JP2002013229A - Panel connecting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connecting apparatus which positively connects both panels together through the use of connectors, allows the connectors to be always attached to the panels regardless of whether they are used or not, and simplifies its connecting operation and connection releasing operation. SOLUTION: To connect both the panels 1 together, each panel 1 has the upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B, and openings 3. The upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B are housed in a jamb 4 when they are not used and drawn out of the jamb 4 when they are used. The openings 3 are formed in the jamb 4 at respective locations closer to the other panel 1, with which drawing ends 2a of the respective upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B of the panel 1 concerned are engageable. Further, the engaging operation and the engagement releasing operation are controlled from above the panels l in an almost vertical direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a panel connecting apparatus which is useful when applied to a panel arranged in an office or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, there are two types of panel structures commonly used as partition panels in offices and the like, which are so-called block types and integrated types. The block type is provided with a structural frame composed of a side frame member and a horizontal frame forming a frame of the panel body, and panel elements attached to both front and rear surfaces of the structural frame. . On the other hand, the integral type is configured by attaching decorative face materials to the front and rear surfaces of a core material such as a paper honeycomb.

As a connecting device for connecting the block type panels in a plane direction, a concave portion is formed on an outer surface of a side frame member forming a side end surface of the panel, and a concave portion facing an adjacent panel is formed. A die-cast connecting member having a pair of convex portions fitted with the concave portion is interposed therebetween, and a bolt inserted from an inner surface of the side frame member is fastened to a screw hole provided in the convex portion of the connecting member. Generally, adjacent panels are connected to each other.

On the other hand, as a connecting device for connecting an integral type panel, for example, a latch portion is provided in advance at the edge of each panel, and the panel is usually attached to the edge between the butted panels. In some cases, an unconnected connector is hanged over, and the ends of the connector are engaged with the latch portions of the corresponding panels, thereby realizing the connection between the panels.

[0005]

However, there is a disadvantage in that, when connecting or disassembling a block type panel, the panel element must be removed from the structural frame every time. Was. Furthermore, although this connecting device can be realized simply and at low cost, it is not applicable to the connection of an integrated type panel because the panel elements are removed and the structural frames are connected from inside. Met. In particular, with such a connecting device, in a case where three or more panels are connected in a plane direction in a continuous manner and only the center panel to which other panels are connected on both sides is to be hollowed out, bolts are required. Even when the panel is removed from the screw hole, the panel cannot be moved in the thickness direction because the convex portion of the connecting member is engaged with the concave portion of the side frame member. That is, in order to release the uneven engagement, all the panels on either side must be shifted in the plane direction, and it is extremely necessary to remove only the middle sheet from a plurality of panels connected in the plane direction. Was complicated.

[0006] On the other hand, the connecting device of the integrated type panel can also release the connection of the connecting hook on the lower end portion by removing the panel in order from the panel provided at the end when performing the hollowing operation of the panel. It was not possible, and the work of emptying the panel was very complicated.

[0007] Both the block type and the integrated type coupling devices as described above do not require a coupling tool when panels are not coupled to each other, and are lost when necessary unless thorough component management is performed. Inconveniently, connection cannot be performed. On the other hand, when the connecting tool is not used, a mode is also conceivable in which the connecting tool is also used as a cover for covering the latch portion. In addition, such a combined use imposes a great restriction on the shape of the connecting member and the like, which is not preferable in design. On the other hand, it is not impossible to respond simply by using a surface tape to bond the edges of the panels without using a connecting tool, but this still leaves uneasiness in the connecting strength and also looks good. Poorly, there is a high possibility that a part of the clothing adheres to the surface tape, causing a loss.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention makes it possible to securely connect panels with each other by using a connector, and furthermore, when the connector is used,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a connecting device that can always be attached to a panel regardless of whether it is not used. Further, the engagement operation and the release operation of the engagement portion and the engagement portion can be performed from outside the panel,
The construction is designed to be convenient for work and to be commonly used for block-type and integrated-type panels.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A panel connecting apparatus according to the present invention is for connecting panels, and is provided on at least one of the panels and is stored in the panel when not in use. A connecting member that can be pulled out outwardly, and an engaging portion provided in at least the other panel and capable of engaging a drawing end side of the connecting member, wherein the connecting member is connected to the connecting member. It is characterized in that the engagement operation and the engagement release operation of the engagement portion can be performed from outside the panel.

[0010] According to this structure, the connecting device is stored in the panel when it is normally used alone or when the panel itself is not used, and when it needs to be connected, it can be pulled out from the panel as needed. Therefore, it can be attached to the panel at all times, thereby eliminating the need for component management, eliminating the risk of loss, and realizing a more reliable connection state as compared with a surface tape or the like. further,
Since the connection and disconnection operations can be performed from the outside of the panel, the connection and disconnection can be performed with the panel element attached even in the case of a block type panel. This connection device can be applied to both the block type and the integrated type.

In a preferred embodiment in this case, the engagement operation and the engagement release operation of the connecting member and the engaging portion can be performed in a direction substantially parallel to the surface direction of the panel. Are included.

[0012] In order to suitably connect arbitrary panels to each other, it is preferable that a connecting member and an engaging portion are provided on each panel.

Further, in this case, the engaging portion provided on each panel can pull out the drawing end side of the connecting tool to the outside of the panel at the drawing position of the connecting tool provided on the panel side and store the connecting tool. In the position, it is desirable that the opening be capable of engaging with the draw-out end side of the connecting tool on the other panel side to be connected.

[0014] As a specific form of insertion and removal of the connecting tool, the connecting tool is rotatably supported at the base end by the panel, and has a drawer end side substantially along the surface direction of the panel between the storage position and the drawer position. That are rotatable in the plane.

In order to facilitate the operation of connecting and releasing the panel, a driving mechanism for moving the screw substantially along the surface direction of the panel by advancing and retreating the screw, and driving the rotation of the connector by this moving operation. It is desirable to have.

As a specific embodiment of the drive mechanism, the drive mechanism includes a drive link having a pin that engages with a long hole provided in the connecting tool, and the drive link is moved up and down by a screw. Some of them are possible.

In order to realize connection or disconnection of a plurality of panels in a single operation and to greatly simplify the connection operation, it is necessary to use a plurality of connection tools along the panel surface direction. It is desirable that the driving mechanism be provided at a location, and that the drive mechanism be engaged with each of the corresponding engaging portions by interlocking these connecting members.

In a preferred embodiment, the driving mechanism and the connecting member are provided in a side frame forming a side end of the panel.

In a preferred embodiment in this case, the side frame has a double structure composed of an outer vertical frame member and an inner vertical frame member. One that forms a drive link by utilizing this is exemplified.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The connecting device A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided with a connecting member 2 on each panel 1 in order to connect the panels 1 called a partition panel or the like.
It is stored in the panel 1 when not in use, and is attached so that it can be used by being pulled out from the panel 1 when in use.
An opening 3 is provided as an engaging portion which can engage the a side.

The panel 1 has side frames 4 forming side edges on both left and right sides, and can be arranged flush with each other so that the side frames 4 abut each other. Specifically, the panel 1 is called a block type, and includes the left and right side frame members 4 and a horizontal frame member 1 connecting the both side frame members 4.
1 and panel elements 12 attached to the front and rear surfaces of the horizontal frame member 11, respectively. Note that this element 12 is omitted in drawings other than FIG.

In this embodiment having such a structure, as shown in FIGS.
The connecting tools 2A and 2B are attached to the vicinity of both upper and lower ends so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis 5 in a substantially vertical plane.
The connecting members 2A, 2B of one panel 1 of the 2B are configured to be engaged with the opening 3 provided at a corresponding position of the other panel 1 substantially in a vertical direction (vertical direction). In this embodiment, the connecting tools 2A and 2B are provided near the upper and lower ends of the panel 1.
The connection tool provided near the upper end is referred to as an upper connection tool 2A, and the connection tool provided near the lower end is referred to as a lower connection tool 2B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the panel 1 is moved by the reciprocating operation of the screw 6.
Move substantially along the surface direction (vertical direction in this embodiment),
A drive mechanism 7 for driving the rotation of the upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B by this moving operation is provided. The drive mechanism 7 causes the upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B to interlock with the opening 3 substantially simultaneously. ing. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 7 and the upper and lower connectors 2A and 2B are provided inside the side frame 4.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

The side frame member 4 has a double structure and has an outer vertical frame member 4 having a vertical dimension substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the panel 1.
1 and the outer vertical frame member 4 provided inside the outer vertical frame member 41.
And an inner vertical frame member 42 having a vertical dimension shorter than 1 and movable in the vertical direction.

The outer vertical frame member 41 has a substantially prismatic shape having a concave groove 411 extending vertically from the upper end to the lower end on the outer surface side. Further, the outer vertical frame member 41 has a shaft portion 412 provided between the front and rear walls on the upper end side.

The inner vertical frame member 42 is provided inside the outer vertical frame member 41, and has a substantially prismatic shape having an opening 421 extending vertically from the upper end to the lower end on the outer side. Things. The inner vertical frame member 42 has a shaft 422 provided between the front and rear walls on the upper end side.

The upper connecting member 2A is provided inside the inner vertical frame member 42 of the side frame member 4. The outer lower end portion, which is the base end side, is connected to the outer vertical frame member 41 and the inner vertical frame member 42. 42, and is rotatably supported by a horizontal shaft 5 provided between front and rear walls 42, and a pull-out end 2a.
The side is rotatable in a vertical plane between a storage position P (see FIG. 4) and a pull-out position Q (see FIG. 5). More specifically, the upper connector 2A has a downward hook-shaped hook claw 21 on the side of the drawer end 2a, and a substantially L-shaped elongated hole on the side opposite to the drawer end beyond the mounting portion by the horizontal shaft 5. 22 is provided.

Similarly to the above-described upper connector 2A, the lower connector 2B is provided in the inner vertical frame member 42 of the side frame body 4, and the inner lower end portion, which is the base end side, is connected to the lower end portion. Outer vertical frame material 41
4 is rotatably supported by a horizontal shaft 5 provided between the front and rear walls of the inner vertical frame member 42, and the drawer end 2c is located at the storage position P (FIG. 4).
) And a drawn-out position Q (see FIG. 5) in a vertical plane. Specifically, the lower connecting tool 2B has an upward hook-shaped hook claw 2 on the side of the drawer end 2c.
3, and a substantially L-shaped long hole 24 is provided between the hook claw 23 and a mounting portion by the horizontal shaft 5.

The drive mechanism 7 is constructed by arranging a drive link 71 which can be driven up and down by a screw 6 in the outer vertical frame member 41. In the present embodiment, the drive link 71 is provided with an inner vertical frame member 42, upper and lower pins 72, 73 provided on front and rear walls near upper and lower ends of the inner vertical frame member 42,
73 and two long holes 22 and 24 provided in the upper and lower connecting members 2A and 2B, respectively.

The screw 6 is connected to the shaft 412 of the outer vertical frame member 41.
Is inserted through a screw insertion hole 413 provided at a substantially central position in the axial direction of the shaft portion 412, and is rotatably held with its head 6a attached to the upper surface of the shaft portion 412. The shaft 412 is configured so that its upper surface is substantially horizontal. A female screw hole 423 provided in a shaft portion 422 of the inner vertical frame member 42 is fitted to the screw shaft 6b of the screw 6 by using a screw action, and the screw 6 is formed by using a hexagon wrench R or the like. The female screw hole 423
Is fed in a vertical direction with respect to the screw shaft 6b.
By this screw feed action, the inner vertical frame member 42 having the shaft portion 422 provided with the female screw hole 423 can move in the vertical direction. That is, in this embodiment, when the screw 6 is tightened, the draw-out ends 2a, 2c of the two connecting tools 2A, 2B are pulled out by the drive mechanism 7, and when the screw 6 is loosened, the two connecting tools 2A, 2B are moved to the side. It can be stored in the frame 4. Specifically, when the screw 6 is rotated in the tightening direction,
As shown in FIG. 4, the inner vertical frame member 42 rises from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the imaginary line, and the upper and lower pins 72, 73 provided on the inner vertical frame member 42 are connected by the upper connector 2A and the lower connector. In order to push up the upper edges of the long holes 22 and 24 of the 2B,
A, 2B are connected via their horizontal axes 5 to their leading ends 2a, 2c.
Are rotated in a direction in which they are pulled out of the side frame 4. On the other hand, when the screw 6 is rotated in the reverse direction, the inner vertical frame member 42 descends from the position indicated by the imaginary line to the position indicated by the solid line, and the upper and lower pins 72 and 73 provided on the inner vertical frame member 42 are moved upward. Connector 2A
In order to push down the lower edges of the long holes 22 and 24 of the lower connecting tool 2B, the upper and lower connecting tools 2A and 2B are moved in the direction in which the drawn ends 2a and 2c are stored in the side frame 4 via the horizontal shaft 5. Rotate.

It should be noted that the outer vertical frame material 41 is
An opening 3 is provided at a position corresponding to the outer surface of the side frame 4 so that the drawer ends 2a and 2c of A and 2B are drawn out of the side frame body 4. In this embodiment, at the extraction position Q, one of the panels 1 is inserted into the opening 3 on the other panel 1 side.
The hook claw 21 of the upper connecting tool 2A is engaged from above, and the hook claw 23 of the lower connecting tool 2B is engaged from below. Further, in the drawn-out position Q, the upper and lower connecting members 2
The protrusions 24 and 25 provided on the side opposite to the pull-out end of A and 2B are positioned in relation to the opening 414 provided on the inner surface of the outer vertical frame member 41.

Further, in this embodiment, the upper and lower connectors 2A,
In order to avoid interference with the inner surfaces of the outer vertical frame member 41 and the inner vertical frame member 42 when the 2B rotates, openings 41 are provided at corresponding positions.
5, 424 are provided.

Next, a procedure for connecting the adjacent panels 1 using the connecting device A will be described.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, the side frames 4 adjacent to each panel 1 are arranged flush with each other so as to abut each other. In this state, the upper and lower connectors 2 in each side frame 4
A and 2B are stored in the side frame 4 as shown by a solid line in FIG. In this state, when the screw 6 of one of the panels 1 is tightened with a hexagon wrench R or the like inserted from above the panel 1, the female screw hole 423 fitted to the screw 6 by using a screw action is formed. Screw feed, inner vertical frame material 42
Rises as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. With the rise of the inner vertical frame member 42, the upper and lower pins 72, 73 provided on the inner vertical frame member 42 are turned into the long holes 2 of the upper connector 2A and the lower connector 2B.
The upper and lower connectors 2A, 2A,
B rotates through the horizontal shaft 5 in the direction in which the extraction ends 2a, 2c are extracted from the side frame 4, and the upper and lower couplings 2A,
The 2B hook claws 21 and 23 are engaged with the opening 3 of the other panel 1 as shown in FIG. In this case, if the lower attachment 2B first reaches the predetermined withdrawal position when the screw 6 is tightened, and then the upper attachment 2A reaches the predetermined withdrawal position slightly later, The operation relating to the opening 3 can be smoothly performed.

On the other hand, when the connection of the panel 1 is to be released, the inner vertical frame member 42 is turned by turning the screw 6 in the loosening direction.
Is lowered from the position shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 4 to the position shown by the solid line, and the upper and lower pins 72 and 73 provided on the inner vertical frame member 42 are positioned below the elongated holes 22 and 24 of the upper connector 2A and the lower connector 2B. In order to push down the rim, the upper and lower connectors 2A, 2B rotate via the horizontal shaft 5 in the direction in which the drawn ends 2a, 2c are stored in the side frame 4, and as shown by solid lines in FIG. It is stored in the body 4 and the connection of the panel 1 is released.

With such a structure, the connecting member 2
Can be stored in the panel 1 during normal single use or when the panel 1 itself is not used, and can be pulled out from the panel 1 at any time only when coupling is required.
In addition, since it is always attached to the panel 1 instead of being detachable, it is possible to eliminate the risk of loss by eliminating the need for parts management, and it is much more reliable than when connecting with a surface tape or the like. It is possible to realize a proper connection state. Furthermore, since the connection and disconnection operations can be performed substantially along the surface direction from above the panel 1, even in the case of the block type panel 1 as in the present embodiment, connection and disconnection are performed with the panel element 12 attached. Decoupling can be performed. Further, as in the case of the block type, the connecting device can be applied to an integrated type panel. Furthermore, with the above-described configuration, when connecting the panels 1 by arranging a plurality of connecting tools 2 at positions substantially along the surface direction of the panel 1 as in the present embodiment, a plurality of connecting tools 2 are used. The structure in which the components 2A and 2B are linked to be engaged with the opening 3 can also be realized with a relatively simple configuration, and connection or disconnection of a plurality of portions of the panel can be realized in a single operation, and the connection operation is greatly performed. Simplification can be achieved.

In particular, the connector 2 and the opening 3 are connected to each panel 1
Each panel is provided for each panel. Therefore, compared to a case where a panel having only the connector 2 and a panel having only the opening 3 are combined, for example, there is no inconvenience that the panels are of the same type and cannot be connected. Any one of them can be extracted and connected to each other without inconvenience.

Further, when the connecting member 2 and the engaging portion are provided for each panel 1 as described above, the engaging portion provided on each panel 1 is connected to the connecting member 2 provided on the panel 1 side.
At the pull-out position Q, the pull-out end 2a of the connecting tool 2
2c side can be pulled out of the panel 1 and connected at the storage position P to the connecting tool 1 on the other panel 1 side.
If the opening 3 can be engaged with the pull-out ends 2a and 2c of the panel 1, the opening 2 provided for pulling out the connecting tool 2 to the pull-out position is also used as an engaging portion that is engaged with the connecting tool 2 on the other panel 1 side. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of processing steps as compared with the case where a separate engaging portion is provided, and it is also possible to simplify the design of the panel.

The connecting tool 2 rotatably supports the base end, and has the drawer ends 2a and 2c sides in the storage position P and the drawer position Q.
The panel 1 is rotatable in the vertical plane between the panel 1 and the panel 1. Therefore, the panel 1 can be assembled and disassembled through simple operations, and the operations of connection and disconnection are performed in a state where the panels 1 are abutted in advance. Since it is possible to perform positioning, it is possible to easily remove only some of the panels 1 from the plurality of connected panels 1 without any inconvenience. Furthermore, since the connection and disconnection operations can be performed in a state where the panels are abutted with each other, the positioning is facilitated, and the blanking is effectively performed, so that it is possible to effectively cope with a layout change or the like.

The screw 6 moves substantially along the surface of the panel 1 by the reciprocating operation, and the connecting device 2 moves by the moving operation.
A and 2B are provided with a driving mechanism 7 for driving the rotation operation, so that the panel 1 can be operated with relatively small operation force and simple operation.
Can be connected or disconnected.

The drive mechanism 7 includes a drive link 71 having pins 72 and 73 associated with the elongated holes 22 and 24 provided in the connecting tool 2.
As a result, the moving operation of the drive link 71 can be converted into the rotating operation of the connecting tool 2 with a simple configuration.

The connecting members 2 are provided at a plurality of positions along the vertical direction of the panel 1, and the driving mechanism 7 engages the connecting members 2 to engage with the corresponding openings 3. The connection or disconnection of a plurality of portions of the panel 1 can be realized by one operation, and the connection operation can be greatly simplified.

The connecting member 2 has hook claws 21 and 23 on the side of the drawing ends 2a and 2c, and the engaging portion is the opening 3 engaging with the hook claws 21 and 23. In addition, a stable connection state can be obtained. Further, in the case of the configuration as in the present embodiment, the hooks 21 and 23 of the upper and lower connector 2 are interlocked and engaged with the opening 3 from above and below using the drive link 71. Therefore, the displacement of the panel in the vertical direction can be effectively prevented.

Since the drive mechanism 7 and the connecting member 2 are provided in the side frame 4 forming the side end of the panel 1, the connecting member 2 at the storage position P is suitably accommodated in the side frame 4. It is not necessary to secure a separate storage space on the panel body side, and the present invention can be applied to existing panels relatively easily. This connection device can be applied to both the block type and the integrated type.

The side frame 4 is composed of an outer vertical frame member 41 and an inner vertical frame member 42.
And the drive link 71 is formed by using the inner vertical frame member 42, so that the side frame 4 has a double structure to provide a certain strength. It becomes possible. Usually, many frame members constituting the panel 1 are hollow inside, and the inner vertical frame member 42 is provided inside the outer vertical frame member 41, and the connecting member 2 located at the storage position P in the inner vertical frame member 42.
Can be suitably stored inside, and there is no need to secure a separate storage space on the panel body side. Therefore,
It can be applied relatively easily to existing panels.

The configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured as follows.

Hereinafter, a modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, connecting members 202a and 202 are provided near the upper and lower ends of one panel 201X.
b so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis 200, and these connecting members 202a, 202b are provided at the corresponding positions of the other panel 201Y shown in FIG.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is substantially related to 03b from a vertical direction (vertical direction). In the case of the illustrated example, the upper coupling tool 202a has a downward hook-shaped hook claw 212a on the drawer end side, and has an elongated hole 222a on the opposite drawer end side beyond the mounting portion by the horizontal shaft 200. Connector 202b
Has an upward hook-shaped hook claw 212b on the drawer end side, and an elongated hole 222b is provided between the hook claw 212b and a mounting portion of the horizontal shaft 200. And both long holes 222
pins 230a, 23 respectively associated with a, 222b
The drive link 230 having the drive link 230b is disposed in the panel 201X and can be driven up and down by the screw 240.
0, the two connectors 202a, 202b are pulled out, and when the screw 240 is loosened, the two connectors 202a, 202
2b can be stored in the panel 201X.
Also, the engaging portion 203a of the other panel 201Y,
203b is a hook claw 212a of the upper connector 202a.
Are engaged from above, and the hook claw 2 of the lower connector 202b is
12b is provided in a position to be engaged from below in the shape of an inverted L-shaped protrusion. In this way, even when the connecting members and the driving links are provided in the panel, the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained in that the component management becomes unnecessary. In addition, the hook claws 212 of the upper and lower connectors 202a and 202b are
Since the engagement portions 203a and 203b are interlocked and engaged with each other so as to hold the engagement portions 203a and 203b from above and below at the positions a and 212b, it is possible to effectively prevent the panel from shifting vertically.

In the case of this example, when the screw 240 is tightened, the lower fixture 202b first reaches the predetermined withdrawal position, and then slightly later, the upper fixture 202a reaches the predetermined withdrawal position. If this is done, the engaging portions 203a, 2
The operation relating to 03b can be performed smoothly.

Other configurations can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0052]

The present invention is embodied in the form described above and has the following effects.

That is, in the panel connecting apparatus according to the present invention, when the panels are connected to each other, a connecting tool is provided so as to be able to be taken in and out of each panel, and the connecting tool is provided in a mating panel in a state where the connecting tool is pulled out. It is designed to be able to be engaged with the mating part, so that the connector is always attached so that it can not be detached from the panel, eliminating the need for parts management and eliminating the risk of loss, and promptly when necessary And the connection between the panels can be reliably performed. In addition, since the engagement operation and the engagement release operation of the connection tool and the engagement portion can be performed from the outside of the panel, even in the case of a block type panel, the connection is performed with the panel element attached. In addition to being able to release the connection, it can be applied to both the block type and the integrated type.

Further, if it is configured that the engagement operation and the engagement release operation of the connecting member and the engagement portion can be performed in a direction substantially parallel to the surface direction of the panel, In the case where a plurality of connecting tools are arranged at positions substantially along with each other to connect each panel, a structure in which the plurality of connecting tools are interlocked and engaged with the engaging portion can be realized with a relatively simple configuration, The connection or disconnection of a plurality of portions of the panel can be realized in one operation, and the connection operation can be greatly simplified.

In this case, if the connecting member and the engaging portion are provided for each panel, panels having exactly the same structure can be arbitrarily combined and connected, as compared with a case where the combination is restricted. The degree of freedom of connection can be increased.

Further, when the connecting member and the engaging portion are provided for each panel as described above, the engaging portion provided on each panel is connected to the connecting member at the position where the connecting member provided on the panel side is pulled out. If the opening can be engaged with the drawer end of the connecting device on the other panel side that can be pulled out of the panel at the storage position while the drawer end side of the device can be pulled out of the panel, Since the opening provided can also be used as an engaging portion that engages with the connector on the other panel side, the number of processing steps can be reduced as compared with a case where an additional engaging portion is provided, and the The design can also be simplified.

Further, the connecting tool is rotatably supported at the base end by the panel, and is rotatable at the drawer end between the storage position and the drawer position in a plane substantially along the panel direction. Then, it is possible to assemble and disassemble the panels through simple operations, and also to perform the connection and disconnection operations even when the panels are abutting each other, to facilitate the positioning and to remove the holes from the connected state without inconvenience It can be extremely convenient to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, since the connection and disconnection operations can be performed in a state where the panels are abutted with each other, the positioning is facilitated, and the blanking is effectively performed, so that it is possible to effectively cope with a layout change or the like.

If a driving mechanism is provided for moving the screw substantially in the surface direction of the panel by the reciprocating operation of the screw and driving the rotating operation of the connecting member by this moving operation, a relatively small operating force and a simple operation are provided. A panel connection or disconnection operation can be performed by an operation.

If the drive mechanism has a drive link having a pin that engages with the long hole provided in the connecting tool, and if this drive link can be moved up and down by a screw, the drive link can be configured with a simple structure. Can be converted into a rotation operation of the coupler.

If the connecting members are provided at a plurality of positions along the surface direction of the panel, and the driving mechanism engages the connecting members and engages with the corresponding engaging portions, respectively, 1 The connection or disconnection of a plurality of portions of the panel can be realized by a repeated operation, and the connection operation can be greatly simplified.

If the drive mechanism and the connector are provided in the side frame forming the side edge of the panel, the connector in the storage position can be suitably accommodated in the side frame. There is no need to secure a separate storage space on the panel body side, and it can be applied to existing panels relatively easily. Further, both the block type and the integrated type can be applied.

If the side frame has a double structure composed of an outer vertical frame material and an inner vertical frame material, and the drive link is constituted by using the inner vertical frame material, It is possible to give a certain strength by making the side frame body a double structure. Usually, the frame material constituting the panel often has a hollow inside, and the inner vertical frame material is preferably housed inside the outer vertical frame material, and the coupling tool located at the storage position in the inner vertical frame material is suitably housed inside. It is not necessary to secure a separate storage space on the panel body side. Therefore, it can be applied to existing panels relatively easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a panel.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part in the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 for explaining the same operation;
Line sectional view.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line II corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an operation explanatory view of the modification.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Panel 2 ... Connecting tool 2A ... Upper connecting tool 2B ... Lower connecting tool 2a, 2c ... Pull-out end 21, 23 ... Hook claw 22, 24 ... Long hole 3 ... Recess (opening) 4 ... Side frame 41 ... Outside vertical Frame member 42 ... Inner vertical frame member 6 ... Screw 7 ... Drive mechanism 71 ... Drive link 72, 73 ... Pin (upper pin, lower pin) A ... Coupling device P ... Storage position Q ... Pull out position

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A connecting tool for connecting panels, wherein the connecting tool is provided on at least one of the panels and is stored in the panel when not in use and can be pulled out of the panel when in use. And an engaging portion which is provided in the panel and which can engage with the draw-out end side of the connecting device, wherein the engaging operation and the disengaging operation of the connecting device and the engaging portion are performed by the panel. A panel connecting device, which is configured to be able to be operated from outside. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation of engaging and disengaging the connecting member and the engaging portion can be performed in a direction substantially parallel to a surface direction of the panel. 2. The panel connecting device according to claim 1. 3. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member and the engaging portion are provided on each panel.
A panel connecting device as described in the above. 4. An engaging portion provided on each panel is capable of pulling out a drawing end side of the connecting tool to the outside of the panel when the connecting tool is provided on the panel side and connecting the connecting tool at a storage position. 4. The panel connecting device according to claim 3, wherein the opening is capable of engaging with the drawing end side of the connecting tool on the other panel side. 5. A connecting tool rotatably supported on a base end side by a panel, and a drawer end side rotatable between a retracted position and a drawn-out position in a plane substantially along a panel direction. The panel connecting device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein: 6. A driving mechanism for moving substantially along the surface of the panel by advancing and retreating a screw, and for driving a rotating operation of the connecting member by the moving operation. Panel coupling device. 7. A drive mechanism comprising a drive link having a pin that engages with a long hole provided in said connecting tool, said drive link being able to be moved up and down by a screw. A panel connecting device as described in the above. 8. A connecting device is provided at a plurality of positions along the surface direction of the panel, and the driving mechanism is configured to interlock the connecting devices and engage with corresponding engaging portions. The panel connecting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: 9. The panel connecting device according to claim 6, wherein the driving mechanism and the connecting member are provided in a side frame forming a side end of the panel. 10. The side frame body has a double structure composed of an outer vertical frame member and an inner vertical frame member, and a drive link is formed using the inner vertical frame member. The panel connecting device according to claim 9, wherein: