Panel storage container

Abstract

To provide a panel storage container capable of achieving the efficiency of a replacement work of a support member.SOLUTION: A panel storage container comprises: a container body which defines a housing space for storing a panel and has a first side wall and a second side wall facing each other in a left / right direction; a support member 62 which has a shaft 62a extending in a front / rear direction and a plurality of elastic bodies 62b provided around the shaft 62a on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft 62a, respectively, and supports end parts in the left / right direction of the panel; and a holder 64 which is provided at the first side wall to hold the shaft 62a. The holder 64 includes an arm part which has a body part extending toward the second side wall and a pair of claw parts 44 being provided at the body part and defining an insertion hole 44a through which the shaft 62a is inserted. Distal ends of the pair of claw parts 44 are separated from each other, and define a lacking part 44b communicating the insertion hole 44a with the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel enclosure. [Background technology]

[0002] Panel storage containers that store a plurality of panels are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a panel storage container that includes a container body having a support member that supports a center portion of the panel in the left-right direction and a pair of support members that support both ends of the panel in the left-right direction. In this panel storage container, the support members that support both ends of the panel include a shaft, an annular elastic body provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft, and a support body that supports the shaft. The support body is attached to a side wall, and the shaft is inserted into an insertion hole provided in the support body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-127251 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the panel storage container described in Patent Document 1, the outer diameter of the elastic body is larger than the diameter of the insertion hole of the support, so the elastic body is removed from the shaft, and then the shaft is removed from the support. In order to remove the elastic body from the portion of the shaft that is sandwiched between the two supports, it is necessary to remove the supports from the side walls. For this reason, the replacement work of the support member may take time.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a panel housing that can streamline the replacement of support members. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A panel storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body that defines a storage space for storing a panel and has a first side wall and a second side wall facing each other in the left-right direction, a shaft extending in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of elastic bodies each provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft around the axis of the shaft, and includes a support member that supports an end portion of the panel in the left-right direction, and a holder that is provided on the first side wall and holds the shaft. The holder includes an arm portion that has a main body portion that extends toward the second side wall and a pair of claw portions that are provided on the main body portion and define an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted. Tips of the pair of claw portions are separated from each other and define a missing portion that communicates the insertion hole with the outside.

[0007] In this panel storage container, a shaft is inserted into an insertion hole defined by a pair of claws. A notch defined by the tips of the pair of claws connects the insertion hole to the outside, so the shaft can be inserted and removed through the notch. Therefore, the shaft can be removed from the holder without removing the elastic body from the shaft or removing the holder from the side wall. As a result, the time required for replacing the support member can be shortened, and the replacement work of the support member can be made more efficient.

[0008] In some embodiments, the tips of the pair of claws may be spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, which can reduce the possibility that the shaft will fall off the holder through the notch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the main body may be provided with a groove communicating with the insertion hole between the base ends of the pair of claws. Since the missing portion is defined by the tips of the pair of claws that are separated by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft, when the shaft passes through the missing portion, the pair of claws are subjected to a force by the shaft in a direction in which they move away from each other. According to the above configuration, the portions of the main body located on both sides of the groove are pushed apart together with the pair of claws. This makes it easier for the pair of claws to bend, making it easier for the shaft to pass through the missing portion. This makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of the replacement work of the support member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pair of claws may extend toward the second side wall and be arranged in the vertical direction. In this case, the shaft can be inserted and removed from the left and right directions. Since the tips of the claws face the second side wall, the possibility that the tips of the claws will come into contact with the panel is reduced. Therefore, the possibility of damaging the panel can be reduced.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pair of claws may be arranged in the left-right direction, in which case the shaft can be inserted and removed from the top and bottom.

[0012] In some embodiments, the holder may further include a plurality of arms arranged in the vertical direction, and each of the plurality of arms may include a main body and a pair of claws. As described above, the shaft can be removed from the holder without removing the elastic body from the shaft or removing the holder from the side wall. Therefore, only the support member to be replaced can be removed from the holder. As a result, the time required for the replacement of the support member can be shortened, and the replacement of the support member can be made more efficient. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the replacement work of the support member can be made more efficient. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the container body shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the holder shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining attachment of the support member shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view for explaining removal of the support member shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a holding structure of a support member of a panel storage container of a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of a holder according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. Each drawing shows an XYZ coordinate system. The Y-axis direction is a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a direction intersecting (here, perpendicular to) the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As an example, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction (width direction), the Y-axis direction is the front-back direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (height direction).

[0016] A panel storage container according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to an embodiment. The panel storage container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a container for storing a plurality of panels. The panel storage container 1 complies with, for example, the SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) standard. Examples of the panels include glass substrates for liquid crystal panels and panels equipped with electronic components. The panel has a rectangular shape. Examples of the panel size include 510 mm×515 mm and 600 mm×600 mm. The number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1 is determined arbitrarily, and may be, for example, 6, 12, 16, or 24.

[0017] The panel storage container 1 is used, for example, in a manufacturing device that manufactures electronic component assemblies. Electronic component assemblies are manufactured through a process of mounting a large number of electronic components on a large carrier panel such as a glass plate or a stainless steel plate, a process of sealing these electronic components with epoxy resin or the like, a process of peeling the sealed electronic components from the carrier panel in panel form, and a process of cutting out the panel-form electronic components individually. The panel storage container 1 is used to transport panels between these processes.

[0018] The panel storage container 1 includes a container body 2, a lid body 3, and a pair of handles 4.

[0019] The container body 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped container with an open front (front face). In other words, the container body 2 is a front-open box-type container with an opening 2a on the front face. The container body 2 stores a plurality of panels. Specifically, the container body 2 stores a plurality of panels stacked at intervals in the vertical direction. The panels are inserted into and removed from the container body 2 via the opening 2a. The container body 2 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The lid body 3 is a member for closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The lid body 3 airtightly closes the opening 2a of the container body 2 via a sealing member such as a gasket. The lid body 3 is detachably attached to a flange 25 that defines the opening 2a. In a state in which the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, the lid body 3 faces a panel stored in the container body 2 in the front-rear direction. The lid body 3 includes a lid main body 31, a cover member 32, and a locking mechanism 33.

[0021] The lid body 31 is a main body portion of the lid body 3. The lid body 31 is a rectangular plate material. The lid body 31 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or magnesium alloy. The lid body 31 may be made of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin. The cover member 32 is a member that covers the front surface of the lid body 31. The cover member 32 is a rectangular plate material. The cover member 32 is made of a resin material such as polycarbonate. The cover member 32 is provided with a keyhole 32h. A key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole 32h.

[0022] The locking mechanism 33 locks or unlocks the lid 3 by operating a key inserted in the keyhole 32h. The locking mechanism 33 includes a latch (not shown). With the lid 3 attached to the flange 25, the latch is inserted into the locking hole 25h provided in the flange 25 by operating the key, thereby locking the lid 3. With the lid 3 locked, the latch is pulled out of the locking hole 25h by operating the key, thereby unlocking the lid 3.

[0023] The pair of handles 4 are members used when the transport device transports the panel storage container 1. The pair of handles 4 are provided on both left and right ends of a top plate 21, which will be described later. The transport device can transport the panel storage container 1 by gripping the pair of handles 4 and lifting up the panel storage container 1.

[0024] The container body 2, the lid 3, and the handle 4 are constructed by combining a plurality of parts molded from metal materials or resin materials. Examples of resins contained in the molding material of the resin material include thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, polyetherimide, polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, liquid crystal polymer, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. Alloys of these may be used as the resins contained in the molding material of the resin material.

[0025] Conductive materials and various antistatic agents may be added to these resins. The conductive materials may be, for example, carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, or conductive polymers. As the antistatic agent, anionic, cationic, and nonionic antistatic agents may be used. Benzotriazole, salicylate, cyanoacrylate, oxalic acid anilide, and hindered amine ultraviolet absorbers may be added. Glass fibers or carbon fibers that improve rigidity may also be selectively added.

[0026] Next, a detailed description will be given of the container body 2. The container body 2 includes a top plate 21, a bottom plate 22, a side wall 23A (first side wall), a side wall 23B (second side wall), a rear wall 24, a flange 25, a frame body 26 (see FIG. 2), and a pair of rail members 27.

[0027] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23A, 23B, and the rear wall 24 are rectangular plate materials. The top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 face each other in the up-down direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The side walls 23A and 23B face each other in the left-right direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The rear wall 24 faces the cover body 3 in the front-rear direction when the cover body 3 closes the opening 2a. Two adjacent members among the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23A, 23B, and the rear wall 24 are connected to each other. The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23A, 23B, and the rear wall 24 define a storage space 20 for storing a plurality of panels.

[0028] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side wall 23A, and the side wall 23B are made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The rear wall 24 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material that allows the storage space 20 to be visually observed from the outside of the container body 2. A part of the rear wall 24 may be made of a transparent resin material. Examples of transparent resin materials include acrylic resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0029] The flange 25 is a rectangular frame body, and is provided across the front end of the top plate 21, the front end of the bottom plate 22, the front end of the side wall 23A, and the front end of the side wall 23B. The flange 25 defines the opening 2a. The flange 25 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the flange 25 are each provided with two locking holes 25h arranged at a distance in the left-right direction. The locking hole 25h in the upper frame portion and the locking hole 25h in the lower frame portion are provided in positions facing each other in the up-down direction.

[0030] The frame body 26 is used to fix the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23A, 23B, and the rear wall 24. The frame body 26 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The frame body 26 is provided on the front surface of the rear wall 24. The frame body 26 has an upper frame member 26a (see FIG. 2), a lower frame member 26b (see FIG. 2), a pair of side frame members 26c (see FIG. 2), a support column 26d (see FIG. 2), and a pair of support columns 26e (see FIG. 2). The upper frame member 26a and the lower frame member 26b are columnar members extending in the left-right direction. The upper frame member 26a and the lower frame member 26b are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0031] The pair of side frame members 26c are columnar members extending in the up-down direction. The pair of side frame members 26c are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The left end of the upper frame member 26a and the left end of the lower frame member 26b are connected by the left side frame member 26c. The right end of the upper frame member 26a and the right end of the lower frame member 26b are connected by the right side frame member 26c.

[0032] The support pillar 26d and the pair of support pillars 26e are columnar members extending in the up-down direction. The one support pillar 26e, the support pillar 26d, and the other support pillar 26e are arranged in that order in the left-right direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The support pillar 26d and the pair of support pillars 26e extend from the upper frame member 26a to the lower frame member 26b. The support pillar 26d is provided in the center of the frame body 26 in the left-right direction, and the pair of support pillars 26e are provided near both ends of the frame body 26 in the left-right direction. The support pillar 26d is provided with a plurality of fitting holes for attaching a shaft 61a described later. The support pillar 26e is provided with a plurality of fitting holes for attaching a shaft 62a described later.

[0033] The pair of rail members 27 are members for placing the panel storage container 1 on a transport device such as a conveyor. Each rail member 27 is a plate-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction. Each rail member 27 is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The pair of rail members 27 are provided below the bottom plate 22 at both left and right ends of the container body 2.

[0034] Next, the internal structure of the container body 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the container body shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the panel storage container 1 further includes a holding mechanism 6. The holding mechanism 6 is a mechanism for holding the panels. The holding mechanism 6 includes a plurality of support members 61, a plurality of support members 62, a plurality of posts 63, a plurality of holders 64, and a plurality of side plates 65 (see Fig. 1).

[0035] Each support member 61 is a portion for supporting the center portion of the panel in the left-right direction. Each support member 61 includes a shaft 61a and a plurality of elastic bodies 61b. The shaft 61a is a columnar (e.g., cylindrical) member extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the shaft 61a is fixed to a support 26d provided on the inner surface of the rear wall 24. The shaft 61a is made of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of materials for the shaft 61a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0036] Each elastic body 61b is an annular (e.g., circular) member provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 61a around the axis of the shaft 61a. Each elastic body 61b is provided to suppress slippage of the panel and improve the positioning accuracy of the panel. Each elastic body 61b is made of, for example, a rubber material. Examples of rubber materials include EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), silicone rubber, and fluororubber. The multiple elastic bodies 61b are arranged at regular intervals in the extension direction of the shaft 61a.

[0037] Each support member 62 is a portion for supporting an end portion in the left-right direction of the panel. Each support member 62 includes a shaft 62a, a plurality of elastic bodies 62b, a stopper 62c, and a stopper 62d. The shaft 62a is a columnar (e.g., cylindrical) member extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end portion of the shaft 62a is fixed to a support 26e provided on the inner surface of the rear wall 24. The shaft 62a is made of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of materials for the shaft 62a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The length of the shaft 62a in the front-rear direction is slightly longer than the length of the panel in the front-rear direction and longer than the length of the shaft 61a in the front-rear direction.

[0038] Each elastic body 62b is an annular (e.g., annular) member provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 62a around the axis of the shaft 62a. Each elastic body 62b is provided to suppress panel slippage and improve the positioning accuracy of the panel. The constituent material and arrangement of each elastic body 62b are similar to those of the elastic body 61b, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The stopper 62c is a member for preventing the panel from popping out and for determining the position of the front end of the panel. The stopper 62c is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material. The stopper 62c is provided at the front end of the shaft 62a. The stopper 62d is a member for determining the position of the rear end of the panel. The stopper 62d is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material. The stopper 62d is provided at the rear end of the shaft 62a. The stopper 62d has a block shape. The stopper 62d is provided with an insertion hole for inserting the shaft 62a in the front-rear direction.

[0040] The number of support members 61 and support members 62 varies depending on the number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1. In this embodiment, the holding mechanism 6 includes one support member 61 and two support members 62 per panel. In other words, one support member 61 and two support members 62 form a storage stage that stores one panel. One support member 61 and two support members 62 are arranged in the left-right direction. One support member 61 is disposed between the two support members 62.

[0041] Each support pillar 63 is a member for attaching a holder 64. Each support pillar 63 is a columnar member extending in the up-down direction from the top plate 21 to the bottom plate 22. Each support pillar 63 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each support pillar 63 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B. In this embodiment, two support pillars 63 are provided on each of the side wall 23A and the side wall 23B. The two support pillars 63 are arranged in the front-rear direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] Each holder 64 is a member for holding (supporting) the shaft 62a and supporting the end portions in the left-right direction of the panel. Each holder 64 is made of a resin material such as polycarbonate and polyacetal. Each holder 64 is provided on the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B via a support 63. In this embodiment, each holder 64 is provided across three storage stages. Two holders 64 are provided in the vertical direction per support 63. The holders 64 will be described in detail later.

[0043] Each side plate 65 is a member for attaching the support 63. Each side plate 65 is a plate-shaped member extending in the vertical direction. Each side plate 65 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each side plate 65 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B. In this embodiment, two side plates 65 are provided on each side wall. The two side plates 65 are arranged in the front-rear direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. One side plate 65 is provided near the center of the side wall in the front-rear direction, and the other side plate 65 is provided near the front end of the side wall in the front-rear direction.

[0044] Next, the holder 64 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a front view of the holder shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the holder 64 includes an attachment portion 41 and a plurality of arm portions 42. The number of arm portions 42 is the same as the number of shafts 62a that can be held by the holder 64. In this embodiment, the holder 64 includes three arm portions 42.

[0045] The mounting part 41 is a part for mounting the holder 64 to the support pillar 63. The mounting part 41 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction along the support pillar 63. In this embodiment, two holders 64 are provided one above the other on one support pillar 63, and each holder 64 is provided on the upper or lower part of the support pillar 63. The front surface of the mounting part 41 abuts against the rear surface of the support pillar 63, and the mounting part 41 is fixed to the support pillar 63 with screws.

[0046] Each arm portion 42 is a portion for holding (supporting) the shaft 62a and supporting the end portions in the left-right direction of the panel. Each arm portion 42 holds the shaft 62a by a snap-fit ​​structure. Each arm portion 42 extends in the left-right direction. The multiple arm portions 42 are arranged in the up-down direction. Each arm portion 42 includes a main body portion 43 and a pair of claw portions 44.

[0047] The main body 43 is a portion that extends toward the side wall opposite to the side wall on which the retaining body 64 including the main body 43 is provided. The base end of the main body 43 is connected to the mounting portion 41. When the retaining body 64 is attached to the side wall 23A, the main body 43 extends from the mounting portion 41 toward the side wall 23B. When the retaining body 64 is attached to the side wall 23B, the main body 43 extends from the mounting portion 41 toward the side wall 23A. The main body 43 has a mounting surface 43a and an inclined surface 43b. The mounting surface 43a is a surface on which the end of the panel in the left-right direction is placed. The inclined surface 43b is continuous with the mounting surface 43a and inclines upward from the mounting surface 43a toward the base end of the main body 43.

[0048] The main body 43 is provided with a groove 43c communicating with an insertion hole 44a described below. The groove 43c is recessed from the tip to the base end of the main body 43. The groove 43c is located between the base ends of the pair of claws 44 and extends in the front-rear direction. The groove 43c is provided at the tip of the main body 43 over the entire length of the main body 43 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the groove 43c penetrates the holder 64 in the front-rear direction. The depth (length in the left-right direction) of the groove 43c is set according to the flexibility of the pair of claws 44.

[0049] The pair of claws 44 are portions that define an insertion hole 44a through which the shaft 62a is inserted. The pair of claws 44 are provided on the main body 43, spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. More specifically, the pair of claws 44 are provided on the tip of the main body 43 over the entirety of the main body 43 in the front-rear direction. The pair of claws 44 extend from the tip of the main body 43 toward the side wall opposite the side wall on which the holder 64 including the pair of claws 44 is provided. The pair of claws 44 are arranged in the up-down direction.

[0050] The surfaces of the pair of claws 44 facing each other are curved (recessed) in an arc shape to define an insertion hole 44a. The surface of the upper claw 44 facing the lower claw 44 is curved upward in an arc shape. The surface of the lower claw 44 facing the upper claw 44 is curved downward in an arc shape. This defines an insertion hole 44a that penetrates the arm 42 in the front-rear direction. The insertion hole 44a penetrates the holder 64 in the front-rear direction. The diameter of the insertion hole 44a is large enough that the shaft 62a can be inserted through the insertion hole 44a and the arm 42 can hold the shaft 62a, and is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shaft 62a.

[0051] The tip of the upper claw portion 44 is curved downwardly so as to draw a circular arc. The tip of the lower claw portion 44 is curved upwardly so as to draw a circular arc. The tips of the pair of claw portions 44 are spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft 62a. As a result, the tips of the pair of claw portions 44 define a notch portion 44b. The notch portion 44b is a portion that connects the insertion hole 44a with the outside of the arm portion 42. In other words, the pair of claw portions 44 have a shape like a retaining ring when viewed from the front. The pair of claw portions 44 are flexible.

[0052] Next, the procedure for attaching the support member 62 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 6, in comparison with a panel storage container of a comparative example. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the support member shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a holding structure of the support member of the panel storage container of the comparative example. The panel storage container of the comparative example shown in Fig. 6 differs from the panel storage container 1 mainly in that it includes a holder 164 instead of the holder 64. The holder 164 differs from the holder 64 mainly in that the groove 43c and the missing portion 44b are not provided in each arm portion 42, and the insertion hole 44a does not communicate with the outside.

[0053] For example, in the panel storage container of the comparative example, first, the elastic body 62b of the portion located behind the rear holder 164 of the two holders 164 arranged in front and rear is attached to each shaft 62a. Then, each shaft 62a is inserted into the insertion hole 44a of the rear holder 164. Then, the elastic body 62b of the portion sandwiched between the front and rear holders 164 is attached to each shaft 62a. Then, each shaft 62a is inserted into the insertion hole 44a of the front holder 164.

[0054] Then, the elastic body 62b in the portion located in front of the front holding body 164 is attached to each shaft 62a, and a stopper 62c is attached to the front end of each shaft 62a. Then, the rear end of each shaft 62a is fixed to the support 26e (see FIG. 2) via a stopper 62d (see FIG. 2), and each holding body 64 is fixed to the support 63 fixed to the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B. Through the above procedure, the support member 62 is attached.

[0055] Meanwhile, in the panel storage container 1, first, each holder 64 is fixed to a support 63 fixed to the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B. Then, a shaft 62a to which all of the elastic bodies 62b and the stoppers 62c are attached is prepared. Then, as shown in Fig. 4, the shaft 62a to which all of the elastic bodies 62b and the stoppers 62c are attached is fitted, via the notched portions 44b, into the insertion holes 44a of the arm portions 42 located at the same storage stage of the two holders 64 arranged in the front and rear.

[0056] Specifically, the shaft 62a is pushed from the missing portion 44b toward the insertion hole 44a. At this time, the tips of the pair of claws 44 slide along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 62a, so that a pressing force is applied to each of the claws 44 such that the pair of claws 44 move away from each other in the vertical direction. Since the groove 43c is provided at the tip of the main body 43, the tip is elastically deformed together with the pair of claws 44, and the pair of claws 44 are pushed apart in the vertical direction. Then, when the shaft 62a passes through the missing portion 44b, the pressing force applied to each of the claws 44 is released, and the shape of the pair of claws 44 and the tip returns to its original shape due to the elastic force. As a result, the shaft 62a is sandwiched in the vertical direction by the pair of claws 44, and the shaft 62a is fitted into the insertion hole 44a.

[0057] Then, the rear end of each shaft 62a is fixed to the support column 26e (see FIG. 2) via a stopper 62d (see FIG. 2). Through the above procedure, the support member 62 is attached.

[0058] Next, the procedure for removing the support member 62 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, while comparing with a panel storage container of a comparative example. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the removal of the support member shown in Fig. 2. For example, the elastic body 62b may become worn as the panel storage container is used. Of the multiple support members 62, the support member 62 whose elastic body 62b is worn is removed as a replacement target, and a new support member 62 is attached.

[0059] 6, the support member 62 is removed by reversing the procedure for attaching the support member 62. Specifically, the two holders 164 holding the shaft 62a of the support member 62 to be replaced are removed from the support posts 63, and the rear ends of the shafts 62a held by the two holders 164 holding the shaft 62a of the support member 62 to be replaced are removed from the support posts 26e (see FIG. 2).

[0060] Then, the stopper 62c and the elastic body 62b in the portion located in front of the front holding body 164 are removed from each shaft 62a, and the front holding body 164 is removed from each shaft 62a. Then, the elastic body 62b in the portion sandwiched between the front and rear holding bodies 164 is removed from each shaft 62a, and the rear holding body 164 is removed from each shaft 62a. Through the above procedure, the support member 62 is removed.

[0061] As described above, in the panel storage container of the comparative example, not only the support member 62 to be replaced but also the other support members 62 held by the same holder 164 are removed. Then, in place of the support member 62 to be replaced, a new support member 62 is attached together with the other support members 62 held by the same holder 164.

[0062] Meanwhile, in the panel storage container 1, first, the rear end of the shaft 62a of the support member 62 to be replaced is removed from the support column 26e (see FIG. 2). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the shaft 62a of the support member 62 to be replaced is pulled out of the insertion hole 44a. Specifically, the shaft 62a is pulled outward from the insertion hole 44a via the missing portion 44b. At this time, the tips of the pair of claws 44 slide along the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 62a, so that a pressing force is applied to each of the pair of claws 44 such that the pair of claws 44 move away from each other in the up-down direction.

[0063] Since a groove 43c is provided at the tip of the main body 43, the tip elastically deforms together with the pair of claws 44, and the pair of claws 44 are pushed apart in the vertical direction. Then, when the shaft 62a passes through the missing portion 44b, the pressing force applied to each claw 44 is released, and the pair of claws 44 and the tip return to their original shapes due to the elastic force. In this manner, the shaft 62a is pulled out of the insertion hole 44a. The support member 62 is removed by the above procedure. Then, a new support member 62 is attached in place of the support member 62 to be replaced.

[0064] In the panel storage container 1 described above, the shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole 44a defined by the pair of claws 44. The cutout portion 44b defined by the tips of the pair of claws 44 connects the insertion hole 44a to the outside of the holder 64 (arm portion 42), so that the shaft 62a can be inserted and removed through the cutout portion 44b. Therefore, the shaft 62a can be removed from the holder 64 without removing the elastic body 62b from the shaft 62a or removing the holder 64 from the side wall 23A or the side wall 23B. As a result, the time required for the replacement work of the support member 62 can be shortened, and the replacement work of the support member 62 can be made more efficient.

[0065] The holder 64 is configured to be able to hold a plurality of support members 62 (three in this embodiment), but only the support member 62 to be replaced can be removed from the holder 64. As a result, the time required for replacing the support member 62 can be shortened, and the replacement work of the support member 62 can be made more efficient.

[0066] In the panel storage container 1, it is not necessary to attach the elastic body 62b and the stopper 62c to the shaft 62a during the installation work of the support member 62. Therefore, by using the shaft 62a to which the elastic body 62b and the stopper 62c are attached in advance, it is possible to shorten the time required for the installation work of the support member 62. As a result, it is possible to make the installation work of the support member 62 more efficient.

[0067] The tips of the pair of claws 44 are spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft 62a, which reduces the possibility that the shaft 62a will fall off the holder 64 through the notched portion 44b.

[0068] Since the missing portion 44b is defined by the tips of the pair of claws 44 that are separated by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft 62a, when the shaft 62a passes through the missing portion 44b, the pair of claws 44 are subjected to a force by the shaft 62a in a direction in which they move away from each other. The main body 43 is provided with a groove 43c that communicates with the insertion hole 44a between the base ends of the pair of claws 44. According to this configuration, the portions of the main body 43 located on both sides of the groove 43c are pushed apart together with the pair of claws 44. Therefore, the pair of claws 44 are easily bent, and the shaft 62a is easily able to pass through the missing portion 44b. Therefore, the possibility of the claws 44 being damaged can be reduced. From the above, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the replacement work of the support member 62.

[0069] The pair of claws 44 extend toward the side wall opposite to the side wall on which the holder 64 is provided, and are arranged in the vertical direction. In other words, the notch 44b is open in the left-right direction. Therefore, the shaft 62a can be inserted and removed from the left-right direction. Since the tip of the claw 44 (the notch 44b) faces the opposite side wall, the possibility of the tip of the claw 44 coming into contact with the panel is reduced. Therefore, the possibility of the panel being damaged can be reduced.

[0070] The panel storage container according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the holder 64 is configured to be able to hold three shafts 62a, but the number of shafts 62a that the holder 64 can hold may be one, two, four or more. In other words, the holder 64 may include one arm portion 42, two arm portions 42, or four or more arm portions 42.

[0072] If the pair of claws 44 have sufficient flexibility, the grooves 43c do not need to be provided.

[0073] The holder 64 may further include a member for attaching the shaft 62a to the curved surfaces of the pair of claws 44. In this case, the distance between the tips of the pair of claws 44 may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 62a.

[0074] 7, the holding mechanism 6 may include a plurality of holding bodies 64A instead of the plurality of holding bodies 64. The holding body 64A differs from the holding body 64 mainly in that the holding body 64A includes a plurality of arm portions 42A instead of the plurality of arm portions 42. The arm portion 42A differs from the arm portion 42 mainly in that the arm portion 42A includes a main body portion 43A and a pair of claw portions 44A instead of the main body portion 43 and a pair of claw portions 44.

[0075] The main body 43A differs from the main body 43 mainly in the position where the groove 43c is provided. Specifically, the groove 43c is located between the base ends of the pair of claws 44A and is recessed downward. The pair of claws 44A differs from the pair of claws 44 mainly in the arrangement direction. Specifically, the pair of claws 44A are arranged in the left-right direction. That is, the pair of claws 44A are provided on the main body 43A apart from each other in the left-right direction. The claws 44A of the pair of claws 44A that are closer to the mounting portion 41 are integrated with the main body 43A. The tips of the pair of claws 44A are curved so as to approach each other in the left-right direction.

[0076] The panel storage container including the holder 64A has the same configuration as the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment, and thus has the same effects as the panel storage container 1. Furthermore, in the panel storage container including the holder 64A, the shaft 62a can be inserted and removed from above and below. Since the notched portion 44b is located above the insertion hole 44a (shaft 62a), it is possible to reduce the possibility that the shaft 62a will fall off the holder 64A.

[0077] The tips of the pair of claw portions 44A may be located below the insertion hole 44a, and the notched portion 44b may be provided below the insertion hole 44a.

[0078] (Additional Note) [Clause 1] a container body that defines an accommodation space for accommodating the panel and has a first side wall and a second side wall that face each other in the left-right direction; a support member including a shaft extending in a front-rear direction and a plurality of elastic bodies each provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft around an axis of the shaft, the support member supporting an end portion of the panel in the left-right direction; a holder provided on the first side wall and holding the shaft; Equipped with the holding body includes an arm portion having a main body portion extending toward the second side wall and a pair of claw portions provided on the main body portion and defining an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted; The tips of the pair of claw portions are spaced apart from each other to define a notch that connects the insertion hole to the outside.

[0079] [Clause 2] The panel housing container described in clause 1, wherein the tips of the pair of claw portions are spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft.

[0080] [Clause 3] The panel storage container according to clause 2, wherein the main body portion has a groove communicating with the insertion hole between base ends of the pair of claw portions.

[0081] [Article 4] The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of claw portions extend toward the second side wall and are arranged in a vertical direction.

[0082] [Article 5] The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of claw portions are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0083] [Article 6] The holder further includes a plurality of arms arranged in a vertical direction, The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the plurality of arm portions includes the main body portion and the pair of claw portions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...panel storage container, 2...container body, 6...holding mechanism, 20...storage space, 23A...side wall (first side wall), 23B...side wall (second side wall), 41...mounting portion, 42, 42A...arm portion, 43, 43A...main body portion, 43c...groove, 44, 44A...claw portion, 44a...insertion hole, 44b...missing portion, 62...support member, 62a...shaft, 62b...elastic body, 62c...stopper, 62d...stopper, 63...pillar, 64, 64A...holding body, 65...side plate.

Claims

1. a container body that defines an accommodation space for accommodating the panel and has a first side wall and a second side wall that face each other in the left-right direction; a support member including a shaft extending in a front-rear direction and a plurality of elastic bodies each provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft around an axis of the shaft, the support member supporting an end portion of the panel in the left-right direction; a holder provided on the first side wall and holding the shaft; Equipped with the holding body includes an arm portion having a main body portion extending toward the second side wall and a pair of claw portions provided on the main body portion and defining an insertion hole through which the shaft is inserted, The tips of the pair of claw portions are spaced apart from each other to define a notch that connects the insertion hole to the outside.

2. The panel storage container according to claim 1 , wherein the tips of the pair of claws are spaced apart from each other by a distance smaller than an outer diameter of the shaft.

3. The panel storage container according to claim 2 , wherein the main body portion is provided with a groove communicating with the insertion hole between base ends of the pair of claw portions.

4. The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of claw portions extend toward the second side wall and are arranged in a vertical direction.

5. The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of claw portions are arranged in the left-right direction.

6. The holder further includes a plurality of arms arranged in a vertical direction, The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the plurality of arm portions includes the main body portion and the pair of claw portions.

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