GPS receiver accessory for tray installation

Abstract

The invention discloses a GPS receiver accessory for tray installation. Provided is a GPS receiver accessory for mounting a tray, the GPS receiver accessory being capable of suppressing a situation in which water accumulates above and below the accessory and the strength of a satellite signal received by a GPS receiving terminal is weakened, and the GPS receiver being capable of stably receiving GPS radio waves. The present invention is provided with a storage means for storing a GPS receiver for positioning the position of a pallet having a loading surface on which a cargo is loaded, on the basis of a signal from a satellite. The housing member is inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting surface of the tray from one side of the first direction, and defines the position of the GPS receiver relative to the tray in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. The storage member has: an upper wall that intersects the first direction and has an opening; and a lower wall that is a surface on the opposite side from the first surface, intersects the first direction, and has an opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation. Background Art

[0002] Conventional technology is known for equipping pallets used in logistics with GPS receivers to collect location information as they move around, thereby enabling logistics management. The pallets utilize a storage cover (accessory) for attaching the GPS receiver to the pallet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such pallets incorporate a structure to drain water, which can potentially leak into the pallet's accessories when placed outdoors and exposed to wind and rain for extended periods. This prevents the GPS receiver's satellite signal strength from being weakened by water accumulated within the accessories.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-047932

[0005] However, the storage cover (accessory) for a GPS receiver disclosed in Patent Document 1 lacks drainage features in its main body or top plate, preventing water from entering the cover. Consequently, water accumulation within the cover can weaken the satellite signal strength received by the terminal device (GPS receiver), leaving room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation is provided, which is a GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation having a storage component, the storage component storing a GPS receiver, the GPS receiver locating the position of a pallet having a loading surface for loading goods based on signals from a satellite, the storage component being inserted into a hole on the loading surface of the pallet from one side to the other side in a first direction, and defining the position of the GPS receiver relative to the pallet in a second direction intersecting the first direction and in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the storage component having: a first surface intersecting the first direction and having a first opening; and a second surface being a surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the first direction, intersecting the first direction, and having a second opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state before the GPS receiver assembly for pallet mounting according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a pallet.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The enlarged view of the main part shown is a perspective view showing a state before the storage structure is inserted into the mounting hole of the tray.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the structure of the bottom surface of the tray.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a plan view of the accessories installed on the tray as viewed from above.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the accessory as viewed from the first storage member side.

[0012] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the storage structure.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the rotating parts of the accessory.

[0014] Figure 8 (a) is a perspective view of the second storage component, Figure 8 (b) is a perspective view of the first storage component.

[0015] Figure 9 (a) is Figure 5 The II line view shown, Figure 9 (b) is Figure 5 The II-II line view is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 (a) is Figure 5 The III-III line view shown, Figure 10 (b) is Figure 5 The IV-IV line view is shown.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a plan view of the upper wall of the storage component as viewed from above.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a plan view of the accessory viewed from below.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the accessory in the released position, viewed from above.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a plan view of the accessory in its positioned state as viewed from above.

[0021] Description of labels

[0022] 1: Accessory (GPS receiver accessory); 10, 10A, 10B: Storage component; 11: Rib; 11a: Groove; 12: Engaging claw (engaging portion); 13: Through-groove (groove); 14A: First positioning portion; 14B: Second positioning portion; 15A: First engaging cylinder (first protrusion); 15B: Second engaging cylinder (second protrusion); 20: GPS receiver; 30: Tray; 30a: Mounting surface; 30b: Bottom surface; 31: Mounting hole (hole); 31a: Inner surface; 32: Protrusion; 32A: Upper protrusion; 40: Rotating component; 41: Rotating body; 41a: Upper surface; 42: Peripheral protrusion Rising portion; 43: locking protrusion; 45A, 45B: positioning hole; 101: 1st side wall (1st side surface); 102: 2nd side wall (2nd side surface); 103: 3rd side wall (3rd side surface); 104: 4th side wall (4th side surface); 105: upper wall (1st surface); 105a: upper surface of upper wall; 105c: through hole (1st opening); 106: lower wall (2nd surface); 106a: lower opening (2nd opening); O: center axis; P1: positioning state; P2: positioning release state; X1: up and down direction (1st direction); X2: front and back direction (2nd direction); X3: left and right direction (3rd direction). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] In the following drawings, in order to facilitate the understanding of each component, the scale of the dimensions may be different depending on the component.

[0025] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the pallet-mounted GPS receiver accessory (hereinafter referred to as "accessory 1") of the embodiment includes a storage member 10 that accommodates a GPS receiver 20. When the GPS receiver 20 is stored (storage structure 1A), it is removably mounted on a loading surface 30a of a pallet 30. The GPS receiver 20 locates the position of the pallet 30, which is a logistical material and has a loading surface 30a for loading cargo, based on signals from a satellite. Specifically, the storage structure 1A is a structure in which the GPS receiver 20 is stored in the storage member 10 of the accessory 1.

[0026] The GPS receiver 20 includes an omnidirectional antenna for acquiring positioning information from the GPS (Global Positioning System). While this embodiment describes an example using a GPS antenna, an antenna for a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) may be used instead. In this embodiment, the GPS receiver 20 is constructed in the shape of a column with a substantially square cross-section. Alternatively, the GPS receiver 20 may be cylindrical, for example.

[0027] The tray 30 is a square plate-shaped member when viewed from above. The side opposite the mounting surface 30a of the tray 30 is referred to as the bottom surface 30b. When the tray 30 is placed with the mounting surface 30a facing upward, the mounting surface 30a side is referred to as the upper side, and the bottom surface 30b side is referred to as the lower side.

[0028] The pallet 30 is used for loading and unloading operations in factories, warehouses, etc., similarly to general pallets. An opening (not shown) for inserting forks (not shown) of a forklift during loading and unloading operations is provided on a side surface 30c of the pallet 30.

[0029] A mounting hole 31 for receiving the accessory 1 is formed in the center of the mounting surface 30a of the tray 30. The mounting hole 31 is an opening with a square cross-section that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the accessory 1 and extends through the thickness of the tray 30. The accessory 1 (storage structure 1A) received in the mounting hole 31 is accommodated so that the central axis O (rotational axis) of the accessory 1 is coaxial with the center C of the opening of the mounting hole 31.

[0030] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the four inner surfaces 31a of the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30 are each provided with a protrusion 32 protruding toward the inner side of the mounting hole 31. Here, the planar shape of the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31 is a rectangle that is longer along the opening center C. The protrusions 32 are arranged on the mounting surface 30a side and the bottom surface 30b side of each inner surface 31a. Here, the protrusion 32 arranged on the mounting surface 30a side is referred to as the upper protrusion 32A, and the protrusion 32 arranged on the bottom surface 30b side is referred to as the lower protrusion 32B. When viewed from the direction of the opening center C, the upper protrusion 32A and the lower protrusion 32B are arranged at different positions on the left and right sides of the center of the short side direction (width direction) of each inner surface 31a. Figure 3 The lower protrusion 32B shown is a positioning member that comes into contact with the lower surface (lower wall 106 ) of the accessory 1 (storage structure 1A) mounted in the mounting hole 31 to restrict downward movement.

[0031] The protrusions 32A and 32B extend along the width direction of the inner surface 31a. The protrusion heights of the protrusions 32A and 32B are approximately aligned with the positions of the outer surfaces of the first regions 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A of the storage component 10, described later. Specifically, the protrusions 32A and 32B are dimensioned to allow the first regions 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A of the storage component 10 to pass through the protrusions 32A and 32B when the storage component 10 is inserted into or removed from the mounting hole 31.

[0032] In the positioned state P1, the outer peripheral protrusion 42 of the rotating member 40, described later, is located on the lower surface 32a of the upper protrusion 32A. At this point, because the upper protrusion 32A is located above the outer peripheral protrusion 42, upward movement of the accessory 1 is restricted, positioning the accessory 1 in the vertical direction X1, and ensuring that the accessory 1 is mounted without falling off. Furthermore, in the positioned state P1, the locking protrusion 43 of the rotating member 40, described later, abuts against the side surface 32b of the upper protrusion 32A.

[0033] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the accessory 1 is configured to be able to be inserted into and removed from a mounting hole 31 provided in the center of the upper surface of the tray 30 from the mounting surface 30 a side.

[0034] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the accessory 1 includes a pair of storage members 10 ( 10A, 10B) for storing the GPS receiver 20 , and a rotating member 40 for fixing the storage members 10 stored in the mounting holes 31 of the tray 30 to the mounting holes 31 .

[0035] The housing 10 has a substantially rectangular prism-like box shape with four side surfaces. The housing 10 is hollow, and the GPS receiver 20 is fixedly housed therein. In other words, the GPS receiver 20 is covered by the housing 10 .

[0036] Here, in the accessory 1, the direction along the central axis O extending in the longitudinal direction of the storage member 10 is referred to as the vertical direction X1 (first direction), and the directions along two straight lines perpendicular to each other when viewed from the vertical direction X1 are referred to as the front-back direction X2 (second direction) and the left-right direction X3 (third direction). Furthermore, in the accessory 1, the direction perpendicular to the central axis O when viewed from the central axis O is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction rotating about the central axis O is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0037] like Figures 5 to 12As shown, the storage member 10 includes a first storage member 10A and a second storage member 10B that can be separated front-to-back at a midpoint in the front-to-back direction X2. In this embodiment, the side where the first storage member 10A is located is referred to as the front side, and the side where the second storage member 10B is located is referred to as the rear side. The GPS receiver 20 is stored in the storage member 10 by fitting the first storage member 10A and the second storage member 10B together so that the GPS receiver 20 is sandwiched therebetween.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage member 10 is inserted from above into the mounting hole 31 of the mounting surface 30a of the tray 30, thereby defining the position of the GPS receiver 20 relative to the tray 30 in the front-back direction X2 and the left-right direction X3. The storage member 10 has four surrounding side walls 101, 102, 103, and 104; an upper wall 105 (first surface) covering the upper opening of the cylindrical portion formed by the four side walls 101, 102, 103, and 104; and a lower wall 106 (second surface) covering the lower opening of the cylindrical portion.

[0039] Each of the side walls 101, 102, 103, and 104 has openings 101a, 102a, 103a, and 104a, respectively. The upper wall 105 and lower wall 106 have openings 105c, 105d, and 106a, respectively. Specifically, the upper wall 105 having upper openings (reference numerals 105c and 105d) faces the lower wall 106 having lower opening 106a.

[0040] A plurality of ribs 11 projecting upward are provided on the inner surface of the lower wall 106 of each of the first storage component 10A and the second storage component 10B. The plurality of ribs 11 extend in one direction (here, the front-to-back direction X2) and are arranged in the left-to-right direction X3. That is, grooves 11a (recesses) extending in the front-to-back direction X2 are formed between the plurality of adjacent ribs 11. The plurality of ribs 11 of the first storage component 10A and the plurality of ribs 11 of the second storage component 10B are positioned in the same direction in the left-to-right direction X3 and are arranged in a straight line as a whole in the front-to-back direction X2 of the storage component 10. The plurality of ribs 11 support the GPS receiver 20 stored in the storage component 10 in the up-down direction X1 and position it in the up-down direction X1.

[0041] A pair of engaging claws 12 (engaging portions) are provided on the lower wall 106 of the second storage component 10B, which engage with the lower opening 106a of the lower wall 106 of the first storage component 10A. The pair of engaging claws 12 extend from the second storage component 10B toward the first storage component 10A in the front-to-back direction X2 and have claws 12a at their distal ends. The claws 12a of the engaging claws 12 engage with the opening edges of the lower opening 106a in the lower wall 106 of the first storage component 10A. The engagement of the engaging claws 12 with the lower opening 106a brings the separated first storage component 10A and second storage component 10B into a combined state.

[0042] The first side wall 101 (first side surface) of the first storage component 10A has a first region 101A on one side and a second region 101B on the other side, sandwiching the center portion in the left-right direction X3. The first region 101A has a first opening 101a along the up-down direction X1. The second region 101B is not formed with an opening and is closed. The second side wall 102 (second side surface) of the second storage component 10B, which is opposite to the first side wall 101 in the front and back direction, has a first region 102A on one side and a second region 102B on the other side, sandwiching the center portion in the left-right direction X3. The first region 102A has a second opening 102a along the up-down direction X1. The second region 102B has no opening as a whole, and although a through groove 13 described later is formed, it is generally closed.

[0043] The second region 102B of the second side wall 102 is arranged behind and on the opposite side of the first region 101A of the first side wall 101. The first region 102A of the second side wall 102 is arranged behind and on the opposite side of the second region 101B of the first side wall 101. That is, the first opening 101a of the first side wall 101 and the second opening 102a of the second side wall 102 are arranged at positions offset in the left-right direction X3.

[0044] A plurality of through-grooves 13 (three in the figure) extending in the vertical direction X1 are formed in the second region 102B of the second side wall 102. The through-grooves 13 are arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction X3 and penetrate the second region 102B. In this embodiment, the through-grooves 13 are not formed in the second region 101B of the first side wall 101. However, a configuration in which through-grooves 13 are formed in the second region 101B similarly to the second side wall 102 may also be employed.

[0045] The third side wall 103 (third side surface), which spans the first and second storage components 10A, 10B, has a first region 103A on one side (here, on the first storage component 10A side) and a second region 103B on the other side (here, on the second storage component 10B side) sandwiching the center portion in the front-to-back direction X2. The first region 103A has a third opening 103a extending along the vertical direction X1. The second region 103B is closed without an opening. The fourth side wall 104 (fourth side surface), which spans the first and second storage components 10A, 10B and faces the third side wall 103 in the left-right direction X3, has a first region 104A on one side (here, on the second storage component 10B side) and a second region 104B on the other side (here, on the first storage component 10A side) sandwiching the center portion in the front-to-back direction X2. The first region 104A has a fourth opening 104a extending along the vertical direction X1. The second region 104B has no opening and is closed.

[0046] The second region 104B of the fourth side wall 104 is arranged on the opposite side of the left-right direction X3 from the first region 103A of the third side wall 103. The first region 104A of the fourth side wall 104 is arranged on the opposite side of the left-right direction X3 from the second region 103B of the third side wall 103. That is, the third opening 103a of the third side wall 103 and the fourth opening 104a of the fourth side wall 104 are arranged at positions offset in the front-back direction X2.

[0047] When viewed from the vertical direction X1, the second regions 101B, 102B, 103B, and 104B of each side wall 101, 102, 103, and 104 protrude outward from the outer surface positions of the first regions 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A, respectively. Therefore, when the storage member 10 of the accessory 1 is inserted and stored in the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the outermost peripheral portions 101b, 102b, 103b, and 104b of the second regions 101B, 102B, 103B, and 104B are in contact with the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31. Meanwhile, the outer surfaces of the first regions 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A are spaced apart from the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31.

[0048] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 11 As shown, cylindrical engaging tubes 15A and 15B extending upward are provided at the center of the upper wall 105 of the storage member 10. The engaging tubes 15A and 15B are formed by combining the engaging tubes 15A and 15B that are split in half in the first storage member 10A and the second storage member 10B to form a cylindrical shape.

[0049] An opening 105d is formed on the inner side of the engagement tubes 15A and 15B of the upper wall 105, communicating with the interior and exterior of the storage member 10. The protrusion height of the engagement tubes 15A and 15B from the upper surface 105a of the upper wall 105 is set to be less than the height of the rotating member 40, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the protrusion height of the engagement tubes 15A and 15B is the same as the height of the rotating member 40. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the engagement tubes 15A and 15B is consistent with the inner diameter of the engagement hole 44 of the rotating member 40, which will be described later.

[0050] like Figure 7 、 Figure 11 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the upper walls 105 of the first and second storage members 10A, 10B are provided with upwardly projecting positioning portions 14A and 14B, respectively. The first positioning portion 14A of the first storage member 10A and the second positioning portion 14B of the second storage member 10B are symmetrically positioned with respect to the central axis O of the accessory 1 .

[0051] At least a portion of the area surrounding the positioning portions 14A and 14B in the upper wall 105 is open. Positioning portions 14A and 14B are disposed on the upper wall 105, and a through-hole 105c is formed therethrough. An elastic piece 141 is provided in the through-hole 105c, connected to the inner edge of the through-hole 105c and extending along the upper wall 105. Positioning portions 14A and 14B are located at the distal ends of the elastic piece 141. Since only the base end of the elastic piece 141 is connected to the through-hole 105c, the positioning portions 14A and 14B can move vertically along with the elastic piece 141.

[0052] The positioning portions 14A and 14B restrict the rotation of the rotatable rotating member 40, which will be described later, on the upper wall 105, thereby positioning the rotational position. In this embodiment, when the rotating member 40 rotates in a first rotational direction E1, positioning holes 45A and 45B, which will be described later, engage with the pair of positioning portions 14A and 14B, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating member 40 in the first rotational direction E1.

[0053] like Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, the rotating member 40 is Figure 2 The direction (vertical direction X1) in which the storage member 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 provided on the mounting surface 30a of the tray 30 is a rotation axis coaxial with the central axis O, and the storage member 10 is rotatably supported on the upper wall 105 of the storage member 10. The rotation of the rotating member 40 determines the position of the GPS receiver 20 relative to the tray 30 in the vertical direction X1.

[0054] The rotating member 40 includes a rotating body 41 , an outer peripheral protrusion 42 , and a locking convex portion 43 .

[0055] The rotating body 41 is plate-shaped and has a generally circular shape when viewed from above and can rotate within the square cross-section of the storage member 10. An engagement hole 44 is formed at the center of the rotating body 41 for engaging with the outer sides of the engagement cylinders 15A and 15B provided on the upper wall 105 of the storage member 10.

[0056] The locking projection 43 is in the form of a radially extending ridge projecting upward from the upper surface 41a of the rotating body 41. The locking projection 43 also functions as an operating portion for manually rotating the entire rotating member 40 about the central axis O. Four locking projections 43 are arranged circumferentially at regular intervals (here, 90° intervals). When the rotating member 40 is supported on the upper wall 105 of the housing 10, the top surface 43b of the locking projection 43 is aligned with the position of the protruding tip of the engaging cylindrical portion 15.

[0057] A pair of positioning holes 45A and 45B extending through the rotating body 41 in the thickness direction are provided. The pair of positioning holes 45A and 45B can respectively engage with the pair of positioning portions 14A and 14B. In a state where the positioning portions 14A and 14B engage with the pair of positioning holes 45 (positioning state P1), the peripheral protrusion 42 is positioned relative to the tray 30 in the vertical direction X1. In the positioning state P1, one first positioning hole 45A engages with the first positioning portion 14A provided on the upper wall 105 of the first storage component 10A. The other second positioning hole 45B engages with the second positioning portion 14B provided on the upper wall 105 of the second storage component 10B.

[0058] In the state where the positioning portions 14A and 14B are not engaged with the pair of positioning holes 45 ( Figure 5 In the positioning release state (P2) shown, the positioning of the outer peripheral protrusion 42 in the vertical direction X1 relative to the tray 30 is released. In the positioning release state P2, the storage component 10 of the accessory 1 can move forward and backward relative to the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30 in the vertical direction X1, and the storage structure 1A can be installed or removed from the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30.

[0059] Four outer peripheral protrusions 42 are provided at the outer periphery of the rotating member 40 at regular intervals (here, 90° intervals) in the circumferential direction. The rotating member 40 is provided with four outer peripheral protrusions 42, so that the entire rotating member 40 has a windmill shape. Figure 2 as well as Figure 4As shown, when the GPS receiver 20 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the outer peripheral protrusion 42 abuts against the lower surface 32a of the upper protrusion 32A of the tray 30 in the direction of insertion of the storage component 10 into the mounting hole 31 (the vertical direction X1). The outer peripheral protrusion 42 defines the position of the storage structure 1A, that is, the position of the GPS receiver 20 stored in the accessory 1 in the vertical direction X1.

[0060] In the released position state P2 in which the rotational position of the rotating member 40 is not defined by the positioning portions 14A and 14B of the storage member 10 , the outer peripheral protrusion 42 is housed within the outer periphery of the storage member 10 when viewed from above.

[0061] In this way, Figure 4 As shown, the peripheral protrusion 42 is configured so that, through the rotation of the rotating member 40, the rotating member 40 can selectively assume a position in the positioned state P1 and a position in the released position P2. In the positioned state P1, in which the rotational position of the rotating member 40 is determined by the positioning portions 14A and 14B of the storage member 10, the peripheral protrusion 42 protrudes outward from the periphery of the first areas 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A of the storage member 10 when viewed from above. When the accessory 1 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30 and the rotating member 40 is in the positioned state P1, the peripheral protrusion 42 is located below the upper protrusion 32A of the tray 30. Thus, since the upper protrusion 32A is located above the peripheral protrusion 42, the upward movement of the accessory 1 is restricted, the accessory 1 is positioned in the vertical direction X1, and the accessory 1 is mounted without falling off.

[0062] Next, the function of the pallet mounting fixture 1 will be described.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the accessory 1 of this embodiment includes a storage member 10 that houses a GPS receiver 20. The GPS receiver 20 locates the position of a tray 30 having a loading surface 30a for loading cargo based on signals from satellites. The storage member 10 is inserted into a mounting hole 31 of the loading surface 30a of the tray 30 from one side in the vertical direction X1 to the other side, thereby defining the position of the GPS receiver 20 relative to the tray 30 in a front-to-back direction X2 intersecting the vertical direction X1 and a left-to-right direction X3 intersecting both the vertical direction X1 and the front-to-back direction X2. The storage member 10 includes an upper wall 105 intersecting the vertical direction X1 and having an upper opening (referenced by numerals 105c and 105d); and a lower wall 106 located on the opposite side of the vertical direction X1 from the upper wall 105, intersecting the vertical direction X1, and having a lower opening 106a.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, the upper wall 105 and lower wall 106 of the storage member 10 of the accessory 1 are provided with openings 105c, 105d, and 106a. This allows water to flow from the accessory 1 to the tray 30 via the mounting holes 31, even if water seeps into the interior of the storage member 10 when the tray 30 is placed outdoors. This prevents water from accumulating above and below the accessory 1 and weakening the satellite signal strength received by the GPS receiver 20, allowing the GPS receiver 20 to stably receive GPS radio waves.

[0065] Furthermore, in the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the storage member 10 includes a rotating member 40 that is rotatably supported on the upper wall 105 of the storage member 10, with the vertical direction X1, which is the direction in which the storage member 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, serving as the rotation axis. The rotating member 40 defines the position of the GPS receiver 20 in the vertical direction X1 relative to the tray 30 based on its rotational position. With this simple structure, by positioning the rotating member 40 in a predetermined rotational position after the storage member 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the position of the storage member containing the GPS receiver 20 in the vertical direction X1 is defined and fixed, thereby preventing the accessory 1 from falling off the tray 30.

[0066] In the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the storage section 10 includes a first storage section 10A and a second storage section 10B. The first storage section 10A and the second storage section 10B each have a portion of an upper opening 105c or 105d on their upper wall 105, and a portion of a lower opening 106a on their lower wall 106. This allows for efficient drainage of water from the upper openings 105c or 105d of the first storage section 10A and the lower opening 106a of the second storage section 10B.

[0067] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the upper wall 105 of the first storage component 10A includes a first engaging cylindrical portion 15A that protrudes toward one side in the vertical direction X1. The upper wall 105 of the second storage component 10B includes a second engaging cylindrical portion 15B that protrudes toward one side in the vertical direction X1. The rotating component 40 engages with the first engaging cylindrical portion 15A and the second engaging cylindrical portion 15B when the first storage component 10A and the second storage component 10B are engaged. Therefore, the rotating component 40 engages with the pair of engaging cylindrical portions 15A and 15B and is supported so as to be rotatable about the engaging cylindrical portions 15A and 15B, thereby reducing the number of components and achieving cost reduction.

[0068] According to the attachment 1 of this embodiment, the height of the rotating member 40 on one side in the vertical direction X1 gradually increases as it moves from the outer periphery of the rotating member 40 toward the rotation axis. In this case, since the upper surface of the rotating member 40 is inclined so as to descend from the rotation axis toward the outer periphery, water that falls on the upper surface of the rotating member 40 can be efficiently drained toward the outside of the attachment 1, thereby preventing water from accumulating on the upper surface of the rotating member 40.

[0069] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the area surrounded by the first engaging cylindrical portion 15A and the second engaging cylindrical portion 15B is open on the upper wall 105. In this case, water can be discharged from the inside of the pair of engaging cylindrical portions 15A and 15B into the inner side of the storage member 10, thereby preventing water from accumulating inside the engaging cylindrical portions 15A and 15B.

[0070] According to the accessory 1 involved in this embodiment, the first positioning portion 14A that defines the rotation position of the rotating member 40 is provided on the upper wall 105 of the first storage member 10A. The second positioning portion 14B that defines the rotation position of the rotating member 40 is provided on the upper wall 105 of the second storage member 10. The rotating member 40 is engaged with the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B after rotating in one direction. In this case, since the rotation of the rotating member 40 engaged with the pair of positioning portions 14A and 14B is restricted, it is possible to prevent the following situation: when the accessory 1 is mounted on the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the rotating member 40 naturally rotates due to vibration of the tray 30, the fixed state between the rotating member 40 and the tray 30 is released, and the accessory 1 falls off from the tray 30.

[0071] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis (central axis O). In this case, by arranging the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B at diagonally opposite positions, positional deviation of the rotating member 40 after rotation can be suppressed.

[0072] According to the attachment 1 of this embodiment, the upper wall 105 has openings around the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B. In this case, water can be discharged into the storage member 10 from the openings around the positioning portions 14A and 14B provided on the upper wall 105.

[0073] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from one side in the vertical direction X1, the rotating member 40 can selectively be positioned in a positioned state P1 in which it engages with the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B, and in a de-positioned state P2 in which it does not engage with the first positioning portion 14A and the second positioning portion 14B. The rotating member 40 includes an outer peripheral protrusion 42. In the de-positioned state P2, the outer peripheral protrusion 42 is retracted within the outer periphery of the storage member 10. In the positioned state P1, the outer peripheral protrusion 42 protrudes from the outer periphery of the storage member 10. When the storage member 10 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the outer peripheral protrusion 42 engages with the surface (lower surface 32a) on the other side of the vertical direction X1 of the protrusion 32 formed on the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31. In this case, when inserting the accessory 1 into the mounting hole 31, the rotating component 40 can be inserted without being interfered with by the protrusion 32 of the mounting hole 31. By rotating the rotating component 40, the rotating component 40 and the protrusion 32 overlap in the up-down direction X1, thereby limiting the movement of the storage component 10 in the insertion direction (up-down direction X1).

[0074] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the rotating member 40 includes a locking protrusion 43 that protrudes toward one side in the vertical direction X1. When the rotating member 40 is in the detent release state P2, the locking protrusion 43 separates from the protrusion 32 of the tray 30 in the rotational direction of the rotating member 40. When the rotating member 40 is in the detent position P1, the locking protrusion 43 abuts against the protrusion 32 in the rotational direction. In this case, since the locking protrusion 43 of the rotating member 40 is locked with the protrusion 32 of the tray 30, the rotation is restricted. Therefore, the rotation stop position of the rotating member 40 can be determined, and excessive rotation can be suppressed.

[0075] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 11 are provided on the bottom wall 106. These ribs 11 extend toward one side in the vertical direction X1 and support the GPS receiver 20 inside the storage member 10. Openings are formed between the ribs 11. In this case, the GPS receiver 20 can be supported within the storage member 10 by the ribs 11 arranged at intervals. Therefore, the GPS receiver 20 can be positioned so as to float upward relative to the lower opening 106a of the bottom wall 106, thereby preventing the lower opening 106a from being blocked by the GPS receiver 20.

[0076] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the bottom wall 106 of at least one of the first storage member 10A and the second storage member 10B includes an engaging claw 12 that engages with the lower opening 106a of the other bottom wall 106. In this case, the paired first storage member 10A and second storage member 10B can be engaged with a simple structure that uses the lower opening 106a to engage the engaging claw 12, thereby reducing the number of components required to store the GPS receiver 20.

[0077] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the storage section 10 includes a first side wall 101 formed in the first storage section 10A and a second side wall 102 formed in the second storage section 10B and opposing the first side wall 101. The first side wall 101 and the second side wall 102 each have a first region 101A, 102A extending in the vertical direction X1 and having an opening; and a second region 101B, 102B adjacent to the first region 101A, 102A in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction X1 and extending in the vertical direction X1. In this manner, water flowing from the upper wall 105 can be drained to the sides of the storage section 10 through the openings in the first regions 101A, 102A of the first side wall 101 and the second side wall 102. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the side surfaces of the storage members 10A and 10B are provided with openings, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the signal strength received from the satellite is weakened as would occur if the entire GPS receiver 20 were covered by the accessory 1 .

[0078] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the first region 101A of the first side wall 101 and the second region 102B of the second side wall 102 are arranged opposite each other. The second region 101B of the first side wall 101 and the first region 102A of the second side wall 102 are arranged opposite each other. In this case, since the first region 101A of the first side wall 101 and the first region 102A of the second side wall 102, which have openings, are arranged at offset positions, water within the storage unit 10 can be drained from multiple directions.

[0079] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the second regions 101B and 102B have a plurality of open through-grooves 13. Therefore, water can be drained from the storage unit 10 not only from the first regions 101A and 102A having openings, but also from the second regions 101B and 102B via the through-grooves 13. In this case, since the through-grooves 13 are additionally provided in the second regions 101B and 102B of the storage unit 10, drainage can also be achieved when the tray 30 is erected.

[0080] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the storage component 10 includes a third side wall 103 formed by a first storage component 10A and a second storage component 10B, and a fourth side wall 104 formed by the first storage component 10A and the second storage component 10B and opposing the third side wall 103. The third and fourth side walls 103 and 104 respectively include first regions 103A and 104A extending in the vertical direction X1 and having an opening, and second regions 103B and 104B adjacent to the first regions 103A and 104A in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction X1 and extending in the vertical direction X1. In this manner, water flowing from the upper wall 105 can be drained to the sides of the storage component 10 through the openings in the first regions 103A and 104A of the third and fourth side walls 103 and 104. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the side surfaces of the storage members 10A and 10B are provided with openings, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the signal strength received from the satellite is weakened as would occur if the entire GPS receiver 20 were covered by the accessory 1 .

[0081] According to the accessory 1 according to this embodiment, the first region 103A of the third side wall 103 and the second region 104B of the fourth side wall 104 are arranged opposite each other. The second region 103B of the third side wall 103 and the first region 104A of the fourth side wall 104 are arranged opposite each other. In this case, the first region 103A of the third side wall 103 and the first region 104A of the fourth side wall 104, which have openings, are arranged at offset positions, thereby enabling water within the storage unit 10 to be drained from multiple directions.

[0082] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the second regions 101B and 102B protrude outward from the first regions 101A and 102A when viewed from the vertical direction X1. In this case, when the accessory 1 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the second regions 101B and 102B of the respective storage components 10A and 10B contact the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31. This allows the position of the GPS receiver 20 to be defined in the front-to-back direction X2 (second direction) and the left-to-right direction X3 (third direction), which are perpendicular to the first direction (the vertical direction X1).

[0083] According to the accessory 1 of this embodiment, the second areas 103B and 104B protrude outward relative to the first areas 103A and 104A when viewed in the vertical direction X1. In this case, when the accessory 1 is inserted into the mounting hole 31 of the tray 30, the second areas 103B and 104B of the respective storage components 10A and 10B contact the inner surface 31a of the mounting hole 31. This allows the position of the GPS receiver 20 to be defined in the front-to-back direction X2 (second direction) and the left-to-right direction X3 (third direction), which are perpendicular to the first direction (the vertical direction X1).

[0084] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways and may be omitted, replaced, or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the invention set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the tray 30 is in the shape of a rectangular plate, but the shape of the tray 30 is not limited thereto.

[0086] The GPS receiver assembly for pallet mounting according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following structure.

[0087] A GPS receiver accessory for mounting a pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention is a GPS receiver accessory for mounting a pallet having a storage component, the storage component storing a GPS receiver, the GPS receiver locating the position of a pallet having a loading surface for carrying cargo based on signals from a satellite, the storage component being inserted into a hole in the loading surface of the pallet from one side to the other side in a first direction, defining the position of the GPS receiver relative to the pallet in a second direction intersecting the first direction and in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the storage component having: a first surface intersecting the first direction and having a first opening; and a second surface being a surface on the opposite side of the first surface in the first direction, intersecting the first direction, and having a second opening.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray can be constructed such that the storage component includes a rotating component that is rotatably supported on the first surface of the storage component with the direction of inserting the storage component into the hole of the tray, i.e., the first direction, as its rotation axis, and the rotating component determines the position of the GPS receiver relative to the tray in the first direction according to the rotational position.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray may be constructed such that the storage component includes a first storage component and a second storage component, and the first storage component and the second storage component each include a portion of the first opening on the first surface and a portion of the second opening on the second surface.

[0090] In a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface of the first storage component may have a first protrusion protruding toward the one side of the first direction, the first surface of the second storage component may have a second protrusion protruding toward the one side of the first direction, and the rotating component may be engaged with the first protrusion and the second protrusion when the first storage component and the second storage component are engaged.

[0091] In the GPS receiver assembly for pallet mounting according to one aspect of the present invention, the height of the rotating member on the one side in the first direction may gradually increase from the outer peripheral side of the rotating member toward the rotation axis side.

[0092] In the tray-mounted GPS receiver assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, a region of the first surface surrounded by the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be open.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray can be constructed such that the first surface of the first storage component has a first positioning portion for specifying the rotation position of the rotating component, and the first surface of the second storage component has a second positioning portion for specifying the rotation position of the rotating component, and the rotating component engages with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion after rotating in one direction.

[0094] In the GPS receiver assembly for pallet mounting according to one aspect of the present invention, the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion may be provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis.

[0095] In the GPS receiver assembly for pallet mounting according to one aspect of the present invention, the first surface may have an opening around the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion.

[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray can also be constructed such that, when viewed from the one side in the first direction, the rotating component can be selectively provided with a positioning state in which it is engaged with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, and a positioning release state in which it is not engaged with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, and the rotating component has an outer peripheral protrusion, and in the positioning release state, the outer peripheral protrusion is housed within the outer periphery of the receiving component, and in the positioning state, the outer peripheral protrusion protrudes from the outer periphery of the receiving component, and when the receiving component is inserted into the hole of the tray, the outer peripheral protrusion is locked to the surface of the other side in the first direction of the convex portion formed on the inner surface of the hole.

[0097] In one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a pallet can be constructed such that the rotating component has a locking protrusion protruding toward the one side of the first direction, and when the rotating component is in the positioning release state, the locking protrusion is separated from the protrusion of the pallet in the rotation direction of the rotating component, and when the rotating component is in the positioning state, the locking protrusion abuts against the protrusion in the rotation direction.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray may be configured such that a plurality of ribs are provided on the second surface, the plurality of ribs extending toward the one side in the first direction and supporting the GPS receiver on the inner side of the storage component, with openings being provided between the plurality of ribs.

[0099] In the tray-mounted GPS receiver accessory according to one aspect of the present invention, the second surface of at least one of the first and second storage members may include an engaging portion that engages with the second opening of the other second surface.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a tray can also be constructed such that the storage component has: a first side surface formed on the first storage component; and a second side surface formed on the second storage component and opposite to the first side surface, the first side surface and the second side surface respectively having: a first area extending along the first direction and having an opening; and a second area adjacent to the first area in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and extending along the first direction.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS receiver accessory for pallet mounting may be configured such that the first area of the first side and the second area of the second side are arranged opposite to each other, and the second area of the first side and the first area of the second side are arranged opposite to each other.

[0102] In the GPS receiver assembly for tray mounting according to one aspect of the present invention, the second region may have a plurality of open grooves.

[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, a GPS receiver accessory for tray installation can also be constructed as follows: the storage component has: a third side surface, which is formed using the first storage component and the second storage component; and a fourth side surface, which is formed using the first storage component and the second storage component and is opposite to the third side surface, and the third side surface and the fourth side surface respectively have: a first area, which extends along the first direction and has an opening; and a second area, which is adjacent to the first area in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and extends along the first direction.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the GPS receiver accessory for pallet mounting may be configured such that the first area of the third side surface is opposite to the second area of the fourth side surface, and the second area of the third side surface is opposite to the first area of the fourth side surface.

[0105] In the tray-mounted GPS receiver assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, the second region may be configured to protrude outward from the first region when viewed from the first direction.

[0106] In the tray-mounted GPS receiver assembly according to one aspect of the present invention, the second region may be configured to protrude outward from the first region when viewed from the first direction.

Claims

1. A GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation, characterized in that: This is a GPS receiver accessory for mounting on a pallet having a storage component. The storage component houses a GPS receiver that locates the position of a pallet having a loading surface for loading cargo based on signals from satellites. The storage member is inserted into the hole of the mounting surface of the tray from one side to the other side in a first direction, and defines the position of the GPS receiver relative to the tray in a second direction intersecting the first direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The storage component has: a first surface intersecting the first direction and having a first opening; and The second surface is a surface on the opposite side to the first surface in the first direction, intersects the first direction, and has a second opening.

2. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The storage member includes a rotating member rotatably supported on the first surface of the storage member with the first direction, which is the direction in which the storage member is inserted into the hole of the tray, as a rotation axis. The rotating member defines the position of the GPS receiver relative to the tray in the first direction according to a rotational position.

3. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The storage component includes a first storage component and a second storage component. The first storage member and the second storage member each have a portion of the first opening on the first surface and a portion of the second opening on the second surface.

4. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first surface of the first storage member has a first protrusion protruding toward the one side in the first direction. The first surface of the second storage member has a second protrusion protruding toward the one side in the first direction. The rotating member is fitted with the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a state in which the first housing member and the second housing member are engaged.

5. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The height of the rotating member on the one side in the first direction gradually increases from the outer peripheral side of the rotating member toward the rotation axis side.

6. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The area of the first surface surrounded by the first protrusion and the second protrusion is open.

7. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first surface of the first housing member has a first positioning portion for defining a rotational position of the rotating member. The first surface of the second storage member has a second positioning portion for defining a rotational position of the rotating member. The rotating member is engaged with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion after rotating in one direction.

8. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the rotation axis.

9. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first surface has an opening around the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion.

10. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 7, characterized in that: When viewed from the one side in the first direction, the rotating member may be selectively provided with a positioning state in which the rotating member is engaged with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, and a positioning release state in which the rotating member is not engaged with the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion. The rotating member has an outer peripheral protrusion, which is accommodated within the outer periphery of the receiving member in the positioning release state and protrudes from the outer periphery of the receiving member in the positioning state. When the storage member is inserted into the hole of the tray, the outer peripheral protrusion is engaged with a surface on the other side in the first direction of a convex portion formed on an inner surface of the hole.

11. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rotating member has a locking protrusion protruding toward the one side in the first direction, When the rotating member is in the positioning release state, the locking protrusion is separated from the protrusion of the tray in the rotation direction of the rotating member. When the rotating member is in the positioned state, the locking protrusion abuts against the protrusion in the rotation direction.

12. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of ribs are provided on the second surface, the plurality of ribs extending toward the one side in the first direction and supporting the GPS receiver inside the storage member. There are openings between the plurality of ribs.

13. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second surface of at least one of the first storage member and the second storage member has an engaging portion that engages with the second opening of the other second surface.

14. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The storage component has: a first side surface formed on the first receiving member; and a second side surface formed on the second housing component and facing the first side surface; The first side surface and the second side surface respectively have: a first region extending along the first direction and having an opening; and The second region is adjacent to the first region in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and extends along the first direction.

15. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first region of the first side surface and the second region of the second side surface are arranged to face each other, The second region of the first side surface is arranged to face the first region of the second side surface.

16. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The second region has a plurality of open grooves.

17. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The storage component has: a third side surface formed by the first storage member and the second storage member; and a fourth side surface formed by the first storage member and the second storage member and facing the third side surface; The third side surface and the fourth side surface respectively have: a first region extending along the first direction and having an opening; and The second region is adjacent to the first region in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and extends along the first direction.

18. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first region of the third side surface is arranged to face the second region of the fourth side surface, and the second region of the third side surface is arranged to face the first region of the fourth side surface.

19. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 14, characterized in that: When viewed from the first direction, the second region protrudes outward from the first region.

20. The GPS receiver accessory for pallet installation according to claim 17, characterized in that: When viewed from the first direction, the second region protrudes outward from the first region.

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