Gas cylinder storage warehouse and gas cylinder storage room

Abstract

This invention provides a gas cylinder storage facility and a gas cylinder safekeeping facility, which can store gas cylinders safely and easily. The gas cylinder storage facility (1) of this invention can accommodate multiple gas cylinders (2) and includes: a pair of frames (3) forming a space for storing the gas cylinders (2) to be stored, the pair of frames being arranged opposite each other and extending in the depth direction; a pair of conveying rollers (5) provided at the lower end of the pair of frames (3) in a manner spanning the left and right side frames (3R, 3L) in the depth direction; a gas cylinder holding plate (7) provided on the frames (3R, 3L), open in the conveying direction but closed in the opposite direction, the gas cylinder holding plate being provided at predetermined intervals in the depth direction corresponding to the number of gas cylinders (2) stored; and a stop member (9) provided at the innermost side in the conveying direction, which stops the movement of the gas cylinders (2) by abutting against the conveyed gas cylinders (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gas cylinder storage facility for storing gas cylinders sealed with high-pressure gases such as argon, and a gas cylinder storage facility using the gas cylinder storage facility.

[0002] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "gas cylinder storage facility" is not limited to a storage facility that stores gas cylinders in a closed space, such as a gas cylinder vault, but also includes a storage facility that stores gas cylinders in an open space. Background Technology

[0003] As a gas cylinder storage facility for storing gas cylinders sealed with high-pressure gases such as argon, for example as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is usually a method of storing multiple gas cylinders in a basket.

[0004] Gas cylinders come in various shapes, such as a slender and unstable shape with a diameter of about 250 mm and a height of about 1500 mm. When storing such gas cylinders, multiple gas cylinders in an upright position are usually secured and fixed by straps or chains.

[0005] Furthermore, when removing the necessary gas cylinders, manually loosen the chains and other fasteners, tilt the gas cylinders, and move them while rolling them with the bottom edge of the cylinders in contact with the ground.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 4-105665

[0007] Under existing storage methods, moving the required gas cylinders in and out is very cumbersome.

[0008] In addition, because the heavy gas cylinders are moved in the above manner, there is a risk of operators getting their hands caught when entering and leaving the storage facility.

[0009] Furthermore, when gas storage tanks containing different types of gases are stored in a warehouse, there are also very complex and troublesome problems with sorting and retrieval. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention addresses the problems described above, and its purpose is to provide a gas cylinder storage facility and gas cylinder safekeeping facility that enables safe and easy retrieval of gas cylinders.

[0011] In addition, the purpose of this invention is to provide a gas cylinder storage facility and gas cylinder safekeeping facility that can easily sort and retrieve multiple gas cylinders containing different types of gases.

[0012] (1) The gas cylinder storage facility of the present invention is capable of accommodating multiple gas cylinders, characterized in that it comprises: a pair of frames for forming a space for placing gas cylinders as storage objects, the pair of frames being arranged opposite each other and extending in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of conveying rollers being provided in the longitudinal direction at the lower end of the pair of frames in a manner spanning the left and right frames; gas cylinder holding plates being provided on the frames and being open in the conveying direction but not open in the opposite direction of the conveying direction, the gas cylinder holding plates being provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction corresponding to the number of gas cylinders contained; and a stop member being provided at the innermost side in the conveying direction, which stops the movement of the gas cylinder by abutting against the conveyed gas cylinder.

[0013] (2) In addition, in the gas cylinder storage warehouse described in (1) above, the characteristic is that all or part of the conveying rollers are drive rollers.

[0014] (3) In addition, in the gas cylinder storage warehouse described in (1) above, the conveying roller is characterized in that the conveying roller is composed of a driving roller and a non-driven free roller, and at least one conveying roller disposed at both ends of the conveying path is the free roller.

[0015] (4) In the gas cylinder storage warehouse described in (3) above, the conveying roller closest to the entry side and the conveying roller closest to the innermost side in the conveying direction are the free rollers.

[0016] (5) In the gas cylinder storage warehouse described in (4) above, the diameter of the free roller closest to the entry side and the free roller closest to the innermost side in the conveying direction is smaller than the diameter of the other conveying rollers.

[0017] (6) In addition, the gas cylinder storage facility involved in the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of gas cylinder storage facilities as described in any one of (1) to (5) above are arranged side by side, and adjacent gas cylinder storage facilities are connected to each other by connecting members.

[0018] (7) The gas cylinder storage facility of the present invention is characterized in that it contains a gas cylinder storage facility as described in any one of (1) to (6) above in a basket.

[0019] The gas cylinder storage facility of this invention includes: a frame for forming a space for placing gas cylinders to be stored, the frame being arranged opposite each other and extending in the depth direction; a plurality of conveying rollers arranged in the depth direction at the lower ends of the oppositely arranged frame, spanning the left and right sides of the frame; gas cylinder holding plates disposed on the frame, open in the conveying direction but closed in the opposite direction, the gas cylinder holding plates being arranged at predetermined intervals in the depth direction corresponding to the number of gas cylinders housed; and a stop member disposed at the innermost side in the conveying direction, stopping the movement of the gas cylinder by abutting against the conveyed gas cylinder. Therefore, gas cylinders can be stored safely and easily retrieved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment, viewed from the front side.

[0021] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the gas cylinder storage facility containing gas cylinders, viewed from the rear side.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The side view of the gas cylinder storage facility shown. Figure 3 (a) and the state after removing the lower end cover (Figure 1) Figure 3 (b)

[0023] Figure 4 This is a top view of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the conveying rollers of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view of the interior of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a side view of the interior of the gas cylinder storage facility involved in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram of a method for retrieving gas cylinders from a gas cylinder storage facility according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] [Implementation Method 1]

[0030] like Figures 1-5As shown, the gas cylinder storage facility 1 involved in this embodiment includes: a storage facility for accommodating gas cylinders 2 to be stored (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 The frame 3; the conveying roller 5 for forming the conveying path for conveying the gas cylinder; the gas cylinder retaining plate 7; and the stop component 9.

[0031] Furthermore, in this specification, in the direction of transporting gas cylinders to the gas cylinder storage 1, the inlet side of the gas cylinder is referred to as the "entry side" (or "entry side"). Figure 1 The left front side is called the "inner side" (or "front side"). Figure 1 The explanation will focus on the inside right side (inside). Additionally, the "inside" side also refers to the side from which the gas cylinder is moved out.

[0032] The following is a detailed explanation of each structure.

[0033] <Rack>

[0034] The rack 3 has a right rack 3R and a left rack 3L arranged opposite each other along the transport direction of the gas cylinders to be stored. These right racks 3R and left racks 3L extend in the transport direction to form a space for accommodating the gas cylinders 2 as protected objects.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the right frame 3R includes: a lower side 11aR, a middle side 11bR, and an upper side 11cR extending in the conveying direction; a front column 13aR connecting the lower side 11aR, the middle side 11bR, and the upper side 11cR and erected at the end on the entry side; a middle column 13bR connecting the lower side 11aR, the middle side 11bR, and the upper side 11cR and erected near the middle portion between the entry side and the inner side; and an inner column 13cR connecting the lower side 11aR and the middle side 11bR and erected at the end on the inner side.

[0036] The left frame 3L has the same structure as the right frame 3R.

[0037] The frame 3 in this embodiment is formed of steel angle members, but the material of the frame 3 of the present invention is not particularly limited.

[0038] <Conveying roller>

[0039] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, at the lower ends of the left and right frames 3R and 3L, which are arranged opposite each other, a plurality of conveying rollers 5 are provided along the conveying direction in a manner that spans the left and right frames 3R and 3L.

[0040] like Figure 3 (b) and Figure 6 As shown, the number of conveying rollers 5 in this embodiment is 19. The conveying rollers 5 consist of a motor-driven roller 5Dm, a belt-driven roller 5Dv, and free rollers 5F and 5f.

[0041] The conveying rollers in the gas cylinder storage compartment of this embodiment include at least one motor-driven roller 5Dm. The number of motor-driven rollers 5Dm can be appropriately designed according to the weight of the gas cylinders. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown, it has three motor-driven rollers 5Dm. The motor-driven rollers 5Dm are driven by motors to move the gas cylinder 2 to the inner side.

[0042] Additionally, a belt drive roller 5Dv is arranged next to the motor drive roller 5Dm. This belt drive roller 5Dv is driven by a driving force applied from the motor drive roller 5Dm via a belt. There need not be a single belt drive roller 5Dv; multiple belt drive rollers 5Dv can be arranged adjacent to each other. The number of belt drive rollers 5Dv can be appropriately designed according to the weight of the gas cylinder. Figure 6 In the configuration shown, three drive rollers 5Dv are arranged between the motor drive roller 5Dm and the motor drive roller 5Dm.

[0043] The electric motor driven roller 5Dm and the belt driven roller 5Dv are equivalent to the drive rollers (hereinafter, sometimes the two drive rollers, electric motor driven roller 5Dm and belt driven roller 5Dv, are abbreviated as drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv).

[0044] In addition, multiple free rollers 5F and 5f are provided on the inlet and inner sides of the conveying roller 5 in the conveying direction. These free rollers 5F and 5f are not driven by the power of an electric motor. Specifically, in Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, three free rollers are arranged on the inlet side, and four free rollers 5F and 5f are arranged on the inner side. Furthermore, the diameter of the innermost conveying roller 5f is smaller than the diameters of the other conveying rollers 5F. Figure 6 In this context, free rolls are represented by 5F, and free rolls with smaller diameters are represented by 5f.

[0045] As described above, the gas cylinder storage compartment 1 of this embodiment includes a conveying roller 5 with an electric motor-driven roller 5Dm and a belt-driven roller 5Dv. Therefore, the gas cylinder 2 can be smoothly conveyed from the inlet side to the inside.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All conveying rollers 5 can also be free rollers 5F and 5f, or drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv.

[0047] Furthermore, the following effects can be obtained by configuring free rollers 5F and 5f on the inlet and inner sides.

[0048] When placing the gas cylinder 2 on the conveying roller 5 and pushing it inwards by hand, if the gas cylinder 2 is placed on the free rollers 5F and 5f, it can be pushed with less force. However, if all rollers are drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv, force is required to rotate the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv. Therefore, placing the gas cylinder 2 on the conveying roller 5 requires the power of an electric motor or a large amount of manual labor.

[0049] In addition, the following effects can be obtained when free rollers 5F and 5f are arranged on the inner side.

[0050] The gas cylinder 2, which is transported by the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv, is transported to the innermost side and comes into contact with the stop member 9. When the entire bottom surface of the gas cylinder 2 is placed on the drive roller 5Dv and the drive roller 5Dv is rotating, the driving resistance is sometimes too large.

[0051] If a free roller 5F is installed on the innermost side, then when the gas cylinder 2 is being moved to the innermost side, as... Figure 6 As shown, most of the bottom surface of the gas cylinder 2 is located on the free roller 5F. Therefore, even when the drive roller 5Dv is idling, the driving resistance is small, which can prevent malfunctions caused by excessive load.

[0052] In addition, by setting the diameter of the free roller 5f located on the closest side to the entry point to be smaller, it is possible to obtain a shorter distance between the apexes of adjacent rollers, which makes it easier to place the gas cylinder 2 on the conveying roller 5.

[0053] Furthermore, it is preferred that the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv are driven only during the period when the drive switch (not shown) is continuously pressed, and the drive stops when the switch is stopped being pressed.

[0054] In addition, it is preferable to set the drive switch on both the inlet side and the inner side. The drive switch on the inlet side is used when storing the gas cylinder 2, and the drive switch on the inner side is used when removing the gas cylinder 2.

[0055] <Gas Cylinder Holding Plate>

[0056] Gas cylinder retaining plates 7 are provided on the middle sides 11bR and 11bL and the upper sides 11cR and 11cL of the frame 3. Corresponding to the number of gas cylinders 2 housed, gas cylinder retaining plates 7 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The gas cylinder retaining plates 7 retain the gas cylinders 2 by abutting against the circumferential surface of the gas cylinders 2.

[0057] More specifically, it is constructed as follows.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, four pairs of cylinder retaining plates 7 are provided in the upper and lower sections. The cylinder retaining plates 7 are configured to open in the conveying direction (allowing the cylinder to move in the conveying direction) but not open in the opposite direction (preventing the cylinder from moving). Each pair of cylinder retaining plates 7 is configured to tilt towards the space where the cylinder enters from the inlet side in the conveying direction. Figure 1 As shown in the enlarged view, the gas cylinder retaining plate 7 includes a spring 15 as a force-applying component. The gas cylinder retaining plate 7 is forceped by the spring 15 towards the space where the gas cylinder enters from the inlet side in the transport direction. Therefore, as the gas cylinder is transported, when the gas cylinder retaining plate 7 is pushed to the inlet, it rotates by a predetermined angle against the force of the spring 15. This widens the spacing between the paired gas cylinder retaining plates 7, allowing the gas cylinder 2 to pass over them. When the gas cylinder 2 is moved to the inlet after passing over the gas cylinder retaining plate 7, the rotated gas cylinder retaining plate 7 returns to its original position under the force of the spring 15.

[0059] That is, the gap between the pair of gas cylinder retaining plates 7 is normally narrower than the diameter of the gas cylinder 2. When the gas cylinder 2 is being transported, the gap between the pair of gas cylinder retaining plates 7 is widened by the gas cylinder 2. As the gas cylinder 2 passes through the gas cylinder retaining plates 7, the gap is restored to its normal state by the action of the spring 15.

[0060] <Stop component>

[0061] The stop component 9 is located at the inner end in the conveying direction to prevent the gas cylinder 2 from leaving the conveying path.

[0062] The stop member 9 of the gas cylinder storage tank in this embodiment is a rod-shaped body with one end rotatably mounted on the right frame 3R and the other end mounted on the left frame 3L. The stop member 9 is provided in the middle section and the upper section. Figure 1 The state shown is the state inside the closed conveying direction. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The state shown is the inward state in the open conveying direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper stop member 9 rotates upward, and the middle stop member 9 rotates downward (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0063] The opening and closing of the stop member 9 is linked to the driving of the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv. Specifically, when the inner side of the conveying direction is closed (i.e., the other end of the stop member 9 is closed), the drive switch of the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv can be pressed. This allows the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv to be driven. Conversely, when the inner side of the conveying direction is open (i.e., the other end of the stop member 9 is open), pressing the drive switch will not drive the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv. Thus, by linking the opening and closing of the stop member 9 with the driving of the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv, the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv can be driven even when the stop member 9 is closed, and the gas cylinder can be prevented from being further conveyed inward while in contact with the stop member 9.

[0064] The method of using the gas cylinder storage 1 of this embodiment, constructed in the manner described above, will be explained.

[0065] When storing gas cylinder 2, if Figure 5 As shown, the stop component 9 is first set to the open state. As described above, in this state, the drive roller will not be driven even if the drive switch is pressed.

[0066] Next, the gas cylinder 2 to be stored is placed on the conveying roller 5 on the entry side of the gas cylinder storage compartment 1. At this time, as described above, since the conveying roller 5 on the entry side is a free roller 5f, the gas cylinder 2 can be easily moved inward by manually pushing it in the conveying direction.

[0067] In addition, since the diameter of the free roller 5f located at the front end of the inlet side is relatively small, the distance between the apexes of the rollers is relatively short, making it easy to place the gas storage cylinder 2 across the two free rollers 5F and 5f.

[0068] The gas cylinder 2 is in a self-standing state on the conveying roller 5, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the gas cylinder 2 is pressed into a state where it rests on the drive roller 5Dv.

[0069] If at least a portion of the bottom surface of the gas storage cylinder 2 is placed on the conveying roller 5Dv, then as Figure 1 As shown, the stop component 9 is mounted on the left and right frames 3R and 3L and is in a locked state. Therefore, it is in a state where the drive motor can be driven by pressing the drive switch.

[0070] By pressing the drive switch in this state, the drive rollers 5Dm and 5Dv are driven, thereby conveying the gas cylinder 2 inward. Although the gas cylinder 2 comes into contact with the gas cylinder retaining plate 7 during the conveying process, the gas cylinder retaining plate 7 is pushed and rotated by the gas cylinder 2, so that the gas cylinder 2 can pass through the gas cylinder retaining plate 7.

[0071] If the gas cylinder 2 is moved to the designated position, the moving is stopped by pressing the drive switch.

[0072] The second gas cylinder 2 was also stored in the gas cylinder storage room 1 using the same procedure. The storage status of the four gas cylinders 2 was as follows: Figure 2 The state shown.

[0073] When removing the stored gas cylinder 2, set the stop part 9 as... Figure 5 In the open state shown, press the drive switch located on the exit side. This will allow the inner gas cylinder 2 to be sequentially ejected.

[0074] As described above, the gas cylinder storage 1 according to this embodiment allows for easy movement of the gas cylinder 2 along the transport path, thus eliminating the risk of being pinched as in the past when moving it manually, and ensuring safety.

[0075] In addition, since the gas cylinder storage 1 holds the gas cylinders in a stable state by the gas cylinder holding plate 7, it is not necessary to use chains or the like for fastening as in the past.

[0076] Thus, the gas cylinder storage 1 according to this embodiment can safely move gas cylinders 2 in and out, and can safely store gas cylinders 2.

[0077] Furthermore, the above description describes the case of storing gas cylinders 2 filled with gas, but the gas cylinder storage 1 of the present invention can also be used when storing gas cylinders 2 that have been recycled without being filled with gas.

[0078] Furthermore, the use of a single gas cylinder storage 1 has been described, but it is not a limitation. For example, when storing gas cylinders 2 filled with different types of gases, the same number of gas cylinder storage 1s of each type can be arranged side by side.

[0079] In this case, it can be achieved by using connector 21 (see reference). Figure 7 The gas cylinder storage units 1 are connected to each other to make the gas cylinder storage units 1 more stable. In addition, as for the connecting member 21, any conventionally known connecting member can be used as long as it can connect the gas cylinder storage units 1 to each other, and its structure is not limited.

[0080] [Implementation Method 2]

[0081] Implementation method 1 is an example of using a gas cylinder storage facility 1 in an open space, but as... Figures 7-9 As shown, the gas cylinder storage room 1 can also be housed in the basket 17 to be set up as the gas cylinder storage room 19.

[0082] Figures 7-9 This is an example of a gas cylinder storage room 19 that houses three gas cylinder storage rooms 1 within a basket 17.

[0083] Figure 7This is a top view of the interior of gas cylinder storage room 19. Figure 8 It is a side view. Figure 9 This is an illustration of the method for moving gas cylinder 2 into the gas cylinder storage room 19.

[0084] The centrally located gas cylinder storage compartment 1 is connected to the gas cylinder storage compartments 1 on both sides via connectors 21. Similarly, the gas cylinder storage compartments 1 on both sides are connected to the housing 17 via connectors 21. Thus, by using connectors 21 to connect the gas cylinder storage compartments 1 to each other and to the housing 17, the gas cylinder storage compartments 1 can be stably placed. In the gas cylinder storage compartment 19 of this embodiment, as long as the connectors 21 can connect the gas cylinder storage compartments 1 to each other and to the housing 17, conventionally known connectors can be used, and the structure is not limited.

[0085] Opening and closing doors 23, such as gates, are provided on the entry and exit sides of the basket 17 (see reference). Figure 9 When storing gas cylinder 2, open the door on the entry side; when removing gas cylinder 2, open the door on the exit side.

[0086] In the case of a gas cylinder storage room 19 that houses multiple gas cylinder storage rooms 1, different types of gas cylinders can be stored in each gas cylinder storage room 1, thereby making it easy to manage and retrieve the gas cylinders 2.

[0087] In addition, in order to make it possible to visually identify the number and type of gas cylinders 2 stored in the basket 17 from the outside, it is preferable to provide a display unit.

[0088] like Figure 9 As shown, a self-propelled gas cylinder transport robot 25 can also be used to move gas cylinders 2 into and out of the gas cylinder storage room 19. This makes it easier to move gas cylinders 2 in and out.

[0089] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0090] 1. Gas cylinder storage warehouse

[0091] 2 gas cylinders

[0092] 3 racks

[0093] 3R Right Frame

[0094] 3L Left Frame

[0095] 5 conveyor rollers

[0096] 5Dm motor-driven roller

[0097] 5Dv with drive roller

[0098] 5F Free Roller (Large Diameter)

[0099] 5f Free Roller (Minimum Diameter)

[0100] 6 belts

[0101] 7. Gas cylinder retaining clips

[0102] 9. Stopping components

[0103] 11aR Lower Side (Right Frame)

[0104] 11bR Middle Section Side (Right Frame)

[0105] 11cR Upper edge (right rack)

[0106] 11aL Lower Section (Left Frame)

[0107] 11bL Middle Section Side (Left Frame)

[0108] 11cL Upper Side (Left Frame)

[0109] 13aR Front Post (Right Frame)

[0110] 13bR Intermediate Post (Right Frame)

[0111] 13cR Inner Column (Right Frame)

[0112] 13aL Front column (left frame)

[0113] 13bL Intermediate Post (Left Frame)

[0114] 13cL inner column (left frame)

[0115] 15 Springs

[0116] 17 box

[0117] 19 Gas Cylinder Storage Warehouse

[0118] 21 Connectors

[0119] 23 Opening and closing doors

[0120] 25 Gas cylinder transport robots

Claims

1. A gas cylinder storage facility capable of accommodating multiple gas cylinders, characterized in that, include: A pair of racks for forming a space for placing gas cylinders to be stored, the pair of racks being arranged opposite each other and extending in the longitudinal direction; Multiple conveying rollers are provided at the lower end of the pair of frames in a longitudinal direction, spanning the left and right frames. A gas cylinder holding plate is provided on the frame, which is open in the conveying direction but not in the opposite direction of the conveying direction. The gas cylinder holding plate is provided at a predetermined interval in the depth direction in accordance with the number of gas cylinders housed. and A stop component, located at the innermost side in the conveying direction, stops the movement of the conveyed gas cylinder by abutting against it. The conveying rollers closest to the entry side and the innermost conveying rollers in the conveying direction are free rollers. The diameters of the free rollers closest to the entry side and the innermost free rollers in the conveying direction are smaller than the diameters of the other conveying rollers.

2. The gas cylinder storage facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the conveying direction, all or part of the conveying rollers, except for the free roller closest to the entry side and the free roller closest to the innermost side, are drive rollers.

3. The gas cylinder storage facility according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveying roller consists of a driven roller and a non-driven free roller, and at least one conveying roller disposed at both ends of the conveying path is the free roller.

4. A gas cylinder storage facility, characterized in that, Multiple gas cylinder storage units as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 are arranged side by side, and adjacent gas cylinder storage units are connected to each other by connectors.

5. A gas cylinder storage facility, characterized in that, The basket contains a gas cylinder storage container as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

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