Furniture connection structure and furniture

Abstract

To provide a connection structure capable of preventing a crosspiece from coming off a support rod, even if a powerful earthquake occurs.SOLUTION: In a connection structure of a store fixture for connecting installation components 5, 7 to a support rod 4, abutment parts are connected to the support rod 4 by a connection member 9, in the state where engaging parts 523A, 523B, 723A, 723B of the installation component 5 are engaged with groove parts 44A, 44B, 43 of the support rod 4 and abutment parts of the installation components 5, 7 abut on the support rod 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection structure of a pair of columns extending in the vertical direction and a laying member extending in the horizontal direction for laying the pair of columns.

Background Art

[0002] For example, there is known an article display shelf including a column having a locking groove at an upper end extending upward from a base leg and on which a shelf board can be mounted, and an upper connecting member connecting upper ends of two adjacent columns, wherein hooks locked to the locking groove of the column are provided at both ends of the upper connecting member (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above - described conventional article display shelf, when a powerful earthquake occurs, there is a possibility that the locked state between the hook of the upper connecting member and the locking groove is released. In addition, when the upper connecting member and the column are disengaged, articles on the shelf board and the shelf board itself may fall. An object of the present invention is to provide a structure in which it is difficult for a laying member to be disengaged from a column even when a powerful earthquake occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In the connection structure of a furniture according to the present invention, in the connection structure of a furniture in which a laying member is connected to a column, in a state where an engaging portion of the laying member engages with a groove portion of the column and an abutting portion of the laying member abuts against the column, the abutting portion is connected to the column by a connecting member.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the above configuration, since the contact points are connected by connecting members in addition to the engaging points, the erected members are less likely to detach from the support columns even in the event of a major earthquake. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an article display fixture according to an embodiment, where (a) is a view from the upper right and (b) is a view from the lower left. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the fixture according to the embodiment, seen from the upper right. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the support column from the upper right side. [Figure 4] (a) is a perspective view of the right end of the superstructure member seen from the upper right, (b) is a view of the left end of the superstructure member seen from the lower left, (c) is a perspective view of the disassembled right end of the superstructure member seen from the upper right, and (d) is a view of the disassembled left end of the superstructure member seen from the lower left. [Figure 5] (a) is a perspective view of the right end of the lower support member seen from the upper right, (b) is a view of the left end of the lower support member seen from the lower left, (c) is a perspective view of the disassembled right end of the lower support member seen from the upper right, and (d) is a view of the disassembled left end of the lower support member seen from the lower left. [Figure 6] (a) is a perspective view of the right end of the intermediate structural member seen from the upper right, (b) is a view of the left end of the intermediate structural member seen from the lower left, (c) is a perspective view of the disassembled right end of the intermediate structural member seen from the upper right, and (d) is a view of the disassembled left end of the intermediate structural member seen from the lower left. [Figure 7] (a) is a side view of the connecting member, (b) is a perspective view of the connecting member, (c) is a perspective view of the cross section of the upper frame member connected to the right-side support column, viewed from the upper right, and (d) is a perspective view of the cross section of the intermediate frame member connected to the right-side support column, viewed from the upper right. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the modified upper frame member, seen from the upper right.

[0008] <Overview> (1) The first fixture connection structure is a fixture connection structure in which a frame member is connected to a support column, wherein the engaging portion of the frame member engages with the groove portion of the support column and the contact portion of the frame member contacts the support column, and the contact portion is connected to the support column by a connecting member. This prevents the engagement between the support members and the mounting members from disengaging during an earthquake, thus preventing, for example, items on shelves or shelves themselves from falling off furniture. The connecting structure relates to the connection between a support column and a structural member, and the configuration of the base member, shelf board, bracket, etc., is not particularly limited. The first invention relates to the connection between a support column and a structural member, and is not limited to the connection between a support column and an upper structural member or a support column and an intermediate structural member, but may also be applied to, for example, a lower structural member. The erection member only needs to have an engaging portion and a contact portion, and may consist of one member or multiple members. The number of engaging portions, contact portions, and connecting members is not particularly limited. The direction in which the engaging portion enters the groove may be a first direction or a second direction. The connecting member may or may not have a curved portion in the middle of its length.

[0009] (2) The second furniture connection structure is the same as the first furniture connection structure, wherein the erection member comprises a cross member extending in a first direction and an end member provided at the end of the cross member in the first direction, the end member having an engaging portion and a contact portion, and the connecting member passes through the through hole of the contact portion in the contact state and through hole of the support column. This allows for a simple configuration that strengthens the connecting structure and improves seismic resistance. Furthermore, by pre-defining the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the crossbar members, end members can be provided even for crossbar members of different lengths in the first direction, making it inexpensive and highly versatile. The crossbar member and the end member may or may not be fixed. Alternatively, the crossbar member and the end member may be fixed in a removable manner. If fixed, the fixing may be done by screws, rivets, pins, welding, etc. The crossbar member only needs to have two or more perpendicular wall sections, and may be, for example, L-shaped or similar, U-shaped or similar, or square-shaped (rectangular, rectangular, or similar).

[0010] (3) The third furniture connection structure is the same as the second furniture connection structure, wherein the end member has a horizontal plate portion facing at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the cross member, and a vertical plate portion extending vertically from the end of the horizontal plate portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction, the engaging portion is provided to extend outward in the first direction from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction, and the contact portion is provided to extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction. This allows end members to be obtained, for example, by press-forming a single metal plate. Furthermore, it can be implemented inexpensively. Additionally, using a metal plate increases strength and rigidity. The crossbar member may have at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface, or it may have both an upper surface and a lower surface. The horizontal plate portion may face at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the crossbar member, or it may face either the upper surface or the lower surface. There may be two horizontal plate portions, one facing the upper surface and the other the lower surface. The vertical plate portion may be present only at one end of the horizontal plate portion in the second direction, or at both ends. The engaging portion includes cases where it engages in the vertical direction and cases where it engages in a second direction. The contact portion may be in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, and may extend upward and downward from the horizontal plate portion, or may extend forward and backward from the vertical plate portion, or may extend from both the horizontal plate portion and the vertical plate portion. Both the engaging portion and the contact portion may be provided on the horizontal plate portion, or on the vertical plate portion, or on both the horizontal plate portion and the vertical plate portion. Furthermore, the engaging portion may be provided on the horizontal plate portion and the contact portion on the vertical plate portion, or the engaging portion may be provided on the vertical plate portion and the contact portion on the horizontal plate portion.

[0011] (4) The fourth fixture connection structure is the same as the third fixture connection structure, wherein the groove of the support column extends in the vertical direction, the engaging portion engages with the groove from above, the vertical plate extends from both ends of the horizontal plate in the second direction and there are a total of two of them, the engaging portion is provided on the two vertical plate, there are two in the second direction, the contact portion is provided on one of the two vertical plate, and the engaging portion provided on one of the vertical plate is shorter in the vertical direction than the engaging portion provided on the other vertical plate. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the engagement portion and the contact portion when an engagement portion and a contact portion are provided on one of the vertical plates. Furthermore, even when press-forming using a single metal plate, the contact portion can be bent without interfering with the engagement portion.

[0012] (5) The fifth fixture connection structure is the same as the third fixture connection structure, wherein the groove of the support column extends in the vertical direction, the engaging portion engages with the groove from above, the vertical plate extends from both ends of the horizontal plate in the second direction and there are a total of two of them, the engaging portion is provided on the two vertical plate, there are two in the second direction, and the contact portion is provided on the two vertical plate, The two engaging portions have the same vertical dimension. This results in two points where the contact points are connected by the connecting member, allowing the end member to be firmly connected to the support column. The two abutting portions may extend in the second direction and away from each other (this can facilitate the connection of the connecting member to the through hole), or may extend in the direction of approaching each other (this can reduce the dimension in the second direction).

[0013] (6) The connection structure of the sixth implement is such that in the connection structure of any one of the second to fifth implements, the through hole of the abutting portion and the through hole of the support column overlap in the first direction in the abutting state. Thereby, the insertion of the connecting member can be easily performed. The "overlap" as used herein includes the case where the centers of the two through holes are located on one virtual line in the first direction and the case where they are not located on one virtual line. In the case where they are not located on one virtual line, the deviation of the centers of the through holes is within the range where the connecting member can be inserted. Also, the virtual line connecting the centers of the two through holes may be a straight line, may be parallel to the first direction, or may intersect the first direction. In the case of intersection, the peripheral surface forming the through hole may be configured to be inclined along the intersecting direction. In this case, the insertion of the connecting member can be smoothly performed.

[0014] (7) The connection structure of the seventh implement is such that in the connection structure of any one of the first to sixth implements, the connecting member has a rod-shaped portion that can be inserted through the through hole of the abutting portion and the through hole of the support column, and an umbrella portion provided at an end of the rod-shaped portion opposite to the insertion tip and larger than the through hole of the abutting portion. The rod-shaped portion has a curved portion in the middle part of its longitudinal direction. Thereby, the connection can be easily achieved by the operation of inserting the connecting member into the through hole. Since it has an umbrella portion and a curved portion, it can prevent the connecting member from easily coming off. By pulling out the connecting member from the through hole and releasing the engagement state of the engaging portion, the support column and the erection member can be easily disassembled. The curved portion curves within the range where the through hole of the abutting portion and the through hole of the support column can be inserted, and may be provided at a plurality of locations as long as it can be inserted.

[0015] (8) The eighth fixture connection structure is the same as the seventh fixture connection structure, wherein the rod-shaped portion of the connecting member has a first portion located on the umbrella side with respect to the curved portion and a second portion located on the opposite side of the umbrella with respect to the curved portion, the first portion being shorter than the second portion, and the curved portion being configured such that the angle between the first portion and the second portion is in the range of 60 to 120 degrees. As a result, by inserting the connecting member, which has a curved portion, through the two through holes, the second portion, using the curved portion as a fulcrum, abuts against the inner wall of the support column under its own weight, and consequently the first portion abuts against the upper surface of the through hole. Therefore, even in the event of an earthquake, the connection made by the connecting member is less likely to be released. The structure of the connecting member is simple, and the connection between the support column and the connecting member can be maintained with a simple configuration. Because the second portion is longer than the first portion, the second portion extends downward under its own weight. As a result, the second portion side of the curved portion faces downward, making it less likely to come out of the through hole.

[0016] (9) The ninth fixture connection structure is the same as the first to eighth fixture connection structures, in which there are two support columns, the erection member is connected to the two support columns, and the imaginary line connecting the two contact points on the erection member that are connected to the support columns intersects with the erection member. This improves the seismic resistance (reduction of vertical and horizontal shaking) of the erection member compared to when the support columns are connected unevenly to one (or the other) side of the second direction as viewed from the first direction of the erection member. Furthermore, when end members are provided on the crossbar members, the end members can be used without distinction at both ends of the crossbar member in the first direction, and one type of end member can be shared.

[0017] (10) The tenth furniture connection structure is the same as the first to eighth furniture connection structures, in which there are two support columns, the erecting member is connected to the two support columns, and the imaginary line connecting the two contact points on the erecting member that are connected to the support columns is parallel to the erecting member. This makes it possible, for example, to connect two support columns by arranging two support members side by side in the second direction. Here, "parallel" means that when the state in which the two support columns are connected by the support member is viewed from above, they are on the same side in the second direction with respect to the support member (cross member).

[0018] (11) The first fixture comprises a pair of support columns, an upper support member connecting the upper ends of the pair of support columns, and one or more intermediate support members connecting the middle of the upper and lower ends of the pair of support columns, wherein the connecting structure that connects the upper support member and the support columns is one of the 1 to 10 above. This prevents the engagement between the support members and the mounting members from disengaging during an earthquake, resulting in a highly earthquake-resistant fixture.

[0019] <Embodiment> 1. Overall Structure As shown in Figure 1, the item storage shelf X comprises a fixture 1, a plurality of shelves 2 arranged vertically, and a pair of brackets 3 that support the shelves 2. The item storage rack X is used, for example, to store items in a warehouse or to display goods in a store. Here, when viewed from above, shelf board 2 is rectangular in shape, with its longer side running in the left-right direction and its shorter side running in the front-back direction. The fixture 1 comprises a pair of left and right support columns 4, a plurality of mounting members 5, 6, and 7 that are installed on the pair of support columns 4, and a base member 8 for erecting the support columns 4. The support column 4 has a plurality of grooves 43 spaced at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction on at least one of the pair of short wall sections 41. Here, grooves 43 are provided on the front and rear pair of short wall sections 41. The locking portion 31 of the bracket 3 engages with the grooves 43 from above. This allows the bracket 3 to be detachably attached to the support column 4, enabling the support of the shelf board 2. The following provides a detailed explanation of fixture 1.

[0020] 2. Fixtures As shown in Figure 2, the fixture 1 comprises a pair of base members 8, a pair of support columns 4, an upper frame member 5, a lower frame member 6, and an intermediate frame member 7. Note that there may be multiple intermediate frame members 7. This allows fixture 1 to be erected in a stable state.

[0021] (1) Base member The base member 8 comprises a rectangular cylindrical base body 81 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and a cover body 82 that closes the end of the base body 81 in the direction of the cylindrical axis. The base body 81 extends in the front-rear direction. The base member 8 is equipped with a height adjustment adjuster 83 on the lower wall of the base body 81.

[0022] (2) Support The support column 4 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with a rectangular cross-section, and its lower end is fixed to the base member 8. For fixing, various methods can be used, such as an engaging structure, a structure using fasteners such as screws, rivets, and pins, a structure using adhesives or welding, or a combination of these. Here, the support column 4 is fixed to the base member 8 such that the longitudinal direction of its rectangular cross-sectional shape is the front-to-back direction, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, the support column 4 comprises a pair of short wall sections 41 and a pair of long wall sections 42, where one of the short wall sections 41 is the front short wall section and the other is the rear short wall section. Similarly, one of the long wall sections 42 is the right long wall section and the other is the left long wall section. The front short wall section and the rear short wall section are also denoted by the symbol "41", and the left long wall section and the right long wall section are also denoted by the symbol "42". Here, the pair of short wall sections 41 are configured symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line passing through the midpoint of the pair of short wall sections 41 in the front-rear direction and the midpoint of the pair of long wall sections 42 in the left-right direction. Similarly, the pair of long wall sections 42 are configured symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line passing through the midpoint of the pair of long wall sections 42 in the left-right direction and the midpoint of the pair of short wall sections 41 in the front-rear direction. This allows the pair of support columns 4 to be used without distinguishing between front-rear and left-right directions.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the support column 4 has multiple grooves 43 extending vertically in the short wall portion 41, spaced apart in the vertical direction. Here, the grooves 43 are provided in two rows in each short wall portion 41. The grooves 43 are mainly for brackets. This makes it possible to change the mounting position of the brackets 3 in the left-right direction, and allows the use of shelves 2 of different lengths in the left-right direction, thereby increasing versatility.

[0024] Each support column 4 has an upper groove 44 extending downward from the upper end of a pair of long wall sections 42. The upper groove 44 is for the engaging section 523 of the upper support member 5. The upper support member 5 has two engaging sections 523 (523A, 523B) spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and also has two upper groove sections 44 (44A, 44B). Of the two upper grooves 44, one upper groove 44A has a stepped shape that separates from the other upper groove 44B midway through its extension direction. This makes it difficult for the engaging portion 523A to come loose. The engaging portion 523A, which has a longer vertical dimension, engages with one of the upper grooves 44A. The upper part of each pair of long wall sections 42 has an upper through-hole 45. The upper through-hole 45 is for the connecting member 9 of the contact section 524 of the upper erection member 5. The upper erection member 5 has one contact section 524, but there are two upper through-holes 45 spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The upper through-hole 45 is provided so as to correspond to the through-hole 524a of the contact section 524 when the engaging section 523 of the upper erection member 5 engages with the upper groove section 44 and the contact section 524 contacts the long wall section 42. The term "upper" in "upper groove 44" and "upper through hole 45" is added for convenience to distinguish them from the groove (lower groove) 46 and through hole (middle through hole) 47 described later.

[0025] The support column 4 has a lower groove portion 46 extending vertically at the lower part of a pair of long wall portions 42. As shown in Figure 5, the lower groove portion 46 is for the engaging portion 623 of the lower erection member 6. The lower erection member 6 has a total of four engaging portions 623 (623A, 623B, 623C, 623D) spaced apart in the vertical and front-to-back directions, and also has four lower groove portions 46 (46A, 46B, 46C, 46D). This ensures a secure connection between the support column 4 and the lower erection member 6. Note that if there is no need to distinguish between the lower groove portions 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D, they are simply referred to as the lower groove portion 46.

[0026] A pair of elongated wall sections 42 have through-holes 47 between the upper groove section 44 and the lower groove section 46. Multiple through-holes 47 are provided at intervals in the vertical direction. The through-holes 47 are for the connecting members 9 of the intermediate support member 7. The intermediate support member 7 has one contact section 724, but there are two through-holes 47 at intervals in the front-rear direction. The through-holes 47 are provided so as to correspond to the through-holes 724a of the contact section 724 when the engaging section 723 of the intermediate support member 7 engages with the groove section 43 and the contact section 724 contacts the elongated wall section 42.

[0027] (3) Upper mounting members The upper support member 5 is connected to the support column 4 by a connecting member 9 (see Figures 4 and 7(c)) when its engaging portion 523 engages with the upper groove portion 44 of the support column 4 and its contact portion 524 contacts the support column 4. As shown in Figure 2, the upper support member 5 comprises an upper rail member 51 extending in the left-right direction and an upper end member 52 provided at the left-right end of the upper rail member 51. The left-right direction may also be considered the first direction, and in this case, the upper end member 52 is provided at both ends of the upper rail member 51 in the first direction. The following explanation will primarily use Figure 4.

[0028] (3-1) Upper rail member The upper rail member 51 has at least two or more perpendicular wall sections in its cross-sectional shape. In this case, it has a "U" shape with three wall sections in its cross-section. The "U" shaped upper rail member 51 has an upper end member 52 fixed to it with the bottom open, and is erected on the support column 4 via the upper end member 52. The upper rail member 51 has an upper wall portion 511 and side wall portions 513 extending downward from both ends of the upper wall portion 511 in the front-rear direction. The upper rail member 51 has a fixing portion for fixing the upper end member 52. In other words, the fixing portion is a connecting portion that joins the upper rail member 51 and the upper end member 52. The fixing portion here consists of the upper wall portion 511 and through holes 511a formed in the upper wall portion 511. Fixing is done using fasteners such as screws, rivets, and pins (not shown), by inserting the fasteners through the through holes 511a. There are multiple through holes 511a here (for example, 3) spaced apart in the left-right direction. This allows the overall length of the upper frame member 5 in the left-right direction to be adjusted. Furthermore, the lower sides of both ends of the pair of side wall portions 513 of the upper rail member 51 are chamfered. This makes it easy to attach the upper rail member 51 to the upper end member 52.

[0029] (3-2) Upper end member The upper end member 52 has at least an engaging portion 523 and a contact portion 524. The upper end member 52 has a horizontal plate portion 521 facing the upper surface (upper wall portion 511) of the upper rail member 51, and a vertical plate portion 522 extending downward from the front-rear end of the horizontal plate portion 521. The engaging portion 523 and the contact portion 524 are provided in this case on the vertical plate portion 522. The upper end member 52 is manufactured, for example, by press-forming a single metal plate. The front-rear direction is the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the up-down direction, when expressed using the first direction.

[0030] The horizontal plate portion 521 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the left-right direction when viewed from above. The upper end member 52 has a fixing portion for fixing the upper end member 52 to the upper rail member 51. The fixing portion is provided on the horizontal plate portion 521. The fixing is done by using the above-mentioned fixing device, which is inserted or screwed into the through hole 521a formed in the horizontal plate portion 521. The fixing portion also serves as a connecting portion for joining the upper rail member 51 and the upper end member 52. Furthermore, the rectangular horizontal plate portion 521 is configured such that its longer side is 3 to 6 times longer than its shorter side. This allows the upper end member 52 to be stably fixed to the upper rail member 51.

[0031] There is a pair of vertical plate sections 522 in the front-to-back direction of the horizontal plate section 521. The vertical plate sections 522 extend downward in a rectangular shape, and the inner corners on the lower side in the left-to-right direction are chamfered. As a result, the outer end in the left-to-right direction is longer in the vertical direction than the inner end, and an engaging portion 523 and a contact portion 524 can be provided at the outer end.

[0032] The engaging portion 523 is provided so as to extend outward in the left-right direction from the end of the horizontal plate portion 521 or the vertical plate portion 522, in this case the vertical plate portion 522, on the outward side (opposite the side where the other upper end member 52 is located). The engaging portion 523 is provided on a pair of vertical plate portions 522, and there is a pair of them in the front-rear direction. This allows the upper mounting member 5 to firmly engage with the upper groove portions 44 of the pair of support columns 4. The engaging portion 523 is inserted into the upper groove portions 44 of the support columns 4 from the left and right directions and engages from above. For this reason, the engaging portion 523 has an "L" shape or a similar shape, extending in the left-right direction and then extending (bending) downward. The engaging portion 523 is on the same plane as the vertical plate portions 522. This makes it easy to form the engaging portion 523. The base of the engaging portion 523 (the part extending in the left-right direction) is provided on the upper side of the left-right end of the vertical plate portion 522. This ensures that the length of the downward-extending portion of the engaging portion 523 is sufficient. Furthermore, by ensuring sufficient length, the engaged state is less likely to be released.

[0033] The contact portion 524 is provided on one of the pair of vertical plate portions 522. Of the pair of engaging portions 523, the engaging portion 523B extending from the vertical plate portion 522 on which the contact portion 524 is provided is shorter in the vertical direction than the engaging portion 523A extending from the other vertical plate portion 522. This allows both the engaging portion 523B and the contact portion 524 to be provided on one of the vertical plate portions 522. Furthermore, when both the engaging portion 523B and the contact portion 524 are provided on one of the vertical plate portions 522 in this way, interference between the contact portion 524 and the engaging portion 523B can be minimized. In addition, even when press-forming using a single metal plate, the contact portion 524 can be processed without interfering with the engaging portion 523B.

[0034] The contact portion 524 is provided at the left-right outer end of one of the vertical plate portions 522. The contact portion 524 is provided above and below the engaging portion 523B, at least one of the two, in this case only below. This allows the contact portion to be provided even in the upper groove portion 44 which has an open upper end, and enables a strong connection between the upper frame member 5 and the support column 4. The contact portion 524 is provided such that, when the upper frame member 5 is connected to the pair of support columns 4, an imaginary line connecting the contact portions 524 of the upper end members 52 at both ends in the left-right direction intersects with the upper rail member 51. This improves the seismic resistance (reduction of vertical and horizontal shaking) of the upper frame member 5 compared to when the contact portions 524 are connected to one side (or the other side) of the front-rear direction of both support columns 4 as viewed from the left-right direction. Furthermore, when the upper end members 52 are provided on the upper rail member 51, the upper end members 52 can be used without distinction at both ends in the left-right direction of the upper rail member 51, and one type of upper end member 52 can be shared. The contact portion 524 is provided with a through hole 524a through which the connecting member 9 is inserted. The contact portion 524 is bent in the front-rear direction from one of the vertical plate portions 522. This allows the contact portion 524 to be installed along the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4. In other words, the contact portion 524 can be installed in a state where it is in contact with (or close to) the long wall portion 42. In this case, the contact portion 524 extends in the front-rear direction from one vertical plate portion 522 toward the opposite side (i.e., the outward side) from the side where the other vertical plate portion 522 is located. This makes it easier to insert the connecting member 9 through the through hole 524a of the contact portion 524. The through-hole 524a of the contact portion 524 is positioned to correspond to the upper through-hole 45 located in the upper part of the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4 when the engaging portion 523 is engaged with the upper groove portion 44 of the support column 4. In other words, when the engaging portion 523 is engaged with the support column 4, the through-hole 524a of the contact portion 524 and the upper through-hole 45 of the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4 are positioned to overlap in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to insert the connecting member 9 through the through-hole 524a of the contact portion 524 and the upper through-hole 45 of the support column 4. In other words, when connecting the upper mounting member 5 to the support column 4, the work can be carried out smoothly.

[0035] (4) Lower mounting member As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the lower support member 6 is connected to the support column 4 by the engagement portion 623 engaging with the lower groove portion 46 of the support column 4 (not shown in Figure 2). The lower support member 6 comprises a lower rail member 61 that extends in the left-right direction, and a lower end member 62 provided at the left-right end of the lower rail member 61. The following explanation will primarily use Figure 5.

[0036] (4-1) Lower rail member The lower rail member 61 has a cross-sectional shape that is "M" shaped, similar to an "M" shape, or has a "U" shaped connecting portion recessed into the opening side. In other words, the lower rail member 61 has an upper wall portion 611 having a groove 611a that is recessed downward and extends in the left-right direction, and side wall portions 613 that extend downward from both ends of the upper wall portion 611 in the front-rear direction. The lower rail member 61 has a fixing portion for fixing the lower end member 62. Fixing is done using fasteners such as screws, rivets, pins, or welding, and the side wall portion 613, which is the fixing portion, is fixed to the lower end member 62 by welding.

[0037] (4-2) Lower end member The lower end member 62 has at least an engaging portion 623. The lower end member 62 has a pair of vertical plate portions 621 facing the side wall portion 613 of the lower rail member 61, a horizontal plate portion 622 connecting the lower ends of the pair of vertical plate portions 621, and engaging portions 623 (623A, 623B, 623C, 623D) provided vertically on the left and right outer ends of the pair of vertical plate portions 621. The lower end member 62 is manufactured, for example, by press-forming a single metal plate. If it is not necessary to distinguish between the engaging portions 623A, 623B, 623C, and 623D, they are simply referred to as the engaging portion 623. The vertical plate portion 621 has a fixing portion for fixing the lower end member 62 to the lower rail member 61. Fixing can be done using fasteners or welding, and in this case, the vertical plate portion 621 is fixed to the side wall portion 613 of the lower rail member 61 by welding. The engaging portions 623A, 623B, 623C, and 623D are provided on a pair of vertical plate portions 621, with one pair in the front-to-back direction, for a total of four. This allows the lower mounting member 6 to be securely engaged with the four lower groove portions 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D of the pair of support columns 4. The engaging portion 623 is inserted into the lower groove 46 of the support column 4 from the left and right directions and engages from above. For this reason, the engaging portion 623 has an "L" shape or a similar shape, extending in the left and right directions and then extending (bending) downwards. The engaging portion 623 is on the same plane as the vertical plate portion 621. This makes it easy to form the engaging portion 623.

[0038] The lower end member 62 has a bent portion 624 at the upper end of the pair of vertical plate portions 621 that bends inward in the front-rear direction (towards the side where the other vertical plate portion 621 is located). This prevents the lower rail member 61 from coming out upward from the lower end member 62.

[0039] (5) Intermediate structural members The intermediate support member 7 is connected to the support column 4 by a connecting member 9, with its engaging portion 723 engaging with the groove portion 43 of the support column 4 from the front and rear directions, and its contact portion 724 contacting the support column 4. As shown in Figure 2, the intermediate support member 7 comprises an intermediate support member 71 extending in the left-right direction and an intermediate end member 72 provided at the left-right end of the intermediate support member 71. The following explanation will primarily use Figure 6.

[0040] (5-1) Intermediate support member The intermediate support member 71 has at least two or more perpendicular wall sections in its cross-sectional shape. In this case, it has a "U" shape with three wall sections in its cross-section. The "U" shaped intermediate support member 71 is fixed to the middle end member 72 with either the front or rear open, and is erected on the support column 4 via the middle end member 72. The intermediate support member 71 has a pair of upper and lower horizontal plate sections 711 and a vertical plate section 712 that connects one end of the pair of horizontal plate sections 711 in the front-rear direction. The intermediate support member 71 has a fixing section for fixing the middle end member 72. Fasteners such as screws, rivets, pins, and welding are used for fixing, and the vertical plate section 712, which serves as the fixing section, is fixed to the middle end member 72 by welding. The intermediate support member 71 has a bent portion 713 that bends inward in the vertical direction from the end of the pair of upper and lower horizontal plate portions 711 opposite to the vertical plate portion 712. This reinforces the intermediate support member 71. In addition, it makes it difficult for the intermediate end member 72 to come off the intermediate support member 71 in the front-rear direction, opposite to the vertical plate portion 712.

[0041] (5-2) Middle end member The middle end member 72 has at least an engaging portion 723 and a contact portion 724. The middle end member 72 also has a plate portion that faces at least one of the horizontal plate portion 711 and vertical plate portion 712 of the middle support member 71. Here, the plate portion has a vertical plate portion 721 that faces the inner surface of the vertical plate portion 712. The middle end member 72 has a contact portion 724 extending from the end of the vertical plate portion 721, and an engaging portion 723 extending from the end of the contact portion 724. The middle end member 72 is manufactured, for example, by press-forming a single metal plate.

[0042] The vertical plate portion 721, when viewed from the front or back, has a rectangular, square, or similar shape. The vertical dimension of the vertical plate portion 721 is greater than the dimension between the pair of upper and lower bent portions 713 of the intermediate support member 71. This prevents the intermediate end member 72 from coming out of the intermediate support member 71 in the front or back direction. The middle end member 72 has a fixing portion for fixing the middle end member 72 to the middle cross member 71. Welding is used for fixing, and the vertical plate portion 721 is fixed to the vertical plate portion 712 of the middle cross member 71 by welding.

[0043] The contact portion 724 is provided at the left-right outer end of the vertical plate portion 721. The contact portion 724 extends from the end of the vertical plate portion 721 toward the opening side of the U-shaped intermediate cross member 71. In other words, the contact portion 724 extends forward so as to close the openings at the left and right ends of the intermediate cross member 71. Furthermore, the contact portion 724 is provided so as to be aligned with the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4, with its left-right outer surface positioned further outward in the left-right direction than the left-right edge of the intermediate cross member 71. This allows the contact portion 724 to face the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4 in contact with or close to it. The contact portion 724 is provided such that, when the intermediate support member 7 is connected to a pair of support columns 4, the imaginary line connecting the contact portions 724 at both ends in the left-right direction is parallel to the intermediate support member 71. This makes it possible, for example, to connect two support columns 4 by arranging two intermediate support members 7 in the front-rear direction. In other words, when viewed from the left-right direction, the contact portion 724 is located on the same side in the front-rear direction relative to the vertical plate portion 721. The contact portion 724 is provided with a through hole 724a through which the connecting member 9 is inserted. The contact portion 724 closes the left and right ends of the intermediate support member 71, but the connecting member 9 can be inserted through the opening 713a between the bent portions 713 on the front side of the intermediate support member 71. Furthermore, even when two intermediate support members 7 are provided in the front-rear direction, the opening 713a will be located on the outward side in the front-rear direction, allowing the connecting member 9 to be inserted. The through-hole 724a is provided in a state where the engaging portion 723 engages with the groove 43 of the short wall portion 41 of the support column 4, corresponding to the through-hole 47 in the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4. In other words, when the engaging portion 723 engages with the support column 4, the through-hole 724a of the contact portion 724 and the through-hole 47 in the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4 are provided to overlap in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the connecting member 9 to pass through the through-hole 724a of the contact portion 724 and the through-hole 47 in the support column 4. In other words, when connecting the intermediate support member 7 to the support column 4, the work can be carried out smoothly. The through-hole 724a is provided approximately in the center of the contact portion 724.

[0044] The middle end member 72 has a bent portion 725 at the end opposite to the vertical plate portion 721 in the contact portion 724, which bends outward in the left-right direction, and has one or more engaging portions 723A, 723B at the bent tip of the bent portion 725. There are two engaging portions 723A, 723B spaced apart in the vertical direction. This allows the intermediate support member 7 to be securely engaged with the groove portion 43 of the pair of support columns 4. Note that if there is no need to distinguish between the engaging portions 723A and 723B, they are simply referred to as engaging portion 723. The engaging portion 723 is inserted into the groove 43 of the support column 4 from the front and engages from above. For this reason, the engaging portion 723 has an "L" shape or a similar shape, extending in the front-rear direction (rearward) and then extending (bending) downward. The engaging portion 723 is on a plane parallel to the contact portion 724.

[0045] (6) Connecting member As shown in Figure 7(c), the connecting member 9 passes through the through hole 524a of the contact portion 524 of the upper end member 52 in contact state and the upper through hole 45 of the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4. Also, as shown in Figure 7(d), the connecting member 9 passes through the through hole 724a of the contact portion 724 of the middle end member 72 in contact state and the middle through hole 47 of the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4. Here, the connecting member 9 used in the upper erection member 5 and the connecting member 9 used in the intermediate erection member 7 have the same configuration. This allows for the commonality of parts.

[0046] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the connecting member 9 has a rod-shaped portion 91 that can be inserted through the through holes 524a, 724a of the contact portions 524, 724 and the through holes 45, 47 of the support column 4, and an umbrella-shaped portion 93 provided at the end of the rod-shaped portion 91 opposite to the insertion tip (which is the base end) and which is larger than the through holes 524a, 724a of the contact portions 524, 724. This prevents the connecting member 9 from coming loose on the insertion side. The rod-shaped portion 91 has a curved portion 91a in the middle of its longitudinal direction. This makes it difficult for the connecting member 9 to come loose from the through holes 524a, 724a, 45, and 47. The rod-shaped portion 91 has a first portion 91b located on the umbrella portion 93 side relative to the curved portion 91a, and a second portion 91c located on the opposite side of the umbrella portion 93 relative to the curved portion 91a, with the first portion 91b being shorter than the second portion 91c. As a result, the second portion 91c is longer than the first portion 91b, and its own weight acts to cause the second portion 91c to extend downward. Therefore, the second portion 91c side faces downward, making it difficult for the connecting member 9 to come out of the through holes 524a, 724a, 45, and 47. The curved portion 91a is configured such that the angle between the first portion 91b and the second portion 91c is within the range of 60 to 120 degrees. This makes it easier to insert the connecting member 9 having the curved portion 91a into the through holes 524a, 724a, 45, and 47.

[0047] Although embodiments have been described above, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be modified in the following ways, for example. Furthermore, embodiments may be combined with modifications, or modifications may be combined with each other. Furthermore, examples not described in the embodiments or modifications, as well as design changes that do not depart from the gist of the invention, are also included in the present invention.

[0048] <Variation> 1. Erection Members In the above configuration, the erection members 5, 6, and 7 are provided with separate crossbar members 51, 61, and 71 and end members 52, 62, and 72. These members are integrated using fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, pins) or by welding, but they may also be constructed as a single piece formed by press-forming from a single metal plate. Furthermore, using pre-formed profiles (such as channel members or angle members) as bracing members may be advantageous in terms of length adjustment in the first direction and material costs. In the above configuration, the erection members 5, 6, and 7 had different configurations depending on the installation location, but for example, the three erection members could be standardized. For example, when using the upper erection member 5 to erect the intermediate and lower ends of a pair of support columns in the vertical direction, multiple sets of grooves (44) for the engaging portion 523 of the erection member 5 and through holes (45) for the through holes 524a of the contact portion 524 are provided on the long wall portion of the support column at intervals in the vertical direction. The erection member 5 is then tilted so that one end member 52 in the first direction engages with the support column 4 on one side, and then the other end member 52 of the erection member 5 engages with the support column 4 on the other side to be attached.

[0049] 2. Strut In the above configuration, there is a pair of support columns 4 in the first direction, and grooves 43, 44, 46 and through holes 47 are provided in a symmetrical manner with respect to the central axis of the support column 4 so that it can be used regardless of which direction it is positioned in the first direction. However, the grooves and through holes may also be provided in a position that is fixed in the first direction, that is, in a symmetrical manner. In the above configuration, the groove 43 of the support column 4 was composed of a vertically elongated through groove, but it may also be composed of, for example, an "L"-shaped through groove (hole). In this case, the engaging portion may be provided at the upper or lower end of the contact portion and bend in the left-right direction after extending in the front-rear direction, and engagement may be configured by inserting the bent portion of the engaging portion into the horizontal groove portion and then moving the engaging portion downward while the portion extending in the front-rear direction of the engaging portion is located within the vertical groove portion. In the above configuration, the upper groove 44 of the support column 4 was composed of a through groove that is long in the vertical direction and has an open upper end. However, it may also be composed of a through groove that is long in the front-to-back direction, or of an "L"-shaped through groove (hole). In the case of a through groove that is long in the front-to-back direction, the engaging portion may be provided on the horizontal plate and bend in the front-to-back direction after extending outward in the left-to-right direction, and engagement may be configured by inserting the engaged portion into the through groove from the bent portion and then moving the engaged portion in the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, in the case of an "L"-shaped through groove, the engaging portion may be provided on the horizontal plate and bend in the front-to-back direction after extending outward in the left-to-right direction, and engagement may be configured by inserting the engaged portion into the horizontal groove from the bent portion and then moving the engaged portion downward while the left-to-right extending portion of the engaging portion is located within the vertical groove. In the modified examples of the end members of the erection members described below, if the position of the engaging portion or contact portion changes, the position of the groove portion or through hole portion of the support column will also change so that the changed engaging portion can engage or the connecting member can be inserted. Therefore, the explanation of this will be omitted.

[0050] 3. Suspended members (1) Upper rail member In the above configuration, the cross-sectional shape of the upper rail member 51 was a "U" shape with the bottom open, but it may also be a "U" shape with either the top or a second direction open. When the top is open, the end member can be made by inverting the end member of the above configuration vertically and reversing the positions of the engaging portion and the contact portion vertically. In the above configuration, the upper wall portion 511 of the upper rail member 51, which has a "U" shaped cross-section, was fixed to the horizontal plate portion 521 of the end member 52. However, for example, the side wall portion 513 of the upper rail member 51 may be fixed to the vertical plate portion 522 of the end member 52, or the upper wall portion 511 and the side wall portion 513 of the upper rail member 51 may be fixed to the end member 52.

[0051] (2) End members In the above configuration, there were two engaging portions 523 in the second direction, but there may be only one if there are no problems in terms of mechanical properties. Also, although there were two engaging portions 523 in the second direction, there may be multiple (for example, two) in the vertical direction. In the above configuration, the vertical dimensions of the two engaging portions 523A and 523B were different, but as shown in Figure 8(a), the engaging portions 1523A and 1523B may be the same length. In this case, this can be achieved by providing the engaging portions 1523A and 1523B on the upper side of the end member 1052, or by providing the contact portion 524 on the lower side.

[0052] In the above configuration, the contact portion 524 extends (bends) outward from the end of one vertical plate portion 522 in the second direction, but it may also extend (bend) inward in the second direction (towards the other vertical plate portion 522). In the above embodiment, there was one contact portion 524, but as shown in Figure 8(a), there may be two contact portions 1524A and 1524B, spaced apart in the second direction. In this case, the load such as an earthquake can be received by the two connecting members, and it can withstand stronger earthquakes. The contact portions 1524A and 1524B may or may not have a portion protruding upward, as with the contact portion 524 in the embodiment. Also, if the distance between the pair of vertical plate portions 1522 is large, they may extend (bend) inward from the ends of the vertical plate portions 1522 in the second direction. In the above configuration, the contact portion 524 was provided at the end of one of the vertical plate portions 522. However, as shown in Figure 8(b), the contact portion 2524 may extend downward (bend) from the first-direction end of the horizontal plate portion 2521 of the end member 2052. This makes it possible to reduce the dimension in the second direction. The contact portion may also extend upward from the first-direction end of the horizontal plate portion.

[0053] In the above configuration, the end member 52 integrally had a horizontal plate portion 521 and a pair of vertical plate portions 522. However, for example, the pair of vertical plate portions may be provided separately and the pair of vertical plate portions may be individually fixed to the upper rail member. The engaging portion 523 can be provided on the pair of vertical plate portions, and the contact portion 524 can be provided on one of the vertical plate portions.

[0054] 4. Intermediate structural members (1) Intermediate crossbar member In the above configuration, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate support member 71 was a "U" shape with one side in the second direction open, but it may also be a "U" shape with the top or bottom open, for example. In this case, it can be implemented by changing the position of the bent portion 725 and the engaging portion 723 of the middle end member 72. Similarly, the cross-sectional shape of the intermediate support member 71 may also be a "U" shape with the other side in the second direction open. In the above configuration, the vertical plate portion 712 of the middle support member 71 was fixed to the vertical plate portion 721 of the middle end member 72. However, for example, at least one of the pair of upper and lower horizontal plate portions 711 of the middle support member 71 may be fixed to the middle end member 72. In this case, the middle end member 72 needs to have an extended portion on the middle support member 71 side at at least one of the upper and lower ends of the contact portion 724. The vertical plate portion 721 can also be considered an extended portion for fixing.

[0055] (2) Middle end member In the above configuration, there were two engaging portions 723 in the vertical direction, but one may be used if there are no problems in terms of mechanical properties. In the above configuration, the vertical dimensions of the two engaging portions 723A and 723B were the same, but they may be different.

[0056] 5. Connecting Member In the above embodiment, the pin member had a curved portion, but it may also be a screw member or a rivet member. In the above configuration, the first part 91b was shorter than the second part 91c, but the lengths of the first and second parts may be the same, or the first part may be longer than the second part. However, considering the ease with which the connecting member can be oriented downwards, it is preferable for the second part to be longer. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of lightness and ease of removal, the second part is preferably 2 to 5 times the length of the first part. This increases the effect of the weight of the second part.

[0057] In the above configuration, the contact portion 724 was composed of a portion that closes the end opening of the intermediate support member 71 in the first direction, but for example, it may extend from the closing portion to one side in the vertical direction along the long wall portion 42 of the support column 4.

[0058] 6. Fixtures The fixture 1 in the above configuration was used as an article display shelf X for placing articles or displaying goods, but it may also be used as a storage shelf that is box-shaped and has an opening and closing door on its front. In this case, the connecting structure described in the embodiment can be applied to at least one of the following: connecting the front and rear support columns on the left and right sides, connecting the left and right support columns on the rear side, or connecting the upper or lower ends of the left and right support columns on the front side. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Fixtures 2 shelves 3 brackets 4 pillars 5. Elevating members (erecting members) 7. Intermediate erection members (erection members) 9 Connecting member 43 Groove 44 Upper groove (groove) 523 Engaging part 524 Contact part 723 Engaging part 724 Contact part

Claims

1. In a fixture connection structure in which a support column is connected to a mounting member, The erection member comprises a crossbar member extending in a first direction and an end member provided at the end of the crossbar member in the first direction. The end member has a horizontal plate portion facing at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the cross member, and a vertical plate portion extending vertically from the end of the horizontal plate portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction. The end member has an engaging portion and a contact portion, The engaging portion is provided so as to extend outward in the first direction from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction, The contact portion is provided so as to extend from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The engaging portion of the erection member engages with the groove extending vertically in the support column, and the contact portion of the erection member contacts the support column. The connecting member is inserted through the through hole of the contact portion and the through hole of the support column, thereby connecting the contact portion to the support column. The engaging portion engages with the groove portion from above, The aforementioned vertical plate portion extends from both ends of the horizontal plate portion in the second direction, and there are a total of two of them. The aforementioned engaging portion is provided on the two vertical plate portions, and there are two of them in the second direction. The aforementioned contact portion is provided on one of the two vertical plate portions, The engaging portion provided on one of the vertical plate sections has a shorter vertical dimension than the engaging portion provided on the other of the vertical plate sections. The connecting structure of the fixtures.

2. In a fixture connection structure in which a support column is connected to a mounting member, The erection member comprises a crossbar member extending in a first direction and an end member provided at the end of the crossbar member in the first direction. The end member has a horizontal plate portion facing at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the cross member, and a vertical plate portion extending vertically from the end of the horizontal plate portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction. The end member has an engaging portion and a contact portion, The engaging portion is provided so as to extend outward in the first direction from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction, The contact portion is provided so as to extend from the end of the horizontal plate portion or the vertical plate portion in the first direction in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, The engaging portion of the erection member engages with the groove extending vertically in the support column, and the contact portion of the erection member contacts the support column. The connecting member is inserted through the through hole of the contact portion and the through hole of the support column, thereby connecting the contact portion to the support column. The engaging portion engages with the groove portion from above, The aforementioned vertical plate portion extends from both ends of the horizontal plate portion in the second direction, and there are a total of two of them. The aforementioned engaging portion is provided on the two vertical plate portions, and there are two of them in the second direction. The aforementioned contact portion is provided on both of the two vertical plate portions. The two engagement portions have the same vertical dimension. The connecting structure of the fixtures.

3. The through hole of the contact portion and the through hole of the support column overlap in the first direction when in contact. The fixture connection structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The connecting member has a rod-shaped portion that can be inserted through the through hole of the contact portion and the through hole of the support column, and an umbrella-shaped portion provided at the end of the rod-shaped portion opposite to the insertion tip and larger than the through hole of the contact portion. The rod-shaped portion has a curved portion in the middle of its longitudinal direction. A furniture connecting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The rod-shaped portion of the connecting member has a first portion located on the umbrella side with respect to the curved portion, and a second portion located on the opposite side of the umbrella with respect to the curved portion. The first part is shorter than the second part. The curved portion is configured such that the angle between the first portion and the second portion is within the range of 60 to 120 degrees. The fixture connection structure according to claim 4.

6. There are two of the aforementioned support posts. The erection member is connected to the two support columns, The contact portions of the end members at both ends in the first direction are provided such that, when the erection member is connected to the two support columns, a virtual line connecting the contact portions at both ends in the first direction intersects with the erection member. A furniture connecting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. There are two of the aforementioned support posts. The erection member is connected to the two support columns, The contact portions of the end members at both ends in the first direction are provided such that, when the erection member is connected to the two support columns, the imaginary line connecting the contact portions at both ends in the first direction is parallel to the erection member. A furniture connecting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. A pair of support pillars, An upper mounting member that connects the upper ends of the pair of support columns, One or more intermediate support members are installed to connect the upper and lower ends of the pair of support columns at their midpoints. Equipped with, The connecting structure for connecting the above-mentioned upper frame member and the support column is the connecting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. furniture.

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