JP2001171665A - Article carrying and storing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To mount and carry any size article on an article mount suitable for the size as to article carrying and storing equipment having a mount for mounting an article thereon and four supports standing on the mount. SOLUTION: In order to make it possible to freely change each distance between supports 6 mounted detachably at the four corners of a mount 2 for mounting an article, a pair of first connecting members 8A comprising first and second connecting members 14A, 15A crossing each other and a pair of second connecting members 8B comprising first and second connecting members 14B, 15B crossing each other between two neighboring supports 6 are provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an article transport / storage apparatus for transporting articles, storing the articles, or placing the articles for other purposes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Used for transporting or storing industrial products such as office machines, machine tools, measuring instruments, and electric products, parts, materials, building materials, furniture, natural products, and other various articles. Such an article transport and storage device is conventionally known. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of article transport / storage apparatus generally includes a pallet on which articles are placed, and four columns fixed to four corners of the pallet in a state of standing upright to the article placement surface. And a connecting member for fixedly connecting the columns adjacent to each other. In order to transport or store an article by such an article transport / storage apparatus, an article is accommodated in the space inside the four columns, placed on a pallet, and the article is transported together with the article transport / storage apparatus. Or store.

However, articles to be transported or stored using this kind of article transport / storage device range from large to small, whereas the above-mentioned conventional article transport / storage device is The volume of the space for storing articles is constant. For this reason, an article carrying / storage device of a specific size can be used to carry or store articles of a size corresponding to this, but articles of a larger size than the article accommodating space of the article carrying / storing apparatus. Can not be accommodated in the article carrying and storing apparatus, so that the article cannot be carried or stored using the article carrying and storing apparatus. Also, if an article extremely small than the article storage space is transported or stored using the article transport / storage device, the transport efficiency is reduced, or the installation space of the article transport / storage apparatus is wasted. Is not preferred.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an article carrying / storage apparatus which can eliminate the above-mentioned conventional disadvantages.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an article mounting table and a plurality of articles arranged at a distance from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table. The article mounting table is attached to at least a part of the plurality of pillars, and the two adjacent pillars are connected to each other. In addition, the distance between one of the columns and the other column of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two columns that are adjacent to each other can be adjusted. There is proposed an article carrying / storage apparatus characterized in that at least two pairs of extendable connecting members having first and second connecting members crossed with each other are provided (claim 1).

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an article mounting table and a plurality of columns which are spaced from each other so as to surround the article mounted on the article mounting table. The article mounting table is an article transport / storage device that is attached to at least a part of the plurality of pillars and that two adjacent pillars are connected to each other. A first and a second connecting member crossed between each other between one support and the other support of at least one support set of a plurality of support sets formed by two adjacent supports. A first connection member pair and a second connection member pair are provided, and the upper end side of the first connection member of the first connection member pair located adjacent to one of the columns and the second connection member pair located adjacent to the other column. 2 connecting members Upper end of the first connecting member is respectively pivotably connected to one of the struts and the other struts,
The lower end side of the first connection member of the first connection member pair and the lower end side of the first connection member of the second connection member pair are rotatably connected to each other, and the second connection of the first connection member pair. The lower end side of the member and the lower end side of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair are rotatably connected to one of the columns and the other column, respectively. The upper end side and the upper end side of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair are rotatably connected to each other, and the upper end side of the first connecting member of the first connecting member pair and the second connecting member pair. An upper end side of the first connecting member;
At least one of the lower end side of the second connecting member of the first connecting member pair and the lower end side of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair is connected to a column to which they are rotatably connected. The present invention proposes an article carrying / storage apparatus characterized by being arranged immovably in the longitudinal direction (claim 2).

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an article mounting table and a plurality of columns which are spaced from each other so as to surround the article mounted on the article mounting table. The article mounting table is an article transport / storage device that is attached to at least a part of the plurality of pillars and that two adjacent pillars are connected to each other. A first and a second connecting member crossing each other between one and the other columns of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two adjacent columns. The first connecting member pair, the second connecting member pair and the first
And at least one intermediate connecting member pair for connecting the second connecting member pair, the upper end side of the first connecting member of the first connecting member pair positioned adjacent to one of the columns, and the other column. The upper end side of the first connection member of the adjacent second connection member pair is rotatably connected to one of the columns and the other column, respectively, and the lower end of the first connection member of the first connection member pair. The side is rotatably connected to the lower end of the first connecting member of the intermediate connecting member pair, and the lower end of the first connecting member of the second connecting member pair is connected to the second connecting member of the intermediate connecting member pair. The lower end of the second connecting member of the first connecting member pair and the lower end of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair are rotatably connected to the lower end of the first connecting member. Respectively, and the upper end side of the second connecting member of the first connecting member pair is connected to the second connecting member of the intermediate connecting member pair. Is upper end pivotally connected to the connecting member, the upper end side of the second coupling member pairs of the second coupling member,
The first connection member of the first connection member pair and the first connection member of the second connection member pair are rotatably connected to the upper end side of the first connection member of the intermediate connection member pair. And at least one of the lower end of the second connecting member of the first connecting member pair and the lower end of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair are rotatably connected to each other. The present invention proposes an article transport / storage device characterized in that it is arranged immovably in the longitudinal direction of the strut.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an article mounting table and a plurality of columns arranged at intervals from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table. The article mounting table is an article transport / storage device assembled to at least a part of the plurality of columns, and each column has an upper first joint and a lower second joint. Are attached to each other, and a first column and a second column, each of which is composed of two columns adjacent to each other, are crossed with each other between the first column and the other column.
And a second connecting member are provided, and an upper end of the first connecting member and an upper end of the second connecting member are respectively attached to one of the columns and the other of the columns in the column group. The first joint member is rotatably connected to the first joint member, and the lower end side of the first joint member and the lower end side of the second joint member are respectively attached to the other strut and one strut of each strut set. First and second pivotally connected to the joint respectively;
One of the joints is slidably disposed in the longitudinal direction of each column, the other of the first and second couplings is fixedly disposed in the longitudinal direction of each column, and The distances between the connecting part to the first joint and the connecting part to the second joint in the first and second connecting members are all set substantially equal, and are constituted by two pillars adjacent to each other. The upper end and the lower end of the first and second connecting members are respectively arranged so that the ratio of the spacing between the columns of at least two columns that are adjacent to each other in the plurality of columns is a value other than 1: 1. An article carrying storage, wherein a height position of a connecting portion connected to the first and second joints and a horizontal distance from a center of each support column to which each of the joints is attached to the connecting portion are set. A device is proposed (claim 4).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the plurality of columns and the article mounting table are removably assembled, and the plurality of columns and the article mounting table are assembled. It is advantageous to provide an assembling position discriminating means for indicating a correct assembling positional relationship between the support and the article mounting table.

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the article mounting table is provided with:
Advantageously, the lower part of the column is a pallet to be mounted (claim 6).

Further, in the article transport / storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, it is advantageous that the article mounting table is a table table supported by at least a part of columns (claim 7). ).

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article transport / storage apparatus according to the present invention. The article transport / storage apparatus shown here is used for transporting an article or temporarily or for a long term. An article is placed for storage or other purposes, and is also referred to as an article holding device. Such an article transport / storage device includes, for example, an article mounting table 2 configured as a pallet on which an article 1 made of a copying machine is placed as shown in the figure. The article mounting table 2 includes a plurality of legs 4 installed on a floor or the ground.
And a mounting table main body 3 integrated with each leg 4 in a state of being bridged over these legs 4, and an upper surface of the mounting table main body 3 has an article mounting surface 5 on which the article 1 is mounted. Has become. The article mounting table 2 is made of a highly rigid material such as hard resin, metal, or wood. The plane configuration of the mounting table main body 3 illustrated here is substantially a square, but an article mounting table having a plane configuration other than a square, for example, an elliptical shape or a circular shape can also be used.

Further, the article transport / storage device includes an article mounting table 2.
In the example shown in the drawing, a plurality of objects are arranged at a distance from each other so as to surround the article 1 placed on the object.
Each of the columns 6 has a center hole 62 (FIG. 3) extending over the entire length of the column 6 as described later. In the article transport / storage device of the present example, the plurality of columns 6 are detachably attached to the article mounting table 2,
FIG. 2 shows a state before the column 6 is attached to the article mounting table 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the article mounting table 2 has a plurality of projections 7 formed of pins protruding from the article mounting surface 5. In the illustrated example, the article mounting table 2 When a square (square or rectangle) is imagined on the side of the placing surface 5,
Each of the protrusions 7 is provided at each of the square corners, and a total of four protrusions 7 are provided. Each of the protrusions 7 is located at each of the four corners of the article mounting table 2, and the article 1 is placed inside the above-described virtual rectangle.

When the article 1 is transported or stored, the article 1 is placed on the article placing surface 5 of the article placing table 2 as shown in FIG. At this time, the article 1 placed on the article mounting table 2 is formed, if necessary, for example, with a pin (not shown) protruding from the article 1 side and formed on the article mounting table 2 side. Are positioned with respect to the article mounting table 2 by article positioning means including a hole (not shown) into which the
Alternatively, it is fixed so that it can be easily removed from the article mounting table 2 by an article fixing means composed of, for example, bolts and nuts. Next, as shown by an arrow P in FIG. Attach.
In this example, the article mounting table 2 is assembled to all the columns of the plurality of columns 6. Each of the columns 6 attached to the article placing table 2 is placed on the article placing table 2 in a state of standing substantially perpendicular to the article placing surface 5 of the article placing table 2 as shown in FIG. Each side 1 of the article mounting table 2 surrounding the article 1
At 0, 11, 12, and 13, two columns 6 are located adjacent to each other. Each of the columns 6 is located at each of the corners of the virtual square.

Four protrusions 7 provided on the article mounting table 2
Constitutes an example of a column mounting portion to which the lower portion of the column 6 is mounted. In the illustrated example, each column 6 is directly mounted on the column mounting portion, but is mounted via another intermediate member (not shown). It may be. The article mounting table 2 is provided with a column mounting portion including a plurality of mounting holes, and the lower portion of each column 6 is fitted directly into each mounting hole, or a pin fixed to each column is fitted into the column so as to mount the column 6 on the column. You may make it attach to the mounting stand 2. Each of the columns 6 in this example is attached to the article mounting table 2 so as to be easily detachable by hand, and is easily removed from the article mounting table 2 by manual operation. In the following description, each of the four columns 6 will be referred to as a first column 6A, a second column 6B, a third column 6C, and a fourth column 6D as necessary. .

In the plurality of columns 6 described above, two columns adjacent to each other are connected to each other as described later. At this time, two pillars adjacent to each other are referred to as a pillar assembly. In the article transport / storage device of this example, a pillar assembly composed of the first and second pillars 6A and 6B, and a second and a second pillars are provided. And a third and fourth columns 6C and 6D.
And the fourth and first columns 6
D, 6A constitute four strut sets. A pair of extendable connecting members having first and second connecting members arranged in a state of crossing each other, that is, in a state of crossing each other, is provided between one column and the other column of each column set. Each end of the connecting member is rotatably connected to each column 6 via a joint. The specific configuration example will be described below.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a fourth support 6D as a representative of the support of the article transporting and storing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a joint provided on the fourth support 6D. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part thereof. In these figures, the support column 6 is made of an extruded material of metal or resin, and extends parallel to each other over its entire length in the longitudinal direction.
55 are formed, and the bases of the first joints 108 and 208 formed of small pieces are fitted into the upper portions of the guide grooves 54 and 55, respectively. In the corner of the column 6, another groove 57 extending over the entire length of the column 6 is formed. In the groove 57, a plate-shaped nut 58 is slidably fitted along the groove 57. I agree. The two first joints 108, 208 and the nut 58 are fitted in their respective grooves 54, 5
The first joints 108 and 208 and the nut 58 inserted into the grooves 5, 57 from the upper end or the lower end of the column 6 are slidable with respect to the grooves 54, 55, 57, but have a radius of the column 6. It does not leave in any direction.

A fixing member 56 made of a metal or a resin plate or the like is disposed on the upper portion of the column 6, and the first joint 10 is inserted into through holes 60 and 61 formed in the fixing member 56.
8, 208 are fitted without rattling. Screws 59 are respectively inserted into two holes formed in the fixing member 56, and the screws 59 are screwed into screw holes of a nut 58 fitted into the grooves 57, thereby forming the two first holes.
Are fixedly fixed to the column 6, respectively.

In each of the above guide grooves 54 and 55,
The bases of the second joints 109 and 209 made of small pieces are slidable and fitted without being detached in the radial direction of the column 6. As described above, a center hole 62 extending over the entire length is formed at the center of the column 6, and the projection 7 shown in FIG. Is detachably attached to the article mounting table 2.

The other columns 6A, 6B and 6C shown in FIG. 2 are also constructed in the same manner as described above, and each column has two first and second columns substantially in the same manner as described above. Two fittings are installed. Therefore, description of the structure of the other columns 6A, 6B, and 6C and the configuration of the first and second joints attached to the columns is omitted.

FIG. 2 shows the article carrying / storing apparatus of this embodiment.
, Between the first and second columns 6A and 6B,
The first having the first and second connecting members 14A and 15A crossing each other between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D.
A second connecting member pair 8A having a connecting member pair 8A and first and second connecting members 14B and 15B also crossing each other.
B, respectively, and the second and third columns 6B, 6C
A connecting member pair 8 having first and second connecting members 14 and 15 crossing each other is provided between the first and fourth columns. These connecting members are made of, for example, a rigid body such as metal, hard resin, or wood, and are formed in a linearly extending rod shape or a thin plate shape. The first and second connecting members in each connecting member pair are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 21 at an intermediate portion thereof. Is also good.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2, a column assembly composed of two third and fourth columns 6C and 6D adjacent to each other, and a column between one column 6D and the other column 6C. Considering the provided first and second connection member pairs 8A and 8B, the upper end side 14AU of the first connection member 14A of the first connection member pair 8A adjacent to one of the columns 6D is, as shown in FIG. The first joint 108 of one of the two first joints 108, 208 fixedly arranged on one of the columns 6D as described above is rotatably connected via a pin 16. The lower end 15AL of the second connecting member 15A of the first connecting member pair 8A is connected to one of the first joints 1 slidably attached to one of the columns 6D as shown in FIG.
09 is rotatably connected via a pin 17.

Similarly, the upper end 14BU of the first connecting member 14B of the second connecting member pair 8B adjacent to the other column 6C.
2 is rotatably connected via a pin to one of two first joints (FIG. 3) fixed to the upper portion of the other support 6C, as can be seen from FIG. Connecting member 15
The lower end 15BL of B is rotatably connected to one of the two second joints (FIG. 3) slidably attached to the other support 6C via a pin.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper ends 15AU and 15BU of the second connecting members 15A and 15B are rotatably connected via pins 22U, and the first connecting members 14A and 15BU are connected to each other. Pin 2 on the lower side 14AL, 14BL of 14B
They are rotatably connected to each other via 2L.

As described above, the upper end 14AU of the first connecting member 14A of the first connecting member pair 8A located adjacent to one of the columns 6D and the second connecting member located adjacent to the other column 6C. Upper end side 1 of first connecting member 14B of member pair 8B
4BU is rotatably connected to one of the columns 6D and the other column 6C, respectively, and the first connection between the lower end side 14AL of the first connection member 14A of the first connection member pair 8A and the second connection member pair 8B. The lower end side 14BL of the member 14B is rotatably connected to each other, and the lower end side 15AL of the second connecting member 15A of the first connecting member pair 8A and the second connecting member 15B of the second connecting member pair 8B. The lower end 15BL is connected to one support 6
D and the other support 6C, each of which is rotatably connected to the upper end 15 of the second connection member 15A of the first connection member pair 8A.
The AU and the upper end 15BU of the second connecting member 15B of the second connecting member pair 8B are rotatably connected to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, one of the columns 6A of the column assembly composed of the first and second columns 6A and 6B.
And the other support 6B are connected to each other via the joints with the first and second connection member pairs 8A and 8B in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, the upper end side 14U of the first connecting member 14 of the connecting member pair 8 provided between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D is fixedly arranged on the one column 6D as shown in FIG. One of the two first joints 108, 208 (FIG. 3) is rotatably connected to the first joint 208 via the pin 18, and the lower end side 14L of the first connecting member 14
As shown in FIG. 2, is rotatably connected via a pin to one of two second joints (FIG. 3) slidably mounted on the other support 6A. Have been.

Similarly, the lower end 15L of the second connecting member 15 located between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D is slidably mounted on one of the columns 6D as shown in FIG. The upper end 15U of the second connecting member 15 is rotatably connected to one of the two second joints 109 and 209 via a pin 19, as shown in FIG. And one of the two second joints (FIG. 3) fixed to the other column 6A is rotatably connected via a pin.

The first and second connecting members 14 and 15 of the connecting member pair 8 provided between the columns of the column set constituted by the second and third columns 6B and 6C are completely the same as described above. Similarly, one support 6C and the other support 6B are rotatably connected via respective joints.

Since the first and second connecting members that are located crossing each other are slightly shifted in the horizontal direction, when the two connecting members operate as described later, In order for the operation to be performed smoothly, the first and second joints to which each end of each connecting member is connected are connected to the guide grooves 55A and 54A in each support other than the support 6D.
(FIG. 3). These guide grooves 54A, 55A extend over the entire length of the support column 6 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the above-described guide grooves 54, 55.

The four columns 6 are attached to the article table 2 as described above. The article table 2 corresponds to the size, form and number of the articles 1 to be transported or stored. A variety of sizes are prepared in advance, and an article mounting table 2 suitable for the size, form and number of the articles 1 is selected, and the articles 1 are mounted on an article mounting surface 5 on the upper surface thereof. At this time, the distances D1 and D2 (FIG. 2) between the protrusions 7 are different depending on the size of the selected article mounting table 2, but the article mounting table 2 is adjusted to match the distances D1 and D2. The distances d1 and d2 between the columns 6 before the mounting are adjusted as follows. In this example, the first and second columns 6A, 6
B and the distance between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D are both d1, and these distances are equal to each other.
The distance between the third and third columns 6B and 6C and the distance between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D are both d2, and these intervals are also equal to each other.

The first and second two columns 6A and 6B, which are attached adjacent to the first side 10 of the article mounting table 2 and the third side 12 opposed thereto, respectively, The fourth two columns 6C, 6D are pressed in a direction away from each other as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 2, or in a direction opposite thereto.
Then, the second connection members 15A, 15B of the first and second connection member pairs 8A, 8B located between these columns, respectively.
Each of the second joints 109 (FIG. 3) to which the lower end of B is rotatably connected slides upward or downward along the guide groove of each of the columns 6. As a result, the first and second connecting members 14A, 15A, 14B, 15B
22U and 22L rotate and expand and contract with each other.
And a distance d1 between the two second columns 6A and 6B and a distance d1 between the other third and fourth two columns 6C and 6D.
Vary at approximately the same rate. FIGS. 5A and 5B are explanatory views showing the state of each connecting member at this time, and FIG. 5A shows a state where the interval between the two columns 6 and 6 is increased. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the connecting member between the columns 6 and 6 is contracted to reduce the distance between the columns 6 and 6.

As described above, the columns 6A, 6B and 6C, 6D
By simply adjusting the distance between the second support 6B and the third support
The distance between the columns 6C and the distance between the fourth column 6D and the first column 6A do not change. When adjusting these intervals, the second and third columns 6B and 6C and the fourth and first columns 6D and 6A are separated from each other as shown by an arrow B in FIG. Press in the opposite direction. Thereby, the second joints 209 (FIG. 3) in which the lower ends of the connecting members 14 and 15 are rotatably connected respectively.
Slides upward or downward along the guide groove of each column, whereby the first and second connecting members 14 and 15
Rotating around 1, the distance d2 between the second and third columns 6B and 6C and the distance d2 between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D change at substantially the same rate. The column 6 thus adjusted in distance is attached to the article mounting table 2 on which the article 1 is placed.
And attached as described above.

As described above, the distances D1, D2 between the protrusions 7
Are prepared in advance, and by selecting one of them, the distance d1 between the columns is adjusted according to the distances D1 and D2 between the protrusions 7 of the article mounting table 2. , D2 can be adjusted, and the support can be attached to the article mounting table 2. 4 pillars 6 and 2 adjacent to each other
The entirety of the connecting members for connecting the columns is an integral column unit 32.

By assembling the column 6 to the article mounting table 2, an article transport / storage device assembled as shown in FIG. 1 can be constructed. At this time, the article 1 placed on the article placement surface 5 is accommodated in the accommodation space surrounded by the four columns 6, and in this state, the cargo handling device, for example, the fork of the forklift is moved below the article placement table 2. The article 1 can be transported by lifting the article transport / storage device by inserting it into the side and raising the fork. Further, the article transport / storage device with the article 1 mounted thereon can be transferred to a truck, a ship, or a railway vehicle and transported. Further, the articles 1 stored in the article transport storage apparatus can be stored in a warehouse or the like. At that time, since the article 1 is surrounded on all four sides by the connecting member, the article 1 can be protected.

For example, an article transport / storage device carrying the article 1 is transported to a user from a copying machine manufacturing plant, which is an example of an article to be transported. When the product is removed from the product mounting table 2, the product can be easily lowered. When the empty article transport / storage apparatus is returned to the manufacturing factory again, articles can be mounted on the article transport / storage apparatus again and transported. In this way, the article transport storage device can be used many times. In the case of a conventional cardboard box for storing and transporting articles, the cardboard box is often discarded at a transport destination or the like, thereby generating a large amount of waste. Waste can be eliminated or the amount reduced.

As described above, the article mounting tables 2 of various sizes
By preparing and using the article mounting table 2 corresponding to various articles having different sizes, forms, and numbers, the articles can be efficiently transported or stored by the article transport storage device. Can be.

Further, between the first and second columns 6A and 6B and between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D, the first and second connecting members which cross each other are extendable and contractible. Since the first pair of connecting members 8A and the second pair of connecting members 8B are arranged so as to be connected to each other in a chain, the distance d1 between these columns can be enlarged or reduced in a wide range.
Even if only two connecting members 14 and 15 are provided like the connecting member pair 8 between the second and third columns 6B and 6C, if the length of the connecting members 14 and 15 is increased, Although it is possible to adjust the distance between the columns 6B and 6C in a large range, the height of the columns 6 must also be increased, and the overall height of the article transport / storage device increases. By providing a plurality of connecting member pairs 8A and 8B, the distance between the two supporting members can be adjusted over a wide range without particularly increasing the length of the connecting members and therefore particularly increasing the height of the supporting members. You can do it.

After the columns 6 have been removed from the article mounting table 2, the columns are grasped by hand and the four columns 6 are pressed in a direction to approach each other, so that the second joints 109, 2 attached to the columns are provided.
The reference numeral 09 slides below the column 6, and the first and second connecting members provided between the columns are rotated around the pins 21, 22U and 22L and folded, and are schematically shown in FIG. Thus, the entire support unit 32 can be folded compactly. For this reason, for example, after lowering the article 1 from the article mounting table 2 at a destination such as a user, the support unit 32
Can be efficiently transported to its original location, such as a manufacturing factory, by folding it as described above.

Although not shown in the figure, a top plate is removably attached directly or via another member to the upper part of the plurality of columns 6 of the article transport / storage device assembled as shown in FIG. When the article is placed on the article mounting table 2 and transported or stored, the top plate may be attached to the upper part of the column 6 so that the article can be protected more reliably.

When the top plate is provided or not provided, the assembled article transport / storage device is stacked up and down,
The articles mounted on the respective article transport / storage apparatuses can be transported or stored together with the stacked article transport / storage apparatuses. At this time, it is desirable to provide a positioning means for correctly positioning the upper article transport / storage device with respect to the lower article transport / storage device, and to configure the upper and lower article transport / storage devices to be properly stacked.

As will be described later, the outer shape of the article table is configured to be expandable and contractable so that the distance between two adjacent projections 7 of the article table can be adjusted, and the form is adjusted. Each support 6 is attached to each protrusion 7 of the
Can be configured so that the lower part of the
In this case, the lower portion of each column 6 may be fixed to the article mounting table 2 so that it cannot be removed in a normal state. Also in this case, the article 1 can be placed on the article mounting table 2 from above the support 6, or can be lifted upward, and the article 1 can be lowered from the article mounting table.

Similarly, the configuration of the outer contour of the top plate can be configured so that it can be expanded and contracted in accordance with the spacing between the columns.
At this time, when the support 6 is configured to be detachably attached to the article mounting table, the article can be placed on or lowered from the article mounting table by removing the support 6 from the article mounting table 2. Therefore, the top plate can be fixed to each of the columns 6 so that the top plate cannot be removed in a normal state.

In the article transport / storage device described above, the two first joints 108,
208 is fixed to the columns 6, and two second joints 109, 209 attached to the columns 6 are slidably fitted in the guide grooves 54, 55 formed in the columns. Conversely, the first joints 108 and 208 located on the upper side of each column 6 are slidably fitted in guide grooves formed in the longitudinal direction of the column, and the second joints on the lower side. 10
Even when the two support members 9 and 209 are fixedly fixed to the support members, the movable first joints 108 and 208 slide in the longitudinal direction of the support member 6 when two adjacent support members approach or separate from each other. , The first and second connecting members 14A, 15 between the two columns
A, 14B, 15B, 14, 15
By pivoting around the U and 22L, the distance between the two columns can be adjusted. One of the first joint and the second joint is fixedly attached to the column 6 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the other is attached to the column 6 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. . Although the first and second joints can both be slidably mounted on the column,
By fixing one of the second joint and the second joint to the column 6, when the two columns adjacent to each other are approached or separated from each other, the first and second connecting members crossed with each other can be smoothly rotated. it can.

In the above-mentioned article transport / storage apparatus, the first and second connecting members provided between all the two adjacent columns 6 and the respective connecting members are connected to the respective columns 6.
First and second joints are provided to connect
Are provided with two first joints 108 and 208 and two second joints 109 and 209. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between all the two columns adjacent to each other, but the distance between the two columns next to each other,
It is also possible to configure so that only the interval between two columns that are opposed to the two columns and adjacent to each other can be adjusted.

For example, the first and second connecting members 1 provided between the second and third columns 6B and 6C shown in FIG.
7, the first and second connecting members 14 and 15 provided between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D are omitted.
As shown in the figure, the second and third columns 6B and 6C are firmly fixed via the fixed connecting member 45A, and the first and fourth columns 6B and 6C are fixed.
Columns 6A and 6D are firmly fixedly connected by another fixed connection member 45B. With this configuration, the distance d2 between the second support 6B and the third support 6C and the first support 6
Although the distance d2 between A and the fourth column 6D cannot be adjusted, the distance d1 between the first column 6A and the second column 6B, and the distance between the third column 6C and the fourth column 6D can be adjusted. Distance d between
2 can be adjusted in exactly the same manner as in FIG. 2, and in this case, too, the first and second columns 6A and 6B and the The distance d1 between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D can be adjusted, and each column can be attached to the desired article mounting table 2. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 7, the second and third columns 6B and 6C fixedly connected to each other and the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D also fixedly connected to each other are brought closer to each other. Thereby, the support unit 32 can be folded.

In each of the examples described above, the first and second connecting member pairs 8A and 8B are connected to the first and second columns 6A and 6A.
6B and the first and second connecting member pairs 8A, 8 which are provided between the third and fourth columns 6C, 6D, but are connected to each other.
If B is provided between at least one support, it is possible to configure an article transport / storage device capable of suppressing the height of the support and adjusting the distance between the supports over a wide range.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first and second connecting member pairs 8A and 8B having the same structure as the first and second connecting member pairs of the previously described example are provided between all the columns. Have been. Thereby, both the distances d1 and d2 between the columns can be adjusted over a wide range, and the height of the columns 6 can be prevented from increasing. FIG. 49 illustrates a state where the support unit 32 illustrated in FIG. 8 is folded.

FIGS. 9 to 14 are schematic plan views of another example of the support unit when viewed from above.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first to third columns 6A, 6B, 6C
And a first and second pair of connecting members 8A and 8B configured similarly to the first and second pair of connecting members of the example described above are provided between the first and second columns 6A and 6B. , The second and third columns 6B, 6C are connected by a fixed connecting member 45C so as to be unable to adjust the gap, and the third and first columns 6C, 6A are also connected by a fixed connecting member 45D so that the space cannot be adjusted. In addition, the fixed connecting member 45C is rotatably connected to the second support 6B and the third support 6C, and similarly, the other fixed connecting member 45D is connected to the third and first support 6C, 6A. Each is rotatably connected.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG.
Only the distance between the first and second columns 6A and 6B is adjustable, and when the first and second columns 6A and 6B are pressed in a direction away from each other, the first column provided between them.
And the first and second connecting members of the pair of second connecting members 8A and 8B, and the first and second members provided on the respective columns 6A and 6B.
The spacing between the two columns 6A, 6B is increased by the action of the joint. Accompanying this, both fixed connecting members 45C, 45D
Rotate relative to each of the columns, and the plane configuration of the column unit is as shown in FIG. The spacing between the columns is thus changed according to the form of the article mounting table.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, six columns 6A to 6F are provided, and between the columns 6B and 6C,
A pair of connecting members 8A,
8B is provided, and the distance between these columns can be adjusted by the action of the connecting member pairs 8A and 8B and the above-described first and second joints. On the other hand, a pair of columns 6F and 6F
A, between 6A and 6B, 6C and 6D and between 6D and 6E,
Fixed connecting members 45 are provided, respectively. FIG.
Shows the state when the distance between the columns 6B and 6C and the distance between the columns 6E and 6F are increased.

FIG. 13 has five columns 6A to 6E, and a connecting member pair 8 between two columns 6A and 6B.
A and 8B are provided, and the other columns are fixedly connected by a fixed connecting member 45. FIG.
The state when the interval between 6B is expanded is shown.

As can be seen from the above examples, the number of columns can be appropriately selected to an appropriate number of three or more according to the purpose of use of the article transporting / storing apparatus and the like, and the number of columns and the arrangement of the columns can be selected. Thus, the connecting member pairs 8A and 8B can be provided between the columns. The point is that the first and second connecting members crossed each other between one and the other columns of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two columns next to each other. The first connecting member pair 8A and the second connecting member pair 8B respectively having the following are provided.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the first and second pairs of connecting members 8A and 8B are provided between all the columns, the first and second connecting members 14A and 15B; 14
The pins 21 (FIG. 2) for pivotally connecting the first and second connecting members B and 14B to each other are eliminated, and the first and second connecting members are set in a free state with respect to each other.
And the second joints 109, 209 (FIG. 3)
On the other hand, even if it is fixed immovably in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the columns 6 can be adjusted by expanding and contracting the first and second pairs of connecting members 8A and 8B. (A) and (b) of FIG.
Shows the expansion and contraction state of the connecting member pair at this time.
In short, the upper end side 14AU of the first connecting member 14A of the first connecting member pair 8A, the upper end side 14BU of the first connecting member 14B of the second connecting member pair 8B, and the second side of the first connecting member pair 8A.
At least one of the lower end side 15AL of the connecting member 15A and the lower end side 15BL of the second connecting member 15B of the second connecting member pair 8B with respect to the column 6 to which they are rotatably connected. What is necessary is just to arrange in the longitudinal direction immovably.

As shown in FIG. 16, an intermediate connection having first and second connection members 14C and 15C crossing each other between the first connection member pair 8A and the second connection member pair 8B. A member pair 8C can also be provided.
As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of intermediate connecting member pairs 8C can be connected to each other in a chained state. First and second connecting members crossing each other are provided between one of the columns and the other column of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two columns adjacent to each other. The first connection member pair, the second connection member pair, and at least one intermediate connection member pair that connects the first and second connection member pairs are provided.

At this time, the first and second connecting members 14A and 15A of the first connecting member pair 8A and the first and second connecting members 14B and 15B of the second connecting member pair 8B are connected to one support and the other. 2 and 3 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS.

In the example shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the lower end 14AL of the first connecting member 14A of the first connecting member pair 8A is provided.
Is rotatably connected to the lower end side 14CL of the first connecting member 14C of the intermediate connecting member pair 8C via a pin 23L,
Lower end side 1 of first connecting member 14B of second connecting member pair 8B
4BL is a second connecting member 15C of the intermediate connecting member pair 8C.
Is rotatably connected to the lower end side 15CL of the first through a pin 24L. Further, the upper end side 15AU of the second connecting member 15A of the first connecting member pair 8A is rotatably connected to the upper end side 15CU of the second connecting member 15C of the intermediate connecting member pair 8C via a pin 23U, The second of the second connecting member pair 8B
Of the first connecting member 14C of the intermediate connecting member pair 8C is connected to the upper end 14CU of the first connecting member 14C.
It is rotatably connected via 4U.

When a plurality of pairs of intermediate connecting members 8C are provided, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper and lower ends of the first connecting member 14C and the second connecting member 15C of the adjacent pair of intermediate connecting members 8C are respectively set. The pins 50U and 50L are connected so as to be relatively rotatable.

The other structure of the example shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is the same as the structure of each of the above examples, and the upper end side 14AU and the upper end side of the first connecting member 14A of the first connecting member pair 8A. Upper end side 14 of first connecting member 14B of two connecting member pairs 8B
BU and at least one of the lower end 15AL of the second connecting member 15A of the first connecting member pair 8A and the lower end 15BL of the second connecting member 15B of the second connecting member 8B,
There is no change in the point that these are fixedly connected in the longitudinal direction to the column 6 that is connected rotatably.

As described above, at least one of a plurality of column sets composed of two columns adjacent to each other is used.
At least two telescopic connecting member pairs having first and second connecting members crossed with each other between one support and the other support of the three support sets so that the distance between these supports can be adjusted. By providing the pair, it is possible to adjust the distance between the columns in a wide range.

In the case where the distance between at least one of the columns is not adjustable, a fixed connecting member for connecting two adjacent columns whose distance is not adjustable is provided. , As illustrated in FIG.
When constituted by a panel having a large area, an article placed on the article mounting table 2 can be more reliably protected by the panel.

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 3, two second joints 109 and 209 are provided on the support 6 so that each of the supports is slidably attached to each support in the longitudinal direction. It is configured to fit into the grooves 54 and 55 and slide while being guided by the guide grooves.
Since the first joints 108 and 208 are also fitted in the guide grooves 54 and 55 formed in the column 6, these joints are
For example, it can be constituted by small pieces made of metal, resin, or the like, and when the column unit 32 is folded as shown in FIG. 6, each joint can be hidden between the columns. This makes it easier to carry the folded support unit 32.

In the case where the distance between all two adjacent columns is adjustable and the first and second connecting members are arranged between all two adjacent columns. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the columns 6 has two first joints 108 and 208 and two second joints 109 and 2
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second joints 109 and 209 are slidably attached to the column 6 in the longitudinal direction. At this time, even if the two slidable second joints 109 and 209 are slidably fitted into one guide groove formed in the column 6, the distance between the columns can be adjusted. As shown, when the respective second joints 109 and 209 are slidably fitted into the guide grooves 54 and 55 separately formed in the column 6, the respective second joints 109 and 209 become slidable. Can freely move independently of each other in the longitudinal direction, and depending on the size of the interval between the columns 6, one of the second joints 109
09, or at the same height, or even above the other second joint 209. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the columns over a wide range. If the two second joints 109 and 209 are slidably fitted in the same guide groove, one of them will always be located on the upper side with respect to the other.
209 are in contact with each other, and the range of adjustment of the distance between the columns is limited, but such a problem does not occur in the example shown in FIG.

The above-described configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 can be applied to a case where the second joint is fixed to a column. One of the first joints or two of the second joints are slidably fitted in guide grooves separately formed in the support.

The article 1 mounted on the article transport / storage device is transported in the state shown in FIG.
9 and 209 (FIG. 3) remain slidable with respect to the column 6, for example, when a large external force is applied to the article transport / storage apparatus when transporting the article transport / storage apparatus by a truck. In addition, the second joints 109 and 209 may move slightly with respect to the column 6, and the stability of the article transport / storage device may be impaired.

To prevent such a problem, FIG.
19, a pair of stopper members 64, 64A
Therefore, it is preferable to fix the movable second joints 109 and 209 to the column 6. The stop members 64 and 64A shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 are made of substantially L-shaped metal, resin, rubber, or the like. The screws 63 and 63A are passed through holes formed in the center of the stop members 64 and 64A. Groove 57
The screws 63, 63A are screwed onto the nuts 65, 65A fitted so as to be slidable but not detached from each other, and tightened.
64A is fixed to the column 6. As a result, the first and second joints 109 and 209 sandwiched between these stopper members 64 and 64A are held from above and below, and the joint 1
09, 209 is prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction of the column 6. In this way, when the article transport / storage device on which the article 1 is mounted is transported by a truck or the like, the entire article transport / storage device can be stabilized. Screw 6
3, 63A is loosened, or its screw is
64A, the second joint 109, 209
Can be freely slid with respect to the columns 6 to adjust the distance between the columns.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show two second joints 1.
With 09 and 209 located exactly at the same height level,
The two second joints 1 are provided by two stop members 46 and 46A.
FIG. 9 shows a state in which the second joints 109 and 209 are fixed to the column 6, but the height positions of the two second joints 109 and 209 are different depending on the distance between the columns. In that case, each second joint 109, 20
9 may be held by a pair of stop members.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of screw holes 66 are formed in the column 6, and the screws 63, 63A are screwed into any of the screw holes 66, so that each of the fixing members 64, 64A is formed in the column. 6 can also be fixed.

When the two joints 109 and 209 are held at different heights with respect to the column 6 in a state where the height positions of the two joints 109 and 209 are different from each other, as shown in FIG. Each of the second joints 10 is formed by using stop members 64, 64A formed so that the height positions of the holding portions 67, 67A for holding the second joint 209 and the other second joint 209 are different.
9, 209 may be held. FIG.
3 is slightly different from the form of the fixing member 56 shown in FIG. 3. In the case of the fixing member 56 shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the above-described through holes 60 and 61, Are formed with other through-holes 60A and 61A having different height positions, and each of the first joints 10 is formed in each of the through-holes 60A and 61A.
8, 208 are fitted to each other to
Can be fixed to the column 6. On the other hand, the first joints 108 and 208 respectively fit into the fixing member 56 shown in FIG.
Only one through hole 60, 61 is formed, and both first joints 108, 208 are fixed to the column 6 at the same height.

The components relating to the stop members 64 and 64A described above can also be applied to a case where the first joints 108 and 208 are slidably attached to the support 6 and the first joints 108 and 208 are movable.
Can be fixed by the stop member. Also, the present invention can be applied to the case of an article transport / storage device in which the first and second joints are provided one by one on each of the columns, and the movable joint can be fixed to the columns by a stopper member. As described above, by providing the stopper member for fixing the first or second joint slidably attached to each support to the support, the stability of the article transport / storage device at the time of transporting the article is ensured. Can be enhanced.

Further, the size of the frequently used article mounting table 2 is determined by the user of the article transport / storage apparatus, and in many cases, the article mounting table 2 having the same form is often used. In such a case, the distance between the columns is adjusted so that the columns 6 can be attached to the projections 7 of the frequently used article mounting table, and then the movable second joint 1 at this time is adjusted.
If only the upper stop member 64 shown in FIG. 18 or FIG. 21 is fixed to the column 6 in a state in which the column rests on the columns 09 and 209, when the frequently used article mounting table is used, as shown in FIG. The second joints 109 and 209 abut on the upper stop member 64 by simply opening the post 6 which has been closed at the same time, and the interval between the posts is automatically set to the interval between the protruding portions 7 of the article mounting table which is frequently used. Can be adjusted. The stop member 64 functions as a stopper for the second joints 109 and 209, and the second joint 1
When 09 and 209 hit this stopper, the interval between the columns automatically coincides with the interval between the protruding portions of the article mounting table that is frequently used.

In the example shown in FIGS. 18 and 21, in order to use the upper stop member 64 for the above-mentioned purpose, the stop member 64 is fixed to the column by a screw 63 which cannot be turned unless a tool is used. Then, when it is difficult to loosen the screw 63 and the stop member 64 should be fixed to the support,
This prevents the stopper member 64 from being accidentally removed. On the other hand, when adjusting the interval between the columns or when the column unit 32 is folded as shown in FIG. 6, the second joints 109 and 209 need to be slid with respect to the column 6. A screw which can be directly operated by hand as a screw of the lower stop member 64A so that the member 64A can be easily disengaged from the column without tools or can be moved below the column. A screw 63A is used. The operator can use the screws 63 without tools.
Grasp the knob A and turn it to lower the stop member 6
4A can be fixed to or removed from the post 6.

Further, in the illustrated article transport / storage device, as shown in FIG. 3, a handle 68 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on each column 6, and each handle 68 is
When the support unit 32 is folded as shown in FIG.
It is provided at a position facing the outside. Each support 6 is formed with two grooves 69, 69 extending in the longitudinal direction over the entire length thereof, and a portion between the grooves 69, 69 is configured as a handle 68.

When adjusting the interval between the columns 6, or when attaching or removing the columns 6 to or from the article table 2,
Alternatively, when the support unit 32 is contracted as shown in FIG. 6, the worker usually works by holding the support 6. At this time, the work can be easily performed by holding the handle 68 described above. In particular, when the columns are brought close to each other and the column unit 32 is folded as shown in FIG. There is a risk that a finger may be pinched between the connecting members. However, such a problem does not occur if the grip 68 is gripped and the column unit 32 is folded.

There are various methods for removing the support 6 from the article mounting table 2 while the article 1 is placed on the article mounting table 2. The simplest method is to use a support as shown by an arrow C in FIG. 6 is lifted upward. At this time, each of the columns 6, especially the lower portion thereof, may hit the article 1 and damage it.

Therefore, at the appropriate position of each of the columns 6, for example, at the lowermost portion, on the inner portion where the columns 6 face each other,
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, it is desirable to attach a buffer member 70 made of, for example, rubber or soft resin. The cushioning member 70 includes a main body 70A and a plurality of claws 70B protruding from the main body 70A. The cushioning member 70 is detachably attached to the column 6 by fitting the respective claw portions 70B into the aforementioned grooves 54, 55A, 57 formed in the column 6 respectively. Each buffer member 70 is fitted in a groove formed in each column 6.

By providing the cushioning member 70 as described above, when the column unit 32 is lifted up as shown by the arrow C in FIG.
In this case, it is possible to prevent the article 1 from being damaged. If the screw 63A shown in FIGS. 18 to 21 is loosened and the screw 63A is left attached to the nut 65A, the lower stop member 64A descends along the column 6, but at this time, If the buffer member 70 is provided at the lower part of the column 6, the stopping member 64A is received by the buffer member 70, so that the problem that the buffer member 70 comes off from the column 6 can also be prevented.

As can be seen from the above description, the support 6
A number of grooves 54, 54A, 5 extending over the entire length in the longitudinal direction.
5, 55A, 57, 69, 69 and the center hole 62 are formed. If the column 6 is made of an extruded material as described above, a column having a large number of grooves and the center hole 62 can be formed at low cost. Can be manufactured. In addition, the column having the groove and the center hole has high bending rigidity and high torsional rigidity, thereby increasing the rigidity of the entire article transporting / storage apparatus. As described above, it is desirable that each of the columns 6 be made of a metal or resin extruded material whose cross-sectional shape is substantially constant over the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

The article mounting table of the article transport / storage apparatus described above is configured as a pallet to which the lower portions of all the columns 6 of the plurality of columns are attached, but the article mounting table is connected to at least a part of the plurality of columns. It can also be configured as a table base supported by the column. FIG. 24 shows a column unit 32 configured as the column unit shown in FIG.
2 indicates a supported state. Such article mounting table 1
02 is provided at least one.
3 shows a state in which three article mounting tables 102 are attached to the columns 6. The article mounting table 102 of this example is detachably attached to each of the columns 6, and the reference numerals 102A, 102B, and 102C are assigned to the article mounting tables, respectively, and these article mounting tables can be distinguished as necessary. To Further, in FIG. 24, the article 1 composed of a printer is placed on each article placing table 102, but other appropriate articles can be placed. FIG. 25 shows a state where the article 1 is not placed on each article placing table 102.

The size and shape of the articles 1 to be transported or stored, or various sizes corresponding to the number of the articles 1 to be transported or stored are also prepared in advance. Loading table 10 of a size suitable for the number
2 is selected, and the article mounting table is attached to the column 6. At this time, the lengths D1 and D2 of the respective sides (FIG. 25) differ depending on the size of the selected article mounting table 102, but the distance between the columns 6 is adjusted to correspond to the lengths D1 and D2. Can be adjusted as described above. Then, the selected article mounting table 102 is attached to each column 6 via the mounting table holding means as described below.

The mounting table holding means of this embodiment is the same as the article mounting table 10.
It has a base receiving member and a base holding member for holding the respective corners of 2A on the respective columns 6, and FIG. 26 shows a table for attaching the corner of the article mounting table 102 to the first column 6A. An example of the receiving member 170 and the base holding member 170A is shown. FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the first support 6A when viewed from the same direction as the direction shown in FIG. The base receiving member 170 shown here is formed in a small block shape having a flat upper surface 171 as shown in FIG. 27, and one side surface thereof has the above-described groove 57 (see FIG. 3) formed in the column 6A. ), A pair of upper and lower protrusions 172 which are slidably and detachably fitted are formed. The nut 173 shown in FIG. 27 is slidably fitted in the groove 57 of the column 6A in the longitudinal direction. This nut 173
A is inserted into the groove 57 of A from the upper end or lower end thereof, and does not come off in the radial direction of the column 6A.

Here, the two projections 1 of the support member 170
The groove 72 is fitted in the groove 57, and these are arranged so that the nut 173 fitted in the groove 57 is located between the upper and lower protrusions 172 as shown in FIG. Next, a screw 175 is inserted into a hole 174 formed in the support member 170, and the screw 175 is screwed into a screw hole 176 of the nut 173, and
Tighten 5. Thereby, the base receiving member 170 is detachably fixed to the column 6A.

FIGS. 28 to 30 are enlarged perspective views of the second to fourth columns 6B, 6C and 6D when viewed from the same direction as FIG. 25. As shown in these figures, FIG. The second to fourth columns 6B, 6C, and 6D also have base support members 170 configured exactly the same as the base support members shown in FIG.
However, it is detachably fixed in exactly the same manner as described above. At this time, the four support members 170 are
71 are attached to each of the columns 6 so that they are almost at the same height level.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 26, 28, 29 and 30, the respective corner portions of the selected article placing table 102A are placed on the upper surface 171 of each table receiving member 170. In this way, the article mounting table 102A has four support members 1
It is supported from below by 70 and is arranged in the space inside the plurality of columns 6. At this time, the positioning pins 177 projecting from the upper surface 171 of each table receiving member 170 are attached to the article mounting table 1.
It fits into a positioning hole 122 formed on the lower surface of 02A. As a result, the article mounting table 102A is correctly positioned in the horizontal direction with respect to each of the columns 6. The positioning pin 177 and the positioning hole 122 are connected to the base receiving member 170,
The article table 10 supported by the table receiving member 170
An example of positioning means for positioning the article mounting table 102A and the support 6 by positioning the 2A and the article mounting table 102A is constituted. A positioning hole may be formed on the base receiving member 170, and a positioning pin that fits into the positioning hole may be protruded on the article mounting table 102A, and the positioning means may be configured by these holes and the pin.

On the other hand, the base holding member 170A shown in FIG.
Is configured in exactly the same manner as the above-described support member 170,
And it is attached to the column 6A in the same manner as the base receiving member 170. That is, the base holding member 170A has a nut (not shown) fitted into the groove 57 and the screw 175A with the lower surface 179A abutting against the upper surface of the article mounting table 102A supported by the base receiving member 170. And by
It is detachably fixed to the support 6A. Other struts 6B, 6
The base holding member 170A is similarly detachably fixed to C and 6D, but FIGS. 28 and 30 show a state where the base holding member 170A is not yet mounted on each of the columns 6B and 6D. Is shown. The base receiving member 170 and the base pressing member 170A are made of, for example, metal, resin, wood, rubber, or the like.

By fixing the base holding member 170A to each of the columns 6 as described above, the upper surface of the article mounting table 102A is pressed by the base holding member 170A. Base holder 17
The support member 170 is held by the support member 0A and supported by the support column 6 without detaching from the support column 6.

After attaching the article placing table 102A to each of the columns 6, as shown in FIG. 25, the article placing table 102B above the article placing table 102A is moved in exactly the same manner as the article placing table 102A. It is attached to each column 6 via holding means. Further, similarly, the article mounting table 102 thereabove.
C is attached to each support 6. Even when there are four or more article mounting tables, each of them can be attached to each of the columns 6 sequentially from the lowest article mounting table, for example.

As shown in FIG. 24, the article 1 is placed on each article placing table 102A, 102B, 102C attached to the column 6 as described above. At this time, each article mounting table 102
May be mounted on the column 6 and then the article 1 may be placed on the upper surface thereof. Alternatively, the lowermost article mounting table 102A may be mounted on the column 6 and the article 1 may be mounted thereon, and then the upper article mounting table 102B may be mounted. Is attached to the support 6, and the article mounting table 102B
The article 1 is placed on the top, and finally the topmost article placing table 10
2C may be attached to the support 6 and the article 1 may be placed thereon.

Further, after adjusting the distance between the columns 6 in accordance with the size of the article mounting table 102 as described above, the article mounting tables 102A, 102B and 102C may be attached to the column 6; After fixing the member 170 to each support 6,
When placing the article mounting table 102A on the upper surface 171 thereof, the positioning pins 177 of the respective table receiving members 170 are fitted into the respective positioning holes 122 of the respective corner portions of the article mounting table 102A while moving the respective supporting columns 6, so that the more Thus, the distance between the columns can be automatically adjusted to a size suitable for the length of each side of the article mounting table 102A.

The article mounting tables 102A, 102B, 1
The article 1 placed on the 02C is also positioned with respect to the article placement tables 102A, 102B, and 102C by the article positioning means, as required, as in the case of the article placement table made of pallets, or by the article fixing means. It is fixed on the article mounting tables 102A, 102B, 102C so that it can be easily removed.

The article transport / storage device is assembled as described above. At this time, the article 1 placed on the article mounting tables 102A, 102B, 102C is accommodated in the accommodation space surrounded by the four columns 6, and In this state, the cargo handling device, for example, the fork of the forklift is moved to the lowest article placing table 10.
2A, the article carrying / storage device can be lifted to carry the article 1 by raising the fork, and the article carrying / storage apparatus with the article 1 mounted thereon is moved to a truck, a ship or a railway vehicle, This can be transported. Further, there is no difference from the previous example that the articles 1 accommodated in the article transport / storage device can be stored in a warehouse or the like. As described above, the article mounting tables 102 of various sizes
Is prepared, various articles having different numbers, sizes, and forms can be efficiently transported or stored by the article transport / storage apparatus, and the article transport / storage apparatus can be used many times.

Each of the columns 6 is attached to the article mounting table 2 made of a pallet as shown in FIG. 2, and each of the columns 6 is attached to an article mounting table 10 made of a table table shown in FIG.
2 can also be assembled.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, casters 80 can be attached to the lower portions of the respective columns 6, so that the article transport / storage device can be easily moved on the floor or the ground. Each caster 80 is attached to each column 6 by fitting an upper column shaft (not shown) into a lower portion of a center hole 62 (FIG. 3) of each column. The column unit 32 shown in FIG. 25 differs from the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 2 only in that a caster 80 is attached to the column 6.

In the article transport / storage device of this embodiment, as described above, the article mounting table 102 is supported by the support 6 via the mounting table holding means, and the mounting table holding means is detachable from the support 6. And the base receiving member 170 for supporting the article mounting table 102 from below, the article mounting table 102 can be supported on the column 6 in a stable state. The article mounting table 102 is formed only by the support member 170.
Can be held on the column 6, but the mounting table holding means of this example is further provided with a table holding member 1 which is detachably fixed to the column 6 and presses the upper surface of the article mounting table 102.
Since it has 70A, the article mounting table can be more reliably held on the support.

Further, the base receiving member 170 and the base holding member 17
0A is movably fitted along a groove 57 formed in the longitudinal direction of each column 6, so that the screws 175, 175A
By loosening, the base receiving member 170 and the base holding member 170A can be moved along the columns 6, and can be brought to arbitrary height positions in the longitudinal direction of each column. Then, since the base receiving member 170 and the base holding member 170A can be fixed to the column 6 at that position, the article mounting table 102 can be held at the height position. In this way, the mounting table holding means is configured to be able to hold the article mounting table 102 at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the column 6. In addition, by increasing the number of the mounting table holding means, a plurality of article mounting tables 102 can be attached to the column 6, and the number of the article mounting tables 102 can be appropriately selected according to the height of the articles 1 and the number thereof. It is.

In the case where a plurality of article mounting tables 102 are fixed to the column 6, as shown in FIG. 31, the uppermost article mounting table 102C can be used as a top plate. In this way, each article 1 stored in the article transport storage device
Can be covered by each of the article mounting tables 102B and 102C, so that the function of protecting the article during the transportation or storage of the article is enhanced. Further, by loosening the screws 175 and 175A shown in FIG. 26, the base receiving member 170 and the base holding member 170A are detached from each of the columns 6, and as shown by the chain line in FIG. Can be easily removed.

[0098] The article 1 is placed on each of a number of article transport / storage devices, and the article transport / storage apparatus is collectively carried to the destination, where the article 1 is unloaded from the article transport / storage apparatus.
Next, when returning the empty article transport / storage apparatus to the transportation source, as shown in FIG.
One article mounting table 102 is fixed to the lower portion of the column 6 by the above-described method, and the article mounting table is removed from the column unit of the other article transport / storage device, and the column unit 32 is shown in FIG. Then, a large number of the column units 32 can be stored in an upright state on the article mounting table 102 shown in FIG. 32, and these can be returned to the transportation source in a lump. Moreover, FIG.
As shown in the figure, one article placing table 102D is fixed to the lower part of the column 6 of another article carrying and storing apparatus, and on that,
A large number of article mounting tables 102E detached from the support unit 32 of another article transport / storage device can be stacked one above the other and placed, and can be returned to the transportation source. 32 and FIG.
The article transport storage device can be stored in the state shown in FIG. In this way, a large number of article transport / storage devices can be compactly collected and returned to the transportation source, and they can be stored in a small space.

Further, in the example described above, all the columns 6 of the plurality of columns arranged at intervals from each other,
Although it is configured to support the article mounting table 102,
The article mounting table 102 may be configured to be supported by only some of the columns. For example, as shown in FIG. 34, a part of the uppermost article mounting table 102C is cut out to form a trapezoidal shape, and each corner portion is formed with first to third columns 6A, 6A.
It is supported on C and 6D in the same manner as described above. By doing so, the upper and lower article mounting tables 102B,
Articles higher than the spacing between 102C (not shown)
Is placed on the lower article mounting table 102B, it is possible to prevent interference between the article and the upper article mounting table 102C.

As described above, the article mounting table is supported by at least a part of the plurality of columns. However, in order to increase the support stability of the article table,
It is preferable that the article mounting table is supported by two or more, particularly three or more columns.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, joints 109 and 209 which are movable in the longitudinal direction of the columns 6 are slidably fitted in guide grooves 54 and 55 formed in the columns 6. However, FIG. 35 shows a different example. FIG.
In the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 1, the four columns 6 are formed of hollow cylindrical pipes.
One first joint 108A and two second joints 10
9A and 209A are attached respectively. Each joint is composed of a block fitted to each column 6 and a tongue piece integrally projecting therefrom (see FIGS. 37 and 38). The first joint 108A has two tongue pieces, Fitting 109A,
209A is provided with one tongue piece protruding therefrom. The block of the first joint 108A is the fixing member 63 shown in FIG.
, And the tongue pieces projecting from the block correspond to the joints 108 and 208 shown in FIG.

The first joint 108A is fixed to each column 6 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and is fixed to the two second joints 10A.
9A and 209A are slidably fitted to the columns 6 in the longitudinal direction. First and second columns 6A, 6
B and the first and second connecting member pairs 8A, 8B provided between the third and fourth columns 6C, 6D, respectively.
And upper ends 14AU, 14BU and lower ends 15AL, 15BL of the second connecting members 14A, 15A, 14B, 15B.
Is a tongue piece of the first joint 108A fitted to each column 6 and a tongue piece of the second joint 109A in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. Are rotatably connected via pins. Similarly, the second
And upper ends 14U, 15U of the first and second connecting members 14, 15 of the connecting member pair 8 provided between the first and fourth columns 6A, 6D and between the first and fourth columns 6A, 6D. Similarly, the lower end sides 14L and 15L also have the other tongue piece of the first joint 108A and the other second joint 209 as in the example described above.
A is rotatably connected to the tongue piece A via a pin. One second joint 109A is located lower than the other second joint 209A.

Also in the case of the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 35, before the column unit 32 is attached to the article
Are moved in the direction of arrow A or in the direction opposite thereto, and the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D are moved in the same direction, whereby the lower second joint 109A is moved to each column 6A.
Up and down, and the second and third columns 6B, 6
By moving C in the direction of arrow B or the direction opposite thereto, and by moving the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D in the same direction, the second joint 209A on the upper side is moved along each column 6. It can be moved up and down to adjust the distance between adjacent columns. After the adjustment, the lower portions of the columns 6 are fitted to the projections 7 projecting from the article mounting table 2 configured as a pallet.

As can be seen from the above description, the article carrying / storing apparatus shown in FIG. 35 can provide the same operation and effect as the article carrying / storing apparatus shown in FIG. Then, one second joint 109A
Is always located below the other second joint 209A, so that the degree of freedom for adjusting the interval between the columns is somewhat reduced.

When the column unit 32 shown in FIG. 35 is employed, the above-described additional configurations or modified configurations can be appropriately employed as needed. For example, in place of the pallet-based article mounting table, at least one article mounting table including a table table may be used, and the article mounting table may be supported by at least a part of the plurality of columns. A plurality of connecting member pairs may be provided between the columns adjacent to each other. Also, the vertical position of the first and second joints 108A, 109A, 209A shown in FIG. 35 is reversed, whereby the lowermost first joint 108A is fixed to the column 6, and The two second joints 109A and 209A located at the positions and can be slidably fitted to the support in the longitudinal direction thereof.

The article carrying / storing and storing apparatus shown in FIG. 36 is also spaced apart from each other so as to surround the article placing table 2 configured as a pallet and the article 1 placed on the article placing table 2. In the example of the figure, there are a plurality of columns 6 (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D). Each support 6 is formed of a round pipe, and each of the four protrusions 7 (only three protrusions are shown in FIG. 36) protruding from the article mounting table 2 has a lower portion of each support 6. The columns 6 are fitted and detachably attached to the article mounting table 2. Assuming that the projections 7 are rectangular (rectangular) on the article mounting table 2, the projections 7 are also provided at the respective corners of the square. The distance between the first and second columns 6A and 6B and the distance between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D are both equal to d1.
The interval between the second and third columns 6B and 6C and the interval between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D are also equal to each other at d2.

Each column 6 has a first joint 1 on its upper side.
08B, and the second joint 109B is attached to the lower side (FIG. 36 shows the fourth support 6).
A second joint provided at the lower part of D is not shown). First
37 comprises a block 81 fitted to the column 6 as shown in FIG. 37, and two tongue pieces 82 integrally projecting from the block 81. The second joint 109B also
As shown in FIG. 38, a block 83 and this block 83
The block 83 is fitted to the column 6.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the first joints 108B located on the upper side are fixedly attached to the columns 6 in the longitudinal direction, and the second joints 109B on the lower side are fixed to the columns 6B. The first joint 108B is slidably fitted to the column 6 in the longitudinal direction, and the second joint 108B is slidably fitted to the column 6 in the longitudinal direction. Fitting 109
B can be connected to each of the columns 6 so as to be immovable in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the first and second joints 1
One of the joints 08B and 109B is slidably disposed in the longitudinal direction of each of the columns 6 and the first and second joints 10B and 109B.
The other of the joints 8B and 109B is immovably arranged in the longitudinal direction of each column 6.

The first and second connecting members 114, which cross each other, are provided between the negative column and the other column of each column set composed of two columns adjacent to each other.
115 are provided respectively, and the first and second connecting members 1
14 and 115 are rotatably connected to each other via a pin 121 at an intermediate portion as necessary. Each first
As shown in FIG. 37, the upper end side 114U of the connecting member 114 and the upper end side 115U of each of the second connecting members 115 are attached to one of the columns 6 and the other of the columns 6 of the respective column sets. The lower end side 114L of the first connection member 114 and the lower end side 115L of the second connection member 115 are rotatably connected to the respective tongue pieces 82 of the first joint 108B via pins 82A, respectively, as shown in FIG. As described above, the other support 6 of each support set and the second support 6 attached to one support 6 respectively.
Is rotatably connected to the tongue piece 84 of the joint 109B via a pin 84A.

Also in the case of the article transport / storage device shown in FIG. 36, before attaching the support column 6 to the projection 7 of the article mounting table 2, it is necessary to adjust the distance between the adjacent projections 7 to D1 and D2. Adjust the distances d1 and d2 between the columns. For example, the first and second columns 6A and 6B are moved in the direction of arrow A or in the opposite direction, and the third and fourth columns 6A and 6B are moved in the direction of arrow A.
C and 6D are moved in the same direction. Then all the second
Of the joint 109B slides upward or downward along each column 6, so that the distance d1 between the first and second columns 6A and 6B
And the distance d1 between the third and fourth columns 6C and 6D changes, and the distance d between the second and third columns 6B and 6C.
2 and the distance d2 between the first and fourth columns 6A and 6D also change at the same time. In this way, the distances d1 and d2 between the columns are made to correspond to the distances D1 and D2 between the projections 7, respectively, and then the columns 6 are fitted into the projections 7, and as shown in FIG. Assemble In this state, transporting or storing the article 1 is no different from the article transporting and storing apparatus of the previous example.

As described above, the article transport / storage apparatus shown in FIGS. 36 to 38 has a small number of joints and can simplify the structure. In addition, a pillar unit 132 including four pillars 6 and first and second connecting members 114 and 115 connecting the two pillars adjacent to each other.
When the four joints 6 are removed from the article mounting table 2 and the four columns 6 are brought closer to each other, the second joint 109B moves downward, and as shown in FIG. 36, similar to the column unit 32 shown in FIG. The support unit 132 can also be folded compactly.

Here, in order to reduce the cost of the article transport / storage apparatus, it is desirable that all of the plurality of connecting members 114 and 115 be the same. In this case, as shown in FIG. 39, the first and second connecting members 11
4, 115, which is a connecting portion where each joint is connected, that is, connecting members 114 and 11 into which the above-mentioned pins 82A and 84A are fitted.
The distance L between the centers of the five holes 85 is substantially equal in all the connecting members. That is, the first joint 10 in each of the first and second connecting members 114, 115
The distance L between the connecting part to the second joint 109B and the connecting part to the second joint 109B is all set substantially equal.
By using such a connecting member, the support unit 132 can be more reliably compactly folded.

When the article transport / storage device shown in FIG. 36 is constructed using the connecting members as described above, two columns 6 adjacent to each other may be used in accordance with the form and size of the article 1 to be handled.
A distance d1 between A and 6B and two pillars 6 adjacent to each other
In many cases, it is necessary to set the distance between the columns so that the ratio of the distance d2 between B and 6C is a value other than 1: 1. In the example shown in FIG. 36, four sets of columns composed of two columns that are adjacent to each other, that is, a column set composed of the first and second columns 6A and 6B, and the second and third columns 6B. , 6C, the third and fourth columns 6C, 6D, the first and fourth columns.
Of the columns 6A and 6D are set, and the ratio d1: d2 of the intervals between the columns of the column sets adjacent to each other among the column sets is set to a value other than 1: 1.

In order to meet the above-mentioned requirements, in the article transport / storage device shown in FIG. 36, the height positions of the four second joints 109B attached to the columns 6 are all equal, and the heights of the connecting members 114 and 115 are equal. The lower end is at the same height,
Of the first and second connecting members 114 and 115 provided between the first and second columns 6A and 6B, respectively. The height position of the connecting portion connected to 108A is the upper end 114 of the first and second connecting members 114 and 115 provided between the second and third columns 6B and 6C.
U and 115U are higher than the height position of the connecting portion connected to each first joint 108A by a distance indicated by V (see FIG. 37). The height position of the connecting portion where the upper ends 114U, 115U of the connecting members 114, 115 between the third and fourth posts 6C, 6D are connected to the first joint 108A is determined by the first and second posts 6A, Connection members 114 and 11 between 6B
5 is connected to the first joint 108B
The height position of the connecting portion connected to the
And connecting members 114, 115 between the fourth columns 6A, 6D
The height positions of the connecting portions where the upper end sides 114U and 115U of each of the first and second joints 108A are connected to the first joints 108A are also different from those of the second and third columns 6.
Upper end side 114 of connecting members 114 and 115 between B and 6C
U and 115U are the same as the height position of the connection part connected to each first joint 108A. With this configuration, the distance d2 between the columns is larger than d1. As described above, by appropriately setting the height position of the end of the connecting member connected to each of the joints 108B and 109B, the distance d1 between the columns can be set.
The ratio of d2 is a desired value, for example 1: 1.2 or 1:
It can be set to a value such as 1.1.

As in the article transport / storage device shown in FIG. 40, the ends of the connecting members 114 and 115 are connected to the joints 108B and 109B from the center of the column 6 to which the joints 108B and 109B are attached. By appropriately changing the horizontal distances H1 and H2 to the connecting portion connected to the column, the ratio of the distances d1 and d2 between the columns can be set to an appropriate value other than 1: 1. In the example of FIG. 40, H2> H1
Therefore, d2> d1. The other configuration of the article transport / storage device shown in FIG. 40 is the same as that of the article transport / storage device shown in FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 36, the height V of the connecting portion of each connecting member with respect to each joint is changed, and in the example shown in FIG. 40, the horizontal distances H1, H from the center of the column 6 to the connecting portion are changed.
2 is set as appropriate to set d1: d2 to a value other than 1: 1. However, both the height V and the horizontal distances H1, H2 are set as appropriate to set d1: d2 to a value other than 1: 1. It can be a value. FIGS. 36 and 40 show only an example of setting the height V or the horizontal distance, and the height and the horizontal distance can be set in another appropriate form.

As described above, in the article transport / storage device shown in FIGS. 36 to 40, of the plurality of column sets composed of two columns adjacent to each other, at least two column sets adjacent to each other are used. The height position of the connecting portion where the upper and lower ends of the first and second connecting members are connected to the first and second joints, respectively, such that the ratio of the spacing between the posts is a value other than 1: 1. That is, the horizontal distance from the center of each column to which each joint is attached to the connecting portion is set.

The above-described configuration is also applicable as long as the number of columns is three or more. For example, as shown in FIG. 41, three first to third columns 6A, 6B, and 6C are used, and the first and second columns shown in FIGS. Are connected by the first and second joints 108B and 109B, and the height position and the horizontal position where the ends of the respective connecting members 114 and 115 are connected to the joints are appropriately set. The ratio of the distances d1, d2, d3 between the columns can be set to a desired value, and the distance between the columns can be adjusted.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F are used to connect the columns adjacent to each other with the first and second connecting members 114, 115 by the first and second joints 108B, 109B,
By appropriately setting the position of the connecting portion of each connecting member to each joint, the ratio of the intervals between the columns can be determined, and the respective intervals can be changed.

The column unit 1 shown in FIGS. 36 and 40
32, the above-described additional or modified configurations can be appropriately adopted.
2 may be assembled with an article mounting table composed of a table table. In this case, the article mounting table may be configured to be supported by only some of the columns. Thus, also in the case of the article transport / storage device shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, the article mounting table can be configured to be assembled to at least a part of the plurality of columns 6.

In the goods transport / storage device shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, pins 86 (FIG. 37) are protruded above the first joints 108B, and are bridged between two adjacent pins 86. The member 87 is bridged, and each bridging member 8
A pin 86 is removably fitted in a hole (not shown) formed in the base 7, and the upper portions of the two columns are connected by a bridge member 87. This allows
It is possible to enhance the stability of each support when the article transport / storage device is assembled, and thus the stability of the entire article transport / storage device. Instead of using the bridging member 87, the top plate described above may be used, and the top plate may be detachably fitted to each of the columns 6. When adjusting the interval between the columns, the bridge member 87 or the top plate is removed from the columns 6.

When the distances d1 and d2 between the columns are different from each other as in the article transport / storage apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 will also be different from each other. For this reason, unless the support 6 of the support unit 132 is oriented correctly and assembled to the protrusion 7, the support 6 cannot be fitted to the protrusion 7, and the operator repeats trial and error until finally. In some cases, the support 6 can be fitted to the protrusion 7.

Therefore, in the article transport / storage device shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, for example, a red mark M (only one is shown) is attached to the two sides 10 and 12 of the article mounting table 2 facing each other. The connecting members 114, 115 located between two columns 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D attached along the sides 10, 12, respectively, are colored in the same red as the mark M. As described above, if the discriminating means indicating the correct assembling positional relationship of the support 6 with respect to the article mounting table 2 is provided, the worker can easily and correctly check the discriminating means by visually checking the discriminating means. 2 can be assembled.

The mark M and the connecting members 114, 11
5, the second side 11 and the fourth side 13 of the article mounting table 2 are colored blue, for example, and the respective sides 11, 1
If the connecting members 114 and 115 attached along 3 are colored blue, the operator can more easily and correctly attach the support 6 to the article mounting table 2.

Instead of constituting the assembling position judging means by the mark M or coloring, for example, notches or holes are formed in the first and second connecting members 114 and 115 opposed to each other, and these connecting members are formed. On the side of the article table to be located,
A notch or hole having the same form as the above notch or hole may be formed, or two sets of connecting members 114 and 115 facing each other.
By making the shapes of the other two sets of connecting members 114 and 115 different from each other, an assembling position determining unit can be configured. Similarly, when the above-mentioned top plate is used, a red mark or the like can be attached to the top plate so that the top plate can also be correctly assembled to the column.

As described above, in the article transport / storage device shown in FIGS. 36 and 40, the plurality of columns 6 and the article table 2 are detachably assembled.
There is provided an assembling position discriminating means which indicates a correct assembling positional relationship between the support 6 and the article placing table 2 when the article placing table 2 is assembled. Such a configuration can be applied to each of the article transport / storage devices described above.

In each of the embodiments described above, when using an article mounting table configured as a pallet, a plurality of types of article mounting tables 2 having different intervals between two adjacent projections 7 are used. Are prepared, an article mounting table is selected according to the size and form of the article 1 to be transported, and the interval between the columns 6 is adjusted according to the interval between the projections 7. . Thus, in order to be able to carry articles of various sizes or forms, it is necessary to prepare article mounting tables 2 of various sizes in advance. On the other hand, if the article mounting table 2 is configured so that the size and form of the outer contour of the article mounting table 2 can be adjusted, the shape of one article mounting table 2 can be adjusted. It is possible to place articles of different sizes and forms on the same table, reduce the number of prepared article platforms, or carry or store many types of articles with only one article platform. Becomes possible. Hereinafter, a specific example of such an article mounting table will be described.

The article mounting table 2 illustrated in FIG. 43 includes first to fourth mounting table members 103A, 103B, 103
C, 103D and guide rods 24A, 25A, 24B, 25B, 24C, 25 for connecting them as described later.
C, 24D, and 25D, and the mounting table member and the guide bar are made of a highly rigid material such as metal, hard resin, or wood. The upper surface of the mounting table member is an article mounting surface 5 on which the article 1 (FIG. 1) is mounted, and two legs 4A, 4B, 4 of each mounting table member.
C and 4D are installed on an installation surface such as a floor surface or the ground.
Projections 7 are respectively provided on the upper surfaces of the mounting table members, and columns not shown in FIG. 43 are detachably attached to the projections 7 as described above.

The first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B located adjacent to each other are connected via a pair of guide rods 24A and 25A extending parallel to each other, and the base end side of one of the guide rods 24A. 29A is fixed to the second mounting table member 103B, and its free end side 28A is
Is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the mounting table member 103A. Also, the proximal end 37A of the other guide rod 25A
Is fixed to the first mounting table member 103A, and its free end side 31A is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the second mounting table member 103B.

Similarly, the second mounting table member 103B and the third mounting table member 103C adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24B and 25B extending in parallel with each other. The base end side 29B and the base end side 37B of the other guide rod 25B are fixed to the second and third mounting table members 103B and 103C, respectively, and their free end sides 28B and 31B are connected to the third and second mounting bases. Table member 1
It is slidably fitted in the holes formed in 03C and 103B, respectively. These guide bars 24B, 25B extend in a direction perpendicular to the above-described guide bars 24A, 25A.

Further, the third and fourth mounting table members 103C, 103D adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24C, 25C extending in parallel with each other, and the base end side of each of the guide rods 24C, 25C. 29C and 37C are fixed to the fourth and third mounting table members 103D and 103C, respectively, and the free ends 28 of the guide rods 24C and 25C.
C and 31C are the third and fourth mounting table members 103C and 1C.
Each of the holes is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the hole 03D. These guide rods 24C, 25C extend in parallel to the aforementioned guide rods 24A, 25A.

Similarly, the fourth and first mounting table members 103D and 103A adjacent to each other are also connected via a pair of guide rods 24D and 25D extending in parallel with each other, and the base ends of the respective guide rods 24D and 25D. The sides 29D and 37D are fixed to the fourth and first mounting table members 103D and 103A, respectively, and the free ends 28 of the guide rods 24D and 25D.
D and 31D are the first and fourth mounting table members 103A and 103A, respectively.
Each of the holes is slidably fitted in a hole formed in the hole 03D. These guide rods 24D, 25D extend parallel to the aforementioned guide rods 24B, 25B, and extend in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned guide rods 24A, 25A, 24C, 25C.

As described above, the four mounting table members 103
A, 103B, 103C, and 103D are located adjacent to each other, and their upper surfaces are substantially flush with each other. When these mounting members are installed on a horizontal surface such as a floor, the upper surface of each mounting member is Are also substantially horizontal, and their upper surfaces constitute the article placement surface 5. Due to the outer edge of each mounting table member, as shown schematically in FIG.
34 are formed.

Here, when the mounting table members adjacent to each other are pressed in a direction to approach each other, these mounting table members approach each other while being guided by the above-described guide rods, and as shown in FIG. The matching mounting table members abut each other. At this time, the size of the outer contour 134 (FIG. 44) of the article mounting table 2 formed by the outer edge of each mounting table member is smaller than the state shown in FIG. 43. Conversely, when the mounting table members adjacent to each other are pressed in a direction away from each other, these mounting table members are largely separated from each other as shown in FIG. 43 while being guided by the respective guide rods. The size of 134 becomes larger than the state of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 46, first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B abut each other, and third and fourth mounting table members 103C and 103C abutting each other.
103D can be separated from each other, and although not shown in the figure, the first and fourth mounting table members 103A and 103D abutting each other and the second and third mounting table members abutting each other. 103B and 103C can be separated from each other.

The guide bar constitutes an example of a mounting member connecting means for connecting the mounting members so as to be relatively movable.

As described above, the article mounting table 2 is configured so that the size of its outer contour 134 can be adjusted. When the large article 1 is mounted on the article mounting table 2 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
When placing a small article on the contrary, the outer contour 134 of the article placing table 2 can be reduced as shown in FIG. 45 or FIG. The size of the article mounting table 2 is freely changed according to the size, form and number of the articles 1 to be transported or stored, and is adjusted to the distances D1 and D2 between the adjacent protrusions 7 at this time. Then, as described above, the distance between the columns 6 adjacent to each other is adjusted, and each column 6 is adjusted.
Is attached directly or via another member to each projection 7 which is an example of a column attachment portion. In this way, articles 1 of various sizes or various forms can be placed on one article mounting table 2, and can be transported or stored, and article mounting tables of various sizes corresponding to the size or form of the articles can be provided. It is not necessary to prepare many.

Further, the article mounting table 2 has fixing means for fixing the plurality of mounting table members so that the plurality of mounting table members do not relatively move after adjusting the interval between the protrusions 7. ing. FIG. 47 shows an example of the fixing means. In FIG. 47, first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B have free ends 28A and 31A of guide rods 24A and 25A.
Are respectively formed with a plurality of screw holes 38A, 38B, 38C; 39A, 39B, 39C, and a plurality of lock holes 40A, 40B, 40C in each guide rod 24A, 25A. 41A, 41B,
41C are respectively formed.

As shown in FIG. 43, when the first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B are largely separated from each other, the screw hole 38A of the first mounting table member 103A and the lock hole 40A of the guide rod 28A. Are aligned, and the screw hole 39A of the second mounting table member 3B and the lock hole 41A of the guide rod 25A are aligned. In this state, each screw hole 38A, 39
Screws 43A and 44A are screwed into A, respectively, and tips of the screws are fitted into lock holes 40A and 41A, respectively. Thereby, the first and second mounting table members 103
A and 103B are firmly fixed to each other at the position shown in FIG.

The first and second mounting table members 103A, 103A
When 3B is brought to the closest position as shown in FIG. 45, all the screw holes 38A, 38B, 38C and 39A, 39B, 39
C is the lock holes 40A, 40B, 40C and 41A, 41
B and 41C. In this state, screw 4
3A, 43B, 43C, and screws 44
At least one of A, 44B and 44C is screwed into the screw hole, and the tip of the screw is engaged with the lock hole. As a result, the first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B are fixedly connected to each other in the state shown in FIG. FIGS. 43 and 4 show the first and second mounting table members 103A and 103B.
5 and then aligned screw holes 38
A, 38B; screws 43A, 43B; 4 on 39A, 39B
4A and 44B are screwed in, so that both mounting table members 10
3A and 103B can be fixed in this position. The other mounting table members adjacent to each other can be fixed to each other in the same manner as described above. By loosening the screws, each mounting table member can be relatively moved again.

Further, as shown in FIG.
However, two pillar mounting portions adjacent to each other (in the example shown in FIG.
And mounting table member 103 having second projections 7A, 7B)
E and two mounting table members 103F having the other two column mounting portions (the third and fourth projecting portions 7C and 7D in the example in the drawing) which face the two column mounting portions and are adjacent to each other. A mounting table member and its two mounting table members 103E and 103
A plurality of guide rods 2 as an example of a mounting table member connecting means for connecting these mounting table members 103E and 103F so that F can relatively move in a direction approaching or separating from each other.
4B and 24D. These guide rods 24B, 24D are configured exactly the same as the guide rods 24B, 24D shown in FIG. 43, and the projections 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D have the same function as the aforementioned projection 7.

According to this configuration also, the two mounting table members 1
03E, 103F by approaching or leaving,
A distance D2 between the first and fourth protrusions 7A and 7D,
And the distance D2 between the third protrusions 7B and 7C can be adjusted in conjunction with each other.

As described above, the article mounting table 2 illustrated in FIGS. 45 to 48 is a projection that is an example of a column mounting portion to which the lower portions of the four columns 6 are mounted directly or via other members. And having a space between two adjacent column mounting portions and facing these column mounting portions,
In addition, at least two intervals between the two other column mounting portions adjacent to each other can be adjusted.

Also, the article mounting table 102 (FIG. 25) and the top plate configured as a table table can be configured so that the size and form of the outer contour can be adjusted in the same manner as described above. This also provides the same effect as the case where the outer shape of the article mounting table 2 can be adjusted. In order to construct a telescopic article mounting table attached to the column 6 in the same manner as the article mounting table 102 shown in FIGS. 26 to 30, FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 46 and 48, a positioning hole 122 may be formed in the lower part of each mounting table member, and the projection 7 may be omitted.

Further, each column of the above-described article transport / storage device may be configured to be extendable and contractable so that the length of each column can be adjusted according to the height of the article to be transported. For example, each column is composed of a plurality of column members fitted in a telescope shape, and after adjusting the length, the column members are fixed to each other by fixing means such as screws.

The representative embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments, and may be modified in various ways. Can be appropriately combined. Further, the present invention can be widely applied to apparatuses for transporting or storing various products other than the copying machine or articles such as natural products.

[0147]

According to the first, second, sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, articles of different sizes and forms or different numbers can be efficiently transported or stored.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the distance between the columns can be adjusted more widely, and articles of different sizes, forms, or numbers can be transported or stored more efficiently.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, articles of different sizes, forms or numbers can be efficiently transported or stored, and the structure of the article transport / storage device can be simplified.
With a simpler configuration, the ratio of the spacing between the columns of the column group adjacent to each other can be set to a value other than 1: 1.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the support can be easily and correctly assembled to the article mounting table.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an article transport / storage device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before a support is attached to an article mounting table.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating one support post and a joint attached thereto.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when adjusting the interval between the columns.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view when the support unit is folded.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a pillar unit in which two pillars and two pillars opposed thereto are fixed by fixed connecting members.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an article transport / storage apparatus in which two pairs of connecting members are provided between each support.

FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of a column unit having three columns.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the support unit shown in FIG. 9 when the distance between the supports is increased.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a column unit having six columns.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the support unit shown in FIG. 11 when the distance between the supports is increased.

FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a column unit having five columns.

14 is a plan view of the support unit shown in FIG. 13 when the distance between the supports is increased.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram when adjusting the interval between the columns.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example in which three pairs of connecting members are provided between columns.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which four pairs of connecting members are provided between columns.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second joint is fixed to a support by a stopper member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state where a screw for fixing the stopper is removed.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another method of fixing the stop member.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing another example of the stop member.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a cushioning member attached to a column.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state when the cushioning member is attached to the support.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing another example of the article transport / storage device.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which an article is not placed on the article mounting table of the article transport / storage apparatus shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state where an article mounting table is supported on a support by a table receiving member and a table pressing member.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a support member.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state where an article mounting table is supported on a support by a base receiving member.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a state where an article mounting table is supported on a support by a support member.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a state where an article mounting table is supported on a support by a base receiving member.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing an article transport / storage apparatus using an uppermost article mounting table as a top plate.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a state where a large number of support units are placed on an article mounting table.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which a large number of article mounting tables are supported by one lowermost article mounting table.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an article transport / storage device that supports an article mounting table with three columns.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an article transport / storage apparatus having a joint different from the joint shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an article transport / storage device having a different form of joint.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the first joint shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the second joint shown in FIG. 36.

FIG. 39 is a front view of a connecting member.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an article transport / storage device having a different type of joint.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory plan view of a column unit having three columns.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory plan view of a column unit having six columns.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing an example of an article mounting table capable of expanding and contracting the outer contour.

FIG. 44 is a plan view illustrating an outline of an article mounting table.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view when the article mounting table shown in FIG. 43 is most contracted.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a state where two mounting table members are separated from the other two mounting table members.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing an example of fixing means for fixing the mounting table members to each other.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing another example of an extendable article mounting table.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view when the support unit is folded.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Article 2 Article Placement Table 102 Article Placement Table 102A Article Placement Table 102B Article Placement Table 102C Article Placement Table 102D Article Placement Table 102E Article Placement Table 6 Column 6A Column 6B Column 6C Column 6D Column 6E Column 6F Column 8B 2nd connection member pair 8C intermediate connection member pair 14A 1st connection member 14AU upper end side 14AL lower end side 14B 1st connection member 14BU upper end side 14BL lower end side 14C 1st connection member 14CU upper end side 14CL lower end side 15A 2nd 15AU upper end 15AL lower end 15B second connecting member 15BU upper end 15BL lower end 15C second connecting member 15CU upper end 15CL lower end 108B first joint 109B second joint 114 first connecting member 114U Upper end side 114L Lower end side 115 2 of the coupling member 115U upper side 115L lower end d1 distance d2 distance L distance

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Sakae Ishikawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Isamu 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company F term (reference) 3E063 AA07 CB04 CC01 CD08 EE01

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An article mounting table, comprising: a plurality of columns arranged at intervals from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table;
An article transport / storage device that is attached to at least a part of the plurality of columns and that two columns adjacent to each other are connected to each other,
A cross is formed between one of the columns and the other column of at least one of the columns composed of a plurality of columns that are adjacent to each other so that the distance between the columns can be adjusted. An article transport / storage apparatus comprising at least two pairs of extendable connecting members having first and second connecting members. 2. An article mounting table, comprising: a plurality of columns arranged at an interval from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table;
An article transport / storage device that is attached to at least a part of the plurality of columns and that two columns adjacent to each other are connected to each other,
First and second connecting members that cross each other are provided between one and the other columns of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two columns that are adjacent to each other. A first connection member pair and a second connection member pair are provided, and the first connection member pair is located adjacent to one of the columns.
The upper end side of the first connecting member of the pair of connecting members and the upper end side of the first connecting member of the second connecting member pair located adjacent to the other column rotate to one column and the other column, respectively. The lower end of the first connecting member of the first connecting member pair and the lower end of the first connecting member of the second connecting member pair are rotatably connected to each other. The lower end of the second connecting member and the lower end of the second connecting member of the second connecting member are rotatably connected to one of the columns and the other, respectively. The upper end of the second connecting member and the upper end of the second connecting member of the second connecting member are rotatably connected to each other, and the upper end of the first connecting member of the first connecting member and the upper end of the second connecting member. The upper end side of the first connection member of the two connection member pairs, the lower end side of the second connection member of the first connection member pair, and the second connection member pair At least one of the lower end of the second coupling member, for these are pivotally connected respectively struts, item-carrying storage apparatus characterized by being arranged immovably in its longitudinal direction. 3. An article mounting table, comprising: a plurality of columns arranged at intervals from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table;
An article transport / storage device that is attached to at least a part of the plurality of columns and that two columns adjacent to each other are connected to each other,
First and second connecting members that cross each other are provided between one and the other columns of at least one column group of a plurality of column groups composed of two columns that are adjacent to each other. At least one connecting the first connection member pair, the second connection member pair, and the first and second connection member pairs
And two intermediate connecting member pairs, the upper end side of the first connecting member of the first connecting member pair positioned adjacent to one of the columns, and the second connecting member pair positioned adjacent to the other column. The upper end of the first connecting member is rotatably connected to one of the columns and the other of the columns, and the lower end of the first connecting member of the first connecting member is connected to the first connecting member of the intermediate connecting member. A lower end of the first connecting member of the second connecting member pair is rotatably connected to a lower end of the second connecting member of the intermediate connecting member pair, The second of the first connecting member pair
The lower end of the first connecting member and the lower end of the second connecting member of the second connecting member are rotatably connected to one support and the other support, respectively. The upper end side of the member is rotatably connected to the upper end side of the second connection member of the intermediate connection member pair, and the upper end side of the second connection member of the second connection member pair is connected to the first end of the intermediate connection member pair. And a first connection member pair of the first connection member pair and an upper end side of the first connection member of the second connection member pair. At least one of the lower end side of the second connecting member of the pair of connecting members and the lower end side of the second connecting member of the second connecting member pair is connected to a column to which these members are rotatably connected. An article transport / storage device, which is arranged immovably in a longitudinal direction. 4. An article mounting table, comprising: a plurality of columns arranged at an interval from each other so as to surround an article placed on the article mounting table;
An article transport / storage device assembled to at least a part of the plurality of columns, wherein a first joint on an upper side and a second joint on a lower side are attached to each of the columns, and are adjacent to each other. First and second connecting members crossing each other are provided between one supporting column and the other supporting column of each supporting column set composed of two matching supporting columns, and an upper end of the first connecting member is provided. The upper side of the side and the second connecting member are rotatably connected to first joints attached to one of the columns and the other of the columns, respectively, and the lower end of the first connecting member. And a lower end side of the second connecting member is rotatably connected to the other joint of each strut set and to a second joint respectively attached to one of the struts,
One of the first and second joints is slidably disposed in the longitudinal direction of each strut, and the other of the first and second joints is fixed in the longitudinal direction of each strut. Placed,
The distance between the connecting part to the first joint and the connecting part to the second joint in each of the first and second connecting members are all set substantially equal, and the two columns adjacent to each other are used. The upper end and the lower end of the first and second connecting members so that the ratio of the spacing between the columns of at least two columns that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of columns that are configured is a value other than 1: 1. An article characterized in that a height position of a connecting portion whose side is connected to the first and second joints, respectively, and a horizontal distance from a center of each pillar to which each joint is respectively attached to the connecting portion are set. Transport storage device. 5. An assembling position indicating a correct assembling positional relationship between the plurality of columns and the article mounting table when the plurality of columns and the article mounting table are removably assembled. The article transport / storage apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a determination unit. 6. The article transport / storage device according to claim 1, wherein the article mounting table is a pallet to which a lower portion of a column is attached. 7. The article mounting table is a table table supported by at least a part of columns.
An article transport / storage device according to any one of the above.