Panel unit, partition device

Abstract

To simplify a structure to make assembly easy and reduce costs.SOLUTION: A panel unit 10 includes a pair of panel materials 30 and a support structure 20 arranged between the pair of panel materials 30 and supporting the pair of panel materials 30. The pair of panel materials 30 are coupled with each other by connecting a connection part 36 formed in one panel material 30 of the pair of panel materials 30 and a connected part 37 formed in the other panel material 30 of the pair of panel materials 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel unit and a partition 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 with partition devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a partition device having a configuration including a rectangular frame-shaped frame installed on the floor surface and panel materials provided on both surfaces of the frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the partition device having a configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the panel materials are separately fixed to the frame, in order to facilitate assembly and reduce costs, simplification of the structure is desired. An object of the present invention is to provide a panel unit and a partition device capable of achieving simplification of the structure, facilitation of assembly, and cost reduction.

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 a panel unit that is installed on an installation surface facing upward and partitions an indoor space formed above the installation surface, and includes a pair of panel members, and a support structure disposed between the pair of panel members and supporting at least one of the pair of panel members. A coupling portion formed on one of the pair of panel members and a coupled portion formed on the other of the pair of panel members are coupled to connect the pair of panel members to each other.

[0006] In this way, by coupling the coupling portion formed on one panel member and the coupled portion formed on the other panel member, the pair of panel members can be connected to each other. For this reason, compared with a configuration in which the panel members are separately fixed to the support structure, simplification of the support structure, improvement of the design freedom, and facilitation of assembly can be achieved. As a result, a panel unit with a lower cost can be provided.

[0007] In the panel unit according to an aspect of the present invention, each of the pair of panel members may include a plate-shaped panel body and a bracket provided on the panel body and supported by the support structure, the coupling portion may be formed on the bracket of one of the panel members, and the coupled portion may be formed on the bracket of the other of the panel members. According to this configuration, by coupling the coupling portion formed on the bracket of one panel member and the coupled portion formed on the bracket of the other panel member, the pair of panel members can be firmly connected to each other. In this way, since the brackets are connected to each other, it is not necessary for the panel body itself to have a configuration for connecting the panel members. Further, since the panel member is supported by the support structure supporting the bracket, it is not necessary for the panel body itself to have a configuration for supporting the panel member by the support structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress being restricted by the structure, material, etc. of the panel member.

[0008] In the panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the support structure may have a horizontal frame member that extends in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and has a height dimension in the vertical direction lower than that of the pair of panel members, and the brackets of the pair of panel members may be locked to the horizontal frame member. According to this configuration, by locking the bracket that connects one panel member and the other panel member by the connection between the coupling portion and the coupled portion to the horizontal frame member, the panel member can be supported by the support structure. By making the height dimension of the horizontal frame member in the vertical direction lower than that of the pair of panel members, the weight of the support structure including the horizontal frame member can be reduced.

[0009] In the panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, a locking hole may be formed in one of the horizontal frame member and the bracket, and a locking claw that is locked to the locking hole may be formed in the other of the horizontal frame member and the bracket. By locking the locking claw to the locking hole, the movement of the bracket in the vertical direction and the first direction with respect to the horizontal frame member may be restricted. According to this configuration, in order to restrict the movement of the bracket with respect to the horizontal frame member and the panel member provided with the bracket in the vertical direction and the first direction, the locking claw may be locked to the locking hole, and with a simple configuration, the assembly can be easily performed.

[0010] In the panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the brackets may be provided respectively above and below the horizontal frame member among the pair of panel members, and the horizontal frame member may be sandwiched from above and below by the upper bracket and the lower bracket. According to this configuration, by providing brackets for connecting one panel material and the other panel material by connecting a connecting portion and a portion to be connected, respectively, above and below the horizontal frame material, a pair of panel materials can be firmly connected. Further, the horizontal frame material is sandwiched from above and below by the upper bracket and the lower bracket, so that the vertical restraint of the panel material with respect to the support structure and the support of the panel material by the support structure can be performed more firmly.

[0011] In the panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the horizontal frame material may be plate-shaped extending in the first direction with the second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction as the thickness direction. According to this configuration, by making the horizontal frame material plate-shaped, the area of the contact portion with the panel material can be increased, and the panel material can be firmly and stably supported.

[0012] In the panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the panel body may be formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction, and the brackets may be respectively formed in an L-shape straddling the corners at each corner of the panel body. According to this configuration, the brackets can firmly reinforce the corners of the panel body.

[0013] The partition device according to the present invention includes the panel unit as described above and base legs installed on the installation surface for supporting the panel unit.

[0014] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a partition device that can simplify the structure of the panel unit, facilitate assembly, and reduce costs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a panel unit and a partition device that can simplify the structure, facilitate assembly, and reduce costs.

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

Figure 19

Figure 20

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a mode for carrying out a panel unit and a partition apparatus 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 a panel unit 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a 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 partition apparatuses 1A to 1D (see FIGS. 17 to 20) 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 a pair of panel members 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 tubular shape extending along the vertical direction along the vertical direction Dv. The support structure 20 is made of, for example, metal or resin and has higher rigidity than the panel body 31 of the panel member 30.

[0020] The horizontal frame member 22 extends on both sides of the first direction Dw that intersects the vertical frame member 21 in the vertical direction Dv. In other words, the vertical frame member 21 supports the horizontal frame member 22 at the intermediate portion in the first direction Dw. In the present embodiment, the horizontal frame member 22 is disposed at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction Dv of the vertical frame member 21. The horizontal frame member 22 has a lower (smaller) height dimension in the vertical direction Dv than the vertical 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 vertical frame member 21. Thus, the support structure 20 of the present embodiment including the vertical 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 vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22, the vertical 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 intermediate portion in the vertical direction Dv is a portion of the vertical frame member 21 excluding the portions protruding on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the horizontal frame member 22, and is preferably, for example, a portion excluding the regions of 1 / 4 located on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the total length of the vertical frame member 21. In the illustrated example, a region of about 1 / 3 located at the center of the total length of the vertical frame member 21 divided into three equal parts constitutes the intermediate 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 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 portion 22d. The vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 are integrally joined by appropriate joining means such as bolt joining, rivet joining, and welding at the portion of the groove portion 22d.

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

[0024] Each panel member 30 includes a plate-like 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 member 30), the surface that is exposed to the outside as the panel member 30 may be referred to as the front surface, and the surface that is not exposed to the outside as the panel member 30 may be referred to as the back surface.

[0025] In the following description, when explaining the same configuration among the panel members 30 of each panel member 30, mainly one panel member 30 will be taken as an example for explanation. The panel body 31 integrally includes an opposing portion 31f and a panel outer edge portion 31g. The opposing portion 31f is formed to face the support structure 20 in the second direction Dt. The surface shape of the opposing portion 31f is formed in a straight line shape in a longitudinal sectional view along the vertical direction Dv, and is formed in a convex arc shape in a transverse sectional view along the first direction Dw so as to be separated from the support structure 20 as it goes from the outer end portion to the central portion in the first direction Dw. However, the surface shape of the opposing portion 31f may be formed in an arc shape in both the longitudinal sectional view and the transverse sectional view, or may be formed on a flat surface orthogonal to the second direction Dt. Further, the surface shape of the opposing portion 31f may be formed in a convex arc shape in a direction approaching the support structure 20 in either the longitudinal sectional view or the transverse sectional view. Note that the back surface of the opposing 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 opposing portion 31f. Here, in the panel member 30, the direction away from the center of the panel member 30 as viewed from the second direction Dt is defined as the outer peripheral side, and the direction approaching the center of the panel member 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 member 30 side in the second direction Dt with respect to the opposing portion 31f. The panel outer edge portion 31g extends while curving toward the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt as it goes from the opposing portion 31f toward the outer peripheral side. Thereby, the panel outer edge portions 31g in the pair of panel members 30 project in directions approaching each other in the second direction Dt. The panel outer edge portions 31g in the pair of panel members 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 extension 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 extension 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 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 material 30 side in the second direction Dt) orthogonally to the second direction Dt toward the outer peripheral side. The brackets 35 of the pair of panel materials 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 materials 30 are in contact with each other via the brackets 35.

[0031] The panel outer edge portion 31g of the panel 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 bodies 31. In the present embodiment, by covering the bracket edge portion 35g from the outside in the second direction Dt with the panel outer edge portion 31g, the panel outer edge portion 31g and the bracket edge portion 35g are flush on the outermost peripheral surface of the panel material 30. However, only the panel outer edge portion 31g may constitute the outermost peripheral surface of the panel material 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, a coupling portion 36 or a portion to be coupled 37 is formed on each bracket 35. For example, a coupling portion 36 is formed on the brackets 35A disposed at two corner portions 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction among the four corners of the panel body 31 constituting the panel material 30. A portion to be coupled 37 is formed on the brackets 35B disposed at the remaining two corner portions 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction among the four corners of the panel body 31 constituting the panel material 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 a 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 to-be-coupled portion 37 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 35B. The to-be-coupled portion 37 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 to-be-coupled portion 37 includes a concave portion 37s into which the convex portion 36t can be inserted. In the concave portion 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 concave portion 37s by a predetermined dimension. By the elastic claw 36k engaging with the hole 37h, the convex portion 36t and the concave portion 37s are locked.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, at each corner portion 31c, the brackets 35A of one of the pair of panel materials 30 (the first panel material 30A and the second panel material 30B) face the brackets 35B of the other panel material 30. The coupling portion 36 (convex portion 36t) of the bracket 35A of one of the panel materials 30 fits into the to-be-coupled portion 37 (concave portion 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 coupled. In this way, the pair of panel materials 30 are coupled 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 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 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 at 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 vertical extension 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 vertical extension 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 vertical extension 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 vertical extension portion 35a, and a locking claw 38b that protrudes toward the other panel member 30 side in the second direction Dt from the locking base portion 38a.

[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 with respect to the bracket 35P facing in the second direction Dt is restricted 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 with respect to the bracket 35P facing in the second direction Dt is restricted 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 that communicates 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 that is 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 a 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 through which the restraining member 29 is locked or inserted.

[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 a storage position P1 and a protruding position P2. As shown in FIG. 9, in the storage position P1, the upper connecting member 28 is positioned 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 semi-cylindrical member 28A and the second semi-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 the other 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 material 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 panel unit 10 located above 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 wedge 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 a 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 a 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. A base leg connecting member 74 is provided on the base column 72. 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 wedge 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 (the 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, for example, has a plurality of concentric circles centered on the rotation center 40c and is formed at intervals 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 has an upright portion 45a rising from the member surface 41f, a first arm portion 45b extending from the tip of the upright 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 upright 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 radially outward from the central portion of the main body portion 41, 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. By gripping the holding protrusions 48, an operator can easily perform operations such as holding the connecting member 40 and rotating the connecting member 40 around the rotation center 40c.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the support structure 20 of each panel unit 10 is formed with connecting member locking portions 50A and 50B to which the connecting member 40 can be locked. 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. Of the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40, two sets of first locking portions 45 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Dc are locked to the two first locked portions 51A and 51B. 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 dimension equal to the dimension between the rotation center 40c and the first locking portion 45 as the radius of curvature. 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. The second locked portions 52A and 52B 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. Of the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40, the remaining two sets of first locking portions 45 (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 dimension equal to the dimension between the rotation center 40c and the first locking portion 45 as the radius of curvature. 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. The second locked portions 52C and 52D 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 when 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 upright 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. Also by this, 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.

[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) in 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 closing member 80 can be housed in the panel unit 10 when not in use. The connecting member 40 and closing member 80 are attached to the support structure 20 when not in use. For this reason, 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 panel units 10 as described above, partition devices in various forms can be configured. FIG. 17 is a view showing a partition device 1A configured using the above panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 17, the partition device 1A can be configured, for example, by stacking a plurality of panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv. The partition device 1A is installed on an installation surface F facing upward and is used to partition the indoor space formed above the installation surface F in the second direction Dt. The partition device 1A includes, for example, three panel units 10 connected in the vertical direction Dv on a base leg 70 installed on the installation surface F. The panel units 10 positioned vertically above and below each other are connected 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 appropriately increased or decreased.

[0077] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a partition device 1B configured using the above panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 18, the partition device 1B includes, for example, a first panel module M1 configured by stacking a plurality of panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv with the floor surface as the installation surface F, and a second panel module M2 with the top surface of the desk 100 as the installation surface F and having one panel unit 10 on the base leg 70. The panel unit 10 of the first panel module M1 arranged at the same height as the panel unit 10 of the second panel module M2 is connected by the connecting member 40 described above.

[0078] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a partition device 1C configured using the above panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 19, 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 columns in the first direction Dw. In this embodiment, a total of nine panel units 10, arranged in three columns in the first direction Dw and three levels vertically, are connected.

[0079] Here, the panel units 10S arranged in a row on one side of the first direction Dw and the panel units 10T arranged in a row on the other side of the first direction Dw are each connected to the vertical frame members 21 of the panel units 10 adjacent in the vertical direction Dv via the lower connecting portions 25 and the upper connecting portions 26 as described above.

[0080] Each panel unit 10M at each stage arranged in the central row in 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 22M of the panel units 10M at each stage in the vertical direction Dv arranged in the central row in the first direction Dw are connected to the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10S in a row on one side of the first direction Dw and the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10T in a row on the other side of the first direction Dw that are located at the same stage in the vertical direction Dv by the connecting members 40. That is, each panel unit 10M is spanned 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.

[0081] That is, in the panel unit 10M arranged between the pair of panel units 10S and 10T, the horizontal frame member 22M of the support structure 20M is arranged at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction Dv of the panel unit 10 and extends in the first direction Dw. Both end portions of the horizontal frame member 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 intermediate portion in the vertical direction Dv is a portion excluding the portions of the panel material 30 that protrude on both sides in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the horizontal frame member 22M, similar to the relationship between the vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 described above. For example, it is preferably a portion excluding the regions of 1 / 4 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 when the total length of the panel material 30 is divided into three equal parts in the illustrated example.

[0082] In each panel unit 10, panel members 30M arranged on both sides of the second direction Dt with respect to the horizontal frame member 22M sandwich the support structure 20M. That is, the panel members 30M cover the support structure 20M from both sides in 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.

[0083] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a partition device 1D configured using the above panel unit 10. As shown in FIG. 20, the partition device 1D has an opening V provided at the second stage in the vertical direction Dv in the central row in the first direction Dw among the panel units 10 arranged in three rows in the first direction Dw with respect to the partition device 1C shown in FIG. 19. Such a partition device 1D is configured by connecting the horizontal frame member 22M to the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10S and 10T on both sides in the first direction Dw above and below the portion where the opening V is to be formed, and then attaching the panel members 30M on both sides in the second direction Dt respectively. Further, for example, after removing the panel member 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. 19, the partition device 1D shown in FIG. 20 can also be realized by sequentially removing the connecting member 40 and the horizontal frame member 22M.

[0084] To assemble the partition devices 1A to 1D as described above, in each panel unit 10, with the panel member 30 removed, connection is made using the connecting member 40 between adjacent panel units 10 in the first direction Dw, and connection is made using the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 between the upper and lower panel units 10. Thereafter, the pair of panel members 30 are connected by coupling the brackets 35. At this time, the connection between adjacent panel units 10 in the first direction Dw is executed by rotating the connecting member 40. Also, the connection using the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 between the upper and lower panel units 10 is performed by locking the upper connecting portion 26 to the vertical frame member 21 and tightening the restraining member 29 using a urea nut. Furthermore, the pair of panel members 30 are connected by coupling the brackets 35. Therefore, the assembly of each panel unit 10 and the connection work between the panel units 10 can be easily performed manually without tools.

[0085] Also, when removing the panel unit 10 or changing the combination of the panel units 10, an operation reverse to the above-described assembly method is performed. That is, first, for the panel unit 10 to be removed (target panel unit 10) and the panel unit 10 connected to the target panel unit 10 (connected panel unit 10), the connection between the pair of panel members 30 via the bracket 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 connecting member 40 or the connection by the upper connecting portion 26 (lower connecting 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.

[0086] As described above, in the panel unit 10 of the present embodiment, the pair of panel members 30 are connected by the coupling of the coupling portion 36 formed on one of the pair of panel members 30 and the coupled portion 37 formed on the other of the pair of panel members 30. According to such a configuration, the pair of panel members 30 can be connected by coupling the coupling portion 36 formed on one panel member 30 and the coupled portion 37 formed on the other panel member 30. For this reason, compared with a configuration in which the panel members 30 are separately fixed to the support structure 20, simplification of the support structure 20, improvement of the design freedom, and facilitation of assembly can be achieved. As a result, a panel unit 10 with a reduced cost can be provided.

[0087] In this embodiment, the coupling portion 36 is formed on the bracket 35 of one panel member 30, and the coupled portion 37 is formed on the bracket 35 of the other panel member 30. According to such a configuration, by coupling the coupling portion 36 formed on the bracket 35 of one panel member 30 and the coupled portion 37 formed on the bracket 35 of the other panel member 30, the pair of panel members 30 can be firmly connected to each other. Thus, since the brackets 35 are connected to each other, there is no need for the panel main body 31 itself to be provided with a configuration for connecting the panel members 30. Further, since the panel member 30 is supported by the support structure 20 supporting the bracket 35, there is no need for the panel main body 31 itself to be provided with a configuration for supporting the panel member 30 by the support structure 20. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the panel member 30 from being restricted in terms of its structure, material, etc.

[0088] In this embodiment, the support structure 20 has a horizontal frame member 22 whose height dimension in the vertical direction Dv is lower than that of the pair of panel members 30, and the brackets 35 of the pair of panel members 30 are locked to the horizontal frame member 22. According to such a configuration, by locking the bracket 35 that connects one panel member 30 and the other panel member 30 by the connection between the coupling portion 36 and the coupled portion 37 to the horizontal frame member 22, the panel member 30 can be supported by the support structure 20. By making the height dimension of the horizontal frame member 22 in the vertical direction Dv lower than that of the pair of panel members 30, the support structure 20 including the horizontal frame member 22 can be made lighter. Further, due to the improved degree of design freedom of the support structure 20, the outer peripheral portion of the panel unit 10 can be easily configured with a high degree of freedom by the panel members 30, giving a soft impression.

[0089] In this embodiment, the locking claw 38b is locked to the locking hole 22h, so that the movement of the bracket 35 in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw with respect to the horizontal frame member 22 is restricted. According to such a configuration, in order to restrain the movement of the bracket 35 with respect to the horizontal frame member 22 and the panel member 30 provided with the bracket 35 in the vertical direction Dv and the first direction Dw, the locking claw 38b may be locked to the locking hole 22h, and with a simple configuration, the assembly can be easily performed.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the brackets 35 are respectively provided above and below the horizontal frame member 22, and the horizontal frame member 22 is sandwiched from the vertical direction Dv by the upper bracket 35 and the lower bracket 35. According to such a configuration, by providing the brackets 35 for connecting one panel member 30 and the other panel member 30 by the connection between the connecting portion 36 and the connected portion 37 above and below the horizontal frame member 22 respectively, a pair of panel members 30 can be firmly connected. Further, the upper bracket 35 and the lower bracket 35 sandwich the horizontal frame member 22 from the vertical direction Dv, so that the restraint of the panel member 30 in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the support structure 20 and the support of the panel member 30 by the support structure 20 can be performed more firmly.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the horizontal frame member 22 has a plate shape extending in the first direction Dw with the second direction Dt as the thickness direction. According to such a configuration, by making the horizontal frame member 22 plate-shaped, the area of the contact portion with the panel member 30 can be increased, and the panel member 30 can be firmly and stably supported.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the panel body 31 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction Dt, and the brackets 35 are respectively formed in an L-shape straddling the corner portions 31c at the respective corner portions 31c of the panel body 31. According to such a configuration, the brackets 35 can firmly reinforce the corner portions 31c of the panel body 31.

[0093] In the partition devices 1A to 1D of the present embodiment, the panel unit 10 as described above and the base legs 70 which are installed on the installation surface F and support the panel unit 10 are provided. According to such a configuration, it is possible to simplify the structure of the panel unit 10 constituting the partition devices 1A to 1D, and to facilitate assembly and reduce costs.

[0094] (Other embodiments) As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes to the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the appended claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the coupling between the coupling portion 36 and the coupled portion 37 is configured such that the convex portion 36t is fitted into the concave portion 37s, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the pair of panel members 30 can be connected by connecting the coupling portion 36 and the coupled portion 37, for example, connection by a locking hole and a locking claw, fastening by a bolt or the like may be used.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the coupling between the coupling portion 36 and the coupled portion 37 is performed at the four corners of the panel body 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. The number of coupling locations between the pair of panel members 30 can be appropriately changed. Alternatively, the coupling between the pair of panel members 30 may be performed over the entire circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion of the panel member 30, or at a portion along each side of the panel member 30.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the pair of panel members 30 are configured to be supported by the support structure 20 such that the upper bracket 35 is placed on the horizontal frame member 22 and the locking claw 38b is locked to the locking hole 22h with respect to the horizontal frame member 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pair of panel members 30 only need to be supported to the extent that displacement does not occur. For example, the pair of panel members 30 may be supported by the support structure 20 by the frictional force generated by sandwiching the support structure 20 between the pair of panel members 30.

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which a pair of panel members 30 are respectively supported by the support structure 20 has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The panel unit 10 only needs to have at least one panel member 30 supported by the support structure 20.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the panel member 30 includes the panel body 31 and the bracket 35, but the panel body 31 and the bracket 35 may be integrally formed of, for example, a resin-based material or the like.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the vertical frame member 21 has, for example, a circular tubular shape extending in the vertical direction Dv. The vertical frame member 21 is not limited to a circular tubular shape, and may be formed of a square tubular shape, a channel member having various other cross-sectional shapes, or the like.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the horizontal frame member 22 is arranged at the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the vertical frame member 21, but the arrangement is not limited thereto. For example, the horizontal frame member 22 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 horizontal frame members 22 may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the vertical frame member 21. When a plurality of horizontal frame members 22 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv, auxiliary frame members (not shown) that extend in the vertical direction Dv and connect the plurality of horizontal frame members 22 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 auxiliary frame member has a length in the vertical direction Dv 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. Further, the support structure 20 may be in a rectangular frame shape or the like surrounding the periphery of the panel member 30. Furthermore, the support structure 20 may be in a plate shape having an outer shape equivalent to that of the panel member 30 when viewed from the second direction Dt. In this case, a relief hole or the like may be formed in a portion of the support structure 20 that overlaps the coupling portion and the coupled portion, so that the pair of panel members may be connected to each other.

[0101] 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 above and below 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 unit 10 arranged by stacking a plurality of stages vertically, the vertical frame member 21 may be a long member extending in the vertical direction Dv and covering a plurality of stages of the panel unit 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.

[0102] In the above-described embodiments, in the portion where the bracket 35 is provided, the bracket edge portion 35g is sandwiched between the panel outer edge portions 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 panel outer edge portions 31g may be close to each other on the outer peripheral portions of the pair of panel members 30. In addition, within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately replace the constituent elements in the above-described embodiments with well-known constituent elements, and the above-described various modified examples may be appropriately combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1A to 1D Partition device 10, 10M, 10S, 10T Panel unit 20 Support structure 22, 22M Horizontal frame member 22h Locking hole 30 Panel member 30A First panel member (panel member) 30B Second panel member (panel member) 31 Panel body 31c Corner 35, 35A, 35B, 35P, 35Q, 35R, 35S Bracket 36 Coupling portion 37 Joined portion 38b Locking claw 70 Base legs Dt Second direction Dv Vertical direction Dw First direction F Installation surface

Claims

1. A panel unit installed on an installation surface facing upward and partitioning an indoor space formed above the installation surface, comprising: A pair of panel members; A support structure disposed between the pair of panel members and supporting at least one of the pair of panel members; The pair of panel members are connected by the connection of a connection portion formed on one of the pair of panel members and a connected portion formed on the other of the pair of panel members; Each of the pair of panel members has: A plate-shaped panel body; A bracket provided on the panel body and supported by the support structure; The connection portion is formed on the bracket of one of the panel members; The connected portion is formed on the bracket of the other of the panel members; The support structure has a horizontal frame member extending in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and having a height dimension in the vertical direction lower than that of the pair of panel members; The brackets of the pair of panel members are locked to the horizontal frame member. Panel unit.

2. A locking hole is formed in one of the horizontal frame member and the bracket; A locking claw that locks to the locking hole is formed in the other of the horizontal frame member and the bracket; The panel unit according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the bracket in the vertical direction and the first direction with respect to the horizontal frame member is restricted by the locking claw being locked to the locking hole.

3. The brackets are respectively provided above and below the horizontal frame member among the pair of panel members; The horizontal frame member is sandwiched from above and below by the upper bracket and the lower bracket. The panel unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The horizontal frame member has a plate shape extending in the first direction with a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction as the thickness direction. The panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The panel body is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction; The brackets are respectively formed in an L shape straddling the corners at each corner of the panel body. The panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and A partition device including a base leg that is installed on the installation surface and supports the panel unit.

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