Storage device

Abstract

To provide a storage device that is easy to use by a user.SOLUTION: A storage device A comprises: a storage part 1 provided inside an eaves and opened at an eaves back N; a lifting platform 2 provided so as to be able to move up and down between a lower limit position and an upper limit position and closing an opening of the storage part at the upper limit position; a lifting mechanism 3 lifting the lifting platform 2; and an interlocking mechanism 4 capable of making the lifting mechanism 3 lift the lifting platform 2 by interlocking with the closing operation of a sash 90 of a sliding door 9, wherein the interlocking mechanism 4 has: passive means 40 for receiving a force by the closing operation of the sash 90; and transmission means 41 for transmitting the force received by the passive means 40 to the lifting mechanism 3 as a driving force for lifting the lifting platform 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a storage means for storing items while making effective use of space, for example, a lifting mechanism that lifts and lowers a storage section between a storage position and a removal position is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-115043 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In buildings such as detached houses and apartment buildings, it is common to wear outdoor shoes when going outside to the garden, balcony, etc. In order to protect the outdoor shoes from wind, rain, and ultraviolet rays, it is desirable to store the outdoor shoes using some kind of storage means when going indoors from outdoors. However, the task of storing the outdoor shoes when going indoors is unbearable.

[0005] Therefore, when developing a storage means applicable to buildings, the inventors focused on the fact that ease of use for users would be improved if the above-mentioned conventional storage device was linked to the closing action of a shoji screen after entering a building, and thus completed the present invention.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, and has an object to provide a storage device that is easy for users to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the storage device described in the present application is a storage device comprising a storage section provided inside the eaves and opening at the eaves back, a lifting platform that is capable of being raised and lowered between a lower limit position and an upper limit position and that closes the opening of the storage section at the upper limit position, a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the lifting platform, and a linkage mechanism that enables the lifting mechanism to lift the lifting platform in linkage with the closing action of a sliding door screen, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises a passive means that receives a force resulting from the closing action of the screen screen, and a transmission means that transmits the force received by the passive means to the lifting mechanism as a driving force for lifting the lifting platform.

[0008] Further, in the storage device, the lifting mechanism is configured to raise and lower the lifting platform using an endless belt member that is rotatably movable, the passive means of the interlocking mechanism is configured to include an endless belt-shaped member that is rotatably movable around the frame of the sliding door, and an engaging member that is slidably movable integrally with the screen and is engageable with a portion of the belt-shaped member that follows the opening and closing direction of the screen, the transmission means is configured to include a rotating member that is rotatably mounted in response to the movement of the belt-shaped member, and the belt member may be movable in response to the rotation of the rotating member.

[0009] The storage device may further include a cut-off mechanism that switchably cuts off the transmission of the drive force from the transmission means to the lifting mechanism.

[0010] Moreover, in the storage device, the lifting mechanism may include a guide rail portion that guides the lifting platform between the lower limit position and the upper limit position, and the guide rail portion may be integrally formed with the frame of the sliding door.

[0011] In addition, in the storage device, the interlocking mechanism is configured to be switchable between an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing action of the screen and a non-interlocking state in which it is not interlocked with the closing action of the screen, and further includes an operation unit that receives operation from a user, and the operation unit may switch the interlocking mechanism to the interlocking state when it receives operation from the user.

[0012] The storage device may further include a turntable mechanism that is arranged so that an item can be placed on the lift platform and that rotates the item as the lift platform is raised. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, usability for users can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an entire storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the storage device of FIG. 1 as seen from the indoor side. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic view of the storage device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the outdoor side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an engaging member in the interlocking mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a shoji screen and its surroundings. [Figure 6] 4 is a schematic diagram showing a rotating member in the interlocking mechanism. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation unit. [Figure 8] 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the operation unit shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a blocking mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a lift table holding mechanism. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a turntable mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a gear train. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the gear group when the lift platform is rising. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the gear group when the lift platform is lowering. [Figure 15] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the orientation of stored items when a user moves from outdoors to indoors. FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the orientation of stored items when a user goes from indoors to outdoors. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the platform when a user is about to enter indoors from outdoors. FIG. [Figure 18] 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams showing behavior of an engagement member when a user pulls down a handle portion. [Figure 19] 11 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of each part of the storage device when a user closes the shoji screen. FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the blocking mechanism when the lifting platform reaches an upper limit position. FIG. [Figure 21] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the engagement member when the screen is completely closed. FIG. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating the behavior of the lift platform holding mechanism when a user presses a release button. [Diagram 23] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the blocking mechanism when the lifting platform reaches a lower limit position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the same components in the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the whole of storage equipment A in this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of storage equipment A seen from the indoor side, and Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of storage equipment A seen from the outdoor side.

[0017] Storage device A is used in buildings such as detached houses and apartment buildings, and allows storage items Q to be stored in storage space S provided inside the eaves. Storage device A is configured to store storage items Q in storage space S in conjunction with the closing operation of a sliding screen 90 of a sliding door 9 of the building.

[0018] Examples of the stored items Q include daily necessities such as footwear and gardening supplies. Examples of the sliding door 9 include doors and windows of a sliding type, a sliding type, a single sliding type, and the like. In this embodiment, the sliding door 9 is a two-leaf sliding window, and an outdoor floor F such as a terrace, a veranda, a deck, or a wet veranda is provided on the outdoor side of the sliding door 9 (see FIG. 1). On the indoor side, the shoji screen 90 is provided with a handle member 95 that can be held by a user (see FIG. 2). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the opening and closing direction D refers to the direction in which the shoji screen 90 opens and closes, and the opening direction is the +D direction and the closing direction is the -D direction. In addition, the moving direction of the user when the user goes from indoors to outdoors is the +X direction, and the moving direction of the user when the user goes from outdoors to indoors is the -X direction. Furthermore, the left-right direction is the left-right direction when viewed from the outdoor side.

[0019] The storage device A includes a storage section 1, a lifting platform 2, a lifting mechanism 3, an interlocking mechanism 4, and an operation section 5 (see Figs. 1 to 3). The configuration of each part of the storage device A will be described below in order.

[0020] -Storage section- The storage section 1 forms a storage space S therein, and is provided inside the eaves above the shoji screen 90 (see FIG. 1). The storage section 1 is formed in a bottomless shape that opens at the eaves back N.

[0021] -Lift platform- The lifting platform 2 is capable of placing an item Q thereon, and is provided so as to be able to rise and fall between a lower limit position and an upper limit position on the outdoor side of the shoji screen 90 (see Figs. 1 and 3). The lifting platform 2 closes the opening 10 of the storage unit 1 at the upper limit position, while at the lower limit position it is close to the outdoor floor F. Therefore, when the lifting platform 2 is raised to the upper limit position with the item Q placed on it, the item Q is stored in the storage space S in the storage unit 1. On the other hand, when the lifting platform 2 is lowered to the lower limit position with the item Q placed on it, the item Q appears on the outdoor floor F side, i.e., at the user's feet.

[0022] -Lifting mechanism- The lifting mechanism 3 lifts and lowers the lifting platform 2, and is configured to lift and lower the lifting platform 2 using an endless belt member 30 that is provided so as to be able to move in a circular motion. The belt member 30 is wound around an upper pulley 31 provided inside the eaves and a lower pulley 32 provided inside the outdoor floor F (see FIG. 3). A plurality of tooth-shaped grooves (not shown) are formed at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of the belt member 30. The lifting platform 2 is attached to the right side of the belt member 30 by an attachment member (not shown). The belt member 30 receives a force from the interlocking mechanism 4 and moves counterclockwise as viewed from the outdoor side, while it moves clockwise as viewed from the outdoor side due to the weight of the lifting platform 2. Therefore, when the belt member 30 receives a force from the interlocking mechanism 4 and moves counterclockwise as viewed from the outdoor side, the lifting platform 2 rises. On the other hand, when the belt member 30 moves clockwise as viewed from the outdoor side due to the weight of the lifting platform 2, the lifting platform 2 descends. In other words, the lift table 2 is provided so as to descend under its own weight. In this manner, the lift mechanism 3 raises and lowers the lift table 2 by the movement of the belt member 30.

[0023] The lifting mechanism 3 further includes a guide rail portion 33 that guides the lifting platform 2 between a lower limit position and an upper limit position. The guide rail portion 33 is provided integrally with the frame body 91 of the sliding door 9. This allows the frame body 91 of the sliding door 9 to be effectively utilized to stably raise and lower the lifting platform 2.

[0024] The structure of the lifting mechanism 3 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a structure using a winch mechanism or the like.

[0025] -Interlocking mechanism- The interlocking mechanism 4 is capable of causing the lifting mechanism 3 to lift the lifting platform 2 in conjunction with the closing operation of the screen 90, and has a passive means 40 that receives the force caused by the closing operation of the screen 90, and a transmission means 41 that transmits the force received by the passive means 40 to the lifting mechanism 3 as a driving force for lifting the lifting platform 2 (see FIG. 3). The interlocking mechanism 4 is configured to be switchable between an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90, and a non-interlocking state in which it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90. Next, the specific configuration of the interlocking mechanism 4 will be described.

[0026] <Passive Methods> The passive means 40 includes an endless belt-shaped member 42 that is rotatably provided around the frame 91 of the sliding door 9, and an engaging member 43 that can engage with a lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 that is aligned with the opening and closing direction D (see FIG. 3). In this specification, "engagement" refers to mechanically engaging with each other, and includes, for example, the cases where one holds the other, where they fit together, and where they are joined together.

[0027] The belt-shaped member 42 is wound around pulleys 42a to 42d provided at each corner of the frame 91, and is disposed on the right side of the lifting mechanism 3 (see FIG. 3). The belt-shaped member 42 is formed of, for example, a drive chain, a drive belt, or the like.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an engaging member 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a screen 90 and its surrounding structure.

[0029] The engaging member 43 is provided so as to be slidable integrally with the shoji screen 90 in the opening / closing direction D. Specifically, the engaging member 43 is supported by a rail member (not shown) arranged parallel to the opening / closing direction D of the shoji screen 90, and is connected to a handle member 95 of the shoji screen 90 by a connecting member 44. In this specification, "connection" refers to a mechanical connection between two members such that movement of one member can cause movement of the other member. The connecting member 44 is formed, for example, from a wire or wire rope made of a metal (such as stainless steel) that has high rigidity against bending deformation.

[0030] The engaging member 43 is made up of clamping portions 430, 431 which cooperate with each other to clamp the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42, and a connecting portion 432 which connects the clamping portions 430, 431 so that they can be brought into contact with and separated from each other (see FIG. 4).

[0031] The clamping portion 430 contacts the belt-shaped member 42 from the indoor side, and the clamping portion 431 contacts the belt-shaped member 42 from the outdoor side. The portions of the clamping portions 430 and 431 that contact the belt-shaped member 42 are provided with a rubber material or the like that provides high frictional force against the belt-shaped member 42 and has excellent gripping power.

[0032] The connecting portion 432 has a biasing force that biases the clamping portion 431 in a direction away from the clamping portion 430. In other words, the clamping portion 431 is biased in a direction away from the clamping portion 430 by the connecting portion 432. The connecting portion 432 is formed, for example, in an expandable and contractible bellows shape.

[0033] One end of the connection member 44 is fixed to the clamping portion 431, and the other end of the connection member 44 is connected to the handle member 95 of the shoji screen 90 via the connecting portion 432 and the clamping portion 430 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when the connection member 44 is pulled from the shoji screen 90 side, the connecting portion 432 allows the clamping portion 431 to approach the clamping portion 430, and the clamping portions 430, 431 cooperate with each other to clamp the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42. In this way, the engagement member 43 is engaged with the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42.

[0034] On the other hand, when the pulling on the connecting member 44 from the shoji 90 side is released, the clamping portion 431 moves away from the clamping portion 430 due to the biasing force of the connecting portion 432, thereby releasing the engagement between the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 and the engaging member 43.

[0035] In the passive means 40 described above, when the door 90 is closed in the -D direction with the engaging member 43 engaged with the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42, the engaging member 43 slides in the -D direction together with the door 90, and the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 slides in the -D direction. As a result, the entire belt-shaped member 42 moves clockwise around the frame 91 of the sliding door 9 as viewed from the outside. In this way, the interlocking mechanism 4 receives the force of the closing operation of the door 90 at the passive means 40.

[0036] When the passive means 40 is in a state where it receives the force caused by the closing operation of the screen 90, that is, when at least the engaging member 43 is in a state where it is engaged with the lower periphery 420 of the belt-shaped member 42, the interlocking mechanism 4 is in an interlocking state where it is interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90. On the other hand, when the engagement between the lower periphery 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 and the engaging member 43 is released, the interlocking mechanism 4 is in a non-interlocking state where it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90.

[0037] <Transmission means> FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the rotating member 45 in the interlocking mechanism 4. As shown in FIG.

[0038] The transmission means 41 includes a rotating member 45 that is rotatably provided in response to the movement of the belt-shaped member 42 (see Figs. 3 and 6). The rotating member 45 is provided in the vertical frame 92 of the frame body 91 of the sliding door 9 so as to be movable toward and away from the lifting mechanism 3 from the right side of the lifting mechanism 3.

[0039] The rotating member 45 includes a first diameter portion 451 and a second diameter portion 452 that are coaxially supported by a shaft portion 450 and rotate integrally (see FIG. 6). Gear teeth (not shown) are formed on the outer periphery of each of the first diameter portion 451 and the second diameter portion 452. The shaft portion 450 is biased toward the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 by biasing members 453 and 454.

[0040] The outer diameter of the first diameter portion 451 is set to such an extent that the outer periphery of the first diameter portion 451 meshes with the inner periphery of the belt-shaped member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4, taking into account the biasing forces of the biasing members 453 and 454. The outer diameter of the second diameter portion 452 is set to such an extent that the outer periphery of the second diameter portion 452 meshes with the outer periphery of the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3, taking into account the biasing forces of the biasing members 453 and 454. In other words, the rotating member 45 meshes with the belt-shaped member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 at the first diameter portion 451 and meshes with the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 at the second diameter portion 452 due to the biasing forces of the biasing members 453 and 454. Therefore, the rotating member 45 rotates following the movement of the belt-shaped member 42 in a state where the first diameter portion 451 meshes with the belt-shaped member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4. Furthermore, when the rotating member 45 rotates in a state in which the second diameter portion 452 of the rotating member 45 meshes with the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3, the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 moves in response to the rotation of the rotating member 45.

[0041] As described above, when the interlocking mechanism 4 receives the force of the closing operation of the screen 90 at the passive means 40, the belt-shaped member 42 moves clockwise as viewed from the outdoor side around the frame 91 of the sliding door 9. The rotating member 45 rotates clockwise as viewed from the outdoor side, following the movement of the belt-shaped member 42, while meshing with the belt-shaped member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 at the first diameter portion 451. Also, the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 moves counterclockwise as viewed from the outdoor side, following the rotation of the rotating member 45, while meshing with the rotating member 45. As a result, the lifting platform 2 rises. In this way, the interlocking mechanism 4 transmits the force received by the passive means 40 to the lifting mechanism 3 via the transmission means 41 as a driving force for lifting the lifting platform 2.

[0042] By using such passive means 40 and transmission means 41, it is possible to make the lifting mechanism 3 lift the lifting platform 2 in conjunction with the closing operation of the screen 90 with a simple configuration.

[0043] In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the second diameter portion 452 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the first diameter portion 451. Therefore, the movement amount of the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 per unit rotation amount of the rotating member 45 is larger than the movement amount of the belt-shaped member 42 in the interlocking mechanism 4.

[0044] In this embodiment, the dimensions of each part of the interlocking mechanism 4 are set so that the lift platform 2 can reach from the lower limit position to the upper limit position when the screen 90 is completely closed from a state where it is open enough for a user to enter and exit (for example, a state where it is open about 400 mm to 600 mm). For example, if the moving distance of the lift platform 2 from the lower limit position to the upper limit position is Z (mm) and the moving distance of the belt member 42 sufficient to move the belt member 30 and raise the lift platform 2 by Z (mm) is T (mm), the gear ratio of the first diameter portion 451 meshing with the belt member 42 and the second diameter portion 452 meshing with the belt member 30 in the rotating member 45 is set to Z / T.

[0045] The structure of the interlocking mechanism 4 is not limited to the above, and in short, it is sufficient that the lifting mechanism 3 can lift the lifting platform 2 by utilizing the sliding (linear motion) accompanying the closing action of the screen 90 regardless of the direction in which the screen 90 opens or closes, and may be a structure using, for example, a rack-and-pinion mechanism. Also, when the lifting mechanism 3 is configured to lift the lifting platform 2 by using linear motion, the interlocking mechanism 4 may be configured to lift the lifting platform 2 by converting the direction of the linear motion obtained from the closing action of the screen 90 using a lever or the like.

[0046] -Operation unit- Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the operation unit 5. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the operation unit 5.

[0047] The operating unit 5 is operated by the user, and when it receives the operation from the user, it sets the interlocking mechanism 4 to an interlocking state in which it interlocks with the closing operation of the screen 90. The operating unit 5 is configured using a handle member 95 of the screen 90, and includes a cylinder portion 50 fitted onto the handle member 95, and a push-in portion 51 provided so as to be capable of being pushed in from the outside into the recess 90a of the screen 90 (see Figs. 7 and 8).

[0048] The handle member 95 includes a handle base 96 that is provided so as to be able to rise and fall within the cylinder portion 50, and a handle portion 97 that is fixed to the handle base 96. The handle portion 97 is pulled down by a user. The handle base 96 is urged upward by a urging member 960 that is provided at the bottom of the cylinder portion 50. The handle base 96 is provided with a push lock 961 that is engageable with the cylinder portion 50 and that maintains the handle base 96 in a pulled-down state.

[0049] The connecting member 44 is connected to the top of the handle base 96. As described above, the connecting member 44 is fixed to the clamping portion 431 of the engaging member 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4. The connecting member 44 is turned by the turning pulley 44a so that it is pulled from the shoji 90 side as the handle base 96 descends (see FIG. 5). Therefore, when the handle base 96 is pulled down, the connecting member 44 is pulled from the shoji 90 side, and the engaging member 43 in the interlocking mechanism 4 is engaged with the lower periphery 420 of the belt-shaped member 42. As a result, the interlocking mechanism 4 is in an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji 90. At this time, the handle base 96 is maintained in a pulled down state by the push lock 961, so that the interlocking mechanism 4 is maintained in an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji 90.

[0050] The cylinder portion 50 is fixed inside the screen 90 by a fixing member (not shown). The cylinder portion 50 is provided with a slit 52 that allows the handle member 95 to be raised and lowered while allowing the handle portion 97 of the handle member 95 to protrude outward, a through hole 53 that allows the connection member 44 connected to the handle member 95 to pass through, and an engagement hole 54 that can be engaged with a push lock 961 of the handle base 96 (see Figs. 7 and 8).

[0051] The pushing portion 51 is disposed in a position facing the engagement hole 54 of the cylinder portion 50 and capable of pushing in the push lock 961 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, when the pushing portion 51 is pushed in, the push lock 961 is disengaged from the cylinder portion 50, and the handle base 96 rises due to the biasing force of the biasing member 960. As the handle base 96 rises, the tension on the connection member 44 from the shoji screen 90 side is released, and the engagement between the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 and the engagement member 43 is released. As a result, the interlocking mechanism 4 enters a non-interlocking state in which it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji screen 90.

[0052] The above-described operating unit 5 can be summarized as follows. First, when the handle member 95 is pulled down by the user at the handle portion 97, the entire handle member 95 including the handle base 96 is pulled down. Pulling down the handle base 96 brings the interlocking mechanism 4 into an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji screen 90, and the interlocking state is maintained. Furthermore, when the shoji screen 90 is completely closed, the pushing portion 51 provided on the recess 90a of the shoji screen 90 abuts against and is pushed into the frame body 91. Pushing in the pushing portion 51 returns the interlocking mechanism 4 to a non-interlocking state in which it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji screen 90.

[0053] By using the above-described operation unit 5, the interlocking mechanism 4 can be put into an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90, according to the user's desire. For example, if the user simply wants to open the screen 90 for ventilation or the like, the user can open the screen 90 without operating the operation unit 5, thereby avoiding a situation in which the interlocking mechanism 4 unnecessarily causes the lifting mechanism 3 to lift the lifting platform 2 in conjunction with the closing operation of the screen 90.

[0054] -Other configurations- The storage device A described above further includes a blocking mechanism 6, a lifting platform holding mechanism 7, and a turntable mechanism 8, which will be described below.

[0055] <Shutoff mechanism> The cut-off mechanism 6 switchably cuts off the transmission of the driving force from the transmission means 41 in the interlocking mechanism 4 to the lifting mechanism 3. Specifically, when the lifting platform 2 reaches its upper limit position, the cut-off mechanism 6 separates the rotating member 45 in the transmission means 41 from the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 to release the meshing between the rotating member 45 and the belt member 30, thereby cutting off the transmission of the driving force from the transmission means 41 to the lifting mechanism 3. On the other hand, when the lifting platform 2 reaches its lower limit position, the cut-off mechanism 6 brings the rotating member 45 in the transmission means 41 closer to the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 to allow the meshing between the rotating member 45 and the belt member 30, thereby canceling the cut-off of the transmission of the driving force. As a result, while the lift platform 2 reaches the upper limit position and then the lower limit position again, in other words, when the lift mechanism 3 does not require a driving force to lift the lift platform 2, the transmission of the driving force from the transmission means 41 to the lift mechanism 3 is appropriately cut off, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the storage device A. Next, a specific configuration of the cutoff mechanism 6 will be described.

[0056] 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the blocking mechanism 6. In the drawing, the letter L indicates the left direction, and the letter R indicates the right direction.

[0057] The blocking mechanism 6 includes a separating means 60 for separating the rotating member 45 in the transmission means 41 from the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3, a maintaining means 61 for maintaining the rotating member 45 separated from the belt member 30, and an approaching means 62 for bringing the rotating member 45 closer to the belt member 30 (see Figure 9).

[0058] The separating means 60 includes an upper plate 63 provided to be movable up and down near the opening 10 of the storage unit 1, and a connecting member 64 that connects the bottom surface of the upper plate 63 and the rotating member 45 (see Figs. 3 and 9). The upper plate 63 is pushed up by the lifting platform 2 that rises toward the opening 10 of the storage unit 1. The connecting member 64 is turned by the turning pulleys 64a to 64c so as to pull the rotating member 45 in a direction away from the belt member 30 as the upper plate 63 rises. Therefore, when the upper plate 63 is pushed up by the lifting platform 2, the connecting member 64 is pulled from the upper plate 63 side, and pulls the rotating member 45 in a direction away from the belt member 30. In this way, the blocking mechanism 6 separates the rotating member 45 from the belt member 30 by the separating means 60.

[0059] The maintaining means 61 is configured to include an interference piece 65 that interferes with the upper plate 63 to prevent the upper plate 63 from descending (see Figs. 3 and 9). The interference piece 65 is provided inside the storage section 1, and is located above the upper plate 63 before the lift platform 2 reaches the upper limit position. The interference piece 65 is urged towards the upper plate 63 by an urging member 650, and can be retracted from the upper plate 63 by the contraction of the urging member 650.

[0060] The interference piece 65 has a top portion 651 formed in a horizontal plane and an inclined portion 652 inclined leftward from the right edge of the top portion 651. Therefore, when the interference piece 65 receives an upward force at the inclined portion 652 from the upper plate 63 pushed up by the lifting platform 2, the interference piece 65 slides to the left and temporarily retreats from the upper plate 63. As the interference piece 65 retreats from the upper plate 63, the upper plate 63 moves above the interference piece 65.

[0061] As described above, since the shaft portion 450 of the rotating member 45 is biased toward the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3, the upper plate 63 connected to the rotating member 45 by the connecting member 64 is biased toward the rotating member 45, i.e., downward. Therefore, when the upper plate 63 moves above the interference piece 65, the interference piece 65 interferes with the upper plate 63 at the top portion 651, preventing the upper plate 63 from descending. In this way, the blocking mechanism 6 maintains the upper plate 63 in a pushed-up state by the maintaining means 61, thereby maintaining the rotating member 45 in a state separated from the belt member 30.

[0062] The approaching means 62 includes a lower plate 66 provided on the outdoor floor F side below the lifting platform 2, and a connecting member 67 that connects the top surface of the lower plate 66 to the left side of the interference piece 65 of the maintaining means 61 (see Figs. 3 and 9). The lower plate 66 is urged upward by a urging member 660, and is pushed downward by the lifting platform 2 descending toward the outdoor floor F. The connecting member 67 is turned by a turning pulley 67a so as to pull the interference piece 65 leftward as the lower plate 66 descends. Therefore, when the lower plate 66 is pressed down by the lifting platform 2, the connecting member 67 pulls the interference piece 65 leftward, and the interference of the interference piece 65 with the upper plate 63 is released. In this manner, the blocking mechanism 6 allows the upper plate 63 to move downward, i.e., toward the rotating member 45, by using the approaching means 62, thereby releasing the tension on the connecting member 64 from the upper plate 63 side and bringing the rotating member 45 closer to the belt member 30.

[0063] The above-described blocking mechanism 6 can be summarized as follows. When the lifting platform 2 reaches the upper limit position, the blocking mechanism 6 separates the rotating member 45 from the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 using the separating means 60, thereby releasing the meshing between the rotating member 45 and the belt member 30. In this way, the blocking mechanism 6 blocks the transmission of the driving force from the transmission means 41 to the lifting mechanism 3. At this time, the blocking mechanism 6 maintains the rotating member 45 in a state separated from the belt member 30 using the maintaining means 61. On the other hand, when the lifting platform 2 reaches the lower limit position, the blocking mechanism 6 allows the rotating member 45 to mesh with the belt member 30 by bringing the rotating member 45 closer to the belt member 30 using the approaching means 62. In this way, the blocking mechanism 6 releases the blockage of the transmission of the driving force.

[0064] In this embodiment, due to the relationship between the outer diameter of the first diameter portion 451 and the outer diameter of the second diameter portion 452 of the rotating member 45, when the engagement between the rotating member 45 and the belt member 30 is released, the engagement between the rotating member 45 and the belt-shaped member 42 is also released.

[0065] The connection members 64, 67 are formed of, for example, a metal (stainless steel or the like) wire or a wire rope.

[0066] <Lift platform holding mechanism> Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the lift platform holding mechanism 7. In Fig. 10, for convenience of illustration, elements that are hidden and not shown are given reference numerals in parentheses.

[0067] The platform holding mechanism 7 releasably holds the platform 2 at its upper limit position, and includes engagement claws 70a-70d (two on each side of the platform 2), claw receiving pieces 71a-71d that can engage with the engagement claws 70a-70d, and a release button 72 that releases the interference of the claw receiving pieces 71a-71d with the engagement claws 70a-70d in response to a pressing operation by the user (see Figure 10).

[0068] When the lift platform 2 reaches the upper limit position, the lift platform holding mechanism 7 engages the engagement claws 70a to 70d with the claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d to hold the lift platform 2 at the upper limit position.

[0069] The claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d are connected to the release button 72 by connecting members 73a to 73d, respectively. The claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d are urged toward the lift table 2 by urging members 74a to 74d, respectively.

[0070] The release button 72 is configured to be pushable by the user and is provided on the vertical frame 92 of the frame 91 of the sliding door 9 on the indoor side (see FIG. 2). The connection members 73a to 73d are hooked to the release button 72. The release button 72 is configured to pull the connection members 73a to 73d in response to a push operation by the user, for example, by using a telescopic structure at the tip. Therefore, when the release button 72 is pushed by the user, the connection members 73a to 73d are pulled from the release button 72 side, and the engagement between the claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d and the engagement claws 70a to 70d is released. In this way, the lift platform holding mechanism 7 releases the lift platform 2 from the upper limit position. When released from the upper limit position, the lift platform 2 descends to the lower limit position by its own weight.

[0071] The connection members 73a to 73d are formed of, for example, metal (stainless steel or the like) wires or wire ropes.

[0072] <Turntable mechanism> Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the turntable mechanism 8. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the gear group 81.

[0073] The turntable mechanism 8 is provided so that an item Q can be placed on the lifting platform 2, and rotates the item Q as the lifting platform 2 rises. The turntable mechanism 8 includes a turntable main body 80 on which the item Q can be placed, and a group of gears 81 that rotates the turntable main body 80.

[0074] The turntable body 80 has gear teeth (not shown) formed on its outer periphery.

[0075] The gear group 81 is composed of a screw gear 82 meshing with the outer periphery of the turntable main body 80, a first gear 83 connected to a shaft portion 820 of the screw gear 82, a second gear 84 meshing with the belt-shaped member 42 in the interlocking mechanism 4, and a support portion 85 that supports the second gear 84 so that it can be moved toward and away from the first gear 83 (see Figures 11 and 12).

[0076] A shaft portion 820 of the screw gear 82 is fixed onto the lift table 2. Therefore, the screw gear 82 and the first gear 83 move up and down integrally with the lift table 2.

[0077] The second gear 84 is disposed above the first gear 83, and rotates following the movement of the belt-shaped member 42. Therefore, when the second gear 84 meshes with the first gear 83, the turntable body 80 rotates via the second gear 84, the first gear 83, and the screw gear 82 due to the movement of the belt-shaped member 42.

[0078] The support portion 85 is attached to a side portion of the lift table 2, and has a bearing opening 850 that receives the shaft portion 840 of the second gear 84. The bearing opening 850 is formed in an elongated hole shape along the up-down direction, which is the direction in which the second gear 84 approaches and moves away from the first gear 83. When the shaft portion 840 of the second gear 84 is located at the lower end of the bearing opening 850, the second gear 84 meshes with the first gear 83. On the other hand, when the shaft portion 840 of the second gear 84 is located at the upper end of the bearing opening 850, the second gear 84 moves away from the first gear 83.

[0079] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the gear group 81 when the lift platform 2 is ascending. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the gear group 81 when the lift platform 2 is descending. Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the orientation of the stored item Q when the user enters from outdoors. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the orientation of the stored item Q when the user leaves from indoors.

[0080] As described above, when the lift table 2 is raised, the movement direction of the belt member 30 of the lift mechanism 3 is counterclockwise as viewed from the outdoor side, whereas the movement direction of the belt member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4 is clockwise as viewed from the outdoor side. Therefore, when the lift table 2 is raised, both the lift table 2 and the belt member 42 attached to the belt member 30 are in a state of moving upward relative to the turntable mechanism 8 (see FIG. 13). However, as described above, in this embodiment, the movement amount of the belt member 30 of the lift mechanism 3 per unit rotation amount of the rotating member 45 is larger than the movement amount of the belt member 42 of the interlocking mechanism 4. Therefore, the movement amount of the lift table 2 attached to the belt member 30 [see arrow (a) in FIG. 13] is larger than the movement amount of the belt member 42 [see arrow (b) in FIG. 13]. Therefore, when the lift table 2 is rising, the second gear 84 meshing with the belt-shaped member 42 is pushed down relatively to the lift table 2 (see arrow (c) in FIG. 13) and meshes with the first gear 83. As a result, the turntable body 80 rotates. In this way, the turntable mechanism 8 rotates the stored item Q as the lift table 2 rises.

[0081] In this embodiment, the gear ratio between the turntable body 80 and each part of the gear group 81 is set so that when the lift platform 2 moves from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, the turntable body 80 rotates 180 degrees.

[0082] As described above, the lift table 2 descends under its own weight. Therefore, when the lift table 2 is descending, the second gear 84 meshing with the belt-shaped member 42 is pushed up relative to the lift table 2 [see arrow (d) in FIG. 14] and moves away from the first gear 83. For this reason, the turntable main body 80 of the turntable mechanism 8 does not rotate when the lift table 2 is descending.

[0083] With such a turntable mechanism 8, for example, when the stored item Q is footwear, even if the user takes off the footwear on the turntable main body 80 while keeping the user's moving direction (-X direction) when going indoors from outdoors as shown in Fig. 15, by raising the lifting platform 2 to the upper limit position, the footwear, which is the stored item Q, can be rotated to an orientation that is easy to wear while keeping the user's moving direction (+X direction) when the user next goes outdoors from indoors as shown in Fig. 16. Furthermore, the stored item Q, whose orientation has been changed by the turntable mechanism 8, can be stored in the storage space S in the same orientation. Furthermore, by lowering the lifting platform 2 to the lower limit position, the stored item Q can be taken out of the storage space S in the same rotated orientation.

[0084] -Examples of storage device usage- FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the lift platform 2 when a user is going from outdoors to indoors. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the engagement member 43 when the user pulls down the handle member 95. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of each part of the storage device A when the user closes the shoji 90. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the blocking mechanism 6 when the lift platform 2 reaches the upper limit position. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the engagement member 43 when the shoji 90 is completely closed. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the lift platform holding mechanism 7 when the user presses the release button 72. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the behavior of the blocking mechanism 6 when the lift platform 2 reaches the lower limit position.

[0085] 17 to 23, a specific example of use of the above-described storage device A will be described, along with a series of operations performed by each part of the storage device A. In the following example of use, the stored item Q is footwear such as slippers.

[0086] <Initial state> As explained above, when the screen 90 is completely closed, the pushing portion 51 of the operating unit 5 abuts against and is pushed into the frame body 91, so that the interlocking mechanism 4 is in a non-interlocked state in which it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90. In addition, when the lifting platform 2 is at the lowest position, the interruption of the transmission of driving force by the interrupting mechanism 6 is released, and the rotating member 45 of the interlocking mechanism 4 is engaged with the belt member 30 of the lifting mechanism 3 and with the band-shaped member 42.

[0087] <When entering indoors from outdoors> When a user wishes to go indoors from outdoors, first, as shown in Fig. 17, the user takes off footwear, which is stored items Q, while remaining in the direction of travel of the user on the turntable mechanism 8 of the lifting platform 2. The user opens the paper screen 90 and enters the indoors.

[0088] Next, the user grasps the handle portion 97 of the handle member 95 and pulls down the handle member 95 as shown by the arrow (1) in Fig. 18. As the user pulls down the handle base portion 96, the connection member 44 is pulled from the shoji screen 90 side as shown by the arrow (2) in Fig. 18. At this time, as the connection member 44 is pulled from the shoji screen 90 side, the clamping portions 430, 431 of the engagement member 43 cooperate with each other to clamp the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 as shown by the arrow (3) in Fig. 18, so that the engagement member 43 is engaged with the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42. That is, the interlocking mechanism 4 is in an interlocking state in which it is interlocked with the closing operation of the shoji screen 90.

[0089] Next, as shown by the arrow (4) in FIG. 19, when the user closes the shoji 90 in the -D direction, the belt-shaped member 42 moves around the frame 91 of the sliding door 9 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the outdoor side as shown by the arrow (5) in FIG. 19. The rotating member 45 engaged with the belt-shaped member 42 rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed from the outdoor side, following the movement of the belt-shaped member 42, as shown by the arrow (6) in FIG. 19. The belt member 30 engaged with the rotating member 45 moves in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the outdoor side, following the rotation of the rotating member 45, which rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed from the outdoor side, as shown by the arrow (7) in FIG. 19. In this way, the lift platform 2 rises as shown by the arrow (8) in FIG. 19, and eventually reaches the upper limit position. As shown in FIG. 20, the stored item Q is stored in the storage space S in the storage unit 1.

[0090] As the lift platform 2 moves from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, the turntable main body 80 of the turntable mechanism 8 rotates 180 degrees. As shown in Fig. 15, the footwear that the user takes off on the turntable mechanism 8 while keeping the user's moving direction (-X direction) changes to an orientation that allows the user to put it on again while keeping the user's moving direction (+X direction) when going from indoors to outdoors, as shown in Fig. 16, and is stored in the storage space S in that orientation.

[0091] In this way, by closing the screen 90 after entering the house, the stored items Q can be easily stored in the storage space S, thereby improving usability for the user.

[0092] When the lift platform 2 reaches the upper limit position, as shown by the arrow (9) in Fig. 20, the upper plate 63 of the blocking mechanism 6 is pushed up by the lift platform 2, and as shown by the arrow (10) in Fig. 20, the connecting member 64 pulls the rotating member 45 in a direction away from the belt member 30. In this way, the meshing between the rotating member 45 and the belt member 30 is released. This prevents a situation in which a load is applied to the rotating member 45 due to the movement of the belt member 30 accompanying the descent of the lift platform 2 when the user goes from indoors to outdoors, as described next. At this time, the meshing between the rotating member 45 and the belt-shaped member 42 is also released.

[0093] When the screen 90 is completely closed, the push-in portion 51 comes into contact with the frame body 91 and is pushed in, so that the handle base 96 rises, as shown by the arrow (11) in FIG. 21. When the tension on the connection member 44 from the screen 90 side is released, the clamping portion 431 of the engagement member 43 separates from the clamping portion 430, as shown by the arrow (12) in FIG. 21, and the engagement between the lower peripheral portion 420 of the belt-shaped member 42 and the engagement member 43 is released. In other words, the interlocking mechanism 4 returns to a non-interlocking state in which it is not interlocked with the closing operation of the screen 90. When the screen 2 reaches the upper limit position, the platform holding mechanism 7 goes into the state shown in FIG. 10, and the claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d engage with the engagement claws 70a to 70d to hold the platform 2 at the upper limit position.

[0094] <When going from indoors to outdoors> When the user wants to go from indoors to outdoors, the user presses the release button 72 of the platform holding mechanism 7. When the user presses the release button 72, the connection members 73a to 73d are pulled from the release button 72 side as shown by the arrow (13) in FIG. 22, and the engagement between the claw receiving pieces 71a to 71d and the engagement claws 70a to 70d is released as shown by the arrow (14) in FIG. 22. In this way, the platform 2 descends under its own weight as shown by the arrow (15) in FIG. 22, and eventually reaches the bottom. At this time, the footwear appears at the user's feet facing the user's moving direction (+X direction) as shown in FIG. 16. The user can put on the footwear while keeping the footwear facing the user's moving direction (+X direction).

[0095] When the lift table 2 reaches the lowest position, the lower plate 66 of the blocking mechanism 6 is pushed down by the lift table 2 as shown by arrow (16) in Fig. 23, and the connecting member 67 pulls the interference piece 65 leftward as shown by arrow (17) in Fig. 23, and the interference of the interference piece 65 with the upper plate 63 is released as shown by arrow (18) in Fig. 23. In this way, the pulling of the connecting member 64 from the upper plate 63 side is released, and the rotating member 45 re-engages with the belt member 30 and with the band-shaped member 42 as shown by arrow (19) in Fig. 23.

[0096] In this way, the stored item Q can be easily removed from the storage space S.

[0097] As described above, the storage device A can be realized using only a mechanical configuration, without using any electrical circuitry.

[0098] The above-mentioned embodiments and examples are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not interpreted solely by the above-mentioned embodiments and examples, but is defined based on the claims. In addition, all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] A Storage device 1 Storage section 10 aperture 2 Lifting platform 3 Lifting mechanism 30 Belt member 33 Guide rail section 4 Interlocking mechanism 40 Passive Measures 41 Transmission means 42 Belt-shaped member 43 Engagement member 45 Rotating parts 5 Control section 6. Shutoff Mechanism 60 Separation means 61 Maintenance means 62 Means of access 63 Upper Board 65 Interference piece 66 Lower plate 7 Lifting platform holding mechanism 8 Turntable mechanism 80 Turntable body 81 Gears 9. Sliding Door 90 Shoji 91 Frame 92 Vertical Frame 95 Handle parts D Opening and closing direction F outdoor floor N. Eaves Q Storage items S Storage space

Claims

1. A storage section provided inside the eaves and opening at the eaves back; a lift platform that is liftable between a lower limit position and an upper limit position and closes an opening of the storage unit at the upper limit position; A lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the lift platform; A storage device including a linkage mechanism that allows the lifting mechanism to lift the lift platform in conjunction with the closing operation of the sliding door, The interlocking mechanism includes: A passive means for receiving a force caused by the closing operation of the screen; a transmission means for transmitting the force received by the passive means to the lifting mechanism as a driving force for lifting the lifting platform.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, The lifting mechanism includes: The lift platform is raised and lowered using an endless belt member that is rotatably provided, The passive means of the interlocking mechanism is An endless belt-shaped member provided around the frame of the sliding door so as to be able to move around; The structure includes an engaging member that is provided slidably integrally with the shoji screen and is engageable with a portion of the belt-shaped member along the opening and closing direction of the shoji screen, The transmission means is The apparatus includes a rotating member that is rotatable in response to the movement of the belt-shaped member, The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the belt member is movable in response to rotation of the rotating member.

3. The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, The storage device further comprises a cut-off mechanism that switchably cuts off the transmission of the driving force from the transmission means to the lifting mechanism.

4. A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the lifting mechanism includes a guide rail portion that guides the lifting platform between the lower limit position and the upper limit position, A storage device characterized in that the guide rail portion is integrally formed with a frame of the sliding door.

5. A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The interlocking mechanism is configured to be switchable between an interlocking state in which the interlocking mechanism is interlocked with the closing operation of the screen and a non-interlocking state in which the interlocking mechanism is not interlocked with the closing operation of the screen; Further comprising an operation unit for receiving an operation from a user, The operation unit, when operated by the user, places the interlocking mechanism in the interlocking state.

6. A storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The storage device further comprises a turntable mechanism that is arranged so that an item can be placed on the lift platform and that rotates the item as the lift platform is raised.

Images