Fixed structure

Abstract

To provide means capable of quickly mounting (positioning) a member to be journaled on a desired axial position of a rod-like body, and surely fixing the same at the positioned place with a simple operation.SOLUTION: A fixing structure includes: rod-like bodies respectively having a contracted surface existing on a prescribed region and gradually reduced in a radius from an axis toward a circumferential central portion of the region, and a rib disposed in an axial direction to be adjacent to the contracted surface, continuously or discontinuously extending in a circumferential direction, and projecting radially outward; fixing members respectively having a recessed portion having an insertion hole to which the rod-like body can be inserted relatively rotatably along the circumferential direction, and axially recessed at an inner periphery of the insertion hole so that the rib can be fitted, allowing axial displacement of the rod-like body by rotating a relative rotational position to the rod-like body to a position where the recessed portion is opposed to the contracted surface, and restricting the axial displacement of the rod-like body by rotating the recessed portion to a position to fit the rib; an engagement surface engaged with the contracted surface of the rod-like body; and a member to be journaled having a housing portion for rotatably housing a diameter expanded portion of the fixing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fixing structure for fixing a frame to a predetermined position in the axial direction of a support column.

Background Art

[0002] As a technique for fixing a frame to a predetermined position in the axial direction of a support column, for example, a fixing technique applied to an external fixator in the medical field is known.

[0003] A conventional external fixator includes a plurality of support columns, a plurality of nuts, and a plurality of rings (frames). External threads are formed on the outer periphery of the support column, and nuts can be screwed onto the external threads. A plurality of insertion holes are formed in the ring along the circumferential direction. By inserting the support column through a desired position of the insertion hole and tightening two nuts so as to sandwich the ring, the ring and the support column are fixed. Such an external fixator fixes the ring to a predetermined position in the axial direction of the support column by screwing one nut onto the support column at a predetermined position in the axial direction, inserting the support column through the insertion hole, and then screwing another nut onto the support column and tightening it to sandwich the ring between the two nuts. (See, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2) Also, as a technique for fixing a frame to a predetermined position in the axial direction of a support column, for example, a fixing technique in a frame rack is known.

[0004] Conventional frame racks consist of four support columns, multiple segmented sleeves, and multiple shelves (frames). Multiple fitting grooves are formed on the outer circumference of the support columns at various height positions (axial positions), and the segmented sleeves have protrusions on their inner circumference that can engage with these grooves when the support columns are sandwiched between them. The outer surface of the segmented sleeves has a tapered shape, narrowing towards the top, and through-holes are formed at the corners of the shelves, corresponding to the outer surface of the segmented sleeves and tapering towards the bottom. When a segmented sleeve is inserted from below the through-hole, the tapered surfaces of the segmented sleeve and the through-hole come into contact, causing the protrusions of the segmented sleeves to engage tightly with the fitting grooves of the support columns. Such frame racks are positioned by fitting the protrusions of the segmented sleeves into fitting grooves at appropriate heights on the support columns, and then inserting the segmented sleeves into the through-holes of the shelves to position the shelves at the desired height. In other words, the frame is fixed at a predetermined axial position of the support columns. (See, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4) [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2002-522145 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2003-532481 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-70817 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-155213 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The fixing structure used in the external fixators described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 involves fixing the support column to the ring using multiple nuts, resulting in a large number of parts. Furthermore, in order to adjust the support column to a predetermined position on the frame, it is necessary to rotate each of the two nuts relative to the support column. Therefore, to move the frame significantly in the axial direction of the support column, the nuts must be rotated dozens of times, resulting in extremely poor workability. Moreover, the nuts can loosen due to vibration, so there is a problem in that they cannot be fixed stably for a long period of time.

[0007] Furthermore, the fixing structure used for frame racks described in the aforementioned Patent Documents 3 and 4 involves fixing to the support column by interposing sleeves, which results in a large number of parts. In addition, the sleeves may crack over time after being in use, and if a crack occurs in the sleeve, the shelf may fall, which poses a safety problem.

[0008] This invention was made through diligent research by the inventors in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a means for quickly installing (positioning) a supported member to a desired axial position of a rod-shaped body with a simple structure, and for securely fixing it at the positioned location with simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The fixing structure of the present invention comprises a rod-shaped body having a reduced-diameter surface located in a predetermined region, the radius from the axis gradually decreasing toward the circumferential center of the region, and ribs arranged axially adjacent to the reduced-diameter surface, extending continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction and projecting radially outward; a fixing member having an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped body can be inserted so as to rotate relative to it along the circumferential direction, the inner circumference of the insertion hole having a recessed portion arranged axially and recessed so as to fit the ribs, thereby enabling axial displacement of the rod-shaped body by rotating its relative rotation position with respect to the rod-shaped body to a position where the recessed portion faces the reduced-diameter surface, and restricting axial displacement of the rod-shaped body by rotating it to a position where the recessed portion fits the ribs; and a supported member having an engagement surface that engages with the reduced-diameter surface of the rod-shaped body and a housing portion that rotatably accommodates the expanded diameter portion of the fixing member.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the housing portion of the supported member has a housing portion notch into which the fixing member can be inserted.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the fixing member has an expanded diameter portion, the expanded diameter portion has a planar outer surface formed by cutting out two opposing regions, and is set to be insertable from the housing portion cutout.

[0012] Furthermore, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the housing portion is formed in a substantially frustoconical shape, and the fixing member has a tapered surface that can engage with the tapered surface of the housing portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the fixing member has a notch into which the rod-shaped body can be inserted from the side of the insertion hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the fixing member has an operating part for rotating the fixing member relative to the supported member.

[0015] In addition, the fixing structure of the present invention is characterized in that the shaft-supported member has a locking portion that engages with the operation portion when the fixing member is rotated and positioned at a rotational position where the concave portion of the fixing member and the rib of the rod-shaped body are fitted.

[0016] In addition, the fixing structure of the present invention is such that the rib has a substantially square pyramid shape in a plane-expanded state, and the concave shape Department is substantially similar to the shape of the rib.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, with a simple structure, the shaft-supported member can be quickly installed (positioned) at a desired axial position of the rod-shaped body, and can be reliably fixed at the positioned location with a simple operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an external fixator to which the fixing structure according to the first embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a (a) front view, (b) side view, (c) plan view, and (d) perspective view showing a part of the support column (rod member). [Figure 3] It is a (a) rear perspective view, (b) front perspective view, and (c) plan view showing the fixing member. [Figure 4] It is a (a) perspective view, (b) plan view, and (c) cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (b) showing a part of the frame. [Figure 5] It is a (a) perspective view and (b) front view showing the state where the support column is assembled to the fixing member. [Figure 6] It is a (a) perspective view and (b) front view showing the state where the fixing member is assembled to the frame. <S [Figure 7] It is a (a) perspective view and (b) front view showing the state where the fixing member is locked to the frame. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a frame rack to which the fixing structure according to the second embodiment is applied. [Figure 9](a) a front perspective view showing the fixing member relating to the first modified example, (b) a rear perspective view, and (c) a perspective view showing a part of the frame, and (d) a cross-sectional view AA in (c). [Figure 10] (a) A perspective view showing the fixing member and (b) A perspective view showing a part of the frame relating to the second modified example. [Figure 11] (a) A perspective view showing the fixing member and (b) A perspective view showing a part of the frame, relating to the third modified example. [Figure 12] (a) a rear perspective view, (b) a front perspective view, and (c) a plan view showing the fixing member relating to the fourth modified example. [Figure 13] This is a partial plan view of the frame showing two modified examples (a) and (b) of the stopper section. [Figure 14] (a) Front view, (b) Side view, (c) Top view, and (d) Perspective view show some examples of other support columns (rod members). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of an external fixator comprising the fixation structure of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an external fixator to which the fixation structure according to the first embodiment is applied; Figure 2 shows (a) a front view, (b) a side view, (c) a top view, and (d) a perspective view showing a part of the support column (rod member); Figure 3 shows (a) a rear perspective view, (b) a front perspective view, and (c) a top view showing the fixation member; Figure 4 shows (a) a perspective view, (b) a top view, and (c) a cross-sectional view in (b) AA showing a part of the frame.

[0020] In this embodiment, an example of applying the fixing structure of the present invention to an external fixator is described, but it may also be applied to various other things such as racks and construction scaffolding, and the scope of application is not particularly limited.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the external fixator 1 has two frames 2, 2, which are supported by four rod-shaped supports 3, 3... The lower frame 2 is an inverted version of the upper frame 2. The number of frames 2 is not limited to two; there may be one or more than three. The number of supports 3 may be three or fewer, or five or more. The frames 2 and supports 3 are connected via a fixing member 4, and by operating the fixing member 4, the frames 2 can be positioned and fixed in a predetermined axial position on the supports 3.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the support column 3 has two predetermined regions opposite each other on either side of the axis O, each extending axially and having a radius that gradually decreases from the axis toward the circumferential center of the region, as well as ribs 32 arranged in a row axially and projecting radially outward, and concave surfaces 33 recessed in the axial direction, alternating with the ribs 32. That is, the support column 3 is a round bar with a virtual circle m centered on the axis O, and is formed such that the two regions opposite each other on either side of the axis O are arranged parallel to each other, and the ribs 32 and concave surfaces 33 are formed on the curved surfaces in the two opposing regions between the two regions. It goes without saying that the alternating pitch of the ribs 32 and the concave surfaces 31 does not necessarily have to be the same, and the spacing between the ribs 32 arranged in a row axially may be set to be sufficiently long or significantly long compared to the axial width of the ribs 32 themselves. The reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 may be, for example, the width of two surfaces formed on the support column 3. As shown in Figure 2(c), the support column 3 has a substantially oval shape in which two opposing regions on either side of the axis O of a virtual circle m are cut out in parallel by the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31, but it may also be elliptical. The support column 3 can be made of a rigid material such as iron, steel, or aluminum-based material, or a resin such as a reinforced resin using carbon fiber, or any other material as appropriate. The ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 are preferably formed at equal pitches in the axial direction. In the external fixator 1, for example, the ribs 32 are formed at a pitch of 1 mm.

[0023] The concave surface 33 is set such that its distance from the axis O is within the range of the distance from the axis O of the reduced-diameter surface 31. For example, the distance from the axis O of the concave surface 33 can be set such that it corresponds to the radius at the circumferential center of the reduced-diameter surface 31.

[0024] The rib 32 has an overall rounded shape, with a tip 32a at its radial end, and the ridge 32b forming the tip 32a extends perpendicular to the axis and both ends toward the reduced diameter surface 31. The rib 32 also consists of four surfaces 32c1 to 32c4 that face in different normal directions.

[0025] The four faces 32c1 to 32c4 form a roughly square pyramidal shape when the outer surface of the support column 3 is unfolded onto a virtual plane (unfolded state). Of the four faces 32c1 to 32c4, the upper left is designated as face 32c1, the lower left as face 32c2, the upper right as face 32c3, and the lower right as face 32c4, in the orientation shown in Figure 2(b).

[0026] The ridges 32b that form the boundaries between surfaces 32c1 and 32c2, and between surfaces 32c3 and 32c4, extend perpendicular to the axis, with both ends pointing toward the opposing reduced-diameter surfaces 31, 31. Furthermore, surfaces 32c1 to 32c4 have a shape that is reduced in the axial direction of the support column 3 toward the circumferential end located on the reduced-diameter surface 31 side, i.e., a shape with reduced width. Therefore, the rib 32 has a pointed tip 32a at its circumferential end. The tip 32a may have a cross-sectional shape that is approximately acute, approximately obtuse, or approximately arc-shaped, or it may be a slightly flat surface, but it is preferably a slightly arc-shaped shape to prevent snagging on the outside.

[0027] The rib 32 protrudes most radially outward at its center, and its radial projection length gradually decreases towards the circumferential end. That is, the ridge line 32b of the rib 32 is positioned inside the virtual circle m, which has a radius from the axis of the support column 3 shown in Figure 2(c) to the point where the rib 32 has the longest projection length. Furthermore, the rib 32 is set so that its radial projection length is approximately zero at its circumferential end, and the ridge line 32b is substantially connected to the reduced-diameter surface 31 at the circumferential end. Of course, the ridge line 32b may not be connected to the reduced-diameter surface 31, and the circumferential end of the rib 32 may form an end face that is substantially flush with the reduced-diameter surface 31. Also, the rib 32 may be formed to extend continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction.

[0028] The ribs 32 and concave surfaces 33 are provided in two opposing regions with the axis O in between, and the axial positions of the ribs 32 and the concave surfaces 33 are set to be staggered in each region. That is, the concave surfaces 33 are positioned at the axial position in the other region that corresponds to the axial position of the ribs 32 in one region with the axis O in between. Also, the ribs 32 are positioned at the axial position in the other region that corresponds to the axial position of the concave surfaces 33 in one region. Of course, the axial positions of the ribs 32 and concave surfaces 33 in each region may be set to coincide.

[0029] Next, the fixing member 4 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The fixing member 4 has an insertion hole 41 surrounding the support column 3. The fixing member 4 can be made of a rigid material such as iron, steel, or aluminum-based material, or a resin such as a reinforced resin using carbon fiber, or any other material as appropriate, but it is preferable that it has elasticity. On the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 41, two predetermined regions opposite each other with respect to the axis P have parallel inner planes 42, 42 that extend in the axial direction. A curved surface 43 is formed in one region between the inner planes 42, 42, and a notch 44 is formed in the other region that is cut out from the inner circumference toward the outer circumference. The notch 44 is formed by extending from the inner planes 42, 42 of the insertion hole 41. The distance between the inner planes 42, 42 of the insertion hole 41 is formed to be slightly larger than the distance between the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3. The curvature of the curved surface 43 of the insertion hole 41 is formed to be slightly smaller than the curvature of the virtual circle m of the support column 3.

[0030] The curved surface 43 is set to be located radially outward from the rib 32 when it is approximately equidistant from the axis P and surrounds the support column 3. That is, when the axis P of the fixing member 4 and the axis O of the support column are aligned, the virtual circle n passing through the curved surface 43 is slightly larger in diameter than the virtual circle m of the support column 3, and the curve 43 is set to be approximately non-contacting with the rib 32. Note that the curved surface 43 is not limited to being approximately equidistant from the axis P; it may be set so that the distance from the axis changes along the circumferential direction, as long as it is at least non-contacting with the rib 32.

[0031] On the inner planes 42, 42, engaging projections 42a and recessed portions 42b are formed to correspond to the ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 of the support column 3. The recessed portions 42b are recesses that are concave relative to the engaging projections 42a and are arranged alternately with the engaging projections 42a in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the recessed portions 42b correspond to the ribs 32 of the support column 3 and are recessed to be slightly larger than the ribs 32 and substantially similar in shape. That is, the recessed portions 42b are generally rounded and recessed to form a substantially square pyramidal shape when the outer circumferential surface passing through the curved surface 43 with the axis P as the center is unfolded into a virtual plane (unfolded state).

[0032] The depth of the concave portion 42b should be set such that, at a predetermined relative position, its bottom is at least radially outward from the rib 32. That is, the depth of the concave portion 42b may be set so that it is approximately equidistant from the axis P, and it may be connected to the curved surface 43 so as to form a substantially continuous surface. Of course, the depth of the concave portion 42b may also be set so that it is longer from the axis P than the curved surface 43, that is, deeper than the virtual circle n passing through the curved surface 43.

[0033] Furthermore, the concave portion 42b may be formed to have an asymmetric shape with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to the axial direction when viewed radially. That is, one end in the circumferential direction may be a widened open end, gradually narrowing toward the other end, while the other end becomes a closed end that restricts the circumferential displacement of the rib 32. In this case, as will be described later, when the fixing member 4 and the support column 3 rotate relative to each other, the side from which the rib 32 enters or exits the concave portion 42b becomes the open end.

[0034] The engaging projection 42a is a ridge that protrudes relative to the concave portion 42b and extends in the circumferential direction, and is arranged alternately with the concave portion 42b in the axial direction. In the embodiment, the engaging projection 42a is formed in a curved shape to correspond to the concave diameter surface 33 of the support column 3, and the radius of the top surface of the engaging projection 42a is set to be slightly larger than the radius of the concave diameter surface 33. The engaging projection 42a protrudes radially inward from the virtual circle n, and its top surface does not exceed the virtual plane on which the inner plane 42 is located. The distance from the axis P of the engaging projection 42a is set so that when the axis P surrounds the support column 3 and coincides with the axis O of the support column 3, the engaging projection 42a is located radially outward from the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31.

[0035] Furthermore, the engaging projections 42a and concave portion 42b are arranged in two opposing regions on either side of the axis P, corresponding to the rib 32 and concave diameter surface 33 of the support column 3, and the engaging projections 42a in one region and the engaging projections 42a in the other region are set to be at different axial positions from each other.

[0036] Therefore, similar to the ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 of the support column 3, by staggering the engagement projections 42a and concave portions 42b, the ribs 32 of the support column 3 can be fitted into each concave portion 42b. In the case where the support column 3 has a shape in which the axial positions of the ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 are aligned in two opposing regions with respect to the axis O, the engagement projections 42a and concave portions 42b should be aligned so that their axial positions are not staggered, in accordance with the arrangement of the ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 of the support column 3.

[0037] The outer circumference of the fixing member 4 has a cylindrical portion 45 at the top, which is roughly cylindrical in shape, and an expanded portion 46 at the bottom, which is roughly frustoconical in shape and widens from top to bottom. The diameter of the lower end of the cylindrical portion 45 and the diameter of the upper end of the expanded portion 46 are formed to be the same. The expanded portion 46 is formed so that the outer planes 46b, 46b are parallel to each other in two predetermined regions opposite each other with respect to the axis P. The outer planes 46b, 46b are also formed to be parallel to the inner planes 42, 42 of the insertion hole 41. Tapered surfaces 46a can be formed between the outer planes 46b, 46b.

[0038] The fixing member 4 has a plate-shaped lever portion 47 on its outer circumference which serves as an operating part. The lever portion 47 can be provided so as to protrude radially from the outer circumference opposite the notch portion 44, with the axis P of the cylindrical portion 45 in between.

[0039] Next, the frame 2 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 4. The frame 2 is a supported member pivotally supported by a rod-shaped support column, and can be formed in a roughly circular annular shape so as to be able to substantially enclose at least a part of the area of ​​the human body being treated. The frame 2 is formed in a plate frame shape, and stepped insertion holes 21, 21... are formed at roughly equal intervals along the circumferential direction, penetrating from one surface to the other. Each stepped insertion hole 21, 21... has a notch 21b, 21b... facing radially inward from the frame 2, thereby allowing the support column 3 to be inserted from the radially inward side of the frame 2. Of course, the notches 21b, 21b... do not have to be formed so as to be cut from the inside of the frame 2; they may be formed so as to be cut from the outside of the frame 2, or not to be formed at all. The stepped insertion holes 21 formed in the frame 2 may be a selective mixture of notches on the inside, notches on the outside, and no notches. The frame 2 can be made of rigid materials such as iron, steel, and aluminum-based materials, or resins such as reinforced resins using carbon fibers, or any other material as appropriate.

[0040] The stepped insertion hole 21 has a stepped portion 21a located slightly below the center in the thickness direction of the frame 2, a support column insertion hole 22 surrounding the support column 3 below the stepped portion 21a, and a fixing member housing portion 24 that rotatably accommodates the enlarged diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 around the axis P above the stepped portion 21a.

[0041] The support column insertion hole 22 has a support column insertion hole notch 23 that is cut out toward the radially inward (center side) of the frame 2. On the inner circumferential surface of the support column insertion hole 22, two opposing regions in the circumferential direction of the frame 2, with the axis Q in between, have parallel support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b that extend in the axial direction. In one region between the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b, a support column insertion hole notch 23 is formed that is cut out toward the radially inward (center side) of the frame 2, and in the other region opposite the support column insertion hole notch 23 with the axis Q in between, a support column guide surface 22a is formed. The support column insertion hole notch 23 is formed by extending from the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the support column insertion hole 22. The distance between the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the support column insertion hole 22 is formed to be slightly larger than the distance between the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3. The curvature of the support guide surface 22a of the support insertion hole 22 is formed to be approximately the same as the curvature of the curved surface 43 of the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4.

[0042] The fixing member housing section 24 has an opening at the top and an inner circumferential surface that is approximately frustoconical in shape to accommodate the expanded diameter section 46 of the fixing member 4. The inner circumferential surface forms a housing section tapered surface 24a with approximately the same inclination as the tapered surface 46a of the expanded diameter section 46 of the fixing member 4. The length of the frame 2 in the thickness direction in the fixing member housing section 24 (axial length of the axis Q) is approximately the same as the axial length of the axis P of the expanded diameter section 46 of the fixing member 4. The diameter of the upper opening of the fixing member housing section 24 is formed to be slightly larger than the upper diameter of the expanded diameter section 46. The diameter of the bottom surface of the fixing member housing section 24 (upper surface of the stepped section 21a) is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the bottom surface of the expanded diameter section 46.

[0043] The fixed member housing portion 24 has a housing portion notch 25 cut out toward the inside (center side) of the frame 2. The housing portion notch 25 has opposing notch surfaces 25a, 25a that are opposite each other across a straight line extending from the axis Q toward the center of the frame 2. The opposing notch surfaces 25a, 25a extend in the axial direction of the axis Q and are formed parallel to each other. Furthermore, the distance between the opposing notch surfaces 25a, 25a is formed to be slightly larger than the distance between the outer planes 46b, 46b of the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixed member 4, and smaller than the diameter of the upper part of the expanded diameter portion 46 (the diameter of the upper surface of the virtual frustum of a cone including the tapered surface 46a).

[0044] On the upper surface of the frame 2, a stopper portion 26 is formed, which acts as a locking portion that comes into contact with the lever portion 47 when the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 is inserted into the fixing member housing portion 24 from the housing portion notch portion 25 and the lever portion 47 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90°.

[0045] Frame 2 may be formed as a single unit or as separate parts. For example, the frame may be divided into upper and lower sections with a stepped section as the boundary, and the frame may be formed with a lower frame in which the support column insertion holes are formed and an upper frame in which the fixing member housing section 24 is formed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing member 4 is formed to be detachable from the frame 2, but it may also be configured to be pre-assembled into the frame 2 and not detachable. In that case, the housing notch and the support column insertion notch become unnecessary.

[0047] Next, the procedure for fixing the frame 2 and the support column 3 will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 5 shows the support column assembled to the fixing member (a) perspective view, (b) front view; Figure 6 shows the fixing member assembled to the frame (a) perspective view, (b) front view; and Figure 7 shows the fixing member locked to the frame (a) perspective view, (b) front view. Note that the procedure described below is just one example, and the fixing procedure is not limited to the procedure described.

[0048] First, as shown in Figure 5, the support column 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 41 through the notch 44 of the fixing member 4. At this time, the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are aligned with the inner surfaces 42, 42 (including the engaging projection 42a and the concave portion 42b) of the fixing member 4. At this time, the support column 3 can move along the axial direction without contacting the fixing member 4 (in a loosely fitted state). That is, since the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 are located radially inward from the engaging projection 42a and the inner surface 42, the support column 3 can be displaced axially while inserted into the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 6, with the support column 3 inserted into the insertion hole 41, the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 is inserted from the housing notch 25 of the frame 2 into the fixing member housing 24. When inserting, the outer surfaces 46b, 46b of the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 are aligned with the notch-facing surfaces 25a, 25a of the housing notch 25 of the frame 2. Once the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 is inserted into the fixing member housing 24, the expanded diameter portion 46 is placed on the bottom surface (upper surface of the stepped portion 21a) of the fixing member housing 24, and furthermore, the tapered surface 46a on the insertion-direction tip side of the expanded diameter portion 46 abuts against the housing tapered surface 24a of the fixing member housing 24, thereby preventing the expanded diameter portion 46 from coming out of the fixing member housing 24 in the axial upward direction to a certain extent. When the fixing member 4 is inserted into the fixing member housing section 24, the support column 3 is inserted into the support column insertion hole 22 from the support column insertion hole notch 23 of the frame 2. At this time, the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are aligned to face the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the frame 2, and the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are loosely fitted between them and the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the frame 2.

[0050] Thus, with the expanded diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 inserted into the fixing member housing portion 24 of the frame 2, the rotation of the support column 3 relative to the frame 2 around the axis O is restricted because the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column are loosely fitted between the support engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the support column insertion hole 22 of the frame 2. Furthermore, the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are loosely fitted between the support engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the support column insertion hole 22 of the frame 2 and between the inner planes 42, 42 of the fixing member 4. In addition, the ribs 32 and concave diameter surface 33 of the support column 3 are loosely fitted between the curved surface 43 of the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4 and the support guide surface 22a of the support column insertion hole 22 of the frame 2. As a result, the support column 3 can move axially while being guided by the fixing member 4 and the frame 2. In other words, since the support column 3 can move axially within a roughly oval-shaped hole formed by the fixing member 4 and the frame 2, which is surrounded by a similar shape slightly larger than the outer shape of the support column 3, the frame 2 can be easily moved to a predetermined position in the axial direction of the support column 3.

[0051] After setting the frame 2 to the desired axial position of the support column 3, as shown in Figure 7, the lever portion 47 is operated until it contacts the stopper portion 26 of the frame 2, thereby rotating the fixing member 4 90° relative to the frame 2. This fixes the support column 3 to the fixing member 4 and the fixing member 4 to the frame 2, thereby fixing the frame 2 to the predetermined axial position of the support column 3. More specifically, when the fixing member 4 is rotated relative to the frame 2, since the support column 3 is supported in a way that prevents relative rotation to the frame 2, the fixing member 4 rotates relative to the support column 3 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the rib 32 of the support column 3 enters the concave portion 42b of the fixing member 4, and the rib 32 and the concave portion 42b engage. When the tip portion 32a of the rib 32 of the support column 3 is near the inner plane 42 of the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4, the support column 3 and the fixing member 4 engage, creating rotational resistance. However, if rotation exceeds this resistance, the rib 32 and the concave portion 42b engage. At this time, the fixing member 4 has a notch 22 and is roughly C-shaped in plan view, so it can be deformed to expand in diameter. When the concave portion 42b and the rib 32 are fitted together, the axial displacement of the fixing member 4 is restricted. That is, the relative displacement between the fixing member 4 and the support column 3 is restricted in both the pulling direction and the pushing direction of the support column 3 relative to the fixing member 4. Furthermore, when the rib 32 of the support column 3 is fitted into the concave portion 42b of the fixing member 4, the circumferential displacement of the fixing member 4 along a predetermined rotational direction relative to the support column 3 is also restricted. Therefore, the fixing member 4 is fixed to a predetermined axial position of the support column 3.

[0052] Furthermore, as the fixing member 4 rotates relative to the frame 2, the enlarged diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 rotates approximately 90° axially within the fixing member housing portion 24 of the frame 2. As a result, the enlarged diameter portion 46 rotates from a position where its outer plane 46b is aligned with the radial direction of the frame 2 to a position where it is aligned with the circumferential direction of the frame 2. This causes the tapered surface 46a of the enlarged diameter portion 46 located on the housing portion notch 25 side to also enter the fixing member housing portion 24, so that all tapered surfaces 46a are positioned to be in surface contact with the housing portion tapered surface 24a, preventing the enlarged diameter portion 46 from coming out axially upward relative to the fixing member housing portion 24. In other words, the axial displacement of the frame 2 relative to the support column 3 is restricted. At this time, the maximum length of the expanded diameter portion 46 in the direction along the outer plane 46b is greater than the width between the opposing surfaces 25a, 25a of the housing portion notch 25, so the expanded diameter portion 46 does not come out of the housing portion notch 25 of the fixing member housing portion 24. In other words, the radial displacement of the support column 3 relative to the frame 2 is restricted. Accordingly, the support column 3 is fixed to a predetermined axial position of the frame 2 via the fixing member 4.

[0053] When the lever portion 47 is rotated 90° in the opposite direction (counterclockwise), the engagement between the support column 3 and the frame 2 is released. That is, when the lever portion 47 is rotated 90° in the opposite direction (counterclockwise), the fixing member 4 rotates relative to the support column 3, causing the rib 32 to slip out of the concave portion 42b, and the engagement between the rib 32 and the concave portion 42b is released. After that, the state in Figure 6 is returned, and the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are loosely fitted between the support engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the support column insertion hole 22 of the frame 2 and the inner planes 42, 42 of the fixing member 4. Furthermore, the rib 32 and the concave diameter surface of the support column 3 are loosely fitted between the curved surface 43 of the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4 and the support guide surface 22a of the support column insertion hole 22 of the frame 2, allowing the frame 2 to be moved again to the predetermined axial position of the support column 3.

[0054] The procedure for fixing the frame 2 and the support column is not limited to the procedure described above. For example, the fixing member 4 may first be inserted into the fixing member housing section 24 of the frame 2, and then the support column 3 may be inserted into the insertion hole 41 of the fixing member 4 and the insertion hole 21 of the frame 2.

[0055] An example of how to attach the external fixator with the above configuration to the human body is described below. Note that the method described below is just one example, and the method of attachment is not limited to the method described.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, a pair of frames 2, 2 are supported by four support columns 3, 3..., and the frames 2 and support columns 3 are fixed to each other by eight fixing members 4, 4....

[0057] First, the limb is placed through the frames 2, 2 of the external fixator 1, and its approximate position is determined and positioned so that the treatment site is located between the opposing frames 2, 2.

[0058] Next, the lever portion 47 of the fixing member 4 at the point where the lock between the frame 2 and the support column 3 is to be released is operated to release the lock, the frame 2 is positioned at the desired axial position on the support column 3, and then the lever portion 47 is rotated until it engages with the stopper portion 26 of the frame 2 to lock the frame 2 and the support column 3 together.

[0059] This allows the spacing between frames 2, 2 to be adjusted to match the treatment area.

[0060] As described above, the external fixator according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure that allows the frame to be quickly installed (positioned) at a desired axial position on the support column, and can be securely fixed at the positioned location with simple operation.

[0061] Next, a second embodiment of the fixing structure of the present invention applied to a frame rack will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a frame rack to which the fixing structure of the present invention is applied.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the frame rack 100 has two shelves 200, 200, which are supported by four rod-shaped support columns 300, 300... The number of shelves 200 is not limited to two; there may be one or three or more. The number of support columns 3 may be three or fewer, or five or more. The shelves 200 and the support columns 300 are connected via fixing members 400, and by operating the fixing members 400, the shelves 200 can be positioned and fixed in a predetermined axial position on the support columns 300.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the shelf board 200, support column 300, and fixing member 400 correspond to the frame 2, support column 3, and fixing member 4 in the first embodiment. The first embodiment differs in that the shelf board 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and the stepped insertion holes are formed only at the four corners of the shelf board 200 and have notches on the outside.

[0064] To adjust the axial height of the shelf board 200 relative to the support column 300, first, rotate the levers at the four corners of the shelf board 200 to be adjusted 90° in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) to release the lock between the fixing member and the support column 300. Next, move the shelf board 200 to the desired axial position on the support column. In this position, rotate the levers at the four corners 90° until they engage with the stopper members to lock the fixing member and the support column 300, thus completing the height adjustment of the shelf board 200. Note that the above-described height adjustment method is an example and is not limited to this method.

[0065] With the above configuration, in the second embodiment as well, the shelf can be quickly installed (positioned) at a desired axial position on the support column with a simple structure, and can be securely fixed in the positioned location with simple operation.

[0066] In the first and second embodiments, examples were described in which the rod-shaped support columns are installed in a substantially vertical direction. However, the rod-shaped columns may also be installed in a substantially horizontal direction. For example, the bookshelf may be configured such that boards erected on the left and right sides form the pivot support members, and the rod-shaped columns are installed substantially horizontally between these boards.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 9, a first modified example of the fixing member and frame in the first embodiment is shown. Figure 9 is (a) a front perspective view showing the fixing member according to the first modified example, (b) a rear perspective view, and (c) a perspective view showing a part of the frame, and (d) a cross-sectional view AA in (c).

[0068] The reference numerals used in Figure 9 are basically the same as those used for the corresponding parts of the fixing member and frame in the first embodiment, with "A" added to the numerals. The first embodiment differs in the shape of the enlarged portion of the fixing member and the corresponding shape of the fixing member housing portion of the frame.

[0069] Specifically, the bulging portion 46A formed on the lower side of the outer circumference of the fixing member 4A is formed by extending from the upper cylindrical portion 45A at the top, and forming a large-diameter convex portion 46Aa at the bottom that is larger in diameter than the upper cylindrical portion 45A. Similar to the first embodiment, the bulging portion 46A is formed such that the outer planes 46Ab, 46Ab are parallel to each other in two predetermined regions opposite each other with respect to the axis P.

[0070] The fixing member housing portion 24A of frame 2A has an upper opening with a diameter slightly larger than that of the cylindrical portion 45A, and a concave groove, larger in diameter than the upper opening, is formed on the inner circumference in the circumferential direction to accommodate the large-diameter protrusion 46Aa of the bulging portion 46A of fixing member 4A, forming the housing portion recessed groove portion 24Aa. The axial height of the housing portion recessed groove portion 24Aa is formed to be slightly higher than the axial height of the large-diameter protrusion 46Aa. The diameter of the housing portion recessed groove portion 24Aa is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter of the large-diameter protrusion 46Aa.

[0071] The other components are the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0072] Because of the above configuration, when the fixing member 4A is housed in the fixing member housing portion 24A of the frame 2A using the same procedure as in the first embodiment, and the fixing member 4A is rotated 90° relative to the frame 2A by operating the lever portion 47A, all of the large-diameter protrusions 46Aa of the expanded diameter portion 46A enter the housing portion groove portion 24Aa of the fixing member housing portion 24A, preventing the expanded diameter portion 46A from coming out axially upward relative to the fixing member housing portion 24A.

[0073] As a result, the first modified example also produces the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0074] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, second and third modifications of the fixing member and frame in the first embodiment are shown. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing (a) the fixing member and (b) a perspective view showing a part of the frame, relating to the second modification. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing (a) the fixing member and (b) a perspective view showing a part of the frame, relating to the third modification.

[0075] The reference numerals used in Figures 10 and 11 are basically the same as the reference numerals for the corresponding parts of the fixing member and frame in the first embodiment, with "B" and "C" added to them, respectively. The difference from the first embodiment is that in the first embodiment, the outer surface 46Ab of the bulging diameter portion 46 of the fixing member 4 and the notched surface 25a of the corresponding housing portion notch 25 of the frame 2 are both formed in a planar shape, whereas in the second and third modifications, one of them is formed as a curved convex ridge and the other as a curved concave groove.

[0076] In the second modification, as shown in Figure 10, the fixing member 4B has an outer surface 46Bb formed in a curved convex shape with a bulge near the middle of the top and bottom at a position corresponding to the outer plane 46b in the first embodiment, and the frame 2B has a notch-facing surface 25Ba formed in a curved recessed groove with a recess near the middle of the top and bottom corresponding to the curved convex shape of the outer surface 46Bb at a position corresponding to the notch-facing surface 25 in the first embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, in the third modified form, as shown in Figure 11, the fixing member 4C has an outer surface 46Cb formed in a curved recessed groove with a recessed area near the middle of the top and bottom at a position corresponding to the outer plane 46b in the first embodiment, and the frame 2C has a notch-facing surface 25C formed in a curved convex ridge with a bulge near the middle of the top and bottom, corresponding to the curved recessed groove of the outer surface 46Cb at a position corresponding to the notch-facing surface 25 in the first embodiment.

[0078] With the above configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment are produced, and furthermore, when the bulging portion 46B(46C) of the fixing member 4B(4C) is inserted from the housing notch 25B(25C) of the frame 2B(2C) into the fixing member housing 24B(24C), the outer surface 46Bb(46Cb) engages with the notch-facing surface 25B(25C) in a recessed and recessed manner, restricting its vertical position and ensuring that the fixing member 4B(4C) is reliably guided to the predetermined position in the fixing member housing 24B(24C). Note that the outer surface of the fixing member and the notch-facing surface of the frame are not limited to recessed and recessed surfaces as in the second and third embodiments, and may be wave-shaped, zigzag-shaped, or the like, as long as the outer surface can pass through while being guided by the notch-facing surface.

[0079] Next, a fourth modified example is shown in Figures 2 and 12. The fourth modified example differs from the first embodiment in that the fixing member and the support column are configured to be screwable, and by rotating the fixing member, the axial relative position of the fixing member 4 with respect to the support column 3 is displaced, allowing the frame 2 to be quickly installed (positioned) at a desired axial position on the support column 3.

[0080] The support column 3 is basically the same as the one described in the first embodiment. That is, as explained earlier using Figure 2, ribs 32 and concave surfaces 33 are arranged alternately in the axial direction in each of the two regions of the outer curved surface opposite to each other with respect to the axis O, and the ribs 32 arranged in one region and the ribs 32 arranged in the other region and the concave surfaces 33 arranged in one region and the concave surfaces 33 arranged in the other region are set to be at different levels in the axial direction.

[0081] Here, the rib 32 constitutes a virtual helical groove (hereinafter referred to as "virtual helical groove"), and the concave diameter surface 33 constitutes a virtual helical groove (hereinafter referred to as "virtual helical groove").

[0082] As shown in Figure 12, the fixing member 4D has right-hand threaded female helical grooves 42Da formed on its inner circumferential surface, excluding the notch 44D of the insertion hole 41D. Female helical grooves 42Db are recessed between adjacent helical grooves. The female helical grooves 42Da and female helical grooves 42Db are formed in a series not only on the inner planes 42D, 42D, but also on the curved surface 43D side. The right-hand threaded female helical grooves 42Da and female helical grooves 42Db can be screwed into the virtual helical grooves and virtual helical grooves of the support column 3, respectively. The reference numerals used in Figure 12 are basically the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the fixing member in the first embodiment with "D" added to them.

[0083] The procedure for securing frame 2 and support column 3 is described below.

[0084] Although the configuration of the fixing members differs from that of the first embodiment, Figures 5, 6, and 7 are used as references for the sake of explanation.

[0085] First, the fixing member 4D is aligned to the desired axial position on the support column 3, and the support column 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 41D of the fixing member 4D through the notch 44D (resulting in the state shown in Figure 5). When inserting, as in the first embodiment, the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are aligned to face the inner planes 42D, 42D of the fixing member 4D (the inner planes 42D, 42D correspond to 42, 42 in Figure 5).

[0086] When the support column 3 is inserted into the insertion hole 41D of the fixing member 4D, the ribs 32 and concave diameter surface 33 of the support column 3 engage with the female screw threads 42Da and female screw grooves 42Db on the curved surface 43D side (the inner side of the insertion hole 41D) of the fixing member 4D. This restricts the relative axial movement between the fixing member 4D and the support column 3, thereby positioning the fixing member 4 to approximately the desired axial position relative to the support column 3.

[0087] Next, with the support column 3 inserted into the insertion hole 41D, the expanded diameter portion 46D of the fixing member 4D is inserted from the housing notch 25 of the frame 2 into the fixing member housing portion 24, and the support column 3 is inserted from the support column insertion hole notch 23 of the frame 2 into the support column insertion hole 22 (resulting in the state shown in Figure 6). When inserting, as in the first embodiment, the outer surfaces 46Db, 46Db of the expanded diameter portion 46D of the fixing member 4D are aligned with the notch-facing surfaces 25a, 25a of the housing notch 25 of the frame 2, and the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are aligned with the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the frame 2. As a result, the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 of the support column 3 are loosely fitted with the support column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b of the frame 2, restricting the rotation of the support column 3 relative to the frame 2 around its axis O.

[0088] When the expanded diameter portion 46D of the fixing member 4D is inserted into the fixing member housing portion 24, the expanded diameter portion 46D is positioned on the bottom surface (upper surface of the stepped portion 21a) of the fixing member housing portion 24, and the tapered surface 46Da on the insertion-direction tip side of the expanded diameter portion 46D abuts against the housing portion tapered surface 24a of the fixing member housing portion 24, thereby preventing the expanded portion 46D from coming out of the fixing member housing portion 24 in the axial direction. This restricts the axial movement of the frame 2 relative to the support column 3.

[0089] Subsequently, by operating the lever portion 47D of the fixing member 4D until it contacts the stopper portion 26 of the frame 2, the fixing member 4D is rotated approximately 90° relative to the frame 2. Since the column 3 and the frame 2 are prevented from rotating relative to each other due to the loose fit between the reduced diameter surfaces 31, 31 and the column engagement surfaces 22b, 22b, the fixing member 4D rotates relative to the column 3 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the female screw threads 42Da and female screw grooves 42Db on the inner surfaces 42D, 42D of the fixing member 4D engage with the virtual screw grooves and virtual screw threads consisting of ribs 32 and concave diameter surfaces 33 provided in two regions of the outer curved surface of the column 3, respectively, thereby more firmly restricting the relative axial movement between the fixing member 4D and the column 3.

[0090] At this time, the expanded diameter portion 46D of the fixing member 4D also rotates approximately 90° relative to the frame 2, so that the outer plane 46Db of the expanded diameter portion 46D rotates from a position along the radial direction of the frame 2 to a position along the circumferential direction of the frame 2 (as shown in Figure 7). Similar to the first embodiment, the maximum length of the expanded diameter portion 46D in the direction along the outer plane 46Db is set to be greater than the width between the notch-facing surfaces 25a, 25a of the housing portion notch 25, thereby preventing the expanded diameter portion 46D from coming out of the housing portion notch 25. In addition, the tapered surface 46Da located on the housing portion notch 25 side of the expanded diameter portion 46D also enters the fixing member housing portion 24, so that all tapered surfaces 46Da make surface contact with the housing portion tapered surface 24a, thereby reliably preventing the expanded diameter portion 46D from coming out of the fixing member housing portion 24 in the axial direction. Therefore, the frame 2 is fixed to the support column 3 at approximately the desired position in the axial direction via the fixing member 4D.

[0091] Next, the procedure for installing frame 2 at the desired axial position on support column 3 is shown.

[0092] By operating the lever portion 47D clockwise (towards the stopper portion 26), the frame 2 moves over the stopper portion 26, and the fixing member 4D rotates 1 full turn clockwise around the support column 3 until it contacts the stopper portion 26 again, causing the frame 2 to descend by one pitch (rib 32 pitch = 1 mm) relative to the support column 3. Conversely, by rotating the fixing member 4D counterclockwise around the support column 3, the frame 2 rises by one pitch (rib 32 pitch = 1 mm) relative to the support column 3.

[0093] As described above, the support column 3 can be inserted through the notch 4D of the fixing member 4D to position it at an approximate desired axial position. Furthermore, by rotating the fixing member 4D around the support column 3 and moving the support column 3 up and down, the fixing member 4D can be positioned at a desired axial position on the support column 3. In this way, the frame 2 can be quickly installed (positioned) at a desired axial position on the support column 3.

[0094] As shown in Figure 13(a), the frame 2D may be formed with two stopper portions 26D, 26D which hold the lever portion 47D(47) in between. The height of the stopper portion 26D is set so that it can be overcome by applying a certain rotational force to the fixing member 4D(4), but not by slight shocks or vibrations. In addition, the upper surface of the stopper portion 26D can be chamfered, for example, to form a rounded corner, which can make it easier for the lever portion 47D(47) to overcome it.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13(b), the frame 2E may be formed with two stopper portions 26Ea, 26Ea that hold the lever portion 47D(47) in between, and two more stopper portions 26Eb, 26Eb may also be formed on the upper surface opposite the fixing member housing portion 24E that hold the lever portion 47D(47) in between. With this configuration, the lever portion 47D(47) can be held between the stopper portions 26Ea, 26Ea and between the stopper portions 26Eb, 26Eb at half-rotation intervals, making it possible to adjust the frame 2E with respect to the support column 3 at half-pitch intervals (0.5 mm intervals). Note that in Figure 13(b), two lever portions 47D(47) are shown for the sake of explanation.

[0096] The placement of the stopper is not limited to the examples above; it can be any position on the frame at which the lever is locked at any angle. Furthermore, the number of stopper parts is not limited to the two or four shown above; it can be six or more.

[0097] Furthermore, in the fourth modification, an example was shown in which a right-hand threaded female spiral groove and female spiral groove are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole of the fixing member 4D. However, a left-hand threaded female spiral groove and female spiral groove may also be formed. In that case, contrary to the fourth modification, when the fixing member is rotated clockwise, the frame 2 rises relative to the support column 3, and when the fixing member is rotated counterclockwise, the frame 2 descends relative to the support column 3.

[0098] Furthermore, the support column may be configured to have male threaded grooves and male threaded grooves of only one type of right-hand thread, as shown in Figure 14. Note that the reference numerals used in Figure 12 are basically the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the support column in the first embodiment with "A" added, but 32A is a male threaded groove as a rib, and 33A is a male threaded groove with a right-hand thread. Of course, the support column may also be configured to have male threaded grooves and male threaded grooves of only one type of left-hand thread instead of right-hand threads.

[0099] The support column 3 (3A) is designed to continuously form virtual helical grooves and virtual helical ridges (male screw helical grooves and male screw helical grooves) along the entire axial direction in two regions of the curved surface of its outer circumference, but they may also be formed intermittently at specific locations along the axial direction.

[0100] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1 External fixator 2 Frame (shafted support material) 21 stepped insertion holes 26 Stopper section 3 Support (rod-shaped body) 31 Reduced diameter surface 32 Ribs 33 Concave surface 4 Fixing members 41 Through hole 42a Engagement protrusion 42b concave part 46 Expanded diameter part 47 Lever section 5 Fixed structure 100 Frame Rack 200 shelf board (supported member) 300 posts (rod-shaped body) 400 Fixing Member

Claims

1. A rod-shaped body having a reduced-diameter surface located in a predetermined region, the radius of which gradually decreases from the axis toward the circumferential center of the region, and ribs arranged axially adjacent to the reduced-diameter surface, extending continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction and projecting radially outward; A fixing member having an insertion hole through which the rod-shaped body can be inserted so as to rotate relative to it along the circumferential direction, and having a recessed portion on the inner circumference of the insertion hole that is disposed in the axial direction and recessed so as to be able to fit the rib, and by rotating the relative rotation position with respect to the rod-shaped body to a position where the recessed portion faces the reduced diameter surface, the axial displacement of the rod-shaped body is made possible, and by rotating the recessed portion to a position where the rib is fitted, the axial displacement of the rod-shaped body is restricted, A support member having an engaging surface that engages with the reduced diameter surface of the rod-shaped body, and a housing portion that rotatably accommodates the enlarged diameter portion of the fixing member, A fixed structure characterized by comprising the above.

2. The housing portion of the shaft support member has a housing portion notch into which the fixing member can be inserted. The fixing structure according to feature 1.

3. The fixing member has an expanded diameter portion, the expanded diameter portion has a planar outer surface formed by cutting out two opposing regions, and is set to be insertable from the housing portion cutout. The fixing structure according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned housing is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape, The fixing member has a tapered surface that can engage with the tapered surface of the housing portion. The fixing structure according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The fixing member has a notch into which the rod-shaped body can be inserted from the side of the insertion hole. The fixing structure according to any one of features 1 to 3.

6. The fixing member has an operating part for rotating the fixing member relative to the supported member. The fixing structure according to any one of features 1 to 3.

7. The shaft support member has a locking portion that engages with the operating portion when the fixing member is rotated to a position where the concave portion of the fixing member and the rib of the rod-shaped body fit together. The fixing structure according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned rib forms a roughly square pyramidal shape when unfolded in a planar state, The aforementioned concave portion has a shape substantially similar to that of the rib. The fixing structure according to any one of features 1 to 3.

9. A rod-shaped body having a reduced-diameter surface located in a predetermined region, the radius of which gradually decreases from the axis toward the circumferential center of the region, and ribs arranged axially adjacent to the reduced-diameter surface, extending continuously or intermittently in the circumferential direction and projecting radially outward; A fixing member having an insertion hole through which the above-mentioned rod-shaped body can be inserted so as to rotate relative to it along the circumferential direction, and having a helical groove on the inner circumference of the insertion hole that is arranged in the axial direction and recessed so as to be screwable into the above-mentioned rib, A support member having an engaging surface that engages with the reduced diameter surface of the rod-shaped body, and a housing portion that rotatably accommodates the enlarged diameter portion of the fixing member, A fixed structure characterized by comprising the above.

10. The housing portion of the shaft support member has a housing portion notch into which the fixing member can be inserted. The fixing structure according to feature 9.

11. The fixing member has an expanded diameter portion, the expanded diameter portion has a planar outer surface formed by cutting out two opposing regions, and is set to be insertable from the housing portion cutout. The fixing structure according to feature 10.

12. The fixing member has a notch into which the rod-shaped body can be inserted from the side of the insertion hole. The fixing structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The fixing member has an operating part for rotating the fixing member relative to the supported member. The fixing structure according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

14. The shaft support member has a locking portion that engages with the operating portion which rotates relative to it, and which is released from engagement with the operating portion by a certain degree of rotational force. The fixing structure according to feature 13.

Images