support device
The support device with L-shaped arm portions allows separate transportation and efficient assembly of rack system components, addressing transport challenges in automated warehouses by enhancing rigidity and reducing deformation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYOTA INDUSTRIES CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing rack systems in automated warehouses face challenges in transporting integrated support columns and main load receivers due to their orthogonal configuration, making efficient stacking and transportation difficult.
A support device comprising a pair of column members with mounting portions and support members having extending and arm portions with L-shaped cross-sections, allowing separate transportation and efficient assembly of components.
Improves transport efficiency by enabling separate transportation and efficient loading of support device components, while reducing deformation and enhancing rigidity through optimized arm configurations.
Smart Images

Figure 2026088593000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a support device.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rack body for an automated warehouse. The rack body includes a pair of columns, a main load receiver attached to the columns, and an auxiliary load receiver attached to the columns in a state of protruding with at least one of the columns interposed therebetween. The columns are erected in a direction orthogonal to the floor, and the main load receiver is attached in a state parallel to the floor. The main load receiver has a shape of a rectangular frame body composed of a pair of vertical arms and a pair of horizontal arms. Each horizontal arm has a central portion attached to each column by means such as welding. Both end portions of each horizontal arm are attached to the ends of each vertical arm by means such as welding.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In rack systems used in automated warehouses and the like, the main load receiver needs to be precisely positioned and fixed to the support columns. For this reason, the support columns and main load receiver may be fixed immovably at a factory or other location, rather than at the site where the automated warehouse is installed. In the rack system described in Patent Document 1, the main load receiver is welded to a pair of support columns, so when transported from the factory to the site, the support columns and main load receiver may be transported in a welded state. Since the support columns and main load receivers extend in orthogonal directions, it is difficult to stack objects with integrated support columns and main load receivers and place them on a transport vehicle. Therefore, it may not be possible to efficiently transport objects with integrated support columns and main load receivers. Accordingly, there has been a need for a support device that can improve transport efficiency.
[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a support device that can improve transport efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] (1) A support device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises at least a pair of column members extending in the height direction and spaced apart in the depth direction, a mounting portion fixed immovably to the column members, and at least a pair of support members attached to the pair of column members via the mounting portion to support an article, wherein each of the pair of support members has an extending portion extending in the depth direction on which an article is placed, and an arm portion attached to the mounting portion and extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the height direction and depth direction from one extending portion of the pair of support members toward the other extending portion of the pair of support members, with the tip portion supporting the other of the pair of support members, wherein the arm portion has an L-shaped cross section formed by a horizontal plate arranged parallel to the direction perpendicular to the height direction and a vertical plate arranged parallel to the height direction, with the vertical plate positioned on the column member side relative to the horizontal plate.
[0007] In this type of support device, the mounting portion is fixed immovably to the column member, and a pair of support members are attached to the pair of column members via the mounting portion. Specifically, the arm portion of one of the pair of support members (referred to as one support member) and the arm portion of the other of the pair of support members (referred to as the other support member) are attached to the column member via the mounting portion. Therefore, the load on each arm portion is transmitted to the column member via the mounting portion. Also, since the arm portion of one support member supports the other support member, the arm portion of one support member bears the load on the other support member. In such a configuration, for example, when transporting the components of a support device from the factory to the site and assembling it as a support device, the column members and support members can be transported separately. Therefore, the transport efficiency of the components related to the support device can be improved. Furthermore, the configuration for supporting articles in the support device is not limited to a single frame-shaped member, but rather a pair of support members having an extended portion and an arm portion. Therefore, the pair of support members can be efficiently arranged and loaded onto the loading area of the mobile body transporting the support device. Therefore, the transport efficiency of components related to the support device can be further improved.
[0008] Furthermore, the arms of the pair of support members have an L-shaped cross-section formed by a horizontal plate and a vertical plate arranged parallel to the direction perpendicular to the height direction, with the vertical plate positioned on the column member side relative to the horizontal plate. As a result, the distance between the column member and the rigid center of the arm is shorter compared to when the vertical plate is positioned on the opposite side of the column member relative to the horizontal plate. Therefore, deformation of the mounting portion to which the arm is attached can be suppressed.
[0009] (2) In (1) above, the tip of one arm portion is provided with a laterally projecting projection, and the projection is not fixed to the other extended portion of the pair of support members, but supports the other extended portion by contacting it. In such a configuration, the tip of the arm portion of one support member can easily support the extended portion of the other support member. In addition, the load applied to the extended portion of the other support member is transmitted to the arm portion of one support member via the plate-like portion.
[0010] (3) In (1) or (2) above, one arm of the pair of support members is positioned along the depth direction alongside the other arm of the pair of support members, and the vertical plates of one arm and the other arm may face each other in opposite directions with the column member in between. In such a configuration, since the arms of the pair of support members are positioned to sandwich the column member, deformation of the mounting portion can be effectively suppressed.
[0011] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, one arm of the pair of support members is positioned along the depth direction alongside the other arm of the pair of support members, and the vertical plate of one arm and the vertical plate of the other arm may face the column member on the side in front of the column member. In this configuration, since both arms of the pair of support members are positioned in front of the column member, deformation of the mounting part can be suppressed even when there is no space to position the arms behind the column member.
[0012] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the horizontal plate of one arm of the pair of support members overlaps the horizontal plate of the other arm of the pair of support members, the vertical plate of one arm and the vertical plate of the other arm face toward the column member, and the tip of the horizontal plate of one arm of the pair of support members is not fixed to the horizontal plate of the other arm of the pair of support members, but supports the other arm by contacting the horizontal plate of the other arm. In such a configuration, the load applied to the extended portion of the other support member is transmitted to the arm of the one support member via the arm of the other support member.
[0013] (6) In (5) above, the tip of the transverse plate of the other arm of the pair of support members may be fixed to the transverse plate of one arm of the pair of support members by fasteners. In this configuration, since the tip of the arm of the other support member is fixed to the arm of the one support member by fasteners, the load applied to the extended portion of one support member is transmitted to the arm of the other support member via the arm of the one support member.
[0014] (7) In (5) or (6) above, the height dimension of the arm portion may be the same as the height dimension of the extension portion. In such a configuration, when welding one arm portion to the extension portion, the height positioning of one arm portion and the extension portion can be easily performed.
[0015] (8) In any of (5) to (7) above, the height dimension of the arm portion may be smaller than the height dimension of the extended portion. In such a configuration, the width dimension of the vertical plate of the arm portion of the support member is reduced, so the overall height of the support member can be reduced. As a result, the distance between support members in the height direction can be shortened.
[0016] (9) In any of (1) to (4) above, the tip of one arm of the pair of support members is provided with a projection that protrudes laterally, and the projection supports the other extension of the pair of support members by contacting it, and the support member is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the other extension from moving laterally relative to the arm. In such a configuration, even if the extension of the other support member moves laterally, the movement of the extension of the other support member is restricted by the restricting portion relative to the arm of the one support member, so that the arm of one support member and the extension of the other support member do not move laterally relative to each other. [Effects of the Invention]
[0017] According to the present invention, transport efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the entire support device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of the support device shown in Figure 1, viewed from above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of the support device shown in Figure 1, seen from below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a part of the support device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a part of the support device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of a part of the support device shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the front side in the depth direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the distance between the column member and the center of rigidity of the arm portion in the support device according to the comparative example. FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the distance between the column member and the center of rigidity of the arm portion in the support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a part of the support device according to the second embodiment as seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a part of the support device according to the second embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a part of the support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of a part of the support device according to the second embodiment as seen from the front side in the depth direction. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of a part of the support device according to a modified example of the second embodiment as seen from the front side in the depth direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a part of the support device according to the third embodiment as seen from above. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a part of the support device according to the third embodiment as seen from below. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a part of the support device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17(a) is an enlarged plan view of the tip portion of the arm portion of the support device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 17(a). [Figure 18] FIG. 18(a) is an enlarged plan view of the tip portion of the arm portion of the support device according to a modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 18(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 18(a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0019] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. In addition, each figure may show a Cartesian coordinate system that defines the X, Y, and Z directions. The X direction is a horizontal direction, and the Y direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction. The Z direction is a vertical direction.
[0020] The support device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 1, the support device 1 is a device that supports an article 2, and is, for example, a rack installed in an automated warehouse. The support device 1 forms a shelf on which the article 2 is placed. The support device 1 is composed of a pair of frame units 101 and 102. The pair of frame units 101 and 102 are arranged side by side in the X direction (lateral direction, left-right direction). The configuration of frame unit 101 will be described below. Note that since frame unit 102 has the same configuration as frame unit 101, the description of frame unit 102 will be omitted.
[0021] The frame unit 101 comprises a column section 3, a mounting section 4, and a plurality (three in this example) of support units 5. The plurality of support units 5 are arranged in the Z direction (height direction, vertical direction) and are attached to the column section 3 via the mounting section 4. Article 2 is placed, for example, between a pair of frame units 101 and 102 in the X direction. Article 2 is placed, for example, straddling both the support unit 5 of frame unit 101 and the support unit 5 of frame unit 102. Specifically, one side of article 2 rests on the extended section 31 (described later) of the support unit 5 of frame unit 101, and the other side of article 2 rests on the extended section 41 (described later) of the support unit 5 of frame unit 102.
[0022] The column section 3 has a pair of column members 11 and 12 extending in the Z direction. The pair of column members 11 and 12 are arranged side by side, spaced apart in the Y direction (depth direction, front-to-back direction). The column members 11 and 12 are, for example, rectangular steel pipes formed in a roughly rectangular shape. However, the column members 11 and 12 do not have to be rectangular steel pipes; for example, they may be circular steel pipes with a roughly circular cross-section. Also, the material of the column members 11 and 12 is not limited to steel. Hereinafter, the side of the column member 11 that is positioned relative to the column member 12 in the Y direction will be referred to as the front side, and the side opposite to the front side will be referred to as the back side (rear side).
[0023] A passage is provided on the front side of the support device 1 for transporting, for example, an item 2 to the support device 1 (not shown). The item 2 is transported, for example, to the front of the frame units 101 and 102 on the passage. Then, the item 2 is transported from the front to the back, for example, by passing between the column member 11 of frame unit 101 and the column member 11 of frame unit 102, and placed on the support unit 5.
[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the mounting section 4 includes a pair of mounting members 21 and a pair of mounting members 22. The pair of mounting members 21 are fixed immovably to the column member 11. Immovable fixing means that they are fixed in such a way that no displacement occurs in the X, Y, and Z directions by methods such as welding, bolting, riveting, adhesive fixing, or interlocking.
[0025] The pair of mounting members 21 extend along the Y direction on both sides of the column member 11 and are arranged to face each other in the X direction with the column member 11 in between. Each mounting member 21 is, for example, an angle steel (L-angle, L-shaped steel, lightweight angle steel) and has an L-shaped cross-section formed by a vertical plate 21a (vertical flange) arranged parallel to the Z direction and a horizontal plate 21b (horizontal flange) arranged parallel to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. Note that the pair of mounting members 21 are not limited to angle steel, but may be, for example, square-shaped or channel-shaped steel materials. Also, the material of the pair of mounting members 21 is not limited to steel, but may be made of various metals, resins, or other materials.
[0026] In each mounting member 21, the vertical plate 21a is positioned on the column member 11 side in the X direction relative to the horizontal plate 21b. Specifically, the upper end of the vertical plate 21a is connected to the end of the horizontal plate 21b on the column member 11 side. The vertical plate 21a of one mounting member 21 faces the vertical plate 21a of the other mounting member 21, facing opposite directions in the X direction with the column member 11 in between. The vertical plate 21a is immovably fixed to the side of the column member 11 at its central portion in the Y direction. In this example, the vertical plate 21a is fixed to the side of the column member 11 by welding.
[0027] The pair of mounting members 22 have essentially the same configuration as the pair of mounting members 21. The vertical plate 22a and horizontal plate 22b of each mounting member 22 correspond to the vertical plate 21a and horizontal plate 21b, respectively. The pair of mounting members 22 are fixed immovably to the column member 12. The vertical plate 22a of the pair of mounting members 22 is fixed immovably to the side of the column member 12, for example, at the rear end in the Y direction. The pair of mounting members 22 extend towards the front side of the column member 12 along the Y direction.
[0028] Each support unit 5 has a pair of support members 30 and 40 for supporting the article 2, as shown in Figures 2 to 6. In this embodiment, support member 30 corresponds to one support member, and support member 40 corresponds to the other support member. The pair of support members 30 and 40 are attached to a pair of column members 11 and 12, respectively, via mounting portions 4.
[0029] Support member 30 has an extended portion 31, a first arm portion 32, and a second arm portion 33. Support member 40 has an extended portion 41, a first arm portion 42, and a second arm portion 43. The first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 constitute the arms of support member 30. The first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 43 constitute the arms of support member 40. Hereinafter, the extended portion 31 and the extended portion 41 will be described first, followed by the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33, and the first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 43. In the following, the extended portion 31 and the extended portion 41 may be referred to as extended portion 31, 41. Similarly, the first arm portion 32 and the first arm portion 42 may be referred to as first arm portion 32, 42, and the second arm portion 33 and the second arm portion 43 may be referred to as second arm portion 33, 43.
[0030] The extending portions 31 and 41 extend in the Y direction, on which the article 2 is placed. The extending portions 31 and 41 are arranged side by side in the X direction, facing each other with a pair of column members 11 and 12 in between in the X direction. The extending portions 31 and 41 are attached to the column member 11, respectively, via first arms 32 and 42 and a pair of mounting members 21. The extending portions 31 and 41 are attached to the column member 12, respectively, via second arms 33 and 43 and a pair of mounting members 22. The extending portions 31 and 41 are, for example, rectangular steel pipes formed in a roughly rectangular tubular shape.
[0031] The length of the extensions 31 and 41 in the Y direction is longer than the distance between the pair of column members 11 and 12 (see Figure 4). The front end of the extensions 31 and 41 is located, for example, in front of the column member 11 in the Y direction. The rear end of the extension 31 is located, for example, in front of the rear side surface of the column member 12 in the Y direction.
[0032] The first arm portion 32 extends in the X direction from the extending portion 31 toward the extending portion 41. The first arm portion 32 is fixed to the extending portion 31 at its base end on the side of the extending portion 31. The first arm portion 32 is not fixed to the extending portion 41 at its tip opposite to the base end, but is in contact with the extending portion 41. The first arm portion 32 is attached to the column member 11 via a pair of mounting members 21. The first arm portion 32 is positioned on the rear side of the column member 11 and is attached to the rear end of the pair of mounting members 21. In this example, the first arm portion 32 is positioned spaced apart from the side surface of the column member 11 in the Y direction. The first arm portion 32 may also be in contact with the side surface of the column member 11.
[0033] The first arm portion 32 has a vertical plate 32a arranged parallel to the Z direction and a horizontal plate 32b arranged parallel to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The first arm portion 32 has an L-shaped cross-section formed by the vertical plate 32a and the horizontal plate 32b. The vertical plate 32a is, for example, a flat plate arranged parallel to the X and Z directions and is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In the Y direction, the vertical plate 32a is located on the column member 11 side (front side) relative to the horizontal plate 32b.
[0034] The horizontal plate 32b is formed in a flat shape along the X and Y directions and is positioned lying flat along the horizontal plane. In the Y direction, the horizontal plate 32b protrudes from the lower end of the vertical plate 32a toward the opposite side from the column member 11. In this example, the horizontal plate 32b protrudes toward the rear from the lower end of the vertical plate 32a in the Y direction. The horizontal plate 32b is placed on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 21b of each mounting member 21 and is fixed to the horizontal plate 21b of each mounting member 21 by fasteners 7. The length of the horizontal plate 32b in the X direction is equal to, for example, the length of the vertical plate 32a in the X direction. The fasteners 7 are, for example, bolts and nuts.
[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the first arm portion 32 further has a first projection 32c and a second projection 32d. The first projection 32c is provided at the base end of the first arm portion 32 on the side of the extended portion 31. The first projection 32c protrudes in the X direction from the base end of the transverse plate 32b of the first arm portion 32. Specifically, the first projection 32c protrudes from the base end of the transverse plate 32b of the first arm portion 32 to the side opposite the column member 11 in the X direction. The projection length of the first projection 32c is, for example, shorter than the width dimension of the extended portion 31 in the X direction. The first projection 32c overlaps with the extended portion 31 when viewed, for example, from the Z direction.
[0036] The first projection 32c is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, along the X and Y directions. The thickness of the first projection 32c is equal to the thickness of the horizontal plate 32b, for example. The first projection 32c is in contact with the lower surface of the extension 31 and is fixed to the extension 31 by welding. Alternatively, the first projection 32c may be fixed to the extension 31 by bolts.
[0037] The second projection 32d is provided at the tip of the first arm 32 opposite to the base end. The second projection 32d protrudes in the X direction from the tip of the transverse plate 32b of the first arm 32. Specifically, the second projection 32d protrudes from the tip of the transverse plate 32b of the first arm 32 to the opposite side of the column member 11 in the X direction. The projection length of the second projection 32d is shorter than the width dimension of the extension 41 in the X direction. The second projection 32d overlaps with the extension 41 when viewed from the Z direction.
[0038] The second projection 32d is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, along the X and Y directions. The thickness of the second projection 32d is equal to the thickness of the horizontal plate 32b, for example. The second projection 32d is not fixed to the extension 41, but is in contact with the lower surface of the extension 41. The second projection 32d supports the extension 41 by contacting the lower surface of the extension 41.
[0039] The first protrusion 32c and the second protrusion 32d may be formed by press working to cut out both ends of the vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 in the X direction. In this way, the first protrusion 32c and the second protrusion 32d may constitute both ends of the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32.
[0040] The second arm 33 has basically the same configuration as the first arm 32. The vertical plate 33a, horizontal plate 33b, first projection 33c, and second projection 33d of the second arm 33 correspond to the vertical plate 32a, horizontal plate 32b, first projection 32c, and second projection 32d of the first arm 32. The differences in the configuration of the second arm 33 compared to the first arm 32 will be explained below.
[0041] The second arm portion 33 is attached to the column member 12 via a pair of mounting members 22, as shown in Figure 2. The second arm portion 33 is positioned on the front side of the column member 12 and is attached, for example, to the central portion in the Y direction of the pair of mounting members 22. The horizontal plate 33b protrudes forward from the lower end of the vertical plate 33a in the Y direction (see Figure 4).
[0042] The first arm portion 42 has a structure that is basically symmetrical to the first arm portion 32 with respect to the center line of the column member 11 along the Z direction. The first arm portion 42 extends in the X direction from the extension portion 41 toward the extension portion 31. The first arm portion 42 is fixed to the extension portion 41 at its base end on the extension portion 41 side. The first arm portion 42 is not fixed to the extension portion 31 at its tip opposite to the base end, but is in contact with the extension portion 31. The first arm portion 42 is attached to the column member 11 via a pair of mounting members 21. The first arm portion 42 is positioned on the front side of the column member 11 and is attached to the front end of the pair of mounting members 21. In this example, the first arm portion 42 is positioned spaced apart from the side surface of the column member 11 in the Y direction. The first arm portion 42 may be in contact with the side surface of the column member 11.
[0043] The first arm portion 42 has a vertical plate 42a arranged parallel to the Z direction and a horizontal plate 42b arranged parallel to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. The first arm portion 42 has an L-shaped cross-section formed by the vertical plate 42a and the horizontal plate 42b. The vertical plate 42a is, for example, a flat plate arranged parallel to the X and Z directions and is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane. In the Y direction, the vertical plate 42a is located on the column member 11 side (rear side) relative to the horizontal plate 42b.
[0044] The horizontal plate 42b is formed in a flat shape along the X and Y directions and is positioned lying flat along the horizontal plane. In the Y direction, the horizontal plate 42b protrudes from the lower end of the vertical plate 42a toward the opposite side from the column member 11. In this example, the horizontal plate 42b protrudes toward the front from the lower end of the vertical plate 42a in the Y direction. The horizontal plate 42b is placed on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 21b of each mounting member 21 and is fixed to the horizontal plate 21b of each mounting member 21 by fasteners 7. The length of the horizontal plate 42b in the X direction is equal to, for example, the length of the vertical plate 42a in the X direction.
[0045] As shown in Figure 5, the first arm portion 42 further has a first projection 42c and a second projection 42d. The first projection 42c is provided at the base end of the first arm portion 42 on the side of the extended portion 41. The first projection 42c protrudes in the X direction from the base end of the transverse plate 42b of the first arm portion 42. Specifically, the first projection 42c protrudes from the base end of the transverse plate 42b of the first arm portion 42 to the side opposite the column member 11 in the X direction. The projection length of the first projection 42c is, for example, shorter than the width dimension of the extended portion 41 in the X direction. The first projection 42c overlaps with the extended portion 41 when viewed, for example, from the Z direction.
[0046] The first projection 42c is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, along the X and Y directions. The thickness of the first projection 42c is equal to the thickness of the horizontal plate 42b, for example. The first projection 42c is in contact with the lower surface of the extension 41 and is fixed to the extension 41 by welding. Alternatively, the first projection 42c may be fixed to the extension 41 by bolts.
[0047] The second projection 42d is provided at the tip of the first arm 42 opposite to the base end. The second projection 42d protrudes in the X direction from the tip of the transverse plate 42b of the first arm 42. Specifically, the second projection 42d protrudes from the tip of the transverse plate 42b of the first arm 42 to the opposite side of the column member 11 in the X direction. The projection length of the second projection 42d is shorter than the width dimension of the extension 31 in the X direction. The second projection 42d overlaps with the extension 31 when viewed from the Z direction.
[0048] The second projection 42d is formed in a flat plate shape, for example, along the X and Y directions. The thickness of the second projection 42d is equal to the thickness of the horizontal plate 42b, for example. The second projection 42d is not fixed to the extension 31, but is in contact with the lower surface of the extension 31. The second projection 42d supports the extension 31 by contacting the lower surface of the extension 31.
[0049] The first arm portion 42 is positioned parallel to the first arm portion 32 in the Y direction. The first arm portions 42 face each other in the Y direction, with the column member 11 in between. Alternatively, the column member 11 is located between the first arm portions 32 and 42.
[0050] Furthermore, the vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 and the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 face each other in the Y direction, with the column member 11 in between (opposite sides of each other). Specifically, the vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 faces towards the front in the Y direction, and the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 faces towards the back in the Y direction. Also, the vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 is located on the column member 11 side relative to the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32. Also, the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 is located on the column member 11 side relative to the horizontal plate 42b of the first arm 42.
[0051] The second arm 43 has basically the same configuration as the first arm 32. The vertical plate 43a, horizontal plate 43b, first projection 43c, and second projection 43d of the second arm 43 correspond to the vertical plate 42a, horizontal plate 42b, first projection 42c, and second projection 42d of the first arm 42. The differences in the configuration of the second arm 43 compared to the first arm 42 will be explained below.
[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the second arm portion 43 is attached to the column member 12 via a pair of mounting members 22. The second arm portion 43 is positioned on the front side of the column member 12 and is attached to the front end of the pair of mounting members 22. The horizontal plate 43b, like the first arm portion 32, protrudes forward in the Y direction from the lower end of the vertical plate 43a.
[0053] The second arms 33 and 43 are arranged side by side in the Y direction on the front side of the column member 12. The vertical plates 33a of the second arm 33 and the vertical plates 43a of the second arm 43 face toward the column member 12 on the front side of the column member 12. That is, the vertical plate 33a of the second arm 33 is located toward the column member 12 relative to the horizontal plate 33b of the second arm 33. Similarly, the vertical plate 43a of the second arm 43 is located toward the column member 12 relative to the horizontal plate 43b of the second arm 43.
[0054] As shown in Figure 6, in the pair of support members 30 and 40, the height dimension H2 of the first arm portion 32 and 42 and the second arm portion 33 and 43 is smaller than the height dimension H1 of the extended portion 31 and 41.
[0055] The structural unit 101 further comprises a lattice 6. The lattice 6 is a member that reinforces a pair of column members 11 and 12. The lattice 6 extends diagonally in the Z direction from one of the pair of column members 11 and 12 to the other. Both ends of the lattice 6 are fixed to the pair of column members 11 and 12, respectively.
[0056] As described above, in the support device 1 of this embodiment, the mounting portion 4 is fixed immovably to the column members 11 and 12, and a pair of support members 30 and 40 are attached to the pair of column members 11 and 12, respectively, via the mounting portion 4. Specifically, the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 of support member 30 (one of the support members) are attached to the pair of column members 11 and 12 via the mounting portion 4. Therefore, the load applied to the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 is transmitted to the column members 11 and 12, respectively, via the mounting portion 4. In addition, since the pair of support members 30 and 40 are fixed to the column members 11 and 12 by the mounting portion 4, rotation about the Y-axis is suppressed. Furthermore, since the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 of support member 30 support support member 40 (the other support member), the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 bear the load applied to support member 40. In this configuration, for example, when transporting the components of the support device 1 from the factory to the site for installation and assembling it as the support device 1, the column members 11, 12 and the support members 30, 40 can be transported separately. Therefore, the transport efficiency of the components related to the support device 1 can be improved. Furthermore, the configuration for supporting the article 2 in the support device 1 is not limited to a single frame-shaped member, but rather a pair of support members 30, 40 having an extended portion and an arm portion. Therefore, the pair of support members 30, 40 can be efficiently positioned and loaded onto the loading area of a moving vehicle such as a truck transporting the support device 1. Therefore, the transport efficiency of the components related to the support device 1 can be further improved.
[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first arm portion 32 of the support member 30 has an L-shaped cross-section formed by a horizontal plate 32b arranged parallel to a direction perpendicular to the height direction (Z direction) and a vertical plate 32a arranged parallel to the height direction, with the vertical plate 32a positioned on the column member 11 side relative to the horizontal plate 32b. As a result, the distance between the column member 11 and the center of rigidity of the first arm portion 32 is shorter compared to the case where the vertical plate 32a is positioned on the opposite side from the column member 11 relative to the horizontal plate 32b. Also, the second arm portion 33 of the support member 30 has an L-shaped cross-section formed by a horizontal plate 33b arranged parallel to a direction perpendicular to the height direction (Z direction) and a vertical plate 33a arranged parallel to the height direction, with the vertical plate 33a positioned on the column member 12 side relative to the horizontal plate 33b. As a result, the distance between the column member 12 and the center of rigidity of the second arm portion 33 is shorter compared to the case where the vertical plate 33a is positioned on the opposite side from the column member 12 relative to the horizontal plate 33b. Therefore, deformation of the pair of mounting members 21 and 22 of the mounting portion 4 to which the first arm portion 32 and the second arm portion 33 are attached can be suppressed. The same applies to the first arm portion 42 and the second arm portion 43 of the support member 40.
[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second protrusions 32d and 33d provided at the tips of the first arm 32 and second arm 33 of the support member 30 are not fixed to the extended portion 41 of the support member 40, but support the extended portion 41 by contacting it. With this configuration, the tips of the first arm 32 and second arm 33 of the support member 30 can easily support the extended portion 41 of the support member 40. Also, the load applied to the extended portion 41 of the support member 40 is transmitted to the first arm 32 and second arm 33 of the support member 30 by bearing pressure via the second protrusions 32d and 33d. The same applies to the first arm 42 and second arm 43 of the support member 40.
[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical plates 32a of the first arm portion 32 of the support member 30 and the vertical plates 42a of the first arm portion 42 of the support member 40 face each other so as to be facing in opposite directions with the column member 11 in between. In this configuration, since the first arm portions 32 and 42 of the pair of support members 30 and 40 are arranged to sandwich the column member 11, deformation of the pair of mounting members 21 of the mounting portion 4 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the rigidity of the joint between the support unit 5 having the pair of support members 30 and 40 and the column member 11 can be increased.
[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical plate 33a of the second arm portion 33 of the support member 30 and the vertical plate 43a of the second arm portion 43 of the support member 40 face toward the column member 12 on the side in front of the column member 12. In this configuration, since the second arm portions 33 and 43 of the pair of support members 30 and 40 are both positioned in front of the column member 12, deformation of the pair of mounting members 22 of the mounting portion 4 can be suppressed even when there is no space to position the second arm portion behind the column member 12. In addition, when attaching a reinforcing member to the rear side of the column member 12, interference between the reinforcing member and the second arm portions 33 and 43 can be suppressed.
[0061] The operation and effects of the first embodiment described above will now be explained with reference to Figures 7(a) and (b). Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the distance between the column member and the rigidity center of the arm in a support device according to a comparative example. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the distance between the column member and the rigidity center of the arm in a support device according to the embodiment.
[0062] In the comparative example support device 200 shown in Figure 7(a), the first arm portion 232 and the first arm portion 242 are arranged side by side on one side of the column member 211. Also, the vertical plate 232a of the first arm portion 232 is located on the opposite side from the column member 211 relative to the horizontal plate 232b of the first arm portion 232. The first arm portion 242 is arranged in the opposite direction to the first arm portion 232. The center of rigidity when the first arm portion 232 and the first arm portion 242 are considered as a single member is located between the first arm portion 232 and the first arm portion 242. In this case, the distance D1 from the side surface of the column member 211 to the center of rigidity is relatively large, and when the load is transmitted from the first arm portion 232 and the first arm portion 242 to the mounting member 221, the deformation of the mounting member 221 may increase. In Figure 7(a), the position of the center of rigidity when the first arm 232 and the first arm 242 are considered as a single member is shown by the dashed line.
[0063] On the other hand, in the support device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7(b), the vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 and the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 face each other in the Y direction, with the column member 11 in between. The vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32 is located on the column member 11 side relative to the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32, and the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 is located on the column member 11 side relative to the horizontal plate 42b of the first arm 42. With this configuration, the distance D2 from the side surface of the column member 11 to the respective centers of rigidity of the first arm 32 and the first arm 42 can be shortened compared to the case of Comparative Example 200. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the mounting member 21. Note that in Figure 7(b), the positions of the centers of rigidity of the first arm 32 and the first arm 42 are shown by dashed lines. [Second Embodiment]
[0064] The support device 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12. In the support device 1A according to the second embodiment, the arrangement and shape of the arms of the support member 30A and the support member 40A are different from those of the support device 1 according to the first embodiment. Also, in the support device 1A according to the second embodiment, unlike the support device 1 according to the first embodiment, one support member corresponds to the support member 40A, and the other support member corresponds to the support member 30A.
[0065] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first arms 32A and 42A are both positioned on the front side of the column member 11 and both face the same side. The first arm 32A is positioned so as to overlap the upper side of the first arm 42A. The horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32A overlaps the horizontal plate 42b of the first arm 42. The horizontal plate 32b rests on and is in contact with the upper surface of the horizontal plate 42b. The vertical plate 32a of the first arm 32A and the vertical plate 42a of the first arm 42 both face the column member 11 side. The vertical plate 32a is in contact with the front surface of the vertical plate 42a.
[0066] As shown in Figure 12, the first arm portion 32A of the support member 30A does not have the first projection 32c and second projection 32d in the first embodiment described above, and only has a vertical plate 32a and a horizontal plate 32b. The base end of the first arm portion 32A is fixed to the extended portion 31 by welding at the vertical plate 32a and the horizontal plate 32b. The first arm portion 32A extends to the vicinity of the extended portion 41 of the support member 40A. The tip of the first arm portion 32A is not in contact with the extended portion 41, but is in contact with the first arm portion 42A. The tip of the first arm portion 32A is fixed to the first arm portion 42A by a fastener 8. Specifically, the tip of the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm portion 32A is fixed to the horizontal plate 42b of the first arm portion 42A by a fastener 8. The fastener 8 is, for example, a bolt and a nut.
[0067] The first arm portion 42A of the support member 40A does not have the second projection portion 42d in the first embodiment described above, and only has a vertical plate 42a, a horizontal plate 42b, and a first projection portion 42c. Furthermore, the first arm portion 42A extends to the vicinity of the extended portion 31 of the support member 30A. The tip of the first arm portion 42A does not contact the extended portion 31, but it is in contact with the first arm portion 32A without being fixed to it. The first arm portion 42A supports the first arm portion 32A by contacting the lower side of the first arm portion 32A of the support member 30A at the tip of the horizontal plate 42b.
[0068] The second arms 33A and 43A differ from the first arms 32A and 42A in that they are attached to the column member 12 instead of the column member 11, but their other configurations are the same as the first arms 32A and 42A. Therefore, a description of the second arms 33A and 43A will be omitted.
[0069] In a pair of support members 30A and 40A, the height dimension H3 of the first arm portions 32A and 42A and the second arm portions 33A and 43A is equivalent to the height dimension H1 of the extended portions 31 and 41. Here, "equivalent" includes not only being exactly the same, but also being approximately the same.
[0070] The support device 1A according to the second embodiment, like the support device 1 according to the first embodiment, can improve transport efficiency and suppress deformation of the mounting portion 4 to which the arms of the pair of support members 30A and 40A are attached. Furthermore, the first arm 42A of the support member 40 supports the first arm 32A by contacting the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32A of the support member 30A at the tip of the horizontal plate 42b. In this configuration, the load on the extended portion 31 of the support member 30A is transmitted to the first arm 42A of the support member 40 via the first arm 32A by bearing pressure. The same applies to the relationship between the second arms 33A and 43A.
[0071] Furthermore, in the support device 1A according to the second embodiment, the tip of the horizontal plate 32b of the first arm 32A is fixed to the horizontal plate 42b of the first arm 42A by a fastener 8. In this configuration, the load applied to the extended portion 41 of the support member 40A is transmitted to the first arm 32A of the support member 30A via the first arm 42A and the fastener 8. The same applies to the relationship between the second arms 33A and 43A.
[0072] Furthermore, in the support device 1A according to the second embodiment, the height dimension H3 of the arm portions of the pair of support members 30A and 40A is equivalent to the height dimension H1 of the extension portions 31 and 41. In this configuration, when welding the first arm portion 42A and the second arm portion 43A of the support member 40A to the extension portion 41, the first protrusion portion 42c and the first protrusion portion 43c can be welded to the extension portion 41, thereby easily positioning the first arm portion 42A and the second arm portion 43A and the extension portion 41 in the height direction. Also, when welding the first arm portion 32A and the second arm portion 33A of the support member 30A to the extension portion 31, the lower ends of the first arm portion 32A and the second arm portion 33A can be welded to the lower ends of the extension portion 31, thereby easily positioning the first arm portion 32A and the second arm portion 33A and the extension portion 31 in the height direction.
[0073] Figure 13 is a side view of a modified support device 1B according to the second embodiment, viewed from the front in the Y direction. In the support device 1B, as shown in Figure 13, in the pair of support members 30B and 40B, the height dimension H4 of the first arm portions 32B and 42B and the second arm portions 33B and 43B is smaller than the height dimension H1 of the extended portions 31 and 41.
[0074] Furthermore, the first arm portion 42B of the support member 40B does not have a first projection 42c and a second projection 42d. The base end of the first arm portion 42B is fixed to the extended portion 41 by welding in the vertical plate 42a and the horizontal plate 42b.
[0075] In the support device 1B according to a modification of the second embodiment, the height dimension H4 of the arm portion of the pair of support members 30B and 40B is smaller than the height dimension H1 of the extended portion 31 and 41. With this configuration, compared to the support device 1A according to the second embodiment, the width dimension of the vertical plate of the arm portion of the support members 30B and 40B is smaller, so the overall height (thickness) of the support members 30B and 40B can be reduced. Specifically, the overall height of the support members 30B and 40B, including the thickness in the height direction of the mounting portion 4 and fasteners 7 and 8, can be reduced. As a result, the spacing (pitch) in the height direction between multiple support units 5 having support members 30B and 40B can be shortened. [Third Embodiment]
[0076] The support device 1C according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. The support device 1C according to the third embodiment differs from the support device 1 according to the first embodiment in that the support member 40C does not have a second arm portion 43, and the support members 30C and 40C are provided with a restricting portion 50 that restricts the movement of the second arm portion 33C of the support member 30C in the X direction relative to the extended portion 41 of the support member 40C (see Figure 16). Note that the restricting portion 50 is omitted in Figures 14 and 15.
[0077] The restricting portion 50 is located at the tip of the second arm portion 33C of the support member 30C, as shown in Figure 17. The restricting portion 50 consists of a plate-shaped portion 51 that protrudes from the extending portion 41 toward the extending portion 31, and a fastener 52 that fixes the plate-shaped portion 51 and the second arm portion 33C. The plate-shaped portion 51 is formed in a flat shape along the X and Y directions. The lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 51 is in contact with the upper surface of the transverse plate 33b of the second arm portion 33C. The plate-shaped portion 51 is fixed to the extending portion 41, for example, by welding. The fastener 52 is located at the tip of the transverse plate 33b of the second arm portion 33C. The fastener 52 is, for example, a bolt and a nut. The fastener 52 fixes the plate-shaped portion 51 to the tip of the transverse plate 33b of the second arm portion 33C. As a result, the restricting portion 50 restricts the extension portion 41 of the support member 40C from moving in the X and Y directions relative to the second arm portion 33C of the support member 30C.
[0078] The support device 1C according to the third embodiment, like the support device 1 according to the first embodiment, can improve transport efficiency and suppress deformation of the mounting portion 4 to which the arms of the pair of support members 30C and 40C are attached. Furthermore, since the support member 40C does not have a second arm portion 43, the manufacturing cost of the support member 40C can be reduced compared to the support member 40 of the support device 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the support members 30C and 40C are provided with restricting portions 50 that restrict the movement of the extended portion 41 of the support member 40C in the X and Y directions relative to the second arm portion 33C of the support member 30C. With this configuration, even if the extended portion 41 moves in the X and Y directions, the restricting portion 50 can suppress relative movement of the second arm portion 33C and the extended portion 41 in the X and Y directions.
[0079] Furthermore, as in the support device 1C according to the third embodiment, if the column member 11 is set back to the rear side of the front end of the extended portion 31, 41, the load bearing on the rear side of the extended portion 31, 41 becomes relatively smaller compared to the front side of the extended portion 31, 41. For this reason, even when the extended portion 31, 41 is attached to the column member 12 via a single second arm portion 33C, as in the third embodiment, the load on the extended portion 31, 41 can be transmitted to the column member 12.
[0080] Figure 18 shows a restricting portion 50 of a support device 1D according to a modified example of the third embodiment. In the support device 1D, the restricting portion 50 does not have a plate-shaped portion 51 and a fastener 52, but has a plate-shaped portion 53 provided at the tip of the second projection 33d of the second arm portion 33D.
[0081] The second projection 33d of the second arm 33D protrudes in the X direction, straddling the extension 41, to the opposite side of the extension 31. Specifically, the tip of the second projection 33d of the second arm 33D is located in the X direction, straddling the extension 41, and does not overlap with the extension 41 when viewed from the Z direction. The projection length of the second projection 33d of the second arm 33D is longer than the width dimension of the extension 41 in the X direction.
[0082] The plate-like portion 53 protrudes, for example, from the upper surface of the tip of the second projection 33d of the second arm portion 33D. The plate-like portion 53 is formed in a flat shape along the Y and Z directions, for example. The plate-like portion 53 is fixed to the upper surface of the tip of the second projection 33d, for example, by welding.
[0083] The plate-like portion 53 is located, for example, in the X direction, on the opposite side of the extending portion 41 from the extending portion 31. The plate-like portion 53 is in contact with, for example, the side of the extending portion 41 in the X direction that is opposite to the extending portion 31.
[0084] In the support device 1D according to a modification of the third embodiment, similar to the support device 1C according to the third embodiment, the restricting portion 50 can suppress relative movement of the second arm portion 33D and the extending portion 41 in the X direction. Furthermore, compared to the support device 1C according to the third embodiment, since there is no fastener 52, the effort required for fixing with the fastener 52 can be reduced.
[0085] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, the materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, but can be made from a variety of materials and shapes. For example, in the first embodiment described above, each support member 30, 40 had both a first arm and a second arm, but the invention is not limited to such a configuration. Each support member 30, 40 may have only one of the first arm or only one of the second arm.
[0086] Furthermore, although the mounting portion 4 had a pair of mounting members 21 in the first embodiment described above, it is not limited to such a configuration, and the mounting portion 4 may have only one mounting member 21. Similarly, although the mounting portion 4 had a pair of mounting members 22 in the embodiment described above, it is not limited to such a configuration, and the mounting portion 4 may have only one mounting member 22.
[0087] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the second arm portion 33 was attached to the central portion in the Y direction of the pair of mounting members 22, and the second arm portion 43 was attached to the front end in the Y direction of the pair of mounting members 22, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The second arm portion 33 may be attached to the front end in the Y direction of the pair of mounting members 22, and the second arm portion 43 may be attached to the central portion in the Y direction of the pair of mounting members 22.
[0088] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the height dimension H2 of the first arm portions 32, 42 and the second arm portions 33, 43 was smaller than the height dimension H1 of the extension portions 31, 41, but the embodiment is not limited to such a configuration. The height dimension H2 of the first arm portions 32, 42 and the second arm portions 33, 43 may be equal to the height dimension H1 of the extension portions 31, 41.
[0089] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, both the first arms 32A and 42A were positioned on the front side of the column member 11, but the configuration is not limited to this. Both the first arms 32A and 42A may be positioned on the rear side of the column member 11.
[0090] Furthermore, although the support device 1 in the first embodiment described above was composed of a frame unit 101 and a frame unit 102, it is not limited to such a configuration. The support device 1 may consist of only the frame unit 101. Thus, the support device 1 only needs to be composed of at least one frame unit.
[0091] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the support device 1 comprised a pair of column members 11 and 12 of the frame unit 101 and a pair of column members 11 and 12 of the frame unit 102, but it is not limited to such a configuration. The support device 1 may comprise only the pair of column members 11 and 12 of the frame unit 101. Thus, the support device 1 only needs to comprise at least a pair of column members 11 and 12.
[0092] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the support device 1 comprised a pair of support members 30, 40 of the frame unit 101 and a pair of support members 30, 40 of the frame unit 102, but it is not limited to such a configuration. The support device 1 may comprise only the pair of support members 30, 40 of the frame unit 101. Thus, the support device 1 only needs to provide at least a pair of support members 30, 40 to the column members 11, 12.
[0093] Furthermore, although the frame unit 101 had multiple support units 5 in the first embodiment described above, it is not limited to such a configuration. The frame unit 101 may have only one support unit 5. Thus, the support device 1 only needs to have at least one support unit 5. Also, although the frame unit 101 had a lattice 6 in the embodiment described above, it is not limited to such a configuration. The frame unit 101 does not need to have a lattice 6. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0094] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D...support device, 30,30A,30B,30C,40,40A,40B,40C...support member, 2...article, 4...attachment part, 8...fastener, 11,12...column member, 31,41...extension part, 32,42...first arm part (arm part) , 33,43...Second arm part (arm part), 32a,33a,42a,43a...Vertical plate, 32b,33b,42b,43b...Horizontal plate, 32d,33d,42d,43d...Second protrusion part (protrusion part), 50...Restriction part, H1, H2, H3, H4...Height dimension.
Claims
1. At least one pair of column members that extend in the height direction and are spaced apart in the depth direction, A mounting portion fixed immovably to the column member, At least a pair of support members that are attached to the pair of column members via the mounting portion and support an article, Equipped with, Each of the pair of support members is An extending portion that extends in the depth direction and on which the article is placed, An arm portion is attached to the mounting portion and extends laterally from one extended portion of the pair of support members toward the other extended portion of the pair of support members, perpendicular to the height direction and the depth direction, and supports the other of the pair of support members at its tip, It has, The support device wherein the arm portion has an L-shaped cross-section formed by a horizontal plate arranged parallel to a direction perpendicular to the height direction and a vertical plate arranged parallel to the height direction, and the vertical plate is located on the column member side relative to the horizontal plate.
2. The tip of one of the arms is provided with the lateral projection, The support device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is not fixed to the other extended portion of the pair of support members, but supports the other extended portion by contacting it.
3. One arm of the pair of support members is positioned alongside the other arm of the pair of support members along the depth direction. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical plate of one arm and the vertical plate of the other arm face each other so as to be facing in opposite directions with the column member in between.
4. One arm of the pair of support members is positioned alongside the other arm of the pair of support members along the depth direction. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the vertical plate of one arm and the vertical plate of the other arm face toward the column member on the side in front of the column member.
5. The horizontal plate of one arm of the pair of support members overlaps the horizontal plate of the other arm of the pair of support members. The vertical plate of one arm and the vertical plate of the other arm face the column member side. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the horizontal plate of one arm of the pair of support members is not fixed to the horizontal plate of the other arm of the pair of support members, but supports the other arm by contacting the horizontal plate of the other arm.
6. The support device according to claim 5, wherein the tip of the horizontal plate of the other arm of the pair of support members is fixed to the horizontal plate of one arm of the pair of support members by a fastener.
7. The support device according to claim 5, wherein the height dimension of the arm portion is equivalent to the height dimension of the extended portion.
8. The support device according to claim 5, wherein the height dimension of the arm portion is smaller than the height dimension of the extended portion.
9. The tip of one arm of the pair of support members is provided with the lateral projection, The protruding portion supports the other extended portion of the pair of support members by contacting it. The support device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided with a restricting portion that restricts the other extended portion from moving laterally relative to the one arm portion.