JP3875538B2

JP3875538B2 - Panel coupling device

Info

Publication number: JP3875538B2
Application number: JP2001339986A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 和功土山
Original assignee: Okamura Corp
Current assignee: Okamura Corp
Priority date: 2001-11-05
Filing date: 2001-11-05
Publication date: 2007-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2021-11-05
Also published as: JP2003138676A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、パネルの側端面同士、またはパネルと支柱との対向面同士を互いに連結するパネル連結装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来のこの種のものとしては、例えばパネルのフレーム同士、またはパネルのフレームと支柱とを、それらを貫通するボルトやその他の締付け手段をもって互いに連結するか、または、それらの上端同士(及び下端同士)を、直線状、Ｌ字状、Ｔ字状、または十字状等の連結金具と止めねじ等をもって互いに固着するのが一般的である。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、上述のような従来のパネル連結手段では、部品点数が多い上に、構造が複雑であったり、連結作業が繁雑である等の問題がある。
【０００４】
本発明は、従来の技術が有する上記のような問題点に鑑み、部品点数が少なく、構造及び組付け作業が簡単で、安価に製造できるようにしたパネル連結装置を提供することを目的としている。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明によると、上記課題は次のようにして解決される。
(１) 互いに連結しようとするパネルの側端面同士、またはパネルと支柱との対向面同士に、開口幅を奥部の幅より小とした上下方向を向く複数の嵌合溝を互いに離間させてそれぞれ設け、互いに対向させた複数対の嵌合溝同士に、前記開口幅とほぼ同一かまたはわずかに小幅とした連結片の両端に、各嵌合溝の奥部に嵌合しうる拡幅部を有する連結具における差し込み部を、その拡幅部が各嵌合溝の奥部に、かつ連結片が嵌合溝の開口部にそれぞれ差し込まれるようにして嵌合するとともに、前記差し込み部の一端に、それより広幅の鍔部を連設し、この鍔部を、パネルまたは支柱の上下いずれかの端面に当接することにより、両パネルまたはパネルと支柱とを連結する。
【０００６】
(２) 上記(１)項において、パネルまたは支柱の上下いずれかの端面に当接した鍔部の外側を、パネルまたは支柱に固着したカバーにより覆う。
【０００７】
(３) 上記(１)または(２)項において、差し込み部における連結片の中央より一方の拡幅部側のみの上下いずれかの端面に鍔部を設け、この鍔部を一方のパネルまたは支柱の上下いずれかの端面のみに当接し、差し込み部における連結片の中央より他方の拡幅部側を、他方のパネルまたは支柱の嵌合溝に上下方向に摺動自在に嵌合する。
【０００８】
(４) 上記(１)〜(３)項のいずれかにおいて、パネルまたは支柱における嵌合溝の近くに、嵌合溝より抜き取った連結具を収容する空所を設ける。
【０００９】
(５) 上記(１)〜(４)項のいずれかにおいて、パネルの側端に上下方向を向くフレームを設け、このフレームの側端面における前半部の中央と後半部の中央とに、上下方向を向く２条の嵌合溝を設け、かつフレームの前記側端面に隣接する前後の側面におけるコーナー部から側端面の最も近い嵌合溝までの距離と等距離の部分にそれぞれ１条の嵌合溝を設ける。
【００１０】
(６) 上記(５)項において、フレームの側端面と前後の面との幅の比率をほぼ２対１とし、連結具における鍔部の形状を、前記フレームの平面形状とほぼ同一の長方形とし、前記鍔部を、その長軸がフレームの長軸と同一方向を向くようにして、フレームの上下いずれかの端面に当接させた状態で、差し込み部を空所内に収容しうるようにする。
【００１１】
(７) 上記(６)項において、鍔部の上下外側の面に複数の突部を設け、かつ鍔部に対向するカバーの対向面に、前記突部が嵌合しうる複数の凹部を設ける。
【００１２】
(８) 上記(１)〜(７)項のいずれかにおいて、嵌合溝の奥部の断面形状を、ほぼ直角二等辺三角形とし、その底辺の中央に相当する部分に開口部を形成する。
【００１３】
(９) 上記(８)項において、空所を、フレームのパネル側の縁に底辺が位置し、かつ頂角がフレームの外側の縁の中央に位置するほぼ直角二等辺三角形とし、フレームの外側のコーナー部に、開口部が外側方と前後いずれかの方向を向く２個の嵌合溝の小寸の直角二等辺三角形の奥部が互いに隣接して配設されるようにする。
【００１４】
(１０) 上記(１)〜(９)項のいずれかにおいて、柱の断面形状を、正方形の外形の内部に、正方形の空所が４５度だけ位相をずらして外形の正方形に内接するような関係で設けられ、かつ各コーナー部に、開口部が各コーナー部に隣接する側面に開口する２個の嵌合溝における小寸の直角二等辺三角形の奥部が互いに隣接するように配設されたものとする。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１〜図５は、本発明の第１の実施形態を用いて、２枚のパネルを直線状に連結する場合の例を示す。
各パネル(１)の両側端(一方の側端のみを図示する)には、上下方向の長さをパネル(１)より若干短くした側部フレーム(フレーム)(２)が、その内端面より突出する取付片(2a)(図４及び図５参照)をパネル(１)の側端面に嵌合して、適宜ねじ止めすることにより、固着されている。
【００１６】
この側部フレーム(２)の横断面形状は、図４に示すような形状をしている。
すなわち、側端面の前後方向の幅と、全面及び後面の左右方向の幅との比を、２対１とした長方形の外形をなし、その内部に、側端面の前後幅に近い長さの底辺がパネル(１)寄りに位置する直角二等辺三角形の空所(３)が形成されている。
【００１７】
また、側部フレーム(２)における前半部の中央と、後半部の中央と、前面の中央と、後面の中央とには、奥部(4a)が直角二等辺三角形をなし、開口部(4b)がその直角二等辺三角形の底辺の中央に位置するスリット状をなす上下方向を向く嵌合溝(４)がそれぞれ設けられている。
【００１８】
連結具(５)は、長方形の板状の鍔部(６)と、その上面に突設された鍔部(６)の長手方向に並ぶ２個の切頭四角錐形の突部(７)(７)と、鍔部(６)の下面中央より垂下する差し込み部(８)とからなっている。
【００１９】
鍔部(６)の長軸及び短軸の長さは、側部フレーム(２)の前後幅及び左右幅とほぼ同一(この例では、短軸を側部フレーム(２)の左右幅より若干短くしてある)としてある。
【００２０】
差し込み部(８)は、側部フレーム(２)における各嵌合溝(４)の開口部(4b)開口幅とほぼ同一かまたはわずかに小とした板状の連結片(９)の両端に、各嵌合溝(４)の奥部(4a)の形状と補形をなす直角二等辺三角形の拡幅部(10)を連設したものよりなっている。連結片(９)の向きは、鍔部(６)の長軸の向きと同一としてある。
【００２１】
パネル(１)の上端には、その左右方向の長さより、若干短い上部カバー(11)が着脱自在に設けられている。
また、パネル(１)の上部両側端部には、正面形がほぼＬ字状をなすコーナーカバー(カバー)(12)が、止めねじ(13)をもって着脱自在に固着されている。
【００２２】
図３に示すように、パネル(１)の側端に、他のパネル(１)や、後述する支柱等を連結せずに、パネル(１)を単独で使用する場合には、連結具(５)の差し込み部(８)を、図４に想像線で示すように、空所(３)内に上方より挿入し、かつ鍔部(６)を、その長軸が前後方向を向くようにして、側部フレーム(２)の上端に当接させて、その上方からコーナーカバー(12)で覆うことにより、鍔部(６)の前後面と外側面とが側部フレーム(２)及びコーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の外周面と整合した状態で、連結具(５)を体裁よくパネル(１)に装着しておくことができる。
【００２３】
コーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の下面には、図３図示の向きとしたときの連結具(５)の２個の突部(７)(７)が嵌合する２個の凹部(図示略)と、同じく連結具(５)の鍔部(６)とパネル(１)の外側面との間の間隙内に進入する下向突部(12b)とが設けられている。
【００２４】
図１、図４、及び図５に示すように、２枚のパネル(１)(１)を、直線状に連結する場合は、それらの対向するコーナー部のコーナーカバー(12)と連結具(５)とをパネル(１)からそれぞれ外し、隣接する側部フレーム(２)の側端面同士を、図４に示すように互いに突き合わせ、そのときに対向する２対の嵌合溝(４)(４)に、パネル(１)から外しておいた上記２個の連結具(５)(５)を、その鍔部(６)の長軸が左右方向を向くようにして、差し込み部(８)を、その拡幅部(10)が各嵌合溝(４)の奥部(4a)に、かつ連結片(９)が各嵌合溝(４)の開口部(4b)にそれぞれ嵌合するようにして上方より差し込み、さらにその上方から、各パネル(１)のコーナー部に、コーナーカバー(12)を、それぞれ元の状態と同様にして装着する。
【００２５】
このとき、各コーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の下面における前後の凹部には、左右方向を向いた前後の連結具における左方の突部(７)(７)同士、及び右方の突部(７)(７)同士が、図３図示の場合とは異なる態様で、それぞれ嵌合し、各連結具(５)の位置決めがなされるとともに、鍔部(６)が、各コーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の下面と、側部フレーム(２)の上端との間に挟まれて、各連結具(５)が強固に保持される。
【００２６】
各コーナーカバー(12)の下向突部(12b)は、左右方向を向いた連結具(５)の鍔部(６)の側端と、パネル(１)の外側端とのとの間に進入し、空隙が外部に露呈しないように閉塞して、美麗な外観を呈することができる。
【００２７】
図７及び図８は、３枚のパネル(１)を、平面視Ｔ字状をなすように連結する場合のものを示す。
この例では、左右のパネル(１)の側端面同士を互いに突き合わせるとともに、その突き当て部の後方から、さらに前後方向に向けた別のパネル(１)の前端を突き当て、それらのパネル(１)から予め外しておいた３個の連結具(５)のうちの１個を、左右方向に向けて、左右のパネル(１)の前部同士を、図５に示す前方の連結具(５)と同様にして連結し、残りの２個の連結具(５)(５)を、前後方向に向けて、互いに平行をなすようにして、それらの差し込み部(８)を、後方のパネル(１)の前端に位置する２個の嵌合溝(４)(４)と、それらに対向する左右のパネル(１)の後面に位置する嵌合溝(４)とに跨るようにして差し込むことにより、３枚のパネル(１)を、平面視Ｔ字状をなすように連結してある。
【００２８】
このときの各連結具(５)の差し込み部(８)と、各側部フレーム(２)の嵌合溝(４)との関係を、図７に示してある。
【００２９】
３個の連結具(５)の差し込み作業の終了後に、各コーナーカバー(12)を元通りに装着すると、３個の連結具(５)の上面は、すべて覆われ、かつ連結具(５)における鍔部(６)は、各コーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の下面と、側部フレーム(２)の上端との間に挟まれて、強固に保持される。
【００３０】
なお、図７及び図８に示すＴ字状の連結構造から、さらに、それらの連結部の前方より、前後方向に向けたパネル(１)の後端を突き当てて、前後方向を向く後方のパネル(１)と同様の連結構造をもって左右のパネル(１)(１)と連結することにより、４枚のパネル(１)を、十字状に連結できることは、図示するまでもなく、容易に理解しうると思われる。
【００３１】
また、上述の構成のうち、いずれか１個のパネル(１)を、その側部フレーム(２)と同一の断面形状を有する支柱(図示略)と置き換えることにより、同一の連結構造をもって、パネル(１)と支柱とを連結できることも明かである。
【００３２】
図９〜図１３は、上述の連結具(５)とは異なる連結具を用いた本発明の第２の実施形態を示す。なお、上述したのと同一の構成部材には、同一の符号を付して図示するに止め、それらについての詳細な説明は省略する。
【００３３】
この例では、連結具(14)は、図１１に示すように、上述したのと同一の鍔部(６)と、２個の突部(７)(７)とを備え、さらに、断面形状は上述の差し込み部(８)と同一であるが、鍔部(６)との連結部が上述のものとは異なる２個の差し込み部(15)(15)を備えている。
【００３４】
すなわち、２個の差し込み部(15)(15)は、その連結片(９)の中央より一方の拡幅部(10)側が鍔部(６)の下方に位置し、かつ連結片(９)の中央より他方の拡幅部(10)側が平面視において鍔部(６)の側縁より外方に突出するようにして、鍔部(６)の外側面の前半部の中央と、後半部の中央とにそれぞれ連設されている。
【００３５】
支柱(16)は、一辺がパネル(１)の側部フレーム(２)の側端面の前後幅と同一の正方形の断面形状をなし、その中央に、側部フレーム(２)における三角形の空所(３)を２個背中合わせに連結したのと同様の正方形の空所(17)が、外形の正方形に対して４５度だけ位相をずらしてほぼ内接するような関係で設けられている。
【００３６】
空所(17)の中央には、支柱(16)を支持する支持軸や、キャップを装着するためのねじ、またはアジャスタボルト等(いずれも図示略)を結合するための平面視Ｃ字状の芯部(18)が、空所(17)のコーナー部から中心に向かって炎出する腕片(19)の先端に連設されて配設されている。
【００３７】
支柱(16)の各面には、それぞれ２個ずつの上述と同様の嵌合溝(４)(４)が、側部フレーム(２)の側端面における２個の嵌合溝(４)(４)と同一の態様で設けられている。
【００３８】
図９〜図１３は、支柱(16)の隣接する２面に、上述と同様のパネル(１)をそれぞれ連結する場合の例を示すもので、この場合には、支柱(16)のそれらの２面に、パネル(１)の側部フレーム(２)の側端面それぞれ突き合わせ、そのときに対向する２個ずつの嵌合溝(４)(４)の上方から、連結具(５)における各差し込み部(15)を、その拡幅部(10)が各嵌合溝(４)の奥部(4a)に、かつ連結片(９)が各嵌合溝(４)の開口部(4b)にそれぞれ嵌合するようにして上方より差し込む。
【００３９】
このとき、連結具(14)における鍔部(６)は、その長軸が各パネル(１)の側端面と平行となる方向を向く。
【００４０】
その後、その上方から、各パネル(１)のコーナー部に、コーナーカバー(12)を装着し、止めねじ(13)をもってパネル(１)に固着すると、各連結具(14)の鍔部(６)は、コーナーカバー(12)の垂下部(12a)の下面と、側部フレーム(２)の上端とにより挟まれて、強固に保持される。
この状態を、図１０に示す。
【００４１】
この例では、支柱(16)を介して２枚のパネル(１)(１)をＬ字状に連結したが、支柱(16)の残りの２面に他のパネルをそれぞれ同様にして連結することにより、３枚のパネル(１)をＴ字状に連結したり、４枚のパネル(１)を十字状に連結したりすることができる。
【００４２】
また、この第２の実施形態においては、各パネル(１)の側端面から、連結具(14)における２個の差し込み部(15)の半部が外側にそれぞれ突出しているので、それを支柱(16)の対向する面の２個の嵌合溝(４)(４)に上下方向に摺動自在に嵌合することにより、図１４に示す右方のパネル(１)のように、そのパネル(１)より高さの高い支柱(16)に、そのパネル(１)を連結することができる。
そのときの連結具(14)と各パネル(１)の側部フレーム(２)との関係を、図１５に示してある。
【００４３】
上述したように、空所(３)(17)や嵌合溝(４)の奥部(4a)の形状を、直角二等辺三角形または正方形とすると、側部フレーム(２)や支柱(16)の断面形状を、無駄な空隙部分や厚肉部分がなく、最小の断面積で、最大の強度を得ることができる。
【００４４】
しかし、上述した基本的な作用及び効果を得るだけでよい場合は、空所(３)(17)や嵌合溝(４)の奥部(4a)の形状は、他の形状、例えば円形、長円形、台形等とすることもできる。
【００４５】
また、以上の説明は、いずれもパネル(１)の上部の連結についてのものであるが、パネル(１)の下部については、上述したのと上下対称の構造をもって連結するのが好ましい。しかし、パネル(１)の下部を、上述のものとは異なる連結構造をもって連結してもよい。
【００４６】
【発明の効果】
請求項１記載の発明によると、パネルの側端面同士、またはパネルと支柱との対向面同士を互いに突き合わせて、対向する複数対の嵌合溝同士に、上端または下端から連結具における差し込み部を、その拡幅部が各嵌合溝の奥部に、かつ連結片が嵌合溝の開口部にそれぞれ差し込まれるようにして嵌合するだけで、パネル同士またはパネルと支柱とを、簡単かつ確実に連結することができる。
また、パネルの側端面同士、またはパネルと支柱との対向面同士は、その対向面の複数箇所で連結具により結合されるので、曲げや捩じれに対して強く、大きな結合強度が得られる。
しかも、パネル及び支柱に予め嵌合溝を形成しておけば、必要な部品は１種類の連結具のみでよいので、部品点数が少なく、構造を簡素化でき、安価に製造できる。
さらに、差し込み部の一端に、それより広幅の鍔部を連設し、この鍔部を、パネルまたは支柱の上下いずれかの端面に当接してあるので、差し込み部が嵌合溝に深く進入するのが阻止される。
【００４７】
請求項２記載の発明によると、鍔部がカバーにより覆われることにより、差し込み部が嵌合溝から抜け出すのが阻止され、連結具は、がたつき等が生じることなく、確実に保持される。しかも、連結具はカバーにより覆われるので、体裁がよい。
【００４８】
請求項３記載の発明によると、連結具の鍔部を高さの低い方のパネルの上端に当接し、鍔部より外側方に突出する差し込み部の半部を、高さの高いパネルまたは支柱に設けた嵌合溝に摺動自在に嵌合することにより、高さの異なるパネル同士またはパネルと支柱との連結にも適用することができる。
【００４９】
請求項４記載の発明によると、連結具の不使用時に、連結具をパネルまたは支柱の空所に収容しておくことにより、連結具が紛失することがない。
【００５０】
請求項５記載の発明によると、互いに一直線状に連結した２個のパネルの連結片に、別のパネルをそれらと直交するように連結することができ、Ｔ字状、または十字状のパネルの連結が可能となる。
【００５１】
請求項６記載の発明によると、連結具の差し込み部を空所内に収容したとき、連結具の鍔部の外周面がフレームの外周面と整合し、美麗な外観を呈することができる。
【００５２】
請求項７記載の発明によると、連結具の突部が、カバーの凹部に嵌合することにより、連結具の位置決めがなされるとともに、連結具がより確実にパネルに保持される。
【００５３】
請求項８記載の発明によると、連結具の拡幅部が、嵌合溝の開口部から抜け出すのを確実に阻止することができるとともに、請求項９以下の構成と組み合わせることにより、フレームの断面形状における嵌合溝のレイアウトを最適なものとすることができる。
【００５４】
請求項９及び１０記載の発明によると、フレーム及び支柱の断面形状における空所と嵌合溝とのレイアウトを最適なものとすることができ、最小の断面積で、最大の強度を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態を用いて、２枚のパネルを直線状に連結する途中の状態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図２】同じく、連結後の状態を示す斜視図である。
【図３】同じく、１枚のパネルを単独で用いる場合のコーナー部の分解斜視図である。
【図４】同じく、連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の差し込み部との関係を示す横断平面図である。
【図５】同じく、連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の鍔部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【図６】同じく、連結具の拡大斜視図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施形態を用いて、３枚のパネルをＴ字状に連結したときの連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の鍔部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【図８】同じく、連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の鍔部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【図９】本発明の第２の実施形態を用いて、支柱と２枚のパネルとをＬ字状に連結する途中の状態を示す連結部分の分解斜視図である。
【図１０】同じく、連結後の状態を示す斜視図である。
【図１１】同じく、第２の実施形態における連結具の拡大斜視図である。
【図１２】同じく、第２の実施形態における連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の差し込み部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【図１３】同じく、第２の実施形態における連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の鍔部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【図１４】本発明の第２の実施形態を用いて、支柱と高さの異なる２枚のパネルとをＬ字状に連結した連結部分の分解斜視図である。
【図１５】本発明の第２の実施形態を用いて、高さの異なる２枚のパネル同士を連結したときの連結部分の側部フレームと連結具の差し込み部との関係を模式的に示す横断平面図である。
【符号の説明】
(１)パネル
(２)側部フレーム(フレーム)
(2a)取付片
(３)空所
(４)嵌合溝
(５)連結具
(６)鍔部
(７)突部
(８)差し込み部
(９)連結片
(10)拡幅部
(11)上部カバー
(12)コーナーカバー(カバー)
(12a)垂下部
(12b)下向突部
(13)止めねじ
(14)連結具
(15)差し込み部
(16)支柱
(17)空所
(18)芯部
(19)腕片[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a panel coupling device that couples side end surfaces of panels or opposed surfaces of a panel and a column to each other.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As this kind of conventional, for example, the frame of the panel, or the frame and the column of the panel are connected to each other with bolts or other fastening means penetrating them, or their upper ends (and lower ends) Are generally fixed to each other with a connecting metal fitting such as a straight shape, an L shape, a T shape, or a cross shape and a set screw.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional panel connecting means as described above has problems such as a large number of parts, a complicated structure, and complicated connecting work.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a panel connecting device that has a small number of parts, is simple in structure and assembly work, and can be manufactured at low cost. .
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, the above problem is solved as follows.
(1) A plurality of fitting grooves facing upward and downward with an opening width smaller than the width of the back part are separated from each other on the side end surfaces of the panels to be connected to each other or between the opposing surfaces of the panel and the column. A widened portion that can be fitted to the inner part of each fitting groove at both ends of the connecting piece that is provided and is opposed to each other between the plurality of fitting grooves that are substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the opening width. The insertion part in the connector having the fitting part is fitted so that the widened part is inserted into the back part of each fitting groove, and the connecting piece is inserted into the opening part of the fitting groove, respectively , and at one end of the insertion part, A wider ridge portion is provided in series, and this butt portion is brought into contact with either the upper or lower end surface of the panel or the column, thereby connecting both panels or the panel and the column.
[0006]
(2) In the above item (1), the outside of the collar that is in contact with either the upper or lower end face of the panel or column is covered with a cover fixed to the panel or column.
[0007]
(3) In the above item (1) or (2), a collar is provided on either the upper or lower end surface of only one widened part from the center of the connecting piece in the insertion part, and this collar is attached to one panel or column. Abutting only on one of the upper and lower end surfaces, the other widened portion side from the center of the connecting piece in the insertion portion is fitted in the fitting groove of the other panel or column so as to be slidable in the vertical direction.
[0008]
(4) In any one of the above items (1) to (3), a space for accommodating the connector extracted from the fitting groove is provided near the fitting groove in the panel or the column.
[0009]
(5) In any one of the above items (1) to (4), a frame facing the vertical direction is provided at the side edge of the panel, and the vertical direction is provided between the center of the front half and the center of the rear half of the side end surface of the frame. 2 fitting grooves are provided, and one fitting is provided at the same distance as the distance from the corner portion to the nearest fitting groove on the side end surface on the front and rear side surfaces adjacent to the side end surface of the frame. A groove is provided.
[0010]
(6) In the above item (5), the ratio of the width between the side end face of the frame and the front and back faces is approximately 2 to 1, and the shape of the collar portion of the connector is a rectangle that is substantially the same as the planar shape of the frame. The insertion portion can be accommodated in the space in a state in which the collar portion is in contact with either the upper or lower end surface of the frame so that the major axis thereof is in the same direction as the major axis of the frame. .
[0011]
(7) In the above item (6), a plurality of protrusions are provided on the upper and lower outer surfaces of the flange, and a plurality of recesses into which the protrusions can be fitted are provided on the facing surface of the cover that faces the flange. .
[0012]
(8) In any one of the above items (1) to (7), the cross-sectional shape of the inner part of the fitting groove is a substantially right-angled isosceles triangle, and an opening is formed in a portion corresponding to the center of the base.
[0013]
(9) In the above paragraph (8), the void is defined as an approximately right-angled isosceles triangle with the base located at the panel-side edge of the frame and the apex angle located at the center of the outer edge of the frame. In the corner portion, the back portions of small right-angled isosceles triangles of two fitting grooves whose opening portions face either the outer side or the front-rear direction are arranged adjacent to each other.
[0014]
(10) In any one of the above items (1) to (9), the column cross-sectional shape is inscribed inside the square outer shape, and the square void is inscribed in the outer square by shifting the phase by 45 degrees. Provided in relation to each other, and at the corners, the openings of small right-angled isosceles triangles are adjacent to each other in the two fitting grooves whose openings are opened on the side surfaces adjacent to the corners. Shall be.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1-5 shows the example in the case of connecting two panels linearly using the 1st Embodiment of this invention.
The side frames (frames) (2), whose length in the vertical direction is slightly shorter than the panel (1), are located on both side edges (only one side edge is shown) of each panel (1). The protruding mounting piece (2a) (see FIGS. 4 and 5) is fitted to the side end surface of the panel (1) and fixed by screwing as appropriate.
[0016]
The lateral cross section of the side frame (2) has a shape as shown in FIG.
That is, a rectangular outer shape in which the ratio of the width in the front-rear direction of the side end surface to the width in the left-right direction of the entire surface and the rear surface is made 2: 1, and the base of the length close to the front-rear width of the side end surface A space (3) of an isosceles right triangle is formed near the panel (1).
[0017]
In addition, the back part (4a) forms a right-angled isosceles triangle at the center of the front half, the center of the rear half, the center of the front face, and the center of the rear face of the side frame (2). ) Are formed in the shape of a slit located in the center of the base of the right-angled isosceles triangle, and each is provided with a fitting groove (4) facing in the vertical direction.
[0018]
The connector (5) includes a rectangular plate-shaped flange (6) and two truncated quadrangular pyramid-shaped protrusions (7) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the flange (6) protruding from the upper surface thereof. (7) and the insertion part (8) which hangs down from the lower surface center of the collar part (6).
[0019]
The length of the major axis and the minor axis of the heel part (6) is substantially the same as the front and rear width and the left and right width of the side frame (2) (in this example, the minor axis is slightly larger than the left and right width of the side frame (2)). It is shortened).
[0020]
The insertion portion (8) is provided at both ends of a plate-like connecting piece (9) that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the opening width (4b) of each fitting groove (4) in the side frame (2). Each of the fitting grooves (4) is formed by connecting a wide part (10) of an isosceles right triangle that complements the shape of the back part (4a) of the fitting groove (4). The direction of the connecting piece (9) is the same as the direction of the long axis of the flange (6).
[0021]
At the upper end of the panel (1), an upper cover (11) slightly shorter than the length in the left-right direction is detachably provided.
Further, a corner cover (cover) (12) having a substantially L-shaped front shape is detachably fixed to both ends of the upper portion of the panel (1) with a set screw (13).
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the panel (1) is used alone without connecting another panel (1) or a post, which will be described later, to the side edge of the panel (1), As shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 4, the insertion part (8) of 5) is inserted into the void (3) from above, and the collar part (6) is set so that its long axis faces the front-rear direction. Then, the front and rear surfaces and the outer surface of the collar part (6) are brought into contact with the upper end of the side frame (2) and covered with the corner cover (12) from above the side frame (2) and the corner. The connector (5) can be attached to the panel (1) in a good appearance while being aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the hanging part (12a) of the cover (12).
[0023]
On the lower surface of the hanging portion (12a) of the corner cover (12), two recesses into which the two protrusions (7) and (7) of the connector (5) when the orientation shown in FIG. (Not shown) and a downward projection (12b) that enters the gap between the flange (6) of the connector (5) and the outer surface of the panel (1) are also provided.
[0024]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, when two panels (1) (1) are connected in a straight line, the corner cover (12) and the connecting tool ( 5) are removed from the panel (1), and the side end surfaces of the adjacent side frames (2) are butted against each other as shown in FIG. 4, and two pairs of fitting grooves (4) ( 4) Insert the two connecting devices (5) and (5) removed from the panel (1) so that the long axis of the flange (6) faces in the left-right direction. The widened portion (10) is fitted into the back portion (4a) of each fitting groove (4), and the connecting piece (9) is fitted into the opening (4b) of each fitting groove (4). Then, the corner cover (12) is attached to the corner portion of each panel (1) from the upper side in the same manner as in the original state.
[0025]
At this time, in the front and rear recesses on the lower surface of the hanging portion (12a) of each corner cover (12), the left protrusions (7) and (7) of the front and rear connection tools facing in the left and right direction, and the right side The protrusions (7) and (7) are fitted to each other in a manner different from the case shown in FIG. 3 to position each connector (5), and the collar (6) Each connector (5) is firmly held by being sandwiched between the lower surface of the hanging part (12a) of the cover (12) and the upper end of the side frame (2).
[0026]
The downward protrusion (12b) of each corner cover (12) is between the side edge of the collar (6) of the connector (5) facing in the left-right direction and the outer edge of the panel (1). It enters and closes so that the voids are not exposed to the outside, and can have a beautiful appearance.
[0027]
7 and 8 show a case where three panels (1) are connected so as to form a T shape in a plan view.
In this example, the side end surfaces of the left and right panels (1) are abutted with each other, and the front end of another panel (1) facing the front-rear direction is abutted from the rear of the abutting portion, and those panels ( One of the three connectors (5) previously removed from 1) is directed in the left-right direction, and the front portions of the left and right panels (1) are connected to the front connector (shown in FIG. 5). 5), connect the remaining two couplers (5) and (5) in the front-rear direction so that they are parallel to each other. Insert it so as to straddle the two fitting grooves (4) and (4) located at the front end of (1) and the fitting grooves (4) located on the rear surfaces of the left and right panels (1) facing them. Thus, the three panels (1) are connected so as to form a T shape in plan view.
[0028]
The relationship between the insertion part (8) of each connector (5) and the fitting groove (4) of each side frame (2) at this time is shown in FIG.
[0029]
When the corner covers (12) are mounted as they are after the three connectors (5) have been inserted, the top surfaces of the three connectors (5) are all covered and the connectors (5). The collar portion (6) is sandwiched between the lower surface of the hanging portion (12a) of each corner cover (12) and the upper end of the side frame (2) and is firmly held.
[0030]
In addition, from the T-shaped connection structure shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8, the rear end of the panel (1) toward the front-back direction is further abutted from the front of those connection parts, It is easy to understand that the four panels (1) can be connected in a cross shape by connecting the left and right panels (1) and (1) with the same connection structure as the panel (1). It seems possible.
[0031]
In addition, by replacing any one of the above-described structures (1) with a column (not shown) having the same cross-sectional shape as the side frame (2), the panel has the same connection structure. It is clear that (1) can be connected to the support.
[0032]
FIGS. 9-13 shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention using the coupling tool different from the above-mentioned coupling tool (5). It should be noted that the same components as those described above are given the same reference numerals and illustrated, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0033]
In this example, as shown in FIG. 11, the connector (14) includes the same flange portion (6) as described above and two protrusions (7) and (7), and further has a cross-sectional shape. Is the same as the above-mentioned insertion part (8), but the connection part with a collar part (6) is provided with two insertion parts (15) and (15) different from the above-mentioned thing.
[0034]
That is, the two insertion portions (15) and (15) have one widened portion (10) side located below the flange portion (6) from the center of the connecting piece (9) and the connecting piece (9). The other widened portion (10) side from the center protrudes outward from the side edge of the collar portion (6) in plan view, and the center of the front half of the outer surface of the collar portion (6) and the center of the latter half portion Are connected to each other.
[0035]
The column (16) has a square cross-sectional shape with one side equal to the front-rear width of the side end face of the side frame (2) of the panel (1), and a triangular space in the side frame (2) at the center. A square space (17) similar to the case where two (3) are connected back to back is provided so as to be substantially inscribed by shifting the phase by 45 degrees with respect to the outer square.
[0036]
In the center of the space (17), a support shaft for supporting the support column (16), a screw for attaching a cap, an adjuster bolt or the like (both not shown) is C-shaped in plan view. The core part (18) is arranged to be connected to the tip of the arm piece (19) that flares out from the corner part of the space (17) toward the center.
[0037]
On each surface of the support column (16), two fitting grooves (4) (4) similar to those described above are provided, and two fitting grooves (4) (4) on the side end surface of the side frame (2) are provided. It is provided in the same manner as 4).
[0038]
9 to 13 show examples in which the same panel (1) as described above is connected to two adjacent surfaces of the column (16). In this case, those columns of the column (16) are shown in FIG. The two end faces of the side frame (2) of the side frame (2) of the panel (1) are butted from the upper side of the two fitting grooves (4) and (4) facing each other. The insertion portion (15) has its widened portion (10) at the back (4a) of each fitting groove (4) and the connecting piece (9) at the opening (4b) of each fitting groove (4). Insert from above so as to fit each other.
[0039]
At this time, the collar part (6) in the connector (14) faces in the direction in which the long axis is parallel to the side end face of each panel (1).
[0040]
After that, from above, the corner cover (12) is attached to the corner of each panel (1) and fixed to the panel (1) with a set screw (13). ) Is firmly held by being sandwiched between the lower surface of the hanging portion (12a) of the corner cover (12) and the upper end of the side frame (2).
This state is shown in FIG.
[0041]
In this example, two panels (1) and (1) are connected in an L shape via a support column (16), but other panels are connected to the remaining two surfaces of the support column (16) in the same manner. Thus, the three panels (1) can be connected in a T shape, or the four panels (1) can be connected in a cross shape.
[0042]
Moreover, in this 2nd Embodiment, since the half part of the two insertion parts (15) in a connector (14) protrudes outside from the side end surface of each panel (1), it is used as a support | pillar. By fitting the two fitting grooves (4) and (4) on the opposing surfaces of (16) so as to be slidable in the vertical direction, the right panel (1) shown in FIG. The panel (1) can be connected to a column (16) having a height higher than that of the panel (1).
FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the connector (14) and the side frame (2) of each panel (1) at that time.
[0043]
As described above, when the shape of the cavity (3) (17) and the back part (4a) of the fitting groove (4) is a right-angled isosceles triangle or square, the side frame (2) and the column (16) The maximum cross-sectional shape can be obtained with a minimum cross-sectional area without useless voids and thick portions.
[0044]
However, if it is only necessary to obtain the basic functions and effects described above, the shape of the cavity (3) (17) and the back part (4a) of the fitting groove (4) may be other shapes, for example, It may be oval, trapezoidal, or the like.
[0045]
In addition, the above description is all about the connection of the upper part of the panel (1), but it is preferable that the lower part of the panel (1) is connected with a vertically symmetrical structure as described above. However, the lower part of the panel (1) may be connected with a connection structure different from that described above.
[0046]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the side end surfaces of the panels or the opposing surfaces of the panel and the column are abutted with each other, and the plurality of pairs of opposing fitting grooves are inserted with the insertion portion in the connector from the upper end or the lower end. The panel or the panel and the column can be easily and securely connected by simply fitting the widened part into the back of each fitting groove and the connecting piece inserted into the opening of the fitting groove. Can be linked.
In addition, since the side end surfaces of the panels or the opposing surfaces of the panel and the column are connected by a connecting tool at a plurality of locations on the opposing surfaces, they are strong against bending and twisting, and a high bonding strength is obtained.
Moreover, if the fitting grooves are formed in the panel and the support column in advance, only one type of connecting component is required, so the number of components is small, the structure can be simplified, and the manufacturing can be performed at low cost.
Furthermore, since the flange part wider than that is connected to one end of the insertion part, and this flange part is in contact with either the upper or lower end surface of the panel or the column, the insertion part enters deeply into the fitting groove. Is prevented.
[0047]
According to the second aspect of the present invention , the hook portion is covered with the cover, so that the insertion portion is prevented from coming out of the fitting groove, and the connector is securely held without rattling or the like. . In addition, the connector is covered with a cover, so the appearance is good.
[0048]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the half of the insertion portion that protrudes outwardly from the flange is made to contact the upper end of the lower panel with the flange of the connector. By being slidably fitted in the fitting groove provided in, it can be applied to the connection between panels having different heights or between the panel and the column.
[0049]
According to the invention described in claim 4, when the connector is not used, the connector is not lost by storing the connector in the space of the panel or the column.
[0050]
According to the invention described in claim 5, another panel can be connected to the connecting piece of two panels connected in a straight line to each other so as to be orthogonal to them, and the T-shaped or cross-shaped panel Connection becomes possible.
[0051]
According to invention of Claim 6, when the insertion part of a connector is accommodated in a space, the outer peripheral surface of the collar part of a connector aligns with the outer peripheral surface of a flame | frame, and can exhibit a beautiful external appearance.
[0052]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the projection of the coupling tool is fitted into the concave portion of the cover, whereby the coupling tool is positioned and the coupling tool is more reliably held on the panel.
[0053]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the widened portion of the connector from coming out of the opening of the fitting groove, and by combining with the configuration of the ninth or lower aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the frame The layout of the fitting grooves in can be optimized.
[0054]
According to the ninth and tenth aspects of the present invention, the layout of the space and the fitting groove in the cross-sectional shape of the frame and the column can be optimized, and the maximum strength can be obtained with the minimum cross-sectional area. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in the middle of connecting two panels in a straight line by using the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similarly showing a state after connection.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a corner portion when a single panel is used alone.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view similarly showing the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the insertion portion of the connecting tool.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the flange portion of the connecting device.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the flange of the connecting device when three panels are connected in a T shape using the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the flange portion of the connecting device.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting portion showing a state in the middle of connecting a support column and two panels in an L shape using the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state after connection in the same manner.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a connector according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the relationship between the side frame of the connection portion and the insertion portion of the connection tool in the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional plan view schematically showing the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the flange of the connecting device in the second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting portion in which a column and two panels having different heights are connected in an L shape using the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 schematically shows the relationship between the side frame of the connecting portion and the insertion portion of the connecting tool when two panels having different heights are connected to each other using the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
(1) Panel
(2) Side frame (frame)
(2a) Mounting piece
(3) Empty space
(4) Mating groove
(5) Connecting tool
(6) Buttocks
(7) Projection
(8) Insertion part
(9) Connecting piece
(10) Widening part
(11) Top cover
(12) Corner cover (cover)
(12a) hanging part
(12b) Downward protrusion
(13) Set screw
(14) Connector
(15) Insertion section
(16) Prop
(17) Empty space
(18) Core
(19) Arm pieces

Claims

A plurality of fitting grooves facing each other in the vertical direction with the opening width being smaller than the width of the back part are provided apart from each other on the side end surfaces of the panels to be connected to each other or between the opposing surfaces of the panel and the column, A coupling tool having a widened portion that can be fitted into the back of each fitting groove at both ends of a coupling piece that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the opening width between a plurality of pairs of fitting grooves opposed to each other. the insertion portion, the back portion of the wider section each groove, and together with the connecting piece is fitted so as to be inserted respectively into the opening of the fitting groove, one end of the insertion portion in, wider than it of the flange portion is continuously provided, the flange portion, by contacting the upper or lower end surface of the panel or posts, panels connecting device is characterized in that concatenates the two panels or panel and the support.

The panel coupling device according to claim 1, wherein an outer side of the collar portion in contact with either the upper or lower end surface of the panel or the support is covered with a cover fixed to the panel or the support.

A hook is provided on either the upper or lower end face of the insertion part at the upper or lower end side only from the center of the widened part. The panel connecting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the other widened portion side from the center of the piece is slidably fitted in the fitting groove of the other panel or column in the vertical direction.

The panel coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a space for accommodating a coupling tool extracted from the fitting groove is provided near the fitting groove in the panel or the column.

A frame facing in the vertical direction is provided at the side end of the panel, and two fitting grooves facing in the vertical direction are provided in the center of the front half and the center of the rear half of the side end face of the frame, and the side end face of the frame The panel connection according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein one fitting groove is provided at a portion equidistant from the corner portion on the front and rear side surfaces adjacent to each other and the distance from the nearest fitting groove on the side end surface. apparatus.

The ratio of the width between the side end surface of the frame and the front and back surfaces is approximately 2 to 1, the shape of the collar portion of the connector is substantially the same as the planar shape of the frame, and the major axis of the collar portion is 6. The panel connection device according to claim 5, wherein the insertion portion can be accommodated in the space in a state where the insertion portion is in contact with one of the upper and lower end surfaces of the frame so as to face the same direction as the long axis of the frame.

The panel coupling device according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of protrusions are provided on the upper and lower outer surfaces of the flange part, and a plurality of recesses into which the protrusions can be fitted are provided on an opposing surface of the cover that faces the flange part.

The panel connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the inner portion of the fitting groove is a substantially right-angled isosceles triangle, and an opening is formed in a portion corresponding to the center of the bottom.

The void shall be an approximately right-angled isosceles triangle with the base located on the panel side edge of the frame and the apex angle located at the center of the outer edge of the frame. 9. The panel connecting device according to claim 8, wherein the backs of small right-angled isosceles triangles of two fitting grooves facing in either of the front and rear directions are arranged adjacent to each other.

The cross-sectional shape of the column is set so that the square space is inscribed in the square of the outside by shifting the phase by 45 degrees inside the square outer shape, and each corner has an opening at each corner. The panel connection according to claim 1, wherein the backs of small right-angled isosceles triangles in two fitting grooves opened on a side surface adjacent to each other are disposed adjacent to each other. apparatus.