Holders and storage devices

Abstract

To provide a holding tool that can stably hold a holding object without any flaw, and to provide a storage tool.SOLUTION: A holding tool includes first holding members which are arranged so as to be opposite to each other and between which an interval capable of receiving a holding object is formed respectively. Each of the first holding members includes: an opposite wall opposite to the interval and including a flat surface part parallel to an insertion direction in which the holding object is inserted into the interval; and a first side wall of an end on an insertion hole side of the holding object which is opposite to the interval. The interval includes: a first interval between the flat surface parts of the adjacent two first holding members; and a second interval between the first side walls of the adjacent two first holding members. The second interval is narrowed toward the first interval from the insertion hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for holding an object such as a board, and a storage device capable of storing a plurality of objects using the holder. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, storage devices (storage carts) capable of storing boards (objects to be held), such as whiteboards, have been known. The storage devices are capable of storing one or more boards in an upright position. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which partition members (wires) are installed between the bottom plate and the back plate of a storage cabinet, and multiple storage spaces are formed by arranging them at equal intervals, and a board is stored in each storage space in an upright position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-131282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the partition members that hold the boards are made of wire, which makes the partition members easily bend, making it difficult to stably hold the boards. Also, when the storage cabinet (cart) containing the boards is moved, there is a risk that the surface of the boards may be damaged.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a holder and a storage device that can stably hold an object to be held without damaging it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A holder according to one aspect of the present invention is a holder for holding a flat object to be held in an upright position, and comprises a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite each other and forming a gap between them that can receive the object to be held, each of the plurality of first holding members comprising an opposing wall facing the gap and having a flat portion parallel to the insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted into the gap, and a first side wall facing the gap at an end of the object to be held on the insertion opening side, the gap including a first gap between the flat portions of each of two adjacent first holding members and a second gap between the first side walls of each of two adjacent first holding members, the second gap narrowing from the insertion opening toward the first gap.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the gap on the insertion opening side of the object to be held is wide and gradually narrows toward the insertion direction, so the object to be held can be easily inserted into the gap of the first holding member. Also, since the opposing wall has a flat surface, the inserted object to be held can be held by the flat surface. Therefore, the object to be held can be stably held without being damaged.

[0008] In the holder, the flat portion may include an abutment portion that abuts against the object to be held that is received in the first gap.

[0009] In the holder, the first side wall may further have a sloped portion that slopes upward from the placement surface on which the first holding member is placed and toward the insertion direction of the object to be held. This allows the user to easily insert the object to be held into the gap, even when the user inserts the object to be held into the first holding member from diagonally above, because the leading end of the object to be held is guided into the gap along the sloped portion of the first side wall.

[0010] In the holder, an end of the first side wall may be curved in plan view, whereby the tip of the object to be held is guided into the gap along the curved surface, making it easy to insert the object to be held into the gap of the first holding member.

[0011] In the holder, each of the plurality of first holding members may further include a second side wall provided at an end opposite to the insertion opening, and the gap may further include a third gap between the second side walls of two adjacent first holding members, the third gap narrowing from the side opposite to the insertion opening toward the first gap. This makes it possible to easily insert the object to be held into the first gap from the second side wall side.

[0012] In the holder, the second side wall may rise upward from a placement surface on which the first holding member is placed.

[0013] In the holder, an alignment portion corresponding to the position of an edge of the object to be held by the first holding member may be provided on the upper surface of each of the plurality of first holding members, thereby allowing the user to align the position of either the left or right edge of the object to be held with the alignment portion, thereby allowing the object to be stored in an appropriate position.

[0014] In the holder, the alignment portion may be a recess or a protrusion formed on the top surface and extending in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the object to be held.

[0015] In the holder, the plurality of first holding members may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the held objects, and the held objects may be inserted into each gap between adjacent first holding members, thereby allowing a plurality of held objects to be stored in each gap.

[0016] The holder may further include a plurality of second holding members having a bilaterally symmetrical structure to the first holding member, the plurality of first holding members holding the left end of the object to be held, and the plurality of second holding members holding the right end of the object to be held, thereby making it possible to hold both ends of the object to be held without damaging it.

[0017] A storage device according to another aspect of the present invention is a storage device capable of storing a plurality of objects to be held, and comprises a left frame and a right frame each having an open side, a front frame and a rear frame connecting the left frame and the right frame to each other, a flat plate supported by the left frame, the right frame, the front frame and the rear frame, and a flat plate placed on the flat plate that holds each of the plurality of objects to be held in an upright position and inserted from the side of the left frame or the right frame.

[0018] According to the above configuration, multiple objects can be stored stably without being damaged. In addition, even when the storage device containing the objects is moved, damage to the objects can be prevented. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a holder and a storage device that can stably hold an object to be held without damaging it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of the configuration of a storage wagon according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a board is stored in the storage wagon according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the holding member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a side view showing the configuration of the holding member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a top view showing the configuration of a holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a top view of a flat plate on which a retaining member is disposed according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a side view of a flat plate with a retaining member disposed thereon according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a side view showing a state in which a board is inserted into a holding member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view showing a state in which a board is inserted into the holding member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a method of holding a board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a method of holding a board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a method of holding a board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a method of holding a board according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a side view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an alignment portion of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a top view showing the configuration of an alignment portion of a holding member according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0022] [Storage cart 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the overall configuration of a storage cart 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage cart 1 is an example of a storage device of the present invention. However, the storage device of the present invention is not limited to the storage cart 1. The storage device of the present invention may be, for example, a storage shelf, a storage cabinet (locker), etc. In this embodiment, a mobile cart with wheels will be described as an example of a storage device of the present invention.

[0023] The storage device of the present invention holds (stores) a flat object to be held in an upright position. The object to be held in the present invention is, for example, a board such as a whiteboard. Note that the object to be held in the present invention is not limited to a board, and may be, for example, a partition (room divider), a table, glass, a display, etc. In this embodiment, a board (whiteboard) will be described as an example of the object to be held in the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the storage wagon 1 includes a left frame 11 and a right frame 11, each of which has an open side, and a front frame 12 and a rear frame 12 that connect the left frame 11 and the right frame 11 to each other. For example, the left frame 11 is made up of two front and rear vertical frames extending in the up-down direction D1, a lower frame extending in the front-to-back direction D2, and an upper frame extending in the front-to-back direction D2 and curving upward, all connected to form a horizontal frame (left frame). Similarly, the right frame 11 is made up of two front and rear vertical frames extending in the up-down direction D1, a lower frame extending in the front-to-back direction D2, and an upper frame extending in the front-to-back direction D2 and curving upward, all connected to form a horizontal frame (right frame).

[0025] The left frame 11 and the right frame 11 are connected to each other by the lower front frame 12 and the rear frame 12, the middle front frame 12 and the rear frame 12, and the upper front frame 12 and the rear frame 12.

[0026] Furthermore, a flat plate 13 supported by the front frame 12 and the rear frame 12 is provided on the lower level of the storage wagon 1. The flat plate 13 includes a bottom plate 13a (see FIGS. 1 and 4B) having a flat surface, and mounting portions 13b (see FIGS. 1 and 4B) that rise upward from the front and rear ends of the bottom plate 13a and are attached to the front and rear frames 12 of the lower level.

[0027] Additionally, a shelf board 14a supported by the front frame 12 and the rear frame 12 is provided in the middle section of the storage wagon 1. The shelf board 14a has a bottom plate with a flat surface and mounting portions that rise upward from the front and rear ends of the bottom plate and are attached to the front and rear frames 12 of the middle section.

[0028] The upper level of the storage cart 1 is provided with a shelf 14b supported by the front frame 12 and the rear frame 12, and a storage tray 14c. The shelf 14b is provided with a bottom plate having a flat surface and mounting portions that rise upward from the front and rear ends of the bottom plate and are attached to the front and rear frames 12 of the upper level. The storage tray 14c is provided with a bottom plate having a flat surface and mounting portions that rise upward from the front and rear ends of the bottom plate and are attached to the front and rear frames 12 of the upper level.

[0029] In this way, the flat plate 13, the shelf plates 14a and 14b, and the storage tray 14c are attached to the storage wagon 1 by being hooked onto the front frame 12 and the rear frame 12.

[0030] The flat plate 13 is provided with a holder 5 that holds the board 2 in an upright position. The holder 5 is configured to include a plurality of holding members 15. The plurality of holding members 15 are placed at predetermined intervals on the bottom plate 13a of the flat plate 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the flat plate 13 accommodates (places) the board 2 inserted from the direction D1 in each space (gap) partitioned by the plurality of holding members 15 arranged on the bottom plate 13a. The board 2 is, for example, 600 mm wide, 600 mm long, and 10 mm thick, and the vertical space in the lower level has a height (for example, 650 mm) that allows the board 2 to be stored in an upright position. The specific configuration of the holder 5 will be described later.

[0031] The shelves 14a, 14b and the storage tray 14c each have a storage function for storing items such as small items other than boards. The user can attach the shelves 14a, 14b and the storage tray 14c to the storage cart 1 depending on the application.

[0032] Additionally, board receiving portions 16 are attached to the front and rear frames 12 of the lower and middle rows, and are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction D3. In the example shown in FIG. 1, four board receiving portions 16 are attached to each frame 12 in the left-right direction D3. As shown in FIG. 2, the board receiving portions 16 can support the board 2 from below. By placing the board 2 on the board receiving portions 16, the user can use the board 2 while leaning it against the storage cart 1. For example, with the board 2 leaning against the storage cart 1, the user can view the contents written on the board 2 or write on the board 2 with a writing implement. In this way, the storage cart 1 has both the function of storing the board 2 and the function of supporting the board 2 so that it can be used.

[0033] [Holder 5] The following describes a specific configuration of the holder 5. Figures 3A to 3D show the configuration of one holding member 15 included in the holder 5. Here, the description will be given taking as an example the holding member 15 (first holding member 15L described below) arranged on the left side of the flat plate 13 in the left-right direction D3.

[0034] A plurality of protrusions 15d are provided on the bottom of the holding member 15, and each of the protrusions 15d is received in a receiving portion (not shown) formed on the bottom plate 13a of the flat plate 13, thereby fixing the holding member 15 to the bottom plate 13a (see FIG. 4B). In another embodiment, the holding member 15 may be fixed to the bottom plate 13a by a screw member.

[0035] The holding member 15 includes opposing walls 15a provided on both sides in the front-rear direction D2, a first side wall 15s provided on the left side in the left-right direction D3, a second side wall 15b provided on the right side in the left-right direction D3, a top surface 15c, and a positioning portion 15f provided on the top surface 15c. The holding member 15 is integrally molded from, for example, resin. The holding member 15 may be formed from steel or a combination of resin and steel. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the holding member 15 has a symmetrical structure in the front-rear direction D2.

[0036] The holding member 15 has, for example, a height of 60 mm in the up-down direction D1, a width of 50 mm in the front-rear direction D2, and a width of 100 mm in the left-right direction D3.

[0037] The opposing wall 15a is formed to rise vertically upward in the up-down direction D1 from the bottom of the holding member 15. As shown in Fig. 3D, the opposing wall 15a has a flat portion parallel to the left-right direction D3. The entire opposing wall 15a may be made of a flat portion.

[0038] The first side wall 15s is formed to connect the front opposing wall 15a and the rear opposing wall 15a. As shown in Fig. 3C, the first side wall 15s has a sloped portion that is inclined at an angle θ1 (where θ1 < 90°) with respect to the bottom (bottom plate 13a) of the holding member 15 in a side view. For example, the angle θ1 is 50° to 70°.

[0039] 3C and 3D, the sloped surface of the first side wall 15s has a curved surface extending obliquely upward from the bottom of the holding member 15 to the top surface 15c. The curved surface is formed, for example, in a curved (semicircular) shape with a curvature radius r1 in a plan view. Thus, the first side wall 15s has a curved slope connecting the partial circle of the bottom and the partial circle of the top surface 15c. The width of the top surface 15c in the left-right direction D3 (the total width of the left and right top surfaces 15c and the alignment portion 15f) is, for example, 60 mm.

[0040] The second side wall 15b is formed on the opposite side of the first side wall 15s and is formed to connect the front opposing wall 15a and the rear opposing wall 15a. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the second side wall 15b has a curved surface portion extending in the up-down direction D1 from the bottom of the holding member 15 to the top surface 15c. The curved surface portion is formed, for example, in a semicircular shape with a curvature radius r2 in a plan view. Thus, the second side wall 15b has a curved vertical surface connecting the partial circle of the bottom and the partial circle of the top surface 15c. The curvature radii r1 and r2 may be the same or different. For example, the curvature radii r1 and r2 are both 25 mm.

[0041] The alignment portion 15f is provided near the center of the upper surface 15c of the holding member 15. Specifically, the alignment portion 15f is provided on an extension of the flat portion of the opposing wall 15a in the up-down direction D1. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the alignment portion 15f is provided on the upper surface 15c, extending linearly in the front-rear direction D2 from one opposing wall 15a to the other opposing wall 15a. The alignment portion 15f is cut downward from the upper surface 15c and formed as a recess (slit) having a predetermined width in the left-right direction D3. In another embodiment, the alignment portion 15f may be a linear protrusion protruding upward from the upper surface 15c. The width of the alignment portion 15f in the left-right direction D3 is, for example, 14 mm, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0042] The holder 5 includes a plurality of holding members 15. Specifically, the holder 5 includes a plurality of first holding members 15L arranged on the left side in the left-right direction D3 on the bottom plate 13a of the flat plate 13, and a plurality of second holding members 15R arranged on the right side in the left-right direction D3. The first holding members 15L are an example of the first holding members of the present invention, and the second holding members 15R are an example of the second holding members of the present invention.

[0043] 4A is a plan view of the flat plate 13 on which the holder 5 is arranged, as viewed from above, and FIG. 4B is a side view as viewed from the A1 direction in FIG. 4A.

[0044] The plurality of first holding members 15L are arranged at equal intervals in the front-rear direction D2 on the left side of the bottom plate 13a, and the plurality of second holding members 15R are arranged at equal intervals in the front-rear direction D2 on the right side of the bottom plate 13a. The number of first holding members 15L and second holding members 15R is equal. The first holding members 15L and second holding members 15R are arranged in pairs, and each pair of first holding members 15L and second holding members 15R is arranged parallel to the left-right direction D3.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4B, a first gap 15x is formed between two first holding members 15L adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction D2. Similarly, a first gap 15x is formed between two second holding members 15R adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction D2. The width d1 of the first gap 15x in the front-rear direction D2 is, for example, 12 mm. The board 2 is inserted into each first gap 15x (see FIG. 4A).

[0046] 5A is a side view of the board 2 inserted as seen from the A1 direction in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 5B is a front view of the board 2 inserted as seen from the A2 direction in FIG. 4A.

[0047] 5A and 5B, the board 2 is inserted into the first gap 15x of the first holding member 15L and the first gap 15x of the second holding member 15R, and is held in a state where the lower left end abuts against the first holding member 15L and the lower right end abuts against the second holding member 15R. This holds the board 2 in an upright position.

[0048] 5B, the center distance L1 of the alignment portions 15f of each of the pair of first and second holding members 15L and 15R is set to be approximately the same as the width W1 of the board 2. That is, the first and second holding members 15L and 15R are arranged on the flat plate 13 so that the center distance L1 of the alignment portions 15f is approximately the same as the width W1 of the board 2. As a result, by aligning the position of either the left or right end of the board 2 with the alignment portion 15f, both ends of the board 2 can be held in a state where they are securely inserted into the left and right first gaps 15x, respectively.

[0049] [How to hold Board 2] The method of holding the board 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. Figures 6A and 6B show the first holding member 15L arranged on the left side of the flat plate 13. Figure 6A shows the board 2 being inserted in the direction D1 from the left side (insertion opening 15p), and Figure 6B shows the board 2 inserted (stored).

[0050] A first gap 15x, a second gap 15y, and a third gap 15z are formed between two first holding members 15L adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction D2. The first gap 15x, the second gap 15y, and the third gap 15z are connected to each other to form a single space.

[0051] Specifically, the first gap 15x is a space having a width d1 formed between the opposing wall 15a of the front-side first holding member 15L and the opposing wall 15a of the rear-side first holding member 15L. The second gap 15y is a space having a width d2 formed between the first side wall 15s of the front-side first holding member 15L and the first side wall 15s of the rear-side first holding member 15L. The third gap 15z is a space having a width d3 formed between the second side wall 15b of the front-side first holding member 15L and the second side wall 15b of the rear-side first holding member 15L.

[0052] The opposing wall 15a includes a flat portion (straight portion) parallel to the left-right direction D3, so that the first gap 15x is formed to have a width d1 and a predetermined length in the left-right direction D3.

[0053] The end of the first side wall 15s on the insertion opening 15p side is curved (semicircular) in plan view, so the second gap 15y is formed to narrow from the insertion opening 15p toward the first gap 15x. Specifically, the width d2 of the second gap 15y becomes smaller from the insertion opening 15p side toward the first gap 15x. The second gap 15y and the first gap 15x are connected, and the minimum value of the width d2 of the second gap 15y is equal to the width d1.

[0054] In another embodiment, the end of the first side wall 15s may be formed linearly in a plan view. In this case, the first side wall 15s includes a flat portion that is inclined with respect to the left-right direction D3. In this configuration, the second gap 15y is also formed to narrow from the insertion opening 15p toward the first gap 15x.

[0055] The end of second side wall 15b opposite insertion opening 15p is curved (semicircular) in plan view, so third gap 15z is formed to narrow from the side opposite insertion opening 15p toward first gap 15x. Specifically, width d3 of third gap 15z decreases from the side opposite insertion opening 15p toward first gap 15x. Third gap 15z and first gap 15x are connected, and the minimum value of width d3 of third gap 15z is equal to width d1.

[0056] In another embodiment, the second side wall 15b may have an end that is linear in plan view. In this case, the second side wall 15b includes a flat portion that is inclined with respect to the left-right direction D3. In this configuration, the third gap 15z also narrows from the side opposite the insertion opening 15p toward the first gap 15x.

[0057] 7A and 7B show the second holding member 15R disposed on the right side of the flat plate 13. Fig. 7A shows the board 2 being inserted from the left side in the direction D1, and Fig. 7B shows the board 2 having been inserted (stored).

[0058] The second holding member 15R is arranged on the flat plate 13 in a state where it is symmetrical to the first holding member 15L. Therefore, the board 2 passes through the gaps (first gap 15x, second gap 15y, and third gap 15z) of the first holding member 15L (see FIG. 6A) and then is inserted into the gaps of the second holding member 15R.

[0059] 7A, the leading end of the board 2 is inserted into a third gap 15z having a width d3 formed between the second side wall 15b of the front second holding member 15R and the second side wall 15b of the rear second holding member 15R. The board 2 can move substantially parallel to the left-right direction D3 while sliding rightward while inserted into the gap between the first holding members 15L. That is, the first holding member 15L functions as a guide for horizontally moving the board 2 rightward.

[0060] When the board 2 is moved further to the right, the right end of the board 2 is inserted from the third gap 15z into the first gap 15x of width d1 formed between the opposing wall 15a of the front second holding member 15R and the opposing wall 15a of the rear second holding member 15R (see Figure 7B).

[0061] Here, after the user confirms that the right end of the board 2 has been inserted into the gap of the second holding member 15R, the user aligns the left or right end of the board 2 so that it overlaps with the alignment portion 15f in the front-to-rear direction D2 (see FIGS. 6B and 7B). For example, the user inserts the board 2 until the left end overlaps the center of the alignment portion 15f (see FIG. 6B). As a result, both ends of the board 2 are inserted into the first gaps 15x of the first holding member 15L and the second holding member 15R, and are held in a state of abutting against the flat portions (abutment portions) of the opposing walls 15a of the first holding member 15L and the second holding member 15R (see FIGS. 5B, 6B, and 7B).

[0062] As described above, the holding member 15 has a sloped first sidewall 15s on the insertion opening 15p side, allowing the board 2 to be easily inserted into the gap between the holding member 15 and the board 2 from both a horizontal direction and a diagonally upward direction. After the board 2 passes through one holding member 15 (e.g., the first holding member 15L), it is inserted into the gap between the other holding member 15 (e.g., the second holding member 15R) from a horizontal direction, not from a diagonally upward direction. Therefore, a sloped second sidewall 15b of the other holding member 15 (the second holding member 15R) is not required. That is, the first holding member 15L and the second holding member 15R, which are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction D3, are arranged symmetrically, with their second sidewalls 15b facing each other and their first sidewalls 15s facing outward. This configuration allows the first holding member 15L and the second holding member 15R to be made smaller.

[0063] In another embodiment, each holding member 15 may be formed to have a bilaterally symmetrical structure. That is, each holding member 15 may be provided with sloped portions (first side walls 15s) on both ends.

[0064] In the above explanation, an example was given in which the board 2 is inserted from the left side of the holder 5 (first holding member 15L), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the board 2 may also be inserted from the right side of the holder 5 (second holding member 15R).

[0065] As described above, the holder 5 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a holder that holds a flat object to be held (board 2) in an upright position. The holder 5 also includes a plurality of holding members 15 (e.g., a plurality of first holding members 15L) that are arranged opposite each other and have a gap between them that can receive the board 2. The holder 5 only needs to be able to hold at least one board 2. Therefore, the holder 5 only needs to include at least two holding members 15.

[0066] In addition, each of the multiple holding members 15 has an opposing wall 15a facing the gap and having a flat portion parallel to the insertion direction (D1 direction) in which the board 2 is inserted into the gap, and a first side wall 15s facing the gap and at the end on the insertion opening 15p side of the board 2 (see Figures 3A and 3B).

[0067] The gap also includes a first gap 15x between the planar portions of two adjacent holding members 15 and a second gap 15y between the first side walls 15s of two adjacent holding members 15, and the second gap 15y narrows from the insertion opening 15p toward the first gap 15x (see Figures 6A and 6B).

[0068] According to the above configuration, the gap on the side of the insertion opening 15p of the board 2 is wide and gradually narrows toward the insertion direction (direction D1) (see FIG. 6A), so that the board 2 can be easily inserted into the gap of the holding member 15. For example, even if the user inserts the board 2 obliquely into the holding member 15, the leading edge of the board 2 is guided to the right along the first side wall 15s and the opposing wall 15a, so that the board 2 can be easily inserted into the gap of the holding member 15. Furthermore, because the opposing wall 15a has a flat portion, the inserted board 2 can be held by this flat portion. Therefore, the board 2 can be stably held without being damaged.

[0069] Preferably, the end of the first side wall 15s is curved in plan view (see FIG. 3D), which makes it easier for the leading edge of the board 2 to be guided into the first gap 15x along the first side wall 15s (see FIG. 6A), making it easier to insert the board 2 into the gap of the first holding member 15L.

[0070] Furthermore, the flat surface of the opposing wall 15a includes a contact portion that contacts the board 2 inserted into the first gap 15x. The contact portion has a flat shape, so it can come into surface contact with the board 2. This allows the board 2 to be stably held. Furthermore, the surface of the board 2 is less likely to be damaged when the board 2 is inserted and when it is stored.

[0071] Furthermore, the first side wall 15s further has a sloped portion that slopes upward from the placement surface (bottom plate 13a) on which the holding member 15 is placed and toward the insertion direction (direction D1) of the board 2 (see FIG. 3C). Therefore, for example, even if the user inserts the board 2 into the holding member 15 from diagonally above, the leading edge of the board 2 is guided diagonally downward along the sloped portion of the first side wall 15s, so that the board 2 can be easily inserted into the gap in the holding member 15.

[0072] The holding member 15 further includes a second side wall 15b provided at an end opposite to the insertion opening 15p. The gap between the holding members 15 further includes a third gap 15z between the second side walls 15b of two adjacent holding members 15, and the third gap 15z narrows from the side opposite to the insertion opening 15p toward the first gap 15x (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The second side wall 15b rises upward from the placement surface (bottom plate 13a) on which the holding member 15 is placed (see FIG. 3C). This means that, for example, if a first holding member 15L is placed on the left side of the bottom plate 13a and a second holding member 15R having a structure symmetrical to the first holding member 15L is placed on the right side of the bottom plate 13a (see Figures 7A and 7B), the board 2 can be inserted into the first holding member 15L from the left side, and then easily inserted from the third gap 15z in the second side wall 15b of the second holding member 15R into the first gap 15x.

[0073] Furthermore, an alignment portion 15f corresponding to the position of the edge of the board 2 held by the holding member 15 is provided on the upper surface 15c of the holding member 15. The alignment portion 15f is, for example, a recessed or protruding portion that extends in a direction (front-rear direction D2) perpendicular to the insertion direction (direction D1) of the board 2 and is formed on the upper surface 15c. This allows, for example, a user to use the alignment portion 15f as a guide and insert the board 2 until the edge of the board 2 overlaps with the center of the alignment portion 15f (see FIGS. 6B and 7B). This allows the user to store the board 2 in an appropriate position (see FIG. 5B).

[0074] Furthermore, the multiple holding members 15 are arranged in a direction (front-rear direction D2) perpendicular to the insertion direction (direction D1) of the boards 2, and the boards 2 are inserted into the gaps between adjacent holding members 15. In this way, one holding member 15 can hold two boards 2 inserted in the front-rear direction D2 of the holding member 15. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, if the holder 5 has seven first holding members 15L and seven second holding members 15R, it can hold six boards 2.

[0075] The holder 5 also includes a plurality of second holding members 15R that are symmetrical to the first holding members 15L. The first holding members 15L hold the left end of the board 2, and the second holding members 15R hold the right end of the board 2 (see FIGS. 5B, 6B, and 7B). This allows the board 2 to be stored in an upright position by holding both ends of the lower part of the board 2. Furthermore, the lower part of the board 2 (the center part) other than both ends does not come into contact with the first holding members 15L and the second holding members 15R, preventing damage to the surface of the board 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the storage cart 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes holders 5 having the above-described configurations. Specifically, the storage cart 1 is a storage device capable of storing multiple boards 2. The storage cart 1 also includes a left frame 11 and a right frame 11 each having an open side, a front frame 12 and a rear frame 12 that connect the left frame 11 and the right frame 11 to each other, a flat plate 13 supported by the left frame 11, the right frame 11, the front frame 12, and the rear frame 12, and holders 5 that are placed on the flat plate 13 and hold each of the multiple boards 2 inserted from the side of the left frame 11 or the right frame 11 in an upright position.

[0077] According to the storage cart 1 configured as described above, multiple boards 2 can be inserted into the holders 5 from the side of the storage cart 1, allowing the multiple boards 2 to be stored stably without being damaged. In addition, even when the storage cart 1 containing boards 2 is moved, damage to the boards 2 can be prevented.

[0078] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but other embodiments of the holder of the present invention will be described below.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the holder 5 includes a first holding member 15L and a second holding member 15R. In another embodiment, the holder 5 may include the first holding member 15L and the second holding member 15R formed integrally. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the holder 5 includes first side walls 15s provided at both ends and opposing walls 15a provided between the first side walls 15s at both ends. The opposing wall 15a has a flat portion with a length equal to or greater than the width W1 of the board 2. Furthermore, alignment portions 15f are provided on the upper surfaces 15c at both ends of the holder 15.

[0080] According to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 8B, the board 2 is inserted and held between two adjacent holding members 15. The lower portion of the board 2 is held in contact with the flat portion of the opposing wall 15a across the left-right direction D3. Even with the above configuration, the board 2 can be easily inserted between the holding members 15, and the inserted board 2 can be stably held. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the entire lower portion of the board 2 can be held by the holding members 15, thereby more stably holding the board 2. That is, the holding device of the present invention is configured to include at least two holding members 15 arranged in a direction (front-rear direction D2) perpendicular to the insertion direction (direction D1) of the board 2. In another embodiment, the holding device 5 may be configured such that the width of the opposing wall 15a of the holding member 15 shown in FIG. 8A is less than the width W1 of the board 2, and only the central portion of the board 2 is held. The holding member 15 shown in FIG. 8A is an example of a first holding member of the present invention.

[0081] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 9, the holding member 15 may have a protrusion 15e on the upper part thereof that protrudes in the front-rear direction D2. For example, the protrusion 15e is formed on an extension of the upper surface of the alignment portion 15f. The protrusion 15e may have the function of aligning the board 2 and the function of holding the board 2. This reduces rattling of the board 2 stored in the holder 5 and allows it to be held stably.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 10, the first side wall 15s of the holding member 15 does not have to have a sloped portion. Specifically, the first side wall 15s may have the same shape as the second side wall 15b. That is, the holding member 15 may be formed in a substantially elliptical cylindrical shape. Even with the above configuration, the board 2 can be easily inserted into the gap of the holding member 15, and the inserted board 2 can be stably held.

[0083] In another embodiment, the holder 5 may be configured to include a first holding member 15L (see FIG. 4A) disposed on the left side of the flat plate 13, a second holding member 15R (see FIG. 4A) disposed on the right side of the flat plate 13, and a holding member 15 (see FIG. 10) disposed in the center of the flat plate 13. With this configuration, the board 2 can be held at three locations: the left and right ends and the center, so that, for example, a wide board 2 can be stably held. Note that, in this configuration, both ends of the holding member 15 disposed in the center may be formed by first side walls 15s (see FIG. 8A).

[0084] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11 , the opposing wall 15a of the holding member 15 may be inclined at an angle θ2 (where θ2<90°) in the front-to-rear direction D2 relative to the bottom (bottom plate 13a) of the holding member 15. Specifically, the flat surface of the opposing wall 15a is inclined at an angle θ2. According to the above configuration, the width d4 at the top of the first gap 15x between two holding members 15 adjacent in the front-to-rear direction D2 is greater than the width d1 at the bottom. This allows the board 2 inserted into the gap between the holding members 15 to be tilted in the front-to-rear direction D2. Therefore, for example, a user can tilt multiple boards 2 stored in the storage cart 1 as if flipping them over to check the display surfaces of the boards 2. Furthermore, because the boards 2 are held in an inclined state along the inclination of the opposing wall 15a, the user can use the boards 2 held at an angle.

[0085] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the holding member 15 may have an upper end 15g provided with an opposing wall 15a, a first side wall 15s, and a second side wall 15b. In this case, the lower portion 15h of the holding member 15 has a smaller width than the upper end 15g. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the first side wall 15s and the second side wall 15b may have flat portions at the opposing portions of two adjacent holding members 15. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a protrusion 15k may be provided at the lower end of the lower portion 15h. This allows the board 2 to be stably held by the opposing wall 15a and the protrusion 15k.

[0086] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 14, the alignment portion 15f may be formed in a linear shape. Specifically, the alignment portion 15f may be a single straight line extending in the front-to-rear direction D2 on the upper surface 15c. For example, the alignment portion 15f may be a straight line drawn with a marker or the like. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 15, the alignment portion 15f may be a plurality of shapes arranged parallel to the front-to-rear direction D2 on the upper surface 15c. The user can align the end of the board 2 and store it using the straight line or shape as a guide. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1: Storage cart (storage equipment) 2: Board (object to be held) 5: Holder 13: Flat plate 13a: Bottom plate 15: Holding member 15L: First holding member 15R: Second holding member 15s: First side wall 15b: 2nd side wall 15a: Opposing wall 15c:Top surface 15f: Alignment section 15x: 1st gap 15y: 2nd gap 15z: 3rd gap 15p: Insertion hole

Claims

1. A holder that holds a flat-plate-shaped object to be held in an upright position, a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite to each other and forming a gap between each of the first holding members that can receive the object to be held; Each of the plurality of first holding members includes an opposing wall that faces the gap and extends in an insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted into the gap, and a first side wall that faces the gap and is at an end on an insertion opening side of the object to be held, the gap includes a first gap between the opposing walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members and a second gap between the first side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, the second gap narrows from the insertion opening toward the first gap, The first side wall has a sloped portion that slopes upward from a placement surface on which the first holding member is placed and toward an insertion direction of the object to be held.

2. A holder that holds a flat-plate-shaped object to be held in an upright position, a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite to each other and forming a gap between each of the first holding members that can receive the object to be held; Each of the plurality of first holding members includes an opposing wall that faces the gap and extends in an insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted into the gap, a first side wall that faces the gap and is at an end on an insertion opening side of the object to be held, and a second side wall that is provided at an end on the opposite side from the insertion opening, the gaps include a first gap between the opposing walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, a second gap between the first side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, and a third gap between the second side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, the second gap narrows from the insertion opening toward the first gap, The third gap narrows from the side opposite the insertion opening toward the first gap.

3. A holder that holds a flat object to be held in an upright position and is inserted from the side, a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite to each other and forming a gap between each of the first holding members that can receive the object to be held; Each of the plurality of first holding members includes an opposing wall that faces the gap and extends in an insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted from the side into the gap, a first side wall that faces the gap and is at an end on an insertion opening side of the object to be held, and a second side wall that is provided at an end on the opposite side from the insertion opening, the gaps include a first gap between the opposing walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, a second gap between the first side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, and a third gap between the second side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, A holder, wherein the second gap has a shape that allows the object to be held to be inserted from the insertion opening toward the first gap, and the third gap has a shape that allows the object to be held to be inserted from the opposite side of the insertion opening toward the first gap.

4. A holder that holds a flat-plate-shaped object to be held in an upright position, a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite to each other and forming a gap between each of the first holding members that can receive the object to be held; Each of the plurality of first holding members includes an opposing wall that faces the gap and extends in an insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted into the gap, and a first side wall that faces the gap and is at an end on an insertion opening side of the object to be held, the gap includes a first gap between the opposing walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members and a second gap between the first side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, the second gap narrows from the insertion opening toward the first gap, A holder, wherein an alignment portion corresponding to the position of an end of the object to be held by the first holding member is provided on an upper surface of each of the plurality of first holding members.

5. The opposing wall includes an abutment portion that abuts against the object to be held received in the first gap. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The end of the first side wall is formed in a curved shape in a plan view. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The second side wall rises upward from a mounting surface on which the first holding member is placed. The holder according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The alignment portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the object to be held and is a recess or protrusion formed on the upper surface. The holder according to claim 4.

9. the plurality of first holding members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the object to be held, The object to be held is inserted into each gap between adjacent first holding members. The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The device further includes a plurality of second holding members having a structure symmetrical to the first holding members, the plurality of first holding members hold a left end portion of the object to be held, and the plurality of second holding members hold a right end portion of the object to be held; The holder according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A storage device capable of storing a plurality of objects to be held, a left frame and a right frame each having an opening on one side; a front frame and a rear frame that connect the left frame and the right frame to each other; a flat plate supported by the left frame, the right frame, the front frame, and the rear frame; a holder that is placed on the flat plate and holds each of the plurality of objects to be held in an upright position when the objects are inserted from the side of the left frame or the right frame; Equipped with The holder is a plurality of first holding members arranged opposite to each other and forming a gap between each of the first holding members that can receive the object to be held; Each of the plurality of first holding members includes an opposing wall that faces the gap and extends in an insertion direction in which the object to be held is inserted into the gap, and a first side wall that faces the gap and is at an end on an insertion opening side of the object to be held, the gap includes a first gap between the opposing walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members and a second gap between the first side walls of each of the two adjacent first holding members, The second gap narrows from the insertion opening toward the first gap.

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