Panel units, partition devices

Abstract

To vertically stack a plurality of panel units in a state where the panel units are vertically connected firmly.SOLUTION: A panel unit 10 includes a support structure 20 and a pair of panel materials 30 arranged in both sides of the support structure 20 so as to sandwich the support structure 20. The support structured 20 includes: a lower coupling unit 25 provided in a lower end 21b of the support structure 20 in the panel unit 10 and to which an upper end of a support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 arranged in a lower side of the panel unit 10 or an upper end 72t of a base leg 70 installed on an installation surface F can be connected; and an upper coupling unit 26 provided in an upper end of the support structure 20 in the panel unit 10 and to which a lower end 21b of a support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 arranged in an upper side of the panel unit 10 can be connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel unit and a partition device. [Background technology]

[0002] In spaces such as offices, public facilities, and commercial facilities, partition devices are widely used to divide the spaces formed within the facilities. Partition devices with various heights are sometimes desired depending on the intended use. To meet such demands, providing partition devices with various heights requires preparing panel materials for the partition devices in various sizes, which is time-consuming and costly. In response to this, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which multiple soundproofing panels can be easily connected and detached using fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners provided on each surface of the outer covers of the soundproofing panels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3230413 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the panel materials (soundproof panels) are connected by fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, so the connection strength between the panel materials is not high. For this reason, in panel materials having a strong frame, it is difficult to firmly connect multiple panel materials vertically with the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1. An object of the present invention is to provide a panel unit and a partition device that can be stacked vertically while firmly connecting a plurality of panel units vertically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a panel unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is a panel unit that is placed on an upward-facing installation surface and divides an interior space formed above the installation surface, and comprises a support structure and a pair of panel materials that are arranged on both sides of the support structure so as to sandwich the support structure, and the support structure comprises a lower connecting portion that is provided at the lower end of the support structure in the panel unit and to which the upper end of the support structure of another panel unit that is arranged below the panel unit, or the upper end of a base leg that is installed on the installation surface, and an upper connecting portion that is provided at the upper end of the support structure in the panel unit and to which the lower end of the support structure of another panel unit that is arranged above the panel unit, can be connected.

[0006] In this way, the lower connecting portion provided at the lower end of the support structure allows connection to the upper end of the support structure of another panel unit placed below the panel unit, or the upper end of the base leg placed on the installation surface. Furthermore, the upper connecting portion provided at the upper end of the support structure allows connection to the lower end of the support structure of another panel unit placed above the panel unit. In this way, when multiple panel units are stacked vertically, the support structures of the panel units can be firmly connected to each other. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which multiple panel units are connected vertically by connecting the panel materials themselves, multiple panel units can be stacked vertically while being firmly connected. Furthermore, by combining a plurality of such panel materials, it is possible to provide partition devices of various sizes easily and at low cost.

[0007] In a panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the support structure may comprise vertical frame members extending in the vertical direction and horizontal frame members extending from the vertical frame members on both sides of a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the lower connecting portion may be provided at the lower end of the vertical frame members, and the upper connecting portion may be provided at the upper end of the vertical frame members. According to this configuration, the support structure supporting the pair of panel members includes vertical frame members extending in the up-down direction and horizontal frame members extending from the vertical frame members to both sides in the first direction. In other words, the vertical frame members are positioned in the middle of the panel unit in the first direction. This eliminates the need to position the vertical frame members around the periphery of the panel members, simplifying the structure, reducing weight, and increasing flexibility in the appearance. Therefore, the vertical frame members and horizontal frame members can ensure the support strength of the panel members.

[0008] In a panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper connecting portion may include an upper connecting member that is arranged so that its vertical position relative to the vertical frame member can be changed between a protruding position that protrudes above the upper edge of the panel material and a storage position that is located between the upper and lower edges of the panel material. According to this configuration, when connecting the lower end of the support structure of another panel unit placed above the panel unit to the upper connecting part, by locating the upper connecting part in a protruding position that protrudes above the upper edge of the panel material, it is possible to easily connect the upper connecting part to the lower end of the support structure of the upper panel unit. Also, when no panel unit is connected above, by positioning the upper connecting part between the upper and lower edges of the panel material, the upper connecting part is not exposed to the outside of the panel unit, thereby improving the appearance.

[0009] In a panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the lower connecting portion may be configured to be insertable into the upper connecting portion of another panel unit arranged below the panel unit, or into the upper end of a base leg installed on the installation surface. This configuration allows the lower connecting portion to be easily connected to the upper connecting portion of the vertical frame material of another panel unit placed below or to the upper end of the base leg. In addition, the vertical overlap between the lower connecting portion and the upper connecting portion or base leg can be ensured, allowing for a strong connection between panel units, or between panel units and base legs.

[0010] In a panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, the upper connecting portion may be provided with a restraining member that restrains the connection state with the lower connecting portion of another panel unit that is arranged above the panel unit. This configuration can prevent the connection between the vertically connected panel units from being accidentally released.

[0011] In a panel unit according to one aspect of the present invention, a lower opening through which the lower connecting portion faces downward and an upper opening through which the upper connecting portion faces upward may be formed between a pair of panel materials. With this configuration, the lower connecting portion can be connected to the upper end of the support structure of another panel unit placed below the panel unit or to the upper end of the base leg placed on the installation surface through the lower opening. Furthermore, the upper connecting portion can be connected to the lower end of the support structure of another panel unit placed above the panel unit through the upper opening. In this way, the support structure placed between a pair of panels can be connected to the support structures of the upper and lower panel units or the base leg without exposing the connecting portions to the outside. This improves the appearance of the panel unit.

[0012] The partition device according to the present invention includes a plurality of panel units as described above.

[0013] With this configuration, multiple panel units are firmly connected vertically, making it possible to provide a stable partition device of an appropriate size to meet customer needs at low cost.

[0014] In a partition device according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the panel units may be stacked vertically, and the upper connecting portion of one of the panel units arranged below may be connected to the lower connecting portion of another of the panel units arranged above. This configuration makes it possible to realize a partition device in which a plurality of panel units are firmly connected vertically.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the partition device may further include a base leg that is installed on the installation surface, and the upper end of the base leg may be connected to the lower connecting portion of the panel unit that is arranged above the base leg. According to this configuration, the base leg and the panel unit above the base leg can be firmly connected, thereby realizing a partition device with excellent stability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a panel unit and a partition device in which a plurality of panel units can be stacked vertically while being firmly connected to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the panel unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the panel unit with one panel material removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the panel unit from a different direction than in FIG. 2, with the other panel material removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a view of the panel unit from a second direction with one panel material removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a bracket that constitutes the panel material. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a bracket different from that shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a locking portion of the bracket relative to a horizontal frame member. FIG. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure for connecting the panel units vertically. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure for connecting a base leg to the underside of the panel unit. [Figure 11] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an upper connecting member that constitutes an upper connecting portion of the panel unit. FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a configuration for connecting the panel units to each other in a first direction. [Figure 13] 10 is a view of the connecting member used to connect the panel units together, viewed from a second direction. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a view of the connecting member as seen from a direction intersecting the second direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a closing member provided in the panel unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the closing member. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a partition device constructed using the panel unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a partition device constructed using the panel unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a partition device constructed using the panel unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a partition device constructed using the panel unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the panel unit and partition device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a panel unit 10 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the panel unit 10 with one panel material 30 removed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the panel unit 10 from a different direction than FIG. 5 with the other panel material 30 removed. FIG. 5 is a view of the panel unit 10 viewed from a second direction Dt with one panel material 30 removed. <Panel unit> The panel unit 10 shown in Fig. 1 is applied to partition devices 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.

[0020] <Support structure> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the support structure 20 is disposed between a pair of panel materials 30. The support structure 20 includes vertical frame members 21 and horizontal frame members 22. The vertical frame members 21 extend in the up-down direction Dv. In this embodiment, the vertical frame members 21 have, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction Dv along the vertical direction. The support structure 20 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and has higher rigidity than the panel main body 31 of the panel material 30.

[0021] The horizontal frame members 22 extend on both sides of the vertical frame members 21 in a first direction Dw that intersects with the up-down direction Dv. In other words, the vertical frame members 21 support the horizontal frame members 22 at their intermediate portions in the first direction Dw. In this embodiment, the horizontal frame members 22 are disposed at intermediate portions of the vertical frame members 21 in the up-down direction Dv. The height dimension of the horizontal frame members 22 in the up-down direction Dv is lower (smaller) than that of the vertical frame members 21. In the illustrated example, the dimension of the horizontal frame members 22 in the up-down direction Dv is set to about one-third of the overall length of the vertical frame members 21. As a result, the support structure 20 of this embodiment, which includes the vertical frame members 21 and the horizontal frame members 22, is formed in a cross shape when viewed from the up-down direction Dv and the second direction Dt that intersects with the first direction Dw (the direction that intersects with the first direction Dw when viewed from the up-down direction Dv). That is, in the support structure 20, the vertical frame members 21 protrude on both sides in the up-down direction Dv and the horizontal frame members 22 protrude on both sides in the first direction Dw from the intersections of the vertical frame members 21 and the horizontal frame members 22. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion in the up-down direction Dv refers to a portion of the vertical frame members 21 excluding the portions that protrude on both sides in the up-down direction Dv relative to the horizontal frame members 22, and is preferably, for example, a portion excluding 1 / 4 regions located on both sides in the up-down direction Dv with respect to the entire length of the vertical frame members 21. In the illustrated example, the intermediate portion in the up-down direction Dv is formed by dividing the entire length of the vertical frame members 21 into thirds and then dividing the entire length into three equal parts, and the intermediate portion is approximately 1 / 3 of the total length.

[0022] 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 its thickness direction. The height dimension of the plate portion 23 in the up-down direction Dv is smaller (lower) than the width dimension of the plate portion 23 in the first direction Dw. The flange portions 24 are formed on the top and bottom of the plate portion 23. The flange portions 24 each rise from the plate portion 23 toward the other panel material 30 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.

[0023] 3 and 4, a groove-shaped portion 22d extending in the up-down direction Dv is formed in the center of the horizontal frame member 22 in the first direction Dw. An intermediate portion of the vertical frame member 21 in the up-down direction Dv is fitted into the groove-shaped portion 22d. The vertical frame member 21 and the horizontal frame member 22 are joined together at the groove-shaped portion 22d by an appropriate joining means such as bolt joining, rivet joining, or welding.

[0024] <Panel material> As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the pair of panel materials 30 are arranged on both sides of the support structure 20 in the second direction Dt. The pair of panel materials 30 are arranged on both sides of the support structure 20 so as to sandwich the support structure 20. Each of the pair of panel materials 30 is supported by the support structure 20.

[0025] Each panel material 30 includes a plate-shaped panel main body 31 and a bracket 35. The panel main body 31 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the second direction Dt. The panel main body 31 is, for example, integrally molded from nonwoven fabric, or configured such that a core material is covered with a covering material such as woven fabric. Hereinafter, of the panel main body 31 (panel material 30), the surface that is exposed to the outside as the panel material 30 may be referred to as the front surface, and the surface that is not exposed to the outside as the panel material 30 may be referred to as the back surface.

[0026] In the following description, when describing the same configuration of each component of the panel material 30, one of the panel materials 30 will be mainly described as an example. The panel main body 31 integrally includes a facing portion 31f and a panel outer edge portion 31g. The facing portion 31f is formed to face the support structure 20 in the second direction Dt. The surface shape of the facing portion 31f is linear in a vertical cross section along the up-down direction Dv, and is arc-shaped in a convex shape in a direction away from the support structure 20 as it moves from the outer edge toward the center in the first direction Dw in a horizontal cross section along the first direction Dw. However, the surface shape of the facing portion 31f may be arc-shaped in both the vertical and horizontal cross sections, or may be formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the second direction Dt. Furthermore, the surface shape of the facing portion 31f may be arc-shaped in a direction approaching the support structure 20 in either the vertical or horizontal cross section. The back surface of the facing portion 31f is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the second direction Dt.

[0027] The panel outer edge portion 31g is formed on the outer periphery side of the facing portion 31f. Here, in the panel material 30, the direction away from the center of the panel material 30 as viewed in the second direction Dt is referred to as the outer periphery side, and the direction approaching the center of the panel material 30 is referred to as the inner periphery side. The panel outer edge portion 31g is formed along the four sides of the panel main body 31. The panel outer edge portion 31g extends toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt relative to the facing portion 31f. The panel outer edge portion 31g extends while curving toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt as it moves from the facing portion 31f toward the outer periphery side. As a result, the panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of panel materials 30 protrude in directions approaching each other in the second direction Dt. The panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of panel materials 30 surround the periphery of the support structure 20 (on both sides in the up-down direction Dv and the first direction Dw).

[0028] The bracket 35 is arranged on the side of the panel main body 31 facing the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt. The bracket 35 is made of, for example, resin. The bracket 35 is fixed to the panel main body 31. The bracket 35 is arranged on the outer periphery of the panel material 30. In this embodiment, the brackets 35 are arranged at the four corners of the panel main body 31. The brackets 35 are arranged 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 up-down direction Dv. The bracket 35 on the upper side relative to the horizontal frame member 22 is placed on the horizontal frame member 22. The horizontal frame member 22 is sandwiched in the up-down direction Dv between the upper bracket 35 and the lower bracket 35 relative to the horizontal frame member 22.

[0029] Each bracket 35 is formed separately in an L-shape spanning the corner 31c at each corner 31c of the panel main body 31. In each bracket 35, the portion extending from the corner 31c in the up-down direction Dv constitutes a vertical extension portion 35a, and the portion extending from the corner 31c in the first direction Dw constitutes a horizontal extension portion 35b.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a bracket 35 that constitutes the panel material 30. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a bracket 35 that is different from the one in Fig. 6. 2, 3, 6, and 7, each bracket 35 integrally includes a fixed base 35d, an extending wall 35w, and a bracket edge 35g. The fixed base 35d defines the appearance of the bracket 35 when viewed from the second direction Dt, and extends in an L-shape along the rear surface of the panel main body 31 across the vertical extension portion 35a and the horizontal extension portion 35b. The fixed base 35d is fixed to the rear surface of the panel main body 31. The extending wall 35w extends from the outer peripheral edge of the fixed base 35d toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the bracket edge portion 35g is formed on the extending wall 35w at a position facing the panel outer edge portion 31g of the panel main body 31 in the second direction Dt. The bracket edge portion 35g extends from the tip portion 35e of the extending wall 35w (the end portion on the other panel material 30 side in the second direction Dt) toward the outer periphery perpendicular to the second direction Dt. The brackets 35 of the pair of panel materials 30 face each other with the tip portions 35e of the extending wall 35w and the bracket edge portions 35g abutting against each other. In other words, the outer peripheries of the pair of panel materials 30 abut against each other via the brackets 35 at positions that do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt (on both sides of the horizontal frame member 22 in the up-down direction Dv).

[0032] The panel outer edge portion 31g of the panel main body 31 abuts against the bracket edge portion 35g. As a result, the bracket edge portion 35g is sandwiched between the pair of panel main bodies 31 in the portion where the bracket 35 is provided. In this embodiment, the panel outer edge portion 31g covers the bracket edge portion 35g from the outside in the second direction Dt, so that the panel outer edge portion 31g and the bracket edge portion 35g are arranged flush with the outermost peripheral surface of the panel material 30. However, it is also possible that only the panel outer edge portion 31g forms the outermost peripheral surface of the panel material 30, and the bracket edge portion 35g is located on the inner peripheral side of the panel outer edge portion 31g.

[0033] 3 and 4, each bracket 35 is formed with a joining portion 36 or a joinable portion 37. For example, a joining portion 36 is formed on bracket 35A, which is disposed at two diagonally opposing corners 31c of the four corners of panel main body 31 constituting panel material 30. A joinable portion 37 is formed on bracket 35B, which is disposed at the remaining two diagonally opposing corners 31c of the four corners of panel main body 31 constituting panel material 30.

[0034] Here, the first panel material 30A (see FIG. 3) and the second panel material 30B (see FIG. 4), which are provided as a pair of panel materials 30 facing each other across the support structure 20, have the same configuration. That is, the first panel material 30A and the second panel material 30B each have brackets 35A arranged at two corners 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction and brackets 35B arranged at the remaining two corners 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction. The first panel material 30A and the second panel material 30B are arranged so that their orientations in the second direction Dt are different from each other. As a result, the brackets 35A arranged at the two corners 31c facing each other in one diagonal direction of the first panel material 30A and the brackets 35B arranged at the remaining two corners 31c facing each other in the other diagonal direction of the second panel material 30B face each other in the second direction Dt. Additionally, brackets 35B arranged at two diagonally opposing corners 31c of the first panel material 30A face brackets 35A arranged at the remaining two diagonally opposing corners 31c of the second panel material 30B. In this manner, brackets 35A, 35B are provided in pairs between corresponding corners 31c of the pair of first panel material 30A and second panel material 30B.

[0035] 6, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 36 is provided in the bracket 35A at the boundary between the vertically extending portion 35a and the horizontally extending portion 35b of the fixed base 35d. The connecting portion 36 has a cylindrical protrusion 36t. The protrusion 36t protrudes from the fixed base 35d toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt. The protrusion 36t has an elastic claw 36k that is elastically deformable.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the joinable portion 37 is provided in the bracket 35B at the boundary between the vertically extending portion 35a and the horizontally extending portion 35b of the fixed base 35d. The joinable portion 37 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the fixed base 35d toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt. The joinable portion 37 has a recess 37s into which the protrusion 36t can be inserted. The recess 37s has a hole 37h into which the elastic claw 36k engages when the protrusion 36t is inserted a predetermined distance into the recess 37s. The elastic claw 36k engages with the hole 37h, thereby locking the protrusion 36t and the recess 37s together.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of panel materials 30 (first panel material 30A, second panel material 30B) are arranged such that a bracket 35A of one panel material 30 faces a bracket 35B of the other panel material 30 at each corner 31c. The joining portion 36 (protrusion 36t) of the bracket 35A of one panel material 30 fits into the joined portion 37 (recess 37s) of the bracket 35B of the other panel material 30. This joins the bracket 35A of one panel material 30 to the bracket 35B of the other panel material 30 at each corner 31c. In this way, the pair of panel materials 30 are joined together via the brackets 35 at the four corners.

[0038] Of the pair of panel materials 30, the bracket 35 of the first panel material 30A and the bracket 35 of the second panel material 30B are connected at positions that do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt. As a result, the brackets 35 provided on the outer peripheries of the pair of panel materials 30 abut against each other at positions that do not overlap with the support structure 20 when viewed from the second direction Dt. In this state, the panel outer edge portions 31g of the panel main bodies 31 of the pair of panel materials 30 are spaced apart in the second direction Dt by the thickness of the bracket edge portions 35g.

[0039] Each bracket 35 is engaged with the horizontal frame member 22. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the horizontal frame member 22 has an engagement hole 22h and an engagement groove 22m formed therein. The engagement hole 22h is formed at a predetermined position in the plate portion 23. The engagement hole 22h penetrates the plate portion 23. The engagement groove 22m is formed in each of the upper and lower flange portions 24 of the plate portion 23. The engagement groove 22m is open on the tip edge of the flange portion 24.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the engaging portion of the bracket 35 with the horizontal frame member 22. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the vertical extension portion 35a of each bracket 35 is formed with a locking member 38 that is locked to the horizontal frame member 22. The bracket 35 arranged 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 arranged 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 includes a locking base portion 38a that protrudes from the vertical extension portion 35a in the up-down direction Dv, and a locking claw 38b that protrudes from the locking base 38a toward the other panel material 30 in the second direction Dt.

[0041] 8, the first panel material 30A is provided with a bracket 35P that is disposed above the horizontal frame member 22, and the locking claws 38b are inserted into the locking holes 22h. This restricts movement of the bracket 35P and the panel main body 31 (first panel material 30A) to which the bracket 35P is fixed in the up-down direction Dv and the first direction Dw.

[0042] In bracket 35Q, which is provided on the second panel member 30B and disposed above the horizontal frame member 22, locking base 38a is inserted into locking groove 22m. This restricts movement of bracket 35Q and the panel main body 31 (panel member 30B) to which bracket 35Q is fixed in the first direction Dw. Note that, due to the connection between joining portion 36 and joined portion 37, movement of bracket 35Q in the up-down direction Dv relative to bracket 35P, which faces it in the second direction Dt, is restricted. In this way, the lower ends of the brackets 35P, 35Q arranged on the upper side of the horizontal frame member 22 are supported by the horizontal frame member 22 via the locking members 38.

[0043] The first panel material 30A has a bracket 35R disposed below the horizontal frame member 22, and the locking claw 38b is inserted into the locking hole 22h in the bracket 35R. This restricts movement of the bracket 35R and the panel main body 31 (first panel material 30A) to which the bracket 35R is fixed in the up-down direction Dv and the first direction Dw.

[0044] In bracket 35S, which is provided on the second panel member 30B and disposed below the horizontal frame member 22, locking base 38a is inserted into locking groove 22m. This restricts movement of bracket 35S and the panel main body 31 (second panel member 30B) to which bracket 35S is fixed in the first direction Dw. Note that, due to the connection between joining portion 36 and joined portion 37, movement of bracket 35S in the up-down direction Dv relative to bracket 35P, which faces it in the second direction Dt, is restricted. In this way, the lower ends of the brackets 35R, 35S arranged on the lower side of the horizontal frame member 22 are supported by the horizontal frame member 22 via the locking members 38.

[0045] <Vertical connection structure of panel units> Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a structure for vertically connecting the panel units 10. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a structure for connecting base legs 70 (see Fig. 17) to the underside 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 so that other panel units 10 can be connected above and below it. Also, as shown in Fig. 10, the panel unit 10 is configured so that base legs 70 can be connected to its underside. Specifically, the support structure 20 includes a lower connecting portion 25 and an upper connecting portion 26.

[0046] As shown in Figures 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 so that the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 arranged above the one panel unit 10 can be connected to the upper end portion 21t of the vertical frame member 21 of one panel unit 10. The upper connecting portion 26 includes an upper connecting member 28 and a restraining member 29.

[0047] 11 , the upper connecting member 28 includes a first semi-cylinder member 28A and a second semi-cylinder member 28B. The first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B are each formed in a generally semi-cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction Dv. The first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B are each arranged along the outer circumferential surfaces of the vertical frame members 21. The first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B are arranged to face each other in the first direction Dw, with the vertical frame member 21 in between. The first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B form the upper connecting member 28 as a whole in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the up-down direction Dv.

[0048] 9 and 10, a pair of flanges 27 protruding on both sides in the second direction Dt is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper connecting member 28 (first half-cylinder member 28A, second half-cylinder member 28B). Each flange 27 extends in the up-down direction Dv. Each flange 27 includes an upper flange 27A and a lower flange 27B that are spaced apart in the up-down direction Dv.

[0049] 3 and 4, through holes 21h are formed in the vertical frame members 21 to attach the upper connecting members 28. A plurality of through holes 21h are formed at appropriate intervals in the up-down direction Dv.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 11, a lower end of each of the upper connecting members 28 (first half-cylinder member 28A, second half-cylinder member 28B) is formed with a lower end locking claw 28t that can be locked into a through-hole 21h of the vertical frame member 21. A screw insertion hole 28h that communicates with the other through-hole 21h when the lower end locking claw 28t is locked into the through-hole 21h is formed in the upper end of the first half-cylinder member 28A. A boss 28b that is inserted into the other through-hole 21h when the lower end locking claw 28t is locked into the through-hole 21h is formed in the upper end of the second half-cylinder member 28B. A female screw hole 28n is formed in the boss 28b.

[0051] The restraining member 29 fixes the upper connecting member 28 (first half-cylinder member 28A, second half-cylinder member 28B) to the vertical frame member 21. The restraining member 29 is, for example, a urea screw. The restraining member 29 passes through a screw insertion hole 28h of the first half-cylinder member 28A and a through-hole 21h of the vertical frame member 21, and is fastened to a female screw hole 28n formed in the boss 28b of the second half-cylinder member 28B. The upper connecting member 28 is configured so that the position of the upper connecting member 28 in the up-down direction Dv relative to the vertical frame member 21 can be changed by appropriately selecting the lower end locking claw 28t and the through-hole 21h for locking or inserting the restraining member 29.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in each panel unit 10, a lower opening 30L and an upper opening 30K are formed between the pair of panel materials 30. The lower opening 30L is formed between the lower edges 30b (lower sides of the panel outer edge portions 31g) of the pair of panel materials 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 in the center of the first direction Dw and has a circular shape when viewed from the up-down direction Dv. The circular opening 30Lc is formed at a position where the lower connecting portion 25 faces downward. The slit-shaped openings 30Ls extend from the circular opening 30Lc to both sides in the first direction Dw. The upper opening 30K is formed between the upper edges 30t (upper sides of the panel outer edge portions 31g) of the pair of panel materials 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 in the center of the first direction Dw and has a circular shape when viewed from the up-down direction Dv. The circular opening 30Kc is formed in a position where the upper connecting portion 26 faces upward. The slit-shaped openings 30Ks extend from the circular opening 30Lc to both sides in the first direction Dw.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the upper connecting member 28 is configured so that the position thereof in the up-down direction Dv relative to the vertical frame member 21 can be changed between a stored position P1 and a protruding position P2. 9, in the storage position P1, the upper connecting member 28 is located between the upper edge 30t and the lower edge 30b of the panel material 30, and is stored between the pair of panel materials 30. In the storage position P1, the upper connecting member 28 is located below the upper edge 30t of the panel material 30 and above the horizontal frame material 22.

[0054] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, at the protruding position P2, the upper connecting member 28 protrudes upward from the upper edge 30t of the panel material 30 through the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K. At the protruding position P2, the lower end locking claws 28t of the first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B are engaged with the through holes 21h located at the upper ends of the vertical frame members 21. At the protruding position P2, the lower flange 27B of the upper connecting member 28 is positioned below the upper edge 30t of the pair of panel materials 30. At the protruding position P2, the upper part of the upper connecting member 28 protruding upward from the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K is inserted from below 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 27A of the upper connecting member 28 is positioned above the lower edge 30b of the pair of panel materials 30. Therefore, at protruding position P2, the lower portion of the upper connecting member 28 is sandwiched between the pair of panel materials 30 that make up the lower panel unit 10, and the upper portion is sandwiched between the pair of panel materials 30 that make up the upper panel unit 10. In this state, the panel outer edge portion 31g located on the upper edge 30t of the lower panel unit 10 and the panel outer edge portion 31g located on the lower edge 30b of the upper panel unit 10 are sandwiched between the upper flange portion 27A and the lower flange portion 27B.

[0055] 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 so as to be insertable into the upper connecting portion 26 (see FIG. 9) of another panel unit 10 that is arranged below the panel unit 10, or into the upper end portion 72t (see FIG. 10) of a base leg 70 that is installed on the installation surface F. The lower connecting portion 25 has a plurality of through holes 21h formed in the vertical frame member 21 below the horizontal frame member 22, spaced apart in the up-down direction Dv.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, when connecting one panel unit 10 (the upper panel unit in FIGS. 9 and 11) to the upper side of another panel unit 10 (the lower panel unit 10 in FIGS. 9 and 11), the lower-end locking claws 28t of the first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B of the upper connecting member 28 are locked into the through-holes 21h of the upper end portion 21t of the vertical frame member 21 of the lower panel unit 10. This positions the upper connecting member 28 at a protruding position P2, where it protrudes above the upper 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 upper panel unit 10 is inserted between the first semi-cylinder member 28A and the second semi-cylinder member 28B of the upper connecting member 28 positioned at the protruding position P2. Furthermore, urea screws are fastened as restraining members 29 to the upper connecting member 28 and the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 positioned above. This connects the other panel unit 10 to the top of one panel unit 10. When viewed from the upper panel unit 10, the lower connecting portion 25 of the upper panel unit 10 is connected to the upper connecting portion 26 of the other panel unit 10 positioned below the panel unit 10.

[0057] 10, when connecting a base leg 70, which is to be installed on an installation surface F, to the underside of the panel unit 10, the lower connector 25 of the panel unit 10 is inserted into a base leg connector 74 provided on an upper end 72t of the base leg 70. The base leg 70 has a base plate 71 arranged along the installation surface F and a base support 72 extending upward from the base plate 71. The base support 72 is provided with a base leg connector 74. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the base support 72. The base leg connector 74 is formed with a screw insertion hole through which a fastening member 75, such as a urea screw, is inserted, and a female screw hole (not shown). The base leg connector 74 is tubular and extends in the up-down direction Dv, and the lower connector 25 of the panel unit 10 is inserted inside the base leg connector 74.

[0058] The lower connecting portion 25 of the panel unit 10, the base leg connecting member 74, and the base support 72 are connected by passing a fastening member 75 through the screw insertion hole of the base leg connecting member 74, the through hole 21h of the lower connecting portion 25, and the through hole of the base support 72, and fastening it into the female screw hole of the base leg connecting member 74.

[0059] <Connection of panel units in the first direction> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration for connecting the panel units 10 to each other in the first direction Dw. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a connecting member 40 used to connect the panel units 10 to each other as viewed from the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction). Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the connecting member 40 as viewed from a direction intersecting the second direction Dt. 11, the above-described panel unit 10 is configured to be connectable to another panel unit 10 adjacent to it in the first direction Dw. The panel unit 10 is connected to the other panel unit 10 adjacent to it in the first direction Dw via a connecting member 40. In other words, in the panel units 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction Dw, an end of the horizontal frame member 22 of a first panel unit 10P on one side in the first direction Dw and an end of the horizontal frame member 22 of a second panel unit 10Q on the other side in the first direction Dw are connected via the connecting member 40.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the connecting member 40 includes a plate-like main body 41. The main body 41 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed in its thickness direction (the second direction Dt when the connecting member 40 is placed along the plate portion 23 of the horizontal frame member 22). When the connecting member 40 connects the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q, the connecting member 40 causes a member surface 40f of the main body 41 facing one side in the second direction Dt to abut against the flat surface 23f (see FIG. 12 ) of the plate portion 23 of the first panel unit 10P and the flat surface 23f of the plate portion 23 of the second panel unit 10Q. The flat surface 23f is a surface that faces the direction in which the flange portion 24 protrudes in the second direction Dt and intersects with 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.

[0061] As will be described in detail later, the connecting member 40 is engaged with and disengaged from the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q by rotating it in the circumferential direction Dc around the rotation center 40c located in the center of the main body 41.

[0062] The connecting member 40 includes a first locking portion 45, a second locking portion 46, an outer peripheral extension portion 47, and a retaining 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. For example, a plurality of first locking portions 45 are formed on a concentric circle centered on the rotation center 40c, spaced apart in the circumferential direction Dc. In this embodiment, four sets of first locking portions 45 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0063] Each first locking portion 45 has a locking piece 45s. The locking piece 45s extends from the main body 41 toward one side in the circumferential direction Dc and in the second direction Dt. In this embodiment, the locking piece 45s integrally includes: a standing portion 45a rising from the component surface 41f; a first arm portion 45b extending from the tip of the standing portion 45a along the component surface 41f toward a first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc (clockwise direction in FIGS. 12 and 13); and an inclined portion 45c extending from the tip of the first arm portion 45b at an angle in a direction away from the component surface 41f in the second direction Dt. The first arm portion 45b and the component surface 41f of the main body 41 are spaced apart in the second direction Dt by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the plate portion 23. The first arm portion 45b is formed to be elastically deformable in the second direction Dt around the standing portion 45a.

[0064] The second locking portions 46 are formed radially inward from the rotation center 40c relative to the plurality of first locking portions 45. For example, two sets of second locking portions 46 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc. Each second locking portion 46 integrally includes a second arm portion 46a extending in a cantilevered manner radially outward from the center of the main body portion 41, and a protrusion 46b formed at the tip end 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 from its base end portion.

[0065] 13, the outer peripheral extensions 47 are formed on the outer periphery of the main body 41. For example, four sets of the outer peripheral extensions 47 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc. Each outer peripheral extension 47 extends from the outer peripheral edge 41s of the main body 41 in a tangential direction of the outer peripheral edge 41s when viewed from the second direction Dt. 14, the holding protrusions 48 are formed on the side of the main body 41 opposite the member surface 41f. The holding protrusions 48 are formed in pairs at intervals in the circumferential direction Dc, for example, in the center of the main body 41. By gripping the holding protrusions 48, an operator can easily hold the connecting member 40 and rotate the connecting member 40 about the rotation center 40c.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 5, connecting member locking portions 50A, 50B to which the connecting member 40 can be locked are formed on the support structure 20 of each panel unit 10. The connecting member locking portions 50A, 50B are formed on both ends in the first direction Dw of the plate portion 23. As shown in Fig. 12, in panel units 10 adjacent to each other in the first direction Dw, the connecting member 40 is arranged so as to straddle both the connecting member locking portion 50A of a first panel unit 10P and the connecting member locking portion 50B of a second panel unit 10Q on the other side in the first direction Dw.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member locking portion 50A includes two first locked portions 51A and 51B and two second locked portions 52A and 52B. Two pairs of first locked portions 45 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction Dc of the four pairs of first locked portions 45 of the connecting member 40 are locked to the two first locked portions 51A and 51B. Each of the two first locked portions 51A and 51B is an elongated hole that penetrates the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction) and extends in an arc shape with a curvature radius equal to the distance between the rotation center 40c and the first locked portions 45. One of the first locked portions 51A opens at a 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.

[0068] The connecting member locking portion 50B has two first locked portions 51C, 51D and two second locked portions 52C, 52D. The two first locked portions 51C, 51D are engaged with the remaining two pairs of first locking portions 45 (the first locking portions 45 other than the first locking portions 45 engaged with the first locked portions 51A, 51B) of the four pairs of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40. The two first locked portions 51C, 51D are elongated holes that penetrate the plate portion 23 in the second direction Dt (plate thickness direction) and extend in an arc shape with a curvature radius equal to the distance between the rotation center 40c and the first locking portions 45. One first locked portion 51C opens at a 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.

[0069] 12, the connecting member 40 has four sets of first locking portions 45 locked 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. To do this, the four sets of first locking portions 45 of the connecting member 40 are inserted inside the first locked portions 51A to 51D along the second direction Dt, 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 portions 46 are pushed in the second direction Dt as the protrusions 46b abut against the flat portion 23f of the plate portion 23.

[0070] In this state, when the connecting member 40 is rotated relative to the plate portion 23 toward the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc, a portion of the plate portion 23 located on the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc relative to the first locked portions 51A-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, 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-51D, thereby locking each first locking portion 45 to the first locked portions 51A-51D. This restricts rotation of the connecting member 40 relative to the plate portion 23 toward the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc. At this time, the outer surfaces 47s of two of the outer peripheral extensions 47 abut against the flange portions 24 of the horizontal frame member 22. This also restricts the rotation of the connecting member 40 relative to the plate portion 23 toward the first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0071] 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 upright portion 45a of each first locking portion 45 abuts against the end 51e on the first side Dc1 of the first locked portions 51A to 51D in the circumferential direction Dc, the protrusion 46b of each second locking portion 46 faces the second locked portions 52A, 52C in the second direction Dt. As a result, the second locking portion 46 undergoes restoration deformation, and the protrusion 46b fits into the second locked portions 52A, 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 the second locked portions 52, thereby restricting rotation of the connecting member 40 in the circumferential direction Dc.

[0072] In this way, the connecting members 40 are connected to the plate portions 23 of the support structure 20 between the pair of panel materials 30 for each of the first panel unit 10P and the second panel unit 10Q. Furthermore, when the engagement between each second locking portion 46 and each second locked portion 52 is released, rotating the connecting member 40 relative to the plate portion 23 toward the second side Dc2 in the circumferential direction Dc (counterclockwise in Figures 12 and 13) releases the engagement between each first locking portion 45 and the first locked portions 51A to 51D, and the engagement between each second locking portion 46 and the second locked portions 52A, 52C.

[0073] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the 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 includes a closing portion 81 and a boss portion 82. The closing portion 81 integrally includes a first closing portion 81a that closes the circular opening 30Kc of the upper opening 30K, and a second closing portion 81b that extends from the first closing portion 81a on both sides in the first direction Dw and closes the slit-shaped opening 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.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting member 40 and the closing member 80 can be stored inside the panel unit 10 when not in use. The connecting member 40 and the closing member 80 are attached to the support structure 20 when not in use. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, the support structure 20 is provided with a connecting member holding portion 91 and a closing member holding portion 92 in the portion covered by the panel material 30 (the portion overlapping with 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 on the plate portion 23 of the horizontal frame member 22. The connecting member holding portion 91 and the closing member holding portion 92 are formed on both sides of the vertical frame member 21 in the first direction Dw.

[0075] The connecting member holding portion 91 has a first retaining hole 91a that can engage with the first locking portion 45 of the connecting member 40 and a second retaining hole 91b that can engage with the second locking portion 46. The connecting member holding portion 91 can lock the connecting member 40 in the first retaining hole 91a and the second retaining hole 91b by rotating the connecting member 40 to a first side Dc1 in the circumferential direction Dc (see FIG. 13), similar to when the first locking portion 45 and the second locking portion 46 are attached to the connecting member locking portions 50A and 50B. Furthermore, 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 with the first retaining hole 91a and the second retaining hole 91b by rotating the connecting member 40 to a second side Dc2 in the circumferential direction Dc (see FIG. 13).

[0076] The blocking member holding portion 92 is formed in the center of the connecting member holding portion 91. The blocking member holding portion 92 is fitted onto the boss portion 82 of the blocking member 80, so that the blocking member 80 is removably attached when not in use.

[0077] <Partition device> By using one or more panel units 10 as described above, it is possible to configure partition devices of various types. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a partition device 1A configured using the panel unit 10. As shown in Figure 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 an interior 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 base legs 70 installed on the installation surface F. The panel units 10 positioned above each other are connected by the lower connecting portion 25 and upper connecting portion 26 as described above. Here, the number of panel units 10 stacked vertically is not limited to three, and can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

[0078] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a partition device 1B configured using the panel unit 10. 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 on a floor surface as an installation surface F, and a second panel module M2 configured by the top surface of a desk 100 as the installation surface F and including one panel unit 10 on a base leg 70. The panel unit 10 of the first panel module M1, which is 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.

[0079] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a partition device 1C configured using the panel unit 10. 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 rows in the first direction Dw. In this embodiment, a total of nine panel units 10 are connected, with three rows in the first direction Dw and three rows in the vertical direction.

[0080] 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 each other by the vertical frame members 21 of adjacent panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv via the lower connecting portion 25 and upper connecting portion 26 as described above.

[0081] Each panel unit 10M in each row arranged in the center row in the first direction Dw is connected to the panel units 10S and 10T on both sides in the first direction Dw in the following manner. The horizontal frame members 22M of the panel units 10M in each row in the vertical direction Dv, which are arranged in the center row in the first direction Dw, are connected to the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10S in the row on one side in the first direction Dw, which are located in the same row in the vertical direction Dv, and the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10T in the row on the other side in the first direction Dw, by the connecting members 40. In other words, each panel unit 10M spans between the panel units 10S and 10T in the first direction Dw. Therefore, the panel units 10M adjacent to each other in the vertical direction Dv are not connected to each other.

[0082] That is, in the panel unit 10M disposed between a pair of panel units 10S, 10T, the horizontal frame member 22M of the support structure 20M is disposed in a middle portion of the panel unit 10 in the up-down direction Dv and extends in the first direction Dw. Both ends 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, 10T via connecting members 40, respectively. In this embodiment, the middle portion in the up-down direction Dv refers to a portion of the panel material 30 excluding portions that protrude on both sides in the up-down direction Dv relative to the horizontal frame member 22M, similar to the relationship between the vertical frame members 21 and the horizontal frame members 22 described above. For example, it is preferably a portion excluding ¼ regions located on both sides of the entire length of the panel material 30 in the up-down direction Dv, and in the illustrated example, it is more preferably a region of approximately ⅓ of the entire length of the panel material 30 divided into three equal parts.

[0083] In each panel unit 10, the panel materials 30M arranged on both sides of the horizontal frame material 22M in the second direction Dt sandwich the support structural body 20M. In other words, the panel materials 30M cover the support structural body 20M from both sides in the second direction Dt. In this way, the panel unit 10M is provided between the pair of panel units 10S, 10T. In the center row in the first direction Dw, an auxiliary leg 79 to be installed on the installation surface F may be provided below the panel unit 10M arranged in the lowest row.

[0084] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a partition device 1D configured using the panel unit 10. As shown in Figure 20, the partition device 1D differs from the partition device 1C shown in Figure 19 in that an opening V is provided in the second row in the vertical direction Dv in the central row of panel units 10 arranged in three rows in the first direction Dw. This type of partition device 1D is constructed by connecting horizontal frame members 22M to the horizontal frame members 22 of the panel units 10S, 10T on both sides in the first direction Dw above and below the area where the opening V is to be formed, and then attaching panel members 30M to both sides in the second direction Dt. Also, for example, the partition device 1D shown in Figure 20 can be realized by removing the panel member 30M of the second panel unit 10M in the center row in the first direction Dw from the partition device 1D shown in Figure 19, and then sequentially removing the connecting member 40 and horizontal frame member 22M.

[0085] To assemble the partition devices 1A to 1D as described above, with the panel material 30 removed from each panel unit 10, adjacent panel units 10 in the first direction Dw are connected using the connecting members 40, and upper and lower panel units 10 are connected using the lower connecting portions 25 and upper connecting portions 26. Thereafter, the pair of panel materials 30 are joined together using brackets 35. At this time, adjacent panel units 10 in the first direction Dw are connected to each other by rotating the connecting member 40. Furthermore, the upper and lower panel units 10 are connected to each other using the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 by engaging the upper connecting portion 26 with the vertical frame member 21 and tightening the restraining member 29 using a urea screw. Furthermore, a pair of panel members 30 are connected to each other by connecting the brackets 35 to each other. Therefore, the assembly of each panel unit 10 and the work of connecting the panel units 10 to each other can be easily performed manually without tools.

[0086] Furthermore, when removing a panel unit 10 or changing the combination of panel units 10, the above-described assembly method is reversed. 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 (connecting panel unit 10), the connection between the pair of panel materials 30 via the brackets 35 is released to expose the support structure 20. Next, the connection between the target panel unit 10 and the support structure 20 of the connecting panel unit 10 by the connecting member 40 or the connection by the upper connecting portion 26 (lower connecting portion 25) is released. This allows the support structure 20 of the target panel unit 10 to be removed from the support structure 20 of the connecting panel unit 10.

[0087] In this way, in the panel unit 10 of this embodiment, the support structure 20 sandwiched between a pair of panel materials 30 has a lower connecting portion 25 to which the upper end portion 21t of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 arranged below the panel unit 10, or the upper end portion 72t of the base leg 70 installed on the installation surface F, can be connected, and an upper connecting portion 26 to which the lower end portion 21b of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 arranged above the panel unit 10 can be connected. With this configuration, the lower connecting portion 25 provided on the lower end 21b of the support structure 20 can be connected to the upper end 21t of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 placed below the panel unit 10, or the upper end 72t of the base leg 70 placed on the installation surface F. Furthermore, the upper connecting portion 26 provided on the upper end 21t of the support structure 20 can be connected to the lower end 21b of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 placed above the panel unit 10. In this way, when multiple panel units 10 are stacked vertically, the support structures 20 of the panel units 10 can be firmly connected to each other. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which multiple panel units are connected vertically by connecting the panel materials themselves, it is possible to stack multiple panel units 10 vertically while they are firmly connected. Furthermore, by combining a plurality of such panel materials 30, it is possible to provide partition devices 1A to 1D of various sizes easily and at low cost.

[0088] In this embodiment, the support structure 20 comprises vertical frame members 21 and horizontal frame members 22, with the lower connecting portion 25 being provided at the lower end portion 21b of the vertical frame member 21 and the upper connecting portion 26 being provided at the upper end portion 21t of the vertical frame member 21. According to this configuration, the support structure 20 supporting the pair of panel materials 30 includes vertical frame members 21 extending in the up-down direction Dv and horizontal frame members 22 extending from the vertical frame members 21 on both sides in the first direction Dw. In other words, the vertical frame members 21 are positioned in the middle of the panel unit 10 in the first direction Dw. This prevents the vertical frame members 21 from being positioned on the periphery of the panel materials 30, simplifying the structure, reducing weight, and increasing the flexibility in the appearance. Therefore, the vertical frame members 21 and the horizontal frame members 22 can ensure the support strength of the panel materials 30.

[0089] In this embodiment, the upper connecting portion 26 is configured to include an upper connecting member 28 that is arranged so that its position in the vertical direction Dv relative to the vertical frame material 21 can be changed between a protruding position P2 that protrudes above the upper edge 30t of the panel material 30 and a storage position P1 that is located between the upper edge 30t and the lower edge 30b of the panel material 30. According to this configuration, when connecting the lower end portion 21b of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 placed above the panel unit 10 to the upper connecting portion 26, the upper connecting member 28 is positioned at a protruding position P2 that protrudes above the upper edge 30t of the panel material 30, thereby facilitating the connection between the upper connecting portion 26 and the lower end portion 21b of the support structure 20 of the upper panel unit 10. Furthermore, when no panel unit 10 is connected above, the upper connecting member 28 is positioned between the upper edge 30t and the lower edge 30b of the panel material 30, so that the upper connecting portion 26 is not exposed to the outside of the panel unit 10, thereby improving the appearance.

[0090] In this embodiment, the lower connecting portion 25 is configured to be insertable into the upper connecting portion 26 of another panel unit 10 that is positioned below the panel unit 10, or into the upper end portion 72t of a base leg 70 that is installed on the installation surface F. With this configuration, the lower connecting portion 25 can be easily connected to the upper connecting portion 26 of the vertical frame member 21 of another panel unit 10 placed below or to the upper end portion 72t of the base leg 70. Furthermore, since the amount of overlap in the vertical direction Dv between the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 or the base leg 70 can be secured, the panel units 10 can be firmly connected to each other, or the panel units 10 and the base legs 70 can be firmly connected to each other.

[0091] In this embodiment, the upper connecting portion 26 is configured to include a restraining member 29 that restrains the connection state of the panel unit 10 with the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 that is arranged above the panel unit 10. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the connection between the vertically connected panel units 10 from being accidentally released.

[0092] In this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a lower opening 30L through which the lower connecting portion 25 faces downward and an upper opening 30K through which the upper connecting portion 26 faces upward are formed between the pair of panel materials 30. With this configuration, the lower connecting portion 25 can be connected to the upper end 21t of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 disposed below the panel unit 10, or to the upper end 72t of the base leg 70 disposed on the installation surface F, through the lower opening 30L. Furthermore, the upper connecting portion 26 can be connected to the lower end 21b of the support structure 20 of another panel unit 10 disposed above the panel unit 10, through the upper opening 30K. In this way, the support structure 20 disposed between a pair of panel materials 30 can be connected to the support structures 20 of the upper and lower panel units 10 or the base leg 70 without exposing the connecting portions to the outside. This improves the appearance of the panel unit 10.

[0093] In this embodiment, the upper opening 30K is provided with a closing member 80 that can close the upper opening 30K. With this configuration, if the upper panel unit 10 is not connected through the upper opening 30K, the appearance of the panel unit 10 can be improved by blocking the upper opening 30K with the blocking member 80.

[0094] In this embodiment, the support structure 20 is configured to include, in the portion covered by the panel material 30, a closure member holding portion 92 to which the closure member 80 is removably attached when not in use. According to this configuration, by attaching the blocking member 80 when not in use to the blocking member holding portion 92 in the portion covered by the panel material 30, it is possible to prevent the blocking member 80 from being lost and also to eliminate the need to secure a storage location for the blocking member 80. When using the blocking member 80, it is sufficient to remove the blocking member 80 from the blocking member holding portion 92, and there is no need to obtain the blocking member 80 separately, thereby increasing convenience.

[0095] The partition devices 1A to 1D of the present embodiment are configured to include a plurality of panel units 10. According to this configuration, the plurality of panel units 10 are firmly connected vertically, so that the partition devices 1A to 1D are highly stable and can be provided at low cost in sizes appropriate to the customer's needs.

[0096] In this embodiment, multiple panel units 10 are stacked in the vertical direction Dv, and the upper connecting portion 26 of one panel unit 10 arranged on the lower side is connected to the lower connecting portion 25 of another panel unit 10 arranged on the upper side. According to this configuration, it is possible to realize the partition devices 1A to 1D in which a plurality of panel units 10 are firmly connected one above the other.

[0097] In this embodiment, the upper end portion 72t of the base leg 70 is connected to the lower connecting portion 25 of the panel unit 10 arranged above the base leg 70. According to this configuration, the base leg 70 and the panel unit 10 above the base leg 70 can be firmly connected, so that the partition devices 1A to 1D with excellent stability can be realized.

[0098] (Other embodiments) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of 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 vertical frame members 21 are formed, for example, in a circular tubular shape extending in the up-down direction Dv. The vertical frame members 21 are not limited to a circular tubular shape, and may be formed of a square tubular shape or other channel members having various cross-sectional shapes.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the horizontal frame members 22 are disposed in the vertical middle of the vertical frame members 21, but this is not limiting. For example, the horizontal frame members 22 may be disposed at the upper ends of the vertical frame members 21 in the vertical direction Dv, forming the support structure 20 in a T-shape. Furthermore, a plurality of horizontal frame members 22 may be provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv relative to the vertical frame members 21. When a plurality of horizontal frame members 22 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction Dv, auxiliary frame members (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the vertical frame members 21 in the first direction Dw, extending in the vertical direction Dv and connecting the plurality of horizontal frame members 22 to each other. In this case, it is preferable that the auxiliary frame members have a length in the vertical direction Dv shorter than that of the vertical frame members 21 and do not protrude in the vertical direction Dv beyond the pair of panel members 30. The support structure 20 may also be in the form of a rectangular frame that surrounds the periphery of the panel material 30 .

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the lower connecting portion 25 and the upper connecting portion 26 was described, but the configuration can be changed as appropriate as long as it is possible to connect the support structures 20 of the panel units 10 located above and below each other, and to connect the support structures 20 of the panel units 10 to the base legs 70.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which each panel unit 10 includes a connecting member 40 and a closing member 80 has been described, but a configuration in which the connecting member 40 and the closing member 80 are provided separately from the panel unit 10 is also possible.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which adjacent panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv or a panel unit 10 and a base leg are connected by insertion, but this configuration is not limited to this. Adjacent panel units 10 in the vertical direction Dv or a panel unit 10 and a base leg may be connected by bolts or the like while butting against each other in the vertical direction Dv. That is, in the panel unit and partition device according to the present invention, it is sufficient that the panel units or the panel unit and the base leg are connected via a support structure.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the panel material 30 includes the panel body 31 and the bracket 35, but the panel body 31 and the bracket 35 may be integrally molded from, for example, a resin-based material.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the bracket edge portion 35g is sandwiched between the panel outer edge portions 31g of the pair of panel main bodies 31 in the portion where the bracket 35 is provided, but this is not limiting. For example, the bracket edge portion 35g may be omitted, and the panel outer edge portions 31g may be close to each other at the outer peripheries of the pair of panel materials 30. In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1A~1D Partition device 10, 10S, 10T panel unit 20 Support structure 21 Vertical frame material 21 21b Bottom end 21t upper end 22 Horizontal frame material 25 Lower connection 26 Upper connection part 28 Upper connecting member 29 Restraining member 30, 30S, 30M panel material 30A First Panel Material (Panel Material) 30B Second panel material (panel material) 30K top opening 30L bottom opening 30b bottom edge 30t upper edge 40 Connecting member 70 base legs 80 Closure member 92 Closure member holding portion Dv vertical direction Dw first direction F Installation surface P1 Storage position P2 protrusion position V opening

Claims

1. A panel unit that is placed on an installation surface facing upward and partitions an indoor space formed above the installation surface in a thickness direction that intersects with the vertical direction, a support structure; a pair of panel materials arranged on both sides of the support structure in the thickness direction so as to sandwich the support structure; The support structure includes: A vertical frame member extending in the vertical direction through an intermediate portion of the panel unit in a width direction intersecting the thickness direction when viewed from the vertical direction; a lower connecting portion provided at a lower end of the vertical frame member of the panel unit, to which an upper end of the support structure of another panel unit disposed below the panel unit or an upper end of a base leg installed on the installation surface can be connected; an upper connecting portion provided at the upper end of the vertical frame member of the panel unit, to which the lower end of the support structure of another panel unit arranged above the panel unit can be connected; Panel unit.

2. The support structure includes: and horizontal frame members extending from the vertical frame members to both sides in the width direction. The panel unit according to claim 1 .

3. A panel unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper connecting portion is provided with an upper connecting member whose vertical position relative to the vertical frame material can be changed between a protruding position protruding above the upper edge of the panel material and a storage position located between the upper and lower edges of the panel material.

4. The lower connecting portion is configured to be insertable into the upper connecting portion of another panel unit arranged below the panel unit, or into the upper end of a base leg installed on the installation surface. The panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A panel unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper connecting portion is provided with a restraining member that restrains the connection state with the lower connecting portion of another panel unit arranged above the panel unit.

6. A lower opening through which the lower connecting portion faces downward and an upper opening through which the upper connecting portion faces upward are formed between the pair of panel materials. The panel unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A partition device comprising a plurality of panel units according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A plurality of the panel units are stacked vertically, The upper connecting portion of one of the panel units arranged on the lower side is connected to the lower connecting portion of another of the panel units arranged on the upper side. The partition device according to claim 7.

9. Further provided is a base leg that is installed on the installation surface, The upper end of the base leg is connected to the lower connecting portion of the panel unit arranged above the base leg. A partition device according to claim 7 or 8.

Images