Industrial shelving

By employing a slit and force-applying mechanism design in industrial material racks, and utilizing torsion helical springs and rotating brackets to support blocking components, the problem of plate-shaped components protruding and falling off during transportation is solved, thereby improving yield and operability.

CN118891205BActive Publication Date: 2026-08-04NICOS GMBH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NICOS GMBH
Filing Date
2023-04-06
Publication Date
2026-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing industrial material racks are prone to producing defective products when the blocking components come into contact with the plate-shaped components. Furthermore, the plate-shaped components are prone to protruding or falling off during transportation, which affects the yield and operability.

Method used

An industrial material rack was designed, which uses a blocking component with a slit formed on the inner surface of the side plate and a force-applying mechanism. The blocking component is supported by a torsion coil spring and a rotating bracket to prevent it from contacting the plate-shaped component when it is in the closed or open position. The force-applying mechanism ensures the stable storage of the plate-shaped component.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents the blocking components from opening accidentally during transportation, reduces the protrusion and detachment of plate-shaped components, improves the yield and operability, simplifies the structure and reduces the generation of defective products.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides an industrial shelf in which a force applying mechanism that prevents a blocking member from being applied with a force toward a closed position or an open position comes into contact with a plate-shaped member housed in a shelf body. The industrial shelf has a base that is fixed to a bottom surface of a top plate or an upper surface of a bottom plate; a rotating bracket that is rotatably supported in the base on the outside of a side plate about a rotating axis that extends in the vertical direction, supports the blocking member; and a torsion coil spring that has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion is installed in the base on the outside of the rotating center of the rotating bracket in the left-right direction, the second end portion is installed in the rotating bracket between the rotating center of the rotating bracket in the left-right direction and the first end portion, the torsion coil spring applies a force to the blocking member toward the closed position when the second end portion is on one side of an imaginary line that connects the rotating center of the rotating bracket and the first end portion, and the torsion coil spring applies a force to the blocking member toward the open position when the second end portion is on the other side of the imaginary line.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an industrial rack for storing plate-shaped components such as printed wiring substrates, liquid crystal substrates, disk substrates, and semiconductor wafers. Background Technology

[0002] In a production line, industrial racks are used to transport plate-shaped components that serve as substrate materials. For example, in a production line manufacturing mounting substrates on printed circuit boards (PCBs) to which the required electronic circuit components are mounted, an industrial rack is installed on a transport base connecting the PCB manufacturing process and the electronic circuit component mounting process. Multiple PCBs manufactured in the PCB manufacturing process are then sequentially placed into an empty industrial rack, which is then transported to the electronic circuit component mounting process. In the electronic circuit component mounting process, the PCBs placed in the industrial rack are removed one by one, the electronic circuit components are mounted, and the manufactured mounting substrates are placed back into the industrial rack. The industrial rack containing the mounting substrates is then removed from the transport base by the operator and transported to the required storage location or the next process step.

[0003] As is often the case, industrial shelving units are sometimes removed from their transport bases by operators and moved to other locations, making it practically difficult to maintain their horizontal position. This can easily lead to issues such as shelving units bulging out of the shelving unit or even falling off during transport. Consequently, operators must handle the shelving units with extreme care, reducing operability. Furthermore, not only during operator transport but also during the acceleration and deceleration of automated conveyor systems (AGS), shelving units can bulge or fall off. Increasing the transport speed of AGS to improve productivity further increases the likelihood of shelving units bulging or falling off. Moreover, when shelving units fall off the shelving unit, they become defective, reducing the yield rate.

[0004] To prevent such abnormalities from occurring, various industrial racks with blocking mechanisms at the openings have been proposed in the past (for example, see Patent Document 1). The blocking mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes: a blocking member that is rotatable to a closed position that closes the front end of a slit provided in the side plate and an open position that opens the front end of the slit; and a helical spring that applies force to the blocking member toward the closed or open position.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model Announcement No. 209536116 Specification. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in Patent Document 1, one end of the helical spring is located on the inner side of the side plate, and the other end is located on the outer side of the side plate. Therefore, there is a problem that when the plate-shaped member housed in the slit or a component mounted on the plate-shaped member (e.g., a resistor, capacitor, transistor, etc.) comes into contact with the helical spring, it becomes a defective product, thus reducing the yield rate. Hereinafter, the plate-shaped member and the component mounted on the plate-shaped member will be collectively referred to and simply abbreviated as "plate-shaped member".

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the prior art problems as described above, and its object is to provide an industrial material rack that prevents the force-applying mechanism that applies force to the blocking member toward the closed or open position from contacting the plate-shaped member housed in the rack body.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To address this technical problem, the present invention provides an industrial material rack, characterized by comprising: a rack body comprising a pair of side plates arranged facing each other in a left-right direction, a top plate supporting the upper ends of the pair of side plates, and a bottom plate supporting the lower ends of the pair of side plates; wherein a plurality of slits are formed on the inner surface of each pair of side plates to accommodate the ends of plate-shaped members housed therein; a blocking member rotatable to a closed position closing the front end of the slits and an open position opening the front end of the slits; and a force-applying mechanism respectively mounted on the top plate and the bottom plate, applying force to the blocking member toward the closed position or the open position, the force-applying mechanism comprising: a base fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate or the upper surface of the bottom plate; and a rotating bracket, which, in the... The outer side of the side plate is rotatably supported on the base about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, supporting the blocking member; and a torsion coil spring having a first end and a second end, the first end being mounted on the base on the outer side of the rotation center of the rotating bracket in the left-right direction, and the second end being mounted on the rotating bracket between the rotation center of the rotating bracket and the first end in the left-right direction, wherein, when viewed from above, the torsion coil spring exerts a force on the blocking member toward the closed position when the second end is located on one side of the imaginary line connecting the rotation center of the rotating bracket and the first end, and the torsion coil spring exerts a force on the blocking member toward the open position when the second end is located on the other side of the imaginary line.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, an industrial material rack can be obtained that prevents the force-applying mechanism that applies force to the blocking member toward the closed or open position from contacting the plate-shaped member housed in the rack body. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the industrial material rack.

[0016] Figure 2A This is an enlarged view of the area near the force-applying mechanism that applies force to the blocking member toward the closed position.

[0017] Figure 2B This is an enlarged view of the area near the force-applying mechanism that applies force to the blocking member toward the open position.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the force-applying mechanism.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a six-sided view of the base.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a six-sided view of the rotating bracket.

[0021] Figure 6A A top view of the force-applying mechanism located on one side of the imaginary line at the second end.

[0022] Figure 6B A top view of the force-applying mechanism positioned on an imaginary line at the second end.

[0023] Figure 6C A top view of the force-applying mechanism located on the other side of the imaginary line at the second end. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of the industrial material rack 1 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of embodying the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the scope described herein. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications to the embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the industrial material rack 1. The industrial material rack 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with open front and rear surfaces. Furthermore, the industrial material rack 1 is a box-shaped structure with an internal space that accommodates multiple plate-shaped components (e.g., printed wiring substrates, liquid crystal substrates, disk substrates, semiconductor wafers) spaced at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0026] It should be noted that, among the two open surfaces of the industrial material rack 1, the surface on which the plate-shaped component is inserted is defined as the "front surface," the direction of inserting the plate-shaped component is defined as the "rear," and the direction of pulling out the plate-shaped component is defined as the "front." Furthermore, the left and right directions are defined when viewing the industrial material rack 1 from the front side.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the industrial rack 1 has a box-shaped frame body consisting of a top plate 2, a bottom plate 3, a pair of side plates 4 and 5, and supports 6 and 7 (support 7 is not shown). The top plate 2, bottom plate 3, and side plates 4 and 5 are formed of resin materials such as polystyrene resin, ABS resin, and polyamide resin. On the other hand, the supports 6 and 7 are formed of metal materials such as aluminum alloy. However, the materials of the structural components of the industrial rack 1 are not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0028] Top plate 2 defines the upper surface of the frame body, bottom plate 3 defines the lower surface of the frame body, side plate 4 defines the right surface of the frame body, and side plate 5 defines the left surface of the frame body. Furthermore, top plate 2 and bottom plate 3 are arranged facing each other in the vertical direction. Moreover, a pair of side plates 4 and 5 are arranged facing each other in the horizontal direction. In other words, a pair of side plates 4 and 5 are arranged between top plate 2 and bottom plate 3 at a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction, and are erected vertically in the vertical direction. Moreover, a plate-like member is housed within the internal space enclosed by top plate 2, bottom plate 3, and the pair of side plates 4 and 5.

[0029] The upper end of the side plate 4 is detachably fastened to the right end of the lower surface of the top plate 2 by bolts 8. Furthermore, the lower end of the side plate 4 is detachably fastened to the right end of the upper surface of the bottom plate 3 by bolts (not shown). That is, the side plate 4 (one side plate) is fixed to the right ends of the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3. However, the right ends of both the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3 protrude further to the right than the side plate 4. On the other hand, the side plate 5 (the other side plate) is slidably supported on the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3 along guide rails 2a and 3a provided on the lower surface of the top plate 2 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 3, in a direction close to or away from the side plate 4 (i.e., the left-right direction).

[0030] The upper end of support column 6 is connected to the front left corner of the lower surface of top plate 2, and the lower end is connected to the front left corner of the upper surface of bottom plate 3. Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, the upper end of support column 7 is connected to the rear left corner of the lower surface of top plate 2, and the lower end is connected to the rear left corner of the upper surface of bottom plate 3. That is, top plate 2 is supported by side plates 4 and supports 6 and 7.

[0031] In addition, multiple slits 4a and 5a are formed on the inner surfaces (opposite surfaces) of side plates 4 and 5 (refer to slit 4a). Figure 2A , Figure 2B Multiple slits 4a are formed at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the multiple slits 4a extend in the front-rear direction. The multiple slits 4a are formed, for example, between multiple protruding strips that protrude from the inner surface of the side plate 4 in the vertical direction and extend in the front-rear direction. The same applies to the slits 5a formed on the inner surface of the side plate 5.

[0032] The slits 4a and 5a accommodate the left and right ends of the plate-shaped member housed inside the industrial material rack 1. More specifically, the front ends of the slits 4a and 5a are open. The plate-shaped member is then inserted rearward through the open front ends of the slits 4a and 5a. The ends of the plate-shaped member are thus supported by the protrusions on the lower sides of the slits 4a and 5a. Furthermore, the plate-shaped member is pulled forward through the open front ends of the slits 4a and 5a. On the other hand, the rear ends of the slits 4a and 5a can be either open or closed. When the rear ends of the slits 4a and 5a are open, it is preferable to further provide a blocking member 9 for opening and closing the rear ends of the slits 4a and a pair of force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B, which are omitted from description in this embodiment.

[0033] Furthermore, the industrial material rack 1 has a blocking member 9 and a pair of force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B. The blocking member 9 and the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B are mounted in a pair of side plates 4 and 5 and fixed to the side plate 4 of the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3. In addition, the blocking member 9 and the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B are detachably mounted on the industrial material rack 1 (more specifically, on the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3).

[0034] Figure 2A An enlarged view of the force-applying mechanism 10A near the blocking member 9, which applies force to the closed position. Figure 2B An enlarged view of the force-applying mechanism 10A near the blocking member 9, which applies force to the opening position. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the force-applying mechanism 10A. Figure 4 This is a six-sided view of the base 20. Figure 5 This is a six-sided view of the rotating bracket 30. Figure 6A A top view of the force-applying mechanism 10A located on one side of the imaginary line L for the second end 53. Figure 6B A top view of the force-applying mechanism 10A positioned on the imaginary line L for the second end 53. Figure 6C A top view of the force-applying mechanism 10A located on the other side of the imaginary line L for the second end 53.

[0035] The blocking member 9 is an L-shaped angle iron with an L-shaped cross-section (orthogonal to the length direction). The blocking member 9 can be formed, for example, by bending a flat plate of metal such as aluminum alloy, or by extruding a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The length dimension of the blocking member 9 is approximately the same as the height of the side plate 4. The blocking member 9 is rotatably supported on the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3 via force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B. More specifically, the blocking member 9... Figure 2A The closing position shown and Figure 2B The open position shown rotates about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0036] like Figure 2AAs shown, the closed position is the position where the front end of slit 4a is closed. That is, when the blocking member 9 is positioned in the closed position, the plate-shaped member cannot be inserted into the frame body through the front ends of slits 4a and 5a, nor can the plate-shaped member be pulled out from the frame body. On the other hand, as Figure 2B As shown, the open position is the position of the front end of the open slit 4a. That is, when the blocking member 9 is positioned in the open position, the plate-shaped member can be inserted and removed into the frame body through the front ends of the slits 4a and 5a.

[0037] Force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B apply force to the blocking member 9 towards the closed or open position. More specifically, force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B apply force to the blocking member 9 towards the closed position when it is closer to the closed position than the intermediate position between the closed and open positions, and apply force to the blocking member 9 towards the open position when it is closer to the open position. Force-applying mechanism 10A is mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 3, and force-applying mechanism 10B is mounted on the lower surface of the top plate 2.

[0038] The force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B are reversed left and right, but their basic structure is the same. Therefore, the structure of force-applying mechanism 10A will be explained below. On the other hand, in the explanation of force-applying mechanism 10A, if the "bottom plate 3" is regarded as the "top plate 2" and the top and bottom are reversed, the structure and configuration of force-applying mechanism 10B will be clear.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the force-applying mechanism 10A mainly includes a base 20, a rotating bracket 30, a locking pin 40 (locking member), and a torsion coil spring 50. The base 20, rotating bracket 30, and locking pin 40 are formed of, for example, a resin material. The torsion coil spring 50 is formed of, for example, a metal material. However, the materials of the structural components of the force-applying mechanism 10A are not limited to the aforementioned examples.

[0040] The base 20 is fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 3. Furthermore, the base 20 supports the rotating bracket 30 and the torsion coil spring 50 on its surface side (the upper surface side when the force-applying mechanism 10A is installed on the base plate 3). Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the base 20 mainly includes: a main board 21, a bracket support 22, an abutment part 23, 24, a locking hole 25, a spring retaining part 26, and pressed-in parts 27a and 27b.

[0041] The main board 21 is a flat plate. On the surface of the main board 21 (the surface supporting the rotating bracket 30 and the torsion coil spring 50), a bracket support portion 22, abutment portions 23 and 24, and a spring retaining portion 26 are formed. Furthermore, on the back side of the main board 21 (the side opposite to the main board surface), pressed-in portions 27a and 27b are formed. Moreover, a locking hole 25 penetrates the main board 21 in the thickness direction.

[0042] The bracket support 22 supports the rotating bracket 30, allowing it to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the bracket support 22 connects the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30. The bracket support 22 is composed of, for example, a protrusion 22a extending from the surface of the main board 21, and one or more engaging claws 22b provided at the top of the protrusion 22a.

[0043] The cross-section of the protrusion 22a is circular (cylindrical in this embodiment). The engaging claw 22b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 22a at its apex. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging claw 22b is provided at two locations circumferentially spaced apart from the protrusion 22a (180° intervals in this embodiment). The protrusion 22a enters the through hole 34 of the rotating bracket 30, which will be described later. The engaging claw 22b passes through the through hole 34 and engages with the wall surface of the through hole 34. However, the number of engaging claws 22b is not limited to two; it can be one or more.

[0044] The abutment portions 23 and 24 limit the rotation range of the rotating bracket 30. When the blocking member 9 is in the closed or open position, the abutment portions 23 and 24 abut against the rotating bracket 30, preventing further rotation of the rotating bracket 30 (in other words, the blocking member 9). More specifically, the abutment portion 23 (the first abutment portion) abuts against the rotating bracket 30 when the blocking member 9 is in the closed position, limiting the movement of the blocking member 9 in the direction from the open position towards the closed position (i.e.,...). Figure 6A The rotating member 9 rotates further in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, the abutment portion 24 (the second abutment portion) abuts against the rotating bracket 30 when the blocking member 9 is in the open position, restricting the blocking member 9 from rotating in the direction from the closed position towards the open position (i.e., clockwise rotation). Figure 6C (rotate further in the counterclockwise direction).

[0045] The engaging hole 25 is formed in a position where the locking pin 40 supporting the rotating bracket 30 can enter when the blocking member 9 is in the open position. The spring retaining part 26 supports the first end 52 of the torsion coil spring 50 (described later) so that it can rotate. The pressed-in parts 27a and 27b are portions that fix the base 20 to the base plate 3 by being pressed between the reinforcing ribs provided on the upper surface of the base plate 3.

[0046] By loosening (removing) the bolts fastening the base plate 3 and the side plate 4, the base 20 of the force application mechanism 10A can be mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 3. Furthermore, as... Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, by tightening the base plate 3 and side plate 4 again with bolts, the base 20 of the force application mechanism 10A is clamped between the base plate 3 and side plate 4. At this time, as... Figures 6A-6CAs shown, the bracket support 22 is located on the outside of the side plate 4 (opposite to the internal space of the industrial rack 1). In addition, the spring retainer 26 is located on the outside of the bracket support 22 in the left-right direction and behind the bracket support 22 in the front-back direction.

[0047] The rotating bracket 30 is rotatably supported on the bracket support portion 22 of the base 20 about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. That is, the rotation center of the rotating bracket 30 (= the protrusion 22a of the bracket support portion 22) is located outside the side plate 4 in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 30 of the force-applying mechanism 10A supports the lower end of the blocking member 9, and the rotating bracket 30 of the force-applying mechanism 10B supports the upper end of the blocking member 9. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the rotating bracket 30 mainly includes: a blocking member retaining part 31, a pin retaining part 32, a spring retaining part 33, and a through hole 34.

[0048] The blocking member retaining part 31 holds the longitudinal end of the blocking member 9. The blocking member retaining part 31 has a slit corresponding to the shape (L-shape) of the longitudinal end of the blocking member 9. That is, by inserting or pulling the lower end of the blocking member 9 in the blocking member retaining part 31 in the vertical direction, the blocking member 9 can be detached from the rotating bracket 30. The pin retaining part 32 holds the locking pin 40. A through hole is formed in the pin retaining part 32 for the top end of the locking pin 40 to extend and retract on the back side (base plate 3 side, base 20 side). The spring retaining part 33 supports the second end 53 of the torsion coil spring 50 (described later) so that it is rotatable.

[0049] The through hole 34 passes through the rotating bracket 30 in the thickness direction at the rotation center of the blocking member holding part 31. The diameter of the through hole 34 is set to be larger than the outer dimensions of the protrusion 22a and smaller than the diameter of the imaginary circle connecting the tops of the plurality of engaging claws 22b. That is, when the protrusion 22a is pressed into the through hole 34 and the engaging claws 22b pass through, the engaging claws 22b engage with the wall surface defining the through hole 34 (i.e., the upper surface of the rotating bracket 30). Thus, the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 are modularized. Furthermore, the rotating bracket 30 can rotate relative to the base 20 about the protrusion 22a as the rotation center.

[0050] Moreover, such as Figures 6A-6C As shown, when viewed from above, the force-applying mechanism 10A mounted on the base plate 3 is positioned between the bracket support 22 (i.e., the rotation center of the rotating bracket 30) and the spring retainer 26 (i.e., the first end 52 of the torsion coil spring 50) in the front-back direction and the left-right direction, respectively. This positional relationship is maintained throughout the entire rotation range of the rotating bracket 30.

[0051] The locking pin 40 is a component that switches between locking and allowing rotation of the rotating bracket 30 when the blocking member 9 is in a closed or open position. The locking pin 40 is a long, rod-shaped component. The locking pin 40 is held in the pin holding portion 32 with its length direction oriented vertically. Furthermore, the locking pin 40 is retractably held in the pin holding portion 32 in the length direction (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0052] The top (lower end) of the locking pin 40 is inserted into the pin holding part 32 from the surface side of the rotating bracket 30 (opposite to the base 20), and extends and retracts from the back side of the rotating bracket 30 (opposite to the base 20). On the other hand, a holding part 41 is provided at the base (upper end) of the locking pin 40 for the operator to hold when the locking pin 40 moves forward and backward.

[0053] like Figure 2A As shown, when the blocking member 9 is in the closed position, the pin retaining part 32 is positioned vertically to enter the engagement groove 3b provided on the front surface of the base plate 3. In this state, when the locking pin 40 is pressed down so that its tip protrudes from the back of the rotating bracket 30, the locking pin 40 engages (enters) the engagement groove 3b. Thus, the locking pin 40 engages with the base plate 3, locking the blocking member 9 in the closed position (in other words, preventing the blocking member 9 from rotating to the open position). This position of the locking pin 40 is an example of a first locking position.

[0054] On the other hand, when from Figure 2A When the locking pin 40 is pushed up so that its tip retracts into the back of the rotating bracket 30, the tip of the locking pin 40 is released from engagement with the engagement groove 3b (i.e., the locking pin 40 is pulled out of the engagement groove 3b). This allows the blocking member 9 to rotate to the open position. This position of the locking pin 40 is an example of the first released position.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 6C As shown, when the blocking member 9 is in the open position, the pin retaining part 32 is positioned vertically opposite the engaging hole 25 of the base 20. In this state, when the locking pin 40 is pressed down so that its tip protrudes from the back of the rotating bracket 30, the locking pin 40 enters the engaging hole 25. Thus, the locking pin 40 engages with the base 20, locking the blocking member 9 in the open position (in other words, preventing the blocking member 9 from rotating to the closed position). This position of the locking pin 40 is an example of a second locking position.

[0056] On the other hand, when from Figure 6C When the locking pin 40 is pushed up, causing its tip to retract into the back of the rotating bracket 30, the tip of the locking pin 40 disengages from the engagement hole 25, releasing its engagement with the base 20. This allows the blocking member 9 to rotate to the closed position. This position of the locking pin 40 is an example of a second released position.

[0057] Furthermore, regarding the first locking position and the second locking position, only the position of the blocking member 9 (rotating bracket 30) differs, while the vertical position of the locking pin 40 within the rotating bracket 30 is the same. Similarly, regarding the first release position and the second release position, only the position of the blocking member 9 (rotating bracket 30) differs, while the vertical position of the locking pin 40 within the rotating bracket 30 is the same.

[0058] The torsion coil spring 50 is integrally formed by bending a metal wire. The torsion coil spring 50 exerts a force on the rotating bracket 30 relative to the base 20, and indirectly exerts a force on the blocking member 9 supported on the rotating bracket 30. The torsion coil spring 50 mainly has a coil portion 51, a first end portion 52, and a second end portion 53.

[0059] The coil portion 51 is a cylindrical part formed by winding metal wire into a coil. The first end portion 52 protrudes radially outward from one axial end of the cylindrical coil portion 51. The second end portion 53 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the cylindrical coil portion 51. Furthermore, the first end portion 52 and the second end portion 53 protrude at different positions relative to each other at different circumferential locations on the cylindrical coil portion 51. That is, when the torsion coil spring 50 is viewed axially, the first end portion 52 and the second end portion 53 form a predetermined angle.

[0060] Furthermore, after protruding radially outward from the coil portion 51, the first end 52 and the second end 53 bend axially toward the coil portion 51, and further bend toward the coil portion 51. Moreover, the bent portion of the first end 52 is mounted on the spring retaining portion 26 of the base 20, and the bent portion of the second end 53 is mounted on the spring retaining portion 33 of the rotating bracket 30. That is, the first end 52 becomes a fixed end, and the second end 53 becomes a rotating end.

[0061] Furthermore, the torsion coil spring 50 is mounted on the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 in a compressed state in the direction that brings the first end 52 and the second end 53 closer together (in other words, reduces the angle between the first end 52 and the second end 53). As a result, the torsion coil spring 50 generates a force in the direction that separates the first end 52 and the second end 53 (in other words, increases the angle between the first end 52 and the second end 53).

[0062] like Figure 6A As shown, when the blocking member 9 is in the closed position, the second end 53 is located on one side of the imaginary line L connecting the rotation center of the rotating bracket 30 and the first end 52. Figures 6A-6COne side of the imaginary line L refers to the right front side of the imaginary line L (the side further forward and away from the side plate 4 than the imaginary line L). Therefore, the torsion coil spring 50 rotates relative to the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 in the first direction (in... Figures 6A-6C In the example, force is applied in a clockwise direction to make the blocking member 9 move toward the closed position. At this time, the rotating bracket 30 abuts against the abutment part 23 to prevent the rotating bracket 30 from rotating excessively in the first direction.

[0063] Next, as Figure 6B As shown, when the operator overcomes the force applied by the torsion coil spring 50, the rotating bracket 30 is moved in the second direction (in... Figures 6A-6C In the example of counterclockwise rotation, the blocking member 9 supported on the rotating bracket 30 rotates toward the open position, and the second end 53 approaches the imaginary line L. Moreover, the closer the second end 53 is to the imaginary line L, the closer the first end 52 and the second end 53 are (i.e., the greater the force exerted by the torsion coil spring 50).

[0064] Moreover, when the second end 53 crosses from one side of the imaginary line L to the other side, the direction of the force exerted by the torsion coil spring 50 on the rotating bracket 30 (i.e., the blocking member 9) is reversed. Figures 6A-6C The other side of the imaginary line L refers to the left rear side of the imaginary line L (the side further back than the imaginary line L and closer to the side plate 4). Therefore, the torsion coil spring 50 exerts a force in the second direction on the rotating bracket 30 relative to the base 20, causing the blocking member 9 to move towards the open position. Furthermore, as... Figure 6C As shown, when the blocking member 9 reaches the open position, the rotating bracket 30 abuts against the abutting part 24 to prevent the rotating bracket 30 from rotating excessively in the second direction.

[0065] That is, if the operator rotates the rotating bracket 30 in the second direction until the second end 53 crosses from one side of the imaginary line L to the other, the blocking member 9 will then automatically move towards the open position by the force of the torsion coil spring 50. On the other hand, if the blocking member 9 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the aforementioned operation can be performed in reverse.

[0066] According to the above-described embodiments, the following effects are achieved.

[0067] According to the above-described embodiment, by applying force to the blocking member 9 towards the closed position through the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B, the blocking member 9 can be prevented from accidentally becoming open even if the industrial material rack 1 tilts or collides with something. Therefore, when the industrial material rack 1 is transported by an operator or by an automated conveyor, damage caused by plate-shaped components flying off the industrial material rack 1 can be prevented. As a result, the decrease in yield can be suppressed, and productivity can be improved.

[0068] Furthermore, by placing the protrusion 22a (rotation center of the rotating bracket 30), spring retaining part 26 (first end 52), and spring retaining part 33 (second end 53) of the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B in this embodiment on the upper surface of the base 20 and the outer side of the side plate 4, it is possible to prevent the structural components of the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B from contacting the plate-shaped components housed in the internal space of the industrial material rack 1.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the direction of force application of the torsion coil spring 50 is switched by allowing the second end 53 to cross the imaginary line L. Thus, a single torsion coil spring 50 can apply force to the blocking member 9, maintaining it in the closed position when closed and in the open position when open. As a result, the number of components in the force application mechanisms 10A and 10B can be reduced, simplifying the structure.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the closer the second end 53 is to the imaginary line L, the greater the force exerted by the torsion coil spring 50. Therefore, even if a small force is applied to the blocking member 9 or the rotating bracket 30, it is possible to prevent the operator from accidentally rotating the blocking member 9.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, by providing the locking pin 40 in the first locking position or the second locking position, rotation of the blocking member 9 can be prevented. Thus, even if a large force is applied to the blocking member 9 or the rotating bracket 30, accidental rotation of the blocking member 9 by the operator can be prevented. Moreover, since the blocking member 9 can be locked in both the closed and open positions using a single locking pin 40, the number of components in the force application mechanisms 10A and 10B can be reduced, simplifying the structure.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the rotation range of the rotating bracket 30 can be limited by the abutment portions 23 and 24, thus preventing the blocking member 9 from rotating excessively. In particular, because the blocking member 9 can be prevented from rotating beyond the closed position, it can prevent the blocking member 9 from contacting the side plate 4.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, a blocking member 9 and force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B are installed on the fixed side plate 4 of the pair of side plates 4 and 5. This simplifies the installation structure compared to installing the blocking member 9 and force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B on the movable side plate 5.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by inserting the protrusion 22a with the engaging claw 22b through the through hole 34, the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 can be modularized. Therefore, compared to the case where the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 are installed on the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3 respectively, the installation operation of the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B becomes easier.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described where the protrusion 22a and the engaging claw 22b are provided on the base 20, and the through hole 34 is formed on the rotating bracket 30. However, it is also possible to provide the protrusion 22a and the engaging claw 22b on the rotating bracket 30 and form the through hole 34 on the base 20. That is, the protrusion 22a and the engaging claw 22b are provided on one of the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30, and the through hole 34 is formed on the other of the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30. In addition, the method of unitizing the base 20 and the rotating bracket 30 is not limited to the combination of the protrusion 22a, the engaging claw 22b, and the through hole 34.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the base 20 is fixed to the top plate 2 and the bottom plate 3 by pressing the pressed-in portions 27a and 27b between the reinforcing ribs. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the base 20 is fixed by clamping it between the top plate 2 or the bottom plate 3 and the side plate 4. Thus, the force-applying mechanisms 10A and 10B can be installed on the industrial material rack 1 without the use of special tools.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0078] 1: Industrial material racks;

[0079] 2: Top slab;

[0080] 2a, 3a: Guide rails;

[0081] 3: Base plate;

[0082] 3b: Engagement slot;

[0083] 4, 5: Side panels;

[0084] 4a, 5a: slits;

[0085] 6, 7: pillars;

[0086] 8: Bolts;

[0087] 9: Blocking components;

[0088] 9a: Engagement slot;

[0089] 10A, 10B: Force-applying mechanisms;

[0090] 20: Base;

[0091] 21: Motherboard;

[0092] 22: Bracket support section;

[0093] 22a: Protrusion;

[0094] 22b: Engaging claw;

[0095] 23, 24: contact part;

[0096] 25: Engaging hole;

[0097] 26, 33: Spring retaining part;

[0098] 27a, 27b: The part that is pressed in;

[0099] 30: Rotate the bracket;

[0100] 31: Blocking component retaining part;

[0101] 32: Sales Maintenance Department;

[0102] 34: Through hole;

[0103] 40: Locking pin;

[0104] 41: Controlling Department;

[0105] 50: Torsion coil spring;

[0106] 51: Coil section;

[0107] 52: First end;

[0108] 53: Second end.

Claims

1. An industrial material rack, characterized in that, have: The frame body consists of a pair of side plates arranged facing each other in the left-right direction, a top plate supporting the upper ends of the pair of side plates, and a bottom plate supporting the lower ends of the pair of side plates. Multiple slits are formed on the inner surface of each pair of side plates to accommodate the ends of plate-shaped members housed inside the frame body. A blocking member that is rotatable to a closed position that closes the front end of the slit provided in one of the side plates, and to an open position that opens the front end of the slit provided in one of the side plates; as well as The force-applying mechanism, respectively installed on the top plate and the bottom plate, applies force to the blocking member toward the closed position or the open position. The force-applying mechanism has: A base, which is fixed to the bottom surface of the top plate or the upper surface of the base plate; A rotating bracket, rotatably supported on the base about a rotation axis extending vertically on the outer side of the side plate, supports the blocking member; and A torsion coil spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is mounted on the base outside the rotation center of the rotating bracket in a left-right direction. The second end is mounted on the rotating bracket between the rotation center of the rotating bracket and the first end in a left-right direction. When viewed from above, When the second end of the torsion coil spring is located on one side of the imaginary line connecting the rotation center of the rotating bracket and the first end, it applies force to the blocking member toward the closed position. When the second end of the torsion coil spring is located on the other side of the imaginary line, it applies force to the blocking member toward the open position.

2. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The torsion coil spring is mounted on the base and the rotating bracket in a compressed state, approaching the first end and the second end. The closer the second end is to the imaginary line, the closer it is to the first end, thus increasing the applied force.

3. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The force-applying mechanism has a locking member that is movably supported on the rotating bracket between a first locking position and a first releasing position. The first locking position is when the blocking member is in the closed position, the locking member engages with the top plate or the bottom plate to lock the blocking member in the closed position. The first releasing position is when the locking member is released from engagement with the top plate or the bottom plate, allowing the blocking member to rotate toward the open position.

4. The industrial material rack according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking member is configured to be movable between a second locking position and a second releasing position. The second locking position is when the blocking member is in the open position, the locking member engages with the base to lock the blocking member in the open position. The second releasing position is when the locking member is released from engagement with the base, allowing the blocking member to rotate toward the closed position.

5. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has: The first abutting part abuts against the rotating bracket when the blocking member is in the closed position, thereby restricting the blocking member from rotating from the open position to the closed position; as well as The second abutting part abuts against the rotating bracket when the blocking member is in the open position, thereby restricting the blocking member from rotating from the closed position to the open position.

6. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side plate on one side is fixed to the top plate and the bottom plate. The other side plate is configured to slide in a direction that is close to or away from the side plate on one side. The blocking member closes or opens the front end of the slit on the side plate on one side.

7. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, In one of the base and the rotating bracket, a through hole is formed in the vertical direction at the rotation center of the rotating bracket. The other of the base and the rotating bracket has: A protrusion that passes through the through hole; and One or more engaging claws protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the top of the protrusion and engage with the wall surface defining the through hole.

8. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base has a press-in portion on the opposite side of the surface supporting the rotating bracket, and the press-in portion is pressed between reinforcing ribs disposed on the lower surface of the top plate or the upper surface of the bottom plate.

9. The industrial material rack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base is clamped between the top plate or the bottom plate and the side plate.