JPS58210230A - Ceiling module and system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a ceiling module and a ceiling system including the module. In particular, the present invention relates to a module that is lighter and easier to transport than those previously known for providing a flat ceiling, and a system equipped with the module.

Among the ceiling modules are well known. Such modules are approximately 10 to 36 ft2 (-1 to 2 m on sides)
The ceiling elements can be easily arranged repeatedly to form a modular ceiling. Such modules and ceilings are described, for example, in US Pat.
．． No. 372.270, No. 3,743,862, and No. 3,831,0114.

All of these modules are defined by placing four sheet metal panels to form a rectangular ceiling area with a rectangular opening in the ceiling plane or in the center. The ceiling compartment panel has a peripheral edge of the module and an edge of the central opening facing upward. An illuminator with a light source is installed in the central opening. Also, sound deadening batts are placed on the ceiling partition panels, and sound attenuating panels are placed on top of the buffs. In all of these modules, the support for the ceiling and ceiling panels is generally along the line of connection between the ceiling and ceiling panels, and
This is done by means of an upwardly extending vertical frame. Such ceiling modules provide lighting, air handling, sound damping, and movable partitions.
ioning) into a modular ceiling structure to enable a truly integrated ceiling system. Due to energy issues in recent years, modular ceiling modules are no longer equipped with lighting devices. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a ceiling module that does not require traditional large frames or ceiling lights. It is also desired to develop a ceiling module that requires only one ceiling partition panel for each module, whereas the conventional method required four panels.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a ceiling module that requires only one ceiling partition panel.

Another object is to provide a module that does not require large vertical spines to support the module.

Another object is to provide a module in which the ceiling section panels are flat rather than pyramidal.

Another object is to provide a modular ceiling using such modules, in particular a ceiling using modules without a luminaire or lamp housing.

Other objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

In general, according to the invention, a ceiling module comprises ceiling section means defining a rectangular ceiling area visible from below, and frame means supporting said ceiling section. The ceiling module is characterized in that the majority of the ceiling section means is a single sheet, and the frame means has at least one sheet forming a rectangular overlay above the ceiling section means, the overlays being generally parallel and It is located above the means and is fixed to the ceiling partition means along the periphery of the ceiling partition means. The overlay is then also located in the space inside the periphery of the ceiling partition means. At the same time, a rectangular ceiling compartment panel and a rectangular overlay are formed into a rigid and self-retaining ceiling compartment of the module.

Preferably the frame means includes four top panels secured together to form a rectangular overlay. The top panel also forms a central rectangular space in the overlay. The overlay has a peripheral downwardly facing edge and a downwardly facing edge around the central opening, both edges being secured to the ceiling partition means. The four panels are preferably identical, with the short sides aligned with the long sides of adjacent panels like a pinwheel.

Preferably, the ceiling partition panel has an upwardly directed edge around its outer periphery;
Adheres to the downward facing edge around the overlay. A preferred embodiment includes overlapping shoulders on both the circumferential upward edge of the ceiling partition panel and the circumferential downward edge of the overlay.

4, preferably forming an overlay with the ceiling compartment panel.
The panels are formed from metal plates.

The ceiling section means of at least some of the modules constituting the ceiling system form a central rectangular opening in the ceiling area, the ceiling area overlaying two upwardly facing edges, a peripheral upwardly facing edge and a peripheral upwardly facing edge of the central opening. Secure the bottom edge of. The center panel is installed in the opening.

Preferably, the module is rectangular, with sides 1 to 2 m. The central opening is preferably less than half the size of the module.

Some of the modules have a central panel that is translucent, and the illuminator is installed in the central opening.

These modules extend an illuminator support frame from the illuminator to approximately the perimeter of the module. Preferably, the illuminator support frame includes four identical frame sides arranged end-to-end in a binwheel configuration, and includes means for engaging means for supporting the module around the frame sides. The thickness of the metal plate forming the ceiling section of the module may be sufficient to support the lighting without a separate lighting support frame.

Others of the modules have a central panel that is a sheet metal cover with an upwardly facing edge secured to the downwardly facing edge of the overlay around the central opening.

In other modules, the central compartment may be a single panel.

A preferred ceiling system using the ceiling module of the present invention has at least one vertical surface consisting of four mating strips above and separating the self-retaining compartment module and having a lamp housing extending to the end of the module. It is characterized by having several modules.

Preferably, the module is a single ceiling compartment panel with a central opening and is supported by an overlay secured to the ceiling compartment panel around its periphery and around the central opening.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments.

To explain the drawings, especially in Figures 1 and 2, the symbol l
shows a ceiling system of the present invention, in which modules of equal size are arranged end-to-end at intervals to form a ceiling. The ceiling system 1 in Figures 1 and 2 includes an illuminated module 3 (shown with the central translucent panel removed). It comprises a second illuminated module 5, an unilluminated module 7 with a central blank panel, and a second unilluminated module 9 with a single panel delimiting a completely flat ceiling area.

The module in Figures 1 and 2 is a linear supporting element) 11
are suspended from the support section in the form of a grid. Linear support elements are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,047,3.
3f! listed in the number.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, each of the modules 3115 and 7 includes a lower unit ceiling partition panel 13 and four upper panels 15a, 15b, 15c, and A self-retaining ceiling section 12 is provided including 15d.

The lower unit ceiling partition panel 13 has a central rectangular opening 18.
A flat surface 17 is provided which delimits a rectangular ceiling area having . A small hole is provided in the face 17 in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,743,828. Along its outer periphery, each panel 13 has a lower ridge 19 and an outward facing tread 2.
1. An upper rising portion 23 is provided. Along each edge of the central opening, the panel 13 has an upwardly facing surface 25;
5 has an inwardly bent lip 27 provided at the upper end thereof. Since the panel 13 is formed from a single plate by pressing, the upward facing surface 25 and the lip 27 converge upwardly at a 45 degree angle as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

- Each of the L section panels 15 is rectangular and has a flat upper surface 29 consisting of a pair of matching long sides and short sides. Further, a downward rising portion 31 and an inward tread 33 are formed on one long side and one short side of the upper panel 15. The inner height of the rising portion 31 is approximately equal to the outer height of the upper rising portion 23 of the ceiling partition panel 13, and the inner width of the tread 33 is slightly smaller than the outer width of the tread 21 of the ceiling partition panel 13. child,
Make it narrower. A downward facing surface 35 having a height substantially equal to the height of the upwardly facing inner surface 25 of the ceiling partition panel 13 is formed on the other long side and short side of each panel 15. Panel 15 is formed of thin metal, aluminum or other metal.

One short side of each panel 15 touches the long side of another adjacent panel 15, and the other short side is aligned with the outside long side of another panel 15. That is, the panels are arranged in a pinwheel configuration as shown in FIG.

The downward facing surface 35 of the long side of each panel 15 is secured to the downward facing surface 35 of the short side of the adjacent panel 15 with blind rivets 37 before the frame 16 is assembled to the lower panel 13. In Figure 3φ5, the long side of panel 15b is connected to panel 15a.
An example is shown in which it is fixed to the short side of . The outer edge of the panel 15, which is initially partially bent downward to form a downwardly facing two-way portion 31, is attached to the tread of the frame 16 so as to fit into the shoulder formed by the trend line 21 of the panel 13. Press the inward lip formed by 33 inward. Panel 15 is thereby mated with its outer edge to the outer circumferential edge of panel 13 to form the perimeter of the module. frame 1
The downward facing surface 35 of 6 is the panel 13 around the central opening 18.
It is fixed to the upward facing surface 25 of the holder with a blind rivet 39.

The assembled ceiling section is extremely rigid and self-supporting.

The illuminated module 3 has a fixed support frame 41, as shown in FIG. 2, consisting of four identical wooden arms 43 arranged in the shape of a pinwheel with their ends tightened. The ends of the six arms 43 are provided with a pair of tabs 45 that pass through a throat 47 formed on a wide vertical surface of another arm 43. 6. The length of the tab of the arm 43 and the front 47 is the same as that of the ceiling section 12 of the module.
It is approximately equal to one side of the rectangular opening 18. A notch is provided at the upper end of the support element 11 to receive the free ends of the six arms 43. This cutout 49 is preferably large enough to allow the arm 43 to rest directly on the panel 15. Arms 43 prevent deflection of module 3 by transmitting the weight of the illuminator along the edges of the module, particularly along the connection line of panel 15. 6 arms 4
The upper ends of 3 are bent horizontally to provide flaps 51 and 52. The lower end of the arm 43 is provided with an inwardly bent flap 53 which is secured to the inward lip 27 of the ceiling partition panel 13 with sheet metal screws 55.

The illuminator 57 is installed at the upper end of the illuminator support frame 41 of the module 3. The illuminator 57 is a standard one, and the top surface 5
A pair of U-shaped fluorescent lights 63 are provided in a box having four rectangular sides 61 and an open bottom. The illuminator 5
The extension 65 of 7 houses a ballast for the lamp 63 and a plug 67 for connecting the fixture 57 to the power supply and other modules. An outwardly and downwardly bent flange 69 at the lower end of the illuminator 57 allows the illuminator 57 to be attached to the outward facing flap 5 of the arm 43.
Position it above 1.

A direct or diffuse light emitting element, such as a standard prism panel 71, is installed in the central rectangular opening 18 of the module as shown in Figures 6-7. As shown, the panel 71 is supported by spring rod pins 73 at the four corners. Pin 73 is made parallel to one other pin. As a result, when the pin passing through the hole 75 provided at the center of one side of the panel 71 is removed from the hole, the pin 73 on the other side of the panel 71 acts as a hinge.

The module 5 is made of a slightly thicker metal than the module 3, and is not provided with any illuminator support frame 41. The illuminator 4LA of this module is deeper than the illuminator of module 3 to provide a control for cutting off the light. This arrangement is known to result in a more synthetic and flat module despite the weight of the illuminator 57A.

As mentioned earlier, one of the advantages of the module of the present invention is that it combines the module without an illuminator with the advantages of a module with an illuminator, such as durability, aesthetics, sound absorption, ease of cleaning, fire resistance, etc. It is possible to make it extremely compact and easy without changing the structure.

Such a module 7 is shown in FIG. As shown in this figure, unlike the illuminated modules 3 and 5, the module 7 does not include an illuminator support frame 41 and an illuminator 57. The ceiling section 12 is identical to modules 3 and 5. A rectangular sheet metal pan 77 is placed in the center portion 18 of the module 7. The pan 77 is provided with a lower surface 79 provided with small holes in the same way as the plane 17 of the ceiling partition panel 13, and four side walls 81 extending upward and inward. An outwardly directed flange 83 at the upper end of the side wall 81 is secured to the inwardly directed lip 27 of the panel 13 at the upper periphery of the central opening 18 with sheet metal screws 85.

The edge of the side wall 81 is tapered inwardly and upwardly so that the side wall 81 does not hit the rivet 39. flat cover plate 8
7 is fixed to the -L surface of the lip 27 with a sheet metal screw 85.

The structure of module 7 removes pan 77 and cover 87,
It can be converted into an illuminated module by simple means of adding an illuminator 57 and an illuminator support frame 41 if the ceiling section 12 flexes significantly under the weight of the illuminator.

As shown in the figure, a part of the panel 15 and the pan 77 of the ceiling section 12 are covered with sound absorbing material 1, for example, a glass wool band 89.
Fill it. Small holes on the horizontal bottom surface 17 and 79 of the module,
Sound absorbing buffs and sound damping walls 29 and 87 provide the lower part of the module. is sufficiently weakened.

In some cases, it may be aesthetically desirable that the ceiling section be free of any breaks, rather than having a central joining line as in module 7. Such a module is designated by the reference numeral 9 in FIG. 1 and more particularly by FIGS. 9-11. The module 9 differs from the panel 13 of the previous embodiment in that it does not have any breaks from end to end, but otherwise comprises a ceiling partition panel 113 that is identical. In particular, around it, there is a lower rising part 119 corresponding to the same part of the panel 13, facing outward), red 121, and an upper part 1. Ri section 123
It is equipped with Module 9 also has four upper panels.
15a to 115d, each of which has a flat top surface 1 with long and short sides corresponding to the same locations in the previous embodiment.
29, a downward rising portion 131, and an inward tread 133. Panels 115 also include downwardly facing edges 135 along the other short sides of each panel, with surface 135 being shorter than surface 35 by approximately the thickness of the metal. The other long side of each panel 115 is provided with a downwardly facing surface 136 with outwardly facing legs 138 at its lower end. The module 9 is also provided with a central pan 187 having a downward facing surface 189 around its periphery. The downward facing surface is at the same height as the surface 135 of the panel 115.

Module 9 rivets panels 115 and 187 together. The bottoms of the legs 138 are fixed with adhesive. Insulating buffs are placed on panels 115 and 187. Spread the downward rising portion 131 around the panel 115 sufficiently to fit it into the ceiling partition panel 113, and fit the panel 1
Fold around 13 and 115. The lower surface of the leg portion 138;
The upper surface of panel 117 is fixed along the entire length of the inner long side of panel 115 with adhesive. This supports the inner side of the panel 113 and prevents its surface 117 from sagging.

Numerous variations of the modules and ceilings of the invention within the scope of the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description.

As shown in FIG. 12, the panels 3I+5, 7, and 9 are provided with means other than the support element 11, that is, a portion 111a that constitutes a rectangular frame that supports the illuminator, and a diagonal reinforcing portion 111b of the panel 15, It can be supported from above the ceiling by means of a combination of four support elements 111 bent into a substantially hook shape, each consisting of a mounting portion 111c for attachment to another adjacent reinforcing portion 111b. For example, corner supports may be provided by the hangers of U.S. Pat. No. 3,402,517, or an illuminator support frame similar to the frame of U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,019 may be used. Supporting the module may also use screw hangers 201 at the corners of the module. The hanger 201 is formed by bending a piece of metal plate and has strips 203 with edges 205 facing downward at 90 degrees to each other. Inwardly directed flanges 207 of edge 205 engage inwardly directed treads 33 of the module.

The six edges 205 are secured to the downward rising portion 31 and the upper rising portion 23 of the module by sheet metal screws 209. The upwardly bent column 211 is provided with an outwardly bent arm 213 with downwardly directed fingers 215 for engaging support means. In this embodiment, if an illuminator support 41 is used, the arms 43 of the support 41 terminate around the module.

Numerous variations of the module of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description and within the scope of the claims. For example, the downward tread 33 of the panel 15 may be omitted and the surfaces 23 and 31 may be secured together with rivets. Another illuminator may be mounted above the opening 18. Instead of using the sound absorbing material 89, other materials may be used or no sound absorbing material 89 may be used. These variations are merely illustrative.

Although the ceiling partition panel 13 of each module in the illustrated example is one thin plate, it is divided into four sheets separated by a diagonal line connecting the six corners of the central rectangular opening 18 and the six corners of the ceiling partition panel 13. It may also be constructed from trapezoidal small panels. Alternatively, the upper panels 15a-15d may be arranged in a pinwheel configuration.

In this case, it is preferable to arrange the boundaries of the upper and lower panels so that they are staggered to increase the strength of the planar module.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of the ceiling system in which the ceiling module of the present invention is implemented, seen from below, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ceiling system of FIG. 1, seen from above, and FIG. 3 is the same as FIG. 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view from above with the illuminator removed.
5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. A plan view of the central panel used; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2; Figure 9 is an alternative to Figure 1 with a single ceiling compartment panel without openings for mounting illuminators; A perspective view from above of the module without the illuminator,
FIG. 10 is a view taken from FIG. 9 1o-t. 11 is a cross-sectional view along line 11-11 of FIG. 9; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of the module without the illuminator of FIG. 1 showing an alternative means for suspending the module from the support; 1 is a ceiling system, 3 and 5 are modules with illuminators, 7
・9 is a module without lighting, 11 is a support element,
13 is a ceiling partition panel, 15 is an upper panel, 16 is a support frame, 18 is a central rectangular opening, and 57 is a lighting device. Figure 2 Figure 1 Figure 8 Figure 3 Figure 72 Figure 13 Figure 9/jσ

Claims (20)

[Claims] (1) Ceiling division means for dividing a rectangular ceiling area visible from the ceiling K! 1jjl
f) frame means for supporting stage f'; in the ceiling module, the majority of the ceiling partition means is a single thin plate; and the frame means is arranged above the ceiling partition means f). at least one laminate panel forming a rectangular overlay, said overlay being generally parallel and located on three sides of said ceiling section means, said overlay extending along the perimeter of said ceiling section means to extend along said ceiling section; A ceiling module fixed to a partitioning means and located in an inner space around the ceiling partitioning means. (2) said frame means has four partial panels secured together to form said rectangular overlay;
and the top panel defines a central rectangular opening in the overlay, the overlay having a peripheral downwardly directed edge and a peripheral downwardly facing edge of the central opening, the two downwardly facing edges being secured to the ceiling partition means. A module according to claim 1. (3) The module according to claim 2, wherein said ceiling partition means is provided with a circumferential upward edge fixed to said outer circumferential downward edge of said overlay. (4) The module according to claim 3, wherein said ceiling partition means is made of a metal plate. (5) The module according to claim 4, wherein the four panels constituting the overlay are made of metal plates. (6) said ceiling section means also defines a central rectangular opening of said ceiling section, said ceiling section having a circumferential upwardly facing edge and a circumferential upwardly facing edge of said central opening, said two upwardly facing edges forming said overlay; 6. The module of claim 5, wherein the module is secured to the downwardly facing edge of the module. (7) The module according to claim 5, wherein the four panels are the same and are arranged with their short sides aligned with their long sides. (8) The module according to claim 5, wherein the upper edge of the periphery of the ceiling partition means and the lower edge of the periphery of the overlay are each provided with overlapping shoulders. (9) The module according to claim 6, further comprising a central panel in the opening. (10) The central panel includes a sheet metal fill having an upwardly facing edge that adheres to the downwardly facing edge of the overlay around the center portion.
9. The module according to claim 9, which is er). (11) The module according to claim 9, wherein the central panel is a translucent panel. (12) The module according to claim 6, further comprising an illuminator installed above the central opening. (13) Claim 12 further comprising: an illuminator support frame extending from the illuminator to approximately the periphery of the module.
Modules listed in section. (14) The illuminator support frame has four identical frame pieces arranged short and side by side in a pinwheel shape, and means for holding the module is engaged at the ends of the frame pieces. 13. A module according to claim 12, further comprising means for matching. (15) A ceiling module comprising: a self-retaining ceiling section defining a rectangular, generally planar ceiling area visible from below; and a lamp housing above and separating the self-retaining ceiling section. 16. The ceiling module of claim 15, wherein said lamp housing has four vertical sides consisting of four mating strips and extends approximately to the edge of said module. (17) a self-retaining ceiling section in which a plurality of ceiling modules are arranged with intervals between each module, and at least some of the modules constitute a rectangular and generally planar ceiling surface visible from below; Above the self-retaining ceiling compartment. and a separate lamp housing. (18) the ceiling compartment of the at least some of the modules comprises a ceiling compartment panel having a central opening supported by an overlay secured to the ceiling compartment panel at its periphery and at its central opening; Ceiling system according to claim 17. 19. The ceiling system of claim 17, wherein the lamp housings of some of the modules have four vertical sides of four mating strips and extend approximately to the ends of the modules. . (20) a ceiling partition section in which a plurality of ceiling modules are arranged so as to maintain intervals between each module, and the ceiling is provided with a ceiling partition means for partitioning a rectangular ceiling area in which each of the 'modules can be seen from below; frame means generally located above said ceiling compartment for holding said ceiling compartment means, said frame means having at least four panels forming a rectangular overlay above said ceiling compartment means; said overlay is generally parallel and located in a space above said ceiling partition means, said overlay is affixed to said ceiling partition means along the periphery of said ceiling partition means and extends from the periphery of said ceiling partition means inwardly from said ceiling partition means; Ceiling system characterized by being located in.