Panel-storing container

Abstract

This panel-storing container includes: a container body that has an opening and stores panels; a support mechanism that is provided inside the container body and supports the panels; and a lid body that closes the opening. The container body defines a storage space for storing the panels, and includes a pair of side walls facing each other in a first direction. The support mechanism includes a support part that supports, in a second direction intersecting the first direction, end parts of the panels in the first direction. The lid body includes a pressing mechanism that presses the end parts toward the support part in the second direction.

Description

Panel storage container

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel enclosure.

[0002] In manufacturing processes that handle panels such as glass substrates for liquid crystal panels, panel storage containers that store multiple panels are used when transferring rectangular panels from one manufacturing device to another manufacturing device and when temporarily storing the panels. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a substrate storage container that includes a container body that stores the substrates and a lid that closes an opening provided in the container body.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3235982

[0004] In such a panel storage container, both ends of the panel are supported from below by support members. In this case, the panel may bend due to vibration or the like, which may cause dust to be generated from the end faces of the panel.

[0005] The present disclosure describes a panel housing that can suppress dust generation.

[0006] A panel storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a container body having an opening and storing a panel, a support mechanism provided inside the container body and supporting the panel, and a lid that closes the opening. The container body defines a storage space for storing the panel and includes a pair of side walls facing each other in a first direction. The support mechanism includes a support portion that supports an end of the panel in the first direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The lid includes a pressing mechanism that presses the end toward the support portion in the second direction.

[0007] In this panel storage container, the end of the panel in the first direction is supported in the second direction by the support portion and pressed toward the support portion in the second direction by the pressing mechanism. As a result, the end of the panel in the first direction is sandwiched between the support portion and the pressing mechanism in the second direction, restricting movement of the panel. Therefore, even if vibrations are applied to the panel storage container, the panel is less susceptible to the effects of the vibrations. As a result, dust generation can be suppressed.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pressing mechanism may press the edge portion when the lid is closing the opening, and may release the pressure on the edge portion when the opening is open. Panels can be inserted into or removed from the panel storage container when the opening is open, and the panel storage container can be transported when the lid is closing the opening. This configuration suppresses dust generation during transportation of the panel storage container and makes it possible to insert and remove panels.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressing mechanism may include a pressing member for pressing the edge, and a link mechanism for moving the pressing member so that the pressing member presses the edge when the lid closes the opening and releases the pressing on the edge when the opening is open. In this case, the pressing member moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid. This prevents dust from being generated when the panel storage container is transported and allows panels to be inserted and removed without the user having to operate the pressing mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments, the panel housing container may further include a pusher that operates the pressing mechanism. The link mechanism may include a link member attached to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and an elastic member provided to be expandable and contractible in the rotational direction of the link member. The link member may include a link portion extending in a direction intersecting the first axis and supporting the pressing member, and a lever portion extending in a direction intersecting the first axis and the link portion. The elastic member may be provided to support the lever portion. When the cover closes the opening, the pusher may rotate the link member about the first axis by pushing the lever portion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The link member may rotate about the first axis to move the pressing member so that the pressing member presses the end portion. In this case, when the cover closes the opening, the pusher pushes the lever portion in the third direction, causing the link member to rotate about the first axis, and the pressing member presses the end portion of the panel in the first direction. At this time, the elastic member is compressed by the lever portion. On the other hand, when the lid body is removed, the pressure from the pusher is released. As a result, the lever portion is pushed back by the elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic member, and the link member rotates around the first axis until the lever portion returns to its original position, and the pressure on the end portion by the pressing member is released. This makes it possible to transport the panel out of the panel storage container. As described above, it is possible to suppress dust generation during transportation of the panel storage container and to load and unload panels.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support portion may include a shaft extending in the third direction. The pusher may include an attachment portion for attaching the pusher to the container body and a protrusion that extends further toward the lid body than the shaft when the lid body is closing the opening. In this case, when the lid body closes the opening, the protrusion abuts against the lever portion and pushes the lever portion in the third direction. Because the protrusion extends further toward the lid body than the shaft when the lid body is closing the opening, the lever portion can be located in a position that does not interfere with the panel. As a result, damage to the panel can be suppressed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusion may be located between the shaft and one of the pair of side walls that is closer to the shaft. Because the support supports the end of the panel in the first direction, a space may be created between the panel supported by the support and the side wall. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the protrusion will interfere with the panel when the panel is being loaded into or unloaded from the container body. As a result, it is possible to prevent damage to the panel.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, dust generation can be suppressed.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a panel storage container according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing members provided on a side wall of a container body shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pusher shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lid body shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the back. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pressing mechanism shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the pressing mechanism when the opening is open. FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the pressing mechanism when the lid body closes the opening. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the pusher. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the pusher.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Each drawing shows an XYZ coordinate system. The Y-axis direction is a direction that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a direction that intersects (here, perpendicular to) the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. As an example, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction (width direction), the Y-axis direction is the front-back direction (depth direction), and the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction (height direction). For convenience of explanation, the terms "front," "rear," "up," "down," "left," and "right" are used, but are not limited to these directions.

[0016] A panel storage container according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the panel storage container according to one embodiment. The panel storage container 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a container for storing a plurality of panels. The panel storage container 1 complies with, for example, the SEMI (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International) standard. Examples of panels include glass substrates for liquid crystal panels and panels equipped with electronic components. The panels have a rectangular shape. Examples of panel sizes include 510 mm x 515 mm and 600 mm x 600 mm. The number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1 is determined arbitrarily and may be, for example, 6, 12, 16, or 24 panels.

[0017] The panel storage container 1 is used, for example, in a manufacturing device for manufacturing electronic component assemblies. Electronic component assemblies are manufactured through a process of mounting a large number of electronic components on a large carrier panel such as a glass plate or a stainless steel plate, sealing these electronic components with epoxy resin or the like, peeling the sealed electronic components from the carrier panel in panel form, and cutting out the panel-shaped electronic components individually. The panel storage container 1 is used to transport panels between these processes.

[0018] The panel storage container 1 includes a container body 2, a lid body 3, and a pair of handles 4.

[0019] The container body 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped container with an open front (front face). In other words, the container body 2 is a front-open box-type container with an opening 2a on the front face. The container body 2 stores a plurality of panels. Specifically, the container body 2 stores a plurality of panels stacked at intervals in the vertical direction (second direction). The panels are inserted into and removed from the container body 2 through the opening 2a. Details of the container body 2 will be described later.

[0020] The lid 3 is a member for closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The lid 3 is detachably attached to a flange 25 that defines the opening 2a. Details of the lid 3 will be described later.

[0021] The pair of handles 4 are members used when the conveying device conveys the panel storage container 1. The pair of handles 4 are provided on both left and right ends of the top plate 21, which will be described later. The conveying device can convey the panel storage container 1 by grasping the pair of handles 4 and lifting up the panel storage container 1.

[0022] The container body 2, the lid 3, and the handle 4 are formed by combining multiple parts molded from metal or resin materials. Examples of resins contained in the molding material of the resin material include thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, polyetherimide, polyetherketone, polyetheretherketone, polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, liquid crystal polymer, acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. Alloys of these resins may also be used as the resin contained in the molding material of the resin material.

[0023] Conductive materials and various antistatic agents may be added to these resins. Examples of conductive materials include carbon fibers, carbon powder, carbon nanotubes, and conductive polymers. Examples of antistatic agents that can be used include anionic, cationic, and nonionic antistatic agents. Benzotriazole-based, salicylate-based, cyanoacrylate-based, oxalic acid anilide-based, and hindered amine-based ultraviolet absorbers may also be added. Glass fibers or carbon fibers, which improve rigidity, may also be added selectively.

[0024] Next, a detailed description will be given of the container body 2. The container body 2 includes a top plate 21, a bottom plate 22, a pair of side walls 23, a rear wall 24, and a flange 25.

[0025] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the side walls 23, and the rear wall 24 are rectangular plate materials. The top plate 21 and the bottom plate 22 face each other in the up-down direction and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The pair of side walls 23 face each other in the left-right direction (first direction) and are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The rear wall 24 faces the lid body 3 in the front-to-rear direction (third direction) when the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a. Any two adjacent members of the top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the pair of side walls 23, and the rear wall 24 are connected by a frame. The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, the pair of side walls 23, and the rear wall 24 define a storage space 20 for storing multiple panels.

[0026] The top plate 21, the bottom plate 22, and the side walls 23 are made of, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The rear wall 24 is made of, for example, a transparent resin material that allows the storage space 20 to be seen from the outside of the container body 2. A portion of the rear wall 24 may be made of a transparent resin material. Examples of transparent resin materials include acrylic resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, and cycloolefin polymer.

[0027] The flange 25 is a rectangular frame body that extends from the front end of the top plate 21 to the front end of the bottom plate 22 and from the front ends of the pair of side walls 23. The flange 25 defines the opening 2a. The flange 25 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Two locking holes 25h are provided in each of the upper and lower frame portions of the flange 25, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The locking holes 25h in the upper frame portion and the locking holes 25h in the lower frame portion are positioned facing each other in the up-down direction.

[0028] Cover members are provided at the corners of the container body 2 to prevent particles from entering the storage space 20 .

[0029] Next, the configuration inside the storage space 20 will be described with further reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing members provided on the side walls of the container body shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the pusher shown in Figure 2. Note that Figure 3 shows members provided on one side wall 23, and does not show the container body 2. Similar members are also provided on the other side wall 23.

[0030] 2 and 3 , the panel storage container 1 further includes a support mechanism 6 and a pair of pushers 7. The support mechanism 6 is a mechanism for supporting the panels. The support mechanism 6 is provided inside the container body 2 (the storage space 20). The support mechanism 6 includes a plurality of support portions 61, a plurality of support portions 62, a plurality of support columns 63, and a plurality of holders 64.

[0031] Each support portion 61 is a portion for supporting the center portion of the panel in the left-right direction. Each support portion 61 includes a shaft 61a and multiple elastic bodies 61b. The shaft 61a is a columnar (e.g., cylindrical) member extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the shaft 61a is fixed to a support provided on the inner surface of the rear wall 24. The shaft 61a is made of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of materials for the shaft 61a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0032] Each elastic body 61b is an annular (e.g., circular) member provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 61a around the axis of the shaft 61a. The elastic body 61b is provided to prevent the panel from slipping and improve the panel positioning accuracy. The elastic body 61b is made of, for example, a rubber material. Examples of rubber materials include EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), silicone rubber, and fluororubber. The multiple elastic bodies 61b are arranged at regular intervals in the extension direction of the shaft 61a.

[0033] Each support portion 62 is a portion for supporting the left-right end of the panel in the up-down direction. Each support portion 62 includes a shaft 62a, multiple elastic bodies 62b, and a stopper 62c. The shaft 62a is a columnar (e.g., cylindrical) member extending in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the shaft 62a is fixed to a support provided on the inner surface of the rear wall 24. The shaft 62a is made of, for example, a material with high bending rigidity. Examples of materials for the shaft 62a include metals such as stainless steel and aluminum, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. The length of the shaft 62a in the front-rear direction is slightly longer than the length of the panel in the front-rear direction and longer than the length of the shaft 61a in the front-rear direction.

[0034] Each elastic body 62b is an annular (e.g., circular) member provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 62a around the axis of the shaft 62a. The elastic bodies 62b are provided to prevent the panel from slipping and improve the panel positioning accuracy. The constituent materials and arrangement of the elastic bodies 62b are the same as those of the elastic bodies 61b, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The stopper 62c is a member for determining the position of the rear end of the panel. The stopper 62c is made of, for example, the resin material described above. The stopper 62c is provided at the rear end of the shaft 62a. The stopper 62c has a block shape. The stopper 62c has an insertion hole for inserting the shaft 62a in the front-rear direction.

[0036] The number of support portions 61 and support portions 62 varies depending on the number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1. In this embodiment, the support mechanism 6 includes one support portion 61 and two support portions 62 per panel. In other words, one support portion 61 and two support portions 62 form a storage stage that stores one panel. One support portion 61 and two support portions 62 are arranged in the left-right direction. One support portion 61 is disposed between two support portions 62.

[0037] Each support pillar 63 is a member for attaching the handle 4 and the holder 64. Each support pillar 63 is a columnar member extending in the vertical direction from the top plate 21 to the bottom plate 22. Each support pillar 63 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each support pillar 63 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 23. In this embodiment, three support pillars 63 are provided on each side wall 23. The three support pillars 63 are aligned in the front-rear direction and disposed approximately parallel to one another.

[0038] Each holder 64 is a member that holds (supports) the shaft 62a and supports the left-right ends of the panel. In this embodiment, each holder 64 is provided across four storage stages. Three holders 64 are provided in the vertical direction per support 63. The front surface of each holder 64 abuts against the rear surface of the support 63, and the holder 64 is fixed to the support 63 with screws. Therefore, in this embodiment, nine holders 64 are provided on each side wall 23.

[0039] Each holder 64 includes mounting portions 64a in the same number as the number of shafts 62a that can be held by the holder 64. In this embodiment, each holder 64 includes four mounting portions 64a. Each mounting portion 64a is a portion on which the left-right end of the panel is placed and which holds the shaft 62a. Each mounting portion 64a protrudes toward the storage space 20 in the left-right direction. Each mounting portion 64a has an insertion hole that penetrates the mounting portion 64a in the front-rear direction, and the shaft 62a is inserted through the insertion hole.

[0040] Each pusher 7 is a component for operating a pressing mechanism 35, which will be described later. Each pusher 7 is made of a metal material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each pusher 7 is provided in a position that does not interfere with a panel placed on a storage stage or with the detection area of ​​a mapping sensor provided in the load port. The mapping sensor is a sensor for confirming the position of the panel. In this embodiment, a pair of pushers 7 is provided at the left and right lower parts within the storage space 20. The left pusher 7 is provided corresponding to the left pressing mechanism 35, and the right pusher 7 is provided corresponding to the right pressing mechanism 35.

[0041] 4, each pusher 7 includes an attachment portion 71 and a protrusion 72. The attachment portion 71 is a portion for attaching the pusher 7 to the container body 2. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 71 is fixed to the lower end of the frontmost support pillar 63 of the three support pillars 63 provided on each side wall 23. Specifically, the rear surface of the attachment portion 71 abuts against the front surface at the lower end of the support pillar 63, and the attachment portion 71 is fixed to the support pillar 63 with a screw.

[0042] The protrusion 72 is a portion for pushing forward a lever portion 54b of the link member 54, which will be described later. The protrusion 72 extends further toward the cover 3 than the shaft 62a when the cover 3 is closing the opening 2a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 72 extends forward from the mounting portion 71. The protrusion 72 extends substantially parallel to the shaft 62a and protrudes forward beyond the front end of the shaft 62a. The front end of the protrusion 72 is located forward of the stepped surface 25a of the flange 25. The protrusion 72 has an inclined surface 72a provided at the front end of the protrusion 72. The inclined surface 72a is inclined rearward as it extends downward.

[0043] The protrusion 72 is located between the shaft 62a and the side wall 23 closest to the shaft 62a of the pair of side walls 23. In other words, the protrusion 72 of the left pusher 7 is located between the shaft 62a of the left support part 62 and the left side wall 23, and the protrusion 72 of the right pusher 7 is located between the shaft 62a of the right support part 62 and the right side wall 23.

[0044] Next, the lid 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 6. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lid shown in Figure 1 as seen from the back. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the pressing mechanism shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the lid 3 includes a lid main body 31, a cover member 32, a locking mechanism 33, a sealing member 34, and a pair of pressing mechanisms 35.

[0045] The lid body 31 is the main body of the lid body 3. The lid body 31 is a rectangular plate material. The lid body 31 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or magnesium alloy. The lid body 31 may be made of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin. The lid body 31 has a front surface 31a and a back surface 31b. The back surface 31b is the surface that faces the multiple panels in the front-to-rear direction when the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a. The front surface 31a is the surface opposite the back surface 31b in the front-to-rear direction.

[0046] A pair of through holes 31c penetrating the lid body 31 in the front-rear direction is provided near the left and right ends of the lid body 31. Each through hole 31c is provided along the left and right peripheral edges of the lid body 31 and extends in the up-down direction across all storage levels. In a plan view, each through hole 31c has the same shape as an opening 51a of a storage box 51 (described below).

[0047] The cover member 32 is a member that covers the front surface 31a of the lid main body 31. The cover member 32 is a rectangular plate material. The cover member 32 is made of a resin material such as polycarbonate. The cover member 32 is provided with a keyhole 32h. A key (not shown) is inserted into the keyhole 32h.

[0048] The locking mechanism 33 locks or unlocks the lid 3 by operating a key inserted into the keyhole 32h. The locking mechanism 33 includes a latch (not shown). With the lid 3 attached to the flange 25, the latch is inserted into a locking hole 25h provided in the flange 25 by operating the key, thereby locking the lid 3. With the lid 3 locked, the latch is pulled out of the locking hole 25h by operating the key, thereby unlocking the lid 3.

[0049] The sealing member 34 is a member that seals the gap between the container body 2 and the lid body 31. The sealing member 34 is provided on the back surface 31b of the lid body 31. The sealing member 34 is arranged in a rectangular ring shape along the outer periphery of the back surface 31b. The sealing member 34 is pressed against the stepped surface 25a of the flange 25, thereby airtightly closing the opening 2a of the container body 2. The sealing member 34 is made of an elastically deformable resin. Examples of such resins include fluororubber, EPDM, silicone, and urethane.

[0050] The pair of pressing mechanisms 35 are mechanisms that press the left-right edges of the panel toward the support parts 62 in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the left pressing mechanism 35 presses the left front edge of the panel when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, and releases the pressure on the left front edge when the opening 2a is open. The right pressing mechanism 35 presses the right front edge of the panel when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, and releases the pressure on the right front edge when the opening 2a is open.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6 , the pressing mechanism 35 includes a storage box 51 , a pressing member 52 , and a link mechanism 53 .

[0052] The storage box 51 is a component that stores the pressing member 52 and the link mechanism 53. The storage box 51 has a box-like shape that extends in the vertical direction. The storage box 51 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. An opening 51a is provided on the rear surface of the storage box 51. The opening 51a is aligned with the through-hole 31c. The pressing member 52 is inserted into and removed from the storage box 51 through the opening 51a and the through-hole 31c. The storage box 51 includes multiple mounting shafts 51b (first shafts; see FIG. 7). The number of mounting shafts 51b is the same as the sum of the number of link members 54 and the number of link members 55, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the storage box 51 includes three mounting shafts 51b.

[0053] Each mounting shaft 51b is a member that mounts a link member 54 or a link member 55 (described later) to the storage box 51 so that the link member 54 or 55 can rotate about the mounting shaft 51b. The lowest mounting shaft 51b is used to mount the link member 54, and the remaining two mounting shafts 51b are used to mount the link members 55. The three mounting shafts 51b are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the vertical direction. Each mounting shaft 51b extends in the left-right direction. Each mounting shaft 51b is provided on one of the left-right side walls of the storage box 51 and extends from one side wall to the other side wall. The mounting shaft 51b of the left pressing mechanism 35 is provided on the left side wall of the storage box 51 and extends toward the right side wall. The mounting shaft 51b of the right pressing mechanism 35 is provided on the right side wall of the storage box 51 and extends toward the left side wall.

[0054] The pressing member 52 is a member for pressing the left-right end of the panel. The pressing member 52 is made of, for example, the resin material described above. In this embodiment, the pressing member 52 presses the front end of the panel in the left-right direction. The pressing member 52 includes a base 52a, a plurality of pressing pieces 52b, and a reinforcing portion 52c. The base 52a is a plate-shaped portion extending in the up-down direction across all storage levels. The base 52a has three through holes that penetrate the base 52a in the left-right direction. The three through holes are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the up-down direction. The diameter of the through holes is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the mounting shaft 57 (described below), and the mounting shaft 57 is fitted into the through holes.

[0055] The three mounting shafts 51b are arranged in a vertical line, and the three through-holes provided in the base 52a are also arranged in a vertical line. The distance between the axis centers of the top mounting shaft 57 and the middle mounting shaft 57 is substantially equal to the distance between the axis centers of the top mounting shaft 51b and the middle mounting shaft 51b, and the distance between the axis centers of the middle mounting shaft 57 and the bottom mounting shaft 57 is substantially equal to the distance between the axis centers of the middle mounting shaft 51b and the bottom mounting shaft 51b. As long as these conditions are met, the arrangement of the three mounting shafts 51b and the three through-holes provided in the base 52a can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] Each pressing piece 52b is a portion that presses down the left-right end (front end) of a panel. The pressing member 52 includes the same number of pressing pieces 52b as the number of panels that can be stored in the panel storage container 1. Each pressing piece 52b is provided upright on one of the left-right surfaces of the base 52a. The multiple pressing pieces 52b are provided at substantially equal intervals in the up-down direction. Each pressing piece 52b is provided at a position that allows it to press down the left-right front end of the panel that corresponds to that pressing piece 52b.

[0057] The reinforcing portion 52c is a portion that reinforces the multiple pressing pieces 52b. The reinforcing portion 52c extends in the up-down direction across the multiple pressing pieces 52b. In this embodiment, the vertical length of the reinforcing portion 52c is the same as the vertical length of the base 52a. The reinforcing portion 52c is connected to the front end of the base 52a so as to be substantially perpendicular to the base 52a, and extends in the left-right direction from the front end of the base 52a. The reinforcing portion 52c is connected to the front ends of all of the pressing pieces 52b.

[0058] The link mechanism 53 moves the pressing member 52 in response to the opening and closing of the cover 3. Specifically, the link mechanism 53 presses the left-right end (front end) of the panel when the cover 3 closes the opening 2a, and moves the pressing member 52 so as to release the pressure on the end (front end) when the opening 2a is open. The link mechanism 53 includes a link member 54, one or more link members 55, an elastic member 56, and multiple mounting shafts 57. The number of link members 55 is changed as appropriate depending on the length of the pressing member 52 in the vertical direction. The number of mounting shafts 57 is the same as the sum of the number of link members 54 and the number of link members 55. In this embodiment, the link mechanism 53 includes two link members 55 and three mounting shafts 57.

[0059] The link member 54 is a member that converts the movement of the pusher 7 in the forward / backward direction into the retracting and retracting movement of the pressing member 52. The link member 54 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The link member 54 is attached to the side wall of the storage box 51 so as to be rotatable about the mounting shaft 51b. When pressed forward by the pusher 7, the link member 54 rotates about the mounting shaft 51b, thereby moving the pressing member 52 so that it presses against the left-right ends of the panel. The link member 54 has an L-shape. The link member 54 includes a link portion 54a and a lever portion 54b.

[0060] The link portion 54a supports the pressing member 52 so that it can rotate around the mounting shaft 57. The link portion 54a extends in a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the mounting shaft 51b. Through holes that penetrate the link portion 54a in the left-right direction are provided at both ends of the link portion 54a in the extension direction. The mounting shaft 51b is inserted into one of the through holes. The diameter of this through hole is slightly larger than the outer shape of the mounting shaft 51b. As a result, the link member 54 is attached to the side wall of the storage box 51 so that it can rotate around the mounting shaft 51b. The mounting shaft 57, which is fitted into the base portion 52a, is inserted into the other through hole. The diameter of this through hole is slightly larger than the outer shape of the mounting shaft 57. As a result, the link member 54 supports the pressing member 52 so that it can rotate around the mounting shaft 57.

[0061] The lever portion 54b functions as an input lever of the link mechanism 53. The lever portion 54b is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the rotation direction of the link member 54 in response to the opening and closing of the cover 3. Specifically, the lever portion 54b extends from the end of the link portion 54a, through which the mounting shaft 51b is inserted, in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the mounting shaft 51b and the link portion 54a. The lever portion 54b extends rearward when the cover 3 is not closing the opening 2a. The lever portion 54b has a pressing surface 54c that abuts against the inclined surface 72a of the pusher 7 when the cover 3 is closing the opening 2a.

[0062] Each link member 55 is a member that supports the presser member 52 so that it can rotate around the mounting shaft 57. Each link member 55 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. Each link member 55 has a plate-like shape that extends in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the mounting shaft 51b. Each link member 55 has substantially the same shape as the link portion 54a.

[0063] Each link member 55 has a through hole formed at both ends in the extension direction thereof, penetrating the link member 55 in the left-right direction. A mounting shaft 51b is inserted through one of the through holes. The diameter of the through hole is slightly larger than the outer shape of the mounting shaft 51b. As a result, the link member 55 is attached to the side wall of the storage box 51 so as to be rotatable around the mounting shaft 51b. A mounting shaft 57 fitted into the base 52a is inserted through the other through hole. The diameter of the through hole is slightly larger than the outer shape of the mounting shaft 57. As a result, the link member 55 supports the pressing member 52 so as to be rotatable around the mounting shaft 57.

[0064] The elastic member 56 is configured to expand and contract in the rotational direction of the link member 54 (lever portion 54b) in response to the rotation of the link member 54. The elastic member 56 supports the lever portion 54b. In this embodiment, the elastic member 56 is an L-shaped leaf spring. The elastic member 56 is made of, for example, the above-mentioned resin material or a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The elastic member 56 includes a flat plate portion 56a and a flat plate portion 56b. The flat plate portion 56a is a portion that fits along the upper surface of the bottom wall of the storage box 51 and is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall of the storage box 51. The flat plate portion 56b extends upward from the rear end of the flat plate portion 56a and is inclined forward as it extends upward. The tip of the flat plate portion 56b has a convex curved shape that is convex toward the lower surface of the lever portion 54b and abuts against the lower surface of the lever portion 54b.

[0065] Next, the operation of the pressing mechanism 35 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a side view illustrating the pressing mechanism when the opening is open. Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the pressing mechanism when the lid body closes the opening.

[0066] As shown in Figure 7, when the opening 2a is open, the pressing member 52 is stored in the storage box 51 and is located forward of the back surface 31b. At this time, the protrusion 72 of the pusher 7 does not abut against the pressing surface 54c of the lever portion 54b, so no pressing force is applied to the lever portion 54b. Therefore, the lever portion 54b does not press the elastic member 56, and no elastic force is generated in the elastic member 56. This state of the pressing mechanism 35 is referred to as the initial state.

[0067] 8, when the cover 3 closes the opening 2a, the pusher 7 pushes the lever portion 54b forward, thereby rotating the link member 54 around the mounting shaft 51b. Specifically, because the front end of the protrusion 72 is located forward of the stepped surface 25a of the flange 25, the front end of the protrusion 72 abuts against the lever portion 54b before the sealing member 34 is pressed against the stepped surface 25a. The front end of the protrusion 72 then pushes the lever portion 54b forward until the sealing member 34 is pressed against the stepped surface 25a.

[0068] As a result, the link member 54 rotates in the rotation direction C1 around the mounting shaft 51b so that the pressing surface 54c of the lever portion 54b fits along the inclined surface 72a of the protrusion 72, and the elastic member 56 sandwiched between the lever portion 54b and the bottom wall of the storage box 51 is compressed by the lever portion 54b. At this time, the end of the link portion 54a supporting the pressing member 52 moves rearward in an arc around the mounting shaft 51b.

[0069] Here, the distance between the axis centers of two vertically adjacent mounting shafts 57 is substantially equal to the distance between the axis centers of two vertically adjacent mounting shafts 51b, and the link portion 54a and the link members 55 have substantially the same shape. Therefore, the link portion 54a and the two link members 55 maintain a substantially parallel state. Therefore, in conjunction with the rotation of the link portion 54a, the two link members 55 rotate about the mounting shaft 51b, and the end of the link member 55 supporting the pressing member 52 moves rearward in an arc about the mounting shaft 51b.

[0070] As a result, the pressing member 52 is moved diagonally downward and rearward without tilting, and is pulled out of the storage box 51 through the opening 51a and the through-hole 31c. Then, each pressing piece 52b presses the upper surface Pa of the panel P downward at the front end in the left-right direction of the panel P corresponding to that pressing piece 52b. At the left-right end of the panel P, the lower surface Pb of the panel P is supported by the support portion 62 (placing portion 64a). Therefore, the front end in the left-right direction of the panel P is sandwiched between the pressing piece 52b and the support portion 62 in the up-down direction.

[0071] When the lid 3 is removed from the container body 2 and the opening 2a is opened, the pressure from the pusher 7 is released. As a result, the lever portion 54b is pushed back by the elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic member 56, and the end of the link portion 54a supporting the pressing member 52 moves forward in an arc with the mounting shaft 51b as its axis. At this time, in conjunction with the rotation of the link portion 54a, the two link members 55 rotate about the mounting shaft 51b, and the end of the link member 55 supporting the pressing member 52 moves forward in an arc with the mounting shaft 51b as its axis.

[0072] As a result, the pressing member 52 is moved diagonally upward and forward without tilting, and is stored in the storage box 51 through the through-hole 31c and the opening 51a. As a result, the pressing mechanism 35 returns to its initial state, so the pressing piece 52b moves away from the upper surface Pa of the panel P, and the pressure on the front end of the panel P in the left-right direction is released. This makes the panel P ready to be carried out.

[0073] In the panel storage container 1 described above, the left and right ends of the panel P are supported on the underside of the panel P by the support parts 62, and are pressed downward toward the support parts 62 (shafts 62a) by the pressing mechanism 35. As a result, the left and right ends of the panel P are sandwiched in the up and down direction between the support parts 62 and the pressing mechanism 35, restricting the movement of the panel P. Therefore, even if vibrations are applied to the panel storage container 1, the panel P is less susceptible to the effects of the vibrations. As a result, dust generation can be suppressed.

[0074] In the panel storage container 1, the movement of the panel P can be restricted with a simple structure that simply requires providing a pressing mechanism 35 on the lid 3 and a pusher 7 on the container body 2. This improves the workability of attaching the structure for restricting the movement of the panel P and reduces costs.

[0075] The panel P can be inserted into or removed from the panel storage container 1 with the opening 2a open, and the panel storage container 1 can be transported with the lid 3 closing the opening 2a. The pressing members 52 of the pressing mechanism 35 press the left and right edges of the panel P when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, and release the pressure on the left and right edges of the panel P when the opening 2a is open. This prevents dust generation during transportation of the panel storage container 1 and allows the panel P to be inserted and removed.

[0076] The link mechanism 53 moves the pressing member 52 so as to press the left and right edges of the panel P when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, and release the pressure on the left and right edges of the panel P when the opening 2a is open. Therefore, the pressing member 52 moves in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid 3. This makes it possible to suppress dust generation during transport of the panel storage container 1 and to insert and remove the panel P without the user having to operate the pressing mechanism 35.

[0077] The elastic member 56 supports the lever portion 54b and is capable of expanding and contracting in the rotational direction of the lever portion 54b in response to the rotation of the lever portion 54b. When the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, the pusher 7 pushes the lever portion 54b forward, thereby rotating the link member 54 in the rotational direction C1 around the mounting shaft 51b. Therefore, when the lid body 3 closes the opening 2a, when the pusher 7 pushes the lever portion 54b forward, the link member 54 rotates in the rotational direction C1 around the mounting shaft 51b, and the pressing member 52 presses the left-right end (front end) of the panel P. At this time, the elastic member 56 is compressed by the lever portion 54b. On the other hand, when the lid body 3 is removed, the pressing force of the pusher 7 is released. As a result, the lever portion 54b is pushed back by the elastic force (restoring force) of the elastic member 56, and the link member 54 rotates around the mounting shaft 51b in the direction opposite to the rotation direction C1 until the lever portion 54b returns to its original position, and the pressing member 52 is released from pressing the left and right ends of the panel P. This makes it possible to transport the panel P out of the panel storage container 1. As described above, dust generation during transport of the panel storage container 1 is suppressed, and it is possible to load and unload the panel P.

[0078] When the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, the protrusion 72 comes into contact with the lever 54b and pushes the lever 54b forward. Because the protrusion 72 extends further toward the lid 3 than the shaft 62a when the lid 3 closes the opening 2a, the lever 54b can be provided further forward than the front end of the panel P. Therefore, the lever 54b does not interfere with the panel P, making it possible to prevent damage to the panel P.

[0079] Because the support portions 62 support the left-right ends of the panel P, a space may be created between the panel P supported by the support portions 62 and the side wall 23. The protrusion 72 of the pusher 7 is located between the shaft 62a and the side wall 23 close to the shaft 62a. This reduces the possibility that the protrusion 72 will interfere with the panel P when the panel P is being carried into or out of the container body 2. As a result, damage to the panel P can be suppressed.

[0080] The panel storage container according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0081] The pressing member 52 may include a mounting shaft 57. That is, the mounting shaft 57 may be configured integrally with the base portion 52 a. The mounting shaft 57 may be fixed to the link member 54. In this case, the link mechanism 53 may not include the link member 55.

[0082] If the lever portion 54b is positioned so that it is pushed forward by the protrusion 72 when the cover body 3 is closing the opening 2a, the front end of the protrusion 72 may be positioned at the same level as the front end of the shaft 62a or further rearward than the front end of the shaft 62a.

[0083] The mounting position and shape of each pusher 7 can be changed as appropriate depending on the detection area of ​​the mapping sensor. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, pusher 7A differs from pusher 7 mainly in the position where mounting portion 71 is mounted and in that pusher 7A further includes connecting portion 73. Pusher 7A is mounted on the inner surface of side wall 23.

[0084] The mounting portion 71 is fixed near the front end of the lower end of the inner surface of the side wall 23. The connecting portion 73 connects the mounting portion 71 and the protruding portion 72. The protruding portion 72 is provided in a position where it can push in the lever portion 54b. Therefore, the connecting portion 73 is inclined forward as it approaches the side wall 23 opposite to the side wall 23 to which the mounting portion 71 is fixed. The protruding portion 72 extends forward from the tip of the connecting portion 73.

[0085] 10, the pusher 7B differs from the pusher 7 mainly in the position where the mounting portion 71 is attached and in that the pusher 7B further includes a connecting portion 73. The pusher 7B is attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 22.

[0086] The mounting portion 71 of the left pusher 7B is fixed to the left front end of the upper surface of the bottom plate 22. The mounting portion 71 of the right pusher 7B is fixed to the right front end of the upper surface of the bottom plate 22. The connecting portion 73 connects the mounting portion 71 and the protruding portion 72. The protruding portion 72 is provided in a position where it can push in the lever portion 54b. Therefore, the connecting portion 73 extends upward from the mounting portion 71. The protruding portion 72 extends forward from the upper end of the connecting portion 73.

[0087] 1...panel storage container, 2...container body, 2a...opening, 3...lid body, 6...support mechanism, 7, 7A, 7B...pusher, 20...storage space, 23...side wall, 35...pressure mechanism, 51b...mounting shaft (first shaft), 52...holding member, 53...link mechanism, 54...link member, 54a...link portion, 54b...lever portion, 56...elastic member, 62...support portion, 62a...shaft, 71...mounting portion, 72...protrusion, P...panel.

Claims

1. A panel storage container comprising: a container body having an opening for storing a panel; a support mechanism provided inside the container body for supporting the panel; and a lid for closing the opening, wherein the container body defines a storage space for storing the panel and has a pair of side walls facing each other in a first direction, the support mechanism includes a support portion for supporting an end of the panel in the first direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the lid includes a pressing mechanism for pressing the end toward the support portion in the second direction.

2. The panel storage container according to claim 1, wherein the pressing mechanism presses the end when the lid body is closing the opening, and releases the pressure on the end when the opening is open.

3. A panel storage container as described in claim 2, wherein the pressing mechanism comprises: a pressing member for pressing the end portion; and a link mechanism for moving the pressing member so as to press the end portion when the lid body is closing the opening, and to release the pressure on the end portion when the opening is open.

4. A panel storage container as described in claim 3, further comprising a pusher that operates the pressing mechanism, wherein the link mechanism comprises: a link member attached so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction; and an elastic member arranged so as to be expandable and contractible in the rotational direction of the link member, wherein the link member comprises: a link portion extending in a direction intersecting the first axis and supporting the pressing member; and a lever portion extending in a direction intersecting the first axis and the link portion, wherein the elastic member is arranged to support the lever portion, and when the lid body closes the opening, the pusher presses the lever portion in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, thereby rotating the link member about the first axis, and wherein the link member rotates about the first axis, thereby moving the pressing member so that the pressing member presses the end portion.

5. A panel storage container as described in claim 4, wherein the support portion includes a shaft extending in the third direction, and the pusher includes an attachment portion for attaching the pusher to the container body and a protrusion portion extending toward the lid body further than the shaft when the lid body is closing the opening.

6. The panel container according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is located between the shaft and one of the pair of side walls that is closer to the shaft.

Images