Shed installation

Abstract

The present invention provides a shelf device that allows for easy and precise mounting of support columns to shelf board members. [Solution] The shelf device comprises a support column 35, a shelf board member, and a fastener 60 for fixing the support column 35 to the shelf board member. The shelf board member has a support column mounting opening 64 that opens at least downward and is supported by the support column 35. The fastener 60 comprises a first extension piece 60f and a second extension piece 60s. The first extension piece 60f extends in one direction and one side is fixed to the outer surface of the support column 35. The second extension piece 60s extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension piece 60f and one side supports the lower surface of the shelf board member. The fastener 60 attached to the outer surface of the support column 35 is inserted from below into the support column mounting opening 64 together with the support column 35, and in that state the second extension piece 60s supports the lower surface of the shelf board member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf device on which articles can be placed.

Background Art

[0002] Many shelf devices for placing articles have a shelf board member supported by a plurality of columns (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the shelf device described in Patent Document 1, columns supporting the shelf board member are attached to each corner of the shelf board member. At the corner of the shelf board member, a column attachment opening into which a corresponding column can be inserted is provided. Further, a clamp fitting capable of tightly fixing the outer peripheral surface of a corresponding column is attached to the lower surface of the corner of the shelf board member. The column is inserted through the column attachment opening and the clamp fitting at the corresponding corner, and in that state, is tightly fixed by the clamp fitting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the shelf device described in Patent Document 1, by inserting a column into a column attachment opening and a clamp fitting, and in that state, tightening the clamp fitting by bolting, the column can be easily fixed to the corner of the shelf board member. This shelf device is a shelf device that does not require accurate positioning of the orientation (circumferential orientation) of each column with respect to the shelf board member. However, depending on the shelf device, there may be cases where each column must be attached to the shelf board member in an accurate orientation.

[0006] In the shelf device described in Patent Document 1, when positioning each support column in the correct orientation on the shelf board member, it is necessary for the worker to visually adjust the orientation of each support column and then fix the column in place, making the process of attaching the support columns to the shelf board member complicated.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a shelf device that allows support columns to be easily attached to shelf board members in the correct orientation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A shelf device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a support column that stands upright, a shelf board member having a support column mounting opening that opens at least downward and supported by the support column, and a fastener for fixing the support column to the shelf board member, wherein the fastener comprises a first extension piece that extends in one direction and whose one surface is fixed to the outer surface of the support column, and a second extension piece that extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension piece and whose one surface supports the lower surface of the shelf board member, wherein the fastener attached to the outer surface of the support column is characterized in that the first extension piece is inserted from below into the support column mounting opening together with the support column, and in that state the second extension piece supports the lower surface of the shelf board member.

[0009] When assembling the shelf device according to this embodiment, the first extension piece of the fastener is fixed to the outer surface of the support column beforehand. In this state, the support column and the first extension piece of the fastener are inserted into the support column mounting opening from the lower side of the shelf board member. At this time, the second extension piece of the fastener supports the lower surface of the shelf board member. The fixing portion fixed to the support column by the first extension piece will have the second extension piece extending radially outward from around the support column. Therefore, the orientation of the support column attached to the shelf board member can be easily adjusted based on the protruding direction of the second extension piece. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the shelf device, the first extension piece of the fastener is inserted into the support column mounting opening from below the shelf board member, so it does not protrude downward from the shelf board member. As a result, the first extension piece is less visible from the outside, making it possible to maintain good appearance quality.

[0010] The second extension may be fixed to the lower surface of the shelf board member by a fixing member.

[0011] In this case, the second extension is fixed to the underside of the shelf board by a fixing member, which makes it possible to suppress rattling of the shelf board during use. Furthermore, if the fixing position of the fixing member to the shelf board is predetermined, it becomes possible to position and fix the support column in a more precise orientation relative to the shelf board.

[0012] The second extension may be composed of a plate-like piece whose thickness direction is oriented vertically.

[0013] In this case, the upper surface of the second extension of the fastener will contact the lower surface of the shelf board member over a wide area, resulting in more stable support of the shelf board member by the second extension. Furthermore, when the second extension supports the lower surface of the shelf board member, the second extension will not bulge significantly downwards from the shelf board member, making it possible to maintain good appearance quality.

[0014] The first extension is made up of a plate-like piece whose thickness direction is oriented horizontally, and the first extension and the second extension may be made up of a single integrated part that is substantially L-shaped in side view.

[0015] In this case, the fastener will be formed from a roughly L-shaped plate-like member. This makes it possible to make the fastener a simple shape that does not detract from the appearance, and also simplifies its manufacture.

[0016] The support column mounting opening has a base opening that is substantially the same shape as the outer circumferential surface of the support column, and a recessed portion that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the shelf board member and opens in a part of the circumferential direction of the base opening, and the support column may be inserted into the base opening and the first extension piece may be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0017] In this case, inserting the support column into the base opening reduces the gap between the support column and the base opening, resulting in a better appearance. Furthermore, when a large load is applied to the shelf board or support column from the outside, the overlapping portion between the support column and the base opening in the insertion direction can prevent the support column from tilting relative to the shelf board. Furthermore, in this configuration, the recessed portion is shaped to open to a part of the circumferential direction of the base opening. Therefore, the approximate circumferential position of the support column relative to the shelf member is determined by inserting the first extension piece of the fastener into the recessed portion. This makes it easier to assemble the support column to the shelf member.

[0018] The recessed portion may be provided with a pair of rotation-restricting walls facing both end faces in the width direction of the first extension piece.

[0019] In this case, when a support column with a fastener fixed to its outer surface is inserted into the support column mounting opening, if the circumferential orientation of the support column relative to the shelf board member is significantly misaligned, the end face in the width direction of the first extension piece will come into contact with the rotation restricting wall of the recess. This restricts large circumferential misalignment of the support column, making it easier to assemble the support column to the shelf board member.

[0020] The outer periphery of the shelf board member may be provided with an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the inward direction when viewed in plan.

[0021] In this case, since an inclined surface is provided on the outer periphery of the shelf member, when items are placed in or taken out of the space below the shelf member, items or the user's hands are less likely to interfere with the outer periphery of the shelf member. In addition, when an inclined surface is provided on the outer periphery of the shelf member, the protrusion of the lower corners of the outer periphery is reduced, making the underside of the shelf member more visible. However, in this embodiment of the shelf device, since the first extension piece of the fastener is inserted into the support column mounting opening, there is no deterioration in appearance due to the first extension piece being visible from the outside.

[0022] The base opening may be formed by a through hole that penetrates the shelf member in the vertical direction.

[0023] In this case, the support posts penetrate the shelf board member vertically through the through holes. Since the through holes are of substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the support posts, it is difficult to form a gap between the support posts and the through holes. Therefore, when looking at the shelf board member from above, there is no reduction in appearance due to the visibility of a large gap.

[0024] A plurality of the support posts are arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the shelf board member. The fixture for fixing each support post to the shelf board member may be fixed to the shelf board member such that the second extension piece extends toward the center in the plan view of the shelf board member.

[0025] In this case, the second extension pieces of the fixtures fixed to each support post will extend toward the center of the shelf board member. Therefore, it becomes possible to stably support the load of the shelf board member and the placed articles above it by the second extension pieces of the plurality of fixtures. Thus, when this configuration is adopted, it becomes possible to further enhance the support stability of the shelf device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] In the shelf device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first extension piece of the fixture is fixed to the outer surface of the support post. In a state where the first extension piece and the support post are inserted downward into the support post mounting opening together, the lower surface of the shelf board member can be supported by the second extension piece of the fixture. Therefore, when the shelf device according to one aspect of the present invention is adopted, it becomes possible to easily attach the support post to the shelf board member in an accurate orientation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the furniture unit including the shelf device of the embodiment. [Figure 2] Plan view of the shelf device of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the shelf device of the embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the shelf device of the embodiment as viewed from below. [Figure 5] Exploded perspective view of a part of the shelf device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of the shelf device of the embodiment along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of the shelf device of the embodiment along the line VII-VII in Figure 4. [Figure 8] A perspective view of a part of the shelf device of the embodiment, seen from below. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of the shelf device of the embodiment along the line IX-IX in Figure 8. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the fasteners for the shelf device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] A plan view of the fixing part between the shelf board member and the support column of the embodiment. [Figure 12] A bottom view of the fixing part between the shelf board member and the support column in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] <Fixture Unit> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fixture unit 1 including the shelving device 100 of this embodiment. The furniture unit 1 comprises a first chair block 11 in which three seating sections 10 are arranged in a row side by side, and a shelf device 100 positioned on the outside of one side in the direction in which the three seating sections 10 of the first chair block 11 are arranged. Each seating section 10 of the first chair block 11 comprises a seat member 20 which is rectangular in plan view, and a backrest 21 which stands vertically upward at a position along one side of the seat member 20. The three seating sections 10 are arranged so that each backrest 21 is in a row side by side, and the upper surface of each seat member 20 is designed so that a user can sit down from the side without a backrest 21. Hereinafter, with respect to the first chair block 11, the direction in which the three seating sections 10 are arranged will be referred to as the "seating width direction".

[0030] In Figure 1, reference numeral 14 is a planter block that is quadrant-shaped in plan view and is located on the other side of the first chair block 11 in the seating width direction, and reference numeral 15 is a second chair block that is rectangular in plan view and is located on the rear side of the planter block 14 (the rear side in the depth direction of the first chair block 11). Also in Figure 1, reference numerals 16 and 17 are a third chair block and a fourth chair block that are quadrant-shaped in plan view and are located on the rear side of the seating portion 10 closer to one side in the seating width direction of the first chair block 11, and on the rear side of the seating portion 10 closer to the other side in the seating width direction, respectively. The furniture unit 1 is composed of the first chair block 11, the shelf device 100, the planter block 14, the second chair block 15, the third chair block 16, the fourth chair block 17, etc.

[0031] <Shelf device> Figure 2 is a plan view of the shelving unit 100, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of the shelving unit 100 from above. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the shelving unit 100 from below. The shelf device 100 comprises a plurality (four) of leg columns 30 that make contact with the floor surface F, a base shelf plate member 31 fixed to the upper part of the plurality of leg columns 30, and a first shelf block 32F and a second shelf block 32S installed on the upper part of the base shelf plate member 31. Each leg column 30 has a lower end that makes contact with the floor surface F, and stands upright vertically upward from the contact end 30a. The leg columns 30 protrude downward from the outer peripheral edge of the base shelf plate member 31 and make contact with the floor surface F at the contact end 30a of their lower ends.

[0032] The plan view shape of the base shelf member 31 is a composite shape of a square and a quarter circle with the same radius as one side of the square. The square portion of the base shelf member 31 is formed to be approximately the same size as the square of the seating portion 10 of the first chair block 11 in plan view. The base shelf member 31 is arranged so that the long, straight edge, which is the square portion plus the quarter circle portion, runs along the depth direction of the first chair block 11 (see Figure 1). The quarter circle portion of the base shelf member 31 is arranged so that its curved edge faces the side that is separated from the first chair block 11. The long, straight edge, which is the square portion plus the quarter circle portion of the base shelf member 31, is adjacent to one side of the first chair block 11 in the seating width direction and to the third chair block 16.

[0033] In the following explanation, for convenience, with respect to the shelf device 100, the direction along the seating width direction of the first chair block 11 will be referred to as the "device width direction," and the direction along the depth direction of the first chair block 11 will be referred to as the "depth direction." Furthermore, the side of the device width direction adjacent to the first chair block 11 will be referred to as the "inside of the device width direction," and the opposite side as the "outside of the device width direction." The side of the depth direction with the part corresponding to a four-sided circle will be referred to as the "rear side of the depth direction," and the opposite side as the "front side of the depth direction." In the appropriate places on the drawing, arrows W point outwards in the width direction of the device, arrow D pointes towards the back in the depth direction, and arrow UP points vertically upwards.

[0034] The first shelf block 32F comprises two upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL, which have a roughly arc-shaped top view. The two upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL are formed to the same size and are spaced apart vertically, each supported by five (or more) support columns 35. The lower end of each support column 35 is fixed to the base shelf member 31 and rises vertically upward from the upper surface 31a of the base shelf member 31. The upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower, such that their respective upper surfaces 33Fa are roughly horizontal. Each upper shelf member 33FH and 33FL is supported by the support columns 35 at a position higher than the upper surface 31a of the base shelf member 31.

[0035] The upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL of the first shelf block 32F are positioned so that their outer edges follow the approximately arc shape of the outer surface of the base shelf member 31. The upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL have a constant width in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction (the direction in which they extend in an approximately arc shape). This width of the upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL is half the length of the base shelf member 31 in the device width direction.

[0036] The upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL are supported by support columns 35 near the left and right corners on one end (rear side in the depth direction) and the other end (front side in the depth direction) in the extension direction, and approximately at the center of the roughly arc-shaped outer edge. Of these five support columns 35, the two support columns 35 that support the left and right corners on the front side in the depth direction of the upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL have a longer vertical extension length compared to the remaining three support columns. When distinguishing between the two types of support columns 35 with different extension lengths, the support column with the longer extension length is called the "long support column 35H," and the support column with the shorter extension length is called the "short support column 35L." The left and right corners on the front side in the depth direction of the upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL are supported by the long support columns 35H. The upper shelf member 33FL of the lower section is supported at the midpoint of the extension direction of the short support column 35L and the long support column 35H. The upper shelf member 33FH of the upper section is supported at the upper end of the short support column 35L and at the midpoint of the long support column 35H.

[0037] In this way, various items such as catalogs, magazines, books, small items, and equipment can be placed on the upper surfaces 33Fa (second item placement surfaces) of the upper shelf members 33FL and 33FH, which are supported by the support columns 35. In addition, various items can also be placed on the upper surface 31a (first item placement surface) of the base shelf member 31, specifically below the lower upper shelf member 33FL.

[0038] The second shelf block 32S comprises two upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL, which are rectangular in plan view. The two upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL are formed to the same size and are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and are supported by four (or more) long support columns 35H (columns 35) respectively. The upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower, such that their respective upper surfaces 33Fa are approximately horizontal. Each upper shelf member 33SH and 33SL is supported by the long support columns 35H at a position higher than the upper surface 31a of the base shelf member 31. The lower upper shelf member 33SL is supported at the middle of the extension direction of each long support column 35H, and the upper shelf member 33SH is supported at the upper end of each long support column 35H.

[0039] The upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL of the second shelf block 32S are positioned so that their longer sides in the width direction align with the outer straight section of the base shelf member 31 in the width direction of the device. The length of the shorter sides of the upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL is half the length of the base shelf member 31 in the width direction of the device. The length of the longer sides of the upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL is approximately the same as the length in the depth direction of the square-equivalent portion of the base shelf member 31. The rear portion of the upper shelf members 33SH and 33S in the depth direction overlaps vertically with a portion of the front portion in the depth direction of the first shelf block 32F. The upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL of the second shelf block 32S and the upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL of the first shelf block 32F overlap vertically and are supported at different height positions on two common long support columns 35H.

[0040] The heights of the two upper shelf members 33SH and 33SL on the second shelf block 32S side are higher than the heights of the corresponding upper shelf members 33FH and 33FL on the first shelf block 32F side. Specifically, the upper shelf member 33SL on the lower side of the second shelf block 32S is positioned at a predetermined height higher than the upper shelf member 33FL on the lower side of the first shelf block 32F, and the upper shelf member 33SH on the upper side of the second shelf block 32S is positioned at a predetermined height higher than the upper shelf member 33FH on the upper side of the first shelf block 32F. Furthermore, the upper shelf member 33FH on the upper side of the first shelf block 32F is positioned at a higher position than the upper shelf member 33SL on the lower side of the second shelf block 32S.

[0041] The upper surfaces 33Sa (second item placement surfaces) of the upper shelf members 33SL and 33SH of the second shelf block 32S, which is supported by the long support column 35H, allow for the placement of various items such as catalogs, magazines, books, small items, and equipment, similar to the first shelf block 32F. In addition, various items can also be placed on the upper surface 31a (first item placement surface) of the base shelf member 31, specifically below the lower upper shelf member 33SL.

[0042] Incidentally, the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL of the first shelf block 32F and the second shelf block 32S are all made of plate members with the same thickness and rigidity. In contrast, the base shelf member 31 is made of a plate member that is thicker and more rigid than these upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL. Furthermore, the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL of the first shelf block 32F and the second shelf block 32S may be formed from a material that has relatively less rigidity than the base shelf member 31 when given the same thickness. For example, the base shelf member 31 may be made of particleboard, and the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL may be made of so-called MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Alternatively, the base shelf member 31 may be made of a highly rigid material such as iron or aluminum, and the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL may be made of synthetic resin. In addition, the base shelf member 31 and the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL may be made of the same synthetic resin, and reinforcing ribs may be added to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 to increase the rigidity of the base shelf member 31.

[0043] The upper surface 31a (first article placement surface) of the base shelf member 31 is provided with a flat area above which the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL are not placed. This area is designated as the heavy-load article placement area A (see Figure 2), on which heavy-load articles can be placed. A planter 40 for planting plants 45 (see Figure 1) together with soil is fixedly installed in the heavy-load article placement area A. The plan view shape of the planter 40 is substantially the same as the heavy-load article placement area A on the base shelf member 31. The planter 40 and plants 45 placed in the heavy-load article placement area A are surrounded on the back side in the depth direction and on the outside in the width direction of the device by the first shelf block 32F and the second shelf block 32S. In this embodiment, the planter 40 and the plants 45 and soil planted in the planter 40 constitute the heavy load item. However, the heavy load item placed in the heavy load item placement area A is not limited to the planter 40 and plants 45. The heavy load item may be any item that is heavier than the small items placed on the first shelf block 32F or the second shelf block 32S, such as large pieces of equipment or exhibits.

[0044] The four leg columns 30 that protrude from the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 are positioned as follows: As shown in Figure 4, one of the support columns 30 (30A) is positioned at the front side in the depth direction of the base shelf member 31 and at the inner corner in the width direction of the device. This corner is located below the heavy load item placement area A. Therefore, this support column 30 (30A) can support the large loads of planters 40 and plants 45 placed on the heavy load item placement area A at a position directly below them. Another leg column 30 (30B) is positioned at the front side in the depth direction of the base shelf member 31 and at the outer corner in the width direction of the device. A support column 35 of one corner of the second shelf block 32S is standing upright at this corner. This leg column 30 (30B) is positioned coaxially with the support column 35 of the second shelf block 32S, directly below the said support column 35. Another leg column 30(30C) is positioned at the rear of the base shelf member 31 in the depth direction and at the inner corner in the width direction of the device. A support column 35 of one corner of the first shelf block 32F is standing upright at this corner. This leg column 30(30C) is positioned coaxially with the support column 35 of the first shelf block 32F, directly below the said support column 35. The remaining leg column 30 (30D) is positioned approximately in the center of the roughly arc-shaped outer edge on the rear side in the depth direction of the base shelf member 31. A support column 35 of the outer edge of the first shelf block 32F stands upright at approximately the center of this outer edge. This leg column 30 (30D) is positioned coaxially with the support column 35 of the first shelf block 32F, directly below the support column 35.

[0045] <Fixing structure for support posts> Next, we will explain the fixing structure of the support columns 35 to the base shelf member 31 and each of the upper shelf members 33FL, 33FH, 33SL, and 33SH.

[0046] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the base shelf member 31 and the support column 35 viewed from below, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. The support column 35 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is one long support column 35H fixed to the base shelf member 31, but the other support columns 35 (the remaining one long support column 35H and two short support columns 35L) have a similar basic structure.

[0047] The support column 35 has a rectangular plate-shaped seating portion 50 having a contact surface 50a that abuts against the lower surface of the base shelf member 31, and a cylindrical support column body portion 51 that protrudes from one surface of the seating portion 50 in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the seating portion 50. In this embodiment, the seating portion 50 is integrally fixed to one end of the support column body portion 51 by welding or the like. Multiple screw insertion holes 53 are formed in the seating portion 50. Screws 52 for fixing the seating portion 50 to the base shelf member 31 are inserted through each screw insertion hole 53.

[0048] On the other hand, the base shelf member 31 has an insertion hole 54 that penetrates the base shelf member 31 in the vertical direction. The main body portion 51 of the support column 35 is inserted into this insertion hole 54 from below. In addition, a rectangular recess 55 is formed in the area of ​​the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 that includes the opening of the insertion hole 54 when viewed from below. The seating portion 50 of the support column 35 is housed in this recess 55. At this time, the contact surface 50a of the seating portion 50 abuts against the bottom surface (lower surface) of the recess 55. As the seating portion 50 is housed in the recess 55, the lower surface of the seating portion 50 becomes substantially flush with the lower surface of the base shelf member 31. Furthermore, a metal embedded nut 56 is embedded in the bottom portion of the recess 55 of the base shelf member 31. The shaft portion of a screw 52 inserted through the screw insertion hole 53 of the seating portion 50 is tightened into this embedded nut 56. The lower end of the support column 35 is fixed to the base shelf member 31 by fastening the seating portion 50 to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 with a screw 52.

[0049] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 4. The structure of the lower part of the mounting area for the support column 35 on the lower surface of the base shelf member 31, where the leg column 30 is positioned, is as shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the upper end of each leg column 30 is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped seating portion 57 that is slightly larger than the seating portion 50 of the support column 35. The seating portion 57 of the leg column 30 is superimposed on the seating portion 50 of the support column 35 and its surrounding lower surface, and in this state, it is fastened and fixed to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 by screws 58. Embedded nuts 59 are embedded at the tightening position of the screws 58 on the lower surface of the base shelf member 31. The leg column 30, fixed to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 by screws 58, has the upper surface of the seating portion 57 in contact with the lower surface of the seating portion 50 of the support column 35, and in this state, it is coaxial with the main body portion 51 of the support column 35. In this embodiment, the seat support portion 57 of the leg column 30 is superimposed on the lower surface of the base shelf member 31, and in this state, the seat support portion 57 is simply fixed to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 by screws 58. However, a recess capable of receiving the seat support portion 57 may be formed on the lower surface of the base shelf member 31, and the seat support portion 57 may be housed in the recess and then fixed to the base shelf member 31. In this case, the seat support portion 57 will not protrude downward from the lower surface of the base shelf member 31, resulting in a better appearance of the shelf device 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL of the first and second shelf blocks 32F and 32S are all fixed to the corresponding number of support columns 35 via fasteners 60.

[0051] <Fixing structure for upper shelf members> Figure 8 is a perspective view from below of the fixing portion of the support column 35 in the upper shelf member 33SL of the lower section of the second shelf block 32S. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a perspective view of the fastener 60. Figure 11 is a plan view of the upper shelf member 33SL of the lower section, with the support column 35 portion in cross-section. Figure 12 is a bottom view of the upper shelf member 33SL of the lower section, with the support column 35 portion in cross-section. Figures 8, 9 and 11, 12 show the fixing portion of the support column 35 to the upper shelf board member 33SL of the lower section of the second shelf block 32S, and the fixing portion of the support column 35 to the upper shelf board member 33FL of the lower section of the first shelf block 32F has a similar structure.

[0052] A fixing device 60, as shown in Figure 10, is attached to the outer surface of the main body 51 of each support column 35 at a predetermined height. As shown in Figure 10, the fastener 60 includes a first extension piece 60f that extends in one direction and has one surface fixed to the outer surface (outer peripheral surface) of the support column, and a second extension piece 60s that extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension piece 60f and has one surface fixed to the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL. The first extension piece 60f is made of a plate-shaped piece whose thickness direction is oriented vertically (or vertically when attached to the shelf device 100), and the second extension piece 60s is made of a plate-shaped piece whose thickness direction is oriented horizontally (or horizontally when attached to the shelf device 100). In this embodiment, the fastener 60 is formed by bending a metal plate into an L-shape. In other words, the fastener 60 in this embodiment is composed of an L-shaped metal fitting that is L-shaped when viewed from the side. However, the fastener 60 may be formed from a material other than metal, as long as it has sufficient strength.

[0053] The first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is set to have a shorter length in the extension direction compared to the second extension piece 60s. The first extension piece 60f has one screw insertion hole 42 that penetrates in the plate thickness direction, and the second extension piece 60s has two screw insertion holes 62 that penetrate in the plate thickness direction. As shown in Figure 9, the shaft of a screw 61 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 42 of the first extension piece 60f, and the screw 61 is tightened into a screw hole 43 provided at a predetermined height position on the support column 35. The first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is fixed to the support column 35 by the screw 61 when it is in contact with the outer surface (circumferential surface) of the support column 35.

[0054] The first extension piece 60f is oriented vertically upward at its tip when the fastener 60 is fixed to the main body 51 of the support column. The other piece of the fastener 60, the second extension piece 60s, is in a substantially horizontal position when the fastener 60 is fixed to the main body 51 of the support column. The upper surface of the second extension piece 60s abuts against the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL. A screw 63 (fixing member) for fixing the second extension piece 60s to the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL is inserted from below into the screw insertion hole 62 of the second extension piece 60s. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the fixing device 60 is fixed to the main support column 51 such that the extension direction of the second extension piece 60s from the base of the first extension piece 60f faces the center direction (center direction in a plan view) of the upper shelf board member 33SL.

[0055] A support column mounting opening 64 is formed in the fixing portion of the support column 35 of the upper shelf board member 33SL. The support column mounting opening 64 has a through hole 65 (base opening) that is substantially the same shape (circular) as the outer surface of the support column 35, and a recessed portion 66 that is recessed upward from the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL and opens to a part of the circumferential direction of the through hole 65. In addition, as shown in Figure 9, an embedded nut 67 is embedded near the support column mounting opening 64 on the lower surface side of the upper shelf board member 33SL. A screw 63 for fixing the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is tightened into the embedded nut 67. The second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is fixed to the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL by tightening the screw 63 when its upper surface is in contact with the lower surface of the upper shelf board member 33SL.

[0056] The upper shelf member 33SL is assembled to the support column 35 with the first extension piece 60f of the fixing device 60 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the support column body 51. Specifically, the support column body 51 is inserted into the through hole 65 of the upper shelf member 33SL from the upper end side, and the first extension piece 60f of the fixing device 60 is inserted into the recessed portion 66 of the upper shelf member 33SL. In this way, the fixing device 60 is positioned approximately in the vicinity of the support column 35 by the recessed portion 66. As shown in Figure 12, the recessed portion 66 is equipped with a pair of rotation-restricting walls 66w that face the widthwise end faces of the inserted first extension piece 60f. The pair of rotation-restricting walls 66w are mutually parallel, inward-facing walls spaced approximately the same distance as the diameter of the through hole 65. The upper surface of the second extension piece 60s of the fixing device 60 abuts against the lower surface of the upper shelf member 33SL. Finally, the shaft of the screw 63 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 62 of the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60, and the screw 63 is tightened into the embedded nut 67 on the upper shelf member 33SL side. As a result, the upper shelf member 33SL is fixed to the predetermined height position of the support column 35.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 12, the outer edge of the upper shelf member 33SL (33SL) is provided with an inclined surface 70 that slopes downward toward the center in a plan view of the upper shelf member 33SL (33SL). Therefore, there are no approximately right-angle corners on the lower side of the outer edge of the upper shelf member 33SL (33SL). Furthermore, a similar inclined surface 70 is also provided on the lower side of the outer edge of each upper shelf plate member 33SH (33SH) on the upper side of the first and second shelf blocks 32F and 32S.

[0058] Furthermore, the upper shelf members 33FH and 33SH of the upper sections of the first shelf block 32F and the second shelf block 32S are fixed to the upper part of the corresponding support column 35 using fasteners 60, similar to the upper shelf members 33FL and 33SL of the lower sections described above. However, while the upper shelf members 33FL and 33SL of the lower sections have through holes 65 through which the support column 35 is inserted, the upper shelf members 33FH and 33SH of the upper sections do not have through holes 65. Instead of through holes 65, the upper shelf members 33FH and 33SH of the upper sections have circular holes that open only downwards. In addition to contact with the fasteners 60, the upper shelf members 33FH and 33SH of the upper sections are positioned vertically relative to the support column 35 by contact between the upper end surface of the support column 35 and the bottom surface of this circular hole.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the first shelf block 32F and the second shelf block 32S share some of the support columns 35 that support the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL. Therefore, the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL are fixed to each support column 35 in the order described below. Multiple support columns 35 are pre-fixed to the base shelf member 31 before fixing the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL.

[0060] First, the upper shelf plate member 33FL of the lower section of the first shelf block 32F, which is positioned at the lowest position, is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 using a fastener 60. Next, the upper shelf board member 33SL of the lower section of the second shelf block 32S is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 using a fastener 60. At this time, the fastener 60 that fixes the upper shelf board member 33SL of the lower section is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 after the upper shelf board member 33FL of the lower section of the first shelf block 32F is fixed to the support column 35. Next, the upper shelf board member 33FH of the upper section of the first shelf block 32F is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 using a fastener 60. At this time, the fastener 60 that fixes the upper shelf board member 33FH of the upper section is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 after the upper shelf board member 33SL of the lower section of the second shelf block 32S is fixed to the support column 35. Finally, the upper shelf board member 33SH of the upper section of the second shelf block 32S is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 using a fastener 60. At this time, the fastener 60 that fixes the upper shelf board member 33SH of the upper section is fixed to the corresponding support column 35 after the upper shelf board member 33FH of the upper section of the first shelf block 32F is fixed to the support column 35.

[0061] <Mechanism and Effects> As described above, the shelf device 100 of this embodiment has a fixing device 60 for fixing the support column 35 to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL (shelf device), which includes a first extension piece 60f and a second extension piece 60s. One side of the first extension piece 60f is fixed to the outer surface of the support column 35, and the second extension piece 60s extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension piece 60f, with one side supporting the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL. The fastener 60 attached to the outer surface of the support column 35 has a first extension piece 60f that is inserted from below into the support column mounting opening 64 of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL together with the support column 35, and in this state, the second extension piece 60s supports the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL. Therefore, in the shelf device of this embodiment, the first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is fixed to the outer surface of the support column 35, and with the first extension piece 60f inserted from below into the support column mounting opening 64 together with the support column 35, the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL can be supported by the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60. The fastener 60, which is fixed to the support column 35 by the first extension piece 60f, has the second extension piece 60s extending radially outward from around the support column 35. Therefore, the mounting orientation of the support column 35 to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL can be easily adjusted based on the protruding direction of the second extension piece 60s. Therefore, when the shelf device 100 of this embodiment is adopted, the support columns 35 can be easily attached to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL (shelf members) in the correct orientation. In this embodiment of the shelf device 100, the first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is inserted into the support column mounting opening 64 from below the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, so that it does not protrude below the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL. As a result, the first extension piece 60f is less visible from the outside, making it possible to maintain good appearance quality.

[0062] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the second extension piece 60s of the fixing device 60 is fixed to the lower surface of each of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by a screw 63, which is a fixing member. Therefore, by fixing the second extension piece 60s to the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL with the screw 63, rattling of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL during use can be suppressed. In addition, if the fixing position of the screw 63 to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL is predetermined (by embedding the embedded nuts 67 in predetermined positions), it becomes possible to position and fix the support column 35 in a more accurate orientation relative to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL.

[0063] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is made of a plate-shaped piece whose thickness direction is oriented vertically. As a result, the upper surface of the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 contacts the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL over a wide area, making the support of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by the second extension piece 60s more stable. In addition, when this configuration is adopted, after the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is fixed to the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, the second extension piece 60s does not bulge significantly below the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, making it possible to maintain good appearance quality.

[0064] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is made of a plate-shaped piece whose thickness direction is oriented horizontally, and the first extension piece 60f and the second extension piece 60s are made of an integrated part that is substantially L-shaped in side view. In this configuration, since the fastener 60 is made of a substantially L-shaped plate-shaped member, the fastener 60 can be made into a simple shape that does not impair the appearance, and the manufacturing of the fastener 60 is also made easier.

[0065] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the support column mounting opening 64 of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL is configured to have a base opening (through hole 65 or a hole that opens only downward) and a recessed portion 66. The base opening (through hole 65 or a hole that opens only downward) is substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the support column 35, and the recessed portion 66 is recessed upward from the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL. The support column 35 is inserted into the base opening (through hole 65 or a hole that opens only downward), and the first extension piece 60f of the fixing device 60 is inserted into the recessed portion 66. As a result, when the support column 35 is inserted into the base opening, a gap is less likely to form between the support column 35 and the base opening, resulting in a better appearance. Furthermore, when the shelf device 100 is in use and a large load is applied externally to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL or the support columns 35, the tilting of the support columns 35 relative to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL can be effectively suppressed by the overlapping portion of the support columns 35 and the base opening in the insertion direction. Furthermore, in this configuration, the recessed portion 66 is shaped to open to a part of the circumferential direction of the base opening (through hole 65 or a hole that opens only downward). Therefore, when the first extension piece 60f of the fixing device 60 is inserted into the recessed portion 66 of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, the approximate circumferential position of the support column 35 relative to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL is positioned. Consequently, when this configuration is adopted, the fixing work becomes easier when fixing the second extension piece 60s of the fixing device 60 to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL.

[0066] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the recessed portion 66 formed in the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL is equipped with a pair of rotation-restricting walls 66w that face both end faces in the width direction of the first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60. Therefore, when the support column 35, to which the fastener 60 is fixed on its outer surface, is inserted into the support column mounting opening 64, if the circumferential orientation of the support column 35 is significantly misaligned with respect to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, the end face in the width direction of the first extension piece 60f will come into contact with the rotation-restricting wall 66w of the recessed portion 66. Thus, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, large circumferential misalignments of the support column 35 are reliably restricted by the rotation-restricting walls 66w, thereby making the assembly work of the support column 35 with respect to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL easier.

[0067] Furthermore, the shelf device 100 of this embodiment is provided with an inclined surface 70 on the outer periphery of each upper shelf member 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL that slopes downward toward the inward direction in a plan view. As a result, when loading or unloading items into the space below the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL, it is less likely that items or the user's hands will interfere with the outer periphery of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL. On the other hand, if an inclined surface 70 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL, the protrusion of the lower corners of the outer periphery is reduced, making the lower side of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL more visible. However, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, since the first extension piece 60f of the fastener 60 is inserted into the support column mounting opening 64 from below, there is no deterioration in appearance due to the first extension piece 60f being visible from the outside.

[0068] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, the upper shelf members 33FL and 33SL of each lower section are configured with through holes 65 that penetrate vertically through the base opening of the support column mounting opening 64. In this case, the support column 35 penetrates the upper shelf members 33FL and 33SL vertically through the through holes 65, but since the through holes 65 are substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the support column 35, gaps are less likely to form between the support column 35 and the through holes 65. Therefore, the shelf device 100 of this embodiment can effectively suppress the deterioration in appearance caused by large gaps when each upper shelf member 33FL and 33SL is viewed from above.

[0069] Furthermore, in the shelf device 100 of this embodiment, multiple support columns 35 are arranged near the outer edges of each upper shelf board member 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL. The fasteners 60 fixed to each support column 35 are fixed to each upper shelf board member 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL such that the second extension piece 60s extends toward the center of each upper shelf board member 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL in a plan view. As a result, the load of each upper shelf board member 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL and the items placed above it can be stably supported by the second extension pieces of the multiple fasteners 60. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, the support stability of the shelf device 100 can be further enhanced.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various design modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the number of shelves in each of the first and second shelf blocks 32F and 32S is two, but the number of shelves may be one or three or more.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a first shelf block 32F and a second shelf block 32S are installed on the upper part of the base shelf member 31. However, the number of shelf blocks installed on the upper part of the base shelf member 31 is not limited to two. The number of shelf blocks installed on the upper part of the base shelf member 31 may be one, three or more.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the leg column 30 fixed to the lower surface of the base shelf member 31 is arranged coaxially with the support column 35 positioned above it, but the leg column 30 does not necessarily have to be arranged coaxially with the support column 35 above it. However, it is desirable that the leg column 30 be arranged so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the support column 35 above it in a plan view.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by screws 63. However, the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 may also be fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by fastening members other than screws 63. The second extension piece 60s may be fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by rivets, for example. Moreover, if the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL are made of steel, the second extension piece 60s may be fixed to the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by welding.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60 is fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by screws 63. However, the second extension piece 60s does not necessarily have to be fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL by fasteners or the like. With the fastener 60 fixed to the corresponding support column 35, it is sufficient to simply place (support) the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL on the upper surface of the second extension piece 60s. Alternatively, recesses may be formed in the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL to accommodate the second extension piece 60s of the fastener 60, and the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL may be supported by the second extension piece 60s while it is housed in the recess. In this case, the second extension piece 60s may be fixed to the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL with screws or the like. Alternatively, the second extension piece 60s may simply be brought into contact with (supported by) the lower surface of the upper shelf members 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, and 33SL within the recess. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 33FH, 33FL, 33SH, 33SL...Upper shelf board members 35…post 60…Fixing tool 60f…1st extension piece 60s…Second extension piece 63... Screw (fixing component) 64…Post mounting opening 65…Through hole (base opening) 66... ​​recessed area 66w... Rotation restriction wall 70…Slope surface 100...shelf device

Claims

1. A support column that stands upright above, A shelf board member having a support column mounting opening that opens at least downward, and supported by the support column, The system includes a fastener for fixing the support column to the shelf board member, The aforementioned fixing device is A first extension piece extending in one direction and having one surface fixed to the outer surface of the support column, The device comprises a second extension piece that extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first extension piece, with one surface supporting the lower surface of the shelf board member, The fastener attached to the outer surface of the support column is characterized in that the first extension piece is inserted from below into the support column mounting opening together with the support column, and in this state the second extension piece supports the lower surface of the shelf board member.

2. The shelf device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second extension piece is fixed to the lower surface of the shelf board member by a fixing member.

3. The shelf device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second extension piece is composed of a plate-like piece whose thickness direction is oriented in the vertical direction.

4. The first extension is composed of a plate-like piece whose thickness direction is oriented horizontally, The shelf device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first extension piece and the second extension piece are made of an integrated part that is substantially L-shaped in side view.

5. The aforementioned support column mounting opening is The base opening has substantially the same shape as the outer surface of the aforementioned support column, The shelf board member has a recess that extends upward from its lower surface and opens into a part of the circumferential direction of the base opening, The support column is inserted into the base opening. The shelf device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first extension piece is inserted into the recessed portion.

6. The shelf device according to claim 5, characterized in that the recessed portion is provided with a pair of rotation-restricting walls facing both end faces in the width direction of the first extension piece.

7. The shelf device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the outer periphery of the shelf board member is provided with an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the inward direction when viewed in plan with respect to the shelf board member.

8. The shelf device according to claim 5, characterized in that the base opening is formed by a through hole that penetrates the shelf board member in the vertical direction.

9. Multiple support columns are arranged near the outer edge of the shelf board member. The shelf device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fixing device for fixing each of the support columns to the shelf board member is fixed to the shelf board member such that the second extension piece extends toward the center side of the shelf board member in a plan view.

Images