Partitions and partition connectors

Abstract

To easily connect a plurality of partitions.SOLUTION: A partition is constituted of at least one panel and has a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is rotatably attached to one end of an upper end of the panel, and can be connected to a second connector of another partition. The second connector is attached to the other end of the upper end of the panel, and can be connected to a first connector of another partition. Further, the first connector has a fastening mechanism that fastens the second connector toward the first connector while connected to the second connector of another partition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a partition for dividing an indoor space or an outdoor space, and a partition connector. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known a connecting device for partition panels that connects a pair of adjacent panels at a predetermined angle to partition a space.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a partition panel having connecting vertical side portions on each of the left and right panel vertical edges, one of which has a protruding engaging member having a first engaging portion, and the other of which has a second engaging portion that can engage with the first engaging portion and a disengaging portion that cannot engage with the first engaging portion.

[0004] In this partition panel, when the first engagement portion of the partition panel is advanced toward the second engagement portion of the other partition panel, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion elastically deform to engage inseparably, connecting the two partition panels. Also, when one of the two partition panels is lifted and the first engagement portion of the partition panel is positioned over the disengagement portion of the other partition panel, the engagement is released and the two partition panels are separated.

[0005] This allows a plurality of partition panels in an upright position to be connected to or separated from one another. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-065544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in order to connect multiple partition panels, the first engagement portion of one partition panel must be pushed forward toward the second engagement portion of the other partition panel, which can make the task difficult for one person depending on the size of the partition panels.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a partition and a partition connector that allow multiple partitions to be easily connected together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a partition comprised of at least one panel, and including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is rotatably attached to one end of the upper end of the panel and is connectable to a second connector of another partition. The second connector is attached to the other end of the upper end of the panel and is connectable to a first connector of the other partition. The first connector also includes a tightening mechanism that tightens the second connector to the first connector while connected to the second connector of the other partition.

[0010] This configuration makes it easy to connect multiple partitions, as partitions can be connected to each other simply by connecting the first connector to the second connector of another partition and tightening them. Also, because the connectors are attached to the partitions, it is possible to eliminate the need to prepare connectors each time work is performed, and it is also possible to prevent the connectors from being lost.

[0011] The first connector may have a connecting member that can slide the upper end of the panel a predetermined distance to the other side while connected to the second connector of the other partition, and the second connector may be tightened at the position to which the connecting member is slid.

[0012] The tightening mechanism may have an operating unit that can switch between a first state in which the first coupling device is rotatable and slidable, and a second state in which the first coupling device is tightened so that it cannot rotate or slide.

[0013] This allows the first connector to be easily set in a rotatable and slidable state, or fixed in a non-rotatable and non-slidable state.

[0014] The first connector may have one end pivotally supported and the other end having a hook portion that is connectable to the second connector and at least a portion of which may be retractable into the upper end of the panel when not connected to the second connector.

[0015] This allows the hook formed on the first connecting part to firmly connect the panels so that they do not slip off. Also, when the first connecting device is not in use, the hook can be rotated to store it at the top end of the panel, providing safety.

[0016] The partition may further include a third connector attached to one end of the lower end of the panel and a fourth connector attached to the other end of the lower end of the panel and connectable to the third connector. In this case, the first connector and the second connector of the other partition may be connectable when the third connector and the fourth connector of the other partition are connected.

[0017] This allows the lower ends of the panels to be connected first, and then the upper ends of the panels to be connected, eliminating the need to simultaneously align and connect the lower and upper ends of the panels, making the connection process easier.

[0018] The partition may be configured by connecting a plurality of panels in an expandable manner with movable connectors, in which case the first connector may be attached to one end of each of the plurality of panels, and the second connector may be attached to the other end of each of the plurality of panels.

[0019] Partitions made up of multiple panels can be unfolded and stand on their own when they are connected, so even large partitions can be connected by one person.

[0020] A partition connector according to another embodiment of the present invention is a partition connector for interconnecting partitions composed of at least one or more panels, and includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector is rotatably attached to one end of the upper end of the panel and is connectable to the second connector of another partition. The second connector is attached to the other end of the upper end of the panel and is connectable to the first connector of the other partition. The first connector has a tightening mechanism that tightens the second connector to the first connector while connected to the second connector of the other partition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of partitions can be easily connected. However, this effect does not limit the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a partition according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of the first connector and its surroundings of the partition of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded plan view of a fixing member and a connecting member of the first connector. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a range of motion of the rotational movement of the connecting member of the first connecting tool. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the range of movement of the sliding movement of the connecting member of the first connecting tool. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a state in which the connecting member of the first connecting tool is rotatable and slidable and a state in which it is non-rotatable and non-slidable. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing details of a second connector of the partition of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing details of a third connector of the partition of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of a fourth connector of the partition of FIG. 1. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the area around the upper movable connector of the partition in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the area around the upper movable connector of the partition in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the area around the lower movable connector of the partition in FIG. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 15] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 18] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 19] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a first connector of a partition according to a first modified example of the present invention. [Figure 21] 21 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. 20 to each other. [Figure 22] 21 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for connecting the partitions shown in FIG. 20 to each other. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of a first connector and a second connector of a partition according to a second modified example of the present invention. [Figure 24] 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA and line BB in FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] [Partition Overview] FIG. 1 is a front view of a partition in this embodiment.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the partition 100 of this embodiment divides one space (room, etc.) into multiple spaces (rooms, etc.) and is used, for example, in evacuation shelters where residents take refuge in the event of a disaster, but may also be used in other locations.

[0026] As shown in these figures, the partition 100 of this embodiment has a pair of adjacent panels 1 (panel 1a and panel 1b), an upper movable connector 2 that connects the pair of panels 1 at the upper ends of the panels 1 in a rotatable (expandable) manner, and a lower movable connector 3 that connects the pair of panels 1 at the lower ends of the panels 1 in a rotatable (expandable) manner.

[0027] Furthermore, the partition 100 has a first connector 6, a second connector 7, a third connector 8 and a fourth connector 9 for connecting to other partitions 100.

[0028] The first connector 6 is rotatably attached to one end of the upper end of one panel 1a, and is connectable to a second connector 7 of another partition 100. The second connector 7 is attached to the other end of the upper end of the other panel 1b, and is connectable to a first connector 6 of another partition 100.

[0029] The third connector 8 is attached to one end of the lower end of panel 1a and can be connected to a fourth connector 9 of another partition 100. The fourth connector 9 is attached to the other end of the lower end of panel 1b and can be connected to a third connector of another partition 100.

[0030] Each panel 1 is composed of a rectangular panel material 11, vertical frames 12 attached to the left and right ends of the panel material 11, and horizontal frames 13 attached to the top and bottom ends of the panel material 11. The thickness of the panel material 11 is approximately 10 mm, but is not limited to this. The panel material 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin or wood, and the vertical frames 12 and horizontal frames 13 are made of metal such as aluminum, but the materials are not limited to these. A concave rail 14 (see Figures 2 and 6) is formed at the upper end of the horizontal frame 13. In addition, a concave groove (not shown) is formed at the side end of the vertical frame.

[0031] Between the adjacent vertical frames 12 of both panels 1, an elastic member 5 is provided, which functions as a screen to cover the gap between the panels 1. The elastic member 5 is made of a resin such as synthetic rubber. The elastic member 5 is also provided on the outside, fitted into a recessed groove in one of the two vertical frames 12 on the opposite side from the adjacent ends of both panels 1 (for example, the vertical frame 12 of the panel 1a on the left side of the figure), and when a partition 100 is connected to another partition 100, it functions as a screen between the partitions 100 and also as a guide during the connecting work.

[0032] Legs 4 that support the entire partition 100 are provided, for example, at both ends of the bottom surface of each panel 1. The height of the legs 4 is formed to be greater than the thickness of the lower movable connector 3.

[0033] Although the panel 1 can be rotated using only the upper movable connector 2, rattling of the partition 100 is prevented by connecting and supporting the lower end of the panel 1 with the lower movable connector 3.

[0034] [Details of the first connector] Next, the first connector 6 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first connector 6 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is an exploded plan view of the fixing member and connecting member of the first connector 6. Screws are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the range of rotation of the connecting member 65. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the range of sliding of the connecting member 65. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the connecting member 65 is rotatable and slidable, and a state in which it is neither rotatable nor slidable.

[0036] As shown in these figures, the first connector 6 is configured by connecting a fixing member 61 (FIG. 3(a)) and a connecting member 65 (FIG. 3(b)) via an operating part 68.

[0037] The fixing member 61 is a long plate-like member and has a rectangular opening 62, two screw holes 63a, one screw hole each 63b, 63c, and an insertion hole 64. The fixing member 61 is made of metal, for example, but may also be made of resin.

[0038] The fixing member 61 is screwed to the vertical frame 12 of one panel 1a through two screw holes 63a, and to the horizontal frame 13 of the other panel 1a through screw hole 63b. As shown in Fig. 2, the opening 62 has a width that allows the operation unit 68 connected to the connecting member 65 to be inserted therein and also allows the operation unit 68 to slide on the rail 14 by a predetermined distance in the X direction in the figure.

[0039] The fixing member 61 is the same member as the second connector 7 and the third connector 8. The screw hole 63c is used as an attachment hole for attaching the leg 4 to the bottom surface of the panel 1a when the fixing member 61 is used as the third connector 8 (see FIG. 8). The insertion hole 64 is used as an insertion hole for inserting a protrusion (described later) of the fourth connector 9 when the fixing member 61 is used as the third connector 8 and connected to the fourth connector 9 (see FIGS. 8 and 14).

[0040] The connecting member 65 is a long, plate-like member that has an insertion hole 67 at one end for being rotatably supported by the fixing member 61 and the operating part 68, and a hook 66 at the other end. The hook 66 can be connected to a second connecting device 7 of another partition 100, and when not connected to the second connecting device 7, at least a portion of it can be stored in the rail 14 at the upper end of the panel 1a, as shown in Figure 2. The connecting member 65 is made of metal, for example, but may also be made of resin.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the connecting member 65 can rotate 360 ​​degrees in the direction of the arrow in the figure, with the operating part 68 as the rotation axis. When the connecting member 65 is not connected to another partition 100, it is parallel to the fixing member 61 and its tip (hook part 66) is at the right end in the figure, and at this time the hook part 66 is stored in the rail 14 at the upper end of the panel 1a, ensuring safety. On the other hand, when the connecting member 65 is connected to the fixing member 61 of another partition 100, the tip (hook part 66) of the connecting member 65 is rotated 180 degrees from when it is not connected (to the position at the left end in the figure).

[0042] 5, the operating part 68 connected to the connecting member 65 can slide on the rail 14 of the panel 1a between a state where it is engaged with the left end of the opening 62 of the fixing member 61 in the figure (FIG. 5(a)), and a state where it is engaged with the right end of the opening 62 in the figure (FIG. 5(b)). As a result, when the partition 100 is connected to the second connector of another partition 100, the hook part 66 can slide on the rail 14 at the top end of the panel 1 of the other partition 100 in the X direction for a predetermined distance (corresponding to the width of the opening 62).

[0043] 2 and 4 to 6, the operating part 68 is formed as, for example, a knob in the shape of a thumbscrew bolt. The operating part 68 has a bolt 68a inserted through the rail 14 of the horizontal frame 13, a nut 68b threaded onto the bolt 68a inside the rail 14, and a washer 68c interposed between the fixing member 61 and the connecting member 65.

[0044] The operating unit 68 can be operated to switch between a state (first state) in which the connecting member 65 is rotatable (FIG. 4) and slidable (FIG. 5), as shown in FIG. 6(a), and a state (second state) in which the connecting member 65 is non-rotatable and non-slidable, as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0045] The nut 68b has a polygonal shape, and the side surface of the nut 68b abuts against the inner surface of the rail 14, restricting its rotation. Therefore, when the user twists and rotates the operation unit 68 with their finger in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1(b) from the rotatable and slidable state shown in Figure 1(a) and the bolt 68a rotates, the nut 68b moves upward and the rail 14 (horizontal frame 13) is tightened between the nut 68b and the washer 68c, so that the periphery of the insertion hole 67 of the connecting member 65 is engaged on the rail 14, restricting its rotation and sliding, as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0046] Furthermore, when connecting to another partition 100, the hook portion 66 is connected to the second connector 7 of the other partition 100, and with the operating portion 68 being slid to the position shown in Fig. 5(a) above, the hook portion 66 functions as a tightening mechanism that tightens the second connector 7 of the other partition 100 to the first connector 6. The operation of this tightening mechanism will be described later.

[0047] [Details of the second connector] Next, the second connector 7 will be described in detail. Figure 7 shows details of the second connector 7, with (a) being an enlarged view of the area around the second connector 7 in Figure 1, and (b) being a plan view of the second connector 7. Screws are not shown in this figure.

[0048] As shown in the figure, the second connector 7 has an opening 72, two screw holes 73a, one screw hole 73b, one screw hole 73c, and an insertion hole 74. The second connector 7 is the same member as the fixing member 61 that constitutes the first connector 6, but the attachment orientation is different.

[0049] That is, the second connector 7 is used in an orientation rotated 180 degrees in the XZ plane from the orientation in which it is fixed to the panel 1 by the fixing member 61 of the first connector 6, and is screwed to the vertical frame 12 of the other panel 1b via the two screw holes 73a, and to the horizontal frame 13 of the other panel 1b via the screw hole 73b.

[0050] When connecting to another partition 100, the hook portion 66 of the first connector 6 of the other partition 100 can be connected (inserted and locked) to the opening 72.

[0051] As described above, the screw hole 73c and the insertion hole 74 are used when the second connector 7 functions as the third connector 8.

[0052] [Details of the third connector] Next, the third connector 8 will be described in detail. Figure 8 shows details of the third connector 8, with (a) being an enlarged view of the periphery of the third connector 8 in Figure 1, and (b) being a plan view of the third connector 8. Screws are not shown in this figure.

[0053] As shown in the figure, the third connector 8 has an opening 82, two screw holes 83a, one screw hole each 83b, 83c, and an insertion hole 84. The third connector 8 is the same member as the fixing member 61 constituting the first connector 6 and the second connector 7, but is attached in a different orientation.

[0054] In other words, the third connector 8 is used in an inverted orientation (with its back surface in contact with the lower end surface of the panel 1) from the orientation in which it is fixed to the panel 1 by the fixing member 61 of the first connector 6 (with its back surface in contact with the upper end surface of the panel 1), and is screwed to the vertical frame 12 of one panel 1a via the two screw holes 83a, and to the horizontal frame 13 of the other panel 1a via the screw hole 83b.

[0055] Furthermore, the leg 4 is attached to the bottom surface of the panel 1a via the screw hole 83c. When the third connector 8 is connected to the fourth connector 9, the insertion hole 84 is used as an insertion hole for inserting a protrusion (described later) of the fourth connector.

[0056] [Details of the 4th connector] Next, a detailed description will be given of the fourth connector 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the details of the fourth connector 9. The screws are not shown in this figure.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the fourth connector 9 has two screw holes 93a, 93b, one screw hole 93c, and a protrusion 94.

[0058] The fourth connector 9 is screwed to the vertical frame 12 of the other panel 1b through the two screw holes 93a, and is screwed to the horizontal frame 13 of the other panel 1b through the two screw holes 93b.

[0059] Furthermore, the leg 4 is attached to the bottom surface of the panel 1b via the screw hole 93c. When the fourth connector 9 is connected to the third connector 8, the protrusion 94 is inserted into the insertion hole 84 of the third connector 8.

[0060] [Movable connector] Next, we will explain the upper movable coupler 2 and the lower movable coupler 3. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the upper movable coupler 2 in Fig. 1, and Fig. 11 is a plan view of the periphery of the upper movable coupler 2. Fig. 12 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the lower movable coupler 3 in Fig. 1.

[0061] As shown in these figures, the upper movable connecting device 2 has a pair of fixing members 21, 22 and a bridging member 31. The pair of fixing members 21, 22 are fixed to the upper ends of the pair of panels 1, respectively, and connect the pair of panels 1 to each other in a manner that allows them to rotate (unfold).

[0062] One end of the bridging member 31 is connected to the fixing member 21 at the upper end of one panel 1a, and the other end is connected to the upper end of the other panel 1b. The bridging member 31 is slidable along the upper end of one panel 1a in response to the rotation of the panel 1, and this sliding movement makes it possible to maintain the angle between the pair of panels 1 at any angle.

[0063] The bridging member 31 also has a locking portion 32 at one end thereof that can lock the other end at any position on the upper end of the panel 1a.

[0064] 12, the lower movable connector 3 (hinge) has a pair of fixing members 23, 24. The pair of fixing members 23, 24 are fixed to the lower ends of the pair of panels 1, respectively, and connect the pair of panels 1 to each other so that they can rotate (unfold). In addition, legs 4 are attached to the pair of fixing members 23, 24.

[0065] [Partition connection behavior] Next, a description will be given of the operation of connecting the partitions 100 configured as described above. Figures 13 to 19 are diagrams illustrating the procedure for connecting the partitions 100 to each other.

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, partitions 100A and 100B are unfolded so that the angle between panel 1a and panel 1b is approximately 90 degrees (L-shaped), and the two partitions 100 are connected by connecting the first connector 6 of partition 100B to the second connector 7 of partition 100A as shown by the arrows in the figure.

[0067] First, as shown in Figure 14, the bottom surface of partition 100B is raised, and the protrusion 94 of the fourth connector 9 of partition 100A is aligned with the insertion hole 84 of the third connector 8 of partition 100B, and then partition 100B is dropped in from above. At this time, the lower end portion of elastic member 5 of partition 100B is inserted into a recessed groove (not shown) in the vertical frame 12 of partition 100A, and positioned as a guide.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the operating portion 68 of the first connector 6 of the partition 100B is loosened, and the connector member 65 is pulled upward and turned over to the side of the partition 100A to be connected (as indicated by the arrow in the figure).

[0069] Next, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the hook portion 66 of the connecting member 65 of the first connecting device 6 of the partition 100B is inserted into the opening 72 of the second connecting device 7 of the partition 100A (arrow in FIG. 16).

[0070] 18, the operating part 68 of the partition 100B is held, and the hook part 66 inserted into the opening 72 is slid toward the partition 100B to be connected (the first connector 6 side) until it engages with the end of the opening 72 on the partition 100B side (the arrow pointing rightward in the X direction in the same figure). At this time, the operating part 68 slides inside the opening 62 of the first connector (Figure 5).

[0071] As shown in the figure, the operating part 68 is rotated and fixed while the hook part 66 is pulled in towards the partition 100B (arrow indicating the direction of rotation in the figure). The tightening action of the hook part 66 and the operating part 68 (tightening mechanism) on the second connector 7 towards the first connector 6 allows the partitions 100 to be firmly connected together so that they do not slip off from each other.

[0072] By performing the above operation, the partitions 100A and 100B are connected together as shown in Figure 19(a). By performing the connecting work with both partitions 100A and 100B installed in an L-shape, the partition 100 will not fall over, and the work can be done by a single user.

[0073] To change the partition 100B from an L-shape to a straight line, as shown in Figure 19(b), after connecting it as shown in Figure 19(a), the panel 1 of the partition 100B is rotated using the upper movable connector 2 and the lower movable connector 3 to return it to a straight line, and then fixed using the locking portion 32 of the upper movable connector 2.

[0074] As explained above, according to this embodiment, partitions 100 can be connected to one another simply by connecting the first connector 6 to the second connector 7 of another partition 100 and tightening the connector, which facilitates the work of connecting multiple partitions 100. Furthermore, because the first connector 6, second connector 7, third connector 8, and fourth connector 9 are attached to the partition 100, it is possible to eliminate the need to prepare connectors each time work is performed, and it is also possible to prevent the connectors from being lost.

[0075] In addition, no special tools or separate parts are required, and the lower and upper ends do not need to be aligned and connected at the same time, making the work easier.

[0076] Furthermore, since each of the first connector 6, second connector 7, third connector 8 and fourth connector 9 fits within the thickness of the panel 1 (e.g., 10 mm), the storage space required for the partition 100 when not in use can be minimized.

[0077] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology.

[0078] (First Modification) First, a first modified example of the present invention will be described. Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the area around the first connector 6 of the partition 100 according to this modified example. Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams illustrating the procedure for connecting partitions 100 according to this modified example. In the following description of the modified example, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts having the same configuration and function as the above-described embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, a mechanism was employed as the tightening mechanism for tightening the second connector side 7 of the destination partition 100 to the first connector 6 side of the source partition 100, in which the hook portion 66 slides through the opening 72 and is locked, and the operating portion 68 is rotated to tighten. However, the tightening mechanism is not limited to this.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 20, the hook portion 166 of the first connector 6 can be stored in the rail 14 when not in use, but unlike the hook portion 66 in the above-described embodiment, it is formed in the shape of a right-angled triangular prism (the cross section in the XY plane is a right-angled triangle) when viewed from the Z direction in the same figure, and has a slope 167 on the back side that slopes toward the tip.

[0081] Furthermore, the opening 162 of the first connector 6 is formed to be narrower than the opening 62 in the above-described embodiment, and the operating portion 68 is fixed to the opening 162 and cannot slide within the opening 162.

[0082] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the opening 172 of the second connector 7 is also formed to be narrower than the opening 72 in the above-described embodiment, and the hook portion 166 cannot slide within the opening 172.

[0083] When connecting the partitions 100 to each other, as shown in FIG. 21, the connecting member 65 of the partition 100B is rotated toward the partition 100A (arrow in the figure) and the hook portion 166 is engaged with the opening 172.

[0084] Then, from this state, as shown in Figure 22, when the operating part 68 is tightened, the hook part 166 sinks downward along the slope 167 while abutting against the end of the opening 172 on the partition 100B side, and a force is applied to tighten the second connector 7 against the first connector 6 side of the partition 100B, thereby firmly connecting the partitions 100A and 100B.

[0085] In this way, the partitions 100 can be fastened together and connected without employing a mechanism for sliding the operating portion 68 and the hook portion 66 as in the above-described embodiment.

[0086] (Second Modification) Next, a second modified example of the present invention will be described. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the first connector 6 of the partition 100B and the second connector 7 of the partition 100A according to this modified example. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA and BB in Figure 23.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the operating unit 68 was able to slide on the rail 14 formed in the horizontal frame at the upper end of the panel 1 via the opening 62 in the fixing member 61. In contrast, in this modified example, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the horizontal frame 13, the vertical frame 12, and the elastic member 5 are eliminated, and the fixing member 61 of the first connector 6 and the second connector 7 are each formed in a square tube (square pipe) shape with a predetermined height in the Y direction. Then, screw holes similar to those in the above-described embodiment are provided in their bottom surfaces, and the first connector 6 and the second connector 7 are fastened to the upper end surface of the panel material 11 with screws S. Openings 62 and 72 similar to those in the above-described embodiment are provided in their top surfaces, so that the operating unit 68 and the hook 66 can slide in the internal space along the openings 62 and 72.

[0088] In this way, by making the fixing member 61 and the second connecting member 7 into a square tube (square pipe) shape and configuring them so that the operating part 68 and the hook part 66 can slide inside them, they can be slid even if the upper end of the panel 1 is not formed in a shape that allows the operating part 68 and the hook part 66 to slide.

[0089] This also eliminates the need to provide rails on the horizontal frames 13, making it possible to omit the horizontal frames 13, the vertical frames 12, and the elastic members 5. This reduces the number of parts in the partition 100, thereby reducing costs.

[0090] (Other variations) The shapes of the components in the above-described embodiment are not limited to those shown in the drawings. For example, the shape of the hook portion 66 is not limited to that shown in the drawings and may be formed into a different shape, such as an L-shaped cross section, a U-shaped cross section, or a U-shaped cross section. Furthermore, the operating portion 68 may be formed as a knurled or knob bolt rather than a thumbscrew bolt. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Panel 2...Upper movable connector 3…Lower movable connector 4…Legs 5...Elastic member 6...1st connector 7…Second connector 8…Third connector 9...Fourth connector 11...Panel material 12...Vertical frame 13...Horizontal frame 14...Rail 61...Fixing member 62...Opening 63a, 63b, 63c...Screw holes 64...Through hole 65...Connecting member 66...Hook part 67...Through hole 68...Operation unit 68a...Bolt 68b...Nat 68c...washer 72...Opening 73a, 73b, 73c...Screw holes 74...Through hole 82...Opening 83a, 83b, 83c...Screw holes 84...Through hole 93a, 93b, 93c...Screw holes 94...Convex part 100...Partition 162...Opening 166...Hook part 167...Slope S...Screw

Claims

1. A partition consisting of at least one panel, a first connector rotatably attached to one side end of the upper end of the panel and connectable to a second connector of another partition; a second connector attached to the other end of the upper end of the panel and connectable to the first connector of the other partition; Equipped with The first connector has a tightening mechanism that tightens the second connector to the first connector side when connected to the second connector of the other partition, and a connecting member that can slide a predetermined distance to the other side on a rail provided at the upper end of the panel when connected to the second connector of the other partition, and the connecting member can tighten the second connector at the slid position and engage with the rail. Partition.

2. 2. The partition according to claim 1, The tightening mechanism has an operating unit that can switch between a first state in which the first coupler is rotatable and slidable and a second state in which the first coupler is tightened so as not to be rotatable and not to be slidable. Partition.

3. The partition according to claim 1 or 2, The first connector has one end pivotally supported and a hook portion at the other end, The hook portion is connectable to the second connector, and at least a portion of the hook portion is retractable in the upper end of the panel when the hook portion is not connected to the second connector. Partition.

4. A partition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a third connector attached to one side end of the lower end of the panel; a fourth connector connectable to the third connector attached to the other end of the lower end of the panel; Further provided with The first connector and the second connector of the other partition can be connected when the third connector and the fourth connector of the other partition are connected. Partition.

5. A partition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The partition is configured by connecting a plurality of panels with movable connectors so that the panels can be deployed, The first connector is attached to one side end of the plurality of panels, The second connector is attached to the other end of the plurality of panels. Partition.

6. A partition connector that connects partitions made up of at least one or more panels to each other, a first connector rotatably attached to one side end of the upper end of the panel and connectable to a second connector of another partition; a second connector attached to the other end of the upper end of the panel and connectable to the first connector of the other partition; Equipped with The first connector has a tightening mechanism that tightens the second connector to the first connector side when connected to the second connector of the other partition, and a connecting member that can slide a predetermined distance to the other side on a rail provided at the upper end of the panel when connected to the second connector of the other partition, and the connecting member can tighten the second connector at the slid position and engage with the rail. Partition connector.

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