Connecting structures

Abstract

To connect two horizontal members to a column with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A column 40 and a first cross member 10 are connected by a first bolt B1 arranged to pass through a first mounting hole 10h, a first through hole 31h, a first column through hole 41h, and a third column through hole 43h. A second bolt B2 is disposed so as to pass through a second mounting hole 20h, a second through hole 32h, and a second column through hole 42h and so as not to interfere with the first bolt B1 inside the column 40. A female screw 32s is formed in the second through hole 32h, and a male screw portion B2s of the second bolt B2 passing through the second mounting hole 20h is screwed into the second through hole 32h, thus the column 40 and a second cross member 20 are connected via a connecting bracket 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting structure that uses a connecting bracket to connect a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending in the vertical direction to first and second horizontal members extending in the horizontal direction. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2009-297147 (Patent Document 1) discloses a structure for connecting pipes that extend in different directions. In the following description of the background art, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to those in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting two horizontal pipes (1b) extending in the horizontal direction to a support pipe (1a) extending in the vertical direction. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, a pair of joints (2, 3) are attached to the support pipe (1a), and two horizontal pipes (1b) are connected to the pair of joints (2, 3), thereby connecting one support pipe (1a) and two horizontal pipes (1b). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-297147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 uses a pair of joints, a first joint (2) and a second joint (3). The pair of joints (2, 3) are joined together to form a complex structure in which one support pipe (1a) and two horizontal pipes (1b) are inserted.

[0006] In view of the above situation, it is desired to realize a connecting structure that can connect two horizontal members to a pillar with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A connecting structure in which a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending along the vertical direction and a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member extending along the horizontal direction are connected using a connecting bracket, The pillar has a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion, and a fourth surface portion, which are plate-shaped portions constituting four side surfaces, respectively; the first surface portion and the third surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, A first pillar through-hole penetrating through the first surface portion is formed in the first surface portion, a third pillar through hole penetrating the third surface portion is formed at a position facing the first pillar through hole in the third surface portion; a second pillar through hole penetrating the second surface portion is formed at the same height as the first pillar through hole in the second surface portion; The horizontal direction and the direction along the first surface portion are defined as a first direction, and the horizontal direction and the direction along the second surface portion are defined as a second direction, the first horizontal member includes a first mounting portion having a first mounting hole formed therein and is disposed so as to extend along the first direction; the second horizontal member includes a second mounting portion having a second mounting hole formed therein, and is disposed so as to extend along the second direction at the same height as the first horizontal member; the connecting bracket comprises a first plate-shaped portion arranged to abut against an outer surface of the first surface portion, and a second plate-shaped portion that is perpendicular to the first plate-shaped portion, is integrally formed with the first plate-shaped portion, and is arranged to abut against an outer surface of the second surface portion; a first through hole is formed in the first plate-shaped portion; a second through hole is formed in the second plate-shaped portion; The column and the first cross member are connected by a first bolt arranged to pass through the first mounting hole, the first through hole, the first column through hole, and the third column through hole, a second bolt is disposed so as to pass through the second mounting hole, the second through hole, and the second column through hole, and not to interfere with the first bolt inside the column; A female thread is formed in the second through hole, and the male thread portion of the second bolt that passes through the second mounting hole is screwed into the second through hole, thereby connecting the column and the second cross member via the connecting bracket.

[0008] According to this configuration, the connecting bracket has a simple structure in which the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are integrally formed. Furthermore, because both the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion abut against the outer surface of the pillar, the entire connecting bracket can be stably attached to the pillar by simply fastening the first plate-shaped portion to the pillar with the first bolt. The first horizontal member can be connected to the pillar with the first bolt while sandwiching the first plate-shaped portion between the first horizontal member and the pillar. Furthermore, by connecting the second horizontal member to the second plate-shaped portion with the second bolt, the second horizontal member can be connected to the pillar via the connecting bracket. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the first bolt and the second bolt are arranged at the same height but do not interfere with each other inside the pillar, allowing the first bolt and the second bolt to be appropriately positioned relative to the pillar.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the techniques according to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Plan view showing the first and second floor running floors of the goods transport equipment [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the handrail connection structure [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view showing the handrail connection structure [Figure 4]10 is a cross-sectional view showing a handrail connection structure according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The connecting structure according to the present disclosure uses a connecting bracket to connect a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending in the vertical direction to a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member extending in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the connecting structure will be described, taking as an example a case where the connecting structure is used in a handrail of an article transport facility.

[0012] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a connecting structure according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0013] [Outline of goods transport equipment] First, an overview of the article conveying facility will be described with reference to Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the article conveying facility 100 includes multiple traveling floors F arranged vertically, and transport vehicles V that travel on traveling surfaces Ff formed on each of the multiple traveling floors F. On the traveling floors F on each level, multiple transport vehicles V travel on the traveling surfaces Ff.

[0014] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the article conveying facility 100 has two levels of traveling floors F. Fig. 1 shows a first level traveling floor F and a second level traveling floor F. However, the article conveying facility 100 is not limited to this configuration, and may have three or more levels of traveling floors F.

[0015] The transport vehicle V is configured to transport an article G. The transport vehicle V is configured to travel straight and also to change direction by turning on the spot around a vertical axis. By performing straight travel and turning, the transport vehicle V is able to travel freely on the travel surface Ff on both the first-floor travel floor F and the second-floor travel floor F.

[0016] The item conveying equipment 100 includes a pair of lifters L that raise and lower the transport vehicle V across multiple (in this example, two) running floors F, an item supply section Pg to which items G are supplied, a work area WA in which the items G supplied from the item supply section Pg are handed over to the transport vehicle V, a sorting area SA in which sorting work on the items G is performed, and an empty container recovery device B that recovers empty containers C generated by the sorting work in the sorting area SA.

[0017] In this embodiment, both the work area WA and the sorting area SA are provided at the same level as the first-floor travel floor F. On the second-floor travel floor F, neither the work area WA nor the sorting area SA is provided.

[0018] The work area WA is arranged adjacent to both the travel path of the transport vehicle V on the first travel floor F and the item supply unit Pg. In this embodiment, the item supply unit Pg supplies the items G to the work area WA while they are stored in a supply container Cp. In the work area WA, the items G stored in the supply container Cp are removed and handed over to the transport vehicle V waiting on the travel path. The delivery of the items G to the transport vehicle V may be performed while the items G are stored in a container C separate from the supply container Cp, or the items G may be handed over as is without being stored in a container C. In this embodiment, the above work in the work area WA is performed by a worker W. However, the above work may be performed by a robot instead of the worker W, or may be performed by both the worker W and the robot.

[0019] The sorting area SA is located adjacent to the travel path at a distance from the work area WA. The transport vehicle V transports the items G received in the work area WA to the sorting area SA. In the sorting area SA, sorting work is performed on the items G transported by the transport vehicle V. In this embodiment, the sorting area SA is equipped with multiple sorting conveyors Sc. The transport vehicle V delivers the items G to one of the multiple sorting conveyors Sc. In the sorting area SA, sorting work is performed on the items G delivered to the sorting conveyors Sc by the transport vehicle V. The sorting work is performed based on predetermined order information. For example, the order information includes various information such as customer information, shipping destination information, and item type information.

[0020] When the transport vehicle V transports items G contained in containers C to the sorting area SA, it hands over the items G together with the containers C to the sorting conveyor Sc. In this case, in the sorting area SA, a removal operation is performed to remove the items G from the containers C transported by the transport vehicle V. The empty containers C generated by this removal operation are collected by the empty container recovery device B. The empty containers C collected by the empty container recovery device B are transported along the recovery path Rb to the work area WA and used for work in the work area WA. In this embodiment, the sorting operation (including the above-mentioned removal operation) in the sorting area SA is performed by a worker W. However, the sorting operation may be performed by a robot instead of the worker W, or the sorting operation may be performed by both the worker W and the robot.

[0021] After transferring the item G to the sorting area SA, the transport vehicle V gets on the lifter L and heads to another floor's travel floor F (the second floor travel floor F in this example). The transport vehicle V then travels along the second floor travel floor F, gets on another lifter L, and returns to the travel floor F (the first floor travel floor F in this example) on which the above-mentioned work area WA and sorting area SA are located. The returning transport vehicle V receives the item G in the work area WA, and transports the item G to the sorting area SA, in the same manner as above.

[0022] The travel floor F on the first floor is accessible to workers W for maintenance and other purposes. For this reason, the travel floor F is provided with handrails H for the workers W. The handrails H can prevent the workers W from falling off the travel floor F while performing maintenance and other work.

[0023] The connecting structure according to this embodiment is used to connect the respective components of the handrail H. Hereinafter, the connecting structure will be described in detail.

[0024] [Connection structure] As shown in Fig. 2, in the connecting structure CS, a rectangular cylindrical pillar 40 extending in the vertical direction and a first horizontal member 10 and a second horizontal member 20 extending in the horizontal direction are connected using a connecting bracket 30. In this specification, "extending in a certain direction" does not only mean extending parallel to that direction, but also includes extending in a direction inclined relative to that direction (for example, a direction inclined by an angle of 20 degrees or less). In this embodiment, the pillar 40, the first horizontal member 10, and the second horizontal member 20 are components of the handrail H.

[0025] The first horizontal member 10 and the second horizontal member 20 extend in directions perpendicular to each other when viewed in the vertical direction. In other words, the connecting structure CS connects the first horizontal member 10 and the second horizontal member 20, which extend in directions perpendicular to each other when viewed in the vertical direction, to the pillar 40. With this configuration, the connecting structure CS is used to connect the components of the handrail H at the portion where the extension direction of the handrail H changes at a right angle. For example, the connecting structure CS is used to connect the components of the handrail H located at the corner of the running floor F.

[0026] 3, the pillar 40 has plate-like portions that respectively constitute four side surfaces: a first surface portion 41, a second surface portion 42, a third surface portion 43, and a fourth surface portion 44. The first surface portion 41, the second surface portion 42, the third surface portion 43, and the fourth surface portion 44 are formed continuously to form the pillar 40 in the shape of a rectangular tube.

[0027] In the following description, the horizontal direction and the direction along the first surface portion 41 are referred to as a first direction X, and the horizontal direction and the direction along the second surface portion 42 are referred to as a second direction Y.

[0028] 3, the first surface 41 and the third surface 43 are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, and the second surface 42 and the fourth surface 44 are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other.

[0029] The first surface 41 and the second surface 42 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to each other when viewed in the up-down direction. An end of the first surface 41 in the first direction X and an end of the second surface 42 in the second direction Y are connected to each other.

[0030] The second surface 42 and the third surface 43 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to each other when viewed in the up-down direction. An end of the second surface 42 in the second direction Y (an end opposite to the connecting portion with the first surface 41) and an end of the third surface 43 in the first direction X are connected to each other.

[0031] The third surface portion 43 and the fourth surface portion 44 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to each other when viewed in the up-down direction. An end portion of the third surface portion 43 in the first direction X (an end portion opposite to the connecting portion with the second surface portion 42) and an end portion of the fourth surface portion 44 in the second direction Y are connected to each other.

[0032] The fourth surface portion 44 and the first surface portion 41 are arranged so as to be perpendicular to each other when viewed in the up-down direction. An end portion of the fourth surface portion 44 in the second direction Y (an end portion opposite to the connecting portion with the third surface portion 43) is connected to an end portion of the first surface portion 41 in the first direction X (an end portion opposite to the connecting portion with the second surface portion 42).

[0033] A first post through hole 41h is formed in the first surface portion 41, penetrating the first surface portion 41. The first post through hole 41h penetrates the first surface portion 41 in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the first post through hole 41h is a through hole that is not formed with a female thread. If the thickness of the post 40 is thin, it is difficult to form a female thread in the hole, and even if a female thread is formed, there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the number of threads. However, because the first post through hole 41h in this configuration is a through hole that is not formed with a female thread, the above-mentioned problem does not occur.

[0034] A third post through hole 43h that penetrates third surface portion 43 is formed at a position facing first post through hole 41h in third surface portion 43. Third post through hole 43h penetrates third surface portion 43 in second direction Y. Third post through hole 43h is arranged at a position that overlaps with first post through hole 41h when viewed in second direction Y along second direction Y. This allows a first bolt B1, which will be described later, to pass integrally through first post through hole 41h and third post through hole 43h. In this embodiment, third post through hole 43h is a through hole that is not formed with a female thread.

[0035] Second post through hole 42h that penetrates second surface portion 42 is formed at the same height as first post through hole 41h in second surface portion 42. Second post through hole 42h penetrates second surface portion 42 in first direction X. First post through hole 41h and second post through hole 42h are arranged in a positional relationship such that an imaginary line extending from first post through hole 41h along the direction in which first post through hole 41h penetrates first surface portion 41 intersects with an imaginary line extending from second post through hole 42h along the direction in which second post through hole 42h penetrates second surface portion 42. In the present embodiment, second post through hole 42h is a through hole that is not formed with an internal thread.

[0036] In this embodiment, no column through holes are formed in the fourth surface portion 44 at the height where the first column through hole 41h, the second column through hole 42h, and the third column through hole 43h are arranged.

[0037] The first horizontal member 10 has a first mounting portion 10A in which a first mounting hole 10h is formed, and is arranged to extend along the first direction X. In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 10A is a plate-shaped portion at the end of the first horizontal member 10 in the extending direction (in this example, the first direction X). Of the portions that make up the first horizontal member 10, at least the first mounting portion 10A is arranged along the first surface portion 41 of the pillar 40. The first mounting portion 10A has a planar first abutment surface 10f that faces the pillar 40 in the second direction Y. As will be described later, the first abutment surface 10f is configured to abut against the connecting bracket 30 in the second direction Y. In this example, the first mounting hole 10h is a through hole that is not formed with a female thread.

[0038] The second horizontal member 20 includes a second mounting portion 20A having a second mounting hole 20h formed therein, and is disposed so as to extend along the second direction Y at the same height as the first horizontal member 10. In this embodiment, the second mounting portion 20A is a plate-shaped portion formed at the end of the second horizontal member 20 in the extending direction (in this example, the second direction Y). Of the portions constituting the second horizontal member 20, at least the second mounting portion 20A is disposed along the second surface portion 42 of the pillar 40. The second mounting portion 20A includes a planar second abutment surface 20f facing the pillar 40 in the first direction X. As will be described later, the second abutment surface 20f is configured to abut against the connecting bracket 30 in the first direction X. In this example, the second mounting hole 20h is a through-hole without a female thread.

[0039] The connecting bracket 30 includes a first plate-shaped portion 31 disposed to abut against the outer surface 41f of the first surface 41, and a second plate-shaped portion 32 orthogonal to the first plate-shaped portion 31, integrally formed with the first plate-shaped portion 31, and disposed to abut against the outer surface 42f of the second surface 42. In this specification, "integrally formed" includes multiple elements being formed of the same material and multiple elements being inseparably connected by welding or the like. In this embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the second plate-shaped portion 32 are formed from a single member (here, a single plate-shaped member bent at a right angle). In a vertical view, the first plate-shaped portion 31 extends along the first direction X, and the second plate-shaped portion 32 extends along the second direction Y, and the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the second plate-shaped portion 32 are orthogonal to each other. In this example, the connecting bracket 30 is formed into an L-shape by the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the second plate-shaped portion 32 in a vertical view.

[0040] The connecting bracket 30 is disposed between the pillar 40 and the first horizontal member 10, and between the pillar 40 and the second horizontal member 20. In detail, the first plate-shaped portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30 is disposed in the second direction Y between the first surface portion 41 of the pillar 40 and the first mounting portion 10A of the first horizontal member 10. The second plate-shaped portion 32 of the connecting bracket 30 is disposed in the first direction X between the second surface portion 42 of the pillar 40 and the second mounting portion 20A of the second horizontal member 20.

[0041] The first plate-shaped portion 31 has a first inner surface 31fi that faces the column 40 in the second direction Y, and a first outer surface 31f0 that faces the opposite side from the first inner surface 31fi in the second direction Y. That is, in this example, the first plate-shaped portion 31 is formed in a plate shape having the first inner surface 31fi and the first outer surface 31f0.

[0042] A first through hole 31h is formed in the first plate-shaped portion 31. The first through hole 31h is a hole that penetrates the first plate-shaped portion 31 in the second direction Y. The first through hole 31h is open to both the first inner surface 31fi and the first outer surface 31f0. In this embodiment, the first through hole 31h is a through hole that is not formed with a female thread.

[0043] The second plate-shaped portion 32 has a second inner surface 32fi that faces the column 40 in the first direction X, and a second outer surface 32f0 that faces the opposite side from the second inner surface 32fi in the first direction X. That is, in this example, the second plate-shaped portion 32 is formed in a plate shape having the second inner surface 32fi and the second outer surface 32f0.

[0044] A second through hole 32h is formed in the second plate-shaped portion 32. The second through hole 32h is a hole that penetrates the second plate-shaped portion 32 in the first direction X. The second through hole 32h is open to both the second inner surface 32fi and the second outer surface 32f0. A female thread 32s is formed in the second through hole 32h.

[0045] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped first mounting portion 10A is arranged to abut against the surface (first outer surface 31f0) of the first plate-shaped portion 31 opposite the pillar 40 side. As described above, in this embodiment, the first abutment surface 10f of the first mounting portion 10A is configured to abut against the first outer surface 31f0 of the first plate-shaped portion 31. Then, the first inner surface 31fi, which is the surface of the first plate-shaped portion 31 facing the pillar 40, abuts against the outer surface 41f of the first surface portion 41 of the pillar 40.

[0046] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped second mounting portion 20A is arranged to abut against the surface (second outer surface 32f0) of the second plate-shaped portion 32 opposite to the pillar 40 side. As described above, in this embodiment, the second abutment surface 20f of the second mounting portion 20A is configured to abut against the second outer surface 32f0 of the second plate-shaped portion 32. Then, the second inner surface 32fi, which is the surface of the second plate-shaped portion 32 facing the pillar 40, abuts against the outer surface 42f of the second surface portion 42 of the pillar 40.

[0047] The pillar 40, first horizontal member 10, second horizontal member 20, and connecting bracket 30 configured and arranged as described above are connected by the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2, which will be explained in detail below.

[0048] The pillar 40 and the first horizontal member 10 are connected by a first bolt B1 arranged to pass through the first mounting hole 10h, the first through hole 31h, the first pillar through hole 41h, and the third pillar through hole 43h. That is, the first bolt B1 is arranged to integrally pass through the first mounting hole 10h, the first through hole 31h, the first pillar through hole 41h, and the third pillar through hole 43h in a state where they overlap when viewed in the second direction Y along the second direction Y. In this way, the pillar 40 and the first horizontal member 10 are connected.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first through hole 31h, the first pillar through hole 41h, the second pillar through hole 42h, and the third pillar through hole 43h all have a larger diameter than the male thread portion B1s of the first bolt B1. A fixing member 50 having a female thread 50s is screwed into a portion B1e of the first bolt B1 that protrudes from the first surface portion 41 or the third surface portion 43 to the outside of the pillar 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "protruding portion B1e").

[0050] As shown in Fig. 3, in this embodiment, the protruding portion B1e of the first bolt B1 protrudes from the third surface portion 43 to the outside of the pillar 40. Meanwhile, the head B1a of the first bolt B1 is disposed on the outside of the pillar 40 (the side away from the pillar 40) with respect to the first surface portion 41, with the first mounting portion 10A and the first plate-shaped portion 31 sandwiched therebetween. The fixing member 50 is screwed onto the protruding portion B1e. In this example, the fixing member 50 is configured using a nut.

[0051] The pillar 40, first horizontal member 10, and connecting bracket 30 are fixed to one another by the first bolt B1 and the fixing member 50. In detail, the first horizontal member 10, connecting bracket 30, and pillar 40 are compressed and fixed in the second direction Y by the threaded portion of the fixing member 50 (the portion that threads with the first bolt B1) and the head B1a of the first bolt B1.

[0052] The second bolt B2 is disposed so as to pass through the second mounting hole 20h, the second through-hole 32h, and the second column through-hole 42h and not interfere with the first bolt B1 inside the column 40. As described above, the second through-hole 32h has a female thread 32s formed therein. The male thread portion B2s of the second bolt B2, which has passed through the second mounting hole 20h, is threadedly engaged with the second through-hole 32h, thereby connecting the column 40 and the second cross member 20 via the connecting bracket 30. The head B2a of the second bolt B2 is disposed on the outer side of the column 40 with respect to the second surface portion 42, with the second mounting portion 20A and the second plate-shaped portion 32 sandwiched therebetween.

[0053] Here, we will explain this further. Because the second column through-hole 42h of the column 40 is a through-hole without a female thread, even if the second bolt B2 passing through the second mounting hole 20h in the second mounting portion 20A and the second through-hole 32h in the second plate-shaped portion 32 is positioned so as to pass through the second column through-hole 42h, it will not be able to connect the second horizontal member 20 and the connecting bracket 30 to the column 40. The main function of the second bolt B2 is to fasten the second mounting portion 20A to the second plate-shaped portion 32 by means of the head B2a and the portion that threads with the female thread 32s of the second plate-shaped portion 32. Meanwhile, the second plate-shaped portion 32 is integral with the first plate-shaped portion 31, and the first plate-shaped portion 31 is fixed to the column 40 by the first bolt B1. Therefore, when the male threaded portion B2s of the second bolt B2 passing through the second mounting hole 20h is screwed into the second through hole 32h, the column 40 and the second cross member 20 are connected via the connecting bracket 30 (the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the second plate-shaped portion 32).

[0054] The dimension Lxb along the first direction X of the portion of the second bolt B2 arranged inside the pillar 40 (hereinafter referred to as the "internal dimension Lxb") is shorter than the dimension Lx40 along the first direction X from the position of the first pillar through-hole 41h on the first surface portion 41 to the connecting portion between the first surface portion 41 and the second surface portion 42. In this example, the first pillar through-hole 41h is arranged at the center of the first surface portion 41 in the first direction X. The internal dimension Lxb of the second bolt B2 is shorter than half the dimension of the first surface portion 41 in the first direction X. With the above-mentioned configuration, the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2, which are arranged to extend in directions perpendicular to each other at the same height, do not interfere with each other inside the pillar 40.

[0055] In the connecting structure CS described above, the connecting bracket 30 has a simple structure in which the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the second plate-shaped portion 32 are integrally formed. Furthermore, the first plate-shaped portion 31 abuts against the outer surface 41f of the first surface portion 41 of the pillar 40, and the second plate-shaped portion 32 abuts against the outer surface 42f of the second surface portion 42 of the pillar 40, so that the entire connecting bracket 30 can be stably attached to the pillar 40 by simply fixing it to one location (the first plate-shaped portion 31) with the first bolt B1. Furthermore, the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2 are arranged at the same height but do not interfere with each other inside the pillar 40, so that the first bolt B1 and the second bolt B2 can be appropriately arranged with respect to the pillar 40.

[0056] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the connecting structure CS will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the connecting bracket 30. The following mainly describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. Points that are not specifically described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 4, in this embodiment, the connecting bracket 30 includes a third plate-shaped portion 33. The third plate-shaped portion 33 is perpendicular to the second plate-shaped portion 32, is integral with the second plate-shaped portion 32, and is disposed so as to abut against the outer surface 43f of the third surface portion 43. When viewed in the vertical direction, the third plate-shaped portion 33 extends along the first direction X, and the second plate-shaped portion 32 extends along the second direction Y, and these are perpendicular to each other. In this example, the connecting bracket 30 includes the first plate-shaped portion 31, the second plate-shaped portion 32, and the third plate-shaped portion 33, and these plate-shaped portions form an angular U-shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0058] The third plate-shaped portion 33 has a third inner surface 33fi that is a surface facing the column 40 in the second direction Y, and a third outer surface 33f0 that is a surface facing the opposite side to the third inner surface 33fi in the second direction Y. That is, in this example, the third plate-shaped portion 33 is formed in a plate shape having the third inner surface 33fi and the third outer surface 33f0.

[0059] A fixing hole 33h is formed in the third plate-shaped portion 33. The fixing hole 33h is a hole that penetrates the third plate-shaped portion 33 in the second direction Y. The fixing hole 33h is open to both the third inner surface 33fi and the third outer surface 33f0. A female screw 33s is formed in the fixing hole 33h.

[0060] In this embodiment, a protruding portion B1e of the first bolt B1 that protrudes from the third surface portion 43 to the outside of the column 40 is disposed in the fixing hole 33h and is screwed onto the female thread 33s. In other words, the third plate-shaped portion 33 having the female thread 33s is screwed onto the protruding portion B1e of the first bolt B1. That is, in this embodiment, the fixing member 50 described above is the third plate-shaped portion 33. Therefore, there is no need to use a nut as the fixing member 50, as in the first embodiment.

[0061] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the connecting structure will be described.

[0062] (1) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the protruding portion B1e of the first bolt B1 protrudes from the third surface portion 43 to the outside of the pillar 40. However, without being limited to this example, the protruding portion B1e of the first bolt B1 may protrude from the first surface portion 41 to the outside of the pillar 40, rather than from the third surface portion 43. In this case, the protruding portion B1e is a portion of the first bolt B1 that protrudes outward in the first direction X (toward the side away from the pillar 40) beyond the first surface portion 41 of the pillar 40, the first plate-shaped portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30, and the first mounting portion 10A of the first horizontal member 10. In this case, the head B1a of the first bolt B1 is positioned outside the pillar 40 with respect to the third surface portion 43. The fixing member 50 is then screwed onto the protruding portion B1e.

[0063] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the first through hole 31h is a through hole without an internal thread. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the first through hole 31h may have an internal thread. This allows the first plate-shaped portion 31 and the first mounting portion 10A to be fixed together by the internal thread formed in the first through hole 31h and the head B1a of the first bolt B1.

[0064] (3) In the above embodiments, examples have been described in which the connecting structure CS is used to connect the components of the handrail H. However, without being limited to such examples, the connecting structure CS may also be used for structures other than the handrail H, such as fences.

[0065] (4) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Regarding other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] [Summary of the above embodiment] The above-described connection structure will now be described.

[0067] A connecting structure in which a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending along the vertical direction and a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member extending along the horizontal direction are connected using a connecting bracket, The pillar has a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion, and a fourth surface portion, which are plate-shaped portions constituting four side surfaces, respectively; the first surface portion and the third surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, A first pillar through-hole penetrating through the first surface portion is formed in the first surface portion, a third pillar through hole penetrating the third surface portion is formed at a position facing the first pillar through hole in the third surface portion; a second pillar through hole penetrating the second surface portion is formed at the same height as the first pillar through hole in the second surface portion; The horizontal direction and the direction along the first surface portion are defined as a first direction, and the horizontal direction and the direction along the second surface portion are defined as a second direction, the first horizontal member includes a first mounting portion having a first mounting hole formed therein and is disposed so as to extend along the first direction; the second horizontal member includes a second mounting portion having a second mounting hole formed therein, and is disposed so as to extend along the second direction at the same height as the first horizontal member; the connecting bracket comprises a first plate-shaped portion arranged to abut against an outer surface of the first surface portion, and a second plate-shaped portion that is perpendicular to the first plate-shaped portion, is integrally formed with the first plate-shaped portion, and is arranged to abut against an outer surface of the second surface portion; a first through hole is formed in the first plate-shaped portion; a second through hole is formed in the second plate-shaped portion; The column and the first cross member are connected by a first bolt arranged to pass through the first mounting hole, the first through hole, the first column through hole, and the third column through hole, a second bolt is disposed so as to pass through the second mounting hole, the second through hole, and the second column through hole, and not to interfere with the first bolt inside the column; A female thread is formed in the second through hole, and the male thread portion of the second bolt that passes through the second mounting hole is screwed into the second through hole, thereby connecting the column and the second cross member via the connecting bracket.

[0068] According to this configuration, the connecting bracket has a simple structure in which the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion are integrally formed. Furthermore, because both the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion abut against the outer surface of the pillar, the entire connecting bracket can be stably attached to the pillar by simply fastening the first plate-shaped portion to the pillar with the first bolt. The first horizontal member can be connected to the pillar with the first bolt while sandwiching the first plate-shaped portion between the first horizontal member and the pillar. Furthermore, by connecting the second horizontal member to the second plate-shaped portion with the second bolt, the second horizontal member can be connected to the pillar via the connecting bracket. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the first bolt and the second bolt are arranged at the same height but do not interfere with each other inside the pillar, allowing the first bolt and the second bolt to be appropriately positioned relative to the pillar.

[0069] the first through hole, the first post through hole, the second post through hole, and the third post through hole all have a larger diameter than the male thread portion of the first bolt, a fixing member having a female thread is screwed into a portion of the first bolt that protrudes from the first surface portion or the third surface portion to the outside of the column; Preferably, the pillar, the first horizontal member, and the connecting bracket are fixed to one another by the first bolt and the fixing member.

[0070] When the thickness of the pillar is thin, it is difficult to ensure a sufficient number of threads even if a female thread is formed in the pillar through-hole. According to this configuration, the first bolt penetrates the first surface portion and the third surface portion of the pillar, and a fixing member having a female thread is screwed into the portion of the first bolt that protrudes from the first surface portion or the third surface portion to the outside of the pillar. With this configuration, the pillar, the first cross member, and the connecting bracket can be properly fixed by the first bolt even without forming a female thread in the pillar through-hole.

[0071] the connecting bracket includes a third plate-shaped portion, the third plate-shaped portion is perpendicular to the second plate-shaped portion, is integral with the second plate-shaped portion, and is disposed so as to abut against an outer surface of the third surface portion; The fixing member is preferably the third plate-shaped portion.

[0072] With this configuration, the third plate-shaped portion of the connecting bracket functions as the fixing member, eliminating the need for a separate member to serve as the fixing member, thereby reducing the number of parts and the number of assembly steps.

[0073] the first mounting portion is a plate-shaped portion formed at an end of the first horizontal member in an extension direction, the plate-shaped first mounting portion is disposed so as to abut against a surface of the first plate-shaped portion opposite to the pillar side, the second mounting portion is a plate-shaped portion formed at an end of the second horizontal member in an extension direction, It is preferable that the plate-shaped second mounting portion be disposed so as to abut against a surface of the second plate-shaped portion opposite to the pillar side.

[0074] According to this configuration, the plate-like portions of the members can be in surface contact with each other, making it easy to stably connect the members. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] The technology disclosed herein can be used in a connecting structure that uses a connecting bracket to connect a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending in the vertical direction to a first cross member and a second cross member extending in the horizontal direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] CS: Concatenated structure 10:1st cross member 10A: First mounting part 10h: First mounting hole 20:Second horizontal member 20A: Second mounting section 20h: Second mounting hole 30: Connecting bracket 31: First plate-shaped portion 31fо :1st outer surface 31h: 1st through hole 32: Second plate-shaped portion 32fо: 2nd outer surface 32h: 2nd through hole 32s: Female thread 33: Third plate-shaped portion 33s: Female thread 40: Pillar 41:First surface part 41f: Outer surface 41h: 1st pillar through hole 42:Second surface part 42f: Outer surface 42h: 2nd pillar through hole 43:Third surface part 43f: Outer surface 43h: 3rd pillar through hole 44:Fourth side part 50: Fixing member 50s: Female thread B1: First bolt B1e:Protruding part B1s: Male thread B2: Second bolt B2s: Male thread X: 1st direction Y: Second direction

Claims

1. A connecting structure in which a rectangular cylindrical pillar extending along the vertical direction and a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member extending along the horizontal direction are connected using a connecting bracket, The pillar has a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion, and a fourth surface portion, which are plate-shaped portions constituting four side surfaces, respectively; the first surface portion and the third surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, the second surface portion and the fourth surface portion are arranged parallel to each other and facing each other, a first pillar through-hole penetrating through the first surface portion is formed in the first surface portion; a third pillar through hole penetrating the third surface portion is formed at a position facing the first pillar through hole in the third surface portion; a second pillar through hole penetrating the second surface portion is formed at the same height as the first pillar through hole in the second surface portion; A horizontal direction and a direction along the first surface portion are defined as a first direction, and a horizontal direction and a direction along the second surface portion are defined as a second direction, the first horizontal member includes a first mounting portion having a first mounting hole formed therein and is disposed so as to extend along the first direction; the second horizontal member includes a second mounting portion having a second mounting hole formed therein, and is disposed so as to extend along the second direction at the same height as the first horizontal member; the connecting bracket comprises a first plate-shaped portion arranged to abut against an outer surface of the first surface portion, and a second plate-shaped portion that is orthogonal to the first plate-shaped portion, is configured integrally with the first plate-shaped portion, and is arranged to abut against an outer surface of the second surface portion; a first through hole is formed in the first plate-shaped portion; a second through hole is formed in the second plate-shaped portion; The column and the first cross member are connected by a first bolt arranged to pass through the first mounting hole, the first through hole, the first column through hole, and the third column through hole; a second bolt is disposed so as to pass through the second mounting hole, the second through hole, and the second column through hole, and not to interfere with the first bolt inside the column; A connecting structure in which a female thread is formed in the second through hole, and the male thread portion of the second bolt that passes through the second mounting hole is screwed into the second through hole, thereby connecting the column and the second cross member via the connecting bracket.

2. the first through hole, the first column through hole, the second column through hole, and the third column through hole all have a diameter larger than that of the male thread portion of the first bolt, a fixing member having an internal thread is screwed onto a portion of the first bolt that protrudes from the first surface portion or the third surface portion to the outside of the column; The connection structure according to claim 1 , wherein the column, the first cross member, and the connection bracket are fixed to one another by the first bolt and the fixing member.

3. the connecting bracket includes a third plate-shaped portion, the third plate-shaped portion is orthogonal to the second plate-shaped portion, is integral with the second plate-shaped portion, and is disposed so as to abut against an outer surface of the third surface portion; The connecting structure according to claim 2 , wherein the fixing member is the third plate-shaped portion.

4. the first mounting portion is a plate-shaped portion formed at an end of the first horizontal member in an extension direction, the plate-shaped first mounting portion is disposed so as to abut against a surface of the first plate-shaped portion opposite to the pillar side, the second mounting portion is a plate-shaped portion formed at an end portion of the second horizontal member in an extension direction, The connecting structure according to claim 1 , wherein the plate-shaped second mounting portion is arranged to abut against a surface of the second plate-shaped portion opposite to the pillar side.

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