Panel device

Abstract

To provide a panel device that can improve workability.SOLUTION: A panel device 1 includes: a panel 10; a pair of panel holding sections 25 that are long in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and hold each end 12 of the panel in the second direction; and a pair of suspended sections 21 that are provided in connection with each of the panel holding sections and have a plurality of insertion holes 24 spaced apart in the first direction through which a hook piece 4a of a suspension member 2 is inserted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a ceiling structure in which a ceiling panel is installed on a ceiling base held via a hanger or the like on a suspension bolt or the like hanging from a ceiling slab is known. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, both edge portions of a panel are placed on a flange portion at the lower end of a ceiling support member having an inverted T-shaped cross section that is suspended via a channel clip on a field edge receiver fitted into an adjustment hanger at the lower end of a suspension bolt. A ceiling structure is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the ceiling structure described in Patent Document 1 above, it is necessary to support the ceiling support member that holds the panel by a channel clip, a field edge receiver, or the like, and further improvement is desired from the viewpoint of workability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a panel device capable of improving workability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the panel device according to the present invention comprises a panel, a pair of panel holding parts that are elongated in the first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and that hold each end of the panel in the second direction, and a pair of suspended lower parts that are connected to each of these panel holding parts and have multiple insertion holes spaced apart in the first direction through which the hook pieces of the suspension member are inserted, A pair of frames, each having the panel holding portion and the suspended portion, are arranged with a gap between them in the second direction, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The panel device according to the present invention, with the configuration described above, can improve ease of installation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic, partially broken perspective view showing an example of a panel device according to one embodiment of the present invention and an example of a panel installation structure using the same. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of the panel device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic disassembled perspective view of a partially fractured panel device. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are schematic longitudinal cross-sectional views of a partially broken section of the panel device. [Figure 5] This is a schematic, disassembled longitudinal cross-sectional view of the panel device. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) schematically show an example of the installation procedure for the panel device, with (a) being a schematic exploded longitudinal section view and (b) being a partially broken schematic perspective view. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are schematic exploded longitudinal cross-sectional views of the construction procedure. [Figure 8] (a) is a schematic plan view of a partially broken panel device, (b) is a schematic side view of a partially broken panel device, and (c) is a schematic bottom view of a partially broken panel device. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are schematic perspective views of a partially fractured section of the panel device. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are schematic exploded perspective views of a partially fractured section of the panel device. [Figure 11] (a) is a schematic bottom view of a partially broken panel device, and (b) is a schematic side view of a partially broken panel device. [Figure 12] (a) is a schematic partially broken longitudinal section view illustrating one modified example of a panel provided in the panel device, and (b) is a schematic exploded longitudinal section view of the panel device equipped with the panel. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In some of the figures, some of the detailed symbols used in other figures have been omitted. In the following embodiments, directions such as the vertical direction will be explained based on the state in which an example of the panel device according to this embodiment has been installed. Figures 1 to 12 schematically show an example of a panel device according to this embodiment, a modified panel, and an example and modified panel installation structure using the same panel device.

[0010] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the panel device 1 according to this embodiment includes a frame 20 that constitutes a ceiling base, which is elongated in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction. The panel device 1 includes an equipment mounting panel 10 that constitutes a panel whose end 12 in the second direction is held by the frame 20. This panel device 1 may be installed as the ceiling of a relatively small building such as a residence or office, or as the ceiling of various relatively large buildings such as a gymnasium, hall, shopping mall, factory, or school.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the panel installation structure using this panel device 1, a ceiling panel 9 and a panel 10 for installing equipment that is long in the first direction are installed on a ceiling base (7, 20) suspended and held by a suspension member 2. In this panel installation structure, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), the panel 10 for installing equipment is installed so as to be located above the ceiling panel 9. With such a configuration, even when the equipment 8 is installed on the panel 10 for installing equipment so as to protrude toward the indoor side, the protrusion amount of the equipment 8 from the ceiling panel 9 can be reduced, and the appearance can be improved. In this panel installation structure, the ceiling panels 9 on both sides in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the panel 10 for installing equipment are installed so as to cover the indoor sides of the respective ends 12, 12 in the second direction of the panel 10 for installing equipment. With such a configuration, since the respective ends 12, 12 in the second direction of the panel 10 for installing equipment are covered by the ceiling panels 9, 9 on both sides in the second direction, the appearance can be improved compared to a case where a ceiling bar is largely exposed between them.

[0012] The panel 10 for installing equipment is held by a frame 20 that constitutes a ceiling base and extends in the first direction. With such a configuration, the panel 10 for installing equipment that is long in the first direction can be stably held by the frame 20 extending in the first direction. The respective ends 12, 12 in the second direction of this panel 10 for installing equipment are arranged at intervals in the second direction and are fixed to the respective ones of a pair of frames 20, 20 that constitute a ceiling base and extend in the first direction. With such a configuration, since the respective ends 12, 12 in the second direction of the panel 10 for installing equipment are fixed to the pair of frames 20, 20 suspended and held by the suspension member 2 and they are integrated, the panel 10 for installing equipment can be stably installed.

[0013] The frame 20 is suspended and held by the suspension member 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 20 is long in the first direction and arranged at intervals in the second direction, and includes a pair of panel holding portions 25, 25 that hold the respective end portions 12, 12 in the second direction of the equipment installation panel 10. The frame 20 is provided so as to be continuous with each of these panel holding portions 25, 25, and includes a pair of suspended portions 21, 21 provided with a plurality of insertion holes 24 through which the hook pieces 4a of the suspension member 2 are inserted at intervals in the first direction. With such a configuration, by inserting the hook pieces 4a, 4a of the suspension members 2, 2 into the insertion holes 24, 24 of these suspended portions 21, 21, the panel holding portions 25, 25 that hold the equipment installation panel 10 can be suspended, and the workability can be improved.

[0014] The panel device 1 includes frames 20, 20 that respectively have these suspended portions 21, 21 and panel holding portions 25, 25 and constitute a pair of ceiling substrates arranged at intervals in the second direction. With such a configuration, a pair of panel holding portions 25, 25 and a pair of suspended portions 21, 21 that hold the equipment installation panel 10 can be individually fine-tuned in the suspension position and the respective frames 20, 20 can be suspended, compared to a configuration in which they are integrally provided via, for example, a U-shaped connecting portion. Since these pair of frames 20, 20 have the same configuration as each other, hereinafter, an example of the specific configuration will be described taking one of the frames 20 as an example. The panel device 1 includes ceiling panels 9, 9 arranged on both sides in the second direction of the equipment installation panel 10. With such a configuration, the ceiling can be constituted by the equipment installation panel 10 to which various equipment 8 are attached and the ceiling panels 9.

[0015] The panel device 1 is arranged on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction, spaced apart in the first direction and extending in the second direction, and includes furring strips 7, 7 that hold the ceiling panels 9, 9. The panel device 1 is arranged parallel to the panel holding part 25 and the suspended lower part 21, and includes furring strip support 6 that holds the furring strips 7. In the panel installation structure using this panel device 1, the ceiling panels 9, 9 on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction are supported by furring strip support 6 arranged parallel to the frame 20, forming a ceiling base, and are held by furring strips 7 that extend in the second direction. With this configuration, the panel holding part 25 (frame 20) that holds the equipment mounting panel 10 does not interfere with the furring strips 7 that hold the ceiling panels 9 or the furring strip support 6 that hold them. In addition, the ceiling panels 9 and the equipment mounting panel 10 can each be held by a different ceiling base (furring strips 7 and panel holding part 25 (frame 20)). In other words, the joists 7 and joist supports 6 that suspend the ceiling panel 9 and the frame 20 that suspends the equipment mounting panel 10 are installed independently of each other, so to speak, as separate suspensions. This means that the load of the equipment mounting panel 10 does not rest on the joists 7 and joist supports 6 that suspend the ceiling panel 9. This makes it possible, for example, to apply seismic reinforcement only to the frame 20 that suspends the equipment mounting panel 10.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the panel device 1 is arranged at multiple locations with intervals in the first and second directions, and is equipped with suspension members 2 that hold the ceiling joist support 6 and the suspended lower part 21, respectively. With this configuration, the suspended lower part 21 that holds the equipment mounting panel 10 can be held by the general suspension members 2 that hold the ceiling joist support 6. In other words, the suspension members 2 that hold the ceiling panel 9 and the suspension members 2 that hold the equipment mounting panel 10 can be common parts. The suspension member 2 is equipped with suspension bolts 3 that are screwed into female threaded members such as inserts provided at multiple locations on the upper slab or steel frame structure that serves as the suspension source, at intervals in the first and second directions, and are arranged to extend vertically perpendicular to the first and second directions. The suspension member 2 is equipped with hangers 4 that are held in a position that can be adjusted vertically relative to the suspension bolts 3.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5, the hanger 4 comprises a retained piece with a through hole through which the suspension bolt 3 is inserted, and a hanging piece that hangs down from the retained piece. The hook piece 4a is provided so as to bend upward from a bottom piece located at the lower end of the hanging piece. When viewed in the first direction, the hanger 4 has an upward-facing opening and is roughly U-shaped (roughly U-shaped). In the illustrated example, the upper end portion of the hook piece 4a is provided with a bent portion that narrows the opening, and a retaining projection is provided on the inside of it. The upper end portion of the hook piece 4a is inclined to widen the opening. The hanger 4 is provided above and below the retained piece and is fixed to the suspension bolt 3 by being sandwiched between nuts screwed onto the suspension bolt 3. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, some of the hangers 4 are fitted with brace mounting brackets 5 to which the lower end of a brace (not shown) is attached. The suspension member 2, including the hanger 4, is not limited to the configuration described above, and may be any known suspension member used as a suspension member for the ceiling substrate of a suspended ceiling, or it may have any other configuration.

[0018] The joist hangers 6 are arranged in multiple locations, elongated in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction, forming a steel ceiling substrate (lightweight ceiling substrate). These joist hangers 6 may be in the shape of a channel steel opening that faces sideways. These joist hangers 6 are attached to the hanger 4 by being inserted through the upper opening of the hanger 4 with elastic deformation of the hook piece 4a, and may be fixed with fasteners such as screws. The dimension of the hanger 4 along the vertical direction from the bottom piece to the retaining projection is approximately the same as the dimension of the joist hanger 6 along the same direction. The dimension of the hanger 4 along the second direction between the hanging piece and the lower end portion of the hook piece 4a is approximately the same as the dimension of the joist hanger 6 along the same direction. The steel ceiling substrate may be equipped with joist hanger joints that connect adjacent joist hangers 6, 6 in the first direction.

[0019] The ceiling joists 7 are arranged in multiple locations, elongated in the second direction and spaced apart in the first direction, to form a steel ceiling base (lightweight ceiling base). The ceiling joists 7 are arranged so as to surround the locations where the equipment mounting panels 10 are installed, on both sides in the second direction and, if necessary, on at least one side of both sides in the first direction. In other words, the equipment mounting panels 10 are held by frames 20 that are installed in place of the ceiling joists 7 in locations where they are not installed. These ceiling joists 7 may be in the shape of a channel steel opening upward, or they may have lip portions formed to fold back at the upper ends of both side walls. These ceiling joists 7 may be held by ceiling joist supports 6 via known clips as appropriate. The steel ceiling base may be equipped with ceiling joist joints that connect adjacent ceiling joists 7, 7 in the second direction. As a ceiling base for holding the ceiling panel 9, instead of such furring strips 7, a so-called T-bar with a flange at its lower end on which the end of the ceiling panel 9 rests may also be used.

[0020] The ceiling panel 9 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above (in the thickness direction). In the example shown, the first direction of the ceiling panel 9 is the panel width direction, and the second direction is the panel length direction. The ceiling panel 9 is held at each end in the first direction by furring strips 7, 7 that are spaced apart in the first direction. The ceiling panel 9 may be directly fixed to the furring strips 7, 7 at each end in the first direction by fasteners such as screws, or it may be fixed to the furring strips 7, 7 via fixing members or hook members attached to each end in the first direction. The dimension of the ceiling panel 9 along the first direction, that is, the width dimension, may be a dimension corresponding to the pitch of the furring strips 7, 7, for example, it may be about 300 mm to 1200 mm. The dimension of the ceiling panel 9 along the second direction, that is, the length dimension, may be about 600 mm to 2000 mm. The thickness dimension of the ceiling panel 9 may be, for example, about 3.0 mm to 20.0 mm. This ceiling panel 9 may be a known ceiling material such as gypsum board, calcium silicate board, or rock wool board, and may include a foamed resin-based or fibrous base material, with a reinforcement layer such as a flame-retardant layer or a fiber-reinforced resin layer laminated on top. The unit area (1 m²) of the ceiling structure including this ceiling panel 9 and the steel ceiling base. 2 The mass of the ceiling panel 9 and the steel ceiling base may be set to an appropriate mass so that the mass per unit is 2.0 kg or less.

[0021] The frame 20 is positioned between the joists 7, 7 which are spaced apart and facing each other in the second direction, and its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the joists 7. The frame 20 has a generally uniform shape along its entire length. The insertion hole 24 of the frame 20 is an elongated hole extending in the first direction, as shown in Figure 3, so that the hooking position of the hook piece 4a can be adjusted in the first direction. With this configuration, the hooked position of the hook piece 4a of the suspension member 2 can be adjusted in the first direction to suspend the lower part 21 to be suspended. The minor axis of the insertion hole 24 along the second direction is set to a dimension corresponding to the thickness dimension of the hook piece 4a, where the second direction is the thickness direction. The minor axis of the insertion hole 24 is set to an appropriate dimension so that the portion of the retaining projection provided on the hook piece 4a can be inserted. The major axis of this insertion hole 24 may be set to an appropriate dimension depending on the required adjustment range in the first direction of the hooking position of the hook piece 4a, and also from the viewpoint of strength, etc. The major axis of this insertion hole 24 may be, for example, about 1.5 to 5 times the width dimension of the hook piece 4a along the first direction.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the frame 20 includes a mounting piece 27 which constitutes a mounting area on which the second end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 is placed. With this configuration, the second end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 can be placed on the mounting piece 27 and held (temporarily held), thereby reducing the load on the worker. The mounting piece 27 is roughly in the shape of a strip plate with its thickness in the vertical direction. The thickness dimension of the mounting piece 27 may be set to an appropriate dimension from the viewpoint of strength or weight reduction. The width dimension of the mounting piece 27 along the second direction may be set to an appropriate dimension so that the second end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 can be placed.

[0023] When frame 20 is connected to an adjacent frame 20 in the first direction, the mounting pieces 27, 27 of each frame are in contact with each other, and a gap is formed between the upper portions of each mounting piece 27, 27, such that the mounting pieces 27, 27 protrude in the first direction from the upper portions. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(c), the mounting pieces 27, 27, which tend to be more noticeable on the interior side when adjacent frames 20, 20 are connected in the first direction, can be effectively brought into contact with each other, thereby improving the appearance. In other words, even if processing errors occur, since the mounting pieces 27, 27 protrude in the first direction from the upper portions, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the mounting pieces 27, 27 by preventing the upper portions above the mounting pieces 27, 27 from coming into contact with each other.

[0024] In this embodiment, the panel installation structure is installed such that the connecting portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction and the abutting portions between adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 held by these frames 20, 20 in the first direction are in different positions in the first direction. With this configuration, straightness can be ensured compared to a structure in which the connecting portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 and the abutting portions between adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction are in the same position in the first direction. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent gaps from occurring between the mounting pieces 27, 27. In other words, the straightness of either the frames 20, 20 or the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 can be ensured by the other, and the occurrence of gaps at the connecting portions and abutting portions can be suppressed. In this panel installation structure, the connecting portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction on both sides of the second direction are provided so that they coincide with each other in the first direction. In this panel installation structure, the connecting portion between frames 20, 20, whose length is an integer multiple of the length of the equipment mounting panel 10, may be installed so as to be located approximately in the longitudinal center of the equipment mounting panel 10. For example, the length of the equipment mounting panel 10 and the length of the frame 20 may be approximately the same. In this case, a marker portion may be provided in the longitudinal center of the frame 20 to serve as a marker for the abutting portion of adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction.

[0025] The frame 20 is provided so as to rise from the mounting piece 27 and includes a rising piece 26 that is positioned opposite the end face of the second end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. This rising piece 26 faces the end face of the second end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 and constitutes a fixing piece through which a fastener for fixing the equipment mounting panel 10 passes. With this configuration, the equipment mounting panel 10 can be fixed to the frame 20 via the fastener. This rising piece 26 and the mounting piece 27 constitute the panel holding portion 25. The rising piece 26 is provided so as to rise from the second-direction outer edge of the mounting piece 27 (the second-direction outer edge of the equipment mounting panel 10), and is roughly in the shape of a strip plate with its thickness direction being the second direction. In other words, the mounting pieces 27, 27 are provided so as to protrude in a direction facing each other from the lower end edges of the respective rising pieces 26, 26 of a pair of frames 20, 20 that are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0026] The thickness of the rising piece 26 may be set to an appropriate dimension from the standpoint of strength or weight reduction, and may be the same thickness as the mounting piece 27. The width of the rising piece 26 along the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate dimension so that fasteners for fixing the equipment mounting panel 10 can pass through, and may be greater than the thickness of the equipment mounting panel 10. This rising piece 26 constitutes the upper portion, which is located above the mounting piece 27. In other words, as shown in Figure 8(b), the rising piece 26 is positioned such that when the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 are in contact with each other in the first direction, a gap is formed between the rising piece 26 and the adjacent rising piece 26 in the first direction. In other words, the rising piece 26 is formed such that each end of it in the first direction is located inward in the first direction compared to each end of the mounting piece 27 in the first direction. The protrusion dimension of the mounting piece 27 that protrudes from the rising piece 26 in the first direction may be set to an appropriate dimension so that adjacent rising pieces 26, 26 do not come into contact with each other in the first direction due to processing errors, etc.

[0027] The lower part 21 of the frame 20 is provided with a hooked piece 23 that extends outward in a second direction from the upper end of the rising piece 26 and has an insertion hole 24. With this configuration, the hooked piece 23, the rising piece 26, and the mounting piece 27 form at least a Z shape, which improves the strength of the panel holding part 25 and the lower part 21 compared to, for example, an L-shaped configuration. The hooked portion 23 is roughly in the shape of a strip plate, with its thickness direction being vertical. The insertion hole 24 is formed to penetrate the hooked portion 23 in the thickness direction. The width dimension of the hooked portion 23 along the second direction may be set to an appropriate dimension to allow for the formation of the insertion hole 24 and to reduce weight, etc. The suspended lower portion 21 is provided with a fixing piece 22 that rises from the second-direction outer edge of the hooked piece 23 and is fixed to the hanger 4. This fixing piece 22 is roughly in the shape of a strip with its thickness direction being the second direction. The upper end of this fixing piece 22 is provided with an upper end piece that protrudes toward the second-direction opposite side (the second-direction center side of the equipment mounting panel 10, the second-direction inward side). This upper end piece is roughly in the shape of a strip with its thickness direction being the vertical direction. The thickness dimensions of this upper end piece, fixing piece 22, and hooked piece 23 may be set to appropriate dimensions from the viewpoint of strength or weight reduction, and may be the same thickness as the rising piece 26.

[0028] The suspended lower section 21, which includes the upper end piece, fixing piece 22, and hooked piece 23, is shaped like a channel steel opening to the side. The vertical dimension of this suspended lower section 21 is approximately the same as the vertical dimension of the joist support 6. The second dimension of the hooked piece 23 from the fixing piece 22 to the insertion hole 24, and the same dimension of the upper end piece, are approximately the same as the same dimensions of the lower end piece and upper end piece of the joist support 6. In other words, the upper end piece, fixing piece 22, and the portion of the hooked piece 23 up to the insertion hole 24 of the suspended lower section 21 are approximately the same size and shape as the joist support 6, so that it can be suspended by a suspension member 2 common to the joist support 6. This suspended portion 21 constitutes the upper part, which is located above the mounting piece 27. In other words, as shown in Figures 8(a) to (c), the suspended portion 21 is positioned such that when the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 are in contact with each other in the first direction, a gap is formed between the suspended portion 21 and the adjacent suspended portion 21 in the first direction. In other words, the suspended portion 21 is formed such that each end in the first direction is located inward in the first direction compared to each end of the mounting piece 27 in the first direction.

[0029] In the illustrated example, each end of the hooked piece 23 in the first direction has a notched recessed portion formed such that the fixing piece 22 side portion is inward in the first direction compared to the rising piece 26 side portion. Each end of the hooked piece 23 on the rising piece 26 side portion in the first direction is formed to coincide with each end of the rising piece 26 in the first direction. Each end of the hooked piece 23 on the fixing piece 22 side portion in the first direction is formed to coincide with each end of the fixing piece 22 in the first direction. In other words, the gaps between the fixing piece 22 side portions of adjacent hooked pieces 23, 23, between fixing pieces 22, 22, and between upper end pieces are larger than the gaps between adjacent rising pieces 26, 26, and between the rising piece 26 side portions of adjacent hooked pieces 23, 23. The configuration in which the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction are in contact with each other, and a gap is formed between the parts above each other's mounting pieces 27, 27, is not limited to this configuration, and various other modifications are possible.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the frame 20 is provided with extension pieces 29 that extend inward and face the end faces 9a of the ceiling panels 9 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the end faces 9a, 9a of the ceiling panels 9, 9 arranged on both sides in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10 can be made less conspicuous by the extension pieces 29, 29 of each frame 20, 20. The extension piece 29 is provided so as to hang down from the second-direction opposite side edge of the mounting piece 27 and is roughly in the shape of a strip plate with its thickness direction being the second direction. The end of the ceiling panel 9 on the extension piece 29 side is positioned below the mounting piece 27. The thickness of the extension piece 29 may be set to an appropriate dimension from the viewpoint of strength or weight reduction, and may be the same thickness as the mounting piece 27. The width dimension of the extension piece 29 along the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate dimension from the viewpoint of making the end face 9a of the opposing ceiling panel 9 less conspicuous and also from the viewpoint of weight reduction. The width dimension of the extension piece 29 along the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate dimension so that the lower end of the extension piece 29 is at approximately the same height as or below the lower surface (indoor side) of the ceiling panel 9. The extension piece 29 is provided along the entire length of the mounting piece 27. In other words, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the mounting pieces 27,27 of adjacent frames 20,20 in the first direction are in contact with each other, the respective extension pieces 29,29 are also in contact with each other. The frame 20, like the joists 7 and joist supports 6, may be made of steel formed from various metallic materials.

[0031] The equipment mounting panel 10 is a roughly rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the first direction. The length dimension of this equipment mounting panel 10 along the first direction may be, for example, about 600 mm to 2000 mm. In the illustrated example, the length dimension of the equipment mounting panel 10 along the first direction is approximately twice the width dimension of the ceiling panel 9 along the first direction (see Figures 1 and 2). The width dimension of this equipment mounting panel 10 along the second direction may be a dimension corresponding to the dimensions of the equipment 8 when various equipment 8 are installed on the lower side, for example, about 150 mm to 600 mm. The thickness dimension of this equipment mounting panel 10 may be about the same as the thickness dimension of the ceiling panel 9. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the equipment mounting panel 10 comprises a panel body 13 and end protection members 16, 16 attached to the panel body 13 so as to cover the end faces and top surfaces of each end 15, 15 in the second direction of the panel body 13. With this configuration, the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides of the second direction can protect each end 15, 15 of the panel body 13 in the second direction.

[0032] The panel device 1 is provided with an anti-float member 30 that straddles the upper surface of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides of the second direction, and each end in the second direction is fixed to each of the pair of frames 20, 20. With this configuration, the pair of frames 20, 20 that hold each end 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction can be connected by the anti-float member 30, and separation of the pair of frames 20, 20 can be suppressed. The anti-float member 30 can prevent the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, and since the anti-float member 30 is in contact with the end protection members 16, 16, damage to the panel body 13 can be suppressed even if the panel body 13 is fragile. In other words, the anti-float member 30 can be made to combine the function of connecting the pair of frames 20, 20 together and the function of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, and the number of parts can also be reduced. The anti-float member 30 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, thereby improving workability when attaching equipment 8 to the panel body 13 or performing hole processing after the equipment mounting panel 10 has been installed. An example of the specific configuration of the anti-float member 30 will be described later.

[0033] The panel body 13 is a rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the first direction. This panel body 13 may be a board commonly used as a ceiling board. This panel body 13 may be made of the same panel material as the ceiling panel 9 described above, or it may be made of a different panel material. This panel body 13 may be made of relatively fragile materials such as gypsum board, calcium silicate board, or foamed resin board so that holes can be easily made at the construction site for the placement and wiring of equipment 8. The equipment 8 installed on this panel body 13 is not limited to a fire detector as shown in the figure example, but may also be lighting fixtures, sound equipment, blowers, clothes drying devices, storage devices, etc., or various other types of equipment.

[0034] The end protection member 16 constitutes the end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10, which is placed on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20. One of the mounting piece 27 and the end protection member 16 is provided with an engaging recess 18 into which an engaging projection 28 provided on the other is inserted. With this configuration, by inserting the engaging projection 28 into the engaging recess 18, the equipment mounting panel 10 can suppress the movement of the pair of frames 20, 20, which are suspended and held by the suspension members 2, 2, in the direction of separation. Since the anti-float member 30 can be fixed in this state of suppressed movement, workability can be improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent the equipment mounting panel 10, which is temporarily held by being placed on the mounting pieces 27, 27, from falling unintentionally. In this embodiment, the end protection member 16 is provided with an engaging recess 18, and the mounting piece 27 is provided with an engaging projection 28. As shown in Figure 5, the engaging projections 28 of the mounting piece 27 are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of a portion of the mounting piece 27 midway along the second direction. As shown in Figure 3, these engaging projections 28 are provided at multiple locations on the frame 20 at intervals along its longitudinal direction. These engaging projections 28 are substantially flat in shape, with their thickness direction being the second direction, and are provided so as to extend in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. In the illustrated example, the engaging projections 28 are provided on the mounting piece 27 in a cut-out and bent shape.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the end protection member 16 is elongated in the first direction and is provided over approximately the entire length of the equipment mounting panel 10. The end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction have similar configurations, so below, an example of the specific configuration will be explained using one of the end protection members 16 as an example. The end protection member 16 has a uniform shape along its entire length. As shown in Figure 5, the end protection member 16 is provided with a receiving groove 17 for receiving the end 15 of the panel body 13 in the second direction. This receiving groove 17 opens toward the center of the panel body 13 in the second direction and extends along the entire length of the end protection member 16. The width dimension of the groove 17 along the vertical direction may be larger than the thickness dimension of the panel body 13 in order to ensure an adhesive layer for fixing the end protection member 16 to the end 15 of the panel body 13. The depth dimension of the groove 17 along the second direction may be set to an appropriate dimension in order to hold the end 15 of the panel body 13, and also from the viewpoint of reinforcing the end 15 or reducing weight. The end protection member 16 is provided with an upper piece 16b that partitions one side of the receiving groove 17 in the groove width direction and covers the upper surface of the end 15 of the panel body 13, a lower piece 16c that partitions the other side of the receiving groove 17 in the groove width direction and covers the lower surface of the end 15, and a side piece 16d that partitions the bottom of the receiving groove 17 and covers the end face of the end 15. In the illustrated example, the width dimension of the upper piece 16b along the second direction is shown to be larger than the width dimension of the lower piece 16c along the second direction, but the example is not limited to this.

[0036] The engagement recess 18 of the end protection member 16 is positioned to be located on the second outward side of the receiving groove 17. The engagement recess 18 is formed in a groove shape that opens downward and extends along the entire length of the end protection member 16. The groove depth dimension along the vertical direction and the groove width dimension along the second direction of the engagement recess 18 are set to appropriate dimensions so that the engagement projection 28 described above can be received. One side of the engagement recess 18 in the groove width direction is demarcated by the side piece 16d of the end protection member 16. The groove bottom of the engagement recess 18 is demarcated by a bottom piece that extends outward in the second direction from a point midway along the vertical direction of the side piece 16d. The other side of the engagement recess 18 in the groove width direction is demarcated by an outer piece that hangs down from the leading edge in the extension direction of the bottom piece. In the illustrated example, an example is shown in which a lower end projection is provided that protrudes outward in the second direction from the lower end of this outer piece. The lower end projection is provided such that its lower surface (indoor side) is substantially flush with the lower surface (indoor side) of the lower piece that defines the receiving groove 17. The engaging recess 18 is not limited to the above configuration and may have various other configurations.

[0037] The end protection member 16 is provided with a receiving recess 19 for receiving the shaft portion of a fastener that penetrates the rising piece portion 26 (see also Figures 7(a) and (b)). This receiving recess 19 opens outward in the second direction (towards the rising piece portion 26) and is formed in a groove shape that extends along the entire length of the end protection member 16. The groove depth dimension along the second direction and the groove width dimension along the vertical direction of this receiving recess 19 are set to appropriate dimensions so that the shaft portion of a fastener that penetrates the rising piece portion 26 can be received. One side of this receiving recess 19 in the groove width direction is defined by a bottom piece that defines the groove bottom of the engagement recess 18. The groove bottom of the receiving recess 19 is defined by a side piece 16d that defines the groove bottom of the receiving groove 17 and an extended side piece 16e that extends upward and is connected thereto. The other side of the receiving recess 19 in the groove width direction is demarcated by an upper end projection 16f that protrudes outward in a second direction from the upper end portion which is the leading edge in the extension direction of the extension side piece 16e. In the illustrated example, an example is shown in which an inner projection 16g is provided that protrudes inward in a second direction from the upper end portion of the extension side piece 16e. The upper surfaces of this inner projection 16g and the upper end projection 16f constitute the upper surface of the end protection member 16.

[0038] The end protection member 16 may be attached to the end 15 of the panel body 13 by appropriate fasteners, adhesives, or other adhesive materials. Alternatively, the end protection member 16 may be attached to the end 15 of the panel body 13 by fitting (press-fitting) the end 15 into the receiving groove 17. Depending on the fixing method, the groove width dimension along the vertical direction of the receiving groove 17 may be the same as the thickness dimension of the panel body 13, or it may be slightly smaller than the thickness dimension of the panel body 13. The end protection member 16 may be an extruded product formed from a metallic material or a hard synthetic resin material. The end protection member 16 is not limited to the shape described above, and may have various other shapes, and may have a shape that covers at least the end face and top surface of the end 15 of the panel body 13.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 5, the anti-float member 30 is elongated in the second direction so as to connect the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. The lower surfaces of each end in the second direction of the main body of the anti-float member 30, which is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above, abut against the upper surfaces of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10. The upper surface of the main body of the anti-float member 30 is positioned below the upper surface of the hooked piece 23 of the frame 20. Each end of the anti-float member 30 in the second direction is provided with hanging pieces 32, 32 that hang down on the outside of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, when fixing the anti-float member 30, it is possible to suppress the movement of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction relative to the anti-float member 30. The rising piece portion 26 of the frame 20 described above is positioned on the outside of the hanging piece 32 in the second direction and constitutes a fixing piece portion through which a fastener that is attached to the hanging piece 32 passes. With this configuration, the anti-float member 30 can be fixed to the frame 20 by fastening the fastener to the hanging piece 32 of the anti-float member 30 by passing it through the rising piece portion 26.

[0040] These hanging pieces 32, 32 are substantially flat in shape and arranged so that their thickness direction is the second direction, as shown in Figure 4(a). These hanging pieces 32, 32 are arranged so as to be along the inside of the rising pieces 26, 26 of the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. The anti-float member 30 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners that are fastened to these hanging pieces 32, 32 from the outside of the rising pieces 26, 26 in the second direction and penetrate them. The receiving recess 19 of the end protection member 16 described above is provided so as to be able to receive the shaft portion of this fastener. These hanging pieces 32, 32 are arranged so that their respective lower ends are close to the lower end projections of the end protection members 16, 16. These hanging pieces 32, 32 are provided along the entire first direction of the main body of the anti-float member 30. The dimensions of these hanging pieces 32, 32 and the main body of the anti-float member 30 along the first direction may be set to appropriate dimensions from the viewpoint of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up and from the viewpoint of reducing weight.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6(b), the anti-float member 30 is provided with contact pieces 31 that abut against the respective end faces 16a, 16a in the first direction of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the contact pieces 31 of the anti-float member 30 can prevent the equipment mounting panel 10 from moving in the first direction. In other words, the anti-float member 30 is provided to prevent the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction from lifting up. As shown in Figure 3, a pair of anti-float members 30, 30 are provided to prevent the lifting of each end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction. The equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frame 20 via this pair of anti-float members 30, 30. The end protection members 16, 16 on both sides of the second direction described above are attached to the panel body 13 such that the end face 14 of the panel body 13 in the first direction is located outside the contact piece 31 in the first direction. With this configuration, movement in the first direction can be prevented by the contact piece 31, while the end faces 14, 14 of the panel bodies 13, 13 of adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction can be brought into contact with each other.

[0042] In other words, the length dimension of the panel body 13 along the first direction is greater than the length dimension of the end protection members 16, 16 along the first direction. Furthermore, the end faces 14, 14 on both sides of the panel body 13 along the first direction are positioned further outward in the first direction than the end faces 16a, 16a, 16a, 16a on both sides of the end protection members 16, 16 along the first direction. The distance along the first direction from each end face 16a, 16a, 16a, 16a of the end protection members 16, 16 to each end face 14, 14 of the panel body 13 may be slightly greater than the thickness dimension of the contact piece 31. The contact piece 31 is provided so as to hang down from the first outer edge of the main body of the anti-float member 30. This contact piece 31 is substantially flat and is positioned so that its thickness direction is the first direction. This contact piece 31 is provided over substantially the entire second direction of the main body of the anti-float member 30. This contact piece 31 is positioned so that its lower end is close to the upper surface of the panel body 13. Each end of this contact piece 31 in the second direction abuts against the respective end faces 16a, 16a of the end protection members 16, 16. In the illustrated example, an example is shown in which each end of the contact piece 31 in the second direction abuts against the respective end faces 16a, 16a of the inner projection 16g, upper projection 16f, extended side piece 16e, and upper piece 16b of the end protection members 16, 16 (see also Figure 5). This anti-float member 30 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The anti-float member 30 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the panel device 1 is arranged to span between a pair of frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction, and is equipped with connecting members 37 whose ends in the second direction are fixed to each of the pair of frames 20, 20. These connecting members 37 are positioned above the above-mentioned anti-float member 30. With this configuration, the pair of frames 20, 20 can be more firmly connected by the anti-float member 30 and the connecting members 37, and displacement of each frame 20, 20 in a direction that rotates along the axis in the first direction can be suppressed. This connecting member 37 is elongated in the second direction. The lower surfaces of each end of the main body of this connecting member 37, which is roughly rectangular in shape when viewed from above, in the second direction, abut against the upper surfaces of the upper end pieces of the suspended lower parts 21, 21 of each frame 20, 20.

[0044] Each end of the connecting member 37 in the second direction is provided with hanging pieces 39, 39 that hang down on the outside in the second direction of the fixing pieces 22, 22 of each frame 20, 20. These hanging pieces 39, 39 are substantially flat and are arranged so that their thickness direction is the second direction. These hanging pieces 39, 39 are arranged along the outside surface in the second direction of the fixing pieces 22, 22 of each frame 20, 20. Fasteners that pass through these hanging pieces 39, 39 are fastened to the fixing pieces 22, 22 of each frame 20, 20, thereby fixing the connecting member 37 to the frames 20, 20. The connecting member 37 is provided with a restricting piece 38 that hangs down from one side edge of its main body in the first direction. This restricting piece 38 is provided over approximately the entire second direction of the main body such that a space is formed between each end of the restricting piece 38 in the second direction and the hanging pieces 39, 39 on both sides to receive the upper ends of the suspended parts 21, 21. The tip surfaces of the upper end pieces of each frame 20, 20 are brought close to each end of the restricting piece 38 in the second direction. This connecting member 37 may be made of an appropriate metallic material. Note that a configuration without such a connecting member 37 is also possible.

[0045] As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), the panel device 1 includes a connecting member 33 that is positioned to straddle the gap formed between the rising pieces 26, 26 when the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 are in contact with each other in the first direction. This connecting member 33 is fixed to each of these rising pieces 26, 26 by fasteners. With this configuration, the rising pieces 26, 26 of adjacent frames 20, 20 can be connected by the connecting member 33 while the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 are in contact with each other in the first direction.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the connecting member 33 is positioned between the end face of the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 and the rising piece 26 of the frame 20, and includes a fixing piece 34 that is fixed to the rising piece 26. The connecting member 33 has a contact piece 35 that protrudes in the second direction from the upper end of the fixing piece 34 and abuts against the upper surface of the equipment mounting panel 10. With this configuration, the contact piece 35 of the connecting member 33 fixed to the rising piece 26 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up. In other words, the connecting member 33 can be given both the function of connecting adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction and the function of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up, and the number of parts can also be reduced. Since the connecting member 33 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up, workability can be improved when attaching equipment 8 or performing hole processing after the equipment mounting panel 10 has been installed.

[0047] The connecting members 33 are positioned at the connection points between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction on both sides of the second direction. In other words, in the illustrated example, the lifting of each end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction is prevented by the lifting prevention members 30, 30, and the lifting of the central part of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction is prevented by the connecting members 33, 33 on both sides of the second direction (see Figure 3). The connecting members 33, 33 arranged on both sides of the second direction have similar configurations, so below, an example of a specific configuration will be explained using one of the connecting members 33 as an example. The fixing piece 34 of this connecting member 33 is substantially flat, with its thickness direction being the second direction. This fixing piece 34 is positioned along the second-direction inward side of the rising piece 26 of the frame 20, and a fastener is inserted through it from the second-direction outward side of the rising piece 26 and fastened to the rising piece 26 (see also Figure 8(b)). The receiving recess 19 of the end protection member 16 described above is provided to accommodate the shaft portion of this fastener. The lower end of this fixing piece 34 is positioned close to the lower end projection of the end protection member 16.

[0048] The contact piece 35 of the connecting member 33 is provided to protrude inward in a second direction from the upper end of the fixing piece 34. This contact piece 35 is substantially flat with its thickness in the vertical direction. This contact piece 35 abuts against the upper surface of the end protection member 16 that constitutes the upper surface of the end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. With this configuration, since the contact piece 35 abuts against the end protection member 16 rather than the panel body 13, damage to the panel body 13 can be suppressed even if the panel body 13 is fragile. The dimension of this contact piece 35 along the second direction may be set to an appropriate dimension from the viewpoint of preventing the end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up or from the viewpoint of reducing weight. This contact piece 35 is provided over the entire length of the fixing piece 34 in the first direction. The dimensions of the connecting member 33 along the first direction may be set to an appropriate size so that the fixing piece 34 can be fixed to the adjacent rising pieces 26, 26 in the first direction, and so that the contact piece 35 can prevent the end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up. The connecting member 33 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The connecting member 33 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 8, the panel device 1 is equipped with a temporary connecting member 36 for temporarily connecting adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction. With this configuration, adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction can be temporarily connected by the temporary connecting member 36 and then connected by the connecting member 33 described above. As shown in Figure 8, this temporary connecting member 36 is attached so as to engage with the respective suspended lower parts 21, 21 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction. This temporary connecting member 36 comprises an inner part 36a arranged along the second-direction inward side of the fixing pieces 22, 22 of the suspended lower parts 21, 21, and an outer part 36b arranged along the second-direction outward side of the fixing pieces 22, 22.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the inner portion 36a is a channel-shaped steel section that opens laterally along the inner surface of the suspended lower portion 21, which is formed by the upper end piece, the fixing piece 22, and the hooked piece 23. As shown in Figure 8(a), the outer portion 36b is provided so as it moves from the central portion in the first direction outward toward the inner portion 36a of the temporary connecting member 36, and has a bent portion at its outer end in the first direction that bends toward the outer end in the second direction. The temporary connecting member 36 may be attached by inserting the ends of the inner portion 36a on both sides in the first direction into the inside of the suspended lower portion 21 of the adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction. In this case, the outer portions 36b on both sides in the first direction may be elastically deformed to bring them into elastic contact with the outer surfaces of the fixing pieces 22, 22 in the second direction. The temporary connecting member 36 may be made of a metallic material or a hard synthetic resin material. Note that a configuration without such a temporary connecting member 36 is also possible.

[0051] The panel device 1 includes an equipment mounting panel 10 adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the first outward side, and end faces 11, 29a, 29a of the first-direction ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both the second-direction sides, and is equipped with an end face cover 40 that covers the space between these extension pieces 29, 29 on both the second-direction sides. With this configuration, the end face cover 40 can prevent the back of the ceiling panel 9 adjacent to the equipment mounting panel 10 on the first outward side from being visible through the space between the extension pieces 29, 29 on both the second-direction sides. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the end face cover 40 is provided so as to straddle the upper surface of the end protection members 16, 16 at the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction, and each end in the second direction is fixed to the frame 20, 20. For equipment mounting panels 10 adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the outside in the first direction, this end face cover 40 is provided in place of the above-mentioned anti-float member 30 at the end on the ceiling panel 9 side. In other words, this end face cover 40 prevents the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 on the ceiling panel 9 side (outside in the first direction) from floating up, and also functions as an anti-float member that connects the pair of frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. This end face cover 40 may also be provided at the end on the ceiling panel 9 side adjacent to the outside in the first direction of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction among a plurality of equipment mounting panels 10 that are butted against each other in a series in the first direction.

[0052] Each end of the end face cover 40 in the second direction is provided with hanging pieces 41, 41 that are generally similar to the hanging pieces 32, 32 of the anti-float member 30. These hanging pieces 41, 41 are arranged to follow the inside of the rising pieces 26, 26 of the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. The end face cover 40 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners that are fastened to these hanging pieces 41, 41 and pass through the rising pieces 26, 26 from the outside in the second direction. The end face cover 40 includes a cover body 42 that hangs down from the first outer edge of the portion that spans the upper surface of the end protection members 16, 16. This cover body 42 is provided to cover the end face 11 of the equipment mounting panel 10, the end faces 29a, 29a of the extension pieces 29, 29 and the space between the extension pieces 29, 29, as well as the end faces of the first ends of the mounting pieces 27, 27 and the rising pieces 26, 26. This cover body 42 is positioned to abut the end face 11 of the equipment mounting panel 10, the end faces 29a, 29a of the extension pieces 29, 29, and the end faces of the mounting pieces 27, 27 and the rising pieces 26, 26. This end face cover 40 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The end face cover 40 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations. It is also possible to have a configuration without such an end face cover 40.

[0053] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the panel device 1 includes a cover 43 that is positioned to cover the gap between the equipment mounting panel 10 and the furring strip 7, which is positioned opposite the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction with a gap between them and the furring strip 7, which forms a long ceiling base in the second direction. With this configuration, even if a gap is formed between the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction and the ceiling panel 9 or wall opposite it, this gap can be covered by the cover 43, and the outside of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction can be neatly finished. The cover 43 may also be provided on the ends of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction, which are adjacent to the furring strip 7 on the outer side in the first direction, among a plurality of equipment mounting panels 10 that are butted against each other in a series in the first direction. The cover 43 includes a bottom plate portion 45 that is positioned to cover the lower ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction and the space between them. The cover 43 includes side plate portions 46, 46 that are provided to rise from the edges of the bottom plate portion 45 on both sides in the second direction and are positioned along the outside of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the cover 43 can cover the outside of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction, including the ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 in the first direction of the frames 20, 20 that hold each end 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction.

[0054] The bottom plate portion 45 and the side plate portions 46, 46 constitute the cover body 44 that covers the gap between the ceiling joist 7 and the equipment mounting panel 10. As shown in Figure 11(a), ceiling panels 9, 9 are arranged so as to be close to both sides of the cover body 44 in the second direction, and ceiling panels 9, 9 are arranged so as to be close to the ceiling joist 7 side which is the outer side of the cover body 44 in the first direction. The bottom plate portion 45 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), it is positioned to cover the lower surface of the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 on the joist 7 side and the lower end of the ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on the joist 7 side, from the opposite side of the joist 7 facing the cover body 44. The top surface of this bottom plate portion 45 is positioned to be close to the lower end of the ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on the joist 7 side and the lower end of the cover body 42 of the end face cover 40 described above. The dimensions of this bottom plate portion 45 along the first direction may be set to an appropriate size that corresponds to a predetermined allowable gap between the joist 7 and the equipment mounting panel 10. In addition, the inner portion of the cover body 44 in the first direction (equipment mounting panel 10 side) may be cut so that the dimensions can be adjusted according to the gap. The side plates 46, 46 are substantially flat and arranged so that their thickness direction is the second direction. These side plates 46, 46 are provided over the entire first direction of the bottom plate 45. The opposing surfaces of these side plates 46, 46 that face each other in the second direction are positioned close to the second direction outer surfaces of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction. The width dimension of these side plates 46, 46 along the vertical direction is smaller than the width dimension of the extension pieces 29, 29 along the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the width dimension of these side plates 46, 46 is shown to be about half the width dimension of the extension pieces 29, 29, but the example is not limited to this.

[0055] The cover 43 is provided so as to protrude from the cover body 44 on both sides in a second direction and has fixing parts 48, 48 that are fixed by fasteners along the opposing sides of the ceiling joist 7 facing the cover body 44. With this configuration, the cover 43 can be easily fixed to the ceiling joist 7 by passing fasteners through the fixing parts 48, 48 that are exposed on both sides of the cover body 44 in a second direction. Since these fixing parts 48, 48 are fixed along the opposing sides of the ceiling joist 7, they are covered by the ceiling panels 9, 9 held by the ceiling joist 7, as shown in Figure 11(a), which improves the appearance. These fixing parts 48, 48 are provided so as to protrude outward in a second direction from extension pieces that extend upward from the ends of the side plate parts 46, 46 on the joist 7 side. These fixing parts 48, 48 are substantially flat plates with the thickness direction as the first direction. The dimensions of these fixing parts 48, 48 along the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate size so as not to interfere with the ceiling panel 9 fixed to the lower surface side of the joist 7. In the illustrated example, the dimensions of these fixing parts 48, 48 along the vertical direction are shown to be approximately the same as the dimensions of the joist 7 along the vertical direction, but the example is not limited to this.

[0056] These fixing parts 48, 48 are provided with hooking parts 49, 49 that can be hooked onto the upper surface of the joist 7. With this configuration, the cover 43 can be easily fixed to the joist 7 while the hooking parts 49, 49 on both sides in the second direction are hooked onto the upper surface of the joist 7 and temporarily held in place. The hooks 49, 49 on both sides in the second direction are provided to extend from the upper ends of each fixing part 48, 48 along the upper surface of the joist 7, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 10(a). The illustrated example shows an example in which multiple hooks 49, 49 (three in the illustrated example) are provided on each fixing part 48, 48 at intervals in the second direction. These hooks 49, 49 are bendable so that they can be positioned along the inside of one side wall of the joist 7, which has an upward-facing opening, as shown in Figure 11(b). With this configuration, the cover 43 can be more firmly temporarily held to the joist 7 by these hooks 49, 49. The dimensions of these hooks 49, 49 along the first direction before bending may be set to an appropriate dimension so as not to interfere with the other side wall of the joist 7 when bent. The hooks 49, 49 are not limited to this bendable configuration, but may also be hook-shaped, or have various other configurations. Furthermore, a configuration without such hooking parts 49, 49 is also possible.

[0057] The cover body 44 described above is provided with a contact piece 47 that can be positioned along the lower surface of the ceiling joist 7. With this configuration, the cover 43 can be engaged with the ceiling joist 7 by sandwiching it between the hooks 49, 49 and the contact piece 47, thereby improving the temporary holding ability of the cover 43 to the ceiling joist 7. The contact piece 47 is provided so as to extend outward in the first direction from the upper end of the rising piece, which is provided so as to rise from the end of the bottom plate portion 45 on the ceiling joist 7 side. The dimension of the contact piece 47 along the first direction may be less than or equal to the width dimension of the ceiling joist 7 along the first direction. The cover 43 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The cover 43 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations.

[0058] When installing the panel device 1 configured as described above, the hook piece 4a of the hanger 4 of the suspension member 2 provided at the installation location of the equipment mounting panel 10 is inserted into the insertion hole 24 of the frame 20 to attach the frame 20 to the hanger 4 (see Figures 3 and 6(a)). At this time, adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction may be temporarily connected with a temporary connecting member 36 (see Figure 8). Also, at this time, a brace attachment 5 may be attached to an appropriate hanger 4 as needed. Then, the height of the pair of frames 20, 20 provided on both sides in the second direction so as to extend in the first direction is adjusted. At this time, the height of the joist support 6 may also be adjusted so that the height difference between the frame 20 and the joist support 6, which holds the joists 7 that form the ceiling base of the ceiling panel 9 installed around the installation location of the equipment mounting panel 10, is of an appropriate size.

[0059] Then, as shown in Figure 6(a), the ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction are placed on the mounting pieces 27, 27 of the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. At this time, the engaging protrusions 28, 28 of the mounting pieces 27, 27 may be received by the engaging recesses 18, 18 of the ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. Alternatively, the end face 11 of the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction may be aligned with a mark provided in the longitudinal center of the frame 20 and the equipment mounting panel 10 may be placed. Alternatively, the end faces 11, 11 of the ends in the first direction may be abutted together and a predetermined number of equipment mounting panels 10 may be held on the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. Next, as shown in Figures 6(a), (b) and 7(a), one end of the first equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction is fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the anti-float member 30. Then, the ends 12, 12 of the central part of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction in the second direction are fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the connecting members 33, 33 on both sides in the second direction. Next, the other end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction is fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the anti-float member 30.

[0060] Then, the end of the second equipment mounting panel 10 adjacent to the fixed equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction, on the side different from the fixed equipment mounting panel 10, is fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the anti-float member 30. Then, similarly to above, the ends 12, 12 in the second direction of the central part of this second equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction are fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the connecting members 33, 33 on both sides in the second direction. Next, the end of this second equipment mounting panel 10 on the side of the fixed equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frame 20, 20 by the anti-float member 30. A predetermined number of equipment mounting panels 10 may be fixed to the frame 20, 20 in the same manner thereafter. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 3 and 7(b), the connecting member 37 may be fixed to the frame 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction by spanning between the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction.

[0061] Next, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the ends of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction, which are adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the outer side in the first direction, may be covered with end covers 40, 40. Also, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the gap between the ends of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction, which are adjacent to the ceiling joist 7 on the outer side in the first direction, and the ceiling joist 7 may be covered with covers 43, 43. After the final height check, the hangers 4 and brace mounting fixtures 5 may be fixed to the frame 20 with fasteners such as screws, and braces may be attached as appropriate and necessary. The ceiling panel 9 may also be installed so as to surround the predetermined number of equipment mounting panels 10. Appropriate equipment 8 may also be attached to the equipment mounting panels 10. The above-described installation procedure for the panel device 1 is merely an example, and various other modifications are possible.

[0062] Next, an example of an equipment mounting panel 10A that can be provided in place of or in addition to the equipment mounting panel 10 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 12. As shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), the equipment mounting panel 10A in this example is provided with an equipment receiving groove 14A for receiving equipment 8A that is elongated in the first direction. Such equipment 8A may be, for example, a wiring duct rail that can hold a lighting fixture so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction and can supply power to the lighting fixture, or it may be any other type of equipment. The equipment receiving groove 14A opens downwards at the second-direction center of the equipment mounting panel 10A and extends throughout its entire length. The equipment 8A inserted into this equipment receiving groove 14A may be fixed to the equipment mounting panel 10A by fasteners such as screws or other appropriate fixing devices. In this example, the equipment mounting panel 10A does not have the panel body 13 and end protection members 16, 16 as described above, and is made of a metal plate. This configuration allows for weight reduction. In other words, the equipment receiving groove 14A is formed by appropriate bending or pressing.

[0063] Each end 12A, 12A in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10A may be provided with an engaging recess that engages with the engaging projections 28, 28 provided on the mounting portions 27, 27 of the frame 20, 20 described above. In this example, each end 12A, 12A may be provided with a through-hole or notched engaging recess. In this example, the equipment mounting panel 10A is provided with fixing pieces 13A, 13A at each end 12A, 12A in the second direction, which are fixed to the frames 20, 20. These fixing pieces 13A, 13A are provided so as to protrude upward and are arranged along the second-direction inward side of the rising pieces 26, 26 of the frames 20, 20. The equipment mounting panel 10A is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners that are fastened to these fixing pieces 13A, 13A from the second-direction outward side of the rising pieces 26, 26. In other words, in this example, the equipment mounting panel 10A is fixed directly to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners, instead of being fixed indirectly to the frames 20, 20 via an anti-floating member 30 or a connecting member 33, as in the equipment mounting panel 10 described above.

[0064] The equipment mounting panels 10 and 10A provided in the panel device 1 are not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations. In the example described above, an anti-float member 30 and a connecting member 33 are provided to indirectly fix the equipment mounting panel 10 to the frame 20, 20. However, a configuration without one or both of these members is also possible. In this case, the ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction may be directly fixed to the frame 20, 20 by fasteners. In the example described above, an engaging projection 28 is provided on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20, and an engaging recess 18 is provided on the equipment mounting panels 10, 10A. However, these may be provided on the opposite side. That is, the engaging recess may be provided on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20, and the engaging projection may be provided on the equipment mounting panels 10, 10A. Furthermore, a configuration without such engaging projections or recesses may also be used.

[0065] In the example described above, adjacent frames 20, 20 are connected in the first direction, with their mounting pieces 27, 27 in contact with each other, while gaps are formed between their upper portions (21, 26, 21, 26). However, the example is not limited to this configuration. In the example described above, the frame 20 is shown to be provided with a fixing piece 22, a hooked piece 23, a rising piece 26, a mounting piece 27, and an extending piece 29, but a configuration without any of these is also possible.

[0066] In the example described above, a cover 43 is provided to cover the gap between the ceiling joist 7 and the equipment mounting panel 10, but a configuration without such a cover 43 is also possible. In the example described above, the equipment mounting panel 10 is installed above the ceiling panel 9, but the equipment mounting panel 10 and the ceiling panel 9 may be installed at approximately the same height. In the example described above, a pair of frames 20, 20 are provided on both sides in the second direction. However, instead of this example, a configuration in which a ceiling base is integrally provided to hold each end 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10A on both sides in the second direction may also be used. In the example described above, the pair of panel holding parts 25, 25 on both sides in the second direction are shown to hold the equipment mounting panels 10, 10A. However, the configuration is not limited to equipment mounting and may also be used to hold other ceiling panels 9. stomach. The components constituting the panel device 1 are not limited to the configuration described above, and various other modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 Panel device 2 Hanging members 4a Hook piece 6 Noenuke 7. veranda 9 Ceiling Panel 10, 10A Equipment mounting panel (panel) 12,12A End (End in the second direction) 20 frames 21 Suspended part 23 Hooked piece 24 Through hole 25 Panel holding section 26 Standing piece 27 Mounting piece

Claims

1. A panel device comprising: a panel; a pair of panel holding parts that are elongated in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and that hold each end of the panel in the second direction; a pair of suspended parts that are connected to each of the panel holding parts and have multiple insertion holes spaced apart in the first direction through which a hook piece of a suspension member is inserted; and a pair of frames that each have the panel holding parts and the suspended parts, and are spaced apart in the second direction.

2. In claim 1, The panel device is characterized in that the insertion hole is an elongated hole extending in a first direction so that the hooking position of the hooking piece can be adjusted in the first direction.

3. In claim 1 or 2, The panel device is characterized in that the panel holding portion is provided with a mounting piece on which the end of the panel in a second direction is placed, and a rising piece that is provided so as to rise from the outer edge of the mounting piece in a second direction and is positioned opposite to the end face of the end of the panel in a second direction, and the suspended portion is provided with a hooked piece that extends outward in a second direction from the upper end of the rising piece and is provided with the insertion hole.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, A panel device characterized by comprising: ceiling panels arranged on both sides in the second direction of equipment mounting panels constituting the panel; furring strips arranged on both sides in the second direction of the equipment mounting panels with a gap in the first direction and extending in the second direction, which hold the ceiling panels; furring strip supports arranged parallel to the panel holding portion and the lower part to be suspended, which hold the furring strips; and suspension members arranged at multiple locations with gaps in the first and second directions, which each hold the furring strip supports and the lower part to be suspended.

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