JP7475981B2 - Panel device and spatial construct - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a panel device and a spatial structure.

In indoor facilities such as offices and public buildings, spatial constructs are sometimes installed to divide the indoor space into smaller spaces. A known spatial construct is one that combines multiple panels. With this configuration, small spaces are formed by separating multiple panels, allowing people to work, eat, drink, etc., while being shielded from views and sounds from the surroundings.

Here, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a configuration that includes partition panels aligned in a first direction and side panels extending from the boundaries between adjacent partition panels in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. In the configuration of Patent Document 1 below, the partition panels are assembled by connecting connecting pieces formed on the opposing surfaces of the panels with a first U-shaped metal fitting. In addition, the partition panels and the side panels are assembled by connecting a mounting fitting attached to the first U-shaped metal fitting and the connecting piece of the side panel with a second U-shaped metal fitting.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-036253

However, in the conventional technology described above, when connecting the intersecting parts of the panels, it is necessary to use separate parts from the panels, such as brackets or mounting brackets. This can lead to an increase in the number of parts and assembly man-hours. In this case, it is difficult to quickly respond to layout changes, let alone the initial installation.

The present invention aims to provide a panel device and spatial structure that can reduce the number of parts and improve assembly efficiency.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following aspects.
A panel device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a first panel arranged in a first horizontal direction, with a first direction being a width direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction being a thickness direction; a second panel arranged alongside the first panel along the first direction, with the first direction being the width direction and the second direction being the thickness direction; and a third panel arranged from a boundary portion between the first panel and the second panel along the second direction, with the first direction being the thickness direction and the second direction being the width direction, wherein a first engagement recess that opens in the vertical direction is formed on one of the first panel and the third panel, and a first engagement protrusion that is inserted into the first engagement recess in the vertical direction and engaged within the first engagement recess is provided on the other of the first panel and the third panel, and a second engagement recess that opens in the vertical direction is formed on one of the second panel and the third panel, and a second engagement protrusion that is inserted into the second engagement recess in the vertical direction and engaged within the second engagement recess is provided on the other of the second panel and the third panel.

According to this aspect, with the first panel and the second panel aligned in the first direction, the third panel is moved vertically relative to the first panel and the second panel. Then, the first engaging protrusion is engaged in the first engaging recess, and the second engaging protrusion is engaged in the second engaging recess. In this way, the first panel and the second panel are connected via the third panel, and the panels can be connected in a T-shape in plan view with a simple assembly process without the need for a separate member. This reduces the number of parts and improves assembly efficiency. As a result, it is possible to quickly respond to initial installation and layout changes.

In the panel device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the first panel and the second panel are provided with a connection portion that connects the first panel and the second panel so that they can move relative to each other in the first direction and cannot move relative to each other in the second direction.
According to this aspect, the first panel and the second panel can be temporarily assembled together by the connection parts before the third panel is assembled to the first panel and the second panel. This makes it possible to suppress misalignment between the first panel and the second panel when assembling the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel, thereby improving assembly efficiency.
In particular, since the connection portion connects the first panel and the second panel to each other so that they can move relative to each other in the first direction, it becomes possible to temporarily assemble the first panel and the second panel, for example, by simply bringing the first panel and the second panel closer to each other in the first direction.

In the panel device of the above-mentioned aspect, it is preferable that an auxiliary connecting portion is provided that connects one of the first and second panels to the third panel and regulates displacement of the one panel and the third panel in a direction in which the angle between the intersecting planes of the one panel and the third panel is enlarged or reduced.
According to this aspect, the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel can be more firmly connected to each other.

In the panel device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the auxiliary connecting portion connects mutually intersecting surfaces of the one panel and the third panel that intersect with each other.
According to this aspect, the auxiliary connecting portion is interposed between the intersecting surfaces, so that the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel can be connected more firmly.

In the panel device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the auxiliary connecting portion is in the form of a plate whose thickness direction is in the up-down direction.
According to this aspect, since the auxiliary connecting portion is formed in a plate shape with the thickness direction being the up-down direction, the user of the panel device can use the upper surface of the auxiliary connecting portion to perform work, etc. This can increase the variety of ways in which the panel device can be used.

In the panel device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the first engagement protrusion can be inserted into the first engagement recess from both the vertical and vertical sides, and the second engagement protrusion can be inserted into the second engagement recess from both the vertical and vertical sides.
According to this aspect, the assembly direction of the first panel, the second panel, and the third panel can be changed depending on the installation environment around the panel device, unevenness, etc. This makes it possible to further improve the freedom of the installation environment and the number of assembly steps.

In the panel device of the above aspect, a first engagement member is attached to the first panel, the first engagement recess having an opening on one side in the vertical direction and a bottom on the other side in the vertical direction, and a second engagement member is attached to the second panel, the second engagement member having an opening on one side in the vertical direction and a bottom on the other side in the vertical direction, and the first panel and the second panel are preferably connected to the third panel in either an upward position in which one side in the vertical direction faces upward, or a downward position in which one side in the vertical direction faces downward. According to this aspect, by switching the vertical orientation of the first panel and the second panel and switching the opening direction of the engagement recess, the engagement protrusion can be inserted into the engagement recess from any direction in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to use a relatively inexpensive engagement member that only has an engagement recess, regardless of the assembly direction.

In the panel device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the first engagement protrusion is held in the first engagement recess at a distance from the bottom, and the second engagement protrusion is held in the second engagement recess at a distance from the bottom.
According to this aspect, compared to a case where the engaging protrusions are in contact with the bottom of the engaging recesses, the engaging recesses can absorb variations in the vertical positions of the panels due to the installation environment, unevenness, layout changes, etc. This allows the panels to be flexibly and appropriately adapted to the installation environment, etc.

A spatial structure according to one aspect of the present invention preferably includes a panel device according to any one of the above aspects, and a partition member connected to the panel device and forming an internal space together with the panel device.
According to this aspect, by surrounding the interior space with the panel device and the partition member, it is easier to block views, sounds, and the like from the surroundings.

The above aspects allow for a reduction in the number of parts and improved assembly efficiency.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spatial structure according to the first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. 2 . 4 is a cross-sectional view of the T-shaped connection structure corresponding to the line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the space constructing body showing the periphery of a second small space. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion V in FIG. 2 . 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. 10A to 10C are process diagrams showing a method of assembling the space forming body. 10A to 10C are process diagrams showing a method of assembling the space forming body. 10A to 10C are process diagrams showing a method of assembling the space forming body. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 4 . FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a spatial structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion XIV in FIG. 5 in the spatial structure according to the third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 in a spatial structure according to a modified example. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a spatial structure according to a modified example.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, the same reference numerals may be used to designate corresponding configurations, and the description may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state in which there is a relative displacement with an angle or distance to the extent that a tolerance or the same function is obtained. In this embodiment, "facing" does not only mean that the orthogonal directions (normal directions) of the two surfaces are aligned with each other, but also includes cases in which the orthogonal directions intersect with each other.

[First embodiment]
(Spatial construct 1)
First, the overall layout of the spatial construct 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the spatial construct 1. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined as the Z direction, and two directions perpendicular to the Z direction are defined as the X direction (first direction) and the Y direction (second direction).
The spatial constructing body 1 shown in FIG. 1 is installed in an indoor facility and divides an indoor space into small spaces. The spatial constructing body 1 of this embodiment is a so-called freestanding panel (low partition) in which a plurality of panels are combined in the X direction and the Y direction, and each panel supports each other to stand on its own. The lower end of each panel constituting the spatial constructing body 1 is in contact with the floor surface F, and the upper end is spaced apart from the ceiling surface. The spatial constructing body 1 forms a plurality of small spaces in the X direction and the Y direction by combining a plurality of panels in the X direction and the Y direction. In the illustrated example, the spatial constructing body 1 forms two rows of small spaces in the X direction and three rows of small spaces in the Y direction.

The spatial structure 1 includes end units (a first end unit 11 and a second end unit 12), a center unit 13, branch units (a first branch unit 14 and a second branch unit 15), side units (a first side unit 16 and a second side unit 17), and an optional member 18.
The first end unit 11 and the second end unit 12 are arranged parallel to each other along the X direction while facing each other in the Y direction. Each end unit 11, 12 is configured by connecting a plurality of (e.g., two) end panels 20A, 20B in the X direction with the Y direction as the thickness direction.

The center unit 13 extends in the Y direction between the first end unit 11 and the second end unit 12. The center unit 13 bridges the central portions of the end units 11, 12 in the X direction (the boundary portions of the end panels 20A, 20B that constitute the same end units 11, 12). The center unit 13 is configured by connecting multiple (e.g., three) center panels 21A-21C in the Y direction with the thickness direction being the X direction.

The first branching unit 14 is disposed on the +X side with respect to the center unit 13. The first branching unit 14 includes one or more (for example, one) first branching panels 22 disposed with the Y direction as the thickness direction. The first branching panel 22 is connected to the boundary portion between adjacent center panels 21A to 21C of the center unit 13. The first branching unit 14 divides the space on the +X side with respect to the center unit 13 in the Y direction.
The second branching unit 15 is disposed on the -X side with respect to the center unit 13. The second branching unit 15 includes one or more (for example, one) second branching panels 23 disposed with the Y direction as the thickness direction. The second branching panel 23 is connected to the boundary portion between adjacent center panels 21A to 21C of the center unit 13. The second branching unit 15 divides the space on the -X side with respect to the center unit 13 in the Y direction.

The first side unit (partition member) 16 is connected to the +X side end of the second end unit 12 and the +X side end of the first branch unit 14. The first side unit 16 has the X direction as its thickness direction and includes one or more (for example, one) first side panels 24 arranged along the Y direction. The first side unit 16 divides in the X direction the space surrounded by the center unit 13 and the panels (end panel 20A and first branch panel 22) adjacent in the Y direction on the +X side of the center unit 13. As a result, on the +X side of the center unit 13, a plurality of first small spaces S1 are formed in the Y direction surrounded by the panels adjacent in the Y direction, the center unit 13, and the first side unit 16.

The first side panel 24 has a shorter dimension in the Y direction than the center panel 21. Therefore, a first entrance 31 that connects the inside and outside of the first small space S1 is formed between the +Y side end of the first side unit 16 and a unit arranged on the +Y side of the first side unit 16 (e.g., the first branch unit 14 or the first end unit 11).

The second side unit (partition member) 17 is connected to the -X end of the first end unit 11 and the -X end of the second branch unit 15. The second side unit 17 has a thickness direction in the X direction and includes one or more (for example, one) second side panels 25 arranged along the Y direction. The second side unit 17 divides in the X direction the space surrounded by the panels (end panel 20B and second branch panel 23) adjacent in the Y direction on the -X side of the center unit 13 and the center unit 13. As a result, on the -X side of the center unit 13, a plurality of second small spaces S2 are formed in the Y direction surrounded by the panels adjacent in the Y direction, the center unit 13, and the second side unit 17.

The second side panel 25 has a shorter dimension in the Y direction than the center panel 21. Therefore, a second entrance 32 that connects the inside and outside of the second small space S2 is formed between the -Y side end of the second side unit 17 and a unit arranged on the -Y side of the second side unit 17 (e.g., the second branch unit 15 or the second end unit 12).

In this manner, in this embodiment, the first small space S1 and the second small space S2 are arranged in the X direction across the center unit 13, and multiple (e.g., three) small spaces are arranged in the Y direction with the first entrance 31 and the second entrance 32 positioned at different positions in the Y direction. However, the number and size of the small spaces can be changed as appropriate. In addition, in this embodiment, a layout in which the first small space S1 and the second small space S2 face each other in the X direction has been described, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first small space S1 and the second small space S2 may be arranged so as not to face each other in the X direction (alternately), or only the first small space S1 or only the second small space S2 may be provided.

Next, the connection structure between the panels will be described.
<T-shaped connection structure 100>
A structure (hereinafter referred to as T-shaped connection structure 100) for connecting three panels in a T-shape in a plan view will be described using a first end unit 11 and a center unit 13 as an example. The panel device according to this embodiment has at least three panels combined via the T-shaped connection structure 100. In the following description, the same reference numerals may be used to designate similar components in each panel, and descriptions thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

<First end unit 11>
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the end panels 20A, 20B of the first end unit 11 are referred to as a first end panel (first panel) 20A and a second end panel (second panel) 20B.
The first end panel 20A includes a panel body 35, an adjuster 36, and receiving clips (first engaging member, second engaging member) 37.
The panel body 35 constitutes the outer shell of the first end panel 20A. The panel body 35 is formed in a plate shape with a base material of wood, for example, and an outer surface covered with a decorative material. Note that the panel body 35 may be made of, for example, metal, etc., as long as it has a plate-like outer shape, and may have a base material covered with a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, etc. Also, a part of the panel body 35 may be made of glass, mesh, etc.

The adjusters 36 are provided at both ends in the X direction at the lower end of the panel body 35. The first end panel 20A is grounded to the floor surface F via the adjusters 36. The adjusters 36 are configured so that the amount of protrusion from the lower end of the panel body 35 can be changed.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion III in FIG.
2 and 3, a notch 41 is formed in the -X side end (the end on the second end panel 20B side) of the panel main body 35. The notch 41 is open in two directions, the -X side and the -Y side, at the -X side end of the panel main body 35. A plurality of notches 41 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction (Z direction).

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the T-shaped connection structure 100 taken along line IV-IV in FIG.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the receiving clip 37 is provided in each of the cutouts 41. The receiving clip 37 is attached to the inner surface of each cutout 41 facing the -Y side (hereinafter referred to as the attachment surface 41a). The receiving clip 37 is formed by pressing a plate material made of metal or the like. Specifically, the receiving clip 37 includes a first base 45, a second base 46, and a connection portion 47 that connects the bases 45, 46 to each other. In this embodiment, the entire receiving clip 37 is accommodated in the cutout 41.

The bases 45, 46 are disposed at intervals in the Z direction along the mounting surface 41a of the cutout portion 41. The bases 45, 46 are fixed to the mounting surface 41a of the cutout portion 41 with screws or the like.
The connecting portion 47 is formed in an arch shape that bulges out toward the -Y side in a side view seen from the X direction. Specifically, the connecting portion 47 includes a first standing piece 50 that stands up from the lower end of the first base 45 toward the -Y side, a second standing piece 51 that stands up from the upper end of the second base 46 toward the -Y side, and an engagement piece 52 that bridges the tips of the standing pieces 50, 51. The engagement piece 52 is disposed away from the mounting surface 41a of the cutout portion 41.

The connection portion 47 is formed with an engagement recess (first engagement recess, second engagement recess) 53. The engagement recess 53 penetrates the connection portion 47 in the thickness direction and extends from the second standing piece 51 to the engagement piece 52. Specifically, the engagement recess 53 is formed by connecting a receiving portion 56 and a holding portion 57.

The receiving portion 56 penetrates the second upright piece 51 in the vertical direction.
The retaining portion 57 continues upward from the receiving portion 56 at the engaging piece 52. The retaining portion 57 is a U-shaped groove that extends linearly in the vertical direction. That is, the retaining portion 57 in this embodiment has an opening that opens downward, and the upper end forms a bottom portion that is closed by the engaging piece 52. The width of the lower portion of the retaining portion 57 in the X direction gradually decreases toward the top. In this embodiment, the bottom of the retaining portion 57 is located above the center of the receiving clip 37 in the vertical direction.

A retraction portion 59 is formed in the portion of the engagement piece 52 that is located around the holding portion 57. The retraction portion 59 extends toward the mounting surface 41a of the notch portion 41 as it approaches the opening edge of the holding portion 57, and also extends toward the mounting surface 41a of the notch portion 41 as it approaches the upper portion.

As shown in FIG. 3, the end face of the panel body 35 facing the -X side has a fitting recess 55 that opens toward the -X side. A plurality of fitting recesses 55 are formed at different positions in the vertical direction from the notch portion 41.

The second end panel 20B is formed symmetrically with the first end panel 20A with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the X direction. In the panel body 35 of the second end panel 20B, a cutout portion 41 similar to that of the first end panel 20A is formed at the +X side end (the end on the first end panel 20A side). The cutout portion 41 is formed at the same position in the vertical direction as the cutout portion 41 of the first end panel 20A. Therefore, the cutout portions 41 formed at the same height in the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B are connected to each other. In addition, a receiving clip 37 is provided in the cutout portion 41 of the second end panel 20B. The receiving clip 37 is provided in the cutout portion 41 with the opening of the holding portion 57 facing downward, similar to the first end panel 20A.

The +X side end face of the panel body 35 of the second end panel 20B has a mating recess 55 that opens toward the +X side. The mating recess 55 of the second end panel 20B is formed at the same position in the up-down direction as the mating recess 55 of the first end panel 20A.

The first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B are assembled with their opposing end faces butted against each other in the X direction. Specifically, a positioning pin (connecting portion) 67 is fitted into the corresponding fitting recess 55 of each end panel 20A, 20B. The positioning pin 67 is a so-called dowel, and one end is fitted into the fitting recess 55 of the first end panel 20A, and the other end is fitted into the fitting recess 65 of the second end panel 20B, thereby connecting the end panels 20A, 20B. The end panels 20A, 20B are connected to each other by the positioning pin 67 so that they can move relatively in the X direction, and also in the Y and Z directions. Note that the configuration may not have the fitting recess 55 or the positioning pin 67.

<Center unit 13>
1, the center panels 21A to 21C are a first center panel (third panel) 21A, a second center panel 21B, and a third center panel 21C. The center panels 21A to 21C are arranged side by side in the Y direction with the thickness direction being the X direction. The panel body 61 of each of the center panels 21A to 21C is formed to have the same outer shape as the panel body 35 of each of the end panels 20A and 20B. However, the outer shape and type (material, etc.) of the panel body 61 may be different from those of the panel body 35.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first center panel 21A is butted against the boundary between the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B in the Y direction. A first engaging protrusion 70 and a second engaging protrusion 71 are provided on the +Y side end surface of the panel body 61 of the first center panel 21A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first engagement protrusion 70 is engaged with the receiving clip 37 of the first end panel 20A. The first engagement protrusion 70 is arranged at intervals in the vertical direction corresponding to the receiving clip 37 of the first end panel 20A. The first engagement protrusion 70 is a so-called shoulder screw. Specifically, the first engagement protrusion 70 has a head 73, a neck 74 protruding from the head 73, a male threaded portion 75 connected to the neck 74, and a flange portion 76 formed at the boundary between the neck 74 and the male threaded portion 75. The first engagement protrusion 70 is fixed to the panel main body 61 in a state where the neck 74 protrudes from the panel main body 61 of the first center panel 21A by screwing the male threaded portion 75 to a position where the flange portion 76 abuts against the +Y side end face of the first center panel 21A.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second engagement protrusions 71 engage with the receiving clips 37 of the second end panel 20B. The second engagement protrusions 71 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction corresponding to the receiving clips 37 of the second end panel 20B. The second engagement protrusions 71 have the same configuration as the first engagement protrusions 70. The second engagement protrusions 71 are fixed to the +Y side end surface of the panel body 61 of the first center panel 21A in a state adjacent to the corresponding first engagement protrusions 70.

In the T-shaped connection structure 100, the first engaging protrusion 70 engages with the receiving clip 37 of the first end panel 20A, and the second engaging protrusion 71 engages with the receiving clip 37 of the second end panel 20B. This allows the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B to be assembled via the first center panel 21A. Specifically, the first engaging protrusion 70 engages with the receiving clip 37 by inserting the neck portion 74 from below into the engaging recess 53 of the receiving clip 37 of the first end panel 20A. In other words, the first engaging protrusion 70 is held by the receiving clip 37 with the retraction portion 59 sandwiched between the head portion 73 and the flange portion 76.

The second engaging protrusion 71 is engaged with the receiving clip 37 by inserting the neck portion 70b from below into the engaging recess 53 of the receiving clip 37 of the second end panel 20B. As a result, the first end unit 11 and the center unit 13 are assembled in a T-shape in plan view, with the first center panel 21A extending in the Y direction from the boundary between the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B.

Here, the state in which the upper end surfaces of the end panels 20A, 20B and the first center panel 21A are arranged flush is regarded as the engagement position between the first engagement protrusions 70 and the receiving clips 37, and between the second engagement protrusions 71 and the receiving clips 37. At this time, the first engagement protrusions 70 are held at the vertical center of the receiving clips 37 (holding portion 57). Similarly, the second engagement protrusions 71 are held at the vertical center of the receiving clips 37 (holding portion 57). In other words, each of the engagement protrusions 70, 71 engages with the receiving clips 37 at a position spaced downward from the bottom of the engagement recesses 53.

2, the plurality of receiving clips 37 (and the plurality of engaging protrusions 70, 71) are provided at equal intervals in the vertical direction on each panel body 35, 61. For example, in the first end panel 20A, four receiving clips 37 are provided at equal intervals on the panel body 35. The four receiving clips 37 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line of symmetry La that extends in the X direction through the center of the vertical direction of the panel body 35. That is, in this embodiment, the four receiving clips 37 include a first set 37a arranged closest to the line of symmetry La, and a second set 37b arranged on both sides of the first set 37a in the vertical direction (at a position distant from the line of symmetry La). Therefore, even when the first end panel 20A is turned upside down, the distances to the line of symmetry La of the receiving clips 37 constituting the same set 37a, 37b are the same. However, the receiving clips 37 may be one set or three or more sets arranged symmetrically with respect to the line of symmetry La.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the space forming body 1 showing the periphery of the second small space S2.
5, the center panels 21A to 21C are connected to each other via positioning pins 67 in the same manner as the end panels 20A and 20B described above. The second end panel 20B and the third center panel 21C, and the center unit 13 and the branch units 14 are assembled to form a T shape in a plan view by a method similar to that of the T-shaped connection structure 100 described above. When the center unit 13 and the first branch unit 14, or the center unit 13 and the second branch unit 15 are connected by the T-shaped connection structure 100, the center panels adjacent in the Y direction constitute the first panel and the second panel, and the branch panels 22 and 23 constitute the third panel.

<L-shaped connection structure 110>
Next, a structure for connecting panels in an L-shape in plan view (hereinafter referred to as L-shaped connecting structure 110) will be described using the second end panel 20B and the second side panel 25 as an example. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of part V in Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. In the following description, the same components as those in the T-shaped connecting structure 100 are given the same reference numerals and will not be described.
6 and 7, in the second end panel 20B, a notch 80 is formed at the -X side end of the panel main body 35. The notch 80 is open only to the -Y side at the -X side end of the panel main body 35. A plurality of the notches 80 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction, for example, at the same pitch as the notches 41 (see FIG. 2).

A receiving clip 81 is provided in the cutout 80. The receiving clip 81 has the same configuration as the receiving clip 37 described above. The receiving clip 81 is attached to the bottom surface of the cutout 80 in a state in which it is upside down relative to the receiving clip 37. That is, the receiving clip 82 is arranged with the engagement recess 53 opening upward and the engagement piece 52 spaced apart from the bottom surface on the -Y side. In this embodiment, the four receiving clips 81 include a first set 81a arranged closest to the symmetry line La, and a second set 81b arranged on both sides of the first set 81a in the up-down direction (at a position distant from the symmetry line La). Therefore, even when the first end panel 20A is upside down, the distances to the symmetry line La of the receiving clips 81 constituting the same set 81a, 81b are the same.

The second side panel 25 is connected to the -X side end of the second end panel 20B with the thickness direction of the panel body 85 being the X direction. In the second side panel 25, an engagement protrusion 86 is provided on the +Y side end surface of the panel body 85. The engagement protrusion 86 has a configuration similar to the engagement protrusions 70, 71 described above, and is fixed to the panel body 85 with the neck portion 74 protruding on the +Y side.

The engaging protrusion 86 is engaged with the receiving clip 81 by inserting the neck portion 74 from above into the engaging recess 53 of the receiving clip 81 of the second end panel 20B. That is, the engaging protrusion 86 is held by the receiving clip 81 with the retraction portion 59 sandwiched between the head portion 73 and the flange portion 70c. The state in which the upper end surfaces of the second end panel 20B and the second side panel 25 are arranged flush with each other is the engagement position of the engaging protrusion 83 and the receiving clip 81. At this time, the engaging protrusion 86 is held at the center in the up-down direction of the receiving clip 81. That is, the engaging protrusion 86 engages with the receiving clip 81 at a position spaced upward from the bottom of the engaging recess 53.

The first branching unit 14 and the first side unit 16, the second branching unit 15 and the second side unit 17, and the second end unit 12 and the second side unit 16 are assembled in an L-shape in plan view in a manner similar to the L-shaped connection structure 110 described above.

<Optional member 18>
Next, the optional member 18 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 1, an optional member 18 is provided for each of the small spaces S1, S2. In the following description, the optional member 18 will be described using as an example the second small space S2 surrounded by the second end panel 20B, the first center panel 21A, the second branch panel 23, and the second side panel 25 among the second small spaces S2. As shown in Fig. 5, the optional member 18 has a top panel 90, a light 91, a hook 92, etc.

The top plate 90 is disposed in the vertical center of the second small space S2, with the vertical direction being the thickness direction. Specifically, the top plate 90 is supported by brackets 94 provided on each of the second end panel 20B, the first center panel 21A, and the second side panel 25. The brackets 94 are L-shaped in a cross-sectional view along the vertical direction. The first end of the bracket 94 is fixed to each of the panels 20A, 21A, and 25 with screws or the like, and the second end protrudes into the second small space S2.

The top plate 90 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The +Y side edge of the outer periphery of the top plate 90 is arranged along the surface facing the -Y side of the second end panel 20B. The +X side edge of the outer periphery of the top plate 90 is arranged along the surface facing the -X side of the second side panel 25. The -X side edge of the outer periphery of the top plate 90 is arranged along the surface facing the +X side of the first center panel 21A. The top plate 90 is supported from below by the second ends of brackets 94 provided on each panel 20A, 21A, 25. The second ends of each bracket 94 are fixed to the lower surface of the top plate 90 by screws or the like. As a result, the top plate 90 is fixed across the panels 20A, 21A, 25 along the surfaces of the adjacent panels 20A, 21A, 25 facing the second small space S2 (the intersecting surfaces where the panels 20A, 21, 25 intersect with each other).

The lighting 91 is fixed to, for example, a portion of the first center panel 21A that is located above the top panel 90.
The hook 92 is fixed, for example, to a portion of the first center panel 21A that is located on the -Y side of the lighting 91. Note that the optional member 18 may be a shelf or the like other than those described above.

In the spatial structure 1 described above, for example, when using the second small space S2, the user can enter the second small space S2 through the second entrance 32. The second small space S2 is separated from the outside space by each panel. Therefore, the user can carry out work, etc., while being blocked from the surrounding line of sight, sounds, etc.

[Method of assembling the spatial construct 1]
Next, a method for assembling the above-mentioned spatial forming body 1 will be described. Figures 8 to 10 are process diagrams showing the method for assembling the spatial forming body 1. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7.
First, as shown in Fig. 8, the center unit 13 is assembled (single unit assembly process). Specifically, the center panels 21A to 21C are connected to each other using positioning pins 67. This allows the center panels 21A to 21C to be assembled so that they can move relative to each other in the Y direction, but cannot move relative to each other in the X direction or up and down directions.

Next, the first end unit 11 is assembled. Specifically, the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B are connected using the positioning pin 67 in a manner similar to the single unit assembly process described above. This allows the first end panel 20A and the second end panel 20B to be assembled so that they can be displaced relative to each other in the X direction, but cannot be displaced relative to each other in the Y and Z directions.

Next, the center unit 13 and the first end unit 11 are assembled (T-shaped connection process). Specifically, the first end unit 11 is gripped so that the opening of the engagement recess 53 in the receiving clip 37 faces downward (downward position). Then, the first end unit 11 is lifted so that the upper end of the first end unit 11 is positioned above the upper end of the center unit 13. After that, with the first end unit 11's thickness direction being the Y direction and the center unit 13's thickness direction being the X direction, the first end unit 11 and the center unit 13 are brought closer to each other in the Y direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, each first engagement protrusion 70 is inserted below the receiving clip 37 in the corresponding cutout portion 41 of the first end panel 20A, and each second engagement protrusion 71 is inserted below the receiving clip 37 in the corresponding cutout portion 41 of the second end panel 20B. In this state, the first end unit 11 is lowered relative to the center unit 13.

Then, the first engaging protrusion 70 enters the engaging recess 53 of the receiving clip 37 of the first end panel 20A from below, and the second engaging protrusion 71 enters the engaging recess 53 of the receiving clip 37 of the second end panel 20B from below. Then, by lowering the first end unit 11 until it touches the floor surface F via the adjuster 36, each engaging protrusion 70, 71 engages with the corresponding holding portion 57 of the receiving clip 37 at the center in the vertical direction. As a result, the first center panel 21A and the first end panel 20A are connected via the first engaging protrusion 70 and the receiving clip 37, and the first center panel 21A and the second end panel 20B are connected via the second engaging protrusion 71 and the receiving clip 37. Thus, in this embodiment, the end panels 20A and 20B constituting the first end unit 11 are connected to each other by the first center panel 21A so that they cannot be relatively displaced at least in the X direction and the Y direction.

9 and 11, the center unit 13 and the second end unit 12 are assembled in the same manner as in the T-shaped connection process described above. Specifically, the second end unit 12 is lowered relative to the center unit 13 while the engaging protrusions 70, 71 of the third center panel 21C are inserted into the portion of the cutout portion 41 of the second end unit 12 that is located below the receiving clips 37. As a result, the engaging protrusions 70, 71 engage with the corresponding receiving clips 37, and the end panels 20A, 20B that constitute the second end unit 12 are connected to each other by the third center panel 21C so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other at least in the X and Y directions.

Next, each branch unit 14, 15 is assembled to the center unit 13 using a method similar to the T-shaped connection process described above.

Next, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, the side units 16, 17 are assembled to the end units 11, 12 or the branch units 14, 15 (L-shaped connection process). The L-shaped connection process will be described below using the second end panel 20B and the second side panel 25 as an example. First, the second side panel 25 and the second end panel 20B are brought closer to each other in the Y direction so that the engaging protrusions 86 of the second side panel 25 are positioned above the receiving clips 81 in the corresponding notches 80 of the second end panel 20B. Next, the second side panel 25 is lowered relative to the second end panel 20B. Then, each of the engaging protrusions 86 enters the corresponding engaging recesses 53 from above. Then, the second side panel 25 is lowered until the second side panel 25 touches the floor surface F via the adjuster 36, so that each of the engaging protrusions 86 engages with the holding portions 57 of the corresponding receiving clips 81 at the center in the vertical direction. As a result, the second end panel 20B and the second side panel 25 are connected via the engaging protrusions 86 and the receiving clips 81 so as to be unable to move relatively at least in the X and Y directions.
Thereafter, the other side panels 24, 25 are similarly assembled to the first end unit 11 or the branch units 14, 15. This forms a plurality of small spaces S1, S2. The upper end positions of the panels and unevenness are adjusted using adjusters or the like provided on each panel unit.

Next, various optional members 18 are attached to each of the small spaces S1 and S2.
In this manner, the above-mentioned spatial constructing body 1 is completed.

Thus, in this embodiment, in the T-shaped connection structure 100 that connects three panels in a T-shape when viewed in a plane, for example, each engagement protrusion 70, 71 of the first center panel 21A is inserted in the vertical direction into the engagement recesses 53 of each end panel 20A, 20B, thereby connecting each end panel 20A, 20B via the first center panel 21A.
According to this configuration, the engagement protrusions 70, 71 and the receiving clips 37 are engaged simply by moving the first center panel 21A and each end panel 20A, 20B relative to each other in the vertical direction. This allows the panels to be connected in a T-shape in plan view through a simple assembly process without the need for separate parts. This reduces the number of parts and improves assembly efficiency. As a result, it is possible to quickly respond to initial installation and layout changes.

In this embodiment, for example, a positioning pin 67 is provided that connects the end panels 20A, 20B to each other so that they can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction or in the up-down direction.
According to this configuration, the end panels 20A, 20B can be temporarily assembled before the first center panel 21A is assembled to the end panels 20A, 20B. This makes it possible to prevent misalignment between the end panels 20A, 20B when the first center panel 21A is assembled to the end panels 20A, 20B. This improves assembly efficiency.
In particular, since the positioning pins 67 connect the end panels 20A, 20B to each other so that they can move in the X direction, for example, the end panels 20A, 20B can be temporarily assembled by simply moving the end panels 20A, 20B closer to each other in the X direction.

In this embodiment, for example, the top panel 90 is fixed across the intersecting surface where the second end panel 20B and the first center panel 21A intersect with each other.
According to this configuration, by connecting the top panel 90 to the second end panel 20B and the first center panel 21A, the second end panel 20B and the first center panel 21A can be firmly connected to each other.
Moreover, by adopting the tabletop 90, whose thickness direction is the vertical direction, as the auxiliary connecting portion, the users of the small spaces S1 and S2 can use the tabletop 90 to perform their work, etc. This allows the variety of usage modes of the spatial constructing body 1 to be expanded.

In this embodiment, the engaging protrusions 70 and 71 are engaged with the engaging recess 53 in a state separated from the bottom of the holding portion 57 .
With this configuration, compared to a case where the engaging protrusions 70, 71 are in contact with the bottom of the holding portion 57, variations in the vertical positions of the first end unit 11 and the center unit 13 due to the installation environment, unevenness, layout changes, etc. can be absorbed within the holding portion 57. This makes it possible to flexibly and appropriately respond to the installation environment, etc.

In this embodiment, receiving clips 37 and 81 are disposed within the cutouts 41 and 80, respectively.
This configuration makes it easy to position the receiving clips 37, 81 relative to the panel body.

In the spatial construct 1 of this embodiment, the side panels 24, 25 are connected to the T-shaped connection structure 100 by an L-shaped connection structure 110. Therefore, the small spaces (internal spaces) S1, S2 can be surrounded by panels, making it easier to block views and sounds from the surroundings.

[Second embodiment]
13 is an enlarged perspective view of the spatial constructing body 1 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a state in which a wall surface C of a structure (e.g., a wall surface of an indoor facility) is arranged on the opposite side of the center unit 13 with respect to the first end unit 11 will be described as an example. In this case, it is difficult to move the first end unit 11 in the vertical direction with respect to the center unit 13 as in the first embodiment described above.

Therefore, when assembling the spatial construct 1 of this embodiment, the first end unit 11 is placed along the wall surface C with the engagement recess 53 facing upward (upward position). That is, in the first end unit 11 of this embodiment, the first end unit 11 of the first embodiment is installed upside down on the floor surface F. As described above, each receiving clip 37 is placed symmetrically up and down with respect to the line of symmetry La that extends in the X direction through the center of the panel main body 35 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 2). Therefore, even if the first end unit 11 is turned upside down, the distance from the line of symmetry La of the receiving clips 37 that make up each set 37a, 37b does not change.

In this state, the first center panel 21A is assembled to the first end unit 11 in the same manner as the T-shaped connection process of the first embodiment. Specifically, the first center panel 21A is lowered relative to the first end unit 11 with the engagement protrusions 70, 71 of the first center panel 21A entering the portion located above the receiving clip 37 in the cutout portion 41 of the first end unit 11. By lowering the first center panel 21A until the first center panel 21A touches the floor surface F via the adjuster 36, each of the engagement protrusions 70, 71 engages with the holding portion 57 of the corresponding receiving clip 37 at the center in the vertical direction. As a result, the engagement protrusions 70, 71 engage with the corresponding receiving clips 37, and the end panels 20A, 20B constituting the first end unit 11 are connected to each other by the first center panel 21A so that they cannot be displaced relative to each other at least in the X direction and Y direction.

Next, the second center panel 21B and the third center panel 21C are assembled to the first center panel 21A to complete the center unit 13. After that, the second end unit 12, the branch units 14, 15, and the side units 16, 17 are assembled to the center unit 13 in sequence.

When the first end unit 11 is turned upside down, the adjuster 36 is always attached to the lower end of the panel body 35 regardless of the orientation of the first end unit 11. In this configuration, mounting holes for the adjuster 36 may be provided on the upper and lower end faces of the panel body 35, and unused mounting holes (mounting holes located at the upper end when installed) may be covered with caps or the like.

In this embodiment, the engaging protrusions 70, 71 can be inserted into the engaging recess 53 from both sides in the upper and lower directions.
According to this configuration, the installation direction of the first end unit 11 can be changed depending on the installation environment, unevenness, etc., around the spatial forming body 1. This makes it possible to further improve the degree of freedom of the installation environment and the number of assembly steps.

In addition, in this embodiment, by switching the up-down orientation of the first end unit 11 and switching the opening direction of the engagement recess 53 of the receiving clip 37, the engagement protrusions 70, 71 can be inserted into the engagement recess 53 from any direction in the up-down direction. This makes it possible to use a relatively inexpensive receiving clip 37 that only has the engagement recess 53, regardless of the assembly direction.

[Third embodiment]
Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the spatial constructing body 1 according to the third embodiment, which corresponds to the portion XIV in Fig. 5. This embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiment in that, for example, the first end unit 11 and the center unit 13 are connected to each other by an auxiliary connecting portion 200.
14, the auxiliary connecting portion 200 is provided on the opposite side of the top plate 90 (inside the first small space S1) with respect to the center unit 13. That is, the auxiliary connecting portion 200 is fixed across the intersecting surface between the first end panel 20A and the first end panel 20A among the intersecting surfaces between the first end unit 11 and the center unit 13. The auxiliary connecting portion 200 is configured such that the first piece 200a and the second piece 200b are bent into an L-shape in a plan view.

The first piece 200a of the auxiliary connection part 200 is fixed with a screw or the like to the surface of the first end panel 20A facing the first small space S1 (the surface facing the -Y side). On the other hand, the second piece 200b of the auxiliary connection part 200 is fixed with a screw or the like to the surface of the first center panel 21A facing the first small space S1 (the surface facing the +X side).

In this embodiment, the auxiliary connecting portion 200 is fixed across the intersecting surfaces of the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A.
This configuration makes it possible to restrict the displacement of the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A in a direction that increases or decreases the angle between the intersecting planes of the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A, thereby making it possible to firmly connect the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A.
In particular, since the auxiliary connecting portion 200 is interposed between the intersecting surfaces formed by the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A, the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A can be more firmly connected to each other while opening up the upper space of the spatial structure 1.

(Other Modifications)
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claims.
For example, in the above embodiment, the first end unit 11 corresponding to the first and second panels is provided with the engaging recesses 53 (receiving clips 37), and the center unit 13 corresponding to the third panel is provided with the engaging protrusions 70, 71, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first and second panels may each be provided with an engaging protrusion, and the third panel may be provided with engaging recesses corresponding to the first and second panels.
15, a receiving clip 37 may be provided on the first end panel 20A so that the engagement recess 53 faces downward, and a second engaging protrusion 71 may be provided on the second end panel 20B. In this case, the first engaging protrusion 70 may be provided on the first center panel 21A at a portion corresponding to the receiving clip 37, and the receiving clip 37 may be provided on a portion corresponding to the second engaging protrusion 71 so that the engagement recess 53 faces upward. Even with this configuration, the end panels 20A, 20B can be connected to each other in a T-shape by the center unit 13 due to the relative vertical movement of the end unit 11 and the center unit 13.

In the above embodiment, the panel itself is turned upside down to switch the insertion direction into the engagement recess, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the panel may be left in the same orientation, and only the receiving clip 37 may be turned upside down.
In the above embodiment, the spatial constructing body 1 is divided into the small spaces S1 and S2 by the side units 16 and 17, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the panel device may be formed of only the panels constituting the T-shaped connecting structure 100 or only the panels constituting the L-shaped connecting structure 110.
In the above embodiment, the panels are connected in a state where they are perpendicular to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The panels may be connected in a state where they extend in directions intersecting each other. In this case, the end faces of the panels that butt against each other may be inclined surfaces or the like.

Furthermore, the spatial constructing body 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the partition members divide the space in the X direction like the side units 16 and 17. For example, the partition members may divide the space in the vertical direction like a top plate or ceiling material.
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the engaging protrusions and engaging recesses are fixed to the panel body has been described, but this configuration is not limited thereto, and the engaging protrusions and engaging recesses may be formed integrally with the panel body.

In the above embodiment, the engaging recess is open only on one side in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The engaging recess may be open on both the top and bottom sides. Even in this case, the engaging recess can be inserted into the engaging protrusion from both the top and bottom sides.
In the above embodiment, the panel device is used in a low partition, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the panel device may be used in a panel leg of a support member having a load-bearing surface (upper surface) such as a tabletop, a shelf, or a chair seat.

In the third embodiment described above, the auxiliary connection part 200 is configured to connect the intersecting surfaces formed by the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A, but this is not limited to the configuration. For example, as in the auxiliary connection part 250 shown in FIG. 16, the auxiliary connection part 250 may connect the upper end surfaces and the lower end surfaces of the first end panel 20A and the first center panel 21A. Note that the auxiliary connection part 250 may connect either the upper end surfaces or the lower end surfaces.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiment may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.

1... space forming body 16... first side unit (partition member)
17...Second side unit (partition member)
20A...First end panel (first panel)
20B...Second end panel (second panel)
21A…First center panel (third panel, first panel)
21B…Second center panel (second panel)
21C…Third center panel (third panel, first panel)
22...First branch panel (third panel)
23...Second branch panel (third panel)
37...receiving clip (first engaging member, second engaging member)
53...Engagement recess (first engagement recess, second engagement recess)
67: Positioning pin (connection part)
70: First engaging protrusion 71: Second engaging protrusion 90: Top plate (auxiliary connecting portion)
200, 250...Auxiliary connection part

Claims (8)

a first panel arranged such that a first direction among horizontal directions is a width direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction is a thickness direction;
a second panel arranged next to the first panel along the first direction, the second direction being a width direction and a thickness direction of the second panel;
a third panel disposed along a boundary between the first panel and the second panel, the first direction being a thickness direction and the second direction being a width direction,
A first engagement recess that opens in the up-down direction is formed in one of the first panel and the third panel,
a first engagement protrusion that is inserted vertically into the first engagement recess and engaged with the first engagement recess is provided on the other of the first panel and the third panel;
A second engagement recess that opens in the up-down direction is formed in one of the second panel and the third panel,
The other of the second panel and the third panel is provided with a second engagement protrusion that is inserted vertically into the second engagement recess and engaged within the second engagement recess. The panel device according to claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel are provided with a connection portion that connects the first panel and the second panel so that they can move relative to each other in the first direction and cannot move relative to each other in the second direction. The panel device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an auxiliary connection section that connects one of the first and second panels to the third panel and restricts displacement of the one panel and the third panel in a direction that increases or decreases the angle between the intersecting planes of the one panel and the third panel. The panel device according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary connection portion connects the mutually intersecting surfaces of the one panel and the third panel. The panel device according to claim 4 , wherein the auxiliary connecting portion is a plate-like member having a thickness direction extending in the vertical direction. a first engagement member is attached to the first panel, the first engagement recess having an opening on one side in the vertical direction and a bottom on the other side in the vertical direction;
a second engagement member is attached to the second panel, the second engagement recess having an opening on one side in the vertical direction and a bottom on the other side in the vertical direction;
A panel device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first panel and the second panel are connected to the third panel in either an upward position in which one side in the vertical direction faces upward, or a downward position in which one side in the vertical direction faces downward. the first engagement protrusion is held in the first engagement recess in a state spaced apart from the bottom,
The panel device according to claim 6 , wherein the second engagement protrusion is held in the second engagement recess in a state spaced apart from the bottom. A panel device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ;
a partition member connected to the panel device and forming an internal space together with the panel device.

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