Panel storage container

Abstract

To provide a panel storage container capable of improving maintainability.SOLUTION: A panel storage container includes a container main body that defines an internal space for storing a plurality of panels, and a support mechanism that is provided in the internal space and supports the plurality of panels, the support mechanism including a shaft extending in a front-rear direction, in which the container main body includes a rear wall located on a rear surface of the container main body, and a fixing portion that fixes the shaft to the rear wall, the fixing portion including a fastening member operable from outside the container main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Panel storage containers that store multiple panels are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a panel storage container that includes a container body that stores multiple panels and a panel support portion that is provided inside the container body and supports the multiple panels. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-141839 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the panel storage container described in Patent Document 1, the shaft of the panel support part is fixed to a support pillar provided in front of the rear wall of the container body. Therefore, when replacing the shaft, it is necessary to remove the rear wall. In this technical field, there is a demand for improving maintainability.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a panel storage container that can improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A panel storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body defining an interior space for storing a plurality of panels, and a support mechanism provided in the interior space and supporting the plurality of panels, the support mechanism including a shaft extending in the front-to-rear direction. The container body includes a rear wall located on the rear surface of the container body, and a fixing portion that fixes the shaft to the rear wall, the fixing portion including a fastening member operable from outside the container body.

[0007] In this panel storage container, the fixing portion that fixes the shaft to the rear wall includes a fastening member that can be operated from outside the container body. Therefore, the shaft can be attached and detached from the rear wall by operating the fastening member from outside the container body. Therefore, the shaft can be replaced without removing the rear wall, which improves maintainability.

[0008] The fastening member may fix the rear end of the shaft to the rear wall. In this case, the shaft can be attached and detached from the rear wall by operating the fastening member from outside the container body. Therefore, the shaft can be replaced without removing the rear wall, which improves maintainability.

[0009] The fixing portion may further include a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the rear end of the shaft, thereby improving the airtightness of the internal space.

[0010] The support mechanism may include a plurality of shafts, including the shaft. The fixing portion may further include a block body that is detachably attached to the rear wall and to which rear ends of the plurality of shafts are fixed. The fastening member may fix the block body to the rear wall. In this case, the block body can be detached from the rear wall by operating the fastening member from outside the container body. Therefore, the plurality of shafts can be replaced as a unit without removing the rear wall, thereby improving maintainability.

[0011] The support mechanism may further include a connecting member that connects the front ends of the multiple shafts. In this case, the rear ends of the multiple shafts are fixed to the block body and the front ends are connected by the connecting member, so that the multiple shafts are integrated. This reduces the possibility of damage to the shafts.

[0012] The fixing portion may further include a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the block body, thereby improving the airtightness of the internal space.

[0013] The fixing portion may further include a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the fastening member, thereby improving the airtightness of the internal space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve maintainability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the panel housing container shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the rear wall and the support mechanism shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the rear wall and the support mechanism shown in FIG. 3 in an exploded manner. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a rear wall and a support mechanism in a panel storage container according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the rear wall and the support mechanism shown in FIG. 6 in an exploded manner. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments 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 explanations will be omitted. Each drawing shows an XYZ coordinate system. The Y-axis direction is a direction that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a direction that intersects (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). For convenience of explanation, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used, but are not limited to these directions.

[0017] A panel storage container according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to one 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 panels include glass substrates for liquid crystal panels and panels equipped with electronic components. The panels have a rectangular shape. Examples of panel sizes include 510 mm x 515 mm and 600 mm x 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.

[0018] The panel storage container 1 is used, for example, in a manufacturing device for manufacturing 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, sealing these electronic components with epoxy resin or the like, peeling the sealed electronic components from the carrier panel in panel form, and cutting out the panel-shaped electronic components individually. The panel storage container 1 is used to transport panels between these processes.

[0019] The panel storage container 1 includes a container body 2, a lid body 3, and a pair of handles 4.

[0020] 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 defines an internal space 20 for storing multiple panels. The container body 2 stores multiple panels stacked vertically with intervals between them. The panels are inserted into and removed from the container body 2 through the opening 2a.

[0021] The container body 2 includes a top plate 21 , a bottom plate 22 , a pair of side walls 23 , a rear wall 24 , and a flange 25 .

[0022] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23, 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 disposed substantially parallel to each other. The pair of side walls 23 face each other in the left-right direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The rear wall 24 is located on the rear side of the container body 2 and faces the lid 3 in the front-rear direction when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a.

[0023] Adjacent pairs of the top plate 21, bottom plate 22, side walls 23, and rear wall 24 are connected by fastening members such as screws. The top plate 21, bottom plate 22, pair of side walls 23, and rear wall 24 define an interior space 20 for storing multiple panels. The top plate 21, bottom plate 22, and side walls 23 are made of metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. Details of the rear wall 24 will be described later.

[0024] The flange 25 is a rectangular frame body that is provided across the front end of the top plate 21, the front end of the bottom plate 22, and the front ends of the pair of side walls 23. The flange 25 defines the opening 2a. The flange 25 is made of, for example, a resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Two locking holes 25h are provided in each of the upper and lower frame portions of the flange 25, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The locking holes 25h in the upper frame portion and the locking holes 25h in the lower frame portion are positioned facing each other in the up-down direction.

[0025] The lid 3 is a member for closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The lid 3 airtightly closes the opening 2a of the container body 2 via a sealing member such as a gasket. The lid 3 is detachably attached to a flange 25 that defines the opening 2a. When the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, it faces the panel housed in the container body 2 in the front-to-rear direction. The lid 3 includes a lid main body 31, a cover member 32, and a locking mechanism 33.

[0026] The lid main body 31 is the main body of the lid body 3. The lid main body 31 is a rectangular plate material. The lid main body 31 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or magnesium alloy. The lid main 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 main 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The pair of handles 4 are members for transport and are used when the transport device transports the panel storage container 1. The handles 4 are also called robotic flanges (top flanges). The transport device can use the pair of handles 4 to lift and transport the panel storage container 1.

[0029] The container body 2, the lid 3, and the handle 4 are formed by combining multiple parts molded from metal or resin materials. Examples of resins contained in the molding material for 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 resins may also be used as the resin contained in the molding material for the resin material.

[0030] Conductive materials and various antistatic agents may be added to these resins. Examples of conductive materials include carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, and conductive polymers. Examples of antistatic agents that can be used include anionic, cationic, and nonionic antistatic agents. Benzotriazole-based, salicylate-based, cyanoacrylate-based, oxalic acid anilide-based, and hindered amine-based ultraviolet absorbers may also be added. Glass fibers or carbon fibers that improve rigidity may also be added selectively.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the rear wall 24 and the interior space 20 will be described with further reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a rear view of the panel housing container shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the rear wall and support mechanism shown in Figure 2.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rear wall 24 includes a main body portion 41 and a pair of window portions 42. The main body portion 41 is the main portion of the rear wall 24. The main body portion 41 includes a cover portion 43, a flange portion 44, a support portion 45, and a pair of support portions 46. The cover portion 43 has a flat rectangular box shape that is recessed rearward from the internal space 20. The flange portion 44 is provided on the periphery of the cover portion 43. The flange portion 44 is provided around the entire periphery of the cover portion 43. The flange portion 44 is fixed to the rear end of the top plate 21, the rear end of the bottom plate 22, and the rear ends of the pair of side walls 23 with fastening members such as screws, thereby connecting the rear wall 24 to the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, and the pair of side walls 23.

[0033] The support pillar 45 and the pair of support pillars 46 are columnar portions extending in the up-down direction. The support pillar 45 and the pair of support pillars 46 are provided from the upper end to the lower end of the cover portion 43. One support pillar 46, the support pillar 45, and the other support pillar 46 are arranged in that order in the left-right direction and are disposed substantially parallel to each other. The support pillar 45 is provided in the center of the rear wall 24 in the left-right direction, and the pair of support pillars 46 are provided near both ends of the rear wall 24 in the left-right direction. The rear end of a shaft 61a (described later) is attached to the support pillar 45, and the rear end of a shaft 62a (described later) is attached to the support pillar 46.

[0034] In the cover portion 43, a pair of openings 43a is provided between the support portion 45 and one of the support portions 46, and between the support portion 45 and the other support portion 46. A pair of window portions 42 is provided so as to cover the pair of openings 43a, respectively. Each window portion 42 is a plate-shaped member having an outer shape slightly larger than the opening 43a. Each window portion 42 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material that allows the internal space 20 to be seen from the outside of the container body 2. Examples of transparent resin materials include acrylic resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the panel storage container 1 further includes a support mechanism 6. The support mechanism 6 is a mechanism for supporting a plurality of panels. The support mechanism 6 is provided inside the container body 2 (internal space 20). The support mechanism 6 includes a plurality of support members 61, a plurality of support members 62, and a plurality of holders 63.

[0036] 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 the support portion 45 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.

[0037] 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. The elastic body 61b is provided to prevent the panel from slipping and improve the positioning accuracy of the panel. The 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.

[0038] Each support member 62 is a portion for supporting the left-right end of the panel. Each support member 62 includes a shaft 62a, multiple elastic bodies 62b, and stoppers 62c and 62d. The shaft 62a is a columnar (e.g., cylindrical) member extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the shaft 62a is fixed to the support portion 46 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.

[0039] Each elastic body 62b is an annular (e.g., circular) member provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 62a around the axis of the shaft 62a. The elastic bodies 62b are provided to prevent the panel from slipping and improve the panel positioning accuracy. The constituent materials and arrangement of the elastic bodies 62b are the same as those of the elastic bodies 61b, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0040] The stopper 62c is a member that prevents the panel from popping out and determines the position of the front end of the panel. The stopper 62c is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The stopper 62c is provided at the front end of the shaft 62a. The stopper 62d is a member that determines the position of the rear end of the panel. The stopper 62d is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The stopper 62d is provided at the rear end of the shaft 62a. The stopper 62d has a block shape. The stopper 62d has an insertion hole that allows the shaft 62a to pass through in the front-rear direction.

[0041] 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 panel storage container 1 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. In the left-right direction, one support member 61 is arranged between two support members 62.

[0042] Each holder 63 is a member that holds (supports) the shaft 62a of the support member 62 and supports the left-right end of the panel. An insertion hole that penetrates the holder 63 in the front-rear direction is provided at the tip of the holder 63, and the shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole. A base end of the holder 63 is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 23.

[0043] Next, the fixing portion 7 that fixes the shaft 61a and the shaft 62a to the rear wall 24 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the rear wall and the support mechanism shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Figure 3.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the support column 45 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 45a and a plurality of fastening holes 45b. Each fitting hole 45a is recessed rearward from the front surface of the support column 45. The rear end of the shaft 61a is fitted into each fitting hole 45a. Each fastening hole 45b is recessed forward from the rear surface of the support column 45. The head of a fastening member 71, which will be described later, is housed in each fastening hole 45b. The fitting holes 45a and the fastening holes 45b are separated by a partition plate 45c, and the partition plate 45c is provided with an insertion hole 45d through which the shaft portion of the fastening member 71 can be inserted.

[0045] Similarly, the support column 46 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 46a and a plurality of fastening holes (not shown). Each fitting hole 46a is recessed rearward from the front surface of the support column 46. The rear end of the shaft 62a is fitted into each fitting hole 46a. Each fastening hole of the support column 46 is recessed forward from the rear surface of the support column 46. The head of a fastening member 74 (described below) is housed in the fastening hole. The fitting holes 46a and the fastening hole are separated by a partition plate, and the partition plate is provided with an insertion hole through which the shaft of the fastening member 74 can be inserted. The support column 46 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 46b that penetrate the support column 46 in the front-rear direction. A fastening member 75 (described below) is inserted into each insertion hole 46b.

[0046] The container body 2 further includes a fixing portion 7. The fixing portion 7 includes a plurality of fastening members 71, a plurality of sealing members 72, a plurality of sealing members 73, a plurality of fastening members 74, a plurality of fastening members 75, a plurality of sealing members 76, a plurality of sealing members 77, and a plurality of washers 78.

[0047] Each fastening member 71 is a member that fixes the rear end of the shaft 61a to the rear wall 24 (the support portion 45). Each fastening member 71 is exposed to the outside of the container body 2 and can be operated from the outside of the container body 2 (the outside of the panel storage container 1). Each fastening member 71 is, for example, a bolt. Each sealing member 72 and each sealing member 73 is, for example, an O-ring. Each sealing member 72 and each sealing member 73 may also be a washer. Each sealing member 72 is disposed in the fastening hole 45b and provided between the rear wall 24 (the support portion 45) and the fastening member 71. Each sealing member 73 is disposed in the fitting hole 45a and provided between the rear wall 24 (the support portion 45) and the rear end of the shaft 61a.

[0048] Each fastening member 74 is a member that fixes the rear end of the shaft 62a to the rear wall 24 (the support column 46). Each fastening member 75 is a member that fixes the stopper 62d to the rear wall 24. Each fastening member 74 and each fastening member 75 is exposed to the outside of the container body 2 and can be operated from the outside of the container body 2 (the outside of the panel storage container 1). Each fastening member 74 and each fastening member 75 is, for example, a bolt. Each sealing member 76 and each sealing member 77 is, for example, an O-ring. Each sealing member 76 and each sealing member 77 may be a washer. Each sealing member 76 is disposed in a fastening hole of the support column 46 and is provided between the rear wall 24 (the support column 46) and the fastening member 74. Each sealing member 77 is disposed in the fitting hole 46a and is provided between the rear wall 24 (the support column 46) and the rear end of the shaft 62a. The washer 78 is a ring-shaped metal plate used to improve airtightness.

[0049] The sealing member 73 is inserted into the fitting hole 45a, and the rear end of the shaft 61a is fitted into the fitting hole 45a. Then, the shank of the fastening member 71 is inserted successively through the sealing member 72, the insertion hole 45d of the partition plate 45c, and the sealing member 73, and is screwed into the screw hole provided at the rear end of the shaft 61a. As a result, the rear end of the shaft 61a is fixed to the support part 45 with the sealing member 72 sandwiched between the head of the fastening member 71 and the partition plate 45c, and the sealing member 73 sandwiched between the rear end (rear end) of the shaft 61a and the partition plate 45c.

[0050] The sealing member 77 is inserted into the fitting hole 46a, and the rear end of the shaft 62a is inserted into the insertion hole of the stopper 62d and fitted into the fitting hole 46a. Then, the shank of the fastening member 74 is inserted through the sealing member 76, the insertion hole of the partition plate, and the sealing member 77, in that order, and screwed into the screw hole provided in the rear end of the shaft 62a. As a result, the sealing member 76 is sandwiched between the head of the fastening member 74 and the partition plate, and the sealing member 77 is sandwiched between the rear end (rear end) of the shaft 62a and the partition plate, and the rear end of the shaft 62a is fixed to the support portion 46. Furthermore, the shank of the fastening member 75 is inserted through the washer 78 and the insertion hole 46b, in that order, and screwed into the screw hole provided in the rear surface of the stopper 62d. As a result, the stopper 62d is fixed to the support portion 46.

[0051] When replacing the shaft 61a, the fastening member 71 exposed to the outside of the container body 2 is operated from the outside of the container body 2, whereby the fastening member 71 is removed from the rear end of the shaft 61a and the rear end of the shaft 61a is pulled out of the fitting hole 45a. This removes the shaft 61a from the support part 45. Then, the rear end of a new shaft 61a is fitted into the fitting hole 45a. Then, as described above, the fastening member 71 is screwed into the screw hole provided at the rear end of the shaft 61a from the outside of the container body 2. In this manner, the shaft 61a is replaced.

[0052] Similarly, when replacing the shaft 62a, the fastening member 74 exposed to the outside of the container body 2 is operated from the outside of the container body 2, whereby the fastening member 74 is removed from the rear end of the shaft 62a and the rear end of the shaft 62a is pulled out from the fitting hole 46a. This removes the shaft 62a from the support part 46. Then, the rear end of a new shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole of the stopper 62d and fitted into the fitting hole 46a. Then, as described above, the fastening member 74 is screwed into the threaded hole provided at the rear end of the shaft 62a from the outside of the container body 2. In this manner, the shaft 62a is replaced.

[0053] In the panel storage container 1 described above, the fixing portion 7 that fixes the shaft 61a and the shaft 62a to the rear wall 24 includes the fastening member 71 and the fastening member 74 that can be operated from outside the container body 2. Therefore, the shaft 61a can be attached or detached by operating the fastening member 71 from outside the container body 2. Similarly, the shaft 62a can be attached or detached by operating the fastening member 74 from outside the container body 2. Therefore, the shaft 61a and the shaft 62a can be replaced without removing the rear wall 24, which improves maintainability.

[0054] Specifically, the fastening member 71 fixes the rear end of the shaft 61a to the rear wall 24 (the support column 45). Therefore, by operating the fastening member 71 from outside the container body 2, the shaft 61a can be attached and detached to and from the support column 45. Therefore, the shaft 61a can be replaced without removing the rear wall 24, thereby improving maintainability. Similarly, the fastening member 74 fixes the rear end of the shaft 62a to the rear wall 24 (the support column 46). Therefore, by operating the fastening member 74 from outside the container body 2, the shaft 62a can be attached and detached to and from the support column 46. Therefore, the shaft 62a can be replaced without removing the rear wall 24, thereby improving maintainability.

[0055] A sealing member 72 is provided between the partition plate 45c of the support portion 45 and the head of the fastening member 71, and a sealing member 73 is provided between the partition plate 45c of the support portion 45 and the rear end of the shaft 61a. This prevents gas from flowing into the internal space 20 through the fastening hole 45b and the fitting hole 45a. This improves the airtightness of the internal space 20. A sealing member 76 is provided between the partition plate of the support portion 46 and the head of the fastening member 74, and a sealing member 77 is provided between the partition plate of the support portion 46 and the rear end of the shaft 62a. This prevents gas from flowing into the internal space 20 through the fastening hole and the fitting hole 46a of the support portion 46. This improves the airtightness of the internal space 20.

[0056] Next, a panel storage container according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a rear wall and a support mechanism in a panel storage container according to another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of the rear wall and the support mechanism shown in Fig. 6 in an exploded form. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6.

[0057] 6 to 8, a panel storage container according to another embodiment differs from the panel storage container 1 mainly in that the panel storage container 1 includes a support mechanism 6A, a fixing portion 7A, and a rear wall 24A instead of the support mechanism 6, the fixing portion 7, and the rear wall 24. The support mechanism 6A differs from the support mechanism 6 mainly in that each support member 62 does not include a stopper 62c and further includes a plurality of connecting members 64.

[0058] Each connecting member 64 is a member that connects the front ends of multiple shafts 62a. Each connecting member 64 is provided corresponding to a block body 82 (described later), and connects the front ends of multiple shafts 62a fixed to the corresponding block body 82. In this embodiment, each connecting member 64 connects the front ends of four shafts 62a that are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0059] Each connecting member 64 has a shape that does not interfere with the panels stored in the storage tier. Specifically, each connecting member 64 includes a main body portion extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of arm portions extending from the main body portion to the front end of the shaft 62a connected by the connecting member 64. The main body portion is located between the side wall 23 of the pair of side walls 23 that is closest to the shaft 62a and the shaft 62a. The plurality of arm portions are arranged at intervals from one another in the vertical direction.

[0060] The rear wall 24A differs from the rear wall 24 mainly in the shapes of the support columns 45 and 46. The support columns 45 of the rear wall 24A are provided with a plurality of grooves 45g. Each groove 45g is recessed rearward from the front surface of the support column 45 and extends in the vertical direction. Each groove 45g has a shape that allows a block body 81, which will be described later, to fit into it. Therefore, the support columns 45 have the same number of grooves 45g arranged in the vertical direction as the number of block bodies 81 fixed to the support column 45.

[0061] A plurality of storage holes 45h are provided in the support posts 45 of the rear wall 24A. Each storage hole 45h is recessed further rearward from the groove 45g. Each storage hole 45h is provided to prevent interference between the head of the fastening member 71 and the support posts 45. Each storage hole 45h has a shape that can accommodate the head of the fastening member 71. Therefore, each groove 45g has the same number of storage holes 45h arranged in the vertical direction as the number of shafts 61a fixed to the block body 81 that fits into the groove 45g.

[0062] The support column 45 of the rear wall 24A has a plurality of fastening holes 45i. Each fastening hole 45i penetrates the support column 45 in the front-to-rear direction from the groove 45g to the rear surface of the support column 45. One fastening hole 45i is provided in each groove 45g. A fastening member 83 for fixing the block body 81 to the support column 45 is inserted into each fastening hole 45i.

[0063] Each support column 46 on the rear wall 24A is provided with a plurality of grooves 46g. Each groove 46g is recessed rearward from the front surface of the support column 46 and extends in the vertical direction. Each groove 46g has a shape that allows a block body 82, which will be described later, to fit into it. Therefore, each support column 46 has the same number of grooves 46g arranged in the vertical direction as the number of block bodies 82 fixed to the support column 46.

[0064] A plurality of storage holes 46h are provided in each support portion 46 of the rear wall 24A. Each storage hole 46h is recessed further rearward from the groove portion 46g. Each storage hole 46h is provided to prevent interference between the heads of the fastening members 74 and 75 and the support portion 46. Each storage hole 46h has a shape that can accommodate the heads of the fastening members 74 and 75. Therefore, each groove portion 46g has the same number of storage holes 46h arranged in the vertical direction as the number of shafts 62a fixed to the block body 82 that fits into the groove portion 46g.

[0065] Each support column 46 on the rear wall 24A has a plurality of fastening holes 46i. Each fastening hole 46i penetrates the support column 46 in the front-to-rear direction from the groove 46g to the rear surface of the support column 46. Each groove 46g has one fastening hole 46i. A fastening member 85 for fixing the block body 82 to the support column 46 is inserted into each fastening hole 46i.

[0066] The fixing portion 7A differs from the fixing portion 7 mainly in the manner in which the shafts 61a and 62a are fixed to the rear wall 24A. Specifically, the fixing portion 7A further includes a plurality of block bodies 81, a plurality of block bodies 82, a plurality of fastening members 83, a plurality of sealing members 84, a plurality of fastening members 85, and a plurality of sealing members 86.

[0067] Each block body 81 is a component to which the rear ends of multiple shafts 61a are fixed. Each block body 81 is detachably attached to the rear wall 24A (support portion 45). Each block body 81 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the rear ends of four shafts 61a arranged in the vertical direction are fixed to each block body 81. Each block body 81 is provided with fitting holes 81a in the same number as the number of shafts 61a fixed to that block body 81. Each fitting hole 81a is recessed rearward from the front surface of the block body 81. The rear ends of the shafts 61a are fitted into each fitting hole 81a.

[0068] Each block body 82 is a component to which the rear ends of the multiple shafts 62a are fixed. Each block body 82 is detachably attached to the rear wall 24A (support portion 46). Each block body 82 has a columnar shape extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the rear ends of four shafts 62a arranged in the vertical direction are fixed to each block body 82. Each block body 82 has fitting holes 82a in the same number as the shafts 62a fixed to that block body 82. Each fitting hole 82a is recessed rearward from the front surface of the block body 82. The rear ends of the shafts 62a are fitted into each fitting hole 82a. Each block body 82 has insertion holes 82b in the same number as the shafts 62a fixed to that block body 82. Each insertion hole 82b penetrates the block body 82 in the front-rear direction. A fastening member 75 is inserted into each insertion hole 82b.

[0069] Each fastening member 83 is a member that fixes the block body 81 to the rear wall 24A (support portion 45). Each fastening member 83 can be operated from outside the container body 2 (outside the panel storage container). Each fastening member 83 is, for example, a bolt. The sealing member 84 is, for example, an O-ring. The sealing member 84 is provided between the rear wall 24A (support portion 45) and the block body 81.

[0070] Each fastening member 85 is a member that fixes the block body 82 to the rear wall 24A (support portion 46). Each fastening member 85 can be operated from outside the container body 2 (outside the panel storage container). Each fastening member 85 is, for example, a bolt. The sealing member 86 is, for example, an O-ring. The sealing member 86 is provided between the rear wall 24A (support portion 46) and the block body 82.

[0071] The rear end of the shaft 61a is fitted into the fitting hole 81a, and the shank of the fastening member 71 is inserted from the rear surface of the block body 81 into an insertion hole that communicates with the fitting hole 81a and is screwed into a screw hole provided at the rear end of the shaft 61a. This fixes the rear end of the shaft 61a to the block body 81. As with the panel storage container 1, at least one of the sealing member 72 and the sealing member 73 may be provided.

[0072] After the four shafts 61a are fixed to the block body 81, the block body 81 is fitted into the grooves 45g so that the heads of the fastening members 71 are housed in the corresponding housing holes 45h, with the sealing member 84 placed so as to surround the screw holes provided in the rear surface of the block body 81. Then, the shanks of the fastening members 83 are inserted into the fastening holes 45i from the rear surface of the support portion 45 and screwed into the screw holes provided in the rear surface of the block body 81. In this way, the block body 81 is fixed to the support portion 45 with the sealing member 84 sandwiched between the block body 81 and the support portion 45.

[0073] Similarly, the rear end of shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole of stopper 62d and fitted into fitting hole 82a. Then, the shank of fastening member 74 is inserted from the rear surface of block body 82 into an insertion hole that communicates with fitting hole 82a and is screwed into the screw hole provided in the rear end of shaft 62a. This fixes the rear end of shaft 62a to block body 82. Furthermore, the shank of fastening member 75 is inserted through insertion hole 82b and screwed into the screw hole provided in the rear surface of stopper 62d. This fixes stopper 62d to block body 82. Note that, as with the panel storage container 1, at least one of sealing member 76, sealing member 77, and washer 78 may be provided.

[0074] After the four shafts 62a and four stoppers 62d are fixed to the block body 82, the block body 82 is fitted into the groove portion 46g so that the heads of the fastening members 74 and 75 are housed in the corresponding housing holes 46h, with the sealing member 86 arranged to surround the screw holes provided in the rear surface of the block body 82. Then, the shanks of the fastening members 85 are inserted into the fastening holes 46i from the rear surface of the support portion 46 and screwed into the screw holes provided in the rear surface of the block body 82. As a result, the block body 82 is fixed to the support portion 46 with the sealing member 86 sandwiched between the block body 82 and the support portion 46.

[0075] When replacing the shafts 61a, the fastening members 83 exposed to the outside of the container body 2 are operated from the outside of the container body 2 to remove the fastening members 83 from the block body 81, and the block body 81 is removed from the grooves 45g. As a result, the four shafts 61a fixed to the block body 81 are removed from the support parts 45. Then, as described above, the block body 81 to which new shafts 61a are fixed is fitted into the grooves 45g, and the fastening members 83 are screwed into the screw holes provided on the rear surface of the block body 81 from the outside of the container body 2. In this way, the shafts 61a are replaced in units of block bodies 81.

[0076] Similarly, when replacing the shafts 62a, the fastening members 85 exposed to the outside of the container body 2 are operated from the outside of the container body 2, whereby the fastening members 85 are removed from the block body 82 and the block body 82 is removed from the grooves 46g. As a result, the four shafts 62a fixed to the block body 82 are removed from the support parts 46. Then, as described above, the block body 82 to which new shafts 62a are fixed is fitted into the grooves 46g, and the fastening members 85 are screwed into the screw holes provided on the rear surface of the block body 82 from the outside of the container body 2. In this way, the shafts 62a are replaced in units of block bodies 82.

[0077] In the panel storage container according to the other embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the panel storage container 1 can be achieved with respect to the configuration common to the panel storage container 1. Furthermore, in the panel storage container according to the other embodiment, the block body 81 to which the multiple shafts 61a are fixed can be attached and detached from the support members 45 by operating the fastening members 83 from the outside of the container body 2. Therefore, the multiple shafts 61a can be replaced as a unit without removing the rear wall 24A, which further improves maintainability. Similarly, the block body 82 to which the multiple shafts 62a are fixed can be attached and detached from the support members 46 by operating the fastening members 85 from the outside of the container body 2. Therefore, the multiple shafts 62a can be replaced as a unit without removing the rear wall 24A, which further improves maintainability.

[0078] If the front ends of the multiple shafts 62a whose rear ends are fixed to the block body 82 are not connected, the front ends of the multiple shafts 62a may move in different directions from each other. In this case, a load is applied to the shafts 62a, which may cause the shafts 62a to break. In response to this, each connecting member 64 connects the front ends of the multiple shafts 62a fixed to the corresponding block body 82. With this configuration, the rear ends of the multiple shafts 62a are fixed to the block body 82, and the front ends are connected by the connecting member 64. Therefore, movement of the front ends of the multiple shafts 62a fixed to the block body 82 is restricted, and the multiple shafts 62a are integrated. This reduces the possibility of the shafts 62a being damaged.

[0079] A sealing member 84 is provided between the support post 45 and the block body 81. This prevents gas from flowing into the internal space 20 through the fastening holes 45i and the grooves 45g. This improves the airtightness of the internal space 20. A sealing member 86 is provided between the support post 46 and the block body 82. This prevents gas from flowing into the internal space 20 through the fastening holes 46i and the grooves 46g. This improves the airtightness of the internal space 20.

[0080] The panel storage container according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0081] Either the sealing member 72 or the sealing member 73 may not be provided. As long as the airtightness of the internal space 20 is ensured, neither the sealing member 72 nor the sealing member 73 may be provided. Similarly, either the sealing member 76 or the sealing member 77 may not be provided. As long as the airtightness of the internal space 20 is ensured, neither the sealing member 76 nor the sealing member 77 may be provided. The washer 78 may not be provided.

[0082] As long as the airtightness of the internal space 20 is ensured, the sealing member 84 may not be provided, and the sealing member 86 may not be provided. A sealing member may be provided between the rear wall 24A (support portion 45) and the fastening member 83. Specifically, in the fastening hole 45i, the sealing member may be sandwiched between the head of the fastening member 83 and the seat surface of the support portion 45. Similarly, a sealing member may be provided between the rear wall 24A (support portion 46) and the fastening member 85. Specifically, in the fastening hole 46i, the sealing member may be sandwiched between the head of the fastening member 85 and the seat surface of the support portion 46.

[0083] The support mechanism 6A does not have to include the connecting member 64. In other words, the front ends of the multiple shafts 62a fixed to the block body 82 do not have to be connected.

[0084] In the rear wall 24A, the storage holes 45h may penetrate the support posts 45 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the fastening members 71 can be operated from outside the container body 2, making it possible to replace the shafts 61a individually. In other words, the worker can choose whether to replace the shafts 61a individually or to replace multiple shafts 61a as a whole by replacing the block body 81.

[0085] In the rear wall 24A, the storage holes 46h may penetrate the support posts 46 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the fastening members 74 can be operated from outside the container body 2, making it possible to replace the shafts 62a individually. In other words, the worker can choose whether to replace the shafts 62a individually or to replace multiple shafts 62a as a whole by replacing the block body 82.

[0086] (Addendum) [Article 1] a container body defining an interior space for housing a plurality of panels; a support mechanism provided in the internal space and supporting the plurality of panels, the support mechanism including a shaft extending in a front-rear direction; Equipped with The container body is a rear wall located on the rear surface of the container body; a fixing portion that fixes the shaft to the rear wall, the fixing portion including a fastening member that can be operated from outside the container body; A panel storage container comprising:

[0087] [Clause 2] 10. The panel enclosure of claim 1, wherein the fastening member secures a rear end of the shaft to the rear wall.

[0088] [Article 3] 3. The panel housing receptacle of claim 2, wherein the fixing portion further comprises a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the rear end of the shaft.

[0089] [Article 4] the support mechanism includes a plurality of shafts including the shaft; the fixing portion further includes a block body that is detachably provided on the rear wall and to which rear ends of the shafts are fixed, 10. The panel enclosure of claim 1, wherein the fastening member secures the block to the rear wall.

[0090] [Article 5] Item 5. The panel housing receptacle described in item 4, wherein the support mechanism further includes a connecting member that connects front ends of the shafts.

[0091] [Article 6] The panel storage container according to clause 4 or clause 5, wherein the fixing portion further comprises a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the block body.

[0092] [Article 7] The panel storage container according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the fixing portion further includes a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the fastening member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...panel storage container, 2...container body, 3...lid body, 6,6A...support mechanism, 7,7A...fixing portion, 20...internal space, 24,24A...rear wall, 45...support portion, 46...support portion, 61a...shaft, 62a...shaft, 64...connecting member, 71...fastening member, 72...sealing member, 73...sealing member, 74...fastening member, 76...sealing member, 77...sealing member, 81...block body, 82...block body, 83...fastening member, 84...sealing member, 85...fastening member, 86...sealing member.

Claims

1. a container body defining an interior space for housing a plurality of panels; a support mechanism provided in the internal space and supporting the plurality of panels, the support mechanism including a shaft extending in a front-rear direction; Equipped with The container body is a rear wall located on the rear surface of the container body; a fixing portion that fixes the shaft to the rear wall, the fixing portion including a fastening member that can be operated from outside the container body; A panel storage container comprising:

2. The panel housing container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member secures a rear end of the shaft to the rear wall.

3. The panel storage container according to claim 2 , wherein the fixing portion further comprises a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the rear end of the shaft.

4. the support mechanism includes a plurality of shafts including the shaft; the fixing portion further includes a block body that is detachably provided on the rear wall and to which rear ends of the shafts are fixed, The panel housing container according to claim 1 , wherein the fastening member fixes the block body to the rear wall.

5. The panel storage container according to claim 4 , wherein the support mechanism further comprises a connecting member that connects front ends of the shafts.

6. The panel storage container according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the fixing portion further comprises a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the block body.

7. The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing portion further comprises a sealing member provided between the rear wall and the fastening member.

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