JP7548578B2 - Storage rack - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. Sales date: November 30, 2020. Sales location: Sugihara Co., Ltd. Yamaguchi Factory (1274-1 Shimokosaba, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)

The present invention relates to a storage rack that stores and transports items.

Among storage racks that store and transport items, there are some that are capable of changing the size of the storage space depending on the items to be stored (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Registered Utility Model No. 3175354

However, conventional storage racks that allow the size of the storage space to be changed have a problem of high manufacturing costs due to the complex mechanism for changing the size of the storage space.

In view of the above, the technical objective of the present invention is to provide a storage rack that allows the size of the storage space to be changed while keeping manufacturing costs down.

The storage rack according to the present invention, which was invented to solve the above problems, is a storage rack comprising a rectangular base on which storage items are placed, support posts erected at at least four corners of the base, and horizontal bars that are detachably connected to the support posts by connecting parts and extend along the sides of the base, the horizontal bars having a length that fits into the gap between the adjacent supports along the sides of the base, and the connecting parts are made of a first connector fixed to the side of the support post and a second connector fixed to the end of one side of the horizontal bar. The connector has a first connecting state in which the second connecting member is fitted into the first connecting member with one side of the horizontal bar facing outward relative to the base, and connects the horizontal bar to the support, and a second connecting state in which the second connecting member is fitted into the first connecting member with one side of the horizontal bar facing inward relative to the base, and connects the horizontal bar to the support, can be selected according to the storage item placed on the base. Here, the rectangle includes a square (the same applies below).

According to this configuration, the position of the side of the horizontal bar facing inward relative to the base unit in the inward and outward directions of the base unit differs between the first and second connection states. The horizontal size of the storage space is determined by the position of the side of the horizontal bar facing inward relative to the base unit in the inward and outward directions of the base unit for each horizontal bar. Therefore, in this storage rack, the horizontal size of the storage space differs depending on whether each horizontal bar is in the first connection state or the second connection state. Therefore, the horizontal size of the storage space can be changed by selecting either the first connection state or the second connection state for each horizontal bar depending on the items to be stored. On the other hand, the connection part, which is a configuration for changing the size of the storage space, has a first connector fixed to the support and a second connector fixed to the horizontal bar and fitted into the first connector, and since this is a simple structure, the manufacturing cost of the connection part can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the entire storage rack. In this way, according to the storage rack of the present invention, it is possible to provide a storage rack that can change the size of the storage space while reducing manufacturing costs.

In the above configuration, a support column receiver that detachably receives the lower end of the support column may be provided on the base, and a third connector that fits with the second connector may be fixed to the side of the support column receiver. When the storage rack is not in use, the horizontal bar is removed from the support column, the support column is removed from the support column receiver, and the second connector is fitted into the third connector to connect the horizontal bar to the support column receiver, so that the rack can be stored with the support column placed on the base.

With this configuration, the cross bars and posts can be stored without taking up unnecessary space when the storage rack is not in use. In addition, the cross bars connected to the post holders can prevent the posts placed on the base from falling off the base.

The present invention provides a storage rack that allows the size of the storage space to be changed while keeping manufacturing costs down.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which an item is stored in a storage rack (in a first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a storage rack (first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic plan view showing a storage rack (first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a storage rack (first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a storage rack (first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the support column receiver periphery in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view corresponding to a portion A in FIG. 2 and is a view for explaining a first connection state. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view corresponding to part A in FIG. 2 and is a view for explaining a second connection state. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a storage rack (second connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a storage rack (second connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which storage racks (in a first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked in multiple layers. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which storage racks (in a first connected state) according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked in multiple layers. FIG. 12A is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 12, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the support column receiver in FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a storage rack (in storage) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a storage rack (in storage) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic front view showing a storage rack (in storage) according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic side view showing a storage rack (in storage) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 14, and FIG. 14B is a top view of part A. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which storage racks according to an embodiment of the present invention (in storage) are stacked in multiple layers. 1 is a schematic front view showing a state in which storage racks according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked in multiple layers (during storage). 20A is an enlarged view of a portion E in FIG. 20, and FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the fitting portion between the support column receivers in FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 to 6 are schematic diagrams showing a storage rack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the storage rack 1 is for storing and transporting an item L. In the illustrated example, the item L is a roll formed by winding a piece of cloth, a resin film, or the like into a roll, but of course the present invention is not limited to this and may be, for example, a container for storing medicines, beverages, etc. Also, in the illustrated example, the item L is stored in the storage rack 1 with the axial direction of the roll body, which is the item L, in the vertical direction, but the item L may also be stored in the storage rack 1 with the axial direction of the roll body, which is the item L, in the horizontal direction.

The storage rack 1 comprises a base portion 2 that is rectangular in plan view on which storage items L are placed, supports 3 erected at at least the four corners of the base portion 2, and cross bars 5 that are detachably connected to the supports 3 by connecting parts 4 and extend along the sides of the base portion 2 (parts that are the sides of the rectangular base portion 2 in plan view).

The base 2 has a rectangular floor 2a in a plan view. The floor 2a has a flat upper surface on which the stored item L is placed. At least four corners of the floor 2a are provided with support column receivers 6 that detachably receive the lower ends 3a of the supports 3.

As shown in FIG. 6(A), the entire support 6 extends vertically and has a square tubular base 6a, a square tubular main body 6b, and a square tubular connecting portion 6c that tapers gradually upward and connects the upper end of the base 6a to the lower end of the main body 6b.

As shown in FIG. 6B, a partition plate 6d is provided inside the support 6 to separate the main body 6b side from the connection portion 6c side. The partition plate 6d is provided with a through hole 6e that passes through the partition plate 6d in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), when the support 3 is attached to the support holder 6, the lower end 3a of the support 3 is inserted into the main body 6b of the support holder 6, and the lower end surface of the support 3 abuts against the upper surface of the partition plate portion 6d.

A reinforcing horizontal member 2b extending along the side of the base portion 2 is connected to the base 6a of the adjacent support column 6 along the side of the base portion 2. A number of reinforcing vertical members 2c extending in the vertical direction are connected to the floor portion 2a and the reinforcing horizontal member 2b. The forks of a forklift can be inserted into the gap between the floor portion 2a and the reinforcing horizontal member 2b.

The support 3 is a rectangular cylinder extending vertically and has four sides 3b. A cover member 3c with a truncated pyramid-shaped top is attached to the upper opening of the support 3 to cover the opening.

The horizontal bars 5 have a length that fits into the space (gap) between adjacent posts 3 along the sides of the base 2. In other words, the length of the horizontal bars 5 is slightly shorter than the distance between adjacent posts 3 along the sides of the base 2. The horizontal bars 5 are rectangular tubular shapes extending horizontally and have four sides 5a. Two horizontal bars 5 are arranged above and below each side of the base 2. All horizontal bars 5 in the upper row are the same height, and all horizontal bars 5 in the lower row are the same height.

The connecting part 4 has a pillar connector 7 (first connector) fixed to the side 3b of the pillar 3, and a cross-rail connector 9 (second connector) fixed to the end of one side 5a of the cross-rail 5 (hereinafter, the connecting side 8) and fitting with the pillar connector 7.

The pillar connector 7 is a plate-like member with a U-shaped horizontal cross section, and the portion corresponding to the open end of the U shape is fixed to the side 3b of the pillar 3. The pillar connector 7 has openings at both the top and bottom ends when fixed to the side 3b of the pillar 3. The pillar connector 7 is fixed to the two side portions 3b of the pillar 3 that face outward relative to the base portion 2 in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the cross-rail connector 9 is an L-shaped flat member, with a portion (fixing portion 9a) corresponding to one side of the L shape fixed to the connecting side portion 8 of the cross-rail 5 along the extension direction of the cross-rail 5, and a portion (insertion portion 9b) corresponding to the other side of the L shape fitting with the strut connector 7. The cross-rail connector 9 has fixing portions 9a fixed to both ends of the connecting side portion 8 of the cross-rail 5 so that the tips of the insertion portions 9b face downward. The gap formed between the strut connector 7 and the side portion 3b of the strut 3 is large enough to allow one insertion portion 9b of the cross-rail connector 9 to be inserted.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6(A), a support post connector 10 (third connector) that can fit with the cross-rail connector 9 is fixed to the side 6f of the main body 6b of the support post 6.

The pillar support connector 10 is a plate-like member with a U-shaped horizontal cross section, and the portion corresponding to the open end of the U-shape is fixed to the side 6f of the pillar support 6. The pillar support connector 10 has openings at both the top and bottom ends when fixed to the side 6f of the pillar support 6. The pillar support connector 10 is fixed to the two side portions 6f of the main body 6b of the pillar support 6 that face outward relative to the base portion 2 in a plan view. The gap formed between the pillar support connector 10 and the side portion 6f of the pillar support 6 is large enough to allow two overlapping insertion portions 9b of the horizontal rail connector 9 to be inserted.

The storage rack 1 can be configured to connect the horizontal rail 5 to the support 3 by fitting the horizontal rail connector 9 into the support connector 7 with the connecting side 8 of the horizontal rail 5 facing outward relative to the base 2 in a plan view, or to connect the horizontal rail 5 to the support 3 by fitting the horizontal rail connector 9 into the support connector 7 with the connecting side 8 of the horizontal rail 5 facing inward relative to the base 2 in a plan view, depending on the storage items L (the size, shape, number, arrangement, etc. of the storage items L themselves) to be placed on the base 2.

In more detail, as shown by the arrow in Figure 7(A), the insertion portion 9b of the cross-rail connector 9 is fitted into the support column connector 7 so that the connecting side portion 8 of the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure) faces outward relative to the base portion 2 in a plan view, and the state in which the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure) is connected to a pair of supports 3 as shown in Figure 7(B) is the first connecting state for the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure).

As shown by the arrow in Figure 8(A), the insertion portion 9b of the cross-rail connector 9 is fitted into the support column connector 7 so that the connecting side portion 8 of the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure) faces inward relative to the base portion 2 in a plan view, and the state in which the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure) is connected to a pair of supports 3 as shown in Figure 8(B) is the second connecting state for the cross-rail 5 (on the right side in the figure).

In the storage rack 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6, all of the cross bars 5 are in the first connection state. In contrast, Figures 9 and 10 show a storage rack 1 in which all of the cross bars 5 are in the second connection state. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and cross bars 5 in the first connection state and cross bars 5 in the second connection state may be mixed. For example, short cross bars 5 may be in the first connection state and long cross bars 5 in the second connection state, or short cross bars 5 may be in the second connection state and long cross bars 5 in the first connection state.

In the first and second connected states, the position of the side 5a of the horizontal rail 5 that faces inward relative to the base 2 in a plan view is different. In this embodiment, the position of the side 5a of the horizontal rail 5 that faces inward relative to the base 2 in a plan view is more inward in the inward and outward direction of the base 2 in the first connected state than in the second connected state. Therefore, in Figures 3 and 10, the distance between opposing horizontal rails 5 (distance d1 between short horizontal rails 5, distance d2 between long horizontal rails 5) is shorter in Figure 3. In other words, the horizontal size of the storage space is smaller in Figure 3 than in Figure 10.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the storage racks 1 can be stacked in multiple layers. When stacking the storage racks 1 in multiple layers, as shown in Figure 13 (A), for two stacked storage racks 1, the support posts 6 of the upper storage rack 1 become the support parts that receive the upper ends of the supports 3 of the lower storage rack 1.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 13(B), when the storage racks 1 are stacked in multiple tiers, the upper end of the support 3 of the lower storage rack 1 is inserted into the base 6a and connection 6c of the support bracket 6 of the upper storage rack 1 of the two stacked storage racks 1, and the upper end surface of the cover member 3c attached to the support 3 of the lower storage rack 1 abuts against the underside of the partition plate portion 6d of the support bracket 6 of the upper storage rack 1.

As shown in Figures 14 to 18, when the storage rack 1 is not in use, the cross bars 5 are removed from the posts 3, the posts 3 are removed from the post holders 6, and the cross bar connectors 9 are fitted into the post holder connectors 10 to connect the cross bars 5 to the post holders 6, and the rack is stored with the posts 3 placed on the base 2.

At this time, in this embodiment, a pair of horizontal bars 5 (overlapping in the inward and outward direction of the base part 2 in a plan view) are connected to adjacent support posts 6 along the sides of the base part 2. One of the pair of horizontal bars 5 (the inner one in the inward and outward direction of the base part 2 in a plan view) is connected to the support post 6 with the connecting side part 8 facing outward relative to the base part 2 in a plan view. The other of the pair of horizontal bars 5 (the outer one in the inward and outward direction of the base part 2 in a plan view) is connected to the support post 6 with the connecting side part 8 of the horizontal bar 5 facing inward relative to the base part 2 in a plan view. This allows all of the horizontal bars 5 to be connected to the support post 6 when the storage rack 1 is not in use.

The posts 3 are placed on the base 2 in parallel along the direction of the long sides of the base 2. The length of the posts 3 is shorter than the distance d1 between the short cross bars 5 in FIG. 15, and longer than the distance d2 between the long cross bars 5 in FIG. 15. Note that in FIG. 15, the cross bar connector 9 of the cross bar 5 fits with the support connector 10, and in FIG. 3, the cross bar connector 9 of the cross bar 5 fits with the support connector 7, so the distances d1 and d2 in FIG. 15 are slightly longer than the distances d1 and d2 in FIG. 3, respectively.

As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the storage racks 1 (base parts 2) in this stored state can be stacked in multiple layers. As shown in Figure 21 (A), when the storage racks 1 in the stored state are stacked in multiple layers, the support posts 6 of the upper storage rack 1 of the two stacked storage racks 1 become the support parts that receive the upper ends of the support posts 6 of the lower storage rack 1.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 21(B), when the storage racks 1 in the storage state are stacked in multiple tiers, the upper end of the main body 6b of the support post 6 of the lower storage rack 1 is inserted into the base 6a and connection 6c of the support post 6 of the upper storage rack 1, and the upper end surface of the main body 6b of the support post 6 of the lower storage rack 1 abuts against the underside of the partition plate 6d of the support post 6 of the upper storage rack 1.

In the storage rack 1 configured as described above, the position of the side 5a of the horizontal rail 5 facing inward relative to the base 2 in a plan view differs between the first and second connection states. The horizontal size of the storage space is determined by the position of the side 5a of the horizontal rail 5 facing inward relative to the base 2 in a plan view in the base 2. Therefore, in this storage rack 1, the horizontal size of the storage space differs depending on whether each horizontal rail 5 is in the first connection state or the second connection state. Therefore, the horizontal size of the storage space can be changed by selecting either the first connection state or the second connection state for each horizontal rail 5 according to the storage items L. On the other hand, the connection part 4, which is a configuration for changing the size of the storage space, has a support rod connector 7 fixed to the support 3 and a horizontal rail connector 9 fixed to the horizontal rail 5 and fitted with the support rod connector 7, and this is a simple structure, so that the manufacturing cost of the connection part 4 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the entire storage rack 1. In this way, the storage rack 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to provide a storage rack that allows the size of the storage space to be changed while keeping manufacturing costs down.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, the pillar connector 7 and the pillar support connector 10 are plate-shaped members with a U-shaped horizontal cross section, and the cross-bar connector 9 is an L-shaped flat member, but the pillar connector 7 and the pillar support connector 10 may be L-shaped flat members, and the cross-bar connector 9 may be a U-shaped flat member in horizontal cross section. In this case, the L-shaped flat member serving as the pillar connector 7 (pillar support connector 10) is fixed to the pillar 3 (pillar support 6) so that the tip of the insertion part that fits with the cross-bar connector 9 faces upward.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the support pillars 3 are erected only at the four corners of the base part 2, but further support pillars 3 may be erected between adjacent support pillars 3 along the sides of the base part 2.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the support pillars 3 and cross bars 5 are rectangular tubular, but they are not limited to this and may be solid rectangular pillars or rods with a U-shaped or L-shaped cross section.

1 Storage rack 2 Base portion 3 Support 3a Lower end portion 3b Side portion 4 Connection portion 5 Cross rail 5a Side portion 6 Support support 6f Side portion 7 Support connector (first connector)
8 Side portion for connecting the horizontal beam 9 Horizontal beam connector (second connector)
10 Support column connector (third connector)
L Storage items

Claims (3)

A storage rack comprising a rectangular base on which storage items are placed, support posts erected at at least four corners of the base, and horizontal bars detachably connected to the support posts by connecting parts and extending along sides of the base,
the horizontal beam has a length that fits into a space between adjacent posts along a side of the base portion,
The connecting portion includes a first connector fixed to a side portion of the support and a second connector fixed to an end portion of one side portion of the horizontal beam and engaging with the first connector,
This storage rack is characterized in that a first connecting state in which the second connector is fitted into the first connector with one side of the horizontal bar facing outward relative to the base, thereby connecting the horizontal bar to the support, and a second connecting state in which the second connector is fitted into the first connector with one side of the horizontal bar facing inward relative to the base, thereby connecting the horizontal bar to the support, can be selected depending on the items to be stored on the base. The storage rack according to claim 1, characterized in that the base portion is provided with a support bracket that detachably receives the lower end of the support. The storage rack according to claim 2, characterized in that a third connector that fits with the second connector is fixed to the side of the support post holder, and when the storage rack is not in use, the cross rail is removed from the support post, the support post is removed from the support post holder, and the second connector is fitted into the third connector to connect the cross rail to the support post holder, and the support post is placed on the base portion for storage.

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