Panel storage container

Abstract

To simplify manufacturing of a panel housing container.SOLUTION: A panel storage container includes: a container body that has an opening and is for storing a plurality of panels; and a lid 3 for closing the opening. The lid 3 is provided with: a lid body 31 which faces in a back and forth direction the plurality of panels housed in a container body in the state that the lid 3 closes the opening; a sealing member 33 which is provided for the lid body 31 and seals between the lid body 31 and the container body; and a retainer 34 which is provided for the lid body 31 and regulates movements in a back and forth direction of a plurality of panels. The sealing member 33 is an elastic member extending in a uniform cross-sectional shape. The retainer 34 is an elastic member extending in a uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape is the same as that of the sealing member 33; constituent materials are the same as those of the sealing member 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel storage container.

Background Art

[0002] In a manufacturing process for handling panels such as glass substrates for liquid crystal panels, when transferring a rectangular panel from a manufacturing apparatus to a manufacturing apparatus in another process and when temporarily storing the panel, a panel storage container for storing a plurality of panels is used. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a substrate storage container including a container body for storing a plurality of substrates and a lid body for closing an opening of the container body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the substrate storage container described in Patent Document 1, a gasket for improving sealing performance is provided at the periphery of the lid body, and a retainer for restricting the movement of the substrate in the front-rear direction is provided on the back surface of the lid body. The gasket and the retainer have different shapes from each other. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the substrate storage container, the gasket and the retainer are prepared respectively, which takes time for manufacturing.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a panel storage container capable of simplifying manufacturing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The panel storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, and a lid body for closing the opening. The lid body includes a lid main body facing a plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction in a state where the lid body closes the opening, a sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, and a retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction. The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member. The constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member.

[0007] In this panel storage container, a sealing member and a retainer are provided on the lid main body. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, and the constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member. Therefore, since one type of elastic member can be used as the sealing member and the retainer, it is not necessary to prepare an elastic member for the sealing member and an elastic member for the retainer respectively. In this way, since the elastic member can be shared by the sealing member and the retainer, it is possible to simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container.

[0008] The panel storage container according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, and a lid body for closing the opening. The lid body includes a lid main body facing a plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction in a state where the lid body closes the opening, a sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, and a retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction. The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member.

[0009] In this panel storage container, a sealing member and a retainer are provided on the lid body. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as that of the sealing member. Therefore, a common mold can be used as the mold for manufacturing the sealing member and the retainer, so there is no need to prepare a mold for the sealing member and a mold for the retainer respectively. In this way, since the mold can be shared by the sealing member and the retainer, it is possible to simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container.

[0010] The panel storage container according to still another aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, and a lid body for closing the opening. The lid body includes a lid main body facing a plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction in a state where the lid body closes the opening, a sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, and a retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction. The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member.

[0011] In this panel storage container, a sealing member and a retainer are provided on the lid body. The constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member. Therefore, the sealing member and the retainer can be manufactured using one type of constituent material, so there is no need to prepare a constituent material for the sealing member and a constituent material for the retainer respectively. In this way, since the constituent material can be shared by the sealing member and the retainer, it is possible to simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the container body may house a plurality of panels arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The retainer may include a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion facing the plurality of panels in the first direction with the lid body closing the opening. The first restricting portion and the second restricting portion may extend in the second direction and be arranged side by side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. In this case, with the lid body closing the opening, the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion face each panel in the first direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the first direction is restricted at two locations, the movement of each panel in the first direction can be restricted more reliably.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lid body may include a first end portion and a second end portion which are both end portions in the third direction. The first restricting portion may be provided at the first end portion, and the second restricting portion may be provided at the second end portion. In this case, with the lid body closing the opening, the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion face near both ends of each panel in the first direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the first direction is restricted at both ends thereof, the movement of each panel in the first direction can be restricted even more reliably.

[0014] In some embodiments, the retainer may further include a third restricting portion extending in the second direction and provided between the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion in the third direction. In this case, with the lid body closing the opening, in addition to the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion, the third restricting portion faces each panel in the first direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the first direction is restricted at three locations, the movement of each panel in the first direction can be restricted even more reliably.

[0015] In some embodiments, the retainer may further include a first connecting portion that connects one end of the first restricting portion and one end of the second restricting portion. For example, with one end of the retainer as a reference, the retainer is attached to the lid body. Therefore, if the length of the retainer is not as designed, there may be an excess or deficiency at the other end of the retainer. If the retainer includes a plurality of physically separated portions, an excess or deficiency may occur at the end of each portion. In the above configuration, since the retainer is a member that is continuous in the order of the first restricting portion, the first connecting portion, and the second restricting portion, the number of ends can be reduced compared to a retainer composed of a plurality of physically separated members. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an excess or deficiency occurring in the retainer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the retainer may further include a second connecting portion that connects the other end of the first restricting portion and the other end of the second restricting portion. In this case, the retainer has an annular shape that circulates in the order of the first restricting portion, the first connecting portion, the second restricting portion, and the second connecting portion. Therefore, since the retainer is an endless shape, it is possible to eliminate the excess or deficiency of the retainer at the ends.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lid body may include a first attachment portion for attaching a sealing member and a second attachment portion for attaching a retainer. In this case, the sealing member and the retainer can be attached to the lid body by the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first attachment portion may have a dovetail groove structure. In this case, the sealing member can be attached to the lid body simply by fitting the sealing member into the first attachment portion. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the attachment of the sealing member.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second attachment portion may have a dovetail groove structure. In this case, the retainer can be attached to the lid body simply by fitting the retainer into the second attachment portion. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the attachment of the retainer.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lid may further include a first buffer material provided between the sealing member and the lid body and having a hardness lower than that of the sealing member. In this case, since the sealing member is less likely to deform than the first buffer material, the sealing surface of the sealing member can be flattened. When the lid is locked, the first buffer material is crushed, so that an increase in the latching torque can be suppressed. Therefore, the possibility of a gap being generated between the sealing member and the container body can be reduced, and the lid can be locked more reliably. As a result, the airtightness of the panel storage container can be improved.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lid may further include a second buffer material provided between the retainer and the lid body and having a hardness lower than that of the retainer. In this case, since the retainer is less likely to deform than the second buffer material, the surface of the retainer facing the panel can be flattened. When the panel abuts against the retainer, the second buffer material is crushed, so that an excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the panel. Therefore, the movement of each panel can be more reliably restricted, and the possibility of the panel being damaged can be reduced.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, the manufacturing of the panel storage container can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. An XYZ coordinate system is shown in each figure. The Y-axis direction is a direction intersecting (here, orthogonal) the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a direction intersecting (here, orthogonal) the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As an example, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction (width direction; third direction), the Y-axis direction is the front-back direction (depth direction; first direction), and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (height direction; second direction). For convenience of explanation, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" are used, but are not limited to these directions. Terms such as "uniform" and "the same" mean substantially the same, including not only being completely the same but also a certain range such as manufacturing tolerances.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a panel storage container according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the panel storage container shown in FIG. 1. The panel storage container 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a container for storing a plurality of panels. Examples of the panel include a glass substrate for a liquid crystal panel and a panel on which electronic components are mounted. The panel has a rectangular shape. Examples of the panel size include 510 mm × 515 mm and 600 mm × 600 mm. The number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1 is arbitrarily determined, and for example, it may be 6 or 12.

[0026] The panel storage container 1 is used, for example, in a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electronic components. The electronic components are manufactured through steps such as mounting a large number of electronic components on a large carrier panel such as a glass plate and a stainless steel plate, encapsulating these electronic components with an epoxy resin or the like, peeling the encapsulated electronic components from the carrier panel in a panel form, and individually cutting out the electronic components in a panel form. The panel storage container 1 is used to transfer the panels between these steps.

[0027] The panel storage container 1 includes a container body 2 and a lid body 3.

[0028] The container body 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped container with an open front (front face). In other words, the container body 2 is a front-open box-type container provided with an opening 2a on the front face. The container body 2 stores a plurality of panels. Specifically, the container body 2 stores a plurality of panels arranged in the vertical direction. The panels are inserted into and removed from the container body 2 through the opening 2a. Details of the container body 2 will be described later.

[0029] The lid body 3 is a member for closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The lid body 3 is detachably attached to a flange 25 that defines the opening 2a. Details of the lid body 3 will be described later.

[0030] The container body 2 and the lid 3 are configured by combining a plurality of parts formed of a metal material or a resin material. Examples of the resin included in the molding material of the resin material include thermoplastic resins. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, polyetherimide, polyether ketone, polyether ether ketone, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, liquid crystal polymer, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. These alloys may be used as the resin included in the molding material of the resin material.

[0031] These resins may be added with a conductive substance and various antistatic agents. The conductive substance is composed of, for example, carbon fiber, carbon powder, carbon nanotube, or conductive polymer. As the antistatic agent, antistatic agents such as anionic, cationic, and nonionic types can be used. Benzotriazole-based, salicylate-based, cyanoacrylate-based, oxalic acid anilide-based, and hindered amine-based ultraviolet absorbers may be added. Glass fiber or carbon fiber for improving rigidity may also be selectively added.

[0032] Next, the container body 2 will be described in detail. The container body 2 includes a top plate 21, a bottom plate 22, a pair of side walls 23, a rear wall 24, a flange 25, a frame body 26, a pedestal portion 27, and a side plate 28.

[0033] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23, and the rear wall 24 are substantially rectangular plate materials. The top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 face each other in the vertical direction and are arranged substantially parallel. The pair of side walls 23 face each other in the left-right direction and are arranged substantially parallel. The rear wall 24 connects the rear ends of the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 and also connects the rear ends of the pair of side walls 23. The accommodation space 20 is defined by the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the pair of side walls 23, and the rear wall 24.

[0034] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, and the side walls 23 are made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum and stainless steel. The rear wall 24 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material that allows the accommodation space 20 to be visible from outside the container body 2. A part of the rear wall 24 may be made of a transparent resin material. Examples of the transparent resin material include acrylic resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0035] The flange 25 is a rectangular frame body provided across the front ends of the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, and the pair of side walls 23. The opening 2a is defined by the flange 25. The flange 25 is made of, for example, the above-described resin material. Two locking holes 25h arranged at intervals in the left-right direction are provided in each of the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the flange 25. The locking hole 25h in the upper frame portion and the locking hole 25h in the lower frame portion are provided at positions facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0036] The frame body 26 is used to fix the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the pair of side walls 23, and the rear wall 24. The frame body 26 is made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum and stainless steel. The frame body 26 is provided on the front surface of the rear wall 24. The frame body 26 has a frame portion 26a (see FIG. 3), a support column 26b (see FIG. 3), and a pair of support columns 26c (see FIG. 3). The frame portion 26a is a rectangular member provided along the periphery of the rear wall 24.

[0037] The support column 26b and the pair of support columns 26c are columnar members extending in the vertical direction. One support column 26b, the support column 26c, and the other support column 26b are arranged in that order in the left-right direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The support column 26b and the pair of support columns 26c extend from the upper frame portion to the lower frame portion of the frame portion 26a. The support column 26b is provided at the center of the frame body 26 in the left-right direction, and the pair of support columns 26c are provided near both ends of the frame body 26 in the left-right direction. A plurality of fitting holes for attaching a shaft 61a described later are provided in the support column 26b. A plurality of fitting holes for attaching a shaft 62a described later are provided in the support column 26c.

[0038] The pedestal portion 27 is the part that serves as the base of the container body 2. The pedestal portion 27 is made of a metal material such as aluminum and stainless steel, for example. The pedestal portion 27 is provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate 22. The pedestal portion 27 is constituted by combining a plurality of columnar support members.

[0039] The side plate 28 is a member for attaching the support body 65 described later. The side plate 28 is a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction. The side plate 28 is made of a metal material such as aluminum and stainless steel, for example. The side plate 28 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 23. In the present embodiment, two side plates 28 are provided on each side wall 23. The two side plates 28 are arranged in the front-rear direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. One side plate 28 is provided near the center of the side wall 23 in the front-rear direction, and the other side plate 28 is provided near the front end of the side wall 23 in the front-rear direction.

[0040] A cover member for preventing the intrusion of particles into the storage space 20 is provided at the corner of the container body 2.

[0041] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the configuration inside the storage space 20 will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the panel storage container 1 further includes a panel support portion 60. The panel support portion 60 is a portion for supporting a plurality of panels. The panel support portion 60 is provided inside the container body 2 (storage space 20). The panel support portion 60 includes a plurality of support portions 61, a plurality of support portions 62, a plurality of stoppers 63, and a plurality of stoppers 64.

[0042] The numbers of the support portions 61, 62, stoppers 63, and stoppers 64 are changed according to the number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1. In the present embodiment, the panel support portion 60 includes one support portion 61, two support portions 62, two stoppers 63, and two stoppers 64 per panel. In other words, a storage stage for storing one panel is formed by one support portion 61, two support portions 62, two stoppers 63, and two stoppers 64.

[0043] The support portion 61 is a portion for supporting the central portion of the panel in the left - right direction. The support portion 61 has a shaft 61a and a plurality of elastic bodies 61b. The shaft 61a is a columnar (for example, cylindrical) member extending in the front - rear direction. The shaft 61a is used to support one panel. The rear end of the shaft 61a is fitted into the fitting hole of the support column 26b and fixed to the support column 26b by a screw. The shaft 61a is made of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of the constituent material of the shaft 61a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0044] The elastic body 61b is an annular (for example, circular - ring - shaped) member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 61a. The elastic body 61b is provided to suppress the sliding of the panel and improve the positioning accuracy of the panel. From the viewpoint of preventing the panel from sliding, the elastic body 61b may have a higher frictional force than the shaft 61a. From the viewpoint of preventing damage to the panel, the elastic body 61b may have higher elasticity (cushioning property) than the shaft 61a. The elastic body 61b is made of, for example, a rubber material. Examples of the rubber material include EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), silicone rubber, and fluorine rubber. The elastic body 61b is, for example, an O - ring. The plurality of elastic bodies 61b are arranged at regular intervals in the extending direction of the shaft 61a.

[0045] The support portion 62 is a part for supporting both end portions of the panel in the left - right direction. The support portion 62 has a shaft 62a, a plurality of elastic bodies 62b, and a plurality of supports 65. The shaft 62a is a columnar (for example, cylindrical) member extending in the front - rear direction. The shaft 62a is used to support one panel. The rear end of the shaft 62a is fitted into the fitting hole of the support column 26c and fixed to the support column 26c by a screw.

[0046] The shaft 62a is constituted of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of the constituent material of the shaft 62a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. The length of the shaft 62a in the front - rear direction is slightly longer than the length of the panel in the front - rear direction and longer than the length of the shaft 61a in the front - rear direction. The shaft 61a and the pair of shafts 62a are arranged in the left - right direction. The shaft 61a is arranged between the pair of shafts 62a.

[0047] The elastic body 62b is an annular (for example, circular - ring - shaped) member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 62a. The elastic body 62b is provided to suppress the sliding of the panel and improve the positioning accuracy of the panel. Since the constituent material and arrangement of the elastic body 62b are the same as those of the elastic body 61b, a detailed description is omitted.

[0048] The support 65 is a member for holding (supporting) the shaft 62a and supporting the end portions of the panel in the left - right direction. An insertion hole penetrating the support 65 in the front - rear direction is provided at the tip portion of the support 65, and the shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole. The support 65 has an inclined surface that slopes downward from the base end to the tip of the support 65.

[0049] The proximal end portion of the support 65 abuts against the inner surface of the side wall 23, and the side plate 28, the side wall 23, and the support 65 are positioned by a knock pin (not shown). In this state, a screw is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the side plate 28 from the outside of the side plate 28 and screwed into a screw hole provided in the proximal end portion of the support 65. Thereby, the support 65 is fixed to the side plate 28 in a state where the side wall 23 is sandwiched between the support 65 and the side plate 28.

[0050] The stopper 63 is a member for preventing the panel from protruding and determining the position of the front end of the panel. The stopper 63 is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The stopper 63 is provided at the end portion 62d of the shaft 62a. For example, the stopper 63 is attached to the shaft 62a by fitting the end portion 62d of the shaft 62a into a mounting hole provided in the stopper 63. The stopper 63 has a disk-shaped locking piece 63a having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the elastic body 62b. The locking piece 63a has an inclined surface that inclines rearward from the outer peripheral surface toward the center.

[0051] The stopper 64 is a member for determining the position of the rear end of the panel. The stopper 64 is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The stopper 64 is provided at the end portion 62c of the shaft 62a. The stopper 64 has a block shape. The stopper 64 is provided with an insertion hole for inserting the shaft 62a in the front-rear direction. With the shaft 62a inserted through the insertion hole of the stopper 64, the rear surface of the stopper 64 abuts against the front surface of the support column 26c, and the stopper 64 is fixed to the support column 26c by a screw. The stopper 64 has an inclined surface that inclines forward from the upper surface downward.

[0052] The placement position where the panel is placed is defined by the stoppers 63, 64, and the support 65. Specifically, the placement position of the panel in the front-rear direction is defined by the stoppers 63 and 64, and the placement position of the panel in the left-right direction is defined by the four supports 65 provided on the left and right. For example, the panel is carried into the accommodation space 20 by a robot and placed on any of the storage levels. At this time, the position of the panel may be slightly displaced due to errors or the like. For example, even if the front end of the panel rides on the inclined surface of the locking piece 63a of the stopper 63, the self-weight of the panel guides it to the placement position along the inclined surface. Similarly, even if the rear end of the panel rides on the inclined surface of the stopper 64, the self-weight of the panel guides it to the placement position along the inclined surface. Similarly, even if the side end of the panel rides on the inclined surface of the support 65, the self-weight of the panel guides it to the placement position along the inclined surface.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the lid body 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the lid body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V of FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the lid body 3 includes a lid main body 31, a locking mechanism 32, a sealing member 33, and a retainer 34.

[0054] The lid main body 31 is the main body portion of the lid body 3. The lid main body 31 is a rectangular plate material. The lid main body 31 is made of a metal material such as an aluminum and magnesium alloy, for example. The lid main body 31 may be made of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

[0055] The lid main body 31 has a front surface 31a and a back surface 31b. The front surface 31a forms the outer surface of the panel storage container 1. A keyhole 31h is provided in the front surface 31a. A key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole 31h. The back surface 31b is the surface on the opposite side of the front surface 31a. In a state where the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, the back surface 31b faces the storage space 20. The lid main body 31 includes a pair of end portions 31c and a central portion 31d. The pair of end portions 31c are both end portions in the left-right direction of the lid main body 31. The central portion 31d is the central portion in the left-right direction of the lid main body 31 and is sandwiched between the pair of end portions 31c in the left-right direction. The lid main body 31 is provided with an attachment portion 35 (first attachment portion) and an attachment portion 36 (second attachment portion).

[0056] The attachment portion 35 is a portion for attaching the sealing member 33 to the lid main body 31. The attachment portion 35 is provided at a position on the lid main body 31 where the sealing member 33 is to be attached. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 35 is provided in an annular shape along the periphery of the back surface 31b. The attachment portion 35 has an undercut groove structure. Specifically described, the attachment portion 35 includes a groove portion 35a and a pair of locking pieces 35b.

[0057] The groove portion 35a is provided in an annular shape along the periphery of the back surface 31b and is recessed from the back surface 31b toward the front surface 31a. The groove portion 35a is defined by a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending from both ends of the bottom wall toward the back surface 31b. The pair of locking pieces 35b are respectively provided at the tips of the pair of side walls that define the groove portion 35a. Each of the pair of locking pieces 35b protrudes toward the other locking piece 35b. Each of the pair of locking pieces 35b has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to approach the other locking piece 35b as it goes from the groove portion 35a toward the back surface 31b. The attachment portion 35 includes a missing portion 35c where no locking piece 35b is provided in a part of the groove portion 35a. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 35 includes one missing portion 35c.

[0058] The attachment portion 36 is a portion for attaching the retainer 34 to the lid body 31. The attachment portion 36 is provided at a position on the lid body 31 where the retainer 34 is to be attached. In the present embodiment, the attachment portions 36 are provided at a pair of end portions 31c and a central portion 31d, respectively. The three attachment portions 36 extend in the vertical direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The attachment portion 36 has a dovetail groove structure similar to that of the attachment portion 35. Specifically, each attachment portion 36 includes a groove portion 36a and a pair of locking pieces 36b.

[0059] The groove portion 36a is provided so as to extend vertically on the back surface 31b of the pair of end portions 31c and the central portion 31d, respectively, and is recessed from the back surface 31b toward the front surface 31a. The groove portion 36a is defined by a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending from both ends of the bottom wall toward the back surface 31b. The pair of locking pieces 36b are provided at the tips of the pair of side walls that define the groove portion 36a, respectively. Each of the pair of locking pieces 36b protrudes toward the other locking piece 36b. Each of the pair of locking pieces 36b has an inclined surface that inclines so as to approach the other locking piece 36b as it goes from the groove portion 36a toward the back surface 31b. The attachment portion 36 includes a missing portion 36c where no locking piece 36b is provided in a part of the groove portion 36a. In the present embodiment, the attachment portion 36 includes one missing portion 36c in each groove portion 36a.

[0060] The locking mechanism 32 locks or unlocks the lid body 3 when the key inserted into the keyhole 31h is operated. The locking mechanism 32 includes a latch (not shown). With the lid body 3 attached to the flange 25, the lid body 3 is locked when the latch is inserted into a locking hole 25h provided in the flange 25 by operating the key. With the lid body 3 locked, the lid body 3 is unlocked when the latch is pulled out of the locking hole 25h by operating the key.

[0061] The sealing member 33 is a member that seals between the container body 2 and the lid body 31. The sealing member 33 is a string-like elastic member that extends with a uniform cross-sectional shape. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 33 extends in a rectangular ring shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33 is an annular shape. That is, as the sealing member 33, a tubular elastic member (for example, a rubber tube) is used. The sealing member 33 is composed of an elastically deformable resin having a durometer hardness (Shore A) of about 20 degrees to 80 degrees. Examples of such resins include fluororubber, EPDM, silicone, and urethane. The sealing member 33 is, for example, a gasket. The durometer hardness (Shore A) is determined in accordance with JIS K 6253.

[0062] The sealing member 33 is provided on the lid body 31. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 33 is attached to the lid body 31 by the attachment portion 35. Specifically, the sealing member 33 is provided along the groove portion 35a and is held in the groove portion 35a by a pair of locking pieces 35b. The diameter of the sealing member 33 is larger than the depth of the groove portion 35a. Therefore, the sealing member 33 is held by the attachment portion 35 in a state where a part of the sealing member 33 is exposed (protrudes) from the pair of locking pieces 35b. The surface of the portion exposed from the pair of locking pieces 35b functions as the sealing surface 33a. When the sealing surface 33a is pressed against the container body 2 (flange 25), the opening 2a of the container body 2 is hermetically closed.

[0063] The retainer 34 is a member that restricts the movement of a plurality of panels housed in the container body 2 in the front-rear direction (movement toward the lid body 3). The retainer 34 is a string-like elastic member that extends with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33. The constituent material of the retainer 34 is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33.

[0064] The retainer 34 is provided on the lid body 31. In the present embodiment, the retainer 34 is attached to the lid body 31 by the attachment portion 36. Specifically, the retainer 34 is provided along the groove portion 36a and is held in the groove portion 36a by a pair of locking pieces 36b. The diameter of the retainer 34 is larger than the depth of the groove portion 36a. Therefore, the retainer 34 is held by the attachment portion 36 in a state where a part of the retainer 34 is exposed (protrudes) from the pair of locking pieces 36b. The surface of the portion exposed from the pair of locking pieces 36b functions as the contact surface 34a. By the contact surface 34a coming into contact with the front end of each panel, the forward movement of each panel is restricted.

[0065] The retainer 34 includes a restricting portion 41 (first restricting portion), a restricting portion 42 (second restricting portion), and a restricting portion 43 (third restricting portion). Each of the restricting portions 41 to 43 is a portion extending in the vertical direction. The restricting portion 41 is provided at one end portion 31c (first end portion), and the restricting portion 42 is provided at the other end portion 31c (second end portion). The restricting portion 43 is provided at the central portion 31d. In other words, the restricting portion 41, the restricting portion 43, and the restricting portion 42 are arranged in that order in the left - right direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. That is, the restricting portion 41, the restricting portion 42, and the restricting portion 43 are arranged side by side in the left - right direction, and the restricting portion 43 is provided between the restricting portion 41 and the restricting portion 42 in the left - right direction.

[0066] When the lid 3 closes the opening 2a with a plurality of panels stored in the container body 2, the sealing surface 33a of the sealing member 33 abuts against the flange 25, and the abutting surfaces 34a of the restricting portions 41 to 43 face the front ends of the respective panels. Specifically, the abutting surfaces 34a of the restricting portions 41 and 42 face the vicinity of both ends in the left-right direction of the front end of each panel, and the abutting surface 34a of the restricting portion 43 faces the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the front end of each panel. Then, when the lid 3 is locked, the sealing member 33 (sealing surface 33a) is pressed against the flange 25, and the abutting surfaces 34a of the restricting portions 41 to 43 abut against the front ends of the respective panels. Thereby, the opening 2a of the container body 2 is hermetically closed, and the panels placed at the placement positions are restricted from moving forward. In a state where a plurality of panels are stored in the container body 2, the front ends of the respective panels are located behind the sealing surface of the flange 25 (the surface against which the sealing surface 33a abuts).

[0067] Next, a method for manufacturing the lid 3 (panel storage container 1) will be described. First, a plate-shaped back material that will become the back surface 31b of the lid body 31 is prepared. Then, a cutting tool (cutter) for grooving is pierced at a position near the periphery of the back material, the cutting tool is moved around along the periphery of the back material, and the cutting tool is removed from the above position. Thereby, the attachment portion 35 is formed. Note that since a pair of locking pieces 35b are not formed at the position where the cutting tool is pierced, this portion corresponds to the missing portion 35c.

[0068] Similarly, the cutting tool is pierced at the position where the lower end of the restricting portion 41 is provided, and after the cutting tool is moved to the position where the upper end of the restricting portion 41 is provided, the cutting tool is moved to the above position and the cutting tool is removed from the above position. Thereby, an attachment portion 36 for attaching the restricting portion 41 is formed. Note that since a pair of locking pieces 36b are not formed at the position where the cutting tool is pierced, this portion corresponds to the missing portion 36c. The attachment portions 36 for attaching the restricting portions 42 and 43 are also formed in the same manner.

[0069] Subsequently, a long elastic member having a uniform cross-sectional shape that will form the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 is prepared. Then, the elastic member is cut to the length of the sealing member 33, and the two ends are joined together to prepare the sealing member 33. The sealing member 33 thus produced exhibits an annular shape without directionality. Similarly, the restricting members 41 to 43 are prepared by cutting the elastic member to the lengths of the restricting members 41 to 43, respectively.

[0070] Subsequently, the sealing member 33 is pushed into the groove portion 35a from between the pair of locking pieces 35b and is held within the groove portion 35a by the pair of locking pieces 35b. Similarly, the restricting members 41 to 43 are pushed into the groove portion 36a from between the pair of locking pieces 36b and are held within the groove portion 36a by the pair of locking pieces 36b.

[0071] Subsequently, a plate-like surface material that will form the front surface 31a and the locking mechanism 32 are prepared, and the surface material, the locking mechanism 32, and the back surface material are combined. Thus, the lid body 3 is manufactured.

[0072] In the panel storage container 1 described above, the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 are provided on the lid body 31. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34 is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33. Therefore, since one type of elastic member can be used as the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34, it is not necessary to separately prepare the elastic member for the sealing member 33 and the elastic member for the retainer 34. In this way, the elastic member can be shared between the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34, so that the manufacture of the panel storage container 1 can be simplified. Furthermore, the cost can be reduced.

[0073] In a state where the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, the restricting members 41 and 42 face the vicinity of both ends of each panel in the front-rear direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the front-rear direction is restricted at two locations in the left-right direction (both ends of each panel), the movement of each panel in the front-rear direction can be more reliably restricted.

[0074] With the lid body 3 closing the opening 2a, in addition to the restricting portions 41 and 42, a restricting portion 43 faces the respective panels in the front-rear direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the front-rear direction is restricted at three positions in the left-right direction, the movement of each panel in the front-rear direction can be restricted more reliably.

[0075] The lid main body 31 includes an attachment portion 35 for attaching the sealing member 33 and an attachment portion 36 for attaching the retainer 34. Therefore, the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 can be attached to the lid main body 31 by the attachment portion 35 and the attachment portion 36.

[0076] Specifically, since the attachment portion 35 has a dovetail groove structure, the sealing member 33 can be attached to the lid main body 31 simply by fitting the sealing member 33 into the attachment portion 35. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the attachment of the sealing member 33. Since there is no need to provide a complicated structure for holding the sealing member 33, it is possible to make the lid body 3 thinner and simplify the structure of the lid body 3.

[0077] Similarly, since the attachment portion 36 has a dovetail groove structure, the retainer 34 can be attached to the lid main body 31 simply by fitting the retainer 34 into the attachment portion 36. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the attachment of the retainer 34. Since there is no need to provide a complicated structure for holding the retainer 34, it is possible to make the lid body 3 thinner and simplify the structure of the lid body 3.

[0078] With a plurality of panels stored in the container body 2, the front end of each panel is located rearward of the seal surface of the flange 25. Therefore, the retainer 34 abuts against the front end of the panel with a force smaller than the force with which the sealing member 33 is pressed against the seal surface of the flange 25. For this reason, even if one type of elastic member is used as the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34, it is possible to improve the airtightness of the panel storage container 1 while reducing the possibility of the panel being damaged.

[0079] Note that the panel storage container according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a screw is used as an example of the fixing member, but another fixing member may be used instead of the screw.

[0081] The connection method of each member of the container body 2 may be different from that of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the container body 2 is configured by combining a plurality of parts, but it may be an integrally molded product.

[0082] The cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 are not limited to the cross-sectional shapes of the above embodiment. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33 may be any shape as long as it can exhibit the function of the sealing member 33. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 may be any shape as long as it can exhibit the function of the retainer 34.

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be circular. That is, a round cord-like elastic member may be used as the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be triangular. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be plus-shaped. As shown in FIG. 6(d), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be inverted T-shaped. As shown in FIG. 6(e), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be X-shaped. As shown in FIG. 6(f), the cross-sectional shapes of the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 may be inverted Y-shaped.

[0084] The retainer 34 only needs to include at least one of the restricting parts 41 to 43. For example, the retainer 34 may not include the restricting part 43. The restricting part 41 and the restricting part 42 only need to be provided spaced apart in the left - right direction of the lid main body 31 (the back surface 31b), and may not be provided at the pair of end parts 31c. Also in this case, in a state where the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, the restricting parts 41 and 42 face the respective panels in the front - rear direction. Therefore, since the movement of each panel in the front - rear direction is restricted at two positions in the left - right direction, the movement of each panel in the front - rear direction can be restricted more reliably.

[0085] The lid body 3 is not limited to the configuration of the above - described embodiment. FIG. 7 is a rear view showing a modified example of the lid body. As shown in FIG. 7, the lid body 3A mainly differs from the lid body 3 in that it includes a lid main body 31A and a retainer 34A instead of the lid main body 31 and the retainer 34.

[0086] The retainer 34A mainly differs from the retainer 34 in that it includes a connecting part 44 (first connecting part) instead of the restricting part 43. The connecting part 44 is a part that connects the upper end (one end) of the restricting part 41 and the upper end (one end) of the restricting part 42. That is, the retainer 34A is a single member that is continuous in the order of the restricting part 41, the connecting part 44, and the restricting part 42, and has an inverted U - shaped configuration. The connecting part 44 has a curved part 44a and a curved part 44b. The curved part 44a is a part connected to the upper end of the restricting part 41. The curved part 44b is a part connected to the upper end of the restricting part 42.

[0087] The lid main body 31A mainly differs from the lid main body 31 in the position where the mounting part 36 is provided. Since the retainer 34A is a single elastic member having an inverted U - shaped configuration, the mounting part 36 includes a single groove part 36a corresponding to the retainer 34A. Therefore, the mounting part 36 includes a single missing part 36c.

[0088] Even in the panel storage container including the lid body 3A, the same effects as those of the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment are achieved for the common configurations with the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment. Further, the panel storage container including the lid body 3A also has the following effects.

[0089] For example, with one end of the retainer as a reference, the retainer is attached to the lid main body. Therefore, when the length of the retainer is not as designed, an excess or deficiency may occur at the other end of the retainer. When the retainer 34 includes a plurality of physically separated portions (restriction portions 41 to 43) as in the above embodiment, an excess or deficiency may occur at the end of each portion. On the other hand, in the lid body 3A, since the retainer 34A is a single member that is continuous in the order of the restriction portion 41, the connecting portion 44, and the restriction portion 42, the number of ends can be reduced compared to the retainer (retainer 34) composed of a plurality of physically separated members. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an excess or deficiency occurring in the retainer 34A. Note that the connecting portion 44 may connect the lower end of the restriction portion 41 and the lower end of the restriction portion 42. The retainer 34A may further include the restriction portion 43.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing another modification of the lid body. As shown in FIG. 8, the lid body 3B mainly differs from the lid body 3A in that it includes a lid main body 31B and a retainer 34B instead of the lid main body 31A and the retainer 34A.

[0091] The retainer 34B mainly differs from the retainer 34A in that it further includes a connecting portion 45 (second connecting portion). The connecting portion 45 is a portion that connects the lower end (the other end) of the restriction portion 41 and the lower end (the other end) of the restriction portion 42. That is, the retainer 34B has a rectangular annular shape that circulates in the order of the restriction portion 41, the connecting portion 44, the restriction portion 42, and the connecting portion 45. The connecting portion 45 has a curved portion 45a and a curved portion 45b. The curved portion 45a is a portion connected to the lower end of the restriction portion 41. The curved portion 45b is a portion connected to the lower end of the restriction portion 42.

[0092] The lid body 31B is mainly different from the lid body 31A at the position where the mounting portion 36 is provided. Since the retainer 34B is an elastic member having a rectangular annular shape, the mounting portion 36 includes one rectangular annular groove portion 36a corresponding to the retainer 34B. Therefore, the mounting portion 36 includes one missing portion 36c.

[0093] Even in the panel storage container including the lid body 3B, for the components common to the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment are achieved. Further, in the panel storage container including the lid body 3B, the retainer 34B has an annular shape that circulates in the order of the restricting portion 41, the connecting portion 44, the restricting portion 42, and the connecting portion 45. Therefore, since the retainer 34B has an endless shape, it is possible to eliminate the excess or deficiency of the retainer 34B at the end. Note that the retainer 34B may further include a restricting portion 43.

[0094] In the panel storage container 1, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34 is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33. However, the relationship between the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34 is not limited to this relationship. The cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34 may be different from the constituent material of the sealing member 33. Similarly, in the panel storage container including the lid body 3A, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34A may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34A may be different from the constituent material of the sealing member 33. Similarly, in the panel storage container including the lid body 3B, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34B may be the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34B may be different from the constituent material of the sealing member 33.

[0095] In these cases, the cross-sectional shapes of the retainers 34, 34A, and 34B are the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33. Therefore, a common mold can be used as the mold for manufacturing the sealing member 33 and the retainers 34, 34A, and 34B, so there is no need to prepare the mold for the sealing member 33 and the molds for the retainers 34, 34A, and 34B respectively. In this way, since the molds can be shared between the sealing member 33 and the retainers 34, 34A, and 34B, it is possible to reduce costs and simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container.

[0096] In the panel storage container 1, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 is different from the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34 may be the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33. Similarly, in the panel storage container provided with the lid body 3A, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34A is different from the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34A may be the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33. Similarly, in the panel storage container provided with the lid body 3B, the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34B is different from the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33, and the constituent material of the retainer 34B may be the same as the constituent material of the sealing member 33. With reference to FIG. 9, a modified example in which the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member and the cross-sectional shape of the retainer are different and the constituent material of the sealing member and the constituent material of the retainer are the same will be described.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing still another modified example of the lid body. As shown in FIG. 9, the lid body 3C mainly differs from the lid body 3 in that it includes a lid main body 31C and a retainer 34C instead of the lid main body 31 and the retainer 34. The retainer 34C is a plate-like elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape. The retainer 34C mainly differs from the retainer 34 in that it includes a regulating portion 41C and a regulating portion 42C instead of the regulating portions 41 to 43. The regulating portion 41C mainly differs from the regulating portion 41 in terms of shape and the method of attachment to the lid main body 31C. Similarly, the regulating portion 42C mainly differs from the regulating portion 42 in terms of shape and the method of attachment to the lid main body 31C. The regulating portions 41C and 42C have a plate-like shape and are attached to the back surface 31b by an adhesive or the like.

[0098] The lid body 31C does not have a dovetail groove structure for attaching the retainer 34C to the lid body 31C. In this modification, the adhesive for attaching the restricting portions 41C and 42C to the back surface 31b functions as the attachment portion. Similar to the retainer 34C, the sealing member 33 may also be attached to the back surface 31b with an adhesive or the like. Note that the retainers 34, 34A, and 34B may also be attached to the back surface 31b with an adhesive or the like.

[0099] Also in the panel storage container including the lid 3C, for the configurations common to the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment are achieved. In the panel storage container including the lid 3C, the constituent material of the retainer 34C is the same as that of the sealing member 33. Therefore, since the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34C can be manufactured using one type of constituent material, it is not necessary to prepare the constituent material for the sealing member 33 and the constituent material for the retainer 34C respectively. Thus, since the constituent materials can be made common between the sealing member 33 and the retainer 34C, it is possible to reduce costs and simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container. Further, in the panel storage container including the lid 3C, since it is not necessary to form a dovetail groove structure in the lid body 31C, it is possible to simplify the manufacture of the panel storage container (lid 3C).

[0100] FIG. 10(a) is a view showing still another modification of the lid. FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Xb-Xb of FIG. 10(a). FIG. 11(a) is a view showing a state in which the lid shown in FIG. 10(a) closes the opening. FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIb-XIb of FIG. 11(a). As shown in FIG. 10(a), the lid 3D mainly differs from the lid 3 in that it further includes a buffer material 37 (first buffer material) and a buffer material 38 (second buffer material).

[0101] The cushioning material 37 is an elastic member having a hardness lower than that of the sealing member 33. In this example, the durometer hardness (Shore A) of the sealing member 33 is about 50 to 70 degrees, and the durometer hardness (Shore A) of the cushioning material 37 is about 20 to 30 degrees. The cushioning material 37 is, for example, sponge rubber. The cushioning material 37 is provided between the sealing member 33 and the lid body 31. In the example shown in FIG. 10(a), the cushioning material 37 is provided along the groove portion 35a and is located between the bottom wall of the groove portion 35a and the sealing member 33. The cushioning material 37 is provided over the entire sealing member 33.

[0102] The cushioning material 38 is an elastic member having a hardness lower than that of the retainer 34. In this example, the durometer hardness (Shore A) of the retainer 34 is about 50 to 70 degrees, and the durometer hardness (Shore A) of the cushioning material 38 is about 20 to 30 degrees. The cushioning material 37 is, for example, sponge rubber. The cushioning material 38 is provided between the retainer 34 and the lid body 31. In the example shown in FIG. 10(a), the cushioning material 38 is provided along the groove portion 36a and is located between the bottom wall of the groove portion 36a and the retainer 34. The cushioning material 38 is provided over the entire retainer 34.

[0103] In the panel storage container including the lid body 3D, for the configurations common to the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment, the same effects as those of the panel storage container 1 according to the above embodiment are achieved. Further, in the panel storage container including the lid body 3D, the following effects are also achieved.

[0104] For example, in the panel storage container 1, when only the sealing member 33 having a low hardness is laid in the groove portion 35a, since the sealing member 33 is easily deformed, if the sealing member 33 is not carefully laid, irregularities may occur on the sealing surface 33a of the sealing member 33. As a result, even when the lid body 3 is locked, a gap may be generated between the sealing member 33 and the container body 2 (flange 25), and the airtightness of the panel storage container 1 (accommodation space 20) may be impaired. When only the sealing member 33 having a high hardness is laid in the groove portion 35a, although the sealing surface 33a of the sealing member 33 becomes flat, since the sealing member 33 is not easily crushed, the latch torque of the locking mechanism 32 when locking the lid body 3 becomes high. As a result, the locking of the lid body 3 becomes insufficient, and the airtightness of the panel storage container 1 (accommodation space 20) may be impaired.

[0105] On the other hand, in the lid body 3D, the cushioning material 37 is laid in the groove portion 35a, and the sealing member 33 is laid on the cushioning material 37. In this case, even if irregularities occur on the surface of the cushioning material 37 where the sealing member 33 is provided, since the sealing member 33 provided thereon is not easily deformed, the sealing surface 33a of the sealing member 33 can be flattened. When locking the lid body 3, the cushioning material 37 is crushed, so that an increase in the latch torque of the locking mechanism 32 can be suppressed. Therefore, the possibility of generating a gap between the sealing member 33 and the container body 2 (flange 25) is reduced, and the locking of the lid body 3 can be performed more reliably. As a result, the airtightness of the panel storage container can be improved.

[0106] Similarly, when only the retainer 34 having a low hardness is laid in the groove portion 36a, irregularities may occur on the contact surface 34a of the retainer 34. As a result, when the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, a gap may be generated between the contact surface 34a of the retainer 34 and the front end of the panel, and there is a possibility that the movement of the panel in the front-rear direction cannot be sufficiently restricted. When only the retainer 34 having a high hardness is laid in the groove portion 36a, although the contact surface 34a of the retainer 34 becomes flat, since the retainer 34 is not easily crushed, an excessive force may be applied to the front end of the panel, and the panel may be damaged.

[0107] On the other hand, in the lid body 3D, the cushioning material 38 is laid in the groove portion 36a, and the retainer 34 is laid on the cushioning material 38. In this case, even if unevenness occurs on the surface of the cushioning material 38 where the retainer 34 is provided, the retainer 34 provided thereon is difficult to deform, so that the contact surface 34a of the retainer 34 can be flattened. When the lid body 3 is locked and the front end of the panel abuts on the retainer 34, excessive force can be prevented from being applied to the front end of the panel by the cushioning material 38 being crushed. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably regulate the movement of each panel in the front-rear direction and reduce the possibility of the panel being damaged.

[0108] In addition, in the panel storage container including the lid body 3D, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33 and the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 may be the same, and the constituent material of the sealing member 33 and the constituent material of the retainer 34 may be different. The cross-sectional shape of the sealing member 33 and the cross-sectional shape of the retainer 34 may be different, and the constituent material of the sealing member 33 and the constituent material of the retainer 34 may be the same.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1... Panel storage container, 2... Container body, 2a... Opening, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D... Lid body, 20... Storage space, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C... Lid main body, 31c... End portion (first end portion, second end portion), 33... Sealing member, 34, 34A, 34B, 34C... Retainer, 35... Mounting portion (first mounting portion), 36... Mounting portion (second mounting portion), 37... Cushioning material (first cushioning material), 38... Cushioning material (second cushioning material), 41, 41C... Regulation portion (first regulation portion), 42, 42C... Regulation portion (second regulation portion), 43... Regulation portion (third regulation portion), 44... Connecting portion (first connecting portion), 45... Connecting portion (second connecting portion).

Claims

1. A container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, A lid body for closing the opening, Comprising, The lid body is, A lid main body facing the plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction with the lid body closing the opening, A sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, A retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction, Comprising, The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, The cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member, A panel storage container, wherein the constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member.

2. A container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, A lid body for closing the opening, Comprising, The lid body is, A lid main body facing the plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction with the lid body closing the opening, A sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, A retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction, Comprising, The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, A panel storage container, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the retainer is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member.

3. A container body having an opening for storing a plurality of panels, A lid body for closing the opening, Comprising, The lid body is, A lid main body facing the plurality of panels stored in the container body in a first direction with the lid body closing the opening, A sealing member provided on the lid main body for sealing between the lid main body and the container body, A retainer provided on the lid main body for restricting movement of the plurality of panels in the first direction, Comprising, The sealing member is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, The retainer is an elastic member extending with a uniform cross-sectional shape, The constituent material of the retainer is the same as the constituent material of the sealing member, The container body stores the plurality of panels in a state where they are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The retainer includes a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion that face the plurality of panels in the first direction in a state where the lid body closes the opening. The first restricting portion and the second restricting portion extend in the second direction and are arranged side by side in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, a panel storage container. **Claim 4** The container body stores the plurality of panels in a state where they are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The retainer includes a first restricting portion and a second restricting portion that face the plurality of panels in the first direction in a state where the lid body closes the opening. The first restricting portion and the second restricting portion extend in the second direction and are arranged side by side in a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction, the panel storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2. **Claim 5** The lid body includes a first end portion and a second end portion that are both end portions in the third direction. The first restricting portion is provided at the first end portion. The second restricting portion is provided at the second end portion, the panel storage container according to claim 3 or claim 4. **Claim 6** The retainer further includes a third restricting portion that extends in the second direction and is provided between the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion in the third direction, the panel storage container according to any one of claims 3 to 5. **Claim 7** The retainer further includes a first connecting portion that connects one end of the first restricting portion and one end of the second restricting portion, the panel storage container according to any one of claims 3 to 6. **Claim 8** The retainer further includes a second connecting portion that connects the other end of the first restricting portion and the other end of the second restricting portion, the panel storage container according to claim 7. **Claim 9** The lid body includes a first attachment portion for attaching the sealing member and a second attachment portion for attaching the retainer, the panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8. **Claim 10** The first attachment portion has a dovetail groove structure, the panel storage container according to claim 9. **Claim 11** The second attachment portion has a dovetail groove structure, the panel storage container according to claim 9 or claim 10. **Claim 12** The lid body is provided between the sealing member and the lid body and further includes a first buffer material having a hardness lower than that of the sealing member, the panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 11. **Claim 13** The panel storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lid body is provided between the retainer and the lid main body, and further includes a second buffer material having a hardness lower than that of the retainer.

Images