Support devices, suspension devices and buildings

Abstract

The present invention provides a support device, a suspension device, and a building that facilitate the attachment and removal of a suspension device to the ceiling, for which electrical equipment supplied with electricity is attached. [Solution] The support device 20 removably supports the suspension device 50 to the ceiling 2. The support device 20 includes a support part 21 that supports the suspension device 50, a first power line 22, a second power line 23, a first electrode 24 connected to the first power line 22, and a second electrode 25 connected to the second power line 23. The support part 21 has a support part body 31 that is attached to the ceiling 2, and a receiving part 32 that contacts the suspension device 50 to receive the load of the suspension device 50. The first electrode 24 is provided on a receiving surface 33 of the receiving part 32 that faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device 50. The second electrode 25 is provided on the support part 21 at a position away from the receiving surface 33.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support device, a suspension device, and a building.

Background Art

[0002] Suspension devices that support articles such as drying racks and lighting fixtures on the ceiling are known. In a suspension device, a suspension tool is supported by a support device provided on the ceiling. As an example, in the suspension device of Patent Document 1, the ball head of a ball head type connecting rod fits inside a cup holder provided on the ceiling. The connecting rod of the ball head type connecting rod protrudes outward from the perforation of the cup holder. In the suspension device of Patent Document 1, when a lighting fixture is connected to the lower end of the ball head type connecting rod, a power line is wired through a through hole passing through the center of the ball head type connecting rod.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, a support device that supports a suspension tool removably on the ceiling is known. Even in the suspension device of Patent Document 1, the ball head type connecting rod can be changed to be supported removably on the ceiling. However, when a lighting fixture is connected to the ball head type connecting rod, a power line is wired from the lighting fixture through the ball head type connecting rod to the ceiling. Therefore, in the technology of this document, when the ball head type connecting rod is configured to be supported removably on the ceiling, it is difficult to remove the ball head type connecting rod to which the lighting fixture is connected from the ceiling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (1) A support device for solving the above problem is a support device for removably supporting a suspension device on a ceiling, comprising: a support part for supporting the suspension device; a first power line connected to a power source; a second power line connected to the power source; a first electrode provided on the support part and connected to the first power line; and a second electrode provided on the support part and connected to the second power line, wherein the support part comprises a support part body attached to the ceiling and a receiving part provided at the lower end of the support part body and receiving the load of the suspension device, the first electrode is provided on the receiving surface of the receiving part that faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device, and the second electrode is provided on the support part at a position away from the receiving surface.

[0006] In this configuration, since the first electrode is provided on the receiving surface, the first electrode easily contacts the suspension device when the receiving surface receives the load of the suspension device. Because the first electrode is provided on the receiving surface, the suspension device is electrically connected to the power supply when it is attached to the ceiling. When removing the suspension device from the ceiling, the electrical connection between the power supply and the suspension device can be disconnected simply by separating the suspension device from the first electrode. Therefore, the support device makes it easy to attach and detach the suspension device, to which electrical equipment supplied with electricity is attached, to the ceiling.

[0007] (2) In the support device described in (1) above, the support body has a housing space formed therein in which a first portion of the suspension device on which two electrodes are provided is housed, the receiving surface is located below the housing space, the first electrode is arranged in the housing space so as to be able to contact one of the two electrodes, and the second electrode is arranged in the housing space so as to be able to contact the other of the two electrodes and is positioned above the first electrode.

[0008] In this configuration, the first electrode can contact one of the two electrodes of the suspension device within the housing space. The second electrode can also contact the other of the two electrodes of the suspension device. Therefore, by housing the first part of the suspension device within the housing space, the suspension device can be electrically connected to the power supply.

[0009] (3) In the support device described in (2) above, the receiving portion has a hole that connects the housing space with the space outside the support device, and the second portion of the suspension device protrudes from the hole into the space outside the support device when the first portion is housed in the housing space. With this configuration, the first portion of the suspension device can be connected to the portion of the suspension device located outside the support device by the hole in the receiving portion.

[0010] (4) In the support device described in (3) above, the hole has a support portion through which the first portion of the suspension device cannot pass and the second portion can pass, and an insertion portion through which both the first and second portions of the suspension device can pass and which is connected to the support portion, and the suspension device is supported by the support portion when the first portion of the suspension device moves onto the support portion after being inserted into the housing space from the insertion portion.

[0011] In this configuration, since the first part of the suspension device cannot pass through the support portion of the hole, the first part housed in the containment space is supported by the edge of the hole. Therefore, after inserting the first part into the containment space through the insertion portion, the suspension device can be supported by the support device by moving the first part onto the support portion.

[0012] (5) In the support device described in (3) or (4) above, the receiving surface is provided around the edge of the hole. With this configuration, since the receiving surface is provided around the edge of the hole, the first electrode provided on the receiving surface can easily come into contact with the first part of the suspension device when the first part of the suspension device is housed in the housing space.

[0013] (6) In the support device described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the receiving surface is made of a curved surface. With this configuration, because the receiving surface is made of a curved surface, the part of the suspension device that contacts the receiving surface is easily movable relative to the receiving surface. Therefore, the suspension device is easily moved when the receiving surface is bearing the load of the suspension device.

[0014] (7) In the support device described in any one of (1) to (6) above, the second electrode has a contact portion that contacts the suspension device, a mounting portion that is attached to the support portion, and a deformable portion that connects the contact portion and the mounting portion, wherein the deformable portion deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion and the mounting portion.

[0015] With this configuration, the deformable part deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact part and the mounting part, allowing the contact part to move within the range of deformation of the deformable part. Therefore, the second electrode can easily come into contact with the suspension device.

[0016] (8) A suspension device for solving the above problems is a suspension device for suspending electrical equipment from a ceiling, comprising a support device described in any one of (1) to (7) above, and a suspension device that is detachably supported on the ceiling by the support device, wherein the suspension device comprises a suspension portion, a third power line connected to the electrical equipment, a fourth power line connected to the electrical equipment, a third electrode provided on the suspension portion and connected to the third power line, and a fourth electrode provided on the suspension portion and connected to the fourth power line, wherein the suspension portion has a tip portion supported on the receiving surface, an extension portion to which the electrical equipment is attached, and an intermediate portion connecting the tip portion and the extension portion, wherein the third electrode is provided on the supported portion of the tip portion that is supported on the receiving surface, and the fourth electrode is provided on the tip portion at a position away from the supported portion. With this configuration, since the third electrode is provided on the supported portion of the tip portion, the third electrode can easily come into contact with the first electrode when the tip portion is supported on the receiving surface.

[0017] (9) In the suspension device described in (8) above, an insulating member is provided at the tip between the third electrode and the fourth electrode to electrically insulate the third electrode and the fourth electrode. With this configuration, since an insulating member is provided between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, the occurrence of a short circuit between the third electrode and the fourth electrode can be suppressed.

[0018] (10) The building that solves the above problems is a building having a ceiling, and the support device according to any one of (1) to (7) above is provided on the ceiling. According to this configuration, the suspension tool can be supported on the ceiling. Since the support device is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode connected to a power source, while suspending an electric device from the ceiling by the suspension tool, electricity can be supplied to the electric device.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the support device, suspension device, and building of the present disclosure, it is easy to attach and detach the suspension tool to which an electric device supplied with electricity is attached to the ceiling.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram of a suspension device provided on the ceiling of a building according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram of the suspension device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of the support device of the suspension device of FIG. 1 viewed from below. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the support device along the D4-D4 line of FIG. 2. <*

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <Embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the building 1, suspension device 10, and support device 20 according to the embodiment will be described. The building 1 is, for example, a house, commercial facility, public facility, etc. In the present embodiment, the building 1 will be described as a house.

[0022] <Building> As shown in FIG. 1, the building 1 has a ceiling 2. The ceiling 2 is provided inside or outside the building 1. The ceiling 2 is provided, for example, below the horizontal members supported by columns.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the ceiling 2 has ceiling panels 3. The ceiling panels 3 consist of a first panel 4, a second panel 5, a third panel 6, and a fourth panel 7. The underside of the first panel 4 constitutes the underside of the ceiling 2. The underside of the first panel 4 is exposed to the interior or exterior of the building 1. The first panel 4 is, for example, gypsum board.

[0024] The second board 5, the third board 6, and the fourth board 7 are, for example, plywood. The second board 5 and the third board 6 are, for example, the base material for the ceiling 2. The second board 5 is placed on top of the first board 4. The third board 6 is placed on top of the second board 5. The thickness of the third board 6 is the same as the thickness of the second board 5. The fourth board 7 is, for example, a reinforcing material that reinforces the base material, the second board 5 and the third board 6. The fourth board 7 is placed on top of the third board 6. The thickness of the fourth board 7 is greater than the thickness of the third board 6.

[0025] The ceiling panel 3 is provided with mounting holes 8 that penetrate from the bottom to the top of the ceiling panel 3. The suspension device 10 is attached to the mounting holes 8. The thicknesses of the second panel 5, the third panel 6, and the fourth panel 7 are set to withstand the load of the suspension device 10 and the electrical equipment 11 that the suspension device 10 suspends.

[0026] <Hanging device> As shown in Figure 1, the suspension device 10 suspends the electrical equipment 11 from the ceiling 2. The electrical equipment 11 is, for example, a lighting fixture. In addition to lighting fixtures, household electrical appliances such as electric fans and humidifiers may also be used as electrical equipment 11. The electrical equipment 11 is electrically connected to the power supply 9 of the building 1. The power supply 9 may be an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The power supply 9 may be a commercial power supply or a battery. The electrical equipment 11 is electrically connected to the power supply 9 via the suspension device 10.

[0027] The suspension device 10 comprises a support device 20 and a suspension fixture 50. The support device 20 is provided on the ceiling 2. The support device 20 is fixed to the ceiling 2 so as to be able to support a load of at least 8 kg. The suspension fixture 50 is suspended from the ceiling 2 by the support device 20. An electrical device 11 is attached to the lower end of the suspension fixture 50. In addition to the electrical device 11, a hook 12 may also be attached to the lower end of the suspension fixture 50. Items such as planters for ornamental plants or dolls can be hung on the hook 12. The room's comfort is improved by illuminating the items hung on the hook 12 with the lighting, which is the electrical device 11.

[0028] <Support device> As shown in Figure 2, the support device 20 removably supports the suspension device 50 to the ceiling 2. When the electrical equipment 11 is not needed, the electrical equipment 11 can be removed from the ceiling 2 by removing the suspension device 50 from the support device 20. The support device 20 comprises a support part 21, a first power line 22, a second power line 23, a first electrode 24, and a second electrode 25. Note that in Figure 2, the ceiling 2 and the support device 20 are shown in cross-section along the line D2-D2 in Figure 3. On the other hand, the suspension device 50 in Figure 2 is not shown in cross-section.

[0029] <Support part> The support portion 21 shown in Figure 2 is made of, for example, a resin material, a metal material, or a combination thereof. The support portion 21 supports the suspension device 50. The support portion 21 has a support portion body 31 and a receiving portion 32. The support portion body 31 is attached to the ceiling 2. The receiving portion 32 is provided at the lower end of the support portion body 31.

[0030] The support body 31 has a fixing portion 34 and a housing portion 35. The fixing portion 34 is fixed to the ceiling 2. For example, the fixing portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape with male threads 34A on its outer circumference. The fixing portion 34 protrudes above the ceiling plate 3 from the mounting hole 8. The support body 31 is attached to the ceiling 2 by the female threads 70A of the fixing member 70 engaging with the male threads 34A of the portion of the fixing portion 34 that protrudes above the ceiling plate 3. The fixing member 70 is, for example, a nut.

[0031] The fixing structure of the fixing part 34 to the ceiling 2 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. The fixing part 34 may be fixed to the ceiling 2 by engaging the fixing part 34 and the fixing member 70 by a method other than screws. The fixing part 34 may be fixed to the ceiling 2 by engaging a male screw 34A provided on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing part 34 with a mounting hole 8 in the ceiling plate 3 without using the fixing member 70. The fixing part 34 may have a shape other than cylindrical, and the fixing part 34 may be fixed to the ceiling 2 by fitting the fixing part 34 into the mounting hole 8.

[0032] A housing space S1 is formed in the support body 31. The first portion 50X (see below) of the suspension device 50 is housed in the housing space S1. The housing space S1 is provided, for example, inside the housing section 35. An inner wall section 35A is provided inside the housing section 35. The inner wall section 35A partitions the housing space S1 within the support body 31. The housing space S1 is configured as the space inside the inner wall section 35A. The inner wall section 35A is configured in a spherical shape. The housing space S1 is spherically partitioned by the inner surface of the inner wall section 35A. The housing space S1 communicates with the space outside the support device 20 through the hole 36.

[0033] The housing section 35 has an outer wall section 35B provided on the outside of the inner wall section 35A. The outer wall section 35B is exposed inside or outside the building 1. A communication space S2 is formed between the inner wall section 35A and the outer wall section 35B. The communication space S2 is connected to the ceiling plate 3 through the inside of the cylindrical fixing section 34. A first power line 22 and a second power line 23 are arranged in the communication space S2.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the storage section 35 is located, for example, below the ceiling plate 3. The storage section 35 is configured as a roughly rectangular box shape with four sides in a plan view. The storage section 35 may also be configured as a circular cylinder in a plan view.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the support body 31 further has a body portion 37. The body portion 37 is the part that connects the fixing portion 34 and the housing portion 35. The body portion 37 is configured as an extension portion that extends downward from the fixing portion 34. The body portion 37 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the fixing portion 34. The body portion 37 is configured integrally with the fixing portion 34.

[0036] The body section 37 is connected to the housing section 35 such that the communication space S2 within the housing section 35 and the space within the body section 37 are connected. The body section 37 is fixed to the housing section 35, for example. The first power line 22 and the second power line 23 are arranged in the space within the body section 37.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in one example, the support body 31 is constructed by attaching a cylindrical fixing part 34 to a box-shaped housing part 35 via a body part 37. If the housing part 35 is cylindrical, the body part 37 and the fixing part 34 may be integrally constructed with the housing part 35.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, a bottom hole 38X is provided in the bottom surface 38 of the housing section 35. The bottom hole 38X is configured for the insertion of the second portion 50Y (see below) of the suspension device 50. The bottom hole 38X overlaps, for example, with the hole 36 of the receiving section 32 in a plan view. A peripheral wall 39 is provided around the bottom hole 38X. The peripheral wall 39 is configured to connect the bottom hole 38X and the hole 36 of the receiving section 32.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the receiving portion 32 is provided on the lower side of the inner wall portion 35A. The receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32 is located on the inner surface of the inner wall portion 35A. The receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32 is composed of a curved surface. The curved surface that constitutes the receiving surface 33 is the inner surface of the spherical inner wall portion 35A. In this specification, "spherical" is a concept that includes not only spheres whose cross-section is always a perfect circle when cut with a plane, but also spheres whose cross-section is elliptical.

[0040] The receiving portion 32 has a hole 36 that connects the housing space S1 with the space outside the support device 20. With the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 housed in the housing space S1, the second portion 50Y of the suspension device 50 protrudes from the hole 36 into the space outside the support device 20. The hole 36 opens downward from the housing space S1.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the hole 36 has a support portion 36A and an insertion portion 36B. The support portion 36A is such that the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 cannot pass through, but the second portion 50Y of the suspension device 50 can pass through. The insertion portion 36B is such that both the first portion 50X and the second portion 50Y of the suspension device 50 can pass through. Specifically, the support portion 36A is such that the tip portion 61, which is an example of the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50, cannot pass through, but the middle portion 62, which is an example of the second portion 50Y, can pass through. The insertion portion 36B is such that both the tip portion 61 and the middle portion 62 of the suspension device 50 can pass through. The receiving portion 32 is provided around the edge of the support portion 36A.

[0042] The insertion portion 36B is connected to the support portion 36A. The support portion 36A and the insertion portion 36B are connected such that the intermediate portion 62 can move between the support portion 36A and the insertion portion 36B when the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50 is located in the storage space S1.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the hole 36 is provided in the inner wall portion 35A. The receiving surface 33 is provided around the edge of the hole 36. The receiving surface 33 is located on the peripheral wall 39. Specifically, the receiving surface 33 is configured such that, in a plan view, a portion of the receiving surface 33 overlaps with the peripheral wall 39.

[0044] The receiving portion 32 receives the load of the suspension device 50. The receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32 receives the load of the suspension device 50. The receiving surface 33 faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device 50. The receiving surface 33 is located below the housing space S1. The tip 61 of the suspension device 50, which is housed in the housing space S1, is placed on the support portion 36A of the hole 36, causing the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 to hook onto the receiving portion 32. The load of the suspension device 50 is applied to the receiving surface 33 by the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 hooking onto the receiving portion 32. The load applied to the receiving surface 33 is received by the support body 31 via the peripheral wall 39.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from a direction along the ceiling 2, the size L2 of the housing section 35 is, for example, more than twice and less than or equal to three times the size L1 of the hole 36. Specifically, the size L1 of the hole 36 is 9 mm, and the size L2 of the housing section 35 is 23 mm. The size L1 of the hole 36 is defined, for example, as the diameter of the support portion 36A of the hole 36. The size L2 of the housing section 35 is defined, for example, as the distance between the longer sides of the four sides of the housing section 35, which is configured in a box shape. By configuring the support body 31 in this way, the support device 20 can be made less conspicuous on the ceiling 2 compared to the case where the size L2 of the housing section 35 is larger than three times the size L1 of the hole 36. If the housing section 35 is cylindrical, the diameter of the housing section 35 may be the size L2 of the housing section 35.

[0046] <Electrical configuration of the support device> The first power line 22 and the second power line 23 shown in Figure 2 are connected to the power supply 9 (see Figure 1). The first power line 22 is connected to one of the first and second poles of the power supply 9. The second power line 23 is connected to the other of the first and second poles of the power supply 9. In one example, the first pole is the positive pole, and the second pole is the negative pole. The first power line 22 and the second power line 23 are connected to the inner wall section 35A from above the ceiling panel 3 through the communication space S2.

[0047] The first electrode 24 is connected to the first power line 22. The first electrode 24 is provided on the support portion 21. The first electrode 24 is provided on the receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32. The first power line 22 is inserted through a through hole 35X provided in the inner wall portion 35A of the support portion 21. The first power line 22 is connected to the first electrode 24 provided on the inner surface of the inner wall portion 35A via the through hole 35X.

[0048] The first electrode 24 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be able to contact one of the two electrodes 50Z provided on the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50. The first electrode 24 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be able to contact the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50. By the first electrode 24 contacting the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50, the suspension device 50 is connected to the power supply 9 via the first power line 22.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first electrode 24 is provided around the edge of the hole 36. Specifically, the first electrode 24 is provided on the edge of the support portion 36A of the hole 36. In addition to the edge of the support portion 36A, the first electrode 24 may also be provided on the edge of the insertion portion 36B.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the second electrode 25 is connected to the second power line 23. The second electrode 25 is provided on the support portion 21. The second electrode 25 is provided on the support portion 21 at a position away from the receiving surface 33. The second electrode 25 is positioned above the first electrode 24. For example, the second electrode 25 is provided on the uppermost part of the spherical inner wall portion 35A. The second electrode 25 is exposed to the communication space S2 through a through hole 35Y provided in the inner wall portion 35A. The second power line 23 is connected to the portion of the second electrode 25 that is exposed to the communication space S2.

[0051] The second electrode 25 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be able to contact the other of two electrodes 50Z provided on the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50. The second electrode 25 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be able to contact the fourth electrode 55 of the suspension device 50. By the second electrode 25 contacting the fourth electrode 55 of the suspension device 50, the suspension device 50 is connected to the power supply 9 via the second power line 23.

[0052] The second electrode 25 has a contact portion 41, a mounting portion 42, and a deformable portion 43. The contact portion 41 contacts the suspension device 50. The mounting portion 42 is attached to the support portion 21. The deformable portion 43 connects the contact portion 41 and the mounting portion 42. The deformable portion 43 deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion 41 and the mounting portion 42.

[0053] The second electrode 25 is composed of an elastic member such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. In the example shown in Figure 2, the second electrode 25 is composed of a coil spring. The contact portion 41 is the tip of the coil spring. The contact portion 41 moves vertically by the coil spring, for example. The mounting portion 42 is attached to the through hole 35Y of the inner wall portion 35A. The mounting portion 42 is a metal part other than the coil spring, for example. The mounting portion 42 is exposed to the communication space S2. The second power line 23 is connected to the mounting portion 42. The deformable portion 43 is the middle part of the coil spring.

[0054] <Hanging tool> As shown in Figure 2, the suspension device 50 is removably supported on the ceiling 2 by the support device 20. The suspension device 50 comprises a suspension portion 51, a third power line 52, a fourth power line 53, a third electrode 54, and a fourth electrode 55.

[0055] <Hanging part> As shown in Figure 1, the upper end of the suspension portion 51 is supported by the support device 20. Electrical equipment 11 is attached to the lower end of the suspension portion 51.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, the suspension portion 51 has a first portion 50X, a second portion 50Y, and an extension portion 63. The first portion 50X is provided at the upper end of the suspension portion 51. The first portion 50X is attached to the support device 20. The first portion 50X of the suspension 50 is provided with two electrodes 50Z. The two electrodes 50Z are, for example, the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55 of the suspension 50.

[0057] The second section 50Y is provided between the first section 50X and the extension 63. The second section 50Y connects to the lower end of the first section 50X. The narrowest part of the second section 50Y connects to the first section 50X. The thickness of the widest part of the second section 50Y is smaller than the thickness of the widest part of the first section 50X. The thickness is defined as the width in a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis of the suspension device 50. If the cross-sectional shape is a circle, the width is the diameter.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, in one example, the suspension portion 51 has a tip portion 61, an intermediate portion 62, and an extension portion 63. The tip portion 61 is an example of a first portion 50X. The intermediate portion 62 is an example of a second portion 50Y. The tip portion 61 is supported by the receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32. Electrical equipment 11 is attached to the extension portion 63 (see Figure 1). The intermediate portion 62 connects the tip portion 61 and the extension portion 63.

[0059] The tip portion 61 is housed in the housing space S1. The tip portion 61 has a flat portion 64 and a curved portion 65. The flat portion 64 is the surface that faces upward in the housing space S1 of the support device 20. Note that if the tip portion 61 moves in the housing space S1, the flat portion 64 may also face sideways. The curved portion 65 is the surface that connects the flat portion 64 and the intermediate portion 62. The curved portion 65 is a curved surface that bulges outward. In other words, the tip portion 61 is formed in a shape like a sphere cut with a plane.

[0060] The intermediate portion 62 extends from the housing space S1 to the outside of the support device 20 through the holes 36 and bottom holes 38X of the support device 20. The intermediate portion 62 is configured in a conical shape, for example, becoming narrower as it approaches the tip portion 61 from the extension portion 63.

[0061] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the extension 63 has a rod-shaped portion 66 and an equipment mounting portion 67. The rod-shaped portion 66 is constructed in a rod shape. The upper end of the rod-shaped portion 66 is connected to the intermediate portion 62. An equipment mounting portion 67 is provided at the lower end of the rod-shaped portion 66. Items such as electrical equipment 11 and hooks 12 are attached to the equipment mounting portion 67.

[0062] <Electrical configuration of the suspension device> The third power line 52 and the fourth power line 53 shown in Figure 2 are connected to the electrical equipment 11 (see Figure 1). The third power line 52 is electrically connected to the first power line 22 of the suspension device 10. The fourth power line 53 is electrically connected to the second power line 23 of the suspension device 10. The third power line 52 and the fourth power line 53 are connected from the electrical equipment 11 through the space inside the extension section 63 and the intermediate section 62 to the inside of the tip section 61.

[0063] The third electrode 54 is connected to the third power line 52. The third electrode 54 is provided on the suspension portion 51. The third electrode 54 is provided on the supported portion 61X of the tip portion 61 that is supported by the receiving surface 33. The supported portion 61X is, for example, the lower side of the curved portion 65 of the tip portion 61. The third electrode 54 is provided so as to cover the lower surface of the curved portion 65. The third electrode 54 is configured in a ring shape so as to surround the periphery of the tip portion 61. The third electrode 54 is connected to the third power line 52 inside the tip portion 61.

[0064] The fourth electrode 55 is connected to the fourth power line 53. The fourth electrode 55 is provided on the suspension portion 51. The fourth electrode 55 is provided at a position on the tip portion 61 away from the supported portion 61X. The fourth electrode 55 is provided, for example, on the flat portion 64 of the tip portion 61. For example, the entire flat portion 64 is configured as the fourth electrode 55. The fourth electrode 55 is provided on the curved portion 65 in addition to the flat portion 64. The fourth electrode 55 is provided, for example, so as to cover the upper surface of the curved portion 65 of the tip portion 61 from the flat portion 64. The fourth electrode 55 is connected to the fourth power line 53 inside the tip portion 61.

[0065] At the tip portion 61, an insulating member 68 is provided between the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55. The insulating member 68 electrically insulates the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55. The insulating member 68 prevents the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55 from being electrically connected. The insulating member 68 is provided on the surface of the curved portion 65 of the tip portion 61. The insulating member 68 is provided so as to cover the surface of the intermediate portion of the curved portion 65, positioned between the third electrode 54 which covers the lower side of the curved portion 65 and the fourth electrode 55 which covers the upper side of the curved portion 65. The insulating member 68 is made of an electrically insulating resin material such as silicone or rubber.

[0066] <Method for attaching and removing suspension devices> The method for attaching and detaching the suspension device 50 from the ceiling 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The first part 50X of the suspension device 50 is inserted into the storage space S1 from the insertion part 36B and then moves onto the support part 36A, thereby supporting the suspension device 50 with the support part 21. Furthermore, the support of the suspension device 50 by the support part 21 is released when the first part 50X of the suspension device 50 moves from above the support part 36A onto the insertion part 36B in the storage space S1 and then is pulled out from the insertion part 36B. The following will be a detailed explanation using the names of each part of the suspension device 50. The operator performs the following operations by holding the rod-shaped part 66 of the extension part 63.

[0067] The method for attaching the suspension device 50 to the ceiling 2 will be explained. The tip 61 of the suspension device 50 is inserted into the storage space S1 through the insertion portion 36B of the hole 36. At this time, the middle portion 62 of the suspension device 50 is inserted through the insertion portion 36B. In the storage space S1, the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 is moved onto the support portion 36A, so that the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 is placed on the support portion 36A of the hole 36. Furthermore, the middle portion 62 of the suspension part 51 is moved from the insertion portion 36B of the hole 36 to the support portion 36A. In this way, the suspension device 50 is attached to the ceiling 2.

[0068] The tip 61 of the suspension device 50 catches on the receiving portion 32 at the edge of the hole 36, thereby applying the load of the suspension device 50 to the receiving surface 33. As the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 comes into contact with the receiving portion 32 of the support device 20, the third electrode 54 provided on the underside of the tip 61 comes into contact with the first electrode 24 of the receiving surface 33. In the housing space S1, the contact portion 41 of the second electrode 25 extends to the tip 61 of the suspension device 50, causing the second electrode 25 of the support device 20 to come into contact with the fourth electrode 55 of the suspension device 50. In this way, the electrical equipment 11 is connected to the power supply 9.

[0069] This explains how to remove the suspension device 50 from the ceiling 2. In the containment space S1, the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 is moved from above the support portion 36A of the hole 36 to above the insertion portion 36B. At this time, the middle portion 62 of the suspension device 50 moves to the insertion portion 36B. The tip 61 of the suspension device 50 is pulled out from the insertion portion 36B of the hole 36. In this way, the suspension device 50 is removed from the ceiling 2.

[0070] <Operation of this embodiment> The first operation of this embodiment will now be described. The first electrode 24 of the support device 20 is provided on the receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32 that supports the load of the suspension device 50. Therefore, by attaching the suspension device 50 to the support device 20, the first electrode 24 of the support device 20 comes into contact with the supported portion 61X of the suspension device 50. By attaching the suspension device 50, which has an electrode 50Z provided on the supported portion 61X, to the support device 20, electricity can be supplied to the suspension device 50.

[0071] The second operation of this embodiment will now be described. The receiving surface 33 of the receiving portion 32 faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device 50. On the other hand, the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50 is provided on the underside of the tip portion 61. Therefore, when the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50 is housed in the housing space S1 of the support device 20, the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50 catches on the receiving portion 32, causing the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50 to contact the first electrode 24 of the support device 20. In other words, no operation other than attaching the suspension device 50 to the ceiling 2 is required to bring the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50 into contact with the first electrode 24 of the support device 20.

[0072] The third function of this embodiment will now be described. The first electrode 24 of the support device 20 is provided on the curved receiving surface 33. On the other hand, the third electrode 54 of the suspension device 50 is provided on the underside of the spherical tip portion 61. Even if the tip portion 61 moves relative to the receiving portion 32 as the suspension device 50 moves, contact between the first electrode 24 and the third electrode 54 is maintained. Furthermore, because the deformable portion 43 of the second electrode 25 deforms, contact between the second electrode 25 and the fourth electrode 55 is also maintained even if the tip portion 61 moves relative to the receiving portion 32. As a result, even when the suspension device 50 moves relative to the ceiling 2, electricity can be supplied to the electrical equipment 11 suspended from the suspension device 50.

[0073] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The support device 20 removably supports the suspension device 50 to the ceiling 2. The support device 20 comprises a support part 21, a first power line 22, a second power line 23, a first electrode 24, and a second electrode 25. The support part 21 supports the suspension device 50. The first power line 22 is connected to the power supply 9. The second power line 23 is connected to the power supply 9. The first electrode 24 is provided on the support part 21 and connected to the first power line 22. The second electrode 25 is provided on the support part 21 and connected to the second power line 23. The support part 21 has a support part body 31 that is attached to the ceiling 2, and a receiving part 32 provided at the lower end of the support part body 31 and that receives the load of the suspension device 50. The first electrode 24 is provided on the receiving surface 33 of the receiving part 32 that faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device 50. The second electrode 25 is provided in the support portion 21 at a position away from the receiving surface 33.

[0074] In this configuration, since the first electrode 24 is provided on the receiving surface 33, the first electrode 24 contacts the suspension device 50 when the receiving surface 33 receives the load of the suspension device 50. Because the first electrode 24 is provided on the receiving surface 33, the suspension device 50 is electrically connected to the power supply 9 when it is attached to the ceiling 2. When removing the suspension device 50 from the ceiling 2, the electrical connection between the power supply 9 and the suspension device 50 can be disconnected simply by separating the suspension device 50 from the first electrode 24. Therefore, the support device 20 makes it easy to attach and detach the suspension device 50, which supplies electricity to the electrical equipment 11, from the ceiling 2.

[0075] (2) A housing space S1 is formed in the support body 31. The first part 50X of the suspension device 50 is housed in the housing space S1. Two electrodes 50Z are provided on the first part 50X of the suspension device 50. The receiving surface 33 is located below the housing space S1. The first electrode 24 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be in contact with one of the two electrodes 50Z. The second electrode 25 is positioned in the housing space S1 so as to be in contact with the other of the two electrodes 50Z, and is positioned above the first electrode 24.

[0076] In this configuration, within the housing space S1, the first electrode 24 can electrically contact one of the two electrodes 50Z of the suspension device 50. Furthermore, the second electrode 25 can contact the other of the two electrodes 50Z of the suspension device 50. Therefore, by housing the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 in the housing space S1, the suspension device 50 can be electrically connected to the power supply 9.

[0077] (3) The receiving portion 32 has a hole 36 that connects the housing space S1 and the space outside the support device 20. With the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 housed in the housing space S1, the second portion 50Y of the suspension device 50 protrudes from the hole 36 into the space outside the support device 20. With this configuration, the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 can be connected to the portion of the suspension device 50 located outside the support device 20 by the hole 36 of the receiving portion 32.

[0078] (4) The hole 36 has a support portion 36A through which the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 cannot pass, but the second portion 50Y can pass, and an insertion portion 36B through which both the first portion 50X and the second portion 50Y of the suspension device 50 can pass, and which is connected to the support portion 36A. The suspension device 50 is supported by the support portion 21 when the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 is inserted into the housing space S1 from the insertion portion 36B and then moves onto the support portion 36A.

[0079] In this configuration, since the first portion 50X of the suspension device 50 cannot pass through the support portion 36A of the hole 36, the first portion 50X housed in the housing space S1 is supported by the edge of the hole 36. Therefore, after inserting the first portion 50X into the housing space S1 from the insertion portion 36B, the suspension device 50 can be supported by the support device 20 by moving the first portion 50X onto the support portion 36A.

[0080] (5) The receiving surface 33 is provided around the edge of the hole 36. With this configuration, since the receiving surface 33 is provided around the edge of the hole 36, the first electrode 24 provided on the receiving surface 33 can easily come into contact with the first part 50X of the suspension device 50 when the first part 50X of the suspension device 50 is housed in the housing space S1.

[0081] (6) The receiving portion 32 is made of a curved surface. With this configuration, since the receiving surface 33 is made of a curved surface, the part of the suspension device 50 that contacts the receiving surface 33 is easily movable relative to the receiving surface 33. Therefore, the suspension device 50 is easily moved when the receiving surface 33 is receiving the load of the suspension device 50.

[0082] (7) The second electrode 25 has a contact portion 41 that contacts the suspension device 50, a mounting portion 42 that is attached to the support portion 21, and a deformable portion 43 that connects the contact portion 41 and the mounting portion 42. The deformable portion 43 deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion 41 and the mounting portion 42.

[0083] With this configuration, the deformable portion 43 deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion 41 and the mounting portion 42, allowing the contact portion 41 to move within the range of deformation of the deformable portion 43. As a result, the second electrode 25 can easily come into contact with the suspension device 50.

[0084] (8) The suspension device 10 suspends the electrical equipment 11 from the ceiling 2. The suspension device 10 comprises a support device 20 and a suspension device 50. The suspension device 50 is detachably supported on the ceiling 2 by the support device 20. The suspension device 50 comprises a suspension portion 51, a third power line 52, a fourth power line 53, a third electrode 54, and a fourth electrode 55. The third power line 52 is connected to the electrical equipment 11. The fourth power line 53 is connected to the electrical equipment 11. The third electrode 54 is provided on the suspension portion 51 and is connected to the third power line 52. The fourth electrode 55 is provided on the suspension portion 51 and is connected to the fourth power line 53. The suspension portion 51 has a tip portion 61 supported on the receiving surface 33, an extension portion 63 to which the electrical equipment 11 is attached, and an intermediate portion 62 connecting the tip portion 61 and the extension portion 63. The third electrode 54 is provided on the supported portion 61X of the tip 61 that is supported by the receiving surface 33. The fourth electrode 55 is provided at a position away from the supported portion 61X of the tip 61. With this configuration, since the third electrode 54 is provided on the supported portion 61X of the tip 61, the third electrode 54 can easily come into contact with the first electrode 24 when the tip 61 is supported by the receiving surface 33.

[0085] (9) At the tip portion 61, an insulating member 68 is provided between the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55. The insulating member 68 electrically insulates the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55. With this configuration, since an insulating member 68 is provided between the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55, the occurrence of a short circuit between the third electrode 54 and the fourth electrode 55 can be suppressed.

[0086] (10) The building 1 has a ceiling 2. A support device 20 is provided on the ceiling 2. With this configuration, a suspension device 50 can be supported on the ceiling 2. The support device 20 is provided with a first electrode 24 and a second electrode 25 connected to a power source 9, so that the electrical equipment 11 can be suspended from the ceiling 2 via the suspension device 50 and power can be supplied to the electrical equipment 11.

[0087] <Variation> The above embodiments are illustrative of possible configurations for the building 1, suspension device 10, and support device 20, and are not intended to limit their configuration. The building 1, suspension device 10, and support device 20 may take configurations different from those illustrated in the above embodiments. Examples include configurations in which some of the configurations of the embodiments are replaced, modified, or omitted, or configurations in which new configurations are added to the embodiments. Modifications of the embodiments are shown below.

[0088] The second electrode 25 may be provided on any part of the inner wall portion 35A other than the uppermost portion, as long as it is located above the first electrode 24. In this embodiment, the contact portion 41 of the second electrode 25 moves mainly vertically by the coil spring, but the contact portion 41 may also move horizontally in addition to vertically by the coil spring, so that the second electrode 25 makes oblique contact with the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50.

[0089] The second electrode 25 may be located at the same height as the first electrode 24. For example, the first electrode 24 may be provided around half of the edge of the support portion 36A of the hole 36, and the second electrode 25 may be provided around the remaining half. In this modified example, the suspension device 50 has a third electrode 54 provided so as to cover half of the circumferential side of the curved portion 65 of the tip portion 61, and a fourth electrode 55 provided on the remaining half.

[0090] In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the support device 20 supports the suspension device 50 by the support portion 36A of the hole 36, but the support structure of the suspension device 50 is not limited to this example. For example, a female screw may be provided on the support portion 21 of the support device 20. Also, a male screw may be provided on the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50. The support device 20 may support the suspension device 50 by the male screw of the tip portion 61 engaging with the female screw of the support portion 21. In this modified example, a first electrode 24 is provided on the female screw of the support portion 21 of the support device 20. Also, a third electrode 54 is provided on the male screw of the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50.

[0091] The insertion portion 36B from the hole 36 may be omitted. In this modified example, when the tip portion 61 of the suspension device 50 is inserted from below into the hole 36 of the support device 20, the peripheral wall 39 of the support device 20 may move toward the outer wall portion 35B, thereby increasing the size L1 of the hole 36. In this modified example, since the insertion portion 36B is not required in the hole 36, the housing portion 35 can be made smaller.

[0092] The tip 61 of the suspension device 50 does not have to be spherical. The housing space S1 of the support device 20 does not have to be spherical. For example, the tip 61 of the suspension device 50 may be plate-shaped, and the receiving surface 33 of the support device 20 may be planar.

[0093] The peripheral wall 39 may be omitted. If the peripheral wall 39 is omitted, the inner wall portion 35A is provided so as to be in contact with the bottom surface portion 38 of the housing portion 35.

[0094] This specification discloses the following technologies: [Note 1] A support device for detachably supporting a suspension device on a ceiling, comprising: a support part for supporting the suspension device; a first power line connected to a power source; a second power line connected to the power source; a first electrode provided on the support part and connected to the first power line; and a second electrode provided on the support part and connected to the second power line, wherein the support part comprises a support part body attached to the ceiling and a receiving part provided at the lower end of the support part body and receiving the load of the suspension device, the first electrode provided on the receiving surface of the receiving part that faces upward to receive the load of the suspension device, and the second electrode provided on the support part at a position away from the receiving surface.

[0095] [Note 2] The support device according to Appendix 1, wherein the support body has a housing space formed therein in which a first portion of the suspension device having two electrodes is provided, the receiving surface is located below the housing space, the first electrode is positioned in the housing space so as to be in contact with one of the two electrodes, and the second electrode is positioned in the housing space so as to be in contact with the other of the two electrodes and is positioned above the first electrode.

[0096] [Note 3] The support device as described in Appendix 2, wherein the receiving portion has a hole that connects the housing space and the space outside the support device, and the second portion of the suspension device protrudes from the hole into the space outside the support device when the first portion is housed in the housing space.

[0097] [Note 4] The support device according to Appendix 3, wherein the hole has a support portion through which the first portion of the suspension device cannot pass and the second portion can pass, and an insertion portion through which both the first and second portions of the suspension device can pass and which is connected to the support portion, and the suspension device is supported by the support portion when the first portion of the suspension device moves onto the support portion after being inserted into the housing space from the insertion portion.

[0098] [Note 5] The receiving surface is the support device described in Appendix 3, provided around the edge of the hole.

[0099] [Note 6] The support device described in Appendix 1, wherein the receiving surface is formed by a curved surface.

[0100] [Note 7] The support device according to Appendix 1, wherein the second electrode has a contact portion that contacts the suspension device, a mounting portion that is attached to the support portion, and a deformable portion that connects the contact portion and the mounting portion, and the deformable portion deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion and the mounting portion.

[0101] [Note 8] A suspension device for suspending electrical equipment from a ceiling, comprising: a support device described in any one of appendices 1 to 7; and a suspension device detachably supported on the ceiling by the support device, wherein the suspension device comprises: a suspension portion; a third power line connected to the electrical equipment; a fourth power line connected to the electrical equipment; a third electrode provided on the suspension portion and connected to the third power line; and a fourth electrode provided on the suspension portion and connected to the fourth power line, wherein the suspension portion has a tip portion supported on the receiving surface; an extension portion to which the electrical equipment is attached; and an intermediate portion connecting the tip portion and the extension portion, wherein the third electrode is provided on the supported portion of the tip portion that is supported on the receiving surface; and the fourth electrode is provided on the tip portion at a position away from the supported portion.

[0102] [Note 9] The suspension device according to Appendix 8, wherein an insulating member is provided between the third electrode and the fourth electrode at the tip portion to electrically insulate the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

[0103] [Note 10] A building having a ceiling, wherein the ceiling is provided with a support device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...Building, 2...Ceiling, 9...Power supply, 10...Suspension device, 11...Electrical equipment, 20...Support device, 21...Support part, 22...First power line, 23...Second power line, 24...First electrode, 25...Second electrode, 31...Support body, 32...Receiving part, 33...Receiving surface, 36...Hole, 36A...Support part, 36B...Insertion part, 41...Contact part, 42...Mounting part, 43...Deformable part, 50...Suspension device, 50X...First part, 50Y...Second part, 50Z...Electrode, 51...Suspension part, 52...Third power line, 53...Fourth power line, 54...Third electrode, 55...Fourth electrode, 61...Tip part, 61X...Supported part, 62...Intermediate part, 63...Extension part, 68...Insulating member.

Claims

1. A support device for detachably supporting a suspension device to the ceiling, A support part that supports the aforementioned suspension device, The first power line connected to the power supply, A second power line connected to the aforementioned power supply, A first electrode is provided on the support portion and connected to the first power line, The support portion is provided with a second electrode connected to the second power line, The support portion comprises a support portion body attached to the ceiling, and a receiving portion provided at the lower end of the support portion body and receiving the load of the suspension device. The first electrode is provided on the receiving surface of the receiving portion that faces upward so as to receive the load of the suspension device. The second electrode is provided in the support portion at a position away from the receiving surface. Support device.

2. The support body has a housing space formed in which the first portion of the suspension device, on which two electrodes are provided, is housed. The receiving surface is located below the accommodation space, The first electrode is positioned in the housing space so as to be in contact with one of the two electrodes. The second electrode is positioned in the housing space so as to be in contact with the other of the two electrodes, and is positioned above the first electrode. The support device according to claim 1.

3. The receiving portion has a hole formed in it that connects the housing space with the space outside the support device. With the first portion housed in the housing space, the second portion of the suspension device protrudes from the hole into the space outside the support device. The support device according to claim 2.

4. The hole has a support portion through which the first portion of the suspension device cannot pass, but the second portion can pass, and an insertion portion through which both the first and second portions of the suspension device can pass, and which is connected to the support portion. The first portion of the suspension device is inserted into the housing space from the insertion portion and then moves onto the support portion, thereby the suspension device is supported by the support portion. The support device according to claim 3.

5. The receiving surface is provided around the edge of the hole, The support device according to claim 3.

6. The receiving surface is formed by a curved surface. The support device according to claim 1.

7. The second electrode has a contact portion that contacts the suspension device, a mounting portion that is attached to the support portion, and a deformable portion that connects the contact portion and the mounting portion. The deformable portion deforms according to the positional relationship between the contact portion and the mounting portion. The support device according to claim 1.

8. A suspension device for hanging electrical equipment from the ceiling, A support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The system includes a suspension device that is detachably supported to the ceiling by the aforementioned support device, The aforementioned suspension device is, The lower part of the suspension, A third power line connected to the aforementioned electrical equipment, A fourth power line connected to the aforementioned electrical equipment, A third electrode is provided in the suspension portion and connected to the third power line, The suspension portion is provided with a fourth electrode connected to the fourth power line, The suspension portion has a tip portion supported by the receiving surface, an extension portion to which the electrical equipment is attached, and an intermediate portion connecting the tip portion and the extension portion. The third electrode is provided on the supported portion of the tip that is supported by the receiving surface, The fourth electrode is provided at a position on the tip that is away from the supported portion. Suspension device.

9. At the tip portion, an insulating member is provided between the third electrode and the fourth electrode to electrically insulate the third electrode and the fourth electrode. The suspension device according to claim 8.

10. A building having a ceiling, The ceiling is provided with the support device described in any one of claims 1 to 7. architecture.

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