Panel assembly and panel connection structure

Abstract

To provide a panel connection structure that enables even a person unfamiliar with assembling a luggage compartment of a truck to assemble it sturdily. [Solution] The panel assembly comprises a first panel extending in a first extension direction, a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first panel, an engaging protrusion 11 provided at a first end of the first panel and protruding in a predetermined direction, a first engaged portion 21a provided at a second end of the second panel and engaging with the engaging protrusion 11 from one side in a transverse direction intersecting the predetermined direction, a second engaged portion provided at the second end and engaging with the engaging protrusion 11 or another portion of the first end from the other side in the transverse direction, a lock key 30 having a base end attached to the second end and capable of swinging in the transverse direction, and a biasing member that biases the lock key 30; when the lock key 30 is biased by the biasing member 40 toward the engaging protrusion 11 while the engaging protrusion 11 is engaged with the first engaged portion 21a, the tip of the lock key 30 engages with the lock key engaging portion 11c of the engaging protrusion 11.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel assembly and panel connection structure. [Background technology]

[0002] A known structure for connecting the front panel and side panels of a truck cargo area uses an aluminum connecting member with an L-shaped cross section. See, for example, Patent Document 1. In this connecting structure, an end of the front panel is inserted into one end of the connecting member with adhesive, and a wedge member is inserted into the gap between the end of the front panel and the connecting member. The side panel is fixed to the other end of the connecting member in the same manner as the front panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-194166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Heavy objects may be loaded in the trunk, and the trunk may be subjected to large accelerations when the truck is traveling. For this reason, the connecting structure employs the adhesive and wedge members. Therefore, in order to assemble the trunk, it is necessary to accurately apply the adhesive, attach the adhesive-coated panels to the connecting members, and insert the wedge members on the truck.

[0005] Therefore, assembling the trunk may take a long time. Also, since each of the above steps must be performed accurately to ensure the trunk's strength, assembling the trunk may require advanced skills.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, there is a need for a panel assembly and panel connection structure that allows even a person relatively unfamiliar with assembly to assemble panels sturdily and that also allows the time required for assembly to be shortened. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A panel assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first panel extending in a first extension direction, a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction, an engaging protrusion provided at a first end portion of the first panel that is an end portion in the first extension direction and protruding in a predetermined direction, a first engaged portion provided at a second end portion of the second panel that is an end portion in the second extension direction and engaging with the engaging protrusion from one side in a cross direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a second engaged portion provided at the second end portion that engages with the engaging protrusion or another portion of the first end from the other side in the cross direction. a second engaged portion that engages with the first engaged portion; a lock key whose base end is attached to the second end and that is capable of swinging in the intersecting direction; and a biasing member that is provided at the second end and biases the lock key toward the engaging protrusion that is engaged with the first engaged portion, and when the lock key is biased by the biasing member toward the engaging protrusion while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the specified direction relative to the first engaged portion. In one example, the panel includes a first panel extending in a first extension direction, a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction, an engaging protrusion provided at a first end portion of the first panel that is an end portion in the first extension direction over the entire longitudinal direction thereof and protruding in the first extension direction, a first engaged portion provided at a second end portion of the second panel that is an end portion in the second extension direction over the entire longitudinal direction thereof and engaging with the engaging protrusion from one side in the second extension direction, and a second engaged portion provided at the second end portion that engages with the engaging protrusion or another portion of the first end from the other side in the second extension direction. a second engaged portion having a base end attached to the second end portion and capable of swinging in the second extension direction; a lock key having a base end attached to the second end portion and capable of swinging in the second extension direction; and a biasing member provided at the second end portion for biasing the lock key toward the engaging protrusion engaged with the first engaged portion, wherein when the lock key is biased by the biasing member toward the engaging protrusion in a state in which the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip end of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction relative to the first engaged portion.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a panel connection structure for connecting the first panel and the second panel, comprising: a first member attached to an end of a first panel extending in a first extension direction; and a second member attached to an end of a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction, the panel connection structure including an engaging protrusion provided on the first member and protruding in a predetermined direction; a first engaged portion provided on the second member and engaging with the engaging protrusion from one side in a cross direction intersecting the predetermined direction; and a second engaged portion provided on the second member and engaging with the engaging protrusion or another portion of the first member from the other side in the cross direction. a second engaged portion that engages with the first engaged portion from the first member, a lock key whose base end is attached to the second member and is capable of swinging in the intersecting direction, and a biasing member that is provided on the second member and biases the lock key toward the engaging protrusion that is engaged with the first engaged portion, and when the lock key is biased by the biasing member toward the engaging protrusion while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the predetermined direction relative to the first engaged portion. In one example, a panel connection structure for connecting the first panel and the second panel includes a first member attached to an end of a first panel extending in a first extension direction and a second member attached to an end of a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction, wherein the first member is a member that is long along the end of the first panel and the second member is a member that is long along the end of the second panel, and the panel connection structure includes an engaging protrusion provided on the first member over the entire length thereof and protruding in the first extension direction, a first engaged portion provided on the second member over the entire length thereof and engaging with the engaging protrusion from one side in the second extension direction, and a second engaged portion provided on the second member. a second engaged portion that engages with the engaging protrusion or another portion of the first member from the other side in the second extension direction; a lock key whose base end is attached to the second member and that is swingable in the second extension direction; and a biasing member that is provided on the second member and biases the lock key toward the engaging protrusion that is engaged with the first engaged portion, and when the lock key is biased by the biasing member toward the engaging protrusion in a state in which the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip portion of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction relative to the first engaged portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle to which a luggage compartment using a panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle and a portion of a luggage compartment using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a luggage compartment and a vehicle using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view of a main part of a luggage compartment using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a plan view of the main part of the luggage compartment in a state where the panel assemblies in FIG. 4 are released from connection. [Figure 6]1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a luggage compartment using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a luggage compartment using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a luggage compartment using the panel assembly of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rear part of the luggage compartment of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rear part of the luggage compartment of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of a luggage compartment using a panel assembly according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of a luggage compartment using a panel assembly according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a dwelling, living room, or room of a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a second embodiment; [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the second embodiment of the dwelling, living room, or room with the end closing plate removed. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main part of the second embodiment of the dwelling, living room, or room with the end closing plate removed; [Figure 17] 10 is a perspective view of a main part of a residence, living room, or room according to a second embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an end view of the main part of the second embodiment of the dwelling, living room, or room with the end closing plate removed. [Figure 19] 2. An end view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an end view of the main part of the second embodiment of the dwelling, living room, or room with the end closing plate removed. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 24]FIG. 10 is an end view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a third modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an end view of a main part of a dwelling, living room, or room according to a fourth modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a luggage compartment using a panel assembly according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A panel assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This panel assembly is used, for example, in a luggage compartment 2 of a vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The luggage compartment 2 has a floor panel 3, a front panel 4, a pair of side panels 5, a rear panel 6, and a roof panel 7. The floor panel 3 is fixed to the vehicle 1, for example, to a base or the like.

[0011] As an example of panel assembly, a panel assembly in which a front panel 4 and one of the side panels 5 are connected will be described. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the panel assembly includes a front panel 4 as a first panel and a side panel 5 as a second panel extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the front panel 4 extends. As shown in Figure 5, the first direction is the direction in which the outer surface or inner surface of the front panel 4 substantially extends. Even if the outer surface and inner surface are not flat, the direction in which the outer surface and inner surface extend as a whole is the first direction of extension. The same applies to the second direction of extension.

[0012] The first and second extension directions intersect, and are substantially perpendicular to each other in the embodiment. In the embodiment, the angle formed by the first and second extension directions is 90°, but when the acute angle formed by the first and second extension directions is 80° or more, the first and second extension directions are considered to be substantially perpendicular to each other. Even when the first extending direction and the second extending direction intersect at other angles such as 45° or 135°, the effects described below are achieved.

[0013] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this panel assembly, a first member (first end) 10 constituting the end of the front panel 4 is attached to the end of the front panel 4, and a second member (second end) 20 constituting the end of the side panel 5 is attached to the end of the side panel 5. The first member 10 is a long member that extends along the end of the front panel 4, and is provided over the entire longitudinal length of the end as shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, the first member 10 is not provided in small areas at the top and bottom ends of the front panel 4. The small area is, for example, 20 cm or less, and if it is 50 cm or less, the effects described below can be achieved.

[0014] It should be noted that even if the multiple first members 10 are attached to the end portion at intervals, they can still be said to be provided over the entire longitudinal direction of the end portion. The intervals may be several tens of centimeters. It is preferable that the length of each first member 10 is 10 cm or more. Even in these cases, the effects described below can be achieved. Similar to the first member 10, the second member 20 is also provided over the entire end of the side panel 5 in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first member 10 is provided with engaging protrusions 11 that protrude in the first extension direction. In this embodiment, the first member 10 is made by extruding a metal such as aluminum. Therefore, the first member 10 has the cross-sectional shape shown in Figures 4 and 5 throughout its entire length, and the engaging protrusions 11 are also provided throughout the first member 10. Even when the engaging protrusions 11 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the first member 10, it can be said that the engaging protrusions 11 are provided throughout the first member 10. The intervals may be several tens of centimeters. The first member 10 may also be made of another material such as hard plastic. In these cases, the effects described below can be achieved.

[0016] The first member 10 is provided with separate engaging protrusions 12 that are arranged at positions different in the second extension direction from the engaging protrusions 11 and protrude in the first extension direction. Similar to the engaging protrusions 11, the separate engaging protrusions 12 are also provided over the entire first member 10. 2, 3, etc., the second member 20 is also provided over the entire longitudinal length of the end of the side panel 5. In this embodiment, the second member 20 is a long member that extends along the end of the side panel 5, and is provided at the end of the side panel 5 so as to correspond to the first member 10.

[0017] 4 and 5, the second member 20 is provided with a first protrusion 21 that protrudes in a first extension direction. An inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a of the first protrusion 21 in the second extension direction engages with a first surface 11a of the engaging protrusion 11 that faces the second extension direction in the second extension direction. The inner surface 21a faces rather toward the inside of the luggage compartment 2, and is therefore referred to as the inner surface. In this embodiment, directions may be described based on the inside and outside of the luggage compartment 2.

[0018] The second member 20 is provided with a second protrusion 22 that protrudes in the first extension direction, and as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second protrusion 22 is positioned more inward in the luggage compartment 2 than the first protrusion 21. At least a portion of an outer surface 22a of the second protrusion 22 facing the second extension direction faces the inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a, and a valley portion 24 is formed between the outer surface 22a and the inner surface 21a. The valley portion 24 has a width-reducing portion 24b that gradually narrows toward its bottom 24a. In Figure 5, the width-reducing portion 24b is the shaded portion indicated by the symbol.

[0019] Additionally, the outer surface 21b of the first projection 21 facing the second extending direction engages with the inner surface 12a of the other engaging projection 12 facing the second extending direction in the second extending direction. The second member 20 is provided with a third protrusion 23 that protrudes in the first extension direction, and as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the third protrusion 23 is disposed further inward in the luggage compartment 2 than the first protrusion 21 and the second protrusion 22. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the third protrusion 23 is formed with a recess 23a whose cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second member 20 is arc-shaped. The recess 23a is formed over the entire longitudinal direction of the second member 20. Even when the recesses 23a are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, it can be said that the recesses 23a are provided over the entire second member 20. The intervals may be several tens of centimeters, 1 meter or more, etc.

[0020] The recess 23a supports the base end 31 of at least one lock key (lock member) 30, and the lock key 30 can swing in the second extension direction. In this embodiment, the base end 31 has a shape that fits the recess 23a, and the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second member 20 has an arc shape that is slightly smaller than the arc shape of the recess 23a. In this embodiment, the opening 23b of the recess 23a is slightly narrower than the interior, so the lock key 30 does not fall out of the recess 23a.

[0021] One end of a biasing member 40, which is a leaf spring, is attached near the tip of the lock key 30, and the other end of the biasing member 40 abuts against, for example, the third protrusion 23 of the second member 20 in the second extension direction. The lock key 30 is biased toward the first protrusion 21 by the biasing member 40. The biasing member 40 may be another spring such as a coil spring, but a leaf spring is advantageous in that it stably maintains the connection between the panels by the lock key 30 and also contributes to space savings.

[0022] The length of each lock key 30 in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20 is preferably 5 cm or more, more preferably 10 cm or more, and even more preferably 20 cm or more, in order to increase the connection strength. In this embodiment, multiple lock keys 30 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. This configuration is preferable for increasing the connection strength between the first member 10 and the second member 20. If the lock key 30 is sufficiently long in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, it is also possible to connect the first member 10 and the second member 20 with a single lock key 30.

[0023] Assembling the panel assembly having the above structure will be described below. First, in advance at a factory or the like, a first member 10 is fixed to the edge of the first panel (front panel 4) using a conventional method such as adhesives and wedge members as disclosed in JP-A-10-194166, etc. Similarly, a second member 20 is fixed to the edge of the second panel (side panel 5).

[0024] Next, as shown in Fig. 2, for example, with the first panel, which is the front panel 4, fixed to the front end of the floor panel 3, second members 20 of the two side panels 5, which are second panels, are connected to the left and right first members 10 of the first panel. This connection is performed by inserting the engaging protrusion 11 of the first member 10 between the first protrusion 21 of the second member 20 and the lock key 30, as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, the inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a of the second member 20 engages with the engaging protrusion 11 from one side in the second extension direction, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0025] In the above state, when the engaging protrusion 11 is inserted to a predetermined position, the lock key 30 engages with the lock key engaging portion 11c formed on the engaging protrusion 11 in the first extension direction as shown in Fig. 4. This restricts movement of the engaging protrusion 11 in the first extension direction relative to the inner surface 21a, i.e., movement in the direction in which the engaging protrusion 11 comes out. More specifically, the lock key 30 functions as a support with the tip end of the lock key 30 as one end and the base end 31 of the lock key 30 as the other end.

[0026] In this embodiment, at the predetermined position, the tip of the engaging protrusion 11 engages with the outer surface 22a, which functions as the third engaged portion of the second protrusion 22. In this embodiment, this engagement occurs at the width-reducing portion 24b of the valley portion 24. Therefore, when the lock key 30 is engaged with the lock key engaging portion 11c, the tip of the engaging protrusion 11 is less likely to move in the second extension direction. This configuration is advantageous for suppressing movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the lock key engagement portion 11c is a surface extending in the second extension direction from the second surface 11b of the engagement projection 11, which is opposite the first surface 11a. The lock key engagement portion 11c extends from the second surface 11b so as to move away from the pivot center 30a of the lock key 30. In other words, the lock key engagement portion 11c has a shape that gradually moves away from a circle centered on the pivot center 30a shown in FIG. 4 and passing through the tip of the lock key 30. Therefore, even if there is dimensional variation between the first member 10 and the second member 20, the lock key 30 engages with the lock key engagement portion 11c with as little or no gap as possible. This configuration is advantageous in suppressing movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the engaging protrusion 11 is inserted to a predetermined position, another engaging protrusion 12, which is a part of the first member 10 other than the engaging protrusion 11, engages with the second member 20 from the other side in the second extending direction. For example, the inner surface 12a of the other engaging protrusion 12 engages with the outer surface 21b of the first protrusion 21, which functions as the second engaged portion, from the other side in the second extending direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the acute angle formed by the first extending direction and the inner surface 12a is larger than the acute angle formed by the first extending direction and the outer surface 21b. For this reason, the first member When a portion of panel 10 different from first surface 11a engages with the second engaged portion of second member 20, engaging protrusion 11 is pressed against the inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a of second member 20. This configuration is advantageous in suppressing movement of the first panel relative to the second panel.

[0029] 4 and 5, in this embodiment, a seal accommodating portion 13 is formed in the valley between the engaging projection 11 and the second engaging projection 12, and a seal member 14 made of a material having rubber-like elasticity is accommodated in the seal accommodating portion 13. This prevents or reduces the intrusion of rainwater between the first member 10 and the second member 20. A seal member (not shown) may also be provided to seal the gap between the third projection 23 and the first member 10. In this case, cleaning liquid for the interior of the trunk 2 and dirt such as dust in the trunk 2 are less likely to enter the gap between the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0030] In the above configuration, the second member (second end) 20 constituting the end may be attached to the front panel 4, and the first member (first end) 10 constituting the end may be attached to the side panel 5. Even in this case, the front panel 4, which is the second panel, is connected to the side panel 5, which is the first panel.

[0031] 6, in the luggage compartment 2 of this embodiment, a front panel 4 serving as a first panel and a floor panel 3 serving as a second panel are connected by a first member (first end) 10 and a second member (second end) 20. The second member (second end) 20 constituting the end may be attached to the front panel 4, and the first member (first end) 10 constituting the end may be attached to the floor panel 3.

[0032] Similarly, in the luggage compartment 2 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the side panel 5 as the first panel and the floor panel 3 as the second panel are connected by a first member (first end) 10 and a second member (second end) 20. As in the case of Fig. 6, the first member (first end) 10 and the second member (second end) 20 can be interchanged.

[0033] Similarly, in the luggage compartment 2 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the front panel 4 or the side panel 5 as the first panel and the roof panel 7 as the second panel are connected by a first member (first end) 10 and a second member (second end) 20. As in the case of Fig. 6, the first member (first end) 10 and the second member (second end) 20 can be interchanged. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the overall shapes of the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0034] In the luggage compartment 2 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the floor panel 3 or the frame of the vehicle 1 and the roof panel 7 are fixed to the frame of the rear panel 6 with fastening members such as bolts (not shown). A pair of side panels 5 are also fixed to the frame with fastening members such as bolts. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a door is attached to the rear panel 6 so that it can be opened and closed. When high strength is required, at least one panel may be fixed to other panels with fastening members in this way, and the other panels may be connected to each other using a first member 10 and a second member 20. The floor panel 3, the roof panel 7, and the pair of side panels 5 may be connected to the frame of the rear panel 6 using the first member 10 and the second member 20.

[0035] In this embodiment, the panel assembly of the luggage compartment 2 is connected using the first member 10 and the second member 20, so that even a person who is relatively unfamiliar with assembly can assemble the panels sturdily, and it is also possible to shorten the time required for assembly.

[0036] In this embodiment, the panel assembly is used in the luggage compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the panel assembly can be used to create a dwelling, living room, etc., such as temporary housing. The panel assembly can also be used to create a fixed room, such as a warehouse or storage shed. In these cases, the dwelling, living room, or room includes, for example, a floor panel 3, a pair of side panels 5, an end panel having a configuration similar to the front panel 4, an end panel having a configuration similar to the rear panel 6, and a roof panel 7. The floor panel 3 is placed or fixed to a predetermined position, such as the ground.

[0037] It is also possible to form a partition using such a panel assembly. When forming a partition, multiple partition panels are connected to each other using a first member (first end) 10 and a second member (second end) 20. In this case, the angle formed by adjacent panels, i.e., the acute angle where the first extension direction and the second extension direction intersect, may be 10° or less.

[0038] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , the first member (first end) 10 may not be provided with a separate engaging protrusion 12, and the second surface 11b of the engaging protrusion 11 may engage with the second protrusion 22, which functions as the second engaged portion of the second member 20. The second protrusion 22 in this modification protrudes more than that in the above embodiment. In this case, when the engaging protrusion 11 is inserted to the predetermined position, the second surface 11b of the engaging protrusion 11 engages with the outer surface 22a, which is the second engaged portion of the second member 20, from the other side in the second extension direction. In this case, a non-installation portion where the second protrusion 22 is not provided or a low-protrusion portion where the second protrusion 22 is low is provided at one or more locations in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. The lock key 30 is then arranged at a position corresponding to the non-installation portion or the low-protrusion portion. In the above embodiment, it is sufficient if there is either the engagement between the separate engaging projection 12 and the second engaged portion or the engagement between the tip end of the engaging projection 11 and the third engaged portion.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the second protrusion 22 of the second member (second end) 20 may have a different shape, and the second member (second end) 20 may be a wall extending perpendicular to the second extension direction, i.e., in the first extension direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the cross section of the top of the second protrusion 22 of the second member (second end) 20 extending perpendicular to the second extension direction may be an arc-shaped protrusion, thereby forming the reduced width portion 24b. In Fig. 12, the reduced width portion 24b is the shaded portion indicated by the corresponding symbol.

[0040] Examples of the dwelling, living room, or room are shown as a second embodiment in Figures 13 to 20. The enlarged view in Figure 14 shows a state in which the corner cover 8 has been removed. 13 and 14 also use the same panel assembly and panel connection structures as described above, in the connection between the front panel 4 and the side panel 5, the connection between the front panel 4 and the roof panel 7, the connection between the roof panel 7 and the rear panel 6, the connection between the side panel 5 and the rear panel 6, the connection between the side panel 5 and the roof panel 7, and the connection between the floor panel 3 and the front panel 4, the side panel 5, and the rear panel 6, etc.

[0041] A panel assembly consisting of a roof panel 7 and a front panel 4 will be described as an example with reference to Figure 15. In Figure 15, the roof panel 7 is the first panel and the front panel 4 is the second panel. 1 to 8, the first extension direction, which is the extension direction of the roof panel 7, and the second extension direction, which is the extension direction of the front panel 4, are approximately perpendicular to each other. Also, a first member (first end) 10 constituting the end of the roof panel 7 is attached to the end of the roof panel 7, and a second member (second end) 20 constituting the end of the front panel 4 is attached to the end of the front panel 4.

[0042] The first member 10 is provided with the same engaging projection 11, separate engaging projection 12, seal accommodating portion 13, and seal member 14 as in Figures 4 to 8. The engaging projection 11 has the same first surface 11a, second surface 11b, and lock key engaging portion 11c as in Figures 4 to 8, and the separate engaging projection 12 has the same inner surface 12a as in Figures 4 to 8.

[0043] 15 and 20, the second member 20 is provided with the first protrusion 21, second protrusion 22, third protrusion 23, valley portion 24, reduced width portion 24b, lock key 30, and urging member 40, which are the same as those in FIGS. 4 to 8. The first protrusion 21 has the same inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a and outer surface (second engaged portion) 21b as those in FIGS. 4 to 8, the second protrusion 22 has the same outer surface (third engaged portion) 22a as those in FIGS. 4 to 8, and the third protrusion 23 has the same recess 23a and opening 23b as those in FIGS. 4 to 8. Other parts of the first member 10 and the second member 20 may be the same as those in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 15, the engaging projection 11 protrudes from the first member 10 in a predetermined direction, and the inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a engages with the first surface 11a of the engaging projection 11 from one side in the intersecting direction that is approximately perpendicular to the predetermined direction, which is the same as Figs. 4 to 8. Note that in Fig. 15, the predetermined direction and the intersecting direction correspond to the second extension direction and the first extension direction, respectively, whereas in Figs. 4 to 8, the predetermined direction and the intersecting direction correspond to the first extension direction and the second extension direction, respectively, but in all cases the inner surface (first engaged portion) 21a engages with the engaging projection 11 from one side in the intersecting direction.

[0045] 15, the outer surface (second engaged portion) 21b engages with another engaging projection 12 of the first member 10 from the other side in the intersecting direction, which is also the same as in FIGS. 4 to 8. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the outer surface (third engaged portion) 22a engages with the tip of the engaging projection 11 from the other side in the intersecting direction, which is also the same as in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0046] 15, the lock key 30 can swing in the intersecting direction, and when the lock key 30 engages with the lock key engaging portion 11c, the movement of the engaging projection 11 to come out of the second member 20 in the predetermined direction is restricted, as in FIGS. 4 to 8. In FIGS. 4 to 8 and 15, the lock key 30 is biased in the intersecting direction by the biasing member 40. In this way, in FIG. 15 as well, the lock key 30 functions as a support, just as in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0047] 15 also effectively restricts movement of the first panel relative to the second panel, as in Figures 4 to 8. Also in Figure 15, if the lock keys 30 are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, the connection strength between the first member 10 and the second member 20 can be improved. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, an unlocking member 50 is inserted between the third protrusion 23 and the biasing member 40. The unlocking member 50 has a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, and in Fig. 15 is a tubular member extending in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. A rotation axis 50a, which is the central axis of the unlocking member 50, is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. Preferably, the unlocking member 50 is a cylindrical member as shown in Fig. 15.

[0048] 21 , in one example, a plurality of biasing members 40 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. Alternatively, a plurality of lock keys 30 may be arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20. The unlocking member 50 is rotatable about a rotation axis 50a extending in the longitudinal direction, and a notch 51 is formed in a part of the circumferential direction of the unlocking member 50 about the rotation axis 50a. In the longitudinal direction, the notch 51 may be provided over the entire unlocking member 50, or the notch 51 may be provided only in a range corresponding to the biasing member 40.

[0049] The second member (second end) 20 has an end closure plate 60 provided at its longitudinal end (FIGS. 16, 17, and 19). As shown in FIG. 16, in one example, the end closure plate 60 is fixed to the end of the second member 20 by a bolt (fastening member) B. An operating part 61 such as an operating knob is provided together with the end closing plate part 60, and the operating part 61 has a rotation direction mark 61a. The operating part 61 is configured to rotate together with the lock release member 50, and "LOCK", "UNLOCK", "HOLD", etc. are written around the operating part 61 of the end closing plate part 60, and these are marks that indicate the state of the lock key 30 and / or the biasing member 40.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 15, the biasing member 40 has one end 40a disposed on the side of the engaging projection 11 and the other end 40b on the opposite side. 15, the operating unit 61 is disposed in a rotational position where the rotation direction mark 61a points to "LOCK." In this state, as shown in FIG. 15, the other end 40b of the biasing member 40 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lock release member 50 where the notch 51 is not provided. Therefore, the other end 40b is pressed toward the one end 40a against the biasing force of the biasing member 40. In other words, the state in which the lock key 30 is pressed against the lock key engaging portion 11c by the biasing member 40 is maintained.

[0051] 19, when the operating unit 61 and the unlocking member 50 are rotated to a rotational position where the rotation direction mark 61a indicates "UNLOCK," the other end 40b of the urging member 40 is positioned at a position corresponding to the notch 51, as shown in Fig. 18. At this time, the other end 40b enters the notch 51, and the urging member 40 and the lock key 30 become movable to the side of the other end 40b of the urging member 40 (the side of the third protrusion 23).

[0052] This releases the engagement between the lock key 30 and the lock key engagement portion 11c. If the unlocking member 50 is a cylindrical member or the like, the notch 51 may be a recess or the like. This released state is a state in which the engagement protrusion 11 can be removed from the second member 20 in the predetermined direction. Depending on the arrangement of the second member 20, the lock key 30 moves to a position where the engagement is released due to gravity. It is also possible to provide another biasing member, such as a torsion spring, to bias the lock key 30 in the direction where the engagement is released.

[0053] If gravity prevents the lock key 30 from moving to a position where the engagement is released, the operating unit 61 and the unlocking member 50 can be rotated to a rotational position where the rotation direction mark 61a points to "HOLD." When the unlocking member 50 is rotated to a position corresponding to "HOLD," as shown in FIG. 20 , the other end 40b of the biasing member 40 gets caught in the notch 51, and the other end 40b of the biasing member 40 is forcibly moved in a direction away from the lock key 30 and / or the engaging protrusion 11. In other words, when the unlocking member 50 is rotated in a predetermined rotational direction about the rotation axis 50a with the other end 40b inserted into the notch 51 or recess of the unlocking member 50, a force is applied to the other end 40b in the rotational direction.

[0054] In each of the above embodiments, the other end 40b of the urging member 40 can smoothly move in a direction away from the lock key 30 and / or the engaging projection 11. This configuration contributes to smooth disassembly of the first panel and the second panel. Also, in each of the above embodiments, multiple urging members 40 and multiple lock keys 30 can be locked / unlocked simultaneously by simply rotating the unlocking member 50 about the rotation axis 50a.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the unlocking member 50 presses the other end 40b toward the engaging projection 11 against the biasing force of the biasing member 40. This state can be maintained even if the rotational position of the unlocking member 50 is slightly shifted. This can be said to be a simple and reliable structure for keeping the lock key 30 pressed against the lock key engaging portion 11c.

[0056] In the above aspect, as shown in Figures 16, 17, etc., a rotation restricting member 63 is provided that restricts the rotation of the lock release member 50 or the operating unit 61. In one example, the rotation restricting member 63 is a member that engages with the lock release member 50 or the operating unit 61 in the rotational direction. In this embodiment, a hole 63a is formed in the rotation restricting member 63, and the hole 63a engages with the operating unit 61 in the rotational direction about the rotation axis 50a. The rotation restricting member 63 is supported on the end closure plate 60 by a support member 63b such as a bolt so as to be movable in the direction along the rotation axis 50a.

[0057] Furthermore, the rotation restricting member 63 or the support member 63b is biased in a direction along the rotation axis 50a by a spring 63c. More specifically, the biasing force of the spring 63c maintains the state in which the operating portion 61 is in the hole 63a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 , when the rotation restricting member 63 is moved in a direction along the rotation axis 50a against the biasing force of the spring 63c, the operating portion 61 comes out of the hole 63a. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 , with the operating portion 61 coming out of the hole 63a, the rotation restricting member 63 can be rotated around the support member 63b to a position where the hole 63a and the operating portion 61 do not correspond to each other.

[0058] 16, 19, etc., a confirmation window 62 for checking the swing position of the lock keys 30 may be formed in the end closure plate portion 60. As described above, multiple lock keys 30 can be locked / unlocked simultaneously simply by rotating the unlocking member 50 around the rotation axis 50a, and therefore the status of all lock keys 30 can be easily confirmed or estimated by checking the swing position of the frontmost lock key 30 through the confirmation window 62.

[0059] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, it is also possible to provide an unlocking member 70 instead of the unlocking member 50. The unlocking member 70 is supported by the second member 20 so as to be able to swing. The unlocking member 70 is a member having a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, and corresponds to the multiple urging members 40. When the unlocking member 70 swings toward the engaging projection 11, the other ends 40b of the multiple urging members 40 are simultaneously pressed toward the engaging projection 11 by the unlocking member 70, and the lock key 30 enters the locked state. When the unlocking member 70 swings to a position away from the engaging projection 11 and / or the lock key 30, the lock key 30 enters the unlocked state.

[0060] The unlocking member 70 can also be swung by rotating an operating portion 61 provided on the end closing plate portion 60. In this case, for example, the operating portion 61 is fixed to the unlocking member 70, and the center of rotation of the operating portion 61 coincides with the center of swing of the unlocking member 70. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the swing position of the unlocking member 70 may be adjusted by a plurality of bolts B.

[0061] As shown in Figure 23, it is also possible to provide an unlocking member 80 instead of the unlocking member 70. The unlocking member 80 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20, and an operating portion 81 of the unlocking member 80 protrudes from an elongated hole 20a formed in the second member 20. The operating portion 81 is a bolt or the like that is screwed into the unlocking member 80 via the elongated hole 20a. The elongated hole 20a is a hole that is long in the longitudinal direction of the second member 20.

[0062] The unlocking member 80 is formed with recesses 82 corresponding to the multiple biasing members 40, and the recesses 82 are recessed in a direction away from the lock keys 30 and / or the engaging projections 11. In addition, an inclined surface 83 is formed on one or both sides of the recesses 82 in the longitudinal direction. Although only one lock key 30 is shown in Figure 23, the operator can simultaneously lock / unlock multiple lock keys 30 by holding the operating part 81 and moving the unlocking member 80 in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] When connecting the first panel and the second panel, the lock key 30 is moved toward the first protrusion 21 by the lock release members 50, 70, 80. In other words, the lock release members 50, 70, 80 are positioned to press the lock key 30 against the lock key engagement portion 11c. In this state, when the engagement protrusion 11 of the first member 10 is inserted into the second member 20 and the lock key 30 engages with the lock key engagement portion 11c, an engagement sound is generated. This allows the worker to work while checking the engagement of the lock key 30 with the lock key engagement portion 11c.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 24, a protrusion 41 may be provided on the lock key 30 instead of the biasing member 40. The protrusion 41 does not or barely deforms elastically. In this case, the unlocking member 50 can function as the biasing member. As shown in FIG. 25, the outer peripheral surface of the unlocking member 50 may be a cam-type outer peripheral surface whose distance from the rotation axis 50a gradually changes. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, by placing the unlocking member 50 in the biasing rotation position, the outer peripheral surface of the unlocking member 50 simultaneously biases multiple lock keys 30 toward the lock key engaging portion 11c, thereby engaging the multiple lock keys 30 with the lock key engaging portion 11c. In the above embodiments, using the biasing member 40, which is a spring, to engage the lock keys 30 with the lock key engaging portion 11c tends to more firmly connect the first and second panels to each other.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the operating part 61 and the unlocking member 50 are rotated to a rotational position where the rotation direction mark 61a indicates "UNLOCK," thereby moving the protrusion 41 in a direction away from the lock key 30 and / or the engaging projection 11, thereby releasing the engagement between the lock key 30 and the lock key engaging part 11c. The unlocking members 70, 80 can also function as biasing members in a similar manner. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the unlocking members 50, 70, 80 are moved or rotated manually, but it is also possible to provide a driving device such as a motor for moving or rotating the unlocking members 50, 70, 80.

[0066] The predetermined direction and the intersecting direction may also be different from the first extension direction and the second extension direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the predetermined direction and the intersecting direction may be different from the first extension direction and the second extension direction by 45°, respectively. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved, and unlocking members 50, 70, and 80 can be provided in the same manner as described above. As in the first embodiment, the predetermined direction and the intersecting direction may intersect at an angle of 45°, 135°, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 vehicle 2 luggage compartment 3 Floor Panels 4 Front Panel 5 Side Panel 6 Rear Panel 7 Roof Panel 10 First member (first end) 11 Engagement protrusion 11a First Side 20 second member (second end) 21 1st protrusion 21a inner surface (first engaged portion) 21b outer surface (second engaged portion) 22 2nd protrusion 22a outer surface (third engaged portion) 23 Third protrusion 24 Valley 24b Width reduction part 30 Lock Key 31 Proximal end 40 biasing member 50 Unlocking member 50a Rotation axis 51 Notch 60 End closure plate 61 Operation section 62 Confirmation window 63 Rotation restriction member 70,80 Unlocking member

Claims

1. a first panel extending in a first extension direction; a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction; an engaging protrusion provided at a first end portion of the first panel in the first extending direction and protruding in a predetermined direction; a first engaged portion provided at a second end portion that is an end portion of the second panel in the second extension direction, the first engaged portion being engaged with the engaging protrusion from one side in a cross direction that crosses the predetermined direction; a second engaged portion provided at the second end portion and engaging with the engaging protrusion or another portion of the first end portion from the other side in the intersecting direction; a lock key having a base end attached to the second end and capable of swinging in the intersecting direction; a biasing member provided at the second end portion and biasing the lock key toward the engaging protrusion engaged with the first engaged portion, When the lock key is urged toward the engaging protrusion by the urging member while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the specified direction relative to the first engaged portion.

2. the engaging projection is provided on the first end portion over the entire longitudinal direction thereof and projects in the first extending direction, which is the predetermined direction; the first engaged portion is provided on the second end portion over the entire length of the second end portion, and engages with the engaging projection from the one side in the second extending direction, which is the transverse direction; the second engaged portion engages with the engaging protrusion or the other portion from the other side in the second extending direction, 2. The panel assembly of claim 1, wherein when the lock key is urged toward the engaging projection by the urging member while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction relative to the first engaged portion.

3. 3. The panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lock key functions as a support with the tip portion as one end and the base end portion as the other end, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion relative to the first engaged portion.

4. the engaging projection has a first surface that engages with the first engaged portion in the second extending direction, the lock key engagement portion is a surface extending in the intersecting direction from a second surface of the engagement projection, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, 4. The panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the surface that is the lock key engagement portion extends from the second surface so as to be away from the swing center of the lock key.

5. the second engaged portion engages with the other portion of the first end portion from the other side in the intersecting direction, 5. The panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion has a third engaged portion that engages with the tip of the engaging projection from the other side in the intersecting direction.

6. a valley portion formed by the first engaged portion and the second engaged portion has a width decreasing portion that gradually narrows toward a bottom of the valley portion, The panel assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the third engaged portion engages with the tip of the engaging projection at the width-reduced portion.

7. the biasing member has one end portion disposed on the engaging projection side and the other end portion, the second end is configured to have attached thereto an unlocking member that contacts the lock key or the other end of the biasing member; The panel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the unlocking member is capable of disengaging the tip of the lock key from the lock key engagement portion by moving the other end of the lock key or the biasing member.

8. the unlocking member is a member having a longitudinal direction in the longitudinal direction of the second end portion, and is attached to the second end portion so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction, 8. The panel assembly according to claim 7, wherein the unlocking member moves the other end of the biasing member in a direction away from the lock key and / or the engagement protrusion at a predetermined rotational position, thereby releasing the engagement between the tip of the lock key and the lock key engagement portion.

9. 9. The panel assembly according to claim 8, wherein the unlocking member is capable of forcibly moving the other end of the biasing member in a direction further away from the lock key and / or the engagement projection after moving the other end of the biasing member in a direction away from the lock key and / or the engagement projection at the predetermined rotational position.

10. 8. The panel assembly according to claim 7, wherein the unlocking member is configured to release the engagement between the tip of the lock key and the lock key engagement portion by moving the other end of the biasing member in a direction away from the lock key.

11. the second end portion has an end closing plate portion provided at an end in the longitudinal direction thereof and closing the end in the longitudinal direction of the second end portion, 11. The panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end closing plate portion is formed with a confirmation window for confirming the position of the lock key.

12. A panel connection structure comprising: a first member attached to an end of a first panel extending in a first extension direction; and a second member attached to an end of a second panel extending in a second extension direction intersecting the first extension direction, the panel connection structure connecting the first panel and the second panel, an engagement protrusion provided on the first member and protruding in a predetermined direction; a first engaged portion provided on the second member and engaged from one side in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction; a second engaged portion provided on the second member and engaged with the engaging projection or another portion of the first member from the other side in the intersecting direction; a lock key having a base end attached to the second member and capable of swinging in the intersecting direction; a biasing member provided on the second member and biasing the lock key toward the engaging projection engaged with the first engaged portion, A panel connecting structure in which, when the lock key is urged toward the engaging protrusion by the urging member while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the specified direction relative to the first engaged portion.

13. the first member is an elongated member extending along the edge of the first panel; the second member is an elongated member extending along the edge of the second panel; the engaging projection is provided on the first member over the entire longitudinal direction thereof and protrudes in the first extending direction, which is the predetermined direction; the first engaged portion is provided on the second member over the entire longitudinal direction thereof and engages with the engaging projection from the one side in the second extending direction, which is the intersecting direction; the second engaged portion engages with the engaging protrusion or the other portion from the other side in the intersecting direction, 13. The panel connection structure of claim 12, wherein when the lock key is urged toward the engaging protrusion by the urging member while the engaging protrusion is engaged with the first engaged portion, the tip of the lock key engages with the lock key engaging portion of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction, thereby restricting movement of the engaging protrusion in the first extension direction relative to the first engaged portion.

Images