JP7855501B2 - Partition guide device and partition device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a partition guide device for guiding partitions that divide indoor and outdoor spaces, and to a partition device equipped with the guide device.

Conventionally, partitioning devices that divide spaces using panels suspended and supported along rails have been known.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a partition device (folding door) that divides a space by suspending and supporting a panel from an upper slider (runner) that moves within an upper rail, and supporting the panel so that it can move and rotate between the upper slider and a lower slider that moves within a lower rail.

Furthermore, in this partition device, a shaft connecting the panel and the lower slider is attached to the panel so as to be retractable and rotatable, and the lower slider is supported by a pivot at the lower end of the shaft. This allows the panel to be moved along the upper and lower rails to partition the space.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-155075

Incidentally, in partition systems that use sliders to move panels as described above, the sliders may need to be replaced due to wear caused by friction with the lower rail and the accumulation of dust and debris within the rail. This is particularly noticeable in the lower sliders.

However, in the above-mentioned partition device, the lower slider is supported by a pivot at the lower end of the shaft. Therefore, when removing the lower slider from the lower rail, the shaft and the components used to attach the shaft to the panel must also be removed. This necessitates removing the panel from the rail for the work, posing a maintenance challenge.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a partition guide device and partition device that can improve the maintainability of the runner that guides the panel along the rail.

To achieve the above objective, a partition guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a partition guide device that guides the lower end of a partition panel, which is suspended and supported so as to be movable along an upper rail, along a lower rail provided below the panel, and comprises a runner that can travel along the lower rail, and a connecting portion provided at the lower end of the panel, one end of which can engage and disengage by sliding vertically with an engaging portion formed on the runner. The connecting portion connects the lower end of the panel and the runner when the one end engages with the engaging portion, and disengages the lower end of the panel and the runner when the engagement between the one end and the engaging portion is released.

This configuration allows for easy replacement of the runner without removing the panel from the rail, thus improving maintainability. It also offers advantages in terms of ease of installation when attaching the panel to the rail. Specifically, conventional systems required simultaneously fitting the upper and lower runners onto the upper and lower rails, making it difficult for one person to perform the installation. However, with this configuration, the panel can be suspended from the upper rail before attaching the connecting section and runner to the lower end of the panel, making it possible for one person to perform the installation.

The connecting portion may have a connecting shaft that, when slid in the vertical direction, allows one end to engage with and disengage from the engaging portion.

The above-mentioned connecting portion may further include an elastic member that biases the connecting shaft downward.

With this configuration, the runner is constantly biased downwards via the connecting shaft. Therefore, even if the panel tilts slightly during movement and the gap between the panel and the lower rail changes, it can follow the movement, preventing the connecting shaft from detaching from the runner.

The above-described connecting portion may further include an insertion portion into which a portion of the connecting shaft is slidably inserted, and a socket that can be attached to the lower end of the panel when the other end of the connecting shaft is inserted into the insertion portion. In this case, the elastic member may be provided inside the insertion portion to bias the other end of the connecting shaft downward.

This configuration allows for easy attachment to the lower end of the panel by housing the connecting shaft and elastic member in a socket and integrating them. Furthermore, since only a portion of the connecting shaft is inserted into the socket, it prevents accidental embedding of the entire shaft within the socket.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a partition guide device that guides the lower end of a partition panel, which is movably suspended and supported along an upper rail, along a lower rail provided below the panel, comprising a runner that can travel along the lower rail,
The panel comprises a connecting portion provided at the lower end, one end of which is slidably engaged with and disengaged from an engaging portion formed on the runner. The connecting portion is connected to the runner so as to be unable to engage or disengage in the vertical direction and so as to be rotatable when the one end of the connecting portion is engaged with the engaging portion, and the connection between the lower end of the panel and the runner is released when the engagement between the one end and the engaging portion is released.

This configuration allows for easy attachment and detachment of the connecting part (connecting shaft) to the runner, while preventing the connecting part from detaching from the runner even if the panel tilts significantly during movement. This is particularly advantageous when the partition is used as a folding door; even if the panel tilts while being moved along the rail in its folded state, the connecting part will not detach from the runner, as described above.

In the partition guide device according to the other embodiments described above, the connecting portion may have a connecting shaft at one end that can engage and disengage with the engaging portion by sliding the lower rail in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

In the partition guide device according to the other embodiments described above, the connecting shaft may have a flange portion at one end, and the flange portion may engage with the engaging portion in a way that prevents it from engaging or disengaging in the vertical direction by sliding.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a partition device that divides a space using at least one of the aforementioned panels, and comprises the partition guide device described in any of the above descriptions.

The lower rail may have a rail cap at its end that is at least partially detachable. In this case, the runner may be attachable to and detachable from the lower rail by removing at least a portion of the rail cap from the end of the lower rail.

This configuration allows the runner to be attached and detached from the end of the lower rail, making it easy to replace the runner.

The lower rail may be constructed by connecting multiple rail members. In this case, the runner may be attachable to and detachable from the lower rail by detaching some of the connected rail members.

With this configuration, even if maintenance is needed on any of the runners attached to the lower rail, excluding the runners at both ends, only the runner in question can be easily replaced by removing a portion of the rail material.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a partition device that divides a space using foldable and connected panels, and comprises the partition guide device according to the other embodiment. In this case, the connecting portion can be engaged and disengaged by sliding the lower rail in the longitudinal direction with respect to the engaging portion, and the runners are provided on each of the panels such that the orientation of the engaging portions, which allow the connecting portion to slide, faces each other.

As described above, the present invention can improve the maintainability of the runner that guides the panel along the rail. However, this effect is not limited to the present invention.

This is a front view of a partition device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a plan view of the above partition device. This is a cross-sectional view of the partition device near the partition guide device shown above, viewed from the side. This is a front view of the connecting section of the partition guide device mentioned above. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the connecting section. This diagram illustrates how to remove the lower runner from the lower rail. This diagram illustrates another example of how to remove the lower runner from the lower rail. This is a side view of the area near the lower rail of the partition device described above. This is a cross-sectional view in the planar direction of the lower part of the connecting portion of the panel of the partition device described above. These are a front view and a side view of the locking member of the partition fixing device of the partition device described above. This figure shows a modified example of the partition fixing device described above. This figure shows a modified example of the partition fixing device described above. This is a perspective view showing the connecting portion (connecting shaft) and lower runner of the partition guide device of a partition device according to another embodiment of the present invention. This is a cross-sectional view in the side direction near the partition guide device according to the other embodiment described above. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 14. This is a plan view showing the partition device in the process of being opened or closed according to the other embodiment described above. This is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(b). This is a cross-sectional view in the side direction showing a modified example of the partition guide device according to the other embodiment described above. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 18.

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

[Overview of partitioning devices]
Figure 1 is a front view of the partition device in this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a plan view of the partition device.

As shown in these figures, the partition device 100 according to this embodiment divides one space (room, etc.) into multiple spaces (rooms, etc.) in a house, shop, office, etc., and is installed, for example, between two parallel wall surfaces W, perpendicular to the wall surfaces W.

The partition device 100 comprises a hanger rail 6 (upper rail) supported on a ceiling surface (not shown), an upper runner 7 that moves along the inner wall of the hanger rail 6, a plurality of panels 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) suspended and supported by the upper runner 7, a lower rail 8 laid on the floor surface F, and a partition guide device 20 that guides each panel 1 along the lower rail 8.

As shown in Figure 2, of the panels 1, only panel 1a is installed on the front side in the Z direction, while panels 1b, 1c, and 1d are installed on the back side. However, the arrangement of each panel 1 is not limited to this.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the lower rail 8 has a rail cap 14 at its longitudinal (X-direction) end, which is at least partially detachable.

Each panel 1 is constructed by connecting a pair of vertically elongated rectangular panel materials 2 via hinges 5, allowing them to rotate around an axis in the Y-axis direction of each panel so that they can be folded. Horizontal frames 3 are provided at the top and bottom ends of the panel materials 2, and vertical frames 4 are provided at the left and right ends of the panel materials 2.

Panel material 2 is formed from, for example, transparent or translucent synthetic resin or wood, and horizontal frames 3 and vertical frames 4 are formed from metals such as aluminum, but the materials are not limited to these.

The upper runner 7 is provided at the upper end of the horizontal frame 3 on the upper end side of panel 1, and a sealing rubber 9 for concealment is provided at the lower end of the horizontal frame 3 on the lower end side of panel 1. Additionally, side rubbers 10 for concealment are provided at the left and right ends of the vertical frame 4.

A partition fixing device 30 is provided at the lower end of each panel 1. This partition fixing device 30 allows each panel 1 to be fixed immovably to the lower rail 8.

Users can freely enter and exit the two spaces by using each panel 1 as a sliding door, or they can open up the two spaces by using it as a folding door and folding it with the hinge 5 to move it towards the wall W side for storage.

[Details of the partition guide device]
Next, the details of the partition guide device 20 will be described. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the partition device 100 (near the partition guide device 20) in the side direction. Figure 3(a) shows the state in which the panel 1 and the lower runner 21 are engaged, and Figure 3(b) shows the state in which the engagement between the panel 1 and the lower runner 21 is released.

As shown in the figure, each panel 1 is provided with a partition guide device 20 at its lower end to guide the lower end along the lower rail 8. The partition guide device 20 has a lower runner 21 that can travel along the lower rail and a connecting portion 22 provided above the lower runner 21.

The lower runner 21 has two engaging portions 21a that protrude outward (in the Z direction) to engage with the two grooves of the lower rail 8, and an engaging hole 21b provided in the center in the Y direction.

The connecting portion 22 has a connecting shaft 26 whose lower end can be engaged (inserted) into the engagement hole 21b of the lower runner 21. The connecting shaft 26 is slidable in the vertical direction (Y direction). This sliding action engages (inserts) its lower end into the engagement hole 21b, connecting the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1 to the lower runner 21. The engagement between the lower end (horizontal frame 3) and the engagement hole 21b is released, thereby disengaging the lower end (horizontal frame 3) from the lower runner 21.

As shown in Figure 3(a), when the lower end (connecting shaft 26) of panel 1 and the lower runner 21 are connected, the partition guide device 20 can guide the lower end of panel 1 along the lower rail 8. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the connection between the lower end (connecting shaft 26) of panel 1 and the lower runner 21 is released, the lower runner 21 becomes free from panel 1, and can be replaced independently.

Figure 4 is a front view of the connecting portion 22, and Figure 5 is an exploded view of the connecting portion 22. The connecting portion 22 in both figures is shown from a direction rotated 90 degrees around the Y-axis from the connecting portion 22 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the connecting portion 22 has a socket 23 that can be attached to the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the socket 23 consists of a socket body 24 and a fitting cover 28. The two are fitted together when the fitting claws 28a of the fitting cover 28 engage with the fitting holes 24a of the socket body 24.

The socket body 24 has an insertion portion 25 into which a portion (upper part) of the connecting shaft 26 is slidably inserted. A spring 27, acting as an elastic member, is provided at the upper part of the connecting shaft 26 within the insertion portion 25, biasing the connecting shaft 26 downward (in the Y direction). The socket 23 can be attached to the lower end of the panel 1 with the upper end of the connecting shaft 26 inserted into the insertion portion 25.

More specifically, the connecting shaft 26 has a projection 26a at its upper end that protrudes upward (in the Y direction) and a flange portion 26b below it. When inserted into the insertion portion 25 and the through hole 28c, the flange portion 26b is positioned to engage with the stepped portion of the through hole 28c. The lower end of the spring 27 covers the projection 26a and is secured by the flange portion 26b.

The socket 23 is secured to the horizontal frame 3 by screws through the screw holes 24b of the socket body 24 and the screw holes 28b of the fitting cover 28, with the socket body 24 inserted into the groove of the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1.

With the partition guide device 20 configured in this way, the lower runner 21 can be easily replaced without removing the panel 1 from the lower rail 8, thereby improving maintainability. Furthermore, it offers advantages in terms of ease of installation when attaching the panel 1 to the lower rail 8. Specifically, conventionally, it was necessary to simultaneously fit the upper and lower runners into the hanger rail and lower rail, making it difficult for one person to perform the work. However, with this configuration, the partition guide device 20 (connecting shaft 26) and the lower runner 21 can be attached to the lower end of the panel 1 after suspending the panel 1 from the hanger rail 6, making it possible for one person to perform the work.

Furthermore, when the partition device 100 is in use, the lower runner 21 is constantly biased downward via the connecting shaft 26 by the spring 27. Therefore, even if the panel 1 tilts slightly during its movement, causing a change in the distance between the panel 1 and the lower rail 8, the device can follow suit, preventing the connecting shaft 26 from detaching from the lower runner 21.

Furthermore, by housing the connecting shaft 26 and spring 27 in the socket 23 and integrating them, the connecting portion 22 can be easily attached to the lower end of the panel 1. Also, since only a portion of the connecting shaft 26 is inserted into the insertion portion 25 of the socket 23, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft 26 from being accidentally embedded in the insertion portion 25.

Figure 6 illustrates the method for removing the lower runner 21 from the lower rail 8.

As described above, the lower rail 8 has a rail cap 14 at its longitudinal (X-direction) end, which is at least partially detachable. Specifically, the rail cap 14 consists of a base 14a extending from the lower rail 8 and an upper cover 14b that can be attached to and detached from the base 14a, for example, by sliding. Because the upper cover 14b is detachable from the lower rail 8 (base 14a), the lower runner 21 is detachable from the lower rail 8.

To remove the lower runner 21 from the lower rail 8, first, as shown in Figure (a), the connecting shaft 26 and the lower runner 21 are engaged. Then, as shown in Figure (b), the connecting shaft 26 is slid upward to release its engagement with the engagement hole 21b of the lower runner 21, and the lower runner 21 is moved on the lower rail 8 towards the rail cap 14.

Next, as shown in Figure (c), the upper cover 14b of the rail cap 14 is removed, and as shown in Figure (d), the lower runner 21 is moved onto the base 14a of the rail cap 14. By releasing the engagement between the groove of the lower rail 8 and the engagement portion 21a of the lower runner 21, the lower runner 21 can be removed.

In this way, it becomes possible to remove only the lower runner 21 from the lower rail 8 without removing the entire panel 1, allowing for maintenance (such as replacement when worn).

[Modified examples of partition guide devices]
The partition guide device of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the example described above, an example using rail caps 14 for removing and installing the lower runner 21 was explained (Figure 6). However, alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the lower rail 8 itself may be divided into multiple sections (lower rails 8A, 8B, 8C, etc.), and the lower runner 21 may be removed and installed by removing a portion of these sections.

That is, as shown in Figure (a), the lower runner 21 is engaged with the lower rail 8A, and the connecting shaft 26 is engaged. Then, as shown in Figure (b), the connecting shaft 26 is slid upward to release the engagement with the engagement hole 21b of the lower runner 21, and the lower runner 21 is moved on the lower rail 8A toward the adjacent lower rail 8B (no other lower runners 21 are engaged with the lower rail 8B).

Next, as shown in Figure (c), the lower rail 8B is removed from the floor surface, and as shown in Figure (d), the lower runner 21 is moved to the location where the lower rail 8B was removed. The lower runner 21 is then removed by disengaging the groove of the lower rail 8 from the engaging portion 21a of the lower runner 21.

Thus, even when maintenance is required on any of the lower runners 21 attached to the lower rail 8, excluding those at both ends of the partition device 100 in the X direction, only the target lower runner 21 can be easily replaced by removing a portion of the lower rail 8.

In addition to the methods shown in Figures 6 and 7, if the engaging portion 21a of the lower runner 21 has a certain degree of elasticity, it is also possible to remove the lower runner 21 directly from the lower rail 8. That is, by pulling the lower runner 21 upward while slightly twisting it from its engaged state with the lower rail 8, the engaging portion 21a is guided by the inclined surface of the groove in the lower rail 8, and moves upward while elastically deforming inward in the width direction of the lower runner 21. From this state, pulling the lower runner 21 further upward will remove it from the lower rail 8.

Furthermore, in the above example, the connecting portion 22 of the partition guide device 20 is realized by a connecting shaft 26 biased downward by a spring 27, and an example was shown in which the connecting shaft 26 is inserted into the engagement hole 21b of the lower runner 21. However, the method of connecting the connecting portion 22 and the lower runner 21 is not limited to the above. For example, the connecting portion 22 and the lower runner 21 may be configured to be detachably attached by an engagement mechanism other than a shaft and a hole, or both may be configured to be detachably attached by a magnet or the like, or the connecting shaft 26 may be inserted into the engagement hole 21b of the lower runner 21 by its own weight alone without using a biasing means such as a spring 27.

[Details of partition fixing devices]
Next, the details of the partition fixing device 30 will be described. Figure 8 is a side view of the partition device 100 near the lower rail. Figure 9 is a plan view of the partition device 100 below the connecting portion of the panel 1. Figure 10 is a front view (Figure 10(a)) and a side view (Figure 10(b)) of the locking member of the partition fixing device 30. In Figure 8, (a) shows the unfixed state of the panel 1, and (b) shows the fixed state of the panel 1. In Figure 9, (a) shows the state in which adjacent panels 1 are not connected to each other, and (b) shows the state in which adjacent panels 1 are connected to each other.

As shown in these figures, guide grooves 4a with a roughly U-shaped cross-section (Figure 9) are provided at both ends of the vertical frame 4 at the left-right (X-direction) ends of the panel 1, for example, at both ends in the width direction. The locking member 31 of the partition fixing device 30 is attached to the guide groove 4a at one end face (for example, the left side) of these guide grooves 4a at both ends in the left-right (X-direction).

The locking member 31 has a guide portion 32 and a rod portion 33. The guide portion 32 is slidably supported along the guide groove 4a. The rod portion 33 is integrally formed with the guide portion 32 and is slidable in the vertical direction (Y direction) along the guide groove 4a. As shown in Figure 9, a recess 36 is formed between the guide portion 32 and the rod portion 33.

As shown in Figure 9, the guide groove 4a is formed at the end of the vertical frame 4 opposite to the panel material 2 in the X direction. However, a groove is also formed at the end on the panel material 2 side, and a glass bead 15 is interposed between this groove and the panel material 2.

As mentioned above, a lower rail 8 is provided on the floor surface F below panel 1. As shown in Figure 8, through holes 8a are provided at positions corresponding to the left-right (X-direction) ends of each panel 1 when the partition device 100 is closed, on the center of the surface of the lower rail 8. Furthermore, a locking portion 33a, a cylindrical projection with a smaller diameter than the rod portion 33, is formed at the lower end of the rod portion 33.

The locking member 31, while aligned with the insertion hole 8a, is slid downward in the Y direction. This causes the locking portion 33a to be inserted into the insertion hole 8a, thereby fixing the panel 1 to the lower rail 8 in an immovable state. From this fixed state, the locking member 31 is slid upward in the Y direction, causing the locking portion 33a to be withdrawn from the insertion hole 8a, releasing the fixation and making the panel 1 movable.

Since the insertion hole 8a for receiving the locking member 31 is formed in the lower rail 8, the positioning of the insertion hole becomes easy. The partition fixing device 30 is composed of the locking member 31 and the lower rail 8 having the insertion hole 8a.

Elastic pieces 34 are provided on the side surfaces of each guide portion 32. The elastic pieces 34 elastically slide against the inner wall of the guide groove 4a, allowing the locking member 31 to be held at any sliding position in the vertical direction (Y direction). For example, two pairs of opposing cantilever-shaped and arc-shaped elastic pieces 34 are provided, but this is not limited to these.

By providing this elastic piece 34, the locking member 31 is biased toward the inner wall of the guide groove 4a during operation, keeping it stationary. This allows for smooth sliding in the Y direction by the amount the user slides it in that direction, thus improving operability despite the simple structure.

Furthermore, a recessed, notched operating section 35 for performing the sliding operation is provided on a portion of the rod section 33 (for example, slightly below the upper end). The user can slide the locking member 31 upward by pushing the upper notched surface of the operating section 35 upward, and slide the locking member 31 downward by pushing the lower notched surface of the operating section 35 downward. This improves operability without compromising aesthetics compared to cases where a separate operating section, such as a knob, is provided in addition to the rod section 33.

The locking member 31 is provided on the vertical frame 4 on one end (e.g., the left end) of one of the multiple panels 1 constituting the partition device 100, excluding one of the end panels (e.g., panels 1b, 1c, and 1d). On the other hand, on the vertical frame 4 on the other end (e.g., the right end) of the other panel 1 opposite the end face of the panel 1 on which the locking member 31 is provided, a housing member 40 capable of accommodating the rod portion 33 is provided along the guide groove 4a in the vertical direction (Y direction), as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example where the locking member 31 is provided on the left side of panel 1c, and the housing member 40 is provided on the right side of panel 1b, which is opposite to it.

The housing member 40 is provided to engage with the guide groove 4a. On the surface facing the locking member 31 of the other panel 1, a housing portion 41 is provided, having a cylindrical notch shape corresponding to the rod portion 33. Protrusions 42 are provided at both ends of the housing portion 41 in the left-right direction (Z direction), projecting in the opposite direction (X direction).

As shown in Figure 9(b), when the space between adjacent panels 1 is closed, the housing portion 41 accommodates the rod portion 33 of the locking member 31, and the protruding portion 42 is accommodated in the recess 36 of the locking member 31. This engages the locking member 31 and the housing portion 40, connecting the adjacent panels 1.

During this connection, the locking member 31 is hidden between the two panels 1, as shown in Figure 9(b), thus improving the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the two panels 1 can be connected smoothly without interference from the locking member 31.

Furthermore, since the locking member 31 can be attached using the guide groove 4a provided in the vertical frame 4 of panel 1, panel 1 can be fixed immovably with a simple structure. Moreover, because the locking member 31 is slidable along the guide groove 4a extending in the vertical direction, sufficient stroke can be ensured, allowing it to follow the height difference between the lower end of panel 1 and the floor surface F.

[Modified view of a partition fixing device]
The partition fixing device of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the example described above, the locking member 31 was slid toward the floor surface F, and the locking part 33a was inserted into the insertion hole 8a provided in the lower rail 8, thereby fixing the panel 1 in an immovable state. However, the method of fixing the panel 1 is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in Figure 11, the partition device 100 may have a support 16 below the panel 1 instead of the lower rail 8. The support 16 has an insertion hole 16a that is larger in diameter and depth than the insertion hole 8a of the lower rail 8. The locking member 31 fixes the panel 1 in an immovable state when the locking portion (first locking portion) 33a of the rod portion 33 and a predetermined length portion above it (second locking portion 33b) are inserted into the insertion hole 16a of the support 16 by sliding the locking member 31 in the direction of the floor surface F.

In other words, the rod portion 33 has a first locking portion 33a with a first diameter at its tip, and a second locking portion 33b with a second diameter larger than the first diameter above the first locking portion 33a. The first locking portion 33a can be inserted into the insertion hole 8a formed in the lower rail 8 by the sliding operation of a first amount (stroke) or more, and the second locking portion 33b can be inserted together with the first locking portion 33a into the support 16 by the sliding operation of a second amount (stroke) or more that is greater than the first amount. This allows the panel 1 to be fixed immovably in relation to both the lower rail 8 (and its insertion hole 8a) and the support 16.

In the example described above, the vertical frame 4 was provided as a single component extending from the top to the bottom of the panel 1. However, as shown in Figure 12, the vertical frame 4 may also be configured as a divisible component.

In other words, the vertical frame 4 may have a first frame member 4b that is fixedly attached to the panel 1, and a second frame member 4c that supports the partition fixing device 30 (locking member 31) and is detachably attached to the panel 1. This allows the locking member 31 to be easily retrofitted to the panel 1.

In the example described above, the locking member 31 was supported on the left-right (X-direction) end face of the panel 1 via the vertical frame 4, but the vertical frame 4 is not essential. For example, if the panel material 2 is formed with a greater thickness than that shown in the example above, the vertical frame 4 may not be provided on the panel 1, and a guide groove may be formed directly on the end face of the panel material 2, where the locking member 31 may be slidably supported.

In the above embodiment, the connecting shaft 26 is provided to be slidable in the vertical direction (Y direction). This vertical sliding causes its lower end to engage (insert) into the engagement hole 21b, connecting the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1 with the lower runner 21. The connection between the lower end (horizontal frame 3) and the lower runner 21 is released when the engagement between the lower end (horizontal frame 3) and the engagement hole 21b is released. Alternatively, the connecting shaft 26 may connect and release the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1 with the lower runner 21 by sliding in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the lower rail 8.

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the connecting portion 22 (connecting shaft 26) and lower runner 21 of the partition guide device 20 of the partition device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the partition guide device 20, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 14. Figure 16 is a plan view showing the partition device 100 in the process of opening and closing, and Figure 17 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(b).

As shown in these figures, in this embodiment, the connecting shaft 26 has a fitting portion 26c formed as a circumferential groove at its lower end. A flange portion 26d is formed at the lower end of the fitting portion 26c, extending to the same diameter as the upper part of the connecting shaft 26.

Furthermore, the lower runner 21 has a fitting portion 21c extending from its side surface to the center of its upper surface, which can be fitted into the fitting portion 26c of the connecting shaft 26. As shown in Figure 14, the fitting portion 21c is formed as an inverted T-shaped groove in a cross-sectional view in the X direction. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the fitting portion 21c is tapered toward the insertion direction of the connecting shaft 26 (X direction: direction of the arrow in the same figure), and its insertion end has a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the fitting portion 26c. In addition, a fitting groove 21d is formed at the lower end of the fitting portion 21c, which protrudes outward so as to be fitted into the flange portion 26d of the fitting portion 26c.

With this configuration, the connecting shaft 26 can engage and disengage its fitting portion 26c with the fitting portion 21c of the lower runner 21 by sliding the lower rail 8 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). This connects and disengages the lower end (horizontal frame 3) of the panel 1 and the lower runner 21.

Furthermore, the flange portion 26d of the fitted portion 26c fits into the fitting groove 21d of the fitted portion 21c, thereby connecting the lower end of the connecting portion 22 to the lower runner 21 in a way that prevents it from engaging or disengaging in the vertical direction. Additionally, the insertion end of the fitted portion 21c has a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the fitted portion 26c (and flange portion 26d), so connecting the lower end of the connecting portion 22 to the lower runner 21 in a way that allows it to rotate relative to the lower runner 21.

As shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, the connecting shaft 26 does not slide in the vertical direction; therefore, the spring 27 in the above-described embodiment is not provided at the upper end of the connecting shaft 26.

As shown in Figures 16 and 17, when the partition device 100 is used as a folding door, from its closed state (Figure 16(a)), the panels 1 are folded by the hinges 5 as shown in Figure 16(b), and by moving them in the direction of the arrows in the same figure, the open state shown in Figure 16(c) can be achieved.

As shown in Figure 17, the lower runners 21 are provided on each panel 1 such that the orientation of the fitting portion 21c, which allows the connecting portion 22 to slide, faces each other, and are attached to the lower rail 8. This is because, when the panel 1 moves, a force is applied to the lower runner 21 in the direction that the panel 1 opens via the hinge 5 (the panel material 2 on the left side of the figure opens to the left in the X direction, and the panel material 2 on the right side of the figure opens to the right in the X direction). By fitting the fitting portion 21c with the fitted portion 26c so as to face this force, the connecting portion 22 can be prevented from coming out of the lower runner 21.

Thus, in this embodiment, while the connecting portion 22 (connecting shaft 26) can be easily attached to and detached from the lower runner 21, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion 22 from detaching from the lower runner 21 even if the panel 1 tilts significantly during its movement. This is particularly advantageous when the partition device 100 is used as a folding door; even if the panel 1 tilts while being moved along the lower rail 8 in its folded state, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion 22 from detaching from the lower runner 21, as described above. Furthermore, by making the lower end of the connecting portion 22 (connecting shaft 26) rotatable relative to the lower runner 21, the panel 1 can be smoothly folded when the partition device 100 is used as a folding door.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 17 above, the connecting shaft 26 was configured such that its fitted portion 26c could engage and disengage with the fitted portion 21c of the lower runner 21 by sliding the lower rail 8 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). Alternatively, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the lower runner 21 may be configured such that the connecting shaft 26's fitted portion 26c can engage and disengage with the fitted portion 21c of the lower runner 21 by sliding the lower rail 8 in the short direction (Z direction).

Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 17 can be obtained, and by making the sliding direction of the connecting shaft 26 the same when fitted, the connecting portion 22 (connecting shaft 26) can be attached to the lower runner 21 more easily. Furthermore, since the connecting shaft 26 can be engaged and disengaged from the lower runner 21 in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the movement direction (X direction) of the panel 1, it is possible to further prevent the connecting shaft 22 from coming out of the lower runner 21 when the panel 1 moves.

In Figures 13 to 19 above, an example is shown in which the connecting shaft 26 is connected to the lower runner 21 by fitting. However, the connection method is not limited to fitting; other engagement methods using claws, hooks, or other engaging parts may also be employed.

[Other variations]
The shape and number of each component in the above-described embodiment are not limited to those shown in the illustration. For example, in the above example, four panels 1 were provided on the partition device 100, but the number and shape (aspect ratio) of the panels can be appropriately changed depending on the size and shape of the space.

1...Panel 2...Panel material 3...Horizontal frame 4...Vertical frame 4a...Guide groove 4b...First frame member 4c...Second frame member 6...Hanger rail 7...Upper runner 8...Lower rail 8a...Through hole 14...Rail cap 14a...Base 14b...Top cover 16...Base support 16a...Through hole 20...Partition guide device 21...Lower runner 21a...Engaging part 21b...Engaging hole 21c...Fitting part 21d...Fitting groove 22...Connecting part 23...Socket 24...Socket body 25...Insertion part 26...Connecting shaft 26c...Fitting part 26d...Flange part 27...Spring 28...Fitting cover 30...Partition fixing device 31...Locking member 32...Guide part 33...Rod part 33a...(First) locking part 33b...Second locking part 35...Operating part 36...Recess 40...Housing member 41...Housing part 100...Partition device Wall surface...W
Floor…F

Claims (11)

A partition guide device that guides the lower end of a partition panel, which is movably suspended and supported along an upper rail, along a lower rail provided below the panel,
A runner that can travel along the aforementioned lower rail,
A connecting portion is provided at the lower end of the panel, one end of which is capable of engaging and disengaging by sliding in the vertical direction with respect to an engaging portion formed in the runner,
It is equipped with,
The connecting portion connects the lower end of the panel to the runner by engaging one end with the engaging portion, and releases the connection between the lower end of the panel and the runner by releasing the engagement between the one end and the engaging portion. A partition guide device according to claim 1,
The connecting portion is a partition guide device having a connecting shaft that slides in the vertical direction, allowing one end to engage with and disengage from the engaging portion. A partition guide device according to claim 2,
The connecting portion is a partition guide device having an elastic member that biases the connecting shaft downward. A partition guide device according to claim 3,
The connecting portion has an insertion portion into which a part of the connecting shaft is slidably inserted, and a socket that can be attached to the lower end of the panel with the other end of the connecting shaft inserted into the insertion portion.
The elastic member is a partition guide device provided inside the insertion portion so as to bias the other end of the connecting shaft downward. A partition guide device that guides the lower end of a partition panel, which is movably suspended and supported along an upper rail, along a lower rail provided below the panel,
A runner that can travel along the aforementioned lower rail,
A connecting portion is provided at the lower end of the panel, with one end of the connecting portion being able to engage and disengage by sliding with an engaging portion formed in the runner,
It is equipped with,
The connecting portion is connected to the runner so as to be unable to engage or detach in the vertical direction and rotatable relative to it, by engaging one end with the engaging portion, and the connection between the lower end of the panel and the runner is released when the engagement between the one end and the engaging portion is released. A partition guide device according to claim 5,
The connecting portion is a partition guide device having a connecting shaft at one end that can engage and disengage with the engaging portion by sliding the lower rail in the longitudinal or transverse direction. A partition guide device according to claim 6,
The connecting shaft has a flange portion at one end, and the flange portion engages with the engaging portion by sliding, thereby engaging with the engaging portion in a way that prevents it from engaging or disengaging in the vertical direction. Partition guide device. A partitioning device that divides a space using at least one of the aforementioned panels,
A partition device comprising a partition guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A partition device according to claim 8,
The lower rail has a rail cap at its end that is at least partially removable.
The runner is a partition device that can be attached to and detached from the lower rail by removing at least a portion of the rail cap from the end of the lower rail. A partition device according to claim 8,
The aforementioned lower rail is constructed by connecting multiple rail materials.
The runner is a partition device that can be attached to and detached from the lower rail by removing some of the rail materials from the plurality of connected rail materials. A partitioning device that divides a space using panels that are connected in a foldable manner,
A partition guide device according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The connecting portion can be engaged and disengaged by sliding the lower rail in the longitudinal direction relative to the engaging portion.
The runner is provided on each of the panels such that the orientation of the engaging portions, which allow the connecting portion to slide, is opposite to that of the other.