Connecting core and mounting shelf including connecting core

Abstract

The objective is to provide connecting cores or mounting shelves that allow tubular columns to be safely and appropriately connected and assembled, regardless of the user's skill level. [Solution] The present invention solves the above problem and provides a connecting core P that can connect two cylindrical column members 1 in the axial direction, comprising a cylindrical connecting member 2 and a guide member 3 that can penetrate the connecting member 3 in the axial direction, wherein the outer surface of the connecting member 2 is provided with a connecting portion that can connect to the inner surface of the column member 1, and the guide member 3 has a small diameter portion 32 that can connect to the connecting member 2 and a large diameter portion 31 that protrudes from the end of the connecting member 2 and can guide the column member 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting shelf that enables a user to easily and appropriately assemble a support column, and a connecting core member incorporated in the support column of the mounting shelf.

Background Art

[0002] Shelves that can accommodate many items in a limited space vary in size depending on the items to be stored and the installation conditions, and it is also important that they can be easily carried in during installation. To address this, shelves that can be easily assembled at the installation location with columns and mounting platforms have been developed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The shelf described in Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which two tubular columns can be connected by screwing them onto a core member provided with threads. However, when this connection work is done by hand, it is difficult to align the column and the core member in a straight line, and there is a problem that the members may be damaged or the members may become inseparable due to inappropriate screwing.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a connecting core member or a mounting shelf that can safely and appropriately connect and assemble a tubular column regardless of the skill of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is a connecting core capable of connecting two cylindrical column members in the axial direction, comprising a cylindrical connecting member and a guide member that can penetrate the connecting member in the axial direction, wherein the outer surface of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion that can connect to the inner surface of the column member, and the guide member has a small diameter portion that can connect to the connecting member and a large diameter portion that protrudes from the end of the connecting member and can guide the column member. This configuration makes it possible to safely and appropriately connect and assemble the cylindrical columns, regardless of the user's skill level.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one of the column members and the connecting member are in a continuous, integrated configuration. This configuration allows for the safe and proper connection and assembly of tubular columns with fewer parts.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the maximum diameter of the large-diameter portion is approximately equal to the diameter specified by the connecting portion. This configuration allows for more appropriate guidance of the position and orientation of the pipe member relative to the connecting member.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting portion includes a spiral recess and / or protrusion in the axial direction. This configuration allows for a more stable and easier connection between the pipe member and the connecting member.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion are provided with chamfered edges. This configuration allows the pipe member and the connecting member to be easily guided to the appropriate connection state.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member has an overhang extending from the outer surface at an intermediate portion in the axial direction. This configuration prevents unintended changes in the positional relationship between the pipe member and the connecting member.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the large-diameter portion narrows in outer diameter in the axial direction from the stepped portion towards the tip. This configuration allows the column members, which are held at an angle during connection, to be easily reoriented to the appropriate direction.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the small-diameter portion is provided with a projection that extends from its outer surface and further extends in the axial direction. This configuration prevents the guide member from easily falling out once it has penetrated the connecting member.

[0014] The present invention, which solves the above problems, is an assembly and disassemblyable mounting shelf comprising a support column including a connecting core as described in any of the above. This configuration allows for the safe and proper connection and assembly of cylindrical column members. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention, which solves the above problems, provides a connecting core or mounting shelf that can be safely and appropriately assembled by connecting cylindrical columns, regardless of the user's skill level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a mounting shelf according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a support column included in a mounting shelf according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the assembly direction between each member of the support column included in a mounting shelf according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view in another direction showing the assembly direction between each member of the support column included in the mounting shelf according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a connecting member included in a connecting core according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a guide member included in a connecting core for the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view and a partially enlarged view showing the configuration of a guide member included in a connecting core for the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration at the time of assembling a support column included in a mounting shelf for the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory drawing showing the configuration of a support column included in a mounting shelf for the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the connecting core P and the mounting shelf X according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description will detail the configuration of the embodiment, the method of implementation, and other examples in this order. Note that each of the embodiments shown below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0018] ≪First Embodiment≫ As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting shelf X according to this embodiment includes a support column Y and a mounting table Z, and secures a storage space for articles. Further, the mounting shelf X according to the present invention can be assembled and disassembled, and the height of the support column Y, the height of the mounting table Z, and the number of steps can be arbitrarily determined according to the user's selection. Further, the connecting core P is a member included in the support column Y and is used for assembling the support column Y.

[0019] The support column Y is a columnar assembly that determines the height of the mounting shelf X. In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), it includes a column member 1, a connecting member 2, and a guide member 3. Further, the mounting table Z has a flat plate-shaped or grid-shaped mounting portion and at least four insertion portions along its periphery. By inserting the support column Y into the insertion portion and fixing their positions to each other, the mounting table Z is held at a desired height, and the mounting shelf X is formed.

[0020] Figure 2(a) is a front view showing the configuration when each member of the support column Y is assembled, and Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the support column Y after all members have been assembled, cut in a plane containing the central axis A (the front half has been removed). The support column Y has a connecting member 2 and a guide member 3 installed inside the connection part that connects the two column members 1 in the direction of the central axis A (axial direction). Hereinafter, the connecting member 2 and the guide member 3 will be collectively referred to as the connecting core P.

[0021] Column member 1 is a tubular or cylindrical member that forms the main part of the support column Y, and the inside of its cross-section is circular (including a roughly circular shape that allows for slight distortion). In the present invention, it is preferable that the outer shape of the cross-section of column member 1 is also circular, which makes the wall thickness of the entire member roughly uniform and symmetrical in all directions around the central axis A, allowing the user to handle it easily without worrying about its orientation. Also, for convenience in the following description, the two column members 1 will be referred to as the first column member 11 and the second column member 12, respectively, based on the drawings. However, the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 are named according to their relative connection direction to the connecting core P, and unless otherwise specified, their configurations are identical.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 each have a first inner surface 111 and a second inner surface 121 with a circular cross-section, and further have a first screw portion 112 and a second screw portion 122 at both ends (or one end) of each.

[0023] The first threaded portion 112 and the second threaded portion 122 are recesses and / or protrusions that are spirally provided around the central axis A on the first inner surface 111 and the second inner surface 121, respectively, and are connection parts that include a general female thread. With this configuration, the connection structure is not exposed on the outer surface of the column member 1, and safety is improved because there are no protrusions that could unintentionally come into contact with the user's body or the contents of the shelf X. In addition, since there are no obstacles when inserting the support column Y into the insertion part of the mounting base Z, the degree of freedom in assembling the shelf X is increased. Furthermore, the design of the shelf X can also be improved.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the connecting member 2 is a tubular or cylindrical member that can connect the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 from the inside, and its axial length is approximately the same as the sum of the length of the first threaded portion 112 and the second threaded portion 122.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the connecting member 2 has a connecting end face 21, a connecting inner surface 22, a connecting side screw portion 23, and a protruding portion 24. The connecting end face 21 is the surface at both ends of the circular pipe of the connecting member 2, allowing the guide member 3, which will be described later, to come into contact with it. In addition, the connecting inner surface 22, which is the inner surface of the circular pipe, allows a part of the guide member 3 to penetrate into the circular cross-sectional space formed inside it.

[0026] The connecting screw portion 23 is a recess and / or protrusion that is spirally provided around the central axis A over substantially the entire outer side surface of the circular pipe of the connecting member 2, and is a connecting portion that includes a general male screw. The connecting screw portion 23 can be screwed together with the first screw portion 112 and / or the second screw portion 122, thereby enabling the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 (i.e., the two column members 1) to be connected via the connecting member 2.

[0027] The protruding portion 24 is a flange-shaped member that extends outward from the connecting side screw portion 23 (outer side surface) at approximately the center of the connecting member 2 in the axial direction, and when attached to the column member 1, both sides abut against the column member 1 as shown in Figure 2(b). This allows the first column member 11 and the second column member 12, which are screwed onto the connecting side screw portion 23, to abut against each other and be positioned. With this configuration, the positions of the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 relative to the connecting member 2 can be kept constant in the axial direction. In addition, to prevent the connecting member 2 from being screwed onto either one of the column members 1 with an excessively long and uneven length, the short screwing range makes it difficult for the column member 1 and the connecting member 2 to easily detach.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the guide member 3 is a stepped columnar member that can partially penetrate the inner surface 22 of the connection portion of the connecting member 2, and together with the connecting member 2, constitutes the connecting core P. In particular, as shown in Figure 2(b), the guide member 3 is configured to penetrate the connecting member 2 from the exposed side of the connecting member 2 when the first columnar member 11 and the connecting member 2 are screwed together, and guides the second columnar member 12 to the position of the connecting member 2.

[0029] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the guide member 3 has a large-diameter portion 31 centered on the same axis (central axis A), a small-diameter portion 32 also centered on the central axis A, and a stepped portion 33 connecting the outer surfaces of the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32. In the following description, the stepped portion 33 and the ends of the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32 adjacent to it will be collectively referred to as the stepped portion S. Also, as shown in Figures 6(c) and 6(d), the guide member 3 is hollow in the axial direction and has a reinforcing portion 34 inside.

[0030] The large-diameter portion 31 is a substantially cylindrical member that forms the main part of the guide member 3. When the connecting core P is assembled, it protrudes axially from the connecting end face 21, which is the end of the connecting member 2, enabling the column member 1 (especially the second column member 12) to be guided to the appropriate position and orientation. The large-diameter portion 31 has a length approximately equal to that of the connecting member 2 in the axial direction, and its maximum diameter in the cross-sectional direction is approximately equal to that of the connecting member 2.

[0031] The maximum diameter of the cross-section of the large-diameter portion 31 is approximately equal to the diameter determined by the threads of the connecting screw portion 23. This configuration allows the column member 1 connected to the connecting member 2 to be guided to the appropriate position and orientation, enabling the user to easily connect each member without having to be aware of high-precision operation.

[0032] The large-diameter portion 31 has a chamfered portion 311 at the end opposite to the stepped portion S. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(a), when the second column member 12 is fitted from the end of the large-diameter portion 31, the chamfered portion 311 can properly guide the second column member 12 even if they are slightly at an angle (not parallel) to each other. The chamfered portion 311 can also be changed to a rounded corner (fillet).

[0033] Preferably, the large-diameter portion 31 has a configuration in which the outer diameter narrows slightly in the axial direction from the stepped portion S towards the tip. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(a), when the second column member 12 is fitted from the tip of the large-diameter portion 31, even if they are slightly oblique (not parallel) to each other, the entire large-diameter portion 31 can be used to properly guide the second column member 12, and the second column member 12 can be straightened to a direction parallel to the axial direction of the connecting member 2. In addition, since the second screw portion 122 and the connecting side screw portion 23 are guided in the correct direction, it is possible to prevent the screw portions from bending and becoming stuck together, or from being damaged.

[0034] The small-diameter portion 32 is a columnar or cylindrical member of the guide member 3 that has a cross-sectional shape that allows it to penetrate and be fixed into the connecting member 2, and its axial length is approximately equal to or longer than that of the connecting member 2. In addition, the small-diameter portion 32 has a chamfered portion 321 at the end opposite to the stepped portion S. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 2(b), when the small-diameter portion 32 is inserted along the inner surface 22 of the connecting portion of the connecting member 2, it is less likely to get caught and can be operated easily. The chamfered portion 321 can also be changed to a rounded corner (fillet).

[0035] The small-diameter portion 32 has ribs 322 on its outer surface. The ribs 322 are projections that protrude from the outer surface of the small-diameter portion 32 in a direction toward contact with the inner surface 22 of the connecting portion, that is, away from the central axis A, and the protruding region is provided to extend in the axial direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6(c), six ribs 322 are provided around the central axis A, but any number of two or more is acceptable as long as the arrangement is rotationally symmetrical around the central axis A. With this configuration, the small-diameter portion 32 and the inner surface 22 of the connecting portion can make stable contact, making it easier to stably maintain the state of the connecting core P, which is a combination of the connecting member 2 and the guide member 3. Furthermore, it is preferable that a chamfer (or fillet) is provided on the tip of the rib 322 on the side closer to the chamfered portion 321, which makes it easier to penetrate the connecting member 2.

[0036] The stepped portion 33 is the plane of the stepped portion S that connects the outer surfaces of the large diameter portion 31 and the small diameter portion 32. As shown in Figure 2(b), when the small diameter portion 32 is inserted into the connecting member 2, the stepped portion 33 comes into contact with the end face 21 of the connecting portion, enabling the positioning of the connecting member 2 and the guide member 3.

[0037] The reinforcing portion 34 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends radially from the central axis A and further widens axially within the cylindrical guide member 3, as shown in Figures 6(c), 6(d), and 7, and maintains the cross-sectional shapes of the large-diameter portion 31 and the small-diameter portion 32. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 34 is approximately cross-shaped with 90 degrees rotational symmetry around the central axis A, but any number of reinforcing portions in two or more directions may be provided as long as they are arranged with rotational symmetry around the central axis A.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2(b), when the first column member 11 and the second column member 12 are connected, the connecting member 2 and the guide member 3 are provided inside the support column Y as a connecting core P. This configuration reinforces the support column Y, and even when a horizontal load (shear direction for the support column Y) is applied to the mounting shelf X shown in Figure 1, detachment and distortion of parts are suppressed, resulting in greater stability. Furthermore, since the members do not protrude beyond the outer surface of the column member 1, the design of the support column Y is improved, and when attaching the mounting base Z to the support column Y, the mounting base Z can be positioned at any position (i.e., height) regardless of the position of the connecting core P.

[0039] The present invention may have the following configurations. However, the following configurations are merely examples, and their presence or absence can be arbitrarily determined unless otherwise specified.

[0040] ≪Example of changes≫ The large-diameter portion 31 may have a small-constricted portion 312. As shown in Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 7(c), the small-constricted portion 312 is a portion in the middle of the large-diameter portion 31 in which the ratio of narrowing is locally increased in a specific narrow range in the axial direction. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the second column member 12 is fitted diagonally from the tip of the large-diameter portion 31, the second screw portion 122 is more likely to come into contact with the small-constricted portion 312, allowing the user to easily recognize that the orientation of the second column member 12 is incorrect and correct the orientation of the second column member 12 to be parallel to the connecting member 2.

[0041] The following describes in detail the method of carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the method of carrying out the invention described below is merely an example, and is not limited to this method; the order of the steps may also be changed.

[0042] ≪Implementation Method≫ When assembling the shelf X according to this embodiment, the user first assembles the support column Y. First, the user aligns the orientation of the connecting member 2 with the central axis A direction and screws the first threaded portion 112 and one of the connecting side threaded portions 23 onto the first column member 11, fastening until the end face of the first column member 11 and the overhanging portion 24 come into contact.

[0043] Next, the user inserts the small-diameter portion 32 of the guide member 3 into the interior of the inner surface 22 of the connection portion of the connecting member 2. The user then pushes the guide member 3 until the stepped portion 33 contacts the end face 21 of the connection portion of the connecting member 2, resulting in the state shown in Figure 2(a).

[0044] Next, the user inserts the second column member 12 so as to fit over the large-diameter portion 31 of the guide member 3, and screws the second threaded portion 122 and the connecting threaded portion 23 together. At this time, as shown in Figure 8(a), even if the axial direction of the second column member 12 is oblique to the axial direction of the combined first column member 11 and connecting core P, the large-diameter portion 31 appropriately corrects the position and orientation of the second column member 12, so that the axial direction of the second column member 12 and the axial direction of the connecting core P become parallel (or on the same line). This prevents the threaded portions of both members from interlocking at an angle (offset by one step) during screwing of the second threaded portion 122 and the connecting threaded portion 23, which could lead to them becoming stuck or damaged.

[0045] The user prepares multiple support columns Y assembled to the state shown in Figure 2(b) using the method described above. The user can also add column members 1 to the support columns Y using the same procedure as described above to obtain the required length.

[0046] The user then inserts the assembled support column Y into the insertion section of the mounting base Z, and fixes multiple mounting bases Z at the desired height to form the mounting shelf X shown in Figure 1. The mounting shelf X is installed either assembled at the installation site, assembled in a location where assembly is easy, and then moved to the installation site, or by other methods.

[0047] When disassembling the mounting shelf X and support column Y, the user should follow the reverse procedure described above.

[0048] The connecting core P and mounting shelf X according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and their explanation will be omitted. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0049] ≪Second Embodiment≫ As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(c), in the support column Y included in the mounting shelf X according to this embodiment, one column member 1 and the connecting member 2 are a continuous, integrated structure. More specifically, the connecting member 2 is seamlessly joined at one end of the first column member 11, and the connecting side screw portion 23 is provided only on the side protruding from the first column member 11. This configuration reduces the number of parts that make up the support column Y, and allows the column member 1 to be connected safely and appropriately with fewer steps to assemble the support column Y. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] P connection core X Shelf Y-shaped support column Z mounting platform 1 Column member 11 First column member 111 First inner surface 112 First threaded part 12 Second column member 121 Second inner surface 122 Second threaded part 2 Connecting members 21 End face of connection part 22 Inner side of connection 23. Threaded connection part 24 Overhang 3 Guide members 31 Large diameter section 311 Chamfered section 312 Small stenosis 32 Small diameter section 321 Chamfered section 322 Rib 33 Stepped section 34 Reinforcement section A center axis S Step section

Claims

1. A connecting core that allows two cylindrical column members to be connected in the axial direction, It comprises a cylindrical connecting member and a guide member that can penetrate the connecting member in the axial direction, The outer surface of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion that can be connected to the inner surface of the column member. The guide member is a connecting core having a small-diameter portion that can be connected to the connecting member and a large-diameter portion that protrudes from the end of the connecting member and can guide the column member.

2. The column member and the connecting member are a continuous, integrated structure. The connecting core according to claim 1.

3. The maximum diameter of the large-diameter portion is approximately equal to the diameter specified by the connecting portion. The connecting core according to claim 1.

4. The connecting portion includes a spiral recess and / or protrusion in the axial direction. The connecting core according to claim 1.

5. The large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion are each provided with a chamfered portion at their respective ends. The connecting core according to claim 1.

6. The connecting member has an overhang portion extending from the outer surface in the intermediate portion in the axial direction. The connecting core according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned large-diameter portion has an outer diameter that narrows in the axial direction from the stepped portion towards the tip. A connecting core according to any of claim 1.

8. The small-diameter portion is provided with a projection that extends from its outer surface and further extends in the axial direction. The connecting core according to claim 1.

9. A mounting shelf that can be assembled and disassembled, comprising a support column including a connecting core as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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