Connecting member

Abstract

To easily assemble walls surrounding a storage portion of various storage instruments by using multiple frame members and plate members.SOLUTION: A coupling member comprises: a first fitting portion 12 inserted into a square pipe portion 831 of a longitudinal frame member 83 as a first frame member; a second fitting portion 13 inserted into a square pipe portion 841 of a transverse frame member 84 as a second frame member; and an insertion engagement portion 14 that is inserted into a groove portion 832 formed in the longitudinal frame member 83 along a longitudinal direction of the square pipe portion 831 of the longitudinal frame member 83 and that is inserted into a groove portion 842 formed in the transverse frame member 84 along a longitudinal direction of the square pipe portion 841 of the transverse frame member 84.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling member suitable for use, for example, when assembling a wall surrounding a storage part of a storage cart.

Background Art

[0002] Storage carts used in warehouses, factories, etc. are known (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, a storage cart such as that of Patent Document 1 has a peripheral wall that rises from around the bottom plate and surrounds the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the storage part. It is desired that the peripheral wall can be easily assembled using a plurality of frame members and plate members.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a coupling member that enables easy assembly of a wall surrounding a storage part of various storage tools using a plurality of frame members and plate members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the coupling member according to the present invention may have a first fitting portion inserted into the pipe portion of the first frame member, a second fitting portion inserted into the pipe portion of the second frame member, and an insertion locking portion that is inserted into a groove portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion of the first frame member and inserted into a groove portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion of the second frame member.

[0007] The connecting member according to this invention may be configured such that the axial direction of the first fitting portion and the axial direction of the second fitting portion are mutually orthogonal, and the plate surface of the insertion locking portion is aligned with the axial direction of the first fitting portion and also aligned with the axial direction of the second fitting portion.

[0008] The connecting member according to this invention may be formed such that the first fitting portion, the second fitting portion, and the insertion locking portion are formed as an integrated member.

[0009] Furthermore, the connecting member according to this invention may have a first insertion locking portion that is inserted into a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the first frame member, a fitting portion that is inserted into a pipe portion of the second frame member, and a second insertion locking portion that is inserted into a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion of the second frame member.

[0010] The connecting member according to this invention may be configured such that the longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion and the axial direction of the fitting portion are mutually orthogonal, and the longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion and the protruding direction of the second insertion locking portion are mutually orthogonal.

[0011] The connecting member according to this invention may be formed such that the first insertion locking portion, the fitting portion, and the second insertion locking portion are formed as an integrated member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The connecting member according to this invention has a fitting portion that is inserted into the pipe portion of the frame member and an insertion locking portion that is inserted into the groove portion. This makes it possible to easily assemble a wall surrounding the storage area of ​​various storage items using multiple frame members and panels. Furthermore, it makes it possible to connect the frame members precisely and firmly in a manner that is perpendicular to each other, and it is possible to improve the efficiency of the assembly work of the wall surrounding the storage area of ​​the storage items.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a storage cart in an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a vertical frame member of a side plate frame of the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a horizontal frame member of a side plate frame of the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an intermediate frame member of a side plate frame of the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a corner joint member according to an embodiment of the present invention used for the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a front view of the corner joint member of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a view showing the usage state of the corner joint member of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing an intermediate joint member according to an embodiment of the present invention used for the storage cart of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a front view of the intermediate joint member of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a view showing the usage state of the intermediate joint member of FIG. 10.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. In the description of the present invention, as shown in each figure, the up / down, front / back (alternatively, front / rear), and left / right directions and each direction are defined along each axis of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system.

[0015] In this embodiment, the case where a joint member according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for the assembly of the side wall portion 8 of the storage cart 3 will be described as an example.

[0016] (Overall Structure of Storage Cart) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a storage cart 3 in an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the storage cart 3, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the storage cart 3.

[0017] The storage cart 3 mainly includes a base portion 4 having a rectangular shape in plan view, a plurality (four in the example shown in the figure) of casters 5 attached to the lower surface of the base portion 4, an upper frame body 6 disposed above the base portion 4, a pair of front and rear wall portions 7 and a pair of side wall portions 8 disposed between the base portion 4 and the upper frame body 6, and a lid portion 9 disposed above the upper frame body 6.

[0018] The base portion 4 mainly includes a base portion frame 41 having a rectangular frame shape in plan view and a bottom plate (hidden by other members and not shown in the drawing) covering the inside of the base portion frame 41. The bottom plate is formed of, for example, plastic corrugated board (also called "plastic corrugated" or "corrugated plastic") or honeycomb core material (specifically, for example, Texel (registered trademark)).

[0019] The upper frame body 6 includes a pair of left and right frame members 61 whose longitudinal directions (in other words, axial directions) are along the front and rear directions and are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other in the left and right directions, and a pair of front and rear frame members 62 whose longitudinal directions (in other words, axial directions) are along the left and right directions and are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other in the front and rear directions, and is formed in a rectangular frame shape in plan view.

[0020] The pair of front and rear wall portions 7 are provided corresponding to a pair of front and rear frame members 42 of the base portion frame 41 of the base portion 4, whose longitudinal directions (in other words, axial directions) are along the left and right directions and are spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other in the front and rear directions.

[0021] The front and rear wall sections 7 include a rectangular frame-shaped front and rear wall section frame 71, an intermediate frame member 72 that divides the inside of the front and rear wall section frame 71 along the vertical direction, and two panels 73 that cover the two spaces enclosed by the front and rear wall section frame 71 and the intermediate frame member 72. The panels 73 are formed from, for example, corrugated plastic or Texcel®.

[0022] The front and rear wall sections 7 are tiltably mounted to the base section 4 by connecting the lower frame member (the lower end frame member in Figures 1 and 3) of the front and rear wall section frame 71, whose longitudinal direction (in other words, axial direction) is aligned with the left-right direction, to the front and rear frame members 42 of the base section frame 41 of the base section 4 via two hinges 74.

[0023] When the storage trolley 3 is in use, the front and rear wall sections 7 are in a vertically upright position (i.e., as shown in Figures 1 to 3). The upper frame member of the front and rear wall section frame 71, whose longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction) is aligned with the left-right direction (the upper frame member in Figures 1 and 3), approaches the front and rear frame members 62 of the upper frame body 6 from below and is locked in place by the locking means 63 provided on the front and rear frame members 62. This maintains the vertically upright position of the front and rear wall sections 7.

[0024] When the locking mechanism 63 releases the front and rear wall sections 7, they rotate inward towards the base section 4 via the hinge 74 and tilt onto the upper surface of the bottom plate of the base section 4, assuming a position aligned with the horizontal plane.

[0025] The pair of side wall sections 8 are provided corresponding to a pair of left and right frame members 43 of the base section frame 41 of the base section 4, each of which has its longitudinal direction (in other words, axial direction) along the front-rear direction and is spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and faces each other parallel to each other. The side wall section 8 is constructed by connecting an upper side plate 8A and a lower side plate 8B via an intermediate hinge 81 so that they can rotate relative to each other.

[0026] The upper side panel 8A and the lower side panel 8B each have a rectangular frame-shaped side panel frame 82, an intermediate frame member 87 that divides the inside of the side panel frame 82, and two panels 85 that cover the two spaces enclosed by the side panel frame 82 and the intermediate frame member 87, respectively. The panels 85 are formed from, for example, corrugated plastic or Texcel®.

[0027] The side plate frame 82 is formed in a rectangular frame shape and has a pair of vertical frame members 83 whose respective longitudinal directions (in other words, axial directions) are aligned vertically and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, while facing each other in parallel, and a pair of horizontal frame members 84 whose respective longitudinal directions (in other words, axial directions) are aligned vertically and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, while facing each other in parallel, and is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The vertical frame members 83 and the horizontal frame members 84 are connected in a manner that is orthogonal to each other.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the vertical frame member 83 has a hollow square pipe section 831 and a groove section 832 formed by a pair of walls 832a that project from one surface of the square pipe section 831 (the front surface in the example shown in Figure 4) in the left-right direction, spaced apart from each other and facing parallel to each other. The groove section 832 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the vertical frame member 83 (in other words, the longitudinal direction / axial direction of the square pipe section 831).

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the horizontal frame member 84 has a hollow square pipe section 841 and a groove section 842 formed by a pair of walls 842a that project from one surface of the square pipe section 841 (the top surface in the example shown in Figure 5) in the left-right direction, spaced apart from each other and facing parallel to each other. The groove section 842 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal frame member 84 (in other words, the longitudinal direction / axial direction of the square pipe section 841). The vertical frame member 83 and the horizontal frame member 84 have similar structures, although their respective longitudinal dimensions differ.

[0030] The intermediate frame member 87 is provided by being spanned between a pair of horizontal frame members 84 at the central position in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction) of each of the pair of horizontal frame members 84. The horizontal frame members 84 and the intermediate frame member 87 are members that are connected in a manner that is orthogonal to each other.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, the intermediate frame member 87 has a hollow square pipe section 871 and grooves 872 formed on each of a pair of mutually opposing surfaces of the square pipe section 871 (in the example shown in Figure 6, the front and rear surfaces). The grooves 872 are formed by a pair of walls 872a that project parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction from the surface of the square pipe section 871, and are formed along the longitudinal direction of the intermediate frame member 87 (in other words, the longitudinal direction / axial direction of the square pipe section 871). In the example shown in the figure, the grooves 872 are formed on each of a pair of mutually opposing surfaces of the square pipe section 871, but the grooves 872 may be formed on only one surface of the square pipe section 871 (specifically, only the front surface or only the rear surface).

[0032] The upper side plate 8A and the lower side plate 8B are connected by two intermediate hinges 81, which are attached to their respective horizontal frame members 84 and interposed between them. The connection between the upper side plate 8A and the lower side plate 8B by the intermediate hinges 81 protrudes inward from the base portion 4, forming a mountain fold.

[0033] The horizontal frame member 84 (the upper horizontal frame member 84 in Figures 1 and 2) opposite to the horizontal frame member 84 to which the intermediate hinge 81 of the side plate frame 82 of the upper side plate 8A is attached, is rotatably connected to the left and right frame members 61 of the upper frame body 6 via three upper hinges 64.

[0034] The horizontal frame member 84 (the lower horizontal frame member 84 in Figures 1 and 2) that faces the horizontal frame member 84 to which the intermediate hinge 81 of the side plate frame 82 of the lower side plate 8B is attached is rotatably connected to the left and right frame members 43 of the base frame 41 of the base portion 4 via three bottom hinges 44.

[0035] With the above configuration, the lower side plate 8B rotates inward towards the base portion 4 via the bottom hinge 44 and folds over the upper surface of the front and rear wall portions 7 (note that the front and rear wall portions 7 fold over the upper surface of the bottom plate of the base portion 4 before the side wall portions 8) to align with the horizontal plane. Also, the upper side plate 8A rotates relative to the lower side plate 8B via the intermediate hinge 81 and also rotates relative to the upper frame 6 via the upper hinge 64 to overlap with the upper surface of the lower side plate 8B and align with the horizontal plane. As a result, the side wall portion 8 is folded over the upper surface of the front and rear wall portions 7, which are already folded over the upper surface of the bottom plate of the base portion 4.

[0036] Furthermore, a rounded stopper 86 is provided across the upper side plate 8A and the lower side plate 8B to prevent them from folding in the middle via the intermediate hinge 81 when the storage trolley 3 is in use. By locking the upper side plate 8A and the lower side plate 8B together with the rounded stopper 86, the upper side plate 8A and the lower side plate 8B are prevented from folding in the middle, and consequently, the side wall portion 8 is maintained in a vertically upright position.

[0037] The lid portion 9 has a pair of door panels 9A that are attached to each of the pair of front and rear frame members 62 of the upper frame body 6 via two hinges 91.

[0038] The door panel 9A has a rectangular frame-shaped door panel frame 92 and a panel 93 that covers the inside of the door panel frame 92. The panel 93 is made of, for example, corrugated plastic or Texcel®.

[0039] The pair of door panels 9A are arranged to open and close in a double-door manner when viewed from above. A retractable handle 94 is provided near the opening end of each of the pair of door panels 9A.

[0040] Each of the pair of door panels 9A has recesses 95 at the four corners of the lid portion 9 as a whole. The recesses 95 are formed with their position, shape, and size adjusted so that when multiple folded storage carts 3 are stacked together, the lower part of the wheels of the casters 5 of the upper storage cart 3 fits into them. By fitting the lower part of the wheels of the casters 5 of the upper storage cart 3 into the recesses 95 of the lid portion 9 of the lower storage cart 3, the upper storage cart 3 does not move and slide off the lid portion 9 of the lower storage cart 3, allowing multiple folded storage carts 3 to be stacked stably.

[0041] (Corner joint member) Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a corner joint member 1 according to an embodiment of this invention, and Figure 8 is a front view of the corner joint member 1. In the following description, the corner joint member 1 used in the assembly of the upper side plate 8A of the side wall portion 8 of the storage trolley 3 will be used as an example. The same corner joint member 1 is also used for the lower side plate 8B of the side wall portion 8, the front and rear wall portions 7, and the door plate 9A of the lid portion 9. Furthermore, in the following description, the orientation of each part when the storage trolley 3 is in use (specifically, the orientation of each part in Figures 1 to 3) will be used as a reference. In addition, each figure shows only an example of the corner joint member 1, and the dimensional relationships between the parts of the corner joint member 1 are not limited to the dimensional relationships shown in each figure.

[0042] The corner joint member 1 according to the embodiment has a first fitting portion 12 that is inserted into the square pipe portion 831 of the vertical frame member 83 which is the first frame member, a second fitting portion 13 that is inserted into the square pipe portion 841 of the horizontal frame member 84 which is the second frame member, and an insertion locking portion 14 that is inserted into a groove portion 832 formed in the vertical frame member 83 along the longitudinal direction of the square pipe portion 831 of the vertical frame member 83 and into a groove portion 842 formed in the horizontal frame member 84 along the longitudinal direction of the square pipe portion 841 of the horizontal frame member 84.

[0043] The corner connecting members 1 are positioned at each of the four corners of the rectangular frame-shaped side plate frame 82, and connect the vertical frame members 83 and the horizontal frame members 84 in a manner that is perpendicular to each other (see Figure 9). The corner connecting members 1 are formed from, for example, aluminum or a hard synthetic resin.

[0044] The corner connecting member 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped corner 11, a first fitting portion 12 and a second fitting portion 13 connected to the corner 11, and an insertion locking portion 14 connected to the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13. The corner 11, the first and second fitting portions 12 and 13, and the insertion locking portion 14 are formed as a single integrated member.

[0045] The first fitting portion 12 is formed in the shape of a rectangular prism (in the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, a hollow rectangular pipe) that protrudes / extends from one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped corner portion 11 along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (specifically, upward from the top surface in the example shown in Figures 7 and 8).

[0046] The second fitting portion 13 is formed in the shape of a rectangular prism (in the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, a hollow rectangular pipe) that protrudes / extends from one of the rectangular parallelepiped corner portions 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped in a direction along the longitudinal direction (specifically, from the front surface toward the front in the example shown in Figures 7 and 8).

[0047] The first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13 are provided in such a manner that their respective axial directions (in other words, protruding directions) are mutually orthogonal.

[0048] The insertion locking portion 14 is formed in the shape of a thick plate, with one side of the plate joining to the side surface of the first fitting portion 12 and the other side perpendicular to the aforementioned side joining to the side surface of the second fitting portion 13. The insertion locking portion 14 is provided in the portion corresponding to the inner angle formed by the first fitting portion 12, the corner portion 11, and the second fitting portion 13, such that the plate surface is aligned with the vertical-front-back plane, that is, the plate surface is aligned with the axial direction (in other words, the protruding direction) of the first fitting portion 12 and the axial direction (in other words, the protruding direction) of the second fitting portion 13.

[0049] A first through-hole 15 is formed in the plate-shaped insertion and locking portion 14 near the end on the side of the first fitting portion 12, penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface (i.e., left-right direction), and a second through-hole 16 is formed near the end on the opposite side from the first fitting portion 12, penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface (i.e., left-right direction).

[0050] In the examples shown in Figures 7 to 9, the first fitting portion 12, which protrudes upward from the upper surface of the corner portion 11, fits into the lower end of the vertical frame member 83 of the side plate frame 82, and the second fitting portion 13, which protrudes backward from the rear surface of the corner portion 11, fits into the front end of the horizontal frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82.

[0051] A through-hole 833 is formed near the lower end of each pair of walls 832a of the vertical frame member 83 of the side plate frame 82, penetrating in the direction in which the pair of walls 832a face each other (i.e., left-right direction). In addition, a through-hole 833 is also formed near the upper end of each pair of walls 832a of the vertical frame member 83, penetrating in the direction in which the pair of walls 832a face each other (i.e., left-right direction).

[0052] End through-holes 843 are formed at positions near the front end of each pair of walls 842a of the horizontal frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82, penetrating in the direction in which these pairs of walls 842a face each other (i.e., left-right direction). In addition, end through-holes 843 are also formed at positions near the rear end of each pair of walls 842a of the horizontal frame member 84, penetrating in the direction in which these pairs of walls 842a face each other (i.e., left-right direction).

[0053] The first fitting portion 12 of the corner connecting member 1 is inserted into the lower end of the square pipe portion 831 of the vertical frame member 83 of the side plate frame 82, and the portion of the insertion locking portion 14 of the corner connecting member 1 that is on the side of the first fitting portion 12 is inserted into the lower end of the groove portion 832 of the vertical frame member 83 (specifically, between the lower ends of the pair of walls 832a). With this in mind, the corner connecting member 1 and the vertical frame member 83 are fastened together by blind rivets (not shown in Figure 9; rivets may also be used) that pass through the through holes 833 of each of the pair of walls 832a and the first through hole 15 of the insertion locking portion 14.

[0054] Furthermore, the second fitting portion 13 of the corner joint member 1 is inserted into the front end of the square pipe portion 841 of the horizontal frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82, and the portion of the insertion locking portion 14 of the corner joint member 1 opposite to the first fitting portion 12 is inserted into the front end of the groove portion 842 of the horizontal frame member 84 (specifically, between the front ends of the pair of walls 842a). With this in mind, the corner joint member 1 and the horizontal frame member 84 are fastened together by blind rivets (not shown in Figure 9; rivets may also be used) that pass through the end through holes 843 of each of the pair of walls 842a and the second through hole 16 of the insertion locking portion 14.

[0055] The corner connecting member 1 connects the vertical frame member 83 and the horizontal frame member 84 in a manner that they are mutually orthogonal to each other.

[0056] (Intermediate connecting member) Figure 10 is a perspective view showing an intermediate connecting member 2 according to an embodiment of this invention, and Figure 11 is a front view of the intermediate connecting member 2. In the following description, the intermediate connecting member 2 used in the assembly of the upper side plate 8A of the side wall portion 8 of the storage trolley 3 will be used as an example. The same intermediate connecting member 2 is also used for the lower side plate 8B of the side wall portion 8 and the front and rear wall portions 7. Furthermore, in the following description, the orientation of each part when the storage trolley 3 is in use (specifically, the orientation of each part in Figures 1 to 3) will be used as a reference. In addition, each figure shows only an example of the intermediate connecting member 2, and the dimensional relationships between the parts of the intermediate connecting member 2 are not limited to the dimensional relationships shown in each figure.

[0057] The intermediate connecting member 2 according to the embodiment has a first insertion locking portion 21 that is inserted into a groove portion 842 formed along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal frame member 84, which is a first frame member; a fitting portion 22 that is inserted into the square pipe portion 871 of the intermediate frame member 87, which is a second frame member; and a second insertion locking portion 23 and a third insertion locking portion 24 that are inserted into a groove portion 872 formed along the longitudinal direction of the square pipe portion 871 of the intermediate frame member 87.

[0058] The intermediate connecting members 2 are arranged as a pair facing each other at the central position in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction) of each of the pair of horizontal frame members 84 that constitute the rectangular frame-shaped side plate frame 82, and connect the horizontal frame members 84 and the intermediate frame members 87 in a manner that is orthogonal to each other (see Figure 12). The intermediate connecting members 2 are made of, for example, aluminum or a hard synthetic resin.

[0059] The intermediate connecting member 2 has a rectangular, thick plate-shaped first insertion locking portion 21, a fitting portion 22 connected to the first insertion locking portion 21, and a second insertion locking portion 23 and a third insertion locking portion 24 connected to the first insertion locking portion 21. The first insertion locking portion 21, the fitting portion 22, and the second and third insertion locking portions 23 and 24 are formed as a single integrated member.

[0060] The fitting portion 22 is formed as a rectangular prism shape that protrudes / extends from the central position in the longitudinal direction of one surface corresponding to the thickness of the rectangular first insertion and locking portion 21, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (specifically, upward from the top surface in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11).

[0061] The first insertion locking portion 21 and the fitting portion 22 are provided in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion 21 and the axial direction (in other words, the protruding direction) of the fitting portion 22 are mutually orthogonal.

[0062] The second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 are formed as rectangular, thick plates that protrude / extend from each of the ends of the rectangular longitudinal direction of the surface of the first insertion locking portion 21 on which the fitting portion 22 is provided, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (specifically, upward from the top surface in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 11). The second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 are provided so as to sandwich the fitting portion 22 in the front-rear direction, protruding / extending in the same direction as the fitting portion 22, with the plate surface aligned with the vertical-front-rear plane.

[0063] The first insertion locking portion 21, the second insertion locking portion 23, and the third insertion locking portion 24 are provided in such a manner that the longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion 21 and the protruding directions of the second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 are mutually orthogonal. Furthermore, the fitting portion 22, the second insertion locking portion 23, and the third insertion locking portion 24 are provided in such a manner that the axial direction (in other words, the protruding direction) of the fitting portion 22 and the protruding directions of the second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 are mutually parallel.

[0064] Furthermore, if the groove 872 of the intermediate frame member 87 is formed on only one surface of the square pipe portion 871 (specifically, only the front surface or only the rear surface), then only one of the second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 is provided.

[0065] A pair of first through holes 25 are formed at positions near both ends of the rectangular, thick, plate-shaped first insertion and locking portion 21, penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface (i.e., the left-right direction).

[0066] A second through-hole 26 is formed near the tip of the rectangular, thick, plate-shaped second insertion-locking portion 23 (i.e., the end opposite to the first insertion-locking portion 21), penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface (i.e., the left-right direction). A third through-hole 27 is formed near the tip of the rectangular, thick, plate-shaped third insertion-locking portion 24 (i.e., the end opposite to the first insertion-locking portion 21), penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface (i.e., the left-right direction).

[0067] In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12, the first insertion locking portion 21 fits into the central part of the transverse frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82 in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction), and the fitting portion 22 that protrudes / extends upward from the upper surface of the first insertion locking portion 21, as well as the second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24, fit into the lower end of the intermediate frame member 87 of the side plate frame 82.

[0068] Through holes 873 are formed near the lower end of each pair of walls 872a of the intermediate frame member 87 of the side plate frame 82, penetrating in the direction in which these pairs of walls 872a face each other (i.e., left-right direction). Furthermore, through holes 873 are also formed near the upper end of each pair of walls 872a of the intermediate frame member 87, penetrating in the direction in which these pairs of walls 872a face each other (i.e., left-right direction).

[0069] In the horizontal frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82, central through-holes 844 are formed at positions on either side of the central position in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction / axial direction of the horizontal frame member 84) of each pair of walls 842a, penetrating in the direction in which the pair of walls 842a face each other (i.e., the left-right direction). The central through-holes 844 formed in each pair of walls 842a are provided as a pair, flanking the central position in the longitudinal direction / axial direction of the horizontal frame member 84 in a side view.

[0070] The intermediate connecting member 2 and the horizontal frame member 84 are fixed together by bolts and nuts (not shown in Figure 12) passing through a pair of central through holes 844 formed in each of the pair of walls 842a and a pair of first through holes 25 in the first insertion locking part 21, with the first insertion locking part 2 being inserted into the groove 842 (specifically, between a pair of walls 842a) in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction) of the horizontal frame member 84 of the side plate frame 82.

[0071] Furthermore, the fitting portion 22 of the intermediate connecting member 2 is inserted into the lower end of the square pipe portion 871 of the intermediate frame member 87 of the side plate frame 82, and the second insertion locking portion 23 and the third insertion locking portion 24 of the intermediate connecting member 2 are inserted into the lower end of the groove portion 872 of the intermediate frame member 87 (specifically, between the lower ends of the pair of walls 872a). With these inserted, the intermediate connecting member 2 and the intermediate frame member 87 are fastened together by bolts and nuts (not shown in Figure 12) that pass through the through holes 873 of each of the pair of walls 872a and the second through hole 26 of the second insertion locking portion 23, and by bolts and nuts (not shown in Figure 12) that pass through the through holes 873 of each of the pair of walls 872a and the third through hole 27 of the third insertion locking portion 24, thereby fixing the intermediate connecting member 2 and the intermediate frame member 87 to each other.

[0072] The intermediate connecting member 2 connects the horizontal frame member 84 and the intermediate frame member 87 in a manner that they are mutually orthogonal to each other.

[0073] (Assembly of the upper side panel 8A) When assembling the upper side plate 8A, first, the first insertion locking portion 21 of the intermediate connecting member 2 is inserted from the end (which is the open end) in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the axial direction) of the horizontal frame member 84 into the groove portion 842 of the horizontal frame member 84 (specifically, between the pair of walls 842a), and is attached to the central part of the horizontal frame member 84 in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] Next, corner connecting members 1 are attached to each of the longitudinal ends of the horizontal frame member 84, and vertical frame members 83 are attached to each of these corner connecting members 1, while an intermediate frame member 87 is attached to the intermediate connecting member 2. This forms an E-shaped frame with two spaces between the intermediate frame member 87 connected to one horizontal frame member 84 and each of the vertical frame members 83 on both sides, and the remaining horizontal frame member 84 for forming the side plate frame 82 has not yet been attached.

[0075] Panel 85 is inserted into each of the two spaces between the intermediate frame member 87 and the vertical frame members 83 on both sides, from the open end of the E-shaped frame. Specifically, one of the pair of opposing ends 851 of panel 85 is inserted into the groove 832 of the vertical frame member 83 (specifically, between the pair of walls 832a), and the other of the pair of ends 851 is inserted into the groove 872 of the intermediate frame member 87 (specifically, between the pair of walls 872a). Panel 85 is inserted from the open end of the E-shaped frame and slid so that its tip 852 is inserted into the groove 842 of the horizontal frame member 84 (specifically, between the pair of walls 842a).

[0076] At this time, the horizontal frame member 84, the vertical frame member 83, and the intermediate frame member 87 are joined by the corner connecting member 1 and the intermediate connecting member 2 in a manner that is precisely orthogonal to each other, so that the E-shape is not distorted, and the panel 85 can be smoothly inserted into and slid into the groove 832 of the vertical frame member 83 and the groove 872 of the intermediate frame member 87.

[0077] Furthermore, a notch 853 corresponding to the shape and size of the insertion locking portion 14 of the corner joint member 1 is formed at the corner of the panel 85 on the side of the vertical frame member 83 to avoid interference with the insertion locking portion 14 of the corner joint member 1. Also, a notch 854 corresponding to the shape and size of the second and third insertion locking portions 23 and 24 of the intermediate joint member 2 is formed at the corner of the panel 85 on the side of the intermediate frame member 87 to avoid interference with the second and third insertion locking portions 23 and 24 of the intermediate joint member 2.

[0078] A horizontal frame member 84 is further prepared, to which two corner connecting members 1 and one intermediate connecting member 2 are attached. Specifically, the first insertion locking portion 21 of the intermediate connecting member 2 is inserted from the end of the horizontal frame member 84 in the longitudinal direction (which is the open end) into the groove portion 842 of the horizontal frame member 84 (specifically, between a pair of walls 842a) and attached to the central part of the horizontal frame member 84 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, corner connecting members 1 are attached to each of the ends of the horizontal frame member 84 in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] The horizontal frame member 84 described above is attached to the open end of the E-shaped frame. Specifically, each of the two corner connecting members 1 of the horizontal frame member 84 is connected to the vertical frame member 83, and the intermediate connecting member 2 is connected to the intermediate frame member 87.

[0080] As described above, the upper side plate 8A is assembled using multiple frame members (reference numerals 83, 84, 87) and a panel (reference numeral 85), along with the corner connecting member 1 and the intermediate connecting member 2.

[0081] (Effects of the connecting member) According to the embodiment of the connecting members (specifically, the corner connecting member 1 and the intermediate connecting member 2), the frame members (reference numerals 83, 84, 87) have fitting portions (reference numerals 12, 13, 22) that are inserted into the pipe portions (reference numerals 831, 841, 871) and insertion locking portions (reference numerals 14, 21, 23, 24) that are inserted into the groove portions (reference numerals 832, 842, 872), so the upper side plate 8A of the side wall portion 8 (and the lower side plate 8B of the side wall portion 8) The front and rear wall sections 7 and the door panel 9A of the lid section 9 can be easily assembled using multiple frame members (reference numerals 83, 84, 87) and panels (reference numeral 85). Furthermore, the frame members can be joined together precisely and firmly in a manner that is perpendicular to each other, and the efficiency of the assembly work of the upper side panel 8A of the side wall section 8 (and the lower side panel 8B of the side wall section 8, the front and rear wall sections 7, and the door panel 9A of the lid section 9) can be improved.

[0082] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the spirit of this invention are also included.

[0083] For example, in the above embodiment, the connecting member according to this embodiment of the invention is used to assemble the side wall portion 8 (and also the front and rear wall portions 7 and the door plate 9A of the lid portion 9) of the storage trolley 3 shown in Figures 1 to 3. However, the connecting member according to this invention may also be used to assemble the wall portions and door portions of storage trolleys other than the storage trolley 3 shown in Figures 1 to 3. Furthermore, it may also be used to assemble the wall portions and door portions of equipment and devices other than storage trolleys (for example, relatively large container trolleys).

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hollow portion of the frame member is formed in the shape of a square pipe, and the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13 of the corner connecting member 1 and the fitting portion 22 of the intermediate connecting member 2 are formed in the shape of a square column. However, the hollow portion of the frame member may be formed in the shape of a round pipe, and the first fitting portion 12 and the second fitting portion 13 of the corner connecting member 1 and the fitting portion 22 of the intermediate connecting member 2 may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical column.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the corner connecting member 1 (specifically, the corner 11, the first and second fitting portions 12, 13, and the insertion locking portion 14) and the intermediate connecting member 2 (specifically, the first insertion locking portion 21, the fitting portion 22, and the second and third insertion locking portions 23, 24) are formed as an integrated member (in other words, they are composed of a single member), but the corner connecting member 1 and the intermediate connecting member 2 may be composed of multiple members. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1. Corner connecting member 11 corners 12 First mating part 13 Second mating section 14 Insertion locking part 15 First through hole 16 Second through hole 2. Intermediate connecting member 21 First insertion locking part 22 Fitting part 23 Second insertion locking part 24 Third insertion locking part 25 First through hole 26 Second through hole 27 Third through hole 3. Storage cart 4. Base section 41 Base frame 42 Front and rear frame components 43 Left and right frame members 44 Bottom hinge 5 Caster 6. Upper frame 61 Left and right frame members 62 Front and rear frame components 63 Locking mechanism 64 Upper hinge 7 Front and rear walls 71 Front and rear wall frame 72 Intermediate frame member 73 panels 74 Hinge 8 Side wall section 8A Upper side panel 8B Lower side panel 81 Intermediate hinge 82 Side panel frame 83 Vertical frame members 831 Square pipe section 832 Groove 832a Wall 833 Through hole 84 Horizontal frame members 841 Square pipe section 842 Groove 842a Wall 843 End through hole 844 Central through hole 85 panels 851 End 852 Tip 853 Notch 854 Notch 86 Round Drop 87 Intermediate frame member 871 Square pipe section 872 Groove 872a Wall 873 Through hole 9 Lid 9A Door plate 91 Hinge 92 Door panel frame 93 panels 94 Handle 95 recess

Claims

1. A first frame member has a first insertion locking portion that is inserted into a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the first frame member, A fitting portion that is inserted into the pipe portion of the second frame member, The second frame member has a second insertion locking portion which is inserted into a groove formed along the longitudinal direction of the pipe portion of the second frame member, The end of the panel is inserted into the groove of the first frame member and the groove of the second frame member, and a notch is formed in the corner of the panel. The first insertion locking portion is inserted into the notched portion of the panel that is inserted into the groove of the first frame member, The second insertion locking portion is inserted into the notched portion of the panel that is inserted into the groove of the second frame member. A connecting member characterized by the following features.

2. The longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion and the axial direction of the fitting portion are mutually orthogonal, The longitudinal direction of the first insertion locking portion and the protruding direction of the second insertion locking portion are mutually orthogonal. The connecting member according to feature 1.

3. The first insertion locking portion, the fitting portion, and the second insertion locking portion are formed as an integrated member. The connecting member according to feature 1 or 2.

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