JP7777791B2 - Panel Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a panel device.

Conventionally, various types of equipment such as lighting equipment, fire detectors, and audio equipment are installed on the ceiling.
For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a ceiling system in which ceiling panels are arranged between equipment lines incorporating facility equipment and air conditioning equipment.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-10439

However, with ceiling systems like the one described above, there is a concern that gaps may form between the longitudinal ends of the equipment plates that make up the equipment line and the opposing ceiling panel or wall, depending on the installation space, dimensional differences with the ceiling panel, and the installation method, and further improvements are desired.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above situation, and aims to provide a panel device that can be fitted to the outside of a facility equipment mounting panel in a visually appealing first direction.

To achieve the above objective, the panel device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a pair of ceiling substrates that are elongated in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an equipment mounting panel whose ends in the second direction are held by the pair of ceiling substrates; and a cover that is arranged opposite the equipment mounting panel with a gap on the outside in the first direction, and that is elongated in the second direction and is arranged to cover the gap between the equipment mounting panel and the ceiling substrates.

The panel device of the present invention, configured as described above, allows the first outer side of the equipment mounting panel to be neatly fitted.

1 is a partially cutaway schematic perspective view showing an example of a panel device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an example of a panel installation structure using the same. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the panel device. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway schematic exploded perspective view of the panel device. 10A and 10B are schematic, partially cutaway, longitudinal sectional views of the panel device. FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded vertical cross-sectional view of the panel device. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing an example of an installation procedure for the panel device, where 1A is a schematic exploded vertical cross-sectional view and 1B is a schematic perspective view with a part cut away. 10A and 10B are schematic exploded vertical cross-sectional views of the construction procedure. 1A is a schematic plan view, partly cut away, of the panel device; FIG. 1B is a schematic side view, partly cut away, of the panel device; FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view, partly cut away, of the panel device; 10A and 10B are schematic perspective views, partly cut away, of the panel device. 10A and 10B are partially cutaway schematic exploded perspective views of the panel device. 1A is a schematic, partially cutaway bottom view of the panel device, and FIG. 1B is a schematic, partially cutaway side view of the panel device. 1A is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view, partially broken away, showing a modified example of a panel provided in the panel device, and FIG. 1B is a schematic exploded vertical cross-sectional view of the panel device provided with the panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In some drawings, some of the detailed reference numerals used in other drawings are omitted.
In the following embodiment, directions such as the up-down direction will be described based on the state in which an example of a panel device according to this embodiment is installed.
1 to 12 are diagrams that schematically show an example of a panel device according to the present embodiment, a modified example of a panel, and an example of a panel installation structure using the panel device, and a modified example of the same.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the panel device 1 of this embodiment includes a frame 20 that forms a ceiling substrate that is long in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction. The panel device 1 includes an equipment mounting panel 10 that forms a panel whose end 12 in the second direction is held by the frame 20. This panel device 1 may be installed as a ceiling for relatively small buildings such as homes and offices, or as a ceiling for various relatively large buildings such as gymnasiums, halls, shopping malls, factories, and schools.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the panel installation structure using this panel device 1 includes a ceiling panel 9 and an equipment mounting panel 10 elongated in a first direction, which are installed on a ceiling substrate (7, 20) suspended from a hanging member 2. In this panel installation structure, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the equipment mounting panel 10 is installed so as to be positioned higher than the ceiling panel 9. This configuration minimizes the amount of equipment 8 protruding from the ceiling panel 9, improving the appearance, even when the equipment 8 is installed on the equipment mounting panel 10 so that it protrudes toward the interior of the room. In this panel installation structure, the ceiling panels 9 on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are installed so as to cover the interior sides of the equipment mounting panel's respective second-direction ends 12. This configuration covers the equipment mounting panel's respective second-direction ends 12, 12, improving the appearance compared to a structure in which a ceiling bar is largely exposed between the ceiling panels 9.

The equipment mounting panel 10 is held by a frame 20 that forms a ceiling substrate and extends in a first direction. With this configuration, the equipment mounting panel 10, which is long in the first direction, can be stably held by the frame 20 that extends in the first direction.
The second-direction ends 12, 12 of this equipment mounting panel 10 are arranged at intervals in the second direction and are fixed to a pair of frames 20, 20 that form the ceiling substrate and extend in the first direction. With this configuration, the second-direction ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 are fixed to the pair of frames 20, 20 suspended and held by the hanging member 2, and these are integrated, allowing the equipment mounting panel 10 to be installed stably.

The frame 20 is suspended from the hanging member 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 20 is elongated in the first direction and spaced apart in the second direction. It includes a pair of panel holding portions 25 that hold the second-direction ends 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. The frame 20 also includes a pair of suspended portions 21 that are connected to the panel holding portions 25 and have insertion holes 24 at multiple locations spaced apart in the first direction, through which the hook pieces 4a of the hanging member 2 are inserted. With this configuration, the panel holding portions 25 that hold the equipment mounting panel 10 can be suspended by inserting the hook pieces 4a of the hanging member 2 into the insertion holes 24 of the suspended portions 21, improving workability.

The panel device 1 includes frames 20, 20 that constitute a pair of ceiling substrates spaced apart in the second direction, each having a suspended portion 21, 21 and a panel holding portion 25, 25. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the pair of panel holding portions 25, 25 and the pair of suspended portions 21, 21 that hold the equipment mounting panel 10 are integrally provided via, for example, a U-shaped connecting portion, it is possible to finely adjust the suspension position of each frame 20, 20 individually when suspending the frames. Because the pair of frames 20, 20 have the same configuration, an example of a specific configuration will be described below using one of the frames 20 as an example.
The panel device 1 includes ceiling panels 9, 9 arranged on both sides in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10. With this configuration, a ceiling can be formed by the equipment mounting panels 10 on which various equipment 8 are mounted and the ceiling panels 9.

The panel device 1 includes rafters 7, 7 arranged on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction, spaced apart in the first direction and extending in the second direction, to hold the ceiling panels 9, 9. The panel device 1 includes rafter supports 6 arranged parallel to the panel holding portion 25 and the suspended portion 21 and holding the rafters 7. In a panel installation structure using this panel device 1, the ceiling panels 9, 9 on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction are supported by rafter supports 6 arranged parallel to the frame 20, forming a ceiling substrate and held by the rafters 7 extending in the second direction. This configuration prevents the panel holding portion 25 (frame 20) that holds the equipment mounting panel 10 from interfering with the rafters 7 that hold the ceiling panel 9 or the rafter supports 6 that hold them. Furthermore, the ceiling panel 9 and the equipment mounting panel 10 can each be held by separate ceiling substrates (rafters 7 and panel holding portion 25 (frame 20)). In other words, the joists 7 and joist supports 6 that suspend the ceiling panel 9 and the frame 20 that suspends the equipment mounting panel 10 are not dependent on each other, and are installed separately, so to speak. In other words, the weight of the equipment mounting panel 10 is not applied to the joists 7 and joist supports 6 that suspend the ceiling panel 9. This makes it possible, for example, to provide seismic reinforcement only to the frame 20 that suspends the equipment mounting panel 10.

As shown in Figure 1, the panel device 1 includes hanging members 2 arranged at multiple locations spaced apart in the first and second directions, each holding a soffit support 6 and a suspended portion 21. With this configuration, the suspended portion 21 that holds the equipment mounting panel 10 can be held by a common hanging member 2 that holds the soffit support 6. In other words, the hanging member 2 that holds the ceiling panel 9 and the hanging member 2 that holds the equipment mounting panel 10 can be a common part.
The suspension member 2 is equipped with suspension bolts 3 that are threaded into female threaded members such as inserts that are provided at multiple locations at intervals in the first and second directions on the upper layer slab or steel frame that serves as the suspension base, and that are arranged to extend in the vertical direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The suspension member 2 is equipped with hangers 4 that are held relative to the suspension bolts 3 so that their vertical positions can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the hanger 4 includes a retained piece portion having an insertion hole through which the suspension bolt 3 is inserted, and a hanging piece portion that hangs down from the retained piece portion. The hooking piece 4a is bent upward from a bottom piece portion provided at the lower end of the hanging piece portion. When viewed in the first direction, the hanger 4 has a generally U-shaped (approximately C-shaped) shape with an upward opening. In the illustrated example, the upper end of the hooking piece 4a has a bent portion that narrows the opening, and a retaining protrusion is provided on the inside of the bent portion. The upper end of the hooking piece 4a has an inclined shape that widens the opening. The hangers 4 are provided above and below the retained piece portion and are fixed to the suspension bolt 3 by being sandwiched by nuts threaded onto the suspension bolt 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , some of the multiple hangers 4 are equipped with brace mounting brackets 5 to which the lower ends of braces (not shown) are attached.
The suspension member 2 including this hanger 4 is not limited to the above configuration, but may be a known suspension member used as a suspension member for the ceiling substructure of a suspended ceiling, or may have various other configurations.

The soffit supports 6 are elongated in the first direction and arranged at multiple locations at intervals in the second direction to form a steel ceiling substructure (lightweight ceiling substructure). The soffit supports 6 may be channel-shaped with a horizontal opening. The soffit supports 6 are attached to the hangers 4 by being inserted through the upper openings of the hangers 4 with the elastic deformation of the hooking pieces 4a, and may be secured with fasteners such as screws. The vertical dimension from the bottom piece of the hanger 4 to the retaining protrusion is approximately the same as the vertical dimension of the soffit support 6. The vertical dimension between the hanging piece of the hanger 4 and the lower end portion of the hooking piece 4a is approximately the same as the vertical dimension of the soffit support 6. The steel ceiling substructure may also include a soffit support joint that joins adjacent soffit supports 6, 6 in the first direction.

The rafters 7 are arranged in multiple locations, elongated in the second direction and spaced apart in the first direction, to form a steel ceiling substructure (lightweight ceiling substructure). The rafters 7 are arranged on at least one of both sides of the location where the equipment mounting panel 10 is to be installed in the second direction and, if necessary, both sides in the first direction, so as to surround the location where the equipment mounting panel 10 is to be installed. In other words, the equipment mounting panel 10 is held in place of the rafters 7 by a frame 20 installed in places where no rafters 7 are installed. The rafters 7 may be channel-shaped and open upward, or may have lips formed at the top ends of both side walls. The rafters 7 may be held to the rafter support 6 via known clips, as appropriate. The steel ceiling substructure may also have rafter joints that join adjacent rafters 7, 7 in the second direction. Instead of such a joist 7, the ceiling base that holds the ceiling panel 9 can be a so-called T-bar, which has a flange at its lower end on which the end of the ceiling panel 9 rests.

The ceiling panel 9 has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view (seen in the thickness direction). In the illustrated example, the first direction of the ceiling panel 9 is the panel width direction, and the second direction is the panel length direction.
Each end of the ceiling panel 9 in the first direction is held by the rafters 7, 7 spaced apart in the first direction. The ceiling panel 9 may be fixed directly to the rafters 7, 7 with fasteners such as screws, or may be fixed to the rafters 7, 7 via fixing members or hooks attached to each end of the ceiling panel 9 in the first direction. The dimension of the ceiling panel 9 in the first direction, i.e., the width dimension, may correspond to the pitch of the rafters 7, 7 and may be, for example, approximately 300 mm to 1200 mm. The dimension of the ceiling panel 9 in the second direction, i.e., the length dimension, may be, for example, approximately 600 mm to 2000 mm. The thickness dimension of the ceiling panel 9 may be, for example, approximately 3.0 mm to 20.0 mm.
This ceiling panel 9 may be a known ceiling material such as gypsum board, calcium silicate board, or rock wool board, or may be configured to include a foamed resin or fiber-based base material with a reinforcing layer such as a flame-retardant layer or a fiber-reinforced resin layer laminated on it. The ceiling panel 9 and the steel ceiling substrate may have an appropriate mass so that the mass per unit area (1 ^m2 ) of the ceiling structure including this ceiling panel 9 and the steel ceiling substrate is 2.0 kg or less.

The frame 20 is positioned between the sills 7, 7 that are spaced apart in the second direction and facing each other, with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sills 7. The frame 20 has a generally uniform shape along its entire length. As shown in FIG. 3, the insertion hole 24 of the frame 20 is an elongated hole extending in the first direction so that the hooking position of the hook piece 4a can be adjusted in the first direction. With this configuration, the hooking position of the hook piece 4a of the hanging member 2 can be adjusted in the first direction to hang the suspended part 21. The minor diameter of the insertion hole 24 along the second direction corresponds to the thickness of the hook piece 4a, whose thickness direction is the second direction. The minor diameter of the insertion hole 24 is appropriately sized to allow the insertion of the anti-detachment protrusion provided on the hook piece 4a. The major axis of this insertion hole 24 may be an appropriate dimension depending on the necessary adjustment of the hooking position of the hook piece 4a in the first direction, as well as from the perspective of strength, etc. The major axis of this insertion hole 24 may be, for example, approximately 1.5 to 5 times the width of the hook piece 4a in the first direction.

As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the frame 20 includes a mounting piece 27 that constitutes a mounting portion on which the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 is placed. This configuration allows the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 to be placed and held (temporarily held) on the mounting piece 27, thereby reducing the load on the worker. The mounting piece 27 is generally strip-shaped and arranged with its thickness aligned vertically. The thickness of the mounting piece 27 may be appropriately determined from the perspectives of strength and weight reduction. The width of the mounting piece 27 along the second direction may be appropriately determined so that the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 can be placed on it.

When frames 20 are connected to adjacent frames 20 in the first direction, the mounting pieces 27, 27 abut against each other and the mounting pieces 27, 27 protrude in the first direction beyond their upper portions so that a gap is formed between the upper portions of the mounting pieces 27, 27. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(c), the mounting pieces 27, 27, which tend to be more noticeable from the interior side when frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction are connected, can be effectively abutted against each other, improving the appearance. In other words, even if processing errors or the like occur, the mounting pieces 27, 27 protrude in the first direction beyond their upper portions, preventing the upper portions above the mounting pieces 27, 27 from abutting against each other and forming a gap between the mounting pieces 27, 27.

In this embodiment, the panel installation structure is installed so that the connection portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction and the butt portions between adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 held by these frames 20, 20 in the first direction are positioned differently in the first direction. This configuration ensures straightness compared to a structure in which the connection portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction and the butt portions between adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction are positioned in the same position in the first direction. This more effectively reduces the occurrence of gaps between the mounting pieces 27, 27. In other words, the straightness of either the frames 20, 20 or the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 can be ensured by using the other, thereby preventing gaps from occurring at the connection portions and butt portions. In this panel installation structure, the connection portions between adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction on both sides of the second direction are positioned to coincide with each other in the first direction. In this panel installation structure, the connecting portion between the frames 20, 20 whose length is an integer multiple of the length of the equipment mounting panel 10 may be installed so as to be located approximately in the longitudinal center of the equipment mounting panel 10. For example, the length of the equipment mounting panel 10 and the length of the frame 20 may be approximately the same. In this case, a marker portion may be provided in the longitudinal center of the frame 20 to mark the butt joint portion of adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction.

The frame 20 includes a rising piece 26 that rises from the mounting piece 27 and is arranged to face the end face of the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. This rising piece 26 faces the end face of the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 and constitutes a fixing piece through which a fastener that fixes the equipment mounting panel 10 passes. With this configuration, the equipment mounting panel 10 can be fixed to the frame 20 via the fastener. The rising piece 26 and the mounting piece 27 constitute the panel holding portion 25.
The rising piece 26 is provided to rise from the edge of the mounting piece 27 on the outside in the second direction (on the outside in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10) and is generally strip-shaped with its thickness direction aligned with the second direction. In other words, the mounting piece portions 27 are provided to protrude in directions facing each other from the lower end edges of the rising piece portions 26 of the pair of frames 20 arranged with a gap in the second direction.

The thickness of the rising piece 26 may be set to an appropriate size from the viewpoint of strength or weight reduction, or may be the same thickness as the mounting piece 27. The width of the rising piece 26 in the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate size so that a fastener for fixing the equipment mounting panel 10 can pass through, or may be larger than the thickness of the equipment mounting panel 10.
The rising piece 26 constitutes an upper portion that is higher than the mounting piece 27. In other words, as shown in FIG. 8( b), the rising piece 26 is arranged so that a gap is formed between the rising piece 26 adjacent in the first direction when the mounting piece portions 27, 27 of the frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction are in contact with each other. In other words, the rising piece 26 is formed so that each end portion in the first direction of the rising piece 26 is positioned more inward in the first direction than each end portion in the first direction of the mounting piece 27. The protruding dimension of the mounting piece 27 that protrudes in the first direction beyond the rising piece 26 may be an appropriate dimension so that the rising piece portions 26, 26 adjacent in the first direction do not abut against each other due to processing errors, etc.

Suspended portion 21 of frame 20 is provided with hooked piece 23 that extends outward in the second direction from the upper end of rising piece 26 and has insertion hole 24. With this configuration, hooked piece 23, rising piece 26, and placing piece 27 form at least a Z-shape, which can improve the strength of panel holding portion 25 and suspended portion 21 compared to, for example, an L-shaped configuration.
The hook piece 23 is generally strip-shaped and arranged with its thickness in the up-down direction. The insertion hole 24 is formed by penetrating the hook piece 23 in the thickness direction. The width dimension of the hook piece 23 in the second direction may be an appropriate dimension so that the insertion hole 24 can be formed and from the viewpoint of weight reduction, etc.
The suspended portion 21 is provided with a fixed piece 22 that rises from the outer edge of the hooked piece 23 in the second direction and is fixed to the hanger 4. The fixed piece 22 is generally strip-shaped and arranged with its thickness direction in the second direction. An upper end of the fixed piece 22 is provided with an upper end piece that protrudes toward the opposite side in the second direction (the center side of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction, the inner side in the second direction). The upper end piece is generally strip-shaped and arranged with its thickness direction in the up-down direction. The thickness dimensions of the upper end piece, the fixed piece 22, and the hooked piece 23 may be appropriately determined from the standpoint of strength or weight reduction, and may be the same thickness as the rising piece 26.

The suspended part 21, which includes the upper end piece, fixed piece 22, and hooked piece 23, is shaped like a channel steel that opens sideways. The vertical dimension of the suspended part 21 is approximately the same as the vertical dimension of the soffit support 6. The dimension of the hooked piece 23 from the fixed piece 22 to the insertion hole 24 in the second direction and the dimension of the upper end piece in the same direction are approximately the same as the dimensions of the lower end piece and upper end piece of the soffit support 6 in the same direction. In other words, the upper end piece, fixed piece 22, and the portion of the suspended part 21 up to the insertion hole 24 of the hooked piece 23 are approximately the same size and shape as the soffit support 6 so that it can be suspended by the same hanging member 2 as the soffit support 6.
Suspended part 21 constitutes an upper portion that is higher than mounting piece portion 27. In other words, as shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(c), suspended part 21 is arranged so that a gap is formed between suspended parts 21 adjacent in the first direction when mounting piece portions 27, 27 of frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction are in contact with each other. In other words, suspended part 21 is formed so that each end in the first direction is located more inward in the first direction than each end in the first direction of mounting piece portion 27.

In the illustrated example, a notched recessed step is formed at each end of the hooked piece 23 in the first direction so that the fixed piece 22 side portion is more inward in the first direction than the rising piece 26 side portion. Each end of the rising piece 26 side portion of the hooked piece 23 in the first direction is formed to coincide with each end of the rising piece 26 in the first direction in the first direction. Each end of the fixing piece 22 side portion of the hooked piece 23 in the first direction is formed to coincide with each end of the fixing piece 22 in the first direction in the first direction. In other words, the gaps between the fixing piece 22 side portions of the hooked pieces 23, 23 adjacent in the first direction, between the fixing pieces 22, 22, and between the upper end pieces are larger than the gaps between the rising pieces 26, 26 adjacent in the first direction and between the rising piece 26 side portions of the hooked pieces 23, 23 adjacent in the first direction. The configuration in which the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction abut each other and a gap is formed between the upper portions of the mounting pieces 27, 27 is not limited to this configuration, and various other variations are possible.

4(a) and 4(b), the frame 20 is provided with extension pieces 29 that extend into the room and face the end faces 9a of the ceiling panels 9 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the end faces 9a of the ceiling panels 9 arranged on both sides of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction can be made less noticeable by the extension pieces 29 of each frame 20.
The extension piece 29 is provided so as to hang down from the edge of the mounting piece 27 on the side opposite to the second direction, and is generally strip-shaped with its thickness direction aligned with the second direction. The end of the ceiling panel 9 on the extension piece 29 side is positioned below the mounting piece 27.
The thickness of the extension piece 29 may be set to an appropriate size from the viewpoints of strength and weight reduction, or may be the same thickness as the mounting piece portion 27. The width of the extension piece 29 in the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate size so that the end surface 9a of the opposing ceiling panel 9 is less noticeable and so that weight reduction is achieved. The width of the extension piece 29 in the vertical direction may be set to an appropriate size so that the lower end of the extension piece 29 is positioned approximately at the same height as or lower than the lower surface (indoor side) of the ceiling panel 9. The extension piece 29 is provided over the entire length of the mounting piece portion 27. In other words, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the mounting piece portions 27, 27 of frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction abut against each other, the respective extension pieces 29, 29 also abut against each other.
The frame 20, like the sill 7 and sill support 6, may be made of steel formed from various metallic materials.

The equipment mounting panel 10 has a generally rectangular flat plate shape that is elongated in the first direction. The length of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction may be, for example, approximately 600 mm to 2000 mm. In the illustrated example, the length of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction is approximately twice the width of the ceiling panel 9 in the first direction (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The width of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction may be a dimension corresponding to the dimensions of the equipment 8 when various equipment 8 are installed on the underside, and may be, for example, approximately 150 mm to 600 mm. The thickness of the equipment mounting panel 10 may be approximately the same as the thickness of the ceiling panel 9.
3 and 5, the equipment mounting panel 10 includes a panel body 13 and end protection members 16, 16 attached to the panel body 13 so as to cover the end faces and upper surface of each end 15, 15 in the second direction of the panel body 13. With this configuration, each end 15, 15 of the panel body 13 in the second direction can be protected by these end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction.

The panel device 1 includes anti-floating members 30 that are arranged across the upper surfaces of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction, with each end in the second direction fixed to each of the pair of frames 20, 20. This configuration allows the pair of frames 20, 20 that hold the respective end portions 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction to be connected by the anti-floating members 30, preventing the pair of frames 20, 20 from separating. The anti-floating members 30 prevent the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, and because the anti-floating members 30 abut against the end protection members 16, 16, damage to the panel body 13 can be prevented even if the panel body 13 is weak. In other words, the anti-floating members 30 can combine the function of connecting the pair of frames 20, 20 and the function of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, thereby reducing the number of parts. The anti-floating member 30 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, improving workability when attaching equipment 8 to the panel body 13 and drilling holes after the equipment mounting panel 10 has been installed. An example of the specific configuration of the anti-floating member 30 will be described later.

The panel body 13 is a rectangular flat plate that is elongated in the first direction. This panel body 13 may be a board commonly used as a ceiling board. This panel body 13 may be formed from the same panel material as the ceiling panel 9 described above, or from a different panel material. This panel body 13 may be made of, for example, relatively fragile gypsum board, calcium silicate board, or foam resin board, so that holes can be easily drilled at the construction site for the installation and wiring of the equipment 8. The equipment 8 installed on this panel body 13 is not limited to a fire detector as shown in the illustration, but may also be lighting fixtures, audio equipment, fans, drying devices, storage devices, or various other types of equipment.

The edge protection member 16 constitutes the edge 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10, which is placed on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20. One of the mounting piece 27 and the edge protection member 16 has an engagement recess 18 into which the engagement protrusion 28 on the other is inserted. With this configuration, by inserting the engagement protrusion 28 into the engagement recess 18, the equipment mounting panel 10 can prevent the pair of frames 20, 20 suspended from the respective hanging members 2, 2 from moving apart. Since the anti-floating member 30 can be fixed in this state with movement suppressed, workability is improved. Furthermore, the equipment mounting panel 10, which is temporarily held by the mounting piece 27, 27, can be prevented from unintentionally falling. In this embodiment, the edge protection member 16 has an engagement recess 18, and the mounting piece 27 has an engagement protrusion 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the engagement protrusions 28 of the mounting piece 27 are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the mounting piece 27 at a midpoint in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 3, these engagement protrusions 28 are provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. These engagement protrusions 28 are generally flat, with their thickness direction aligned with the second direction, and are provided so as to extend in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. In the illustrated example, the engagement protrusions 28 are provided in the mounting piece 27 in a bent shape.

3, the end protection member 16 is elongated in the first direction and is provided over substantially the entire length of the equipment mounting panel 10. The end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction have the same configuration, so an example of the specific configuration will be described below using one of the end protection members 16 as an example.
The edge protection member 16 has a uniform shape along its entire length. As shown in FIG. 5 , the edge protection member 16 is provided with a receiving groove 17 that receives the edge 15 of the panel body 13 in the second direction. The receiving groove 17 opens toward the center of the panel body 13 in the second direction and extends along the entire length of the edge protection member 16. The groove width along the vertical direction of the receiving groove 17 may be greater than the thickness of the panel body 13 so as to ensure an adhesive layer that secures the edge protection member 16 to the edge 15 of the panel body 13. The groove depth along the second direction of the receiving groove 17 may be an appropriate dimension so as to be able to hold the edge 15 of the panel body 13, and from the perspectives of reinforcing the edge 15 and reducing weight. The end protection member 16 is provided with an upper piece portion 16b that defines one side of the receiving groove 17 in the groove width direction and covers the upper surface of the end portion 15 of the panel main body 13, a lower piece portion 16c that defines the other side of the receiving groove 17 in the groove width direction and covers the lower surface of the end portion 15, and a side piece portion 16d that defines the groove bottom of the receiving groove 17 and covers the end surface of the end portion 15. In the illustrated example, the width dimension of the upper piece portion 16b in the second direction is larger than the width dimension of the lower piece portion 16c in the second direction, but this is not limited to this example.

The engagement recess 18 of the end protection member 16 is positioned outside the receiving groove 17 in the second direction. The engagement recess 18 is groove-shaped, opening downward and extending the entire length of the end protection member 16. The vertical depth and width of the engagement recess 18 are appropriately sized to accommodate the engagement protrusion 28. One side of the engagement recess 18 in the groove width direction is defined by the side piece 16d of the end protection member 16. The bottom of the engagement recess 18 is defined by a bottom piece extending outward in the second direction from a vertical midpoint of the side piece 16d. The other side of the engagement recess 18 in the groove width direction is defined by an outer piece hanging down from the tip of the bottom piece in the extending direction. The illustrated example shows an example in which a bottom protrusion protruding outward in the second direction from the lower end of the outer piece. This lower end protrusion is arranged so that its lower surface (indoor side surface) is approximately flush with the lower surface (indoor side surface) of the lower piece that defines the receiving groove 17. The engagement recess 18 is not limited to the above configuration and may have various other configurations.

The end protection member 16 is provided with a receiving recess 19 that receives the shank of a fastener that penetrates the rising piece 26 (see also Figures 7(a) and (b)). This receiving recess 19 is groove-shaped and opens outward in the second direction (toward the rising piece 26) and extends the entire length of the end protection member 16. The groove depth dimension of this receiving recess 19 in the second direction and the groove width dimension in the vertical direction are appropriate dimensions so that the shank of a fastener that penetrates the rising piece 26 can be received. One side of the groove width direction of this receiving recess 19 is defined by a bottom piece that defines the groove bottom of the engagement recess 18. The groove bottom of the receiving recess 19 is defined by a side piece 16d that defines the groove bottom of the receiving groove 17 and an extending side piece 16e that extends upward and is continuous with the side piece 16d. The other side of the receiving recess 19 in the groove width direction is defined by an upper end projection 16f that projects outward in the second direction from the upper end, which is the tip of the extending side piece 16e in the extending direction. The example shown in the figure shows an example in which an inner projection 16g is provided that projects inward in the second direction from the upper end of the extending side piece 16e. The upper surfaces of this inner projection 16g and upper end projection 16f form the upper surface of the end protection member 16.

This edge protection member 16 may be attached to the edge 15 of the panel main body 13 using an appropriate fastener, adhesive, or pressure-sensitive adhesive. Alternatively, the edge protection member 16 may be attached to the edge 15 of the panel main body 13 by fitting (press-fitting) the edge 15 into the receiving groove 17. Depending on this fixing method, the groove width dimension of the receiving groove 17 in the vertical direction may be the same as the thickness dimension of the panel main body 13 or may be slightly smaller than the thickness dimension of the panel main body 13. This edge protection member 16 may be an extrusion molded product made of a metal material or a hard synthetic resin material. The edge protection member 16 is not limited to the shapes described above and may have various other shapes, including a shape that has a portion that covers at least the end face and top surface of the edge 15 of the panel main body 13.

4(a) and 5, the anti-floating member 30 is elongated in the second direction so as to connect the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. The lower surfaces of each end portion in the second direction of the main body portion of this anti-floating member 30, which is substantially rectangular and flat in plan view, abut against the upper surfaces of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction of the equipment mounting panel 10. The upper surface of the main body portion of this anti-floating member 30 is positioned lower than the upper surfaces of the hooking pieces 23 of the frames 20.
Each end of the anti-floating member 30 in the second direction is provided with hanging pieces 32, 32 that are arranged to hang down outside the second direction of each of the end protection members 16, 16 on both sides of the anti-floating member 30. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the equipment mounting panel 10 from moving in the second direction relative to the anti-floating member 30 when the anti-floating member 30 is fixed. The above-mentioned upright pieces 26 of the frame 20 are arranged to be located outside the hanging pieces 32 in the second direction, and form fixing pieces through which fasteners attached to the hanging pieces 32 pass. With this configuration, it is possible to fix the anti-floating member 30 to the frame 20 by fastening fasteners to the hanging pieces 32 of the anti-floating member 30 through the upright pieces 26.

As shown in FIG. 4( a), the hanging pieces 32 are generally flat plates with their thicknesses aligned in the second direction. The hanging pieces 32 are aligned along the inner sides of the upright pieces 26 of the frames 20 on both sides in the second direction. The anti-floating member 30 is secured to the frames 20 by fasteners that penetrate the hanging pieces 32 from the outer sides of the upright pieces 26 in the second direction. The receiving recess 19 of the end protection member 16 is designed to accommodate the shank of the fastener. The hanging pieces 32 are aligned so that their lower ends are adjacent to the lower protruding pieces of the end protection members 16.
These hanging pieces 32, 32 are provided across the entire first direction of the main body of the anti-floating member 30. The dimensions of these hanging pieces 32, 32 and the main body of the anti-floating member 30 along the first direction may be set to appropriate dimensions from the perspective of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from floating up, reducing its weight, etc.

As shown in FIG. 6( b), the anti-floating member 30 is provided with abutment pieces 31 that abut against the end faces 16 a, 16 a in the first direction of the end protection members 16 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the abutment pieces 31 of the anti-floating member 30 can prevent the equipment mounting panel 10 from moving in the first direction. In other words, the anti-floating member 30 is provided to prevent the end portions of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction from floating up. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of anti-floating members 30, 30 is provided to prevent both end portions of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction from floating up. The equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frame 20 via this pair of anti-floating members 30, 30.
The end protection members 16, 16 on both sides in the second direction are attached to the panel body 13 so that the end faces 14 in the first direction of the panel body 13 are positioned further outward in the first direction than the abutment pieces 31. With this configuration, movement in the first direction can be prevented by the abutment pieces 31, while the end faces 14, 14 of the panel bodies 13, 13 of adjacent equipment mounting panels 10, 10 in the first direction can abut against each other.

In other words, the length of the panel main body 13 in the first direction is greater than the length of the end protection members 16 in the same direction. Also, the end faces 14, 14 on both sides of the panel main body 13 in the first direction are positioned further outward in the first direction than the end faces 16a, 16a, 16a, 16a on both sides of the end protection members 16, 16. The dimension in the first direction from each end face 16a, 16a, 16a of the end protection members 16, 16 to each end face 14, 14 of the panel main body 13 may be slightly greater than the thickness of the abutment piece 31.
The abutment piece 31 is arranged to hang down from the outer edge of the main body of the anti-floating member 30 in the first direction. The abutment piece 31 is generally flat and arranged with its thickness in the first direction. The abutment piece 31 is arranged across substantially the entire main body of the anti-floating member 30 in the second direction. The abutment piece 31 is arranged so that its lower end is close to the upper surface of the panel main body 13. Each end of the abutment piece 31 in the second direction abuts against each end surface 16 a, 16 a of the end protection members 16, 16. In the illustrated example, each end of the abutment piece 31 in the second direction abuts against each end surface 16 a, 16 a of the inner protrusion 16 g, upper protrusion 16 f, extended side piece 16 e, and upper piece 16 b of the end protection members 16, 16 (see also FIG. 5 ). The anti-floating member 30 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The anti-floating member 30 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may have various other configurations.

3 to 5, the panel device 1 includes a connecting member 37 that is arranged to bridge between a pair of frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction and has each end in the second direction fixed to each of the pair of frames 20, 20. The connecting member 37 is arranged to be located above the above-mentioned anti-floating member 30. With this configuration, the anti-floating member 30 and the connecting member 37 can more firmly connect the pair of frames 20, 20, and can also prevent each frame 20, 20 from being displaced in a direction rotating around an axis along the first direction.
Connecting member 37 is elongated in the second direction. The lower surfaces of the ends of connecting member 37 in the second direction of the main body, which is generally rectangular and flat in plan view, abut against the upper surfaces of the upper end pieces of suspended parts 21, 21 of frames 20, 20.

Each end of the connecting member 37 in the second direction is provided with a hanging piece 39, which hangs down outside the fixed piece portion 22 of each frame 20 in the second direction. The hanging pieces 39 are generally flat plates with their thickness direction aligned with the second direction. The hanging pieces 39 are arranged along the outer surfaces of the fixed piece portions 22 of each frame 20 in the second direction. Fasteners passing through the hanging pieces 39 are fastened to the fixed piece portions 22 of each frame 20, thereby fixing the connecting member 37 to the frames 20.
The connecting member 37 includes a restricting piece 38 that is provided to hang down from one edge of the main body in the first direction. The restricting piece 38 is provided over substantially the entire main body in the second direction so that a space is formed between each end of the restricting piece 38 in the second direction and the hanging pieces 39 on both sides to receive the upper ends of the suspended parts 21. The tip surfaces of the upper end pieces of the frames 20 are adjacent to each end of the restricting piece 38 in the second direction. The connecting member 37 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. However, the configuration may also be such that the connecting member 37 is not provided.

As shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), the panel device 1 includes a connecting member 33 arranged to span the gap formed between the upright pieces 26, 26 when the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction are in contact with each other. The connecting member 33 is fixed to each of the upright pieces 26, 26 with fasteners. With this configuration, when the mounting pieces 27, 27 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction are in contact with each other, the connecting member 33 can connect the upright pieces 26, 26 of adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction.

As shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the connecting member 33 is disposed between the end surface of the second-direction end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 and the rising piece 26 of the frame 20, and includes a fixing piece 34 fixed to the rising piece 26. The connecting member 33 includes a contact piece 35 that protrudes in the second direction from the upper end of the fixing piece 34 and abuts against the upper surface of the equipment mounting panel 10. With this configuration, the contact piece 35 of the connecting member 33 fixed to the rising piece 26 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up. In other words, the connecting member 33 can combine the function of connecting adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction with the function of preventing the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up, thereby reducing the number of parts. Because the connecting member 33 prevents the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up, workability is improved when installing equipment 8 or drilling holes after the equipment mounting panel 10 is installed.

The connecting members 33 are arranged so as to be located at the connection portions of the frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction on both sides in the second direction. That is, in the illustrated example, the anti-lift members 30, 30 prevent each end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction from lifting up, and the connecting members 33, 33 on both sides in the second direction prevent the central portion of the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up in the first direction (see FIG. 3). The connecting members 33, 33 arranged on both sides in the second direction have the same configuration, so an example of a specific configuration will be described below using one of the connecting members 33 as an example.
The fixing piece 34 of the connecting member 33 is generally flat, with its thickness extending in the second direction. The fixing piece 34 is disposed along the inner side of the rising piece 26 of the frame 20 in the second direction, and is secured to the rising piece 26 by a fastener that penetrates the fixing piece 34 from the outer side of the rising piece 26 in the second direction (see also FIG. 8(b)). The receiving recess 19 of the end protection member 16 is designed to receive the shank of the fastener. The fixing piece 34 is disposed such that its lower end is adjacent to the lower end protrusion of the end protection member 16.

The abutment piece 35 of the connecting member 33 is arranged to protrude inward in the second direction from the upper end of the fixing piece 34. This abutment piece 35 is generally flat, with its thickness extending vertically. This abutment piece 35 abuts against the upper surface of the edge protection member 16 that constitutes the upper surface of the edge 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10. With this configuration, the abutment piece 35 abuts against the edge protection member 16 rather than the panel main body 13, thereby minimizing damage to the panel main body 13 even if the panel main body 13 is weak. The dimension of this abutment piece 35 along the second direction may be appropriately determined from the perspective of preventing the edge 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up or from the perspective of achieving weight reduction. This abutment piece 35 is arranged across the entire fixing piece 34 in the first direction. The dimension of this connecting member 33 along the first direction may be an appropriate dimension so that the fixing piece 34 can be fixed to the upright pieces 26, 26 adjacent in the first direction, and so that the abutting piece 35 can prevent the end 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 from lifting up. This connecting member 33 may be made of an appropriate metallic material. The connecting member 33 is not limited to the configuration described above, and may have various other configurations.

3 and 8, the panel device 1 includes temporary connection members 36 that temporarily connect adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction. With this configuration, adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction can be connected to each other by the above-described connection members 33 while they are temporarily connected to each other by the temporary connection members 36.
8, temporary connection member 36 is attached so as to engage with each of suspended parts 21, 21 of frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction. Temporary connection member 36 includes inner part 36a arranged along the inside in the second direction of fixing piece parts 22, 22 of suspended parts 21, 21, and outer part 36b arranged along the outside in the second direction of fixing piece parts 22, 22.

As shown in Figure 5, the inner portion 36a is shaped like a channel steel that opens sideways so as to fit along the inner surface of the suspended portion 21, which is shaped like a channel steel that opens sideways by the upper end piece, the fixing piece 22, and the hooked piece 23.
As shown in Figure 8 (a), the outer portion 36b is arranged so that it approaches the inner portion 36a as it moves from the center in the first direction of the temporary connecting member 36 toward the outside in the first direction, and is configured so that a bending portion is provided at the outer end portion in the first direction that bends toward the outside in the second direction.
This temporary connecting member 36 may be attached by inserting both first direction side end portions of the inner portion 36a into the inside of the suspended portions 21 of the frames 20, 20 adjacent in the first direction. At this time, the outer portions 36b on both sides in the first direction may be elastically deformed to bring them into elastic contact with the outer surfaces in the second direction of the fixing piece portions 22, 22. This temporary connecting member 36 may be formed from a metal-based material or a hard synthetic resin-based material. Note that a configuration without such a temporary connecting member 36 may also be used.

The panel device 1 includes the equipment mounting panel 10 adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the outside in the first direction, and end faces 11, 29a, 29a of the first-direction ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction, and is provided with an end cover 40 that covers the space between these extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the end cover 40 can prevent the under-the-ceiling side of the ceiling panel 9 adjacent to the equipment mounting panel 10 on the outside in the first direction from being visible through the space between the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction.
As shown in Figures 9 and 10 , the end cover 40 is provided across the upper surfaces of the end protection members 16, 16 at the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction, and each end in the second direction is fixed to the frames 20, 20. This end cover 40 is provided instead of the above-described anti-floating member 30 at the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the outer side in the first direction. In other words, this end cover 40 prevents the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 on the ceiling panel 9 side (outer side in the first direction) from floating up, and also functions as an anti-floating member connecting a pair of frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. This end cover 40 may be provided at the end of the equipment mounting panel 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction, on the side of the ceiling panel 9 adjacent to the outer side in the first direction, of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 arranged in series and abutting each other in the first direction.

Each end of the end cover 40 in the second direction is provided with hanging pieces 41, 41 that are generally similar to the hanging pieces 32, 32 of the anti-floating member 30. These hanging pieces 41, 41 are arranged along the inside in the second direction of the standing piece portions 26, 26 of the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. The end cover 40 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners that pass through the hanging pieces 41, 41 from the outside of the standing piece portions 26, 26 in the second direction and fasten them.
The end cover 40 includes a cover body 42 that hangs down from the outer edge in the first direction of the portion that straddles the upper surface of the end protection members 16. The cover body 42 is arranged to cover the end face 11 of the equipment mounting panel 10, the end faces 29a of the extension pieces 29, and the space between the extension pieces 29, as well as the end faces of the mounting pieces 27 and the upright pieces 26 in the first direction. The cover body 42 is arranged to abut the end face 11 of the equipment mounting panel 10, the end faces 29a of the extension pieces 29, and the end faces of the mounting pieces 27 and the upright pieces 26. The end cover 40 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The end cover 40 is not limited to the above-described configuration and may have various other configurations. It is also possible to omit the end cover 40.

9 and 10 , the panel device 1 includes a cover 43 arranged to cover the gap between the equipment mounting panel 10 and the joist 7, which is arranged opposite to the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction and forms a long ceiling substrate in the second direction. With this configuration, even if a gap is formed between the end of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction and the opposing ceiling panel 9 or wall, the cover 43 can cover the gap, allowing the equipment mounting panel 10 to look attractive on the outside in the first direction. The cover 43 may be provided on the end of the joist 7 adjacent to the outside in the first direction of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both sides in the first direction among multiple equipment mounting panels 10 arranged in series and abutting each other in the first direction.
The cover 43 includes a bottom plate portion 45 arranged to cover the lower ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction and the space between them. The cover 43 includes side plate portions 46, 46 that rise from both second direction edge portions of the bottom plate portion 45 and are arranged along the outer sides in the second direction of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides in the second direction. With this configuration, the cover 43 can cover the outer side in the first direction of the equipment mounting panel 10, including the first direction ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 of the frames 20, 20 that hold each second direction end portion 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10.

The bottom plate portion 45 and the side plate portions 46, 46 constitute a cover body 44 that covers the gap between the joist 7 and the equipment mounting panel 10. As shown in Figure 11 (a) , ceiling panels 9, 9 are arranged adjacent to both sides of the cover body 44 in the second direction, and ceiling panels 9, 9 are arranged adjacent to the joist 7 side that is on the outside of the cover body 44 in the first direction.
The bottom plate portion 45 has a generally rectangular flat plate shape in plan view and is arranged to cover the underside of the siding 7 facing the cover body 44 and the lower ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on the siding 7 side of the equipment mounting panel 10, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b). The bottom plate portion 45 is arranged so that its upper surface is adjacent to the lower ends of the extension pieces 29, 29 on the siding 7 side and the lower end of the cover body 42 of the end cover 40. The dimension of the bottom plate portion 45 along the first direction may be appropriately adjusted to fit a predetermined allowable gap between the siding 7 and the equipment mounting panel 10. Furthermore, the portion of the cover body 44 on the inside in the first direction (the equipment mounting panel 10 side) may be cuttable to adjust the size according to the gap.
The side plate portions 46, 46 are generally flat plates arranged with their thickness direction in the second direction. These side plate portions 46, 46 are provided across the entire bottom plate portion 45 in the first direction. These side plate portions 46, 46 are arranged so that their opposing inner surfaces in the second direction are close to the outer surfaces in the second direction of the extension pieces 29, 29 on both sides of the side plate portions 46, 46. The width dimension of these side plate portions 46, 46 in the vertical direction is smaller than the width dimension of the extension pieces 29, 29 in the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the width dimension of these side plate portions 46, 46 is approximately half the width dimension of the extension pieces 29, 29, but is not limited to this example.

The cover 43 is provided with fixing portions 48, 48 that protrude from the cover body 44 on both sides in the second direction and are fixed by fixing devices along the opposing side surfaces of the joist 7 that face the cover body 44. With this configuration, the cover 43 can be easily fixed to the joist 7 by passing fixing devices through the fixing portions 48, 48 that are exposed on both sides of the cover body 44 in the second direction. Because these fixing portions 48, 48 are fixed along the opposing side surfaces of the joist 7, they are covered by the ceiling panels 9, 9 that are held by the joist 7, as shown in Figure 11(a), which improves the appearance.
These fixing portions 48, 48 are provided so as to protrude outward in the second direction from extension pieces provided so as to extend upward from the ends of the side plate portions 46, 46 on the joist 7 side. These fixing portions 48, 48 are generally flat plates whose thickness direction is the first direction. The vertical dimensions of these fixing portions 48, 48 may be appropriately determined so as not to interfere with the ceiling panel 9 fixed to the underside of the joist 7. In the illustrated example, the vertical dimensions of these fixing portions 48, 48 are shown as being generally the same as the vertical dimensions of the joist 7, but are not limited to this example.

These fixing portions 48, 48 are provided with hook portions 49, 49 that can be hooked onto the upper surface of the joist 7. With this configuration, the cover 43 can be easily fixed to the joist 7 with the hook portions 49, 49 on both sides in the second direction hooked onto the upper surface of the joist 7 and temporarily held in place.
As shown in Figures 9(a) and 10(a), the hook portions 49, 49 on both sides in the second direction are provided so as to extend from the upper end of each fixed portion 48, 48 along the upper surface of the siding 7. In the illustrated example, each fixed portion 48, 48 has multiple (three in the illustrated example) hook portions 49, 49 spaced apart in the second direction. As shown in Figure 11(b), these hook portions 49, 49 are bendable so as to fit along the inside of one side wall of the siding 7, which has an upward opening. This configuration allows these hook portions 49, 49 to more firmly hold the cover 43 to the siding 7. The dimensions of these hook portions 49, 49 along the first direction before folding may be appropriately determined so as not to interfere with the other side wall of the siding 7 when folded. The hook portions 49, 49 are not limited to this bendable configuration and may be hook-shaped or have various other configurations. Furthermore, such hook portions 49, 49 may not be provided.

The cover body 44 described above is provided with an abutment piece 47 that fits along the underside of the soffit 7. With this configuration, the soffit 7 can be sandwiched between the hook portions 49, 49 and the abutment piece 47, thereby engaging with the soffit 7 and improving the temporary retention of the cover 43 relative to the soffit 7. The abutment piece 47 extends outward in the first direction from the upper end of an upright piece that rises from the end of the bottom plate portion 45 facing the soffit 7. The dimension of the abutment piece 47 in the first direction may be equal to or less than the width of the soffit 7 in the first direction. The cover 43 may be formed from an appropriate metallic material. The cover 43 is not limited to the configuration described above and may have various other configurations.

When installing the panel device 1 configured as described above, the hook pieces 4a of the hangers 4 of the hanging members 2 provided at the installation location of the equipment mounting panel 10 are inserted into the insertion holes 24 of the frame 20 to attach the frame 20 to the hangers 4 (see Figures 3 and 6(a)). At this time, adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction may be temporarily connected using temporary connecting members 36 (see Figure 8). Also, at this time, brace fixtures 5 may be attached to appropriate hangers 4 as needed. The height of the pair of frames 20, 20, which are provided on both sides of the second direction and extend in the first direction, is then adjusted. At this time, the height of the siding supports 6, which hold the siding supports 7 that form the ceiling base of the ceiling panel 9 installed around the installation location of the equipment mounting panel 10, may also be adjusted so that the height difference between the frame 20 and the siding supports 6 is an appropriate dimension.

6(a), the second-direction end portions 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 are placed on the mounting pieces 27, 27 of the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction. At this time, the engaging recesses 18, 18 of the ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 may be fitted with the engaging protrusions 28, 28 of the mounting pieces 27, 27. Furthermore, the equipment mounting panel 10 may be placed by aligning the end faces 11, 11 of the first-direction end portions of the equipment mounting panel 10 with markings provided in the longitudinal center of the frame 20. Alternatively, a predetermined number of equipment mounting panels 10 may be held by the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction with the end faces 11, 11 of the first-direction end portions butted against each other.
6(a), 6(b), and 7(a), one end in the first direction of the first equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by the anti-floating member 30. Then, each end 12, 12 in the second direction at the center of the first direction of this equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by connecting members 33, 33 on both sides in the second direction. Next, the other end in the first direction of this equipment mounting panel 10 is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by the anti-floating member 30.

Then, the end of a second equipment mounting panel 10 adjacent in the first direction to the fixed equipment mounting panel 10 fixed as described above, on the side opposite the fixed equipment mounting panel 10, is fixed to the frames 20, 20 with anti-floating members 30. Then, as described above, the second-direction ends 12, 12 of the center of the second equipment mounting panel 10 in the first direction are fixed to the frames 20, 20 with connecting members 33, 33 on both sides in the second direction. Next, the end of the second equipment mounting panel 10 on the fixed equipment mounting panel 10 side is fixed to the frames 20, 20 with the anti-floating members 30. A predetermined number of equipment mounting panels 10 may be fixed to the frames 20, 20 in the same manner. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 3 and 7(b), a connecting member 37 may be fixed to the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction so as to span the frames 20, 20 on both sides in the second direction.

Next, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the ends of the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction among the installed number of equipment mounting panels 10, adjacent to the ceiling panel 9 on the first direction may be covered with end covers 40, 40. Also, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the gap between the equipment mounting panels 10, 10 located on both outer sides in the first direction among the installed number of equipment mounting panels 10 and the siding 7 on the outer side in the first direction may be covered with covers 43, 43. After confirming the final height, the hangers 4 and brace mounting fixtures 5 may be fixed to the frame 20 with fasteners such as screws, and braces may be attached as needed. The ceiling panel 9 may be installed to surround the number of equipment mounting panels 10. Appropriate equipment 8 may also be attached to the equipment mounting panels 10. The installation procedure for the panel device 1 described above is merely an example, and various other variations are possible.

Next, an example of an equipment mounting panel 10A that can be provided in the panel device 1 in place of or in addition to the above-described equipment mounting panel 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
12(a) and 12(b), the equipment mounting panel 10A of this example is provided with an equipment receiving groove 14A for receiving equipment 8A that is long in the first direction. Such equipment 8A may be, for example, a wiring duct rail that holds a lighting fixture so that it can slide freely in the longitudinal direction and that can supply power to the lighting fixture, or various other equipment.
The equipment receiving groove 14A opens downward in the center of the equipment mounting panel 10A in the second direction and extends across the entire panel. The equipment 8A inserted into the equipment receiving groove 14A may be fixed to the equipment mounting panel 10A with a fastener such as a screw or other suitable fastener.
In this example, the equipment mounting panel 10A does not have the panel body 13 and the edge protection members 16, 16 as described above, but is made of a metal plate. This configuration allows for weight reduction. In other words, the equipment receiving grooves 14A are formed by appropriate bending, press processing, etc.

Each end 12A, 12A in the second direction of this equipment mounting panel 10A may be provided with an engaging recess that engages with the engaging protrusions 28, 28 provided on the mounting portions 27, 27 of the frames 20, 20. In this example, each end 12A, 12A may be provided with a through-hole-shaped or notched-shaped engaging recess.
In this example, fixing pieces 13A, 13A that are fixed to the frames 20, 20 are provided at each end 12A, 12A of the equipment mounting panel 10A in the second direction. These fixing pieces 13A, 13A are provided to protrude upward and are arranged along the inside of the upright pieces 26, 26 of the frames 20, 20 in the second direction. The equipment mounting panel 10A is fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners that penetrate the fixing pieces 13A, 13A from the outside of the upright pieces 26, 26 in the second direction and are fastened to the frames 20, 20. In other words, in this example, the equipment mounting panel 10A is directly fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners, instead of being indirectly fixed to the frames 20, 20, so to speak, via the anti-floating members 30, the connecting members 33, etc., as in the above-described equipment mounting panel 10.

The equipment mounting panels 10, 10A provided in the panel device 1 are not limited to the configurations described above, and may have various other configurations.
In the above example, the anti-floating member 30 and the connecting member 33 are provided to indirectly fix the equipment mounting panel 10 to the frames 20, 20, but one or both of these may be omitted. In this case, the ends 12, 12 of the equipment mounting panel 10 in the second direction may be directly fixed to the frames 20, 20 by fasteners.
In the above example, the engaging protrusion 28 is provided on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20 and the engaging recess 18 is provided on the equipment mounting panel 10, 10A, but these may be provided on the opposite sides. That is, the engaging recess may be provided on the mounting piece 27 of the frame 20 and the engaging protrusion may be provided on the equipment mounting panel 10, 10A. Furthermore, such an engaging protrusion or engaging recess may not be provided.

In the above example, adjacent frames 20, 20 in the first direction are connected to each other, and the mounting pieces 27, 27 abut against each other, while a gap is formed between the upper portions (21, 26, 21, 26), but this is not limited to such an example.
In the above example, the hanging portion 21 of the frame 20 is provided with the insertion hole 24 through which the hook piece 4a of the hanging member 2, which is a common part with the hanging member 2 that hangs the siding support 6, is inserted, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The frame 20 may also be suspended by a hanger 4 that is designed specifically for the frame 20.
In the above example, the frame 20 is provided with a fixed piece portion 22, a hooked piece portion 23, a rising piece portion 26, a placing piece portion 27, and an extending piece 29, but it is also possible to have a configuration in which any of these is not provided.

In the above example, the equipment mounting panel 10 is installed so as to be positioned higher than the ceiling panel 9, but the equipment mounting panel 10 and the ceiling panel 9 may also be installed at approximately the same height.
In the above example, a ceiling substrate dedicated to the equipment mounting panels 10, 10A is provided, but instead of this example, the ceiling substrate of the ceiling panel 9 may be used.
The components constituting the panel device 1 are not limited to the above-described configuration, and various other modifications are possible.

1 Panel device 10, 10A Equipment mounting panel 11 End surface (end surface in first direction)
12, 12A End (end in second direction)
20 Frame (ceiling base)
27 Mounting piece portion 29 Extension piece 29a End surface (end surface in the first direction)
40 End cover 43 Cover 44 Cover body 45 Bottom plate portion 46 Side plate portion 48 Fixing portion 49 Hook portion 7 Rough frame (ceiling base)
9 Ceiling panel 9a End face

Claims (5)

A panel device comprising a pair of ceiling substrates that are elongated in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; an equipment mounting panel whose ends in the second direction are held by the pair of ceiling substrates; and a cover that is arranged opposite the equipment mounting panel with a gap on the outside in the first direction, and that is elongated in the second direction and covers the gap between the equipment mounting panel and the ceiling substrates. In claim 1,
The cover is arranged to protrude on both sides in the second direction from the cover body that covers the gap, and is characterized by having a fixing portion that is fixed by a fastener along the opposing side of the ceiling substructure that faces the cover body. In claim 2,
A panel device characterized in that the fixing portions on both sides of the cover in the second direction are provided with hook portions that can be hooked onto the upper surface of the ceiling substrate. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The pair of ceiling underlayments include mounting piece portions on which each end of the equipment mounting panel in the second direction is placed, and extension pieces extending from the mounting piece portions toward the room and arranged to face end faces of ceiling panels arranged on both sides of the equipment mounting panel in the second direction,
The panel device is characterized in that the cover comprises a bottom plate portion arranged to cover the lower ends of the extending pieces on both sides in the second direction and the space between them, and side plate portions arranged to rise from both side edges of the bottom plate portion in the second direction and to follow the outer sides in the second direction of the extending pieces on both sides in the second direction. In claim 4,
A panel device characterized in that it includes the end faces of the equipment mounting panel and the first-direction ends of the extension pieces on both sides in the second direction, and is provided with an end face cover that covers the space between the extension pieces on both sides in the second direction.