JP7730011B2 - Partition structure - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a sealing mechanism in a partition structure with movable panel members.

Conventionally, in partition structures in which panel members are suspended from the ceiling, a sealing mechanism has been disclosed in which a sealing member (baseboard) is pressed against the ceiling rail and floor when connecting the panel members (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-3280

Patent Document 1 describes a link arm that connects the panel main body and the sealing member, with a long hole formed in the link arm. A pin is inserted into the long hole to move the sealing member closer to or farther from the panel main body. In this configuration, the vertical dimension of the link arm increases when the link arm's longitudinal direction is oriented vertically. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

A partition structure according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a rail provided on a ceiling, and a plurality of panel members suspended from the rail and movable along the rail, the panel members comprising a panel main body portion and a closing portion provided at an upper end and/or a lower end of the panel main body portion, the closing portion comprising a sealing member that is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body portion and that closes a gap formed above and/or below the panel main body portion, and a link portion that connects the panel main body portion and the sealing member so that the sealing member is separated from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction when the sealing member is retracted to the other side end, the link portion connecting the sealing member so that the sealing member can be advanced and retracted from the panel main body portion. and a second link mechanism that connects the sealing member and the panel main body portion so that the sealing member can be moved closer to or farther from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction, wherein the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are biased by an elastic member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member extends toward one side end of the panel main body portion, and the sealing member is biased in a rotational direction in which the sealing member is moved away from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction , the first link mechanism is configured such that the base end of a connecting body of multiple link members is rotatably supported on the panel main body portion, and the tip end of the connecting body is rotatably supported on the sealing member, and the second link mechanism is configured such that the connecting body can expand and contract by the relative rotation of the multiple link members that make up the connecting body .

According to the partition structure of the first aspect, by configuring the link unit with the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism, it is not necessary to use a link arm with a long hole, and therefore the vertical dimension of the link unit can be kept compact. Furthermore, by configuring the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism as an integral unit, the assembly work of the link unit can be easily performed.

A partition structure according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a rail provided on a ceiling, and a plurality of panel members suspended from the rail and movable along the rail, the panel members comprising a panel main body portion and a closing portion provided at an upper end and/or a lower end of the panel main body portion, the closing portion comprising a sealing member that is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body portion and that closes gaps formed above and/or below the panel main body portion, and a link portion that connects the panel main body portion and the sealing member so that the sealing member is separated from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction when retracted to the other side end. The link portion comprises a first link mechanism that connects the sealing member to the panel main body portion so that it can move forward and backward, and a second link mechanism that connects the sealing member to the panel main body portion so that it can move closer to and away from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction, and the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are urged by an elastic member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member extends toward one side end of the panel main body portion, and in a rotational direction in which the sealing member moves away from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction , and when the first link mechanism rotates by a predetermined angle or more against the urging force of the elastic member, the elastic member urges the sealing member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member retracts toward the other side end .

According to the partition structure of the second aspect, by configuring the link portion with the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism, it is not necessary to use a link arm with a long hole, so the vertical dimension of the link portion can be kept compact. Furthermore, by locking the rotation of the first link mechanism, it is possible to restrict horizontal displacement of the seal member.

A partition structure according to a third aspect of the present invention is a partition structure according to the second aspect , wherein the first link mechanism is a main link whose base end is rotatably supported on the panel main body, and the second link mechanism is an adjustment link whose base end is rotatably supported on the sealing member, the main link and the adjustment link are rotatably connected to each other, the main link is biased by a first elastic member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member extends toward one side end of the panel main body, and the adjustment link is biased by a second elastic member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member moves away from the panel main body in either the upward or downward direction.

According to the partition structure of the third aspect , by providing elastic members on each of the main link and the adjustment link, it becomes possible to adjust the biasing forces of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism.

A partition structure according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a partition structure according to any one of the first to third aspects , wherein the panel member has a frame member that accommodates the link portion, and the sealing member is capable of moving toward and away from the frame member.

According to the partition structure relating to the fourth aspect , the aesthetic appearance of the panel member can be improved by covering the link portion with the frame member.

A partition structure according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the partition structure according to the fourth aspect , wherein the panel member is configured such that the frame member supports a glass plate.

According to the partition structure of the fifth aspect , the vertical dimensions of the frame member that supports the glass plates are made compact, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the panel member.

The partition structure of the present invention described above has the following advantages:

According to the partition structure of the first aspect, it is possible to keep the vertical dimensions of the link portion compact , and it is possible to easily perform the assembly work of the link portion.

According to the partition structure of the second aspect, it is possible to keep the vertical dimensions of the link portion compact , and it is possible to restrict horizontal displacement of the seal member.

According to the partition structure of the third aspect , it is possible to adjust the biasing forces of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism.

According to the partition structure relating to the fourth aspect , it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the panel members.

According to the partition structure of the fifth aspect , it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the panel member that supports the glass plate.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a partition structure according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the partition structure according to the first embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 2. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a blocking structure using an upper blocking portion. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a blocking structure using a lower blocking portion. An enlarged view of the lower link section under normal conditions. 7A is an enlarged view of the lower link portion at the time of the first seal, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 7A. 10A is an enlarged view of the lower link portion when the second seal is formed, and FIG. 10B is a view showing the unlocked state when the second seal is formed. An enlarged view of the lower link portion at the time of the third seal. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a blocking structure using a lower blocking portion in a partition structure according to a second embodiment. (a) is an enlarged view of the lower link portion in the partition structure of the second embodiment in normal condition, (b) is an enlarged view of the lower link portion in the fourth seal condition, and (c) is an enlarged view of the lower link portion in the fifth seal condition.

[First embodiment]
The following describes the schematic configuration of a partition structure 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, using Figures 1 to 5. As shown in Figure 1, the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to close an opening formed by a ceiling C, a floor F, a first wall W1, and a second wall W2. The partition structure 1 is used, for example, to divide spaces in offices, schools, hospitals, stores, etc. In this specification, the front side of the page in Figure 1 will be referred to as the front of the partition structure 1, and the left side in Figure 1 will be referred to as the left side of the partition structure 1.

The partition structure 1 according to this embodiment comprises a rail 2 attached to the ceiling C, a plurality of panel members P, P... suspended from the rail 2 and movable along the rail 2, and an end panel 4 suspended from the rail 2 and closing the right end of the opening. The plurality of panel members P, P... and the end panel 4 are connectable by abutting their side ends as shown in FIG. 1. A pressing portion 4a extends from the right side of the end panel 4. The pressing portion 4a presses against the second wall body W2, closing the right end of the partition structure 1.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the multiple panel members P, P... gathered on the right side are sequentially moved leftward along the rail 2 to connect them in a row as shown in Figure 1. The leftmost panel member P abuts the first wall body W1, and the end panel 4 closes the right side of the rightmost panel member P, thereby dividing a space from the ceiling C to the floor F. As shown in Figure 2, when the partition structure 1 is used to close the opening, the gaps between each panel member P and the rail 2 are closed by the upper closing portion 5 (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the gaps between each panel member P and the floor F are closed by the lower closing portion 6 (see Figure 5).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the panel member P includes a suspension member 31, a panel main body 3, an upper closing portion 5, and a lower closing portion 6. Each component of the panel member P will be described below.

As shown in Figure 3, the suspension member 31 is a member that displaceably connects the panel main body 3 and the rail 2. The suspension member 31 has an upper roller 31a and a lower roller 31b rotatably supported on a support shaft 31c. The support shaft 31c is arranged with its axis oriented vertically. The upper roller 31a and the lower roller 31b are housed in a roller housing section 21 formed inside the rail 2 so that they can rotate horizontally. As the upper roller 31a and the lower roller 31b of the suspension member 31 rotate inside the roller housing section 21 of the rail 2, the panel member P can be displaced along the rail 2.

The panel main body 3 is connected to the lower part of the suspension member 31 via a connecting portion 32 and an upper frame support portion 34. The panel main body 3 comprises an upper frame member 35, a glass plate 36, a lower frame member 37, and vertical frame members 7, 7. The upper frame member 35 and an upper link support portion 33 are connected to the upper frame support portion 34. The upper frame member 35 forms a frame that supports the periphery of the glass plate 36. The upper link support portion 33 supports the upper link portion 51 that forms the upper blocking portion 5.

The upper frame member 35, together with the lower frame member 37 and two vertical frame members 7, 7, forms a frame body that supports the glass plate 36. In other words, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the outer periphery of the glass plate 36, which is a rectangular panel, is held in place by the frame body made up of the upper frame member 35, lower frame member 37, and vertical frame members 7, 7.

In this embodiment, the panel main body 3 has a double-pane structure in which a pair of double-pane glass panels, each consisting of two overlapping glass plates 36, 36, are provided in the thickness direction of the panel member P. A lower link support 39 is fixed to the lower frame member 37 via a lower frame support 38. The lower link support 39 supports the lower link 61 that constitutes the lower blocking section 6.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the panel member P includes an upper closing portion 5 provided at the upper end of the panel main body 3. The upper closing portion 5 closes the gap between the panel main body 3 and the rail 2 when the panel members P are connected to close the opening.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the upper blocking portion 5 includes an upper link portion 51 and an upper seal member 52. The upper seal member 52 is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body 3 (the left side in this embodiment, the same applies below) and closes the gap formed between the panel main body 3 and the rail 2 above it. The upper link portion 51 connects the panel main body 3 and the upper seal member 52 so that the upper seal member 52 is vertically separated from the panel main body 3 when it is retracted to the other side end (the right side in this embodiment, the same applies below).

As described above, the upper link portion 51 is supported by the upper link support portion 33 and connects the upper link support portion 33 and the upper seal member 52 so that they can be displaced relative to each other. The upper seal member 52 comprises a cylindrical upper seal body 52a and an upper abutment member 52b, which is an elastic member provided on the upper surface of the upper seal body 52a. In addition, an upper pressing portion 52c is provided at the left end of the upper seal body 52a, and an upper pressed portion 52d is provided at the right end of the upper seal body 52a.

As shown in Figure 2, the upper link portion 51 and upper seal body 52a are housed inside the upper frame member 35 and are difficult to see from the outside. An upper frame seal member 35a is provided on the inner surface of the upper frame member 35. The outer surface of the upper seal body 52a is always in contact with the upper frame seal member 35a, preventing foreign objects and debris from entering the interior of the upper frame member 35.

When no external force is applied to the upper blocking portion 5, the upper link portion 51 contracts, bringing the upper link support portion 33 and the upper seal member 52 closer together, as shown in Figure 4(a). On the other hand, when force is applied to the upper seal member 52 from the left side, the upper link portion 51 expands in the vertical direction, separating the upper seal member 52 from the upper link support portion 33, as shown in Figure 4(b).

In the partition structure 1, when panel members P are connected to close an opening, the left end of the panel member P moving from the right side is pressed against the right end of the panel member P located on the left side. At this time, the upper pressing portion 52c of the upper sealing member 52 provided on the right panel member P abuts against the upper pressed portion 52d of the upper sealing member 52 provided on the left panel member P, and receives a reaction force from the left side.

As a result, the upper seal member 52 moves away from the upper link support portion 33, and the upper abutment member 52b abuts against the abutted portion 22 of the rail 2. In other words, the upper seal member 52 closes the gap between the panel member P and the rail 2.

On the other hand, when the right panel member P is displaced to the right and the panel members P move away from each other, the upper link portion 51 contracts due to the elastic member. Then, as shown in Figure 4(a), the upper link support portion 33 and the upper seal member 52 move closer together, and the upper seal member 52 moves away from the rail 2.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the panel member P includes a lower blocking portion 6 provided at the lower end of the panel main body 3. The lower blocking portion 6 closes the gap between the panel member P and the floor surface F when the panel members P are connected to close the opening.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the lower blocking portion 6 includes a lower link portion 61 and a lower seal member 62. The lower seal member 62 is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body 3 and closes the gap formed between the panel main body 3 and the floor surface F below it. The lower link portion 61 connects the panel main body 3 and the lower seal member 62 so that when the lower seal member 62 is retracted toward the other side end, it is spaced apart vertically from the panel main body 3.

As described above, the lower link portion 61 is supported by the lower link support portion 39 and connects the lower link support portion 39 and the lower seal member 62 so that they can be displaced relative to each other. The lower seal member 62 comprises a cylindrical lower seal body 62a and a lower abutment member 62b, which is an elastic member provided on the underside of the lower seal body 62a. In addition, a lower pressing portion 62c is provided at the left end of the lower seal body 62a, and a lower pressed portion 62d is provided at the right end of the lower seal body 62a.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower link portion 61 and lower seal body 62a are housed inside the lower frame member 37 and are difficult to see from the outside. A lower frame seal member 37a is provided on the inner surface of the lower frame member 37. The outer surface of the lower seal body 62a is always in contact with the lower frame seal member 37a, preventing foreign objects and debris from entering the interior of the lower frame member 37.

When no external force is applied to the lower blocking portion 6, the lower link portion 61 contracts, bringing the lower link support portion 39 and the lower seal member 62 closer together, as shown in Figure 5(a). On the other hand, when force is applied to the lower seal member 62 from the left side, the lower link portion 61 expands in the vertical direction, separating the lower seal member 62 from the lower link support portion 39, as shown in Figure 5(b).

In the partition structure 1, when panel members P are connected to close an opening, the left end of the panel member P moving from the right side is pressed against the right end of the panel member P located on the left side. At this time, the lower pressing portion 62c of the lower sealing member 62 provided on the right panel member P abuts against the lower pressed portion 62d of the lower sealing member 62 provided on the left panel member P, receiving a reaction force from the left side.

As a result, the lower seal member 62 moves away from the lower link support portion 39, and the lower contact member 62b comes into contact with the floor surface F. In other words, the lower seal member 62 closes the gap between the panel member P and the floor surface F.

On the other hand, when the right panel member P is displaced to the right and the panel members P move away from each other, the lower link portion 61 contracts due to the elastic member. Then, as shown in Figure 5(a), the lower link support portion 39 and the lower seal member 62 move closer together, and the lower seal member 62 moves away from the floor surface F.

As described above, with the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, when the opening is closed with each panel member P, the gap between the panel member P and the rail 2 is closed with the upper closing portion 5, and the gap between the panel member P and the floor surface F is closed with the lower closing portion 6, thereby preventing sound and light leakage between the partitioned spaces.

[Lower closure part 6]
Next, the detailed configuration of the lower blocking section 6 in the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Note that the upper blocking section 5 has a configuration that is substantially the same as the lower blocking section 6, but is inverted upside down, and therefore a detailed description of the upper blocking section 5 will be omitted.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the lower link portion 61 of the lower blocking portion 6 includes a first link mechanism that connects the lower sealing member 62 to the panel main body 3 so that it can move forward and backward, and a second link mechanism that connects the lower sealing member 62 to the panel main body 3 so that it can move toward and away from each other in the vertical direction.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first link mechanism in this embodiment is configured as a main link 64 whose base end is rotatably supported on the panel main body 3. The second link mechanism is configured as an adjustment link 67 whose base end is rotatably supported on the lower seal member 62.

As shown in Figure 6, the main link 64 is a member formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front. A main link support 63 is fixed to the lower link support 39. The base end on the right side of the main link 64 is supported rotatably on the first rotation axis A1 relative to the main link support 63. In other words, the main link 64 is rotatably supported on the panel main body 3 via the main link support 63.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the adjustment link 67 is a member formed in a generally L-shape when viewed from the front. An adjustment link support part 66 is fixed to the lower seal body 62a. The base end part on the right side of the adjustment link 67 is rotatably supported on the adjustment link support part 66 at a fourth rotation axis A4. In other words, the adjustment link 67 is rotatably supported on the lower seal member 62 via the adjustment link support part 66.

The main link 64 and the adjustment link 67 are rotatably connected at their respective distal ends around a seventh rotation axis A7. It is also possible to connect the main link 64 and the adjustment link 67 at their midpoints.

The main link 64 is biased by a first spring S1, which is a first elastic member, in a rotational direction in which the lower seal member 62 extends toward one side end of the panel main body 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a first spring support member 65 is rotatably supported on the main link support member 63 by a second rotation axis A2. The second rotation axis A2 is inserted through the first spring support member 65 so as to be displaceable inside a first elongated hole 65a that opens at the base end on the right side of the first spring support member 65.

The main link 64 is pivotally connected near its base end to the tip of the first spring support portion 65 via the third pivot axis A3. A first compression spring S1 is inserted between the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3, biasing the main link 64 in a direction (clockwise) that causes the lower seal member 62 to extend to the left. In this way, the main link 64, which constitutes the first link mechanism, is biased by the first elastic member, the first spring S1, in a rotational direction that causes the lower seal member 62 to extend toward one side end of the panel main body 3.

The adjustment link 67 is biased by a second spring S2, which is a second elastic member, in a rotational direction that moves the lower seal member 62 downward away from the panel main body 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a second spring support member 68 is rotatably supported on a fifth rotation axis A5 by the adjustment link support member 66. The fifth rotation axis A5 is inserted through the second spring support member 68 so as to be displaceable inside a second elongated hole 68a that opens at the base end on the right side of the second spring support member 68.

The adjustment link 67 is rotatably connected near its base end to the tip end of the second spring support portion 68 via the sixth pivot axis A6. A second compression spring S2 is inserted between the fifth pivot axis A5 and the sixth pivot axis A6, biasing the adjustment link 67 in a direction (clockwise) that moves the lower seal member 62 downwardly away from the panel main body 3. In this way, the adjustment link 67, which constitutes the second link mechanism, is biased by the second elastic member, the second spring S2, in a rotational direction that moves the lower seal member 62 downwardly away from the panel main body 3.

As shown in Figures 5(a) and 6, when no external force is applied to the lower blocking portion 6, the main link 64 in the lower link portion 61 is biased by the first spring S1, causing the lower sealing member 62 to extend to the left. Meanwhile, the adjustment link 67 is biased by the second spring S2, causing the lower sealing member 62 to move downward away from the panel main body 3.

As shown in Figures 5(b), 7(a), and 7(b), when a force is applied to the lower seal member 62 from the left side and the lower seal member 62 is displaced to the right, the main link 64 in the lower link portion 61 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the first spring S1. As a result, the lower seal member 62 is displaced downward and to the right, and the lower abutment member 62b abuts against the floor surface F. In other words, the gap between the panel member P and the floor surface F is closed by the lower seal member 62.

Figure 7(a) shows the case where the distance between the panel main body 3 (lower link support portion 39) and the floor surface F is relatively large (this case will be referred to as "first sealing"). During first sealing, as shown in Figure 7(a), the adjustment link 67 remains biased by the second spring S2 (the same state as in Figure 6), and the lower seal member 62 remains spaced downward from the panel main body 3.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8(a), when the distance between the panel main body 3 (lower link support portion 39) and the floor surface F is medium (this case will be referred to as "second sealing"), the lower seal member 62 comes into contact with the floor surface F, applying a force from below to the lower seal member 62, and the adjustment link 67 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the second spring S2.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the distance between the panel main body 3 (lower link support portion 39) and the floor surface F is relatively small (this case will be referred to as "third sealing"), the lower seal member 62 contacts the floor surface F more quickly, causing the adjustment link 67 to further rotate counterclockwise against the biasing force of the second spring S2.

In this way, in the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the adjustment link 67 constituting the second link mechanism is biased by the second spring S2, causing the lower seal member 62 to move downward away from the panel main body 3. This allows the lower seal member 62 to adhere tightly to the floor F, even when the distance between the panel main body 3 and the floor F varies, as in the first to third seals shown in Figures 7 to 9, ensuring the ability to prevent sound and light leakage between spaces separated by the partition structure 1.

As described above, in the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the lower link portion 61 of the lower blocking portion 6 includes a first link mechanism that connects the lower seal member 62 to the panel main body 3 so that it can move toward and away from the panel main body 3, and a second link mechanism that connects the lower seal member 62 to the panel main body 3 so that it can move toward and away from the panel main body 3 in the vertical direction. The main link 64 constituting the first link mechanism is biased by a first spring S1, which is a first elastic member, in a rotational direction in which the lower seal member 62 extends toward one side end of the panel main body 3. The adjustment link 67 constituting the second link mechanism is biased by a second spring S2, which is a second elastic member, in a rotational direction in which the lower seal member 62 moves downwardly away from the panel main body 3.

With the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the lower link portion 61 is composed of the main link 64, which is the first link mechanism, and the adjustment link 67, which is the second link mechanism, as described above. This eliminates the need to use a link arm with a long hole, as in conventional technology. In other words, since there is no need to ensure the vertical dimension when the link arm is oriented vertically, the vertical dimension of the lower link portion 61 can be kept compact.

Furthermore, according to the partition structure 1 of this embodiment, the main link 64 and the adjustment link 67 are each provided with a first spring S1, which is a first elastic member, and a second spring S2, which is a second elastic member. This makes it possible to independently adjust the biasing force of the main link 64, which is the first link mechanism, and the adjustment link 67, which is the second link mechanism.

In addition, in the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, when the main link 64, which is the first link mechanism, rotates by a predetermined angle or more against the biasing force of the first spring S1, the first spring S1 biases the lower seal member 62 in a rotational direction that retracts it to the right, which is the other end.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(a), 8(a), and 9, when the main link 64 rotates counterclockwise, and the third rotation axis A3 connecting the main link 64 and the first spring support portion 65 moves above the line connecting the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 (passes the pivot point), the first spring S1 applies a biasing force to the main link 64 in the counterclockwise rotation direction. This applies a force to the lower seal member 62 in a direction that moves it to the right. In this embodiment, the main link 64 abuts against the main link support portion 63, thereby restricting further counterclockwise rotation.

As described above, in the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, when the main link 64 rotates by a predetermined angle or more, the biasing force of the first spring S1 prevents the lower seal member 62 from naturally extending to the left, which is one side end. In other words, in this embodiment, the horizontal displacement of the lower seal member 62 is restricted by locking the rotation of the main link 64, which is the first link mechanism.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the user can unlock the rotation of the main link 64 by pulling and displacing the panel member P to the right. When the user displaces the panel member P to the right, the frictional force between the lower seal member 62 and the floor surface F tends to keep it in place. As a result, a clockwise force is applied to the main link 64, and as shown in Figure 8(b), the rotation angle of the main link 64 becomes less than a predetermined angle, and the third rotation axis A3 is displaced below the line connecting the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2. This unlocks the rotation of the main link 64, and the first spring S1 urges the main link 64 in a rotational direction in which the lower seal member 62 extends to the left, which is one side end.

In the partition structure 1 according to this embodiment, the panel member P includes a lower frame member 37 that houses the lower link portion 61, as shown in FIG. 3. The lower seal member 62 is movable toward and away from the lower frame member 37. In this manner, in this embodiment, the lower link portion 61 is covered by the lower frame member 37, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the panel member P. The upper link portion 51 is housed in the upper frame member 35, thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the panel member P.

As described above, in this embodiment, the vertical dimensions of the upper link portion 51 and the lower link portion 61 housed in the upper frame member 35 and the lower frame member 37 can be kept compact. In the partition structure 1, the panel member P is constructed with the upper frame member 35 and the lower frame member 37 supporting the glass plate 36. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vertical dimensions of the upper frame member 35 and the lower frame member 37 supporting the glass plate 36 can be made compact, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the panel member P.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a partition structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The partition structure according to this embodiment differs from the partition structure according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the lower blocking portion 106, which corresponds to the lower blocking portion 6 of the partition structure 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the following description will focus on the configuration of the lower blocking portion 106, and detailed description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

The partition structure according to this embodiment is provided with an upper blocking section that corresponds to the upper blocking section 5 of the partition structure 1 in the first embodiment. The upper blocking section according to this embodiment has a substantially similar configuration to the lower blocking section 106, but is simply inverted upside down, so a detailed description will be omitted.

In the partition structure according to this embodiment, the lower blocking portion 106 includes a lower link portion 161 and a lower sealing member 162, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b). The lower sealing member 162 is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body 3, and closes the gap formed between the panel main body 3 and the floor surface F below the panel main body 3. The lower link portion 161 connects the panel main body 3 and the lower sealing member 162 so that when the lower sealing member 162 is retracted toward the other side end, it is spaced apart vertically from the panel main body 3.

The lower seal member 162 comprises a cylindrical lower seal body 162a and a lower abutment member 162b, which is an elastic member provided on the underside of the lower seal body 162a. A lower pressing portion 162c is provided at the left end of the lower seal body 162a, and a lower pressed portion 162d is provided at the right end of the lower seal body 162a. The configuration of the lower seal member 162 is similar to the configuration of the lower seal member 62 in the previous embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The lower link portion 161 of the lower blocking portion 106 includes a first link mechanism that connects the lower seal portion 162 to the panel main body portion 3 so that it can move forward and backward, and a second link mechanism that connects the lower seal member 162 to the panel main body portion 3 so that it can move toward and away from the panel main body portion 3 in the vertical direction.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, in the first link mechanism of this embodiment, the base end of a connecting body U of multiple link members is rotatably supported on the panel main body 3, and the tip end of the connecting body U is rotatably supported on the lower seal member 162. Furthermore, in the second link mechanism, the multiple link members that make up the connecting body U rotate relative to one another, allowing the connecting body U to expand and contract.

As shown in Figures 11(a) to 11(c), the connecting body U is composed of four link members - a first link 164, a second link 165, a third link 166, and a fourth link 167 - which are rotatably connected to one another at a first rotation axis B1, a second rotation axis B2, a third rotation axis B3, and a fourth rotation axis B4. In this embodiment, a panel-side support part 163 is fixed to the lower link support part 39. The base end on the upper right side of the connecting body U is rotatably supported relative to the panel-side support part 163 at the first rotation axis B1. In other words, the base end of the connecting body U is rotatably supported on the panel main body part 3 via the panel-side support part 163.

The panel-side support portion 163 has an arc-shaped hole 163a through which the second pivot shaft B2, which connects the first link 164 and the third link 166, is inserted. This allows the connecting body U to rotate around the first pivot shaft B1 while the second pivot shaft B2 is displaced within the arc-shaped hole 163a.

Meanwhile, a seal-side support part 169 is fixed to the lower seal body 162a. The tip of the connecting body U is rotatably supported by the seal-side support part 169 at a fourth pivot axis B4. In other words, the tip of the connecting body U is rotatably supported by the lower seal member 162 via the seal-side support part 169.

As shown in Figure 11, the spring support part 168 is rotatably supported by the panel-side support part 163 via a fifth pivot shaft B5. The fifth pivot shaft B5 is inserted through the spring support part 168 so as to be displaceable inside a long hole 168a that opens at the base end of the spring support part 168.

The end of the fourth link 167 is rotatably connected to the tip of the spring support portion 168 via the sixth pivot shaft B6. A third compression spring S3 is inserted between the fifth pivot shaft B5 and the sixth pivot shaft B6, biasing the connecting body U in a direction that extends the lower seal member 162 to the left (clockwise direction).

In this way, in the first link mechanism of this embodiment, the base end of the connecting body U of multiple link members is rotatably supported on the panel main body 3, and the tip end of the connecting body U is rotatably supported on the lower seal member 162. The third spring S3, which is an elastic member, biases the lower seal member 162 in a rotational direction extending toward one side end of the panel main body 3.

In addition, in this embodiment, the second link mechanism allows the connecting body U to expand and contract by the relative rotation of the multiple link members that make up the connecting body U. Specifically, as shown in Figures 11(b) and (c), the relative rotation of the first link 164 to the fourth link 167 allows the connecting body U to expand and contract in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the connecting body U is biased by the third spring S3, which is an elastic member, in a rotational direction that moves the lower seal member 162 downward away from the panel main body 3. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11(b), the connecting body U is biased by the third spring S3 in a direction that moves the lower seal member 162 downward away from the panel main body 3 (a direction that extends the connecting body U vertically).

As shown in Figures 10(a) and 11(a), when no external force is applied to the lower blocking portion 106, the connecting body U in the lower link portion 161 is biased by the third spring S3, causing the lower sealing member 162 to extend to the left.

As shown in Figures 10(b) and 11(b), when a force is applied to the lower seal member 162 from the left side and the lower seal member 162 is displaced to the right, the connecting body U in the lower link portion 161 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the third spring S3. As a result, the lower seal member 162 is displaced downward and to the right, and the lower abutment member 162b abuts against the floor surface F. In other words, the gap between the panel member P and the floor surface F is closed by the lower seal member 162.

Figure 11(b) shows the case where the distance between the panel main body 3 (lower link support 39) and the floor surface F is relatively large (this case will be referred to as "fourth seal"). During the fourth seal, as shown in Figure 11(b), the connecting body U remains extended by the third spring S3 (the same state as in Figure 11(a)), and the lower seal member 162 remains spaced downward from the panel main body 3.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(b), when the distance between the panel main body 3 (lower link support 39) and the floor surface F is relatively small (this case is referred to as "fifth sealing"), the lower seal member 162 abuts against the floor surface F more quickly, causing the connecting body U to contract against the biasing force of the third spring S3.

In this way, in the partition structure according to this embodiment, the connecting body U that constitutes the second link mechanism is biased by the third spring S3, causing the lower seal member 162 to move downward away from the panel main body 3. This allows the lower seal member 162 to adhere tightly to the floor F, even when the distance between the panel main body 3 and the floor F is different, as in the fourth and fifth seals shown in Figures 11(b) and 11(c), ensuring the ability to prevent sound and light leakage between the spaces separated by the partition structure.

As described above, in the partition structure according to this embodiment, the first link mechanism has the base end of the connecting body U of the multiple link members rotatably supported by the panel main body 3, and the tip end of the connecting body U rotatably supported by the seal member 162. Furthermore, the second link mechanism allows the connecting body U to expand and contract as the multiple link members that make up the connecting body U rotate relative to one another.

In this way, because the lower link portion 161 is composed of a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism, there is no need to use a link arm with a long hole as in conventional technology. In other words, since there is no need to ensure the vertical dimension when the link arm is oriented vertically, the vertical dimension of the lower link portion 161 can be kept compact.

Furthermore, with the partition structure according to this embodiment, the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism can be integrally configured as a connecting body U, which makes it easier to assemble the lower link portion 161.

Furthermore, in the partition structure according to this embodiment, when the first link mechanism rotates by a predetermined angle or more against the biasing force of the third spring S3, the third spring S3 biases the lower seal member 162 in a rotational direction that retracts it to the right, which is the other end.

Specifically, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), when the sixth pivot axis B6 connecting the connecting body U to the spring support portion 168 moves upward above the line connecting the first pivot axis B1 and the fifth pivot axis B5 (passes the pivot point) due to counterclockwise rotation of the connecting body U, the third spring S3 applies a biasing force to the connecting body U in the counterclockwise rotation direction. This applies a force to the lower seal member 162 in a direction that moves it back to the right.

As described above, in the partition structure according to this embodiment, when the connecting body U is rotated by a predetermined angle or more, the biasing force of the third spring S3 prevents the lower seal member 162 from naturally extending to the left side, which is one side end. In other words, in this embodiment, the horizontal displacement of the lower seal member 162 is restricted by locking the rotation of the first link mechanism.

In the partition structure according to this embodiment, the user can also unlock the rotation of the first link mechanism by pulling and displacing the panel member P to the right. When the user displaces the panel member P to the right, the frictional force between the lower seal member 162 and the floor surface F tends to keep it in place. This applies a clockwise force to the connecting body U, causing the rotation angle of the connecting body U to fall below a predetermined angle, displacing the sixth rotation axis B6 below the line connecting the first rotation axis B1 and the fifth rotation axis B5. This unlocks the rotation of the first link mechanism, and the third spring S3 biases the connecting body U in a rotational direction in which the lower seal member 162 extends to the left, which is one end of the connecting body U.

[Modification]
The above embodiment can be modified as appropriate as shown in the following modifications. Note that each modification described in this specification may be applied in combination with other modifications as long as no contradiction occurs.

In the partition structure of the present invention, in addition to glass panels constructed like the panel member P in the above embodiment, it is possible to use panel members constructed from various materials, such as steel panels and resin panels. Furthermore, when using a glass panel as the panel member P, it is possible to use either a single glass panel or a double glass panel.

Furthermore, the link section configuration described in this embodiment can be configured not only to be provided on both the top and bottom of the panel member P, but also to be provided only on the top or bottom of the panel member P. It is also possible to have different link section configurations on the top and bottom of the panel member P. For example, it is possible to adopt the link section configuration of the first embodiment for the top closing section of the panel member P, and the link section configuration of the second embodiment for the bottom closing section of the panel member P.

In addition, the partition structure of the present invention can be configured so that the rotation of the first link mechanism is not locked, and so that a biasing force from the elastic member is always applied to the sealing member. It is also possible for the panel member of the partition structure to be configured without a frame member. Furthermore, if the panel member is configured with a frame member, it is also possible for the link portion to not be housed in the frame member.

1 Partition structure 2 Rail
3 Panel body 4 End panel
4a Pressing portion 5 Upper blocking portion
6 Lower blocking portion 7 Vertical frame member
21 Roller accommodating portion 22 Contact portion
31 Hanging support member 31a Upper roller
31b Lower roller 31c Support shaft
32 Connection portion 33 Upper link support portion 34 Upper frame support portion 35 Upper frame member
35a Upper frame seal member 36 Glass plate
37 Lower frame member 37a Lower frame seal member
38 Lower frame support portion 39 Lower link support portion 51 Upper link portion 52 Upper seal member
52a Upper seal body 52b Upper abutment member
52c Upper pressing portion 52d Upper pressed portion
61 Lower link portion 62 Lower seal member
62a Lower seal body 62b Lower abutment member
62c Lower pressing portion 62d Lower pressed portion
63 Main link support portion 64 Main link 65 First spring support portion
65a First elongated hole 66 Adjustment link support portion 67 Adjustment link 68 Second spring support portion
68a Second long hole
106 Lower blocking portion 161 Lower link portion
162 Lower seal member 162a Lower seal body
162b Lower contact member 162c Lower pressing portion
162d Lower pressed portion 163 Panel side support portion 163a Arc-shaped hole 164 First link
165 Second link 166 Third link
167 Fourth link 168 Spring support portion
168a Long hole 169 Seal side support part
C Ceiling F Floor
P Panel member U Connecting body
W1 First wall W2 Second wall
S1 First spring (first elastic member)
S2 Second spring (second elastic member)
S3 Third spring (elastic member)
A1 First rotation axis A2 Second rotation axis
A3 Third rotation axis A4 Fourth rotation axis
A5 Fifth rotation axis A6 Sixth rotation axis
A7 Seventh rotation axis
B1 First rotation axis B2 Second rotation axis
B3 Third rotation axis B4 Fourth rotation axis
B5 Fifth rotation axis B6 Sixth rotation axis

Claims (5)

a rail attached to a ceiling; and a plurality of panel members suspended from the rail and movable along the rail;
The panel member includes a panel main body portion and a closing portion provided at an upper end and/or a lower end of the panel main body portion,
The blocking portion includes a sealing member that is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body portion and blocks a gap formed on the upper side and/or the lower side of the panel main body portion, and a link portion that connects the panel main body portion and the sealing member so that the sealing member is separated from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction when the sealing member is retracted toward the other side end,
the link portion includes a first link mechanism that connects the seal member to the panel main body portion so that the seal member can move toward and away from the panel main body portion, and a second link mechanism that connects the seal member to the panel main body portion so that the seal member and the panel main body portion can move toward and away from each other in the up-down direction,
The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are biased by an elastic member in a rotation direction in which the sealing member extends toward one side end of the panel main body portion, and in a rotation direction in which the sealing member moves away from the panel main body portion in the up-down direction,
The first link mechanism includes a base end portion of a connecting body of a plurality of link members that is rotatably supported by the panel main body, and a tip end portion of the connecting body that is rotatably supported by the seal member,
The second link mechanism is a partition structure in which the plurality of link members constituting the connecting body rotate relative to one another, thereby enabling the connecting body to expand and contract. a rail attached to a ceiling; and a plurality of panel members suspended from the rail and movable along the rail;
The panel member includes a panel main body portion and a closing portion provided at an upper end and/or a lower end of the panel main body portion,
The blocking portion includes a sealing member that is movable toward and away from one side end of the panel main body portion and blocks a gap formed on the upper side and/or the lower side of the panel main body portion, and a link portion that connects the panel main body portion and the sealing member so that the sealing member is separated from the panel main body portion in the vertical direction when the sealing member is retracted toward the other side end,
the link portion includes a first link mechanism that connects the seal member to the panel main body portion so that the seal member can move toward and away from the panel main body portion, and a second link mechanism that connects the seal member to the panel main body portion so that the seal member and the panel main body portion can move toward and away from each other in the up-down direction,
The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism are biased by an elastic member in a rotation direction in which the sealing member extends toward one side end of the panel main body portion, and in a rotation direction in which the sealing member moves away from the panel main body portion in the up-down direction,
A partition structure in which, when the first link mechanism rotates more than a predetermined angle against the biasing force of the elastic member, the elastic member biases the sealing member in a rotational direction in which the sealing member retreats to the other side end side. the first link mechanism is a main link whose base end is rotatably supported on the panel main body portion,
the second link mechanism is an adjustment link whose base end is rotatably supported by the seal member,
The main link and the adjustment link are rotatably connected to each other,
the main link is biased by a first elastic member in a rotation direction in which the seal member extends toward one side end of the panel main body portion;
The partition structure according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment link is biased by a second elastic member in a rotation direction in which the seal member moves away from the panel main body in either the up or down direction. the panel member includes a frame member that houses the link portion,
The partition structure according to claim 1 , wherein the sealing member is movable toward and away from the frame member. The partition structure according to claim 4 , wherein the panel member is configured such that the frame member supports a glass plate.