity of the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 becomes too high, making it difficult to fit the upward convex portion 4 of the lower overlapping portion 3 into the downward concave portion 5 of the upper overlapping portion 2. Therefore, the workability when connecting the mats 1 decreases. For this reason, the thickness of the mat 1 is preferably 50 mm or less. The thickness of the mat 1 is more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 20 mm or less. In this example, the thickness of the mat 1 is set to 10 mm, and the thickness of each of the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 is ensured to be 5 mm.

[0029] The molding material of mat 1 varies depending on its use and the like and is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use an elastic material. Thereby, the anti-slip performance, sound insulation performance, interference performance, etc. of mat 1 can be enhanced. In addition, as will be described later, mat 1 of the present invention is connected by fitting the upward convex portion 4 (FIG. 3) and the downward concave portion 5 (FIG. 3). By forming mat 1 of an elastic material, while easily fitting the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5, it is also possible to make the fitting difficult to come off. Examples of the elastic material include natural rubber and various synthetic rubbers. Among them, it is preferable to use a rubber material excellent in weather resistance and durability. For example, rubber materials such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber (CR), and silicon rubber (Si) can be preferably adopted. The molding method of mat 1 is not particularly limited, and various methods such as press molding and injection molding can be adopted.

[0030] The plurality of mats 1 connected to each other may be of different forms mixed, but in this example, they are all of the same form. In this case, the planar shape of each mat 1 is a shape that can be laid flat (a shape that can be laid flat without gaps). Examples of the shape that can be laid flat include a triangle, a quadrangle such as a rectangle or a square, and a regular hexagon. In this example, the planar shape of each mat 1 is a square.

[0031] FIG. 11(a) is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of mats 1 are arranged without shifting in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) and the vertical direction (y-axis direction), and FIG. 11(b) is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of mats 1 are arranged with a pitch shift in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 11(a), mat 1 may be arranged without shifting, or as shown in FIG. 11(b), it may be arranged while shifting the pitch in any direction (in the example of the figure, while shifting by a half pitch in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction)).

[0032] Also, as mentioned earlier, it is possible to mix different forms of the plurality of mats 1 that are connected to each other. For example, the following mats 1 can be mixed. FIG. 12(a) is a plan view showing a state in which the corner mats 1c are connected, and FIG. 12(b) is a plan view showing a state in which the edge mats 1d are connected. In FIG. 12(a), mainly square-shaped mats 1 are being connected, and triangular corner mats 1c are connected to the corners of the construction area of the mat 1. At these corners, where people's feet or vehicle tires are likely to get caught, by connecting the corner mats 1c, it is possible to make it difficult for feet or tires to get caught at those corners. Also, in FIG. 12(b), mainly square-shaped mats 1 are being connected, and rectangular edge mats 1d are connected to the edges (including the above-mentioned corners) of the construction area of the mat 1. When connecting the mats 1 while shifting the pitch, as shown in FIG. 11(b), where the edges of the construction area become uneven, as shown in FIG. 12(b), by connecting the edge mats 1d, the edges of the construction area can be finished neatly.

[0033] As the edge mat 1d, for example, those shown in FIG. 13 can also be used. FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view showing an example of the edge mat 1d, and FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y2 - Y2 in FIG. 13(a). This edge mat 1d, as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), has a slope ε provided on its outer edge (the edge on the side forming the edge of the construction area of the mat 1). Thereby, the step (the step corresponding to the plate thickness of the mat 1) at the edge of the construction area of the mat 1 can be eliminated. Therefore, not only is it less likely for a person to trip, but also tires of a trolley or a forklift can smoothly be placed on the upper side of the mat 1. The edge mat 1d having the slope ε is preferably arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the construction area of the mat 1. The inclination angle of the slope ε is not particularly limited, but is usually in the range of 5 to 30°, and preferably in the range of 10 to 20°. In this example, the inclination angle of the slope ε is set to about 15°.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mat 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the mat 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the mat 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view showing the mat 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the mat 1 of the present invention is in a flat plate shape, and an upper overlapping portion 2 and a lower overlapping portion 3 are provided at its edge.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, when the mat 1 is connected to an adjacent mat 1, the upper overlapping portion 2 is a portion that is overlapped on the upper edge of the adjacent mat 1 (above the lower overlapping portion 3). On the other hand, the lower overlapping portion 3 is a portion that is overlapped on the lower edge of the adjacent mat 1. As already described, the planar shape of the mat 1 in this example is a square, and a plurality of upper overlapping portions 2 and a plurality of lower overlapping portions 3 are alternately provided at regular intervals on each side (edge) of this mat 1. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 protrude outward from the edge of the mat 1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, an upward convex portion 4 protruding upward from the upper surface is provided on the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion 3. On the other hand, a downward concave portion 5 is provided on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 2. The downward concave portion 5 is configured to be able to fit the upward convex portion 4 from below. FIG. 8(a) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the lower overlapping portion 3 cut by a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction (a plane parallel to the x-z plane), and FIG. 8(b) shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the lower overlapping portion 3 cut by a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction (a plane parallel to the x-z plane). As shown in FIG. 3, the mats 1 are connected by fitting the upward convex portion 4 of one mat 1a into the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b.

[0037] In this way, by fitting the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5 in the vertical direction, when a horizontally reverse force is applied to each mat 1 connected to each other (for example, when a force directed to the positive side of the x-axis is applied to the mat 1 located on the positive side of the x-axis among a pair of adjacent mats 1 in the x-axis direction, and a force directed to the negative side of the x-axis is applied to the mat 1 located on the negative side of the x-axis), the fitting can be prevented from coming off. Therefore, adjacent mats can be firmly connected.

[0038] The upward convex portion 4 has a form that can be fitted into the downward concave portion 5 from below. The shape of the contour of the upward convex portion 4 (which coincides with the horizontal cross-sectional shape) is not particularly limited, and can be circular, elliptical (oval), polygonal, or a combination of these. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, the contour of the upward convex portion 4 is oval. Accordingly, the contour of the downward concave portion 5 is also oval. By making the contour of the upward convex portion 4 and the contour of the downward concave portion 5 substantially the same shape in this way, the outer peripheral portion of the upward convex portion 4 fitted into the downward concave portion 5 can be firmly held by the inner peripheral portion of the downward concave portion 5. Therefore, adjacent mats 1 can be firmly connected.

[0039] The downward concave portion 5 may have an opening only on the lower surface side of the upper overlapping portion 2. However, in this example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8(b), it has a form with openings on both the lower surface side and the upper surface side of the upper overlapping portion 2 (a form in which the upper overlapping portion 2 penetrates from the lower surface side to the upper surface side). Thereby, the lower side of the upper overlapping portion 2 can be visually observed from above the mat 1 through the downward concave portion 5 (through hole). Therefore, when connecting another mat 1 to one mat 1, it is easier to confirm whether the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1 overlaps the upper side of the upward convex portion 4 of the one mat 1.

[0040] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8(a), the region closer to the inside (the base end side of the lower overlapping portion 3) on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion 4 is formed substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (x-y plane), while the region closer to the outside (the tip end side of the lower overlapping portion 3) on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion 4 is a first inclined surface α1 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. This first inclined surface α1 is inclined in a direction that becomes lower as it approaches the tip end side of the lower overlapping portion 3 (and lower as it approaches the base end side of the lower overlapping portion 3).

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the region closer to the inside (the root side of the upper overlapping portion 2) on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 2 is formed substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (x-y plane), while the region closer to the outside (the tip end side of the upper overlapping portion 2) on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 2 is a second inclined surface α2 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (x-y plane). This second inclined surface α2 is inclined in a direction that becomes higher as it approaches the tip end side of the upper overlapping portion 2 (and lower as it approaches the base end side of the upper overlapping portion 2).

[0042] In this way, by providing the first inclined surface α1 on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion in the lower overlapping portion 3 and the second inclined surface α2 on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion 2, as shown in FIG. 9, even without manually lifting the mat 1, by bringing another mat 1b closer from the side of one mat 1a, the upward convex portion 4 of one mat 1a can be fitted into the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of bringing another mat 1b closer from the side of one mat 1a and fitting the upward convex portion 4 of one mat 1a into the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b.

[0043] That is, as shown in Fig. 9(a), another mat 1b is placed on the floor near one mat 1a, and the other mat 1b is brought closer to the one mat 1a. Then, as shown in Fig. 9(b), the upper overlapping portion 2 of the other mat 1b abuts against the side of the upward convex portion 4 of the one mat 1a. However, at this time, the surfaces that come into contact are the first inclined surface α1 of the upward convex portion 4 and the second inclined surface α2 of the upper overlapping portion 2. Therefore, when the other mat 1b is pushed into the one mat 1a from the state shown in Fig. 9(b), as shown in Fig. 9(c), the second inclined surface α2 of the upper overlapping portion 2 is guided by the first inclined surface α1 of the upward convex portion 4, and the upper overlapping portion 2 comes to rest on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion 4 of the one mat 1a. When the other mat 1b is further pushed into the one mat 1a and the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b overlaps with the upper side of the upward convex portion 4 of the one mat 1a, as shown in Fig. 9(d), the upper overlapping portion 2 of the other mat 1b drops, and the upward convex portion 4 of the one mat 1a fits into the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b.

[0044] Thus, the mat 1 of the present invention can connect one mat 1a and another mat 1b by bringing the other mat 1b closer from the side of the one mat 1a. The operation of bringing the other mat 1b closer to the one mat 1a can be performed, for example, by kicking the other mat 1b with the foot, without the need to use hands. Therefore, a person installing the mat 1 can perform the connection work of the mat 1 without bending the waist. However, in the state of Fig. 9(d), the fit between the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5 may be loose. However, even in this case, the fit can be deepened by stepping on that portion with the foot.

[0045] The inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface α1 (Fig. 8(a)) and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface α2 (Fig. 8(b)) are each set within a range greater than 0° and less than 90°. However, if the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are made too small (too close to 0°), it becomes necessary to ensure a long length for the first inclined surface α1 and the second inclined surface α2 with respect to the pushing direction of the mat 1. For this reason, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are usually set to 20° or more. The inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are preferably 30° or more, and more preferably 40° or more.

[0046] However, if the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are made too large (too close to 90°), it becomes difficult for the second inclined surface α2 to be smoothly guided by the first inclined surface α1. For this reason, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are usually set to 70° or less. The inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are preferably 60° or less, and more preferably 50° or less. The inclination angle θ1 and the inclination angle θ2 may be set to different values, but usually they are set to the same value. In this example, the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 are both set to 45°.

[0047] By the way, in this example, the upper overlapping portion 2 and the lower overlapping portion 3 are provided in a state of protruding outward from the edge of the mat 1. As shown in Fig. 4, an inward concave portion 6 is provided above the lower overlapping portion 3 at the edge of the mat 1. This inward concave portion 6 is a portion for fitting the upper overlapping portion protruding portion 2a (the portion protruding outward from the edge of the mat 1 in the upper overlapping portion 2) of the upper overlapping portion 2 of the other mat 1b when connecting one mat 1a and the other mat 1b, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0048] A pair of side surfaces β2, β2 of the upper overlapping portion protruding portion 2a are inclined so as to form a "V" shape when viewed from above (the positive side in the z-axis direction), as shown in Fig. 5. For this reason, the width of the upper overlapping portion protruding portion 2a becomes narrower toward the tip side. On the other hand, a pair of inner side surfaces β1, β1 of the inward concave portion 6 are also inclined so as to form a "V" shape when viewed from above (the positive side in the z-axis direction), as shown in Fig. 5. For this reason, the width of the inward concave portion 6 becomes narrower toward the back side.

[0049] Thus, by inclining the pair of side surfaces β2, β2 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a and the pair of inner side surfaces β1, β1 of the inward concave portion 6, as shown in FIG. 10, when bringing another mat 1b closer from the side of one mat 1a, even if the upward convex portion 4 in one mat 1a and the downward concave portion 5 in the other mat 1b are displaced in the y-axis direction, the other mat 1b is guided so that the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5 overlap. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a state where another mat 1b is brought closer from the side of one mat 1a and the upward convex portion 4 of one mat 1a is fitted into the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b.

[0050] That is, as shown in FIG. 10(a), even if the upward convex portion 4 of one mat 1a and the downward concave portion 5 of the other mat 1b are slightly displaced in a direction perpendicular to the pushing direction of the other mat 1b (the y-axis direction in the figure), when bringing the other mat 1b closer from the side of one mat 1a, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the side surface β2 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a in the other mat 1b abuts on the inner side surface β1 of the inward concave portion 6 in one mat 1a, and the side surface β2 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a is guided by the inner side surface β1 of the inward concave portion 6, so that, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the other mat 1b is guided to a position where the upward convex portion 4 and the downward concave portion 5 overlap. Therefore, the connection of the mats 1 can be performed more easily.

[0051] The inclination angles φ1 (FIG. 5) of the inner side surfaces β1, β1 of the inward concave portion 6 and the inclination angles φ2 (FIG. 5) of the side surfaces β2, β2 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a are each set in a range greater than 0° and less than 90°. The specific values of the inclination angles φ1, φ2 also vary depending on the shape of the mat 1 in plan view and the like. However, if the inclination angles φ1, φ2 are made too small (too close to 0°), it becomes difficult for the side surface β2 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a to be smoothly guided by the inner side surface β1 of the inward concave portion 6. For this reason, the inclination angles φ1, φ2 are usually set to 5° or more. The inclination angles φ1, φ2 are preferably 10° or more, and more preferably 20° or more.

[0052] However, if the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 are made too large (too close to 90°), it becomes necessary to ensure a long inner surface β1 of the inward concave portion 6 and a side surface β2 of the upper overlapping portion protruding portion 2a with respect to the pushing direction of the mat 1. For this reason, the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 are usually set to 70° or less. The inclination angles φ1 and φ2 are preferably 60° or less, and more preferably 50° or less. The inclination angle φ1 and the inclination angle φ2 may be set to different values, but are usually set to the same value. In this example where the planar shape of the mat 1 is square, the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 are both set to 45°.

[0053] However, the reason why the value of 45° (the inclination angles φ1 and φ2) is suitable is when the planar shape of the mat 1 is square (or rectangular). When the planar shape of the mat 1 is other shapes, the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 may be inappropriate when they are 45°. That is, as shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), consider the case where another mat 1b is brought closer from the side of a plurality of already-connected mats 1a and the mats 1a and 1b are connected. As shown in FIG. 14(a), when the mat 1 is square, even if the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 (FIG. 5) are 45°, the mats 1a and 1b can be smoothly connected. However, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the mat 1 is regular hexagonal, if the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 (FIG. 5) are 45°, a corner portion δ1 of one of the upper overlapping portion protruding portions 2a interferes with a corner portion δ2 of the inward concave portion 6, making it difficult to smoothly connect the mats 1a and 1b.

[0054] Thus, the preferred values of the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 vary depending on the planar shape of the mat 1. When determining the inclination angles φ1 and φ2, it is preferable to consider the planar shape of the mat 1, the connection direction, etc., and to ensure that when connecting one mat 1a to another mat 1b, the corner δ1 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a and the corner δ2 of the inward concave portion 6 in the mats 1a and 1b do not interfere with each other. As shown in FIG. 14(b), when the planar shape of the mat 1 is a regular hexagon, if the inclination angles φ1 and φ2 (FIG. 5) are 30° or less, the mats 1a and 1b can be smoothly connected without interference between the corner δ1 of the upper overlapping portion protrusion 2a and the corner δ2 of the inward concave portion 6.

[0055] As described above, the mat 1 of the present invention can be firmly connected to another mat 1 arranged adjacent thereto, and the connection work can be easily performed. In this example, various other measures are also taken. Hereinafter, these measures will be described.

[0056] In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, an anti-slip region γ composed of a plurality of convex strips 7 arranged in parallel is provided on the upper surface of the mat 1. Therefore, it is difficult for a person walking on the upper surface of the mat 1 or a vehicle running on the upper surface of the mat 1 to slip. As the anti-slip region γ, a first anti-slip region γ1 in which a plurality of convex strips 7 extending in one direction (x-axis direction) are arranged substantially in parallel and a second anti-slip region γ2 in which a plurality of convex strips 7 extending in the other direction (y-axis direction) are arranged substantially in parallel are provided. By mixing the anti-slip regions γ with different directions of the convex strips 7 in this way, excellent anti-slip performance can be exhibited in a plurality of directions.

[0057] The arrangement of the first anti-slip region γ1 and the second anti-slip region γ2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably arranged alternately. In this example, by arranging each of the square first anti-slip region γ1 and the second anti-slip region γ2 in a checkered pattern, the first anti-slip region γ1 and the second anti-slip region γ2 are arranged alternately two-dimensionally (in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction). Each individual first anti-slip region γ1 and each individual second anti-slip region γ2 are preferably about 10 cm square (in the range of 5 - 15 cm square). Thereby, when a foot is placed on the upper surface of the mat, the sole of the foot can be in a state of contacting both the first anti-slip region γ1 and the second anti-slip region γ2.

[0058] Also, in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, cable outlets 8 are provided at the central portion and the edge portion of the mat. This is because cables such as electric cables and communication lines may be wired under the mat 1, and by providing the cable outlets 8 in the mat 1, it becomes possible to lead the cables from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the mat 1. Thereby, the degree of freedom of wiring can be increased while making the appearance of the wiring neat.

[0059] The arrangement of the cable outlets 8 is not particularly limited. In this example, the cable outlets 8 are provided at a total of 17 locations including the center of the mat 1, the four corner portions of the mat 1, and the locations that trisect each side portion (each edge portion) of the mat 1. The cable outlets 8 provided at the four corner portions and the edge portions of the mat 1 are combined with the cable outlets 8 of the adjacent mat 1 to form one cable outlet 8.

[0060] The cable lead-out portion 8 may be in a state of penetrating vertically from the time of factory shipment of the mat 1. However, in this case, holes will also be formed in portions of the mat 1 where it is not necessary to draw out cables after construction. Therefore, the appearance of the mat 1 after construction may be deteriorated. Thus, it is preferable that the upper side of the cable lead-out portion 8 is closed with a thin film (blocking film). Thereby, at the time of construction, it becomes possible to break and penetrate only the blocking film of the cable lead-out portion 8 where it is necessary to draw out cables. The blocking film can be formed when the mat 1 is injection-molded or the like.

Explanation of Signs

[0061] 1 Mat 1a One mat 1b Another mat 1c Corner mat 1d Edge mat 2 Upper overlapping portion 2a Upper overlapping portion protrusion 3 Lower overlapping portion 4 Upward convex portion 5 Downward concave portion 6 Inward concave portion 7 Rib 8 Cable lead-out portion α1 First inclined surface α2 Second inclined surface β1 Inner surface of inward concave portion β2 Side surface of upper overlapping portion protrusion γ Anti-slip region γ1 First anti-slip region γ2 First anti-slip region δ1 Corner of upper overlapping portion protrusion δ2 Corner of inward concave portion ε Slope θ1 Inclination angle of first inclined surface θ2 Inclination angle of second inclined surface φ1 Inclination angle of inner surface of inward concave portion φ2 Inclination angle of side surface of upper overlapping portion protrusion

Claims

1. A connecting mat having a structure that can be connected to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto, on the edge of the mat, an upper overlapping portion for overlapping on the upper side of the edge of the other mat and a lower overlapping portion for overlapping on the lower side of the edge of the other mat are provided, on the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion, an upward convex portion protruding upward from the upper surface is provided, on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion, a downward concave portion having a shape that can be fitted to the upward convex portion is provided, by fitting the upward convex portion into the downward concave portion of the other mat, it can be connected to the other mat, the outer portion on the upper end surface of the upward convex portion is an inclined surface that becomes higher as it goes inward, the upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion are formed to protrude outward from the edge of the mat, on the upper side of the lower overlapping portion at the edge of the mat, an inward concave portion for fitting the upper overlapping portion of the other mat from the outside is provided, the portion of the upper overlapping portion protruding outward from the edge of the mat (hereinafter referred to as the "upper overlapping portion protruding portion") has a pair of side surfaces inclined so as to become narrower toward the tip side, the inward concave portion has a pair of inner side surfaces inclined so as to become narrower toward the back side, A connecting mat characterized by the above.

2. The connecting mat according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion is an inclined surface that becomes higher as it goes inward.

3. A first anti-slip region in which a plurality of convex strips extending in one direction are arranged substantially in parallel and a second anti-slip region in which a plurality of convex strips extending in another direction non-parallel to the one direction are arranged substantially in parallel are provided on the upper surface of the mat. The connecting mat according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The connecting mat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a cable lead-out portion for leading cables from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the mat is provided.

5. A connecting mat having a structure that can be connected to the edge of another mat arranged adjacent thereto, on the edge of the mat, an upper overlapping portion for overlapping on the upper side of the edge of the other mat and a lower overlapping portion for overlapping on the lower side of the edge of the other mat are provided, on the lower surface of the upper overlapping portion, a downward convex portion protruding downward from the lower surface is provided, on the upper surface of the lower overlapping portion, an upward concave portion having a shape that can be fitted to the downward convex portion is provided, by fitting the downward convex portion into the upward concave portion of the other mat, it can be connected to the other mat, The outward portion at the lower end surface of the downward convex portion is an inclined surface that becomes lower as it goes inward, and the upper overlapping portion and the lower overlapping portion are formed to protrude outward from the edge of the mat, an inward concave portion for fitting the lower overlapping portion of the other mat from the outside is provided below the upper overlapping portion at the edge of the mat, a portion of the lower overlapping portion that protrudes outward from the edge of the mat (hereinafter referred to as the "lower overlapping portion protruding portion") has a pair of side surfaces of the lower overlapping portion protruding portion inclined so as to become narrower toward the tip side, a pair of inner side surfaces of the inward concave portion are inclined so that the inward concave portion becomes narrower toward the back side, a connecting type mat characterized by the above.

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