Connecting device, suspension structure, and method for attaching the connecting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector, a suspension structure, and a method for attaching the connector that can suppress the lateral swaying of objects. [Solution] The first connectors 10,10X are connectors that connect a first suspension bolt 5A and a second suspension bolt 5B that are suspended from a ceiling slab. The first connectors 10,10X include a first stay 11 that is coupled to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, a second stay 12 that is coupled to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B at a position lower than the first stay 11, and a connecting mechanism 20 that connects the first stay 11 and the second stay 12. The connecting mechanism 20 is coupled to a first part 11A and a second part 11B that are located at a distance from each other in the first stay 11, and to a third part 12A and a fourth part 12B that are located at a distance from each other in the second stay 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector for connecting suspension bolts, a suspension structure, and a method for attaching the connector.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique for suppressing the sway of electrical equipment suspended by a plurality of suspension bolts, the technique of Patent Document 1 is known. In the technique of Patent Document 1, as a countermeasure against the sway of electrical equipment suspended and fixed by a plurality of suspension bolts, two suspension bolts are connected to each other by fully threaded bolts as diagonal members. The two fully threaded bolts attached to the two suspension bolts intersect each other. The intersecting portion of the fully threaded bolts is fixed by an intersection fitting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, lateral sway can be suppressed. However, when the pitch of the suspension bolts is narrow, the angle of the diagonal member becomes close to vertical, making it difficult to exhibit the lateral sway suppression effect.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The first aspect of the connector for solving the problem is a connector for connecting a first suspension bolt and a second suspension bolt suspended from a ceiling slab, comprising: a first stay connected to the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt; a second stay connected to the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt at a position lower than the first stay; and a connecting mechanism for connecting the first stay and the second stay, wherein the connecting mechanism is connected to a first part and a second part of the first stay that are spaced apart from each other, and to a third part and a fourth part of the second stay that are spaced apart from each other.

[0006] In this configuration, the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt are connected by the first and second stays, which are connected by a connecting mechanism. This suppresses the lateral swaying of the object suspended by the suspension bolts.

[0007] The connector in the second view is a connector in the first view, wherein the connector mechanism has a first end, a second end, a third end and a fourth end, the first part of the first stay is provided with a first connecting part to which the first end of the connector mechanism is connected, the third part of the second stay is provided with a second connecting part to which the second end of the connector mechanism is connected, the second part of the first stay is provided with a third connecting part to which the third end of the connector mechanism is connected, the fourth part of the second stay is provided with a fourth connecting part to which the fourth end of the connector mechanism is connected, the first stay is provided with a first connecting part that connects to the first suspension bolt, the second stay is provided with a second connecting part that connects to the first suspension bolt, the first stay is provided with a third connecting part that connects to the second suspension bolt at a distance from the first connecting part, and the second stay is provided with a fourth connecting part that connects to the second suspension bolt at a distance from the second connecting part.

[0008] In this configuration, the first stay is provided with a first connecting part and a third connecting part, and the second stay is provided with a second connecting part and a fourth connecting part. Therefore, the connector can be easily fixed to the suspension bolt.

[0009] The connector in the third view is a connector in the second view, wherein each of the first stay and the second stay comprises a base portion and a mounting portion provided at a position away from the base portion, the base portion of the first stay is provided with a first connecting portion and a third connecting portion, the mounting portion of the first stay is provided with a first connecting portion and a third connecting portion, the base portion of the second stay is provided with a second connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion, and the mounting portion of the second stay is provided with a second connecting portion and a fourth connecting portion.

[0010] This configuration makes it less likely for the connecting mechanism of the connector to interfere with the first and second suspension bolts. As a result, the connector can be smoothly attached to the first and second stays.

[0011] In the fourth aspect of the connector, in the second or third aspect of the connector, the first and third connecting portions are provided movably in the first stay, and the second and fourth connecting portions are provided movably in the second stay.

[0012] With this configuration, the first and third connecting parts of the first stay can be moved according to the pitch between the first and second suspension bolts, and the second and fourth connecting parts of the second stay can be moved. Therefore, the first and second stays can be attached to the first and second suspension bolts for sets of multiple first and second suspension bolts with different pitches.

[0013] In the fifth aspect of the connector, the second stay is positioned parallel to the first stay in any one of the connectors from the second to fourth aspects. With this configuration, when the object sways, the load applied to the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt can be made equal.

[0014] The connector of the sixth aspect is configured such that, in any one of the connectors of the second to fifth aspects, the connecting mechanism is such that the distance between the first end and the second end is expandable and the distance between the third end and the fourth end is expandable, or the distance between the first end and the third end is expandable and the distance between the second end and the fourth end is expandable.

[0015] This configuration allows for expansion or contraction of the distance between the first and second ends, and between the third and fourth ends. This makes it possible to change the positional relationship between the first and fourth connecting parts. Therefore, the connector can be easily fixed to the first and second suspension bolts, which are installed at various lengths, without the need for cutting to adjust the length of the members.

[0016] The connector of the seventh aspect is the connector of the sixth aspect, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a first member having the first end, a second member having the second end, a third member having the third end, and a fourth member having the fourth end, and each of the first to fourth members connects with two other members from the first to fourth members.

[0017] With this configuration, each of the first to fourth members is connected to the other two members, thereby strengthening the structure of the connecting mechanism.

[0018] The connector of the eighth aspect is the connector of the seventh aspect, wherein the connecting mechanism further comprises a first engaging member and a second engaging member, the first member being rotatably connected to the second member, the third member being rotatably connected to the fourth member, the first engaging member being slidably positioned at the intersection of the first member and the third member and engaging with the first member and the third member, and the second engaging member being slidably positioned at the intersection of the second member and the fourth member and engaging with the second member and the fourth member.

[0019] In this configuration, a first bendable member is formed by the first and second members. A second bendable member is formed by the third and fourth members. The first and second bendable members are then connected by the first and second engaging members. This allows for smooth adjustment of the distance between the first to fourth connection points and improves the strength of the connection mechanism.

[0020] The connector of the ninth aspect is the connector of the sixth aspect, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises a first brace having the first end and the fourth end, and a second brace having the second end and the third end, the second brace intersecting the first brace.

[0021] In this configuration, a cross structure is formed by the first brace and the second brace. This allows the connecting mechanism to be constructed with a simple structure.

[0022] The connector of the tenth aspect is such that, in any one of the connectors of the second to ninth aspects, the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt each include a suspension bolt, and the first joint, the second joint, the third joint, and the fourth joint each include a clamping part that clamps the suspension bolt. With this configuration, the joint can be made into a simple structure.

[0023] The connector of the 11th aspect, in the connector of the 10th aspect, comprises a fixing portion on which the clamping portion is positioned in the first stay and the second stay, a clamping piece attached to the fixing portion to clamp the suspension bolt, and a fastening bolt for fastening the clamping piece to the fixing portion. With this configuration, the clamping portion can be made into a simple structure.

[0024] The connector according to the 12th aspect is the connector according to the 11th aspect, wherein the clamping piece provided on the first stay is movable along the first stay, clamps the suspension bolt together with the fixing part, and at the intersection of the first stay and the suspension bolt due to the tightening of the fastening bolt, the first stay and the suspension bolt are coupled to each other. The clamping piece provided on the second stay is movable along the second stay, clamps the suspension bolt together with the fixing part, and at the intersection of the second stay and the suspension bolt due to the tightening of the fastening bolt, the second stay and the suspension bolt are coupled to each other.

[0025] According to this configuration, the lateral position of the clamping portion of the first stay can be adjusted according to the position of the suspension bolt, and the first stay can be positioned vertically with respect to the suspension bolt. Once positioned in this way, by tightening the fastening bolt, the first stay and the suspension bolt can be fixed so that the first stay does not move relative to the suspension bolt and the suspension bolt does not move relative to the first stay.

[0026] Also, the lateral position of the clamping portion of the second stay can be adjusted according to the position of the suspension bolt, and the second stay can be positioned vertically with respect to the suspension bolt. Once positioned in this way, by tightening the fastening bolt, the second stay and the suspension bolt can be fixed so that the second stay does not move relative to the suspension bolt and the suspension bolt does not move relative to the second stay.

[0027] The connector according to the 13th aspect is the connector according to the 11th or 12th aspect, wherein the clamping portion further includes a biasing member that biases the clamping piece toward the fixing part. According to this configuration, each of the first coupling portion to the fourth coupling portion can be easily temporarily coupled to the suspension bolt by the clamping portion. By temporarily coupling each of the first coupling portion to the fourth coupling portion to the suspension bolt, the connector can be temporarily fixed to the two suspension bolts. Therefore, the labor of continuously holding the connector by hand during the attachment of the connector can be reduced.

[0028] The connector of the 14th aspect is a connector of the 11th aspect in which the fastening bolt or nut that engages with the fastening bolt of the clamping portion of the first stay and the second stay can be tightened to the connector from a predetermined surface, and furthermore, the first engaging member and the second engaging member can be tightened to the connector from the predetermined surface, the first engaging member is a member that engages the first member and the third member of the connecting mechanism, and the second engaging member is a member that engages the second member and the fourth member of the connecting mechanism.

[0029] With this configuration, when attaching the connector to the suspension bolt, the worker can tighten the fastening bolt or nut from the same predetermined surface relative to the connector. Furthermore, the worker can tighten the first engaging member and the second engaging member from the same predetermined surface relative to the connector. Therefore, the work efficiency can be improved when attaching the connector to the first and second suspension bolts.

[0030] The suspension structure of the 15th viewpoint for solving the problem is a suspension structure for suspending an object, comprising: a first suspension bolt suspended from a ceiling slab; a second suspension bolt suspended from the ceiling slab; and a connecting device described in any one of the 1st to 14th viewpoints.

[0031] In this configuration, the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt are connected by the first and second stays, which are connected by a connecting mechanism. This suppresses the lateral swaying of the object suspended from the suspension bolt.

[0032] The sixteenth aspect of the method for attaching a connector to solve the problem is a method for attaching a connector to a first suspension bolt and a second suspension bolt that suspend an indoor unit, wherein the connector is the connector described in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, and the connector is attached so that the center line of the connector coincides with the intermediate position between the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt. With this configuration, the load can be applied evenly to the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt.

[0033] The seventeenth aspect of the method for attaching a connector to solve the problem is a method for attaching a connector to a first suspension bolt and a second suspension bolt that suspend an indoor unit, wherein the connector is a connector described in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, and the connector is attached such that the center line of the connector is shifted in a predetermined direction from an intermediate position between the first suspension bolt and the second suspension bolt.

[0034] With this configuration, even when an object is suspended near a wall, the connector can be attached to both the first and second suspension bolts so that the first connector does not come into contact with the wall, even if one of the first or second suspension bolts is positioned close to the wall. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the suspension structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the suspended structure in its extended state. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the first connector that connects to two suspension bolts. [Figure 4] This is a rear view of the first connector that connects to two suspension bolts. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the upper part of the first connector. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows the first connector, and this is a side view of the top of the first connector. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the first connector. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the first component of the first connector. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the first connecting part of the first connector. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows the first joint, and this is a perspective view of the first joint from a different direction than that shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11]This is a perspective view of the portion where the first member and the third member intersect, and where the second member and the fourth member intersect, in the first connector. [Figure 12] Figure 11 shows the first connector, and this is a perspective view of the portion where the first member and the third member intersect, and the portion where the second member and the fourth member intersect, from a different direction than in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the fifth joint portion of the first member of the second connector. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the fifth connecting portion of the second member of the second connector. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of a first connector in a first mounting configuration, attached to two suspension bolts using the first mounting method. [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of a first connector in a second mounting configuration, attached to two suspension bolts using the first mounting method. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of a first connector in a third mounting configuration, attached to two suspension bolts using the first mounting method. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram of the first connector in the first mounting configuration, which is attached to two suspension bolts using the second mounting method. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram of the first connector in a second mounting configuration, which is attached to two suspension bolts using the second mounting method. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of the third connector of the second embodiment, which is attached to two suspension bolts in the first mounting configuration. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of the third connector of the second embodiment, which is attached to two suspension bolts in the second mounting configuration. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram of the third connector of the second embodiment, which is attached to two suspension bolts in a third mounting configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] <First Embodiment> The suspension structure 1, the connectors 10, and the method of attaching the connectors 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 19. Figure 1 shows the suspension structure 1 with four connectors 10 temporarily fixed to four suspension bolts 5. Figure 2 shows the suspension structure 1 with four connectors 10 fixed to four suspension bolts 5.

[0037] [Suspension structure] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the suspension structure 1 suspends object 2. Object 2 is connected below the suspension structure 1. In this embodiment, object 2 is an indoor unit 2A. Examples of object 2 include indoor unit 2A, air purifier, blower, duct, and chamber. Indoor unit 2A includes ceiling-mounted indoor unit 2A, duct-type indoor unit 2A, and ceiling-suspended indoor unit 2A.

[0038] The suspension structure 1 comprises a first suspension bolt 5A suspended from the ceiling slab 3, a second suspension bolt 5B suspended from the ceiling slab 3, and a connector 10. The suspension structure 1 may further comprise a third suspension bolt 5C and a fourth suspension bolt 5D. In this embodiment, the suspension structure 1 comprises the first suspension bolts 5A to the fourth suspension bolts 5D.

[0039] The ceiling slab 3 is a structure that separates the upper floor from the lower floor of a building. The ceiling slab 3 has a reinforced concrete slab body. The ceiling slab 3 may also comprise a slab body and a ceiling substructure located below the slab body. If the ceiling slab 3 has a ceiling substructure, the first suspension bolts 5A to the fourth suspension bolts 5D may be connected to the ceiling substructure.

[0040] Each of the first suspension bolt 5A, second suspension bolt 5B, third suspension bolt 5C, and fourth suspension bolt 5D includes suspension bolt 5.

[0041] Each of the first suspension bolts 5A, second suspension bolt 5B, third suspension bolt 5C, and fourth suspension bolt 5D may comprise a suspension bolt 5 and other components besides the suspension bolt 5.

[0042] The connection positions of the first suspension bolt 5A, second suspension bolt 5B, third suspension bolt 5C, and fourth suspension bolt 5D to the indoor unit 2A vary. In an exposed indoor unit 2A positioned below the ceiling, the first suspension bolt 5A and second suspension bolt 5B are positioned at one end of the indoor unit 2A that is separated from each other in the width direction. The third suspension bolt 5C and fourth suspension bolt 5D are positioned at the other end of the indoor unit 2A that is separated from each other in the width direction. In a ceiling-mounted indoor unit 2A, the first suspension bolt 5A, second suspension bolt 5B, third suspension bolt 5C, and fourth suspension bolt 5D are connected to each of the four corners of the indoor unit 2A.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first suspension bolt 5A, the second suspension bolt 5B, the third suspension bolt 5C, and the fourth suspension bolt 5D are positioned at the vertices of a rectangle in a plan view. The first suspension bolt 5A, the second suspension bolt 5B, the third suspension bolt 5C, and the fourth suspension bolt 5D are arranged in a counterclockwise order in a plan view. The pitch between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is equal to the pitch between the third suspension bolt 5C and the fourth suspension bolt 5D. The pitch between the second suspension bolt 5B and the third suspension bolt 5C is equal to the pitch between the fourth suspension bolt 5D and the first suspension bolt 5A. The pitch between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is smaller than the pitch between the second suspension bolt 5B and the third suspension bolt 5C.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the suspension structure 1 includes four connectors 10. The suspension structure 1 may include four connectors 10 of the same type. One of the four connectors 10 may be a different type of connector 10 from the others. In this embodiment, the suspension structure 1 includes two types of connectors 10. Hereinafter, one of the two types of connectors 10 will be referred to as the first connector 10X, and the other connector 10 will be referred to as the second connector 10Y. The suspension structure 1 of this embodiment includes two first connectors 10X and two second connectors 10Y.

[0045] The first connector 10X connects two suspension bolts 5 with a narrow pitch to each other. Of the two first connectors 10X, the first first connector 10X connects the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. Of the two first connectors 10X, the second first connector 10X connects the third suspension bolt 5C and the fourth suspension bolt 5D.

[0046] The second connector 10Y connects two suspension bolts 5 with a wide pitch to each other. The first of the two second connectors 10Y connects the second suspension bolt 5B and the third suspension bolt 5C. The second of the two second connectors 10Y connects the fourth suspension bolt 5D and the first suspension bolt 5A.

[0047] The first connector 10X and the second connector 10Y are distinguished by the presence or absence of a stay. The first connector 10X is equipped with a stay. The second connector 10Y is not equipped with a stay.

[0048] [1st connector] The first connecting device 10X will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 12. Here, the first connecting device 10X that connects the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B will be explained.

[0049] Figure 3 shows the first connector 10X viewed from the front. Figure 4 shows the first connector 10X viewed from the rear. Figure 5 shows the top of the first connector 10X. Figure 6 shows the top of the first connector 10X viewed from the side. Figure 7 shows the first connector 10X viewed from above.

[0050] In the following description, directions relating to the first connector 10X are defined as follows: The state in which the first connector 10X is positioned so as to be attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is referred to as the mounting state of the first connector 10X. In the mounting state of the first connector 10X, the direction along the vertical direction is referred to as the up-down direction DZ. In the mounting state of the first connector 10X, the direction along the first stay 11 or the second stay 12 is referred to as the lateral direction DX. In the mounting state of the first connector 10X, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction DZ and the lateral direction DX is referred to as the depth direction DY. When the first connector 10X attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is taken as the reference position, the outward DB of the depth direction DY is the direction away from the third suspension bolt 5C and the fourth suspension bolt 5D. The inward DA of the depth direction DY is the opposite direction to the outward DB of the depth direction DY.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first connector 10X, the inner or inward side, when viewed from the front, indicates the portion closer to the center of the first connector 10X. In the first connector 10X, the outer or outward side indicates the portions closer to both ends of the first stay 11 or the second stay 12. In the first member 21A to the fourth member 21D of the first connector 10X, the outer end 22B indicates the portion closer to the first stay 11 or the second stay 12. In the first member 21A to the fourth member 21D of the first connector 10X, the inner end 22A indicates the end opposite to the outer end 22B.

[0052] The first connector 10X is a connector that connects the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0053] The first connector 10X comprises a first stay 11, a second stay 12, and a connecting mechanism 20. The first stay 11 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The second stay 12 is connected to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B at a lower position than the first stay 11. The connecting mechanism 20 connects the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0054] [First Stage] The first stay 11 comprises a base portion 13 and a mounting portion 14 provided at a position away from the base portion 13 in the depth direction DY.

[0055] The base portion 13 is made of a plate-shaped member so as to contact the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The base portion 13 has a base contact surface 13A that contacts the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. In the installed state of the first connector 10X, the base contact surface 13A is the surface facing the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0056] The mounting portion 14 is composed of a plate-shaped member arranged parallel to the base portion 13. The mounting portion 14 is connected to a projection 13B that protrudes outward DB in the depth direction DY from the base portion 13. The mounting portion 14 has an outer surface facing outward DB in the depth direction DY and an inner surface facing inward DA in the depth direction DY.

[0057] In the installed state of the first connector 10X, the base portion 13 is in contact with the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. In the installed state of the first connector 10X, the mounting portion 14 is separated from the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B outward in the depth direction DY.

[0058] The first stay 11 is provided with a first portion 11A and a second portion 11B. Specifically, the first portion 11A and the second portion 11B are provided on the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11. The first portion 11A and the second portion 11B are located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first stay 11.

[0059] The first part 11A of the first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 15A to which the first end 20A of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The first connecting portion 15A is provided on the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11. The second part 11B of the first stay 11 is provided with a third connecting portion 15C to which the third end 20C of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The third connecting portion 15C is provided on the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11.

[0060] The mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11 has a bolt insertion structure that allows the stay fastening bolt 19 to be inserted through the second surface 10B of the surface structure formed by the first connector 10X. The bolt insertion structure of the first stay 11 will be described below.

[0061] At the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11, the first end portion 20A of the first member 21A is positioned on the outer surface of the first connecting portion 15A. A nut 19A is fixed to the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11 by welding. The stay fastening bolt 19 passes through the first end portion 20A of the first member 21A and the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11, and engages with the nut 19A on the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11.

[0062] At the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11, the third end portion 20C of the third member 21C is positioned on the inner surface of the third connecting portion 15C. A nut 19A is fixed to the inner surface of the third end portion 20C of the third member 21C by welding. The stay fastening bolt 19 passes through the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11 and the third end portion 20C of the third member 21C, and engages with the nut 19A on the inner surface of the third end portion 20C of the third member 21C.

[0063] The first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 23 that connects to the first suspension bolt 5A. Specifically, the first connecting portion 23 is provided on the base portion 13 of the first stay 11. On the first stay 11, a third connecting portion 25 is provided at a location in the lateral direction DX away from the first connecting portion 23, which connects to the second suspension bolt 5B. Specifically, the third connecting portion 25 is provided on the base portion 13 of the first stay 11.

[0064] In the first stay 11, the first connecting portion 23 and the third connecting portion 25 are provided to be movable. The first stay 11 is provided with a first guide groove 16A for guiding the movement of the first connecting portion 23, and a third guide groove 16C for guiding the movement of the third connecting portion 25. The first guide groove 16A and the third guide groove 16C are configured as elongated holes.

[0065] [Stage 2] The second stay 12 comprises a base portion 13 and a mounting portion 14 provided at a position away from the base portion 13 in the depth direction DY. The second stay 12 is arranged parallel to the first stay 11. The structure of the base portion 13 and mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 is the same as the structure of the base portion 13 and mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11.

[0066] In the installed state of the first connector 10X, the base portion 13 is in contact with the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. In the installed state of the first connector 10X, the mounting portion 14 is separated from the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B outward in the depth direction DY.

[0067] The second stay 12 is provided with a third portion 12A and a fourth portion 12B. Specifically, the third portion 12A and the fourth portion 12B are provided on the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12. The third portion 12A and the fourth portion 12B are located apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the second stay 12.

[0068] The third portion 12A of the second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 15B to which the second end 20B of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The second connecting portion 15B is provided on the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12. The fourth portion 12B of the second stay 12 is provided with a fourth connecting portion 15D to which the fourth end 20D of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The fourth connecting portion 15D is provided on the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12.

[0069] The mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 has a bolt insertion structure that allows the stay fastening bolt 19 to be inserted through the second surface 10B of the surface structure formed by the first connector 10X. The bolt insertion structure of the second stay 12 will be described below.

[0070] At the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12, the second end portion 20B of the second member 21B is positioned on the inner surface of the second connecting portion 15B. A nut 19A is fixed to the inner surface of the second end portion 20B of the second member 21B by welding. The stay fastening bolt 19 passes through the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 and the second end portion 20B of the second member 21B, and engages with the nut 19A on the inner surface of the second end portion 20B of the second member 21B.

[0071] At the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12, the fourth end portion 20D of the fourth member 21D is positioned on the outer surface of the fourth connecting portion 15D. A nut 19A is fixed to the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 by welding. The stay fastening bolt 19 passes through the fourth end portion 20D of the fourth member 21D and the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12, and engages with the nut 19A on the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12.

[0072] The second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 24 that connects to the first suspension bolt 5A. Specifically, the second connecting portion 24 is provided on the base portion 13 of the second stay 12. On the second stay 12, a fourth connecting portion 26 that connects to the second suspension bolt 5B is provided at a location away from the second connecting portion 24. Specifically, the fourth connecting portion 26 is provided on the base portion 13 of the second stay 12.

[0073] In the second stay 12, the second connecting portion 24 and the fourth connecting portion 26 are provided to be movable. The second stay 12 is provided with a second guide groove 16B for guiding the movement of the second connecting portion 24, and a fourth guide groove 16D for guiding the movement of the fourth connecting portion 26. The second guide groove 16B and the fourth guide groove 16D are configured as elongated holes.

[0074] [Connection mechanism] The connecting mechanism 20 is connected to the first portion 11A and the second portion 11B on the first stay 11, and to the third portion 12A and the fourth portion 12B on the second stay 12. The connecting mechanism 20 has a first end 20A, a second end 20B, a third end 20C, and a fourth end 20D.

[0075] The connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the first end 20A and the second end 20B can be expanded and contracted, and the distance between the third end 20C and the fourth end 20D can be expanded and contracted (hereinafter referred to as the first structure). Alternatively, the connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the first end 20A and the third end 20C can be expanded and contracted, and the distance between the second end 20B and the fourth end 20D can be expanded and contracted (hereinafter referred to as the second structure). The connecting mechanism 20 may have both the first structure and the second structure. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 has the first structure.

[0076] The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first member 21A having a first end 20A, a second member 21B having a second end 20B, a third member 21C having a third end 20C, and a fourth member 21D having a fourth end 20D.

[0077] Each of the first to fourth members 21A to 21D is connected to two other members from the first to fourth members 21A to 21D. The first member 21A is connected to the second member 21B and also to the third member 21C via the first engaging member 41. The second member 21B is connected to the first member 21A and also to the fourth member 21D via the second engaging member 42. The third member 21C is connected to the fourth member 21D and also to the first member 21A via the first engaging member 41. The fourth member 21D is connected to the third member 21C and also to the second member 21B via the second engaging member 42.

[0078] [First member and second member] The first member 21A and the second member 21B will now be described. The outer end 22B of the first member 21A is provided with the first end 20A of the connecting mechanism 20. The first end 20A of the connecting mechanism 20 is rotatably connected to the first connecting portion 15A located on the first portion 11A of the first stay 11.

[0079] The first member 21A has a rotatable fastening structure (hereinafter referred to as the rotatable fastening structure of the first member 21A) relative to the first stay 11. The rotatable fastening structure of the first member 21A has the following structure: The first end portion 20A of the first member 21A and the first connecting portion 15A of the first stay 11 are configured to be rotatable and fastened by a bolt (hereinafter referred to as the stay fastening bolt 19). When the stay fastening bolt 19 is tightened, the first member 21A is fixed to the first stay 11 at a predetermined angle. When the stay fastening bolt 19 is loosened, the first member 21A becomes rotatable relative to the first stay 11.

[0080] The outer end 22B of the second member 21B is provided with the second end 20B of the connecting mechanism 20. The second end 20B of the connecting mechanism 20 is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion 15B located on the third portion 12A of the second stay 12. The second member 21B has a rotatable fastening structure to the second stay 12 that is similar to the rotatable fastening structure of the first member 21A.

[0081] The first member 21A is rotatably connected to the second member 21B. Specifically, the inner end portion 22A of the first member 21A is rotatably connected to the inner end portion 22A of the second member 21B. The first member 21A and the second member 21B together constitute the first bent member 27A.

[0082] The first bending member 27A bends at the connection point between the first member 21A and the second member 21B. As the first bending member 27A bends and extends, the distance between the first end 20A and the second end 20B increases or decreases.

[0083] In the first bending member 27A, the inner end portion 22A of the first member 21A and the inner end portion 22A of the second member 21B may be configured to be rotatable and fastened together by a bolt (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate fastening bolt 28). When the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is tightened, the second member 21B is fixed to the first member 21A at a predetermined angle. When the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is loosened, the second member 21B becomes rotatable relative to the first member 21A.

[0084] [Third and fourth members] The third member 21C and the fourth member 21D will now be described. The outer end 22B of the third member 21C is provided with the third end 20C of the connecting mechanism 20. The third end 20C of the connecting mechanism 20 is rotatably connected to the third connecting portion 15C located on the second portion 11B of the first stay 11. The third member 21C has a rotatable fastening structure to the first stay 11 that is similar to the rotatable fastening structure of the first member 21A.

[0085] The outer end 22B of the fourth member 21D is provided with the fourth end 20D of the connecting mechanism 20. The fourth end 20D of the connecting mechanism 20 is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting portion 15D located on the fourth portion 12B of the second stay 12. The fourth member 21D has a rotatable fastening structure to the second stay 12 that is similar to the rotatable fastening structure of the first member 21A.

[0086] The third member 21C is rotatably connected to the fourth member 21D. Specifically, the inner end portion 22A of the third member 21C is rotatably connected to the inner end portion 22A of the fourth member 21D. The third member 21C and the fourth member 21D together constitute the second bending member 27B.

[0087] The second bending member 27B bends at the connection point between the third member 21C and the fourth member 21D. As the second bending member 27B bends and extends, the distance between the third end 20C and the fourth end 20D increases or decreases.

[0088] In the second bending member 27B, the inner end 22A of the third member 21C and the inner end 22A of the fourth member 21D may be configured to be fastened together by an intermediate fastening bolt 28. When the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is tightened, the fourth member 21D is fixed to the third member 21C at a predetermined angle. When the intermediate fastening bolt 28 is loosened, the fourth member 21D becomes rotatable relative to the third member 21C.

[0089] [Arrangement of the first to fourth members] In the installed state of the first connector 10X, most of the first member 21A is positioned above the second member 21B. The first member 21A and the second member 21B may be positioned between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, or they may intersect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The positions of the first member 21A and the second member 21B are determined by the arrangement of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B with respect to the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0090] The first member 21A extends downward from the first portion 11A of the first stay 11 toward the second suspension bolt 5B and is positioned to intersect with the third member 21C.

[0091] The second member 21B extends upward from the third portion 12A of the second stay 12 toward the second suspension bolt 5B and is positioned to intersect with the fourth member 21D.

[0092] In the installed state of the first connector 10X, most of the third member 21C is positioned above the fourth member 21D. The third member 21C and the fourth member 21D may be positioned between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, or they may intersect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The positions of the third member 21C and the fourth member 21D are determined by the arrangement of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B with respect to the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0093] The third member 21C extends downward from the second portion 11B of the first stay 11 toward the first suspension bolt 5A and is positioned to intersect with the first member 21A.

[0094] The fourth member 21D extends upward from the fourth portion 12B of the second stay 12 toward the first suspension bolt 5A and is positioned to intersect with the second member 21B.

[0095] The first member 21A and the third member 21C are attached to the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11 on different surfaces. The first end 20A of the first member 21A is connected to the mounting portion 14 so as to contact the outer surface of the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11. The third end 20C of the third member 21C is connected to the mounting portion 14 so as to contact the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11.

[0096] Furthermore, the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D are attached to the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 on different surfaces. The second end 20B of the second member 21B is connected to the mounting portion 14 so as to contact the inner surface of the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12. The fourth end 20D of the fourth member 21D is connected to the mounting portion 14 so as to contact the outer surface of the mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12.

[0097] [Structure of the first component] Referring to Figure 8, the structure of the first member 21A will be explained. The second members 21B to the fourth members 21D have substantially the same basic structure as the first member 21A, but differ in part from the first member 21A. In the second members 21B to the fourth members 21D, the same components as those in the first member 21A are given the same names and reference numerals as the components of the first member 21A.

[0098] The first member 21A is composed of a long member. The first member 21A has a base portion 31 extending in the longitudinal direction, a first rib 32 perpendicular to the base portion 31, and a second rib 33 perpendicular to the base portion 31 (see Figure 5).

[0099] The base portion 31 has a first surface 31A and a second surface 31B opposite to the first surface 31A. In a plan view of the first connector 10X in its mounted state, the first surface 31A faces the third member 21C which intersects with the first member 21A. The first rib 32 and the second rib 33 (see Figure 5) are provided so as to protrude from the second surface 31B of the base portion 31.

[0100] The base portion 31 of the first member 21A is provided with a first hole 34, a second hole 35, an elongated hole 36, and a stepped portion 37.

[0101] As shown in Figure 8, the first hole 34 is provided in the base portion 31 near the outer end 22B of the first member 21A (i.e., the first end 20A). The first hole 34 is configured for the insertion of a stay fastening bolt 19.

[0102] The stepped portion 37 is provided on the base portion 31 of the first member 21A. The stepped portion 37 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first member 21A. The stepped portion 37 is configured to protrude from the first surface 31A of the base portion 31 toward the third member 21C that intersects with the first member 21A. The stepped portion 37 is provided between the first hole 34 and the second hole 35, and is provided closer to the second hole 35. The elongated hole 36 is provided in the stepped portion 37. The elongated hole 36 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first member 21A. The elongated hole 36 is configured for the insertion of an engaging fastening bolt 43.

[0103] The stepped portion 37 is configured to correspond to the portion where the first member 21A and the third member 21C intersect with each other. In the first connector 10X, the stepped portions 37 of the first member 21A and the third member 21C are in contact with each other. The first member 21A intersects with the third member 21C. The elongated holes 36 of the first member 21A and the third member 21C intersect with each other. A communication hole is formed by the intersection of the elongated holes 36 of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. An engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted through the communication hole formed by the intersection of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. The first member 21A and the third member 21C are joined together by the engaging fastening bolt 43 and the engaging nut 44.

[0104] The engaging fastening bolt 43 enters the first recess 37A on the opposite side of one of the stepped portions 37 of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. Also, a portion of the engaging nut 44 enters the first recess 37A on the opposite side of the other stepped portion 37 of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. The engaging nut 44 partially contacts the longitudinally extending side surface of the first recess 37A. This guides the engaging nut 44 into the first recess 37A.

[0105] As shown in Figure 8, the second hole 35 is provided in the base portion 31 near the inner end portion 22A of the first member 21A. The second hole 35 is configured for the insertion of an intermediate fastening bolt 28. The second hole 35 is configured to correspond to the portion where the first member 21A and the second member 21B overlap each other. In the first bent member 27A, the inner ends 22A of the first member 21A and the second member 21B are in contact with each other. The intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted through the communication hole formed by the second hole 35 of the first member 21A and the second member 21B. The first member 21A and the second member 21B are rotatably connected to each other by the intermediate fastening bolt 28 and the intermediate nut 29.

[0106] The structure of the connection between the portion of the first member 21A that is connected to the second member 21B and the portion of the second member 21B that is connected to the first member 21A (hereinafter referred to as the connection structure) is configured as follows.

[0107] The portion of the first member 21A connected to the second member 21B is different from the portion of the second member 21B connected to the first member 21A. The portion of the first member 21A connected to the second member 21B is provided with a connecting step portion 38. The height of the connecting step portion 38 is approximately twice the height of the step portion 37. In contrast, the portion of the second member 21B connected to the first member 21A is constructed flat. Furthermore, an intermediate nut 29 is welded to the portion of the second member 21B connected to the first member 21A so as to communicate with the second hole 35.

[0108] The connection structure between the portion of the fourth member 21D connected to the third member 21C and the portion of the third member 21C connected to the fourth member 21D is similar to the connection structure between the portion of the first member 21A connected to the second member 21B and the portion of the second member 21B connected to the first member 21A.

[0109] [Joining part] Each of the first connecting portion 23, the second connecting portion 24, the third connecting portion 25, and the fourth connecting portion 26 includes a clamping portion 50 that holds the suspension bolt 5.

[0110] The clamping portion 50 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the clamping portion 50 of the first joint 23 viewed from one direction. Figure 10 shows the clamping portion 50 of the first joint 23 viewed from a different direction than that shown in Figure 9.

[0111] The clamping portion 50 comprises a fixing portion 18, a clamping piece 51, and a fastening bolt 53 for fastening the clamping piece 51 to the fixing portion 18. The clamping portion 50 further comprises a biasing member 52 for biasing the clamping piece 51 against the fixing portion 18.

[0112] The fixing portion 18 is the portion of the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 in which the clamping portion 50 is positioned. Specifically, the fixing portion 18 includes the portion of the first stay 11 in which the first guide groove 16A is provided, and the portion of the first stay 11 in which the third guide groove 16C is provided. The fixing portion 18 also includes the portion of the second stay 12 in which the second guide groove 16B is provided, and the portion of the second stay 12 in which the fourth guide groove 16D is provided.

[0113] The clamping piece 51 provided on the first stay 11 is movable along the first stay 11. The clamping piece 51 is attached to the fixing portion 18 of the first stay 11. The clamping piece 51, together with the fixing portion 18, clamps the suspension bolt 5. The clamping piece 51 connects the first stay 11 and the suspension bolt 5 to each other where they intersect due to the tightening of the fastening bolt 53.

[0114] The clamping piece 51 is positioned on the base contact surface 13A of the first stay 11. In short, the clamping piece 51 is provided on the inner surface of the first stay 11 facing inward DA in the depth direction DY. As described above, the base contact surface 13A is the surface facing the suspension bolt 5. The clamping piece 51 is rotatably attached to the first stay 11.

[0115] The clamping piece 51 provided on the second stay 12 is movable along the second stay 12. The clamping piece 51 is attached to the fixing portion 18 of the second stay 12. The clamping piece 51, together with the fixing portion 18, clamps the suspension bolt 5. The clamping piece 51 connects the second stay 12 and the suspension bolt 5 to each other where they intersect due to the tightening of the fastening bolt 53.

[0116] The clamping piece 51 is positioned on the base contact surface 13A of the second stay 12. In short, the clamping piece 51 is provided on the inner surface of the second stay 12 facing inward DA in the depth direction DY. As described above, the base contact surface 13A is the surface facing the suspension bolt 5. The clamping piece 51 is rotatably attached to the second stay 12.

[0117] The clamping piece 51 will be described with reference to Figure 9. The clamping piece 51 has a mounting base 55 and a contact portion 56 provided on the mounting base 55.

[0118] The mounting base 55 is attached to the first guide groove 16A of the first stay 11 by fastening bolts 53. The mounting base 55 is provided with a mounting hole 55A. On the inner surface of the mounting hole 55A facing inward DA in the depth direction DY, an engaging projection 58 is provided around the mounting hole 55A. The engaging projection 58 is configured to protrude from the mounting base 55. The engaging projection 58 is configured to engage with the nut 54.

[0119] The fastening bolt 53 is inserted through the first guide groove 16A and the mounting hole 55A of the first stay 11. The mounting base 55 is tightened by the fastening bolt 53 when the position of the first connecting portion 23 of the first stay 11 is determined with respect to the suspension bolt 5.

[0120] The contact portion 56 has a groove 57 into which the suspension bolt 5 fits. The groove 57 is curved so that the suspension bolt 5 fits into it. A projection 59 is provided on the surface of the contact portion 56 opposite to the groove 57. The projection 59 is provided on the upper and lower portions of the contact portion 56. The projection 59 is used as a handle when moving the first connecting portion 23 of the first stay 11 relative to the suspension bolt 5.

[0121] The biasing member 52 is positioned between the bolt head 53A of the fastening bolt 53 and the fixing portion 18. As in this embodiment, a washer 53B may be positioned on the shaft of the fastening bolt 53. In this case, the biasing member 52 is positioned between the bolt head 53A and the washer 53B.

[0122] The biasing member 52 is made of a coil spring. Preferably, the biasing member 52 is made of a conical coil spring. A conical coil spring allows the coil spring to be made thinner when it is compressed by the fastening bolt 53. The biasing member 52 may also be a V-shaped leaf spring.

[0123] When the fastening bolt 53 is loosened, the biasing member 52 causes the clamping piece 51 and the first stay 11 to press against each other. As a result, the clamping piece 51 is biased in the direction in which the contact portion 56 closes relative to the first stay 11. Therefore, when the fastening bolt 53 is loosened and the groove portion 57 of the contact portion 56 is in contact with the suspension bolt 5, the first connecting portion 23 of the first stay 11 can be smoothly moved relative to the suspension bolt 5. Thus, the first connector 10X can be temporarily fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, and the position of the first stay 11 relative to the suspension bolt 5 can be easily adjusted.

[0124] [First engaging member and second engaging member] The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first engaging member 41 and a second engaging member 42. The first engaging member 41 is a member that engages the first member 21A and the third member 21C with each other. The second engaging member 42 is a member that engages the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D with each other.

[0125] The first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The first engaging member 41 is positioned at the intersection 40A between the first member 21A and the third member 21C so as to be slidable on the first member 21A and the third member 21C, and engages with the first member 21A and the third member 21C.

[0126] Specifically, the first engaging member 41 includes an engaging fastening bolt 43 and an engaging nut 44. As described above, the engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted through a communication hole formed by the intersection of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. The engaging nut 44 engages with the engaging fastening bolt 43.

[0127] A bolt head 43A of an engaging fastening bolt 43 is positioned on one of the second surfaces 31B of the first member 21A or the third member 21C. An engaging nut 44 is positioned on the other second surface 31B of the first member 21A or the third member 21C.

[0128] In this embodiment, the bolt head 43A is positioned in a first recess 37A provided on the second surface 31B of the first member 21A (see Figure 11). The bolt head 43A slides along the first recess 37A. The first recess 37A is the portion opposite to the stepped portion 37. The engaging nut 44 is provided on the second surface 31B of the third member 21C (see Figure 12). The engaging nut 44 is positioned such that a portion of it is accommodated in the first recess 37A provided on the second surface 31B of the third member 21C.

[0129] The second engaging member 42 is positioned at the intersection 40B between the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D so as to be slidable between the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D, and engages with the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D. The second engaging member 42 has the same structure as the first engaging member 41.

[0130] [Rotation prevention structure] The anti-rotation structure 48 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 9, 11, and 12. The first connector 10X has two anti-rotation structures.

[0131] The arrangement of the anti-rotation structure 48 will now be described. When the first connector 10X is attached to the two suspension bolts 5, the first connector 10X forms a surface structure in front of the two suspension bolts 5. In the surface structure formed by the first connector 10X, the surface facing inward DA in the depth direction DY in a plan view is called the first surface 10A, and the surface opposite to the first surface 10A is called the second surface 10B (see Figure 7). In this embodiment, the anti-rotation structure 48 is provided on the first surface 10A. In short, the anti-rotation structure 48 is provided on the inner surface side of the surface structure formed by the first connector 10X. The surface on which the tightening operation is performed is the second surface 10B (see Figure 7) facing outward DB in the depth direction DY in the surface structure.

[0132] [First anti-rotation structure] The fastening bolts 53 or nuts 54 that engage with the fastening bolts 53 of the clamping portions 50 of the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are equipped with a rotation-preventing structure 48 for the nuts 54 so that they can be tightened from a predetermined surface relative to the first connector 10X.

[0133] Referring to Figure 9, the first anti-rotation structure 48A will be described. The first anti-rotation structure 48A is a structure for fastening bolts 53 or nuts for fixing the clamping pieces 51 of the first joint 23 to the fourth joint 26 in the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0134] The clamping pieces 51 of each of the first to fourth connecting parts 23 to 26 are positioned on the base contact surface 13A of the first stay 11 and the base contact surface 13A of the second stay 12. In short, the clamping pieces 51 of each of the first to fourth connecting parts 23 to 26 are provided on the inner surfaces of the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 facing inward DA in the depth direction DY. The mounting base 55 of the clamping piece 51 is provided with an engaging projection 58. The engaging projection 58 is configured to stop the rotation of the nut 54.

[0135] [Second anti-rotation structure] The second anti-rotation structure 48B will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The second anti-rotation structure 48B is a structure for the engagement fastening bolt 43 or engagement nut 44 for the first engagement member 41 and the second engagement member 42.

[0136] The first connector 10X is equipped with a rotation-preventing structure 48B for the first and second engaging members 41 and 42 so that the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 can be tightened against the first connector 10X from a predetermined surface. Here, the predetermined surface is the second surface 10B of the surface structure described above. In short, the surface on which the tightening operation is performed is the second surface 10B (see Figure 7) of the surface structure that faces outward DB in the depth direction DY. The rotation-preventing structure 48B is provided on the first surface 10A side (see Figure 7) of the surface structure.

[0137] Specifically, as described above, the first engaging member 41 includes an engaging fastening bolt 43 and an engaging nut 44. The engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted through a communication hole formed by the intersection of the first member 21A and the third member 21C. The engaging nut 44 is positioned on the third member 21C, which is located inward DA in the depth direction DY from the first member 21A. Specifically, the engaging nut 44 is provided on the second surface 31B of the third member 21C. The engaging nut 44 is positioned such that a portion of it is housed in a first recess 37A provided on the second surface 31B of the third member 21C. The first recess 37A prevents the engaging nut 44 from rotating.

[0138] These anti-rotation structures 48A, 48B and bolt insertion structures allow various fastening bolts to be inserted into the first connector 10X from the same surface. In this embodiment, various fastening bolts can be inserted from the second surface 10B of the surface structure, which is a predetermined surface. The various fastening bolts include fastening bolts 53, stay fastening bolts 19, and engaging fastening bolts 43. Furthermore, the fastening bolts can be tightened from the same surface. And, since the rotation of the nuts is suppressed when tightening the fastening bolts, the fastening bolts can be tightened without loss. As a result, the efficiency of the installation work of the first connector 10X is improved.

[0139] Furthermore, a rotation-preventing structure 48 may be applied to the intermediate nut 29. This further improves the efficiency of the installation work of the first connector 10X.

[0140] Although the anti-rotation structure 48 indicates an anti-rotation mechanism for the nut when tightening the fastening bolt, the anti-rotation structure 48 may also be configured as an anti-rotation mechanism for the bolt head. In this case, when the anti-rotation structure 48 for the bolt head is used, the operation of tightening the nut is performed.

[0141] [Orientation of fastening bolts in the first connector] The orientation of several fastening bolts used in the first connector 10X is aligned so that they face the same direction. Specifically, the various fastening bolts are arranged so that the heads of the fastening bolts face outward DB in the depth direction DY. The nuts that engage with the fastening bolts are positioned on the first surface 10A of the first connector 10X, facing inward DA in the depth direction DY.

[0142] Specifically, the fastening bolts of the clamping portions 50 of each of the first to fourth connecting portions 23 to 26 are arranged in the same direction. By arranging the fastening bolts 53 in the same direction, when fixing the first connector 10X to the two suspension bolts 5, the worker can tighten the four fastening bolts 53 from the same direction, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0143] Furthermore, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 may be arranged in the same orientation. At the intersection 40A of the first member 21A and the third member 21C, an engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted through the second surface 31B of the first member 21A. The second surface 31B of the first member 21A faces outward DB in the depth direction DY.

[0144] At the intersection 40B of the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D, the engaging fastening bolt 43 is inserted through the second surface 31B of the fourth member 21D. The second surface 31B of the fourth member 21D faces outward DB in the depth direction DY.

[0145] At the connection between the first member 21A and the second member 21B, an intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted through the second surface 31B of the first member 21A. The second surface 31B of the first member 21A faces outward DB in the depth direction DY.

[0146] At the connection between the third member 21C and the fourth member 21D, an intermediate fastening bolt 28 is inserted through the second surface 31B of the fourth member 21D. The second surface 31B of the fourth member 21D faces outward DB in the depth direction DY.

[0147] [Second connector] The second connector 10Y will be described with reference to Figures 2, 13, and 14. The second connector 10Y differs from the first connector 10X in the following respects: The second connector 10Y does not have the first stay 11 and the second stay 12. The second connector 10Y has a connecting mechanism 20 that connects directly to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0148] The connecting mechanism 20 of the second connector 10Y comprises first member 61A to fourth member 61D (see Figure 2). The first member 61A to fourth member 61D have the same structure as the first member 21A to fourth member 21D of the first connector 10X, respectively.

[0149] The connecting mechanism 20 of the second connector 10Y differs from the connecting mechanism 20 of the first connector 10X in the following respect: Each of the first members 61A to 4th members 61D of the second connector 10Y has a fifth connecting portion 62. Each of the first members 61A to 4th members 61D is directly connected to the suspension bolt 5 by the fifth connecting portion 62.

[0150] Figure 13 shows the fifth joint 62 of the first member 61A. The fifth joint 62 has substantially the same structure as the first joint 23 of the first connector 10X. The fifth joint 62 includes a clamping portion 50. The clamping portion 50 comprises a fixing portion 21X, a clamping piece 51, and a fastening bolt 53 for fastening the clamping piece 51 to the fixing portion 21X. The fixing portion 21X is provided at the outer end portion 22B of the first member 61A.

[0151] In this embodiment, the first member 61A is positioned outside the boundary surface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The clamping piece 51 of the first member 61A is positioned inside the boundary surface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The first member 61A and the clamping piece 51 of the first member 61A then clamp the upper part of the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0152] The arrangement of the fourth member 61D with respect to the third suspension bolt 5C is the same as that of the first member 61A with respect to the second suspension bolt 5B. Specifically, the fourth member 61D is positioned outside the boundary surface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The clamping piece 51 of the fourth member 61D is positioned inside the boundary surface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The fourth member 61D and the clamping piece 51 of the fourth member 61D then clamp the lower part of the third suspension bolt 5C.

[0153] Figure 14 shows the fifth joint 62 of the second member 61B. The fifth joint 62 has substantially the same structure as the first joint 23 of the first connector 10X. The fifth joint 62 includes a clamping portion 50. The clamping portion 50 comprises a fixing portion 21X, a clamping piece 51, and a fastening bolt 53 for fastening the clamping piece 51 to the fixing portion 21X. The fixing portion 21X is provided at the outer end portion 22B of the second member 61B.

[0154] In this embodiment, the second member 61B is positioned on the inside of the interface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The clamping piece 51 of the second member 61B is positioned on the outside of the interface that passes through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The second member 61B and the clamping piece 51 of the second member 61B then clamp the lower part of the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0155] The arrangement of the third member 61C with respect to the third suspension bolt 5C is the same as that of the second member 61B with respect to the second suspension bolt 5B. Specifically, the third member 61C is positioned inside the boundary surface passing through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The clamping piece 51 of the third member 61C is positioned outside the boundary surface passing through the center line of the second suspension bolt 5B and the center line of the third suspension bolt 5C. The third member 61C and the clamping piece 51 of the third member 61C then clamp the upper part of the third suspension bolt 5C.

[0156] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the outer end 22B of the first member 61A is connected to a predetermined position on the second suspension bolt 5B. The outer end 22B of the second member 61B is connected to the second suspension bolt 5B at a lower position than the position where the fifth connecting portion 62 of the first member 61A is connected. The outer end 22B of the third member 61C is connected to a predetermined position on the third suspension bolt 5C. The outer end 22B of the fourth member 61D is connected to the third suspension bolt 5C at a lower position than the position where the fifth connecting portion 62 of the third member 61C is connected.

[0157] [Method for attaching the first and second connectors] As shown in Figure 1, the first connector 10X is temporarily fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The first connector 10X is temporarily fixed to the third suspension bolt 5C and the fourth suspension bolt 5D. The second connector 10Y is temporarily fixed to the second suspension bolt 5B and the third suspension bolt 5C. The second connector 10Y is temporarily fixed to the fourth suspension bolt 5D and the first suspension bolt 5A.

[0158] Temporary fixing refers to an installation state in which the first connector 10X or the second connector 10Y is fixed to the suspension bolt 5 by the clamping force of the clamping portion 50 by the biasing member 52, while the fastening bolt, the first engaging member 41, and the second engaging member 42 are not tightened.

[0159] When the first connector 10X is temporarily fixed to the suspension bolt 5, the connection positions of the first to fourth connection parts 23 to 26 with respect to the suspension bolt 5 can be easily adjusted. When the second connector 10Y is temporarily fixed to the suspension bolt 5, the connection positions of the four fifth connection parts 62 with respect to the suspension bolt 5 can be easily adjusted.

[0160] As shown in Figure 2, with the first connector 10X unfolded, the fastening bolt 53, first engaging member 41, second engaging member 42, and intermediate fastening bolt 28 of the first connector 10X are tightened.

[0161] Furthermore, with the second connector 10Y extended, the fastening bolts 53, first engaging member 41, second engaging member 42, and intermediate fastening bolts 28 of the second connector 10Y are tightened.

[0162] In this way, the first suspension bolts 5A to the fourth suspension bolts 5D are firmly fixed by two first connectors 10X and two second connectors 10Y so that the distance between each suspension bolt 5 does not change. As a result, the object 2 suspended by the first suspension bolts 5A to the fourth suspension bolts 5D is less likely to sway in the event of a large vibration such as an earthquake.

[0163] [First mounting method for the first connector] In the method of installing the first connector 10X, the first connector 10X is installed such that the intermediate position PM between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B coincides with the center line LC of the first connector 10X. This installation method is used when there are no obstacles around the suspension structure 1 and the object 2 supported by the suspension structure 1.

[0164] Various mounting configurations will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. In the examples shown in Figures 15, 16, and 17, the first connector 10X is attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B by the first mounting method.

[0165] Figure 15 shows the first connector 10X attached to the short first suspension bolt 5A and the short second suspension bolt 5B. Figure 16 shows the first connector 10X attached to the long first suspension bolt 5A and the long second suspension bolt 5B.

[0166] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 is set to a distance corresponding to the lengths of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 can be adjusted by changing the angle between the first member 21A and the second member 21B and the angle between the third member 21C and the fourth member 21D.

[0167] Figure 15 shows the first connector 10X attached to the first suspension bolts 5A and the second suspension bolts 5B, which are arranged at a narrow pitch. Figure 17 shows the first connector 10X attached to the first suspension bolts 5A and the second suspension bolts 5B, which are arranged at a wide pitch.

[0168] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, the distance between the first joint 23 and the third joint 25 of the first connector 10X is positioned according to the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. Similarly, the distance between the second joint 24 and the fourth joint 26 of the first connector 10X is positioned according to the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0169] [Second mounting method for the first connector] In the method of installing the first connector 10X, the first connector 10X is installed such that its centerline LC is shifted in a predetermined direction from the intermediate position PM between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. This installation method is used when there are obstacles around the suspension structure 1 and the object 2 supported by the suspension structure 1. An example of an obstacle is a wall.

[0170] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the indoor unit 2A may be suspended from the ceiling slab 3 near the vertical wall 4. In this case, it may not be possible to align the intermediate position PM of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B with the center line LC of the first connector 10X. In this case, the first connector 10X is positioned so as not to interfere with the vertical wall 4. Then, the positions of the first connection part 23 to the fourth connection part 26 with respect to the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are moved to a position where they can be connected to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. This allows the first connector 10X to be fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B without interfering with the vertical wall 4.

[0171] Two mounting configurations will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. In the examples shown in Figures 18 and 19, the first connector 10X is attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B by the second mounting method.

[0172] In the example shown in Figure 18, the indoor unit 2A is positioned near the vertical wall 4. The first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are positioned equidistant from the center line LCM of the indoor unit 2A. The width of the first connector 10X is greater than the width of the indoor unit 2A. Therefore, if the center line LC of the first connector 10X is aligned with the center line LCM of the indoor unit 2A, the first connector 10X will come into contact with the vertical wall 4. In this case, the pair of the first connector 23 and the third connector 25 and the pair of the second connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 are positioned so that the centers of the pairs are shifted from the center line LC of the first connector 10X. This allows the first connector 10X to be attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B without coming into contact with the vertical wall 4.

[0173] In the example shown in Figure 19, the indoor unit 2A is positioned near the vertical wall 4. The first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are positioned such that the intermediate position PM between the two suspension bolts 5 is shifted from the centerline LCM of the indoor unit 2A towards the vertical wall 4. Therefore, if the centerline LC of the first connector 10X is aligned with the intermediate position PM between the two suspension bolts 5, the first connector 10X will come into contact with the vertical wall 4. In this case, the pair of the first connector 23 and the third connector 25 and the pair of the second connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 are positioned at positions shifted from the centerline LC of the first connector 10X. This allows the first connector 10X to be attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B without coming into contact with the vertical wall 4.

[0174] <Operation> Before installing the first connector 10X, the fastening bolts 53, first engaging member 41, second engaging member 42, and intermediate fastening bolts 28 are loosened. This allows the relative positions of the first to fourth connecting parts 23 to 26 to be freely adjusted.

[0175] Figure 1 shows the state in which two first connectors 10X and two second connectors 10Y are temporarily fixed to the first suspension bolts 5A to the fourth suspension bolts 5D. In the first connector 10X between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, the first connecting part 23 and the second connecting part 24 are temporarily connected to the first suspension bolt 5A, and the third connecting part 25 and the fourth connecting part 26 are temporarily connected to the second suspension bolt 5B. In addition, the fastening bolt 53, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 are held in a loosened state. For this reason, the first connector 10X can be easily extended. When the first connecting parts 23 to the fourth connecting parts 26 are positioned in the predetermined position (see Figure 2), the fastening bolt 53, the first engaging member 41, the second engaging member 42, and the intermediate fastening bolt 28 are tightened. In this way, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are firmly connected by the first connector 10X.

[0176] <Effect of Embodiment 1> The first connector 10X has a first stay 11 and a second stay 12. The first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected by the first stay 11 and the second stay 12. Furthermore, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are connected by a connecting mechanism 20. In short, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12, which connect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, are connected by the connecting mechanism 20. In this way, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected by the first connector 10X in a double connecting structure, so that the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are firmly connected.

[0177] Furthermore, regardless of the deployment state of the connecting mechanism 20, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 intersect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B at a predetermined angle and connect to these suspension bolts 5. Therefore, even when the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is narrow, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 intersect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B at a predetermined angle. As a result, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are firmly connected by the connecting mechanism 20. This makes it less likely for the two suspension bolts 5 to sway relative to the ceiling slab 3, even when the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is narrow. The predetermined angle is 90 degrees or an angle close to 90 degrees.

[0178] <Effect of the Embodiment 2> The suspension structure 1 can take on various forms depending on the size of the object 2 suspended by the suspension structure 1 and the position of the object 2 from the ceiling slab 3. Specifically, when the suspension structure 1 is equipped with four suspension bolts 5, the length of each of the four suspension bolts 5 and the distance between the four suspension bolts 5 can be set in various ways. Conventionally, in order to prevent the object 2 from swaying, braces are attached to each of the four suspension bolts 5, in pairs. As described above, since the length of each of the four suspension bolts 5 and the distance between the four suspension bolts 5 can be set in various ways, the length of the brace is determined according to these set lengths or distances. Adjusting the length of the brace is time-consuming and hinders the efficiency of the object 2 suspension work.

[0179] The first connector 10X of this embodiment includes a connecting mechanism 20. The connecting mechanism 20 has first connecting parts 23 to fourth connecting parts 26. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the first connecting part 23 and the third connecting part 25 can be expanded or contracted. The connecting mechanism 20 is configured so that the distance between the second connecting part 24 and the fourth connecting part 26 can be expanded or contracted. Specifically, in the first stay 11, both the first connecting part 23 and the third connecting part 25 are provided to be movable. In the second stay 12, both the second connecting part 24 and the fourth connecting part 26 are provided to be movable. Therefore, the lateral distance DX between the first connecting part 23 and the third connecting part 25 can be freely set. Also, the lateral distance DX between the second connecting part 24 and the fourth connecting part 26 can be freely set.

[0180] In the connecting mechanism 20, the distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 can be expanded or contracted. This allows the vertical distance DZ between the first connecting part 23 and the second connecting part 24 to be freely set. Also, the vertical distance DZ between the third connecting part 25 and the fourth connecting part 26 can be freely set.

[0181] Therefore, the positional relationship between the first joint 23 and the fourth joint 26 can be changed. Specifically, the relative positions of the first joint 23 and the fourth joint 26 can be freely set according to the length of each of the four suspension bolts 5 and the distance (i.e., pitch) between the four suspension bolts 5.

[0182] Thus, since the distance between any two of the first to fourth connecting parts 23 and 26 can be changed, the first connector 10X can be applied to suspension structures 1 of various widths without the need for cutting to adjust the length of the members. Furthermore, the first connector 10X can be applied to suspension structures 1 of various lengths in the vertical direction DZ. This improves the efficiency of the installation of objects 2 using the suspension structure.

[0183] <Effect of Embodiment 3> In the suspension structure 1, the swaying of object 2 can be suppressed by attaching the first connector 10X to at least two of the four suspension bolts 5.

[0184] In this embodiment, one first connector 10X is attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, and another first connector 10X is attached to the third suspension bolt 5C and the fourth suspension bolt 5D. This further suppresses the swaying of the object 2 supported by the suspension structure 1.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one second connector 10Y is attached to the second suspension bolt 5B and the third suspension bolt 5C, and another second connector 10Y is attached to the fourth suspension bolt 5D and the first suspension bolt 5A. This further suppresses the swaying of the object 2 supported by the suspension structure 1.

[0186] As described above, the second connector 10Y has a connecting mechanism 20. The connecting mechanism 20 of the second connector 10Y comprises first members 61A to fourth members 61D (see Figure 2). Since the first members 61A to fourth members 61D have the same structure as the first members 21A to fourth members 21D of the first connector 10X, the distance between the ends of each member can be expanded or contracted. Furthermore, the ends of the first members 61A to fourth members 61D are provided with fifth connecting parts 62 that connect to the suspension bolts 5. Therefore, the second connector 10Y has a structure in which the ends of the first members 61A to fourth members 61D can be connected to the suspension bolts 5, and the distance between the ends of each member can be expanded or contracted. As a result, the positional relationship of the fifth connecting parts 62 of each member can be changed. Specifically, the relative position of each fifth connecting part 62 can be freely set according to the length of each of the four suspension bolts 5 and the distance (i.e., pitch) between the four suspension bolts 5. Therefore, the second connector 10Y can be applied to suspension structures 1 of various widths without the need for cutting to adjust the length of the mounting section. This improves the efficiency of the installation work for objects 2 in the suspension structure.

[0187] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The first connector 10X comprises a first stay 11, a second stay 12, and a connecting mechanism 20 that connects the first stay 11 and the second stay 12. The connecting mechanism 20 connects to the first part 11A and the second part 11B, which are located at a distance from each other in the first stay 11, and to the third part 12A and the fourth part 12B, which are located at a distance from each other in the second stay 12.

[0188] In this configuration, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected to each other by the first stay 11 and the second stay 12, which are connected by the connecting mechanism 20. This suppresses the lateral swaying of the object 2 suspended by the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. Since the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are connected by the connecting mechanism 20, the lateral swaying of the object 2 can be effectively suppressed. By connecting the connecting mechanism 20 to the first stay 11 and the second stay 12, the connecting mechanism 20, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are configured as a single unit. Therefore, the first connector 10X is easily fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0189] (2) The connecting mechanism 20 has a first end 20A, a second end 20B, a third end 20C, and a fourth end 20D. The first part 11A of the first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting part 15A to which the first end 20A of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The third part 12A of the second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting part 15B to which the second end 20B of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The second part 11B of the first stay 11 is provided with a third connecting part 15C to which the third end 20C of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected. The fourth part 12B of the second stay 12 is provided with a fourth connecting part 15D to which the fourth end 20D of the connecting mechanism 20 is connected.

[0190] The first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 23 that connects to the first suspension bolt 5A. The second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 24 that connects to the first suspension bolt 5A. The first stay 11 is provided with a third connecting portion 25 that connects to the second suspension bolt 5B. The second stay 12 is provided with a fourth connecting portion 26 that connects to the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0191] In this configuration, the first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 23 and a third connecting portion 25, and the second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 24 and a fourth connecting portion 26. Therefore, the first connector 10X can be easily fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0192] (3) Each of the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 comprises a base portion 13 and a mounting portion 14 provided at a position away from the base portion 13. The base portion 13 of the first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 23 and a third connecting portion 25. The mounting portion 14 of the first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 15A and a third connecting portion 15C. The base portion 13 of the second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 24 and a fourth connecting portion 26. The mounting portion 14 of the second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 15B and a fourth connecting portion 15D.

[0193] With this configuration, the connecting mechanism 20 of the first connector 10X is less likely to interfere with the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. As a result, the first connector 10X can be smoothly attached to the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0194] (4) In the first stay 11, the first connecting portion 23 and the third connecting portion 25 are provided to be movable. In the second stay 12, the second connecting portion 24 and the fourth connecting portion 26 are provided to be movable.

[0195] With this configuration, the first joint 23 and the third joint 25 in the first stay 11 can be moved according to the pitch between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, and the second joint 24 and the fourth joint 26 in the second stay 12 can be moved. Therefore, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 can be attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B for multiple sets of first suspension bolts 5A and second suspension bolts 5B with different pitches.

[0196] (5) The second stay 12 is positioned parallel to the first stay 11. With this configuration, when the object 2 is subjected to lateral swaying, the load applied to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B can be made equal.

[0197] (6) The connecting mechanism 20 is configured such that the distance between the first end 20A and the second end 20B can be expanded and contracted, and the distance between the third end 20C and the fourth end 20D can be expanded and contracted. Furthermore, it may be configured such that the distance between the first end 20A and the third end 20C can be expanded and contracted, and the distance between the second end 20B and the fourth end 20D can be expanded and contracted.

[0198] This configuration allows for expansion or contraction of the distance between the first end 20A and the second end 20B, and between the third end 20C and the fourth end 20D. This allows for a change in the positional relationship between the first joint 23 and the fourth joint 26. Therefore, the first connector 10X can be easily fixed to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, which are installed at various lengths, without the need for cutting to adjust the length of the members.

[0199] (7) The connecting mechanism 20 includes a first member 21A having a first end 20A, a second member 21B having a second end 20B, a third member 21C having a third end 20C, and a fourth member 21D having a fourth end 20D. Each of the first members 21A to the fourth members 21D is connected to two other members from the first members 21A to the fourth members 21D.

[0200] With this configuration, each of the first member 21A to the fourth member 21D is connected to two other members, thereby strengthening the structure of the connecting mechanism 20.

[0201] (8) The coupling mechanism 20 further comprises a first engaging member 41 and a second engaging member 42. The first member 21A is rotatably connected to the second member 21B. The third member 21C is rotatably connected to the fourth member 21D. The first engaging member 41 is slidably positioned at the intersection 40A between the first member 21A and the third member 21C and engages with the first member 21A and the third member 21C. The second engaging member 42 is slidably positioned at the intersection 40B between the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D and engages with the second member 21B and the fourth member 21D.

[0202] In this configuration, a first bendable member 27A is formed by the first member 21A and the second member 21B. A second bendable member 27B is formed by the third member 21C and the fourth member 21D. The first bendable member 27A and the second bendable member 27B are connected by the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42. This allows for smooth adjustment of the distance between the first to fourth connecting parts 23 and 26, and improves the strength of the connecting mechanism 20.

[0203] (9) Each of the first joint 23, second joint 24, third joint 25, and fourth joint 26 includes a clamping portion 50 that holds the suspension bolt 5. With this configuration, the first joint 23 to the fourth joint 26 can be made into a simple structure.

[0204] (10) The clamping portion 50 comprises a fixing portion 18 on the first stay 11 or the second stay 12, a clamping piece 51 attached to the fixing portion 18 to clamp the suspension bolt 5, and a fastening bolt 53 for fastening the clamping piece 51 to the fixing portion 18. With this configuration, the clamping portion 50 can have a simple structure.

[0205] (11) The clamping piece 51 provided on the first stay 11 is movable along the first stay 11 and clamps the suspension bolt 5 together with the fixing part 18. Furthermore, the clamping piece 51 provided on the first stay 11 connects the first stay 11 and the suspension bolt 5 at the point where the first stay 11 and the suspension bolt 5 intersect when the fastening bolt 53 is tightened.

[0206] The clamping piece 51 provided on the second stay 12 is movable along the second stay 12 and clamps the suspension bolt 5 together with the fixing part 18. Furthermore, the clamping piece 51 provided on the second stay 12 connects the second stay 12 and the suspension bolt 5 at the point where they intersect when the fastening bolt 53 is tightened.

[0207] With this configuration, the position of the clamping portion 50 of the first stay 11 in the lateral direction DX can be adjusted to match the position of the suspension bolt 5, and the first stay 11 can be positioned in the vertical direction DZ relative to the suspension bolt 5. Once positioned in this way, the first stay 11 and the suspension bolt 5 can be fixed by tightening the fastening bolt 53 so that the first stay 11 does not move relative to the suspension bolt 5, and the suspension bolt 5 does not move relative to the first stay 11.

[0208] Furthermore, the position of the clamping portion 50 of the second stay 12 in the lateral direction DX can be adjusted to match the position of the suspension bolt 5, and the second stay 12 can be positioned in the vertical direction DZ relative to the suspension bolt 5. Once positioned in this way, the second stay 12 and the suspension bolt 5 can be fixed by tightening the fastening bolt 53 so that the second stay 12 does not move relative to the suspension bolt 5, and the suspension bolt 5 does not move relative to the second stay 12.

[0209] (12) The clamping portion 50 is equipped with a biasing member 52 that biases the clamping piece 51 toward the fixing portion 18. With this configuration, the clamping portion 50 allows each of the first connecting portion 23 to the fourth connecting portion 26 to be easily temporarily connected to the suspension bolt 5. By temporarily connecting each of the first connecting portion 23 to the fourth connecting portion 26 to the suspension bolt 5, the first connector 10X can be temporarily fixed to the two suspension bolts 5. Therefore, the effort required to hold the first connector 10X by hand during installation can be reduced.

[0210] (13) The fastening bolts or nuts that engage with the fastening bolts of the clamping portions 50 of the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 can be tightened to the first connector 10X from a predetermined surface. In one example, a rotation-preventing structure 48A is provided for the nut 54.

[0211] The first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 can be tightened against the first connector 10X from a predetermined surface. In one example, the connecting mechanism 20 is provided with a rotation-preventing structure 48B (in this embodiment, a second rotation-preventing structure 48B) for the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42.

[0212] With this configuration, when attaching the first connector 10X to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, the worker can tighten the fastening bolt 53 or nut 54 to the first connector 10X from the same predetermined surface. Furthermore, the worker can tighten the first engaging member 41 and the second engaging member 42 to the first connector 10X from the same predetermined surface. Therefore, the work efficiency can be improved when attaching the first connector 10X to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0213] (14) The suspension structure 1 comprises a first suspension bolt 5A suspended from the ceiling slab 3, a second suspension bolt 5B suspended from the ceiling slab 3, and a first connector 10X.

[0214] In this configuration, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected to each other by the first stay 11 and the second stay 12, which are connected by the connecting mechanism 20. This makes it possible to suppress the lateral swaying of the object 2 suspended by the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0215] (15) The first connector 10X is installed by aligning the intermediate position PM between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B with the center line LC of the first connector 10X. With this configuration, the load can be applied evenly to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0216] (16) The method for attaching the first connector 10X is to attach the first connector 10X such that the center line LC of the first connector 10X is shifted in a predetermined direction from the intermediate position PM between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. With this configuration, even when an object 2 is suspended near a wall, the first connector 10X can be attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B so that the first connector 10X does not come into contact with the vertical wall 4, even if one of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B is positioned close to the wall.

[0217] <Second Embodiment> The third connector 10Z will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. In this embodiment, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description of redundant components is omitted. The third connector 10Z is a type of connector 10.

[0218] In the first embodiment, the connecting mechanism 20 of the first connector 10X comprises first members 21A to fourth members 21D. In contrast, the connecting mechanism 20 of the third connector 10Z in the second embodiment comprises a first brace 71 and a second brace 72. The second brace 72 is positioned to intersect the first brace 71. A pivot shaft is attached to the portion where the first brace 71 and the second brace 72 intersect, so that the second brace 72 can rotate relative to the first brace 71, and the pivot shaft penetrates both the first brace 71 and the second brace 72.

[0219] The first brace 71 has a first end 20A and a fourth end 20D. In the first brace 71, the fourth end 20D is the end opposite to the first end 20A. The second brace 72 has a second end 20B and a third end 20C. In the second brace 72, the third end 20C is the end opposite to the second end 20B.

[0220] The first end 20A of the first brace 71 is movably attached to the first portion 11A of the first stay 11. The fourth end 20D of the first brace 71 is movably attached to the fourth portion 12B of the second stay 12. The second end 20B of the second brace 72 is movably attached to the third portion 12A of the second stay 12. The third end 20C of the second brace 72 is movably attached to the second portion 11B of the first stay 11.

[0221] The first stay 11 is provided with a first connecting portion 23 and a third connecting portion 25 having the same structure as in the first embodiment. The second stay 12 is provided with a second connecting portion 24 and a fourth connecting portion 26 having the same structure as in the first embodiment.

[0222] Various mounting configurations will be described with reference to Figures 20, 21, and 22. In the examples shown in Figures 20, 21, and 22, the third connector 10Z is attached to the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B by the first mounting method shown in the second embodiment.

[0223] Figure 20 shows the third connector 10Z attached to the short first suspension bolt 5A and the short second suspension bolt 5B. Figure 21 shows the third connector 10Z attached to the long first suspension bolt 5A and the long second suspension bolt 5B.

[0224] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 is set to a distance corresponding to the lengths of the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. The distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 is then adjusted by changing the angle between the first brace 71 and the second brace 72.

[0225] Figure 20 shows the third connector 10Z attached to the first suspension bolts 5A and the second suspension bolts 5B, which are arranged at a narrow pitch. Figure 22 shows the third connector 10Z attached to the first suspension bolts 5A and the second suspension bolts 5B, which are arranged at a wide pitch.

[0226] As shown in Figures 20 and 22, the distance between the first joint 23 and the third joint 25 of the third connector 10Z is positioned according to the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B. Similarly, the distance between the second joint 24 and the fourth joint 26 of the third connector 10Z is positioned according to the distance between the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B.

[0227] <Operation of the Embodiment> The third connector 10Z has a first stay 11 and a second stay 12. The first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected by the first stay 11 and the second stay 12. Furthermore, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12 are connected by a connecting mechanism 20. In short, the first stay 11 and the second stay 12, which connect the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B, are connected by the connecting mechanism 20. In this way, the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are connected by the third connector 10Z in a double connecting structure, so that the first suspension bolt 5A and the second suspension bolt 5B are firmly connected.

[0228] <Effects of this embodiment> In the third connector 10Z, the connecting mechanism 20 includes a first brace 71 having a first end 20A and a fourth end 20D, and a second brace 72 having a second end 20B and a third end 20C. The second brace 72 intersects the first brace 71. With this configuration, a cross structure is formed by the first brace 71 and the second brace 72. This allows the connecting mechanism 20 to be constructed with a simple structure.

[0229] <Variation> The connector 10, suspension structure 1, and method of attaching the connector 10 of this disclosure may also be modified in ways other than those described above, such as the modifications shown below, or in combination of at least two mutually non-inconsistent modifications.

[0230] The various fastening bolts in the connecting mechanism 20 may be hexagonal bolts or wing bolts.

[0231] In the first embodiment, the first end 20A of the first member 21A and the third end 20C of the third member 21C may be movably attached to the first stay 11. Also, the second end 20B of the second member 21B and the fourth end 20D of the fourth member 21D may be movably attached to the second stay 12. This allows for an increase in the range of expansion and contraction of the distance between the first stay 11 and the second stay 12.

[0232] The structure of the first joint 23 is not limited to the structure of the clamping portion 50 shown in the first embodiment. For example, if the circumferential surface of the first suspension bolt 5A is threaded, the first joint 23 comprises two nuts that engage with the first suspension bolt 5A. In this case, the first stay 11 is clamped between the two nuts.

[0233] The embodiments and their variations have been described above regarding the connector 10, the suspension structure 1, and the method of attaching the connector 10. It should be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the connector 10 and suspension structure 1 as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0234] LC...Centerline, PM...Intermediate position, 1...Suspension structure, 2...Object, 2A...Indoor unit, 3...Ceiling slab, 5...Suspension bolt, 5A...First suspension bolt, 5B...Second suspension bolt, 10...Connector, 11...First stay, 11A...First part, 11B...Second part, 12...Second stay, 12A...Third part, 12B...Fourth part, 13...Base part, 14...Mounting part, 15A...First connection part, 15B...Second connection part, 15C...Third connection part, 15D...Fourth connection part, 18...Fixing part, 19A...Nut, 20...Connecting mechanism, 20A...First end, 20B...Second end, 20C …Third end, 20D…Fourth end, 21A…First member, 21B…Second member, 21C…Third member, 21D…Fourth member, 21X…Fixing part, 23…First joint part, 24…Second joint part, 25…Third joint part, 26…Fourth joint part, 31…Base part, 40A…Intersection part, 40B…Intersection part, 41…First engaging member, 42…Second engaging member, 48…Rotation prevention structure, 48A…First rotation prevention structure, 48B…Second rotation prevention structure, 50…Clamping part, 51…Clamping piece, 52…Biasing member, 53…Fastening bolt, 54…Nut, 71…First brace, 72…Second brace.

Claims

1. A connecting device (10, 10X) that connects a first suspension bolt (5A) and a second suspension bolt (5B) suspended from a ceiling slab (3), A first stay (11) connected to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B), A second stay (12) is connected to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B) at a position lower than the first stay (11), The device includes a connecting mechanism (20) that connects the first stay (11) and the second stay (12), The aforementioned coupling mechanism (20) is The first stay (11) is configured to connect to a first portion (11A) and a second portion (11B) that are located at a distance from each other, and to a third portion (12A) and a fourth portion (12B) that are located at a distance from each other in the second stay (12). The connecting mechanism (20) has a first end (20A), a second end (20B), a third end (20C), and a fourth end (20D), The first portion (11A) of the first stay (11) is provided with a first connecting portion (15A) to which the first end (20A) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The third portion (12A) of the second stay (12) is provided with a second connecting portion (15B) to which the second end (20B) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The second portion (11B) of the first stay (11) is provided with a third connecting portion (15C) to which the third end (20C) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The fourth portion (12B) of the second stay (12) is provided with a fourth connecting portion (15D) to which the fourth end (20D) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The first stay (11) is provided with a first connecting portion (23) that connects to the first suspension bolt (5A), The second stay (12) is provided with a second connecting portion (24) that connects to the first suspension bolt (5A), In the first stay (11), a third connecting portion (25) is provided at a location away from the first connecting portion (23) and connects to the second suspension bolt (5B). In the second stay (12), a fourth connecting portion (26) is provided at a location away from the second connecting portion (24) and connects to the second suspension bolt (5B). In the first stay (11), the first connecting portion (23) and the third connecting portion (25) are provided to be movable. In the second stay (12), the second connecting portion (24) and the fourth connecting portion (26) are provided to be movable. Connector.

2. Each of the first stay (11) and the second stay (12) comprises a base portion (13) and a mounting portion (14) provided at a position away from the base portion (13), The base portion (13) of the first stay (11) is provided with the first connecting portion (23) and the third connecting portion (25). The mounting portion (14) of the first stay (11) is provided with the first connecting portion (15A) and the third connecting portion (15C). The base portion (13) of the second stay (12) is provided with the second connecting portion (24) and the fourth connecting portion (26). The mounting portion (14) of the second stay (12) is provided with the second connecting portion (15B) and the fourth connecting portion (15D). The connector according to claim 1.

3. The second stay (12) is arranged parallel to the first stay (11), The connector according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned coupling mechanism (20) is The distance between the first end (20A) and the second end (20B) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the third end (20C) and the fourth end (20D) is expandable and contractable, or The distance between the first end (20A) and the third end (20C) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the second end (20B) and the fourth end (20D) is also expandable and contractable. The connector according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned coupling mechanism (20) is A first member (21A) having the first end portion (20A), A second member (21B) having the second end portion (20B), A third member (21C) having the third end portion (20C), The fourth member (21D) having the fourth end portion (20D) is included, Each of the first member (21A) to the fourth member (21D) is connected to two other members from the first member (21A) to the fourth member (21D). The connector according to claim 4.

6. The connecting mechanism (20) further comprises a first engaging member (41) and a second engaging member (42), The first member (21A) is rotatably connected to the second member (21B), The third member (21C) is rotatably connected to the fourth member (21D), The first engaging member (41) is slidably positioned at the intersection of the first member (21A) and the third member (21C) and engages with the first member (21A) and the third member (21C), The second engaging member (42) is slidably positioned at the intersection of the second member (21B) and the fourth member (21D), and engages with the second member (21B) and the fourth member (21D). The connector according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned coupling mechanism (20) is A first brace (71) having the first end (20A) and the fourth end (20D), A second brace (72) having the second end (20B) and the third end (20C) is provided, The second brace (72) intersects the first brace (71), The connector according to claim 4.

8. A connecting device (10, 10X) that connects a first suspension bolt (5A) and a second suspension bolt (5B) suspended from a ceiling slab (3), A first stay (11) connected to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B), A second stay (12) is connected to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B) at a position lower than the first stay (11), The device includes a connecting mechanism (20) that connects the first stay (11) and the second stay (12), The aforementioned coupling mechanism (20) is The first stay (11) is configured to connect to a first portion (11A) and a second portion (11B) that are located at a distance from each other, and to a third portion (12A) and a fourth portion (12B) that are located at a distance from each other in the second stay (12). The connecting mechanism (20) has a first end (20A), a second end (20B), a third end (20C), and a fourth end (20D), The first portion (11A) of the first stay (11) is provided with a first connecting portion (15A) to which the first end (20A) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The third portion (12A) of the second stay (12) is provided with a second connecting portion (15B) to which the second end (20B) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The second portion (11B) of the first stay (11) is provided with a third connecting portion (15C) to which the third end (20C) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The fourth portion (12B) of the second stay (12) is provided with a fourth connecting portion (15D) to which the fourth end (20D) of the connecting mechanism (20) is connected. The first stay (11) is provided with a first connecting portion (23) that connects to the first suspension bolt (5A), The second stay (12) is provided with a second connecting portion (24) that connects to the first suspension bolt (5A), In the first stay (11), a third connecting portion (25) is provided at a location away from the first connecting portion (23) and connects to the second suspension bolt (5B). In the second stay (12), a fourth connecting portion (26) is provided at a location away from the second connecting portion (24) and connects to the second suspension bolt (5B). Each of the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B) includes a suspension bolt (5), Each of the first connecting portion (23), the second connecting portion (24), the third connecting portion (25), and the fourth connecting portion (26) includes a clamping portion (50) that clamps the suspension bolt (5), The clamping portion (50) comprises a fixing portion (18) on the first stay (11) and the second stay (12) where the clamping portion (50) is positioned, a clamping piece (51) attached to the fixing portion (18) for clamping the suspension bolt (5), and a fastening bolt (53) for fastening the clamping piece (51) to the fixing portion (18), The clamping piece (51) provided on the first stay (11) is movable along the first stay (11) and clamps the suspension bolt (5) together with the fixing part (18), and when the first stay (11) and the suspension bolt (5) intersect by tightening the fastening bolt (53), the first stay (11) and the suspension bolt (5) are connected to each other. The clamping piece (51) provided on the second stay (12) is movable along the second stay (12) and clamps the suspension bolt (5) together with the fixing part (18), and connects the second stay (12) and the suspension bolt (5) to each other where they intersect when the fastening bolt (53) is tightened. Connector.

9. The clamping portion (50) further includes a biasing member (52) that biases the clamping piece (51) toward the fixing portion (18). The connector according to claim 8.

10. The connecting mechanism (20) is A first member (21A) having the first end portion (20A), A second member (21B) having the second end portion (20B), A third member (21C) having the third end portion (20C), The fourth member (21D) having the fourth end portion (20D) is included, Each of the first member (21A) to the fourth member (21D) is connected to two other members from the first member (21A) to the fourth member (21D), and, The distance between the first end (20A) and the second end (20B) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the third end (20C) and the fourth end (20D) is expandable and contractable, or The distance between the first end (20A) and the third end (20C) is expandable and contractable, and the distance between the second end (20B) and the fourth end (20D) is also expandable and contractable. The fastening bolts (53) or nuts (54) that engage with the fastening bolts (53) of the clamping portions (50) of the first stay (11) and the second stay (12) can be tightened to the connecting device (10, 10X) from a predetermined surface, and further, The first engaging member (41) and the second engaging member (42) can be tightened to the connector (10, 10X) from the predetermined surface. The first engaging member (41) is a member that engages the first member (21A) and the third member (21C) of the connecting mechanism (20), The second engaging member (42) is a member that engages the second member (21B) and the fourth member (21D) of the connecting mechanism (20). The connector according to claim 8.

11. A suspension structure (1) for suspending an object (2), The first suspension bolt (5A) is suspended from the ceiling slab (3), The second suspension bolt (5B) is suspended from the ceiling slab (3), A connector (10, 10X) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising A suspended structure.

12. A method for attaching a connector (10, 10X) to a first suspension bolt (5A) and a second suspension bolt (5B) that suspend an indoor unit (2A), wherein the connector (10, 10X) is attached to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B), The connector (10, 10X) is the connector described in any one of claims 1 to 10. The connector (10, 10X) is installed such that the intermediate position (PM) between the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B) coincides with the center line (LC) of the connector (10, 10X). How to attach the connector.

13. A method for attaching a connector (10, 10X) to a first suspension bolt (5A) and a second suspension bolt (5B) that suspend an indoor unit (2A), wherein the connector (10, 10X) is attached to the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B), The connector (10, 10X) is the connector described in any one of claims 1 to 10. The connector (10, 10X) is installed such that its centerline (LC) is shifted in a predetermined direction from the intermediate position (PM) between the first suspension bolt (5A) and the second suspension bolt (5B). How to attach the connector.

Images