Nesting rack

Abstract

To provide a nesting rack in which diagonal members can be freely selected without being restricted in shape, a required strength of the diagonal members can be increased, and nesting can be smoothly performed.SOLUTION: A nesting rack includes a frame 1 having a rod-shaped base portion 11 from both ends of which rod-shaped sub-portions 12 extend, a pair of front columns 2, a pair of rear columns 3 each standing upright and fixed to an end of the base portion at a point where an outer surface 3a exceeds an inner surface 2d of the front column when viewed from a front from both ends of the base portion toward the center thereof in the longer direction, a receiving base frame 4A formed into a square frame by side members 43 and rear beams 42 that connect front beams and rear end portions of the side members, and diagonal members 5. The diagonal member is a bent rod main portion formed by bending at least one of both ends of a single metal rod-shaped member and extending a bent portion 52 to a tip portion of a straight rod main portion 51, and the tip portion of the bent portion is fixed to one point, so that a first gap is formed around the one point between the rod main portion and the sub-portion in planar view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a nesting rack that forms shelves for storing articles and that can be placed in a nested state in which one rack fits inside another rack when not in use. [Background technology]

[0002] Racks, a general term for shelves and stands, are used for storing items. Among them, nesting racks have been used in a wide range of fields, including warehouses, offices, and factories, and are generally designed to be stackable in multiple layers. Here, an invention has been proposed that is effective against vibrations in the front and rear directions of racks during earthquakes (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-329954 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the invention of Patent Document 1, as stated in claim 1, "...the reinforcing diagonal members must be formed to a thickness thinner than the lateral distance between the inner surface of the front column and the outer surface of the rear column," and there were design limitations on the cross-sectional shape and thickness of the reinforcing diagonal members. As a result, there was a risk that a nested rack structure that could adequately withstand the vibrations of a large earthquake would not be possible. In recent years, truck transportation has become more popular, and with driver shortages and increased logistics volume, there has been a trend toward the use of large-capacity full trailers. It is expected that racks will be used more frequently for truck transportation in everyday activities, not just as a measure against earthquakes. In such cases, racks will be stacked in multiple layers to improve storage efficiency, which calls for stronger racks. This is because, when racks loaded with goods are transported in multiple layers on a full trailer, there is a risk that the racks will be deformed or damaged due to the large inertial and centrifugal forces that act when the driver suddenly brakes or turns a corner. Furthermore, braking and turning curves are frequent occurrences in truck transport, and the repeated stress generated when braking or turning curves can cause damage to the rack. The rack can also sway back and forth or side to side, causing items to fall or be damaged by collisions between items. This risk is particularly high on the bottom shelf of a multi-tiered rack. Furthermore, when transitioning to a nested state in Patent Document 1, due to the configuration of claim 1, there was a risk that the diagonal member 18 of the upper rack R in Figure 11(a) would interfere with the upper side beam 5 of the lower rack, or that the vertical beam 8 of the upper rack R in Figure 11(b) would interfere with the diagonal member 18 of the lower rack, making it impossible to transition smoothly to the nested state.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a nesting rack in which the diagonal members can be freely selected without being restricted by their shape, the required strength of the diagonal members can be increased, and nesting can be performed smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention comprises a horizontally disposed frame (1) having a U-shape in plan view with rod-shaped base portions (11) from both ends of which rod-shaped sub-portions (12) extend; a pair of front columns (2, 2) fixed to the sub-portions at the U-shaped open ends of the frame frame, each standing upright; a pair of rear columns (3, 3) fixed to the ends of the base portion and standing upright from both ends of the base portion toward the center in the longitudinal direction thereof at points where the outer surfaces (3a) of the front columns exceed the inner surfaces (2d) of the front columns in a front view, and near the ends of the base portion; and a rod-shaped front beam (41) connecting the upper ends of the front columns (2, 2) and both side members (43, 43) connecting the upper ends of the front columns (2, 2) from the upper end sides of the rear columns (3, 3) to the ends of the front beam so as to be on the same horizontal plane and perpendicular to the front beam. and a diagonal member (5) that connects one point on the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-section (12) with another point on the outer upper region of the front column (2) and slopes upward from the rear column side toward the front column, wherein the diagonal member (5) is a bent main rod section formed by bending at least one of both end portions of a metal rod-shaped member and extending a bent section (52) from the tip portion of a straight main rod section (51), and the tip portion (522) of the bent section is fixed to the one point, and a first gap (ε1) is formed between the main rod section and the sub-section in a plan view around the one point. In a second aspect of the present invention, the inclined member (5) of the first aspect is a main rod portion with bent portions, in which both ends are bent and the bent portions (52) extend from both tip portions of the main rod portion (51), and one tip portion (522) of the bent portion is fixed to the one point and the other tip portion (522) of the bent portion is fixed to the other point, so that the first gap (ε1) is formed between the main rod portion and the sub-portion around the one point in a plan view, and a second gap (ε2) is formed between the main rod portion and the front column around the other point in a front view. In a third aspect of the present invention, the inclined member (5) of the second aspect is made of a tubular material, and the bent portions (52) are bent and flattened to form flattened protrusions (52a) that protrude laterally from the vertically straight main rod portion (51). The fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third aspect, the inclined member (5) has both ends bent to form a main part (521) of the protruding portion (52a) associated with the bent portion (52) that protrudes laterally from the main rod portion (51), which is vertically oriented, and a flange portion (5221) at the tip end (522) of the protruding portion, which is bent in the opposite direction to the bending direction of the main part and extends from the main part, and the flange back surface of one of the flange portions is abutted against the outer surface of the secondary portion to fix the flange portion to the one point, and the flange back surface of the other flange portion is abutted against the outer surface of the front pillar to fix the flange portion to the other point. The fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first to fourth aspects, protrusions (8) whose tip portions protrude above the receiving base are fixed to the outer surfaces of the four corner regions of the receiving base formed in a square frame shape.

[0007] (action) When a first gap is formed around the one point between the main rod portion and the sub-portion in a plan view, when one nesting rack is placed inside another nesting rack, the front columns and sub-portions of the other nesting rack can be nested without interfering with the diagonal members of the first nesting rack, allowing the nesting operation to proceed smoothly. When the diagonal member is a bent main rod portion formed by bending at least one of the two ends of a metal rod-shaped member and extending the bent portion to the tip portion of the main rod portion, and the tip portion of the bent portion is fixed to the above-mentioned point, the diagonal member is no longer restricted by its cross-sectional shape or thickness, and a diagonal member of the required strength can be freely selected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The nesting rack of the present invention has a relatively simple structure and is not only useful as an earthquake-proof measure, but also has great advantages, such as maintaining the rack shape and allowing smooth nesting operations even when large inertial and centrifugal forces are applied during sudden braking, sudden acceleration, right or left turns, etc., during truck transport, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a nesting rack according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view of one nesting rack of FIG. 1 nested to accommodate another nesting rack in a space-saving manner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view further advanced from the state of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] (F) is a side end view of an inclined member having the same shape as the front column of this embodiment, and (A) to (E) and (G) are side end views of inclined members of other embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is an enlarged view of the bent portion and its surroundings of the diagonal member fixed to one point of the secondary portion in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the bent portion of the diagonal member fixed to another point on the front pillar in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a diagonal member connecting one point of the secondary section to another point of the front pillar. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing another embodiment using an inclined member instead of that shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a view showing another embodiment using an inclined member instead of that shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] 12 is a view showing another embodiment in which, unlike the diagonal members in FIGS. 9 to 11, the main portion end of the rod main portion of the diagonal member is fixed to another point on the front pillar. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a nesting rack using the diagonal members of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic view of the nesting rack of FIG. 13, corresponding to the view taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nesting rack according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The nesting rack R of the present invention will be described in detail below. Figures 1 to 15 show one embodiment of the nesting rack (hereinafter also simply referred to as "rack") of the present invention. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the nesting rack of embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a side view of one nesting rack in Figure 1, where another nesting rack is nested to save space. Figure 3 is a side view further advanced from the state of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2. Figure 5 (F) is a side end view of a diagonal member having the same shape as the front column of this embodiment, and (A) to (E) and (G) are side end views of diagonal members of other embodiments. Figure 6 is a view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 3. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the bent portion and surrounding area of ​​the diagonal member fixed to one point of the secondary section in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the bent portion and surrounding area of ​​the diagonal member fixed to another point of the front column in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a diagonal member connecting one point of the secondary section and another point of the front column. Figures 10 and 11 are views of another embodiment using a diagonal member instead of the one in Figure 9. Fig. 12 shows another embodiment in which the ends of the main rods of the diagonal members are fixed to other points on the front column. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another nesting rack using the diagonal members of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a schematic view of the nesting rack of Fig. 13, corresponding to the view along line VI-VI in Fig. 3. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a nesting rack according to a second embodiment. Note that each figure emphasizes essential parts of the invention for ease of understanding, and parts not directly related to the present invention are simplified or omitted. Figs. 6 and 14 show only the front column 2, front beam 41, and base 11 of the upper rack R2, while Figs. 4, 6, 7, and 15 omit the adjustment members 71 and support plate pieces 72.

[0011] (1) Embodiment 1 This nesting rack R is a rack that forms shelves on which items are stored, and is capable of nesting, with one rack fitting inside another when not in use, and is equipped with diagonal members 5 that increase mechanical strength. In the nesting rack R of Fig. 1, if a member that increases resistance strength against external forces in the front-to-rear direction from the entrance K side toward the rear column 3 is provided, it will generally become difficult for the nesting rack R to function properly. Furthermore, even if a diagonal member formed to a thin thickness as in Patent Document 1 is attached, there is a risk that sufficient effect cannot be expected. This nesting rack R comprises a frame 1, a front column 2, a rear column 3, a receiving frame 4A, and a diagonal member 5, and while nesting is easy, the diagonal member 5 provides a significant increase in strength.

[0012] The frame 1 is a U-shaped frame body in plan view, with rod-shaped base portion 11 having rod-shaped sub-portions 12 extending from both ends 111. The rod-shaped base portion 11 may also be formed as a rod-shaped base portion 11 by the interposition of the lower end portion of a rear column 3 (described later), as shown in Figure 1. Here, the rod-shaped base portion 11 is formed by connecting a separate terminal portion 112 to the end face of the main portion of the rod-shaped base portion 11 via the rear column 3, but it can also be formed from a single rod-shaped body. The base portion 11 and sub-portion 12 of the frame 1 are made of rod-shaped square tubular members with the same shape as the rear column 3, as shown in the figure. The rod-shaped length of the base portion 11 is approximately twice the length of the sub-portion 12.

[0013] The front columns 2 are a pair of upright columns, each with its lower end fixed to the sub-section 12 at the U-shaped open end of the frame 1. Here, the "front" and "forward" of the "front columns 2" of the present invention refer to the right side of the page in Fig. 2, a side view in which the lower nesting rack R is properly installed, and the "rear" and "rearward" of the "rear columns 3" refer to the left side of the page. Also, in Fig. 2, "upper" and "upper" literally refer to the upper side of the page, while "lower" and "lower" refer to the lower side of the page. In this embodiment, the front column 2 stands upright by fastening the lower end side of the front column 2 to the end face corresponding to the U-shaped opening of the secondary section 12 of the frame 1 (Fig. 1), but it can also stand upright by fastening the lower end face of the front column 2 to the secondary section 12 near the end face corresponding to the U-shaped opening. In this case, the height of the front column 2 is made shorter than the length of the secondary section 12.

[0014] The rear columns 3 are a pair of upright columns that rise from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the center in the longitudinal direction thereof, with their lower ends fixed near the edge of the base portion 11 at a point where the outer surface 3a exceeds the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 in a front view of Fig. 4 seen from the entrance K side. Here, the "inner surface 2d of the front column 2" relating to "the outer surface 3a being the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 in a front view" is the opposing surface of the pair of front columns 2 in Fig. 4 when properly arranged. The "outer surface 3a" of the rear column 3 relating to the "outer surface 3a in a front view" is the outside of the pair of rear columns 3, that is, in Fig. 4, the left surface of the rear column 3 in the case of the left rear column 3, and the right surface of the rear column 3 in the case of the right rear column 3. The rear pillar 3 of this embodiment is arranged so that the height of the front pillar 2 is equal to the height of the side member 43 placed horizontally on the upper end surface of the upright rear pillar 3.

[0015] The receiving frame 4A is a square frame-like body made up of a front beam 41, a rear beam 42, and side members 43, 43, with the front beam 41 protruding slightly outward on both sides as shown in Figure 1. The rod-shaped front beam 41 connects the upper ends of the two front columns 2, and the side members 43, 43 connect the upper ends of the two rear columns 3, 3 to both ends of the front beam 41 so that they are on the same horizontal plane and are perpendicular to each other. The rear beam 42 connects the rear end portions 431, 431 of the side members 43, 43, and the front beam 41 form the receiving frame 4A, which is formed into a horizontal square frame. 1, in the receiving frame 4A of this embodiment, both end faces of the horizontally disposed front beam 41 are fixed and connected to the upper ends of the opposing surfaces of both front columns 2, 2, so that the upper end surface 26 of the front column 2 is flush with the upper side of the horizontally placed front beam 41. Then, rear end portions 431 of side members 43 are placed and fixed to the upper end surfaces of both rear columns 43, 43, respectively, and the front ends of the side members 43 are fixed near both ends of the front beam 41 so that the side members 43 intersect the front beam 41 at right angles. At this time, the upper surface of the side members 43 becomes flush with the upper surface of the front beam 41 from the point where they rest on the upper end of the rear column 3, and the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 and the outer surface 43a of the side members 43 become flush with each other. The receiving frame 4A is a square frame-like body with a protruding portion 412 of the front beam 41 extending from the square frame, and in the front view of Fig. 4, the rear column 3 is arranged so that its outer surface 3a extends from the end of the base portion 11 toward the center, beyond the inner surface 2d of the front column 2. Therefore, a clearance gap of the horizontal length α of the protruding portion 412 (corresponding to the length of the terminal portion 112) is obtained between the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 relating to the upper rack R2 and the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 relating to the lower rack R1. The inside of the horizontally arranged receiving base frame 4A is partitioned into a lattice shape by reinforcing beams 45 which are fixed to the receiving base frame 4A, thereby forming the receiving base 4 for the rack R.

[0016] The diagonal member 5 is a highly rigid metal rod-shaped member that connects one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the secondary section 12 with another point 2y in the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2, and slopes upward from the rear column 3 side toward the front column 2. In the present invention, the "outside" of the "outer longitudinal direction of the secondary section 12" and the "outer upper region 2E of the front column 2" refers to the left side of the left secondary section 12 and left front column 2 shown in Figure 4, and the right side of the right secondary section 12 and right front column 2. The diagonal member 5 is a bent main rod section 5A obtained by bending both ends of a metal rod-shaped member having a uniform longitudinal cross-sectional shape, and extending bent sections 52 from both tip sections of the main rod section 51. The tip section 522 of one bent section 52 is fixed to the one point 12x, and the tip section 522 of the other bent section 52 is fixed to another point 2y, so that a first gap ε1 is formed between the main rod section 51 and the sub-section 12 around the one point 12x in plan view as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and a second gap ε2 is formed between the main rod section 51 and the front column 2 around the other point 2y in front view as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0017] One point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-section 12 is set at a point closer to the rear column 3 than the midpoint of the sub-section 12, and another point 2y in the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2 is set at the upper end of the front column 2, so that the diagonal member 5 slopes upward toward the front column 2. Using such a diagonal member 5 is preferable in terms of increasing strength. However, as long as the diagonal member 5 slopes upward toward the front column 2, it is not limited to the locations shown in Figures 1 to 6.

[0018] The diagonal member 5 of this embodiment is made of a rectangular tubular material with rectangular side end faces as shown in Figure 5(f), and the bent portion 52 is crushed and bent into a flattened protruding portion 52a that protrudes laterally from a linear main rod portion 51 that is oriented vertically. Furthermore, the diagonal member 5 is bent at both ends to form a main portion 521 of the protruding portion 52a that protrudes laterally from the vertical main rod portion 51, and a flange portion 5221 at the tip portion 522 of the protruding portion 52a that bends in the opposite direction to the bending direction of the main portion 521 and extends from the main portion 521 (Figure 9). The length of the flange portion 5221 extending from the main portion 521 is approximately 8 mm to 10 mm. A flange back surface 5221b of one flange portion 5221 is abutted against the outer surface 12a of the sub-portion 12 to secure the flange portion 5221 at one point 12x (Fig. 7), and a flange back surface 5221b of the other flange portion 5221 is abutted against the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 to secure the flange portion 5221 at another point 2y as shown in Fig. 8, forming a nesting rack. The symbol wd indicates the welded portion that secures the flange portion 5221 to the sub-portion 12 (or the front column 2).

[0019] Unlike the diagonal members in Patent Document 1, the diagonal members are metal square tubular members as shown in Figure 5(f), but are not limited to this. In addition to square tubular rod-shaped members as shown in Figure 5(a) whose side end faces have the same shape as the front columns 2, the diagonal members can also be processed strips as shown in Figures 5(b) to (e), or metal rod-shaped members with a longitudinal cross-sectional shape that is a slightly crushed oval pipe as shown in (g). In Figure 5, reference numeral 50 denotes a hollow portion, reference numeral 55 denotes a main portion, reference numeral 56 denotes a bent portion, and reference numeral 57 denotes a curved portion.

[0020] 7 to 9 of this embodiment, the oblique member 5 is secured by welding the periphery of the flange portion 5221 to the sub-section 12 (or front column 2) by abutting the flange portion 5221, but it may also be secured by welding the tip portion 522 of the bent portion 52 without the flange portion 5221 to the sub-section 12 (or front column 2) by abutting the tip portion 522 of the bent portion 52 without the flange portion 5221 as shown in FIG. 11. However, providing the flange portion 5221 is more preferable because the formation of the flange portion 5221 increases the area of ​​securing between the oblique member 5 and the sub-section 12 (or front column 2) by welding, allowing for more reliable securing.

[0021] In this way, the nesting rack R has bent portions 52 at both ends of the diagonal members 5, connecting one point 12x and another point 2y. The formation of both bent portions 52 creates a first gap ε1 around the one point 12x and a second gap ε2 around the second point. If the first gap ε1 and the second gap ε2 are each about 8 mm, nesting work can be carried out without any problems. The widths of the first gap ε1 and the second gap ε2 can be different, but here they are made approximately the same. Therefore, when the upper rack R2 is stored in the lower rack R1 when no rack is needed, a first gap ε1 is created between the sub-section 12 and the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5, and a second gap ε2 is created between the outer surface 2a of the upper front column 2 and the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 (Fig. 6). In Figs. 4 and 6, the lower rack R1 and the upper rack R2 are illustrated symmetrically with their vertical axes aligned, but by ensuring the first gap ε1 and the second gap ε2, the desired nesting rack R can be easily maintained in a nested state even if the upper rack R2 is slightly misaligned to the left or right in the figures.

[0022] In this nesting rack R, the widths of the first gap ε1 and second gap ε2 that enable nesting depend only on the degree of bending of the bent portion 52 provided in the diagonal member 5, so the main body portion that becomes the main rod portion 51 of the diagonal member 5 is not subject to shape restrictions. Even when applied to racks that are stacked in layers on a trailer or the like, the desired nesting rack can be obtained with sufficient mechanical strength to withstand the force. It is well known that a reinforcing member for suppressing lateral shaking can be incorporated between the pair of rear columns 3, 3, separate from the diagonal member 5, and therefore a description of this reinforcing member will be omitted. Reference numeral 71 denotes a stacking adjuster formed by placing a horizontal member horizontally on the sub-section 12 and welding it to the lower rear wall side of the front column 2, and reference numeral 72 denotes a support plate made of a tongue-shaped plate, the base ends of which are welded and fixed to the terminal portions 112 of the base sections 11 that protrude outward from the two rear columns 3, with the height of their upper edges adjusted to the height of the adjuster 71 when placed horizontally.

[0023] Next, one method of using this nesting rack R will be described. When using the nesting rack R, as shown in Figure 1, the receiving base 4 is placed on top, and items are stored in the rack R through the entrance K between the pair of front columns 2, 2 as indicated by the white arrow, and items are then placed on the receiving base 4. In addition, in trailers, for example, another rack R can be stacked on top of the rack shown in Figure 1, and items can be stored and placed on each rack R to improve storage efficiency and increase the efficiency of truck transport.

[0024] On the other hand, when no rack is needed, a nesting state is created in which the upper rack R2 is accommodated within the lower rack R1, as shown in FIGS. For example, first, the entrance / exit K of the upper rack R2 is aligned with the entrance / exit K of the lower rack R1, and the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 is advanced from a position slightly higher and rearward of the rear column 3 of the lower rack R1 so that it straddles the rear column 3 (FIG. 2). The rear columns 3, 3 extend from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the longitudinal center, with the outer surfaces 3a of the rear columns 3 rising toward the center beyond the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 in a front view. This allows the rear columns 3, 3 to advance without interfering with the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 of the lower rack R1 and the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 (and the sub-section 12). As shown in Figure 4, the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 is set back from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the center in the longitudinal direction by the horizontal length α of the protruding portion 412 relative to the inner surface 2d of the front column 2, and is therefore arranged upright. Therefore, the inner surface 2d and sub-portion 12 of the front column 2 associated with the upper rack R2 can easily advance from the rear of Figure 2 through the outer area of ​​the rear column 3 associated with the lower rack R1 and the side member outer surface 43a associated with the receiving frame 4A.

[0025] Then, the upper rack R2 is further advanced. As a result, the outer surface 2a and secondary section 12 of the front post 2 of the upper rack R2 move into the inside of the diagonal member 5 of the lower rack R1, as shown in Figure 3. Here, a bent section 52 is provided at the attachment point of the diagonal member 5 to the secondary section 12, creating a first gap ε1. A bent section 52 is also provided at the attachment point of the diagonal member 5 to the front post 2, creating a second gap ε2. As shown in Figure 6, the first gap ε1 is maintained between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 of the lower rack R1 and the outer surface 2a and secondary section outer surface 12a of the front post 2 of the upper rack R2, allowing the front post 2 and secondary section 12 of the upper rack R2 to easily advance from the state shown in Figure 2 to the state shown in Figure 3. Then, the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 is placed on the adjustment tool 71 of the lower rack R1, and the sub-section 12 of the upper rack R2 near the rear column 3 is placed on the support plate piece 72 of the lower rack R1, thereby achieving a nested state in which the upper rack R2 fits inside the lower rack R1. When the rack is not needed, the desired nesting rack R is created, which saves space.

[0026] The diagonal member 5 can be formed by bending at least one end of a single metal rod-shaped member, forming a bent portion 52 at the tip of the main rod portion 51, as shown in FIG. 13. The nesting rack R shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 can also be modified to a different form, as shown in FIG. 13, by using the diagonal member 5 shown in FIG. 12, which does not have a bent portion 52 on the side attached to the front column 2. The main end 511 of the main rod portion 51 of the diagonal member 5 is fixed to another point 2y of the front column. The tip portion 522 of the bent portion 52 is fixed to the point 12x, forming only a first gap ε1 between the main rod portion 51 and the secondary portion 12 in a plan view around the point 12x. There is no second gap ε2. In the rack R shown in FIG. 13, the bent portion 52 at the end of the diagonal member 5 attached to the secondary portion 12 is larger than that shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 14. Because the bent portion 52 is larger, the gap ε3 between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member and the outer surface 2a of the front column when the front column 2 and sub-section 12 of the upper rack R2 enter the inside of the diagonal member 5 of the lower rack R1 becomes larger, making it easier for the front column 2 and sub-section 12 of the upper rack R2 to advance into the diagonal member 5 of the lower rack R1. As the final stage of placing the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 onto the adjuster 71 of the lower rack R1 approaches, the gap between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member and the outer surface 2a of the front column when the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 enters converges to almost zero, as shown in Figure 8, thereby correcting lateral wobble of the upper rack R2 relative to the lower rack R1 and enabling stable stacking in a nested state.

[0027] (2) Embodiment 2 In this embodiment, the nesting rack R of embodiment 1 is inverted, with the receiving platform 4 facing downward, as shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the nesting rack R viewed from under a transparent floor panel. This nesting rack R has protrusions 8, the distal end portions 522 of which protrude upward beyond the receiving platform 4, fixed to the outer surfaces of the four corner regions of the rectangular frame-shaped receiving platform 4. This nesting rack R, which is used by inverting the nesting rack R of FIG. 1 , provides the protrusions 8, allowing the forklift claws F to fit under the receiving platform 4, making it easier to transport. The protrusions 8 are plate-shaped as shown. While the protrusions 8 are applied to the nesting rack R of FIG. 1 here, they can also be applied to the nesting rack R of FIG. 13 .

[0028] (4) Effects The nesting rack R configured in this manner comprises a frame 1, a pair of front columns 2, 2, a pair of rear columns 3, 3, and a receiving frame 4A, and therefore can form a rack for storing or placing articles. Furthermore, a diagonal member 5 is provided that connects one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-section 12 with another point 2y in the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2, and slopes upward from the rear column 3 side toward the front column 2. Because the diagonal member 5 is not restricted by its cross-sectional shape, it is possible to employ a desired diagonal member 5 that strongly suppresses the forward / backward shaking of the rack when earthquakes, as well as inertial and centrifugal forces caused by braking or driving around a curve when used for truck transport, are applied to the nesting rack R. Therefore, because the forward / backward shaking of the rack R is suppressed when used for truck transport, problems such as damage to transported items due to shaking, falling, and even damage caused by items colliding with each other can be avoided.

[0029] Even so, this nesting rack R can be nested when not in use, allowing for space-saving storage. A pair of rear columns 3 rise from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the center in its longitudinal direction, fixed to the ends of the base portion 11 at a point where, in a front view, the outer surfaces 3a of the lower and upper racks R2 extend beyond the inner surface 2d of the front column 2. Therefore, when the nesting rack R is not needed, aligning the entrances K of the lower and upper racks R2 and moving the upper rack R2 forward from the rear side as shown in Figure 2 creates a clearance between the outer surface 3a of the rear columns 3 and the inner surface 2d of the front column 2, corresponding to the terminal portion 111 and the protruding portion 412 (Figure 4), making it easier to move the upper rack R2 forward toward the lower rack R1.

[0030] The diagonal member 5 is a bent main rod portion formed by bending at least one of its ends from a single metal rod member, with a bent portion 52 extending from the tip of the straight main rod portion 51. When the tip portion 522 of the bent portion 52 is fixed to a point 12x, a first gap ε1 is formed between the main rod portion 51 and the secondary portion 12 around the point 12x in a plan view. In Figures 13 and 14, when the upper rack R2 is advanced toward the lower rack R1, the diagonal member 5 forms the bent portion 52 at the point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the secondary portion 12. While the first gap ε1 is maintained between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 and the secondary portion 12, a nearly zero gap ε0 is formed between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 and the outer surface 2a of the front column 2. Therefore, the diagonal member 5 does not interfere with the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 or the secondary portion 12, preventing interference with the nesting state. In particular, when the outer surface 2a of the front pillar is introduced to the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member in FIG. 13, the first gap ε1 is large, so the guide is easy. Then, in the final stage of nesting, the gap between the outer surface 2a of the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2 and the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member in Figure 14 approaches zero. The lateral wobble of the upper rack R2 relative to the lower rack R1 is corrected, allowing for smooth nesting of the upper rack R2 into the lower rack R1 in a space-saving manner.

[0031] 1 to 6 of the first embodiment, the bent portions 52 of the diagonal members 5 at both ends connect one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the secondary portion 12 to another point 2y in the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2, so the diagonal members 5 are not limited to a thin thickness as in Patent Document 1. Because the diagonal members 5 can be made with a main rod portion 51 having a rectangular cross section without being subject to shape restrictions like those in the first embodiment, it is possible to create a robust nesting rack R that meets customer needs. Furthermore, the diagonal members 5 of the first embodiment can be made into various rod-shaped diagonal members 5 with increased strength by appropriately selecting the shape and thickness as shown in FIG. 5 according to the application.

[0032] Moreover, the present invention requires only the simple addition of the bent portion 52 to the diagonal member 5, and does not require any additional components. There are no additional parts such as spacers. The diagonal member 5 is directly fixed to the sub-section 12 and front column 2, without the need for other components, which significantly reduces the number of fixing points by welding, etc. This effectively improves workability, reduces the number of parts, and cuts the manufacturing costs of the nesting rack. In addition, if a flange portion 5221 extending from the main portion 521 is provided at the tip portion of the bent portion 52 of the diagonal member 5, the welding portion WD with the secondary portion 12 and the front column 2 can be easily increased (Figures 7 to 10), making it possible to manufacture a sturdy nesting rack while keeping production costs down.

[0033] Then, simply by fastening the tip portion 522 of the bent portion 52 provided on the diagonal member 5 to the one point 12x, a first gap ε1 is formed around the one point 12x between the main rod portion 51 and the sub-portion 12 in a plan view, and as the upper rack R2 advances toward the lower rack R1, the first gap ε1 is formed between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 and the sub-portion 12 and the outer surface 2a of the front column 2. Therefore, the diagonal member 5 does not interfere with the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 and the sub-portion 12. As a result, smooth operation can be achieved from the introduction of the outer surface 2a of the front column (and the sub-portion 12) into the diagonal member 5 in Figure 2 to the final nesting stage. Furthermore, by forming a bent main rod portion 5A in which bent portions 52 are extended from both tip portions of the main rod portion 51 and fastening the tip portion 522 of the other bent portion 52 to the other point 2y, not only is a first gap ε1 formed, but a second gap ε2 is also formed between the main rod portion 51 and the front column 2 around the other point 2y in a front view, which allows for smoother operation from the insertion and introduction shown in Figure 2 to the final nesting state. Moreover, since there is no need to enlarge the bent portions 52 and have the base ends of the diagonal members 5 protrude outward on both sides of the front column 2 as shown in Figure 14, the nesting rack R does not take up much space and is easy to handle.

[0034] Furthermore, as in embodiment 2, by fastening protrusions 8 whose tip portions 522 protrude above the receiving base 4 to the outer surfaces of the four corner regions of the receiving base 4 formed in a square frame shape, the nesting rack R of embodiment 1 can be placed upside down to form a nesting rack R as shown in Figure 16, with the receiving base 4 on the bottom. The claws F of a forklift can fit under the receiving base 4, making it easy to transport and move the nesting rack R. In this way, the present nesting rack R exhibits the many excellent effects described above and is extremely beneficial.

[0035] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention depending on the purpose and application. The shape, size, number, material, etc. of the frame 1, base portion 11, sub-portion 12, front column 2, rear column 3, support 4, support frame 4A, diagonal member 5, main rod portion 51, bent portion 52, and flange portion 5221 can be selected appropriately depending on the application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 frame 11 Base 12 subsection 2 front pillar 3 Posterior column 4A Receiving frame 41 Front beam 42 Back beam 43 Side member 5 Diagonal members 52 Bending section 5221 Tsuba part 8 prongs

Claims

1. a horizontally disposed frame (1) having a U-shape in plan view, with rod-shaped base portions (11) and rod-shaped sub-portions (12) extending from both ends of the base portion (11); A pair of front columns (2, 2) fixed to the sub-portions of the U-shaped open end of the frame and standing upright, a pair of rear columns (3, 3) each fixedly attached to the base portion near the end thereof, extending from both ends of the base portion toward the center in the longitudinal direction thereof, at a point where an outer surface (3a) of the rear column exceeds an inner surface (2d) of the front column in a front view; a rod-shaped front beam (41) connecting the upper ends of the front columns (2, 2) and both side members (43, 43) connecting the upper ends of the rear columns (3, 3) to both ends of the front beam so as to be on the same horizontal plane and perpendicular to each other, and a rear beam (42) connecting the front beam and the rear end portions of the both side members to form a rectangular frame; and an inclined member (5) connecting one point on the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-section (12) with another point on the outer upper region of the front column (2), and inclining upward from the rear column side toward the front column, The inclined member (5) is a bent main rod portion formed by bending at least one of both ends of a single metal rod-shaped member, with a bent portion (52) extending from the tip of the straight main rod portion (51), and the tip portion (522) of the bent portion is fixed to the one point, so that a first gap (ε1) is formed around the one point between the main rod portion and the sub-portion in a plan view.

2. 2. The nesting rack according to claim 1, wherein the inclined member (5) is a main rod portion with bent portions, with both ends thereof bent and the bent portions (52) extending from both tip portions of the main rod portion (51), and one tip portion (522) of the bent portions is fixed to the one point and the other tip portion (522) of the bent portion is fixed to the other point, so that the first gap (ε1) is formed between the main rod portion and the sub-portion around the one point in a plan view, and a second gap (ε2) is formed between the main rod portion and the front column around the other point in a front view.

3. 3. A nesting rack according to claim 2, wherein the inclined member (5) is made of a tubular material, and the bent portion (52) is compressed and bent to form a flattened protruding portion (52a) that protrudes laterally from the linear main rod portion (51) that is oriented vertically.

4. 4. The nesting rack according to claim 3, wherein the inclined member (5) has a main portion (521) of the protruding portion (52a) associated with the bent portion (52) that protrudes laterally from the main rod portion (51), both ends of which are bent, and a flange portion (5221) at the tip portion (522) of the protruding portion that is bent in the opposite direction to the bending direction of the main portion and extends from the main portion, and the flange back surface of one of the flange portions is abutted against the outer surface of the secondary portion to fix the flange portion to the one point, and the flange back surface of the other of the flange portions is abutted against the outer surface of the front column to fix the flange portion to the other point.

5. 5. A nesting rack according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion (8) having a tip portion protruding above the receiving base is fixed to the outer surface of each of the four corner regions of the receiving base, which is formed in a rectangular frame shape.

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